Chapter 309: Foreign, Yet Familiar

"Whoa," Aoife whispered as Vixia stepped out from behind a pillar. She was as stunningly beautiful as I remembered. She smiled, and knowing her powers, I immediately looked away.

"Scared?" She whispered as she stepped closer. "Aren't you going to introduce me?"

I gritted my teeth. "They can understand us, and you can understand them. There is no need for me to interfere." I glanced at the Keeper, who was silently watching our exchange. He wasn't going to interfere – not unless my life was at risk. That was his only reason for action.

Vixia laughed at my words. "Aw, you're as boring as always." She glanced at Aoife, then at Inspector John. "You can call me Vixia. Lady Vixia." She added after a moment.

Aoife was the first to gather her courage. "Aoife Friseal. I'm Kai's older sister." Inspector John needed a slightly longer moment before he could speak. "Inspector John Whittaker. I'm here as a representative of, uh, our world." 

I noticed his hesitation towards the end of his sentence. A bitter smile flashed across my lips. I had forgotten about how difficult all of this was for him, and for my sister. They were doing a phenomenal job adjusting to everything around them right now.

"Right," Vixia chuckled. "You two are fine, but…" She glanced at me once more. "You are a mess. Follow me, you can't meet Him with all that blood on you." 

Her words surprised me, I hadn't looked at myself at all. And when I did so, I flinched. My shirt and trousers were covered in dried blood and mud. "Oh." 

Vixia chuckled. "Come now, you two, wait here with the Exiled Divine."

Her words startled both Aoife and Inspector John. "Who?" My sister asked while the inspector nearly choked on his own breath. "What?" He exclaimed, looking at Fetheion wide eyed.

"Uh," The Divine seemed somewhat lost for words. "Right… I should probably explain that." 

"While he does that, you're coming with me." Before I knew it, Vixia had already dragged me away from the group.

She led me down the hall, then up some stairs. As we walked, I glanced around in a futile attempt to calm myself down. The interior of the fortress was even more grand than what I had seen that one time I stepped foot inside.

The walls were covered in detailed engravings, the stained glass windows formed beautiful, detailed shapes. I wasn't sure of how longer we walked for, but when we eventually stopped before a sturdy wooden door, I glanced at Vixia.

"There is a set of clean clothes inside. Make sure to wash yourself before you put them on."

I sighed. "Shouldn't we be in a hurry right now? The Ereth are-"

"They will be dealt with in due time. Do as you're told, Kai Friseal. I'd hate to see you die for something as simple as this." Her words didn't make me feel and fear – I was already aware of how risky it was to simply be here. "You're as annoying as ever," I said before heading inside the room and shutting the door behind me.

I could her hear laughter despite the thick walls and sturdy door. Deciding to ignore her, I glanced around. This was a simple bedroom, with not much inside. Resting on the bed were a set of clothes. Before I even looked at them, I glanced around to find the bath.

Cleaning myself and getting dressed took little time, with the latter taking longer than the former. As soon as I was done, I stepped out of the room, only to hear Vixia chuckle. "That looks good on you." 

I shook my head. "Didn't you have anything a bit more…" My voice faded. This was normal for the demons, for this world. "What is this anyways?" I asked, tapping on the surprisingly light metal under the layers of cloth.

"Enchanted darkmetal. It will protect you from some of the Lightbringers' spells, though it can't do much against the Divines."

I sighed. "Thanks." 

What I was wearing was essentially a fancy cloth armour, lined with darkmetal at the chest and back. "It really didn't need to be so… fancy." I added, pointing at the robes and the cloak. 

Vixia only laughed at my words before glancing at my somewhat damp hair. "This will do, follow me." Seeing as she was satisfied and I wasn't about to be sent back, I breathed out a sigh of relief. She led me through the long halls and down the stairs, and we reached the entrance once more. 

I glanced around the empty entrance hall. "Where are they?"

Vixia didn't respond, she simply gestured me to follow her. I did so, and soon we entered a larger hall than the previous one. It was a waiting room. Cushioned couches were scattered about, and one of them was taken by Aoife and Inspector John.

I breathed a sigh of relief and headed over there. "Hey!" I called out, startling them. "I'm back, what did I miss?"

"What the fu-" Aoife's shocked shout was interrupted by Inspector John. "What on earth are you wearing, Kai?" He exclaimed.

I shrugged. "They don't have any normal clothes." I lowered myself onto the couch across the table. "It's protective armour." I added. 

"Kai, you can't fight in armour you're not used to. It's just going to hinder you." Aoife protested. "I'm sure there are at least some normal clothes in this world."

I chuckled. "I'm used to wearing these kinds of things – the Ereth kind more than the demonic one, but it's the same thing in principle." I glanced at the Keeper. He seemed lost in thought as he stood still at the centre of the room. "It's comfortable, and doesn't hinder any movement, so you don't need to worry about it."

Aoife's expression didn't change. Her lips formed a thin line as she glared at me. "That's not what I meant. Kai, you're just missing the horns, you look just like them! You talk like them, in their language. It's almost as if you belong!"

I flinched. "I belong?" I asked, more hurt than anything. Did being forced to stand before the Demon Lord look like I belonged? "I don't belong here, Aoife." I hissed, clenching my fists. I stood up and walked away without giving her the chance to talk.

"When can I see him?" I asked the Keeper. 

His lips formed a faint smile. "Now."