The Frozen Melody

24.Southland.

He raised an eye brow at that, “Pourquoi?” He knew the answer, but couldn’t resist asking why.

Her darkened eyes returned to the normal white as she smiled up at him innocently, “Isn’t it best for a Captain to willingly follow his Commander?”

Pye laughed and shook his head, “Even if he trust me again, all this talking is for naught if he cannot pass the ranking challenge and slay the Archangels.”

Neine giggled, “I believe in my wolf.”

“Very well,” the blond sighed and slipped out of his bed, “I shall leave after a shower.”

She looked at the thick carpeted floor thoughtfully and added, “Be nice to him. You are not allowed to give him any commands.”

Something in the Diábolos’ tone gave Joker pause, and he turned to look at her, “Why are you giving me such an unreasonable restriction? Is there something wrong?”

Neine yawned and jumped off the bed, “Nah, just wanna give you two some time to bond.” She wanted to leave Hell and find her brother, but obviously she couldn't tell Joker that. He had done a very good job keeping her here so far.

“As you wish." Her Commander gave a hesitant bow and left for his bathroom.

Joker stepped into the scalding hot water without so much as a flinch. He loved hot showers, and he enjoyed watching the bloodstains on himself dissolve and wash off his skin.

All the while, his thoughts wondered to what Mu said when the boy notified him of Tiger’s whereabouts. Apparently the world was a “sealed” world, meaning only those of a certain caliber would be able to enter. It worried Pye how strong the seal must be to stop even Mu, who was as strong as a Captain. Though this does beg the question of how Tiger was able to enter the world in the first place.

There were two ways a world could become “sealed”: naturally or purposely set up by the creature ruling over the world. In most cases, a naturally sealed world would not be strong enough to keep out someone like Mu. So chances were that this particular world was sealed by its ruler, someone who does not want outsiders entering it.

Joker would need to force entry into the world alone to find Tiger. Alone, without any aids other than some small inorganic weapons; anything larger or alive would not be able to cross the portal.

Which God controled that world? Would he or she interfere with Pye?

So much unknown.

Such a troublesome headache.

Slowly taking his time, Joker gently clothed himself after his shower while his mind worked to decide what he would say to the mutt when they finally meet. The mutt would undoubtedly be resentful towards him, no matter how many years had passed. It would be a tricky operation indeed because being the Commander of Hell meant he could get whatever he wanted through force, fear and power. Thus, apologizing or coaxing Tiger to willingly come back was quite a challenge.

 “Master.” The Gate guards greeted in unison at the Commander’s approach.

Joker walked past them without acknowledging their presence and stopped in front of the Gate. He held out a small blade with one hand and laid it against the other wrist. After a slight pause, he swiftly pressed down the sharp dagger, pulling out blood to splatter and mix into the portal. This was the final step of the ritual needed to allow him access into a sealed world. The rose red of his magically enhanced blood mixed with the shimmering substance of the Gate, and made the portal morph into a solid deep red doorframe. The door opened on its own to show a twirling mass of black and red.