[Action various places]

[lord_of_terror]

[It had been a while since Diablo's last move, and Attleton had begun looking for him. Not that they would find him, but he still figured it would be best to lay low. Still, there were individuals in this place that held significant darkness in their hearts, and it called out to him. This wasn't like Sanctuary, and his need for pawns was minimal at best, but it would not hurt. After all, the so-called heroes would have all the less stamina to come at him with after going through the others.]

[At various points in all the cities, an odd sensation may fall upon anyone. Like someone was watching with dark intent. However, only those with the darkness in their hearts that called to Diablo would find anything. A small figure, cloaked head to toe in a jet black and tattered robe would emerge from the shadows, wordlessly, allowing those approached to make the first move.]

Comments

[lord_of_terror]

My siblings are a fickle lot, and a couple of our younger siblings have been rather... disappointing as of late.

[Diablo chuckles a bit.]

Why? This feels more natural than the ivory towers of the other cities. As for those that would listen in, they will be dealt with by my Shadow Fiends.

[Not too far from their location, what sounded like a werewolf's howl was cut short with a strangled sound as its throat was ripped out by said fiends.]

They work most effectively here under cover of night.

[iridescentillusion]

Is that so? That's a shame. If they aren't careful, then they may lose their positions to someone with greater resolve.

[He would know that one for a fact, that's for sure. Killing four gods and all.]

Then we shall remain here. I hope I won't have to doubt the abilities of your minions.

[Though he did grin at the audible death of a nearby werewolf. He probably doesn't have much to worry about. So he leans back, letting himself fall into a sitting position as a shadow twists from the ground to make a seat for him.]

So, where shall we start then?

[lord_of_terror]

Yes, and Duriel and Andariel are well aware of the displeasure their elders have in their recent actions.

[Diablo smirks to himself.]

There are at least two in this place that I would count as allies. First is the woman Ivina. She wields powers not unlike my own, though the source is different. Not to be trifled with... and perhaps holds more power than her supposed master at this point.

The second is a man named Reiner. He has the heart of a warrior, scorned and scarred from a cruel world. I have not yet seen his power, yet I can sense something in him. Something waiting to explode.

The third person of interest is one I have yet to confront personally. The name Cinder has many in this place consumed in fear. Should she prove to be worthy of the fear her name invokes has yet to be seen, however.

[iridescentillusion]

Ah, Ivina. I am quite familiar with the witch. It's very few that can see through my human guise as easily as she did. A powerful ally to make, no doubt.

[The fewer like her there are, the better though. He certainly isn't a fan of being figured out so easily. He ponders a moment before propping his cheek on his hand.]

Reiner and Cinder... ah yes, the two that were called out over the networks by frightened children for simple acts of murder. I shaln't doubt your judgment about Reiner, but I do truly wonder if this 'Cinder' is capable of such power. I have my doubts.

[His golden eyes narrow, letting out a quiet chuckle.]

Pardon my own curiosity, but I must know... is it truly allies you are seeking, or are you seeking out new pawns?

[lord_of_terror]

Yes, the power she wields comes from one not unlike myself. A being that predates time itself. Best not to underestimate that one.

[Diablo makes a sound as if mulling things over.]

It is true that this Cinder's power is uncertain at this point, yet one thing is clear. She is smart, knows what she wants, and has methods of getting under the skin of others. That in itself is worthy of my attention.

[He chuckles.]

Is there truly a distinction to be made?

[iridescentillusion]

[Diablo definitely wasn't wrong about Ivina, so keeping them all on the 'same side' would be beneficial to all parties involved. Assuming they wouldn't all backstab each other at the drop of a hat, but hey, that always has a chance of coming with the territory.]

The only smart thing I've known thus far from this 'Cinder' woman is what I haven't seen. She is smart enough to keep her head low when she has many potential head hunters, I can give her that.

[But again, he isn't about to doubt Diablo's judgment. Diablo is one that Cipher's willing to make an alliance with to begin with.]

Certainly not, but let it be known that I bow to no one. I am willing to aid your cause, as making an enemy of you would be foolish, but know that myself nor my generals shall be pawns.

[He smirks again.]

So long as we remain on that same page, I can certainly act as aid.

[lord_of_terror]

Even if she were to disappear, I would keep this "Cinder" alive in the hearts of those in this place. What she has accomplished or not is immaterial. All that matters is that they fear her. That is enough.

[Diablo laughs a bit.]

Fear not, if I need pieces on the board I can create them myself. I prefer to do things personally, but should I need something akin to that, you and your generals are far from my sight.

[iridescentillusion]

Even a mere illusion would be enough to terrify them. Humans truly are feeble minded. It is a wonder how easily broken one can become by simply encountering the most basic of terrors.

[But it makes for reasonable entertainment. Although that's more Oculus and Mobius' alley than his, but he's not one to skip mentally breaking someone for fun once in a while.]

I am happy to know that. In that regard, I believe we can maintain a steadfast alliance in this realm.

[lord_of_terror]

And yet that fragility is what can be their greatest strength as well. Do not underestimate them. They have been a thorn in my siblings' sides for some time now.

[He grins a bit.]

That pleases me to know. The time will soon come to bathe this place in flames.

[iridescentillusion]

Perhaps I simply have yet to come across a human that is worth my attention. I am afraid mortals have proven quite dull in most regards. Maybe they aren't all the same after all.

[But he also has yet to present a reason in his realm for any mortals to come hunting him. He had no doubt there would be attempts if his existence were revealed.]

I will be waiting for that then. I do hope it will prove as amusing as you make it seem.