New York, New York

Xander rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration as he held the cell phone pressed to his ear, “Yes, yes, Mr. Lithe, I’ve got it handled… no, there is no reason for you to get a few more men, I’ve got the best nose in the city on it… Well no he hasn’t officially accepted the job but I have no doubt that-no, I can’t guarantee anything, you know that, he might not even be in the city.” god he wished he could just eat this annoying prick, but he had become accustomed to his lifestyle and that meant money so either he played the humans’ games or he started a cult and just raked in the tithes. He’d tried that once… didn’t end well, “Look , we’ll find him and get- oh come on, what the hell did this guy even steal anyway?” he rose an eyebrow, the man on the other line still holding back information, but Xander didn’t have time for this. His eyes began a soft glow as his voice darkened, his speech slowed and heavy like every word was a command, “What did he steal?” the man on the other line spilled his guts, telling Xander exactly what he’d asked, a small mind trick, humans were so easy to fool when not in large groups, easier still when they were. Xander’s frown deepened, “Mr.Lithe,” his voice standard once more, “You’re an idiot… good bye.” He knew now he couldn’t just return those files, he’d have to kill this Mallory, not that he intended anything else, and Mr. Lithe.

But as he glanced out his window his attention was taken as he spotted a figure walking toward the car and opened the door, sliding over to make room for him as he always did while taking out two glasses form the bar and filling them each with a shot of whiskey, he would never look over until he heard the door shut, as either Morgan would get in or he wouldn’t, he was never sure since the Reapers had wills of their own. Though he did speak loudly when the man was in Earshot, “Busy night?”

---

Morgan almost scowled as he shrunk the scythe down to a small rod and placed it back in his jacket. He crawled into the back of the car with the Demon. He alsmot ignored the glass of whiskey, but then thought better of it, and took it. "Busy night...now that's an understatement. Four of the new Reapers found, but no trace of Light or Darkness. Yet. I sent a copy out to look for them." He sipped the whiskey, and then looked sideways at Xander, his tone flat.

"What are you doing here, Xander? Just what exactly are you looking for this time? How long has it been, seventy years or so since I saw you last?"

---

She kept her eyes upon him; a very clear frown was upon her features. A sense of discontentment had settled in upon her, but that was to be expected given the current situation, as well as the fact that she didn’t understand any of what was going on, or why it was she knew the name of this strange scythe-wielding man who claimed himself a copy of the real thing. If anything, she shouldn’t have turned back around, she should not have let herself speak a name she shouldn’t otherwise have known. She should’ve just continued on her way, and headed back on into the life she’d been leading for the last year, simple, routine and mundane—a punishment and a reminder of the sin she carried.

Fia’s arms came to rest around her middle, lightly draped over the still dully aching section of her diaphragm. This, whatever this all was, she already knew one adjective with which she could describe it. Insanity.

The self-claimed copy of Morgan gave to her a halfhearted smile, before he began to explain himself and the situation as she’d half-demanded of him. The whole thing, all of what he had to say, it ran together in her mind, and she found herself nearly as confused as before. To such a thing as he’d gone on about, what could anyone make of it . . . ? What was there to make of it? In reality, Fia knew there was only two possible ways to react to such an explanation, and the question of whether or not she’d be coming along with him. I can decide either that this short little scene is simply crazy, or I can play along. . . .

Why did this sort of thing have to be happening . . . ? Why was this happening to her? No matter what course of action she went along with, there was no denying something, and that was the fact that a certain strangeness had found itself within her life in a matter of a minute. A giant lizard barreled out of an alleyway in an effort to claim her life before a scythe-wielding weirdo popped out of nowhere, killing the reptile before spouting out her full name. . . . Topping that craziness off, she even found herself knowing his name too. Here she remained, though she should’ve just walked away and left the whole instance there, in the past, and allowed herself to forget it in order to just carry on with her life as she had before, something just wouldn’t let her.

If she were to believe him about the situation . . . about the notion of the ‘Reapers’ that he had explained. . . . He claimed her to be housing the element of Fire within her now, if that were true, if this were. . . . Why Fire? Of all the things, why would it be that?

The confusion and uncertainty she felt had to be what any normal person would experience, the hesitation. . . . Honestly, she really wanted to back away from ‘Morgan’ now, and to just forget this all of it, to go back to living her life. She had a sentence to carry out, the weight of a life remained on her shoulders, and she deserved only a life filled with remembering that sin of hers, the guilt. This sort of thing, it shouldn’t have been happening to her of all people.

For as much as she wanted to deny it, there persisted within Fia that something that could not allow that to happen—that sentiment which had driven her to remain there, to utter a name she shouldn’t have know. She could only exhale slowly, as she shook her head a bit at the absurdity of this all, shutting her eyes.

“I honestly can’t say that I know what to make of this, of . . . any of this, of what you explained, or otherwise.” The tone of her voice was reluctant; a part of her mind was dwelling upon the fact that he claimed her to now house Fire within her. “Really, why . . . ? Any of this, why me? As much as there is a part of me that wants to tell you to go to Hell with all this crap, I know that isn’t right. I still don’t know what to think, but, for now . . . I’ll follow along with you and this, Copy.”

Xander nodded to Daniel as Morgan got in and the car pulled away, the rear block between the driver and passengers rising to give them some privacy. “Busy night...now that's an understatement. Four of the new Reapers found, but no trace of Light or Darkness. Yet. I sent a copy out to look for them.”Xander just huffed in amusement as he too drank the alcohol, not that he’d feel it.

Xandder glanced at him lazily and then back out the window, “Come on, sixty five at most… Jesus, you’re making it seem like we’re older than dirt.” probably true.

“I actually just met your Light myself, remind her she owes me for the save later…central park, if you hadn’t sensed her yet, should still be around there trying to piece things together.” Xander sat in silence for a moment, still mulling over his options. He didn’t know why it wasn’t like he hadn’t already decided; he’d made up his mind the moment he’d opened the door for Morgan, if not long before that. “He’s going to be coming here in person soon you know…” he didn’t exactly act like this was super important but both of them would grasp the severity, “Six reapers new to the game and the biggest player around is about to waltz onto the field… you guys are screwed.” well that was pointless. But Xander never did pointless things, not like this, so he had to have a reason.

The crimson eyed man seemed either frustrated or exasperated… Maybe both. Lillianna couldn’t tell. His expression barely flickered, so it was hard to decipher. She staired back quizzically.

"Alright, that's enough. I can't think straight with all of you in one place like this. So..." He stood and closed his eyes. Suddenly, there were three of him… It was as though something were wrong with Lillianna’s vision. Did he drug her somehoe? How did he drug her? Was his plan to kidnap everyone?

"Find Light and Darkness, they're the only two left." He ordered on of his extra’s. But… People do not order triple visions around, because they didn’t see what other people saw. Did he somehow know what Lillianna was seeing?

His double nodded and left before the one Lillianna viewed as real spoke to the next one. "Take these three back to the base. Explain all you can, but just make sure the get there. Xander is close. I have no doubt he wants to talk to me, so I'll stay here and meet up with you back at the base." Base? What kind of base? He really was trying to kidnap them, wasn’t he?

Lillianna was oddly calm for this kind of situation. Partially, because she thought it was a dream. The other was that as nervous of a person as the girl was, she was also pretty calm. “A-a-are y-y-you t-t-t-trying to k-kidnap us or s-s-s-s-something? D-d-d-did y-you drug us o-o-or something?” She stuttered as usual, but her voice was as steady as it always was when talking to new people. She was more nervous about the strangers than the possibility of being drugged or kidnaped. All the same, she really hoped she was not drugged and about to be kidnapped. Hopefully it was all a dream.

Kylar stood for a moment almost speechless, how had this girl, who is completely covered in mud and dirt, calmer then he? The idea rolled around in his head a few times. He finally let out a elongated sigh while placing his hands on his knees. Did Ky really look that panicked?

The girl gave Ky a warm smile that made him relax a bit, after letting out a last breath he spoke "Yeah, I'm fine I think..." he looked around at the area. On the floor there were remnants of something, looked like something blew up. The dark red material resembled splattered ink, Ky couldn't make out what it was. Whatever it was, it was everywhere, even on the girl.

Ky had been so worried about the situation that he completely forgot his manners, he felt embarrassed and suddenly burst. "Where are my manners, I'm sorry, My name's Kylar. Pleasure to meet ya!". Ky completely changed his expression, he went from panicked to relaxed and laid back, there was still the manner of what had happened to the girl, alas what had made her scream so loud.

He looked around the empty park, then looked back at the girl and smiled. "Are you sure you're okay? Wouldn't want a pretty girl like you to get hurt would we?" he laughed at his own remark, he was just messing around. "Anyway would you mind telling me what happened?"

---

One-second he was walking away, ready to forget all the ridiculous incidents of the day and the next he was, for lack of better words, flying through the air. Ok, flying may have been an exaggeration but that's what it had felt like in the moment; arms went around him and his feet were off the ground.

His eyes widened at the sight of this woman moving him along. For some reason her touch felt familiar, it reminded him of what it felt like when Lance had held him when he was much younger. Daemon was only slightly taller than the woman, but it was obvious with her moving him that she was clearly the stronger of the two.

A feral roar brought his attention away from the strawberry-blonde woman. It was another one of those creatures from before, the one he had seen the black haired guy kill, though this one appeared bigger than the last. Daemon was surprised once more as the woman, instead of running away from the beast, actually charged it. Another battle ensued, the creatures crystalized, and the woman was left standing as the victor.

"Sorry about that." Daemon heard he say as she observed the people in the alleyway that he had left behind. His head was hurting him, strange thoughts and pictures flittered through his mind. The teen found himself seeing memories through the eyes of both men and women; it felt like him but it wasn't. Seeing the two battles, the latter one especially, made him feel a sense of deja vu as though he's seen and been through many of them himself.

One of his hands shot out and gripped Earth Reaper's arm, the other pressing against his forehead. It gave him some comfort of everything going on to know there was some 'Lance-like' near him. He wasn't really paying attention to what was happening with the others, his mind too scrambled to really comprehend much of anything new.

"Where are my manners, I'm sorry, My name's Kylar. Pleasure to meet ya!"

Meri found herself smiling again, as her eyes flickered back to his face. "It's lovely to meet you Kylar. My name is Merinda, but seriously just called me Meri." She told him brightly. Although she was presenting herself as confident and completely open, her insides felt jittery and unsettled. However, the mysterious encounter with the curious man was over and she should think no more about it. Instead, she should be getting on her way. Subtly checking her watch, she was momentarily distracted and didn't see the next two questions coming. Blinking in surprise, she felt her cheeks warm significantly, even though she could hear the amusement in his tone. The flattery caught her a little off guard. It had been a while since a guy had spoken to her like that, even in a joking manner.

"Are you sure you're okay? Wouldn't want a pretty girl like you to get hurt would we? Anyway would you mind telling me what happened?"

Instantly her smile vanished from her face. The things she had just banished to the back of her mind resurfaced and shuddered slightly. Did she tell this complete stranger the truth? Would he even believe her? It was an unlikely story, impossible in fact. But part of her longed to talk with someone. And if he thought she was insane then he could walk away and never lay eyes on her again. It was unlikely that in a place as big as New York they would ever meet again. So, that's why she opened her mouth and spilled the entire story.

"Okay, so you're going to think I am totally insane, but I have to tell someone what I have just seen." Already the babbling had commenced and she was off at top speed. "I was walking towards the park when this huge - and I mean huge - dog burst out of nowhere and started chasing me. Except it wasn't just a normal dog. There was something...demonic about it. It just didn't feel right. So I ran and obviously screamed...because it was completely scary. Anyway, it nearly caught me, but just as I thought it was going to sink its teeth into me, this huge weight pushed me forwards. But it wasn't the dog...well not in that sense...It was the dog, but it had turned to ash. And there was this great man stood over me and he said all this confusing this about reincarnations and not realising who I was...As well as a debt for saving me. I think he killed...No, I know he killed it because he told me he did. It's insane I know, but you have to believe me. I don't know why I even told you...It's entirely mental."

Erys heard the blonde haired girl speak to her, still holding some of the black ooze in her hands. She glanced down and flicked the rest of it off and before she could utter a word, she heard the black haired male speak. He was speaking of something about following him, but Erys couldn’t understand. Her mind was busy on the brunette whose hand shot out and gripped her own. She jerked it slightly at the warm touch but soon relaxed. She noticed the boy’s expression turn to a pained one as he gripped his head with the other hand.

“Hey, are you okay?” she asked, trying to get his attention off of whatever seemed to cause his pain. She was about to shake the boy out of his stupor when the black haired boy mentioned something about being ripped apart by demons. At this, she quirked an eyebrow and tilted her head in a confusing manner. Demons, was that the thing she punched a hole through? It would explain a lot but that didn’t make sense. Demons didn’t exist…at least not to her they didn’t. She opened her mouth to say something, but felt a loss for words. So she stood with mouth closing and opening as a fish would.

“Hold on a second. What are you talking about, Demons? What exactly is going on?” she found herself asking. Usually in a situation like this she would have laughed and walked home. But she couldn’t deny the familiar feeling flittering around in her stomach like a bunch of butterflies that wouldn’t stop dancing. Plus she didn't want to follow some complete stranger (regardless of that little voice in the back of her head) somewhere where they could just kidnap her or something. Then again she was less skeptical about something like that after fending off that lizard thing.

Reapers, the only thing Nihilus considers to stand in his way of total destruction. He hated them just for being alive, although they do have their uses. Over his lifetimes Nihilus has had many enemies with other demons, most of those demons were killed by the Reapers or Nihilus himself. But playing with them when they are new to the world is a blast! They are so confused and disoriented to the things that they are just now seeing, it makes them fun to play with. After trying to figure out where they are he learns that most seemed to have found each other and are in groups. But there is one all alone and Nihilus thought it would be fun to try and thin their numbers right from the get go. Maybe he would just knock this one around for a bit though, the longer they live the bigger the chance they take down the 'King'... or Nihilus, but that was a chance he was willing to risk.

With a cackle he fades from his current location in the middle of a busy street with a bright flash of light, resulting in numerous car crashes. He arrives near the lone Reaper and hears that the Reaper is female and obviously talking to someone, a human. He only hears the tail end of the conversation "...-No, I know he killed it because he told me he did. It's insane I know, but you have to believe me. I don't know why I even told you...It's entirely mental.". Obviously talking about a lesser demon some 'he' killed. Was it the Void Reaper? No if it was he would have stayed, someone else helped this fledgling of a Reaper. Stepping out of the shades with his usual grin on his face he confronts the Reaper. "Hehehehehe, You're right my dear. It is completely and utterly MENTAL." He says in a mocking tone, letting out a laugh after he says Mental. "That is, it would be if it wasn't entirely true. I'm assuming you are talking about something not of this world? You are aren't you? Something... DEMONIC?" He puts heavy emphasis on the last word.

"So." He says as he levitates off the ground and lays on his side with his hand supporting his head as if he was lying on some invisible couch. "Tell me, what did it feel like, encountering your first Demon? Wait, wait, no let me guess? You screamed? I bet you did." He said as he lazily floats around. "But that was just a lesser demon, something you would easily be able to wipe out....if you were more... in tune with yourself." He says with a insane chuckle. "I, however." He says as his eyes glow gold for a split second. "I would be alot harder to handle!" He says as he quickly shifts into a standing position. "It's too bad you had to run into a Human, he might not make it." He says with feigned sadness as a circle of fire surround his feet and the air crackles with electricity. "Now, lets play!" He says as he fires a gout of fire at the Reaper.

"It's lovely to meet you Kylar. My name is Merinda, but seriously just called me Meri." the girl spoke in such a calm manner that it relaxed Ky even more. He smiled at her. "Okay Meri." he said followed by his next question. He knew she would either lie or not want to talk about it, but it was worth a shot. However, the following words that came out of her mouth completely baffled Ky. "Okay, so you're going to think I am totally insane, but I have to tell someone what I have just seen. I was walking towards the park when this huge - and I mean huge - dog burst out of nowhere and started chasing me. Except it wasn't just a normal dog. There was something...demonic about it. It just didn't feel right. So I ran and obviously screamed...because it was completely scary. Anyway, it nearly caught me, but just as I thought it was going to sink its teeth into me, this huge weight pushed me forwards. But it wasn't the dog...well not in that sense...It was the dog, but it had turned to ash. And there was this great man stood over me and he said all this confusing this about reincarnations and not realising who I was...As well as a debt for saving me. I think he killed...No, I know he killed it because he told me he did. It's insane I know, but you have to believe me. I don't know why I even told you...It's entirely mental."

Ky paused at her story he was completely speechless, his eyes gaped open and were completely locked on her. A demon dog would explain the black goo and ooze all around the floor, but a demon dog? seriously. Ky had a few ideas in mind, the girl probably went to a party at which she got heavily drugged, or she was being extremely sarcastic and that was a signal for Ky to leave. I mean come-on, there is no way that it could be true?... Could it?

Before Ky could even utter a signal word he noticed a figure stepping out of the shade. The figure, surprisingly enough, was a clown. A clown?! at this time of the day in New York City? Ky was surely going insane as well. "Hehehehehe, You're right my dear. It is completely and utterly MENTAL." When Meri shouldv'e been the one speaking Ky did in he stead. "Who the hell are you?" he said angrily. The clown said something about being a demon and more crazy things about demons. "It's too bad you had to run into a Human, he might not make it." Ky's face turned red, who was this clown insulting him. A moment later the clown was surrounded by fire, then he began throwing fire at Meri. Ky had to act, he knew not what was going on, but Meri... she seemed so helpless, so confused with whats going on. He had no time to think, he just launched himself in-front of Meri to shield her from the fire ball.

Meri's heart sank low into her stomach when she saw the disbelief on Kylar's face, as he stared at her open-mouthed and wide-eyed. It was evident that he didn't believe her. And in all honesty, who would? The story was completely ridiculous and even she was beginning to doubt the whole thing. Perhaps she was ill and this was all just a hallucination, created in her mind because something was seriously wrong. But it had felt so real. The hot breath on the back of her bare legs, the intensity of the weight, the acidic tone of the mysterious man. It had to be real. However at the same time it was utterly insane. Blinking back tears that had suddenly welled in her eyes, she shook her head slightly. All of this was too much.

"Hehehehehe, You're right my dear. It is completely and utterly MENTAL." Shivers crept swiftly up Meri's spine as a chilling sound filled her ears. Laughter followed the words and it made her skin crawl with anticipation and fear. Slowly, she turned her back on Kylar and faced a new horror. A gasp caught in her throat, as she stepped backwards. Before them stood the most horrific sight she had ever laid eyes on. Even more so than the demonic dog that had chased her into the park. It was a clown, though not the normal happy clowns that roamed Central park during the day time. This one seemed looked as though darkness itself had twisted him into something indescribable. She hated clowns as it was, but to see one that looked pure evil caused her throat to constrict in fear and her heart to thump wildly again. "That is, it would be if it wasn't entirely true. I'm assuming you are talking about something not of this world? You are aren't you? Something... DEMONIC? So..."

It was true. He had confirmed her story and he hadn't even been present during the events. A sense of relief washed through her, only to be replaced by terror. His tone was mocking and full of amusement, which only meant one thing. He was playing with her. It was obvious he knew what had happened and now was toying with her. Gulping down a lump in her throat, she opened her mouth to speak, but before she could he began to levitated. A jolt shot through her heart. Was anything else frightening going to happen to her tonight? It seemed as those every single otherworldly being had set out to seek her out. Wait, did she now believe in those kinds of things? A memory itched at the back of her mind, begging for her attention. But she couldn't focus on that. She had to keep her eyes and mind glued onto the clown.

"Tell me, what did it feel like, encountering your first Demon? Wait, wait, no let me guess? You screamed? I bet you did." Meri's eyes did not leave him as he floated easily around, the mocking tone still in place. A surge of anger welled in her chest and she clenched her fists at her fists. "But that was just a lesser demon, something you would easily be able to wipe out....if you were more... in tune with yourself. I would be alot harder to handle!It's too bad you had to run into a Human, he might not make it. Now, lets play!"

Several things happened at once and Meri watched in complete shock. Suddenly the clown was surrounded by flames, which did not engulf him as she believed they would. He proceeded to throw a fireball towards them. Without time to think, she stood frozen on the spot. Until Kylar dove in front of her, ultimately protecting her face the fireball. Her eyes widened in amazement and horror as he attempted to shield her body with his. Quickly, she grabbed him around the waist, twisted and pushed the pair of them to the floor. The fireball sailed over their heads, grazing Meri's right shoulder. Crying out in agony, she sunk to the ground as the ball of flaming substance collided with the tree behind and it burst into magnificent flames.

"Always one for theatrics, weren't you Nihilus?" The words slipped from Meri's tongue easily, as she pulled herself to her feet. Her face had darkened, her eyes narrowed to thin slits and she regarded him coolly. The voice was not her, but one of a past reincarnation. "Typical of a stinking demon to attack an innocent human as well, but we'll put an end to that." Lifting her hands, she allowed a smirk to grace her features, shaking her head. "You've picked the wrong day to mess with the new Reaper Nilly...After this encounter, she'll begin to remember and then you'll be in trouble..." There was a sharp crackle that split the air and fast as anything a bolt of lightning shot from Meri's outstretched hands, towards the clown. Slumping forwards, the girl gasped, pain shooting across her chest from the fireball. Returning to herself, she looked up in surprise. What had she just done? She had spoken in a voice that was not her own...Nor were the memories that invaded her mind. Or were they? But she remembered the clown from...somewhere.

Without waiting to see the outcome of her attack, she snatched Kylar's hand and tugged him towards the gates. "Run." She urged him quickly, as she took off with him. Above them, the grey clouds rumbled and crackled dangerously.

"Damn...." This hollow word was uttered from a small alley way. Inside, there stood a tall, black haired figure, who's back was arched against the wall as he leaned on it, before he dragged his hand off it, turned around and lazily sagged to the ground. It had been a tiresome day, and Vincent was looking for some rest. For the whole day he'd been looking in on some contacts that would help him find his friends killer. His contacts hadn't known a thing about the killing. Heck! they were surpised when he told them that his friends were killed. This had soured his mood for the rest of the day, which he thought was a nice one, and lead him wasting time on some useless fights to get his frustration out. Right now he could see that it was mid-day, and in a few hours the sun would go down and the moon would rise.

"Sorry guys..... I couldn't find the bastard who nailed you, but I'll try tomorrow." As he spoke, Vincent reached down and played with his cross, allowing himself to fall in a stupor. He couldn't blame himself, with everything thats happen a little nap might help.

---

Sleep ; Waking

---

If he could Vince would've liked to wake up the next day, but he couldn't. A loud, clattering sound coming from down the alley woke him up, quite loudly, in fact. It sound almost like a cats claw on chalk board, its annoying screeching pitch, caused a stir up of anger to be awoken along with Vince. Getting up from the ground, a scowl on his face, Vincent was about to speak when he saw what made the sound. Standing before him was three large, possibly six foot something, monsters heading his way. And by heading his way, they were running full on, their jaws open and ready to bite.

Now, a normal person might of freaked out at the sight of the three large lizards, but Vincent wasn't normal. Life on the streets showed him many weird things, and although nothing he'd ever saw would be weird then the lizards, Vincent was prepared to meet them.

The first one lunged at him, its claws extened, only slammed themselves against the wall Vince was on. Vincent was no longer on the wall or anywhere near it, he was, in fact, behind two of the monsters. The male had skillfully rolled underneath two of them, and got in front of the third one where he shot out a savage kick to the creatures leg. The well placed kick sent the monster stagger, and with the other two now heading his way, again, Vincent grabbed the demons arm, pulling it forward and over his head, he tossed the Heaxon over himself and into its friends.

The demon crashed into the other two, and was having a hard time getting up. Vince smiled at that, with those the three incapacitated, he wouldn’t have to fight, and could just get away. Though, he only done that to get away from the narrow space of the alley way, and to get out into the open.

“Hey, kids,” he said to the monsters in a amusing tone, “make sure you clean up when you’re done.” Spinning on his heels, Vincent into the streets, and out into the night; now collecting his thoughts on what happened. ‘The fuck were those things,’ he now thought.

---

Morgan snorted. "We are older than dirt, and for the most part, time itself. We Reapers don't even remember when we began, or where we came from." He then mulled over what the Demon had told him. So....he was beginning to make his move. Morgan sighed. "And just why....are you telling me this? You aren't one to shy away from helping us, truly, but even so...you never have been one to completely betray your own kind either."

---

---

The copy nodded once, and smiled. He motioned for Fia to follow him. "The original Void Reaper is now conversing with a...contact...of the Reapers, and another copy is trying to get the Earth, Air, and Water Reapers back to the base as well. I will take you there now. It may trigger some memories, and it may not. We'll only know once we get there."

He led her through the city, past shops and apartments, cars and people. Most people, if not all, ignored them completely. They finally came upon a large apartment complex, where a man opened the door for them. The copy led her to the elevator, where she was led up to the top floor. The entire top floor was a twenty room apartment, with seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, two living rooms, and a number of other rooms for different purpose. "Your room is the last room on the left in the eastern corridor, with its matching bathroom connected to it. You may rearrange it however you wish, come and go as you please. I simply ask that you do not leave the apartment for the time being."

---

---

The copy sighed. He didn't have time for this. "Look, we don't have time for this. All of you just shut up and come with me. No, I'm not trying to kidnap you, I'm trying to save your lives." It wasn't often the Void Reaper lost his temper. But this was one night that was draging on too long. He noticed that Dameon was holding his head, probably due to the fact that he was beginning to remember. "The two of you, follow me." He walked over to the Air Reaper and slung one of the boys arms' around his shoulders. The copy took off without warning, but also had made sure the two girls would follow him, whether they wanted to or not. He didn't like resorting to the use of body control, but he didn't have much of a choice.

It didn't take long for the four of them to reach the base, where another copy, and the Fire Reaper already where. The two copies exchanged information, and the one who had led the three Reapers there vanished in a wisp of smoke. The other turned to them. "I'm sorry for the confusion, I know this is a lot to take in. But if you will just be patient for the original Void Reaper to return, he will be more able to explain the situation. Again."

Xander was counting down the seconds until Morgan took the bait, but obviously the Reaper wasn’t as gullible as some humans, hell he was willing to play the game, volleying back at the demon with some playful banter of his own, “ "We are older than dirt, and for the most part, time itself.” Xander just pursed one lip in a mock sad face as he held up two fingers and rubbed one across the other to play ‘the world’s smallest violin’ however he listened intently, “We Reapers don't even remember when we began, or where we came from." well for a moment Xander stretched and was more sincerely sympathetic.

“I can relate.”

Still Xander just sat back and let the moment play out, the bait still dangling above the other’s maw. He knew he’d take it, he didn’t have a choice, the only time he’d have a choice was when the terms were to be struck. The demon took this chance to run through the exact words he’d use again. He had to be careful here, this was a dangerous game he was playing, and he loved that, though he was brought back by a tug on the line. "And just why....are you telling me this?”

“Hey, can’t a demon just be lonely every now and then, come on, let’s cuddle.” he opened his arms with a sly smirk, wanking on the pole to snag his prey.

Hook, line , and sinker, it was time to play right?“You aren't one to shy away from helping us, truly, but even so...you never have been one to completely betray your own kind either." and bingo, it was time to reel it in.

Xander finished his drink and tossed back one of the cubes of ice, clacking it against his teeth as the cold filled his mouth. He spoke past it, slightly slurred, “Betray is suluch a durty wurd, uh cold.” he bit down and the ice shattered, chewing and finishing off the frozen block, “Ah, that’s better. Betray is not the word that I’d use; let’s not pretend our pasts were anything but marriages of convenience. You all hated being in bed with me,” Xander looked over slowly to see if he’d dropped the right hint to hit the right nerve with that constant smirk of his, “Well…most of you hated it.” he finally sat up straighter while looking the man opposite him in the eye, “I’m just here as a businessman, filling a need, making a profit… which, of course, makes you the customer… You need time, time to train the others, time to get yourselves ready, time to ensure that this never happens again. But between training and protecting the innocent, sigh, you have no time to spare.”[/b]

He let it sink in what he was offering, it was their standard deal though so Morgan undoubtedly understood, if he didn’t Void would, “So, terms, I’m willing to take over the saving thing, I’ll keep the rabble of demons in the city under control, keep those lower life forms from climbing the ladder. Plus I’ll add in the protection of your little lost lambs, within reason, to sweeten the pot…” he clasped hi hands together and rubbed them as if expectant, he’d seen his catch and pulled it form the water, now all he had to do was get the hook out and see if it was a keeper or not, “So! Terms, I’m offering you one week to get your shit together, Void, and in exchange you and yours will turn a blind eye to my activities over the next century… short of a obvious public display to conquer the world you won’t be putting me on your radar.” His smile faded as he looked out the rear window, sensing a battle. Light had struck out at something, and Xander knew who, very few demons had that sickly cackle of an aura and only one with that level of power.

“And yes… you’re exactly right to call this extortion…” he looked back to the Reaper who he knew would feel some of it at least and couldn’t get there in time with a shit eating grin, knowing he had him by the balls. He put forth his hand and held it there, though he didn’t expect the man to just take it, to shake a Xander’s hand in this capacity was to make a deal with a demon, literally. If Morgan took his hand now he and his would not just be contractually unable to interfere with Xander, but they’d lose his trail, being unable to sense his aura or see his trace power on his handy work. It would mean they would be blind to him for another century, just as they had been fifty years ago. ”Tell you what, just for old time’s sake, I’ll leave Fire out of this one. But the rest, well, you know.”

He kept his hand out but dropped it to look back as another, much larger flare hit, a rumble of thunder following a flash of light visible against the bright city, that would be Light striking back and Nihilus having to defend. Xander had to admit that the girl had a hell of a left hook to hit like that though. Still he put his hand forward again smirking even more if that was possible, “Tic toc, I’ll let you think about this as long as you like but I don’t know if they’ll give you the same courtesy.” An attack by a Greater Demon and him all alone while having to guard the other kiddies so he was weakened, oh yeah, I’ve got him by the balls…

---

She listened…and simply followed. Placing her hands back into her pockets, Fia kept herself quiet, and though much of her remained ever hesitant, she treaded along behind him, the supposed Copy of the ‘Void Reaper.’ His explanation, the story, the giant lizard and everything that’d happened in such a short time, it was beyond the realm of crazy by far. Why was it happening to her…? Why to her? None of it made sense to her at all, but in such a situation, nothing would make as much, in truth, she was probably lucky to have retained her senses as she did. Nothing in her head remembered this ‘Morgan,’ only there persisted that familiar sentiment, and the knowledge that his name was one she could never forget…should forget. That sense however, felt alien to her, it was something that did not feel as if it belonged within her, it conflicted. Between it and herself, Fia felt a conflict beginning. As herself, she knew that what she felt, knowing this ‘Morgan,’ being unable to deny the story told to her…those things did not belong in her mind, there was no place for them—they came from a source she didn’t understand or have access to yet.

But, there they remained, ever present and as real as everything else in her head and heart. Whether foreign or not, the sense she felt was real. It doesn’t belong though. All of this, none of it belongs inside of me. she thought, sighing while walking along behind the Copy.

This was not the life she was meant to lead, this sort of thing wasn’t supposed to be for her, with her. The life she was meant to lead was a stolen one that remained the same day in and out, it was meant to be a punishment, for having taken her sister’s place on the earth. I shouldn’t be…following, yet I can’t stop my legs from moving beneath me now. That sense won’t let me.

Something within Fia felt like it clicked off as she came to realize this. The expression upon her face became a blank one, even the usual scowl she carried faded away. What was happening to her now, the fact that she was unable to control her own two legs, to keep them from moving; it was just too much…. In a life she was suppose to be living for the sake of remembering her sister’s death, she was doing nothing of what she should’ve. Cosette’s memory was slipping away, too quickly, and replaced with these unknown feelings.

Following him up into the apartment, Fia looked at the ‘copy’ with a vacant expression, “Your room is the last room on the left in the eastern corridor, with its matching bathroom connected to it. You may rearrange it however you wish, come and go as you please. I simply ask that you do not leave the apartment for the time being.” To this, Fia gave him a quiet nod before she took to walking along, legs moving beneath her again without her thinking about it, going along as if the way were known to her already. The surroundings of the apartment were familiar, or they felt as much, though the part of Fia that knew that this was wrong, that she shouldn’t be aware of these things remained.

But, there is a part of me which feels as if I am home. There were still no conscious memories surfacing within her head, but Fia felt like this were…a place where she belonged. All of this business, she didn’t understand it still, none of it yet made sense to her—she only could grasp at bits and pieces of it. Without a word, Fia stopped, right before a door—a red one. Setting her sage-eyes upon it, she blinked, staring before it was she took a hand out of her pocket, and set it upon the handle, before she slowly turned it…. Stepping through and into the room.

The City that Never Sleeps stood silent in the cold of the clear night. Though the streets were mostly clear, every once in a while one could hear a car pass by. In lower Manhattan stood the massive steeple of the Trinity Catholic Church, one of the city's most known places of worship. While things outside the church were quiet, and still, inside the church was complete silence. The church was always open, but that didn't mean people came all the time. 4 people sat in the rows of benches, their heads falling on top of clasped hands to pray. At the alter stood the priest; A short bald white man with a long string of prayer beads laced in his fingers, bent down on one knee to pray.

Over the city clouds started to gather, and the soft rumble of thunder and the light flicker of lightning could be heard across the city. Rain started to trickle down from them onto the buildings.The priest rose to his feet, bringing his right hand up to his forehead, down to his stomach, over to his heart, and then across his chest, muttering out under his breath: "Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit... Amen."

From the doors of the church walked in a singe man in a long black coat, black boots, and sunglasses. As the priest turned around to great the man, the man brought up his right hand to reveal a silenced glock 9mm. Pop...Pop...Pop...Pop...Pop. With 5 deft silent shots, the man had ended the lives of 5 innocent people, which would be the first of many. After looking for any others in the church, the man walked to the alter, dropping the gun onto the body of the priest who lied motionless on the floor. Walking up to the alter, the man dipped 2 fingers into the blood of the priest, bringing them up to the alter to draw 3 circles on the white cloth. The first circle was small, only a few inches in diameter, while the next one went around that one, about a foot in diameter, and the next one around that little more than 3 feet. Each circle was perfect, not a single line out of place.

With his left hand the man reached to his side, grasping a knife in a holster on his belt. The knife was long, and curved at the end, in the shape of a crescent moon. The center gem had a black-blood diamond in the center of it. Bringing it up into the air he gripped it with both hands before bringing it down onto the wooden alter right in the middle of the 3 rings, driving it deep into the wood. With the impact of the knife, a massive crack of thunder split the sky of New York. Unlike normal thunder, it was concussive and echoed far longer than normal thunder, almost as if it was a laugh.

With a gasp the man fell to his knees, ripping his coat and shirt off of him to reveal the same 3 circles painted in blood, with the long curved knife stuck deep into his spine, the same depth as it was stuck into the wood. Reaching his hands up onto the alter, the loud scream of pure pain from the man echoed through the church. The wound from the knife started to bleed heavily, the blood turning deep black as it rolled down the stairs leading to the alter. As the blood pooled in front of the stairs in a perfect back circle, the man lowered his head, and finally gave into to the wound, finally passing out and soon dieing.



A deep voice echoed out in the room as the black circle started to swirl around itself, and started to bubble. Slowly the bubbling grew and grew, steam seeming to come off the blood-pool as the bubbles grew into a shape. An evil and ominous laughter echoed out into the church with another loud crack of lightning as the bubbling stopped, and started to flow down into the pool again.

What was left was a massive grey-skinned monster, with horns almost 4 feet long curved back atop its head. A pair of massive night-black wings grew from its back, spanning out almost 20 feet. Slowly the creature rose from the ground to stand at almost 8 feet. Along its body were green tattoo's and symbols, along with deep cuts and scars form countless battles.

Atop were massive ram-like horns, and long black hair that reached his lower back. Its eyes were gone, and in its place were caves where eyes used to be. Dispite its inability to see, it looked at both of its hands, grinning darkly as it it took a headband from his side and rapped it around his head to cover his eyes. With almost a purr, the demon turned to the door and uttered out softly, almost as if it was whispering into a persons ear:

"Hear me, Void Reaper, and tremble. Your attempts to keep me from entering this world have failed, and I now know where you hide... This time, all of your order will fall, and none will survive... Prepare to be brought to justissssseeee...."

The Betrayer knew his words would be received by his target, the Void Reaper. Laughing under his breath, he brought his hands up slowly form his sides, and from the blood of the 4 other bodies in the room grew 4 large dog-like beasts. Once the 4 had been spawn, they looked to their master for direction.

With another twisted grin, he whispered to the beasts: Find them... Bring them to me... And with that, the 4 dogs ran from the church with their only objective in mind: Find the Reapers.

It all took a mere second, no, a fraction of that. Kylar expected to be dead, to have breathed his last breath. Why would he let his pride overcome him, why would he risk his life for a girl he doesn't even know. Although something about that girl seemed interesting, he wanted to know more, heck she was even pretty. Kylar didn't like to fight, he liked to have fun and enjoy his time, clearly though after today, that wont be happening. In a split second Meri, who had previously seemed so scared and petrified, grabbed him and pushed him to floor. It was amazing how fast she moved, faster then he could ever imagine. Kylar couldn't move for a moment, even more so when the girl stood up and started talking. "Always one for theatrics, weren't you Nihilus? Typical of a stinking demon to attack an innocent human as well, but we'll put an end to that. You've picked the wrong day to mess with the new Reaper Nilly...After this encounter, she'll begin to remember and then you'll be in trouble..." Kylar looked up in awe, the voice coming from her mouth was surely not her's was it? and how had the scared Meri became so engulfed with fury and confidence? Kylar blinked, even in that one blink a-lot had happened, Meri shot a ray of light from her mind. Before Kylar could even open his mouth Meri grabbed Kylar and urged him towards the gate. [b]"Run." the words stuck. Kylar always had things to say, he would never let a conversation die, but this time he was completely speechless.

Kylar couldn't even look back, all he was worried about is looking forward, running away from that monstrosity that had just tried to kill the both of them. As he was running he was over cumbered with millions of questions, Kylar could run for hours on end, but he seemed breathless. He wanted to stop and ask, a part of him wished he hadn't come to save the girl, but another part was happy he did.

---

[font=candara]Morgan wanted to answer, truly he did, but he wasn't given any time to.

"Hear me, Void Reaper, and tremble. Your attempts to keep me from entering this world have failed, and I now know where you hide... This time, all of your order will fall, and none will survive... Prepare to be brought to justissssseeee...."

All of his clones dropped to their knees in agony and then vanished. It hurt. To have the ruler of all demons speak directly to you via your thoughts was not a pleasant experience at all. Morgan felt as though his head were going to explode, and his vison was red and hazy. He didn't notice at first, but his eyes were actually bleeding, causing him to appear as though he were crying blood.

And that was when he sensed it. Hell Hounds. A breed of some of the most powerful demons, and there were four of them. He made a quick mental count. Earth, Air, Water, and Fire were all at the base. Light he knew the location of thanks to Xaner, and Darkness he could sense. But he also felt two other precenses nearby as well, one emonic an one...human. No, don't let it be him...please... He thought, though he alreay knew exactly who it was. The blood-eye Reaper turned to Xander, saying, "Fine. You have your deal. It's not like I have much choice. But if you double-cross me..." He left the rest of that statement unfinished, knowing Xander knew exactly what he meant, and then, without waiting for the car to stop, Morgan phased through the back seat, landing in the middle of the street.

He wipe the blood away, slightly surprised to see it there, but otherwise ignored it. He made two copies of himself, sending one in the direction of the Hell Houns, hoping that they wouldn't split up, the other off in the direction of the Darkness Reaper, and the other to where Light was.

He turned a corner, and for the second time in about an hour, he nearly ran into someone. This time, however, this someone was a human male. A human male Morgan knew all too well, and quickly his anger grew almost too powerfull for him to control. If anything had happened to the boy, Morgan would have--

No, he couldn't think about that right now. The Reapers were the priority, not his... Morgan drew out his scythe, spinning it to dissolve a fireball thrown by the demon who was chasing after the Light Reaper and the human boy. Morgan calmed himself to the best of his ability, staring at Nihilus. "Man....I've seen some ugly demons in my time, but you sir...you just take the cake. Now...care to dance? Or has your master begun to call you back yet?"

Xander was awaiting the man’s answer, his hand still held out almost though the Reaper would have enough pride to try and go it alone, he could respect that, he knew it was foolish but he still could respect it. However Xander wasn’t intending to let this go. He needed that century to do as he willed. He needed to be able to gather power; again, fact was that Nihilus alone was becoming too powerful, that Clown was outside the realm of predictable control, not to mention the King. He had given up a golden opportunity to slay the Reapers and absorb their power. He knew that they would be the best meals he’d ever had if he had only taken the plunge, however he also doubted that at his level they would give him the power to best both the King and his servants, not in one go like he needed. No, they were worth more to him alive. He needed that Century to gather his strength, and then he’d make his move. He still wondered if he’d made the right decision, maybe he should have considered it for loner, Who am I trying to fool… I knew which side I’d choice the moment this began…

But just when it seemed that Morgan would reply, probably with a less than satisfactory answer, he went pale. The man looked like someone had kicked his puppy or something, but there was a much greater fear there than disbelief. What could make the Reaper of the Void stop so sudden-…Oh… Xander felt it now, that shiver down even his spine, that pressure against his throat like a hand resting there waiting to apply a deadly pressure. He recognized it immediately, he always hated that feeling. Of course he wasn’t a Reaper and he certainly wasn’t a human. While the Reaper was busy catching flies Xander made the very slightest conscious effort to expand his own power and nullify the feeling of “the King’s” hold. Of course he took pleasure in the fact that he felt that in the first place. To Xander it was a Leash being tied to him, a sign that he needed extra measure to control him. A leash I broke with a shrug, hope you’re taking notes your Majesty, pft

“Fine.” Xander glanced back to the Reaper who had finally gotten control of himself, ‘bout time, “You have your deal. It's not like I have much choice...”

Xander had the cheekiest of grins, as usual as he watch the proceedings, “Nope…”, By. The. Balls

“But if you double-cross me...” Void added as he began to fade at his lower extremities. Did he just say that?

Xander jumped on that as he pointedly glared the Reaper down, ”Just who the fuck do you think you’re dealing with, kid?” The fact that this single Reaper dared make such a direct threat, and worse insinuated that Xander would break his word, was frankly infuriating. But He’d let it go, for now, as Void phased, his hand going last as he began to slide through the car, Xander reached out and their middle fingers touched just before he’d finished vanishing. A stinging pain accompanied by a severe burning sensation as black runes emanated from the point of contact, spiraling down and around the finger to the base of the phalange. The hundreds of tiny symbols were the contract, written in the demonic language, complete with all terms and conditions. The black runes faded shortly after, though the tingling remained along with the urge to find and consume other Demons. That was how these things worked, he felt the urge to hunt other demons, like a craving for an odd food, and the Reapers (or at least those capable of noticing their expanded senses) would find a sudden flood of power dropping from their radar.

Looking his finger over and sighed exasperatedly as he glanced out the back window, the Reaper gone. “Well… looks like he’s going to take the easy ones… which leaves me to deal with…grrreat, somehow I feel I just drew the short straw.” he clicked down the blind as Daniel stopped the car, “well, Dan, looks like I’m gonna be working late tonight.”

The man presented a pistol and cocked back the bolt, a silver bullet scribed in runes gleaming in the chamber before he let the slide slam shut, “Need any aid sir?”

Xander had to smile genuinely at the loyalty his human aids always showed, he wondered what brought that out in them, and you say these beings are worthless, King, how little you know… “No, not this time, my friend, this fish is too big. No, you go back to the compound, make sure your family is behind the barrier, I have a feeling I’m not going to be making any friends tonight.” the driver nodded as he put the gun down, the moon roof opening above Xander as he looked up to the blank night sky, [“Oh, and Daniel… if you find the time head on down to the East side, I think Hound found something. He may need a hand if this guy has friends… tell him to take him to take him alive.”[/b]

“Yes sir, oh and sir…” Xander had slid to the middle seat and was looking into the sky like he was doubling checking the wind speed or something but looked back to his driver quizzically, “Good luck sir.”

Again a genuine smile, ”You as well… I’m off.” with that he slowly was clouded away in a white luminescent mist, and while his face and silhouette remained defined he shot into the sky in a stream of light and smoke, vanishing into the clouds. Daniel put the vehicle in drive and hit the call button, directing his wife not to leave the building or let the kids leave either and then turning the car toward the East Side.



Henry Mallory sat in the seventh floor apartment 15 of the down trodden building. The room was dimly lit, with half the lights damaged and the walls covered in a sickly and peeling green with cracked and broken wood paneling from mid wall to the floor. A typical terrible New York Apartment. Mallory sat upon a crushed and stained lounge chair watching the Mets on a crappy TV. Around the room and in the rest of the building were another fifteen men, some in track suits, while those near Mallory in full business wear. Two stood next to the door at any time. And everyone carried the smell of iron and saltpeter on them, guns, lots of them. His guy had called in some major favors. All of this would be simple for Hound to smell and determine which was why Xander hired him for these jobs.

A long black limo pulled up along the road across form the red haired young man. The driver getting out and tossing his hat into the vehicle as he approached, “Mr. Warrick,” he nodded as he stepped up beside the much smaller, yet more dangerous, ‘man’, “Mr. Steale sent me to aid you, says things have changed, we need Mallory alive.” He subconsciously rested his hands on his hips as he looked at the Building Hound was looking at, his hands close to the holster on the small of his back in this position, “What can we expect?” Daniel didn’t know what Hound’s powers were, all he knew was he was a powerful demon like Xander mascaraing as a man, and Daniel was in no mood to fight one of those so he was polite yet casual. And, in the past, very useful, for a human; Xander never kept around refuse, and he’d had Daniel on call for nearly fifteen years, that alone was more than enough of a recommendation for most.



The huge Demon had sent out his minions and burst onto the stage in a flurry of pyrotechnics, played a single note to his own self imagined adoring crowd, and now sat back patting himself on the back, waiting for his groupies to gather some delicious damsels to bring back to his dressing room. It made Xander laugh, and the pride it was does with, oh how enjoyable. He had left the car and vanished, coming down in a pillar outside the church. He’d hidden his aura, not hard in the torrent of power the large winged beast was putting off, well, it wouldn’t have been if it wasn’t’ for the amount of power Xander held himself. As it was there was a fifty-fifty chance he’d been noticed five minutes before when he’d first entered the building. Of course the demon lord was probably watching his hounds play around in his minds ye. Either way Xander felt he’d given the man enough time to ignore him if he was doing so after eight minutes of just sitting there and cleared his throat. A count to three and he began clapping with a huge smile, “Well done!” he stood from the rear pew where he’d sat and stepped down the aisle looking the demon over, “Quite the entrance, though I’m certain it was unnecessary you made such an impression, should have seen Void’s face, priceless.” he stopped halfway up the Aisle and just smiled with venom toward the Arch demon, “Still too proud to dress the part while in this world I see…”

The presence of Xander was no surprise. He had smelled his stench miles away, since it was a well-known smell to the Betrayer. Xander, in his prime, was one of the only other demons strong enough to face the Betrayer at the peak of his power. Even though the Betrayer defeated Xander, Xander sure gave him a run for his money. The both of them had waked away as a mess. The battle actually left a scar on the Betrayers body; A thick 2 inch wide ridge on his back from there Xander's sword had struck him. The strike would have slain any normal man or demon, and if it wasn't for his sheer size and extreme muscle mass he would have been dead.

Before Xander walked through the door, the Demon Lord was finishing up collecting the blood from the body's. A single quart of blood would make an excellent sized portal for his minions to come through, but it would take more body's than 4 to bring in bigger monsters like Drakes and Nightmares.

As the doors swung open into the church, the demon smiled to himself, bringing his wings up and out to display them at their full span. The massive scar Xander had left on the demon still covered his back. It was like a display of art; All of the smaller scars around it made it look like it was the masterpiece of an art show. With a deep growlish purr he turned to Xander, holding his arms out in a hugging-fashion. A devilish grin crossed his face as he walked down form the alter, the ground lightly shaking as he stepped forward to the fellow demon.

"Xander... Your appearance is no surprise to me. Your soul is drenched in blood from your previous lives in the Void... Any demon who took the time could find you from miles away...' The demons face turned from a smile into a stern look. Bringing his hand up from his side the demon gripped the air like the throat of an opponent. From the pew Xander was sitting in the Betrayer lifted up Xanders body into the air. As if his hand was around Xanders throat, he demon lord pulled him forward till he was in front of him, and it was his real hand around Xanders throat.

"You stink of the False Reaper's scent. For this I should kill you. I wonder how long you could fight the Nightmares before they rip your mind from your body..." He growled deeply as he lifted Xander up higher, his grip tightening. "But, since you and I have... "History"... Together. I shall let you live. In fact, I will give you a gift before you leave..."

A pool of blood gathered under Xander. From it grew thick black chains, levitating up to wrap around the demons body. After enough of them had wrapped around Xander, the Betrayer dropped him into the arms of the chains. From the blood, more and more black chains shoot up with 2 of them digging into Xander's arms. One in each arm. The pain was only temporary before Xander could feel a rush of power through out his whole body. Grabbing Xander by his neck again, the Betrayer lifted Xander from the pool. With a devilish purr the Betrayer dropped Xander from his grip.

"Ahhh... Congratulations Xander. There is a lock on your true power... This lock is strong, and requires a massive surge of power to break it." The betrayer purred deeply as he leaned forward, almost whispering to Xander. "That lock is now broken... Now, all you must do is uncover the truth. The more you combat demon kind, the more you will learn about your true self... The true demon inside you..."

"Now..." The Betrayer grinned as he scooped up a handful of fresh blood from the pile of body's, throwing it forward to all over the alter. Covering the alter in the black blood. "You may wish to leave before our guests arrive... Have you ever been to a prison, where most of the prisoners have been put there by you...?" The Betrayer laughed out as the blood started to come together, making a black portal to the Void...

Nihilus smiles as she lets out a cry of pain after she gets grazed in the shoulder and he watches as a tree behind them bursts into flames. He smiles as the girl speaks "Always one for theatrics, weren't you Nihilus?" Nihilus just giggles as she speaks in a voice not her own. "OOOOoooohhhh she's waking up now, THIS is going to be interesting."

"You've picked the wrong day to mess with the new Reaper Nilly...After this encounter, she'll begin to remember and then you'll be in trouble..." ...Nilly? The sound of electricity in the air makes Nihilus's ears twitch and preforms a back flip and does a hand stand as the lightning passes between his legs. He laughs as he kicks his legs around. "Hehehehe now that is what i was looking forward to!" He pushes himself into the air and after a flip he begins to fly towards the Reaper and Human but stops as a familiar face appears in front of him.

"YOU!" He says in anger. "Man....I've seen some ugly demons in my time, but you sir...you just take the cake. Now...care to dance? Or has your master begun to call you back yet?" Master? He thinks for a moment, then he feels it, the self proclaimed king of the void is awake and in New York. "I have no Master, i do as i please." He says in a high pitched,crazed voice. "Why would i call anyone, 'Master' when he will just end up dying?" He says in a deeper, darker voice. "I was wanting to play with a weakling for a while.... but if you want to play. THEN LETS PLAY!" He slams his hands into the ground and demonic looking spears made of out of darkness explode from the ground in a row, heading toward the Reaper.

Meri didn't even look back as she grasped Kylar's hand and pulled him with her through the darkened park. The acrid smell of smoke filled her nostrils and she choked, coughing as the tree continued to burn. But something caused her to halt in her dash across the grass towards the wrought-iron gate that looked before them. A feeling deep in her bones. There was something worse than the clown-faced demon lurking in the streets of New York. Something that made her shudder with fear and shook her deeply. What was it? Perhaps she would never know. Though a gut-feeling told her that she would find out back there, where another voice had entered the fray.

"Man....I've seen some ugly demons in my time, but you sir...you just take the cake. Now...care to dance? Or has your master begun to call you back yet?"

The confidence in the voice almost warmed Meri to her core. The guy, for it clearly was a guy's voice, was standing up to the evil-looking demonic clown. What was more, somehow she recognised the voice and the confident attitude. She had to go back. But she had Kylar to look out for, because he was surely involved in all of this now. Maybe he could escape. No-one would suspect a human.

"Look, I'm going back. You need to get out of here. This isn't your fight. But I cannot thank you enough for attempting to save my life twice." Without hesitation, she pulled him into a tight hug, resting her chin on his shoulder. "I've got to go back there. Something is calling me back." It felt as though she was magnetically drawn to the new-comer. Strange things were happening to her that evening and she couldn't even begin to explain any of them away. It was all a little too weird. Releasing Kylar, she smiled at him brightly. "Thank you Kylar."

Quickly, she turned on her heel and headed towards the clown and the new-comer, even though every fibre in her being screamed for her to get as far from the demon as possible.