Balance The Realms June 2025 - Nov 2025

[Denix Vames]

The man thought again, 'Help! Can't explain! Suffering!'

---

Nil glared with tears in his eyes, "What I understand is that magic has helped me. Nature gave me a chance to be something better. I was only trying to help!" He disappeared.

---

Eris was at one of Hell's bars. She stood up, "Trying to take your power back? Well, it's mine now." Insanity shook his head, "I won't kill you. I only want enough so that I may grow back into my adult form. Through time I must wait but enough should do." Eris sighed, "Ok. I guess things are different now. You're not exactly evil."

She held out a hand. Her aura began to enter into his body. He flew to the floor where he soon transformed into a child. Displaying the same bird-like entity but having grown a bit. When Insanity spoke, his voice was like that of a child, "Oh this is going to take some getting use to. Nevertheless, I am forever grateful!"

---

Reed nodded, "I can do some research on hobbies that fit our criteria." He took a sip and pursed his lips. "This tastes strange. Why would anyone drink alcohol?"

---

Dariel suddenly found himself back in the castle. He stood from the floor, "Shezmu I...I don't know the first thing about making allies. The one time I was with other people was because I was desperate for protection. Could you maybe teach me how to make allies?"

(sorry but i need a reminder as to who Clementine is living with right now so i can make a scene for them)

[Shadowess]

(That's ok 🙂 She was living with Kodi (My demon police officer), Harris (Your trickster) and Autumn (Your human teen that Kodi unofficially adopted 🙂)

[Denix Vames]

(thanks)

Autumn had been staying at home recently ever since that incident in her high school. When everyone nearly kill themselves because of that flute. She had been focused on horror movies and ice cream when she decided to use the bathroom. After her bathroom break, she looked around. She called up Kodi, "Hey uh...Kodi? Wasn't Clem supposed to get some groceries and come back? She isn't home yet."

[Shadowess]

Amelia, David and Abaddon were thrust back into the Gobi Desert. Almost immediately, the human was also teleported from Hell's Cells and unfrozen. As soon as he was, the connection he'd made with Kris would shatter.

Pain shot through Kris's skull, and he cried out while his knees buckled. He slumped to the floor and passed out as a little blood trickled from his nose as well as his ears. When he would eventually awaken, the experience would cause him to search for answers, and inevitably, he would begin his search for this mysterious tortured man. For now, though slipped quickly into unconsciousness. 

Meanwhile, in the desert, Amelia was still grinning playfully at David. Having no idea of the human's attempt to contact anyone. "Oh, come on! You can tell me!" 
"I don't have a date," David said firmly. "I was just getting that question out there for the others." 
"Mhmm, sure." Amelia chuckled, unconvinced. 
"That being said, bringing Carol along might not be a bad idea." David then mused with a sly, mischievous smirk, which only grew as he saw Amelia's smile drop a little. 
"Wait-"
"Yes, what a wonderful idea, Amelia! To bring your valued royal guard to the event. I'll go and give her the good news." 
"Dad-!" But too late, David had already vanished. Amelia let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Ugh... she's going to be flirting with every Archangel in sight..." she groaned. Then she turned her attention back to Abaddon and the human. "I suppose we'd better get this guy somewhere secure for a while so we can go and get ready. Are you going to be inviting anyone, Abaddon?"

---

"She's not back?" Kodi asked. He held his phone to his ear while walking towards his car at the station. He'd been about to do a routine patrol when the call had come through. "Is Harris there? Did she say she was going anywhere else?" His tone was steady and measured so as to sound calm, but he was a little concerned.

---

Jessica frowned at the spot Nil had been standing in, but she stayed where she was with her arms around her maker. She felt a little guilty at having snapped at him, but she also believed she was right. Now, once again, she had the arduous task of trying to calm Niko down and prevent him from throwing himself into the sun.

---

Warren watched the transformation, and his heart sank when Insanity took the form of a child. He had hoped he'd be an adult again, as he deep down had wanted to get closer to him. Seeing that Insanity seemed happy with his transformation, though, Warren pretended to be happy for him but couldn't bring himself to speak. 

---

"Different reasons," Lang answered with a shrug. "One or two can help you unwind. Some people drink more to get drunk. I'm more of an 'enjoy the flavour' kinda guy." He then looked thoughtful. "Maybe we can try out a few things? Like, maybe one day we could go on a hike together? Or take a painting class? What've you always wanted to try that's different to what you're used to?" 

---

"Hmm, we won't have a lot of time for a full etiquette lesson before the event. Come, I will help you choose your outfit, and then we will go over some basics." Shezmu said quickly. "This will be a valuable skill for you to learn. Alliances can help you build your strength, and an alliance with Death will elevate us to a much higher status than we are now."

---

Azrael appeared back at the Irish pub with Nate and Gabriel. He looked awkwardly between them and briefly glanced at the ceiling, knowing Lilith would likely still be snoozing in the bed upstairs. "Well, I suppose I should return to Death's realm... I have a lot to prepare..." he then looked sideways at Gabriel and Nate. "And no shenanigans, you two. We don't want a repeat of Greece." he vanished.

---

Lilly, Death and Raven would appear back in the Castle Courtyard. "Oh! What do we wear? Is there something specific for us with it being our Coronation?" Lilly asked with a mixture of nerves and excitement. 
"Sort of," Azrael answered as he appeared nearby and approached them quickly. "Children, I have had outfits tailored for you already. I've arranged that they be delivered to your rooms. The robe included is ceremonial. I've also sent a copy of your oaths to your rooms. Please practice these while you have time; you will need to recite them when Death calls you forth during the ceremony. It'll be done oldest to youngest, so Lilly would be first to recite the oath."

[Denix Vames]

Abaddon caught the man with his tentacles before he could have fallen. The man's eyes were bleeding as he was unconscious. He gently laid him on his back. Then he lowered his head, "I have no one. The fact that you think I might tells me of your naivety."

---

Jean was about to head to bed after that whole meeting when he felt Niko's pain. He appeared in the room, "What has happened here?"

---

"Harris is-" A door would be heard slamming shut. "Apparently going to check things out. It looks like he's just as worried as I am. She usually takes the bus, I think. Maybe he'll check the nearest bus stops? I just hope she comes back. I don't really know her but she seems to mean a lot to Harris."

---

Insanity turned to smile at Warren but frowned when he saw him. "You're disappointed, aren't you?" Eris shook her head, "I can't give him more. I don't want to die." She crossed her arms. "I rather not make my recent friend miss me. Maybe you can get more power from somewhere?" Insanity pondered, "Where would that be? Is there a way to gain power peacefully?"

---

Reed thought for a moment. He soon smiled, "Using graph paper for note taking instead of blank paper." As far as wishes were concerned, he really had the most bland ideas.

---

Dariel followed Shezmu, "You really think Death will like us? He seems kinda uptight."

---

With a roll of Nate's eyes, Gabriel went upstairs to check on Lilith.

---

Death appeared by his family. "Oh that being!" He sighed, "They are quite a friend but sometimes unnerving. I only wish they learned a few things about hospitality." Raven frowned, "Are me and Lily really the only ones who can save the world?" Death touched his shoulder, "Yes but you will have support. Do not ever think you will be alone." Raven nodded, "Yes Father." He turned to Lily with an excited smile, "Let's go get our clothes! I want to make sure I remember every single word from the oath!"

[Shadowess]

"I call it 'optimism,'" Amelia responded with a smile. "And it doesn't have to be a romantic partner. I was just kidding around with David. You could bring a friend. What about Ash? Or Insanity?" 

---

"I'll have a look for her too. Do you know which store she was heading to? It might give me an idea of which bus stop she would have gone to." Kodi asked.

---

"Niko..." Jessica replied simply with a frown. This hadn't been Niko's first breakdown, after all. Although he had seemed to be getting better recently, so having just missed Insanity, she wasn't too sure what exactly had triggered this particular episode. 
"Jessica..." Niko said shakily. He pulled away to look at her. "I want to try it. What he said..." 
"But it won't work-"
"We don't know that, Liebchen. I have to try. I can't keep living like this. You and I both know it. It's only a matter of time before I-..." He looked away. 
"You won't," Jessica said resolutely. "I'll help you, like I always do."
"You'll watch me, yes. You'll stop me from ending my life over and over, but eventually you will get tired, your guard will drop, and I will find my opportunity..." He sighed heavily. "You are the greatest thing that I have done with my life. I don't want you to waste yours by worrying over me, and I don't want to cause you any pain. Please, Jessica. Let me try this."
"And what if it doesn't work?"
Niko looked at her sadly. "I have to believe that it will... but if it doesn't... well, we shall cross that bridge if it comes to it." He took her hands in his and gave her a weak smile. "For me, liebchen. You have saved me enough. Save me this one last time."
Jessica blinked back tears and looked conflicted for a moment before relenting. "Nil... Please come back."

---

"I don't know..." Warren answered. He sighed and shook his head. "Don't worry about me. You got some of your powers back, you're still you, and you came home, so that's something worth celebrating. We should probably head home."

---

"Woah, don't go too crazy there, tiger," Lang joked with a short chuckle. He took a sip of his drink. "Well, I guess it's a start. I was thinking maybe I'd like to get into pottery. It's messy, but you come away with something you created that's also useful."

---

"Heavy is the head that wears the crown." Shezmu quoted the phrase nonchalantly. "He is the king of his own realm with millions of citizens and reapers who count on him to protect them. It is therefore understandable that he be... what is the phrase? 'closed off'? from almost all others." Shezmu explained. "But that does not mean forming an alliance is impossible. One just has to know how to properly conduct oneself. Always bear in mind that while we are in his kingdom, we are merely guests and must act appropriately. Do not do anything to insult him, his kingdom or his children." 

He began walking towards his wardrobe. "When speaking to him or his children, do so respectfully. This ball will give us a unique opportunity to create a good rapport. Realms rarely invite so many guests for such events anymore, so do not squander this." Shezmu then opened his wardrobe. "Choose a black suit, then head to the baths to cleanse and get dressed." He turned to Dariel with a small smile. "You are around the same age as his children. I believe our best chance will be for you to get close to either one or both of them." He then glanced away. "I shall need to sate my thirst before we attend the event. I will do this while you get ready," he mentioned as he thought of paying Warren a quick visit.

---

Lilith was still sound asleep by the time Gabriel checked on her. Oblivious to the fact that she had essentially been left alone for a short while.

---

Lilly shared Raven's excitement and ran with him back into the castle, heading to her own room to see a beautiful black lace dress hanging in her wardrobe. Hanging behind that was a thick black robe made from crushed velvet. Its hood, sleeves and hems were lined in silver thread, which was intricately woven into swirling patterns. She spotted a scroll on her bedside table, which she hurriedly picked up and unrolled to see the oath written in fresh, black ink. 

'I, Lillian De Morte, do hereby accept the title of Princess and heir to the Kingdom of Death. 
With this, I accept the duty and responsibility to the Kingdom, its citizens and the Reapers. 
I swear to serve and protect the Citizens of the Kingdom of Death.
I swear to guide the Reapers to Reap souls with compassion, peace, patience and understanding.
Above all else, I swear to uphold The Balance by any means.
May all present here today bear witness and keep me to my oath from this day until my last day."

Lilly read the scroll over and over. It seemed simple enough, but she didn't want to run the risk of getting it wrong when she had to recite it. She guessed Raven's would be the same except with his name instead and 'Prince' instead of Princess. 

Meanwhile, in the courtyard, once the children had run into the castle, Azrael turned to look at Death. "I had a new ceremonial robe made for you, too, your Grace," he said in a soft voice. "I should oversee the catering and decorations. I suppose I won't see you again until the ceremony begins."

[Denix Vames]

"Insanity has gone to see his family. I imagine they missed him dearly. Ash has his own family now. I can't imagine him finding interest in a party. He was always much too solemn. A crowd felt like a nuisance to him centuries ago."

Abaddon nodded at the man, "I fear of what will happen should I leave this soul."

---

Autumn suddenly burst into tears, "I don't know. I've just been stuffing my face like selfish idiot! I should have paid attention but I was so caught up in what happened at school."

---

Nil appeared but looked away. Jean walked over to him, "Is it true? A pond that can heal the broken?" Nil bit his lip, "I can't guarantee a miracle. I only read what was on my history of fairies. I'm going to try." Jean nodded, "Then I don't see why you shouldn't."

He headed to Niko and held his hand, "I hope this works."

---

Insanity nodded, "Indeed it is."

Once they returned to their home, Insanity froze at the sight of Shezmu, "You are Shezmu. You helped me send a message before. What brings you here?"

---

Dariel took the suit out of the closet, "Uh How do I even get in this-?" He turned and saw nothing, "And he's gone." He rolled his eyes, "Guess I'll clean up first."

He would head into the bathroom where a nice cooling bath was already there.

---

Gabriel thought for a moment before sending Nate to her besides instead. Nate sat at the edge of the bed. He gently shook her, "Mom? You're safe here. This is still Earth. We found this abandoned pub in Ireland. Me and my friends are going to make it supernatural friendly. We'll have plenty of alcohol but you don't have to work. It's up to you. This place is meant as a home for you. A real home. And I promise I will give you so many things."

Nate wiped the tears from his own eyes, "I just....I hate what happened to you. It wasn't right. This time, I'm going to make sure that you're happy."

---

Raven's outfit would be a black suit with green gems on the cuffs of his sleeves. A few green gems were also on his collar. His tie also held the same dark green tone. Despite the rest of his suit being black, it seemed Azrael kept in mind of his colors.

Death smiled, "My love. Ever since you arrived into my realm, you have brought nothing but goodness upon my kingdom." He caressed his cheek. "I am honored to have you by my side." He kissed him. "I will soon see you at the ceremony."

[Shadowess]

"I know what you mean, but you got summoned the same as I did. I don't think the council would take too kindly to you not making an appearance." Amelia pointed out while looking over the man warily. "I have some friends who could watch him for us. They have powers of their own, so they'd be able to handle him if he acted out. Let's drop him off and get ready for the event." She said while considering Ricky and Rickster as an option.

---

Kodi paused. By now, he'd gotten into his car, and his hand was hovering over the key in his ignition. "Autumn, listen to me. Don't go blaming yourself, ok? You've had a lot on your mind, and Clem is a capable adult. I'm sure she's fine. Maybe she hopped onto the wrong bus or something. It happens. I want you to take some deep breaths and try to think. Did she say anything to you before she went out? Anything at all?"

---

"So do I," Niko replied, and his hand trembled as he held his. He turned his head slightly to Jessica. "Let me go, liebchen," he said softly. 
"But-" Jessica started, but Niko cut her off. 
"Please."
Jessica hesitated, and reluctantly, she let go of him, then took a step back while hugging herself. 

---

After leaving Dariel to get ready, Shezmu had made himself comfortable on Warren's couch to wait for him to return, as he had done a few times by now. Only this time, when Warren returned, he had brought an altered version of Insanity with him. "Ah, you have returned to your family." He greeted him with a nod. When Insanity asked him why he was here, his eyes drifted to Warren's and noted the discomfort in his consort's eyes. Warren was conflicted about how he should feel. He had longed for Insanity to return, but at some point during his stay in the castle, he had begun to accept that what he felt for Insanity would never come to fruition. Then Shezmu had come along, and although Shezmu had never made any advances, he had filled the emotional hole that had been left. Now he was standing between both of his love interests, and other than wanting the floor to swallow him up, he didn't know how to feel.
"Warren and I have an agreement," Shezmu explained. "In payment for delivering his message to his family, he agreed that from time to time he would help me to -ahem- quench my thirst."

"I'm his consort," Warren admitted numbly. 
"That is the term I use for such a position, yes. I'd like to assure you, though, that there is nothing nefarious about this arrangement. Warren is consenting, and I never take more than I need." Shezmu said casually. He then stood and straightened his jacket.
"I-um-uh maybe we could have some privacy?" Warren asked awkwardly. His cheeks turned a deep shade of red at having this conversation in front of Insanity. 
"Of course. I did come for another reason, though."
"Oh?"
"My apprentice and I have been invited to a Ball in Death's Kingdom. It is a rare event that is set to be quite memorable. The Spirit Council have permitted invited guests to bring one person with them." he looked at Warren expectantly. 
"Y-you want to take me?" Warren blinked in surprise and blushed. He glanced at Insanity, and part of him wanted to accept in a bid to make Insanity jealous in the hopes he would find a way to become an adult faster.

---

Lilith opened her eyes and then sat up quickly. She was startled to see she'd been moved to an unfamiliar location. She backed up into the corner of the bed, where her back rested against the wall and the bed frame, while she hugged her legs. She heard Nate while her eyes darted around the room. When she realised it was just her and her son, she relaxed a little but was still very much on edge. 

She hadn't really understood half of what Nate had said. She didn't know what a pub was. Or alcohol. Or Ireland, for that matter. Having spent the majority of her eternal life in Hell, which in her mind was still Eden, she had mostly survived in a similar fashion to beasts in the wilderness or cavemen before there was civilisation. But one word she did understand was 'home'. "H-Home..." She repeated the word and looked around again, but this time her expression had shifted from fear to wonder. She looked back at Nate. "The Angels?" she asked in a half whisper. She'd been referring to Gabriel and Azrael. She was distrustful and even fearful of all Angels, but now she seemed a little more willing to listen to Nate.

---

"The honour is mine, your Grace," Azrael replied in his soft voice. He held on to the kiss for as long as he could, and he felt himself swooning at Death's touch. He had to tear himself away as the desire to stay close to him grew. "I will see you there," he said dreamily as he dragged himself away to make sure the preparations were all in order.

[Denix Vames]

Abaddon nodded. Both would appear in the mansion. Ricky turned to their arrival. He was making scrambled eggs, "Amelia? It looks like you've brought some new people. Do you need help?"

Abaddon nervously rubbed his own arm. Not looking at anyone.

---

Autumn thought for a moment, "She told me I should be eating something better. Something that wouldn't make me feel worse. She said Harris told her about vegetables so she went out to get something healthy. Do we have a healthy supermarket nearby?"

---

Nil enclosed his hand in his. The two appeared at the pond. "You may take your clothes off and bathe in the water. Do not worry. I will not look. I'll turn away but if you need my help then please let me know."

---

Insanity's tears peeked out. He climbed on the couch and stood on the armrest. "Tell me Shezmu, would it be right of me to become my adult form and relations with Warren? After all the pain I caused him, all the torture, he forgives me so. Yet, I cannot muster the courage to give him what he needs. I do not believe I am worthy of that. I feel as though you have done better for him than I ever could. I ask of you Shezmu to show him the respect that he deserves just as you have done so far."

He turned to Warren, "I want to feel right about being close to you but I will keep myself as a child for now. I do not think it is right of your previous torturer to be close to you." He held his hand out. A scroll appeared. "My contract on your soul. I shall destroy it if you so wish. You can be free. It is what I should have done from the beginning."

---

Nate replied, "Gabriel is downstairs. He's organizing everything. Azrael went back to Death for the ceremony they're having." He sighed, "Look mom. I know you don't like Angels. I don't like most of them either. Some of them were real pieces of shits. Back when God was filled with wrath, he tormented me. I had to kill so many of my own kind just to survive. But things have changed. It's been centuries. Angels and Demons see each other as friends now. The King & Queen of Hell are in alliance with the Archangels of Heaven. Things aren't what they use to be. Please mother. You don't have to like all the Angels but you can at least try to like my friends. Gabriel and Azrael....They've always been there for me."

---

Death would soon reach his bedroom where he would change into an illustrious purple and black garment. Matching the very form of his usual outfit but with purple hiding underneath. To show that he was welcoming of all people. For purple meant tranquility.

[Shadowess]

"Hi, Ricky. Sorry to drop in like this. This is Abaddon, and this is... um..." She gestured to the emo-looking man and paused. "Well, he doesn't have a name yet. I guess he was technically just born. We pulled him out of Abaddon, but he's a little... uh, what's the nice way of putting it? Disturbed? I'd normally deal with this myself, but Abaddon and I have been summoned to an important event that we can't miss. Would you mind watching him for a while?" She asked and then gave him a serious look. "Don't let your guard down around him, though. Especially not around anything he could use as a weapon. In fact, it might be best to restrain him before he wakes up. I'll come by after the event to take him off your hands."

---

Kodi's eyes lit up. He knew where to look. "Yeah, we do. Alright, I'll see if she's still there. Stay by the phone in case she calls, and if she comes home, let me know, ok? Try to relax, I'm sure she's fine."

---

Leaving his underwear on, he stepped towards the pool and gingerly dipped in a toe. It was a little cold but not uncomfortably so. Not feeling any different, he moved further in and kept going until the water reached his shoulders. He sat there for a moment and wondered if he'd need to dip his head in, too. That's when he started to feel dizzy. He suddenly reached out to the edge of the pool. The water splashed up as his arm flung towards the grassy ledge, and he gripped it to try and steady himself. Before he could react, he lost consciousness and started to sink. When Nil would realise and pull him out, he'd be pulling out a human Niko. 

The only way that the healing waters could save him from his traumatic memories was to remove them completely. All of them. The memories of his torment at the hands of Donnie and Insanity. The memories of his trial and punishment at the hands of Xenos. Even the memories of his family and friends being murdered by Steinheil hunters. All the way back to the time he'd been human, and so, in reversing these traumas, the waters had also reversed his change from human to Vampire. He was a mortal German man again who barely knew a lick of English and whose last memories had been of when he had been excited to be welcomed into the Vampire society at the castle with his best friend, Hannes.

---

Shezmu looked from Warren to Insanity as he asked his question. Warren's heart hammered and ached as he heard Insanity's words. "All of my consorts have my word that I will protect and respect them," Shezmu answered simply. He looked at Warren as he continued. "My consorts' lives are their own, and how they live is up to them. If they wish for our bond to include romance, I am not opposed to the idea. But I must be clear; I am not a monogamous man. My harem was once spread out across the world and consisted of dozens of men and women. It is only fair that I expect some of my concubines to have lovers of their own." He explained, not wanting to be misunderstood regarding his preferences. 

"That's-..." Warren stammered. He recalled Shezmu mentioning that he'd previously had a few consorts, but he'd never imagined it had been so many. "Oh, wow..." he was caught more off guard by Insanity's offer to destroy the contract he had signed. He'd been about to object, knowing it was the only thing left that tied him to Insanity, but then something unexpected happened. Black blotches on the scroll started to appear and spread, as if the ink was running. It continued to spread until the entire thing was just black parchment, which wilted and rotted in Insanity's hand. 
"Ah," Shezmu said as he watched what happened and saw their confused faces. "You mentioned before that your beloved Donnie had perished. I assume he had co-signed these contracts with you?" he asked Insanity. "Co-signed contracts are never a wise idea. It only takes one of you to perish, and they all become void. None of the contracts that you had co-signed will be in effect anymore." While this news disheartened Warren, Shezmu saw this as a good thing. Not because Warren was free now, but because he was now able to offer a contract of his own to his consort.

---

Lilith's eyes were fixed on Nate as she listened to him talk. Her heart ached to know what her first child had gone through during his life. When he finished speaking, she hesitated before slowly moving from the corner of the bed to sit more in front of him. She lifted her hands up to cup his face and to take a proper look at him. She slowly ran her fingers through his hair and brushed some out of his face. Her finger traced over his scar as she looked at his eye with a frown. "My child." She whispered and smiled tearfully. "My Naoutha." She wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly.

[Denix Vames]

Ricky didn't want to abandon the scrambled eggs so he called out, "Rickster? I need you to tie this man securely to a chair. He's dangerous but still a human."

Abaddon walked to Amelia, "Maybe this foolish of me to ask but....can you help me find a friend to bring to the ceremony?"

---

Autumn replied, "Ok. Just don't be surprised if you run into Harris. And please be careful. I...I don't want to lose this family. Even if we are a mess."

---

Nil's eyes widened, "Oh geez! Um...!" He grabbed his pile of clothes and shoved it into his arms. "Get dressed and I'll take you to the castle. I'm sure someone can help me with this."

Nil would soon appear with a clothed Niko in the dining area. "Hey? A little help here? I think I made a really terrible mistake."

---

Insanity clenched his talons. Despite his size, he stomped over to Shezmu. "He is free now. I won't let you or anyone else ever make him sign a contract. I will never let him under someone's command. I'll make sure that even I will never be able to do him any harm. It is why I am now what I am."

---

Nate burst into tears as his head sunk into her chest. "Oh mother! You don't know what they did to me! I think God knew all along. He used me as a toy because of it. It's why I left Heaven recently but I won't leave my friends."

[Shadowess]

Rickster had appeared when Ricky called him, and he briefly looked at everyone. The only ones he didn't recognise were Abaddon and the man. He gingerly took the man from Abaddon's grip and carried him over to a chair, where he snapped his fingers, summoning ropes that bound the man's hands and feet. "So... why are we doing this?" he then asked.

Wanting to see what the commotion was, Atma had also wandered into the kitchen and looked at everyone curiously from the doorway. Amelia had been about to answer Rickster's question when Atma caught her eye. She looked at Abaddon. "What about Atma, here? She used to be a Spirit of Life, but she retired."
"What about me?" Atma asked, looking confused. "What's going on? Who's that man? And why is he being tied up?"

---

"You won't," Kodi assured her. "Alright, I gotta go. I'll call back soon, ok?" he ended the call and started his car before taking off towards the local green grocer. His heart sank as he approached the bus stop not too far from the store and saw the abandoned bag with its contents spilling onto the pavement. He pulled up next to it, hurriedly turned his car off and took his seat belt off before hopping out and getting a closer look. He caught Clementine's scent here. And an Angel's. And something else that he couldn't quite place. It was human, but not the ordinary human scent. He looked around, hoping to see Clementine still nearby. "Clem? Clementine?!" He called out. He tried to teleport to her, but found that he couldn't. His heart began to race. Something was very wrong here.

---

It took several minutes for Niko to awaken, and even then, he was groggy as he tried to make sense of what Nil was trying to say. When he eventually figured out of context that he needed to put the clothes on that were nearby, he blushed at realising he was mostly naked and hurriedly put on the strange clothes. He looked at himself in confusion, wondering why he was wet, and then he looked at the nearby pool and assumed he must've been bathing in it. But where was he? How did he get here? And who was this strange man who kept trying to talk to him in English? Were these his clothes? He didn't recognise them. Then, even more jarringly, he found himself suddenly standing in the Vampire Castle. He smiled widely. "Oh! This is a dream! I'm dreaming!" he laughed in German. 

Jessica appeared and looked in confusion from Nil to Niko. Having missed what Niko had just said, she couldn't tell that anything was wrong except that Niko was now staring at her in awe. "What happened?" She asked. 

---

Shezmu seemed unfazed by Insanity's protective display. "I believe that what Warren decides to do is his decision." He said simply. He then looked at Warren. "Time grows short, and I have yet to get ready. Will you come with me to this Ball?"
Warren looked uncertain. He'd learned so much in such a short space of time, and he was still torn about how he wanted to feel towards either of them. He looked at Insanity sadly. Once again, he was forced to realise that his love for him would not be reciprocated, so he might as well see where things go with Shezmu. He looked at the Blood God and nodded.
"The event is formal, black tie. Please take some time to prepare. I will collect you before we go in around thirty minutes." Shezmu nodded and then vanished, leaving Warren and Insanity alone.

---

Lilith held him to her and gently stroked the back of his head. She frowned as she listened to him, and when he was done speaking, she did the only thing that she could think to do to try to comfort him. While still stroking his hair and cradling his head against her chest, she began to hum the lullaby that she used to sing to him when he'd been a newborn. The lullaby that she hadn't sung again after he'd been snatched from her as an infant, until now.

[Denix Vames]

Ricky turned the stove off. He set the scrambled eggs and sausages on a plate. Placing it on the counter. "Amelia said this guy needs to be looked after while they're off doing royal duties. He's...?" Abaddon awkwardly stepped forward, "I had a human side at one point when I lost my memories and powers. It wasn't a good human. He wants to hurt people. As for bringing you somewhere, well, there is a ceremony for Death's children. I don't have anyone to bring as guest. I am still new to this modern world. I only came back from Oblivion recently. I understand that you were once a Spirit of Life. I was wondering if you would like to go to the ceremony as my invited guest?"

---

Harris was around the corner. He ran over to Kodi, "Where could she be?! I can't get to her!"

---

Nil looked around, "I need someone who knows Niko as a friend. Someone needs to talk to him." He helped Niko to a chair before turning to Jessica. Bringing himself and her further away from him. "The pond worked but....his memories are gone. Everything has been erased. He's a human now." He shook his head with tears in his eyes. "I-I didn't mean to. I was just trying to help. I didn't know...."

---

Insanity walked over to Warren and touched his leg as he was too short to hold his hand. "I know you want me to love you but I feel as though I don't deserve you. Shezmu seems better. Answer me this, despite everything, do you still want me to love you? I can take back all my power. I can become an adult once again. As much as I want to punish myself, I don't want you to be upset. And I don't want to be in the way of your choices."

---

Nate found himself surprised by this but smiled. He found comfort in her singing and her touch. For the first time, he felt safe. Probably a bit too safe as he ended up falling asleep.

---

Raven took a deep breath. Before he would enter the ceremony, he needed to do one small thing. He appeared wherever David was. "My apologies but I must ask permission from you. Your friend Hades? Does she want me to turn her back?"