The Seven Deadly Sins ~ Chosen Hunters (IC)

[RaccoonKing]

The ceremony hall

~Entry post.~
NPC: Alec Cohen - Head of Cohen and Hunter Network
NPC: Unnamed priest

The head of the family walked up to a menacing door that loomed far above the heads of both himself and the seven which followed behind. The metal had been carved and decorated with a praying figure, wings of gold encasing the form in a sign of protection and safety. Two lamps sat by the doors and illuminated it in a hue of red, the entrance to a room that would be considered hell for most seemed almost demonic just by the faint light that stood before them. Deep down in the large compound of the Hunters network the decor had become slowly more Gothic and grim in its design. So now, the group of eight stood before the entrance to what would present them to the objects of sin.

With a sigh the eldest of the group found himself sighing at what was to come, what was to happen. The chances for success were slim and always had been. However, duty was duty. He turned till his back faced the angelic decor and the light began to frame his figure in the bloody shade. His expression grim and tired but still showed the resilience and authority he was known for. "Once again we will send a set of seven in to face the trial of the seven beasts we have sealed. " His voice did not waver despite his lack of motivation for this particular time. His own son and daughter would be sent to face hell. Yet, he could not change that for many other parents had also sent forward their child.

He took two steps forwards, facing the group with a stone cold mask as he continued. "This time, you seven who bare the marks of these creatures influence, will be the ones to go and face the sins, to face their tests. Your aim is simple." He paused, momentarily studying the small group. "Subdue the sins, pass their test, win. Come out of this trial alive and forge a bond with creatures that once bore leadership over our enemies."

With that, Alec had turned around and walked back over towards the doors, motioning to the two priests of their network to open the menacing doors, only pausing as they began to slowly drag themselves open, a deafening creak beginning to drown out even the chanting and whispers of the collected mass of priests and priestess' before them. The hall was a mirror of the entrance they were just at though it was littered far more with those red lamps, the floors dusted with chalk as circles were drawn around the seven pedestals before them. Each one holding an item that all would doubt housed what were once the leaders of the demonic forces.

A goblet, pendant, bangle, bottle, key, lamp and vase.

Alec stepped forwards and began to walk towards the lined up pedestals, arranged to form a circle facing outwards, around each one being a bright white circle lined with runes, multiple priests standing before each one. "No one so far as passed these trials and so have come out, in result either insane of dead." It was a terrible thing to say, words that cast a motion of fear into him. "However, we continue to send those born with your marks in hopes we can use these creatures, the sins." He turned to face them, his hands shoved into the pockets of his suit pants, head tilted. "Now it is your turn."

A priest stepped forwards, escaping the perimeter of Pride's circle for a moment as he stood next to Alec. "We need you all to go to your respective circle. If you bear the sign of Wrath, go to the pedestal with the Vase. If you bear the sign of Greed, go to the bangle. If you bear the sign of Gluttony go to the bottle and if Sloth go to the pendant. Pride is the goblet and Envy is the lamp. Lust is the key." He spoke out, his voice surprisingly calm. He had conducted many of these ceremonies after all.

"Once you step into the circle, we will begin the ceremony and once you hear your assigned priests chant, make physical contact with the items. They will feel your mark, a result of their presence and influence and will drag you into into a subconscious type realm where they will test you." There was a silence before he bowed to those, his respect given to those who risk their lives. He stepped back, returning to his place before Alec once again took the reigns. "I wish you all the best...I hope you all come out of this alive and with news of success." with deep reluctance, Alec also stepped back, walking silently over to the back of the hall as the seven were left to make their move to their impending trials.
​

 

[Crowley]

~Abraham Bartholomew Cohen~
Heir to the Cohen Family ​

Abraham was more than willing to be the first behind his father, through the large ornate doors. Though father was a generous moniker, he often mused as to whether or not General would have been more appropriate. Though he was certain he had discerned both nervousness and indecision among several of the others that this rag-tag outfit consisted of, his thoughts were crystalline. "I will not fail. His determination and grit had been instilled from early in his youth, his will was forged of steel and his convictions nigh-indestructible. In fact, his only true concern at this moment was that of the fate of his beloved sister; Selene.

Inhaling deeply, the scent of ancient and baleful evil was poignant and it didn't require the use of his observations to determine more individuals had perished here than his father cared to share. It wasn't fear or hesitation that slowed his approach to the altar whose mark was identical to the one between his collar-bones, but a solemn respect for those who had come before him. The Lineage of the Great Families. It strengthened his resolve even further as he thought "If I cannot overcome such a task, I don't deserve the name Cohen." as he approached the pedestal.

Gingerly Abraham discarded his cherished Bow Staff, setting it behind the established circle as he was veritably ignoring the others, unaware if any of them had stepped forth yet as well. Unbuckling the straps that sewed his top tightly to his chest, he unzipped the adjoining zippers which crossed along his tunic, shedding his shirt all together to expose the mark clearly for all to see. Abraham was a lean young man, his muscles were well-toned and his physique was highly athletic, despite his pale skin. Bare-chested and unarmed he stepped forth into the runed-circle, with a stern expression that bore both acceptance and understanding of what was to come.

As the chant was made for Lust, Abraham reached forth with his right hand to grasp the key, firmly. Slowly the world faded away, there was a dizzying nausea that gripped a hold of him tightly and rattled Abraham to his core. His eyes grew heavy as though someone had applied weights upon his eye-lids, unable to resist this immense and over-whelming feeling of power, he collapsed upon himself. Drifting off into unconsciousness, his right hand still clung to the key unfailingly as he subconsciously lost track of both time and space.

 

[RaccoonKing]

Harley Jane Grehe

The red head had listened silently to the words of the network's leader, attentively so but her gaze remained glued to the figure that adorned the large doors before her. The years had taken its toll on them, the colour that she expected once to be vibrant and eye catching was now a darker shade where dirt and dust had collected. She wondered briefly why their ancestors chose this design for the doors to where evil would rest. Her lips pursed in thought as her brows narrowed in confusion. Maybe it was symbolism or something that the ones before felt was meaningful here.

Her gaze had slowly flickered back to Alec, his son following after, when the doors began to creak with a sound that sent a sharp ring into her ears, causing a slight grumble. "Someone should have these doors checked..." She hissed, shoving her hands into the pockets of her cardigan that she wore over her usual outfit, her chin being buried into the depths of the musical note scarf as her mouth became hidden.

She walked into the grand hall with a serious expression, her mind settling as she stared ahead at the pedestal where the bottle rest firmly upon a cushion, no one even daring to touch the ancient item as if it was poison. Dust coated the object, hiding the shades of orange that was locked inside. Instinctively, she reached up lazily to press her fingers against the back of her neck, worry seeming to slip into her gaze as they faltered. None had survived. Fear gripped at her heat, quieting it for a moment. "...We will pass. I refuse to loose to some bloody demon." She stated proudly, a large grin on her lips as she strode forwards, confidence visible even if inside she pushed down her fear.

Her lazy grin remained plastered onto her face as she walked into the center of the circle, giving a small look to the priests around her before turning back to the bottle. She never understood how they put a sin, a creature of destruction, into a small bottle such as this. Raising her arm with a small intake of air, the red headed hunter schooled her expression and rested her hand inches above the bottle. "Good luck everyone.." She whispered, momentarily lapsing out of her usual obnoxious personality before grinning. "Bring it, demon." Her hand dropped the second the dull chants hit her ears.

Her eyes fell closed seconds later as a weight fell upon her shoulders, the crushing force bringing the girl to her knees with a grumble before she fell to the ground with a thud. The bottle, her fingers had curled around its neck seconds before black seemed to consume her vision, fell with her but remained unbroken as it remained loose within her grip now on the floor.​

 

[Gladis]

Selene Elizabeth Cohen​

This was the day she'd been waiting for.

A young woman with long black hair cascading down her back, all the way down to her hips stood firmly beside her brother, back straight and though her expression was blank, her blue eyes shone with determination, even a vague hint of excitement. She was dressed in black leggings and knee high leather boots of fairly simple design. A black leather jacket hugged her slender form. It was the kind of attire she'd usually wear for a demon hunt. Since she was unsure what her test might be like and this did, in a way, still count as work, Selene had decided to dress accordingly.

She cast her brother only a brief glance as he stepped forth, readying himself for the trial. Her blue gaze traveled back to her own circle. Once she'd taken the few steps and entered that circle, there would be no way to turn back. Her lips pressed together, her fist clenched as she took a deep breath. Then she started towards the circle.

Everything about her exuded outmost confidence. Selene didn't doubt that she would get out of this alive. She didn't believe there was anyway she would fail. Although Selene wasn't arrogant enough to think that she would most definitely pass the "trial" without any difficulties at all, she did believe she had what it took to pass. It didn't matter how many had failed before her. Selene would not fail.

She stepped into the circle, the chanting of the priests filling her ears, urging her to take the cup. Like her brother she sat, legs crossed and eyes locked on the object. The very moment her pale fingers brushed against the goblet, the mark on her chest began to glow. A split second later she was overcome by a crushing force; an overpowering sensation unlike anything she'd ever experienced before. Her fingers wrapped firmly around the goblet, and she felt as though the very core of her being was ripped up by its roots. Selene's body became limb, falling to the floor with a soft thud.

As she opened her eyes once more, Selene was no longer in the chamber with the priests and six other hunters...

 

[Kitsune]

[bg=white]

Today was the day that Flynn had trained his whole seventeen years of life for. It was the very thing that had, probably, taken out his oldest cousin. The thing that is ex-best friend wanted nothing to do with. But he wasn't like the rest of them. He didn't come here to fail and go insane, or die, as Alec Cohen, head of the network of Hunters, stated. Neither was he going to run away from this. No, he was going to go through this with fierce determination, using everything he ever learned to make his way towards victory. Nothing was going to get in his way, so long as he could help it. He trained too much for everything to fall apart now.

After Cohen (calling him by his first name is weird) finished all that he had to say and left them to their own devices, many of the Hunters immediately went to their assigned Sin. Flynn was silent and impassive as he watched everyone approach their respective accessory in a different way. Well, except for the Cohen's children. They went about it the same way. His gaze wandered the ones that were yet to be touched until he discovered his own: the lamp. Envy, his mind supplied him as his body tensed slightly. It was time for the moment of truth. There was no turning back now.

Willing himself to relax his body, he began to stride towards his circle, confidence rolling off of him in waves as he kept his nonchalant expression. Everything screamed that he could care less about what was going to happen in the trial, but the erratic beating of his heart proved him wrong. Years of practice has made him a master of keeping his emotions locked and hidden away from the world's prying eyes. It came in handy, yet also hindered him when it came to expressing himself. Getting closer and closer to his circle, he even had the audacity to let a small smirk slip onto his face, giving off the vibe that this was all a joke to him. If only they knew how his thoughts were swirling around and he was struggling to breathe properly. Finally reaching his destination, he didn't hesitate in stepping foot into the circle. His arm slowly drew up from his side, fingertips a few centimeters away from the lamp. As he waited for the chanting, his eyes narrowed as he analyzed the map, wondering what kind of test he would have to undergo. What do you have in mind for me, Envy, Sin of Jealousy?

The chanting suddenly began, snapping him back to reality. Eyes slightly wide, he reached for the handle of the lamp, gripping it tightly. As soon as he had a iron grip on it, he felt like lead. It confused him, suddenly feeling so heavy. Like there was an elephant on his back, or something similar to that feeling. He tried to fight it, but that only lasted for so long. Before he knew it, he was crumbling to his knees, the lamp still in his hand, which had tightened its grip. His knuckles were probably white from the pressure at this point. Feeling his eyes droop, Flynn finally succumbed to whatever force was dragging him down. It was like getting sucked into a black hole. With his vision going dark, he hit the cold floor like a sack of flour, unconscious. Little did he know, when he woke up, he would be in a different world.

x x x

"You think that I won't succeed? Ha, watch me."

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[Esmeray]

[fieldbox="The Dream Walker, White, dashed, 10, Courier New"]

It was time to move on, time for her to confront her past, and face her fears. Her blonde locks gently swaying with each step as she silently followed the hooded man at the front of their little group. Blue eyes stared in awe as she watched the humongous chamber doors slowly creak open and allow them inside. She could feel the anxiousness with in her rise with the tightness of her chest. Her eyes fixated on their leader now illuminated in a sickly red. He offered them words of encouragement, which only eased her nervousness enough to get her through the doors. With clenched fists she watches her fellow men in arms step up to their designated podiums, each one with an item perched on their flat surface. Hesitant she took a step back, but paused from going any further. She could see her pedestal on the opposite side of the chamber. she stood there drowning in her own cowardice, her fists clenching and unclenching.

"You need to do this Juniper." The young blonde whispers harshly under her breath, pushing her to keep going. With closed eyes the young woman took a deep breath, and she searched for the courage and determination to get her through this trial. The worst that could happen is that she failed, it wasn't going to kill her. At least, that's what she thought. Snapping open her eyes, she forced herself to leave her fear behind and move forward. Her sneakers squeaked against the stone flooring as she cautiously eased herself past a few of her fellow hunters and over to the steps leading up to sloth.

With one foot after the other, Juniper ascended the steps until she was stopped in front of the pedestal. Her dull light blue eyes quickly glance from hunter to hunter as they slip into a death like trance before her attention falls unto the pendant. It was so beautiful, and yet she could feel the negative aura surround the object. Juniper finally heard her assigned chant and she lifted her hand over the necklace. Still feeling uneasy her hand hesitantly hovered over the item which started to glow a beautiful color. For some reason, watching it glow like it did rid her of any caution as she rested her palm unto the pendant. A sense of drowsiness washed over her and Juniper willingly welcomed the darkness enveloping her mind.

[/fieldbox]​

 

[Esmeray]

[fieldbox="Lucian , Gray, dashed, 20, Courier New"]

Lucian's footsteps were light and gentle as the group moved deeper into the chambers. There was a light click off his steal toed combat boots, along with various other noises such as the swish and hustle of fabric among the group. The fact that each one of them made such different sounds while walking was some what amusing to him, though anyone would be amused by such mundane things when silently walking through drafty corridors and stairways. His icy sky blue orbs could see the faint visage of red in the distance, making the atmospheric light very macabre. The large door with he engravings of angels on it was basked in a demonic glow, which he found ironic. He wondered if it was supposed to be intimidating. When the doors opened, he wasted no time to rush inside the testing chamber. Though someone gripped his arm which only forced his form to be pulled back. There was a hushed whisper that fluttered into his ears and Lucien let out a heartful sigh.

"Lucien...what if you don't pass? What do..."

"Juno you were supposed to wait up stairs." He faces his partner, or rather his apprentice, with a small smile on his face. A smile a caring brother would give to a sibling he was very fond off. He didn't want to worry the younger man further, but Lucien's chiding tone never left his voice. Lifting a hand and resting it upon Juno's colorful locks, he rustled the boy's hair. "You think I won't pass?" Lucien asks curiously his tone softening a bit as his hand drops back down to his side. When Juno shakes his head he chuckles softly. "I will be fine. Just wait here alright?"

Lucien gives him a light hearted wave after turning on his heels to finally take his place at the proper podium with greed's object. While he waits for his cue he take the time to adjust his straps for his victorian style trench coat. When his specific priest began to chant Lucien wasted no time reach down for the item and start his trial. He was confident in his abilities to get by, and nothing was going to get in his way. After toughing the item he could feel his busy mind become quieter and quieter before falling completely silent. He shut his eyes eagerly welcoming the darkness that enveloped his mind.


[/fieldbox]​

 

[Gladis]

---

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・• A V E R Y ❖ N O L A N •・
✣ Master of Wrath ✣

---

---

​

No.

Avery felt many things as he stepped through the huge double doors leading into the infamous chamber, yet ready for whatever trial was to come certainly wasn't one of them. His grip of the little metal broach his sister had given him tightened, the sharp edge of the butterfly wings digging into his skin. He stole a glance at his brother, third in line after the Cohen daughter. He, like the majority of the youths exuded outmost confidence. Avery almost envied him for a moment, for even though his grim expression showed little fear, his palms were sweating and his heart pounding.

What am I even doing here? Pointless… this is so pointless. If my brother couldn't make it, I certainly won't. I hate it. I hate them. I hate everything related to this goddamn world and my stupid heritage!

Why couldn't I just have been born into a normal family…?

His heart, so filled with hatred, was truly a perfect match for the sin he was about to face. Avery was a fragile being; easy to corrupt, and thus the perfect tool for the Nolan family. Those were the exact words his grandfather had delivered straight to his face the evening before this fateful day. Everything for the survival of the sacred family lineage, after all. If only Flynn had actually been his brother by blood, everything could have gone to him. He seemed like he wanted it.

Avery sighed, attempting to relax his muscles as he shut his eyes and took a deep breath. There was no point in making a fuss now. If he wanted to get out of this alive, he would simply have to pass the test. He doubted he could and had this just been about his own life, he probably would have given up already. Yet this wasn't just about Avery. His pitiful, meaningless existence wasn't the only thing at stake…

The face of a young girl in a lolita dress and with mismatched eyes flashed in his mind. She was smiling, overjoyed to finally have her big brother back. He too, had been happy to be reunited with Caroline. She could be a pain, even a brat at times… but at heart she was a sweet child and he adored her to bits.

If Avery were to fail, the little bundle of joy that was his sister would become the next plaything of the Nolan family. Regardless of what he felt or wanted, Avery could not allow that to happen.

Thus he gathered whatever small amount of courage he held within his desperate heart, clenching his fists as he stepped towards the circle. Far too soon had he crossed the drawn line, his hands reaching towards his item; the vase which acted as a prison for his demon. The very instant his slender fingers wrapped around the cold porcelain shape, a wave of nausea swept over him. The world began to spin, the chanting of the priests turning into an overpowering buzz. Fear, confusion, panic and anger were all emotions that bombarded the blond youth as he clutched the vase to his chest, feeling the weight of an unseen force push him to the ground. For a split second, he truly thought he would die.

"Fuck!"

And then everything around him went silent.

"What…" as he opened his eyes, Avery realized that the landscape surrounding him had changed significantly. Gone were the priests and other participants. Gone was his brother and the large hall they'd entered. Gone was the vase he'd been clutching. It didn't take a genius to realize, that Avery was no longer in Ashbourne.

 

[DoomyCakez]

The collaboration between Doomy and Aka

@Aka~Kitsune



It took a few moments as Harley felt the muscles in her arms go stiff and her eyes to momentarily screw closed. Sudden panic caused them to quickly open as she pulled herself up to sit, having retained the position that she fell to the ground in from reality. Pulling herself up to sit upon her legs, the red head peered around only to become alarmed when she was met with nothing. Absolutely nothing. "What the fuck..." She hissed, clearly agitated by the sudden loss of vision. "This has got to be a joke, right?" She murmured to herself, slowly pulling herself to her feet, hands reaching out around her in search of anything at this point.

"Frustrating...is it not?"

A voice suddenly brushed passed her, one full of age, deeply rooted with the truest of evils possible. It came out as a low murmur, lacking any sort of stimulation other than just to simply get the trespasser's attention. It floated in the air, deep baritone echoing in the immense blackness, slowly dying out before starting again.

"This prison...they find it humerous to keep us captive here, while you little mortals seek to gain power from us...is it not funny, little human?" The voice cackled, a deep growl rumbling from somewhere within it as it echoed once more, to Harley's left side.

Harley spun around to her left, her hand instantly resting at her side where in a normal time, her weapons would reside. Yet now, she was abandoned and left alone. A growl seemed to part from her lips as she narrowed her eyes, spinning her gaze around to the other side. "You are the sin, right? Gluttony?" Fear caught her words, causing a slight pause. "Stop yappping!....J-just tell me what your damn test is already!"

The voice fell silent, the blackness seeming to escalate with growing intensity, so much so that the very air pressure seemed to build, weighing on Harley's body to the point where she could no longer stand straight. The voice came back, slightly sharper and intense, yet still apathetic.
"Tough talk coming from someone with such a meager existence on the evolutionary food chain...I should eat you now and save myself the trouble, little human...I can already smell the fear radiating off of you, and it makes me...hungry."

Something moved to Harley's right then, something big...something heavy enough to raddle the very ground she stood on, the sound of sharp claws slowly scraping against the smooth surface as a small, orange light came into view. "How many of you worthless meat-bags have filed in here, for an attempt to try and tamed the Hell Hound himself? Even now, as I grow closer, your vision adjusts and you can now see the product of their useless endeavor.."

It was true, as the light grew, so did the area of vision, pools of blood and gore suddenly glistening in the dull light.

Her own eyes widened in slight horror at the sight of the pools before her, the deep shade of red bringing a scowl instantly to her features. She had already begun to fall under the force of the pressure the creature exerted and she let her head fall forward when she felt the sickening taste of bile burn her throat. "You think..." She huffed, raising her head high. "You think I am going to let you fucking eat me, dumbass?" She stated before taking a few steps back. "No bloody chance."

"Too late."

The voice came short and cold, just behind her as a ghastly breath, hot like the vapors of an active volcano erupted against her small back. The light erupted behind her, bathing her position in an orange glow, so bright that now all of the carnage was visible... Death...so much death that the very stench of it nearly choked her. Dismembered limbs and pools of blood entrails, corpses rotting in their own puddles of puss and goo. Harley's chest began to rise and fall with an increased pace, the very sight shown to her began to leave a bad taste in her mouth. She had not yet done a mission where such a sight was left for her to see and so her mind failed to cope. A true horror for the eyes, but not as much as what was behind her. Stepping back a few paces, her eyes never wandering, she found herself knitting her brows together in a moment of thought. Fear would not past the test but in saying that, she could not deny her fear either.

A low cackle would erupt from behind her, the beast like growl low in the Sin's chest, but when Harley turned, she found nothing, the light disappearing and leaving her once more in darkness; however, the voice would continue.

"You are slow...and oblivious to your surroundings, little human..." So caught up in her thoughts, she only heard the last of his words, something that caused a large scowl to dominate her features as she spun on her heels, looking livid. "THATS IT. DID YOU JUST CALL ME LITTLE?" She took it instantly as an insult, hands curled to fists at her sides.

The voice fell silent, only for a few moment before releasing a low chuckle, it was coming from directly in front of Harley, so close that she could feel the Sin's breath against her face...Then...it came. The light slowly flickering into view once more; however, the darkness before her still remained...only for a moment until IT pushed forward. At first, it was only a nose, onyx and glistening, then came the snout and mouth, giant fangs nearly the size of the girl's forearm visible from the monster's terrifying snarl. If Satan himself had created a smile...it would have been something like this. Harley was left only to pause in her breathing, her eyes having opened drastically wide as she took in the sight before her. "I had to have your mark...of all sins..." Was her whispered regret, letting her eyes quickly flicker to either side to see where she could run to.

Spoiler

The beast continued to move forward, forcing the girl back as a face, full of scars, came into view. The Hell Hound was missing an eye, its face gnawed with a deep, pink chasm running from the side of its mouth, up over his eye to the brow bone. It remaining eye, the left eye, was black, said for the iris which was blood red and cracked, as if staring at the solidifying lava of a raging volcano. His fur was shaggy, white caked with the dried blood from his victims, with red streaks lining his form in an intricate design of hatred. Having already been pushed back by the approaching creature, she stumbled with a few more before grinding her teeth together. Scared, yes but that didnt change the fact she did not want to return dead to her family.

The beast blinked at her, its monstrous head nearly the same size as her entire body as it stepped forward, giant black claws scrapping against the ground and leaving long gashes. The Hell Hound, Gluttony, smiled...or at least what one would think was a smile, as its massive jaws fell open, long, black tongue licking at the fear in the air.

"Your temper is entertaining, little human, but I can taste you fear..." His voice was an echo, his mouth unmoving as he spoke to her, an angry grumble from deep in his massive chest.

Weaponless, Harley decided that she had to hide, to give her a chance to think. So with a small intake of breath, she let a shaky smile grace her features. "Fear is a natural response, moron." She spun on her feet, ignoring his size, before she bolted towards one of the closest piles of corpses, in hopes of finding something and to hide.

She seeks to run?... The Sin of Gluttony was mildly perplexed. Out of all of his choices, each had chosen to fight...run at him with worthless fleshy bodies, as if they were the master and he nothing more than an object. This little human was being more realistic... yet stupid. Did she honestly believe that she could hide somewhere this beast had been locked away in for so long? He could not hide the amusement he gained from this little human, but the game was just starting.

He paced for a moment, letting her get a head start as she rushed towards the pile of corpses nearby. He waited, gracefully settling down upon his massive hind legs, large tail slowly swishing in the air. "Very well, little human, let us play chase. I'll give you a head start. If you can last for 5 minutes, then the game is yours. I'll give you til the count of 5."

He chuckled, large, black tongue escaping his lips to slowly brush over his snout, wiping away any old blood that had caked there. "I should warn you...the record best is 1 minute, 45 seconds."

Harley had begun to grind her teeth as the beast continued talking far past the nerve he had struck. So casually he spoke out against her fallen kin. Some may have even been her ancestors, now dead upon one of those putrid piles as their remaining forms were nothing but a unnamed corpse.

Reaching the pile she found herself ducking under its minor height, a deep shuddering breath passing her lips as she tried in vain to cease the continued thundering of her heart beat. Fear rattled her form but the knowledge that she had to at least try to win kept her going. The creature could probably tell so she threw out her attempt to hide fear. With a grumble, the red head turned upon herself to face the pile, her hands already fumbling into the bloody mess in an attempt to find something that could be use as a weapon. Seconds was all it took for entrails and blood to cake her arms,only a large humerus bone being her win from this.

The beast had been seated quietly, single crimson eye watching the darkness as the girl searched the nearby pile. He would have thought she would run instead of grummying up her fingers within his piles of left overs; however, Gluttony only observed, his massive claws slowly tapping as he counted aloud to his new plaything.
"1...2...3..."

He heard an odd noise coming from her direction, slowly blinking as he looked once more to his little human. He could not exactly see what she was doing, but by the looks of it, he guessed she was praying. He momentarily halted his count, offering another minor jab in her direction. "Prayer will do nothing for you...God doesn't give a fuck....4..."

She paused for a moment or two, her lips twisted to a scowl as she discarded secrecy. He knew where she was so what was the point. "I WAS NOT PRAYING YOU OVERGROWN PUPPY!" She sighed after that, closing her eyes for a second. "God cant help me here anyway" Harley mumbled to herself.

He slowly raised up off his hind legs, the hard pads of his paws softly echoing as he knelt down and readied himself for the chase. "...and.....5!" His snarling roar was like a sonic boom, his muscles snapping into action as he sprung, agility unmatched as he bounded towards the pile of corpses. The second she heard the sound of his approach, Harley had scrambled to her feet with adrenelin to fuel her movements, rushing out of the way as the hulking beast slammed into her hiding place, knocking the rotten pile over with a sadistic cackle of pleasure.

"You'll have to do better than that little human!"

Harley gripped the bone tightly, bringing it to her chest as she spun around so her back was to the beast, hiding her compromise for a weapon. The sound of his ghastly wail brok her thoughts as she bolted forwards, trying to make the biggest distance between them possible.

"Trust me! I am trying something..."

The Hell Hound was laughing, his mass of a black tongue leaning down to lap at the puddles of blood surrounding his impressive horde. He let his eye fall for a moment as he listened to her hurried steps, her worthless insults she flung at him. This one was far mouthier than the others...it reminded him of his old friend, Lialrus.

That notion brought a rather sour taste to his mouth, it wasn't just the old blood, but he shook his massive head, throwing that thought aside as he quickly returned to taunting his meal.

"Where are you going little human? Turning your back on me is rather stupid of you...I feel...almost insulted." He sprung forward once more, almost as if he was trotting rather than full out chasing her; however, he made it in a few bounds, leaping over her to land directly in front of her, tail swinging and knocking her square in her side. "Too slow!~"

The strike sent Harley off quite a distance from her original path, throwing her near another of the beast's gruesome piles of human remains. A muffled cry of pain passed her lips as she bit down on her scarf, eyes tearing up. Harley dragged herself up onto her knees, a hand pressing into her ribs where the tail hit.

"Oh fucking hell..."

Sitting back up normally, the girl swallowed as she checked around for the bone, finding it hidden luckily at the bottom of the pile that stopped her fall. She pressed against her side harder, hissing as the pain increased as she turned around to look at the beast, sitting normally now. The pain would make escape harder...

"Right...At least I dont look like a fucking psychotic puppy!..." She screamed, clearly aggrivated at him continuously calling her 'little'. Even if he was a giant hell hound, she hated that word.

"Psychotic puppy?" The Hell Hound paused, turning to face her fully as one could say an almost confused glance crossed his intimidating expression. He was panting slightly, reason unknown really, but it looked as though he were laughing harder, a massive paw coming up to momentarily rest upon his scarred snout. "..here you are, in the face of despair and death...and that is the best you can come up with? My my, you really are Lialrus!"

His laughter seemed to stop then, a gentle coo floating towards her as his massive head gave a small tilt to the side. "Did I hurt you, little human? I'll be gentler next time." He lowered his head, his approach slow, but unrelenting as he started closing the distance between them. "Was that all the fight you had?...was that it?...I strike you with my tail and now you can barely stand...pathetic, no?" He sounded almost disappointed, his single eye lowering as he stared down at her dwarfed form.

A pain chuckle seemed to pass her lips as she glared daggers at her opponent. "You think I'm a descendant or Lialrus? Beh! I am a descendant of Grehe. I am Harley Jane Grehe, moron." She hissed out. "Then again, I wouldn't expect a fucking chihuahua like you to get over the fact he was sealed by a mortal of all things~" She cooed.

The Hell Hound's entire expression seemed to change then, the amusement melting alway to display a layer of pure malice. Pulling herself up to her feet as he approached, Harley's expression remained hidden behind her messed up hair and scarf, the bone hidden behind her in a lazy grip. Gluttony snarled, moreso then he already was, a long line of bloody drool slowly trailing down to the floor as he stopped in front of her. "Your name is of no importance, little human...For in the end you will be nothing more than another addition to my horde...or Dog shit. Now, I grow tired of this game, Grehe..." He lowered his head then, his onyx nose slowly pressing into her chest, and backing her up against the wall of corpses. Her only response was a small shudder as she glanced around for the best route to run to if she did not fall here.

"How's about our game ends he-"

Harley used the moment as the beast spoke, noticeably angered by her previous words, as she brought up the bone, her lips torn into a scowl as she used his promixity to slam it into the beast's only eye.

"GRAHHHHH!" The beast broke out into a vicious scream of momentary agony. He had not expected such a strike, the bone stabbing him in his only good eye, head jerking as he padded backward, blood clouding his vision. "YOU BITCH!!! FUCK, THAT HURT!"

"Fuck that! I'm not joining those fucking piles, dumbass!" The bone clattered to the ground as the girl pushed herself out of the space she had been enclosed in, grimance on her face as blood coated her, having stained her favourite scarf crimson. Tumbling away, the girl turned back to face him. Scared but easily proud of her continued fight. "You said five minutes...So, Dumbass mutt, I will make you sit." Obviously, she was going to continue treating the other as if a simple dog. "If Im going to die here... at least I will make this memorable..."

The beast's agitation had risen drastically, head shaking side to side as a paw came over his snout, an attempt to halt the blood and pain seeping from his new wound. He couldn't see, vision blurred by the blood as everything seemed to drastically blacken around him. This Grehe had been crafty, taking away his sight to give her more of an advantage, or at least what she thought was one...If anything, her little stunt had just pissed him off.

He snarled, his voice laced with a surprising amount of venom as he quickly tried to track her whereabouts. "Hehehe...you think you are going to make it through this...shit this hurts...I'm going to hold you down and slowly rip you to shreds, watching you choke on your own bile and blood..."

Harley, obviously proud of the temporary blindeness she caused, had a sinister but broken smile upon her lips. She had to continue despite the thundering pain in her side that burned with each rise and fall of her chest. A small but shuddering chuckle escaped her lips, clearly revealing her worry and fear at the anger that he displayed. "A-ah~ I made the dumbass angry..." She tried to coo, momentarily coughing as she tried to gather her breath. "Just remember. You proposed this game of cat and mouse...No one said the mouse couldn't fight back."

The Hell Hound growled, his own blood staining his white fur as he looked up, eye already starting to heal. His snarl only grew, head shaking a he dug his claws into the black floor. He only had two minutes left...he had prolonged this game for far too long. "I don't need my sight to kill you...your fear will do just fine..." He suddenly rushed forward, jaws open and at full speed, directly towards Harley's tiny form. He was done playing this game. He just wanted to take the pleasure of killing her. "GRAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHH!!!"

"Shit...maybe pissing him off was a bad idea..." Harley found herself wheezing, expression falling as he rushed towards her.

"COME HERE, HUMAN! I WANT TO SEE WHAT YOUR INSIDES LOOK LIKE!"

Watching as the beast approached, his roar already bringing a ringing to her ears, she found herself taking a few hurried steps backwards, though knowing it was futile. She pursed her lips, waiting till the beast was bare seconds away before she bolted forwards, slipping under the beast to move out of his range. Gluttony released a sudden bark, paws reaching to swipe at her, but only causing him to stumble and fall, massive form slamming against the ground and causing it to shake like a small earthquake. Turning to her right, she had begun to run off to the side to get away, deciding not to go near his tail again.

The Hell Hound scrambled to stand, snarling and cursing as he quickly regained his bearing and sought her out. "I'LL KILL YOU, YOU WORTHLESS BITCH!" His blind fury seemed to hold no bounds now, nearly tunnel visioned as he sprung to his feet and chased after her, his sadistic laugh echoing throughout the empty space. "Come back here, Grehe!! So I can rip your head off!" He closed the distance in a few bounds, head reaching down to grab her. is teeth sank into the fabric of her scarf, plucking her off the ground and slinging her to the side.

"Wha-!"

Harley released a choked sob as she felt the material briefly tighten on her neck, her hands for a second instinctively reaching up to grasp the material as she was lifted from the ground. A split decision stopped that as she felt the soft item slip free and with it, her. She had fallen to the ground, from a height, in a heap as a pained whimper fell from her lips. The wound at her side along with her back began to burn with a blinding pain that distracted her from even his presence.

She began to cough harshly, in retalation to him she had already begun to try and pick herself up despite the obvious pain it caused her with each passing moment. Her hair remained a mess by now having fell arond her lowered face, revealing the orange mark that was settled against the skin on the back of her neck. Grey eyes tiredly blinked as she fought against collapsing, giving up.

"F-fuck..."

Gluttony slowly turned on her, the soft, stained scarf falling in tattered remains about his massive feet as his jaws parted once more, revealing the massive teeth, crystal white and glistening in the orange glow. His approach was slow, his single eye slowly falling open once more as his vision returned to him. Harley took a deep breath in that moment, her expression twisted into one of disgust as he neared. He cooed, knowing she had reached the end of her tether. "You should be proud of yourself, little Grehe. You made it much farther than the other candidates... I was almost tempted to let you win, if not for you resiliency, then your 'winning' personality... however, those thoughts were rather fleeting."

He had closed the distance now, massive form halting so his snout was just above above her, leaning down to gently sniff her form. "Too bad...so sad...and here you had such big talk for someone who doesn't even have any special family ability."

"Oh fuck off..." She grumbled, clearly angered by her failure to last longer. Though she couldn't help the fact that falling from the Sin's height was not an easy feat. Most would of probably lost consciousness a long time ago. "Just...S-shut the hell up! I won't make eating me easy...dumbass." Her breathing was heavy and filled by exhaustion but she kept her tone firm, even now.

"It surprises me that you can still manage to be so cheeky." Gluttony cackled, paw moving forward as he lightly placed it upon her back; however, the pressure would slowly force the air from her lungs, the Hell Hound licking his lips in amusement as he applied more pressure, as if wishing to crack her ribcage. "Maybe if I do this, it will shut you up for a while, yeah?" Which was exactly what happened as Harley within seconds was beginning to panic as the she was left without the ability to breath, her lungs burning.

This had been fun. None of the other candidates had forced him to work this hard; however, all fun had to end and his was no exception... but he wasn't done toying with her. "I don't want to kill you just yet... I want to watch you suffer, darling....watch you scream in agony as I bury my snout into your warm entrails..." He pushed down upon her a little harder, wishing to hear her choked cries of agony.

Harley wanted to scream, wanted to stop holding back and swear blindly at him. Though with the pressure, she could not breath let alone talk. She choked, a sharp attempt at taking in a breath as she slammed her eyes closed. It hurt. "S-scre...." She glared harder at the ground, opening her blurred gaze as tears swimmed at their corners. "...o-off..."

"....shit..."

Suddenly, the pressure stopped, the paw lightening as the Hell Hound released an agitated scoff. "Ick...damnit...I waited too long..." He slowly removed his paw from atop Harley's back, glaring down at her with a mixture of fury and utter disappointment. "Look what you have done... You distracted me so that you could win the game, Hm? Well, I'm not exactly inclined to completely follow the rules...you are near death anyways, so I should just eat you now." He mouth fell open as he leaned down; however, the moment his tongue touched her, he felt a massive jolt through his entire system, something so painful that he was forced back, snarling and biting in rebellion. "WHAT DID YOU DO, YOU LITTLE BITCH?! I REFUSE TO LOSE TO THE LIKES OF YOU!"

Harley slowly dragged herself up as she desperately breathed in to quell the fire that seemed to had burn inside before. She began to cough every few moments as she kept breathing in more than she could handle at that point. Her voice had become a bare whisper but she smirked anyway, her grin trembling as she could barely keep even that up. "H-heh...The dumbass...You lost..." She breathed out, peering up at his from the curtain of her hair, one gray eye burning in anger. "To...To two mortals now..."

"Noo! This can't be happening... Not again! Not by the likes of you! A fucking worthless human, with nothing to offer other than her mouth!" The Hell Hound roared in fury and disbelief, his deep voice nearly jumping an octave as he seemed to nearly spasm in rebellion, the familiar feeling of obedience taking hold. It was agonizing, to be forced into submission, but moreso to try and fight back against it; however, the Hell Hound was stubborn.

She had finally gotten up to at least sit, a small chuckle ghosting past her lips as she let her head fall back. "...Just hurry up and give in, overgrown dumbass...I really want some cake right now, not to be around these corpses..." She whispered, letting her eyes fall closed briefly. The want to obey was too strong, Gluttony grunting with effort as he back peddled, as if trying to put as much distance between he and Harley possible. "You fucking bitch...YOU WORTHLESS WRETCH! I...I'LL KILL YOU, I SWEAR!" He barked, nearly shrieking as he tried to keep himself from bending, the strain of it rocking his entire form.

"I told you, puppy, I would make you sit." Harley at this point, was climbing to her feet. When she finally did stand, she took a deep breath. "SO FUCKING SIT YOU STUPID MUTT!"

The command...It was too strong, so much so that Gluttony could not deny it. The Hell Hound buckled, his legs curling beneath him as he was forced into a seated position. The angelic pressure was too much to comprehend, a pained gasp escaping his throat as his head was forced down, legs slipping before his massive jaw slammed into the ground...a complete act of submission; however, that did not stop his mouth. "You bitch...you bitch, you bitch. YOU BITCH!" He struggled against his angelic binds; however, was unable to move...He could only stare at Harley with a look of pure hatred, snarling and spitting.

Harley slowly made her way over to the beast, the grin on her lips practically smug as she stood before his jaws, slowly reaching over to let her hand drop on his large nose. "Stop whining already. Its fucking annoying...Think of it this way! At least you will get to eat loads when we go on missions and that."

He wanted to rip her arm off, jaws momentarily parting as he only stared at her hand. There was no fighting it...he had been bested, by the tiniest human he had ever seen for that matter. He visibly tensed, massive eye falling closed as he halted his struggling. He did not wish to say it, even now, his rebellious streak causing him agony as he fought the urge to say those fatal words; however, the contract was too powerful...

When his eye opened once more, his expression had changed. It was no longer full of hatred and fury, but of hesitant obedience, as if begging for her to back out. Harley blinked tiredly, clearly close to collapsing herself as she left her head fall to the side, too tired to hold her head up being half the reason.

"...What does...my..mistress wish to name me?..." The words slipped from Gluttony's form before he could stop them, a small whimper following as he shifted in apparent discomfort. He did not want to obey...he did not wish to submit, but the urge was too powerful...he had no choice.

"Name?" She questioned, momentarily frowning. Did he not even have a name? Thoughts caused a deep silence before the red head smiled gently, a rare sight for the hot headed hunter. "How about Sammael?" She asked, her exhaustion catching up as she took a seat on the ground slowly, folding her legs under her. "You...should at least have some choice in your name, overgrown dumbass."

The beast seemed to release a small sigh then, massive eye falling closed once more as his entire form shuddered...then...in a sudden rush, the Hell Hound was engulfed in Hellfire, the ghastly form shrinking drastically as his voice carried over the snapping flames. "Sammael...my name...is Sammael..."

The flames extinguished themselves, leaving them both bathed in darkness for a moment before the orange glow returned, radiating off the form of a nude male, shaggy white locks hiding his face as he remained bowed, forehead against the black ground. When he spoke, his voice was the same as before, almost unfitting for this youthful male.

"You have passed the trials...and hence forth I pledge my loyalty to you...my...lady Mistress, Harley Jane Grehe. My body...my powers...my soul shall all be at your disposal... Use me as you see fit." Harley was left a slightly blushing mess at the strange change in the sin. One moment he seemed intent on ripping her in half while now he was all obedient? Sammael actually was internally fighting this urge to obey. These words were no longer his own, his mouth and voice working against his will. He could not fight it...He could not stop it... He slowly looked up, his one good eye still the same, as well as the massive scar running from the right side of his mouth up above his eye brow. "What is it you command of me, my little Mistress?" The red of her cheeks was soon due to the anger that boiled inside the tired female. "Stop calling me short! Stupid!" She hissed, folding her arms against her chest as she glared at him. Even in the contract, Sammael would not let her have the last laugh. He would make her life a living hell...Nothing would be easy for her if he would have anything to do with it; however, that burning hatred was slowly being quelled by the contract.

"Geez...For now...we need to get out of here. The boss needs to know I've passed...Plus, my parents have cake waiting and I am not missing that."

Her command...He could no longer disobey.

"Your wish...is my command, little Mistress." He slowly stood then, his lean form suddenly coming fully into view. He was nude, yes, the muscles lining his form etched with the scars of his many battles. He was strong, not overly tall, with a gruff grace despite his gnawed body. He reached out, grasping Harley's hand and pulling her to a standing position, pulling her close before she could react and hugging her to him. His grasp was firm, but gentle as to not cause her any further injury. He rested one hand against the small of her back, the other against the back of her head, his own head resting atop her misshapen hair.

Harley was honesetly shocked at the sudden actions of the sin, but it was not that brought her lips into a scowl. Within seconds of her mind suddenly calming and her rationality returning, Harley pulled herself back slightly. "Sammael..." She cooed softly, her eyes falling closed. "FUCKING GET SOME CLOTHES ALREADY."

He paused, glancing down at his form as if he had just now noticed he was naked. "Ah...it has been so long since I have actually been in this form..I nearly forgot that clothing was a necessity..." He turned then, glancing around before noticing one of the bloody corpses nearby. He moved to it and removed it's pants. They were a simple pait of black jeans, skinny legged and ripped, most likely from his own claws and teeth. He pulled them on, grumbling something about how much of a hassle this was before turn and returning to Harley's side.

"Does this please you?"

"I'm going to hit you later..." She hissed, glaring hell at the demon. Far to tired to go through with her threat now, Harley folded her arms, letting them rest against her upper sides. She was curious to if the injuries would carry to her physical form in reality. People died in these tests so it was likely. "...At least I should be bed ridden for a bit..." She muttered, taking in a small breath before sighing. "Right, how do we leave?"

Sammael did not hesitate to grasp her once more, his subdued expression never faltering as he held her close, as if to protect her from what was coming.

"Hellfire..."

"Wait, Hellf-"

That was his only warning before the flames engulfed them both, but Harley found them unharmed, Sammael's orange aura having wrapped itself around them, both slowly melding into the fires. Sammael released a small chuckle, his eye falling close as he held her tighter, suddenly finding odd comfort in her scent. His voice came out a gruff whisper, lips slowly brushing against her ear.
"See you on the other side, Little Mistress..."​