A soulmate literally means the other half of a being’s soul, the word being derived from the story of the powerful but lonely souls who decided to split into two exact halves and go in different directions, with the aim of finding each other again. The concept of a soulmate is an integral part of every supernatural culture. Demons, werewolves, vampires, ghouls, and dragons, amongst many others, treasure it highly- although they have different words for it. Even witches, who do not have soulmates, understand and respect the culture of the soulmates. It is the lifeblood of every realm, be it as high as the heavens or in the innermost depths of hell.
Travis understands the importance of soulmates to the supernatural world, regardless of species. He feels upset and embarrassed about his father’s words yesterday and Maestro’s behavior towards him today, but he is not stupid. You allowed your emotions to overwhelm you not once, but several times.
Recalling his father’s words of disapproval, he decides to do the right thing, irrespective of his feelings.
“Go, Klade. I permit you to go.”
“No, my prince. I cannot leave you here.”
“He has information about your soulmate. Don’t you want to know more about her?”
“Not at the expense of my mission, my prince. Your father…”
“Would do the same thing I’m doing right now. Besides it’s not like anyone will attack me in front of the Maestro’s abode, will they?”
Klade refuses to give in, despite his charge’s insistence. His mission is more relevant to him than some soulmate somewhere. Besides, he is not a stranger to how clairvoyance works. You just get a few details that whet your appetite but mostly turn out to be of no help in the long run. For all the ghoul is worth though, he might just get a glimpse, at most, of his soulmate.
“I do not have all day, Apropos.”
The mention of his True Name sparks immense rage in him. Travis notices the change in the atmosphere after the mention of that name but chooses to ignore it. It is not his nature to pry into another’s affairs- it isn’t like he and the older demon are that close, to begin with. As long as it doesn’t affect his commitment to the mission, he has no problems with turning a blind eye to this. A true leader understands that not every story is for his ears.
“Are you trying to kill me, guard?”
“I apologize for the lapse in emotions, my prince. You may punish me as you deem fit.” The demon prince’s question brings him back to his senses; he realizes that he has made a grievous mistake. Although his hostility was not directed at his charge, it does not make him any less guilty than he already is. No demon is allowed to give vent to emotions, warranted or otherwise, in the presence of a superior; it is interpreted as a threat.
Travis narrows his eyes at Klade’s words. Viridity is indeed a virtue, but who’s to say that slyness is a vice? The unassuming whippersnapper won’t even know what hit him.
“What gives me the right to punish you? I am but a lad, after all. You should punish me instead.”
“Not at all, my prince you are above me in rank, authority, and bloodline. A mere guard cannot be compared to the scion of a Sin.”
Travis lets out an exaggerated sigh. “Apology accepted. My punishment, however, is that you must go in.”
“But, my prince…”
“Uh uh. Not a word from you, guard. Or do you intend to disobey your superior, disregarding all forms of hierarchy and respect for those above you?” Travis assumes the stance of a pompous General and starts to prance about, muttering gibberish under his breath. Klade would be rolling on the floor with laughter if not for the situation he found himself in. Or rather put yourself in, seeing as even a sheltered lad, with little to no knowledge of the other world, is able to outsmart you. Aren’t you ashamed?
Ignoring his subconscious, he brings his mind to the present and realizes that he is somehow on the other side of the gate. Only then does it dawn on him. The demon prince took advantage of that second-long lapse in concentration to push him towards the gate, which swung open to admit him and shut almost immediately. Just wait, you-you-you lad! I’ll get you for this. And that’s a promise!
He stares daggers at Travis, but the demon prince ignores him, whistling one of the lost tunes of Lucifer. He heads towards the ghoul’s outer enclosure, fantasizing about the various ways he’d torture his charge.
“Now that the hindrance is out of the way, we can proceed.”
Travis is shocked to hear the old ghoul’s voice again. The essence of all that drama was just to ‘get rid’ of a ‘hindrance?
“Surprised? Don’t be. Your father has informed me of your arrival long ago. Had it not been for the favor I owe him, I would not even spare you a thought. Demons like you are the reason we all remain below, outlawed from the mortal lands.”
In normal circumstances, Travis would not hesitate to lambaste anyone apart from his father who dares to talk to him in this manner. But this is different. Travis cannot explain it, but there is something in the man’s voice that halts every violent thought, ensuring that the listener remains calm and tranquil. He knows that it is some form of hypnosis, but he is not yet powerful enough to neutralize it. Since his father sent him here, he is confident that no harm will befall him, at least not from one who is indebted to his father. With this conclusion, he goes along with the flow, no longer resisting.
The Maestro is a bit impressed. A true son of his father. Maybe, just maybe, something good can come out of him.