Giving Sloane and big chicken dude some space, Kanu made his way over to the portal. To anyone who didn't know the portal was there, it was practically invisible. The only sign it was there was the faint trace of magic in the air and the crack in the boulder in front of him which released a soft purple glow. By the time Sloane had reached Kanu, he'd pricked his finger, blue blood rushed forth, and he held his finger over the crack as a few droplets rolled down and onto the boulder.

Kanu stepped back as the portal suddenly came to life before them, a swirling mass of purple, black, blue and white. He'd once been told that it was condensed space designed by some demon to work as a portal, but he just liked the thought that he was surrounded by stars when he was flying through.
After he stopped staring into the portal, Kanu's gaze slipped over to Sloane, he suddenly seemed a millions times more serious and tired. "I mean technically you could just run through it but you have a bigger chance of getting sucked up into the void that way, so I'd recommend not. Try talking to Bulla while we're going through, otherwise you'll probably get caught up in the light and fwoom," Kanu made a jazz hand movement, "you'll get sucked into the void. Speaking of, ignore me if I start smoking, it blocks out the light and makes sure I don't get sucked into the void." Kanu didn't elaborate, he'd had too many close calls in the portals to act like he wasn't enchanted by the lights.

"We'll be coming out of a portal that's pretty well guarded, since I didn't actually say I was coming back today they might be a little hostile at first. Please don't try to murder them or anything, they won't actually hurt you, they'll just be confused. Most have never seen a heavenly being before." Kanu wasn't joking, the guards were wonderful people and he didn't want them to get hurt.

Sloane looked into the depths of the portal, pulled a rope from within her bag. She tied one side to her waist, and the other like a halter on Bulla, while the dragon stayed perfectly still, "I've been to Hell a few times - eons ago, but still. The portal is..." Sloane trailed off, and shrugged off her seriousness like a coat.

Standing in front of the portal, Sloane looked back at Kanu with a shrug, "Here goes nothing."

And with that - she jumped.

...

For a moment there was nothing.

Then, Sloane was falling, being pulled everywhere and nowhere at once.

She got her bearings after a few moments more, the needle-sharp grip of Bulla's claws digging into her arm giving her something to focus on. With a shimmer in the space behind her, Sloane caught herself on her wings, catching the flow of the portal, and now she was controlling her direction.

No longer was it a free-fall.

Instead, it was a flight amongst the light, although Bulla's chirps in her ear kept Sloane from getting too focused on them.

It wasn't like Kanu hadn't expected Sloane to just jump right in, because, to be entirely honest, it seemed like a very Sloane thing to do. This didn't stop him from rolling his eyes as her small form disappeared into the portal though. A few seconds later, Kanu released his own wings and jumped in after Sloane. The portal almost immediately exploded into light, and Kanu shielded his face as his wings released dark shadows to keep his focus ahead. He also made sure to look over to Sloane every now and then, not wanting her to drift off course.

The two flew for what seemed like eternity, although in reality it was only around ten minutes. Finally, Kanu's voice shouted over the roaring silence, "be prepared to land soon! The exit is coming up." Kanu flapped his way in front of Sloane, extending a hand out in front of him, which still trickled blue blood. Without warning, the space in front of them blew up with a bright white light and suddenly they were both tumbling out of the portal. There was no real way to actually land properly, the portals tended to just spit people out.

Kanu hit the ground, wings flailing, just as a spear whizzed by his head and took a strand of hair with it. "Oi, stop throwing shit," Kanu growled angrily as he shielded himself and Sloane with his large wings. After a moment of silence, he lowered his wings, revealing quite a large crowd in front of them.

There was a bit of shuffling as someone pushed through. It was a woman, with grey skin and long, curved ears adorned with silver earrings. Her short hair just barely brushed her chin and was completely white. She was very tall, only an inch or two shorter than Kanu, with striking cornflower blue eyes. In her hand was a second spear, which was pointed at Kanu. After a moment, the woman heaved a sigh and lowered the spear. "Oh, it's just you." Her voice was heavily accented with the raspy, rough edge of the Demonic language.

Kanu glared at the woman, his wings disappearing in a cloud of shadow as he stood up off the ground. "I am appalled you'd treat your own prince that way Fallon. Happy to see you too." The woman now known as Fallow released a heavy sigh and rolled her eyes. They eventually landed on Sloane, her brow furrowing as she studied the woman. "Who is she? Another one of your flings?" Fallon switched to Demonic, her eyes suddenly turning sharply towards Kanu. She didn't like it when he brought his girlfriends through town, which was understandable all things considered.

Kanu released a loud laugh, the other guards behind Fallon flinching as if afraid. "Oh goddess no, she's just a uh.." Kanu glanced over to Sloane, as if confused. "She's a friend. Fallon, meet Sloane, Sloane meet Fallon. She's head of the Royal Army, and also a royal pain in my ass." Kanu grinned as Fallon jabbed him with the spear, annoyance coating her expression as she turned to face Sloane.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Sloane. You must think that us Hellish beings are horribly annoying after being around this asshat, I promise we aren't all as stupid as he is." Fallon held out her hand for the other woman to shake, giving her a wink as if the two were sharing a secret they only knew.

The blast of light caught Sloane by surprise, although she was able to catch herself with her wings before she slammed into the ground. It was still extremely ungraceful, but at least she hadn't face-planted into the dirt. That would not have been fun.

As the first spear whizzed by, Sloane found herself already reaching for one of her knives, the wicked blade catching the low lights. Still, she remembered Kanu's request to not kill anyone, and, well... she couldn't really afford to be thrown in prison, so Sloane held off on gutting anyone.

When things had calmed down, and Kanu's wings were out of her face, Sloane took the moment to assess the situation, and while the crowd of people made her feel like her skin was crawling, they didn't seem likely to attack, since their Prince was there.

Sloane felt safe enough to pay attention to the conversation between Kanu and some.... stranger.

...

And then,

Having never put the knife away, Sloane slid it away before greeting Fallon, "Based on what I could understand, I am extremely hoping that I wasn't thought to be on his arm. Not exactly my type."

As Fallon introduced herself, Sloane stepped up the meet her handshake, "A pleasure to meet you as well - and no way I could think anyone else could be as annoying as Kanu," Sloane said with a smirk, "Besides... seems like I've already met a way better representation of the strengths and capabilities of your kingdom."

Sloane stepped back after the handshake was done, raising an eyebrow at Kanu as she turned to look at him, "You didn't tell me everyone else from your kingdom are extremely bad-ass," And hot.

Suddenly realizing her wings were still out, Sloane shifted slightly, and they disappeared as quickly as they had appeared, "Also, mind clearing the crowd? Kinda feel like a bug under inspection."

-

sorry this is short - i am unsure where we are going next.

Don't worry about it, I can barely reply to stuff right now with the 0 inspo I have. So if anything, I'm sorry.))
~

A soft laugh spilled from Fallon's mouth, and she shook her head rapidly at Sloane's words. "I'm sorry, it was only natural for me to assume you were dating this idiot. After all, his type in women is hot and badass, and I believe you fulfill both of those requirements." Fallon winked yet again as Kanu watched on with disgust. What was happening??? Sloane was being nice?? Fallon wasn't actively trying to dismember him for bringing a strange woman into town in the middle of a war?? The whole world was going plain mad.

Kanu had to forcibly shake himself out of his thoughts as Sloane turned back to him, though his look of disgust and shock had yet to leave his face. "Uh yea, of course everyone is, and, mind you, you've never seen me in real combat so you wouldn't even know that I am, indeed, a badass," Kanu hurriedly added in the last bit. He wanted Sloane to be sure that he was just as awesome as Fallon seemed to be. After all, Fallon only had her position because of him.

It took a moment for Sloane's words to actually reach Kanu's ears, and he quickly nodded. "Oh yea, I forgot about that." He nodded at Fallon, who quickly shook her head in response. "You know that I can't dismiss them when you're here. You outrank me." Kanu released a soft, "oops," before turning to face the crowd. "you are all dismissed." The guards quickly shuffled out, leaving the trio alone in the cavern.

The portal on this side was located inside of a cave, and the cave was lit by lamp posts, though it was not fire that lit up the area. Instead of fire, there were silvery globes of light located in the lamps that gave off an even brighter light than any fire could. The walls were covered in rare crystal formations, shimmering purples, reds and greens decorated the walls. While the ground was covered in smooth pebbles that crunched delightfully underfoot as the guards retreated.

"So, I hope you're here to finally join in the war effort Prince Kanu," Fallon huffed as she crossed her arms. She glared at Kanu, who surprisingly remained composed under her withering glare. "Not quite Fallon, besides, we shouldn't speak of such things when there is a guest around. On top of that, you know well enough why I can't do anything right now." Kanu tried to emphasize his words, his eyes darting between Fallon and Sloane. Finally, Fallon rolled her eyes and simply stated, "yea, whatever," and turned back around to face Sloane.

"So will you two be staying the night here?" In reply, Kanu simply nodded his head. "Well in that case I'll give you the grand tour while Kanu goes to see his son, who he promised to give a tour of the damn palace and that still hasn't happened." Kanu threw his hands up in defeat. "We are literally in the midst of a Civil War." "Yea well do you think this little brain cares? No. His father promised him a tour and it still hasn't happened. And by the Goddess if you don't do it soon I'll have your bloody head. Got it?" Fallon gave Kanu a toothy, angry grin, which he merely nodded in reply to.

"I'll wait outside, I assumed you two have things to discuss and I have guards to speak to. The tour offer is still up for you Ms. Sloane." Fallon's grin had faded into a soft smile as she looked at the stranger, before she glared at Kanu and stomped away.

Kanu watched her go as his eyes fogged over with exhaustion. "Are you okay going with Fallon for a bit? We'll be staying the night anyway so we can get some supplies and rest."

Sloane did not blush.

She didn't.

The heat on her face was just the normal temperatures of Hell, and she was hot because of that. Definitely. Even though she'd been in more extreme temperatures without overheating before.

As Sloane's head bobbed between the two as they conversed, she felt like she was missing a huge piece of a puzzle, and couldn't quite match up what was going on right at that moment.

Then, Fallon was walking away, and Sloane was still staring at the spot where she had been for a few seconds longer, blinking stupidly.

Shaking out of it, Sloane focused on Kanu and what he was saying. Although she missed the first few words, she could gather what his messaged had been, "Yeah, no problem."

Bulla settled on Sloane's shoulder from where she had been flying around and exploring, and she pet the small creature as she nuzzled her cheek. After a heavily awkward pause, Sloane just shrugged, "Good luck with whatever shit you have going on, I guess. Don't die, or something stupid like that, while I'm gone."

After checking to see that Kanu didn't need anything else (not that she could do anything about it if he did) Sloane exited the cave the same way Fallon had, and met up with the (totally badass and hot) head guard.

It was for Sloane's sake that Kanu said not a word about her face had tinged a soft pink, or maybe it was more for his sake. He doubted she'd let him live if he brought up the fact that Fallon had most definitely made her blush. Truthfully, he could understand where she was coming from, Fallon's sly grin and subtle flirts made anyone melt. Granted, he tried not to think about how stunning Fallon was because the last time he had he'd gotten a son out of it.

Sloane's awkwardness was quite possibly the most shocking thing Kanu had ever seen in his life, and his eyes narrowed at her flushed face. Oh she was most definitely crushing on Fallon, unfortuantely, Kanu liked having a head so he didn't make a single peep about it. "More like you don't die, and don't get yourself into any stuid fights. I'll see you soon, tell Fallon to meet me at Pes Idone (Don't bother looking this up because I literally just made it up), she'll know what I mean." Kanu waved Sloane off as he exited the cave from the back entrance, a little pep in his step as he took off to go get his son from school.

~~~

Fallon was speakingly in hushed voices, though from her wide, obnoxious hand gestures as she spoke, she obviously was angry, or at the very least upset.

As Sloane approached, the conversation finished up, ending with Fallon's angry, "I will put him in no danger. He is already stretched thin, and with the queen expecting, I will not put anymore stress on her. And that is final." With that, the guard she was speaking to was dismissed, and although he was glaring at Fallon, it was nothing compared to her steely stare.

When Fallon finally realized that Sloane was practically on top of her, the fierceness from her eyes faded. "Ah, please ignore all of that if you heard anything. There is much going on within this realm, and none of it is good." Fallon released a heavy sigh before giving Sloane a sly grin. "I would offer you my arm, but I feel as though you may not appreciate that. Of course, you are welcome to take it whenever you want," Fallon winked, "well then, is this your first time in this lovely realm? I doubt it is, but I figured I might as well ask."

Fallon began to walk out of the mouth of the cave, the rocks disappearing to reveal a dark, black-blue sky.

The sky was filled with millions of stars, all of which looked nothing like the ones on the earthly realm. There was a bigger star, and although it was not as big as the moon of earth, it was this realm's moon, though it was more blue than silver. The village was spread out below them, the cave having quite a few steps down to reach the village as it was built into the side of a large, rocky mountain.

Just like the inside of the cave, the village was dotted with lampposts with the silver orbs within them. Although the village could hardly be considered a city, it was surrounded by a large stone wall, though the stones were the color of coal. The buildings within the wall were made of the same stone and a light colored wood. Somehow, the blend of the two was perfect.

The trees outside of the walls were huge, and although they seemed to have been pushed back away from the wall, they towered over it.

The weather was pretty mild for Hell, and although it was most definitely below freezing, it wasn't too awful since they were so near the border between the hot and cold sections of Hell. There was no snow in sight though, and a good thing too, otherwise the steps down to the village would have been a rather treacherous journey.

"Welcome to Kronrik Sloane."

The tail end of Fallon's conversation with the other guard definitely sounded like something an interloper, and heir to the Heavens, should not know about. So, while Sloane didn't forget what she heard (first and foremost she must protect her kingdom, but the information appeared to be more of a private affair, rather than something that would threaten her home), she pushed it out of her mind.

Sloane began to walk with Fallon (she had been right - Sloane wouldn't take her arm, even if they had been together (like that would ever happen...), but the offer did tie her stomach all in knots), nodding her head, "You are right, I've been before, but it has been a century or so," Sloane see-sawed her hand, "I can't remember, but I know haven't been to the busier places before."

All of the years tended to melt together, and very few events of the past stuck out anymore. On the few occasions when Sloane befriended humans, they always asked what it was like a thousand years ago, to which Sloane would ask what Earth was like ten years ago. They would always shrug, and list a few things, and Sloane would (snarkily) reply, 'Now imagine that times a hundred. I can barely remember stuff that happened two years ago in detail.'

...

Sloane shifted her attention back to Fallon, taking in the admittedly beautiful village. Her voice was quiet as she tried to absorb everything, "I think.... I think that I have missed out on a large part of your realm. This is stunning."

Sloane's words brought a grin to Fallon's face, and she gently nudged the other woman with her shoulder "Why thank you, when I first got here it was a small trading village, barely anything noticeable, not on any maps. With Kanu's help I was able to make this the base of operations for the Royal Army. It is close to the palace, but far away enough that, you know, I don't have to deal with his royal assness too often. It's not as neat right now. We have lots of refugees that are here right now, the war is wreaking havoc everywhere." Fallon released a heavy sigh, running a hand through her short hair.

Her eyes drifted down to Sloane, taking in her small form again with a grin. "I like your tattoos by the way, they are gorgeous. We can't get tattoos here, unless you're royalty. Which is total bs because half the idiots there are born with their little dragon tattoos. It sucks," Fallon huffed, but her exasperation ended quickly. "You still want that tour right?"

After a slight hesitance, Sloane bumped her shoulder against Fallon in an attempt to cheer her up a bit after the mention of the war. She knew that pain - when one's home and kingdom was ripping itself apart. It was difficult to go through, and Sloane felt sympathetic to their plight, although she wouldn't say that out loud.

Then Fallon was looking at her, and Sloane's hand unconsciously drifted to one of her tattoos when Fallon mentioned them, "Oh! Thank you," There was a pause, "It sounds like you've made quite the impact. Impressive. And uh... yes. I would like the tour." Sloane dropped her hand from the tattoo, and turned to Fallon with a smirk that lacked her signature malice - not that Fallon would know that, considering they just met - "I'll follow your direction, then."