“Right. A proper badge of honour…’cept it’s seared into your forehead like a fuckin’ brand.” Not buying Ky’s smarmy tone for a single second, John’s frown worsened beyond known limits – if he tried any more his jaws were sure to lock in a permanent expression of disapproval. It was a dangerous gamble, showing favouritism in the pursuit of knowledge.  John could easily see the misfortune that would await the demon should he choose to head down this path…but what reason had he to dissuade him other than being currently deceased?

“Jesus, would you listen to the way you’re carrying on. ‘aven’t got the faintest clue.” Without meaning to, he crushes the tip wedged in his mouth, causing the remainder of his nicotine fix to unravel and fall towards the floor. Such didn’t seem to bother John by this point, however. Faced with the risk of staying dead he found it simple to overlook certain grievances. “Placing an awful lot of faith in th’ First making good on whatever sort of nasty little accord you’ve struck with him, aren’t you?”

Cursing at the air, John cranes his neck towards the man, eyes bulging with rage, covering over slight feelings of dread. “Dunno. Could have something to do with the fact that you’re to blame for why I’m in this bloody state in the first place. But do go ahead. Leave yer old pal John in the lurch – see what fuckin’ happens afterwards!” 

❝ what happens afterwards is you stay in this little slice of the inferno for a good long while. i, get to move forward with my plans with out interference, and the first would be forever in my pocket. ❞ it was a bold move, one that would end up spiraling out of control the moment that the time came to a close to when john could be brought back to life.

_{it would be in that moment that he would lose all the influence he had since john’s soul would have to reside in this place. to some, it would be a minor inconvenience, but to the demon, it would have ruined everything.} 

_{unfortunately, he didn’t know the consequences of his action, and that was more of a curse than a blessing,} 

❝ until then, you will stay right where you are, and i can deal with the first. ❞ it was doubtful that ky could do so alone, but at the same, he would at least attempt it, ❝ you can be assured of that. ❞