Balance The Realms Nov 2024 - May 2025

[Denix Vames]

Death frowned. His grip on the book grew tight but reluctantly showed the page to Lily. "They may be dead and it may be terrible news. Yet fear not. For they will return again as different beings. And you will be able to see them again."

---

Raven turned to him, "I need to know what the hell is going on. I'm not exactly fond of being on the run either. So you're going to let this happen and don't try to hurt any of them. I don't want a them battle when I need info."

---

Hades touched her shoulder, "At least we got something decent out of that. You alright?" A voice shouted, "Is this the place?" Suddenly, Storm and the other band members stepped inside.

---

The owner grit his teeth. He shoved Ash at the wall. Ash hit the wall and dropped to his side where he was bleeding on the side of his head as he silently cried. The owner turned around and placed his hands behind his back. Once handcuffed, he said, "You'll get what's coming to you soon pig."

[Shadowess]

At first, Lilly was numb with disbelief. She read the names over and over and Death's words took a few seconds to sink in. Then she shook her head as tears filled her eyes, along with a faint green glow. "B-But they were safe! A-Azreal saved them from the bad people that man sent!" She cried, referring to Kyle, the taxi driver that Death had consumed earlier that day.

"If I might, Princess?" the Reaper said gently and gestured to his book. "Once a person's name appears in one of these books, it cannot be undone. It is fate. Azrael saved them from one death, but The Balance will always find a way to rectify a variance." He explained. "And if the names appeared in my book, then Azrael couldn't have known."

"But... Bob... h-he just got skin... he had a chance at a normal life!" Lilly sobbed. 
"Bob? The skeleton? Or, I suppose not a skeleton anymore if he has skin now..." David said in surprise then glanced at Life in the cage before looking at Gabriel. "If I know Hades, the band won't be far from her. I know we have our orders but considering the er-..." he glanced at the caged chicken again. "current circumstances... I suppose you wouldn't have your hands too full if I 'stepped out' for just a moment?" he asked Gabriel before turning to Death. "Your Grace, with your permission I could go and see where they are and make sure their souls are safe."

---

Stevie bristled but relented. "Fine. But after everything you told me... what they did..." he glanced at the corpse before looking Raven in the eyes. "I won't trust them," he whispered. "You were there for me when everyone else betrayed me. I've got your back."

---

"Yeah, just... need a minute..." Amelia responded to Hades in a sleepy voice while squinted at her and Charles. "I didn't snore, did I?"
"Cor I'm knackered... Cuppa anyone?" Theodore yawned while stretching. 
"We're still in Hell's Library, Teddy. If you can find a kettle in this building I'll be shocked." Amelia chuckled. 
Hearing the voices and the sudden commotion, Amelia looked up to see Hades's band entering the room. "Who are you lot?"

---

"Not the first time I've heard that." Malone shrugged as he put his gun away before placing the cuffs on the owner. While holding onto the owner's arm, he looked over at Ash. "You ok? Did you want to press charges for the assault?"

[Denix Vames]

Death nodded, "Of course." He gently brought Lily into a hug and stroke the back of her head. "It's going to be alright. You will see them soon."

---

Raven nodded, "Good to hear. I'll let you know when we should start fighting."

---

Hades's eyes widened, "Oh my god! What happened?" Storm raised a brow, "Whoa! Is that you babe?" Hades flustered and hid her face with her hair. Grim spoke, "There was an earthquake and I guess we couldn't hear it or feel it since we were practicing for our next performance. We rock it out, ya see. So everything came down on us and pretty much squished us to death like a couple of bugs. Then we showed up here." The last member said, "Is this Hell? Totally radical! We're satanists by heart."

---

Ash forced himself up, "Please Malone. Don't do this. You don't know what kind of trouble you're getting into. And I need this job! I have to pay my rent!" The owner grinned, "What did I tell ya officer? I've got a full house."

[Shadowess]

David vanished. 
Lilly stiffened slightly again, still not used to the affection but quickly melted into the hug once more. Lilly wasn't the only one not used to Death's affections yet and though the Reapers noticed what was happening, they didn't dare say a word. Instead, they went about their duties a little more briskly while averting their eyes. 

---

"Alright," Stevie said before glancing around the room, half expecting it to fill up at any moment. "How long do you think they'll be?"

---

Amelia got to her feet and curiously watched the conversation unfold. "Satan was a bastard, plus he's long gone," she said to them with a shrug. "But on the bright side, you could always convert to Amelia-ists... or Charles-ists. Either way works, really."
Now familiar with where he was again, Theodore gingerly got to his feet and looked between all the new faces. Once more, his eyes would occasionally dart to Ash as he recalled the way he'd looked at him before the astral projection. 

"Just as I thought." David's voice came from behind Theodore, making him jump with a yelp and his wings burst from his back involuntarily. 
"Oh, apologies... you startled me." He said sheepishly. 
"An Angel?" David raised an eyebrow and then looked between Charles and Amelia questioningly. "I'll ask later... I'm only here for a brief visit before I have to go back on duty. Lilly is worried about her friends." he looked over at the band. "Is Bob with you too? I hear he's not a skeleton anymore..."
Though the lack of terrible puns should be evident enough, they would soon notice that Bob was not with the group. He was missing.

---

"The law is the law," Malone said to the owner sternly. He then looked apologetically at Ash. "I'm sorry, my hands are tied on this. You can either come with me to press charges against your boss or leave and get your life together. You can do better than this Ash. I'm sure the store down the street has a few jobs going. Last I heard they still haven't replaced their night security."

[Denix Vames]

Death snatched a book from one of the Reapers. He went back to the page and looked it over again. "Hold on a moment. Bob isn't on the list. There are only three names." He handed the book back to the reaper. "Do you know where Bob would go? It appears that he's still alive."

---

"I don't know but we'll see them when they show up. Until then, just do whatever you do." ,said Raven.

---

Grim and Storm looked each other. Grim awkwardly scratched the back of his head, "He wasn't with us. We needed some music time so he stayed at Pain's house. I just hope he's ok." Charles rolled his eyes at Amelia, "I rather not have people pray to me to solve their problems."

Storm hesitantly walked over to Hades. Yet, she turned back. "Don't! I don't want you to see me like this. I know what you'll say." Storm reached her. His hands were on her face. She had tears running down her cheeks as they looked into each other's eyes. He smiled, "You're still Hades." She hugged him tightly. Relieved to know that she was accepted. Grim and Pain ran in for a big group hug. Pain said, "And besides, what's more metal than being a Hellhound!" Charles raised a brow, "How did you know what she was?" Grim pulled out a pentagram keychain, "We're into the occult. When we're not rocking it out, we study."

---

The owner sighed, "This was fun but it's getting boring now." He swiped at the cuffs. Breaking the chain easily with his powers. He pulled Malone into the officer and locked the door. Throwing Malone to a wall, he reached out to Ash as a collar suddenly appeared around his neck with a chain dangling down. The owner grabbed the chain and pulled on it. Forcing Ash to stand by him, "You see dear officer. I am no ordinary businessman. I am a Demon. And I just happen to have a few tricks up my sleeve. So when he says he can't work anywhere else, he really means it." Ash frowned, "Malone! I-I'm sorry! I was homeless when I was eighteen. I didn't know what to do and then he came and-" The owner pulled at the chain, "That's enough! I don't need you telling this bitch everything."

[Shadowess]

"He's on his own?" Lilly asked worriedly. She was relieved he was alive, of course. But when she thought he had died with the others there had been some comfort in the assumption that he was still with friends. "I-I don't know. We used to just stay with the band when I was alive. Maybe he's still at their place?" 
He would not be there.

---

Stevie frowned but nodded. He glanced at the corpse enviously as he felt no matter what he'd do he would always be playing second fiddle to a literal cadaver. "Alright, I guess I'll keep practising." he sighed as he moved back over to the coffee table and arranged a few items to use as targets.

---

"I was kidding!" Amelia chuckled at Charles. 
David was touched by Hades's reunion with her friends and boyfriend but he was concerned about Bob and had no time to waste. "I need to know if he's alright and report back to Lilly. What does he look like now?"
"Not that all of this isn't an exciting and fascinating visit but..." Theodore began and anxiously glanced at Ash again before looking at Charles & Amelia. "Am I still needed?"

---

Malone hit the wall and was surprised that the owner wasn't human. He knew about the supernatural world now but he'd really hoped this would be a normal arrest. He glared at the owner with his hand on his gun. "You think I'm intimidated? I know about Demons. One or two of my colleagues are from Hell. But you? You're just a pathetic little man with a complex for control, throwing his title around as it matters. You're no different from any human skumbag drug dealer and if I have to put you down for resisting and dangerous behaviour, I will." he growled angrily. 

[Denix Vames]

Death nodded at Azrael, "Go with her and find her friend. I cannot leave my realm as you know."

---

Raven took himself to a bedroom where he looked out the window. He knew that Stevie was hurt too. That's why he brought him as help. Yet, it seemed like he would be hard to control.

---

Charles cleared his throat, "Of course. Your services are not needed anymore. Thank you for helping us." Ash waved at Theodore with a smile.

Grim walked over to David, "He's a human now. He has short brown hair, a beard, and he's white. But like we said, he should be at Pain's house."

---

The owner laughed. He put Ash between himself and Malone. "Go ahead. Give it your best shot." Yet, the owner was too dumb to realize that his head was still a good target. Ash said, "M-Malone....I'm sorry for what I did to Travis. Please tell him I'm sorry."

---

Since everything had been finally calming down, James decided to head back into the hospital. He grabbed a bunch of roses from the front of the building where they had been planted. He held the roses tightly in his hand. Giving himself several cuts from the thorns as they made him bleed. He hid them behind his back.

Walking over to Nurse Mary, he took out the roses from his back. James swallowed the lump in his throat, "Uh I got these for you."

[Shadowess]

Hearing Death call to him, Azrael teleported from his study and appeared near him to receive his new order. He looked at them both, mildly confused but bowed regardless. "Yes, your Grace." he stepped over to Lilly and held his hand out for her to take. In seconds they were both standing in Pain's place. 

---

With Raven out of the room, Stevie glanced around before taking his hipflask out of his jacket pocket. He took a small swig of the vampire venom before looking at the flask sadly. He was running low and would need to contact his dealer again soon. He wasn't sure if he should tell Raven about his addiction yet but figured he'd cross that bridge when he came to it. For now, he tightened up the lid and placed the flask back into his jacket. Now feeling high and a little more focused, he took aim at the objects that he'd set up. One by one, they smashed into fragments. With each one, Stevie's smirk grew a little more.

---

Theodore nodded thankfully at Charles before quivering at Ash's smile. He vanished, returning to Heaven to report what he'd seen and heard to Raguel. 

David placed a hand on Grims shoulder. "Thank you. I'll check in on him, then. But rest assured you and your band will be in great hands with my daughters." he removed his hand before vanishing.

"Speaking of which..." Amelia spoke as she looked between the band members. With them being Hades's friends she knew it would be safer for them if they didn't remain as souls in Hell. "You all have two choices ahead of you now. Ascend to Heaven or become Demons. What'll it be?"

---

David surprised Azrael and Lilly with his arrival. Equally surprised by their presence, David lifted an eyebrow at the pair. "I take it you're looking for Bob, too?"
Lilly nodded. "He wasn't in the book, which means he's alone somewhere."
"You should be guarding Death." Azrael pointed out. 
"Your King gave his permission for me to check on Lilly's friends. But I see your point, if you're both searching for Bob then perhaps I should return to him." David nodded before looking at Lilly. "The rest of your friends are safe. They're currently with Hades and Amelia, my other daughter." he said to her before straightening up his jacket. "I'll return now. I expect I'll be seeing you both soon, then?"
"We'll return as soon as we've confirmed Bob is safe," Azreal said.
"Best of luck and stay safe." David vanished, returning to Death's throne room. 

"Bob?" Lilly called out and started walking through the place. She checked every room but it was completely empty. "He's not here..." She said worried as she stepped back into the living room to see Azrael inspecting the front door. 
"The handle is broken..." Azrael said gravely. "Something happened here..." he looked back at Lilly. "This might be dangerous. I can take you home and come back to search for Bob for you."
"No! He's my friend I can't just-"
"You're a Princess of Death and you can barely control your powers." Azrael cut her off. "And there's the matter of that portal. If the boy who came through it decided to target Death then you could be targeted to get to him... It's too dangerous."
Lilly folded her arms. "I'm not leaving," she said stubbornly with tearful eyes. "He would do the same for me if our roles were reversed. He's my oldest friend and I will find him!"
Azrael sighed and looked at her imploringly. "Please, listen to reason. You're letting your emotions get the better of you."
"I am not a child! Don't treat me like I am this fragile thing! Just- help me look for him, will you?!" Lilly snapped and marched her way past him to look closer at the door. 

---

Keeping a tight hold on his gun, Malone faltered when the owner started using Ash as a human shield. As angry as he was at Ash for hurting his love, his morality was too strong for him to just kill him in cold blood. "Shit!" he said under his breath as he realised this Demon wasn't giving him any other choice. He was going to need to call for backup to try to prevent a hostage situation that could easily spiral out of control. He reached for the radio on his shoulder to call it in.

---

Nurse May was finally almost finished with her shift and what a shift it had been! A medical career is never easy but throw an earthquake or two into the mix and it makes for some very stressful interactions. She wore her beige coat over her scrubs and a little red leather bag hung from her left shoulder. She leaned against the front counter to sign out her name in the log book when she heard James's voice. She turned her head to look at him and her eyes widened at the roses which had obviously been plucked out of a plant pot rather than bought in a store. But she was a little more alarmed by the little thorns that had torn into his hand. "oh my gosh! Um-!" She looked around quickly and grabbed a roll of blue tissue paper. 

She tore some off and carefully wrapped it around the stems of the roses to stop the thorns from stabbing her hands as she took them and carefully placed them onto the counter. "Thank you, but your hand- here..." she gently took his arm and pulled him to one side. She darted behind the desk and pulled out a little first aid kit. Popping it open, she took out an antiseptic wipe. "This will sting a bit," she said gently. She cleaned his hand up before neatly wrapping it with a small roll of bandages. "I- um- that was sweet of you. But usually, people buy roses from a store. The thorns are wrapped up so you don't hurt yourself, you see." she chuckled while she worked on his hand. "They're beautiful though, thank you. I um-... I just got off my shift if you want to get that coffee with me now?" her cheeks turned pink as she asked.

[Denix Vames]

Hades couldn't help but smirk when Amelia asked that question. The band immediately chanted the word demon as they held out a rock and roll symbol from their hands. She looked at her, "Did you really just asked that question to a bunch of Satanists?"

---

Death gripped the armrests of his throne, "Why?" He stepped down from the throne once he saw David. "All of you think that I cannot help myself and yet who has existed for eons? Who has protected the realm of the dead from those who wish to destroy it? It is I!"

His eyes widened as he paused. He stormed over to David, "The boy! You know where he is now. Tell me!"

---

The owner frustratingly groaned. He tossed Ash aside and walked over to Malone, "I want a fair fight! Not your bullshit backup!" Yet, once he got close enough, Malone would fire his gun. The owner collapsed and clutched his leg as he cried out. Ash sat in a corner and covered his face. Scared about what else might happen.

---

"Of course. But you never have to worry about me getting hurt. I trained as a soldier to endure pain and be stronger against the wounds that I received in battle." James pulled out a wad of cash, "Damian gave me this. It's called money, right? We're supposed to use it to get coffee."

As they made their way to Nurse May's car, he reached the handle. "Let me get that for you." He gripped the handle and attempted to open the car door once it was unlocked. Unfortunately, due to his strength, he had yanked the car door off of its hinges. Immediately, his face went red. "Uh I'm sorry! I can fix that if you have any tools in the trunk?"

[Shadowess]

"I really don't like that word..." Amelia winced but smiled at the group. She hadn't been at all surprised. "Well, you know. I figured I'd put the option out there anyway." she shrugged to Hades. "Alright, fellas! Line up. This is going to pinch a bit but you'll be Demons in no time. There is a catch, of course. You'll all be citizens of Hell which means basically you work-" she gestured to herself and Charles "for us. This is Charles and I am Amelia. We're the royalty here. Occasionally we might ask you to do things for us. An odd spell here, muscle there... I might even ask you to help with our Redemption Programme. But for the most part, you'll be free to live your demonic lives how you choose. Sound good? Any questions? Oh and no pressure or anything but we're kind of in a hurry."

---

"I know as much as you do," David replied sternly. He was being honest. Although he had been in the presence of Charles, Amelia, Hades and the Angel whose name he hadn't caught, none of them had mentioned anything about the boy in the short time that he was with them. "And you know that I am here by order of the Spirit Council. I don't doubt your abilities but we cannot take any unnecessary risks. Now, I will try to stay out of your way and not involve myself in your business but when it comes to your safety I will do my job-" he took a step towards Death, looking him in the eye. "Whether you want me to or not." he tugged at his own jacket to straighten it up while clearing his throat before turning and waking off to the side, deciding that while he still needed to stand guard it would probably be best to do so with a little distance after that confrontation. 

---

It had happened too quickly and Malone had reacted instinctively yet as he watched the owner gripping his leg, he shook. He'd never shot anyone before. Hadn't needed to. Usually, he found that posturing and bluffing worked without the need to escalate further. No one wants to be shot so they don't usually take the chance... usually. But this wasn't usual. "Y-You made me do it!" he snapped at the owner irritably, with a hint of panic to his voice. "You could have just come quietly! But you had to keep pushing!" Assuming the owner wasn't a threat anymore, he tried to put his gun back into the holster but he was shaking so much that it took him two or three attempts to get it in. He then grabbed the owner's arm to drag him up to his feet. "There's a medic at the precinct, they'll patch you up. C'mon!"

---

May was confused by his words. He was a soldier but wasn't familiar with the concept of money? "Um, that's right. My car is this way..." she said while trying not to look at him strangely. When they reached her car, she smiled at first at how eager he was to be a gentleman. Until he ripped the door off of her car. "Oh my god!" she gasped and covered her mouth. She looked at him in shock, wondering exactly what kind of soldier he'd been. "Uh, I don't- Just, just leave it next to the car. I'll need to call a mechanic to pick it up," she said while scratching her head. She was trying not to be annoyed but the repair alone would cost a fortune and on a nurse's salary, it meant she was going to be broke for a while.

"I-It's fine... honestly. Town isn't that far, we could walk there?" Her own question confused her. He'd given her flowers that had been ripped from where she could only guess was the front of the hospital based on the fist-sized gap in the flowerbed that they walked past and now he'd torn the door off her car with barely any effort. Her common sense told her she should be running for the hills but a part of her was touched by how sweet and nervous he was. She hesitated and her cheeks turned pink again as she placed her hands on one of his arms. "There's a nice little cafe not too far from here. It's a favourite of mine. I usually stop by after work for a pick-me-up."

[Denix Vames]

Grim shouted, "Whoo hoo!" Pain said, "Let's get this started!" Storm smiled at his two friends. Happy to see that he kept the company in good spirits. He followed them with excitement too. Pain held out his arm, "Can I like have your autograph, Queen of Hell?" "Don't forget about me King Master!" ,said Pain. Charles let out an exasperated sigh but he couldn't help it when that smile reached his face.

---

Death's eyes glowed, "You dare to talk to me that way? Know your place demon!"

---

Despite being a demon, the pain was too much, so the owner was forced to follow his instructions.

Ash looked up from his knees and was surprised to find Malone scared. He had never seen him like that before.

---

James blushed when her hand touched his arm. He bit his lip and stopped walking, "I'm sorry. I've been destroying everything, haven't I? I ruined the garden at the hospital. I broke your car and....I was never meant to be normal. May, I was trained to be an emotionless soldier. I've never had interactions that weren't involved in battlefields. Maybe I shouldn't have asked you. I know you wouldn't want a weapon like me." He was once again caught up in what ADIEU had once taught him. His eyes sparkled as tears seemed to try and leave but he held them back. Remaining strong for her despite everything he said.

[Shadowess]

"Oh, before we begin, I guess I need to go over a few important details," Amelia said quickly. "I know you said you're into the occult but some texts on Earth aren't exactly accurate. If you want to study up on the real histories of Heaven and Hell, this library is your best bet... some of them are written in the Demon tongue which is ancient but most of it has been re-written in English. The main points I'm trying to get to are... Lucifer is gone, possibly for good. Satan is definitely gone for good. Heaven and Hell used to be at war but we're now at peace but only just so please don't do anything that will set back our progress. That being said, self-defence might be necessary in some cases because some Demons don't seem to like change. Alright! Who's first?"

Once Charles and Amelia would have finished changing the boys into Demons, Amelia looked at Pain's arm in confusion. "I'm flattered but... You want it on your arm?" she asked, a little puzzled. 

---

David winced at Death's words but kept his calm composure. "Arch Demon." he corrected him. His steely eyes gazed back. "And I know my place well. It's within close proximity to you and ensuring your safety, regardless of how you may feel about it. I might be here as a guest, your grace, but make no mistake- I am not here for you to order around like one of your Reapers. If protecting you means disobeying you, then I will not hesitate."

---

Malone helped the owner to walk to his vehicle where he carefully placed him into the back and made sure his seatbelt was on before closing the door. He took a moment to lean against the hood of the car and take a deep breath to steady his nerves. "Why can't these jobs be normal again?" he mumbled to himself as he moved over to the drivers side door to open it. He figured Ash was safe now and if he wanted to press charges he could call in or take himself to the precinct. For now, though, Malone needed to make sure the owner was booked in safely. He climbed into the front seat and lifted the radio from the dashboard, bringing it to his mouth. "Officer Malone, on my way back with the perp. Will need a medic on standby," he said shakily before placing it back onto its holder and turning the engine on.

---

May listened to him and grew concerned when he mentioned the type of training that he'd received. It seemed to May that he had a lot of trauma to work out from his time in whatever military would treat its soldiers like that. "You're not a weapon, James." She told him gently. "You're a man. A very nervous man, obviously." she chuckled lightly. "But that's normal. Being nervous for a date is natural. I can only imagine how nervous you must be if you haven't had much chance to socialise before, either. But honestly, it's ok." she gave him a comforting smile. "So, is this your first first date, then?" she asked curiously. 

[Denix Vames]

"Yeah! We can totally get it tattooed!" ,said Pain. Hades couldn't help but giggle.

---

Death glared, "Need I remind you what I can do?" He raised a hand. "Just one more word out of you and I will make your existence worse than what you have been through."

---

Ash stepped outside of the strip club. He gave Malone a pleading look as tears dripped down his cheeks but he couldn't bring himself to say anything. After their last interaction, he didn't think Malone would want to help. The owner smirked at Ash who looked away.

---

James was surprised by her response. He nervously smiled, for the first time, and spoke, "Well yes. I don't know what you normally do. I assume coffee is the first step. Damian also told me about beaches and parks." He couldn't help but mesmerize her. Despite not wearing anything fancy or sparkly, he still said, "You look beautiful." Immediately, he cleared his throat. "I mean....Uh...."

[Shadowess]

"You want to tattoo my name on your body?" Amelia asked, perplexed. She then shrugged. "What the hell, if that's what you want it's your body." After finding a pen and carefully giving the band their signatures, she turned to Hades. "Charles and I need to go grab food and meet these boys. Would you mind filling your friends in on what's been going on? Come and meet us when you're done, if you'd like. But we'll understand if you need time to catch up." she then turned to Ash and merely pointed a finger at him. "Behave," she said sternly.

---

David had enough experience with Lucifer to know when he was pushing his luck and as much as he wanted to snipe back that Death would have to answer to Charles & Amelia if he hurt him, he stayed quiet. Instead, he cleared his throat and repositioned himself to stand with his hands behind his back.

---

Malone saw Ash in his peripheral and paused. He sighed and wound down his window. "Look, I know we've had our differences before but I meant what I said. You can do better than this."

---

More colour rushed to May's cheeks and she smiled bashfully. "I'm a mess." she chuckled. "But thank you... here we are." She opened the door of the little coffee shop and stepped in after him. "Hello Sasha!" she greeted the barista cheerfully.
"May! Thank God you're alright! The earthquake had us shook up! No pun intended! I'll bet you've been busy today." Sasha said
"Like you wouldn't believe." May chuckled and then gestured to James. "This is James."
"Hi, James. The usual for you today, May?"
"You know me."
"Black coffee with two sugars coming up. And what're you having?" Sasha asked James.

[Denix Vames]

Hades gave a thumbs up, "Sure thing."

Ash nodded, "Of course my lady."

---

Death lowered his hand. He sighed and walked away, "I'm going to my chambers. Watch me sleep if you must but I need to rest."

---

"Don't you get it? I had nothing! He was right. Before I met him, I was homeless. Kicked out from home for being gay because my parents were religious shits!" ,said Ash. "This was all I had."

---

James was about to reply but realized he didn't know any of these items. "What should I have?"

[Shadowess]

Amelia flustered slightly at the way Ash addressed her, unsure of whether she liked it or not or even if maybe she liked it a little too much. But she kept her composure and nodded to Hades and the boys with a smile. "Stay safe you lot. I know you'll be brilliant Demons." she took Charles's hand and smiled at him. "Let's save those boys," she said before teleporting them to a pizza place she used to visit on Earth.

"Hmm..." she glanced up at the menu board. "I probably should have asked them what kind of pizza they liked... I don't know if they're vegetarian or not... ah, fuck it..." She stepped up to the counter and ordered one large pepperoni and one large vegetarian. While waiting for the pizzas to cook, she turned to Charles. "That place they were in was a mess... not including the bodies and smell of decay. I didn't see any food there but then again I did only see two rooms." 

---

With a subtle sigh, David moved to follow Death. He didn't need to watch him sleep but he would need to be close enough to hear if he was in trouble. On his way past, he glanced between Gabriel and the chicken and couldn't help smirking. It seemed Gabriel's job turned out to be easier than his. Once they reached Death's room, David would position himself to stand by the door with his back to the wall, showing Death that he wouldn't be following him inside but that he wouldn't be far away in case he was needed.

---

Malone bit his lip and looked away from Ash for a moment. Suddenly his previous actions made some sense. He took a notepad out of the glove compartment along with a pen and wrote down some details before ripping the page out and handing it to Ash. "What you went through is hard. I know... My dad was the same. I haven't seen or spoken to him in years. That hostel-" he pointed to his note. "is the nicest one you'll find. They pretty much saved my life and helped put me on the path of joining the force. They could help you too. You just have to ask them for it." Looking back, Malone at that time had never really been religious but would often muse that the people working in that particular hostel were Angels. Now that he knew about the supernatural world he couldn't help but wonder if they really had been. "Tell them... tell them 'Loner' sent you." his cheeks turned a little pink as he said his old nickname and he quickly looked away out of embarrassment. 

---

"Depends, are you a sweet or savoury kind of guy?" Sasha smiled. 
May looked at James thoughtfully with a small smile. "Coffee is new to you, isn't it?" she asked then glanced up at the menu. "Maybe a standard coffee then? It's black but comes with a little jug of milk that you can add if it's too bitter."
"And if you want it sweeter, we have sugar sachets on that little counter just there," Sasha added while nodding to a small self-serve table just within the dining area.

[Denix Vames]

Charles replied, "They didn't appear to be sickly. It seems like they've been eating the food that was there."

---

Death passed by him as he motioned his hand. A black ring appeared on David's finger with his letter on it. A simple gesture and apology. A ring that he can also take off of course. Death silently stepped into his room. Never looking at David as tears ran down his face.

---

Ash took the paper and nodded, "Thank you." He wasn't sure what to make of what he learned about Malone but he was grateful. He headed back into the strip club to change into regular clothes. Planning on heading there now.

The owner glared at Malone, "You think you've won? A contract is binding. He will never escape me."

---

James couldn't help but smile at how kind they were to him. He said to Sasha, "You're a nice person. I like that." He continued, "Black coffee then. I can't wait to try hum....I mean new drinks and food."

[Denix Vames]

Charles continued on, "Only a bit tired. They might have eaten everything without thinking of saving it."

[Shadowess]

"I should've guessed you'd see and hear everything, too." Amelia chuckled, reminded once again of Charles's strong telepathic abilities. "Still, I'm sure they'll appreciate a decent hot meal." The employee called their order number and Amelia paid for the food before picking up the boxes. She took a breath, feeling a little nervous after the tension of her last visit. "You ready?" she asked Charles.

---

Feeling something tug one of his fingers, David lifted his hand and stared in surprise at the new signet ring. Speechless, he turned his head to look at Death in time to see the door close. He looked back at the ring, mildly confused. He guessed it was a form of an apology, though he wasn't certain. Of course, David understood why Death had reacted the way he had back in the throne room. This wasn't a normal situation and tensions were very high for everyone. Add to that the curse on Azrael as well as the drama from finding out Lilly's friends had suddenly died... Those frustrations were bound to be aimed somewhere eventually. He sighed, settling into his position by the door for however long Death would need to rest. 

---

Malone watched Ash leave then looked coldly at the owner in his rearview mirror. "What was that? You want music?" he asked with a smirk then turned his radio to country music before whacking the volume all the way up. During the car ride to the station, if the owner tried to talk to him again he'd respond with "SORRY! CAN'T HEAR YOU OVER THIS MUSIC!" It wasn't mature but it was the only thing Malone could do to torment this asshole legally.

---

Sasha nodded and smiled at him then rang them up for the two coffees. Once they had their cups, May carried them over to one of the tables in the dining area and set them down. She hung her coat and handbag over the back of her chair before sitting in it and looking at James with a playful smirk. "You were going to say human, weren't you?" she grinned knowingly. She spoke a little quieter. "It's ok by the way. With the types of injuries we see at the hospital every day, you'd be hard-pressed to find a doctor or nurse nowadays who can't identify a supernatural person." she shrugged as she opened her sugar sachets and poured them into her drink before stirring it. "I think it's all fascinating. I mean, just a few weeks ago I helped a woman who was pregnant with werewolf pups to deliver them. They were the cutest things!" she stopped stirring her coffee and placed her spoon back onto the little saucer. "That's what you are, right? A werewolf?"

[Denix Vames]

Charles nodded and smiled, "Ready."

Just as they would appear, Death had been standing right next to Raven. Giving him a gentle conversation and a hug. He had hidden the plan from David that he would take himself to Raven. Charles's eyes widened, "Did you just broke a rule? You're Death! You're always so uptight about everything!" He cleared his throat, "No offense."

Raven suddenly hugged Amelia, "I get it now. He told me everything. I can close the portal. And if it helps, I can go back where I came from." Tears had been streaming down his cheeks, "I don't want to be a burden." Death helped Amelia set the pizza on the table, "Not a burden young one. You can be taken in by me. I know your powers well for they are similar to mine. I can teach you to hone your skill for good."

---

The owner grit his teeth, "Fucking country bullshit!"

---

James swallowed the lump in his throat, "I....You know but I didn't want your friend to hear. I don't think she knows, does she? Anyways, it's something that I'm not proud of. Being a werewolf. I was....trained and told to do what was ordered to me." He sighed, "I really want to forget and be normal."

[Shadowess]

Amelia hugged Raven back. "He's like you?" She asked Death, astonished. She then smiled at Raven while straightening up. "I told you we wanted to help. Now, make sure you get something to eat." she gestured to the two pizzas. "There's pepperoni or vegetarian. I wasn't sure which you'd prefer... where's your friend?" she looked around and then spotted Stevie sitting in an unlit corner of the room. Silently glaring at them all with tears in his eyes. "Hey, are you hungry?" Amelia tried but Stevie continued to stare, unmoving.

---

Malone couldn't help chuckling to himself. He couldn't stand country music either but to see the look on the owners face was priceless. He pulled up to the station and finally turned off the music before stepping out. He opened the passenger door and offered the owner a hand, prepared to help him walk into the precinct. "Alright, c'mon. Let's get that leg taken care of."

---

"Unless she has super hearing, I don't believe she can hear us." May smiled at James gently. She then looked concerned by what he told her. "You were trained to be a soldier. No worse than a soldier by the sounds of things. But Lyncanthropy isn't something to be ashamed of. There are hundreds of people out there who live perfectly ordinary lives despite their monthly 'obligation'. Even have their own cultures by what I've heard of them... " she tilted her head at him with softened eyes. "You didn't know that, did you? How isolated you must've been... how... lonely..." She couldn't help but reach across the table and place her hand on his. She quickly remembered herself and pulled her hand back. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so pushy. You don't have to talk about this if you don't want."

---

While James was out on his date, Damien was taking the opportunity to discreetly take care of his fix. So, he went to the one place he knew he'd be able to get all the vampire venom he wanted. Blaire's vampire nightclub. It was early evening by this point so the club was just starting to fill up. He wasn't entirely sure how he was going to go about getting venom in his system but he figured it might involve convincing a vampire to take a little nibble. He shivered at the thought and was curious about the strange excitement he'd felt alongside the fear. 

As he walked in and looked around, it dawned on him that he might actually enjoy being bitten. That it could well be a kink of his that he'd been unaware of up until his attacks. Either that or it was a strange result of his trauma but right now he didn't care. All he knew now was he wanted some fangs in him. He glanced around the room and felt a new nervousness. It would be very strange of him to just ask someone to bite him. Maybe it was an intimate thing? Maybe he'd be better off waiting for a vampire to take an interest in him? As he thought this he recalled Tristan at his door and although the memory sickened him, he vaguely remembered feeling a kind of thrill from his touch. Again, it could be due to trauma or- "Holy shit, I might be bi..." he breathed to himself. Trying to make sense of these new and very confusing feelings, he wandered over to the bar to grab a drink. 

---

Kat placed his hand over Red Fox's mouth to wake him up quietly. He placed a finger over his own lips to indicate to him to be quiet. "Listen," he whispered. Listening carefully they'd both hear footsteps on gravel outside the warehouse. Kat nodded at some doors behind them and gestured for Sawyer to follow him. 

[Denix Vames]

Raven walked over and knelt by Stevie, "I know you're suffering but these people want to help. I can see that now. They're not like your friends or family. Even the being called Death is here to help. Doesn't tell you something?"

---

The owner spat on his face, "Fucking bitch!" As he was dragged into the precinct, he knew he would get charged for spitting on an officer. He didn't care. He was just pissed.

---

James quickly touched her hand, "It's ok. You're not pushing anything. I've never had a chance to experience traditions. I didn't even know they existed. I wish I got a chance." He gently brushed her hand with his thumb, "May I think you're beautiful because you're always strong and well headed in any situation. I admire you for it. I can see your strength." He looked down at his drink, "I only wish I could do something for you. I feel like I have nothing to give."

---

Blaire had poured a drink for a customer, "Hey champ! What'll it be?"

---

Sawyer nodded before following behind.

[Shadowess]

Stevie glanced over at Death almost fearfully. He was familiar with stories and for the whole time he'd been here Stevie hadn't dared to say a word. But he looked back at Raven now as bitter tears rolled down his cheeks. "I thought you were different. I thought you understood me. But you're going to leave me, just like the rest of them, aren't you?" he asked quietly, though his words were heavy with anger and pain.

---

Wiping the spit off his cheek with the sleeve of his jacket, Malone was far from gentle when he yanked the owner out of the car and slammed the passenger door shut with his foot. "Just piling up those charges, aren't you?" he muttered as he dragged the owner into the precinct. Once inside, he passed the owner over to another officer to take him to a cell so that he, himself could calm down. "Careful with that one. He's a Demon," he called to the officer as they walked away. He ran a hand through his hair out of stress then walked over to Will's office to knock on the door.

---

May blushed deeply and didn't want to move her hand. "I- thank you," she said shyly then shook her head slightly. "You know, I have to deal with all kinds of horrible situations day in and day out. I talk to all kinds of people... but you're the first person to actually, well... see me." she bit her lip a little then looked into his eyes. "So, you don't need to give me anything because you've already given me something that's worth so much more. You make me feel like a person and not just some nurse who helped your friend."
She smiled, her cheeks still pink as she glanced at her coffee and then back to James. "I think I'd like to do this again... with you. If you want? I like your company." 

---

Or maybe he'd always felt this way and couldn't remember burying it deep down? After all, although he personally had no problem with other people's sexual preferences, he had grown up in a time when it wasn't as socially acceptable as it is now. Blaire's greeting pulled Damien out of his thoughts and he looked at her, masking his emotions with a charming smile as usual. "Hi, what's the strongest drink you have?" he asked and pulled out his wallet. He then thought for a moment before glancing around as if making sure no one else was close enough to listen in. He'd momentarily forgotten about vampire hearing. He looked back at Blaire and his smile had slipped a bit. "Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?"

---

Kat led them to the back doors, just in time to hear a set of metal doors on the other side of the warehouse being kicked open and heavy boots running into the building. Hurriedly, Kate slipped out and made sure that Sawyer was close behind before quietly closing the door behind them. He hadn't had time to put his shirt back on or grab anything before they'd had to make a move, so he shivered a little in the cool wind as he quietly jogged along the docks to find somewhere for them to hide, all while looking around wildly to make sure they hadn't been spotted or followed.

They came upon a shed, likely for storing boating equipment. He tried to open the door quickly but noticed a thick padlock keeping it shut. He glanced back over at the warehouse from which they had escaped and could hear the men inside shouting orders. He looked over at the streets but knew it'd be suicide to run out into the open like that. "Shit. When they figure out we're not there they'll make a sweep of these docks. We need to hide."

[Denix Vames]

Raven held his hand, "I'm offering you a new home with people who truly understand us. Can't you see that?"

Death walked over, "He is right. Do not fear child. For we can help."

---

Will had been finishing the last report associated with the riots. He looked up from his paperwork, "Come in." Once he saw Malone, he raised a brow. "From one friend to another, you look like shit."

---

James blushed, "Oh! Uh..." Immediately, he drank a huge sip of the coffee. Suddenly, his face made a sour look. "Black coffee tastes like dirt!" He lowered his voice, "I mean I'd be happy to. I guess I wasn't expecting you to want to see me again."

---

Blaire poured some Absinthe, "Let me guess? You want get freaky with a vampire? You're not the first buddy."

---

Sawyer took out the lockpick out of his mouth which had been sutured into his cheek. He picked the lock and soon opened the door. Once they were inside, Sawyer gave him his coat. "Here. I rather not babysit a sick person." Despite the comment, he smiled.

[Shadowess]

"How?" Stevie demanded, looking between them both. "How're you going to help me? They were right! I'm good for nothing! A weirdo! I'm always going to be alone! I can't trust anyone! Not my friends, not my parents and not you!" Sobbing, he tore his hand away from Raven's. "You'll all leave me in the end! I know it! You'll hurt me, just like they did! And then I'll have to kill you too!"

---

"Well, today has been pretty hard..." Malone answered as he closed the door. He then hesitated while still standing near the door. Fidgeting with his hands nervously as he hesitated to say what was on his mind. His hands were visibly shaking, showing he still hadn't fully recovered from what had happened at the club. "Boss... I shot someone today," he said finally and although he felt a little relieved to say it out loud, he was also still worried that he'd get into trouble for it. "Not fatally, the perp is in lockup now with a medic seeing to them. I shot them in the leg. I-I panicked. I thought it was going to be a normal arrest but then it turned out the perp was a Demon and he tried to take a dancer hostage, then he came at me when I reached for my radio and it happened so quickly..." he rambled a little then stopped to look at Will. "I've never shot anyone before."

---

May couldn't help giggling at James's reaction to the taste of coffee and she covered her mouth shyly as she did so. Her laughter was light and bubbly. "Here." she chuckled while passing him the milk and sugar. "Try it with these..." she thought about his words and shrugged while smiling at him. "I like you. You seem like a sweet man and I'd like to get to know you more," she explained. She picked up her cup and took a long sip of it. Enjoying it's strong and bitter taste. It was just what she needed after a long shift.

---

"Um..." Damien faltered, caught off guard by Blaire's blunt yet accurate assumption. He half laughed and decided to dodge her question entirely. "I'm... questioning myself. I'm not sure how to put this. All my life I thought I was one way but now I'm thinking that maybe..." he glanced around again then sighed. "That I might have more 'options' than I originally thought." 
He handed her the cash for his drink and then knocked it back quickly as if washing away the nerves of admitting something so personal to a woman that he barely knew. He stifled a cough from the strong beverage hitting his throat but found that even this drink didn't come close to slaking his cravings for venom. "Another one please," he said quickly before continuing on. "I mean... does that even happen? Figuring something like that out late in life?"

---

Kat was silently impressed as he watched Sawyer take care of the padlock. He dove into the shed once it was opened then pulled the door closed behind them, holding it closed in case someone came along to try and pull on it. The shed was tiny, with barely enough room for them both to fit, which meant they had to stand very close to each other. Kat glanced at Sawyer's silhouette in the darkness as he felt him wrap his coat around him. "Thank you..." he whispered absently as he turned his head back to look at the door, his attention on listening out for any approaching footsteps.