Family Bonds

The evening just prior to Zriracha having been called by a rather curious but no less welcome distraction had been met with a kind of loneliness that Zriracha had long since believed she’d escaped from. Having had a daughter herself after the many MANY years of being encouraged, bartered with and even threatened into conceiving of, she had believed that she’d finally found what every parent did in the end - her own family. It wasn’t so simple, however, as even Zriracha had been plagued with the ‘what-if’s and various surprises that came with realizing that her… significant other for a time was (in fact) a two-timer. Yet, still she didn’t find herself upset with the result of such actions.

For if they did not happen, Zriracha wouldn’t have gone from a lonely night back at her cozy - and temporary - arrangements to a colorful day with Zuqetta. While she’d not had her power restored completely with adequate rest, Zriracha was more than willing to give up what she’d managed to gain to not just bring her appearance back to a more humanoid one; She devoted her entire font of magic to bring the illusion of her youth back to her face. And for now, it was a success as she’d smiled at Zuqetta upon the magic taking full effect. While she was surprised that Zuqetta hadn’t aged that much since she’d last seen her (honestly, not many were gifted her presence after her condition had worsened so that was fair) what was even more surprising was the communication through telepathy about her appearance and if she could look how Zuqetta remembered her.

Being the push-over and smitten with her little prodigy, how could she say ‘no’?

And here they were, enjoying ice cream together with a warm shirt that Zriracha was still… admittedly, getting used to wearing as she grinned warmly down at Zuqetta. In spite of secretly agreeing with Zuqetta, Zriracha gave a soft ‘hm’ before playfully bantering, “It’s an acquired taste, my dear. However, I’ll concede that it has been SOME time since I enjoyed Earth’s confections. Delicious,” She purred, gazing with loving and hungry eyes as she partook of her own (nightmarish) ice cream creation:

With the base of her ice cream being the softest Pistachio, her second and third flavors consisted of Habanero and Pizza and the toppings… well, she was just grateful that while they didn’t have her desired additions on hand the server had so graciously offered what they had in their lunch and what LUCK did she have to be able to have slices of ham and turkey as well as a pickle on the side to enjoy with her treat. The warm fudge on top with sriracha sauce was a lovely touch as well.

After another bite of her food, Zriracha would cock her head to the side with a question on the tip of her tongue, “While I’m sure she would have loved your ice cream, I can’t help but be curious as to what you’ve been up to. Zerori has missed you quite a lot, you know… as have I,” Zriracha admitted, curious and forlorn as her smile fell just a bit. They’d barely been into their adventure for less than an hour and the most they’d exchanged were some questions about the other and sentimentality. Not that she minded. “Any new adventures? Battles?... New spells?” She slyly nudged.

While Zriracha wasn’t completely up to date on the events that had transpired just before her daughter and her had relocated back to Arcose, the satyr woman wasn’t ignorant to the devastating effects of the events. Truth be told… it was one of the reasons she had lost her power to begin with but that was how it remained in her mind: one OF - not the one and only reason. So, even if she knew that Zuqetta wasn’t being completely honest, the woman across the table from her felt no ill will, no resentment - in fact, she was proud that the young one before her was as determined as ever to see her will to the end, in whatever fashion or sacrifice it took.

Zriracha found herself giving a supportive nod, playing the role of blissful ignorance as she just basked in the presence of her other daughter, even if she weren’t her own by blood. Her laughed with light, “Oh, with how enraptured she is with the Empress of Arcose, it would not surprise me if she left out a few details,” She wasn’t sure of Zuqetta was aware of the Ise’s new position, but a little power play always did help to spice up conversations. At the mention of being able to manifest more easily, Zriracha paused mid-bite to her ice cream before swallowing and quickly giving an ‘OH?’ Impressive though it was expected with how talented she was. Her request that came a moment later was a breath of fresh air as Zriracha contemplated the request.

“Hm… more about Demons, you say? Yes… Yes, I believe I can grant that request,” Taking another bite and savoring the flavor, Zriracha put down her spoon before she began, “Well, there’s a good reason for why we look so different. Zerori will get her marks soon, I assure you - when a Demon comes into her power they go through incredible changes. These can be both advantageous and adverse - as you recall when you called upon me,” She smiled sweetly, hoping it was enough to drive home that she wasn’t upset to be using her power in a form she didn’t quite have complete control over anymore. Even now, though the detail was slight, she could feel the strain cause her heart to elevate slightly.

She would persevere.

“Back onto the subject of ‘Demons’, however: Our origins, magic, and especially our appearances all come from our primordial source of power. For many, they have long since come to either worship old gods that have been lost to time…” She leaned in theatrically, “-or have long since become gods themselves. Demons Gods, as rare as they are, exist among the living and the dead.” She let that information sink in, taking another few bites of her ice cream before continuing, “As for our own origins, the Chakkapak, we all began in the realm of the Dead - specifically Hell. I’m sure Zerori has likely told you about this, no?” She knew the Saiyan girl had a logical and scientific side, even having gone so far as to accuse her own powers upon their first meeting to be merely ‘tricks’ and ‘innovative use of Ki’. While there was nothing wrong with skepticism, Zriracha wanted to drive home that what Zuqetta had used was, in fact, magic.

To say that Zriracha was amused by the comparison of Demon Gods to Shin-Jin would be an understatement. She’d even almost choked on a bite of the pickle in her ice cream at the mention, quickly clearing her throat to regain her composure. When she could speak again, Zriracha would rasp, “Not exactly, but I’m surprised you found a Shin that could even slightly be considered a ‘friend’,” She chuckled, the sound less melodious and sounding more like a scoff if anything. While she never had any personal issues with Shin-Jin, a facet of her past that she kept to herself was that she and Shin-Jin just didn’t get along and that was saying something given Zriracha typically got along with ANYONE. As she cocked her head to the side at Zuqetta, however, she couldn’t help but add in, “You’re a unique one, however, so it doesn’t surprise me too much with how charismatic you are.”

It was a compliment… and an observation. While she certain kept her ear to the ground while she was incapacitated, she wasn’t unaware of the news that had traveled far and wide. Her adoptive daughter had been quite busy, though it remained a mystery just why she appeared the way she did and Zerori had… well, she’d grown, as had her power.

As she finished the last bite of her ice cream, Zriracha felt her morale had risen but her energy had not. Beads of sweat had begun to gather at her temple and her heart-rate had accelerated significantly, but she was able to control her breathing just fine. The strain of not only using her magic to change her form but to keep it young again was taking it’s toll on her, but they’d only been with each other a short while! She had to persevere. Using the conversation as a way to distract herself from her fatigue, Zriracha answered Zuqetta’s question in a bit more detail, “To clarify, Shin-Jin and Demons - especially Demon Gods - aren’t actually related to each other. While Demons can come from many different places and can even be created, Shin-Jin are actually from fruits that are born from the Life Tree. Their destinies are much more,” Zriracha grimaced, giving a single shouldered shrug, “-black and white than most beings in existence. I’d say be quite careful around your friend, but I do not dictate the choices of others. It is not in my nature to do so, however, I do advise caution.”

And that was where she was going to leave it, unless Zuqetta had decided to inquire further as to why. She wouldn’t deceive that young woman but there were very small details she might omit - such as her own attempt to murder a few Shin back in her younger years.A very VERY chaotic time in her life, but a necessary evil as she'd focused on her search for greater power and the means to protect her clan.

The reaction she’d gotten out of Zuqetta as she’d scooted in next to her with the most endearing chuckle was exactly what Zriracha had been referring to as she chuckled and brought an arm up and around the young prodigy before she tried to give her a little maternal hug and shake. “That you are, but be wary, little spark - my Zerori has her own charms that - as I’m sure you can agree - fit her and only her best,” Truly, each woman held their own incredibly diverse but equally effective manner in which endeared the ones that came to befriend them. While Zuqetta was well equipped to enthrall and move the masses with her beguile and cunning, Zerori was able to see the world for what it was and speak proudly and loudly from her heart in any situation. Truly, it was a wonder how both daughters were so similar and yet so different to each other!

However, such musings were interrupted by the realization that Zriracha had gone on a tangent and forgotten to answer Zuqetta’s question! Hell's below; I may be losing my strength faster than I realize… She gave Zuqetta a brilliant smile in apology but the unease on her face could be seen clearly as she cooed, “My apologies, dear Spark. Now. Demon Gods.” She swallowed, doing her best to focus before continuing, “They exist, though not until recently did I find that one was much closer than any of mortal kind would have ever realized,” Her voice had taken on a bit of a dramatic tone as she teased Zuqetta, “There is one known as ‘Kamae’, a fearsome and powerful Demon God whom I have witnessed has incredible control over time and space that I have not seen quite some time,” Her face seemed to relax a bit, recalling the beautiful temptation of his power and the poetic control he exhibited.

For a moment, she was quiet - almost looking as if she’d lost herself in a reverie of a dream before she shook her head and swallowed thickly as a twinge of pain recalled her back to reality. Though she was certain Zuqetta might be tired of it, the satyr woman couldn’t help the apology (even as she neared her limit) that fell from her mouth. “Forgive me; this mind tends to wander these days,” She chuckled before clearing her throat once more. “As for Hell and Heaven: While I am quite curious about the books you’ve read, I am certain they are not so far from the truth. While Heaven and Hell don’t different much in how unique each and every planet in the universe are from each other-” Gently, Zriracha attempted to carefully guide Zuqetta’s gaze back to her (holding her chin between her fingers) from the table to gently clarify, “-understand that these aren’t just distances between space… these are realms that your physical and non-physical body can travel to. Be it through magical means - or the more common and eventual death.”

While she allowed her words to sink in, a dread deep within her hoping that she’d not left too much out, Zriracha would realize with a sliver of panic that her form was soon to dissipate. She could see that the glamor spell she’d sewn upon herself was fading as her true age and power brought the winkles and furrier-than-normal fur to grow upon her body.

She likely had minutes to spare. More, perhaps, if she could divert directly from her life force. Contemplating her options carefully, Zriracha offered one last fun fact about the Realms of the Dead. “While it is quite common to die and find oneself in either Hell or Heaven, it is… not so common not at all impossible to also come back from such places. After all,” Her grin was as sharp as it was devilish, “-balance comes in many forms. Why shouldn’t there be more ways to come back to life than just ‘wishing’ for it to happen, hm? One day, my most curious spark… you should take Zerori on her offer to visit the Realms of the Dead.”

While I would love to... I fear I may not ever be able to return to the Living Realms...