Return to Ago Manor (Part 2)

Miscellaneous

While the other generals of the Hashinara Clan were busy with their own pursuits, Knight Commander Maxim had taken some time to chat with some of his close allies* in Ago Manor. At the moment, this was only his misfortunate shadow, Kashirin, and Haures, who was equal parts aide and overseer. While Maxim and his demonic watcher seemed to possess similar goals, they had not been getting along well of late. In their current discussion, Maxim had just brought up the possibility of Andras, another archdemon of Wrath, lending her forces to the upcoming battle against the Uesugi Clan. Encouraged by Haures' favorable response, he continued by asking what, if anything, he'd need to do in order to bring the other into this world.

Haures seemed nonplussed by the question at first, but then answered that they could either convince a powerful invoker in this realm to summon Andras, or else bring her up by the same route she and Maxim had used not a few days ago. If, that is, the ruler of Jigoku would allow it. Maxim was keenly aware that Great King Enma might not have much of a say in the matter, but Haures certainly didn't need to know that a powerful potential rival was so diminished. Instead, he floated the idea of returning to Gehenna himself at some point. He'd lost something important there, and it was itching at the back of his mind that he'd probably better get that back.   This suggestion did not sit well with his keeper. Haures all but forbade Maxim from returning to Gehenna, suggesting that the temptation of other Demon Princes would likely be all that awaited him below. With a smile brought to his face, Maxim teased Haures about being jealous, afraid that he'd be stolen away from her. The little lion, however, did not find it nearly as amusing. She was able, at least, to assure Maxim that when he arrived in Hell, he hadn't brought any worldly possessions with him, save for Hostimentum. That assertion left the Knight Commander with a further question. If that was the case, how had Kashirin tracked him down across the hellish plain? His Binbōgami companion was able to answer that quite easily, however. Once she tasted an individual's misfortune, it wasn't hard to find again regardless of distance, especially when it was as deep and awful as Maxim's.   Haures took note of their conversation, and voiced an uncommon opinion about Kashirin. To the lioness, Maxim's unlucky companion seemed harmless and useful. Given the amount of perdition she'd caused amongst his allies* in the Hashinara, that was something Maxim was surprised to hear. That, however, was enough conversation for Maxim. He waved his hand and attempted to dismiss Haures, but the other had little intention of leaving him alone again. With so much having changed over the short evening she'd been away, Haures was considering tightening her leash. Eventually, he convinced her to leave for her own quarters, but not without a flare of anger in the lioness' eyes that Maxim felt might be an ill portent of things to come.   < Return to Ago Manor (Part 1)