Arabelle's Story

Adam Chase
The hand on the clock had finally hit its marker, the alarmed sounded immediately, a chorus of bells shook the small apartment. Adam turned on his bed, facing directly away from the clock, his eyes remained shut for a few moments before he realized it wasn't going to stop. Turning towards the clock his hand gripped it firmly, in his frustration he threw it with all his might; it hit the nearby wall and sprawled into pieces, there was a satisfying crack and the bells were silenced. Adam lied on his back, looking at the ceiling "That's the fourth clock this month..." He grumbled, irritation covering his face, a resigned sigh escaped his mouth as he sat up.

It was 7:00am and he he had places to be, primarily he had to pick up his little sister and take her to school and fast, his mother unable to do it. It wasn't until he picked up his mobile that he realized the date: it was Saturday, no school today, he winced realizing how out of touch with reality he way. He took a quick passing glance at the alarm clock on the floor, some stubborn part of it still ticked defiantly, bending down Adam finally switched it off.

His apartment like always was a mess, the wallpaper was peeling and the walls were cracked, the floor was littered with general rubbish and in the kitchen several pizza boxes sat stacked on the counter along with half-filled bottles of flat cola. It was a depressing sight, Adam pushed the feeling deep down and checked his phone for messages. A few were from his mother asking him to pick up milk, her prescription and a few other essentials; one was from one of his employers, Chase, we need that file found on Monday, if you don't find it don't bother coming in. He rolled his eyes doubting if the file had ever existed, he doubted he'd be fired as his Boss relied on him more than he cared to admit.

Opening up the small cupboard beneath the sink, he took a look at his gas meter, it had three meger zeros meaning Adam couldn't have the hot shower he so desperately craved. Sighing he walked over towards his wardrobe he pulled out a blue shirt that had a plaid pattern, slipping that on he did up all of the buttons and pulled the collar down. For his legs he got a pair of denim trousers that had rips at the knees. Finally he had slipped on the black leather jacket he usually wore, put on his usual brown work boots. Ready for the day, he decided to start the way it usually did: visiting his family.

Upon opening the door a half-balding man was standing there, in a red silk gown, he looked flustered and angry, "Do you have any idea what fucking time it is!" He raised his finger and took a step closer looking half-crazed.

Adam took a passing glance and felt a dull anger ache in his gut, has he been waiting here? Adam thought in absent-mindedness. The man obviously mistook this for nervousness and took a liking, like a man on a power trip, he opened his mouth to speak again. "It's twenty minutes passed seven now get out of my way." Adam spoke in a matter-of-factly tone and went to walk away.

A shoulder gripped his shoulder and pulled him back, Adam being irritated, feeling downtrodden and depressed barely kept control. He turned towards the man barely keeping his cool. "I am sick of this! Every day you have your alarm on full! You piece of sh-", at that point Adam completely lost his cool. Adam's fist swung forward with the intent of breaking the man's annoying face, instead something else happened there was a ripple in the air before his fist reached the man, some sort of energy exploded blasting the man off of his feet, his head hit the wall leaving a dent in the plaster, he slumped down unconscious. In that pseudo-punch Adam felt something open inside of him, something that had been latent for a long time and all Adam could do was look at his fist in wild disbelief.

Quick to disregard what he saw for some illusion caused by stress, he shook his head, usually he trusted what he saw but what he did there was impossible, that and the fact that his teenage sister had recently been institutionalized for schizophrenia. Breathing heavily he muttered to himself "You're not delusional, you've simply had a stressful morning. You punched that man not blasted. Everything's fine. Now get on with your day."

Heading out of the apartment complex Adam felt liberated, nothing like taking out your frustrations with physical violence; granted he still felt stressed but overall it let a more cool head take over. Adam first headed to a general store and picked up a few vital groceries, then headed to the pharmacy for his mother's heart medication. He checked his mother's messages that he had everything then he began walking towards his family's house.

He knocked once before opening the door, it wasn't locked, it was never locked. Upon entering he saw the bleak grey hallway, the stairs leading up where his mother resided, in her room as always. He lay the bags down in the hallway and entered the lounge, his little sister was there; lying on the floor head in hands watching cartoons. Her head turned and she cried happily "Adam!" She rushed over and they embraced in a hug in which Adam spun her around. Emily wore a black vest over a white shirt, followed by a blue skirt that reached her knees.

"Hey Emily!" Adam smiled, taking on a completely new demeanor, the big brother. The one where he acted light heartedly, had no worries and loved his family, underneath though this was simple acting on Adam's part, a front he put up for Emily. He let go and put her down gently on the ground, "Just a sec, kiddo; gotta pack the groceries." Adam proceeded to do so, putting everything in place. Adam headed upstairs where his mother was snoring lightly, oxygen mask on her face, he put her prescription next to her along with a sticky note that read I'm taking Emily out, be back in an hour.

Looking at Emily she didn't have many friends and usually sat inside, mostly because like him and his teenage sister they were all seen as weird. The kids in her class bullied her and called her strange because things had a tenancy to happen around her, Adam too. His other sister was simply seen as insane and she was in a way. Emily was different. Though Adam visited both of them, it hurt him visiting his older sister and seeing her in such a state.

Walking down the stairs he paused in the hallway, "C'mon Emily we're going out to the park!" She turned and faced him and with a quick enthusiastic nod she slipped on her shoes and ran over to him. They both walked towards the door and headed out hand in hand. Emily and Adam discussed her time at school vaguely, the headteacher had apparently taken a shine to her and Adam nodded, he then proceeded to give her his cynical advice, "Make friends in high places Emily and you'll rarely get into trouble. Words to live by." He flashed her a smile and she grinned back.

Nearing the park, Emily asked "You'll push me on the swings right, Adam?" With a quick affirmative nod from him she slipped his grasp and ran towards the gate. Adam hung behind slowly trailing after her as she entered the empty park and ran towards the swings.

Arabelle

The kettle whistled signifying that the water inside had finally boiled, Arabelle sauntered towards it, she didn't have to drink but she sure did love too, making herself a cup of coffee was a simple matter as she poured it into her small china cup. Carrying it over towards the table she seated herself, putting the hot drink on the side. Having been awake all night, a good ol' cup of coffee would certainly help freshen the mind, taking a quick reflexive sip, she sighed as it went down her throat. How she loved modern food, food in the time when she was human was garbage when compared. Her mind flashed and in that moment lit up.

Pushing her small spectacles back up the bridge on her nose, she began reading a few files that she had been sent. Mostly it was about school, a few deviants that had vandalized a teacher's car, she felt a hot rush of injustice and would personally see to them being caught and punished accordingly.

Others were about particular students, a one Emily Chase, looking at the file she realized that she was a sister to Adam Chase, a boy whom she had kept an eye on when he went to school he was one of Death's children of course, she kept an eye on most of them as few avoided her gaze, they all went to school at one point after all, some were still going. Our Lord needs to show restraint... She thought momentarily, she briskly drove the stray thought from her mind focusing on her work as she always did. "Emily Chase, even the teachers show discomfort around her..." Arabelle found herself murmuring, "There's something off about her though..." She found herself admitting recalling their brief encounter.

Ticking various boxes; applications, things that needed her direct confirmation, advice, she felt much like she did in the past except the territory she was ruling over was a school. She enjoyed it though, directing efforts and educating the youth, although in her time the youth were much more grateful about being educated. She shook her head, they were just children after all and she shouldn't judge them, instead it was her job to teach.

Relaxing as she delved further into her work, she was rather shocked as she felt several bursts of strange power from Reaper, so shocked that she stumbled out of her chair, spilling her coffee in the process. She fell towards the ground and sat utterly blank for a few seconds before crying out "It's happened!" Pushing herself up with a grace that can only be achieved by floating, she ignored the mess she had made and darted for her room. Running towards the mirror she ran a brief hand through her hair, then she focused on her eyes.

In almost a heartbeat she felt herself step into the underworld, her skin melted away gracefully and she began to hover a few meters off the ground. Her gaze was fixated on the dark castle in front of her, where Death himself resided. The urgency of the news stopped her from gazing around in awe of the landscape, as she always was. It was always so beautiful down here, especially in comparison to the mundane real world.

Pulling up her wispy hood she began to float forward towards the castle, she did loops and generally enjoyed the feeling off weightlessness, flying towards the front gate it opened for her. Always a good sign, she thought briskly, as she continued through Death's halls, a few creatures waved and greeted her, she politely waved back. She quickly told them she was in a rush and couldn't talk right now, as usual they respected her wishes.

As Arabelle approached the throne room, she noticed the doors had already been opened. Inside Death was sat on his throne, Sevan Arabelle figured assuming that Sevan would never let Raul speak formally to Death was informing him of the news. Knowing how rude it would be to enter and interrupt she waited patiently outside, listening. Silence lingered before Death spoke.

She nodded in agreement, Lord Death was wise, it would be very inconvenient if the world of the living found out about them. She assumed that was it but Death uncharacteristically added "I will be there when I can, take care of them until I am able to assist." She didn't realize Lord Death would be getting involved personally but she reminded herself that these were Lord Death's children after all. Pausing she decided to wait for Sevan to exit, seeing if they could come up with some sort of plan on how to approach this.

Within the small building stood three people. Each of these people were armed with briefcases. Judging from the tension in the room, these three weren't here to throw a party.

One of the men came forward, opening up a briefcase containing a lot of money- millions of the stuff. In response, the other two men came forward, showing a large amount of weapons. The first person began expecting these weapons, nodded, and passed his briefcase over to the,
As they nodded and turned to leave, there was the sound of a window breaking. The people blinked to their side. As they did, a man shouted "EXTREME ENTRY!" as he spin kicked one of the weapon dealers in the face.
Not letting the criminals recover, Remiel smirked as he took one down grabbing his gun, and pointing it at the other one. " Freeze, sucker. Police." He said with a confident smirk.
With the swift attack that left the other one essentially with his pants down, he held his hands out in surrender. The other two weren’t really in a mood to move, but that was okay with Remiel.

...

As he watched the three being led into a police car, Remiel let out a hardy laugh. "Oh, it always feels great watching people get led away into jail." He said out loud. This was the most fun working undercover that he had ever had. He might just keep up this ruse for a bit longer. HE turned and looked through the window at the criminals. “I hope you idiots like prison food. I think today’s special is slop with a side helping of slop.”

He gave a laugh, tapping the police door, which then sped off to prison. Really, this was his sort of job. HE could pull off as many extreme maneuvers as he wanted, and the people only respected him for it. Plus, crime was at an all-time low, so two birds with one extreme stone.
He waved to his underlings, turning and walking down a corner. AS he did, he stepped from one world to the next, the where the castle of hades stood before him. He smirked- this place always felt amazing to Remiel, and he walked down and into the castle with an air of confidence.
This place always seemed interesting to Remiel. IT was always dark, or at least whenever he showed up. This castle that housed Death himself… the guy must have one hell of an interior decorator. Then again, he supposed he could have used his powers to revive one specifically for modeling his house… food for thought, if nothing else.

He stretched his back out as he walked forward, to where the last pits of a conversation with Death and … was it Saul? Guess it would have to be, because he was fairly certain that if Revan was talking, Death would have ripped him to pieces or some such. Arabelle was in the corner listening in, but she moved to speak to Saul.
“Did I hear correctly? It’s time to wake the little one’s up?” HE asked as he walked forward. If that was true, then this was going to be a rather extreme week.

Sevan was delighted to hear that Lord Death seemed intrigued by his news. It wasn't every day that he had seemed so interested in Sevan's briefings. "Go, my dear friend, I predict they will be struggling with their new identities. It would be an inconvinence if the world of the living were informed." Sevan almost lifted his head when his master had stopped speaking, but halted as it seemed Lord Death had more to say. "I will be there when I can, take care of them until I am able to assist." Sevan opened his eyes in surprise. It was rare for his master to leave the Underworld off business like this. He quickly lifted his head, to lay eyes upon his master. Even Sevan and the other trusted followers of Death have yet to see their master's true appearence before. It would be a lie if Sevan said he never wondered what lied behind that black cloak.

As Sevan turned to leave, he reverted back into his human form with a sigh of discontent. Upon opening his eyes, he could make out two distinct, familiar figures standing at the doorway of Death's throne room. "Could it be?... Arabelle! Remiel!" He exclaimed as he made his way towards them. "I haven't seen either of your for 20 years. I take it you've become accustom to your human lives?" He began. Directing his attention to Remiel, he showed a friendly smile. "Raul has been complaining nonstop, that his old sparing partner is never around. You should enlighten him sometime soon. Finally facing a challenging opponent would probably lessen the death on the streets of Reaper. Our lord has enough on his hands without Raul adding to it." He declared.

Afterwards, his expression turned serious. "As great as this reunion has been, I'm afraid there is an issue at hand, that may have something to do with the children's awakening." He began. "As we were told, there are '7' children that lord Death has born. However, I believe all of us have felt a strange source of power over the past 16 years that is somewhat... similar to that of the children's. Exactly the same in fact. Every time Raul and I had made an attempt to investigate it, we came up with empty results. The power source after all, only appears for a few seconds, before disappearing. But this time, I felt not 7, but 8 power sources. I believe we may have an impostor attempting to kill the children, by blending in with them. Seeing as the impostor has stopped disappearing, we should have a better change of hunting him or her down. Don't you agree, my friends?"

Arabelle

Arabelle felt simply delighted at being reunited with her friends, it had been quite a while but time had little value to spirits, they were eternal after all. Taking a passing glance at both Remiel and whom she had deduced as Sevan she smiled. "I haven't seen either of your for 20 years." Sevan exclaimed, Arabelle nodded politely; had it been that long? she thought absent-mindedly, "I take it you've become accustom to your human lives?" Once again Arabelle nodded happily and went to run a hand though her hair, upon realizing she had no hair she spoke " Too accustomed I think, my friend."

Her head turned as Remiel and Sevan began to chat, reminiscing about old history she supposed. Thinking for a moment about how they were going to handle the situation, they would have to be cautious; with the people and the children. Depending on which child, some would accept it without question reveling in it, others would need proof, lastly the ones she feared most would reject it or go mad. To prevent them from going into that state they would have to be gradually broken into the supernatural world, slowly made to change and adapt and Arabelle promised herself she would be gentle with her Lord's children.

Turning back towards Sevan and Remiel she patiently waited for things to move to more urgent matters. After Sevan made some smart quip about Raul adding to death, something Arabelle fancied he did quite often considering that brute's love for violence, Sevan's face took on a serious look of importance, Arabelle found herself attentive and curious in an instant; "As great as this reunion has been, I'm afraid there is an issue at hand, that may have something to do with the children's awakening," Arabelle nodded, it was really quite obvious with all that power being released all over Reaper.

Listening quietly, occasionally nodding Arabelle did not say anything during Sevan's quick briefing. It was followed by a sense of dread and urgency, an impostor? A wolf among the sheep, Arabelle then paused and took a quick breath. "Although I agree Sevan, we should be concerned with this... eighth power source. We cannot yet jump to conclusions without actual proof." Arabelle stated, a sense of justice and fairness flowing through her. "We should be wary and investigate... if the power has been fluctuating for sixteen years then the children's awakening have drawn it out into the open. It is connected to them in some way, perhaps as a murderer, pursuer? We cannot say yet."

Arabelle's demeanor took on a more stoic turn as she began to speak with authority, "It should be dealt with though, we cannot have it interfering with the children. It would be wise for one of us to pursue it. I fear my power would not be able to match it, my power has been untested for too long" She took a glance at Remiel "And that one of us might be too heavy handed..." Her gaze settled on Sevan and although she did not outright say he should go she was subtly implying. "We should also not waste too many resources on this. While one pursues the eighth power, we should go after the children."

“Oh ya?” Was what Remiel said as Sevan approached him. He laughed in response. “Well, I'm always ready for a good fight, just be sure to make it more extreme than last time, okay?”

He stretched. “Oh ya, I'm enjoying like as a cop. I can be as extreme as I want to, and I actually get REWARDED for that. Best. Job.Ever,” He laughed, thinking to today's escapade with the weapon smugglers. Really, who else got to kick in windows and be announced as a hero because of it? In the old days, if a city guard had did that, he would have been bitched too day and night, begging for compensation. Nowadays? Another medal to add to the closet,

He closed his eyes as Sevan began explaining the situation. “Wait wait, wait just a second, how can someone mimic a child of the boss man? I mean, those power signatures are pretty unique aren't they?” He asked. He was going to suggest having the police keep an eye out for suspicious teenagers... but if a teenager WASNT acting suspicious, he would assume the world was coming to an end. “I'll double my patrol for now, cast out my nets,:

As Arabelle began talking , Remiel turned and started heading for the door. “We can sit here and talk all we want, but If we don't DO something, those kids can wind up dead, and I would rather not be the one sitting around when the Boss Man finds out. Call me when you get back to the real world. Just dial 911 and ask for the sheriff.”

While Sevan agreed that they shouldn't jump to conclusions, he couldn't rid himself of the wrenching feeling in his gut that something was seriously wrong with the eighth power source. However, Arabelle's indirect suggestion that he should carry out the main investigation was clear enough for him to pick up. Although, it reassured him that Remiel would be assisting him through his own methods. Sevan envied how well he was able to make use of his human life for matters concerning both the world of the living, and the Underworld. He didn't like the idea of attempting to hide things from his lord, or deceive him in any way. But he knew that he had already been doing so by not mentioning the eighth power in his earlier reports. There was no use in giving his lord any cause for alarm now.

After Remiel had already began leaving, Sevan smiled and turned to give a friendly wave to Arabelle, before closing his eyes, and shifting back to the world of the living. In the middle of doing so, he tracked the first child he could find, and appeared in a close by area. Once he opened his eyes, he found that he was in a back yard of what appeared to be an orphanage. Swiftly, he sprinted through the yard, and found cover in the form of a medium-sized bush."Lets see... If memory serves me correctly, several of the children grew up in an orphanage for at least some point in their lives..." He spoke to himself quietly, closing his eyes and trying to recall who he was looking for. 'Ah, yes! I do believe this is the residence of a miss, Victorinne Eliade!' He thought to himself with a sense of brilliance.

As he surveyed the yard, Sevan found no signs of life. Finally, he put his ear to a shallow, wooden portion of the house, near where he was hiding. Sevan could make out several voices coming from within the room on the other side. He concentrated, while searching through the souls of the house, until he finally came upon Rinne's. 'Hmm. It seems that she has yet to go through any of the three stages...Duly noted.' He thought. He again felt that familiar buzz in his head that could only mean that Raul had awoken again. 'Annoying...' Sevan managed, before Raul began his yammering. 'Who you calling annoying, eh? We finally hunting down these brats or what?' Raul asked, with a mental yawn. 'Although I don't approve of the term "hunting" when referring to Lord Death's children, yes. We are indeed seeking them out.' He replied, while making his way to a nearby window and peering through. He ignored any of the incesent rambling Raul said, while scoping out the room intently. From there, he could make out Rinne with three of what he assumed were her foster siblings. She seemed to be the only one facing in a direction to where he could be within sight. Sevan smiled to himself, reveling in how happy this child seemed. He felt almost ashamed that he was about to show her a world where that happiness cannot exist. He turned away from the window, and lifted his finger directly underneath it. He channeled energy through it and sparked a blue, purple, and pink flame from his finger. It was bright enough to be seen through the window, but not enough to where it gave off a heavy glow through the morning light. The flame only lasted a second, as he merely wanted to grab Rinne's attention. Not make her think the yard was on fire.

Arabelle

Arabelle turned her back towards the door, satisfied that everything would go according to plan and that hopefully they'd find the children and everything would go off without a hitch. In the corner of her eye she saw Sevan wave at her before quickly disappearing, having gone back to the mortal realm, after this was over she hoped she could have a proper talk with both of them and catch up. A wave of calm washed over her and she smiled, it was time to get to work.

Closing her eyes and opening them she appeared in her room again, standing in front of her mirror, as if she had never left. Noting that her hair had fallen out of place she quickly began to tidy it, her brown locks were in a tight bun and one stray hair covered her forehead. Satisfied she headed down stairs, ignoring the work and coffee she had spilt earlier, at the moment it was irrelevant. She had documents on all of Death's children, at least the ones that had passed through her school, it was the best place to start with the ones she had more information on.

The files lay in her personal study's desk, which always was under lock and key. The files were ordered alphabetically, with the child's surname and gender. Upon reaching her study she produced a key from her pocket and unlocked the desk, "I really should get with the times and go digital..." She absent-mindedly stated unaware that there was no one here to listen to her. Simply choosing the closest and first file, she opened it and her eyes began to scan it intently: the name on the file was Julius Amator.

The child, Julius appeared in all respects average, he scored exactly average on everything he partook in but he did appear to excel in gymnastics. Teachers commented that Julius was a nice person, one that socialized and had little problems and although he only scored average he was nice to teach. On the negative Julius was quite care free and frankly as some teachers put it: dull. Upon reading this Arabelle thought it would be easy enough to approach this boy, scanning the file for an address which she quickly found she prepared to set off. Grabbing her black leather coat she set off towards the address.

Upon reaching the address she was quite surprised, Julius appeared to be quite wealthy but it seemed logical, Lord Death would want his children to have comfortable lives she supposed. Glancing at the gates of the estate she decided it'd be better if she just appeared, rather then have the boy speculate about what she was going to ask. Taking a quick look around to look for any people that might be watching, she found she couldn't see anyone. In an instant she leapt far normal than any human could, she hovered gently before landing gracefully on the other side of the gate. Brushing down her clothes she strolled up to Julius's door.

Upon the first knock she waited politely for several minutes, she knocked again after and lastly for a third time. She guessed that no one was home from the lack of response. "Well now what am I going to do?" She murmured to herself, she began pacing outside before she realized that there had been a burst of power in this proximity, writing it off that she had not properly attuned herself to it. It seemed especially thick inside the house, turning she noticed that although the residual power got weaker she could follow it.

Setting off in a set direction she noted the landscape change into a more urban one. Upon walking on one of the sidewalks she noted that the trail had ended, ended at a boy who had sat on a bench. Although Julius' file had no picture she figured that this was indeed him. She stopped on the sidewalk and quickly ran a brisk eye over the boy, he had brown hair and eyes and generally looked very unassuming. Shaking herself free of this daze she strolled forward towards the boy.

Arabelle confidently strolled over to the bench and sat next to the boy, sitting up straight she gathered her thoughts and generally how she was going to break it down for him. "Hello... Julius, it's good to finally see you." She paused before adding, "I usually make it a prerogative to have met all students. You however I haven't had the pleasure of meeting before." After a longer pause Arabelle decided to speed things up a little, let him know that she knew, "How is your heart by the way? There's nothing wrong with it!" She quickly said "It just hurts when... well I'm sure you know." She turned looking at him more analytically, trying to determine what response she was going to get.

Arabelle

Arabelle looked at the boy, taking in his response and was glad that he wasn't surprised or shocked, that's always a good sign she thought; hopefully the boy would believe everything else, she doubted it though. Although he knows and believes there is something wrong with him she doubted he'd believe that he along with six others are the children of the Grim Reaper.

Julius broke into a short laugh when Arabelle had mentioned his heart having trouble, raising an eyebrow she looked at him. Laughter was also an abnormal reaction, from where Arabelle was standing this didn't match the boy on her file. Anyone normal would reject this, still she supposed he was on of Death's children. They all had something strange about them she guessed.

After he stopped laughing he began to respond, "I guess you know something about what's happening to me." Arabelle answered with a simple nod, "My heart's quite well, although it has been acting up lately. Adjusting her position on the park bench she remained stoic and serious as she always did when she worked.

Julius had removed his glasses and contacts, revealing the deep-black pools he had for eyes, Arabelle inched closer and muttered to herself mostly "Interesting." So he was at the second stage, he had already began manifesting his demonic side. His entire demeanor was calm while doing so, silently she wished that the other children would be as accepting as she figured this one was.

"Now then, would you mind telling me about what's happened to me?" The boy had asked, his voice and body language echoing his seriousness, his tone of voice changed becoming more sharper. Raising an eyebrow she had realized that all her teacher's observations on this Julius were worth absolutely nothing, he acted more serious, firm and there was an intelligence behind those black eyes. He was a completely different person, noting this she figured that most of the children would not fit the teacher's observations.

Remaining silent, she let the boy continue, "While we're on this subject, how did you find me and could another creature similar to you find me through the same manner?" Nodding, that was quite the pragmatic question. If she found him other entities could find him.

Closing her eyes and gathering her thoughts she began, "I found you by trailing your power, at the moment it's out of control. The heartache you feel earlier is you awakening and due to it being your first... well it lets off a lot of power that I can track..." Pausing she decided to be honest with Julius, "Yes other entities can track you like I did. That's why we have to hurry and get to the others." She left it purposely ambiguous.

Time to get down to the main question, looking directly at Julius she spoke, "Julius you've kept an open mind so far and I ask that you listen and do so again. I work for your father... he is the official creator of Reaper, he is Death to be blunt. The scythe, robe? All that. Your powers have so far been latent but now you have awakened and well... it's time for a family reunion I guess." Deciding to not tell him the whole story, let him comprehend this she stopped.

While awaiting his response she moved to get up from the bench, "Julius I've got to go, I have urgent business, but I would like it if you would come back to my apartment and wait while I do so. I have wards there and you'll be safe for the time being."

---

Adam

Taking another casual sip from his glass of water Adam took a passing glance at where his door used to hang, shaking his head he felt weary, so tired and although he felt absolutely nothing for the apartment he lived in it was more of the principle, another thing added to the to-do list; it kept getting longer and longer. He couldn't help but feel tired when gazing at the amount of things he had to do.

Sliding the empty glass aside Adam turned towards the man, although he treated the man with disdain his eyes held an alertness. Leaning against the counter he listened to the man's retort, “There's a police car out front and the first thing you assume is I'm some sort of loan shark? What kind of conspiracy theory books have you been reading lately?" Adam paused, thinking a moment he took a glance aside at his computer, remembering a page he browsed about Lizard people controlling the government. He shook his head glumly.

Amelia's paranoia had a tendency to rub off on him he supposed, not that he believed any of that stuff, it was just Adam was at heart a suspicious person. "Well... the cop could have been under the bank's pay-role. Police have a tenancy to oppress the people more than protect them these days after all." Adam began, his voice dripping his neurosis as well as his cynicism.

"Don't worry about your loan, I'll handle it.” The man announced and Adam found himself perturbed, a man appears out of nowhere offering to pay his debts. Adam's mind rebelled it refused to believe that was a valid answer. Casting a more suspicious eye over the man, Adam doubted what the man said, more likely that he was lying and had some ulterior motive. Pushing himself off the counter he was leaning on he remained silent.

Stretching the man said, “Anywho, I've come to get you." That particular line sent a shiver down Adam's spine, "No way else to say it: you're the son of the Grim Reaper. Now, let's get going, shall we?” Adam blinked a few times like an owl, a stray thought broke off in his mind, well at least I'm not the only one in this town who's crazy, getting up from the couch the man strolled towards the door. “I've got to fetch another one of your siblings before nightfall, so think in the car.” Amelia and Emily? Adam at this point couldn't help but laugh.

Turning towards the remnants of his door, he looked at the man confidently "You my friend, are delusional. Completely out of your mind. Congratulations. I think you'd even give poor ol' Amelia a run for her money." He picked up the empty glass he slid across the counter, pulling open a cub-board he pulled out a bottle of whiskey, filling the glass partially he turned back to the man taking a sip. "If you want I'll put you in touch with my sister's shrink, he's an asshole but I hear he works wonders."

Pausing for a moment, he recalled the number, "Phone numbers 773-338-7786, don't let the door hit you on the way out. Oh wait... I don't have a door." Taking another sip of his drink, he turned away and closed his eyes, setting his drink on the counter.

Arabelle

Figuring that was all that she needed to tell Julius she pushed herself up from the bench, she began to stroll away. Continuing to walk across the streets that seemed somehow desolate, pulling out from her other arm was another file she had taken from her cabinet. Another child of Death, a boy named Vincent. Checking details she was somewhat shocked when she read that he was blind.

Looking at the address in the file she decided that would be the best place to start, noting the address down in her mind she set off. Navigating the streets and turns she eventually found herself at the address, the house looked fine and expensive and Arabelle wondered silently if all of Death's children got families like this. Rich human parents that would make sure their child would want for nothing, she pondered her Master's view on his children.

Apparently standing there gawking wasn't the best of things to do as she heard two people behind her, turning and facing them she guessed they were the house's owners and by extension Vincent's guardians. Having just arrived back home they looked startled to see a random woman standing on their property.

Arabelle in a panic quickly extended her hand, "Hello! Hello! Uh- I'm Ara-" She winced before quickly repairing her statement, "Victoria, uh, I'm looking for Vincent, I don't suppose you could tell me where he is?" The people looked at her suspiciously, the man in the suit asked her who she was. In that time Arabelle had regained her composure and told him formally that she was the Headteacher at the school Vincent attended

The woman was quick to answer, "Oh! Our poor darling has had an accident," Arabelle nodded politely listening.

"Is he okay?" Arabelle asked, actual concern leaking from her voice, she then realized that she was a stranger and winced. The man picked up on this but the woman continued liking the attention.

"Oh he's fine now, he is remaining at the hospital though." Arabelle nodded figuring that it had something to do with his heart. Having a heading for her next destination she thanked both the people and simply walked away. Most probably leaving them very confused. She also felt guilty, knowing that the likelihood of them seeing their son after this was low.

Knowing where the hospital was Arabelle headed towards it unfazed, she walked towards the receptionist desk and asked to see a Vincent, when asked why she said that the school wanted to wish him well. The receptionist thought nothing of it and let her through giving her meager directions. She thought she had found the room but it was empty, it had equipment scattered about; someone had been in this room before.

Shutting the door Arabelle tried to locate the boy's power, to her gratification it was strong like a raging inferno, also among it was another power source. Widening her eyes she began to follow it, was it another messenger? An entity? She broke into a light jog and was in a panic.

Eventually the power source led to another room, approaching it carefully she peered inside the half-window the door had. To her surprise she saw that the other power source had been Grey, Death's weapon. She stood there gawping for a good second or two, she had not seen him in positively ages. Thinking of how to proceed she decided a simple knock would suffice. Rapping her knuckles against the door she opened it and stepped inside.

"Hello." She proceeded to announce, her eyes focusing on Grey, for a moment she did not register the boy on the bed. Breaking her gaze she turned to Vincent, "You must be Vincent, it's a pleasure to meet you. I would like to talk to you if that's okay? About what happened to you today." Her gaze then snapped back onto Grey's, "But first I'd like to talk to your friend..." Her head gestured the door, suggesting that they talk outside.

Arabelle

Arabelle had somewhat expected a response like this, she hadn't seen Grey in a long time and now she had found him standing over Vincent; one of Death's children. The atmosphere grew thick, it grew heavy and Arabelle although was not living she felt almost breathless. Though she put on a heavy front, a look that told people she was there for business. Was he here to collect the child? Watch over him? Arabelle found herself unsure.

In her uncertainty she paused and took a brief glance around the room, adding nothing to the practically suffocating silence. She turned her eye onto the boy, onto Vincent, he was gazing out a half opened window, although blind he appeared as if he were looking at the horizon. Grey walked around Vincent's bed and took one of his hands. It was only then that Arabelle noticed the boy's arm, the colour was black, a deep black, spikes had emerged from his knuckles tearing the flesh and leaving blood.

Arabelle's eyes widened, he was manifesting his otherwordly traits already, she wasn't sure why but it perturbed her and she hoped that the other children weren't manifesting as quickly as Vincent was. The boy remained staring outside the window, what he was thinking: unreadable. Watching as Grey held Vincent's arm Arabelle saw a softness, a tenderness in Grey's eyes; did he care for the boy? Arabelle wondered silently, even though she cared for her Lord's children they were in a way strictly business, she had observed most of their lives but as an external part. A watcher who seldom got involved directly.

Watching, her eyes focused on Grey, attempting to read him to get an insight into his thoughts he seemed... conflicted? She supposed. ''I will be right back Vincent, your teacher would like to speak to me.'' Grey announced and followed with a smile, Arabelle could see plainly that he did hold affection for the boy and she couldn't help but feel worried, this could be problematic. Grey's gaze turned onto Arabelle, he glared at her and Arabelle thought absently, this could be very problematic indeed.

Before she knew it they were both outside the door, it being gently shut as to avoid disturbing the daydreaming Vincent by Grey, then he stood in front of it, between her and the child. The possibility of her having to fight Grey entered her mind and she felt cold, though she still held the possibility of talking as a resolution, though the way Grey glared at her it made it seem less likely.

"Arabelle..." He spoke, his eyes staring fixedly at Arabelle.

Returning the same courtesy she spoke, "Grey..." Though her tone was much more relaxed and business-like. "It has been a while," She added casually her gaze not leaving his. "Though I am sure you are aware of what is happening? Our Lord's children are awakening." She paused before hesitantly adding, "I had came to collect Vincent though you appear to have beat me to it. If that is your intention." She spoke as her left eyebrow raised in question. Pausing for a moment she noted mildly "You see quite protective over the boy as well. Did you forget I am sworn to serve Death and his children?"