The Art of Pointed Questions

Part 1/1

"Have you ever had a friendship bracelet?"

The ridiculousness of that question echoed across the rocky walls surrounding their path as it wound through a small craig. It wasn't the first absurd question that Amma had asked in their seemingly never-ending journey toward Faebarrow, but this one had to be one of the most egregious yet.

Had Damien Maleficus Bloodthrone, Son of Zagadoth the Tempestuous, Ninth Lord of the Infernal Darkness and Abyssal Tyrant of the Sanguine Throne, ever had a friendship bracelet?

The better question would be if he'd had any friends at all, to which the answer would be a resounding no. He was evil, evil beings did not have such childish things as friends.

Damien didn't justify it with an answer, instead, he released a heavy, long-suffering sigh and debated using the talisman's power to get her to stop talking - it seemed he was debating this almost every minute he let her have free reign of her own speech.

Kaz had scrambled off somewhere a half hour ago and had yet to come back, however, Damien could sense his presence skulking behind them. The imp had been keeping Amma busy chatting - though it had in truth been Amma chatting at him and Katz shooting back cruel names and annoyed looks. But even his loyal minion couldn't withstand that brand of torture forever and had fled in a burst of rage, leaving Amma with a new target who was much less engageable than Kaz.

Damien thoroughly debated - for what felt like the millionth time - leaving Amma behind just to avoid her inane questions. Yet he couldn't leave the talisman unattended, could he? Hence his constant debate on ordering her to shut her mouth. He'd done worse to others for less heinous acts, surely this wasn't unreasonable.

"I know you heard me, Damien, don't pretend you're too dark and broody for a friendship bracelet." Damien could practically hear the eye roll in her voice and he stifled an irritated growl. "You were a kid at some point, right? Kids give each other friendship bracelets, half-demon or not. I bet you were just like all the other kids, playing with your toys and frolicking in the streets or whatever it is kids do in creepy cities - skulking through the streets?" Amma giggled, apparently, the image of a tiny Damien, pout on his face as he skipped around was too much for her to contain herself.

"I am evil, Amma. Evil people do not frolic, no matter their age." Damien shot her a withering look. But like a fool, he'd fallen for her bait, and he watched as a wide smirk pulled at her round cheeks. Not wanting to admit to having been beaten, he hissed, "Sanguinisui, do not talk until we reach our camp tonight." Amma's mouth snapped shut as her teeth clacked together. Knowing her - as he had unfortunately come to in their time travelling together - she'd been about to gloat and Damien had managed to catch her before she could, thank the hells.

She narrowed her eyes at him, clearly irritated, which only succeeded in painting a smug grin across his lips. Gesturing to the surrounding forest, she put her hands to her throat and made a strangled sound, her tongue comically sticking out the side of her mouth. He supposed he couldn't blame her after the last time they'd been attacked and she'd been unable to make a shout for help because of his orders.

Somewhere behind them, Damien heard Kaz make a wretching sound.

Damien rolled his eyes but conceded - he couldn't risk losing the talisman. "Sanguinisui, you may only ignore that last order if you are in danger."

Satisfied that she wasn't at imminent risk, Damien turned away from her, clicking his heels against his 'horse' to spurn it on faster. The last thing he needed was to look back at where she sat, dejected and fuming. He didn't want to feel any sort of pity for her, like how he'd feel pity for a weak little kitten caught out in the rain. He had other more important things on his mind, like getting his father out of the crystal, his main objective. He didn't have the time to spare her any sympathy.