The Zodiacs: Blood Of Angels

Chapter 39: Capricorn

"So, you're the demon Malus?" Scorpio almost sneered, as they stood inside his hut again. It seemed to have gotten bigger since they were last here, as it fit all the Zodiacs and Malus comfortably. Also, there were now rows of weapons and armour going all around the circular hut.

"The one and only," Malus bowed, pretending to lift an imaginary tophat as he did so.

"And you didn't reveal yourself to us why?" Aquarius asked. She was as civil as possible, not showing any signs of dislike towards him.  

Malus shrugged. "I didn't want to tell you then."

"Hmm, good excuse," Leo nodded approvingly, and wagging his finger at Malus. He saw Scorpio's death glare and rolled his eyes. "I was being sarcastic!"

"Better be," Scorpio remarked.

"Well, in any case, I'm glad to see you defeated the wyvern. I hope my equipment proved helpful?"

"Yes," Aquarius grudgingly nodded. "The armour is pretty amazing, I can't deny it."

Malus smiled widely. "Great!" He examined her, and Aquarius shifted uncomfortably in her feet. "The armour looks like it was made for you, so I suggest you put it to good use."

"You want me to keep it?"

"Only if you want it. As you can see, I have plenty of equipment," Malus motioned around the hut at the numerous weapons and armour. Malus gave the perception that he was a very nice and easy going person (well, demon) who wanted nothing more than to help them. With his constant gift giving and helpful nature, Capricorn wondered whether he was being too nice. Surely, he was up to something?

"Can I get some sweet new gear?" Aries asked, his eyes literally lighting up. Capricorn rolled her eyes - of course he'd want some sort of new weapon. 

"Sorry, but these aren't for you," Malus shook his head. "Do you have the wyvern heart I requested?" The wyvern heart request had intrigued Capricorn - she had done a huge amount of research on wyverns when she had accepted the contract, but she had never read anything about the special powers of a wyvern heart.

"Why the hell would you need that?" Leo asked, as Scorpio took out a large bag from her belt and handed it him. "Wyvern hearts aren't particularly useful for anything."

"On the contrary, they are useful for me." Malus took the heart out of the bag and Capricorn nearly gagged when she saw it. It was the size of a caravan wheel, crimson red and still beating. Even some of the others turned away in disgust, as Malus held it up and examined it for a few seconds. When he looked satisfied, he snapped his fingers, the heart shrunk to the size of a fist and he proceeded to put it in a leather pouch of his own.

"Okay, moving on, there's this demon, Berial... and we kinda need your help in taking this down," Gemini said.

"I know who Berial is and you don't need me to take him down. He's just a greater demon that is probably weaker than the wyvern you just killed," Malus replied, washing his hands. "What you need me for, is his lackey, Ifreet."

"Yeah, I... I mean, we... really want to kill him," Leo nodded. Capricorn could see the fire in his eyes and he was quickly shifting from foot to foot, as if excited or ready for something.

"Let it out Leo, we know how much you hated getting your arse kicked last time," Sag teased.

"Seriously, let it go man. Revenge doesn't suit you. Me, on the other hand..." Aries maliciously smiled and Capricorn knew he was thinking of torture techniques for the demon.