Through Wine And Song [XiaoVen]

6. Truths and Lies

They unceremoniously fell with two thuds.

A snicker sounded from nearby, magenta eyes glowing with mischief.

"Don't act so cocky, we've barely even began the plan." Another set of eyes appeared, soon followed by the whirring of wind as the figure changed forms. "We simply have to keep him and his yaksha away from the overworld until we are done."

Silence filled the area as the two carefully picked up each of their captives before dissipating with the wind.

Moments passed, then there was a stir, followed by golden eyes snapping open as the yaksha was suddenly alert.

He was alone in a dimly lit room. His immediate surroundings being concrete walls, a poorly made bed and what appeared to be a jail cell entrance. Looking out through the door's window, he could just about make out his light source: a swirling orb of purple energy with chains attached to something he couldn't quite make out.

Backing away until his back touched the wall behind him, he ran towards the door at full force, only for a pained yell to escape him in response. With a shaky sigh, the adeptus attempted to use his abilities, only for naught, even his vision isn't helping him in this moment.

On the opposite side of the ruin, in an identical cell, sat his lover. The bard had given up any attempts of escaping after finding out something was preventing one of his most fundamental abilities, his ability to change forms freely. Muttering curses to himself, he closed his eyes.

However, his plan of clearing his head was interrupted by footsteps approaching, followed by the heavy sound of his cell's door opening. Still, his eyes remained closed.

"Barbatos, what's the matter? Something upsetting to you?" A voice mocked as the footsteps slowed to a halt. "Such a shame. If you're first instinct wasn't to attempt to get rid of us, we could've all been happy."

"You're responsible for hundreds, possibly thousands of people going missing. My motives to stop you are more than valid." The bard retorted, eyes still closed and head towards the ceiling.

"If you didn't just split off and pretend we never existed, none of this would've had to happen."

"I was never aware of any of you existing before anyone went missing. How was I to know you and I are family, that I 'abandoned' you?"

Silence.

"For 2600 years ,I have lived ,and for 2600 years, I had yet to meet other sentient wind spirits." He opened his eyes, narrowing them at his captor as he continued. "You're delusional if you think I'm in the wrong."

An amused hum escaped the being in front of him, a smile playing at their lips.

"Continue your pathetic blindness, brother. Your ignorance will soon pay you back."

The bard opened his mouth to defend himself once more but was interrupted by a finger gently being placed to his lips.

"Anything you say to deny the truth, from the moment I remove my finger from your lips, will contribute to what happens to your precious yaksha. The more you deny and irritate me, the further from freedom that adeptus will be."

Once his captive removed their finger, the god heaved a sigh. "Alright...if I no longer get my right of freedom, at least tell me your name and show me the one I speak to. It's only polite after all."

Silence as the figure thought, their form quietly moving around the cell as they paced.

"Seems fair enough. Call me Asterios." They replied, followed by their figure being enveloped in a bright light.