*[Scene: Modeus' Regular Bar – Night]*
The bar is unusually quiet. Candles flicker low as patrons murmur nervously. The wooden door creaks open… and *Modeus* walks in, his presence suffocating.
The *bartender*, usually cheerful, catches a glimpse of his eyes—burning with restrained wrath—and instantly freezes mid-greeting.
*Bartender (nervously):*
"...D-Drink, my lord?"
*Modeus (coldly):*
"…."
The bartender nods quickly, pours a strong one, and slides it to him without another word. The rest of the bar patrons pretend to be invisible.
*Modeus* sits silently, stares into the glass, then downs it in a single gulp—his aura barely contained.
---
*[Scene: Outside the Bar]*
*Mia*, cloaked and cautious, arrives.
*Mia (to herself):*
"If he's with her… I'll—"
She pauses as soon as she steps in. The air is heavy—*cold and murderous*. Conversations halt. The moment she sees *Modeus*, her breath catches. He sees her. His gaze flickers—just slightly—but enough to acknowledge her.
*Mia* walks over hesitantly and sits.
*Mia (trying humor):*
"So... rough day or you just didn't like the taste of mortal wine?"
*Modeus (flat):*
"I thought you weren't coming back. After you saw me with her."
Mia stiffens.
*Modeus (voice low, calm, dangerous):*"Yes, I saw you that day. Lurking. Hesitating."
*Mia (softly):*
"I… I was just—"
*Modeus:*
"You once told me to develop 'social skills'. To talk. Mingle. Try being *normal*."
He leans closer, eyes narrowing slightly.
*Modeus:*
"Well, I did. And now I'm thinking of ending this little 'arrangement' of ours. She's simpler. Softer. No swordplay or infernal daggers aimed at my head every time I blink."
He leans back, voice even colder.
*Modeus:*
"Although... I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss the chaos. Maybe that's why I haven't walked away yet."
*Mia* lowers her eyes, guilt washing over her.
*Modeus (quietly):*
"I'm not in the mood, Mia. Any provocation tonight, and I might do something… irreversible."
*Mia* swallows hard. Silence sits between them like a coiled beast.
Then…
*Modeus (calmly):*
"That boy. The one tailing me. You know him?"
*Mia (quickly):*
"I didn't send him! He just... does things."
*Modeus:*
"Thought so."
He gestures lazily.
*Modeus:*
"Lyon."
*Lyon* awkwardly enters, laughing too hard, fake-mustache askew and looking like he's been through a hedge maze.
*Lyon (grinning):*
"Hey there, murder-sparkles. You miss me?"
*Mia punches him lightly on the arm.*
*Lyon (mock pain):*
"Ah! Abuse! Right in the deltoid of deception!"
*Modeus*, still deadly calm, smirks for the first time.
*Modeus (mutters):*
"...Idiots."
The three sit in strange silence—one fuming, one guilty, one comedic—and the tension barely holds.*[Scene: Calavera Estate – Private War Room]*
*Kya (Mira)* steps into the darkened room, greeted by the dim glow of aura maps and runes. Her *mother*, Lady Calavera, stands by the large detection board, arms folded.
*Kya (sighing):*
"He's not a problem, Mom. Honestly. He's just wandering around being charming and weird. No apocalyptic vibes. No blood pacts. Not even a fireball."
*Lady Calavera (stern):*
"That's what worries me. You're saying he's powerful, but… *playful*? That doesn't align."
*Kya:*
"Because maybe he's *bored*, not evil. He's been talking to me, exploring. His whole vibe is: 'I'm here for the vibes, not the violence.'"
*Lady Calavera* narrows her eyes, concern in every line of her face.
*Lady Calavera:*
"Sometimes it starts like that… Until one of you get *too close*. You know what happened to Mia. I don't need another Calavera spiraling."
*Kya (in disgust):*
"Wait—whoa! Stop right there! You think I'm gonna *fall in love* with him? Ew."
*Lady Calavera raises a brow.*
*Kya (mocking):*
"Yeah, yeah, he's tall, mysterious, annoyingly good-looking and has this annoyingly *smoldery stare* that makes peasants blush—*but still*! He's a threat."
*Lady Calavera (flat):*
"…Really? 😒"
Suddenly—
*BZZZZZZZZZZT!!!*
*BOOOOM!!*
A huge spark shoots out of the detection board, knocking a lamp over. Runes flash red.
*Kya:*
"Oh no… not again."
*Lady Calavera (alarmed):*
"The detectors fried?! That means another high-class being just breached Earth!"
*Kya (wide-eyed):*
"…Someone else joined the party."
They both look at the red-hot detector system in dread.
*Kya:*
"If this turns into a demon family reunion, I'm charging rent."
*[Scene: Outskirts of the Human Realm – Woodland Path]*
Aisha wanders aimlessly, her long, elegant robes trailing behind her, looking as dazzling as ever… and absolutely *miserable*.
*Aisha (grumbling):*
"This place is hideous. No flying chariots, no basilisk carriages… and where is the kitchen staff?"
Her stomach growls *loudly*, and she glares down at it like it just insulted her bloodline.
*Aisha (snapping):*
"Oh, silence. I'm royalty, not a farmer!"
She spots a nearby town just past the tree line and brightens up—*a bit*. Entering the outskirts, she walks with her usual commanding poise, pointing at random people:
*Aisha:*
"You! Fetch me a roasted boar and a chalice of bluefire wine."
Villagers look at her like she's absolutely *insane* and walk faster.
*Aisha (offended):*
"Do they not know who I am…?"
Suddenly, a loud whistle cuts through the air. Three scruffy *bandits*, the same ones Modeus humiliated earlier, emerge from an alley. They eye her like she's some lost treasure.
*Bandit 1:*
"Well, well... a lady lost her way—or her mind?"
*Bandit 2:*
"Maybe she's here to find a *husband*. I volunteer."
*Bandit 3 (licking lips):*
"Royal or not, pretty is still pretty."
*Aisha (coldly):*"You've got three seconds to disappear before I turn your bones into a *necklace*."
They *laugh hysterically*.
*Bandit 1:*
"Ooo, she's feisty!"
Just as Aisha's fingers spark faintly with demonic energy, ready to throw hands—and maybe a few skulls—a *young woman* bursts in, grabs her arm, and yanks her aside.
*Girl (panting):*
"Don't! Seriously, they're not worth it. And you'll attract guards."
*Aisha (annoyed):*
"I was *this* close to using their intestines as ribbons."
*Girl (chuckling):*
"Wow, okay… remind me never to tick you off."
They step into a quieter street. The girl smiles warmly.
*Girl:*
"I'm Neferatia. You alright?"
*Aisha (still irritated):*
"I was fine. Why stop me? You ruined the fun."
*Neferatia (grinning):*
"Because stabbing people in broad daylight is *frowned upon* here. Plus, what's a fragile-looking girl like you gonna do anyway?"
*Aisha (offended):*
"Fragile?! I once fought a hydra while sipping tea!"
*Neferatia:*
"Sure, and I once fought rent with my bare hands."
*Aisha (raising a brow):*
"I'm Princess Aisha of Abaddon Ha'Sheol."
*Neferatia (laughing):*
"Oookay, fancy lady. I'm the Queen of Bad Decisions. Pleasure."
*Aisha (genuinely confused):*
"Where's your castle?"
*Neferatia:*"My what now?" *(bursts out laughing)*
"Sweetheart, we got apartments, not castles. You must be really lost."
*Aisha:*
"This… Earth is not how I imagined."
*Neferatia:*
"Yeah, welcome. Lower your expectations, and it'll still disappoint you."
She pats Aisha's shoulder and notices her stomach growling again.
*Neferatia:*
"Come on. You look hungry and weird. You can crash at my place tonight. I've got leftover stew and a couch that doesn't bite."
*Aisha (grinning slowly):*
"Fine. But I refuse to eat anything called 'leftovers'."
*Neferatia (walking ahead):*
"Yeah yeah, your highness. Let's find you some Earth food before you try to barbeque a goose."
They walk off into the evening glow—one clueless demon princess, and one sarcastic street-smart girl… Earth might never be the same.
*[Scene: Neferatia's Apartment Complex – Late Evening]*
The building is a weathered *shaggy estate*, cracked in places and covered in faded paint. Several apartments share the same courtyard where laundry lines wave like surrender flags. Neferatia unlocks the door to her modest flat and motions Aisha in.
*Neferatia:*
"Welcome to my palace. Don't trip on royalty."
*Aisha (stepping in cautiously):*
"This is… your *home*? But where are the velvet drapes? The gemstone floors?"
*Neferatia (laughs):*
"Yeah, those got stolen by reality. Take a seat. I'll fix us something."
*[Scene: Inside – Small, cozy living room and a tiny kitchen corner]*
The smell of freshly cooked stew fills the room. Aisha sniffs the air with caution like she's investigating a diplomatic threat. She takes a bite… freezes… then brightens.
*Aisha:*
"This is… *edible*! No offense."
*Neferatia (mock pride):*
"Why thank you, Princess Insult. That's the finest canned beans and rice you'll ever eat."
They both chuckle. After a pause, Aisha looks around curiously.
*Aisha (genuinely):*
"Why is your apartment not… lavish? You are strong, kind, smart. You should be living in a castle."
*Neferatia (shrugging):*"Life's different down here. I work part-time jobs just to stay afloat. Waitressing, cleaning, sometimes delivery gigs. That's how I survive."
*Aisha (frowning):*
"That sounds exhausting…"
She glances around again with new eyes—seeing not just a small apartment but a world far from her own. Her voice softens.
*Aisha:*
"Where are your parents?"
Neferatia pauses. She smiles, but it's not the joking one.
*Neferatia:*
"Lost them when I was young. Car crash. Been fending for myself since I was 14."
Aisha's eyes water. She wipes a tear but fails.
*Aisha (voice cracking):*
"I'm… I'm sorry. That's… unbearable."
*Neferatia (gently):*
"Hey, hey. Don't cry, Your Highness. I'm alright. Life kicks, but I kick back."
They share a quiet moment.
*Neferatia:*
"So… what about you? Where're you from again?"
*Aisha (innocently):*
"Abaddon Ha'Sheol. I'm the Princess of the Fourth Flame—eldest daughter of the Crimson Sovereign. I came to Earth to find my brother."
*Neferatia (blank stare):*
"...Right. Totally normal sentence. Is that… near Romania or something?"
*Aisha (tilting head):*
"I don't know what that is."
*Neferatia:*
"Okay, cool cool. So we'll just say it's a *very far* kingdom. Makes sense."
*Aisha (smiling):*
"Yes! Far far away. Exactly!"
Neferatia eyes her attire—richly embroidered, glowing faintly in places.
*Neferatia:*
"Okay, listen. That outfit? Screams *rob me*."
*Aisha (gasps):*
"It does not scream! It whispers regality!"
*Neferatia (already in her closet):*
"Come here. Try this on."
She pulls out a clean, stylish but simple dress. Aisha hesitates, then changes. As she looks in the mirror, her eyes widen.
*Aisha:*
"I… look elegant. But *simple*. It feels… good."
*Neferatia (teasing):*
"See? Earth fashion. No need for ten layers of demon silk."
*Aisha (smiling brightly):*
"Then here—take this. My royal attire."
*Neferatia:*
"Wait what? No, I can't—"
*Aisha:*
"You must. As thanks. You saved me from thugs and made me food."
Neferatia tries it on. The robes fit surprisingly well. Aisha claps excitedly.
*Aisha:*
"You look… like a queen!"
*Neferatia (striking a pose):*
"Bow before Queen Neferatia of Apartment 3B!"
They both burst into laughter, sharing food, warmth, and an unlikely moment of joy between two very different worlds.
*[Scene: Busy Town Street – Early Evening]*
The golden sunset paints the town in warm hues as Aisha and Neferatia walk side by side. Aisha, now dressed in simple but stylish clothes, walks with regal posture—though her curious eyes dart from vendor carts to street lamps like she's cataloguing human life.
*Neferatia (playfully):*
"You keep walking like that, and every guy within a ten-mile radius is gonna break their neck trying to look at you."
*Aisha (deadpan):*
"Good. I shall collect their skulls as trophies."
*Neferatia (laughing):*
"Ma'am, that is not how flirting works."
*[Scene: Small Neighborhood Bar – Evening Rush Hour]*
The bar is lively with customers, music, and clinking glasses. Neferatia pushes open the door with ease while Aisha hesitates at the threshold, eyeing the tavern like a sacred temple of chaos.
*Neferatia (grinning):*
"Come on, Princess Doom. This is where the magic happens."
*Aisha (stepping in cautiously):*
"If this place explodes, I blame you."
The entire bar goes *silent for a second* as heads turn—some customers nearly choking on their drinks at the sight of Aisha.
*Bar Owner (grinning ear to ear):*
"Holy mother of hops… Neffy, who's your goddess friend?"
*Neferatia (laughing):* "She's Aisha. A bit… *royalty-adjacent*. Wants to learn mortal ways. Be nice."
*Bar Owner (extending hand):*
"You ever served ale before, princess?"
*Aisha (confused):*
"Does spilling count?"
*Bar Owner (laughing):*
"You'll fit right in."
He tosses her an apron, which she fumbles with like it's a puzzle sent by ancient wizards.
*Neferatia (helping her tie it):*
"This goes around your waist, not your head."
*Aisha:*
"It's clearly designed to confuse nobility."
They both giggle as Neferatia begins showing her how to carry a tray.
*Neferatia:*
"Alright. Step one—don't drop it. Step two—don't punch anyone unless they *really* deserve it."
*Aisha (grinning):*
"Define 'really.'"
*[Background Murmurs in the Bar]*
"Who's that girl?"
"Is she a noble?"
"Forget noble, I'd serve *her* drinks all night…"
Aisha turns to them and flashes the most intimidating royal glare. Instantly, three grown men look away and pretend to study their menus like they're sacred texts.
*Neferatia:*
"You're gonna have fun here."
*Aisha (smirking):*
"I believe I already am."
They walk off toward the bar counter—one teaching, one learning, and both laughing in sync like they'd known each other for years.
*[Scene: Bustling Kingdom Street – Midday]*
Mia and Modeus stroll leisurely under the bright sun, passing markets, food stalls, and chatty vendors. Suddenly, Modeus halts in front of a large, half-torn *poster* pinned on a wall:
*"GRAND ANNUAL TOURNAMENT OF MIGHT – Hosted by His Majesty. Winner earns Title, Gold & Glory!"*
Modeus stares at it with glowing interest.
*Mia (eyeing him sideways):*
"Don't even think about it…"
*Modeus (with a slow devilish grin 😈):*
"Already thinking about it."
He rips the poster off the wall.
*Mia (groans):*
"You're going to paint a bright red target on your back. That tournament is rigged worse than a one-legged horse race."
*Modeus (grinning):*
"Sounds fun."
*Mia:*
"The king's first son wins *every year*. They bribe, cheat, break rules like it's a family tradition. Even our family and the Calavera enter—but I never bother."
*Modeus (smirking):*
"All the more reason to show up. Maybe stir the pot."
*Mia:*
"I swear if you sneeze wrong, half the royal court will call it treason."
*[Scene: Tournament Registration Hall]*
The place is old, dusty, and has a lazy cat sleeping on the counter. A tired attendant—shaggy hair, chewed quill—peeks at them.
*Attendant:*
"You registering? Teams of three minimum."
Modeus slowly turns to Mia with a glowing *"😈"* smirk.
*Mia (backing up):*
"Oh no. Nope. Don't look at me like that. I told you—my family's gonna be there—"
*Modeus (calmly):*
"Exactly. You told me they don't think you can win without your daddy's name."
*Mia (pausing, bitter):*
"..."
*Modeus:*
"This is your shot. Not just to prove them wrong—but to beat them at their own crooked game."
She looks down, conflicted. A flash of anger crosses her face as she remembers her father's words.
*Mia (after a beat):*
"Fine."
*Modeus:*
"Thought so. That's the spirit."
*Attendant:*
"Still need one more."
*[Scene Shift: Constantine Estate – Garden]*
Lyon is sprawled on a bench eating a fruit tart when Mia and Modeus show up.
*Lyon (panicked):*
"HELL no! What kinda cursed idea is this?! Dad will *skin* us!"
*Mia:*
"He doesn't even remember your name, Lyon."
*Lyon (offended):*
"Lies. He—he called me by name just last week."
*Mia (deadpan):*
"He called you *"that boy with the nose."*"
Lyon looks away. Flashback plays of cousins laughing at him during training, calling him "family jester" and "backup cousin."
*Lyon (after a pause):*
"Fine. But I'm wearing a mask. No one's seeing this beautiful disappointment in action."
*Mia (smiling):*
"Deal."
*Modeus (arms crossed, smirking):*
"Well then. Looks like we've got ourselves a team."
*[Fade Out]*