Sebastian 'Inferno''s Story

The sky was turning crimson by the time the children would have arrived at the warehouse that had been chosen as the meeting place between them and the Warriors of the Divine Light's current Leader, Arthur. The sky had started to open, a light drizzle of liquid tinted golden by the last rays of the setting sun. The Warehouse was located in a fairly isolated part of the countryside, so that nobody would get too suspicious if a few cars rolled up the driveway and a few relatively varied people entered the building. The Warehouse was surrounded by nothing but beautiful fields of long, green grass on the left side, reaching as far as the eye could see into the distance, where pillars of smoke could be seen beyond a mountain range. The right side of the warehouse's surroundings belonged to the sea, a purely vertical drop straight down onto the sharp, jagged rocks below, constantly showered and sprayed by the foam and strength of the cold, merciless blue below. The rest of the scene was fairly bland, and that was just as well, since the place that your attention would be brought to was the warehouse itself.

Passersby wouldn't even bother to turn their heads to look at the dull, unattended building, instead focusing on not crashing their car or sliding off of the road and slipping off of the cliffside, toppling to a water grave, and most likely an early one. The lights inside the warehouse flickered to life as a group of people, some older than others, slipped into the warehouse silently, closing the door just as the storm started raging like someone who had just died for the billionth time. The interior of the warehouse was almost exactly the same as the outside. Dull, worn, and practically nonexistant, aside from a few seats and a couch, all positioned in a way that man sitting in the comfiest looking chair in the room could easily keep tabs on all of his audience, whom were arriving through the door and being seated at that very moment. A suited man slipped over to the man in the chair, and whispered something into his ear, to which the man nodded once, clicking his fingers. Suddenly, several lamps in the room were lit, and the lights dimmed. None could see his face, but those that had met him before would know him from his one working eye.

When his audience had been seated, the man clapped his hands, and a young lady appeared from behind him, appearing out of nowhere but shadows and nothingness, her red eyes sparked as she looked over the four faces before her, and her expression saddened visibly, as if someone she was looking for wasn't there. She eyed the newcomers with a small smirk on her face, despite her apparent dispair, if you could call it such. Something about her seemed off, maybe it was the way she was constantly fidgeting, or maybe it was the fangs that protruded clearly from her mouth, and the scarlet eyes that seemed to have no emotion in them, no pity, no love or hatred, only... nothingness.

"You four have been summoned here because of one reason, and one reason alone. You all possess one thing in common, although none of you have met before, you may think that those round you are slightly familiar or that you are somehow connected. Indeed, this is the truth, you all are connected, all of you have the blood of the Devil running through your veins. You are all born of Human Mothers and Human Fathers, or maybe both, having gained your blood further on in the past, but it remains the same. You are all half Demon, and you are a danger to Humanity".

With that statement made, several of the men in the room fidgeted uncertainly, and the tension thickened. It could even be cut with a metaphorical knife, if you wished to. Moreso, you could cut it if you could somehow hold a metaphorical knife, which is described to be intensely sharp and difficult to handle. The man in the seat clicked his fingers, whilst the girl beside him laughed seemingly uncontrollably. A few men stepped forward, pulling guns from their coat pockets and aiming them at the people seated. The man in the chair looked around the room, his eye searching for one person in particular.

The doors behind them opened, and a boy stepped into the room, playing a Game on his iPod, apparently undisturbed by the horrendously powerful storm that he had just entered into the safety of the warehouse from. His guide staggered in behind him, apologising repeatedly about how the boy had been hard to track down, and how he'd been a bit hard to handle. It almost seemed that the man was a bold-faced liar, but the boy's grin told otherwise.

The girl eyed him as a hawk would eye their prey, but something changed, and her scarily crazy demenour disappeared, her smile changing into one of satisfaction, and she tapped the man in the chair on the shoulder and nodded. The man glared at the boy, but only the most skilled people-readers would even notice it, as he was practically glaring permanently. The man stood, spreading his arms wide dramatically, as lightening flashed in the background, illuminating the scene briefly, he laughed slightly, then continued his speech.

"But I shall give you all a choice, you may come work for the international organisation, called the WDL, or the 'Warriors of the Divine Light', or you may die here, and be of no threat to humankind at all, and you shall be sent straight to Purgatory, where your soul shall rot for all eternity for the sins you have no doubt committed in your years. I am Arthur, current Leader of the WDL and the Leader of the Paladins, the WDL's elite Demon Hunting Squad. In short, I am the most powerful Human on this Earth".

He motioned to the girl beside him. "This young lady here is known as 'Illusion', due to her nature and skillset, she is the head of our Demon Program, being one herself. Due to her Demonic heritage, she is not very trusted, but she has served us for a long time, long enough to gain at least a molecule of our trust, therefore she will be watching over all of you as you grow. I will not reveal much about her to you, as it is strictly confidential, and only very few of our own men, even the higher-ups, know anything about her".

The man paused as somebody rushed up to him, whispering urgently. The mans eyes widened, and he held up his hand, the lights blazed brilliantly as someone switched them up to full power, and he was finally revealed. His long, once golden hair hung down to his waist in a braid, and his chin was the site of a fair amount of stubble and hair. His left eye and cheek had a viciously long scratch adorning them, as if someone had cut him with a blade of some sort. His robe was swept aside to reveal Paladin Armor, and he hoisted a Golden Axe above his head, apparently awaiting something. A few minutes of tense silence followed, and everyone within the room could have sworn that the shadows were moving by themselves.

It was a few more seconds before the lights went out and all of the windows smashed att he same time, just before a massive swarm of crows and smaller Demons flooded the place. Sounds of fighting could be heard and the roaring of the minor demons filled the room, echoing off of the walls. Suddenly, several torches were lit, and the swarm receeded slightly, and a figure stood in its midst. The piercing blue eyes penetrated many souls, and the people in that room had almost no defence. It eyed person after person, before settling onto the five children, wherever they were. Cackling could be hear from the swarm of crows and the figure, whose talons stretched almost a metre long, totaling five on one hand, and four on the other. It glared at Arthur, and it then became obvious that the missing talon was the work of the Paladin standing before them. The man simply glared at the Monster, who ceased his cackling, and turned once again to the Children.

"Ah, my Masters Children have mostly all been summoned into one place, easy pickings really. But I am not here to kill you, I am simply here to... recruit you into our Ranks". The Demon grinned maniacally, before opening his wings and allowing a Portal to form. "In naught but a few seconds this place shall be filled to the brim with minor Demons ready to feast on your very souls. Now, those of you that are more.. darkly inclined must come to me quickly, and then we shall meet your Father". The portal glowed crimson red, and pure hatred seemed to seep from it. A loud clamour could be heard outside, and the creature grinned. "Soon...".

Suddenly, a glow eminated from a far corner of the room, with Arthur standing by it and more people rushing inside than even seemed to have been present. Arthru turned, glaring at the Demon. "Quickly! Before the Demons gain entry! We must fight the Devil and rid the world of his tyrrany, so that Humanity may rest in peace!".

In a short time, a large amount of Demons, both major and minor, would both enter the Warehouse, tearing those present to shreds. The boy wearing the hoodie had already made his decision, heading towards Arthur, who muttered something to him, and the Boy nodded, proceeding down into the depths, followed shortly by Illusion, who glanced back at the people behind her, before grinning and entering the tunnel.

Now is the time to make your choice, for good or for evil, for power of for love? Your choice must be made now, or you will die.

Slowly rolling down the dirt road, the low hum of a motorbike could be heard as it made its way across the countryside. The empty field of grass, now well overdue for cutting reminded Ash of an old farm that she’d visited with her family once, and she smiled at the faint memory of the time her sister had been kicked by a cow. Slowly but surely, she continued up the road, though a pair of rapid honks from behind her indicated that the ‘WDL’ wanted her to pick up the pace. The sleek black car with a pair of agents had been following relatively close the whole time, making it quite clear that they didn’t trust her to head to… Wherever it was she was going. It’d been a while since the last time the car in front had turned, and seeing as they were in the countryside, it all looked basically the same – the only reason she’d be able to find her way back to civilisation was because it was practically straight.

Again, the horn sounded behind her, and she mumbled something under her breath, revving the engine a little more as the first few droplets of late afternoon rain began to form. Bringing her hand up to shut the visor of her helmet, the soft scent of salt began to become clearer, and the low rumble from her bike began to give way to the sound of waves against the rocks. Glancing to the side of the road, Ash didn’t realise she’d travelled all the way to the ocean, and part of her marvelled at the sight. Even though the cliff was sheer rock, she could still see the way the foam crashed and sprayed up the jagged wall. Wherever they were going, it certainly had a nice view – especially at this time with the sun dancing off the rain.

As the car in front veered to the side, Ash got her first glance at the structure they were heading to. It was a large, dingy looking warehouse, and part of her was just a little bummed it wasn’t some mansion or something. Gingerly slowing herself down, she pulled her baby to a stop by the wall, kicking the stand and removing the key from the ignition. Slipping her helmet off and shaking her hair free, she tussled it twice with her hand, getting the black strands clear of her shoulders before nestling the helmet into the seat. Somehow, she didn’t think she had to worry about thieves taking it. Glancing across the other cars arriving, she didn’t get much time to view who exactly was attending this thing before she was somewhat roughly nudged in the back. The ‘gentleman’ behind her was clearly the impatient fellow behind the horn earlier, and he had no intention of letting Ash lollygag about. Rolling her eyes in disdain, Ash made her way through the opening in the warehouse doors, taking in the gloomy décor before being shown to a rickety looking metal stool. Normally she would comment on such treatment, but the somewhat sullen, serious nature of the atmosphere made her refrain. Instead, she made do with folded arms and a sceptical expression, looking bemused at the current predicament.

Glancing about the room, it didn’t take her long to acknowledge who the ‘important’ people were. First of all was that kid one seat across from her: He looked young, maybe around her 2nd youngest sister's age? For a moment, she met eyes with him, but he quickly broke it off. Didn't seem like he had much confidence. Turning aside, she looked to the next one on her right, and eyed the coils of rope binding him to his chair. This man was a bit older, closer to her age. She wasn't sure how close exactly, he could've been late 20s for all she knew. Regardless, the fact he was bound worried her somewhat. Was he that dangerous, or just uncooperative? Deciding not to dwell on it, she looked to the last person seated nearby, a tall and pale fellow, that she could only guess was younger then her. Probably needed to get out in the sun more. As she continued to think on the situation, it occured to her that anyone without that MIB wannabe suit was probably in the same boat as her, or…

As the lights suddenly flicked on, revealing the body of who Ash could only assume was the leader, she leant forward in her seat, waiting for the inevitable announcement that was to follow. At the appearance of the… strange woman…Well, ‘strange’ was possibly the polite way to put it; Ash was more than a little transfixed by the numerous and somewhat… mystifying features of the girl... Snapped from her daydream by the man’s words, the sudden, sinister change in attitude put Ash on edge, and instinctively, she clenched her fists and stood up as the guns were drawn and pointed their direction. So this was how they were going to deal with things? Drag her off to some isolated warehouse and then cover up spilling her blood? Shit, how could she be so stupid? These people were clearly psychotic…

The sudden slamming of the door, accompanied by the coincidental strike of lightning brought everyone in the room to a pause, swirling to the boy who had made his entrance to the room. With the shaky excuses coming from the agent, Ash begun to wonder if perhaps she should have put up more resistance to this trip… But then remembered the fellow tied to the chair on her right. Still, something about the boy irked her. Perhaps it was his nonchalant attitude arriving late, playing some game and being unfazed at the multitude of arms pointed his direction?

Oh wait. That was what annoyed her.

As the man known as Arthur began to laugh at the situation, rambling on about a ‘choice’ for them, Ash’s annoyance was quickly shifted to a new target. Forget the bad boy, this old guy was definitely on the top of her asshole list. And for those who didn’t know, that was a pretty big list. She couldn’t stand bigshots like that guy, especially one hiding behind all his little agents rather then facing them like a man. For the ‘strongest’ human on Earth, he certainly seemed scared about them. As the man summoned forth some shining armour and mystical axe, Ash was beginning to wonder if perhaps he’d heard her. She didn’t have time to dwell on that before hell broke lose. Screaming as she ducked down, shielding herself from the splintering glass all around; the whirlwind of chaos was almost more than she could handle as she backed up to the wall, crouching down. Not in fear though - Don’t be stupid - She was just protecting herself.

And suddenly she felt cold. Alone. Empty. She froze as she stared into that blue void, a haze of nausea and weakness flooding through her. Just… What was this feeling? That taloned freak seemed to be staring into her soul, picking it apart… Clenching her eyes shut and shaking her head, slowly, she stood to her feet. She wasn’t afraid of this thing and she wasn’t about to go see some demon father. She had a father. She wasn’t going to let him down. Narrowing her eyes, she gave her own piercing stare of defiance at the monster. She’d made her choice. The WDL were no saints, but in her mind, at least they wanted to protect this world.

Better the devil you know.

The soft hum that had accompanied Ash for her trip became heard once more, before filling the air with a deep roar. Screeching through the front door, the black blur bowled over a number of the demons scrabbling about the ground before sliding to a stop in front of Ash. Her personal Ninja and escape ticket had just arrived. She wasn't sure how in the hell her motorbike had gotten in here like that, but she wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. Straddling the seat, she revved the engine twice, looking over her route. Gunning it and filling the air with the smell of burning rubber, she shot off, crushing one of the already crippled demons on her way to the tunnel. Suddenly swerving and slowing, she barely missed the tall boy with the black hair giving the demon the bird, having awkwardly stopped in the middle of the road.

“Out of the way, dumbass!” Ash yelled in irritation over her shoulder, before focusing back in front of her as she travelled on her bike through the black tunnel…

:: The day had certainly been a strange one for Sebastian, although what day wasn't? He was being taken to this god awful place for some god awful reason, oops, he just used the lord's name in vein, how thoughtful. Upon arriving, Sebastian found the place to be, well, old, as one could of guessed, and suspicious, he hated looking at it already. He thought this was going to be it, his life was finally going downhill and he was going to be kept like some dog on a leash, to serve for your country or to die for it, he guessed was the old saying. Although one thing did catch his eye, a young woman, who had arrived and he presumed was here for the same reason he was. She looked older, way older, but that didn't matter to Sebastian. As he felt himself grow closer, he hid behind his own personal wall, it was all he could do from being an idiot right in front of more idiots. Once he felt himself sit down, he did his best to avoid looking at her, or even making eye contact with her. Questions filled his curious little head, who was she, where did she come from, did she have the same hobbies as he did, but they were quickly put to the side as the people in front of him began walking.

He thought to himself, oh be quiet already, let me go and I'll sleep on the job. I'll do anything to get out of this place, even sell my soul. His eyes rolled in secret as he heard them say what he expected to say, you are a dog on a leash, nothing more to us. We will kill you if you step out of line, we are not human, you have the devil's blood in you, prepare to spend your remaining days as souless sl -- wait, what? He had the devil's blood in him?! He couldn't believe it, they all had it somehow?! He then looked back over at the girl by accident, quickly turning away as he felt himself mentally get slapped for being such a fool. Physical pain was nothing new to him, hell, he had been through it all his life, whether on himself or others. He wondered if he would be working together with the woman, but those thoughts too were interrupted by the presence of another.

It seemed today was just full of surprises when all of hell was suddenly breaking loose in the place, his eyes looking around for the woman, but he couldn't find her. Those holy pricks, he thought to himself, how dare they force them to do what they pleased! They weren't human, they were far from human, and somewhere in his heart he knew this. He then saw a portal, his eyes widened as he looked into it and thought maybe this was where the woman went. He looked around as he knew he couldn't stay here, he had to go, he had to escape, this was his only chance! He then sprinted away, away from the holy people who claimed to be following god's orders, and threw himself in. And then, it grew dark.

His eyes opened to look around at the flames that were suddenly around him, the spot he was in was empty of those flames. How long had he been here, he wondered, as he got up on to his feet. Where was he? He saw no one but himself here, he was doomed it seemed. "Welcome." A voice spoke out, he almost jumped as he fell on his butt and saw a single eye appear in front of him. "Do not be afraid of me, I am here to guide you." It spoke out, as he suddenly felt calmer, although it was strange. What did it want from him? "W-what are you...?" He asked the eye, as it seemed to be watching him with such curiosity, he thought it strange for such a being. "Well, in a way I am you, and in another I am not you. I already know everything about you, but you hardly know anything about me." It spoke out, as he tried to catch up, but it continued. "You are Sebastian, correct? Your father never showed up to your birth, he left your life and was never seen since, your mother grew ill over time and eventually you were sent to an orphanage." His eyes widened at this, it knew! He put his hands over his ears, it knew, it knew, it knew! "You were never adopted, you were left to die, yet you survived on your own." Oh god, he could still hear it so clearly! "Calm down, as I said, I am in a way you. Now, let's talk about why you are here."

He felt his hands slowly lower as he continued to watch the eye, it never stood still but kept moving all around and about, never once going past the circle of darkness. "That woman." It began, as he forced himself on to his feet, watching it come up to eye level. "You feel something, don't you? You are confused, yet you are also angry, for now her life is in danger." It spoke out, as he felt his body shiver. "Do not worry, she will live, most likely. If not, she will be cast down here." It gave off a chuckle after this, as he nearly slapped the thing for this. "She will not die! Not if I have anything to say about it!" He shouted angrily to the eye, much to his surprise, it began to laugh at him, as if already knowing the answer. "You wish you had that kind of power, but do not worry, you will. You are, in a sense, a demi-god. Ever heard of the greek gods?" It asked him, but before he could nod, it spoke once again. "Of course you do, it's easy history. Now, when I say demi-god, I do carefully put in the word 'demi-god' because you are half man, half demon god. Well, as close to a demon god as you will get in this world. So, you want to save her from the corrupted men of the surface world?" This time it allowed him to nod in his answer. "Good! Let me tell you, those men are not holy. They are against God and his rules, they sin every day without his authority, they dis-respect the laws he has put down, and they have ruined the world he created for you all. Oh but do not worry Sebastian, you will now have the power to stop them. Hold out your arms for me." It asked of him, and when he did, dark red flames came out and started to slam down on his tattoos. He wanted to scream out as he felt the flames hit, but there was no pain, no burning of flesh, somehow it was meant to be this way. Once the flames were gone, his arms were unharmed, and his tattoo's were now glowing red, he felt his arms shaking from the experience. "Well, that ought to do it. Your first power has been granted to you, although it will be some time before you can use it. Trust me, you will learn soon enough. Now, what is your purpose?"

He considered this through in his head for a while, seeming to close his eyes as he went through thought after thought in his head, already knowing the eye could see all of them somehow. "I cannot bring back the dead, nor will I try. I will not try to destroy the Earth, for it is my home. I will fight against the corrupted holy people, I will bring them down for what they have done to the world. They have become so misshapen, so tainted, so... evil. I will destroy them, and I will save her." He said as he finally opened his eyes, the eye couldn't help but laugh. "Very well, have your own opinion on the matter. There is a man you now must meet, the man behind your very existence, the reason you are here. It is time to meet the fallen angel himself." He rose a brow as it began to fly off then, the flames beginning to separate in front of it. He felt himself ran off after it, closing his eyes and then opening them to still see it happening. This was no dream, he thought to himself. That woman had been no dream. This place was no dream. The Fallen Angel himself must not be a dream then. He had no idea if he would be accepted or not, being only a novice and all compared to the rest of hell's depths, but was this thing right? Was in, in a sense, a demi-god to the world? No, not just the world, but the demon world as he knew it? And that woman, why had he taken such an interest in her suddenly? It may all become clear, now that he was about to meet the man responsible for all this. ::

:: Sebastian could still only see the blackness around them as they continued to walk, his head looking around for any signs of activity. "Why can't I see anything?" He asked the wandering eye, who continued to lead the way. "Ah, yes, that is because you are a human. Because of this, you cannot see what really goes on in hell, but you can see what appears in front of you. You see, if you could hear the human souls that have been thrown down here, like I can, then you would know that they are screaming themselves to death. In other words, hell is a horrible place for humans, and until your ready, let's just say your father would prefer you in one piece." It told him, Sebastian nodding in response as he glanced back to hear someone else. "Who's that...?" He asked mainly himself. "Must be a new ally of yours, a 'brother' perhaps? Oh well, your father will send someone to retrieve him." It told him. "Like you?" "No, you are the special one, my boy. I was granted permission to help you since your, well, more unique then the others let's say. Now, what about that woman?" It asked him, trying to hide the obvious laughter that was coming up. "Why do you suddenly care?" "It's a little odd, isn't it? How you took interest in just her and none of the others there, that leader --" "Wanted to shoot him." "-- That girl with him --" "Could care less about whores." "-- Or any of the other children there for that matter?" "They have already proven to be idiots in one way or another, I do not care for them, I would be better off without them." He told the voice, as he could hear it chuckling away now from his response.

"Tell me, does she remind you of anyone?" It asked him. "...Maybe." He said, unsure of himself whether to trust the eye or not, but then, wasn't the eye already a part of him? He was confused, was the eye thing a guide to him, a part of him, could he only see it, could he only tell it even existed? He shook his head, his head hurting as he heard the thing chuckle again. "You'll figure it out." It told him as if it had already read his mind. "None of the other humans will be able to see me, not even the children, but other demons like the demon kings can, or your father. In a way, I don't even exist to humanity, well, except you of course." He felt one of his brows raise in response to something he said. "Demon kings...?" He asked it. "Ah, I forgot about that. The Demon Kings are the people who rule over sections of hell, unlike your father who's considered a Demon God in his own right. In a way, he is, but at the same time, he himself is very limited to what he can do. If it weren't for the first demons, who at the time were in smaller numbers but were stronger and smarter then most of hell, he would of never obtained the power he did over hell. We'll talk about that more later, show me something about why you care for this person."

He remembered that day, the day he had gotten home to his ill mother, who's beauty shined above any human's he had ever seen, it was as if she was an angel in her own right. Running over to sit beside her, he smiled as she touched his cheek, a boy who hadn't even turned six and yet was running about helping his mother. "Welcome home." She said, as he put down the basket beside her head. "Thank you, they look lovely." She told him with a gentle voice that sounded as if she were always singing, birds would occasionally chirp in tune with her, oh how the town was going to miss her unnatural beauty. "Can you do mommy a favor, and hum like she taught you to?" He nodded as he ran over to the window and opened it to let the light in, all the while humming away the only thing he could produce from his throat until he was ten years old, which would be long after his mother was gone. He watched her close her eyes and smile as she heard his humming, seeming to be at peace. Once he stopped, she opened her eyes and sighed out happily. "Thank you. Do you mind washing the clothes for me?" She asked him, he nodded all too eagerly as she let out a little laugh from this. "Such a gentleman." She said to him a little quieter now, as he ran outside while avoiding the terrible thought she would die in her deathbed only three days later. This was how life had been for young Sebastian, even at birth he had struggled against life. In some ways, he is an abomination put upon the earth, but in many ways, he is perhaps one of the most unique of mother nature's children.

"So that's why." The voice rang out as he shook his head, entering back into reality as he heard the voice chuckling once again. "She reminds you of your mother?" It asked him, as he turned his eyes away from it. "Ohh, I see now. it's because you couldn't save your mother that you hold something dear for this woman, as if she were in a similar situation?" It asked him, as he closed his eyes tightly. "Ahh yes, that is it! And you don't want just a mother figure, you want her to be at your side, right?" It told him, chuckling away as he looked back forward to see the strangest creatures he had ever seen run towards him. "There you are!" It shouted to him, the creatures stopping near him as they looked like they had been running for ages. "Speak." The eye said to him, as they looked around for a source to the voice, but could find none. "We -- we were sent here by Lord Brenhin to retrieve you, sir." They said, as the voice chuckled a bit out of this. "Ahh, so we must visit one of the Demon Kings themselves? Fine, but do us both a favor, and go back for another child. Guide him to Brenhin's castle, I will guide the boy." Once again confusion ran amongest them, but they nodded and quickly went off without even so much as another glance at the boy. "What's up with them...?" He asked the eye quietly. "It's hard being a low level demon like them, they even make one mistake and someone may kill them and easily replace them. Like I said, hell is in very bad times, but the Demon Kings make up for that I suppose, even if they are few in numbers now." It spoke out as it guided him through the flames around him.

Once they had arrived at the castle, the flames subsided and left the castle visible to Sebastian. He looked at it with great awe, it was the first thing he had saw in hell, and while the creatures from before had spooked him, they looked more funny then they did terrifying. However, something in here made him shiver, the eye noticed this and drifted over his right shoulder in response. "Stay calm now, my boy. A first impression is always the best, and I do mean that." It chuckled darkly from it's sense of humor, Sebastian wondered if it even had one, hell he thought it might of been serious somewhere in those words. "Go, and do remember not to look him in the eyes unless he gives his word. When he gives his word to you that he won't kill you, only then may you look into Brenhin's eyes." It told him quietly as they approached the demonic castle. "Why is that?" He asked the eye with worry. "Because while you still have your father's blood in you, Brenhin does things on his own at times, even some things that your father has grown most upset about with him, oh, do forgive me if you get confused with this whole father thing, but it is how he must be referred to. Oh, and try not to mention anything about heaven and it's angels or it's ruler, remember this is hell my boy, your views on life will change all in this one day. And do not worry about the woman, I am making sure she stays safe." It told him, as he looked at it curiously. "How can you do that?" He asked, as it chuckled once more. "I am partially to blame for you being here, but I needed to give you a fighting chance. You can only wield one ability, and it won't even be able to be used in your human form. Well, you are full of surprises, so who knows, give it several years and you might get a spark." It chuckled one last time as he entered into the castle of hell. And there he saw before him Brenhin, or who he guessed was Brenhin, sitting on his throne as he could see the gigantic demon's form. If there was anything close to the devil in this place, it was Brenhin. He avoided Brenhin's eyes to the best of his ability as he was told, the eye floating by his shoulder still as it looked up at Brenhin. "Well, someone looks comfy today." It spoke out on it's own, as it floated above the other shoulder. "King Brenhin, I would like to introduce you to one of the children, Sebastian. I hope you aren't trying anything against his father's wishes, after all we both know the last time you spoke out against him, don't we?" It couldn't help but chuckle, knowing Brenhin couldn't harm it without hurting the boy, but it also knew when to stop. "Now then, jokes aside, perhaps you could give a reason why you have the boy here?" It asked him, watching around for any suspicious movements, as Sebastian held his ground, too scared to even try to get down on to his knees, heck he thought it was polite, but then again this was hell, so all he could do was stand like an idiot. ::

Nathan had seen many things in his life. He had seen things that people twice his age hadn't even seen yet and he had seen things that were so strange no one believed they existed. But in his wildest dream, Nathan couldn't believe what he was seeing right now. It started out quite typically with him killing the demons and reporting back to the headquarter. After that, he was surprised or maybe not really that surprised to receive an order to come to the meeting warehouse where he proceeded to meet Arthur - the leader of the WDL. It started out quite nicely with Arthur making threats, introduction, more introduction. He wasn't sure which part he paid attention to and which he did not. All he remembered was somehow, Arthur had managed to collect all the demon's children here to tell them the usual threats - join them or die in hell...yada yada yada. It might be interesting the first few times you heard it but after 10 times, the speech became boring as hell and Nathan felt himself drifted off into his dreamland.

CRACK!

A very disturbing noise woke Nathan up and he looked around sleepily. The house had suddenly become very quiet and Nathan suddenly wondered if he had woken up the wrong time. Slowly, his whole body was filled with dread as he realized the familiar presence in the air. Oh, the demon had come to collect the children. He pushed his glasses up his nose and observed the scene in front of him with calm eyes, waiting for it to happen, waiting for the children to choose their own destiny. The red portal swirled dangerously and one of Nathan's snakes hissed, warned him about the danger of the zone but Nathan just smirked in a knowing way. Slowly, he saw two figures approached the gate and walked through. They were...hmm...let see...He looked into the files and crossed out two names:

Sebastian 'Inferno'

Chang T. Wilson

He waited calmly until all of the children had chosen their own destiny before jumping down from the ceiling, his eyes shone with mildly amusement. "Well...it's time to interfere, I guess...children...help the others" He called out and watched as snakes slithered out of his coat and into the floor, the snakes hissed venomously before biting the demons. He picked up one small green snake and whispered to it urgently "Child, tell him Inferno and Wilson are taken care of...I have sent a snake to the ones that run away and as for those who stay...I will keep an eye on them. Now go, child...make daddy proud" The snake obediently slithered off and Nathan looked at the demon army with a gentle smile. Rolling his sleeves, he grinned and gave a small gesture with two fingers, inviting them to attack him "Come and get me if you dare, gentlemen" He said with a small chuckle.

The giant Demon chuckled as he turned to look at his younger and much smaller brother. "You never where one for the old ways were you brother." He shifted in his throne. "And since when did you." He pointed at Loki. "Care much for the matters in which I work in, that is unless you are after something." He enjoyed talking the much smaller Demon, despite the difference of appearance they were both quiet similar in their ways.

He Looked around scenting the air. "When you live in a land constantly ablaze you get used to the smell, although I am the one who caused most of the fires here." He then waved at Loki clearly wishing him to be gone. "Tell the council that I will be present at the allotted time, and I wish for no more disturbances until then." He sounded angry which only made his voice even harsher.

It didn't take long for Sebastain to turn up, with some form of guide on the boys shoulder, he smiled to himself and shifted so his chin was resting on his right fist, sparks and embers flew from the contact. "I am not blind I called for the boy to be brought here." It was clear he was talking as if Sebastian wasn't even there. "And don't think me ignorant either lesser creature, besides I was not the one to fall that day, simply one of my weaker brothers hardly fit for the title of Demon King." He then looked at Sebastian as if he had only just entered the room. "My reasons as always are my own, however I will tell you that I find something... Useful in this boy." He snorted in a slight annoyance at the boys lack of any sort of initiative, clearly he had not been taught how to great a better in the Demon world but then again he was only human. "Now then, who are you exactly?" He looked at the eye again. "I would rather you would be gone."

---

:: Sebastian was way out of his league here, he felt as if his entire world was collapsing and he couldn't do anything to stop it. Watching the two demons bicker with each other was something that made him feel his heart start to beat within his head, although he couldn't physically feel it happening. What was happening to him? Was hell having some sort of unusual effect on him? He couldn't tell, he had to keep his cool, so he wouldn't get eaten. At this, he felt a hand drop down on his head as he looked over to see Loki, his brows raising as he walked away and went with the other 'child' as they were called. Sebastian may have been the youngest, he thought to himself at least he was, but that didn't mean he was the weakest. Nor was he going to allow himself to be, but this place was no where near where he wanted to go. All he wanted to do was get to know that woman more, he shuddered as he collapsed on to his knees, finally realizing the truth. He knew why he had been sent down here, looking down at his tattoo's, he realized that maybe this was to grant him power to help her. Maybe, in some sick twisted way, hell was actually being allowed to destroy those accursed corrupted holy men who believed they were following god. Was the only way to stop them to join forces with the devil himself? Was he doomed to never see her again, but be like a guardian angel from the sidelines? He refused to become a shadow in the sidelines, he refused to be ignored. He would meet her again, and he would get to know her name, just as she would get to know his. And he would get her to giggle, just once, he would.

The eye watched Loki carefully as he walked over towards Sebastian, watching then as he walked away with Chang. Then it looked over towards Brenhin, seeming to almost hold back a chuckle that was coming up. "Well, looks like your brother's been quite busy, hasn't he?" It asked him, floating above Sebastian's head now as it continued to watch Brenhin. "In a response towards your earlier question, or rather harsh statement about me, I believe I cannot even if I could. For you see, the head master himself, that being devil, has ordered me to be the boy's guide from here on out. I am to always be with him in hell and on earth, so it looks like I'm stuck here. Oh, do you not like that Brenhin?" It taunted him a bit, seeming to chuckle with delight a bit as it floated up a little more so Brenhin would stop having to look down always at it. "Or would you rather I personally call the master himself to your place and we have the meeting here, oh I don't think you would like him to discover what you've been doing, or have him get on your nerves because of one mistake you made, right?" With that, it chuckled and lowered down to the boy's shoulder. "Now then, seeing as how we are running out of time and the boy needs to get use to your, well, rather 'sudden' appearance, I will talk for him. Right, Sebastian?"

He looked over towards the eye again, feeling his chest rise and fall as he kept on his knees now, only just figuring out what was going on now. He gave a short little nod towards the eye, looking back towards the demon king known as Brenhin. Then he suddenly rose up on to his feet as the eye widened a bit at this, watching him as Sebastian regained his breath. "...Lord Brenhin, is it? I would like to know more about hell and my father before I go to meet him. I would also like to know more about what I am... And what it means." He dared not stare into the demon king's eyes, for even glancing at them made his legs shiver, but he stood his ground all the same, trying to look as bold as he could get. He didn't want to appear weak before this demon any more, but at the same time, he also didn't want to insult him, for he knew nothing about a demon king's standards, rules, and things like that. He thought back to the organization simply known as the WDL, and he thought about how they were corrupted and needed to be stopped. If joining with these demons and the devil was the only way to do, so be it. The woman appeared in his mind again, looking at him briefly before walking away, and the chains that suddenly began to wrap around her unnoticed, the collar being slammed around her neck as a dark gate slowly closed before him with three keylocks. That's when he knew he would save her, somehow he would get her out of that hell and let her be free again. He didn't bother to glance over at the eye as he heard it chuckle a bit, probably at what he had just thought, but it didn't matter to him. Even if it was just some stupid crush, even if he was the one who had to be crushed for the price of freedom, the reward would be worth it.

In a matter of seconds, a memory passed by, although it felt like a lifetime ago. He was now alone at the orphanage at the age of ten, a young looking boy now having grown since his mother's death, and how he loathed the fact she would never see him like this. The orphanage had allowed him to stand outside with an empty old cup, as today his clothes were a little dirty from standing out there so long, it had already been two hours and yet he had only gotten three cents. Running over towards a person, he stopped and walked along them as he rattled the cup a bit while looking innocently up at them. But as he tied this, he felt a hand press against his face and push him aside, his back hitting a wall as he felt himself slide down in to a sitting position. He shook his head as he got up and looked at the cup, only to find it empty again, and in a panic he looked around for the three cents, but they were already gone. His hard work had been wasted now, and feeling so pathetic about it, he walked back to the orphanage with a still empty cup. And that's when one of the people saw him and ran out, kneeling down in front of him as he felt his shoulders grabbed. "My child, what are you doing out here still?! You look so dirty, so tired, and so hungry! Why do you do this to yourself?" She asked the young Sebastian, as he looked down at the cup in response and held it out for her. "I'm helping raise money for her operation." He told the woman, her eyes widening as a sad look came across her face, her grip tightening a bit on his shoulders.

"You don't need to raise the money, we only need three more dollars. She'll be fine, we'll pay the three dollars and she'll have the operation tomorrow, and she will be fine." She tried to tell him, but Sebastian felt this was too important. "But you don't need to waste your money, I can get the three dollars. I want to help, please, let me help her." The girl they spoke about was a young orphan girl, two years younger then Sebastian, who had caught a fatal disease, and only this operation could save her life. Sebastian had met her before, the most recent being when he found her in that bed, coughing occasionally into the air, her arms unable to move. He had spoken with her, and how he was finally happy to have another child as a friend, his first real friend in so long. The woman smiled sadly at him, oh how it made him want to cry now. "You have already helped her so much, all you can do now is come inside and wait. You need a bath, and what would she think if she found you all dirty like this?" He smiled at her lightly as she took the cup and lightly took his hand, taking him along inside. Of course, she had the operation and in three months she recovered, all during this time her and Sebastian grew closer together, having so much fun. Then two months later, she was adopted. But they made a promise, that she would visit three times a year, and she almost did. Sometimes, she wasn't able to make it during some visits. Sometimes, it had to be moved to a later date. He remembered the last visit he got from her, only six months ago. Did the WDL intend to kill her off to get to him, did some horrible menace intend to kill her, or eat her? He would not allow it, even if it meant death, somewhere in his heart he knew that by saving the woman and destroying the WDL, he would also be saving a life long friend.

Brenhin shook his head, slightly annoyed at Loki daring to threaten him. He let it slip this time but Loki's time would one day run out, if only I am there to see it, he mused to himself. He chuckled to himself however as he saw Sebastian fall to his knees, so the children can be affected by even my weakest power, good then no-one can stop it save the strongest Demon Kings. His smile faded when the guide was foolish enough to taunt him. He growled deep in his chest and brought his left fist down onto the arm of his throne causing the Demons to quiver in fear of his wrath. "It wouldn't be wise for any involved to continue to taunt me lesser being. Our lord." He said this in a slightly sarcastic tone. "Has had far more important things to worry about than me desiring to talk with one of his children."

The Demon king looked a little bemused at Sebastian's bravery, but that quickly changed. "Lord Brenhin?" He asked calmly. "LORD BRENHIN?! I Am King Brenhin and it would do you good to remmber that." His voice had turned into a roar like the sound of a thousand explosions. The gathered Demons screamed as the angered Demon King rose to his feet, the flames on his body flaring. He glared angrily at them. "Be silent!" He roared waving his hand over half of them, as he raised his palm a jet of fire sprang forth from the ground under their feet, hotter than anything a Human could fabricate with science, and scorched the crowed turning them to cinders in seconds and ending the noise in the room.

He then looked down at Sebastian seemingly calmed down, his voice returned to normal. "Hell... Is like nothing you humans have on earth, in each realm rules a different Demon King, I hold a large swath of Hell known as the land of brimstone for it has more fire than anywhere else, my brother Loki has different lands as far as I know. Your father, my lord." It was clear he didn't enjoy calling someone else his better nor did he call the Devil father like Loki had. "Is different to everyone he meets, as only a God of Demons can be, you will see for yourself but I am sure you have nothing to fear from him." He chuckled to himself as another piece of his plan fell into place. "If you wish for me to tell you about yourself, then I would have to be your mentor and your liege lord only then can I truly teach you about yourself and the power in you blood without interference."

:: Sebastian felt his body shiver as Brenhin roared out with fury, he hated feeling this pathetic when he had such a huge goal to accomplish, but he dealt with it in order to meet his 'father' and he hoped it would be soon. Watching Brenhin just burn his own men like they were nothing sort of scared Sebastian, although he didn't show it, he thought what if the eye had been right? Maybe Sebastian had been sent to hell to make a change of things, to not only help Sebastian, but the demon race as he knew it. It may have sounded stupid to him right now, but looking back over at that eye, Sebastian could see something that felt so familiar within it. Looking back over at Brenhin, he listened while he talked about hell and it's ways, then he heard something about having to acknowledge Brenhin as his superior. His mind was rushing, he had no idea if he wanted to make this choice or not, but before he could, the eye stepped in again.

"Not so fast, Lord Brenhin." It put some emphasis on the word 'Lord' if only to tease Brenhin, a small chuckle escaping from the eye as it spun around Sebastian slowly and spoke before Brenhin could get angry at it again. "The boy has yet to meet his father, and you persist on him already becoming one of your lackeys? I am sorry to say, but I think the master would be most displeased with these results, and I don't think you wish for him to come over here. I think we should depart, unless of course you have any last words you wish to give to him? If not, I believe we shall depart at once." It spoke out as it finally stopped above Sebastian again, watching over Brenhin and his movements, almost as if taunting him to try something, taunting him to summon the devil right in his own home. Looking over at Sebastian, it thought of trying one of it's abilities once they were out of here, although it might take some time. IT also had to convince the devil of it's plan, it knew it had to work, otherwise Sebastian would go mad in hell, and the woman he so desired might be long from his grasp. And that, was just unacceptable right now. ::

The huge Demon King tilted his head, paused and then laughed deep in his chest. The laugh subsided quickly. "You cannot threaten me little thing. I have done nothing against the old laws of the Demon Kings, I have not forced the children into anything any more than our lord has. And I would direct him to my brother, after all he has decided to take interest in more than one of the children." The Demon king then moved closer to the boy. "Know this child. You an I are more alike than any other Demon in this place. You will always have a safe haven in my lands. Unless of course you do something to anger me."

The Demon king turned on the spot and sat back on his throne, the flames behind him had turned a deep blue and the large seeing crystal floated back in front of him. "You may go now child. But do not allow the guide of your father lead you away from your own choices." He chuckled to himself as he looked into the crystal as a larger crowd than the one he had torched filled into the throne room, it was clear it was a great honour among the Demons to be in the presence of Brenhin, despite the dangers.

~ Sebastian's View ~

:: Sebastian could tell he had made something of an impression, but the eye was what worried him. Had it pushed Brenhin too far today? Did it make trouble for him and the eye at the same time? He caught his breath as if he was suddenly tired, looking up at Brenhin as he lowered his head a bit towards him. "I will consider what you have said." He told him, turning around while keeping his head lowered as the eye led him and Sebastian out of there. "Oh, and Brenhin." The eye called out to him with a little mocking tone to it's voice still. "Don't forget to check up on the other child and Loki now, you don't want Loki to use the child to betray you. Then you'll have to kill them both, and that would be such a waste for the great and powerful demon king." With a chuckle it let, setting things into motion as it once again made the fires in front of Sebastian make a path for them.

"Where are we going now?" Sebastian asked after a few moments had passed, the eye now having a tiny black body that resembled that of a starfish, with the eye dead in it's center. "We are going to meet your father, well, if he's in. If not, I shall return to Earth with you and we can catch up on what you need to do." It told him, Sebastian felt the weight of the entire situation rest on his shoulders, the image of the chains crossing his mind for a second, and the eye reacted as if it could feel this. "The WDL is what they are called mainly, and they serve to rid the world of us. But I think there is a bit more to this." The eye spoke to him with caution for the first time, not even around Brenhin had it gone to such lengths. Sebastian was interested now, so the WDL was much more of a threat to the world then Brenhin was? "I believe they aim to control the world, after all, they are being lead by the pope himself. Maybe God abandoned them and they are taking revenge against his actions now. Do not worry though Sebastian, we will have you to destroy the WDL in the end, and in return, you will have that woman you so desire."

Sebastian looked down as he thought back to what he saw earlier, he felt odd as everything passed through his mind. He had barely been in hell for a few hours and suddenly it was on him to save the world? "Can I trust Brenhin?" He asked the eye, as it took some consideration into this before answering him. "Yes, for all his dumb and dull actions, he will make a great ally for you. His brother, on the other hand, you can not trust." It told Sebastian with caution again, suddenly it sounded like having Brenhin on his good side was a good thing to have, maybe it had told Brenhin about his brother so that Brenhin could keep his brother away from him? He shivered, realizing that it may already be too late for the other child who had been sent into hell. "Brenhin has many soldiers under his wing, and the power as well. He may not seem like the best option for an ally, but he is also our only choice, besides your father of course. Even if they do butt heads from time to time..." It mumbled the last part to itself, stopping as a demon came before them.

"The lord is not here right now, you will have to go." It told Sebastian and the eye, slamming the butt of it's spear against the ground before turning around and walking back off into the unknown, somewhere Sebastian could not see. "Oh dear, so we have to go back to Earth now?" The eye mumbled, shaking itself a bit as Sebastian watched it. "Ah well, he will probably want to meet us up there instead of having to come down here to talk. This may get a little tricky, Sebastian, so don't be afraid." It told him, as Sebastian closed his eyes in preparation, but felt nothing happen. When he opened his eyes again, they were outside a town, no one seemed to have noticed Sebastian had appeared out of thin air. "I'm... Alive." Was his first reaction, falling on to his knees and hands as he gasped for air, the insanity hell had left on him was finally starting to catch up. He worried about the other child again at this, could he even come back to Earth without going into a seizure?

The eye appeared again to him, floating over while still in it's starfish like body as he slowly felt his strength returning after what felt like several minutes. He pushed himself off the ground as he groaned a little, shaking his head a bit as he blinked a few times, all the while the eye observed him carefully. "It's a good thing I got you out of there when I did, not many half demons can handle the first time going into hell's depths. You were lucky though, you had me." It told him as it turned around and moved a little forward, Sebastian taking a few steps forward, feeling light-headed but found himself coming back together. "We are close to the WDL, but not too close that we will be spotted out of the norm by the security they have. Come, Sebastian, and I will open the other ability you can use. This time, one that can be used in human form." Sebastian felt a brow raise when it said that, but he found himself moving towards the town, having no where else in the world to go now. So the two began to head towards the town, the next part of Sebastian's journey started here it seemed. ::

~ Michael's View ~

"I am sorry sir, but you are not allowed inside." The WDL guard told him, next to him standing another WDL guard, who kept quiet and merely concentrated on finding any suspicious looking demons around that might be left. "But there was an attack here earlier, was there not? Why was I not noticed?" Michael asked them, out of his entire group, he was the only one the WDL trusted most it seemed. Now, at least. "We could not notify you because were not prepared for this attack, but I assure you, your services will be called once another demon attack has been notified." The WDL said to him, leaving the conversation at that, and Michael was left to walk off towards the van in frustration.

"They did it again!" He exclaimed to the driver sitting next to him, a member of the group who he could always count on when he needed him there. Michael could consider him a best friend even, both were extremely well known by now for slaying demons, although they did not allow themselves to be placed among the exorcists. They were hunters in a sense, serving under god in order to stop Satan's forces and send them back to the depths where they belonged. "Ah don't worry about it man, things happen for a reason." He heard Scott tell him, Michael could feel his rage settling down now, yet he should of at least been notified of the attack. "We're suppose to be heroes Scott, yet people still died back there today! How am I suppose to feel good about myself when people are still dying and making our attempts for justice and peace look in vein?!"

"Now Michael, settle down." Scott told him, keeping his eyes on the road and occasionally glancing to the back view mirror. Once in a while Scott would readjust it, but this did little to help with the situation. Michael's division of the group now was left in charge of handling the other two division's, who no longer had their leaders support and strength, which left Michael more stressed in the end. "We are heroes, but like I said, once in a while something happens that is out of our hands. The people will not blame you for this attack, and I am sure they will be more then thankful you are still there to save them." Scott brought a smile to his face, Michael let out a groan out of his throat in defeat, watching as the town came into view. "So how long before the WDL decides to send me back up to them to make a speech?" Michael asked Scott, who in turn let out a laugh as he stopped the van and parked it.

"Probably not for a few more days, although I would prepare early. You are a celebrity now, so it could be at any time. The year has only just started for them, I'm sure they are waiting for everything to settle before bringing in a big name such as yourself." Michael left out a sigh as he and Scott got out of the van, and began walking towards the town, both wearing clothes that would make them look like they had just come out of college. In reality, this was very true. Despite being part of one of the biggest demon slaying organizations in the world, Michael and Scott still had an education to get, although the demons didn't help any with that. "You think any demons will show up tonight?" Scott asked Michael jokingly, Michael smiling as he looked towards Scott. "If they do, it looks like we get an excuse to get out of studying tonight!"

Both laughed at this, enjoying the time they had before they would once again get separated. They had been best friends since eight years old, grew up as neighbors, but times had quickly changed. One thing Michael knew hadn't changed, they both were still looking for a girlfriend, it was just they had very different approaches on trying to do this now. ::

~ Sebastian's story ~

:: When he had finally arrived, Sebastian felt like everything was suddenly more alive then he had seen from a distance. The people, oh how they walked around and seemed to enjoy what they did. But the eye, keeping close to Sebastian, reminded him of what they were here for. Then a thought came to Sebastian's head, why were they here? In a town solely full of people, surely attention would rise, no? "It will all begin soon." It told Sebastian. "But I believe that in order for you to see how much of a threat the WDL really is, you must see them first hand." Upon hearing this, his eyes widened with excitement and he could almost feel himself just wanting to jump around in his excitement. "Keep it down." It told him, keeping close again as when he noticed, people were starting to stare at him, probably wondering what he was thinking. "Our cover cannot be blown here, for the WDL control this town. Arthur's a very hard case to get by, so unless you want to end up with a arrow in your chest, I suggest acting normal from here."

Sebastian looked at his own arms as he frowned slightly, the eye noticing this as it moved on ahead. He noticed this and looked up, quickly jogging after it to see where it was going, although he had to run past some people first. When they arrive near the end of the other town, the eye had finally stopped, and Sebastian was a little tired. "Did you not notice something back there?" It asked him, as he stopped and looked back, then he looked back to the eye. He had never run that fast before, it was impossible, but he had felt something. "W-wow..." Was all he could get out, as the eye looked around at this. "Right... So it seems I need to help you learn a few other things. We have a few days before things get out of control, so listen to me very carefully on this." It began, as Sebastian waited to hear what it had to say to him. ::

~ A few days later... ~

:: Things were picking up quickly, it had been, what, maybe three days for everything to calm down? But to him, it only seemed like things were getting out of control, and the eye had been right in wanting to try to get him to the WDL in the process. However, the only way to do that was, well... "This demon right here will provide the perfect distraction for us, provided you take over it's mind." The eye told him, Sebastian watching the demon as it looked around at the both of them, utterly confused. "It's one of the lower rankings, but with the number of guards around here, it will do the job." He heard it say to him, as he shook his head and looked back at it. "I -- I don't know... What if someone dies because of me?" He asked the eye, as it seemed to grumble a bit before answering. "Kid, just try it. You will see it's easier to try then to just panic." It told him, making his focus turn back on the demon as he concentrated at this.

And then... He opened his eyes, and the demon was literally on it's hand and knees! He was shocked, had it actually worked, or what?! "There, now send it to attack." It told him, as he looked over at the eye before back at the demon. The demon suddenly stood up and saluted before rushing off and letting out a weak little cry before getting into a fight with three WDL guards. The outcome was as easy to tell as ever, the demon died within two minutes. "Ah look what it did to my outfit!" One WDL member cried out, as the other two ended up chuckling a bit. "Well, rookie, better get yourself a new one. Here, I'll give you the code. Go on, before someone sees what a mess you are." The other two hassled him before he walked off, mumbling to himself angrily. "Alright kid, this is our only chance. Go!"

With those words said, Sebastian sprung into action, and followed the WDL member until he used the code to access a room full of WDL suits. Sebastian focused on him only, watching as he began to struggle, noticing something wrong all of a sudden. But since no one was around, it took an easy three minutes to get him under his control. The man grabbed a uniform Sebastian's size, as Sebastian kicked the man out for a few minutes to put it on. Once it was on, he was good to go! "Now do me a favor, and stand right there..." He told the WDL man, as he suddenly saluted and raised his head up slightly. "Yes sir, of course sir! It is an honor sir! I am happy to -- OOF!" A heavy object fell on his head as he fell over, fading into unconscious. "Now place the card near him." The eye told him, as he walked over and placed an I.D. card near the man. "Someone's going to get in trouble for this." The eye said happily, as Sebastian walked off, soon joining the other WDL members thanks to his new found speed. They were all gathering up to go to one place, the WDL itself! ::

~ Michael's Story ~

"I thought we were going to the WDL?" Scott asked, looking towards Michael in confusion. "We are... There's just been trouble." He told him, watching the rain begin to start as he looked up. "How odd..." Michael mumbled, before walking over with Scott to the scene, a WDL soldier struggling as he was bound. "What's the problem?" Michael asked, looking at the other three as they looked up at him. "It seems we caught a traitor, one who's been killing WDL members for quite some time. And now --" "PLEASE!" The man begged, struggling more against his bounds. "I -- I'm innocent I tell you! Innocent!" He screamed, struggling more. "Hang on now guys, just let Michael do this thing and --"

But all too late, a blade was forced out the man's chest as he collapsed, as they all turned to see an approaching WDL member wearing some sort of lightweight outfit and keeping his identity a secret. "Hey! What was that for?!" Scott asked him in rage, the mysterious WDL member stopping as he looked at them. "Orders from the head himself." Was all the member said before running off. "God damn assassins..." Scott mumbled, as Michael put a hand on his shoulder, having just finished his prayer. "There was nothing we could of done for him." Michael said, before walking off with Scott. "Got an umbrella?" Michael asked him. "Sure, let me get one." He said, quickly snatching one and opening it above them.

"You okay Michael? This isn't like you at all.." Scott said to him. "Something's wrong with the WDL... Something's coming. The rain wasn't suppose to come today, but it has for some reason... Come on, back to the van." He said, quickly beginning to rush off in the rain. "...Uh, yeah, I'm gonna walk." Scott mumbled out loud, before three minutes later the van would pull up near them. "Ah damn." Scott mumbled again before closing the umbrella and getting inside. "Where we going?" Scott asked, looking over at him. "The WDL. That man's murder has something to do with this. Arthur wouldn't send someone to murder one of his own members unless someone was going wrong... We don't have much time." With that, the next three days were spent... Going to the WDL. Or, who knows, they might of gotten there sooner.

~ Sebastian's Story ~

Three days he had been waiting for this moment. The chance to finally see her again, the chance to prove himself, the chance to... Do something! The eye merely observed for now, hidden to the WDL members as it waited for them to arrive. Both were a little on edge, this was a big and also very suicidal attempt to get into the WDL's walls without being detected. Sebastian knew he was the youngest looking there, heck he should be in freshman year right now! None of it mattered as the last thoughts escaped when they arrived at the WDL. "Alright team, listen up." The man in charge of the squad spoke out, seeming to walk in front of them as they all got out of their vehicles. "We are getting high reports that an invasion is in the progress of happening right now. Our superiors have told everyone, and I will repeat those words here and now for all of you. Do NOT let it happen! If you even think you see a demon, don't think, act! It's what you were trained to do, it's what you were born to do, now let's go and find some demon asses to kick!" Everyone in the group cheered as they now found the adrenaline to rush behind their leader. Sebastian, however, sneaked his way off towards the WDL itself, somehow not being seen or questioned.

"And what do you think you are doing?" A guard asked him as he had arrived at the front of the WDL. Sebastian panicked inside his head for a second, what excuse could he use to get inside and find her? "Say you were sent to patrol the inside of the halls and help evacuate anyone if the invasion does happen." The eye said to Sebastian, as he quickly put his fears aside to speak to them, trying to not make it look like someone else had told him these words. "I was sent here to patrol the halls, and to also evacuate anyone still inside should the invasion happen." The guard seemed to look over at his friend, who gave the nod as the first guard sighed. "Let me see your I.D." The guard asked, as Sebastian took off the card on his WDL outfit and handed it to the guard. The guard seemed to look puzzled as he looked it over. "Uh, do you remember what this guy is supposed to do...?" The second guard raised his brows as he found himself puzzled as well. "Um... Maybe? I -- I think he's telling the truth. I mean, he isn't a demon I can tell that much for sure, so... You know." Both guards found themselves in awkward silence before the first guard handed it back to Sebastian as he puts it back on his suit. "Alright, you can go inside. But no funny business, okay?" Sebastian nodded in reply, heading inside as the eye couldn't help but chuckle at how neither of them knew about it.

Sebastian was taken aback by how the inside of the academy was, seeming to almost slow down before he felt the eye push into his back to keep him moving forward. "We can't sight-see you know. We got in, that's great and all, but if you want to find her, do it now! Otherwise, this trip will have been for nothing!" Sebastian found himself gripping back into reality as he nodded and tried to look around, but found himself... Completely lost. "So uh, while we're on the subject... What's with all this talk about an invasion?" He asked, the eye seeming to let out a sigh before speaking. "I think it's to do with your father, and also to do with what we did. You see, things are going to get very hectic from now on. What we did might of lead poor Arthur to believe someone inside his WDL is a traitor! He really has a lot to learn, but your father also seems to have plans. We may get thrown into the middle of it, although I heavily advise finding that girl -- sorry, woman now."

He began to see people walking around, gathering up as they made it harder for him to tell people apart at this. He seemed to furrow his brows at this, looking around as he could see a crowd here, a crowd there, a crowd all around him somehow! He was getting upset, he wasn't finding her at all! He wanted to ask her name, he wanted to actually introduce himself... But this was just madness! His first time into this place was a total disaster, and he felt like he might as well give up the goose chase here. "Look, over there." The eye said, as when Sebastian looked up, he found himself looking at... Oh joys of all, he had found her! He found himself running into a jog, his feet guiding him in a direction he never thought he could go before, as he didn't even notice as he lost the I.D. card first. When he entered into the crowd, he found himself trying to push in, when he got push back around, which ended up just with the removal of more WDL clothes. This was more due to him going into a rage and finally just throwing the damn thing off when they weren't looking. Finally, after having lost it all, he found himself... Tripping over someone!

He screamed out a little at this, finding himself quickly rolling off of the person as he got up and quickly brushed himself off, finding the one named Claire before him. Quickly reaching down to grab her hand, he helped her back up as the crowd was moving away at this. He quickly brushed off her shoulders before backing up a little. "S-sorry, I didn't mean to --" He stopped, looking back as he found the crowd moving further away now. "Shoot, no! She's gone... Damn it!" He mumbled the last pat to himself, now in the attire he had worn to the meeting with Arthur, and yes, it had been cleaned since then. "I'm so sorry for doing that, I'm -- I'm Sebastian... I'll -- uh..." He stopped, when a boy came over and started talking to her, seeing a few nods being exchanged before them as he looked up at them. "... Look, I -- I'm just here to find someone... A woman. Can you please help me?" He asked a little out of desperation, the eye silently observing the two as it looked back at the fading crowd and then back at them. "Interesting..." The eye said, noticing Claire's appearance as it kept that in mind.

~ Michael's Story ~

"Renegades base, reporting in for duty sir." A young male voice spoke out to Michael and Scott, as the van continued on it's journey for the WDL. They were getting closer now, and Scott could tell Michael was on edge. He had only just picked up on the rumors, he had long discovered that a strange demon had attacked the same place they were just at, he had only just discovered though that there may be an incoming invasion on the WDL. "I want you to listen to every word I say. This is Michael, so I want everyone to hear this. I don't care if the other two decide to be ignorant, but get them to do this! You need to send most of the squads out to protect places near the WDL or have WDL activity in them. Do you understand? Protect the innocents with your lives! If you see even the slightest hint of a demon, investigate upon it. If you can confirm your suspicions are true, act on it, and strike without hesitation!" Michael spoke, seeming to try to regain a hold over himself as the young man spoke out. "Uhh, b-but what about us here at the base, sir...?" Scott seemed to step in at this. "You will defend the base with your lives. If the demons come to attack, do not let them surprise you! You must get the jump on them, do not let them overtake the base!" Michael sighed out as they both heard the young man's voice again. "Y-yes sir! I won't let you down! Either of you!"

They heard the base hang up at this as they both let out a sigh, as Michael shook his head a little at this. "I can't fucking believe this is going to happen..." He said, Scott seeming to pat his shoulder a bit as he sighed. "Relax... Stop the van for a bit, I need to get something out from the back." Michael rose a brow at this, but stopped it any way, as Scott quickly got out and walked to the back. Michael seemed to be on edge, he tried to calm himself, thinking nothing wrong was about to happen. Well, until he saw a few strange figures heading his way... He seemed to raise his brows at this, quickly getting out as he closed the door as he watched the men in robes come before him. "Are you Michael of The Renegades?" The man spoke out, as Michael nodded his head in confirming this. "Well then... Time to die." The tallest man said, quickly pulling out a scythe, as Michael found himself ducking, losing a few hairs in the process, but it was something he could live with. "Who are you?" He asked, watching as they threw off their cloaks to reveal... People? "We have been sent by our leader and master to personally execute you." Michael furrowed his brows at this. "WDL?" He asked. "No..." Michael rose a brow at this. "Hell?" He asked. "No... We are something far different."

Michael was prepared to attack, when a bright light came flying past him and hit the man on the right, watching as he screamed out as a loud poof was heard, the man vanishing and leaving his cloak behind. "Who dares to try and attack us?!" The lead man asked, as Scott walked forward, carrying a huge looking gun in his hand, it's alien design yet holy presence made all the remaining cloaked men actually shiver a little. "The name's Scott you sons of bitches. I heavily advise following your friend's actions and departing from here at once. I assure you, he won't be getting up for at least two days." He said, as when they heard the gun begin to charge up for another attack, they quickly did the same as the other had, making loud poof like noises before vanishing and leaving the cloaks behind. Michael walked forward and picked one up, looking at the strange demonic emblem on it as he rose his brows. "Christ... Looks like some bastard's are finally having the balls to come out now that hell is on the move again." Michael said to Scott, as Scott sighed out a bit. "You know how it is. We see any of them try to join this so called invasion, we blast them. Although I thought that bastard was a vampire... Or at least a werewolf. What I just heard wasn't either." Scott said, as Michael could only nod. "Yeah... Looks like we got a new type of creature to worry about." He said, before walking on forward, Scott following close behind. "Ah jesus, we got enough problems to worry about! If they weren't demons, what were they?!" Scott asked Michael, as only one word could come to his mind. "Monsters."

“Sounds like next door is enjoying themselves.” Kane commented as the sounds of profuse swearing and smashed objects was vaguely heard through the walls of the next door dorms. Over the past three days, it certainly seemed like the building next to theirs was a lively one, and he was more than a little curious just what went on over there. Still, he didn’t really get to see the occupants very much – Whether they left late or went to some other classes or something, he didn’t really know. Well… Maybe he’d go introduce himself at some point if he saw them. Stretching a moment, he pushed off the window sill, already prepped and ready for class. Closing the door behind him and locking it up, he casually walked down the hall to the main entertainment room, hopping onto the couch as he patiently waited on Claire’s arrival. He’d made a couple of friends in the first few days at the WDL, but for the most part, he’d found himself hanging around Claire the most. She was an easygoing and friendly girl, and never seemed to mind when he tagged along with her after class or anything. Unlike him, Claire had been hugely popular at the Academy by comparison, getting more than a second glance from the boys, and making fast friends with the girls. She just seemed to… fit in. It was an envious quality, seeing her seamlessly slip into conversations and groups. Still, when all was said and done, she’d part ways and return home with Kane. No shopping. No movies. No dates… During the walks home, he’d been tempted to ask why she… Well, chose to hang around him rather then all the other students. After all… He’d seen what some of the other students said about him to her – And knew she’d lost a number of friends because she decided to stick with him. So then, why did she…

“Hope you weren’t waiting long.” Claire jogged in slowly, straightening out her shoes by lifting her leg a moment. Seemed she was running a little late this morning, for whatever reason. She was dressed neat as always, a pale yellow blazer with black cuffs and golden highlights and buttons, white undershirt and black tie and skirt, rounded off with her formal shoes and white thigh-high stockings. Around her neck, a slim silver necklace encrusted with a single ruby red jewel was the only accessory she had, along with some simple stud earrings. Kane appreciated all this in a moment, before sitting up, smiling. “Nah, not at all. Just got here myself. You set for class?” Nodding, Claire and Kane headed out the door, joining up with the rest of the students on their way to class. As they walked, they didn’t really say too much, but that was probably because of the way she was rapidly making her way through the people. It was just a bit faster then a comfortable pace, almost like she had somewhere to be. Kane did his best to keep up, but all of the sudden, he lost track of her. “Claire?” Kane called out briefly, before turning towards a loud commotion off a bit in front of him. It was quite a scene, Claire rubbing her back and wincing a little, having been knocked to the ground by… a young boy? Kane hurried over as the two were getting up, both dusting themselves off.

"Shoot, no! She's gone... Damn it!" The boy trailed off at the end, seemingly having lost someone amongst the crowd. He turned to Claire, apologising for his actions as Kane arrived, the two nodding at each other acknowledging his arrival. Claire smiled a little, gesturing for the boy to calm down. “It’s alright, really. I should have been watching where I was going…” By now, a little bit of a crowd was gathering, though Kane had no idea why. Well, it was a bit of a tumble, but Claire was alright, so he didn’t see why everyone needed to stop and stare. "... Look, I -- I'm just here to find someone... A woman. Can you please help me?" Kane looked to the boy… Then to Claire, who met his gaze as well. She brought her hand to her chin, thinking for a moment, as Kane did the same. Well, the kid seemed a little worried… Maybe they could help him. They did have some time before class, and who knew? Maybe they knew who he was looking for? Besides, they were good people. It was his responsibility to help those in need wherever he could.

“So who exactly are you looking for?” Kane asked after a moment, standing up straight as he looked to the crowd, some of which had dissipated.

“I-I don’t know her name exactly she’s tall with black hair blue eyes-“ The boy continued to spout of his description at a record pace, Kane barely able to note the key features. After politely asking the boy to calm down and start again, he managed to get the full story. A biker girl about 20 years of age; tall, black hair, blue eyes, pale skin. As Kane tried to think on anyone he knew like that, he turned to Claire. “You know anyone like that, Claire?” She seemed to be deep in thought, more so then before as she eyed the kid over, interjecting with her own line of thought rather then answering Kane’s question.

“So why do you need to find this woman…? Sorry, I didn’t catch your name…” Her question was inquiring in nature, though the boy’s response was somewhat cryptic in its own way. "Thomas, that's my last name so call me by that. And I need to find her because she has something I need back." Claire nodded, seemingly unfazed by the weird introduction as she continued her line of questioning. “So what’s her name?” The boy grimaced a little, his face tensing some as he spoke. "...That's the problem... Never got it. We were separated too fast." He still seemed a little panicked, though his panting had slowed down now as he continued to scan the crowd. Just why did he need to find this girl anyway? Well, she was a biker. Perhaps she’d done some evil deed to this kid and he was tracking her? Could she have stolen from him? “So did she take something from you? Is that why you need to find her?” Kane asked, before taking a small step back as the boy quickly gave his response, clearly still on edge. "NO, no! She needed something at the time, I was kind enough to give it to her, but unfortunately we got separated before she could give it back..."

“Huh, well…-”

“Kane, go on ahead and see if you can find this girl. I’ll stay with Thomas and see what else I can find out.” Claire interrupted Kane and met her gaze with his. It was a little odd… Her look was filled with such intent, Kane didn’t quite feel he could say no, even if he wanted to. Instead, he simply nodded. “Alright, I’ll be back soon!” Turning on his heel, he sprinted off into the crowd, darting through people. “Excuse me! Sorry, coming through, urgent business! WhohHoOOaaa!” Kane staggered as he tripped and fell into the ground again. Man, why did he always have to be so clumsy…

…

Elsewhere, Claire began to walk Thomas away from the enquiring crowd, claiming that she’d handle things from here. True to her word, she steered him into an alley, making some small talk as they moved further and further from the crowds of people… "...Aren't you a bit young? To be here I mean. You know where this is, right?" She looked back at him over her shoulder, keeping a close watch on ‘Thomas’. The boy was glancing around, seemingly still quite nervous as he fumbled together an answer to her question. "I'm only fifteen. And I'm a guest, recently got moved here because, well... What do you think we got separated by?" Claire stopped, looking about the alley they’d pulled into. This would do… Turning to face the boy, she smiled again, remaining innocent. “I’m not sure. Why would I know something like that?” She narrowed her eyes a little as ‘Thomas’ muttered something under his breath. Unknown to him, she knew every word both he… And his company had said. Slowly, she leaned back against the wall, folding her arms and looking down on the kid with a look of superiority “And I don’t trust you, or that thing with you.” She paused, taking in the look of surprise on the boy’s face, pushing off the wall as she moved in closer. "You know, you're a pretty poor liar… A guest who just happened to fall out of a guard's uniform? You're only lucky that Kane is as clueless as he is, and that I’m the one that you stumbled into."

Thomas seemed to back up, but a quick glance behind him revealed he was cornered. He sighed, looking away as he mumbled out his response. "If I told you the real reason, you would consider me a stalker. Look, three days ago me, her and three others were brought to this... I don't know, place for some reason. All they had us do was sit down as they... Well, revealed to us a secret. Then we got attacked. That part, I did not lie about. I was trying to run after her, but... Well, I ended up going the wrong way, got stuck in this place full of demons, and now I have this 'thing' following me around wherever I go... You don't have to trust me, but I am not a murderer." All throughout his speech, Claire slowly made her way closer, her shadow looming over the boy as she was less then a foot… then an inch away.

Carefully, she moved her hand up to his face… “H-hey, what are you-“ And then, with one swift movement, swiped her thumb against his cheek. The effect was instantaneous, the holy water fizzing slightly at the contact with the demonic skin, Thomas wincing and calling out slightly in pain as he rubbed his cheek. Claire however, had stepped back, looking down at him. “I knew it. You’re one of them.” Wiping her hand free of the holy water, she looked back to the boy as that ‘other’ voice began speaking again. She wasn’t certain who or what that was, but it’d been around this boy the whole time… "Fine, you want to know? He is half, but he speaks the truth. Don't buy it? You don't have to. But if he really was a demon under my master's control, would he -really- be this stupid?"

The boy and the demon began to bicker amongst themselves, Claire ignoring their discussion for the most part as she searched about her bag, pulling out her glasses case. Finally, the eye began to speak on something a bit more interesting then the child he was babysitting. "And besides, a bloody invasion is rumoured to be happening at any god damn moment... Do you think he would even be here, much less talking to you or your clumsy friend, without so much as even trying to manipulate or kill either of you? Besides... You can hear me. That means you aren't entirely human yourself." Claire froze a little at those words, then smiled, laughing a moment as she pulled on her spectacles, adjusting the bridge with a finger. The glass shimmered a moment, as if glowing; and the floating eye in front of her became clear as day. Turning towards it, she spoke.

“You’re mistaken. But that doesn’t mean you’re stupid. Which makes me wonder why you’re here, looking for her of all people.” Claire narrowed her eyes a little. They were an uncalculated variable… But the fact they were looking for Ash… What did that mean? Did Hell have plans for her? Or was this something else entirely? As the two descended into another bickering, Claire could only question the sensibility of the two in front of her. A crush. Did they honestly expect her to believe that? Continuing to scrutinise them, she calmly raised her hand for them to stop, before speaking. “I don't entirely care what you two do then, but..." With sudden ferocity, a blade of light came from seemingly nowhere, impaling itself into the wall between Thomas and the eye. "If you get in my way, or I find that you've endangered her in any way, I assure you, you'll live to regret it."

Turning on her heel from them, the eye made some attempt to acknowledge her threat, Claire removing her glasses as she looked back to Sebastian, intent on getting her message across to him. “Stay away from her. Got it?” Turning back out of the alleyway, she could hear Kane calling out as he approached her, dragging along some poor black haired girl with him. As Thomas slowly followed in behind Claire, he asked a very simple question that had been part of the formalities she had skipped. "...By the way, what's do you go by?" The boy looked up to her, but she couldn’t judge if it was fear, curiosity or something else in his expression. She smiled warmly, returning back to the pleasant, cheerful persona she adopted amongst everyone. It was as if the entire sequence in the alley had never occurred.

“Just call me Claire. Claire Clade.”

~ Sebastian's Story ~

"Claire, huh?" He asked her, nodding his head a little in response. "I wonder what your friend's name is..." He asked, quickly glancing over at where the pile of WDL clothes had been, only to see them bring carried off by WDL guards. He hoped they didn't know how to look for his DNA on there. "O-oh me? I'm Kane. Kane O'Reilly, nice to meet you, Thomas." He watched Kane extend his hand towards him, as he took a hold of his hand with a much more firmer grip then a fifteen year old should have, smiling a bit as he watched Kane rub the back of his head and laugh a little offhandedly. "I'm sorry I got the wrong girl too... I was certain Jennifer was who you meant by the description..." Sebastian remembered the girl, the black haired girl who looked similar to Ash but was definitely not a biker. When she learned she was not the one they were looking for so bluntly, she promptly hurried off in annoyance. "No, I'm sorry... I should of gotten her name when I had the chance, now I'm stuck here... While some invasion is about to fall down on this whole place. I have the worst timing." Having slipped out the part about the invasion, Kane seemed a bit startled by this. "I-Invasion?" He asked.

He felt one of his brows raise at this, as he indicated towards some of the WDL guards walking about, looking like they were just on normal duty. "These guys have been talking about it for a few days now, going on about the demons and how they will come here and start tearing this place to pieces. But if that were true, where is the security? Further, where is the leader for the matter during all this rumoring?" He then rubbed his head a little at this, his eyes looking around. "If only I knew where she went..." He mumbled to himself the last part before hearing Kane speak. "W-well, uh, we haven't been told anything like that, but if that were true uh... You're right, there would be security and stuff..." Kane looked nervous, and inexperienced in the eye's view. He barely looked like he would survive one demon attacking, much less a huge attack like the one coming. "Like I said, I'm a guest, not a student... I don't know if they let you guys get outside into the real world or not, but the way I see it is... If it is true, you are all being played or used. People may die, and what do they do? Not give a care... It's why it's all the more important we find her all the sooner." He then looked towards his right and pointed in that direction. "You think she went that way?" He tried to ask them, until...

He saw Claire narrow her eyes at him, had he said something wrong? All too quickly, she sprung into action with her words. "Classes are starting. She'd probably be in one of those, so unless you want to interrupt a lesson, you'd probably be best waiting out here." At this, she smiled cheerfully, back into her happy disguise it seemed. "Don't worry, we'll keep you company. Right Kane?" Kane looked startled by this. "W-what? But we have lessons too!" He cried out to her. "You can go if you want." She simply stated to him. "Well I just... Uh... Wow. I didn't think you'd be the kind to cut classes." Kane then scratched the back of his head, confused by this sudden realization it seemed. "Some things are a little more important. Besides, if what Mr. Thomas says is true, then I'd like to stay by him." She said, making Sebastian raise one of his brows again. He could see what she was doing, and quickly followed to recover back from his mistakes. "Well... If you two want." Was all he said on that, but the eye came in at last, chuckling as it turned it's gaze to Claire. "So, you probably want some information about us, don't you?" It asked her, as Sebastian felt... Cautious now of the eye, while watching Claire's eyes falter for a moment in it's direction but then returned them on him. "Of course, it's no trouble at all." She said to him, but moments later, her thoughts were being projected into the eye. "Don't get the wrong idea, I'm just keeping an eye on you two." She told it.

"Hah, is that suppose to be a pun? Well here's the thing... I can't give away information without you giving me some first. Of course, I could always assume you were some WDL spy dog." The eye gave off a chuckle towards her at this, as Sebastian felt a sigh escape his mouth, quickly making it sound like it was out of exhaustion as he shrugged his shoulders a bit at this, trying to ignore the eye's sudden... Ominous tone. "So where do we go now?" He asked them both, as he watched Kane scratch his chin while looking up to the sky. "Well uh, It's not like we can go to the mall or anything. That'd be a little suss... Maybe the park? That should be pretty clear..." He told him, as it seemed he couldn't hear what she sent the eye next. "Hmmph. You make it sound like there's something I want from you. As far as I'm concerned, I've got bigger priorities..." She put on a smile at this, nodding towards Kane, but her focus seemed elsewhere, possibly on the eye perhaps? It then spoke out again towards her, although he had no idea what she said to it. "Hmmm... If that is your final wish, very well. I'll have to... See, your proof then. And yes, big things are coming your way, little lady. Things you don't even know about, things you couldn't even comprehend. You have no idea how important this boy here is, or how important the girl he is looking for is... Oops, did I let out too much? Heheheh, oh well, better to keep things to myself." Sebastian felt something... Icky suddenly coming from the eye, glancing over at it quickly as it's gaze was now upon Kane.

He felt his body shudder a little at this. "Ugh... Stupid weather here. I'm still getting use to it... Well, to the park then it is! ... Um, how far away is it from here?" He asked, quickly hearing Kane speak out in a reply. Oh, it's not far. A couple of blocks is all." Kane then laughed a little, suddenly picking up the pace, as they had begun to head towards it. "We'll have to be careful to avoid the patrols. Don't want to get caught cutting class you... know..." Kane then scratched his head a little, then some more... Kane suddenly seemed itchy, and the eye seemed more ominous then before. But then, the ominous feeling was gone, as Sebastian looked over towards Claire, seeing her having put on those glasses again. "Hah... Oh my, you are special after all... Let me assure you, I need that proof. Unless, of course, you know more about the person he is looking for then you are letting on, hmm? Perhaps a best friend you abandoned? Perhaps some poor woman you stole from? Oh tell me, I want all the juicy details. Of course, if you don't want to, you will have to let me get back on with what I'm doing..." The eye spoke out to her in a rather sarcastic tone now as it continued to speak, making Sebastian run up next to Kane. "Huh... Is there anything fun to do there?" He asked him, looking around a bit as he did.

"W-well uh, not really... It's got trees.. and uh, lots of open space? I guess that's kinda cool..." Kane told him, chuckling a little as this lead them both not to notice the intensity growing with Claire. "I don't have to allow you to do anything. I'm more than capable of dealing with anything you'd try." She sent to the eye again, trailing only slightly behind Sebastian and Kane. A disturbing feeling came over Sebastian as he head that eye speak once more towards her. "Oh, but you do... For you see, if we are to trust you, we'll need some kind of evidence you aren't going to turn on us... Especially on my end. So, what will it be then? You spill the beans, or allow me to go back inside his head? Neither is not an option, you won't like what will happen if you say neither..." Sebastian picked up the pace a bit at this, feeling the disturbance of the eye coming over him now. "Wow... This will be the first time I've ever seen anything so full of nature." He said to them both. "Uh, really? I mean uh, yeah! It's cool. Lot's of trees! A really big one in the center." Kane said to him, smiling at this. This once more distracted them from the intensity building up behind them. "I'm willing to take my chances. I don't respond well to threats." She sent to the eye, before speaking to the other two. "It's very peaceful there. I sometimes decide to take my lunch breaks there too, since it's so pleasant." She told them.

Sebastian then smiled a bit as he grabbed a hold of both of their arms. "Come on then." He said, before the dashing off with them to the park, putting a bit of inhuman speed into it. Claire might of suspected something, but Kane wouldn't of noticed this. "I want to find this place more then ever now." The eye chuckled a bit at this, rising up above them as it turned it's gaze to Kane and tried to resume the memory from where it had left off... Only -- It suddenly spin around as it groaned out at this. "Oh, my eye... My only eye! It burns... The horror. The bloody horror! Oh go, I feel like I could bleed right now! UGH!" The image had been too much for the demon, at the same time Sebastian would stop with them in the park, panting a bit now. "So... Is this the place then?" He asked, hearing Claire giggle a little as he rose a brow, seeing her smile as he wondered if she was acting still or not. "Yep, this is the place. I personally think it's really pretty, don't you?" He saw her look at him and then look up, barely able to hear the screams of the eye. He didn't want to know what it had seen. "Hey, I didn't know you wore glasses..." Kane asked Claire, noticing her glasses for a moment and had blinked at this. "Oh, these? My contacts were getting sore, so I switched." She told him, meanwhile Sebastian shook his head a little as he saw some WDL guards begin to march side by side, there were six of them in total, with two strange figures following behind them. "Uhh, is this normal...?" He asked them.

"Hmm? What do you mean?" Kane asked, looking behind them as when he saw the two figures get closer, his eyes widened out of pure shock. When the WDL guards and the two figures came into view, the two turned out to be... Michael and Scott. They had arrived at the WDL, and looked like they were ready for battle. "I have no idea what's going on..." Sebastian said, as he looked over at Kane and rose his brows slowly at him. "N-no way..." Kane stammered, his eyes suddenly lighting up to sparkles. "That's Michael Malchim, the saint! He's a living legend! To see him in person is just..." Kane suddenly began to mumble incoherently for the rest of his words. Claire chuckled a little at this and then quickly took Sebastian's hand, making him blush a little as he felt himself get dragged to the other side of a tree and out of sight of the guards. "If you're smart, you'll keep him out of sight." Claire said to the eye, moving back to Kane at this as the eye let out a sigh at this. "Oh fine..." It said, before vanishing and Sebastian was left with a worried expression. For the first time since he had been brought before Arthur and everything up to this point, he looked like a real fifteen year old would, only able to hear the conversation going on between the WDL guards and the guests they had.

~ Michael's Story ~

"What's the situation?" Michael asked as they got closer. "The demons have not responded for a few hours now... But neither are our men from one of the surrounding towns. If anything, we suspect they've already gotten to it and killed our men in it." The guard said, as Scott furrowed his brows. "Watch what you say, our men are heading there as well... Don't assume until the worst has come." But the guard rolled his eyes at Scott's comment. "We also encoutered a new breed it seems..." Michael said, watching the guards look worried and confused. "What? Is it not one of those things that come from America? Or an Oni/Youkai? Or an Elemental at that?"

Michael shook his head again. "No..." Scott then took it from there. "It took a direct hit from my light ray gun, but survived somehow. These demons could pose a threat, if they are able to withstand head on contact with holy items." Michael then added in something here. "One also carried a scythe, they all wore cloaks to hide themselves from us. And the way they teleported... It sounded too foreign to me." The guards looked at each other, seeming to grow pale at this. "Arthur will hate to hear this..." Was what could be heard of the conversation before the guards, Michael and Scott went out of sight, heading straight for the academy.

~ Sebastian's Story ~

Sebastian came out once they were gone, only to find Claire smiling and Kane looking over photos he had gotten on his phone of Michael, Scott and the guards. Kane seemed to be looking like he had been just wrapped out of this reality when Michael and Scott were here, although his attention was more on Michael then Scott it seemed. "This is no good.." The eye said to both Sebastian and Claire, appearing back to both of them as it spoke in their minds now. "If the master has started creating demons that can resist holy now, you and the rest of the WDL are fucked." Sebastian raised a brow at the eye, as it looked at him nervously. "Sorry, slip of the tongue." It said, before turning it's attention towards Claire. "If that's the case, we'll just have to invent other methods." She told it, seeming to now be annoyed by the tone the demon was taking with her. "Not that simple... If anything, The Renegades coming here just means the invasion is on it's way faster. You better do what you came here to do and then leave... Or watch as your friends die --" "Stop it..." Sebastian stepped in at this. "I don't like you harassing her." Sebastian mumbled, before looking back at Kane. "... So... What now?" He asked, looking between both Claire and Kane now. At this rate, it seemed danger was practically building up for this place.

~ Michael's Story ~

They finally had made it to the WDL, although they were forced to leave the van behind. The guards had made sure they did, for some reason they seemed to not care if the two boys had a ride to use to get back home. Scott carried his light ray gun on his back, seeming to show he was stronger then he appeared by just having it strapped to his back. Michael watched as the guards lead them inside, although after having to force people back from trying to get to Michael or Scott. "Jeez, you think we would at least be able to say hi to them." Michael said to Scott. "We at least could give them that." He said, before Scott shook his head a bit. "No, we need to stay in here for now and wait to see if the attack's coming or not. If it is, we'll fight. If not, you get to make the speech early." Scott smiled at this, patting Michael's shoulder as he frowned at this. "A speech? Ah goodness, I might as well since I'm here, huh?" He said, Scott laughing a bit as Michael couldn't help but smile when he did this. "Better to get it out of the way then to procrastinate on it." He said, as Michael let out a sigh at this. "I wish the other two were here though... At least then I wouldn't have to say everything myself." Michael said, as Scott frowned a bit and pulled his hand away. "Relax. You'll do fine, you have this far. Now, shall we wait?" He asked, as Michael sighed and nodded toward him. "Yeah... I at least owe the people here that much." He said to Scott, as both stopped and waited now. This was it, the chance to show The Renegades power in front of the whole WDL. The only question now was, was the invasion real or just some rumor shit Arthur or The Devil had started to scare everyone.

A figure covered with a hood knocked on the door to the class that Ash was in, the only part of their face that was visible being their eyes, which were darkened and it was hard to tell what colour they were. They went in and spoke. "May I speak to Ashley Clade, please?". Asmodeus gasped, and also spoke. "Ash, go with her. Just trust me!". Ash glanced over at the figure, looking to the professor to gain permission. Recieving a nod, she sat up and excused herself, taking her schoolbag and exiting the room. The cloaked figure let out a small sigh of relief as Ash followed her, and she pulled her hood off to reveal a feminine face, but with the difference of cat ears. Her hair was styled into two braids, and it shone a sparkling red. "Sweet. You're Ash, right? Do you know what I am? And more importantly, will you follow me for a bit?". She giggled a little bit at the expression Ash pulled next. "Uhh..." Ash stared at the ears, blinking a moment. "A cosplayer...?" She then shook her head. "But yeah, I'm happy to get out of class..." Shouldering her bag, she looked to Asmodeus, telepathically communicating. "Care to bring me up to speed?". Asmodeus grinned, and did something Ash probably would've been surprised at She materialised, which earned a giggle from the person in front of them, and they both hugged. "Rin! It's been AGES!" "I know right, how's Deon?". Asmodeus' eyes shot open, and she put her finger to Rin's mouth, and turned to Ash. "Ya know what a 'Kasha' is?".

"Do I look like I know what a Kasha is?". Ash asked, folding her arms. Asmodeus grinned and tugged her sleeve like she was a baby. "Kasha are a form of Nekomata, but they're... ugh, you don't know much do you. Maybe Hikari'll let you borrow a book sometime". The Kasha, Rin, turned. "No time, there's a full-scale invasion taking place soon. We need to find our most capable person, and you know exactly who that is, eh Az?". Asmodeus grinned and tugged Ash along. "To the Park!".



Deon leaped onto one of the tallest trees in the park, surveying the surrounding area with a grim look on his face. He sighed and turned to his companion, Lucifer. "Yeah, there isn't anything there, Luci. Not that I can see, anyways". Lucifer sighed and pulled him over to her, and pointed. "What about there?". Deon chuckled and leaped down from the trees, landing near Sebastian and co. He grinned and spoke. "Alright, you guys know that there's an Invasion on top of us right now, right?". He looked around, grinning. His eyes fell onto Sebastian and his grin vanished. "You...".

"Um... H-hey there! Have we met before? My memories a bit... Fuzzy."

Deon eyed Sebastian, but something was off. He grinned, sending a telepathic message to Lucifer. "Is that a Demon he's got near him? I can sense it but not see it". Deon simply grinned. "I dunno, I think we might've met before, or something... Anyways, my name's Hikari. What's yours?". By this time, Lucifer had already infromed him that his suspicions were correct. He sent her another message and told her to materialise in her human form around the corner and come talk as well, and then she was gone. Suddenly, 'Hikari' heard somebody shouting his name, as Lucifer, now in her human form, rushed around the corner. "Hey Hikari, what're you DOING. We're supposed to be in class!". Sebastian saw his grin and seemed to shiver, glancing over at Claire and Kane as he then looked back at Deon. "Thomas. That's my last name... Hikari, huh...? Odd name, but okay. I just don't hear it mu --" He stopped as he saw Lucifer run over and raised one of his brows. He then turned his attention back to Deon. "So... Mr. Hikari... What are you doing coming out of nowhere exactly?"

Deon grinned, and his eyes glinted dangerously. "Demons. Headed this way. You mean you didn't know about that? Odd.... Anyways yeah, this is Lucy, my friend. We should be off though, I need to check on other people, since my Teacher forced me to. Ugh, what a bitch". Lucifer grabbed Deon by the arm as he went to walk off, and spoke. "You look.... familiar... it's been a while, but were you at an Orphanage by any chance?". Sebastian seemed confused, and looked to Claire and Kane and the back at Deon and Lucifer. He sighed out and held out his hand slowly. "Yeah, I've been... Living there for years now. Recently ran away, too, actually. I think it's been two months now, although it seems -- nevermind...". He stopped himself, for some reason. "My name... Is Sebastian. Sebastian Thomas." He told Lucifer. She grinned, and practically cannonballed into Sebastian, and Deon could barely hold himself together at this point. He burst out into laughter, which resulted in Lucifer booting him in the stomach, which made him laugh even harder. Lucifer spoke. "It's been ages Sebastian! Its so good to see you again". Deon stood, and eyed Sebastian. "So, you name's Sebastian, eh?". His grin grew slightly amused, but it disappeared as he heard something. "Oh, really? They're coming this way already?".

Sebastian felt a brow raise as he felt her cannonball into him. He couldn't help but smile as he patted her back a bit at this. "E-easy now Lucy... I didn't expect to find you in a place like this..." He said, before watching her send a blow into Deon's stomach. He laughed a little at the scene and then turned his attention back to Lucy. "... Yeah, it's been ages. And uh... You got a new outfit it seems." He said, before looking back to Deon. "... Got a problem with it?", he asked, before hearing something too. "Who's coming? The demons, the guards here -- What? What?" Deon's grin widened as he saw Sebastian seemingly start to panic. And he spoke. "Neither, although I guess you could call them 'Demons'". Deon grinned as he watched Asmodeus practically fly into the Park, with Ash and Rin close behind. Rin grinned as she pounced, tackling Deon to the ground and trying to hit him. He blocked her attacks and kicked her off, and they both started laughing. Standing up, Deon offered the Kasha his hand, which she accepted. They both laughed a bit again, and Deon turned. "This is my friend Rin, she's a Kasha.... Please tell me I don't have to explain what a Kasha is".



Sebastian looked around at Lucy at this. [b]"What in the world is a Kasha?" He asked, before looking over at Ash. "Um... Lucy, do you know who that is?" He asked. Lucifer replied. "Yeah, that's Ash, why do you ask, Sebastian?". Lucifer looked at him, a smirk on her face and she pushed herself off of him. She grabbed him by the cheek, chuckling a little. "Awww, is 'Basty-wasty curious?". She stifled a laugh as she saw his cheeks redden, and patted him on the shoulder. "Just kidding. It's good to see you again, though.... Hikari, what's the status? How many?". She turned to the others. "Just in case you didn't hear them, there's a few Demons just in the trees around us". Deon sighed, and concentrated. "Around twenty or so, it'll be easy. And I can go all out this time, gosh it's been so long since I've been able to. Heh. This'll entertain me". He turned to the Cat-girl and grinned "Gonna go hide in your kitty-litter, pussy-cat?" Rin punched him in the shoulder, and her claws slifted out with a 'shhhick'. "Hell no, I'm not letting you have all the fun. Also, 'Hikari'? Really? The WDL gave you that, I hope". Sebastian's stood up.

"C-curious? Come on Lucy, don't tease me..." Lucifer grinned as he grinned back at her. "... I... Need to talk to her." He said, before quickly rushing over towards Ash, which made Lucifer feel... odd. Was this 'Ash' girl really better than her?... No. Lucifer wouldn't allow such thoughts. "No". Lucifer looked to Deon. "Should I call the others? Or what?". Deon noticed the angry glint in her eye and grinned. "Go get 'em, they'll love this". Deon watched as the first of the Demons began to appear, Earth Demons... wait, no. He gasped as the multitudes of Demons ran past him, away from something. And then he saw it. "Fire Demons.... fuck, already? Az, Luci! Get ready! Brenhin's coming!". Deon grinned, raising his fists as a fire demon leaped at him, and he roundhoused it to the face. "Listen up, you weaker people get to the back of me, Luci, Az and Rin. If ya don't, prepare to get burned". Deon whacked another Demon in the face, and suddenly they all started pouring out of the forest. Rin grinned, brandishing her claws. "Meeeooow!~ I haven't played for a-ges! Let's make this fun, shall we Deon?". She reached over and clawed his hoodie's arm off, revealing the black armband with a golden pin that was sitting on his arm. Deon grinned. "Yeah, they decided to 'Exorcise' me, and made me an Exorcist. Bullshittery, I say!". He booted another Demon away, putting his hands in his pockets for a cool effect. He spoke. "Seven Sisters of Purgatory, to me!". And suddenly all Seven Sisters were there, grinning and brandishing their weapons. Asmodeus smiled to Ash. "Yeah, I've been going super easy on ya, Ashy-poo~".

Deon moved his foot just in time to dodge the ray that caused the explosion of demons and flesh. "Well shit, look who it is!".

Class was boring. Well, it probably wasn’t that bad, but Ash never was the kind of student that paid attention. She was bright, yes. Was she motivated? Not so much. At least…Not when it came to theories and the like. Sure, it was probably important to know about the weaknesses of the different elemental demons blah blah… But she had avoided university for a reason. She liked being hands on and practical, and in that regard, she’d of much rather had another training session with Asmodeus rather then almost falling asleep at her desk.

"May I speak to Ashley Clade, please?" A feminine voice spoke from the back of the class, Ash casually glancing over to the source. The hooded person was hard to make out, but the gasp and insistence of Az made it clear this was important. Having sat up when everyone had turned to look at her, she picked up her bag and belongings, excusing herself from her desk as she calmly walked out into the hall. “Wonder what this is all about…” Ash thought to herself as she waited for the guest to start speaking. Instead, the first thing she did was remove her hood, producing the most endearing cat ears. Ash blinked a couple of times, staring a moment and almost missing everything the woman said. Still lacking focus, she responded with the first thing that came to her mind.

“A cosplayer…?” Ash stated dumbly, before the giggle from the woman snapped her from her daydream. Slightly embarrassed she’d been staring so much, Ash shook her head to hide the slight tinge her face had undergone, answering the more critical component of her question. “But yeah, I’m happy to get out of class.” Ash mumbled, before looking in the direction of Asmodeus. True to what she told, the telepathy was going to come in really handy when she didn’t want to sound like a crazy person talking to thin air. “Care to bring me up to speed?” Ash communicated directly to Asmodeus mind. To her surprise however, the demoness simply giggled, materialising and leaping into a hug with the newcomer. Well, that explained why she was so insistent on Ash seeing her… Maybe they had ‘that’ sort of relationship? Shaking her head again, Ash attempted to remove her mind from the gutter. It was official; Az was definitely rubbing off on her.

Rin and Asmodeus seemed to exchange some banter briefly that Ash failed to catch in her little judgement lapse. By the time she was focused again, Asmodeus was playfully holding a finger to Rin’s mouth, before directing a question Ash’s way. “Ya know what a ‘Kasha’ is?” Ash eye rolled, folding her arms and sighing before speaking in slight irritation. “Do I look like I know what a Kasha is?” If she knew what one was she wouldn’t be asking her to explain, would she? Asmodeus could be so ditzy sometimes… Teasingly, the demon began tugging on her sleeves, grinning as she picked on Ash’s intellect before dragging her along down the hall. Well, whatever. It’s not like she needed to know what a ‘Kasha’ was. Probably just a demon cat, judging by those ears… Wait, Invasion? Her face turned serious as she listened in on the conversation a bit more intently. So the Demon’s were attacking the WDL? Were they being brazen, or was the academy literally under threat? Either way, Ash broke Asmodeus’ grip, increasing her stride to keep pace with Rin.

“Tell me more about just what exactly is going on here.”



Kane jumped out of his skin as a boy fell from the sky, landing with a soft thud next to them. Behind him however, Claire kept him from tripping over himself, to which he gave an appreciative smile and nod, straightening up and coughing as if he hadn’t just been startled out of his wits. Aiming to comment on that fact, he was silenced as Claire put a hand over his mouth, letting both the white haired boy, and Thomas have a bit of a discussion. It seemed this Hikari person knew Thomas… Or at least he thought he did? Still, how come everyone was all so jumpy about an invasion? They were safe in the academy, right? Nervous, Kane flinched a little as another loud voice rang out nearby, another student running over - a girl this time.

“Does everybody cut class regularly…?” He muttered a little to himself, feeling a little awkward. Today was supposed to be the lecture on elemental demons, and although he’d done some pre-reading, he was eager to learn secret techniques to banish them. With the way these people were talking, it seemed that maybe he’d have to use these techniques first hand. No. They couldn’t be right – This was the WDL ACADEMY. Any demon would be suicidal to step in here, especially with all the guards and exorcists around. He’d just have to speak up, convince all them to calm down, then they could head back to class, find the girl Thomas was looking for and…

"It's been ages Sebastian! It’s so good to see you again"

Lucy practically flung herself into the boy, before viciously striking out at Hikari. They must have known each other from an orphanage, judging by what had been said. It… Must have been nice having friends like that… Sombre for a moment as he thought back to his own past, Kane regretted having grown up in the abbey – If only for a moment. It didn’t take too long for his resolve to return however, as he stepped forward into the middle of them. “Well, it seems we found you your missing friend after all… Sebastian, wasn’t it?” Smiling as he clasped onto the shoulders of the two, pulling them together, Kane was blissfully unaware of how wrong he was, and was still ignorant as the attention turned towards more students making their way over.

“It’s great everything worked out, right Claire?” Kane looked over to where she’d been standing… Before doing a double take. She was gone. “Claire…?” Kane asked, breaking off from Lucy and Sebastian as he went looking for her. She’d been there just a minute ago, and given they were all grouping up here, now wasn’t really the time to go off on her own. Glancing behind him, he heard the sounds of a ruckus, but assumed it was Lucy beating up on Hikari again. It didn’t really matter, his most pressing concern was finding Claire. Just where had that girl run off to?


“Seems we got ourselves a party…” Ash mumbled, slowly wandering up to the group. Asmodeus seemed pretty eager to catch up, as did Rin, tackling Hikari to the ground. Ashley on the other hand, kept her hands in her pockets, calmly striding up and taking a standing position just outside the circle of people. Watching the scene unfold in front of her, Ash turned to analyse the approaching demons intently. It was just as Rin had said – The academy was under attack, and by… Fire demons? Damn it, this was why she was supposed to pay attention in class. Ah well, like hell she was going to let them tear through here like they owned the place. She had some powers now. She wasn’t some helpless little girl like at the warehouse. No matter what, she wasn’t going to let that smug bastard Hikari show her up. Ash glanced over to him as Rin ripped off the Hoodie, revealing the armband around his shoulder. So he was a bigshot exorcist. Okay, well MAYBE she’d be a bit more realistic and make sure not to let Asmodeus show her up.

In a flash of light, the seven sins made their appearance in full, weapons drawn. Asmodeus made a sneaky grin, brandishing a large staff Ash hadn’t seen throughout all her training. "Yeah, I've been going super easy on ya, Ashy-poo~." Asmodeus turned and winked to Ash. Well shit. Maybe she’d start just by holding her own and working her way up from there… Attempting to step forward to join the front rank, she was quickly cut off by some kid. Ugh, she hated clueless people like this.

“Yo pipsqueak, he said non-combatants to the rear. You’re in my way.” Ash glared a little as she spoke, attempting to shove past him.



“Claire?” Kane called out, rounding into the alleyway. Sure enough, there was his friend, opening up her satchel and… Speaking to some cats? She kept CATS in her bag? Were pets even allowed on the campus grounds? Just what was going on with her? She’d been acting weird ever since that Hikari guy had shown up… “What are you doing over here anyway?” Kane froze up a little, hearing what sounded like battle nearby. Were the demons really attacking? They had to warn everyone!

Claire sat up, removing her glasses a moment. “Sorry Kane, these two were starting to get restless, so I didn’t want to cause a scene in front of everyone.” Claire laughed a little, nudging the two cats. One was a pure black, while the other, a shimmering white. Both darted off past Kane however, scrambling towards the sounds of the battle. He didn’t get the chance to see each of their tails split into many, instead remaining focused on Claire. “Come on, we need to group up with the others, it’s not safe… And we need to grab your cats before they hurt themselves.” Kane took her hand, trying to lead her out. Instead, she seemed to fall over, giving a cry of pain.

“O w ow ow… Kane, I think I… Rolled my ankle. I… I should be okay. I’ll just stay hiding here, you go help the others.” Claire smiled weakly… Man, she was brave. Staying injured here like this by herself during a demon attack... He couldn’t just leave her vulnerable like this… “I’ll carry you back to the hall, you can’t stay out here like this.” Kane knelt down to pick her up, but Claire simply shook her head. “I’ll be alright, really. I’ll set up a barrier to hide in with my gear. You can help me the most by making sure everyone else is okay.” Kane grimaced a little, watching her pull out the little candles and chalk. Well… If she was in one of those barriers, she should be okay. Besides, this alleyway was far out of the way of the fight… She’d be fine. “Alright, but I’ll bring the others back over here as soon as I can.” Sitting up firmly, he turned and hurried back towards the others. If this really was an invasion… They were going to need all the help they could get…

…

Behind Kane, Claire waited a moment until he was gone. Then, calmly standing and dusting herself off, she strode off out of the alleyway.