The Frozen Melody

19.Challenge.

“PYE!” An enraged scream pierced through the palace calm, a beautiful tranquility that was accompanied by the soft symphony playing on the acoustic gramophone.

Joker snapped shut his book, took off his reading glasses, and stood up just in time to greet the vibrating boom of his door banging open in anger.

He coolly watched the God of Hell storm into his room, her white hair blazing about her and accenting the red glow of her pupils. With a fling of her hand, she sent his gramophone smashing against the bookcase far behind it. He watched as the wood pieces shattered and a few of his books fell to the ground before turning his gaze back to the angry Diábolos. His expression was kept blank throughout, and his only thought was regret that he now needed to go find another gramophone with as excellent sound quality as this broken one.

Mu's face peeked from the doorway before quickly retreating. He did his job and brought Neine back, no need to stick around longer and experience her wrath.

“What did you do with my wolf?!” Neine demanded in the ringing silence that followed. She was close enough to punch him in the face if their height difference hadn’t made that action so awkward. Instead, she stabbed a finger into his chest a few times as she asked that question.

The blonde tilted his head slightly and smirked, “Two of our lovely subordinates decided it was an excellent idea for a tout à coup endeavor to overthrow our rule. Tiger was caught in their plans, and left Hell on his own accord. I do hate to say 'I told you so', but I told you so. You should have allowed me to eat my son when I wanted to. Though I must admit, his older age marinated him quite well. Very delicious...” He chuckled at the memory of his meal and took up Neine’s hand, giving it a soft kiss. "I am delighted to see you return in good health."

The Diábolos narrowed her eyes at his words, but she was visibly calmer now upon hearing that Joker didn't purposely chase Tiger away. She took her hand from him and walked passed him to take a seat on the tall large wooden desk in his study. “I guess I won't punish you, since it wasn't really your fault. Plus, Tiger isn't here to receive the award. But I won't let you off so easily next time."

Joker cocked an eyebrow, "You sound like you want me to abuse him so that you would have an excuse to take my eye."

"Maybe." That was somewhat true. Neine knew her Commander tend to overwork himself, so taking away some of his powers might force the blonde to take more breaks. However, now that her Captain is gone, she couldn't afford fooling around and carelessly decrease Joker's powers. "Anyway, Mu also said something about Xing being dangerous because of Daeken. What's up with that?"

"Ah yes." The Commander elevated off the ground to sit in the air, as if on an invisible chair, and made himself comfortable. He explained the plot Judice came up with, and the portals that appeared as a result. "Grey has gathered the rest of the portal balls so we are safe from an invasion for now. In addition, he also contributed some of his magic to fortify parts of Hell I could not cover."

"Wait wait, what about Xing? What exactly was Daeken going to tell him?"

Joker sighed; he had not looked forward to having this part of the conversation with Neine. "I do not know. Neither did Judice or Zitrinna."

Neine leaned forward, the worry clear in her voice, "Then I should go warn him right now. Does Grey know where he is?"

"Unfortunately no, I have already inquired. I do request that you please remain here in Hell Neine."

"What? No." The girl rejected firmly without a second thought. "Xing wouldn't hurt me on purpose. I'm his only family. Ketra and Skye wouldn't either; we were-are comrades."