The Return | Cricky [C]

Chapter XXVI: God of Love

Johannes leaned in between us, placing his hands on our shoulders, "Pardon, but I seem to be a little confused."

Ricky stared back at me. I couldn't read his expression. It could've been shocked, it could've been amazement, confusion, or even disappointment. "He's... Not from our realm."

"Ah. Alrighty then." Johannes walked past us, continuing onward. He snapped between states and maintained a pleasant predisposition shockingly well. That was a good enough explanation for him? If I had been in his shoes, I'd have at least a few questions. He glanced back at us, "Coming?"

"One second." Ricky replied, turning to face me. He placed his hand on my arm and ran the pad of his thumb over the tattoo. "Why- How do you have this?"

"In my world, it's the logo of a band, called HIM. The lead singer invented the symbol. His name is Ville Valo." I explained, "Kuza has one too. In fact, mentioning HIM was how I kept him from trying to kill me when I first came to the castle."

"The man we're about to meet, his name is Ville. The God of Love. It seems... He has some things to answer for." He stated.

You don't say? In a way, it made sense. Ville was always a tad strange. His art, his vision, came from such a unique vantage point. It did feel as if he was an outsider to the human race, observing mankind cynically, and viewing life and death with detachment. He also had a tendency to disappear when HIM wasn't on tour. Add in his inclination for Gothic aesthetic and romance, and he would've made a damn good vampire. The only reason I never suspected him of such was because I'd seen recordings of him performing at festivals, in broad daylight.

Understandably, the thought never crossed my mind that he may be a different breed of supernatural creature. All things considered, he certainly could've doubled as a demon lord in another realm. What I don't understand is why or how. Which realm was he born in? How'd he figure out how to travel between the two? And was this world the reason why HIM broke up a few years ago? He just couldn't lead the double life anymore? I have way too many questions to focus on the objective.

We hurried to catch up with Johannes. He pounded down the door knocker, then waited patiently. A few minutes later, the double doors were drawn open by two beautiful women. Long hair, big tits, and flowing maroon dresses. They looked like they walked out of a cheesy porno movie about the Roman Empire. The interior wasn't much different. Large sculpted columns surrounded us. On either side of the carpeted path, there was a small waterway filled with red liquid. It wasn't blood from what I could tell. Rose petals floated in the channels. In fact, there were flowers and stray petals everywhere imaginable.

As we journeyed farther into the castle, I could hear music in the distance. Though the tune may have been played on harps and violins instead of drums and electric guitars, I still recognized it as "When Love and Death Embrace." A beautiful song for beautiful surroundings. All I had seen of the palace staff so far was remarkable women. They gave off cutthroat energy, and I had a feeling if I dared asked about the lack of dicks around, they'd tell me they didn't need men. Rightfully so.

We came to a stop before a white gate. Though it was made of wood, it was so intricately carved, I wouldn't describe it as a door. I could see and sense people on the other side, though I didn't focus too intently on that due to two frankly terrifying women on this side of the gate staring us down.

"We've come to speak to Ville. It's urgent." Ricky informed them.

The blonde seemed unimpressed by his commanding tone. "State your names."

Johannes stepped forward, taking a dramatic bow forward. "Johannes Eckerström, Minister to the King of Avatar Country and the demon lord known as the Great Catalyst."