Shadowess

Denix Vames - June 3, 2024 James followed him. --- Carter sighed, "I guess I could but....Would that even be available?" He pulled out his own phone. "Who should I even call first?" --- Charles smirked, "I think God deserves a Father of the Millennia trophy." He soon wiped that smirk off of himself. "But I understand. I can see where you are coming from. Do not worry. I will help her. However, I suggest keeping her in that cell for now. I still need to rebuild Hell's Cells. She may not have her abilities because of the bracelet but she is still a clever fighter." --- Insanity ran over to Abaddon. Watching as his skin became a human pale tone. Eris appeared. "Alright! Time for tall, red, and handsome to go down!" She hopped on his back as the Devil was distracted by all the hits he took from Carol. She sank her fangs into his neck. Draining him of his powers until he slowly shrank down to a human sized Devil. The Devil passed out. She gave a thumbs up. "Mission accomplished!" Insanity took some steps forward, "Are you my energy? I buried it all to avoid using it. I didn't know it would become a person." Eris shrugged, "You dudes forget that technically everything is alive in what you bring out. But I'm just glad I get to kick some ass!" Insanity ignored her excitement. He tapped on Carol's leg, "Something happened to Abaddon! He looks like a human!" --- "Of course Azrael." Death nodded at her. "Give me a moment." He walked over to Azrael, "I'm under the assumption that there is more bad news?" --- "Well, when you've raised your own nephews and nieces, you get a soft spot for all the mushy stuff." ,said Phineas. --- Cory, Winters, and Autumn ran to Stevie. Autumn shouted, "Don't! This doesn't solve anything!" Winters said, "I know what it's like to be bullied but this isn't the way!" Cory stepped forward, "For god sakes Stevie! Look at me!" He cupped his face and forced him to stare back. "Please! Don't do this!" --- "Don't you get it? As long as I'm here, there will always be danger! I have to go!" ,said Theron. --- Jean appeared in front of the two men. He glared, "Who are you? Why are you here?" --- The hitman jumped back. Hiding behind a building as he watched the officers go out. "This is too easy." He fired another shot at a second officer.

Shadowess - June 3, 2024 "My friend, we won't need abandoned places here. I can get us a hotel room each. I've stayed in one of the rooms upstairs here more times than I can recall." He pointed to the ceiling of the bar. "Come on, let's take a walk across the canals and head over to the Bulldog Cafe." --- "Why don't we call them?" Sebastian suggested while nodding to the phone attached to the wall. "Or I'm feeling a lot better now, we could go visit them?" --- Raguel tensed at the question. For a moment, he seemed uncomfortable. "Be mindful of your comments. You are a guest in His home, after all." he reminded Charles before waving a hand to summon two glasses of water to appear on his desk for them. "But I understand your concern. Just remember, it was a different time then. Humanity didn't technically exist yet. Getting that right took... practice, shall we say? and the logical thing to do when breeding any new species is to put a mating pair together and well... hope for the best." Raguel cleared his throat before grabbing one of the glasses to take a sip. "Angels were forbidden from interfering unless the new humans were in peril. It was strictly an observational role. To study them. Nurture them by adapting their environment around them. At first, things seemed to be going well. Adam and Lillith had their differences but they were all each other had so they bonded. At least, that's what we thought. To no one's surprise but everyone's excitement, Lillith fell pregnant with her first child." Raguel gave a stained smile. "Adam was thrilled... until it came time for Lillith to give birth. The labour was long and difficult. Complications meant Angels had to step in to assist her. Everyone was anxious. Scared. Then, finally, Lillith managed to push out a healthy baby boy... with angelic wings..." he shook his head and took another sip of water. "This was the first hybrid child in existence but fascination and studies had to wait... Adam, understandably, was upset by the betrayal. We had to separate him from Lillith and the child... for their safety. But when God gave in to Adam's demands for a new wife by giving him Eve, Lillith felt she was no longer just being removed for her safety but that she was also being banished. She became even more enraged when the baby was old enough to be weaned off of breast milk and was taken from her to be brought to Heaven, where he could grow to be an Angel. Without the humiliation of knowing his true heritage. She tried waiting for her Angellic lover to return too but we never did learn who it was. Obviously he'd have been trialled and potentially even destroyed for interfering in God's creation, so he never went to her. She felt abandoned, cast out and alone. This all made her bitter. And she remained that way for centuries. Once Earth was established, Adam and Eve's children were born, and Angels started seeking Lillith out for... Well, let's just say they were fascinated by her ability to create hybrids. To try to put a stop to this, God altered her DNA. Changing her into the creatures you know as Leviathans. Again, this was meant to protect her... but she only ever saw this as yet another punishment." He sighed and placed his glass back on the desk. "So, now you know her story. I must ask again. Please, show mercy. She is a broken woman seeking comfort in the wrong places. She will need patience and kindness but I-... I believe that somewhere, deep down, the gentle and kind woman I once knew is still in there." Raguel quickly averted his gaze. He rarely showed emotion, especially to anyone from outside of Heaven. --- Insanity needn't have called for Carol to help. By the time he was shouting for her, she was already on her feet, grabbed the iron bar she'd been using earlier and had sprinted across to the Devil. She made swing after swing at the Devil's head and chest, hoping to beat him down. She hadn't actually thought ahead on how a Demon was supposed to beat a Devil with brute force but she wasn't going to sit back and do nothing. "And how do you suggest we do that?" Carol shouted back at Insanity between swings. "The Cells have collapsed!" She growled in frustration. Putting all of her strength behind each and every swing. After each swing she would shout each of the following sentences. "You son of a bitch! You want a fight?! You've got one! I back down to no one! Not even Devils! I tried to help you! But nooooo! I gave you a chance and what do you do?! Fucking moron!" --- Lilly furrowed her brows. She'd heard Pain, Grim and the others mention God a few times and she was sure she'd asked them about him at least once but she hadn't fully understood. Perhaps Death could enlighten her further? "Who's 'God'?" While Death was faced with the difficult task of trying to explain the beginning of all creation, Azrael had walked back into the throne room from the staircase in the left-most corner of the room. "Your Grace and... your Grace," he said with a small smile. "Forgive the intrusion. There are some important matters that I need to discuss with the King. Would now be a good time?" --- "You're such a sweetheart, you know?" Kasper grinned lovingly at Phineas. --- Stevie smiled, relieved as he watched Cory run from him. He believed that he'd agreed to get their friends and flee from the school. That they would be kept safe. The flute hissed at him and Stevie flinched before shaking his head furiously. "He wasn't lying. He won't betray me, you'll see! He understands me." he said, as if responding to the instrument. "They'll be safe... while everyone else will suffer..." he took out his flute and delicately placed his fingers over the holes. "You and me... we'll make them all pay, won't we?" he asked and another hiss came from the flute. Stevie smiled, as if reassured then placed the mouthpiece to his lips and began to play a sombre tune... Willing all who hear it to begin marching into the school building in a trance, up the stairs and towards the highest roof. Ready to throw themselves off. --- "Theron, I don't understand!" Bianka pleaded. "Please, if there is danger then we need to know what it is in case we should prepare!" --- Gunshots rang out. Shouting and chaos soon followed. Tristan jumped to his feet in his cell and watched as officers ran across the room with their guns drawn towards the door to the main reception area. One of them was Officer Hayward. "What's going on?" he tried to ask them but they ignored him and charged through the door, leaving him alone in the holding cell. Or so he thought. "In mortal danger, once more." An unknown voice in the room made him jump. He whirled around to see a strangely dressed man in his cell. The male had long, slick black locks that hung down to his waist. He was covered in dust and wore no shoes. His clothing looked more like tattered, grey rags. It was as if he'd recently risen from a tomb, yet his dark, glistening eyes and smooth, perfect face seemed completely out of place compared to the rest of him. "Most unbecoming of an immortal, wouldst thou agree?" He finished with a tilt of his head. Both his tone and his stare were that of a stern softness that only a parent could achieve. "Who are you?" Tristan asked nervously. "How did you get in my cell? I didn't see an officer bring you in." The male merely blinked. Despite the commotion in the next room, he seemed calm. Relaxed, even. "Thou art German. I believe I know thy kin." The male said as he took a step towards him. Tristan took an anxious step back, cornering himself. "You do?" "The castle in the forest. I ruled there, for a time. Come, it is time I visited my old home." "I can't go back! I'm banished! I'll be killed!" Tristan began to protest. The male merely raised a brow and then glanced at the door where the officers were still shouting. "Thou wouldst surely die, if you stayed." He said then placed his hand on his shoulder. "Come." In an instant, they were both standing in the main hall of the castle. Tristan turned around and around as he took in the sight of his old home in disbelief. "No, no! I cannot be here! Please, take me anywhere else but here!" "Relax child, you are of my kin and I will resume my throne once more." The male stated simply. "There is already a ruler here and I attacked him! Please, before he senses us!" "Silence!" The male snapped and for a second his eyes had turned completely crimson. "Only a True Blood God may rule Vampire kin." he paused, inhaling deeply. "I smell two Blood Gods here. One female and one male. Their blood is diluted... weak. What hath become of our legends?" "They were destroyed," Tristan answered nervously. "Heresy!" "No! They were! There was a war. Blood Gods were almost completely wiped out. Those that you smell are what's left!" It was clear by his strained features that this news troubled the ancient Blood God deeply. Tristan almost felt bad for him. "How old-... how long were you um... asleep?" "I know not." The male answered. "But my slumber hath left me thirsting. Fetch me mortals at once," he ordered with a dismissive wave. "Um-..." Tristan hesitated, biting his lip anxiously. "Like I said, I was banished. I'm not meant to be here. Besides... this castle stopped hunting humans centuries ago. They should have some deer blood stored in the pantr-..." he trailed off. Terrified by the ugly, furious and disgusted stare he was receiving from the male. He didn't know how to react or what to say at this point. The male seemed to be on the verge of rage.

Denix Vames - June 3, 2024 James nodded, "Alright. Just tell me when you need to be alone. I'm good at finding abandoned places." --- Vincent rolled his eyes but smiled, "We'll see ice princess." Carter shrugged, "That's the least of my concerns. I just want to make sure everyone's alright. It's been a while since we've seen our friends. I wish I knew what they were doing." --- "Might I ask why Lilith was put into such a predicament in the first place? Sounds like romance wasn't her calling. Or her luck, I should say." ,said Charles. --- Abaddon looked at her before releasing his hold on the Devil's neck. Suddenly, the Devil grabbed Abaddon from behind. Cutting his tentacles with one sharp nail. Abaddon cried out. The Devil laughed. He held him in his hand. "You were once a most feared devil and now look at you! Such pathetic thoughts in your head. You are useless!" Abaddon struggled against his hold, "Friends showed me other way!" The Devil laughed louder, "You don't even deserve those powers! Let a better devil take them!" He opened his mouth. Suddenly, Abaddon's aura began to enter the Devil's mouth. Making him become weaker. Insanity shouted, "No!" He flew over to the Devil. Scratching at his face. Distracting him momentarily. The Devil lost his hold on Abaddon. He glared at Insanity before slapping him away. Insanity hit the ground. He tried to fly up but noticed his wing was broken. "Carol! You need to weaken him! We have to get him into a cage!" --- "You can thank God for all of this. He was the one who created everything. We just follow the rules that were given to us." ,said Death. --- Napoleon's eyes sparkled, "I guess it has been some time since I've relaxed with a friend." Phineas was suddenly holding a picnic basket that he had thought of. He handed it to Napoleon, "There's plenty of delicious snacks you could make with this. I understand that people from far back loved picnics as much as my family did." Napoleon looked at the basket in his hands. He nodded, "Thank you." He disappeared. Phineas couldn't help but let some tears show. He smiled, "It's always nice to see love like that." --- Cory's eyes widened at the sudden kiss. He looked Stevie over and realized something was wrong. He nodded, "Ok man. I'll go get them." He ran straight to the school. Not caring if he would get in trouble or not. He knew that everyone needed to be here for Stevie. To get him the help that he clearly was crying out for. --- Theron shook his head, "I need to leave! I'm sorry but I have to! I'm glad you all become my family but this is the only way. I want to protect everyone." --- While the world was in chaos, there was a hitman out there with a sickening grin. If you heard his voice, you knew he was Australian. And it's not like that mattered to him anyway. He just cared about the money. He landed nearby the police department. "Guess I can finally get these blokes off my bucket list." He aimed his silencer and fired at an officer's head. Killing him instantly.

Shadowess - June 3, 2024 Damien couldn't help but chuckle awkwardly at James's last comment. "You and me both," he said then placed a hand on his shoulder. "You don't need to worry about me. I might look scrawny but I'm stronger than I appear. I was trained by Lucifer's best, after all." he seemed confident as he said this. All while desperately ignoring the churning, gnawing cravings for vampire venom that felt like they would threaten to curdle the blood in his veins if he didn't give in. He turned back to his drink and calmly took a sip of his whiskey to try to quiet his inner turmoil. As the liquid hit his tongue, the longing to taste something stronger caused him to momentarily fantasise. It would be so easy to slip away. Pretend he's going to the restroom to then teleport to Tristan's cell. He imagined Tristan would be eager to taste his blood again and in return, he would get the venom kick that he yearned for. Tristan's teeth would break the skin of his neck. The venom would cause him to shiver while their bodies pressed together in an embrace- hidden from all. He'd relinquish control to hear the soft rhythm of the vampire swallowing his blood. He'd allow him to drink from him but only enough to sate both of them before teleporting back and pretending that nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Damien blinked. He'd been staring silently into his drink for an unknown amount of time. Becoming aware of himself and his surroundings again, he placed the glass on the bar and slid off his stool. "Come on, I think I need to try something else. I know a good coffee shop that do edibles," he said while avoiding eye contact, as though scared that James would see right through him. He'd never thought like this before. Never longed for anything like this before. It was new to Damien and although he showed no signs of it, this frightened him. --- Neva's eyes had lit up. "I wana fight in the mud!" Sebastian lifted his arm and felt the back of his head. His wounds had all but healed and thanks to the bag of blood he wasn't hungry either. He looked up at Carter. "Do you know if your office was insured?" he asked. "We could probably rebuild it and start again." --- Raguel smiled knowingly. "You don't need the pretence here. I know Hell still has a long way to go but with yours and your wife's leadership, I believe it is finally on the right path." He turned and gestured for Charles to follow. He walked them to his office where he'd offer Charles a drink before he settled down in the chair behind his desk. Clasping his hands together on his desk, he looked at Charles seriously. "We have a prisoner here. One of Hell's fugitives that had been running around after Donnie and his vicious little family. Their name is Lilith..." he paused, sighing. "I know her punishment is your prerogative. Heaven will release her to your custody at once but I must ask you to be merciful to her. She has lived for aeons and suffered greatly already during that time. To the point of driving her to madness, it would seem. I don't believe she joined Donnie to be evil. I believe she was... lonely." he paused to allow Charles to respond. He anticipated he would have questions about Adam's first wife. Raguel steeled himself, ready to answer them if needed. After all, he'd known her since the beginning. --- Carol recoiled slightly when Insanity landed on her shoulder but didn't shoo him off. She looked back at Abaddon and watched the fight. She watched the way Abaddon moved and his brutality toward the other devil. It stirred emotions in her and had her feeling a little hot and flustered. But as much as she was enjoying the show, she reluctantly got to her feet and ran over. "Wait!" She called out to them. "I love merciless beatdowns as much as the next demon but I know my boss will have a few choice words for me if I don't try to intervene," she explained hurriedly. "He'd want us to have restraint... to show mercy." She gestured to the other devil while maintaining eye contact with Abaddon. "He's not a threat anymore. Surely by now, he's realised that you can best him easily if he tries to fight again. We need to try to help him see reason." --- Lilly shrugged. "I don't know about that... But I'm grateful, all the same." she now looked at Death curiously. "What about you? I know so little about this realm, let alone this universe. In mine, no one believed there was an afterlife because the wraiths feast on souls. But there are no wraiths here. I can't help but wonder if this is how our universe was supposed to be... How did all this come about?" she gestured with both hands, meaning the afterlife as a whole. --- "Mr Bonaparte, might I suggest that you and Frederick spend a day together? No war talk. No work talk. Just the two of you... spending time with each other." Kasper suggested while sharing a knowing smile with Phineas. If those two were meant to be, surely they'd figure it out for themselves while spending some time together? --- Stevie looked at Cory for a moment before lunging in and pressing his lips hard against his. The taste of liquor mixed with a stronger substance would transfer from Stevie's lips to Cory's. But unless Cory was familiar with vampire venom, he wouldn't know what Stevie had laced the liquor with. Stevie caressed his cheek as he pulled away and stared into his eyes. "I wanted to do that last time I saw you. You need to get away from the school. Get Autumn and Winters and ditch school today. You won't have long. Go!" --- "Slow down!" Bianka looked at Theron with a mixture of alarm and confusion. "Talk to me. Tell me what is happening. Is there anything we can do to help?"

Denix Vames - May 16, 2024 James awkwardly scratched the back of his neck. "No, you didn't. It's just....I'm....worried....for....you." He sighed, "Took me a while to say that. Not use to expressing my feelings." --- "Well, ya get into a big pile of mud with another person and wrestle them. Fun for the whole family!" ,said Elliot. "Not for this family. Do you know how hard it is to get mud out of clothes?" ,asked Vincent. Elliot smiled, "Aw shucks! Maybe I can convince you soon." Vincent rolled his eyes, "Unlikely." --- Charles at first felt nervous to be in Heaven. When he saw the smiles and heard their cheers, he soon began to smile. Feeling that warmth in his heart. At Raguel, he nodded. "I've been meaning to help out at some point. Hell was just a big matter to attend to first. I think all is taken care of down there though." --- "Short story? That's Abaddon. An ancient devil who's on our side. I took away my own powers and buried it deep within Hell. Now, we're trying to help you!" Insanity flew up to her shoulder. Abaddon ran on all fours. The Devil attempted to hit him with his only hand but missed several times. Abaddon appeared to be good at agility. He soon jumped on the Devil's neck. He opened his mouth. Allowing his tentacles to wrap around his throat and push him down. The Devil hit the ground and struggled for air. --- Death smiled, "Your friend saw the good in you. He knew what you were meant for. To help people." --- Everyone gave Bob a group hug. "We can head to my place and hang out there. This cemetery isn't too far off from where I live." ,said Grim. --- Napoleon didn't speak. Slowly but surely, tears ran down his cheeks. "Because I have no one. I see all the people I have come across. I can see their love for each other. There is none like that for me. And all the dreadful things that the people say about me. Even the British continue to slander my name! The Americans think I'm an idiot!" He clenched his fists. "I have no one." Phineas frowned, "What about Frederick? He was the one who brought you here. He saved you, didn't he?" "Frederick? He does not love me. We are merely men in war." He suddenly smiled, "Napoleon I don't mean to be rude but didn't you see the way he looked at you? The way he talked about you?" Napoleon raised a brow, "Huh? I do understand." --- Cory placed a firm grasp on his shoulder, "Stevie? What did you do? Where have you been?" --- Theron sobbed, "NO! It's not enough! I have to leave. Whatever it was made me feel terrible! I imagined hurting everyone. I can't let that happen. I need to leave! I don't want anyone to get hurt!"

shadowess - May 15, 2024 Damien looked at James in surprise. He wasn't exactly going through a great time himself but hadn't expected such a reaction from his new friend. He glanced at the bartender, saying something to him quickly and quietly in Dutch to which the bartender nodded. The bartender poured another glass for James and set it in front of him before quickly scooping the glass off the bar with a cloth in one fluid movement. The bartender left them, walking to the back to dispose of the broken glass. "I wouldn't worry about it. It wouldn't be the first time a glass or two has been broken around me." Damien chuckled before his features straightened into a look of concern and he lowered his voice. "Have I offended you again?" He shrugged, looking a little uncomfortable as he admitted in a low voice "I'm still rusty at this whole 'having a friend' thing." --- "What's mud fighting, Daddy?" Neva asked innocently. In Vincent's arms, little Oliver had fallen asleep. --- The angel had been crying out from the loss of his arm and barely noticed when Charles had grabbed him. Then he felt it. The air that faintly smelled sweet. All at once he felt the familiar love, relief and sense of safety embrace him as a nurturing light brought warmth to his soul. "I'm home!" He gasped and looked around them in disbelief at the little market square that they had landed in. Of course, there was no monetary factor here, but some souls liked being able to share their art or hobbies with others in a manner that greatly resembled a marketplace. "I'm really home! You were telling the truth!" The angel began to sob. Initially, the souls and angels that had been minding their own business prior to their arrival had stood still, staring in shock at the sudden arrival of a Devil. The news that Heaven was gradually opening its doors to the citizens of Hell wasn't new but to suddenly be in the presence of Hell's King was a shock to them. Even more so that Hell's King was accompanied by a severely wounded Angel who seemed to be covered in dirt, dust and blood. The other angels that had fled Hell were nearby and they'd hurried over to them. They were all teary-eyed and full of gratitude as they each insisted on shaking Charles's hand. They had been locked away in those cells for decades but now not only was their nightmare over, but so was the war! They hadn't felt such hope for the future before and it was overwhelming to them as they cried and embraced each other over and over while laughing deliriously. Seeing such a spectacle, Heaven's civilian onlookers relaxed and some even smiled as they watched the joy that these Angels exhibited. Then they began to clap and cheer. In their eyes, Charles was a hero. Raguel appeared before them. He'd sensed Charles's arrival in Heaven and wanted to welcome him personally. "It's quite something, isn't it?" he smiled, knowing that Charles would have felt the same love and warmth that everyone in Heaven experiences. "Once upon a time, you would have felt like you were being crushed under an enormous weight for setting foot here. But times have changed. The war is over. To yours and your kin, Heaven welcomes you." Raguel's eyes moved over to the group of dirty, injured angels and his smile slipped as though he was just now noticing them. "Thank you for bringing them home," he says to Charles with a nod. "Knights." he addressed them and at once, the angels stopped what they were doing to stand at attention. Even the angel with the bloody, dripping stump of an arm had hopped to his feet. "Check yourselves into the hospital at once. All of you. Seek medical and mental aid. Once you have been discharged I want each of you to see me for debriefing. Then you may all enjoy a much-deserved retirement." "Acknowledged Arch Angel!" The men announced in unison before vanishing. Ragual couldn't help the small reminiscent smile creeping across his lips. It had been some years since his soldiers spoke like that. It seemed so old-fashioned now. With a heavy sigh, Raguel looked back at Charles. "I truly do appreciate it." He affirmed. "Is now a good time for you to join me in my office? We have much to discuss." --- Being flung into the air, Carol had flailed a little but looked down in horror at the height she had been left to free fall. The ability to stop herself from feeling pain could be useful in a fight but it cannot stop her from being wounded or worse. The ground was coming back to greet her at an ugly speed and she dreaded to think how helplessly broken such a landing would make her. Dark, wet tendrils gripped her, saving her from the fall. Although she was relieved, she also couldn't help grimacing at the odd feeling of those tentacles. She sat on the ground, whirling her head around to where the tentacles originated. Another Devil? Was he trapped in those cells too or did he come back from Oblivion like Donnie and Damien had? How many more are going to come out of the woodwork now that Lucifer is gone? Even more shocking was this Devil's companion. A smaller version of the lunatic she'd been hunting before. Insanity. She heard the question but there was so much she was trying to make sense of. She watched the short fight between the two Devils until one of them had been dismembered. She looked at Insanity again and then back to Abaddon. "What the Hell is going on?! Who is he?!" she pointed at Abaddon then looked back at Insanity. "What the Hell happened to you?!" she then turned and pointed to the wounded Devil, paying no mind to the blood pooling towards them. "And who the fuck is that?!" --- "Um, sure," Lilly answered while rubbing her arm nervously. "Well, it's like I said before. You already know I'm from another universe. I was an orphan and lived in an orphanage until I accidentally raised Bob from the dead... he was my first and only friend then... but I guess I could have been a better friend to him..." she admitted while looking away. "In my world, magic... especially magic like that... it was considered evil. If anyone found out, I'd have been burned at the stake. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get Bob to, you know, die again. And he was a walking talking skeleton who wouldn't leave me alone. He couldn't, I suppose. He was bound to me. So, I did the only thing I could to survive. I ran away. Lived on the road. Hid Bob as best I could and tried to find someone else like me... not to learn about the powers but to get rid of Bob so that I could go back to a 'normal' life." She frowned. She regretted how cold she used to be toward Bob. She'd always blamed him for her life going awry. She sighed. "Then I met this boy. Armin. He was searching for lost components of an ancient spell. One said to open a doorway into another world. He wanted to escape ours because of... because of the Wraiths." She visibly shuddered at the word 'wraiths'. "I thought maybe if I tagged along, we could find a way for me to get what I wanted too... or at the very least cross through the doorway to a new world where I might be able to start again." She suddenly looked mournful and slightly distressed. "He found the components. But the cost to open the door was too great. The spell demanded a sacrifice. He said he didn't want to use it anymore. That it wasn't worth the cost. He was going to destroy the spell so that no one else would use it." She paused. Taking a breath, she lifted her eyes to look around the throne room. She was quiet for a moment. Contemplative. Sombre. Finally, she looked back at Death, having steeled herself to finish her story. "We were ambushed by Wraiths. They wanted the spell components too so that they could cross into a second world to continue their destruction. It all happened so fast that it's mostly a blur now but Armin..." She shook her head. "I don't know when he started the spell. But I saw him reciting it... and he was... he was disintegrating! I tried to fight my way over to stop him but he just smiled at me and pushed me through the portal. With me and Bob through, he closed the portal behind us. One wraith managed to get through but this man, David, was there when we fell into this universe and he pushed the wraith back into my world before the portal snapped shut. Armin had sacrificed himself to save us. I don't know why he did that... I don't know what happened to the spell after either... I know the wraiths didn't manage to use it because they'd be here already if they had. I am sad and... maybe even a little angry that he sacrificed himself to save me... but..." she paused again, smiling a little. "I'm glad. By pushing me through, he's given me something that I never believed I would ever have... a chance at a new life. A chance to be happy." --- Elsewhere in Death's castle, Azrael appeared in his office and began writing up preparations for Lilly's coronation. Death's domain had never had an heir to the throne before but Azrael was not deterred. He'd learned a thing or two during his years travelling and working on Earth about monarchy customs, etiquette and the like. He drew up plans for a ball, a banquet, as well as the coronation itself where Death would officially & legally crown Lilly as his daughter and heir. Invitations could be sent to high-ranking members of Hell, Heaven and even the supernatural figures of power that reside on Earth. A village fair and tournament could be held on the castle's vast grounds. So many ideas and possibilities flooded Azrael's mind but he contained his excitement. He would, of course, have to run all of this by Death himself first and obtain his authorisation before any planning could be implemented. But for now, he jotted down his ideas and the logistics for them. --- Bob looked around at them and couldn't help smiling despite his tears. "Gosh... I-..." the words caught in his throat and he swallowed before chuckling. "You guys are the best, you know that? I love you guys!" --- Kasper looked up from the little book nook in the corner of their cottage. He was lounging in an armchair, a blanket sprawled across his lap and an open book in his hands. One of the dogs was sleeping by his feet. "You wouldn't be in Heaven if you weren't good, Mr Bonaparte," he said simply. "Much less an Angel." Since living with Phineas, Kasper had become more relaxed and confident in himself. He even seemed physically healthier and had a bit more colour in his cheeks. "Why do you ask?" he asked, curious. --- "It's wonderful!" Stevie beamed. His left eyelid twitched briefly. "I was scared but I'm not scared anymore! I can do anything! I can BE anything! No more rules! No more homework! No more parents! No more 'bring me a beer, runt'! No more 'you were a mistake, runt!' No more! No more! No more!-" He paused. His grin had been growing more and more disturbing as he was talking but then it slipped disorientingly quickly into a frown. "Hang on-" he gasped then stood and turned away from Cory. He took something out of his pocket. The early morning sunlight bounced off the silver of his father's hipflask as he quickly brought it up to take a small sip of a strong-smelling liquid. While he was turned away, Cory would be close enough to notice that the 'mud' that was dried and flaking on Stevie's clothes had a hint of red. Quickly putting the hipflask back into his pocket with a sigh of relief, Stevie turned around to face Cory again. His pupils had widened from whatever liquid he'd swallowed. "I'm going to show them. I'm going to show them all! I am done being pushed around! I am done being everyone's punching bag! It ends today!" His eyes darted to the entrance of the quad, where other students were just starting to arrive. He smirked and something about his smile was deeply unsettling. --- Bianka had taken a couple of steps back and watched in alarm as things she couldn't explain unfolded. When it was done and Theron told her he'd protected them she smiled, although admittedly she was a little confused as she had only been able to see Theron's reaction to whatever entity had threatened them. "I-... I couldn't see what it was you were fighting, I'm afraid. But I shall take your word for it. Thank you, son."

Denix Vames - May 4, 2024 James could see something was wrong. He wanted to say something but he was never much for words. It pained him that this was the only way to deal with his own problems. By just drinking. Anger seeped through his veins. He suddenly broke the glass in his hand without meaning to. Giving himself a wake up call. He let the pieces of glass in his hand fall to the floor. He cleared his throat, "Sorry bartender. Got anything to clean this up? I could help." --- "Yes you are, my ice princess." ,said Vincent. Elliot's eyes gleamed, "She speaks baby! This is more awesome than that time I went mud fighting with everybody in my hometown." --- Charles grabbed the Angel and immediately teleported to Heaven. The Devil let out a frustrated scream when his knees were hit. He growled once he heard her tell him to submit. He grabbed the pole and chucked her in the air. Waiting for her to break on the ground so he could have a chance at eating her. However, black tentacles had caught her in time. Placing her gently on the ground. It was Abaddon with Insanity perched on his shoulder. The Devil let out a roar. Insanity flew over to Carol, "Are you alright?" Abaddon returned back the roar with more anger. He said, "Friend of mine. Stop! We are friends with this one. We are friends with the leader." The Devil laughed. He reached for him. Abaddon's opened his mouth. Wrapping his tentacles over his wrist. Holding on tightly before ripping his arm off. The Devil grabbed his stump and cried out. A river of blood flowed into their direction. --- "Thankfully, it is only your hands." Death looked at his own throne. "I would like to know your story if that is alright with you. In return, I can tell you mine." --- "Are you kidding me? You've got us all here supporting you!" ,said Grim. "That's right. We're always going to be here you." ,said Pain. "And that's never going to change." ,said Storm. Napoleon frowned. He realized now that although he was powerful and had a great title, he didn't have any friends. He suddenly appeared in Phineas Gage's home. His face went red. He cleared his throat. "I uh....Is this a good time for a conversation? Nothing serious, I can assure you. Just a talk." Phineas smiled, "Well I don't see why not. Nice to meet ya Napoleon. Have a seat." Napoleon took a seat at the sofa chair. He looked at Phineas before looking at his partner. "I'm going to ask you a question and I implore you to answer me honestly. Am I a bad guy?" Phineas fell silent. He awkwardly scratched the back of his neck. "Uh well....It's more complicated than that. How do I say it? Um...." --- Cory sat next to him. "What do you mean?" --- Theron clutched his robes. He bent back. His blood dripping from every part of him. He bent over. Slamming his fists on the floor. "NO! I won't let it try to do anything! Nobody owns me anymore!" His black wings sprouted. A sudden gush of wind passed by everyone in the castle as his purple energy covered the castle too. The purple aura soon disappeared. He stood up as his blood went back into his body. He turned around to face Bianka. His eyes glowing purple. He smiled with tears in his eyes. "I banished it from here. I don't want anything to hurt my family."

shadowess - May 4, 2024 "You bet. In those days if I told people who I was I'd be fighting Angels off daily." Damien chuckled as he took a sip of his own drink. He paused and looked at the liquid with a small frown then sighed and took another sip. It wasn't giving him the kind of buzz that he was used to. In fact, it even tasted a little weak. Of course, Damien knew why. He'd been subjected to a lot of vampire venom in a short space of time so his body was craving exactly that and the difference between venom and whiskey was immense. He pushed his cravings down, deciding that the best thing to do was try to ignore them and continue as normal. "So I'm known here as Kay Doler." he finished. --- "That's amazing!" Sebastian exclaimed as he looked at the little girl who had turned bashful from all the sudden attention. "I'm going to help cute little babies, aren't I Daddy?" she beamed. --- The other Angels fled, expanding their wings and flying as far from the battle as they could in order to attempt a safe teleportation to Heaven. Carol gasped when the Devil grabbed her and had been about to try fighting him off when the Griffin's wings had burned him. A few stray feathers had left burn steaks across Carol's arm and the side of her face in the process, but she seemed not to notice. "Hey asshole, at least buy me a drink before you get grabby!" She'd barked at the Devil in annoyance while stamping on the end of a nearby metal pole to make it jump up as if it were light as wood. She caught it in her hand and started twirling it around her with ease. It wasn't much for an improvised weapon but she would have to make do considering she didn't have the ability to shapeshift like the Angel had. But what she lacked in powers she more than made up for in martial skills, thanks to Lucifer's gifts to her. She could turn off her ability to feel pain and had extensive experience in many forms of combat so that when she hits, she hits hard! This made her formidable yet often underestimated by her opponents. The Angel had done some underestimating of his own and was shocked at how easily a limb was ripped from him. He shrieked and involuntarily transformed back into his angelic form before falling to the ground, holding his bloodied stump and whimpering helplessly. "Sire, get him and yourself out of here!" Carol shouted while still twirling the pole around her. "Let me do my duty!" she growled before stabbing the pole into the ground and vaulting herself over the Devil to land behind him. She aimed four strikes at the backs of his knees and the small of his back in quick succession before flinging the pole over his head to pull him back by his neck in an attempt to choke and subdue him. "Submit!" she growled into his ear. Whether any of this was actually effective on the Devil though, remained to be seen. --- Lilly watched the cloud in his hand with a small frown. "I can't touch anyone? Is it just my hands?" she asked curiously as she lifted her eyes to his. "I guess I could get used to it. I never really managed to get used to being close to anyone before anyway." she shrugged. --- Bob wept into Grim's chest and clung to him tightly. "I'm sorry." is all he could say for a while until he calmed down again. "I never thought something like this would ever happen. I didn't know how to handle it. I still kinda don't." he admitted as he slowly stepped away from Grim. "But I have you, right? I don't have to be alone? Can we go home?" --- Stevie jumped up to his feet when he heard Cory's voice and whirled around with wild eyes. When he saw who it was, he relaxed a little and smiled. However, something about his smile seemed a little... off. "Cory!" He grinned. "I did it! I don't have to be scared about being hurt anymore!" he laughed abruptly then stopped just as quickly. "Ever," he added in a half growl through his grin. --- Bianka rushed to Theron's side. Larissa had gone to help tend to the wounded in the medical wing. Bianka knelt down and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Breathe, Junge. Focus on calming yourself first and then focus on the source of this emotion and what it is. Then we can figure out what to do from there, Ja?"

Denix Vames - May 4, 2024 James picked up his glass. "Really? As who? I can't imagine you used your real identity." He took a swig of his drink. --- Sawyer sighed. He laid on his side and closed his eyes. --- Vincent nodded, "Actually, she inherited Atma's powers when she passed away. She's going to grow up and be able to help supernatural creatures with the process of pregnancy." Carter smiled, "Well I'll be damned. Not to mention, it sounds like Neva will have an easier knowing people when she first meets them." Elliot said, "Exactly. My kid's a genius!" --- "No! You fool! You must leave!" ,said Charles. He turned to the other two angels. "Go! Your friend may want to take this fight but you don't have to!" The Devil grabbed Carol but was stunned by the wings of the lion. Crying out in pain as his hand burned. He slammed his hand against the ground. Causing everyone to either lose their balance or stumble. He let out an angry scream before grabbing one of the Angel's arms. Ripping it off and throwing it into his mouth. Chewing it like it was candy. --- Death nodded. "That's quite alright, Azrael." He smiled at her. "I do believe you humans say, 'Pinch me, I must be dreaming.' Perhaps that would help you realize that this is not a dream? Unless that is not your saying. I'm not quite sure what your phrases for such an event would be." He held out the palm of his hand. A small black cloud appeared. "I must unfortunately let you know that you cannot touch anyone for the touch of death shall kill many except for us. You may use gloves to shield your friends from potential ends of their lives." He frowned. "I can only hope that you will learn to grow with this disadvantage. I am sorry if such a thing upsets you. Believe me. I wish many times that I could get close to other creatures." --- Grim smiled through the tears. "C'mon you silly goose! Let it all out!" --- Cory spotted Stevie to his relief. He hopped over the fence. Running straight to him. "Hey man. You ok? You didn't answer my calls." --- Theron could feel a sudden surge of energy coming from something filled with hate and despair. He wasn't sure why or where it was coming from. He just knew he needed help. He dropped to his knees as he grabbed his head. Black blood dripped out from his eyes. "Stop it! Whatever it is! STOP!" He vomited black blood. "Something is telling me. It's angry and sad. It wants my help. But I can't....I don't....!"

Shadowess - May 3, 2024 "Now we're talking!" Damien beamed and walked over to the bar. He said something to the barman in Dutch who nodded with a smile in response before turning to grab an expensive-looking bottle from the top shelf. "I'm pretty well known here," Damien explained with a shrug as the barman slid two glasses across to them and poured a sizable amount of whiskey into each. --- Kat's eyes moved to look over at Sawyer while he spoke. When he saw him crying, he was quiet for a moment. "We all have our demons but at least we can be sure of one thing. We're not nearly as evil as ADIEU." he sighed then shuffled a little to get comfortable and closed his eyes. "We have a lot of planning to do but first we need to rest. Get some sleep, Red Fox." --- Oliver hiccouped and whinged but his crying had all but dwindled. He began to suck his thumb and clung to Vincent's chest while he struggled to keep his eyes open. "Aww he looks so cute when he's sleepy." Neva giggled in a half-whisper. Oliver's eyes moved to look at her. "No, he's not, Oliver. That's not very nice. You have to be a good boy. If you're not a good boy, you will get in trouble... I don't know. Maybe soon? Maybe they'll come and pick you up after your nap?" she said to him as if holding a full-blown conversation with the infant. Sebastian raised an eyebrow at her. "Neva, are you talking to Oliver?" "Daddies always say it's rude to ignore someone when they ask you a question." Neva shrugged. Blinking, Sebastian glanced between Neva and Oliver and then the realisation struck him. "I think Neva might be telepathic! That or..." he looked at Oliver. "Of course. Not Neva. Oliver! His father has strong telepathic abilities, it only made sense that he'd inherit them." --- At first, Carol had grinned proudly as Charles talked the Angels down but then he went one step further and in so doing had hurt her feelings. By calling her former master 'childish'. Her eye had twitched and her smile became more strained but she quickly buried her sudden rage, grief, and sadness. Now wasn't the time to be overly sensitive to an offhand remark. Before she could properly process and bury her emotions, the unknown Devil appeared and launched an attack against them. Seeing Charles in danger, Carol dove between him and this new Devil. "Sire, escort the Angels to Heaven! Leave the fighting to me!" she called over to him while keeping her eyes locked on the Devil. "I'm itching for a fight anyways," she growled angrily. "Flee!" the Angel that had been talking to Charles & Carol shouted to his kin. He turned and shapeshifted into a creature that seemed to be ripped straight from one of Earth's old myths. He changed into a lion that was at least three times larger than an average-sized lion. The lion had two pairs of wings on its back and its front paws were replaced by a pair of eagle talons. His fur and the feathers of his wings were a mix of silver and gold. A Griffin. It charged forwards, roaring fiercely as it went, then stopping beside Carol to posture threateningly at the new Devil. Carol couldn't help but give the Griffin some seriously excited side-eye while whispering to herself "First chance I get, I'm totally going to ride you into battle!" --- Bob paused to look at Pain numbly. Without a word, he turned to walk out of the graveyard again. --- Greif took many forms. Azrael knew this all too well. There was one being on Earth whose grief could cause unnecessary worry to the newest member of Death's family. This could make her settling in so much harder than it needed to be. Lilly slowly rose to her feet again and took a couple of nervous steps towards Death. Unable to help wondering what kind of a father he would be. "Then, if it's all the same, I think I'll call you father. I think that would help me to adjust a little easier," she explained while fidgeting with her hands. Maintaining his smile and the facade that all was well so as not to worry Lilly, Azrael took a quick bow while addressing them. "Please excuse me, your grace... and your grace. There is an urgent matter that I must attend to. But perhaps my absence can grant you both time to get to know each other?" he added the suggestion with a quick smile to Death. He did not doubt that Death would be aware of his reason for leaving and hoped he would understand that the grieving soul in question would benefit from such a visit. Lilly didn't know what that was about but was sure she'd likely learn the nuances of how things were run here in time. Once Azrael vanished and she was left alone with Death for the first time, she shuffled on her feet awkwardly. "This feels strange." she admitted then quickly added "Not in a bad way. I just never pictured myself having a parent before... I never even imagined that, well..." she shrugged. "That my parent would be royalty." she half chuckled. "It feels like I might wake up at any moment and be back in my world, hiding in an old shed..." --- When Bob had walked quite far from the graveyard, he stopped to look over a little brick bridge at the train tracks underneath. For the time of day, the bridge was quiet. No other pedestrians walking over it, no cars on the little road in its centre. He folded his arms on the wall and peered down at the metal and wood on the gravel beneath. No sounds around but the occasional birdsong and rustling of leaves in nearby trees as the wind blew through their branches. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Worse." A voice next to him made him jump back a little from the wall and whirl around to look at its source. "You. You were with him." Bob narrowed his eyes at Azrael who merely nodded in reply. "What do you mean, worse?" "You were wondering if it would hurt like how she hurt in her final moments," Azrael replied plainly and didn't react as Bob winced then looked away from him shamefully. The Angel looked away from Bob to walk over to the wall and looked down at the tracks. "Although her death wasn't exactly quick, the wound was clean and swift. Her body went into shock shortly after and she felt nothing in her final moments. That's what you wanted to know, isn't it? But what you are considering inflicting on yourself... you would be mangled beyond recognition. Your body contorted and broken painfully into unnatural positions. You would die knowing only agony. Not only that, but your death in such a manner would bring her an eternity of unbearable torment." Azrael turned to look back at Bob to see him shaking, staring hard at the ground. His chest heaved up and down as he struggled to hold back his tears and his hands were balled into tight fists by his sides. The Angel gave him a compassionate look. Slowly and gently, he laid a hand on his shoulder. "She is at peace. Surrounded by love and will never have to feel alone. You have my word on that. I know it is painful but it is time that you let her go. She gave you a gift. A beautiful gift. The gift of life. To live it how you choose and not in servitude. Do not squander it. Do not dishonour her in such a way." Bob gasped as he tore his eyes from the ground to look at Azrael in realisation. He was right! What an awful thing he'd wanted to do! He opened his mouth to say something but what came out were uncontrollable sobs as his grief overwhelmed him. Azrael pulled him into a hug and spoke softly. "It's alright. You are in pain and your senses are being clouded. You miss her. This is natural. Do not try to bottle up or hide this. It will only make the pain worse. Seek comfort in those you cherish. They will give you the strength to work through your grief, one day at a time until it becomes easier. When the time is right, you will be reunited with her. But for now, live." Bob nodded between sobs into Azrael's shoulder. When he'd calmed down enough to stop sobbing, he stepped out of Azrael's arms and took a few deep breaths. "Would you like some company on the walk back?" the Angel offered and Bob hesitated. Then after a last glance at the train tracks, he nodded and started to walk. Azrael would walk with him silently until they were close enough to the rest of the group again, and then he'd vanish before the others could see him. Bob barely noticed he'd gone as he'd spotted Grim and started walking a little faster towards him until he could fling his arms around him to sob again. --- Early morning. Alarms would just about be going off everywhere to wake people up for both work and school. The school was still empty as Stevie sat on a bench in the quad. He looked a mess. Messier than normal. His heart was pounding and his clothes were dirty. He held his flute tightly to his chest, its whispers bringing him the only comfort he'd had all night. He seemed a little twitchy.

Watched it today! It was sooo good 😆

shadowess - March 10, 2021 Tom nodded in response to Vincent but stayed quiet. When Carter came downstairs as well, Sebastian got up and walked over to him, wrapping his arms around him. It had been another day full of drama and he felt exhausted both mentally and emotionally. He could see Carter looked a bit upset and wanted to comfort him as well. "Elliot's taken Neva out to get her some new clothes." He explained and pulled away a little to look at him, keeping his arms around his shoulders. "I put her old clothes in the wash...Her arms were covered in bruises..." He shook his head a little, sadly. "We have to find that bastard and put a stop to what he's doing." Denix Vames - March 10, 2021 Carter pressed his hands over his back. Keeping him close. Resting his head over his shoulder. "We will. I promise you that we will." Vincent walked into the kitchen. He saw the mess. He whistled. "Geez. This is what I missed huh?" shadowess - March 10, 2021 Sebastian sighed softly as Carter held him and he rested his head against his, closing his eyes. He kissed the side of his head. "I don't know about you...but I'm exhausted after today..." He said quietly. "I'm sure Neva will be fine with the others for a few hours. Why don't we try to get some sleep?" Tom stared off into space as Vincent wandered over to the kitchen. --- Neva followed Elliot around the stores, almost constantly looking over her shoulders to make sure she didn't get recognized by anyone. Still shy around Elliot, she barely spoke a word since they left the house. The first stop they made was to buy a sweater for her to wear so as to cover her bruises up. The last thing they needed was to get held up by a concerned cop or citizen who saw her injuries and made assumptions. Denix Vames - March 10, 2021 Carter sniffled then smiled. "Honestly, I could use some." They headed upstairs into the bedroom. Vincent walked over to Tom and sat next to him. "I'm sorry about my comment. I should have been more respectful." He touched his arm. "Do you want to do something to take your mind off of it?" ----- Elliot had bought her a red sweater to hide her from the Trickster. "Now, I'm thinking overalls and a funny shirt. What about you? What sorts of colors do you like?" shadowess - March 10, 2021 Tom looked up at Vincent curiously. He'd love nothing more than to not have to think about Nate or Parker for a while. "Like what?" He asked. --- Walking by Elliot's side, Neva looked up at him when he suggested the kinds of clothes she could wear. Having only ever dressed in whatever she was given or was lucky enough to find, Neva had never had much opportunity to develop a preference. "Okay." She said quietly to his suggestion then looked in the shop windows as they walked past. "I like blue...and yellow..." She said, looking back at Elliot with a small smile. She'd never been shopping before. It was kind of fun. Denix Vames - March 10, 2021 Vincent shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe we could watch some TV." ----- Elliot smiled. "Those are nice colors sweetie but we have to get you clothes that don't look like the ones you were wearing before." He walked into a clothing store that had a gothic style to it. "Like something like this!" He picked out a grey shirt with a grim reaper on it and black jeans along with checkered sneakers and some zombie patterned socks. shadowess - March 10, 2021 Tom thought for a moment then nodded with a small smile. "Sounds good..." ----- Neva frowned when he pointed out she had to wear something different to what she'd been wearing before. He was right. She didn't want to be found and she didn't want to go back...she couldn't go back... She followed him into the store and looked at the clothes he picked out for her. They were vastly different from the types of things she'd usually wear. She looked at the shirt with the picture and then at the rest, a small smile growing. "I like these." She said quietly. Then she glanced around the shop and spotted a black leather jacket with studded spikes on it's shoulders. Her eyes lit up and she pointed to it. "That too?" Denix Vames - March 10, 2021 Vincent smiled. He switched the TV on with the remote. Flipping channels until he found a sitcom. ----- Elliot chuckled. "Of course." After getting the jacket for her, they left the store. "Why don't we get some burgers? We can eat them when we get back home. It's best to keep moving just to be safe." shadowess - March 10, 2021 Neva left the store with Elliot, smiling. She had become relaxed around him as they shopped. When he suggested they pick up burgers before heading home, she grinned at him and held his hand, feeling safe with him. "Okay!" she said excitedly. --- A guy dressed in torn and worn out clothes was sitting in an alley some ways behind them. He had been snoozing. He stirred and opened his eyes briefly then they shot open when he spotted the girl's white hair. He squinted, unable to tell if it was Neva or just some other kid that happened to have the same colored hair...then again, hair as white as that wasn't exactly a common trait. Stumbling to his feet, he disappeared into the ally. Denix Vames - March 10, 2021 They went to a burger joint where he got them both a double cheeseburger and a cheeseburger along with large fries, a shake, and soda to go. The cashier gave him the bag after he paid. He gave her the shake. "That's yours." He had the food in a shopping bag over his shoulder. Making sure that he could still hold her hand as he held his soda in the other. They headed to the car.

shadowess - March 10, 2021 Tom opened his mouth to say something when Nate said understanding humans wasn't easy when the glass in the room began to shatter around him. Making him jump and shield his face with his arms. He stared at the way Nate looked at him and shook, listening. When he'd finished speaking, Tom started sobbing. He was still angry but he knew that there was no point in yelling. He wasn't sure of what to make of Nate's explanation. A part of him still wanted to be angry with Nate for what he did but he was also beginning to understand why he does what he does. As he cried into his hands, he could begin to feel his anger ebbing away, being replaced by a sadness and confusion. He didn't want to get hurt again but he didn't want to lose Nate either. So what do they do now? --- Parker had been crying into his hands as Carter tried to comfort him. Sniffing, and wiping some of his tears away, Parker turned his head to look at Carter. "Why are you crying?" Denix Vames - March 10, 2021 "M-Maybe we should take a break. Think about what we want from each other and then come back and talk. I don't know how long the break should be. But I don't want you to think that you have to make up your mind so quickly." Nate turned around. His back facing him. "I'm sorry for hurting you. I use to do that to humans in the past but I never realized how bad it was until I met you. I know now that I need to be a better person. But I can't do that if I'm here. I have to be alone. To know what it means to lose." His wings lowered. "Goodbye Tom." He disappeared. ----- Carter looked away from him. Enclosing his hands together. "Because I cheated on my husband once. When I still had my family around, I had gone behind Jack's back and slept with Kite. It was just one of those days where everything was shitty and my head was pounding. I just wanted to relax. To forget for one second that the damn city wasn't relying on me. So I had sex with Kite. And everyday, I feel like shit for hurting my husband the way I did. To just do something like that and keep it all bottled up." He shook his head. "It was so fucked." shadowess - March 10, 2021 When he suggested they take a break, Tom lowered his hands and stared at Nate. He knew it was for the best but he didn't want to let Nate go. A part of him wanted to reach out and stop him from leaving but he also wanted some time alone to think it all through. Once he was gone, he fell to his knees, crying into his hands once more. His heart hurting so much. Sebastian walked over to the doorway to make sure they were alright, to see Tom alone and crying on the floor. He walked in quietly and knelt next to him, wrapping his arms around his shoulders. "C'mon..." He whispered. "Let's go sit in the other room. Hmm?" He helped Tom to his feet and walked him over to the couch where he sat him down. He then left the room momentarily and came back with tissues for him. "Take your time." He said gently as he sat close by. ---- Parker sat up as he listened to Carter's confession. It made Parker realize that, maybe he did understand how he felt right now. It was an awful position to be in. The guilt alone can swallow you whole. Parker hugged him, trying to comfort Carter as well. When he pulled away, he seemed to be listening for a moment. "It's quiet..." He pointed out. Denix Vames - March 10, 2021 Carter listened too. Waiting for a sound. He looked at the door. "Usually that's a good or a bad thing. I'm hoping it's the first." shadowess - March 10, 2021 Parker nods and lays back down on the bed. "I'm-...I'm guna try to sleep..." He said quietly as he turned away from Carter and closes his eyes. Now he might have some trouble but he knew there was nothing else he could do right now. Denix Vames - March 10, 2021 Carter shook his head. "I can't leave you in this room. If you're going to sleep then it's gonna be in the other room." shadowess - March 10, 2021 Parker turned back to look at Carter again, confused. "Other room?" He asked sleepily. If he meant the other bedroom, he was sure Elliot and Vincent were in there, having not seen Elliot leave. He hoped he didn't mean the living room where Tom probably was. He still didn't want to face him. Denix Vames - March 10, 2021 "Well yeah. I'll go see if anyone's in there." Carter left and knocked on the door to the other bedroom. "Hey! Is someone awake in there?" Vincent slightly opened the door. "Hmm?" "I'm gonna need you to switch bedrooms for me. Parker needs to be over here. Just to keep him safe." "Alright. Hold on." He quickly changed before opening. "I've got to go see Elliot anyway." He headed downstairs. Carter walked back to the bedroom. "Hey Parker. You can come over and rest." shadowess - March 10, 2021 Getting to his feet when Carter called him, Parker moved into the other bedroom. "Thanks..." He said to Carter on his way in. --- By this point, Tom had calmed down and was no longer sobbing. His eyes were red and slightly swollen from all the crying though. Sebastian looked up when he saw Vincent descending the stairs. "Morning." He greeted him. "Elliot's just nipped out. He's helping a new guest buy some clothes." He explained. "Though be careful if you're thinking of just appearing near him. The guest with him knows about us but she's a little jumpy...and flighty." Tom looked up at Vincent quietly then looked back down at the ground, not in the mood to talk to anyone or have to explain why he was upset. Denix Vames - March 10, 2021 Carter smiled. "No problem. Just try to get some sleep." He headed downstairs. ---- Vincent nodded. "I don't know. I might stay here if he can handle himself when it comes to taking care of a kid." He looked at Tom. "You don't have to tell me anything. I already know what you're talking about. And I'm sorry to hear that."

shadowess - March 9, 2021 With how Elliot reacted to seeing her, Neva became very self conscious and hid behind Tom shyly. "Hey, easy man. She's been through a lot." Tom said calmly and turned to look at Neva. "It's ok. He's nice, I promise." Sebastian came back through the kitchen after putting Neva's clothes through the wash. "Hey Elliot, so about that favor. Once you've eaten of course. Would you and Vincent mind going out and getting Neva some new clothes? I'd go but it's daylight out." --- Parker covered his face with his hands and cried into them as Carter told him it wasn't his fault but Tom would need to be told. He knew he was right but didn't have the nerve to face Tom right now. He shook his head while wiping a few tears away. Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 "Oh! Sorry about that. I won't be asking any more questions then." Elliot put the scrambled eggs and bacon on two plates. There was enough for both of them. "Sure. It'd be nice to go out and do something different." He handed her a plate. "Here's your breakfast." He placed a spoon on the plate. "Hope ya like it." ----- Carter gently rubbed his back. "I'll be back to check on you." He went downstairs. He walked into the kitchen. He nervously cleared his throat. "Hey Tom? I need to talk to you privately." shadowess - March 10, 2021 Neva took the plate and looked at the spoon with a smirk. "Thanks." She said quietly and when Elliot moved into the living room, she subtly switched the spoon for a fork. She then walked into the living room after him and sat down, eating the food just as hungrily as she'd eaten the sandwich that Carter had given her earlier. Sebastian watched Carter curiously but stayed quiet as he also moved into the living room to sit with the others. Tom looked at Carter and could see by his expression that whatever it was that he needed to talk to him about, it was serious. "Okay?" He said and followed Carter quietly. Denix Vames - March 10, 2021 Elliot started eating. "Whoa. Slow down there. You want to savor the flavor." Carter sighed. "Look, I really don't know how to say this but...." He swallowed. "Nate and Parker had sex." He raised his arms as if he was ready to get yelled at. "Now, don't blame Parker for this. Apparently, he was drunk and Nate came onto him." He lowered his arms. "I'm sorry that any of this happened." shadowess - March 10, 2021 Neva looked up with a mouth full of scrambled egg when Elliot told her to slow down. She looked back down at her plate thoughtfully. So used to eating quickly in case her food was snatched from her, she couldn't remember the last time she'd been able to relax and eat at her own pace. Swallowing what was in her mouth she nodded at Elliot with a small smile then started eating the rest a bit slower. --- Tom stared at Carter as he broke the news. Is that what the noise and the 'nightmare' had been about earlier?! His eyes had widened and his face grew very red as he just stood and stared in shock at Carter while he quickly defended Parker. He brought both his hands up to cover his mouth while he leant against the wall and slid down it to sit on the floor. It felt like his heart was tearing open in his chest as he began to sob quietly. He was both furious and heartbroken. Denix Vames - March 10, 2021 Elliot smiled back. He continued to eat. Nate appeared. He flapped his wings. "Looks like Neva's here. Nice to meet you." "Don't be scared. He's one of us. He can read minds by the way in case you wanted to know." ----- Carter sat next to him. He gently rubbed his shoulder. "Hey, it's going to be ok. You just need to talk to Nate about this." shadowess - March 10, 2021 When Nate appeared, Neva looked up and stared at him. Her eyes moving to his wings and she stared at them in wonder. She was gripping her fork tightly as she stared. She'd never seen an Angel before. "H-hi." She mumbled nervously then went back to eating what was left on her plate. --- "Talk about what?!" Tom snapped, unable to control his emotions. "How he stabbed me in the back?!" Denix Vames - March 10, 2021 Nate turned to the shouting. He walked into the kitchen. "Tom?" He frowned. "Tom, I didn't do it to betray you. I did it to help Parker. I'm a Sex Angel. I use to do this for many humans for decades. It makes them feel happy." ---- Carter stood. He silently left them along to converse. He went back upstairs to Parker. "They're talking." shadowess - March 10, 2021 "He was drunk!" Tom yelled at him. "How exactly does fucking him help him!?" He got to his feet and faced Nate angrily. "If you wanted to help him, you could have just talked to him! helped him sober up! anything other than sticking your dick in him!" Tom was breathing heavily, his fists clenched and tears streaming down his cheeks as he glared at Nate. --- Parker hadn't slept yet, worried about how Tom was going to react. He heard Carter come back into the room and tell him they were talking. Only a second after he'd said that, Tom's yelling could be heard coming from downstairs. "Fuck..." Parker groaned and covered his face again. --- Sebastian turned towards the kitchen when Tom started yelling at Nate then looked back at Neva and Elliot hurriedly. "I think now might be a good time for you to do some shopping. Take Neva with you, she shouldn't be here for this. Here..." He passed his credit card to Elliot. "Buy whatever she needs." Denix Vames - March 10, 2021 Tears started streaming down Nate's face. He turned away. "I was assigned that job. I was made to do this. I'm sorry if I'm still trying to understand humans but it's not exactly easy." His wings started flapping as the glass in the kitchen broke and shattered. He glared. "Do you think I wanted to be this type of monster?! To be made like this? I want to know you better! I want to know that what I did was wrong but I don't!" He frowned. "I don't...." ----- Carter rubbed his back. "Don't worry. I've had arguments like those before. I'm sure they'll resolve things at some point." He frowned. His grip on his shirt tightened. His lips quivered. Tears silently ran down his cheeks. ------ Elliot set his empty plate on the table. "Alright. I'm sure things will be fine when we get back." He put the card in his wallet. He grabbed the keys to Carter's car and took her hand. "C'mon Neva. Let's get you some overalls so you can look like Uncle Elliot here." They left the house.

shadowess - March 9, 2021 Tom got to his feet when Carter came back and told them to go to his house. He nodded and caught the keys. Neva quietly got to her feet and stood near Tom. "Is he alright?" Tom asked, concerned. As soon as he asked this, the front door opened and Sebastian hurried in, sweating a little as the air outside had started warming up with the rising sun. He saw Carter, Tom and Neva standing in the living room as he walked in, panting a little. "Kite's fine. Mild hypothermia. He's resting up at the hospital now." He explained and saw the look on Carter's face. "What's happened?" Upstairs, Parker waited for Carter to get back before even attempting to lay down. Knowing he'd fall asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. He looked at the window, shivering at the thought that he'd almost flung himself out of it. He looked out at the sun rising on the horizon. "Oh, right!" He said as he remembered Carter would be coming back in a minute. He hurriedly moved over to the windows to draw the heavy curtains closed. Shutting out the sunlight. Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 "He's going to be fine. He just had a nightmare. That's all." Carter raised a brow at Sebastian. "Looks like you'll have to hold off on the trip. Seems like the sun is out." He smiled. "No need to worry. Like I told Tom, he just had a nightmare but he needs someone to be there with him. So I'm heading over. I'll see you guys later." He headed upstairs and into the bedroom. "Hey Parker? I'm back. How are you feeling right now?" shadowess - March 9, 2021 Sebastian watched Carter head up the stairs and then turned to Tom. "Who had a nightmare?" "Parker. A pretty bad one by the sounds of it. Heard something smashing earlier..." Tom explained and Sebastian nodded before looking at Neva. "And how are you feeling now?" Neva simply smiled and nodded. "She seems to be alright." Tom said when she stayed quiet. "I think she's just shy." Sebastian nodded once more and looked her over. "Hmm...When Vincent and Elliot wake up, I'll see if they wouldn't mind going out and buying you some new clothes...in the meantime, I'm sure we have some spare clothes somewhere..." Sebastian wandered into the laundry room where he found some clothes that looked like they might fit Neva and brought them back into the living room. He passed them to Neva and pointed up the stairs. "The bathroom is upstairs. Feel free to get yourself washed up. Bring your old clothes down when you're done and I'll get them washed for you." Neva took the clothes and stared at Sebastian as he pointed her towards the bathroom. "Thanks..." She said quietly before going up the stairs. Once she was gone, Sebastian sat in one of the chairs "Are we ever going to just have a calm day where nothing happens?" he said with a heavy sigh. Tom also sat nearby, chuckling at Sebastian's comment. ------ Parker had been pacing a bit when Carter walked in. He relaxed and nodded at Carter. "I'm alright. Just tired." He replied, heading over to the bed and laying down. His eyelids feeling heavy as soon as he rested his head on the pillow. "Thanks Carter. I really appreciate this." He said sleepily as he began to doze off. Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 Elliot groaned as he walked slowly downstairs. "Freaking hangover is killing me." There was redness around his wrists as if he had been tied up. ---- "No problem." Carter sniffed the room. "I don't mean to bother you but was Nate here a couple of minutes ago or so?" shadowess - March 9, 2021 "Ah! Speak of the devil..." Sebastian said, getting up and grinning at Elliot, trying not to look at his wrists. "Elliot, when you've had some breakfast, I have a favor to ask. If that's alright?" --- Thank God Parker wasn't facing Carter or he might have seen how pale his face turned at the mention of Nate. His guilt rose in him again and he couldn't help his heart flutter a little from nerves. "I-I don't know..." Parker lied. "Pretty sure he's used both bedrooms at some point..." Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 "Yeah sure." He walked into the kitchen. He started whipping up some scrambled eggs and bacon. ---- "I worked in law enforcement long enough to know that you're not telling me the truth, Parker." Carter frowned. "Please be honest with me." shadowess - March 9, 2021 Sebastian poked his head into the kitchen as Elliot began cooking. "Any chance you could make two portions? We have a very hungry guest who'll be rejoining us very soon. I'm sure she'd appreciate some more food." He asked politely before sitting back down in the living room. --- Parker brought his hand up to bite his thumb nail nervously as Carter called him out on his lying. He felt his face grow a little hot as his heart beat a bit harder. "He was here..." He said shakily. His stomach ached from the guilt he felt. Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 "Sure thing. Tell Amelia I said hi." Elliot started making more scrambled eggs and bacon. ----- Carter sat at the edge of the bed. "Take a deep breath and just calm down. Now, what was he doing here?" shadowess - March 9, 2021 "Amelia?" Sebastian called back. "Oh, no. It's not Amelia...it's- oh here she is now." Neva had come back down the stairs wearing the jeans which were too baggy for her and held up with a belt. She was still wearing the dirty hoody but carrying the rest of her old clothes. Sebastian got to his feet and looked at her. Apart from the hoodie, she looked a lot cleaner. Her white hair was vibrant now that it wasn't caked in grease and dirt. "That's better! Although, you're jacket could do with a clean as well, don't you think?" He suggested and she lowered her eyes to the ground. "C'mon, it's alright. I'm only going to give it a clean. You can have it back after." He tried to reassure her but she shook her head shyly. Tom got to his feet and walked over as well. "It's ok. You're with friends here. You can trust us." He tried in a soft tone, coming to a stop next to Sebastian. Neva hesitated then put her clothes down and unzipped the hoodie. She wore the clean shirt Sebastian had given her underneath but as she pulled it off, both Sebastian and Tom's eyes widened at she amount of bruising which covered both her arms. Neva put the hoodie with the rest of her dirty clothes and passed them to Sebastian who took them off her silently. "Right...um...so, Elliot is making some breakfast. Feel free to take a seat and relax. I'll just put these through the wash..." He said before walking towards the washroom. Tom placed a comforting hand around her shoulders and walked her towards the kitchen. "Elliot, this is Neva. She's going to be staying with us for a little bit while we help her." -------- Parker took a few breaths to try to calm himself down. There was no fooling Carter. He was going to have to be honest with him. "I...got really drunk...While you guys were out...and Nate...he came onto me..." Parker explained, feeling sick. "I'm sorry..." He cried. "I fucked up!" Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 Elliot jumped and nearly dropped the spatula. "Why does she have white hair and why are her eyes so....cold looking? Like ice or something? And are those bruises?" ----- Carter sighed. "No, it's not your fault. You were drunk. Nate was the one who was being a jackass. I'll have a talk with him about this. I've got to go downstairs and tell Tom though. I know you're not going to like that idea but I can't lie to him about this. You can come with me and talk to him if it'll make you feel better about the situation."

shadowess - March 9, 2021 "Just hang on, Kite. We're almost there!" Sebastian said as he ran. He was listening to his heartbeat the whole time to make sure he would make it. They arrived at the hospital and Sebastian had to slow his running down drastically to avoid being caught on cameras running at such a speed. He walked through the doors and immediately shouted at the nurses nearby to help him. They rushed over and fussed over Kite, hurriedly placing him on a stretcher and wheeling him away. Sebastian stood around helplessly, waiting to hear if he's alright. All the while he kept looking out of the windows, making sure he wouldn't run out of time to stick around. He would need to leave when the sun started to rise. --- Neva smiled when Carter took the cuffs off her. She rubbed her wrists then nodded quietly at him when he told her to stay put. It didn't take Tom long to return with the mug of hot chocolate. He set it down in front of her and sat in the nearby armchair. Neva picked it up straight away and Tom lifted a hand. "Be careful! it's still very-" Then he trailed off as he watched her blow onto the drink, her eyes turning white as she did and the hot chocolate cooled down to her desired temperature. When she stopped blowing, her eyes returned to normal and she took a few big gulps of the hot chocolate with a smile. Tom grinned, looking at her in amazement. "Ok, that's pretty cool." He said and Neva raised an eyebrow at him. He chuckled. "No pun intended..." --- Parker was out cold but his dreams kept him tossing and turning. He was back in the penthouse, looking around in confusion. "Guys?" He called out, walking around. He tried to leave but the door wouldn't budge. He tried opening the balcony door too but it was stuck fast. "Guys?!" He called out again, turning around to walk back to the door only to come face to face with himself. He stared at himself in confusion. The other version on him was paler. His eyes turned red. He grinned at the way Parker looked at him and Parker saw the fangs. This was the other version of Alex. The Blood God version. The insane version. "I'm getting tired of waiting, Parker." Alex said to him and Parker took a step back. "Waiting for what?" "For you to die." Alex's arm shot out and gripped the scruff of Parker's shirt. "Because until you do, I'm stuck in here!" He pointed to Parker's head. "Stuck to watch you flail about in a human life. Clumsy. Naïve. Pathetic!" "Get off me!" In reality, Parker's sleeping body stood up from the bed and began walking towards one of the windows. In his dream, Alex had pulled Parker close to him. "I want you to die. I NEED you to die. The world needs to know who it's true ruler is! Hell needs a stronger leader than that weak woman!" He growled at Parker. Parker struggled to pull away from him, staring at him in terror. "Get off!" "My time is now." Alex gripped Parker's hair, yanking his head back as he plunged his fangs into his throat. Parker yelped and struggled to break free, feeling the venom begin to weaken him. Meanwhile his sleeping body had unlocked the latches on the window and climbed up onto the edge, ready to jump. Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 Kite was in a hospital bed covered in a few blankets. He was starting to become more warm. His temperature was rising to its normal numbers. His heart rate was stable. A nurse walked over to Sebastian. "He's stable but sleeping so you won't be able to talk to him. You can still see him if you would like to." ----- Carter opened the door when he heard the commotion. "Parker!" He yanked him from the window. Making both him and himself hit the floor. shadowess - March 9, 2021 Sebastian nodded to the nurse and followed them into the room where Kite was sleeping. Glad to see he was alright, but was disappointed that he didn't have a lot of time left. Not if he wanted to make it back to Carter's in time. So wouldn't be here when he woke up. He went down to the little gift shop and bought him a get well card which he signed from them all at Carter's office. He then put his and Carter's number at the bottom so that he could call them as soon as he felt better. He left the card in the room with him before running back to Carter's office. --- Parker's still sleeping body fell next to Carter's. In the dream, when Carter had shouted his name, Parker heard it coming from the penthouse door. Parker continued struggling to get out of Alex's grip. Growing more and more desperate. "CARTER! HELP! PLEASE HELP!!" He shouted back, tears streaming down his face. Back in the bedroom, Parker turned his head this way and that while mumbling in his sleep "Help...h-help me...help..." A moment later, his eyes snapped open and he screamed, hurriedly backing up across the floor until his back hit the wall. He looked around the room wildly until his eyes fell on Carter. "Wh-what happened?" He looked around the room again, terrified that this was still a dream and Alex was lurking somewhere nearby. "Where is he!?" Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 Carter stood. "Where's who?" He walked over. "You should sit down. Just take a deep breath and relax." shadowess - March 9, 2021 Parker was shaking as he caught his breath. His body drenched in sweat and the open window making him feel cold. He looked at Carter when he asked who he was talking about but didn't answer. How do you explain that you were just attacked by yourself in a dream? He nodded at Carter's suggestion to try to relax and he stood up, walking over to the bed where he sat down and tried to steady his breathing. "I-it was just a nightmare..." He said finally, wiping the sweat from his face. He looked up at Carter with an expression of mild confusion. "What were we doing on the floor?" Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 Carter locked the window before sitting next to him. "You almost jumped out the window." He shook his head. "Parker, tell me what you saw in that nightmare. It might help if you explain everything to me." shadowess - March 9, 2021 Hearing what Carter said about him almost jumping out of the window, Parker tensed and stared at him with wide eyes. When he suggested he tell him what happened in the nightmare, Parker nodded, shaken by what had happened. He took a deep breath and explained what he'd seen in his dream. What the other version of him had said and what he did. By the time he was finished he was shaking again. Now seeing a relation to what Parker had seen in the mirror earlier, he also decided it was probably best to tell Carter about that too. "Th-that's not all..." He'd said slowly. "Earlier, before coming to bed...I went to wash my face and...my reflection in the mirror...it was just for a second but I swear it was him! The other me!" Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 Carter sighed. "Listen." He wrapped an arm around him. Bringing him close. "You can't let that part of you get to you. He's already dead. You're not. You're better than him. Stronger than him. You've got a family and he's got nothing." shadowess - March 9, 2021 Parker listened to Carter, comforted by what he said. Maybe he was right. Maybe this was all just in his head. Just something he needed to work through. Parker nodded with a small smile. "Thanks Carter." He said quietly then looked around the room warily. "I should probably try to get some sleep but...what if I sleep walk again?" Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 "I'll sleep on the floor and keep an eye on you. I'm going to get myself a bag real quick and tell the others downstairs that I'll be staying with you. In the meantime, just hang in there." Carter headed downstairs. He walked to the kitchen where he grabbed a bag and drank it all up. He threw it in the trash can with a sigh. He walked to Tom and Neva. "Hey, I'm going to keep an eye on Parker. You two should head to the house right now. I'll give you the address and my number in case anything happens. You can take the car there." He tossed the keys at Tom. "My house key's attached to that chain too." He wrote down the address and his number on a notepad then gave the ripped page to him. "Anyway, stay safe guys. I'll check on you two later."

shadowess - March 9, 2021 By the time the kid was blinking her eyes open, she was already on the couch with her hands in cuffs. Sebastian was sitting in one of the chairs close by and Tom was leaning against the far wall, all eyes on her. Realizing she was in an unfamiliar place and surrounded by strangers, her eyes widened and she immediately started looking around for the nearest exit, planning on running. Her own pockets felt lighter and she knew they must've taken all the money she'd stolen. She became both angry and frightened. Angry because she'd been collecting that money all night and frightened of what might happen to her if she didn't deliver that money to her 'boss'. She looked up fearfully and guiltily at Carter. She recognized him as the man she'd punched earlier. Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 "Now, take a deep breath and calm down kid. We don't want to hurt you. We just want to know why you're pick pocketing people at the club. But if you try to escape then we will have to tackle you. Got it?" ,said Carter. shadowess - March 9, 2021 The girl didn't move. Just stared at Carter as if frozen to the couch. Now that they were in a well lit area, Sebastian could see the state she was in. How thin she was. How dirty she was. This was a familiar sight to him. He'd been in this position himself when he'd been human. "You're homeless, aren't you?" He asked gently. The girls eyes darted to him but she didn't answer. He kept a steady gaze. "When was the last time you ate something?" This question gained a reaction. Albeit a small one. Her lower lip quivered for a second as though she wanted to cry but she took a breath and kept her composure, staring hard at Sebastian silently. Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 "I'll go see if I can find something in the kitchen." Carter went over there. He whipped up a sandwich and brought it over. "Here. I made this. Figured you'd want that." He set it on the table. "Now, I've got to ask. Would you mind if we helped you out?" shadowess - March 9, 2021 They were quiet as Carter dipped out to make some food for the girl. The kid's eyes moved from person to person suspiciously. The cuffs on her wrists rattling a little was the only give away that she was shaking. This wasn't normal. Any other police officer would have taken her to the station where she'd be put back into the system. What was this place? Who were these people? When Carter set the food down in front of her, she immediately leant forward and starting eating it hungrily. Too starved to care about her position while there was food in the room. Sebastian watched her, bringing a hand up to cover his mouth, resting his elbow on the arm of the chair as he watched how desperate she was to simply eat something. He glanced over at Carter, giving him a worried look as she ate. When she'd finished she looked back up at Carter and hesitated. "H-how?" She asked quietly. "Let's start with something simple?" Sebastian suggested, lowering his hand from his mouth. "What's your name?" The kid hesitated again, looking between them all nervously. "It's alright. We want to help but you need to talk to us first." Sebastian said gently, seeing her fear. "N-Neva..." She replied in a quiet voice. "How old are you, Neva?" "F-fif-fifteen..." Her eyes began to water. "It's ok. It's ok." Sebastian said softly, seeing her tears. He then looked at her more seriously. "You were pulling in an awful lot of money for one kid...you could've stopped at one or two but no, you just kept going...so, who's the ringleader?" He asked sternly. Neva's eyes widened fearfully and she flustered. "H-how-?" "I've been in your position." Sebastian explained. "If there was one thing I learned, it's that kids who pickpocket that much usually report to some kind of leader who keeps most of the profit and distributes a small amount among their 'workers' so they can just about survive but have to continue to rely on the leader to get by." The kid had turned pale and looked terrified. This caused Sebastian to frown. "You don't need to be afraid. We won't let them hurt you." "I-I can't..." She shook her head. "It's ok-" "N-no, you don't understand!" Neva started to cry. "H-he'll kill me!" As the girl began to panic, the lights in the living room flickered. The temperature of the room dipping just a little. ---- Panting and covered in sweat, Parker lay sprawled out on the bed, smiling and staring at the ceiling which seemed to be spinning a little. "Woah..." He breathed, in awe of how Nate had made him feel. As he felt his heart rate returning to normal and he caught his breath, he soon felt a little sick. Not just because he was drunk, but because he was beginning to realize what he'd just done and how Tom might react if he ever found out. His heart rate increased a little again and he began to feel incredibly guilty. "I...I shouldn't have done that..." He started slowly then lifted his hands up to grip the sides of his head. "Oh god, I shouldn't have done that!" His nausea got the better of him and he flung himself from the bed, racing to the bathroom to vomit into the toilet. The entire time he was throwing up he was convincing himself that he should never tell anyone about this. Tom can never know what they did! Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 Kite started rubbing his arms as he shivered. "I-It's freezing!" Carter placed a hand on her shoulder. "Hey Neva. It's alright. We'll protect you from him. We're not humans. We have powers." ---- Nate gently rubbed his back. "I only did it to make you feel better. You don't have to worry about what Tom thinks. I'm sure he would understand." shadowess - March 9, 2021 Neva had flinched when Carter touched her shoulder then looked at him as she realized he wasn't about to hurt her. Concealed by her hoodie were dozens of bruises covering her arms and torso. Instead, he told her they'd protect her and that they weren't humans. She blinked and looked between them for a moment. "Y-you're not?" She asked quietly between breaths. She seemed to think for a moment and as she began to calm down a bit, the lights and temperature returned to normal. "T-Tricky Ricky..." She said the name, almost fearful that the name itself would hurt her. Tricky Ricky (Aka Rickster the Trickster) was fast becoming a notorious criminal that has evaded arrest numerous times. Currently wanted for theft, drug dealing, pandering sex workers, assault, rape and suspected of a number of murders. Yet anytime any officers get close to finding him, he slips through their grasp as though he just vanishes before they can reach him. "H-he's not human either." Neva said, shaking. "He has powers too...and he uses them to hurt people...I-if we disobey him, he hurts us...if we try to run or rat him out...h-he...he..." She lowered her head to her hands and started crying again, absolutely terrified that he might find out that she snitched on him. --- Parker gripped the toilet seat tightly as he threw up some more while Nate spoke to him. He was shaking and crying. He shook his head a little and tried to catch his breath so that he could speak. "N-no..." He slurred into a groan. "Th-this will hurt him...we betrayed him...w-we shouldn't have done it...it wasn't right..." Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 "S-So....cold....." Kite collapsed. "Check on him, Sebastian." Carter held her hand. "Don't worry. We won't let him hurt you. We'll put a stop to his bullshit. You can stay here for however long you need to. If there isn't enough room here then you can stay at my other house. I'll have someone guard you." ----- "I don't get it! I do this as a service for humans! So that they can feel better! You're not feeling better! Why don't you like this? I don't understand!" Nate's wings fluttered rapidly as the mirror cracked and the door splintered. He disappeared. shadowess - March 9, 2021 Sebastian immediately knelt by Kite and checked his temperature and pulse. "Bloody alcohol!" He cursed. The alcohol had lowered his body temperature already so combining that with how cold this room had gotten so quick may have caused minor hypothermia. "I'm sure he's fine but I'll take him to the hospital just to be safe." He said as he picked him up and ran rapidly with him to the hospital. Neva looked up tearfully as Carter told her they'd protect her and she leant her head against his shoulder, wanting to hug him but the cuffs on her wrists making that difficult. She flinched again at the smashing noise upstairs. Tom looked up at the ceiling briefly, wondering what was going on up there. Then brought his attention back to the girl as he stepped away from the wall and stopped in the middle of the room. "Maybe staying at your other house isn't such a bad idea...I'll go with her, if you want. Keep an eye on her?" He said to Carter then looked at Neva. "Would you like a drink of something? I can go get it for you? I could make you a hot chocolate?" Neva looked over at Tom hesitantly then tried to smile as she nodded her head. "Okay." Tom nods too then heads into the kitchen to make the drink for her. ---------- Looking up at Nate as he seemed to lose his temper, Parker's eyes widened and he covered his head with his arms when he started moving his wings, damaging the mirror and the door. When he'd gone, Parker looked around the little bathroom fearfully. It took him a couple of minutes to calm down again. Once he was a little calmer, he flushed the toilet and stood, stumbling towards the door while trying not to stand on any splinters with his bare feet. He caught a glimpse of his reflection in the shattered mirror and gasped, backing up against the wall with wide eyes. It was that face again. Grinning at him as though it had some sort of twisted pride in what he'd done. Parker shut his eyes tightly and shook his head a little then opened his eyes. When he looked back at the mirror, his reflection was back to normal. Breathing a little heavily, he left the room, wanting to get away from the mirror. He went back into the bedroom and crawled under the sheets, crying into the pillow until he passed out. Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 Kite was shivering in Sebastian's arms. He clutched his shirt. "D-Dark.....So dark....." ----- "I don't think you need these anymore." Carter took the handcuffs off of her. He nodded at Tom. "That's a good idea. There's still plenty of food in the fridge there and enough blood bags for you that we had to leave when the house was attacked. Thankfully, we don't have to worry about that." He gently rubbed the back of her head. "Hey, I'm going to check on that noise. You stay here with Tom. Ok?" He headed upstairs and went to the bathroom. "What the-?!" He saw the damage that had been done. He knocked on one of the bedroom doors. "Hello? Is anyone there?"

shadowess - March 9, 2021 Sebastian helped him over to the bar and waved Blaire over. "Hey, isn't that Kite?" Tom said as he followed them in and had been looking around the bar. Sebastian looked over at Kite as well and saw the woman about to bite him. "Hey!" He called out, leaving Carter on the stool while he rushed over to Kite's side. He placed a hand on the woman's shoulder and gave her a warning look. "Excuse me, this man is my friend." He then turned to Kite. "What are you doing here? It's dangerous for humans!" --- Amelia smiled when he said it back. She kissed him again, her kisses gradually getting more and more passionate. --- Feeling arms around him and Nate's body against his, Parker shivered. In his drunken state he wasn't thinking clearly and was unable to hide his arousal. He brought his hands up to hold his arms and leant his head back against Nate's shoulder. "W-wait...what about Tom?" He slurred into a whisper, just about having enough sense to recall seeing Nate and Tom together. Right now, there wasn't a shadow of a doubt that Parker wanted Nate. Only physically of course, he had no interest in forming a relationship with anyone yet. But he also didn't want anyone to get hurt. Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 Blaire ran over. She examined Carter. "I'll get an ice pack and some blood for you guys. I have a feeling you didn't just come here for a visit." The woman glared before leaving them. Kite raised his glass. "I just figured it'd be ok if I came here since I'm friends with you guys now. Ya know? Getting use to the new crowd and being comfortable in it." He fell off the stool. Knocking it over along with his drink. He flinched as he rubbed his head. "Shit! That really fucking hurt." ----- Charles placed both hands on her waist as he continued to kiss her. ---- Nate kissed his neck. "I still love him. I'm just doing this so you can feel better. I use to do it for the humans years ago." shadowess - March 9, 2021 "But you had no idea we'd even be here! It was only by dumb luck that we were or you'd have been that woman's snack for the evening!" Sebastian scolded him. He then saw him fall off the stool before he could catch him and tutted, helping him to his feet while calling over to Blaire. "Blaire, we're going to need another ice pack..." --- Feeling his hands on her waist, Amelia moaned quietly and kept the kiss going. The hand on his cheek moved to his hair while her other hand moved to his chest, slipping under his robe. She brought her leg up, placing her foot against the counter behind her, her knee bent and resting against his hip. --- Parker shivered a little more when he felt Nate's kiss on his neck and he bit his lip. Although Nate's words didn't exactly sound right, in his current state Parker couldn't put his finger on why. The only thing he could focus on was how his voice was like silk. "If...if it's ok then..." He slurred, turning his head to drunkenly look at Nate. Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 Kite leaned against the counter. "Well geez! Didn't think she was gonna bite my ass." Blaire came back with two ice packs and a gift bag with the cooler of blood bags inside. "Here ya go. Also, I changed the price for blood to 16 only for you guys. But don't tell anyone." She winked. Carter took an ice pack and placed it over his crotch. He sighed as he felt it sooth that area. ---- Charles leaned further in. Slipping his hands under her shirt as he moved his lips to kiss her neck. Getting to her collar bone. ----- Nate smiled. He cupped his chin. "Of course it is." He slipped a tongue into his mouth as he kissed him. They appeared in the only bedroom available. Nate had Parker on the bed. His wings sprouted. He was on top of him. Continuing to kiss him as he began to unbutton his shirt. shadowess - March 9, 2021 Sebastian smiled at Blaire and handed her his card. "Thanks Blaire. Uh, this is Tom by the way." He nodded his head to Tom who waved at her awkwardly. "He's new to being a vampire. "And this is Kite." He then said, looking over at Kite. "Kite is human but he knows everything." He explained. "Could you do us a favor? He ever decides to come here for drinks on his own again, could you give one of us a heads up?" Having not seen the man who'd grabbed her earlier, the girl had returned to the club and managed to sneak her way inside. She skulked in the shadows of the club, slipping money out of people's pockets and replacing their wallets and purses without them noticing. --- She felt his hands on her bare skin, his kisses moving down to her neck. She tilted her head back, shivering at his touch and letting out a shaky breath. Smiling and moaning softly from how he made her feel. She kissed the side of his head as his kisses moved to her collarbone. Her hand under his robe moving down to undo it and push it off his shoulders. (Private Time) --- Nate kissed him and Parker felt his tongue caressing his own. He kissed Nate back, becoming lost in his passion. Before he knew it, he was laying on a bed with Nate on top of him. He looked up and saw his wings, the sight filling him with excitement as he continued to kiss him back. He knew his shirt was coming undone and moaned excitedly, lifting his hands to also remove Nate's shirt. (And Private time as well lol) Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 Kite pressed the ice pack on his head. He flinched as it touched him. Blaire swiped the card then handed it back to him. She waved at Tom. "Hey." She gave a look at Kite. "I think I've met him long enough." She gave a thumbs up. "I'll be sure to let you know." "Hey! That bitch is stealing everybody's money!" ,said Hades who pointed at the teenager. Carter quickly threw the ice pack at the teen. Hitting her hard on the head. Knocking her out. He took the money out, wallets, and handbags. Giving them back to everybody. He lifted her off the floor. Putting her over his shoulder. "Looks like we've got another case. I'm going to have to take her into the officer for questioning. We should head home now." shadowess - March 9, 2021 When Hades pointed the girl out, Sebastian and Tom had whirled around to look in her direction as well. Spooked, the girl started running towards the exit when the icepack struck the side of her head and she fell to the floor with a grunt. Sebastian had winced when he saw how the icepack had hit her but guessed she deserved it after hurting Carter and stealing money from people. He nodded and they headed out to the car. "Do you want to sit in the back with her to keep an eye on her while I drive?" He suggested in case she woke up in the car. His nose creased at her smell. She smelled like she hadn't bathed or washed her clothes in a while. Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 "Sure. It'll give me a good excuse to punch her if she tries to escape." Carter nodded at Kite. "By the way, you're coming with us. We need a bodyguard for this." "Woo!" Kite followed them. Sitting next to Carter who had buckled the teen in the backseat. shadowess - March 9, 2021 "Maybe don't be too rough with her?" Sebastian suggested. "I know she hurt you earlier but look at her...she's just a kid." He took Carter's car keys and got into the drivers side. Tom sat in the front passenger seat. As they drove, Sebastian had already had the forethought to lock the doors in case she woke up and tried to open the door to escape. Thankfully, she didn't start coming to until they were pulling up at the office. Just as he turned the engine off he heard her groaning in the back seat, her eyes not open yet as she moved her head a little woozily. He unlocked the doors and got out. Tom followed. Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 Carter sighed. "Fine. I'll be careful." He lifted her out of the car and over his shoulder again. "Wakey wakey kid. Time for you to answer some questions." Kite followed inside the house as everybody was now in. Carter set her on the couch. Once the door was locked, Kite took out some cuffs and placed them over her wrists. "Good thinking Kite."

shadowess - March 8, 2021 "They can?!" Tom asked in awe as he followed them out to the car. Once in the car, Sebastian thought on what things they would need to teach Tom. He glanced at Tom in the rearview and it occurred to him just how little they know about this man in the backseat. "How old are you, Tom?" He asked curiously. "Huh? Oh! uh...twenty two." Tom replied, thinking nothing of it and scratched the back of his head while looking out of the window. Sebastian blinked and glanced back at him. That made Tom only a couple years older than Parker. --- Amelia rubbed her eyes and looked up at Charles while Parker continued to drink next to her. "Shall we go back to your place and rest up?" She asked Charles with a small smile. Parker finished his drink and poured himself another. He then looked up at Nate and Elliot with a smirk. "You guys guna make me drink on my own?" Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 "Pretty much." Carter read Sebastian's face. "What's on your mind?" ---- Charles smiled. "Sure thing." They disappeared. "I can't get drunk and I don't need to consume anything to stay alive." ,said Nate. "Well, that's disappointed." Elliot walked over. "I'll join then!" He sat next to Parker and poured himself a glass. He started drinking. shadowess - March 8, 2021 Sebastian shook his head a little. "Oh, it's nothing. Was just thinking of what we should teach Tom..." --- Outside the club, skulking in the shadows was a small, very thin girl. She looked no older than fifteen. Wearing some very worn out jeans, a dirty hoodie with the hood up and slightly ripped up trainers. She was watching the club entrance and hanging around the ally nearby. Whenever some drunk stumbled past her, she'd slip their wallets out of their pockets or their purse from their bags without them noticing her and hide them under her hoodie until they'd gone. She'd then take out any cash, pocketing it before throwing the wallets and purses into the nearby dumpster. --- Amelia looked around them when they arrived with a small smile. It felt odd to her that her relationship with Charles was still so new yet she felt like they'd been together a lot longer. She looked back at him, still smiling, her heart swelling with the love she felt. She gave him a tender kiss before stepping away from him to pour herself a glass of water. --- "Oh..." Parker raised his eyebrows at Nate. "Huh..." When Elliot said he'd join the drinking, Parker grinned and then looked over at Vincent. "What about you? You wana join in?" Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 "Alright." Carter parked the car near the club. Kite was in a white shirt, jeans, and brown jacket. He had gotten off duty before and decided to go to that one vampire club. Just to see how it felt to be in there with real vampires. He decided to get drunk. Sitting at the bar while he was having a few bottles of beer. ----- Charles walked over. "How do you feel?" ---- "Sure, why not? It's been a while." Vincent sat next to Elliot who poured him a glass. He took some sips. Nate disappeared. Staying in one of the bedrooms. Vincent and Elliot were soon finding themselves more drunk. And once the buzz was kicking in, they were seeing each other in a completely different light. shadowess - March 9, 2021 Sebastian and Tom got out of the car and headed towards the club with Carter. "A night club?" Tom asked, looking at them both in mild confusion. Neither Sebastian or Tom noticed the pickpocketing teenager nearby who now seemed to be looking for the perfect opening to get into the club unseen. --- Amelia took a sip of the water then put the glass down on the counter. She turned around to lean against the counter with her hands on the sides as she looked at Charles with a smile, blushing a little. "A little tired but otherwise fine..." She replied honestly. She still found their current circumstance a little difficult to believe. She'd read the book but it didn't feel quite real yet. She then looked at Charles with a little concern. "What about you?" She asked softly. --- Parker could see something going on between Vincent and Elliot and didn't want to intrude on them so he kept drinking until he started to feel drowsy. Before long he'd sat back on the chair and fallen asleep, still holding the now empty glass loosely in his hand which rested on his lap. Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 "Yep! It's the only place where we can get our blood." ,said Carter. He grabbed the teenager by her sweater. "What the hell are you doing kid? You want to get arrested?" ---- Charles nervously scratched his neck. "Just a bit confused about all this. You know, it's still hard to believe that I'm going to be a dad." ----- As Vincent and Elliot were still drinking, they suddenly stopped. They started kissing. Elliot had his hand on his thigh while Vincent was keeping a hand on his waist. Vincent kissed his neck as Elliot moaned. They disappeared. Soon, the bed was making lots of noise as it was being shook along with the wall as the bed was hitting it. (private time) shadowess - March 9, 2021 When her hoodie was grabbed, the kid whirled around to look up at who had grabbed her. The streetlights illuminating her dirty face, short white hair and dried, cracked lips. Her brown eyes widened at the man fearfully as she quietly tried to pull away from him. Failing that, she had to resort to attempting a swift punch between his legs to make him let her go. She didn't want to go back into the system. She just couldn't. --- Amelia laughed nervously and licked her lips. "Yeah...I know what you mean..." She shrugged her shoulders and looked towards the ground. "I-...I'd kind of hoped I'd be a mother one day...Just wasn't expecting it to happen so quickly..." she admitted then looked up at Charles with an uncertain expression. She was a little scared. She was excited to be having a child, sure. But she was also very frightened. Frightened that she won't be a good mother. Frightened that she'd lose either Charles or the child. Frightened that the child would become a target for those who might want to hurt them. "We'll be ok, won't we?" --- Parker was woken up by the banging coming from upstairs. Still very drunk and having only been snoozing for a few minutes, he groaned and stumbled to his feet. The room spun and he started to feel a little ill. He wandered to the bathroom where he left the door open and tried to sober up a little by washing his face in cold water. When he brought his face up and looked in the mirror he froze, his heart skipping a beat and his features turning pale. For just a moment, he saw himself looking utterly different. Pale. Red eyes. Grinning with fangs protruding. He looked absolutely menacing but then his reflection shifted and he was looking at his normal but now very frightened and dripping wet face. He caught his breath and shook his head a bit. "Now I'm seeing shit...great...Stupid booze..." He slurred, gripping the edge of the sink. Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 Carter let her go. He groaned as he covered his crotch. He fell to his knees. "Fucking...!" ----- Charles held her hand. "I promise that I won't let anyone or anything harm our child. And I can assure you that you will be a great mother." ----- Nate appeared behind him. "You alright?" shadowess - March 9, 2021 "Hey!" Sebastian had shouted when the kid hit Carter and he fell to his knees. The kid had already run off, darting around the corner and vanishing into the shadows. He hurried forward and knelt next to Carter, his hands on his shoulders. "Are you alright?!" He asked, still looking around to see if he could see the kid anywhere. Tom had also run up to make sure Carter was ok, looking towards where the kid had disappeared. "What the hell was that about?" Sebastian helped Carter to his feet. "C'mon, lets go in and see if Blaire can get you an ice pack..." --- Hearing his words, Amelia's heart melted and she smiled at him. In just a few words he managed to make her feel safe and loved. That having a family with him while still remaining safe was entirely possible. She leaned into him and gave him a tender, lingering kiss. Raising her hand to cup his cheek as she did. When the kiss broke, she looked into his eyes and whispered for the first time; "I love you." --- Parker jumped at the sound of Nate's voice and whirled around to face him only to stumble back drunkenly and almost fall over, ending up leaning against the wall instead. "Yeah, I'm good..." He lied, his words slurring. He was still a little shaken from what he'd seen in the mirror. "Just...need some water, that's all..." He stumbled towards the stairs and shakily made his way down towards the kitchen where he poured himself some water and took a few gulps of it. He couldn't stop seeing that face...it had been haunting...and he'd do anything to forget that he'd seen it. He took another sip of the water and put the glass down, wiping the water from his chin. Denix Vames - March 9, 2021 "Y-Yeah, I'm alright." Carter walked slowly into the bar. "Some weird looking girl was trying to get in the club. She had white hair too. It was so bizarre." Kite was clearly seen at the bar with a vampire lady sitting next to him. She flirted with him. Trying to get him to comply. Once she got him to kiss her, she brought her fangs out. Getting ever so close to his neck. ----- Charles touched her hand. He said, "I love you too." ----- Nate appeared from behind again. He wrapped his arms around him. "Maybe I can help?" He smiled.

shadowess - March 8, 2021 Once Kite went upstairs, Amelia sighed and turned to Charles. Happy to finally get a moment of peace to do what she'd been wanting to do since he woke up. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hugged him tightly. Parker sighed in relief that everything was calm again and walked over to the couch, sitting down. David looked between them all. It seemed everything was finally in order again and his daughter was in capable hands. "Well, this has been an interesting day." He looked at Vincent, Charles and Amelia. "I'll be returning to Hell, then. Take care of her for me?" He then looks at Charles. "I'll be sure to visit and keep you updated on any Hell related matters. If you need my assistance again, I'll be happy to help." He then pauses as he turns towards the door. "Give Atma my regards when you see her." He smirks. Tom kissed Nate's cheek before heading into the kitchen, wanting to drink a bag to keep his hunger under control. Sebastian walked over to Carter, looking at him worriedly. "Are you alright?" He asked, recalling what it felt like to be tased. Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 Charles smiled and kissed her. Vincent nodded. "I won't let anyone hurt her." Charles raised a brow. "Atma...?" Carter smiled. "I'm alright. At the police academy, you're tased so that you can resist the shock and pain in case a suspect somehow gets your weapon." Kite splashed some water on his face and took a deep breath. "This is not something that I was expecting but I guess I've seen weirder shit." He headed downstairs. Elliot held a coke for him. "Here." "You know little redneck, not every guest wants a coke. Sometimes, they want to just fu-" "Coke's fine. Thanks." Kite took it. "I do need to go though. Everybody at the precinct is gonna expect me to get back." shadowess - March 8, 2021 "She's a spirit. Like an Angel or a Devil but somewhere in between. Neutral." David explained. "Atma Tuo Vitae. Roughly translated her name means The Spirit of Life." "But most Demons and Angels know her as The Midwife." Amelia finished then sighed. "I've met her before...She wanted to replace my memories and place me on Earth once I was old enough to leave Hell. Before I became a Devil." "But Amelia... being my daughter...managed to give her the slip as soon as they arrived on Earth, keeping her memories." David chuckled. "She'll be visiting you soon, no doubt." He then waved a hand and headed towards the door. "Take care all." He called as he left, teleporting back to Hell's library as soon as the front door closed behind him. Seeing he was fine, Sebastian smiled as well. Although he didn't much like the idea of being tased to build up a tolerance. Parker grinned when Elliot took a coke to Kite, recalling it had been what he'd done to welcome Alex when he'd arrived. When Kite also explained that he would need to leave, Sebastian turned to him with a kind but serious expression. "Just be sure not to tell anyone about us. They may think you're crazy or do something worse. But you're welcome to come back and visit if you need someone to talk to." Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 "Just consider me your personal bodyguard." Kite opened the door. "Well Carter. Guess you got yourself a new family. I'm glad to see that your doing a lot better." He frowned. "Maybe someday I'll have my own family." "What are you talking about? You're already part of this one." He smiled. "Thanks Carter." He hugged him. "Anytime. Just stay safe." "You too. See ya guys around!" He left. Getting into his cruiser and driving away. shadowess - March 8, 2021 Parker sighed and half laughed. "Well...that was interesting!" "You can say that again..." Tom said as he came back into the living room, having finished his bag. "Oh! and uh-" He looked over at Sebastian and Carter, pointing his thumb into the kitchen. "We've got like, one bag left. Where do we get more from? I can't imagine there's a vampire grocery store..." Amelia smiled, resting her head on Charles's shoulder. Sebastian smiled at Carter as he came back in after seeing Kite off. "Guess it's time to do another run to the club. Maybe we should take Tom with us? Show him what to do." Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 "Sure but let's make sure that he doesn't get flirt on by any vampires who want to take his clothes off." ,said Carter. Elliot chuckled. "That never happened to me. I was good being in there." Nate said, "There was a human dressed like a vampire who wanted to fuck you." Elliot paused. "Oh." shadowess - March 8, 2021 Tom chuckled and shook his head. "I'm sure I can handle myself. Besides, there's only one man that I have eyes for." He smirked at Nate. Feeling tired from the day's events, Amelia let go of Charles to sit on the couch. Parker had poured himself some of the whiskey. "Eh...if no ones wants it..." He chuckled as he sat back and took a sip. He immediately made a face at the taste, having never drank something so strong before. Sebastian chuckled as well, both at Tom and at Parker's reaction to the drink. "Well alright, there's no time like the present. You two ready?" He asked Tom and Carter, ready to get going. Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 "Sure. Let's just hurry before it turns into day. We can get there by running." said Carter. shadowess - March 8, 2021 "Running?" Tom asked, looking a little confused. "Woudn't it be easier to drive?" "Relax, it's still pretty early in the night. We have hours yet." Sebastian said reassuringly. Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 "Fine. Guess we'll take the car. And by the way, vampires can run super freaking fast. We're gonna have to teach you that at some point." They all got in the car. Carter started the engine and drove into the direction of the vampire club.

shadowess - March 8, 2021 David shifted uncomfortably. The topic of suicide and how it affects you in the afterlife is a touchy subject. If it were hundreds of years ago, the powers that be in the afterlife would still have considered it an act of murder and therefore a sin but now? As Earth's moralities have progressed, so have Heaven and Hell's. Now it is no longer deemed a sin because the person committing the act is simply not well and in dire need of help for even considering such an act. When that change came into effect, anyone in Hell who had otherwise lived a good life was immediately ascended to Heaven to receive therapy. Now the only thing that affects an individual's judgement in the afterlife is whether or not they committed grievous sins prior to their death, no matter how they died. As David thought on this, he realized that Kite had already mentioned he didn't want therapy. He folded his arms and leant back in his chair while looking at Kite seriously. "You already said that you would rather not go into therapy...but I can guarantee you that if you take your own life, therapy is all you will get for however long it takes you to get well...whether that's days, weeks, years....decades...even centuries. what I cannot guarantee is that you will be reunited with your beloved before that therapy is successful...and you won't be able to simply bluff your way out of it either. Not with telepaths and empathics monitoring your every move." He sighed. "And it is like your friend said earlier. Do you think your beloved would approve of your choice or even want to see you if you went through with it? Take my advice, there are better ways you can spend your life than at the bottom of a bottle. Now that you know there is an afterlife, why not do everything in your power to go to Heaven as a hero? Help people who need help. Be there for others who have no one else to turn to, if no no other reason than you know what it is like to be alone." Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 Kite slammed his fist against the table. "When has the people ever thanked us for what we've done? They never accepted us!" He flinched at the force he used. Carter put the gun aside. He gripped his wrists. "Hey! What are you doing?! Let go!" He rolled up one his sleeves. Revealing old cuts and recent ones. "I knew it! You're still doing this crap." Kite pulled his arms away. "You're one to talk! Me and you use to drink together all the time. What the hell happened to that?" "I'm a vampire! I can't drink alcohol!" shadowess - March 8, 2021 Hearing arguing downstairs, the others in the bedroom looked between each other quietly. "What the hell is going on down there?" Parker whispered. --- "Gentlemen!" David barked. "Calm yourselves." He looked between Kite and Carter for a moment before looking back at Kite. "Kite, you're getting the wrong idea. No one who truly wants to help people do so for the 'thanks' they'd get. They do it because it is the right thing to do. They do it because no one else will help." Sebastian kept quiet, watching the whole thing unfold and feeling a little helpless. Unsure of what to say that David wasn't already saying. Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 "I don't know but it sounds like it's getting good." ,said Nate. ----- "Then maybe I shouldn't even be a cop." Kite stumbled to the door. Carter walked over. "You don't mean that." Kite glared. "How could you just abandon me?! When I needed a friend, you weren't there!" "My family was killed!" "We could have talked about it! Hell! I wouldn't have mind talking about my problems. But you left me in the dust!" Tears dripped down his cheeks. He clenched his fists. "You left me to die." Carter frowned. He gently pulled him in for a hug. Kite's head rested over his shoulder. His eyes were closed. He hesitantly placed his hands on his back. "I'm sorry. I'll do better. But you have to promise me that you'll do better." Kite said, "Deal." shadowess - March 8, 2021 When Kite had begun walking towards the door, both Sebastian and David had stood up. They watched as Carter went after him and managed to calm him down. After a minute of them hugging, David faked a cough into his fist to get their attention. "Now that he knows about us, I'm sure the others would like to come out of hiding?" He suggests, pointing towards the ceiling. Sebastian laughed. "I almost forgot they were still here!" he then looks at Kite. "You may want to brace yourself. Some of our friends can be a little intense." Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 Kite raised a brow. "Others?" Nate appeared with his wings out. "Hello darling." "Whoa! You have wings?!" Kite touched them. "Yes I do but don't have fun with them for too long. You'll make someone jealous." Everybody else headed downstairs. Charles was fully clothed in a dark purple cloak and dark red robes. Nate put his wings back inside himself when Kite ran over to the stairs. "Parker?! Is that you?" shadowess - March 8, 2021 Amelia, Tom and Parker descended the stairs. Tom moving to stand next to Nate and Amelia standing with Charles, taking his hand. When Kite ran over to the stairs, Parker paused halfway down and scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Uh...yeah...Hi, Kite..." He said nervously. Sebastian walked over to stand next to Carter and wrapped an arm around his waist. "Well, I suppose introductions are in order..." David said as he gestured to each person. "Nate, Tom, Elliot, Charles and my daughter, Amelia." He then lowered his hand. "And I see you already know Alex. There's Vincent as well but I believe he's still asleep so may not be joining us this evening." Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 "Hey there!" Elliot hugged him. Surprising Kite. "Uh hey." Vincent appeared. "I'm fine now." "What the-?!" Kite pulled out his taser. Vincent raised his arms up. "Whoa whoa whoa!" ,said Carter who stepped in before the taser could have shocked Vincent. He flinched at the electric pain but was able to stand. Kite stopped. "What are you doing?! He's a killer! He's the one who murdered your entire family!" Carter pulled the plugs off with a flinch. He let them fall. "Was a killer. But he's changed since he died. He's a demon now." "Seriously? You're not fucking with me?" "Not in the slightest." shadowess - March 8, 2021 "Dude, no!" Parker tried when he saw the taser come out. They all held their breath as it struck Carter instead of Vincent then watched as Carter explained that he'd changed. "Forgiveness is a hell of a thing." David commented. Amelia nods. "Upon his death, Vincent was enrolled in the Redemption Programme in Hell. Now he's spending his new life making up for his sins by helping others." She explains then smiles at Vincent. "He has become a good person and a great friend." Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 Kite rubbed his forehead. "I think I'm gonna need a minute." "Take all the time you need." ,said Charles. Kite picked up the plugs and put them back in place. Placing the taser in its holster. He took his gun and placed it in its holster too. "Where's your bathroom? And this time I mean it." Carter pointed up. "At the far end to your left. You can't miss it." Kite walked upstairs. Heading into the bathroom where he opened the cabinet there. He took out the scissors and started cutting his hair. Keeping it at a somewhat long length but making sure it only stayed nearly close to his shoulder.

shadowess - March 8, 2021 "Um..." David hesitates. He didn't know this house well enough to give directions and he'd never needed to use the bathroom since he died. He glanced back at Carter and Sebastian, who were chatting in the kitchen, uncertainly. Sebastian nodded "It is for the best." he said gently. He then walked back towards the living room with Carter. Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 Kite raised a brow but ignored the hesitation when Sebastian and Carter walked in. "Hey, where's your bathroom?" "Why?" ,said Carter. "I've got to take a leak." "Bullshit! I can read it in your face man. I know what you're going to do." Kite glared. "Fine then." He pulled out his gun. Carter snatched it out of his hand. Knowing he would be too drunk to react in time. "Hey! Give it back!" Kite stood then immediately fell over. "Just stop this crap! Alright?! Just stop! Doing this isn't going to make her happy! You think she'd want to see you after what you plan on doing?" "I figured you of all people would get it!" "Oh I do. But this isn't the answer. You shouldn't do this!" "Yes it is! This is what I have to do!" shadowess - March 8, 2021 "No, it's not!" Sebastian chimed in. "Just-...Kite, please take a seat...We need to talk to you..." David had watched everything in silent alarm, his concern increasing a little when Sebastian said they needed to talk. He gave them both a questioning look. Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 Carter kept his hand on the gun. Making sure that it didn't leave his side as he sat. Kite hesitantly sat too. "If this is about hiring some damn shrink then I'm out of here." "No, that's not why we want to talk to you." "Then what is it?" shadowess - March 8, 2021 David watched Sebastian and Carter anxiously, wondering what they were up to. Sebastian sighed heavily and looked at Kite. "We want to help you...but if we're going to do that then we must first be honest with you." He began and David's eyes widened a little. "What are you doing?" He asked, lowering his voice a bit. "I'm afraid we lied to you when you first arrived, Kite." Sebastian gestured to David. "David isn't a relative of Carter's and neither am I. David is a friend and I am...well..." He looked over at Carter and smiled. "I'm Carter's boyfriend." He then hesitates before continuing. "Kite, please believe me when I say, we mean you absolutely no harm...David is a demon and we are vampires." Sebastian and David watched Kite carefully. Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 Kite paused for a moment. He looked at the bottles. "I'm definitely drunk right now." "I mean you are but we're telling you the truth." ,said Carter. "And how can I believe that?" shadowess - March 8, 2021 David sat back in his chair, defeated as he watched the conversation. He wasn't so sure this was a good idea but it was too late to go back now. Besides, Carter and Sebastian seemed to be doing an alright job of it so far. Sebastian hesitated when Kite asked how he could believe they were telling the truth. He glanced at David who shrugged at him. "Don't look at me. Any demonstrations I give would terrify him." David said honestly. Looking back at Kite, he took a deep breath and sighed heavily. "Alright...Just remember, we don't mean you any harm, ok? We just want to help you." He said seriously, wanting to make it absolutely clear to Kite that regardless of what he saw he wasn't in any danger. He gave one nervous glance to Carter before looking back at Kite nervously, glad that Carter was the one with the gun and not Kite. Sebastian opened his mouth and slowly let his fangs grow so that Kite could see them. He'd let him get a good look at them before retracting them and closing his mouth again. "You see?" He said nervously, offering a small smile. "No big deal..." Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 Kite shrugged. "Ok." Carter raised a brow. "Excuse me?" "I mean if you guys are vampires and he's a demon then whatever. Still doesn't change what I'm going to do." shadowess - March 8, 2021 "Even though you now know that there is an afterlife?" David asked skeptically. Sebastian looked at Carter, unsure of what to say or do, he was utterly baffled by Kite's response. Denix Vames - March 8, 2021 "I mean that just means I get to be with her." "But that doesn't make it-!" Carter pinched the brim of his nose as he shook his head. "Can somebody us else tell him?"

The world was already chaotic with a secret society of supernatural creatures hiding their existence from humans to simply survive. Throw in the afterlife and alternate universes and you've got some realms in desperate need of balance.

The world was already chaotic with a secret society of supernatural creatures hiding their existence from humans to simply survive. Throw in the afterlife and alternate universes and you've got some realms in desperate need of balance.

The world was already chaotic with a secret society of supernatural creatures hiding their existence from humans to simply survive. Throw in the afterlife and alternate universes and you've got some realms in desperate need of balance.