Balance The Realms Nov 2024 - May 2025

[Shadowess]

"My, my! Tesoro! Had I known dying and cursing your amati would land me in such lavish living, I might have done it centuries ago!" La Tramoggia gasped and twirled in the spot as she stared up at the height of the throne room as well as its dark yet alluring design. 
"You don't quite know when to stop pushing your luck, do you?" David commented offhand as he straightened the cuffs of his jacket. 

"If I never pushed my luck I would have never left the brothels of Venice." The Hopper responded with a shrug. "Oh, Bello! Will you stop looking at me in that way?" She purred to Azrael who was still glaring at her furiously. "We are working together now! Can you not find it in your heart to forgive me?"
"Maybe," Azrael replied coldly. "Remove the curse and I'll think about it."
"He's a joker, this one!" La Tramoggia laughed sweetly. "Now, is anyone here gentleman enough to give me a tour of my new home?" 

---

"I know this is difficult," Tom said to him with a sympathetic look. "But that paper is real. The date is real. Sir, I'm so sorry, but you have been dead for decades. But this is not the end. There is a Heaven, monsieur. It is real and it is within your reach. You just need to let go. Your family are likely waiting for you there."

---

Amelia's eyes snapped to Ash as she listened to them speak. "You've seen him, haven't you?" she asked. She had just witnessed this ancient devil reconstruct a powerful ancient structure with little more than a raised hand. Yet this boy, whoever he was, struck fear into this powerful creature. Just who was this child? Amelia stepped towards Ash suddenly. Ignited by urgency and a determination to protect everyone she loved. "Tell me everything. Now." 

[Denix Vames]

Death spoke, "Do respect my new left hand. We must have stable relations." He snapped his fingers, "You there! Reaper, you are to give her a tour. Under no circumstances are you to harm her. If I see a mark on Azrael, I will know that you disobeyed. Am I clear?"

---

The boxer punched him but cried out afterwards. Clutching his stomach where some of the punches had been received when he was fighting. Nate immediately threw himself between them and raised his weapon. The boxer's spirit began to glow red as he became more angry. Nate sighed, "Why can't you understand that she's waiting for you in Heaven? You can still box too. What is still keeping you here?" "I failed her. I was supposed to win that match in front of her very eyes. Yet, I failed."

---

Ash grit his teeth, "You think I know anything about him?! All I know is that his power is something that I have never felt before. Somehow, I am able to see his face. Yet, he cannot tell that I am watching. It appears he does not understand the power in this world as much as most might think. He is confused and bewildered. If we knew where he was, this would be the perfect moment to strike! To gut him like a fish!"

[Shadowess]

Although confused by how Azrael would be marked if La Tramoggia was harmed, the Reaper who had been passing through to trade in his filled book for an emptier one stopped to bow obediently to Death. "Yes, sire." 
"Bene! I will get along with your Reapers so long as they're nice, no?" The Hopper said as she skipped over to the Reaper to hook her arm in his. "And you seem like you will be very nice!" she purred, beaming. 
The Reaper seemed a little flustered but remained professional as he walked away with her.

Once gone, Azrael sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair. "That- that-!" he stammered angrily. "That rotten woman! We need to get her to break this curse! I can't spend my waking moments worrying about my duties and her safety!" 
"One crisis at a time," David said calmly then turned to Death. "I admit, I don't fully understand how things work here but keeping her here where you can keep an eye on her is a smart move. In the meantime, I must insist against any further adventures outside of your Kingdom."

---

Tom hadn't been expecting the punch. Nor had he expected the emaciated man to have struck him as hard as he had. Tom had stumbled back and held the side of his face. While Nate had darted in front of him and started talking to the boxer, a strange yet familiar feeling washed over Tom. He felt a white-hot rage begin to boil within him. He hadn't felt like this since... since...

Since the day an Angel and his cronies had tried to abduct him for ADIEU. He'd blacked out. When he'd come to, he found he'd massacred almost all of them. Nate had only seen the aftermath that day but it had taken some effort to calm Tom down once he'd realised what he'd done. 
And it was happening again. Only this time Tom could feel it coming instead of outright blacking out. "N-Nate..." he mumbled while holding his head in his hands. "H-help... I don't want... I don't want to..." His eyes shifted from brown to red while the whites of his eyes started to turn an inky black. He began to hyperventilate. Straining with every bit of strength he had to resist letting the Devil's Rage take over. 

---

"No!" Amelia snapped at him suddenly. "I don't care that his power has you practically shitting your pants, I will not allow harm to come to that boy! Is that understood? Now, you'll use this link that you seem to have with him and tell us where he is. What his surroundings look like. Is he alone? Tell us everything and anything that will help us put an end to this bloody witch hunt!"

[Denix Vames]

"My only task at hand is to talk to the boy once he is located." Death loomed over him. Making sure he understood his status. "I will not leave this kingdom unless connection with the boy is possible."

Death turned to Azrael, "We will find a way to break this curse. I will get a few of my men to research this curse." Despite his calm demeanor, his eyes showed great concern. He only wished he could hold Azrael close and let him know that everything will be alright.

---

Nate knelt down and placed his hands on his shoulders. His wings surrounding him. "Listen Tom. You have to stay calm. You know he didn't mean it. He's just mad at himself." The boxer's eyes widened when he saw the scene. The red color surrounding him had died down. He stood up and walked over, "Monsieur my apologies. I didn't mean to. I am a fool. Please do not waste your anger on me."

---

Ash growled but once Charles snapped his fingers, he stopped. Ash nodded before closing his eyes. "I see him in a house that has taken as his own after killing a couple. It seems he has another boy with him. One that is alive and is from this world. The green eyed boy is teaching the other about his magic. I can imagine us there now and we can capture him."

Hades raised her hands, "Whoa whoa! We can't just go in there and talk to him like he's some lost kid. This guy is tough. Ash is right when it comes to his powers. Shouldn't we have a shield or something? Just in case?"

[Shadowess]

David unsubmissively stared back at Death when he spoke to him. Of course, he was a little intimidated by Death. Who wouldn't be? But what Death had yet to realise is that even when he used to serve Lucifer, David could never hold his tongue about things he didn't agree with. He would certainly voice his concerns again but for now he watched quietly as Death addressed Azrael. 

Azrael nodded but was still visibly distraught. What he wouldn't give to have a private word with Death right now. To confide in him and seek his comfort. But he needed to remain professional. They both did. "Thank you, your Grace. Now, if I may be excused? I would like to occupy my thoughts with the ceremony arrangements. There is much to plan and coordinate." he also just wanted to be alone in his study to gather his thoughts. 

---

As much as he tried to control his breathing and calm down, Tom still felt the hot rage filling him up. He let out a combination of a groan and a growl as his eyes kept moving away from Nate. Searching for the boxer who was hidden behind Nate's wings. His eyebrows furrowed in frustration as he consistently couldn't see him with those feathers in the way. It was an odd feeling for Tom. Almost surreal. He knew he was struggling to stay in control but his body was reacting of its own accord. Trying to seek out the one who'd threatened him to neutralise the threat. 

But the boxer had done that all on his own when he apologised. Tom heard his words and the Devil's Rage in him despaired for a moment. It had identified a threat and wanted to eliminate it before it could strike again. But Tom's mind and morality were still conscious enough to sway the Rage back to a reluctant dormancy. As the instinct subsided, Tom's eyes slowly returned to normal and he breathed heavier as if he had just stopped running. Adrenaline caused him to shiver violently and as soon as he felt that he was fully back in control he dove into Nate's arms, gripping his jacket tightly. "N-Nate, what happened to me? Why do I do that?! I-I wanted to- but I also didn't want to-..." he broke off into quiet sobs. "What's wrong with me?"

---

Amelia was troubled by Ash's visions. Involving another boy from the world and murdering people to take their home? This isn't good. "I agree with Hades." She sighed. "We can't go to him without some sort of plan on how we're going to handle him. But at least now we have a way of tracking his movements which is more than we had before. Are you able to hear anything they're saying or is it all just visual for you?" she asked Ash. Aleady, Amelia had a couple of ideas on how they could go about approaching the boy but she wanted to cover all possibilities first.

[Denix Vames]

Death nodded, "Of course." He sat in his throne and felt like he was screaming on the inside. He wanted to cry out. To let it all out. Yet, he knew that there were people present. He knew as Death that he needed to be composed. Death turned to a passing reaper, "Is there anything I should be concerned about?"

---

"I-I don't know but we'll figure this out." ,said Nate. The boxer suddenly sobbed, "You should have never come! I make everything so much worse!" Nate picked up Tom. Holding him in his arms like a bride. He frowned, "C'mon man. You didn't do anything wrong. You were just distraught."

---

Ash shook his head, "I can only see the boy. I am unable to hear anything." His eyes glimmered for a moment. He quickly hid it and said, "The boy also has the body of a boy. It would appear that he is treating it with great care." He wouldn't say it but seeing the scene before him reminded him of the day he lost his wife.

Hades covered her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks. Remembering what she had done. She started to shake, "I didn't mean to! I thought it was going to be another Wraith just like the first portal! I just wish I could take it all back...."

Charles placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Hades suddenly pressed herself against his chest. He awkwardly hugged her. Not expecting her to react that way. His eyes turned to Amelia as if he was telling her he didn't know what else to do.

[Shadowess]

Azrael hurried away to his study. The Reaper stopped their duties to bow to Death obediently. "Sire, the only news I know of right now is the volume of lost souls being found on Earth. But our forces have already headed there to usher them to their afterlives," he answered quickly. 
David stayed stood where he was with his hands behind his back as he observed this. He glanced up at Death, trying to read his expressions and body language. It was difficult. The man was as stoic as a certain leader he once knew. Probably more so. As difficult as he was to read, he did manage to pick up on Death's tension. But then, given his confinement to his own realm, having both Life and The Hopper under his roof as well as a cursed right-hand man, it would only make sense that Death would be tense. Not wanted to aggravate the King further, David lowered his gaze so as not to stare then sighed quietly. This was going to be a very tense assignment indeed.

Elsewhere in the castle, Lilly felt she had rested enough and was eager to get to know her new home. Wandering around, she had found a dining hall, a kitchen with some very friendly chefs taking a smoke break, a locked set of doors that looked like they led to a courtyard and some sort of record room which a working reaper had quickly but politely ushered her out of when they noticed her. She then found a varnished wooden door that piqued her interest. Just as she laid her hand on the handle however, The Hopper and the reaper guiding her had rounded the corner. 
"This room is the King's personal library. Only those with his permission may enter- Oh, Princess!" The guide stopped talking and quickly bowed to Lilly. 
La Tramoggia raised a brow and looked at Lilly curiously. "A Princess, eh?" She said and looked over Lilly's clothes which were ones she'd bought from Hot Topic with Pain and the others back on Earth. "For some reason, I thought all Princesses wore elegant dresses."
"Who are you?" Lilly asked and quickly took her hand off the handle of the door, realising what she'd overheard the reaper guide say about the room inside. 

"Mio Dio, has your father never talked about me? I feel insulted!" The Hopper replied in a dramatically playful way. 
"I- I'm only recently adopted," Lilly admitted shyly. "You're a friend of his?"
"Oh, we've had our ups and downs." La Tramoggia chirped. "But I think now we are closer than ever." she strode forward and offered Lilly her hand. "I am La Tramoggia or The Hopper in your language."
Lilly looked at La Tramoggia's hand with a raised brow but didn't take it as she tilted her head slightly to look at her. "Hopper?"
"THE Hopper, bambola!" 
"Lilly."
"Ah! Princess Lilly!" The Hopper suddenly grabbed Lilly's shoulders to turn her around so they were both facing the same way. She then wrapped and arm around her shoulders and began to walk down the hall with her. Lilly was clearly a little uncomfortable with this but she made no move to stop her. "I have a feeling we're going to be the best of friends, no?" The reaper guide quickly moved to keep up with them. "Come, come, come! This carino reaper was just showing me around your home! Perhaps we can find something fun to do along the way?"

"You say a lot of words that I don't recognise. Is that another language?" Lilly asked curiously. 
"It's Italian, bambola!"
"Lilly."
"It is my mother tongue! Oh, but isn't this tour so boring? Doesn't your father have some kind of game room or does he not believe in fun?"
"Watch your tongue." The reaper guide suddenly snapped which caused La Tramoggia to look at him with mild surprise. Suddenly losing his nerve slightly, the guide pointed down the corridors. "There actually is a social room further down here. There is a billiards table and a bar. I believe there are already visitors-"
"Oh, Finalmente! Something fun! Take us there! I wish to let my hair down after such a day!"
"But Life and-"
"Mio Dio, did I stutter? My life ended less than an hour ago, I would very much like to bring some life to my unlife now please!" The Hopper cut him off loudly and completely misinterpreted what the guide had been trying to tell her. 
Knowing even after a short amount of time that arguing with her was useless, the guide led both women to the games room where they were likely to bump into Gabriel and Life. 

---

Tom clung to Nate and continued to shiver as he looked guiltily at the boxer. He had only wanted to help but now he felt he'd made things worse. "I-I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" he said shakily with tears running down his cheeks. "I just wanted to help. To do the right thing. I didn't mean to lose control. I don't know what's wrong with me." he lifted his shaking hand to wipe away some of his tears. 

"Please listen to me. Look at what happened to me. Look at Nate's wings. It's real. Like I told you. Heaven is real. What happened to you- the boxing- must have disoriented your soul when you died. You need to move on. You won't find your family by waiting here for them. You need to go to them. I'll bet they're the ones who've been waiting for you." Despite his fear and the shock of what he'd almost done, Tom was still trying to help this soul to move on. "Don't let anger rule you," he said, almost as if he was telling himself as well as this boxer. "Not when there are more beautiful things that you could be feeling."

---

Amelia glanced back at Charles and Hades but all she saw was a friend that was looking for comfort and her uncomfortable-looking husband. "Hades..." she said, turning to face them. She gently laid a hand on her shoulder. "There was no way you could have known. It was a mistake any one of us could have made. We can't take it back but we can try to do better going forward, hmm?"

Sighing, she removed her hand and turned back to Ash. "Ok, I have an idea. Ash, I'm going to need you to check in on the boys periodically and update us if they move or if anything else happens. Report this information only to me and Charles, understood?" she turned to Charles and Hades next. "I want to try to talk to this boy to see exactly what we're up against but I'm going to take precaution. I know some Angels get the gift of Astral Projection. They can project themselves or others to a location, kind of like a hologram from Star Wars. At least then if the boy attacks the only thing it'll do is end the projection early. We're going to need to ask Raguel if we can borrow one."

[Denix Vames]

Death said, "Thank you." He turned to David when he heard him sigh, "Something on your mind?"

Life and Gabriel were playing pool together. Life was about to hit another ball when he caught a glimpse of the three. He smirked, "Well look at what the cat dragged in. Let me guess. You found a way to make my annoying brother bow to you?" He nodded at Lily, "And you must be his adopted daughter. Can't believe he would even adopt any kid. He's always cynical. Wearing all that black and talking about decay." He rolled his eyes, "It's a wonder if he ever got any friends." Gabriel raised a brow at Life but didn't say anything.

---

The boxer nodded. Despite the tears in his eyes, his spirit glowed as he disappeared.

Nate held a small smile, "I think it's time we get back to the hotel. Get some rest maybe?"

---

Ash nodded, "Understood."

Hades pushed her own hair back as she thought about what Amelia said. Charles spoke, "I'm sure he won't have a problem with giving it to us. This isn't exactly a normal situation."

[Shadowess]

David hesitated before answering. "Just contemplative," he answered carefully. He recalled how other reapers had addressed Death and figured he should probably show the same respect while he was a guest in his domain. "Your Grace,"
He glanced around the room. It was quiet but Reapers bustled in and out of the side halls, going about their work as normal. "So this ceremony that Azrael is planning. It sounds like it's going to be quite big," he commented awkwardly, trying to make small talk.

"Death is your brother?" La Tramoggia paused, looking at the man in surprise. She then realised what the guide had tried to tell her earlier and broke into a wide grin. "Ah but do not tell me that Life is also an entity? It seems so obvious now!" she spread her arms out and approached him excitedly as if greeting an old friend, despite having never met him before. "And that Life should know who I am? I am honoured!"

Both Lilly and the guide had entered the room a bit more shyly than La Tramoggia had. Lilly was looking at Life curiously. "Please don't talk that way about my father," Lilly said flatly. "So, I suppose this means you're my uncle?"

---

"Yes, please." Tom nodded and rested his head against his shoulder tiredly. "Nate, I'm sorry," he said quietly, still ashamed of almost losing control. 

---
"Yeah, you're right. Ok, we have our plan. Let's go. Ash, stay here and help rebuild the old structures. Like the Library. It collapsed as well during the quake. Call on us if you notice any changes with the boys."

She would then teleport to Raguel's office, expecting Charles and Hades to be close behind her. 
"You found something?" Raguel had stopped in his tracks when she arrived. 
"Maybe," Amelia answered vaguely. She knew they both had the same orders from the council and that Raguel was a man of duty above all. But then again Raguel hadn't exactly jumped to the boy's defence when Life had made his preference clear regarding his fate either. "We need an Angel with the Astral Projection ability. We might have a lead."
Raguel nodded and snapped his fingers. A male Angel appeared, wearing a baking apron and a pair of oven mitts. "Oh!" the Angel exclaimed then looked a little worried. "Oh, my muffins are going to burn, aren't they?"
"Of course not. This is Heaven." Raguel replied, sounding slightly confused.
"Oh, let me pretend!" The Angel shook his head as he took off his mitts. 
"This is Theodore Ginney." Raguel introduced them, trying not to sound a little exasperated. "Theodore, this is Amelia and Charles, King and Queen of Hell... And Hades."
"A pleasure!" Theodore eagerly extended his hand to them to shake. "Wow. Royalty! How-how can I help?"

"I need you to astral project me somewhere so I can look around safely," Amelia told him and Theodore nodded a little. 
"I should've guessed. It's usually the only reason I'm summoned for anything." he chuckled then caught sight of the subtle glare he was getting from Raguel and cleared his throat awkwardly. "So, just some things to know before I zap you anywhere. I'll need to know the location or at least what the location looks like. I can hold the projection for a maximum of two hours. Three at a push but then I'd need a full day to recover. If your projection is harmed in any way then I won't be able to get you back until after I recover. It somewhat stings when that happens." he winced a little at the thought, making it obvious that something similar had happened in the past. 
"Uh, right..." Amelia scratched the back of her head. She hadn't known exactly how the projection would work until now so hadn't known he'd need a visual on the location. "How's your telepathy?"

"Can't astral project without it!"
"Good, there's someone you need to meet then..." Amelia then turned to Raguel. "We'll need Theodore to accompany us to Hell if that's alright. We'll keep him safe. There's a friend there who can help us with this."
Raguel hesitated. He wasn't fond of the idea of letting any of his Angels venture into Hell. Let alone this one who had already done so much spying for him in the past. He regretted not calling on a different Angel but it was too late for that now. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Fine. But make sure he comes back without so much as a scratch!"

[Denix Vames]

Death smirked, "I see your attempt at conversation. I shall humor you. The ceremony is important. It has be eons since a moment like this has ever happened. I daresay, I do not miss Life's ceremony."

Life hugged La Tramoggia, "It's good to see a potential friend!" He wrapped an arm around Lily, "Oh you poor thing. I'm your uncle but I'm also far better than your father." Gabriel hit the end of the pool stick on the floor, "That's enough!"

---

Nate appeared in their room, "You have nothing to be sorry for." He placed him on the bed. "I have my own mistakes too but everything will be alright."

---

Charles said, "Rest assured. We will keep him intact." Hades held up a peace sign, "The vibes are all good here." Charles raised a brow. Confused by her statement.

Meanwhile, Ash would be rebuilding the Library aside from other structures.

[Shadowess]

"Life had a ceremony?" David asked, curious. "So, does that mean you had one too, your Grace?"

"More than a friend, I hope!" La Tramoggia laughed playfully. "I daresay, Mr Life, you have been my muse for centuries! So much so that I defied the laws of nature because I could not get enough of life! Such thrills I have lived!"
Lilly recoiled at Life's touch and glared at him when pitied her. Then she and The Hopper both jumped at Gabriel's outburst. But while Lilly was somewhat grateful for his interruption, La Tramoggia laughed. "It seems someone else could use a thrill or two! Now, I count three gentlemen in this room and not one of you has offered us a drink yet!"
Lilly pulled away from Life's arm. "I don't want a drink." she pouted.
"Oh Princess, you need to live a little, eh?"

---

"I just don't understand what happened..." Tom sniffled with a puzzled look. "M-maybe it has something to do with Amelia's blood? She's the reason that I can walk in the sun, so maybe it's related?" he shook his head. "Maybe when I'm not all shakey, we can go and ask her?" he looked at Nate. "Hold me until then?"

---

Raguel was equally confused by Hades but figured it was some new way the latest Earthen generations were talking to each other.
"Oh my, I've never been to Hell before. I've heard stories though. Should I be wearing so many layers?" Theodore looked down at his casual clothes and the baking apron. 
"It's like any other planet. It's only unbearably hot if you go into a volcanic region." Amelia told him as she took his hand ready to teleport with Charles & Hades. 
"Oh! Fascinating! And the region we're going to is...?"
"Hells Library." 
"That's a building, not a reg-" 
They all vanished from Raguel's room. Leaving him to pinch the bridge of his nose and sigh heavily. "Our fate is in the hands of idiots..."

-

"Oh my, but it is quite warm!" Theodore exclaimed while hurriedly taking his apron off as they arrived in the newly rebuilt library. 
"It is? I guess after living here for a while, I just got used to it." Amelia mumbled as she looked around the room wistfully. The last time she was here she'd been heartbroken to see her childhood home in ruin, but now it looked like it always had. She broke into a relieved smile and had to blink away a couple of tears. 
"Ah, these will do nicely!" Theodore said as he walked over to the pair of leather couches facing each other in the centre of the room. A dusty rug between them. "You'll want to make yourself comfortable before we begin... the process will render us both unconscious. I suppose it's a good thing there are so many of you because the pair of us will be quite vulnerable until we're done. Now, where am I zapping you to?"
"That's an excellent question." Amelia turned to face them again. "Ash? Join us in the Library please," she called out.

[Denix Vames]

"Indeed I did. Though my brother was not too composed for mine. He's always one for pranks. It is a nuisance." ,said Death.

Life nonchalantly waved his hand, "I think my brother has finally turned her into a little version of him." Gabriel snapped the stick in half. He stormed over to La Tramoggia, "I don't know who you are but both you and Life can go get your own drinks." Life waved his finger, "Not polite Gabbie. You're supposed to protect me, remember? So be a good angel and get us some drinks." Gabriel reluctantly walked over to the bar.

---

Nate got into the bed as he wrapped his arms around Tom, "Of course." He kissed his head. "I'll never leave."

---

Ash appeared, "I still have a few more buildings to restore." "Well, that can wait. We need you to let this-" ,said Hades before she was interrupted by Ash's sinister smile and devilish antlers that grew. Charles snapped his fingers. Taking Ash out of his thoughts. "He is not here as a victim. He is an ally. I told to keep him safe. Attempt to do anything and it will be Oblivion for you."

Ash reluctantly nodded, "Of course your highness." Hades awkwardly looked between them, "Anyways we need you to tell Teddy where the boy is so Amelia can get into contact him." "As you wish." Ash transferred his visual of the boy to Theodore.

[Shadowess]

"That sounds like he did something to embarrass you. I won't pry." David said. "I never knew you were a father though. Forgive me if it's rude to say but whenever I heard of Death as an entity, I never imagined him as being a family man. It's actually kind of comforting. I'm a father myself."

La Tramoggia had laughed at Life's comment about Lilly, who now looked a little red faced. When Gabriel broke the stick and approached La Tramoggia in what could be perceived as a threatening way, she merely smirked at him. "Careful, Bello. Death's right-hand man has suffered a tragic curse recently. Anything done to me is done to him. I'm sure Death would be most displeased to find any damage to him if you lose your temper with me." she purred. 

"What?" Lilly gasped and stared at The Hopper in disbelief. "You cursed Azrael?!"
"Well, he wasn't being at all gentlemanly, so I put him in his place." La Tramoggia chuckled. 
For a moment, Lilly's eyes flashed green and she had to take a few steps away. Then she turned away from them while she tried to calm down. Before any of them could talk to her again, she ran from the room. 
"Well, it would seem the little Princess isn't as completely boring as her old man. No?" The Hopper giggled.

---

The way Ash looked at him had made Theodore quake in his shoes. Too terrified to move or make a sound, he froze up and stared back at him in terror. Then Charles threatened to Obliterate Ash which seemed to work, much to Theodore's relief. He realised he'd been holding onto the back of the leather couch with such a tight grip that his knuckles felt a little sore as he let go. When Hades spoke again, he smiled a little and nodded to her. "Oh, ha! Teddy! Yes, I-I rather like that!" he chuckled though his voice still shook from anxiety and his eyes kept darting back to Ash every so often. 

When he received the flashes of memory, Theodore looked back to Amelia. "You've found the boy!" he gasped. 
"Sort of. That's why we need you. I need to get a look at what it is we're dealing with." Amelia nodded.
"Right, of course... p-please, make yourself comfortable then." he gestured to the other couch while he lay down on the one opposite. He looked up and caught Ash's gaze again but looked away quickly. Inwardly he prayed that Charles and Hades would keep him safe while he was unconscious. He didn't want to wake up as a Devil. Amelia lay on the other couch with her head parallel to his. "Alright, now just relax and close your eyes. I'll tap into your subconscious and pull you to the location. It will feel strange but that's normal."
They both closed their eyes and the room fell silent as he concentrated. Then, they both lost consciousness. 

---

Amelia felt a sudden sinking feeling in her stomach. As if she'd missed a step on a set of stairs. It caused her to open her eyes and she found herself standing in an unfamiliar kitchen. Thankfully, this room was empty. But she could hear movement and voices in the next room. Silently, she walked over to the table and moved to grab a cup. She had half expected her hand to phase straight through it but she picked it up as if she were really in the room. Carefully, quietly, she put it back down and crept towards the door of the kitchen. Wanting to listen in on the boys before making herself known. 

[Denix Vames]

Death replied, "She is not of my blood. However, she holds similar abilities such as I. I had to take her under my wing. Especially after the pain that I caused her."

Life laughed, "Maybe there's some hope for her after all!" Gabriel came back and set the drinks on the pool table. Never saying a word but only glaring.

---

The boy, Raven, was looking over his dead lover's body which was on the couch. He turned to the student he had taken in, "How are your powers coming along? I know we've been practicing but I was hoping we could kill everyone soon. For what they've done."

[Shadowess]

"I understand." David nodded. "Better than you'd think... I've adopted two daughters. One of them, Amelia, I found in Hell when she was a small child. She was too young to take out of Hell at the time so I brought her up as my own... I didn't find her in time to save her mother." he looked down remorsefully. Even after all this time and despite knowing there was nothing he could have done, he blamed himself for not finding them sooner. "It was tricky. Lucifer, as far as I was aware, was still around. So, Hell was even more dangerous than what it is now, especially for a child. So, I took her to the Library and hid her there until she was old enough to leave Hell." He smiled at the memory of watching her grow up. "She still loves that Library. I suppose I do, too. It became home."

The Hopper took her drink and grinned at Life. "With an uncle like you, she could be a force to be reckoned with!" she purred as she slid her fingers up the centre of his chest. "But what of an auntie, I wonder? Is there a Mrs Life?"

Lilly ran down the corridors of the castle until her building anger made her to dizzy to run anymore. She leant against the wall and gripped her wrist, staring worriedly at the green aura surrounding her hand. "N-no, no, no... S-stop, stop! How do I make it stop?!" she mumbled to herself as she tried to calm down and control her powers. 

---

Stevie looked over at Raven from the corner of the room. His eyes dropped briefly to the corpse but he looked away again quickly. He understood that Raven was grieving but by now the body was beginning to smell. He sighed with mild frustration. "I'm trying my best. I miss my flute..." he lifted his hand and aimed it at a mug on the coffee table. He tried to focus the way Raven had told him but the most he could make it do right now was crack a little. "Maybe you could show me again?"

[Denix Vames]

Death smiled at David's story. He was about to reply when his eyes suddenly widened. He stood up, "Lily!" He appeared in the hall. At the sight of her in distress, he held her hands. "Lily, look at me." He cupped her cheek and stared back at her. "It is alright. Everything will be alright. You must take a deep breath. Watch as I do it, ok?" He began to take slow deep breathes. Once she would follow along and soon calm down, he would hold her close. "Please tell me what has troubled you, my child."

Life smirked at her, "Never had a partner but I wouldn't mind if you were the one."

---

Raven said, "Ok. Just imagine the power flowing through you. Imagine it coming to your arms as you think of what you want to destroy. Once you feel it in your hands, aim at the object and summon your power to it."

[Shadowess]

Lilly Jumped a little when Death appeared in front of her but she was relieved he'd found her when he had. She looked up at him and followed his instruction, breathing deeply with him until she felt her powers along with her anger begin to subside. She was taken aback by his hug and it took her a moment to adjust to the idea but she quickly found it to be comforting and relaxed in his arms. To his question, she blinked away angry tears. "I just met who I suppose is to be my uncle and some woman... La Traguggia, I think? She said she cursed Azrael. They were laughing about it. After all, you and Azrael have done for me, the things they were saying... it just made me so..." she stopped and took a few breaths again, feeling her anger and powers rising at the thought. 

Worried that Death had gotten up and vanished without explanation, David had appeared not too far away. He saw what appeared to be a personal moment between a father and daughter so he decided to stay at a distance with his eyes averted so as to give them as much privacy as he could. Given he could only see the back of Death from where he stood, he had yet to realise the adopted daughter in question was none other than the girl he'd defended when the first portal had opened. 

"Just like that?" La Tramoggia teased playfully. "Oh, my muse. You need to woo me. Romance me." she purred while stepping backwards to lean against the pool table. She brought her drink to her lips and took a sip while looking him up and down. "Show me just how alive you can make me feel."

---

"Alright, I'll try again..." Stevie nodded. As he positioned himself across from the mug and lifted his hand towards it again, Amelia carefully placed her hand on the kitchen door handle. As quietly and slowly as she could, she turned it slightly and opened the door by a crack so that she could peer through and get a look at what the boys were doing. 

Stevie focussed. He did his best to imagine the power but this world's magic didn't quite work in the same way as it did in Raven's world. It made this power more volatile, unpredictable and violent. This became evidence when he finally felt the surge and sent it to the mug, causing it to explode, and sending tiny shards across the living room. "I-... I did it! Raven! Did you see that? That was totally awesome!"

[Denix Vames]

Death held such anger in his eyes, "I see. I will be back. Stay here and I shall take care of this." He stormed into the room. Throwing the doors opened just as Life was about to kiss her. Life parted from La Tramoggia and smirked at him, "Hey brother. How's everything?" "You dare to upset my daughter! To come into my home and claim yourself here as more important than me?!" Life rolled his eyes, "When are you ever going to take a chill pill?" Death raised his hands at Life and threw his power at him. Life became a white chicken which was trapped in a cage that Death was holding, "I may not be able to kill you but I can give you a well deserved time out. It is only fitting for a child like yourself."

He glared at La Tramoggia, "And while you cannot be harmed either, do not forget that my powers can do so much more to you. I can make you suffer without needing to harm you."

Gabriel chuckled, "Looks like you're not the queen here missy."

---

Raven smiled, "You did. It's still a bit messy but unfortunately this magic is different here. I guess we'll have a mess to clean up after we take over the world. Once that's done, I am still interested in what you told me about. You said it was video games?"

[Shadowess]

When Death walked away, Lilly leaned against the wall to wait for him. It was only then that David looked up and saw her. But he had no time to process what this meant as he needed to focus on keeping up with Death, particularly as he looked to be marching off angrily which could only mean trouble within the castle was brewing. He darted after Death, giving an apologetic smile to Lilly on his way past. 

He got to the room in time to see Life giving Death attitude. The Reaper guide that had been showing La Tromoggia around immediately knelt with his head bowed when Death entered the room. La Tramoggia was still leaning against the pool table and smiling cockily at Death as Life spoke. Her smile quickly vanished when her new Paramore was transformed into literal poultry. "Mio Dio!" She gasped then her eyes snapped to Death's when he spoke to her. His words caused her to turn pale with fear as she realised he was right. Just as Azrael had pointed out earlier, they could easily lock her away. As long as she'd remain safe and healthy, so would Azrael. As for Death's powers, she wasn't sure what he could do to make her suffer without it affecting Azrael, but she wasn't prepared to find out. Not daring to provoke him further, she held her tongue and lowered her eyes from his submissively. Gabriel's words angered her and for a moment she considered throwing a curse his way too. But considering Death's attention and anger were currently directed at her, she stayed quiet while balling her hands into tight fists by her sides.

David looked at the caged fowl with an expression that was somewhere between impressed and amused. He chuckled and looked over at Gabriel. "Well, I guess your job just got a little easier for a while."

---

Stevie chuckled at Raven's comment about the mess to clean up. "Well by then we'll have servants, right? They can clean up the mess!" he then looked at Raven excitedly at the mention of video games. "Oh yeah! They're great, man. You're going to love them! When all this is over, we'll get a big TV with all the consoles and I'll show you every game there is-!" Stevie stopped short and stared over Raven's shoulder with wide eyes before darting behind him. He lifted his hand and aimed at the kitchen door which was now open. 

Having seen and heard enough, Amelia had stepped quietly into the room with her hands up. "Easy, I'm not here to hurt you," she said to them in a gentle tone. She glanced at the corpse on the couch and frowned before looking back at the boys. "I just want to talk."
"Don't move! You stay right where you are!" Stevie yelled at her aggressively. He'd moved to stand between her and Raven, protective over his new friend.

[Denix Vames]

Death began walking outside with Life in his hands. Gabriel followed, "You got that right! Guess I can have fun watching him hang out by the throne." Death nodded at Lily, "Do not worry ever again. I made sure La Tramoggia and Life knew not to fool around again. Life has been transformed into this chicken. It is only temporary so that he may have some time to think. I shall place him by my throne as something to look at. As La Tramoggia, she learned enough from me that she will never speak to you like that again."

Death soon reached his throne where he summoned a pole with a hook. He placed the ring of the cage on it so that it could hang from there. He sat down and took a calming breath, "Isn't this far better dear brother? I'd say a chicken truly suits you."

---

Raven gently pushed Stevie back, "Let me handle. I have been with this power longer than you." He glared at her, "You said you want to talk. Yet, I am ready to fight in case anyone else appears." He glared, "You've taken my love. Now, you're here to do what? Take my powers? I will destroy everyone and everything so you know how true pain feels!"

---

Slowly but surely things in New York City were a lot less crazy than they were before. With the help everyone, things were getting better. This also meant that officers could go back to their regular duties. Like Officer Malone who was heading to a gay strip club with a warrant for the owner's arrest. The charges involved selling drugs. He would be surprised to see Ash, the same man who had assaulted his boyfriend, dancing in a leather skirt and boots. His chest visible. Showing that he had muscles. It appeared that Ash was excellent in pole dancing but he seemed heartbroken. Hiding his pain through a fake smile.

[Shadowess]

La Tramoggia remained where she stood as Death, David and Gabriel walked away. As they moved, she glared at Gabriel while muttering under her breath "Presto una maledizione cadrà su di te." she then folded her arms in a huff, pouting until they'd completely left. Tapping her foot and feeling agitated, she looked over at the Reaper who was still in the room and staring awkwardly at her. "Well, you may as well finish your little tour then." she sighed before walking over to the bar and pulling out a bottle of wine. "But I will be taking this with me."

Lilly smiled at Death and walked with him. She glared at the chicken while also smiled, happy with the punishment that had been dealt to him. She then turned to David with a puzzled expression. "David? What are you doing here?"
"I was wondering the same thing about you!" David smiled. "I'm here to protect Death."
"Death is my father now... he's in danger?" she looked at Death worriedly with a questioning stare. 
"Ah! So this is who you meant!" David said to Death before looking back at Lilly with a reassuring smile. "And he's not while I'm around, don't you worry."

They watched Death mount Life onto the poll and David couldn't help but chuckle. "Now who's the prankster?" he said jokingly to Death. 
"Father, what about Azrael?" Lilly asked worriedly. "Did La Tra- La Tro-? Did the woman lift her curse?"

---

Stevie did as he was told and stood aside but he kept a wary eye on the trespasser. 
Amelia kept her hands where both boys could see them and inched her way a little further into the room. "It's just me here and like I said, I don't want to hurt you," she said gently. "But if you keep going down this path then there are those who will fight you. They may even try to kill you. You need to listen to me. I'm sorry about what happened to your beloved but the violence needs to stop. Let me help you."
"I don't like this," Stevie muttered to Raven. "This feels like a trap."

---

Upon realising who it was on stage, Malone was taken aback and couldn't help staring for a moment as he tried to fathom how Ash had ended up here of all places. Unfortunately, it appeared for a moment like he was watching the show. Tearing his eyes away, he decided it wasn't his business and he was here to do a job. He headed towards the back. Particularly to a red door with a plaque that read "management only". He knocked on it, hoping the owner would come quietly rather than make a scene in their own establishment. 

[Denix Vames]

Death spoke, "La Tramoggia does not care to help others except for herself. My reapers are researching this curse at the moment. Though, I am unfamiliar with your interactions with David."

---

Raven's eyes glowed, "And why should I trust you? How do I know you won't just kill me?"

---

The owner opened the door. He smirked at the sight of an officer, "Looking to enjoy the variety here? I can give you a discount for serving the city." 

[Shadowess]

"I was at the first portal when it opened," David told Death. 
"He saved me and the world from the wraiths of my home world," Lilly added. 
"She also happens to be friends with one of my adopted daughters." David turned to Lilly. "Speaking of which, I should let you know. Hades tried to attack the new portal but it turned her into a kind of Hell Hound. She's otherwise fine and helping Amelia." 
"I don't know what a Hell Hound is but I'm glad she's alright. Have you heard anything about the rest of my friends?" 
"I'm afraid I haven't had time but you know what they say. No news is good news."
"I've never heard that saying... But I suppose it's comforting. In an odd way."

---

"If I had wanted to kill you I wouldn't have bothered coming to talk," Amelia said bluntly. She looked over at the corpse again. If only they could understand how the portals affected their universe and new souls crossing into it but right now it was a mystery. At best the boy's soul is lost somewhere on Earth or passed on in Raven's home world. At worst, he's either stuck in some kind of limbo... or was destroyed completely. "What happened was a tragedy. Truly, I'm sorry. If I could reverse it, I would. But I can't. All I can offer you is my apologies and the promise of safety."

"They're all the same..." Stevie mumbled acidically while glaring at her. "False promises of protection and an empty apology. Just like my parents. Just like my so-called 'friends' in school. I'll bet they'll kill us the second we let our guard down. They don't care about us. We're just a nuisance to them!"
Amelia's eyes darted to Stevie. Who exactly was this kid, anyway? How did these two end up working together? "It's not like that. Look, I know you've been through a lot," she said to Raven first then turned to Stevie. "And I can only guess you've had a rough upbringing, but please hear me out. I want to help you."
The tension in the room had grown. She could feel it, or at least something in the air. Like a sort of static build-up. Back at the library, little beads of sweat from nerves had formed on Amelia's forehead.

---

Ever the serious officer, Malone didn't even crack a smile at the owner's words. Instead, he took out a pair of cuffs and looked at him seriously. "We can do this discreetly or you can make a scene in front of all your patrons. Either way... you're under arrest for drug trafficking. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer for advice before we ask you any questions. You have the right to have a lawyer with you during questioning." he moved to grab the owner's wrist while speaking.

[Denix Vames]

Death thought for a moment and called to a reaper, "You there! Can you tell me if any of Lily's friends are on the list?"

Unfortunately, the band had been practicing when another earthquake had struck. The roof collapsed and killed everyone there. Sending them all to Hell.

---

Raven bit his lip, "You're right about that. And I could have destroyed this hologram too." He crossed his arms but nodded, "You have a deal. Just tell me where to meet you."

---

The owner took a step back and whistled. Immediately, Ash ran over. His face became pale when he saw Malone. The owner glared as he grabbed Ash, "Get over here!" He wrapped a hand around his throat, "Now officer. If you don't mind I'd like to get on with my day unless you want to see a broken neck." Ash shouted, "No! Don't!" "Shut up!" The owner backhanded him before grabbing him again. Ash was left with a bruised eye. The owner said, "I own you. You were nothing when I found you. So behave like a good boy and maybe I won't make your death so painful." He looked at Malone, "Get the picture? I run things around here. You don't."

[Shadowess]

The Reaper stopped and quickly flicked through his book. David and Lilly waited anxiously.
"Oh..." is all they heard the Reaper say before watching him do a small jog towards the throne. With his head bowed, he held the book up for Death to take with the page open to the latest set of names. "I'm sorry, your Graces." He said quietly.

---

Raven bit his lip, "You're right about that. And I could have destroyed this hologram too." He crossed his arms but nodded, "You have a deal. Just tell me where to meet you."

Stevie whipped his head around to look at Raven in confusion. 
Relieved, Amelia nodded although she was a little alarmed that he could tell she wasn't really here. She seemed solid enough and she could interact with the room as if she were actually present so figuring out she was astral projecting would be no small feat. "I know how to find you now so we'll come to you." she glanced around the place quickly. "We'll bring you some food. You boys must be starving." she paused. Awkwardly she realised she had no idea how to get Theodore to end the projection. "Uh.. Teddy? That's our que buddy!" she called out. Thankfully, for the Astral Projection to work required a very strong telepathic connection which meant Theodore could hear and see everything she was doing. A second later, her projection vanished. 
Immediately, Stevie turned to Raven. "You're not seriously considering this, are you?"

---

Back at the Library, both Amelia and Theodore would be waking up. Both of them were very groggy and slightly disorientated. "We need to meet them. They seem willing to listen to reason. I said we'd take food... we should stop by a pizza place or something first..." Amelia said while rubbing her eyes. She felt like she'd just come out of the deepest sleep of her life.

---

Malone watched this all unfold with building anger. He really couldn't stand bullies. When the owner threatened Ash's life, Malone sighed. "I guess we're making a scene then." he took out his gun and aimed it at the owner's head. "Kill him and I shoot you. Checkmate. Now, get in the damn cuffs."