Chapter 1

“You still haven’t told me where we are going Chi!” Ani yelled terrified holding onto her seat belt as tightly as she could, as I tore down the highway, swerving in and out of lanes.

“Don’t worry Ani, you’ll know when we get there.” I said with a laugh as my hand was tight on the steering wheel, as I jumped three lanes. This car was my baby, a 2013 Crimson SRT viper. This little lady had some serious horsepower and tight steering allowing for me to not only cruise at high speeds but duck in and out of traffic with ease. “So Ani you having fun yet?” 

“Oh yeah Chi, loads of fun! I’ve always wondered if you can die in hell!” She said gritting her teeth trying not to look at the road ahead as I cruised past a semi that was mid turn. 

The look on her face amused me more than driving did. I got off at an exit and went down the that ended in a building with a parking lot and small building. I turned into a spot and got out of the car stretching a smile on my face.

“I don’t know about you Ani but I feel great!” I turned to watch Ani get out of the car… well more fall out as she looked shaken up.

“Chi, never fucking again.” She said pulling herself together and off the ground and dusting herself off. Instead of wearing her normal sub clothes Ani was dressed up in her white shirt, with black pants and boots, and a black trench coat. The only thing from her regular sub outfit that she was wearing was her collar. For once Ani’s outfit left something to the imagination which was very rare for anyone living in the second ring. 

I knelt down and adjusted the car mirror and took a look at my face and my clothes. Instead of my usual sub clothes, I opted for something more casual as well. Nothing really special just an all black ensemble of a leather jacket, with pants, and buckle goth boots and my whip hanging on my belt. The only other color on me was the small bit of red on my corset underneath my jacket. I brushed my brown bangs from my eyes and smiled as I got up from the mirror

“Alright Ani are you ready to go?” 

“Go where Chi, we are in the middle of nowhere!” She yelled obviously frustrated.

“Not true, we are somewhere which means we can’t be nowhere.” I replied, at this point I’ll admit I was just annoying her for my own amusement and I began walking toward the building. 

“You’re starting to piss me off Chi, and on my birthday no less.” 

“Look Ani just don’t worry alright, I’m sorry I’ll stop, succubuses honor.”

“Like that’s worth anything”

It was a short walk to the building from the parking lot, there were only about two other cars in the lot. The building was in in disrepair, some windows broken gray paint was peeling off the walls, and the railing on the stairs was rusted. At the top of the stairs was a brown door, it was rusting too and the pink insulation from the door could be seen where the metal had just given up and rusted leaving a hole.

"Oh my god I knew it, you brought me here to kill me." Ani said looking the the ruined building.

"Please Ani, if I wanted to off you don't you think I would at least do it somewhere nice?" I teased putting my hand on the door and opening it walking in with ani following us.

The two of us were greeted to a blast of cool air as we stepped into a white sterile room with two guards standing in front of a red portal. Both were wearing black knight armor without helmets. Attached to their hips were large swords as. Both had handsome faces but their eyes were hardened and intimidating. The only difference between the two was that one had black hair and the other had brown. The two saw us and frowned drawing their swords and crossing them I've the portal with a thunderous clang.

"State your business!" The knight with the black hair demanded as me and Ani were still recoiling from the loud clang.

"We are on official business from high lord Draganath, and lord Raven." I responded showing them a ring on my finger with an white raven on it as Ani show her ring with a purple and green dragon on it. The brown hair guard took a look at the rings and nooded as put their swords back in their sheathes and both put our their hands. 

"Please give us all weapons, or anything that can used as a deadly and or kinky weapons. Weapons given to is will be teleported back to your place of residence." The black haired one said coldly.

Ani gave me a confused look and I sighed as I took off my whip and placed it in the brown haired guard’s hand as it disappeared in a blue flames. Ani took one look at the guard and unstrapped her paddle from het thought holster and handed it to black haired knight as it too disappeared in a blue flame. The two knights stepped away from the portal and Ani and I walked through.

. 

The two of us walked out on the other side and were greeted with the site of a city that stretched on and on for miles. The city was split into two parts, on the side we were on the buildings were colored with dark colors such as dark blues, reds, black of course, and several others with a large ebony tower standing standing above all the other buildings. Off in the distance were buildings made in lighter colors such as yellow, orange, light blues, and in the center of that section stood a skyscraper made of ivory that matched the height of the ebony one. The road before us housed small shops, restaurants, clothing stores, and other such things.

Walking up and down the streets of the city were demons from all the different rings. Some were like Ani and I, taut fit and in shape, some were fat and heavy, others wore elaborate clothing with sacks of riches on their belts showing off all they had. It seemed like all the circles were being represented here. Then of course there were the patrols dressed like the knights we met at the portal entrance. The only difference was these guards were wearing their helmets which had large horns on them. The one thing that really caught my eye was the various  angels walking around the district. Some wore simple robes, while others wore elaborate dresses, or cloaks, some were even in suits. All the angels that I saw were either handsome or beautiful with all different hair color and styles. However unlike the stories I was told as a little girl not all of them had wings, while others had theirs folded on their backs. 

“Chi why are we in purgatory?” Ani asked. I turned to her her face was excited but at the same time confused.

“To celebrate your birthday silly, now let’s go! I said running down the street Ani following in tow. 

“Why all the deception then?” Ani said as we made our way down the street. 

“Well it wouldn’t be a surprise if got you up and said something like “hey get up and get dressed we’ve got a portal to Purgatory to catch”. Besides if I asked my master or yours to open one up for us it would be suspicious ”. I told her as we made our way further into the outer area of the demon district.

The two of us walked further and further away from the ebony tower where we started and we arrived at a literal divide. Where the black road ways of the demons district gave way to the white stone of the Angel District. As the two of us walked into the district we were stopped by one of the patrols. This patrol was wearing similar armor to the demon knights, the difference was their armor was made of white gold, and their helmet didn’t have horns. Some of the knights were carrying longswords while others were carrying polearms and spears. Each knight had their own beautiful set of wings, like they were crafted by Iehovah himself.

“Show us your sigils, and state your purpose here.” The captain demanded. The captain was a man who looked to be in his mid 30s, strong masculine face full black beard and longish hair wearing more decorated armor that had a bigger emphasis on gold than white. He had and king Arthur look going his body seemed strong and so did his wings, I would probably be hitting on this guy if he wasn’t being such a jerk.

“Look we’re here on business for Lord Raven, and High Lord Draganath we’re not here to cause trouble”. I told him showing my ring and Ani showing hers. The guard captain looked unimpressed at us and motioned at his men to relax.

“I don’t like letting demons like you into our district but it’s not up to me, but be warned I’ll be keeping my eye on you two, just one slip up and I’ll be showing you both what divine intervention .” He said with scowl as he and his guards began to walk away. Part of me wanted to flip him off, throw something at him, stick my tongue out, anything it didn’t matter how stupid or childish.

“Come on Chi, just ignore him.” Ani said taking my wrist and pulling me away from the spot and further into the district. 

“What was his problem?!” I asked angrily as Ani as we walked.

“Chi, just let it go come on it’s supposed to be a fun day.” Ani replied

I took a deep breath and sighed. “You’re right Ani".

The two of us made our way down the street until I stopped us in front of a small shop. I had to pull Ani back so she didn't walk past it. As we walked through the door a little bell rang and we were exposed to the site of amazing clothes of many shapes designs fabrics and colors. Along with rings necklaces, earrings all of which made with different metals, some embedded with different types of gems and precious stones. A pretty young angel woman greeted us as we gazed hungrily at the incredible looking items.

"Hello ladies welcome to Aurum's how may I help you today?"

" oh I'm just here to pick something up but it's my friend's birthday. So can you please show her the best you have." 

Before Ani could protest the woman took her to the other side of the store, while I made my way to the jewelry counter. The man behind the counter another angel hard at work on what looked to be a ring made out of solid diamond. The man himself looked more more like most interpretations of saints do with his white beard humble eyes and aged face, his skin was a dark tone as though he was from the middle east. He looked up to me with a toothy grin and went back to his his work.

"It's not often a beautiful young woman comes to see an old man like me." 

“What can I say old timer, I can appreciate a man with experience” I said with a grin.

“You know; it’s not nice to tease an old man right?” He said with a chuckle as he finished polishing the last of the ring and lifted it up for a final inspection before putting it down. He got up and walked over to me and put his hands on the counter.

“So anyways what can I do for you today Chi?” His soft hazel eyes looking into mine.

“I’m sure you remember that order I placed a few days ago, well I need to pick it up.” 
“That’s right, I finished it yesterday it’s already to go.” The Old man said walking to the back of the store picking up a small jewelry box and placing it down. I picked up the box and opened it taking a look at the content inside, before closing it with a smile.

“As always Samir, your work is very impressive.” 

“Why thank you, and as always you’re a pleasure to have here. However, I am curious as to why you come here for these things. Surely there are some demons who are just as skilled if not more than I am.” 

“You maybe right, but I don’t discriminate. Human Ange demon doesn’t matter, if I know someone who can do the job effectively and for the right price I’m going to go to them. You’re the only person i know who can do something like the necklace for Lord Draganth, or what you just finished for Ani.” 

“You flatter me dear, thank you for your kind words.”

Samir and I chatted for a little while longer while Ani was trying on clothes with the help of the other angel. He asked me how Lord Draganth’s party was and how everything in the second ring was going. I asked him things like how business was, how life was going at his home in the kingdom of heaven. Ani finished after about another half an hour and had a bag in her hand full of party dresses and such, shoes and such. Samir and I said our goodbye and thanked the other woman and the two of us walked out of the store. 

After our little shopping trip the two of us stopped by a deli named animae cibus still in the angel district. We got a few uncomfortable looks when we walked in but the patrons mostly ignored us and went back to eating their lunch. I ordered a chicken caesar, while Ani ordered BLT. The two of us chatted a bit about various things. Mostly what we had been up to that week, and the progress of the newest subs that had recently joined our families. Ani told me a story about how one of the newest subs was being trained to be a horse and lost rhythm with the rest of the subs and ended up not only falling, but bringing the entire group down with him. I didn’t have any good stories from this week seeing as it had been rather slow, however I did tell her about the playtime I had with Akil with all the new dresses I got him. The two of us eventually finished our lunch and got out of the restaurant

We had a spent a some time walking around the district mostly just window shopping.By the time we had finished it was almost late afternoon, and the two of us made our way back to the demon district.

“So we going back home?” Ani asked.

“Not yet there is one more place we have to stop by and the we’ll be done birthday girl.” I said with a devious grin.

We were almost to the end of the district when suddenly we heard calling out.

“Stop Right there you two!” A familiar voice yelled out. We turned around and running toward us “King and his knights of the round table”. I couldn’t help but groaned as he approached us with a mean scowl on his face. 

“What do you want?” I asked without showing him the respect I did last time.

“I told you both just one slip up and I would make sure you both were kicked out and I’ll be sure that you’re never let back in.”He said motioning his patrol guards as they grabbed our arms Ani’s bag falling out of her hand and onto the floor.

“We haven’t done anything!” I yelled as the held us tightly.

“Oh really, then what is this?!” He yelled as he reached into my pocket and pulled out the little jewelry box from my pocket.

“Hey that’s mine, give it back!” I yelled as he opened looking inside before closing it.

“ This is quite valuable, amazing craftsmanship, valuable metals, quite expensive. I believe it’s quite clear that you stole it while your friend was distracting the woman helping her.” He accused.

“We didn’t steal anything! Why would we, we are lust demons not greed ones besides we paid for everything!”. Ani spoke out as she fought against the guards holding her. 

“Maybe you paid for the clothes, but I saw your friend take the box from the store without paying the old man.” 

“Of course I didn’t, I had paid him in advance!” I yelled out as onlookers were stopping to watch what was going on.

“A likely story, you two are out of here and we are confiscating your stolen goods!” The captain said taking Ani’s bag.

The two of us were still struggling as the guards pulled us away taking us in the opposite direction of the guard captain as he began to walk away when suddenly all of the onlookers began to walk in the opposite direction from the demon district and further into the angel. The captain and the guards noticed this and looked around trying to find a plausible reason for everyone to be fleeing. Suddenly a comforting voice broke the confusion and filled me with relief.
“What seems to be the problem captain?” The voice asked. The guards holding us turned us around and so did the captain. Standing before us was Lord Draganath wearing his casual attire which was just some black pants boots, and jacket without a shirt. As well as  my master Lord Raven who was wearing white pants boots, and an open coat with an undershirt . I began to relax and smiled as they walked toward us. The capatain stood firm, but a small bead of sweat ran down his neck as he walked towards them.

“These two are guilty of theft, we were confiscating their stolen items and banning them from the district.” The captain responded. 

“I see, and do you have any proof of this captain?” My master asked.

“I do, I saw it with my own eyes and so did my entire patrol, she took this and didn’t pay the old man.” He said holding the jewelry box up to them.

“I see, and did she tell you that she paid the man in advance?” 

“She did say that, but unless she has any proof that she did, I must do my job.” 

“Do you have any proof that she actually stole it? Did you ask the person she bought it from?” Lord Dragnath asked as he walked toward him now the same distance from the captain as my Master.

“Of course not, I needed to act, I didn’t have time to ask questions.” 

“Well I just so happen to have the invoice from when she paid the store for the item.” Master said pulling out a piece of paper.

The captain took the paper from Master’s hand and looked it oven a big frown on his face as he grumbled. “Release them.”

“What was that sir, I couldn’t hear you.” One of the guards responded.

“I said released them!” He said yelling this time throwing the paper onto the ground turning away. 

The two of us were let go, and the guards backed off as the captain approached me shoving the jewelry box back into my hand with a sneer. The captain and his patrol walked away as Ani picked up her bag and the two of us walked over to our respective masters.

“Thank you Master, thank you Lord Draganath.” I said as the two of us felt much better now and hugged them both tightly as Ani did the same. 

“How did you know something was wrong?” Ani asked as the four us began walking back to the demon district.

“Chi had told us to meet you two around this time but when you girls didn’t show up we knew something was wrong.” Lord Draganth responded.

“So I used a tracking spell to find you both and it’s a good thing we found you when we did, what exactly did you two do?” My Master asked.

“Nothing, we just walked in showed them our sigils and said we were just here to do some shopping.” Ani Said

“So he just didn’t like you two from the start, is that it?” Lord Draganath asked.

“That’s the sum of it yep, sorry about this Ani I was trying so hard to make today special for you.” I said feeling like I had let her down.

“It’s alright Chi didn’t you say that you had one last surprise left for me anyways?” Ani asked. 

“Your right, I did come on Ani hopefully this will make the whoel day worthwhile.” I said.

Ani, Lord Draganth, my master, and I walked back to the demon district and chatted about our day and how everything else was going other than the incident with the guards. It was nice to have just the four of us. We kept walking until we reached a building with the sign Nephilim on hanging over it. The four of us walked in, the lights were off making it hard to see though we could see some movement. Lord Draganth closed the door suddenly making the whole building go dark. Suddenly the lights came on and revealed everyone in the room and what followed was a very loud “ SURPRISE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANI!” From everyone including Lord Draganth, my master, and I. 

Ani Stood there shocked as she took a look around, from the seven layered cake with white frosting, with strawberries and chocolate sauce drizzled on it, to the stacks of present on the table on the corner, and the bar filled with drinks, appetizers and food. I smiled as Akil, Circ, Agrim, Nade, Lord Shado, Lord Black, Panzer, Pala, and many more came up hugging and kissing her giving her birthday wishes. She still seemed in shock, all I could do was giggle as my friend was floored, when suddenly the speakers came out and the DJ took the stage that was in the Right side of the bar just above the dance floor.

“Alright everybody, let’s say happy birthday to our very special girl: Ani! Ani why don’t you and Lord Draganth get the first dance!” The DJ yelled into the mic.

Ani eagerly took her master’s hand and hopped down onto the dance floor as the rest of us watched. The song was slow and sweet just something that you hold onto your lover for not much moving just swaying of hips feet and hips. Ani held her master close and tightly and looked so happy that she was just able to enjoy his embrace. Lord Dragnath smiled holding her keeping her in his arms. Eventually the music picked up and the two began to dance. Lord Draganth led as Ani followed in his step keeping the pace twirling her, letting her fall till he grabbed her wrist pulling her back up as her head hit his chest. It was very sweet and both seemed to enjoy their moment together. 

Eventually their dance ended leaving both with a smile as the DJ began to play some usual club and dance music. High energy stuff to get people moving their bodies and shaking their hips. I took my master’s hand and led him down as the two of danced a little. I wasn’t good at dancing to this kind of music, but I just loved moving my body  against master. Like always we switched partners and I found myself dancing with akil for a little bit my little kitten blushing deeply as he did, he was so cute. Later my partner was Pala and the two of us began grinding hips against each other, it was cute but it was all we did since neither Pala nor me could dance to this music right. Ani found herself dancing with Argrim, and Lord Black; she was wrecking it up which wasn’t unusual seeing as she was a better club dancer than me.

After about an hour of dancing everyone sat at tables and relaxed, unfortunately purgatory didn’t allow the kind of submission that we had at Lord Draganath’s party so no bimbo chairs. However, to be fair the chairs here were very comfy. Everyone began eating, the food was delicious, and there was a wide variety of things to choose from from: fish, chicken, beef, shrimp, veggies, fruit, and other yummy food.  After we were all done eating we sang happy birthday to Ani, and began eating cake. The cake was just as yummy as it looked and the chocolate drizzled on the cake was super sweet.

Eventually all of moved onto watching Ani open her presents which she enjoyed but had to be moved into a portal made my master in order to clear room for the other presents. She got so many things from new clothes and shoes, to a new computer, to even some new “toys”. Everyone had something for Ani and she looked delighted at all the love everyone was giving her.

Eventually after a few drinks and some more dancing the party died down and everyone was stumbling out of the bar to get home through portals made by the four lords. Soon only Lord Draganath, my master, Ani, and I were left as the clean up crew started to clean up the club. Aki was also still around having passed out on the floor from drinking too much. The four of us began to say our goodbyes as I finally pulled Ani to the side as master, and Lord Draganath were talking.

“Ani I’ve been waiting to give this to you all day, but wanted to wait till the right time to do it.” I said pulling the jewelry box out of my pocket and handing it to her.

“I’ve been wondering what this was.” Ani said taking the box from her and looking it over and finally opening it taking the contents out. He lips spread into a wide smile as she held the item. It was ruby heart shaped Necklace, bounce in onxy that was shaped like straps. 
“Chi, oh my gosh it’s beautiful thank you so much!” She said holding it in her hand.

“It opens you know, watch.” I took the necklace from her hand and opened it a revealing a picture of herself and I smiling with the the phrase “Friends for eternity” engraved in the gold plating that was protected by the ruby. Then I flipped the frame with our picture over revealing a picture her and Lord Draganath with a phrase on the right side engraved into the gold “Lovers for Eternity”

Ani took the locket flipping between the two pictures and closed it putting it around her neck hugging me tightly and I could feel tears down her cheek “Thank you Chi, thank you so much”.

I held my friend tightly and said “Happy Birthday Ani.”

The two of us went back to our master and said our goodbyes as I picked up aki from the floor. Hugs and kisses were given an Ani and I made our promise to see each other this weekend like always. Master, akil who was in my arms, and I went into our portal home and appeared in my room. I threw aki on the bed who was mumbling something about cake and I turned to my Master. 

“Did my car make it home ok?”

“Yes, it’s fine Chi don’t worry I had someone pick it up earlier.”

“Thank you Master, did you enjoy the party?”

“Yes I did Chi, you did an amazing job setting everything off, though you need to be careful seems like we have some less than enthusiastic fans in purgatory.”

“I will, thank you Master for getting us out.”

“You’re welcome sweetie, well goodnight I love you”. He said giving me a kiss and hug goodnight and walking out.

“I love you too master”. I said as I collapsed on my bed exhausted. Despite all the trouble and the close encounter with the captain today was an amazing success. Ani was happy, I was happy, and everyone seemed satisfied. Today was an amazing day.