Her Name Is Styxx

Cat and Mouse

The plains were silent as the three demons made their way to the cliffs where Olethrus and Heil were hiding. All occupied by their own thoughts, each gazed at the looming precipice that stood miles away. While Styxx and Praxidike had pensive facial expressions, Makhai remained emotionless as his eyes continually scanned the plains around them.

"Dolus really had us all fooled, didn't he?" Praxidike finally spoke.

"It would seem so. He really made it look like Ossa was the one directing them. To think he could be so manipulative." Makhai chuckled as he glanced back at the demon.

"Those Reapers you sent ahead, were they supposed to make contact?" A gasp escaped Styxx as she suddenly halted in her steps.

"No, they were only supposed to observe." Praxidike faltered in his words when his gaze fell upon three spikes in the distance.

"Either they didn't listen, or Olethrus hunted them after arriving at the comfort of his home." Growled Makhai as he continued passed them.

The three stopped to examine the spikes that were lined side by side, disgust had bubbled through Styxx as she stared into the horror filled eyes of the demon before her. The body of the demon sat hunched over at the base of the spike, whereas it's head was mounted at the top. Blood still dripped down from the neck and the smell was atrocious as the wind moved the scent around. 

"They were just killed." Makhai spoke lowly enough that his two companions could hear him.

"Which means, whoever killed them is still close by." Styxx surmised quietly as she glanced at Praxidike.

Praxidike remained unmoving as he stared at the body of a female demon. Her hair cascaded down the spike in dark waves, yet her face was different compared to the other two. Unlike the horror filled expressions the others had, this one seemed eerily peaceful. Her eyes were closed and lips slightly parted, but her face had been tear-stained as if she were frightened as one point. 

"She resigned to her fate." Makhai sighed as he glanced over at the last spike.

"Only the other two had defensive wounds." Styxx pointed out as she knelt down beside the female's body.

"Kharis was not a fighter. She insisted on being trained as a Reaper because she wanted to be useful in the field. The only thing she was good at was healing." Praxidike spoke through clenched teeth as he tore his gaze away.

"She was important to you? I'm sorry." Styxx spoke softly as she stood to her feet.

"My little sister." The male sighed before walking around the spikes and towards to the cliffs. 

Glancing over at Makhai, the she-demon noticed the agitated look on his face before urging him to walk on. The smell of their blood lingered around the three demons for a bit of time, before they finally reached a safe distance from the rock face. Glancing around the many caves, a large opening near the center of the grouping of caves stood out. Taking a small step towards the cliff, Styxx gives a light nod to the males.

"Wait." Makhai suddenly pulls her back.

"What? I thought you wanted to get this over with?" She hissed as shrugged his hand off.

"Wait until the rest of the Reapers and demons that Hades wants to send gets here. We don't know how ugly this may get, and you going in there by yourself isn't the smartest thing." He explains while staring down at the she-demon.

"You just don't want to get left out of the action. But I do agree, you'd have a better chance of getting inside unnoticed if you wait." Praxidike scoffed before waving dismissively.