Chapter 19

6 Months Ago

The Magister stood on a street corner in LA, playing a violin. A small crowd was gathered, listening to the beautiful music e played. When he finished, he was met with applause. Then, some of the people there threw some money into his violin case before going on their way. Only one man remained, dressed up in a black business suit and holding an unlit cigar in his hand.

"Hello, Deceit," the Magister said, gathering his night's earnings into his wallet before packing up his violin. "Need me to get that for you?"
"Sure," Deceit said.
"Edo Teltre!" the Magister said. A spark of flames shot from his hand, striking the end of Deceit's cigar.
"Thank you," Deceit said.
"I still don't see why you don't just carry a lighter," the Magister said.
"I don't trust those things," Deceit said. "Almost burnt my hair off once."
"Yeah, and asking a magician to throw fireballs at you is so much safer," the Magister said. "So, what's your business?"
"It's almost time," Deceit said. "Jonathan Calwar will be turning 18 soon." 

Present Day

"So, we're should we go first?" John asked. They had just arrived in Los Angeles.
"I think we should split up," David said. "I'll take Kasier and go this way."

"I'll take Xavier," Hera said. "I wanted to talk to him about something."
"We should check around Hollywood," Xavier said. "He could be anywhere in the city, but that's the last place I saw him."
"Okay," Anthony said. "The rest of us will search around this area. We'll call you guys in a hour to see how we're all doing."
"Got it," Kaiser said.
"Hold on a second," David said.
He unlatched the horse trailer, then left it open just a crack.
"If there's any trouble, call your horse," he said to John and Hera. "They can hear you no matter how far away you are."
"Alright," John said. "Mine's name is Myrie, right?"
"Yes," David said. "And Hera's is Shroud."
"What about some of our weapons?" Hera asked. "John and I can hide our, but what about everyone else?"
"If anyone asks, just say we're on our way to a convention," Xavier said. "That usually works."
"Oh yeah, almost forgot something," Anthony said, reaching into his pocket, then tossing a couple of the Elixir candies to Xavier. "Just in case."
"Thanks," Xavier said.
"You guys want some?" he asked David.
"No thanks," David said. "I still have some Elixir left."
"Okay," Anthony said.
"Let's get going," Hera said, as she and Xavier left.
"See ya later," David said, leaving with Kaiser.
John, Damien, and Anthony stayed to check out the area they were in. They asked around for a while without finding anyone going by Magister.
"Well, this is getting us no where," Damien groaned. "This street's practically empty."
"Yeah," Anthony agreed. "And if we go much further we'll be stepping into one of those bad neighborhoods."
"Are you looking for someone?" asked a voice. John spun around to find himself face-to-face with a long haired man with an eyepatch. A long scar ran down the side of his face underneath the patch, and his remaining eye was dark brown. He carried a violin case in his hand.
"Um... do you know anyone called the Magister?" John asked nervously.
"Can't say that I do," he said, opening up his violin case and pulling the instrument out. "How about a song?"
"I don't think we have time to be sitting around listening to some weird guy play music," Damien said.
"We should get moving," Anthony agreed."
"Let's listen to him," John said.
"Um, why?" Damien asked.
"I don't know," John said. "But we can afford a short break, can't we?"
"Well said," the man said, pulling his bow across the strings.
The sound of his music filled the air. Music that melted away everyone's negativity, filling the world around them with joy and peace. The music was beautiful. Inhumanly beautiful.
"Who are you?" John asked, as the song came to an end.
"I'd be glad to tell you that in just a moment," the man said. "But first, why don't we discuss who you are?" Then, in a low voice, he whispered "War."

John tapped an opal on his belt, and a pickax appeared in his hand. He lifted it up to the man's face.
"How do you know my father's name?" he demanded angrily.
"Your father's name?" the man chuckled. "You inherited that name when you inherited his power. You. Are. War."
"Just who the hell are you?" John demanded.

Meanwhile, Several Miles Away

"So, what is it you wanted to talk about?" Xavier said.
Hera glanced behind them. There was a ghost there. A man with black hair wearing a blue sweater. He had been with them since they had left the church.
"Did you know you're being followed?" she asked.
"Dark hair, blue sweater, right?" Xavier asked.
"You do know?" she asked him.
Xavier turned around, raising his left hand. He wrapped it around the hilt of the longsword across his back.
"Yep," he said. "That's him."
"You can see ghosts?" she asked.
"Only that one, and only if I'm holding the sword," Xavier replied.
"Why is he here?" she asked.
"I'm the reason he's dead," Xavier said, releasing his grip on the sword's hilt
"So, is he haunting you?" Hera asked.
"Not exactly," Xavier said. "He forgave me a long time ago. I just haven't forgiven myself yet."
"So why does he follow you?" she asked.
"He's  drawn to me," Xavier said. "As long as I carry this sword."
"What's so special about that thing?" she asked.
"I don't wanna talk about it," Xavier said.
"Okay," she said. "I'll drop the subject. So what does the Magister look like?"
"Long haired violinist with an eyepatch," Xavier said. "In hindsight I probably should've told the others that."
"Wanna call them?" Hera asked.
"Sure," Xavier said, pulling out his cell phone. "I'll call Anthony first, then I'll need you to give me that David guys number."
Before Xavier was able to call anyone, several strings wrapped around his phone, yanking it from his hand.
"What the fuck?" he asked.
They both turned to see a woman made of solid wood standing down the street from them. The strings were extending from he outstretched hands. The strings withdrew, pulling Xavier's phone to her. She proceeded to crush it in he hand.
"I'm afraid I can't have you calling anyone, Horseman," she said.
"Who are you and how do you know I'm a Horseman?" Hera asked.
"My name is Manny Kinn," the wooden lady said. "I'm going to drag you back to Netherworld on the behalf of Conquest."
"Like hell!" Hera said, raising her scythe.
Before she could move, Xavier stepped in front of her, facing Manny with his katana drawn.
"Leave her to me," he said.
"But-" she said.
"This wood bitch broke my phone," he said, angrily. "Now, I'm gonna fucking kill her."
Xavier charged at Manny. She lashed out with her strings, but he ducked under them and swung his sword, hitting her in the face. She stepped back in alarm, raising a hand to the place he had hit.
"You chipped my face!" she snarled.
"You broke my phone!" he yelled back.
"That's it!" she yelled. "I'll show you what happens to those who cross Manny Kinn!"

Meanwhile, Several Miles Away

"Has he found anything?" David asked, as Kestrel landed on Kaiser's shoulders.
"Nothing," Kaiser said. "Kestrel hasn't seen any traces of magic yet."
"And so far, asking around hasn't yielded any results," David said.
"I'll send him out again," Kaiser said, as Kestrel took to the skies. "If he sees anything unusual, he'll let us know."
"Okay," David said. "So, I was wondering something."
"Yeah?" Kaiser asked.
"If we find Magister, and he opens up a door, Me and the others will be going through," David asked. "What are you gonna do then?"
"What do you mean?" Kaiser asked. "I'm going with you."
"But what about that cult you're after?" David asked. "Aren't they here in the human world somewhere?"
"Yeah, but I think there's more important things going on right now," Kaiser said. "My business with the cult can wait."
"Okay then," David said. "Hey, looks like Kestrel's coming back."
Kestrel landed on Kaiser shoulder and started squawking.
"Uh-oh," Kaiser said.
"Why uh-oh?" David asked."What are you uh-oh-ing about?"
"That," Kaiser said, looking straight ahead.
There was a small group of Towerborn approaching them.
"Shit," David said. "These guys again."
"Come on," Kaiser said. "Kestrel!"
Kestrel changed forms into a large talon, while David drew his morningstar. The Towerborn started attacking them, and they fought back. Kestrel shifted frequently between the forms of a giant talon, beak, and a wing to fend them off, while David swung his mace with all his strength. More and more Towerborn began showing up.
"This isn't good," David said.
"We'll need to give this everything," Kaiser said.
"You're right," David said, gripping his weapon's handle tightly.
"Kestrel Feather Storm!" Kaiser yelled, as he fused with Kestrel and sent a barrage of razor sharp feathers flying at the Towerborn.
"Take this!" David shouted, smashing his morningstar into the ground, causing the pavement to crack apart and bring all of the Towerborn down.
"Good job," Said a voice from above them.
David and Kaiser both turned to see Krysix standing on a rooftop above them.
"That was awfully impressive," Krysix said, looking at David. "But not nearly as impressive as the other you."
"Krysix!" David said.
"This guy again?" Kaiser groaned.
"Nice to see you two again, Kaiser and Kestrel," Krysix said. "I'll have fun fighting you again."
Krysix drew his laser sword, pointing it down at them.
"Be on guard," Kaiser said.
"I know," David replied.

Meanwhile

"I'm gonna ask you again," John said. "Who are you!?"
"Fine," the man said. "I'll tell you."
He reached up to his good eye with both hands. He held his eyelid open with one hand and touch the eye ball with his other.
"What are you-?" John started to ask.
The man yelped a bit as he pulled a small porcelain dome out of his eye. It was an opaque white, and in the center was a black spot with a brown ring around it.
"A colored contact lens?" John asked, as the man rubbed his eye.
"God, that thing stings," the man said, opening his eye slowly. A soft light emitted from it.
"What the hell?" John muttered, taking a step backward.
"Allow me to introduce myself," he said. "I am-"
"Magister!" A voice from behind him shouted.
"-Being interrupted...," the man said, turning around to face thee cloaked figure behind him. "Gambler! It's been a while! Gas'eo Edo Teltre!"
A large ball of fire shot from his hand straight at the Gambler. The Gambler conjured a long black sword from smoke and deflected the Magister's flames.
"Kyeniri Aivah'e hozaotl cantra fiore banzen hande maloravestra!" the Magister said, as a sword of silver light appeared in his hand.
"You're the Magister!?" John asked.
"That's right," he replied, charging at the Gambler.
John raised his weapon and tried to follow him, but another man appeared, blocking his path. He was holding a short, one handed staff, and had a tattoo of a question mark under his eye.
"Who are you?" John demanded.
"My name is Abdalin," he replied. "I am the Gambler's right hand."
John touched one the orbs around his wrist, and his pickax was replaced by a new weapon. It was a short pole, only a couple feet long, with a chain attached to each end. The chains were both attached to a large metal disk hanging from the pole.
"What even is this?" John thought out loud.
"Whatever it is, it won't help you," Abdalin said, swinging his staff.
John blocked the attack with his weapons pole. Damien drew his falcion, preparing to jump in, but a woman in red clothing appeared in his way, wielding a pair of butterfly daggers.
"And you are?" Damien asked.
"I am the Gambler's left hand, Cleopatra," she said, looking at both Damien and Anthony. "I will be both of your opponent's."
Anthony tried to tackle her, but she snap kicked him with enough force that he went crashing into some nearby trashcans.
"Or maybe just one of you," she said.
"Bring it," Damien said, raising his falcion.
A few yards away, the Magister and Gambler clashed blades.
"I see ye've improved yer Chaos Sword," the Gambler said.
"Improved is an understatement. "Kaisyata monjurei!"
A blot of lightning flew from Magisters hand, striking the Gamble in the chest and pushing him back a few feet. He then stabbed his blade forward, but the Gambler vanished. TheMagister looked up to see him standing in the air high above him.
"Yer gonna 'ave to do be'er than that," the Gambler said.
"You haven't seen anything yet," the Magister said.

Chapter 18

2 Years Ago

"Keep running!" Kallaway shouted behind at Quan.
The two of them fled as quickly as they could before Quan collapsed from exhaustion. Kallaway turned around and dragged Quan behind some boulders, hidden from view.
"How far are we?" Quan asked.
"Not fasr enough," Kallaway said. "Just a couple miles from the prison."
"Damn it," Quan said. "You think anyone else made it out of there?"
"Probably," Kallaway said. "It was a pretty big riot. We can't be the only ones who broke free."
"Figured," Quan said.
"We need to get moving soon," Kallaway said. "They'll find us if we stay in one place too long."
"So there you two are," said a new voice.
Kallaway jumped his feet and turned around to see a tall man in red robes a few feet away.
"Who are you!?" Kallaway demanded.
"My name is Raoul," the man said. "I'm the one who orchestrated that little jailbreak. I'm also the leader of the Operator's Hand."
"The what?" Quan asked.
"We are servents to the god Nyasient'e," Raoul said. "And we're recruiting."



Present Day

Xavier and Kallaway charged at each other. They both swung their swords simultaneously. They struck as they passed each other. They stood still for a few moments, before Xavier returned his katana to its sheath. Kallaway dropped to his knees, clutching his chest.
"Looks like you actually knicked me a bit," Xavier said, examining a small cut on his ribcage. "Not bad."
"Striking with the blunt edge of your sword," Kallaway said, getting back to his feet. "How cocky can one man be?"
"You'd be surprised," Xavier said.
Kallaway picked his sword up off the ground and swung it at Xavier, who parried the attatack and moved behind Kallaway quickly. He drew his katana once again and swung it, but Kallaway turned to block it just in time.
"The girl's right," Xavier said. "You have gotten stronger. But how's your speed?"
Xavier swung his sword several times with intense speed, and Kallaway managed to block most of the attacks. A couple of them managed to slip past his guard and leave some small cuts on his arms. Kallaway lashed out with his sword, pushing Xavier back some. Kallaway then lifted a nearby church pew with one hand and attampted to slam it on top of Xavier. Xavier lifted his sword, piercing the pew and stopping its movement.
"You'll have to do better than that!" Xavier said, grinning.
Without saying a word, Kallaway flung the pew to the oter end of the church, disarming Xavier, whose sword was still stuck in it.
"Well, fuck," Xavier said.
Kallaway returned his sword to its sheath and threw a punch at Xavier. Xavierdefected the blow, touching Kallaway's wrist with his own in the proccess. Kallaway pulled his arm back, but Xavier moved forward, keeping his wrist in contact with Kallaway. Kallaway attacked with his other arm, but Xavier blocked the attack, putting his other wrist in contact with Kallaway's. Kallaway kept attacking, bt Xavier deflected all of the attacks, without breaking contact. Xavier eventually saw his opening and struck Kallaway hard in the solar plexus. Kallaway stumbled backwards, catching his breath.
"You're not very good at Chi Sow, are you?" Xavier asked.
"I don't know what the fuck that is," Kallaway said, entering a battle stance. "But I'm decent at Muay Thai."
"That makes two of us," Xavier said.
The two of them charged at each other, throwing all kinds of punches and elbow strikes.
"Why aren't they using their swords!?" Hera asked.
"Kallaway prefers to fight unarmed," Athony said. "As for Xavier, I have no idea why he doesn't use that sword across his back."
Anthony glanced across the room, where the pew Kallaway had thrown was lying. He could see the crimson hilt of Xavier's katana sticking up into the air.
"But I bet he'd use that one," he said, getting to his feet and running toward it.
He wrapped his hands around the hilt and tried to pull the sword out of the wood, but he couldn't get it to budge. It was in too deep. Hera watched him from a distance, unable to get back to her feet.
"Zero, do something," she said.
A cloaked hand appeared from nowhere and gripped the hilt of Xavier's sword. Anthony jumpted back in alarm, releasing the sword. He gazed into the masked face of Zero.
"Allow me," it said, pulling the blade from the church pew with no effort. "Xavier, catch!"
Zero threw the blade across the room. Xavier saw it coming and caught it. Kallaway quickly drew his own sword, and the two of them swung at each other. There was a loud clang as Kallaway's longsword was knocked from his hand. Xavier swung his sword again, hitting Kallaway in the temple. Kallaway fell to the ground as Xavier sheathed his katana again.
"Blunt edge," Kallaway said. "Again."
"I have no interest in killing you," Xavier said. "But beating your ass in swordplay never gets old."
"Why you little-" Kallaway said, but he stopped in mid sentence as a voice spoke in his head.
That's enough, Kallaway, It said.
O'Zalia? Kallaway responded.
It's time for you to retreat, the voice said. I'll create an opening for you.
Xavier, Hera, and Anthony all clutched their heads in pain. Anthony fell on the ground, and Zero began shaking him.
"Anthony, are you okay?" it asked.
"I... I am now," Anthony said. "It's over now."
He got to his fet and looked over at Xavier, who was standing there alone.
"Where did Kallaway go?" Anthony asked.
"No idea," Xavier said. "Everything went black for a second there, and when I came to, he was gone."
Yes, I'm terribly sorry for that, The voice said, this time sounding in everyone's head. I needed to give Kallaway a chance to slip away.
"That voice...," Anthony said.
"O'Zalia!" Xavier shouted. "Where are you!? Show yourself, you coward!"
I'm afraid I can't, the voice replied.
Silence. The voice didn't say anything more to them.
"Damn it," Xavier said. "Come on, let's get her back to the garage."
"Office," Athony said.
"Call it whatever you want, it's still a garage," Xavier said. "I turned my garage into a dojo, but it's still a garage. No let's go. I don't like being here. Not since that incident."
Anthony looked up at Zero. "Who are you, anyway?" he asked.
"My name is Zero," it replied. "I am Hera's servent."
"Think you can carry her?" Anthony asked.
"Of course," Zero said.


Later, at the Garag- OFFICE! I Meant Office. At The Office...

"So the Operator's hand really was there?" John asked.
"Yep," Anthony said, rumaging through a box and pulling out a small leather pounch.
He pulled a small piece of hard candy out of it and tossed it to Hera.
"Suck on that for a while," he said.
"Um, okay," she said, popping it in her mouth. As she sucked on it, her wounds started to slowly heal.
"Hey, this candy has healing powers!" she gasped.
"Can I see one of those?" David asked.
"Sure," Anthony said, handing one to him.
"Wait a minute," David said, examining the small blue candy for a while. "This was made using Elixir! Where'd you get this?"
"We stole it frm the Operator's hand during one of our investigations," Anthony said.
"It was my first time meeting Kallaway," Xavier said. "Also my first time beating him up."
"So did you guys find what you were looking for?" Kaiser asked.
"No," Anthony said. "Hera was injured so we had to get her back here."
"Damn it," David said.
"So we still have no idea where the Magister is?" Damien asked.
"Los Angeles," Xavier said.
Everyone in the room turned to look at him questionably.
"Excuse me?" John asked.
"I was just there on vacation," Xavier said. "Ran into this weird guy. Called himself the Magister. I thn=ink he was on something..."
"Well then, let's go!" Anthony said.
"Wait, you wanna come too?" John asked.
"Sure," Anthony said. "There's obviously some connection between him and the Operator's hand, so finding him could help Xavier and I big time."
"But I don't wanna go to L.A. again," Xavier said. "L.A. suuuuuucks!"
"Too bad," Anthony said.
"Are you guys sure you wanna come?" John asked. "I mean, um..."
"There's dangerous people after you, right?" Xavier asked. "And if I had to fathom a guess, I'd say you guys are dangerous yourselves."
"How did you-?" John began to ask.
"I saw your friend here summoning a scythe from thin air, and this Zero guy just phased in from nowhere," Anthony said. "We're detective's, remember? We notice things."
"Why don't you guys tell us the full story?" Xavier asked.
"You guys wouldn't believe it if I told you," John said.
"I just saw Xavier fight a man with super strength," Anthony said.
"And trust me, I've seen some weird shit," Xavier said, stroking the hilt of his longsword.
"Well," John said. "This'll sound weird, but...,"


Meanwhile, On The Board

Brock Stevenson entered a small store, which was shaped like a pawn. At the counter was a man with long black hair and a red coat. His shirt was grey, with a black club and a whit 8 overlapping each other. He was reading a dirty magazine, and wasn't paying any attention to the an entering his store.
Him, said the voice in Brock's head.
Are you sure? Brock replied.
Yes, the voice answered.
He doesn't look like much, Brock said.
He has exactly what I'm looking for, the voice said. Heart. Brains. And though he doesn't look like, I can see he has potential in battle. Bring me to him.
Yes sir, Brock replied.
Brock approached the counter.
"Excuse, sir," he said.
"Myeah?" the man behind the counter said, looking up from his magazine. "How can I help you?"
"Can I get a pack of smokes?" Brock asked.
"What kind?" the man said, sighing as he put away his magazine.
"Marlboro Reds," Brock said.
The man turned around and searched the cigarette rack until he found the right pack.
"Here you go," the man said, handing the pack over to Brock.
"Thank you," Brock said, reaching out. However, instead of grabbing the pack of cigarettes, he grabbed the man by the wrist.
The man recoiled and clutched his head. Something dark had entered his body without warning.
Greetings, Estren Saltown, said a voice inside of his head.
Who are you!? the man demanded. What are you?
I am the left hand of Mimir, the voice said. I am Prometheus.


Later, at the Garoffice

"So you're the children of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse," Anthony said. "And you need to get to this Netherworld place so you can save your friends and resurrect your dead mom and a bunch of other weird stuff?"
"Pretty much," David said.
"Well, okay then," Anthony said.
"You mean you believe us?" John asked.
"As I said, we've seen weird shit," Xavier said.
"Like that time we were asked to investigate the Rake?" Anthony asked.
"What a week that was," Xavier said.
"Well, I guess we're going," Anthony said. "Right, Xavier?"
"Might as well," Xavier said.
"One problem," David said. "My truck can't carry all of us."
"You guys have horses, right?" Xavier asked.
"Yes, large, oddly colored horses," Hera said. "No way we could possibly draw attention with them."
"I can ride in the horse trailer," John suggested. "Keep them company and all that."
"And someone else can ride on the back of my bike," Damien said.
"I've always wanted to ride n a motorcycle," Xavier said.
"And I have a Helmet you can borrow," Anthony said.
"Do I have to wear one?" Xacvier asked.
"Yes," Anthony replied.
"Sounds like we've got everything worked out, then?" Kaiser asked.
"Guess so," Hera said.
"Alright!" David said. "Next stop, Los Angeles

Chapter 17

Approximately 300 years ago

A small gathering of men had assembled in a pub in the human world. At their center was a man in red robes, sipping a flagon of ale.
"Why have you called us here, Raoul?" one of the men asked.
"Something has happened to our Master," the man in red answered. "His presence has... faded."
"Impossible!" another of the men said. "Are you saying he... died?"
"Not," Raoul said. "It's more complex than that."
"Then what do we do?" the first man asked.
"Yes, yes, what do you do?" said a sing-song voice from behind Raoul.
"Greetings, Stenophylla," Raoul said, without turning around. "What do you want?"
"I want to see what Nyasient'e's servants are doing now that he's... gone!" Siline said, his smile as broad as ever.
"What to you know about it?" Raoul asked, setting his drink down and turning around on his stool.
"Deceit has made use of human magick to seal your god away," Siline replied.
"That is inconceivable," Raoul said. "No man-made spell could seal Nyasient'e. There is no talisman or scroll in existence that could contain such power."
"No talisman or scroll was used," Siline said.
Raoul thought for a moment. "I see," he said, thoughtfully. "Deceit made use of his own body. A risky move."
"Indeed," Siline said.
"Who the hell is this Deceit!?" one of the men demanded.
"If our Master's inside him, we'll bust 'im or, won't we!?" another of them said.
His words were met with cheers from his companions, all except for Raoul. The cheering was suddenly silenced, and all the men recoiled in horror. Siline's eyes had changed, and the courage had all but faded from the men's hearts as they beheld them.
"I would not recommend throwing your lives away like that," Siline said. "Deceit could slaughter all of you with no effort whatsoever."
"As powerful as Deceit is, that seal won't last forever," Raoul said, getting to his feet and standing face-to-face with Siline. "The Operator's Hand will remain strong until Nyasent'e returns to us, with me a their leader."
"As great as your longevity is, do you really think you'll live that long?" Siline asked.
Raoul lifted a hand and moved his hood up, revealing his empty eye sockets. He was completely blind to the horrific sight of Siline's eyes.
"I will live for however long it takes," Raoul said.



Present Day, in California

"Why couldn't we have stopped in one of the border towns?" Damien asked.
"Kestrel said this place would be a good place to start," Kaiser said.
"It doesn't matter what town we stop in," John said. "Either way, we're in California."
"So what now?" Damien asked. "Are we just gonna ask around like 'Good day sir, do you know where I can find the Magister?' Oh, I know! We can snoop around for clues! And maybe dress the shadowy bird thingy up like a dog!"
"He has a name!" Kaiser snapped.
"Whatever you say, Shaggy," Damien said.
"Enough, you two!" Hera growled. "Can you guys try to take this seriously?"
"I don't mean t interrupt," David said, "But do you think these guys might be able to help?"
David had wandered off to look at a flyer taped to a stop sign. John walked over to look at it too.
"Anthony and Xavier's Private Detective Services," John read out loud. "They're just a few blocks from here."
"Think it's worth a shot?" David asked.
"I don't know," John asked. "But then again, what else are we gonna do?"


20 minutes later

John stood before the suburban house, with a white fence in front of its doorway.
"This is the detective office?" Damien asked.
"Guess so," John replied, reading a sign attached to the white fence. "It says if we're here for detective services, to knock on the garage door."
"Okay then," David said, knocking.
A few seconds later, the garage door slid open and a man in his early 20s approached them.
"Hi, I'm Anthony Helioson, Private Detective," he said. "How may I help you?"
"We're, um, looking for someone," David said.
"Alright, come on in and tell me all about it," Anthony said.
Every one entered the garage, which had been set up like an actual office. John sat across from Anthony at his desk.
"So, who are you guys looking for?" Anthony asked.
"Someone called the Magister," John said.
"What does he look like?" Anthony asked.
"No idea," John replied.
"What can you tell me about him?" Anthony asked.
"Not much," John said. "He's supposedly a magic user. A friend of mine said he could help us, but other than that, I don't know anything about him."
"Well, this is tricky," Anthony said. "I suppose I can ask around a bit, and dig for some information, but I don't think I'll be able to find much."
"Great," Damien said. "All that bullshit with Lord Strain and Akuma and Nyasient'e, and now we're at a dead end."
Without saying a word, Anthony got to his feet and began rummaging around a file cabinet.
"What are you looking for?" Hera asked him.
"There's one of those names that I recognize," Anthony said, pulling out a file and dropping it on the desk. He opened it up to show John. "The Operator's Hand," he said. "They're a cult going back hundreds of years, who just so happen to worship a pagan deity known as-"
"Nyasient'e," John finished for him, noticing the highlighted name on the paper.
"Rumor has it, a faction of the Operator's Hand is hiding out in the basement of the old church," Anthony said. "I was just about to go check it out. Wanna tag along?"
"Of course!" John said. "It's a long shot, but this could bring us closer to the Magister."
"So when do we leave?" Damien asked.
"I'm afraid I can only bring one of you," Anthony said. "More than that would be too suspicious. Besides, I'm used to only having one partner."
"Speaking of which, where is that Xavier guy?" Kaiser asked.
"His name's actually Daniel," Anthony said. "He prefers to use his middle name though. He's on business up in L.A."
"You guys work well together?" John asked.
"Yeah," Anthony said. "I'm the brains, he's the muscle."
"So who's your wildcard?" Hera asked jokingly.
"Also Xavier," Anthony said. "So, which one of you wants to come?"
"I'll go," Hera said. "I know a thing to two about cults. I'd been the most valuable to you."
"What about Kaiser?" David asked.
"Hera's right," Kaiser said. "She would know more than me."
"Alright," Anthony said. "It's decided. Hera and I will go to the old church to investigate the Operator's Hand."


Meanwhile, in Netherworld

"Here it is!" Krysix said, standing before his machine. It was a complex metal platform surrounded by giant Tesla coils.
"This'll bring us to the human world?" the Gambler asked.
"Yes," Krysix said. "It's not completely accurate, but it shouldn't bring us too far off."
"So, let's get going already!" Manny Kinn said.
"Hold on a moment," the Gambler said.
A few seconds later, two people appeared, and kneeled before the Gambler. One was a man, dressed in loose black clothing with a black and violet jacket. He had a tattoo of a question mark under his left eye. The second was a woman with tan skin, dressed in a tight red shirt and maroon jeans. her black hair was down to her shoulders, and she wore question mark shaped earrings.
"Took ye' long enough," the Gambler said. "Abdalin, Cleopatra, we be on our way to the human world, to hunt down the Magister."
"Yes sir!" the both said in unison.
Krysix started up the machine, and a black portal appeared in the center of the platform.
"Prepare for takeoff," Krysix said.


Later, Inside of the Old Church

"So, where's the basement?" Hera asked, brushing some cobwebs off her shoulder.
"There should be a trapdoor behind the alter," Anthony said. "Look at all these footprints. They're leading right to it."
"So this place was used recently," Hera said.
"Exactly," Anthony said. "Let's go."
The two of them approached the trapdoor, but in flung open just before the reached it. A tall, twenty-year-old man climbed up the stairs to meet them. There was a longsword strapped across his back.
"Been a while, Anthony," he said.
"Who's this guy?" Hera asked.
"David Kallaway," Anthony said. "He was arrested for patricide 5 years ago, but the Operator's hand broke him out."
"So this is their hideout," Hera said.
"Not any more," Kallaway said. "Everyone else already left."
"Then I'll just have to get my answers out of you," Hera said, as her scythe appeared in her hand. "What do you know about the Magister?"
"I have nothing to say regarding that crackpot," Kallaway said.
"So you do know him!" Hera said. "Tell me everything!"
"If you think that scythe of yours scares me, you're dead wrong," Kallaway said.
Oh yeah!?" Hera yelled, swinging her scythe in a wide arc.
As her scythe sped through the air, Kallaway reached out a hand and caught the blade before it could cut him. He then turned sharply and flung her against a far wall. Her scythe clattered to the ground several feet away. Anthony charged at Kallaway from behind, but he turned again and kicked Anthony into a nearby pew. Her got to her feet, and ran up to him, throwing a strong right hook at him. He blocked it effortlessly, along with her next punch, and the punch after that. She quickly realized that he was just as strong as she was. Stronger, even. He threw a jab that caught her in the chest with the force of a runaway car. He struck her again in the shoulder, and then he caught her with a backhand strike to the temple. She collapsed on the ground in front of him, as he drew his sword from it's sheath.
"I'm sorry," he said, raising the sword above his head. "I have orders to keep."
He brought the blade down, but another sword blocked its path.
"Deus Ex Machina, bitch!" said the sword's wielder, throwing a punch that connected with Kallaway's jaw.
Kallaway stepped back and glared into the newcomer's eyes. It was a man, about Anthony's age, with shoulder length brown hair and freckle. He was wielding a katana, with a black blade and a red handle. He wore a gray vest, with a second sword across his back. It was an elegant European longsword, inside a black and indigo sheath.
"Long time no see, Kallaway," he said.
"Daniel Ferris," Kallaway said. "It has been a long time."
"I prefer Xavier," he said. He then turned to Hera. "I'll take it from here."
"But he's too strong!" Hera said. She tried to get up, but her injuries wouldn't allow it.
"Don't underestimate me," Xavier said, taking a few steps back. "I can take him."
Kallaway took a few steps back as well, clutching his sword tightly. They both took fighting stances, then charged at each other furiously.

Chapter 16

12 years ago

Lord Strain climbed out of a window in the Hated Palace in Netherworld, clutching a bundle of weapons bound together with ropes. He jumped down, landing in the palace courtyard. Several guards in dark armor surrounded him, raising crossbows.
"Drop the weapons and put your hands in the air!" one of them shouted.
"Oh please, do you honestly think those measely human tools intimidate me?" Lord Strain said, drawing his gun.
The guards began shooting him, but he dodged all of their attacks and counter attacked with his own weapon. All of the guards fell to the ground, clutching gunshot wounds, as illness spread through their bodies.
"Well, that's taken care of," Lord Strain said. "Now, where the hell is Akuma with that portal?"
As he spoke, one of the guards got back to her feet, drawing a shortsword from her belt. She charged at him from behind, knocking the bundle of weapons from his hand. She quickly lashed at it, severing the ropes and scattering the weapons across the ground. Lord Strain drew his sword and swung it at her.
"You're a persistant little bitch, aren't you?" he said.
"And you're a disgusting thief!" she replied, kicking away one of the swords near her feet.
As it slid across the ground, a door appeared in its path and swung open, pulling the sword intothe other side before slamming shut again.
"Damn you!" Lord Strain snapped, swatting her sword aside and shooting her in the shoulder.
A large glowing pentagram appeared beside him.
"About time," he said, picking up the remaining weapons from the ground. "I suppose four out of five will have to do."
"You'll never get away with this," the female guard hissed at him.
"I already have," Lord Strain said, stepping through the portal.
Akuma and Glasp were waiting for him on the other side. He dropped the weapons on the ground before them.
"I count four," Glasp said. "I thought you said there were five weapons of power."
"I encountered a female guard who proved to be something of a nuisance," Lord Strain said. "I ended up dropping Tyrfing."
"So would we be able to get it back?" Glasp asked.
"Unlikely," Lord Strain said. "It was pulled through one of Netherworld's doors."
"So you're saying it's in the human world now?" Akuma said, laughing. "Oh, that should be interesting. But no matter. We got the others, so when the time comes, we should have an edge."
"Indeed," Lord Strain said calmly.
"Plus," Akuma said, under his breath, "It's not Tyrfing I'm interested in."

Present Day

"So, what's next?" Damien asked.
"I don't know," John said.
The battle was over, for now. But John now had another reason to get into Netherworld. Deceit, his guardian, had been captured. He had to save him, somehow.
"Did you catch what he said before the snake chick dragged him off?" Damien asked.
"He said we need to find the Magister," John said. "Wonder who that is..."
"Wanna ask the others?" Damien asked, glancing over at where the others were sitting.
Zero was busy bandaging one of Hera's wounds, David was resting against Siline's building, and Kaiser seemed to be speaking with Kestrel.
"I guess...," John said. "But I don't know if they'll know anything."
"Worth a shot though, right?" Damien said.
"Yeah," John said.
"Oh yeah, what do you think this is?" Damien asked, crouching down and stroking the words that Deceit had cared into the ground next to Glasp's falcion.
"Looks like some kind of incantation," John said. "Might have something to do with the seal he used on it."
"Let's see," Damien said, picking up the sword and muttering the words.
A bolt of lightning shot from the blade, hitting the bus stop a few feet from them.
"Whoa," John said. "You might wanna be careful with that thing."
"Um, yeah," Damien agreed. "Right."
"What the hell are you guys doing over there!" Hera shouted.
"Just testing something out!" John called back. "Hey, do any of you know anything about someone called-"
"The Magister," Siline interupted, from behind John.
"Yikes!" John said, startled. "How long have you been standing behind me!?"
"Exactly 4.27 seconds," Siline replied.
"Um... okay, then," John said. "So, what do you know about the Magister?"
"He's a human spellcaster, rumored to be the most powerful mage on Earth," Siline said. "Last I heard of him, he was working on a spell that could allow one to enter and exit Netherworld."
"So, he could totally help us get there!" Damien said, excitedly. "I mean, assuming he was successful."
"Great!" John said. "So, where can we find him?"
"No idea," Siline said, shrugging his shoulders with a broad grin on his face.
"Damn it," John said. "Now what?"
"Now we go to California," Hera said.
"Um, why?" David asked.
"Well, I'm a cult leader," she said. "And word on the grapevine is that a powerful warlock known only as 'Magister' has been hanging around So Cal for a while now. Of course, narrowing down his location from there won't be easy."
"Awesome!" John said.
"We should leave as soon as possible," Kaiser said.
"Right, well, you all have fun with that," Siline said.
"You're not coming along?" John asked.
"I'm afraid not," he said, grinning broadly. "There are other pressing matters I must attend to. But we'll meet again on the other side. Fair the well, heroes."


Meanwhile, in Netherworld

Hell Talon sat down on a chair at the edge of a dark room.
"One hell of a hideout Strain picked out for us," he said. "It smells ike rat shit in here."
"You get used to it," Bill said, fiddling with his collar. "Where is the boss man, anyway?"
"Speaking to Akuma in private," Glasp said. "They had something to discuss."
"Do you ever get the feeling those two are using each other?" Hell Talon asked.
"I don't need a feeling," Glasp said. "I know for a fact that's how it is."
"What do you-" Hell Talon started to say, but he was cut off by the door opening.
Akuma stepped into the room, twirling a glowing dagger between his fingers.
"What's that?" Bill asked.
"One of four weapons our boss acquired some years ago," Akuma said. "He's agreed to let me use it."
"So what can it do?" Hell Talon asked.
"It can infuse eldritch power into anything the blade pierces," Akuma said.
"So, you could become stronger by stabbing yourself with it?" Bill asked.
"Not quite," Akuma said. "It won't work on beings who already possess a great deal of eldritch power, so stabbing someting like a Terrorspawn or a Horseman would be the same as stabbing with a normal knife. Human's, however, are another story. Human's are born with no eldritch powers, ao the knife will fill them with power. However, the human body isn't built for that kind of power, and would destroy itself."
"So what exactly do you have planned with that knife?" Hell Talon asked.
"I won't give it away just yet, but I'll tell you one thing," Akuma said. "A new Terrorspawn will soon be born."

Meanwhile, in California

Four figures were gathered in a dark basement. The floor was circular, with a large X carved into it. On of the figures, a muscular young man with short black hair, was lying on his back on the cold ground.
"So why are we gathered again?" he asked.
"Yeah, that's a good question," said one of the other. He was a tall man with a long sword strapped across his back. "Ming filling us in, Isaac?" he asked.
"Alright, David, if you insist," said a white haired man, who was leaning against the wall.
"I keep telling you not to use my first name," the man with the sword said. "It's Kallaway."
"Whatever," Isaac said. "Anyway, according to Raoul, our master will be here soon."
"Doesn't Raoul say that all time?" said the fourth man, whose face was hidden beneath a mask, with a weapon resembling a metal pipe with a handle.
"Jerome has a point," the man on the ground said.
"This time is different, Quan," Isaac replied. "It has broken out of his seal."
"Is that so?" Jerome asked.
"Heh, so we finally get to meet our god, eh?" Quan chuckled. "This should be good, eh Kallaway?"
"I don't care," Kallaway replied. "The only reason I'm here is because Raoul busted me out. I could care less about-"
Kallaway stopped in mid sentence. Nyasient'e stood before him, with its faceless head tilted down to meet Kallaway's terrified face. Without warning, a dozen arms sprouted from Nyasient'e's back, lifting Kallaway off the ground. He began screaming in pain, so loudly that Quan had to cover his ears. Then the pain ceased, and Nyasient'e let Kallaway fall to the ground.
"Holy crap!" Isaac gasped.
Quan rushed over to Kallway's side, helping him up.
"Are you okay, man?" he asked. "How do you feel?"
"I feel..," Kallaway said shakily. "Stronger."
Kallaway drew his sword quickly and stabbed it into the stone wall, all the way down to the handle, with seemingly non effort.
"Incredible...," he muttered.
Nyasient'e looked around the room, seeming to stare into the souls of everyone there. As it did, a single sentence sounded in the back of there minds.
"Who would like to go next?"

Later, in Texas

Ben Malkator sat quietly on a park bench, tossing bread crumbs to the birds. He let out a deep sigh.
"Why'd you have to leave, Damien," he said. "What the hell am I suppose to do now?"
"I know exactly what you should do," said a hellish voice, resonating through the air. A crimson pentagram appeared before Ben. "Come to me," the voice said.
Ben got up from the bench and stepped forward. He was drawn to the symbol in the air. He couldn't seem to stop himself from walking straight through it. He emerged on the other side, on the empty streets of Netherworld's capital city.
"Where the Bloody Hell am I?" he asked.
"Home," said a voice behind him.
He turned sharply to see who had spoken. Asd he did so, a dagger was plunged into his chestplate. His eyes met the demonic eyes of Akuma, grinning back at him.
"Hello, old friend," Akuma said, dragging the dagger down Ben's torso, cutting him open.
Ben fell to the ground, clutching his open wound. It burned, as if someone had chosen to set up a campfire inside of his chest. He soon stopped moving, seemingly dead. Akuma stood over him, frowning.
"Come on, wake up!" he demanded. "This can't be it. Stand! Show me what my greatest rival is made of!"
Suddenly, Ben screamed in pain. A number of black whips sprang from his wound, wrapping around the streetlights and lifting him into the air. Energy radiated from the gash, and the edges harden, and formed sharp, chitinous teeth. He clutched his eyes as a burning sensation engulfed them. His irises melted away to nothing, and his pupil painfully expanded. He writhed in agaony, and his forams and shoulder blades split open, and energy poured out of them. The energy quickly hardened into a pair of chitinous blades growing from his arms and a set of red, batlike wings. The whips then released themselves, withdrawing into the newly formed mouth on his torso. His wings acted on their own, carrying him safely back to the ground.
"What in the blazes did you do to me?" he demanded.
"I've simply unleashed the real you," Akuma said. "Now, I suggest you learn to use this newfound power. I'll be waiting."
With that, Akuma vanished into one of his portals, leaving Ben standing their in the empty city streets.

Chapter 15

15 years ago

Deceit walked down the streets of the human world, late at night. He paused while passing an alleyway and looked down it. He stared for several minutes into the darkness before making another move. He reached into his suit and removed a cigar, which he raised at shoulder level into the alley.
"Mind lighting this?" he asked.
A small spark of fire shot through the darkness, igniting the tip of the cigar, which Deceit brought to his lips. He entered the alleyway, stopping in front of a man sitting down with his back against the wall, barely visible from a distance. He had long, greasy brom hair, and wore tattered, blood stained clothing. His right arm, covered in fresh wounds, was covering the right side of his face, which was bleeding profusely. His left eye let out a faint glow.
"You seem to have taken a beating," Deceit said casually.
The man moved his hand, revealing a long, vertical gash where his right eye should have been.
"I've had worse," he said calmly.
"Do I need to pouint out that you're missing an eye?" Deceit asked.
"Doesn't matter," he replied. "The one I have left is still locked on my goal."
"Still obsessed, I see," Deceit said.
"We all have our obsessions," he said. "They can be maddening, yet keep us sane, all at the same time."
"I heard a rumor," Deceit said.
"Of course you have," the man said. "It's always a rumor or two that bring you to me."
"Is it true that you're crafted a spell that can summon doors?" Deceit asked.
"It's not quite perfected yet," the man said, getting to his feet. "But I'm almost there."
"I have to ask you something, Magister," Deceit said.
"And what will it be this time, dear friend?" he asked, brushing hios bangs from in front of his good eye.
"In the neart future, I may need that spell of yours," Deceit said. "When that time comes, will you be willing to help me?"
"Perhaps," he said. "If the mood strikes me."



Present Day, in Netherworld

A man in a long brown cloak sat at his desk, which was cluttered with various items; playing cards, pencils, socks, dominos, and m,any other things. The man had his hood up, concealing most of his face, save for his bearded chin and mouth. The door opened, and another hooded man stepped through. He pulled his hood down, revealing a chiseled, clean shaven face and fiery red hair.
"Are you ther Gambler?" the newcomer asked.
"Aye, lad," the man at the desk said. "An' who might ye be?"
"My name is Brock Stevenson," he replied. "I've heard you are in search of a man, and I believe I have found his whereabouts."
A floating chessboard with elegant figures appeared between them. the Gambler moved one of the pawns on his side, and Brock followed by moving one opf his side's pawns.
"'Ave ye now?" the Gambler asked. "An' who might it be I'm looking for?"
"Magister," Brock said, barely above a whisper.
The continued playing their chess game as they talked, with the Gambler qui9ckly gaining an upper hand.
"Aye," the Gambler said. "And where might 'e be, then?"
"The information I have for you comes at a price," Brock said.
"An' what be the price?" the Gambler asked.
"You are owner of the territory in Netherworld known as the Board," Brock said. "I wish to enter said territory, without threat from your servents who reside there. In exchange, I will give you the location of the Magister."
Most of Brock's chess pieces had been taken at this point. The Gambler had only liost a few pawns and a bishop.
"Is that all, lad?" the Gambler asked.
"Yes," the man said.
"Very well," the Gambler said, moving one of his knights, placing Brock's king in checkmate. The chess board dissapeared, replaced by a green Joker card. "This'll allow ye safe entry into the Board," the Gambler said. "But first, where is 'e?"
"He is currently in Los Angeles," Brock said.
"Alright, then," the Gambler said, handing the card over. "But I warn ye', if the information ye provided be false, my servents will execute ye on sight."
"Fair enouigh," Brock said. "I should also warn you of something."
"Aye?" the Gambler asked.
"I'm am not the only one who knows this," he said.
"Who else then, lad?" the Gambler asked.
"A man with long hair," Brock said. "Carrying two swords. One of them is a katana wioth a black blade and a crimson handle. The other is a longsword of european design, which he never removes from its sheath."
"I shall keep an eye out for 'im," the Gambler said.
"One more thing," Brock said. "I hear tell that your former mistress is looking for you."
"Then it be me she shall find," the Gambler said, rising to his feet.


Meanwhile, in the human world

Omnpotence woke up with a jolt. She was laying in a bed in a small log cabin. Another bed was across the room, with Fade fast alseep in it. Kemuri Ha was sitting backwards in a chair a few feet away.
"Oh, good, you're up," he said. "Sorry the wife ain't here. She's having trouble finding a door."
"We were attacked," Omnipotence said.
"Yeah," he replied. "Don't you normally see these things coming?"
"My vision has been going cloudy," she said. "I believe it's Famine's doing."
"I don't recall him having that kind of power," Kemuri Ha said. "Unless he infected you with-"
"I wasn't infected," she interupted. "It's... something else. Something I can't quite explain. Anyway, how is Fade doing?"
"Old coot still hasn't woke up," he said.
"You're not that young any more either," Omnipotence pointed out, getting up and walking over to Fade's bed. "He should be fine. He just needs a little more rest."
"If you say so," Kemuri Ha said.


Later, in Conquest's residence

The Gambler walked through the door, into a dark foyer covered in spider webs.
"Where are ye?" he demanded.
Manny Kinn stepped out from behing the staircase, looking Gambler up and down.
"You should shave," she said.
"Ye should mind yer own beeswax," the Gambler said. "What do ye want?"
"I'm offering to form a temporary alliance," she said. "You see, a member of our group recently betrayed us. We need someone new at our side."
"I'm not interested," the Gambler said.
"You haven't even heard the details," she said.
"I don't care," he said.
"You should," said a new voice. Conquest stood at the top of the stairs, gazing down at the Gambler.
"Conquest," the Gambler said under his breath. "What do ye want?"
"I want my nephews and niece to be brought back here," Conquest said. "And your talents will help me to achieve just that."
"And why should I help ye with that?" the Gambler said.
"Well, you are after the Magister, yes?" Conquest asked.
"Aye," the Gambler replied.
"Yet he is in the human world," Conquest said. "And you lack the means to get there."
"And it just so happens," Krysix said, emerging from the shadows behind Conquest. "That I have a way."


Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the Board

Brock approached the great stome wall. He raised the card the Gambler had given him, and the stone split down the middle and slid apart, just enough for a man to fit through. Beyond, the ground was checkered black and white, and in the distance, chess piece shaped building were visible.
"Here it is, great fragment of Mimir," Brock said. "This is where we shall find you a suitable host."
As he spoke a voice withing his head hissed "Yessssssssss."

Chapter 14

Approximately 300 years ago

Two figures walked through a small town late at night. One was Deceit, dressed in his usual suit and tie, but with a sword sheathed across his back. His companion was a young woman, about 20 years old. Her hair was long and dark, and her eyes were bright blue. She was dressed in a faded gown covered in soot and dirt.

“So who are we seeing again?” Deceit asked.

“Madam Seraphim,” the girl said. “She's an old friend of mine. She can help you deal with the phantom that's been causing problems at the castle.”

“I can deal with something as useless as a phantom on my own,” Deceit said.

“well, she can make it easier for you,” the girl said. “She owns a powerful sealing spell. If you use it, you can seal the phantom away inside a magic item.”

“Where did she get a spell like that?” Deceit asked. “It wasn't developed by humans, was it?”

“It was,” the girl said. “Madam Seraphim was the spells creator.”

“I see,” Deceit said. “So you humans aren't completely useless after all.”

The girl laughed at this. “You say silly things sometimes, Deceit,” she said.

Deceit stopped walking.

“Elizabeth?” he asked.

“Yes?” she replied, turning to face him.

“Why do you trust me so much?” he asked. “After you've seen what I am.”

“Why do I need a reason to trust you?” she asked. “No matter what you look like, deep down you're just as human as I am.”

“And you think I say silly things,” Deceit said, sighing.

Present day

John continued fighting, barely able to fend off Hell Talon's rapid sword attacks. Hell Talon swung his swords wildly, not giving John any room to make any attacks of his own. John was driven back until he hit a bus stop. He wouldn't be able to back up any further. Hell Talon raised his swords, ready to move in for the kill. He stopped in his tracks when a shadow fell over them both. The corpse of a giant snake landed on the ground between them. John charged forward immediately and slammed the head of his hammer into Hell Talon's chest, sending him flying several yards.

“I'm beginning to think this isn't the right weapon to fight you with,” John said, tapping one of the orbs around his forearm. His hammer was replaced by his sword. “This should be light enough to keep up with you,” he said, raising the sword.

“Maybe,” Hell Talon chuckled. “But can it keep up with this?”

He stabbed one of his swords into the ground, and left it there as he raised his now free hand. A bolt of lightning was fired from it, headed straight at John. John raised his sword, absorbing the lightning bolt. He swung his sword, releasing the lightning in a wide arc back at Hell Talon, who raised his hand and reabsorbed all of the lightning before it could harm him.

“Interesting,” Hell Talon said. “It seems we're both able to absorb and control lightning.”

He gripped the handle of his sword and pulled it out of the ground.

“I guess our special attacks will be ineffective against each other,” he said. “Let's stick to the swordplay.”

He charged, clashing with John. Even without the hammer slowing him down, John could still barely keep up with Hell Talon's fast pace. He gripped his hilt tightly. If he couldn't outmaneuver him, he could try overpowering him. He swung with as much force as he could, almost knocking one of Hell Talon's blades from his hand. John took his chance to break through his guard, slicing across his chest. Hell Talon backed off, surprised.

“Ha!” John exclaimed. “I got you!”

“Not a good move on your part,” Hell Talon said. “Take a look.”

He spread his arms, allowing John to see the wound he had inflicted. There was no blood seeping from it at all. Instead, there was something moving beneath his skin. A dozen beaks poked out of the cut, and countless black crows flew out from his body.

“What the hell!?” John said, as four birds flew by his, cutting his arms with their razor-like wings.

“I am there servant,” Hell Talon chuckled. “I hunt for them. I kill for them. I interact with humanity for him. But most importantly, I allow them to nest within me.”

A few yards from them, Deceit and Glasp continued their fight. Snakes burst forth from underground, lashing at Deceit from all directions. He moved quicker than any of them, cutting them open and tearing them apart with his fingertips.

“This is getting old,” he said. “Are you gonna fight me, or are you gonna keep sending your snakes after me like a coward?”

“You want to face me head-on? Fine!” she snapped.

A tall mirror appeared beside her. She touched the mirror, and her hand passed through it as though it were air. She reached her entire arm through it, and pulled a falchion from within the mirror.

“This is a magic blade,” she informed him. “Even your claws can't destroy it.”

She charged at him, swinging the sword with all her strength. He blocked her attack with his fingers. She swung again and again, driving him backwards. He bumped into a mirror which had suddenly appeared behind him. Mirrors appeared everywhere, trapping them both in a circle. Glasp stabbed her sword forward. Deceit quickly stepped out of the way, shifting his right hand into its clawed form and swiping at he. She vanished into the mirror just as his claws cut though the glass.

“You'll have to try harder than that!” she said, her voice now coming from behind him.

He turned to see her reflection in one of the other mirrors. He charged at her, stabbing his hand into the glass mirror. The mirror shattered.

“I'm over here now!” She exclaimed, coming from a different mirror. Her reflection in that mirror vanished, appearing in a different mirror. That reflection also moved to a different mirror, and continued doing so.

“Where am I going to appear next?” she said, mockingly.

Deceit focused his mind, and time slowed down for him. He watched as her reflection began to fade from one of the mirrors. He looked around, and saw her reappearing in the mirror directly behind him. He charged forward, as time began to flow normally again, and jabbed his claws into the glass. The reflection disappeared just as he did so.

“Too slow,” she hissed, stepping through a mirror right next to him. She slashed upwards quickly. Deceit tried to get out of the way, but his arm had become stuck inside the mirror. The blade sliced him across the chest, and the mirror he was stuck in shattered. Glasped kicked him hard in the ribs, then again in the chest, knocking him backwards. His back hit another of the mirrors. She jumped back into one of the mirrors, and Deceit had no time to react before the blade stabbed through the mirror he was leaning through, piercing him in the back and sticking out his torso. Her foot cam out of the mirror, kicking into the center of the mirrors.

He lay there, coughing up blood as she left the mirror and stood over him.

“You see, Deceit?” she said. “This is your weakness. You're physically superior to all the other Terrorspawn, but that's about it. You don't possess the same gifts the rest of us do. Like this one!”

A giant snake burst forth from the ground, coiling around Deceit and squeezing him tightly as it lifted him into the air.

“Now, it's over!” she yelled, throwing her sword at him.

The snake let out a cry of pain as Deceit's clawed hand tore through its body and caught the sword before it could hit him.

“Damn it!” Glasp cried. “Crush him! Now!”

The snake tightened its grip on Deceit, cracking several of his bones. He clenched the sword tightly, and shouted out several foreign words, with strange pronunciations.

“Have... have you lost your mind?” Glasp asked, unfamiliar with the words coming out of his mouth.

The snake cried out in pain again, as its body dissolved into green light, which was pulled into the sword Deceit was holding. He fell to his feet, trying his hardest not to keel over.

“Wh- how!?” Glasp demanded. “What did you do!”

“You were wrong,” Deceit said. “Sure, I can't control the elements, or fly. My healing factor is pathetic compared to most other Terrorspawn. I can't create illusions, alter memory, or manipulate animals. But I'm not just limited to my speed and strength. You see, there's Magicks developed by humans to fight monsters like us. And there's some of those Magicks that I've learned to us myself.”

In a blur of movement, he shot past Glasp, breaking through he mirrors. He looked through the battlefield. He could see John, struggling against Hell Talon and his crows. Deceit pointed the blade toward the birds. A beam of green light was released from the sword, dissolving the birds and sealing them inside the blade along with the snake. He turned his attention to the others, who were also struggle against the Crown. He absorbed several moire of the birds before stopping.

“I think this blade's nearing its limit,” he said. “I won't be able to seal much more inside of it.”

“Don't ignore me!” Glasp hissed at him.

“I'm not,” he said. “I was just building up a bit of power.”

“What?” she demanded.

“This seal is pretty weak compared to what I used on Nyasient'e,” he said, pointing it at her. He muttered a word, and a bolt of lightning shot from its tip, missing her and melting a mirror behind her. “I can still release some of the power inside of it, if I say the magic word right.”

Meanwhile, Hell Talon and John fought on, each swing their swords with everything they had.

“You're lucky that Terrorspawn bailed you out before,” Hell Talon said. “You'd have been a dead man if you had continued fighting both me and the birds.

“Don't you have more inside you or something?” John asked. “Or was that your limit.”

“I have plenty more,” Hell Talon said. “But I prefer not to use them. It's much more satisfying to kill them with my own hands.”

One of the Crown flew by Hell Talon's ear and squawked at him.

“What!?” he demanded.

He turned his head to see most of the Crown flying away. Akuma was standing and watching from a distance, with a glowing seal hanging in the air behind him.

“What's going on?” John asked.

“He's ordering a retreat,” Hell Talon said. “And their obeying. I guess we'll have to settle this another time.”

Hell Talon spread his wings and began flying away.

“Hold on a minute!” John said, trying to chase after him.

Akuma raised his left hand, and a seal appeared before him. A blast of lightning shot from it, tearing through the building above John, causing several chunks of brick and cement to fall toward John. He stopped in his tracks, panicking. A flash of movement appeared above him, and the chunks of building falling toward him were sliced into pieces. Deceit landing on the ground before John.

“Stop getting in these kinds of situations,” he said.

“Sorry,” John replied, looking past Deceit to see that the Crown had completely vanished along with Hell Talon and Akuma. “What happened to that woman?” he asked.

“She unconscious,” Deceit said. “But-”

He stopped talking and collapsed to his hands and knees, coughing up blood.

“Shit!” John said. “Are you okay!?”

“She did a number on me,” he said. “Listen, you need to- AGH!”

A snake had appeared from no where and sank its teeth into Deceit's ankle. John looked to she that Glasp was still moving, and had the snake by the end of its tail, like a whip.

“I have to leave now,” she hissed. “But I'm taking you with me!”

A portal appeared behind her, and she began to drag Deceit through it.

“Stop!” John demanded, raising his sword and firing a bolt of lightning from it. A small blue mirror appeared in her free hand, and reflected the lightning bolt right back at John, hitting him in the chest. Deceit sank the claws of his right hand into the ground, trying to slow her dragging down. He changed one of the fingers on his left hand into a claw and engraved a word into the ground next to the falchion.

“You have to-” he was cut off as more blood spat from his mouth. “Find... the Magister.”

He lost consciousness, and was dragged into the portal after Glasp. It closed behind then, leaving John there, unable to chase after them.

Meanwhile, in the capital city of Netherworld

A man walked through the streets, dressed in dark robes with his hood up. He walked down an alleyway and knocked three times on a door. A peephole opened on the door.

“Password?” said a voice from the other side.

“Siel'ha,” the man said.

The door opened, and the hooded man entered. He was in a dimly lit bar, with several strange, humanoid creatures sitting around. The person at the door was tall, and had a pudgy face with pig-like ears and green freckles.

“We don't get many humans here,” he said. “What's your name?”

“My name is Brock Stevenson,” the hooded man said. “I need to speak to the manager here.”