Koji smiled at the thought of having two questions to be able to ask at the end of this. The more questions he was allowed the more he could learn about the netherworld.After she finished her other instruction he responded "Yes Mistress Scarlet" to show he understood what to call out IF he needed her. Which he hoped he didn't....

He stiffened just barely as he felt the heat from whatever she was doing behind him.
There, what I have done is made sure from a distance they know they are dealing with the fire clan, not too many are willing to risk their lives versus one of us....
Hearing that Koji imagined she had branded his shirt marking him, yet again, as hers. As she moved to the door he followed behind closely as fit his position in the current events, head already down following Madam Scarlett's instructions as soon as he was outside her door.

Scara smiled briefly in satisfaction as she heard his reply. Good, I'm glad he's a quick learner and willing to follow this, if all goes well I might allow him 2-3 more questions. After he stepped out her door Scara pulled it shut and sealed it with "frozen fire". A special technique she had learned from her grandfather for locking things. After looking around Scara headed down the street toward the town which was a good 3 miles from her house at least. She hated living any closer as she couldn't stand the sounds and smells. Along the way they passed a "playground" of sorts where the equipment was made from bones of other demons and larger creatures. The children were a sight as well were-children, demonic ones, and others that really had no name all "playing" together. Farther along they passed a group of figures robed in black. All you cold see was two green glowing points in their hoods and the tiniest bit of tail peeking out from behind. The sidewalk wasn't too crowded as it was still early morning, occasionally a transport beast rumbled by but otherwise it was still quiet.

Reaching the outskirts of the "center city" Scara paused to check the bulletin board. Most of the flyers consisted of the same things human trades, daily fights, blood feud claims...however one caught her eye. It was placed in the center and written in common tongue so all could read it. Attention all Netherworlders: It has come to the attention of Lucifer that somehow a human broke through our barrier without a demon and is now walking amongst us. A hefty reward is being offered for information that leads to the pests capture. An even greater reward is offered for the Netherworlder who brings the human in alive. Should the human be found dead, an eternity of torture awaits the one who kills him. Report any information to any of the Black Guard you see around town. Scara shuddered slightly after finishing reading the notice. I think this is the last time I'll risk bringing him into town until this blows over a bit. Straightening her wings and holding her head up Scara continued past the board and into the city proper.

Following behind Madam Scarlett Koji kept himself in the serviant position the entire time, his eyes moving to one thing or another taking in all he could without moving his head and breaking the image that Mistress Scarlett wanted. As they passed the playground he had to keep himself from staring at the children, Despite several of them stopping what they were doing to briefly watch him. Whether it was because of the fact that he might have been the first human they would have seen in their lives, or for some other reason, Koji couldn't tell. One of the little cat girls watched him curiously yet nervously for a few seconds before bounding back to the playground as Koji followed Madam away from the playground.

Noticing Madam Scarlett slow down to stop Koji did the same thing and waited for her to move or tell him to do something. She seemed to be stopped at a bulliten board and was reading something. With his head down he couldn't read what she could so he tuned his ears to hear what was being said about the bulliten board. He couldn't understand much mostly grumbles and grunts he assumed were other languages.

As Madam Scarlet began to move again he picked up a gruff voice that was speaking english.

"A hefty reward from lord lucifer? I could go for that...and it's a rogue human He shouldn't be too hard to....."

He wasn't able to catch the rest as he and Madam scarlet had moved too far away. But a bone-cold chill ran up his spine. That rogue human is ...Me...

Scara continued down the street keeping an eye on the other inhabitants of the town. Good, the ruse is working. she thought as she watched a few of them eye her, the human and the band. Thankfully none of my cousins agents seem to be in town either. Heading down the street she passed several different shops and stall, all with different sights and smells. My Lady cried a vendor Would you be so kind. My fire pit has gone out and I can't get it to relight and everyone knows no fire burns better than one from such as you. The lady vendor bowed low to her. Smiling Scara figured it wouldn't hurt to indulge the girl, looked like she was selling jerky, which was a favorite snack. Holding up one hand she shot a ball into the bit and watched as it instantly burst into flame and almost scorched the were-girl's tail. Thank you ever so much! Here, for your help let me give you some of my best jerky. The were girl reached into a smoker with some tongs and pulled out a few chunks of meat and placed them in a bag before handing them to Scarlett.

Scarlett sniffed the aroma before tying the bag around her belt. Mmmm..smoked blunderbeast. Delicious. Continuing past the vendor Scara found the paint shop she was looking for. Walking through the doorway Scara nodded to the beast behind the counter. He was the shop ower, and had always been fair with her. He was a sight to be seen today too. At 8 foot he was fairly normal height for his race, his copper scales glinted in the sunlight while droplets of "paint" could be seen on his "hands". Grinning at her he revealed a face full of sharp fangs. "Ah, Scarlett good to see you again. I've got a new color in and was just thinking of you. With a wink he went in back and returned carrying a large bucket. Setting it on the counter he pried it open to reveal a dark, almost navy blue. Just "made" this batch yesterday. He grinned again and licked his lip. Looking that the color Scara agreed it was very nice. It's perfect Edgor. I'll take it. Reaching in her pouch she pulled out a few coins and handed them to Edgor.

Koji continued to watch everything he could with his eyes. Listening to the crowd for any other talk about him. What he heard he didn't like but he was under Madam Scarlett's protection and he thanked whatever power that brought him here for that. As she paused to light the firepit of the vendor he paused behind her as well shifting to the side slightly so he wouldn't bump into anyone.

As they moved off again and walked into the paint store he moved aside while Madam Scarlet and Edgor talked. When the pain was brought up he moved closer expecting to be told to carry the paint now and for the rest of the time in the shops


[[Sorry for the short post...i have some trouble planned..i'm just trying to figure how to work it into a koji post or make it entirely separate..

And sorry for the late post i hadn't been sleeping well or alot recently and it caught up with me last night (fell asleep at 9:00 Pm woke up 7:30 am)]]

Scara noticed Koji moved forward after she had paid for the paint. Good, he realizes what his "role" in the outing entails. Scara noticed the beast checking out the bruising on Koji's chest with an appreciative eye. Turning her attention to the demon she said Yes, this one had to learn the hard way he should have to be told it's his duty to carry things. He made that mistake once and learned quickly. she made sure to drop the hint in there that Koji was expected to pick up the bucket and carry it. Speaking of which I notice you brought out the bucket. Eat your slave again? she asked with amusement in her voice. After a short rumble that turned out to be the beast laughing it was confirmed in fact his slave had complained to much and he ate her. After a few more "pleasantries" Scara bid the demon good day and headed out of the store.

Turning left she continued down the street, pulling a slip of paper out of her pocket she looked it over before heading to a store set back down an alley way. Pushing open the door she stepped inside and regarded the demon behind the counter. At only 5' she was considered a runt amongst the demon-folk and hid her shop for a reason. She didn't want to have to deal with the ridicule about her size nor her merchandise. She was the only one who made clothes for human slaves/servants. It was seen as a profession below any Nether resident yet they all shopped there. Scara acted as though she was there on business for her cousin, telling the clerk she needed clothes that would fit servants around Koji's size.

((No problem. We all have short post days. and don't worry about the post time. I've been off work the last two days so my online time has been erratic. ))

Taking the hint Koji reached up and grabbed the bucket it was heavy but he could handle it. he used his right arm to carry the bucket close to his side careful to make note of how much wider it made him so he could continue to avoid bumping into patrons or vendors. Listening to the banter between Madam Scarlet and Edgor it sent a chill down his spine to see how simply or quickly Edgor's servant had been rid of. Swallowing the hard lump that had formed in his throat he bowed silently to Edgor as he followed Madam Scarlet out the store. back in the streets he paid attention to everything around him not just to learn but to avoid collisions as well. There were a few close calls as groups of teen monsters roamed the area like teens in a mall but Koji was able to avoid collision. Following Madam down an alleyway Koji was glad for the reduced amount of shoppers going up and down the alleyway

Following the way into the next store Koji couldn't help but notice all the clothing seemed to be designed for humans A slave clothing store..wonder why it's so out of the way?... shaking the question from his mind Koji shifted the bucket of paint into the other hand lessening the weight for a bit. He wanted to put it down but he doubted that, doing so without permission, would be a good idea. so instead of focusing on the weight of the bucket he looked around himself to the clothing on the racks seeing a few color schemes or designs he'd like over the torn shirt he was wearing but he'd be fine with anything he was given.

Turning to face Koji, Scara instructed him to set the bucket down and allow the small demoness to measure him. Standing back Scara told the seamstress that her cousin wanted some "normal" clothes along with a few piece of formal ware for when their parents came in. While slaves were just that, they had to be presentable when dignitaries and heads of clans were around. Only when a slave misbehaved was it seemly for them to walk around in clothes as torn as Koji's were. Which helped with Scara's plan of being in town for the day. She's worry about what to do if she wanted to bring him back in again.

The demoness seamstress slowly approached Koji, pulling out a strip of leather with odd markings on it at set intervals. Carefully she began to measure his shoulders, inseam, and waist. The seamstress nodded and turned to Scara. You're in luck. His sizing is the same a slave who was just... the seamstress paused as a slave who will no longer be needing clothes. She turned and began gathering clothes, her blue fur glowing in the candle light of the shop. Slowly a stack began to form on a table in front of Koji, everything from jeans to khaki slacks and even one suit. Once the stack was completed and had Scara's approval the seamstress put everything into a sack so the clothes wouldn't get dirty on the way back.

putting down the paint koji spread his arms and legs to be measured by the demon clerk. He couldn't help but notice that she was smaller than him. He was tall for a human, he knew, but with the exception of this clerk he was the shortest in the netherworld. It was an odd feeing to bee taller while she was a resident of the world. shoving that musing from his head Koji held still while he was measured for clothing. as she stopped and explained that there was plenty for him at the time once he knew he was done he went and picked up the paint before heading to the front counter and waiting till the sack was full and done.

Adding the width of the sac to his consideration he waited for Madam Scarlet to leave so he would follow her out supplies in hand. With the added size to himself he hoped the main streets had died down a bit and travel would become a bit easier.

After setting coins on the counter Scara nodded to the seamstress and headed out the door and back onto the street. I don't think there's much else we'll need. I did just buy food the other day, plus there's some good hunting to be had in the woods behind my place. Looking around briefly Scara turned and headed down the street and back the way they came. Looking across the street she watched a few teenage demons pushing a were-teen around until the were-teens friends showed up. Soon a full fight broke out, the weres shifted forms and began to tear into the demon's wings. The demons responded hurling ice at the weres. That would explain it, damn ice demon children. Can't keep their tempers under control. Always out for a fight trying to show they're as tough as the fire clan. Suddenly the wind brought her the smell of burnt fur, pausing she looked more closely at the fight and recognized a fire demon in the pack. Looking around she noticed he was hanging with the ice demons, which was against clan code. Holding up her hand she hit the demon with a fire lash. He spun around looking to fight back until he saw who it was that hit him. Bowing his head he placed his hand in a fist over his heart and bowed before flying off. He knew she'd report him to the council. Why did my parents have to be the clan elders? She asked the sky before heading off once again.

It seemed Koji would get the opposite of his wish. Walking back into the main street Koji listened to the sounds of a scuffle breakout into a full fight from his vantage point he guessed the two parties involved. The first were a group of similar demons ice he guessed by the lack of heat around them and for obvious visual reasons the other group were a bunch of were's. Koji did his best to avoid the fighting and follow Madam scarlet but there was nothing he could do when a demon got shoved out of the battle circle and into Koji...Quick thinking and movement on his par prevented any spilling of the paint however the sack of clothing he had to loosen his grip on and that slipped out of his hands and fell to the ground a few inches from where he stood..

the ice demon was already on edge about the fight but getting pushed into a human did nothing near calm him down"Out of the way you stupid human...better yet... i'll make you get out of the way..."He might not have been the strongest fighter in the current brawl his friends and hisself was involved in but he could clearly blow off some steam and easily kill this human he'd bumped into.

Koji watched as the Demon forgot about his friends fighting with the were's to let out a little steam in the form of a jagged sharp ice shard clearly meant for Koji swallowing hard, eyes trained on the shard, Koji called out the two words he was allowed to say without anyone talking to him "Mistress Scarlett...!"

After watching the fire demon take off, Scara turned and continued walking. She was worried that Koji might not be following her but she couldn't turn to look. She had only gotten a few more steps before she heard him yell for her. Whipping around she found that one of the ice demons had been pushed out of the street and into Koji. Spying the shard she quickly walked over to where Koji was standing and placed one hand on his shoulder, her eyes beginning to glow a soft red from her ire. Standing just behind Koji she spread her wings wide and held up one hand with a fireball resting in her palm. In a low voice full of painful promise she asked Is there a problem here?

Koji stiffened as he was caught in the middle of the two demons. Madam scarlet's hand on his shoulder helped a little but if he'd misread the ice demon's intentions it might be he who was going to be punished. He'd take the punishment over being killed any day though.

"What the Nether do YOU think! of course there's a problem i bumped into your stupid human as i got thrown out of the fight..."The ice demon was angry for having a stupid question asked of him but more so that he got so easily thrown out of the fight. And blaming the stupid human slave was easier than admitting to himself that he did get thrown out of the fight which was still going on behind him. Looking up for the first time the demon looked at Scarlet "such a useless human should be taken.... care of..." realizing after a bit who he was talking to the demon's voice faded off as it finished

Scara's eyes were burning white hot at this point and a small crowd had gathered on the other side of the street. Well far enough away should a fight break out between the two but close enough to watch the action. It sounds more to me like you should've held your own in that fight instead of being pushed out of it so easily... her voice coming out low As you can see he is property of the Highest ranking fire clan and I really don't think you want to dishonor your family much more than you already have. She tapped a finger against the collar she had made with their family's ranking runes. Scara wasn't worried now, even if her cousin heard of this she would just laugh. She always loved it when anyone in the family got to pull rank and embarrass someone, especially someone from the ice clans.

"Y-yes of course i see that now...I-I'm sorry" the ice demon's bravado was quickly fading in the light of the Fire demoness' gaze. The Fireball resting in her palm didn't strengthen his resolve either, his family wasn't even close to ranking high in the ice clans and he was no match for a fire demon of her stature."I-I'll be on my way..." turning away embarrassed by the whole scene The ice demon quickly joined his friends who as a group quickly ran away from the scene

Koji let go of a breath he didn't know he was holding at the time as the conflict ended waiting for Madam scarlet to release his shoulder he bent down and grabbed the sack of clothes he'd dropped swiping whatever dirt he could off the clothing before putting it away. Standing up again he followed Madam as she led the way.

[[Gar another short post...if i can i'll beef it up a bit in a bit]]

Smiling wickedly Scara watched the demon and his friends run off. Looking around at the crowd she had to hold herself back from laughing as they all scattered like imps in the wind. Closing her eyes she dissolved the fireball and relaxed until there was just barely a glow in her eyes. Giving Koji's shoulder a quick but gentle squeeze she let go and turned back the way they had come from. As she walked she noticed that the going was a lot easier since the community knew she was in town, everyone made sure to move out of her way and Koji's way. A few of the vendors on the way out of town tried to gain her business offering "good deals", politely she raised one hand to dismiss their offer this time but letting them know she may be back later. Passing outside of the center the sidewalk became much emptier. Letting out a small sigh of relief she continued her way down through the neighborhoods. As they passed the playground once again the little demonite children cheered as she passed, they always loved a good show. Soon they would be back to her place and she could relax a bit more.

((It's ok. Kinda hard to have a long post when you're having a conversation like that. LoL))

Koji smiled mentally to himself as hhe received the squeeze on his shoulder heaving the materials foreward to get himself started and to keep in pace with Madam. Koji was grateful that patrons were moving out of Madam Scarlet's way and his in turn. He looked around as they were leaving making note of how much respect Madam scarlet commanded. as they got into the Neighborhoods and passing the park the children weren't staring at him with an intense curiosity anymore it was a kind of approval at that point making him feel a bit better as he passed. Some part of him wanted to return to the house more than he thought he'd want to.

Scara sighed softly with relief as her home came into view. Quickening her pace just a bit she passed by several "neighbors" who were out on their porches. A few nodded respectfully in her direction as they had already heard of what happened in town. "Exciting" news traveled fast in the Nether. She wasn't worried however as they would change it to sound like the ice demon bumped into her rather than a slave.Well, that wasn't the best trip into town but it wasn't the worse. We both came home in one piece. She chuckled softly at her dark humor and unlocked the seal she had placed on the door. Shoving the door open she walked inside and looked around, making sure no imps had moved in while she was away...nor anything else. Satisfied there was nothing inside out of place Scara waited for Koji to catch up.

Koji became more...relaxed as they got farther away from town and closer to Madam Scarlet's home. After a while madam Scarlet started moving faster, which normally wouldn't really have been a problem with him except he was carrying the sack of clothing and the bucket of paint. He sped up a little but slowly was loosing ground to her. Fortunately the distance had only become noticeable shortly before reaching the house. Koji watched Mistress Scarlet dart into the house obviously checking for intruders. Koji reached the door shortly afterwards pausing once he was through all the materials he was carrying still in hands waiting for a gesture or order as to where to put the materials down. He did relax a bit once he was inside the house it wasn't something visibly noticeable just a...calmer state of mind came over him for a second.

[[sorry to say..but i'm going on vacation for the week (tomorrow-friday) i may be able to get on and post during then but then again i might not be able too]]

Scarlett waited until Koji was inside before she closed the door. Looking down at him she said That could've gone better but it could've gone a whole lot worse. You can set the paint and clothes in your room. We'll worry about paiting later. With that she turned and went over to the pantry and stored her jerky in a stone container to keep it dry and fresh. After getting it put away she went over to the icebox and grabbed a small bottle of a thick orange colored juice. Popping the top off with a bottle opener she went over to her chair to sit and relax for a bit after that ordeal. It will probably only take a day or two before I hear from my cousin and hopefully my folks won't hear about his. Though she'd have to submit a report about the ice demon's behavior she didn't want it to get to her parents that there was an issue and it involved her. She didn't exactly see eye-to-eye with them.

((It's alright. Summertime is when a lot of people go on vacation. Esp right before schools begin. Have fun! ))

Nodding to madam scarlet as she gave him directions as to where to put the paint and clothing. "Yes Madam" he moved quickly to his room to put the things down once he'd put them down he paused for a bit massaging his arms it was getting really hard to carry the two near the end. When he got to the point where the soreness in his arms were tolerable he pulled out the clothes getting a good look at them for himself cleaning and organizing them as best he could. When he was done and his room was as clean as he could get it he chose one of the new clothes and put it on it was a blue color similar to the color of the paint. it was one of the shirts that had spilled out at the little "event" back in town so he brushed off what dust he could before sitting down on his bed to regain his strength.

[[i'm back :3]]

Reclining back in her char, Scara draped her tail over one arm and swung it lazily. Getting her wings and back comfortable she closed her eyes, there was something about the scuffle that kept bugging her but she wasn't sure what it was. Thinking back to what happened she replayed the scene in her mind. What is it about this that seems so off? she thought as she tried to remember all the details. She first looked at the fight itself again, but all the combatants seemed normal...well, as normal as you get for the Netherrealm. It must be someone that was nearby and watching then. She tried her best to remember the crowd but there were a few forms escaping her, giving a heavy sigh she gave up for the time being. Opening her eyes she wondered what Koji was up to. She was slightly surprised he hadn't come to ask her a bunch of questions yet....


((Did you have a good time?))

Once he'd regained his strength Koji lifted his head a bit he had one question he could ask Madam and as he sat there one came to mind. Although as he lifted his head he felt something rub against his neck. Lifting a hand to figure out what it was Koji's fingertips brushed up against his collar. Huh...I'd forgotten that was there.. for a moment Koji rubbed his fingers along the runes that marked him as Scarlet's I'd love to learn how to write these... Shaking his head Koji was pretty sure lessons were out of the question he was lucky that she was even allowing and answering questions he had.

Standing up off his bed Koji moved to the doorway and looked out to Madam Scarlet it looked like she wasn't busy so he spoke up "Madam Scarlet I know another question i want to ask. Back in town there were all sorts of inhabitants all semi-equally mixed...has it always been like that? or, like in my world, did you used to be separated by race to avoid conflict?" the question was spurred by both the trip into town and the little scuffle on the way out of town. On earth the separation was for different reasons but touched base with what he had said. he shoved his hands in his pockets while he waited for an answer.

[[yep ^-^]]

Scara turned her head as she heard Koji exiting his room and noticed he had changed clothes. Much better now that I can't see that ghastly bruise on his chest. Plus more fitting of a "servant" or "helper". He has done nothing yet to earn my ire and be dressed in rags. she thought as she looked him over. She watched as he came closer and couldn't help but smirk. She could see by the look in his eyes that he had thought of his first question already. After he voiced his question she thought for a moment Ah, yet another well thought and asked question. He does show some promise. Though his questions almost make me think he'd rather live here...

It has not always been that way and even now things are still stressed. Many many centuries ago when the first major races began to appear there were many wars and battles over territory, finally the demon clans came out on top and split the land to fit each clan. To the north you have the Ice clan, south is reigned by the Fire clan, East is the Air clan and West is the Earth clan. Each demonic faction allowed other who shared a sort-of "elemental connection" with them to reside in their domain. An easy example would be the were-clans living in the Earth domain. Such was the way for a few centuries until we all realized that trade must happen in order to survive. Small "trading centers" began to pop up and in much the way your race went from living apart to living in cities so did ours. Some still prefer to live in the domains but most are moving out to colonies such as this one that I'm living in. We have no real "police" force as you do but instead have Lucifer's army to contend with. For the most part we keep the peace ourselves as no one cares too much about old rivalries...unless we're thirsting for some good bloodshed. With that she grinned remembering a few of the fun "scuffles" she had been in. Looking closer at Koji she realized he was still wearing the leather strap. If yo come over here I shall remove the band with my cousins markings. Her's are so recognizable because she is so simple and never cared to learn the depth of our writings.

Koji listened quietly but intently to the history of the nether as it was being told to him. Some of what he was told confirmed some guesses he'd made in his mind. her simple example of were's being in the earth realm made him wonder what were the "trademark" races living in the other realms. He mentally sighed, every question he asked brought more...Even if I was able to live here i don't think all my questions would be answered...

As Madam Scarlet finished she paused a bit before asking him over so she could remove the leather collar. She also made a comment about these being simple runes and from what he felt with his fingertips these runes didn't seem so simple. They were at least a little more complex than some of the Norse runes he knew. regardless he moved forward towards Madam kneeling down in a sort of bow and also so Madam Scarlet didn't have to get up to take his collar off. "Thank you Madam Scarlet for the information"