Seriously, winter was awful. Well, it wasn't the weather that was awful but the whole 'being a female' thing that sucked. Usually, she had kept her distance from just about everyone the moment the snow had begun but alas, duty had called. Perhaps she'd been semi retired, or too unmotivated to hunt down rabbits let alone demons, but Tobias... he was a different matter entirely. Pregnant, deaf, blind, half-dead.. she'd hunt him down in any condition, and she'd damn well finish the job they'd all failed to achieve. Of course, her decision to go had also been greatly influenced by the lack of Ava, and the lack of Azrael. Admittedly, she had been hesitant on Devil May Cry's attendance - seriously, how could they trust him? Would he somehow start some other war or attack her, maybe even (say) Heyel? He deserved an eye roll, but most others did anyway.

For the most part, she'd stuck by Heyel, loping at his side and giving him the occasional eye roll when he said something that proved his seniority. What was wrong with the pack? She cocked a brow, glancing around before returning her gaze to him with a look that spoke volumes - expectant, like she knew he'd find something wrong with it in no time. She had to give it to him... at twenty, he was just as smug and proud as ever. Still, she appreciated the fact that he had not hounded her about her absences or actions in the past. It was almost comforting to be able to act like nothing had happened, and she found herself almost reinvigorated by the fact.

"Missing the plateau, are you, old man?"

Still, why'd they bring the kid? She couldn't help but pass Neveah a glance every so often, unsure how to feel about her. After all, she reminded her of Zeivah and certainly not in a good way. She was a reminder that Heyel had given up on his mate. Besides, she was loud. Who'd taught her? Nobody, probably.

"Don't expect me to teach you, kid. I had to learn the hard way, so do you."

She snorted, flicking an ear back though she hardly bothered to look at the younger girl when she spoke. Perhaps she was being unnecessarily cold but... well, that was too bad. She didn't like kids, and she didn't like Heyel's choices and she didn't like anyone having expectations of her. Besides, maybe if Heyel hit her over the head as many times as he'd hit Malina, she'd be better at it. That brought an almost smug grin to his face - she'd been the last to really learn from him. Maybe one day she'd return entirely to his cause but for now... she was just looking for Tobias' blood.

As they moved along, she prepared to follow Heyel, only to be stopped dead in her tracks when he spoke - send her off with Neveah? She literally stopped, mouth open and frowning, interjecting instantly.

"She needs a babysitter if she's coming with me. Your daughter or not, I'm not a pup sitter."

She frowned, bristling slightly as she held her ground. Come on, really? Whatever effect she was going for was quickly obliterated by the arrival of Chance, who wasted no time getting into the details. Honestly, she doubted Tobias would go for the Grotto - it was new. Tobias didn't like change, especially not sudden one's. Anger wasn't going to get them anywhere. She rolled her eyes. Suddenly, the idea of being with Neveah wasn't so bad. At least then she could work a little more solo. With a flick of her tail and a little snort, she moved towards the girl, flashing her the most forced smile she could.

"Fine. You're with me. Surprise me and I'll let you in on some secrets."

She raised a brow, speaking low so that nobody else heard the bait. Really, she did have some secrets... not particularly juicy or anything but hey, who cares? It was a lesson. Then suddenly everyone wanted to talk, slinging words around so needlessly. At least Alias spoke something interesting, though the rest just seemed... unprofessional. Would you look at that? Malina was apparently back in business.

"Perhaps it would be worth splitting up. It allows us to search a greater area and operate with tactical advantage if we do find him. One group can move in from the rear in that instance."

She paused, shrugging her shoulders before she sat back, giving her legs some well deserved rest. This would have been so much easier if she could have just worked with Rogue. They would have made a deadly team. Still, maybe she could get the upper hand and head to Glorall with Neveah - they'd be given full access, she was sure.

M A L I N A
[ eight - dark angel of diveen ]


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