Balance The Realms Nov 2024 - May 2025

[Shadowess]

"Maybe some sandwiches? We can store them in the fridge until we're ready to go. It might be good to get them all made up now while Oliver is fast asleep." Amelia smiled as she got to her feet. She walked over to Charles to plant a kiss on his cheek. "I won't be long. I'll swing by each place, make sure everyone is ok and see if they're up for it." She told him before vanishing. Her first stop; Carter and Sebastian's place. By now Stevie would have relaxed enough in their presence to finally fall asleep. Still on the couch with the blanket wrapped around him and the TV on.

---

As strong as Kris was, he was no match for Hellion magics. Under her thrall and unable to take his eyes off her, he stepped back and waved his hand to make the concrete wall go back to its normal state. Then he blinked and realised what had happened. All at once he was surprised, embarrassed and furious. Then she began talking about Blake and although his eyes displayed nothing but pure cold rage, his features had paled slightly. Kris wasn't by any means a good person, but the young Tricksters who worked for him counted on his protection. "You touch any of my Tricksters and I'll cut that pretty little face of yours to ribbons!" he snarled. But he knew he was outmatched. "What do you want?" he asked reluctantly through grit teeth.

---

Henderson listened but didn't react. He still hadn't made up his mind on what he believed about him yet. Still, his own emotions and frustrations had somewhat clouded his judgement. "You want to prove to me and everyone here that you want to change?" He asked as he moved over to the cell door. "Prove it." he unlocked it and swung it open. "We bust them. Together. Then you stand trial and testify against your former employers to earn immunity. Then maybe, MAYBE I'll think about giving you a chance. Deal?"

---

Azrael gripped Death's robes tightly and pressed his head to his chest as he wept. His head turned a little to watch Gabriel examine Raguel. When he'd lifted Raguel and then vanished to Hell's Cells, Azrael continued to weep. He then shook his head to Death's words. "N-not him. That wasn't him. The Raguel I knew would never..." he trailed off as his voice weakened and he had to catch his breath or he'd weep again. "What will become of Heaven now?... He was always..." he couldn't finish the sentence. The idea that Raguel would no longer be in charge after so long seemed impossible. In his shocked state, he couldn't imagine it, but he knew there was already a process in place to name Raguel's successor in case he should ever fall. Unless Raguel miraculously recovered, Heaven was due a visit from the Council very soon to make the decision. 

---

In the cell, still healing from his head wounds, Raguel hadn't yet woken up. He'd begun to dream. It was a disorienting and almost non-sensical array of faces, past events spanning millennia, long lost love, duty and violence. Like someone had placed all of his memories together with someone else's before jamming them into a kaleidoscope to see what patterns they create. He muttered quietly in his sleep. In a lost and ancient language.  

---

May was a little surprised at first that James had decided to pick her up and literally carry her home. Initially, she wasn't sure how she felt about it but as he kept walking she couldn't help noticing how much safer she felt in his arms. She'd rested her head on his shoulder some of the way. When they reached her apartment, she numbly opened the door. Admittedly, she hadn't thought beyond simply getting home as the day's events replayed in her mind. So, when James stepped in behind her she barely batted an eyelid until he embraced her. 

She listened to him crying, feeling just as numb as she had when unlocking the door. She had also thought she was going to die and as glad as she was that it wasn't the case, she was still in shock and dealing with a sort of internal existential crisis. Just as numbly, she watched him sink to his knees and thought for a moment about what he said before closing her apartment door. Then she knelt beside him. She gently lifted his chin to look him in the eyes then moved her hands to either side of his face to wipe his tears away. "You're James," she said simply and in a softened voice. "You're the man who saved my life." she moved some of his hair from his face. 

[Denix Vames]

Charles smiled before she left and began working on those sandwiches.

---

Carter looked Amelia over, "Am I right in guessing that nothing else is going wrong? Otherwise, I might just scream at this point."

---

Violet laughed. She cupped his cheek, "Your soul of course. And no one will be here to take care of your little tricksters. Other than me of course."

Blake had finished eating a sandwich. He decided to go back to the room. Worried about Kris being in a room with a person like her.

He caught them in time to see that Violet was about to lure Kris into a sense of lust in order to drain him. Blake grabbed Violet by the back of her dress and shoved her away. "I don't care what you are! I'm not losing what I have left!" She giggled, "Oh you poor naive boy. Can't you see he's only using you? You'll get no cliche family love." He glared with his fists ready, "I don't care. When I needed that support, he was there. I'll do anything to keep him safe." She poked at his nose, "You mortals are so pathetic. You'd be better off as a demon." He immediately grabbed her wrist and pushed it back. Breaking it enough to show her bone sticking out.

She cried out and collapsed. Writhing in pain. Blake grabbed her throat, "You can fool everyone but not me. I know what the girls in high school are like. You're all the same."

She continued to quietly sob. Once he let her go, she disappeared. Blake continued to glare at the floor, "She'll be back. Won't she?"

---

Dick shouted, "You think I want to live after everything that I've done?! I'll help your people and I'll take my former team down but after this?! I'll let them kill me!"

---

Death said, "They have so many Angels. I am sure they will find a new head of communications between the realms. Stay here and I will take care of this situation." He was about to teleport by himself but Azrael had caught him in time. Both appeared at Heaven's cells. Death stormed over to a guard, "Let me destroy Raguel. He has done his damage for far too long! He is no longer the Arch Angel you all once knew!" He held bitter tears, "I am tired of Heaven believing that they can continue to keep pushing me into revealing anything! You hold secrets as much as we do and I respectively have never asked questions about them!"

His aura appeared as his eyes glowed.

---

James grew closer to her. He looked into her eyes before pressing his forehead against hers, "And you're May. The woman who showed me true love."

[Shadowess]

Amelia chuckled awkwardly. "No, nothing's wrong. Actually, Charles and I were wondering if you, Sebastian and Stevie would like to join us for a picnic? We're inviting other families so there'll be more kids and we thought it might help Stevie to relax more. So he can see we just got off on the wrong foot. What do you think?"

---

Kris blinked, realising that he had once again been under Violet's thrall. Only this time she'd had fatal intentions. The idea that she could easily destroy him had unnerved him greatly but he was determined to keep up the appearance that nothing could phase him. He looked at Blake and knew he was right. He'd scared her off for now but she was bound to return and when she did, it would be with a vengeance. "Ortiz!" he called out quickly and as soon as Ortiz would join them he'd point at him. "Hit the books! Get any info you can on Hell. On Succubi specifically. Take books from libraries and Wiccan stores if you have to. Take some of the Trickster kids to help you. Move!" he then looked at Blake and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You. Your training starts now."

---

"What do you want from me!?" Henderson snapped back. "Wha- do you think I can save you, is that it? You want me to talk you out of it?! Well, I can't! I can barely save myself!-" he stopped, realising what he was saying and he glanced around quickly, feeling his cheeks grow red. "Just- Just get in the damn car and let's go, already..." he said, trying to regain his ferocity from a moment ago but now sounding a bit deflated.

---

With a sinking feeling in his gut telling him that he should follow Death, Azrael disobeyed him for the first time by following him to the cells. There he heard what Death was demanding and looked to him desperately. "No, Sire! Please! He's not himself!"

"He's no longer a threat and his judgement is not yours to make." Uriel chimed in as he appeared next to Gabriel. As much as he was tempted to allow it for the opportunity to potentially take Raguel's position for himself, he would risk losing the respect and loyalty of Angels under him. Besides, in Raguel's current state, it was likely that the council would be choosing his successor regardless, which meant he just had to be patient and make an impression on the council when they arrived. Of course, this now made Gabriel and any other Arch Angel an equal competitor for the role. "For his past actions and most recent actions, we apologise. But we must request that you and Azrael return to your kingdom at this time. We will keep you informed of Raguel's judgement and subsequent replacement." He turned his head slightly to look at Raguel as he heard him continue to mutter in his sleep.

---

Lost in his eyes and touched by his words, May brushed her lips against his. Her eyes closed as she locked her lips on his for a moment then she pulled back and paused, hesitant, while looking into his eyes again. Wondering if this was too fast. But given what she'd just been through, she threw caution to the wind and kissed him again.
 

[Denix Vames]

Carter replied, "Doesn't sound too bad. Do we have to bring anything?"

---

Blake nodded. "Sir? Are you...ok?" He awkwardly looked at his shoes, "Of course you're fine. It was just an instinct to ask. I'm sorry sir."

Ortiz would soon steal those particular books with the help of some of the Trickster kids.

---

Dick glanced at Henderson before heading out of the cell. Following Henderson in frustrated silence.

---

Death turned to Uriel with a glare. He looked at Azrael then Uriel. He reluctantly accepted Uriel's words, "If I find him in my kingdom however, he will be severely punished. I am to make this clear. Raguel is not welcomed in my realm anymore." He disappeared with Azrael.

Gabriel wrapped an arm around Uriel, "How's my tall bright and handsome fella? Haven't seen you since the Dark Ages. You must be pretty busy these days, huh?"

---

Death and Azrael were in Death's room. "Rest here. I shall have a reaper by my side for now. I must ask of you to let your wounds heal."

---

James found himself lost in the moment. Captivated by her lips. He leaned in and imitated her movements. Returning the kiss as he placed his hands on her shoulders.

[Shadowess]

"Charles is making some sandwiches... though I guess you and Sebastian won't be having those..." 
"I can put some blood packs into a bottle or two. I'll bet we could easily pass it off as wine in public," Sebastian said in a hushed tone as he entered the room, being careful not to wake Stevie. One of the perks of having advanced hearing was that he could hear their conversation from the next room. 
"So, I guess then maybe bring whatever Stevie would want?" Amelia suggested.

---

"I'm fine, kid," Kris answered. "Look at me. The first rule is don't ever be 'sorry'. Don't slouch either. You're a Trickster and by what I just saw you'll make a damn good one with a little training. So, be proud. Now, c'mon. Let's see what Ortiz and the other kids found. Then we'll know what we're up against."

---

Once they were outside, Henderson gestured for him to get in the car while he walked around to the drivers side. He glanced at the precinct, knowing there'd be hell to pay when he got back for going off without backup. But he figured that if he came back a hero, maybe it wouldn't matter so much. He wasn't exactly thinking straight. He didn't know what he wanted and the subconscious part of him that was self-destructive seemed to be taking the wheel right now. He got into the drivers side and waited for Dick to get in before hurriedly starting the car and taking off before any officers could notice or stop them. "Tell me where to go," he said with a determined look while watching the road.

---

"That is understandable," Uriel responded to Death with a nod. When he and Gabriel were alone he didn't look at him as he spoke. His eyes were on Raguel. Watching him muttering away, trying to hear what he was saying. "It seems humans have more and more to repent for each day. I am certainly kept busy in their world," he answered Gabriel. Just as Uriel was beginning to lose interest in Raguel, he heard him mumble "Lil- Lilith..."
Curiosity peaked, and he stepped closer to the bars with a look of concentration as he strained to hear him. "Lilith... I'm sorry... " The words were said in the ancient language but Uriel caught them clearly. 
"It would seem our former Commanding Angel may have more than aggravated assault to repent for," he commented, barely able to contain his sly smirk. If it turned out that Raguel was the angel that had romanced and impregnated Lilith all those years ago, then there would be no way he'd ever regain his position as Commanding Arch Angel. In fact, he'd be lucky to exist for the rest of the day. He may even be cast out of Heaven if he managed to gain any mercy. Aware of Gabriel's presence and attachment to Raguel, he quickly wiped the smirk from his face. Besides, they didn't know anything for certain. Yet.

---

Azrael sat on Death's bed and watched him carefully. After so long of being at Death's side, the idea of another Reaper taking his place felt strange to him, even if it was only in a professional sense. But Azrael was more concerned about something else. "Are you angry with me?" he asked him in a softened voice. "For going with you to the cells when you told me not to."

---

May inched closer to him and placed her hands on his chest as they kissed. One of her hands moved up to delicately touch his chin with her fingertips. Breathlessly breaking the kiss, she looked into his eyes again. "Stay with me for a while?" she whispered. "You make me feel safe."

[Denix Vames]

Carter listened to Sebastian then frowned, "I'm not sure what he likes. We barely got lucky calming Stevie down."

---

Blake raised his shoulders and nodded, "Yes sir." He followed Kris to a room that seem to be a place to make plans. Ortiz had several books on Hell and its creatures. One chapter explained Sex Demons and their capabilities of gaining power by sleeping with mortals in order to steal their souls or energy. Giving them a greater feat at their abilities." Ortiz kept the book at that page and handed it to Kris, "She's a demon alright. A Succubus The only way we have a chance against her is by tricking her into believing that you love her and gain her trust. After that, you unfortunately have to have sex with her but afterwards, you can kill her and she should be gone for good. Or if you want to make her your servant, there are various holy items that can be used as a metaphorical and literal chain. A necklace with a cross or a bracelet blessed by a priest. It would be like a wristband against her abilities. Trapping her as a mortal. The necklace could only cause her harm if you so choose it to so that you can still use her powers for yourself."

Blake raised a brow, "Please tell me we don't have to go with Plan Sex? I know I'm not volunteering but it still sounds awkward considering our last interaction with her."

---

Dick opened his mouth to speak when an officer suddenly appeared in the backseat. It was Luis Andres. The very same officer that he had killed a few days ago. Luis placed his hands both men's shoulders. Tightening his grip, "How about stopping the car and stepping out? I've got to deal with the fucker. And Henderson? I expected better from you."

The car would stop at the startling reveal of Luis. He stepped out of the car and yanked the passenger door opened. Dick's eyes widened. Worried about the angry look on Luis's face. Luis grabbed Dick and shoved him against the wall. Being able to lift a man like that before would have been impossible. Since he became an Angel, he had plenty of powers to use.

"Meet me at the precinct, Henderson. I want everyone to see this." Luis suddenly appeared inside the building. He threw Dick at his own desk. Dick cried out and found himself bleeding from his head. Luis glared, "I die and this is what the NYPD becomes? A slave to the crooks that we've been taking down?!"

---

Gabriel waved his hand, "Give me a break! We were close once but this guy is clearly off his rocker. I've got no sympathy for that."

---

Death was about to leave but stopped at his words. "Not anymore. At first, I was. Yet, if it hadn't been for you, I would have destroyed him." He turned to face him. "As much as I believe he deserves to perish, I would not want to upset you my love." He frowned, "I did lose myself in the moment. I must apologize for that."

---

James nodded, "Of course. I can stand guard." He stood up with her. "Unless you can show me another thing that humans do?" Thought it might have sounded like it, there was no hint at anything sensual. Only curiosity on what humans liked to do.

 

[Shadowess]

Sebastian walked over to Carter and held his hand while giving him a reassuring smile. "We'll ask him. There's no harm in that." he then looked at Amelia. "It would be nice to go, especially if it means helping Stevie. But we can't promise anything. He just got settled so I don't know if he'll be comfortable with that yet. We'll ask him though and let you know."
Amelia nodded understandingly. "Yeah, that sounds fair." she glanced at Stevie before smiling at Carter and Sebastian. "By the way guys, good job on getting him calm. Charles feels awful about scaring him. There was a kind of alternate Devil spirit inside him taking the reigns at the time. All sorted now though. He's back to his normal self." she awkwardly bounced on the balls of her feet for a moment. "Well, I guess I should leave you guys to it. I need to head to Kite and Cindy next to see if they want to bring their twins along."

---

Kris paced the room as Ortiz explained things then took the book from him to read this for himself. He was sceptical. Before today he hadn't believed in the afterlife, so it only seemed logical to him to take the information from these books with a pinch of salt. "We don't know how much of this information is accurate. So, better to have more options than less. Get me the necklace AND the bracelet." 

He continued to pace around as he thought some more. "Fucking her could destroy me so that's off the table... Dammit..." he threw the book onto the table and crossed his arms as a thought occurred to him. "I know a spell I could use as a plan C. I'd need to overpower her." he frowned. It was a spell he'd learned from his old teacher but he didn't like to use it because, even for him, it was too cruel. "I'll use it as a last resort if the other methods fail. What about hypnotism?" he asked Ortiz and pointed to the books. "She did something to me when she was in the room. I was under her spell. Is there anything in these books to help me resist that?"

---

Just as Henderson was gathering up the courage to face whatever criminals they were about to try to apprehend, Luis appeared in the backseat. His hand on his shoulder had made him jump and the car ground to a screeching halt. He watched in stunned silence as Luis dragged Dick out of the car. It was only when Luis told him to meet him at the precinct that he snapped back into reality. "Wha-? Wait! Luis don't-!" He tried to hurriedly get out of the car but the door jammed and a second later Luis and Dick had vanished. 

"Shit!" Henderson restarted the car and swung it around to speed back to the precinct. Thankfully, they hadn't managed to get too far from it by the time Luis had appeared. He pulled up and hurriedly ran inside to see Dick on the ground and Luis standing in the centre. "Luis! We need him! He can help us take down the assholes that hired him! For good!"

---

Uriel let out a short disbelieving laugh. "Really? He favoured you more than the others, you know." he pointed out. "He told us he treated us equally but it was obvious to everyone. You, he favoured the most. Then Azrael. And, of all of Angels, Nate. Even after Nate fell from grace and was punished, if any of the rest of us Arch Angels pulled that crap he'd have stripped us of our titles and thrown us out of Heaven to live a mortal life on Earth. But not Nate." Uriel sounded a little sour. Then he looked at Gabriel. Calculating. "You could probably ask him about Lilith. He trusts you. I'll bet he'd tell you anything if you just asked."

---

"I couldn't let it happen... I just couldn't." Azrael said in a broken voice as he lowered his gaze. "I know you and him never got along but when it came to me and the other Arch Angels, he was fiercely protective. Treated us like his children. Unruly teenage children sometimes, but still... If he'd been himself he would never have done this." he gestured to himself. "Something is wrong with him. Something has happened to change him, I just know it. But now... I don't know if he'll ever be himself again and even if he is, the council..." he shook his head. "I wonder what will become of him now..." he looked up at Death with tearful eyes. "I defied you in Heaven and I never thought I'd ever have to fight him like that... but to protect you, Raven and Lillian... I would do it again. In a heartbeat. You're my everything."

---

While shaking her head a little, May laughed at his suggestion of standing guard. Not a mocking laugh. A soft bubble of amusement. She found his gesture to be sweet. She took his hand in hers and gave him a look of adoration. "Just... be with me," she answered as she pulled him over to her couch and sat down, waiting for him to join her.

[Denix Vames]

Carter replied, "Tell Charles I know a good spa place around here. He might need to forget and let a professional hit those nerves. I barely started going and the lady there is amazing."

Once Amelia was gone, Carter looked at Sebastian. "Should we wake him now?"

---

Kite was playing with his babies. Making funny faces and doing a usual peek-a-boo moment. He turned to the scent of Amelia, "Hey there!" He hugged her like the jolly dad he had become. "It's so good to see you. How have things been?"

---

Ortiz nodded. He flushed at the question and awkwardly smiled, "Uh not unless you have the resistance of a sad virgin. Apparently, you just have to resist her spell. Though that's never easy for anyone. I'm not sure how anyone can resist her if she's that powerful."

---

Luis's wings sprouted. He stormed over to Henderson and jabbed his finger against his chest, "You are an officer! We don't agree with criminals! Did you forget that he killed me?!" He walked over to Dick and grabbed his arm. Twisting and pulling at an odd angle. Dick cried out. Will suddenly appeared and kicked Luis back. Dick felt a sigh of relief as his arm was free. He clutched it close.

Will gave a determined look, "Stay down Luis. I know what has happened. However, we need him to give us the location of the place." "And after that?! You were going to give him immunity? He fucking killed me! Don't you even care?!" Luis glared. Will clenched his fists, "As your Chief, I order you to stand down." Luis pulled out his gun, "Make me."

---

Gabriel was in disbelief. He hadn't expected to hear something like that. "I guess I could talk to him. But...why the hell did he never tell me this shit?"

---

Death bent down and gently kissed him, "It is alright Azrael. Despite what has happened, you did the right thing. Do not change your ways. Now, I shall head to Heaven once more to discuss the possible meeting between Raven and his lover." He stepped outside, "Sleep well."

Closing the door behind himself, he appeared in his throne room. He called out, "Will a reaper care to guard me in Heaven while I consulate the Angels? I have business up there."

---

James looked around and wasn't sure what to make of this moment. Was he supposed to do something special? But it seemed like the answer was no. So, he sat next to her and found himself holding her close. Feeling happy for once in his immortal life. He ran a hand through her hair. "Your hair is beautiful and smells nice."