The Price of Purgatory

As They Dwelt in Crimson

Some daring words were exchanged between the two, but Tears heard none of it because she was excused from their presence. All she did know in the end was that it was agreed between the King of Tirell and Demon, that Tears would spend time in both realms evenly. But Owen, not being able to contain his jealous nature insisted that the time that Tears spent in Hell, he would dwell in her castle. He also felt that he could spend this time answering the riddle that would eventually free her. It was during one of the times when he was with her at her home that some men had found their way into the purgatory that was adjacent to the Chaos realm and threatened to take over Crimson. The ignorant humans had not realized that they were one foot into death already and so Owen valiantly defended the castle until he had dispatched the entire hoard. Unfortunately, he was mortally wounded during the battle and about to die himself. Tears began to cry as she held him in her arms knowing that he had saved everything. She took one ragged last breath before saying to him, "Owen... dear Owen. Ye are a true knight through and through. I ask you this once, but I canna offer it ...after. Speak yer heart's desire. Do ye wish not to die and go to yer God?" Owen's dull eyes widened after a moment as he suddenly understood what she asked and he finally whispered his answer, "For you, I would give up heaven's embrace". It was then that she transformed him into one of the undead, her first chylder, he became then, like her. He finally arose, weak and hungry, the kiss searing still through his veins. It was then that she led from his death spot and brought him to the dying men that he had dispatched... and they fed. He said that it was like no feeling he had ever felt while alive. No ... experience in life could compare, he revelled in his newly gained power. She showed him her ways, and the ways of Set that no mortal could ever know. He gained more power every day and she was pleased with her progeny. She even taught him how it is that she could be in the sunlight without much harm at all. Though her live state had much to do with that as well. Eventually, Owen did solve the riddle of her heart, and somehow wagered to win it back from the Demon so that Tears was no longer beholden to the emissary of Hell. He presented her with the prize and she cried for she knew that he had proven his absolute friendship. He told her afterwards that he was glad to give her back her life as she had given his...And so the joy in days continued and even better, for he had surpassed his mortal limits. It was during another of these times when a golden haired stranger came to the castle. He was impressively built, she had hardly ever seen a human so well... maintained. He introduced himself as Ryuu Ken Bakuhatsu and explained eventually that he was not human, he was of a race called the Saiyajins. But he sought a place to dwell that was not in the above world. Tears, ever gracious offered to allow him shelter at Crimson and he accepted. This eventually grew into a thriving relationship for all three. The two of them adored Tears and she was just as happy now that she did not have to be there alone any more and of course the great companionship. In time Ryuu asked of her to alter him as she had Owen, for he craved the abilities that they both posessed and he promised to her that he would show her how she could gain more power. In addition, Ryuu asked of her a favor, he asked if he could serve her as he would serve a queen, his queen. At that Owen also agreed that he also wished to serve Tears, and at that, they both lowered themselves to their knees as if honoring their own leige. She was speechless to say the least, but finally, she drew Owen's sword and knighted them both, Owen as her Knight Valiant, and Ryuu as her Personal Guard. And although, technically, they were both beholden to her for they were both now her chylder, it was more of an honor to be asked to serve this duty. The both arose to meet with the new Queen of Crimson. And so the deed being done, they continued on, all their powers growing, as did their friendships....