Misinformation Can Be Deadly

Chapter 20: Well, Isn't that Life Changing!

CW: talk about gangs, death, cults

Janus tapped his arm as he waited in Virgil's room. His hand traveled up to his ear, rubbing his thumb over the golden scales on the snakes. He opened his eyes when the door finally opened and he sent the other two a glare.

"You're late," he told them.

"We didn't agree on a time," Virgil reminded him. "Besides, I just got off the bus."

"Why do you even take the bus?" Remus asked.

"Because it helps me think after a long day."

"Whatever, just close the door and sit down."

Virgil sent Janus a glare, but did close the door. Before he could sit down however, Janus snapped and the room was flooded with golden magic for a moment before fading.

"What was that?" Virgil asked.

"I made your room completely soundproof," Janus explained. "So no unwanted ears will overhear our conversation." He leaned forward. "Now, what the fuck did you do, Roman?"

Roman crossed his arms and huffed. "I had only gone to their homes and looked around for a little bit. I hadn't meant to be caught by such low level demons. I wouldn't have thought a cult would be so paranoid, until I learned that they're the Red gang! And that means the opposing gang, Yellow, must also be a cult! And you know about this, don't you?"

"What?" Virgil asked, frowning as he looked back over to Janus.

The younger boy sighed, "Yes, I knew that. My parents worked for Yellow and I had known about demons all my life. They aren't called the Reds and Yellows though, they're the Red Tails and Stheno."

"So your parents really were killed by the Reds? I-I thought that was just a rumor! It actually happened?"

"Unfortunately. My parents had powerful positions in Stheno, and so the Red Tails got rid of them. They also tried to get rid of me, seeing as I had witnessed it, and so I ran with one of my parents' books. I summoned Remus, which had taken all of my energy to do, and he has kept me safe ever since." Janus smiled. "I was able to put two of Red Tail's followers in jail."

"What do the names mean?"

"Stheno is one of the gorgon sisters, and from what I remember the cult follows a snake god. Not Stheno, who is actually a real Greek demon, but another god. I hadn't pledged my allegiance to them, seeing as they never told any of the cultists who they really were, so I feel as if they're not actually following a god. I don't know about the Red Tails though, but apparently their 'god' doesn't like our 'god.'" Janus made air parentheses with his hands.

"So the two cults compete with each other?"

"Indeed, which is why the media thinks they're gangs. They kill each other and attempt to summon their so-called god before the other does." Janus looked over to Roman. "Don't you think it's odd that they're trying to summon a god?"

The demon paled. "They're not gods."

"Exactly. Another reason to believe that they're not worshiping a god, but instead a demon. Which is why I had done whatever I could to cut ties with Stheno, though the Red Tail's still think I work with them. Which is why they have always been wary of Remus and myself. They don't like us, and we don't like them."

"How would I know if someone is in one of the cults?" Virgil asked.

"Red Tails have a red hawk head tattooed somewhere on their bodies. Sthenos has a yellow snake tattoo instead. And I suggest you stay away from anyone that has hawk or snake imagery, just to be safe, since most have their tattoos covered. Oh, and most have a demon with them in public, except for at school for some reason. However if they don't have a demon, but they're clearly part of one of the cults, then they're most likely even more dangerous."

Roman frowned. "That doesn't make any sense."

Remus gestures around wildly. "Yeah it does. Janus can still do magic without me being here, though my presence does help him focus his magic. If one of the members feels comfortable enough to show that they're part of the cult, and not walk around with a demon, they're bad news."

"Right, witches. I forget how powerful they can get."

"Nah, they're nothing like they were two hundred years ago! These ones got their powers from high leveled imps." Remus giggled. "'High leveled,' Imps wouldn't know what their tail is from their horns. Janny is probably one of the most powerful witches in a while."

"And even then not all of my spells work perfectly," Janus reminded him.

"Then these witches won't be dangerous?"

"Not to you, however..." The witch looked over to Virgil, who tensed up. "I suggest you avoid leaving his side as much as possible. Only do so when you know for sure he'll be safe."

Roman's look hardened. "I hadn't planned on doing anything else."

Virgil rubbed his arm. "Do you think they will target me?"

"Not unless provoked. However, you can be seen as a threat by either the Red Tails or the Sthenos. I have a safe pass with the Sthenos, considering my parents had been important members to the cult. So I suggest you and Roman keep your heads down."

"Roman and I are more powerful than any other demons that they have," Remus explained. "Though, they could end up summoning more Dukes and Duchesses. Ugh, I hope they never summon Ignis, he was a bitch."

"They can't do that without risking losing a soul, that's why they only have imps."

"Oh that's right! They're as wimpy as their imps! Which is why the Red Tails fucked up with Roman."

"When will they learn demon blood is the weakest form of celestial blood? Angel blood has more power! But no kind can force a contract on someone the demon doesn't want to be contracted to," Roman said with a slight shake of his head.

"I know right! Oh, hey remember when they tried summoning you and ended up summoning me instead? That was hilarious! I couldn't stop laughing!"

Janus rolled his eyes. "Anyway, now you two know everything. Do not tell anyone or I will take away your voices. Well, Virgil's anyway since my spells can't do shit with demons."

Roman growled and Virgil grabbed his own neck. "Do not threaten my charge."

The witch waved him off. "Then don't tell anyone. And stay away from any of the cult members. Hopefully they'll calm down soon enough and leave the school alone. Oh and Roman, keep Virgil safe. Don't fight if you can't run away." He gave him a knowing look that made Roman pale before glaring at his brother. Though, Remus looked just as confused and worried.

"What d-"

"Why don't you two go watch a movie or something to calm yourselves down?" Janus interrupted Roman. "It's not like you can do anything else."