The Balance Has Been Disturbed (Plot|Locked)

A solitary mountain located in the northern region of Fiore, such was the description of Mount Hakobe. Very few ventured too far up its steep slopes for fear of being assaulted by White Wyverns or Vulcan, or even more threatening was the possibility of becoming lost forever within the perpetual blizzard that wreathed the icy peak. However, even the local wildlife dared not venture too far up the mountain's treacherous peak, an unknown and unspoken terror keeping them away. Whispers and campfire stories among the humans spoke of a eldritch creature that made its home at the point closest to the mountain's peak, rumors of adventurers and fauna alike drawing too close and vanishing without a trace, believed to be taken by whatever creature made its home at the mountain's highest point. In spite of these rumors, a solitary light gleamed through the wintry haze as it made its way up the mountain. Was this another foolish traveler attempting to catch a glimpse of the mysterious inhabitant of the mountain? Or perhaps it was simply a climber that had gotten turned around and wandered hopelessly as chilling death closed in around them. The truth, however, was much different that what anyone could imagine. Effortlessly approaching the lonely peak of the mountain, leaving a perfectly cleared trail behind it, a demonic creature bathed in flames as white as the snow that surrounded the mountain trudged onward. A billowing cloud of steam flowed around him as the two opposing temperatures battled for supremacy. Within mere moments he reached a single cavern carved into the mountainside, crossing its threshold with no hesitation. In the forlorn dimness of the cavern, the demon's shining eyes cut through the darkness as the raging blizzard continued to howl menacingly outside.

"Why...have you called me to this place, Eaolon?" The fiery demon questioned with annoyance.

For most living things, the constant blizzard that surrounded Mount Hakobe would seem to be a natural occurrence. Very few actually attributed it to any type of magic or unnatural means. Even still, there was always a fear of what lay in wait at the highest point. As it would turn out, the answer to both of these situations was one in the same. Within a solitary cavern at the mountain's peak, an ancient demoness made her home. Eaolon, a demoness of the harshest ice, the very embodiment of winter's unforgiving nature. Decades had passed, perhaps even centuries, without much need for her to leave forth from her icy peak. But now, something had disturbed the tentative balance between demons and deities. She had become aware of the movements that had began from their holy counterparts, and this was troubling to her. Very rarely did either side have any need to be involved with the affairs of humans...except of course for her occasional snatching of and freezing prey that wandered too close to her hideaway. Even still, something was threatening to bring chaos to the world they had shaped, and this was something that could not be allowed. As such, she had sent for one of her demonic brethren, the Fire demon Asmodeus, to meet with her and discuss what was happening. She could feel the fiery presence of her polar opposite making his way up the mountain, shortly after his flame-wreathed form would grace her presence within her cavern. Upon his expression of displeasure for being called to such a place as this, Eaolon let out an amused cackle.

"Oh, has the little firefly finally left his hovel? Calm yourself, Asmodeus, I did not ask you here to trade...witty banter. I am sure you are aware of what has happened as of late, correct?" She questioned as she rose from her seat, the fabric of her dress whispering with each step as she approached him then proceeded past him and stood at the mouth of the cavern. "Something threatens that frail armistice we have with the Gods, we cannot allow this to transpire. Perhaps...we should gather our kin and seek out apprentices in the humans." Eaolon suggested thoughtfully as she turned her frigid gaze back upon Asmodeus. If it could be helped, she would rather not teach their ways to the humans, she knew all to well what they were capable of and what they were wont to do with such acquired power. Still, it was clear that even with both the Gods and the Demons fighting, they would still need the assistance of the humans.

Asmodeus let forth an annoyed growl as she spoke her snide comment in response to him, though nonetheless remained silent as she continued speaking. Eyes of living ember followed her progress towards the mouth of the cavern. It was true that he was aware of the disturbance that had arisen, and he was also aware that the Gods had began to mobilize. Her next words, however, would cause his annoyance to return and be accompanied by anger.

"Seek out the humans? It is our power that would be of benefit to them! They would be privileged to wield such formidable strength! It is they who should seek us!" With each word that Asmodeus spoke, the chill within the cavern was cut down by the staggering heat that permeating his being. Soon their immediate location appeared as though born of a heat shimmer. Even in spite of this, Eaolon stood unwavering and seemed unaffected by the heat. After a short spout of anger, Asmodeus sighed lowly, the heat fading and winter once more regained its dominion over their surroundings. "And yet...I feel there is some validity to your words. Very well, gather our brethren. We will watch these humans and decide who we feel worthy enough to grant our power. After that....then we will deal with this disturbance." With these words spoken, Asmodeus encircled himself in searing flames which dispersed shortly after, revealing that he had departed the cavern in an instant.

-Exit-

Asmodeus's initial reaction to her words was exactly as she had expected. After all, it was a sentiment that she wordlessly shared. With his anger temporarily quelled for the time being, Asmodeus agreed to her terms, though instead reasoned that the humans should seek them out instead. Speaking his piece and departing in a rush of flames, Eaolon once again turned her cold gaze out towards the outside of the cavern.

"And so it finally begins..." She whispered in a hushed tone before her body was engulfed in a flurry of snow and ice then vanishing in a manner similar to Asmodeus.

-Exit-