A Mark of Transaction

Leena: Guys! I think I found some! She's off to the side, behind one of the pillars. There's a covered bowl over here!

Mandy Lane: She runs over to Leena and pulls the metal lid of the bowl. There's a tiny amount of holy water, less than enough to fill a single cup. ...Rub it on this symbol on my neck. She turns around and moves her hair. Hurry!

Leena: She rips off a piece of her skirt and dips it in, soaking up the water. After a moment she places it against Mandy's neck. You still haven't said why we're doing this...

Mandy Lane: She winces as her skin burns from being touched by the blessed liquid. Get as much onto it as you can. Leena repeats the process, soaking up the last small amount and then rubbing it on the dove-like symbol Mandy's neck.
[2/17/2015 11:03:38 PM | Edited 11:06:10 PM] Arbi: The Mark of Paloma reacts to the holy water. At first Mandy just feels a slight sting but the pain quickly begins to grow. In just seconds the stinging has changed to an intense burning feeling, like someone was branding her neck.
[2/17/2015 11:05:18 PM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: She tries to keep from screaming at first, grinding her teeth together in pain. After a moment she lets out a painful scream and moves away from Leena, holding her neck tightly.

Leena: What the hell? What's happening to her?
[2/17/2015 11:09:39 PM] Arbi: Isaac: He runs up behind the pillar immediately after hearing her in pain. Mandy, what's wrong?! He's forced to yell, the high winds outside so close to the church now.

Everyone can hear the sound of the building falling apart outside. The roof being ripped apart and all the statues being flung away into the miasma.
[2/17/2015 11:11:10 PM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: The holy water burns! I can't stand it!

Lucas: He's looking up at the sky through the now-missing ceiling. We gotta get moving guys! This place is getting ripped apart!
[2/17/2015 11:13:40 PM] Arbi: All the clouds begin to fade from the sky, even the sun behind them vanishes slowly. It's become apparent now that they're no longer on Earth anymore but somewhere else. The dark storm rips apart the front of the church and it's power finally runs out, the winds dying.
[2/17/2015 11:14:24 PM] Omniance: Leena: She looks up, and then around. ...What just happened?
[2/17/2015 11:16:02 PM] Arbi: Yuri: He looks at Lucas before looking back at Leena. Is it finally over?
[2/17/2015 11:19:15 PM] Omniance: Lucas: He seems suspicious and hesistant. Could just be the calm at the eye of the storm... He narrows his eyes as he looks up into the sky. He runs across the aisle to Leena and Isaac, Mandy is laying on the floor, having lost consciousness. The symbol on her next looks like it's blistered and red, steam is rising from it.

Leena: She keeps her eyes on the sky, I don't know what happened to her...
[2/17/2015 11:21:03 PM] Arbi: Isaac: She passed out... He kneeling besides her, checking to make sure she's not dying. She was in too much pain...
[2/17/2015 11:23:12 PM] Arbi: Yuri: He looks out into the dark abyss around them, unable to see far because there is no light outside the church. The only light coming from the altar past the steps. I can't see anything out there...
[2/17/2015 11:24:51 PM] Omniance: Leena: I don't understand what the hell is happening here? She shakes her head. Where are we?! She finally looks away from the sky.

Lucas: Wherever it is, all that matters is finding a way out.
[2/17/2015 11:25:56 PM] \*\*\* Call ended, duration 29:54 \*\*\*
[2/17/2015 11:37:43 PM] Arbi: The sky changes from a pitch black to one of blue, purple and dark grey energies. The Shadowlord begins to rise up from the ground in the far distance. He looks down over all of them with a sinister smile before slowly raising his hand towards the group. He begins to laugh as the sky itself begins to move in his direction, the dark energies going into his back like a massive cloak empowering his final attack.
[2/17/2015 11:39:25 PM] Arbi: Yuri: He backs away, after a moment hitting the altar at the back of the church. He turns around, seeing they're trapped. There's nowhere left to run...
[2/17/2015 11:40:27 PM] Omniance: Lucas: He just sighs. This is insane. He puts his hand to his forehead, pushing his hair up. ...This is insane.
[2/17/2015 11:43:54 PM] Arbi: Isaac: He sits down beside Mandy looking at the dark colossus charging what looks like his final attack. He doesn't know what to do anymore.
[2/17/2015 11:45:07 PM] Omniance: Leena: She slowly raises her hands. I don't think there's anything we can do... Violet wisps of fire ignite on her fingertips, but she just shakes her head and doesn't really do anything.
[2/17/2015 11:45:55 PM] Omniance: Lucas: He turns away, heading for his brother. This altar is still alight. Maybe there's something here that can protect us. He looks at Yuri.
[2/17/2015 11:56:14 PM] \*\*\* Call from Arbi \*\*\*
[2/17/2015 11:57:21 PM | Edited 11:59:08 PM] Arbi: Yuri: He looks around, unsure of where the light is coming from exactly as there is no lightbulbs around the altar or the cross behind it. What if we all stand here?
[2/17/2015 11:59:00 PM] Omniance: Leena: On some altar? She looks back at them, then to the shadow creature towering in the distance. After a moment she turns and runs up to the altar. Lucas runs passed her to help Isaac pick up Mandy Lane. The two hounds rush up to the altar as well.
[12:00:29 AM] Arbi: Yuri: I meant around the light. It must be holy, why else would there be light here? The dark energies from the sky begin to run out, meaning there isn't much time left before they're attacked.
[12:01:02 AM | Edited 12:02:36 AM] Arbi: As Isaac and Lucas move Mandy towards the altar the Mark of Paloma begins to shine, dimly at first but the closer they get the brighter it glows.
[12:03:54 AM] Arbi: Isaac: The mark on her neck. Look! The symbol no longer looks like a burn mark but more like a blessing.
[12:07:26 AM] Arbi: The sky vanishes into the Shadowlord's back as he finishes absorbing the power of the abyss. He grabs onto his own arm as he forms the world ending attack in his palm.
[12:09:15 AM] Arbi: Yuri: SHIT! He runs over and helps them move Mandy to the altar. She doesn't even weigh that much! The three of them quickly get her onto the altar.
[12:10:02 AM] Omniance: Lucas: I'm fucking tired! Rodin runs up and grabs her shirt, pulling her up with them, but not really helping much.
[12:27:19 AM] Arbi: Just as they're about to place her body on the altar she never touches it, her body floating inches above it like something was there to catch and hold her. Her body slowly begins to rise up. As she does a massive circular holy symbol appears beneath all of them. The symbol slowly spins, glowing brightly underneath them all in several colors. It feels warm and gives them the feeling that everything is going to be okay.

It becomes clear what is holding Mandy up. A divine figure comes into view, standing at 9ft tall with massive white wings. She's cradling Mandy in her arm.

Sif: She looks from Mandy towards Isaac before looking back towards the Shadowlord. In the distance the black sky opens open, rays of light coming down from the hole. What looks like a group of humans with wings fly down towards the Shadowlord, striking him down with weapons of fire without hesitation. He never finishes his attack.

The dark world fades away in light.

Mandy opens her eyes, she's laying down in the grass in what appears to be a garden. There are clouds above and even clouds on ground around the garden but not like fog, it's like the garden was floating in the sky. It's warm and inviting and the lingering sense of dread is finally gone.
[12:29:49 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: She opens her eyes, slowly looking around at her strange surroundings. After a brief moment she gets to her feet, unsure of what's happened to her.
[12:33:22 AM | Edited 12:35:12 AM] Arbi: She can see a tall woman wearing simple white robes. She's standing at the edge of a cliff looking down at what looks like Earth but the angle and distance seems to slowly change like someone looking through a telescope.
[12:35:44 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: She looks around her again, before slowly walking towards the woman. After hesitation she speaks out to the woman. Excuse me? ...What's... What's happened? ...Where am I? Where are the others... I... She slowly makes her way to the woman, the entire sights and sounds of the place she's in seeming so surreal.
[12:43:35 AM | Edited 12:44:38 AM] Arbi: Sif: She recognizes her voice. It's funny. I spent so long down there, trying to find the one person that really did need my help. I think I had forgotten what I really was. I'm... happy it's over. You've endured so much suffering these past few months. She turns to look at her. How do you feel?
[12:44:37 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: She looks back and forth for a moment. ...Confused... Am I dead?
[12:50:54 AM] Arbi: Sif: She looks at her for a moment before looking back down at Earth from the cliff. Let me check. The sky below changes to a close-up view of Samson's house. It changes again to the window, showing Mandy sleeping in the guest bedroom. No, it doesn't look like you're dead. Do you feel relieved?
[12:52:14 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: She walks to the edge of the cliff and stares at herself. ...I... I don't know... What about Isaac? Is Isaac ok?
[12:55:41 AM] Arbi: The sky changes angle. It shows Isaac sitting in a chair in the same room as her, asleep.

Sif: No, he's not dead. Just tired. She looks back at Mandy, expecting another question.
[12:57:09 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: ...So... Am I dreaming? Is this another illusion? Her eyes go wide and she seems to become defensive.
[12:59:46 AM] Arbi: Sif: No, there are no illusions here. The sky slowly changes back to what looks like Earth from the atmosphere. I wanted to ask you something before you woke up. You have a curse on you, a demon's dying wish. May I remove it?
[1:00:48 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: ...Yeah... Please... Please remove it. She looks to Sif. ...I'm so tired.
[1:04:56 AM] Arbi: Sif: If I remove the demon's curse any bonds you have to any otherworldy beings will also be lost. Do you still want me to remove it?
[1:06:20 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: She looks away from Sif. ...But... I need this power. How an I supposed to stand against... Everything without it? She narrows her eyes.
[1:10:14 AM] Arbi: Sif: With great power comes great responsibility. She pauses. I think I enjoyed reading comics in my past life.
[1:12:01 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: I think a more appropriate thing to say would be that great power comes with great adversity. She looks back to Sif. I can't just throw this away. Now that I've... I've seen what I have... I won't be powerless.
[1:13:43 AM] Arbi: Sif: You have many challenging hurdles ahead of you. I wish you the best of luck.
[1:15:13 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: Wait... She pauses unsure of how to ask this. I want to know where the demon is. The creature who has been plaguing my dreams. She suddenly looks determined. Can you tell me that? Do you know where I could find him?
[1:21:08 AM | Edited 1:21:24 AM] Arbi: Sif: You already know of the man with the answers you seek. I would tell you where this demon is but you'll wake up soon and you won't remember my garden. It's better this way.
[1:21:48 AM | Edited 1:22:50 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: ...Ricky. She looks to the side. ...Right? ...It doesn't matter. I'll figure it out.
[1:24:13 AM] Arbi: Sif: It's...nice up here. A soft breeze blows through the heavenly garden. I hope we meet again one day.
[1:26:12 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: ...Yeah, I hope so too... For obvious reasons. She opens her eyes, slowly getting out of bed. She feels quiet calm, the memories of her dream falling away, however the serene feeling sticks with her. She looks around at her surroundings, suddenly confused. She sees Isaac in the corner. Isaac!
[1:26:46 AM] Arbi: Isaac: He wakes up and looks around, rubbing one of his eyes. Huh?
[1:27:22 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: Isaac... She smiles at him, getting out of bed and running over to him.
[1:28:28 AM] Arbi: Isaac: He smiles back happily and holds his arms out to hug her. How did you sleep?
[1:29:47 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: She slams into him and hugs him tightly. ...Well... For what seems like... Forever. She pauses. Please don't tell me I've been asleep for another three months.
[1:34:35 AM] Arbi: Isaac: He shakes his head and looks at his watch. It's Sunday morning now. He looks at her. It was Saturday night when we drove back. Nothing in that town made any sense...not even time.
[1:35:20 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: ...What happened to the others? ...Are they here?
[1:37:25 AM] Arbi: Isaac: Everyone went back home last night. I don't think any of them wanted to sleep anywhere else but in their beds after what happened...
[1:37:58 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: ...What about Samson?
[1:43:32 AM] Arbi: Isaac: He was here when we got back. He doesn't...seem to remember anything that happened. He sighs a little. I don't know how...or why it happened but...I'm just happy he's back.
[1:44:34 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: She hugs Isaac tighter. So that all happened? Leena has a transforming mouse and Lucas and breath fire?
[1:45:36 AM] Arbi: Isaac: He nods as she's talking. And I attacked Yuri and Lucas. Yeah, everything happened. I think everyone was just too tired to say or do anything about it...
[1:46:12 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: She sighs. I'm sorry... About the cabin... And the town... All of this happened because of me.
[1:47:54 AM] Arbi: Isaac: He shakes his head. It happened because of Ricky. Well, his demon...we should really find out what his name is.
[1:49:22 AM | Edited 1:50:29 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: You're right. She finally lets go of Isaac. It's because of Ricky. So we'll go find him...
[1:49:55 AM] Arbi: Isaac: He looks around. Right now?
[1:51:37 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: She sighs. I think I'm cursed Isaac. That demon did something to me. It's why I've been having nightmares, why there's so many things trying to kill me...
[1:53:54 AM | Edited 1:54:37 AM] Arbi: Isaac: How do we remove it? He stands up, getting worried. Are the monsters gonna come back?
[2:00:35 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: I don't know. I don't think those specific monster will. The first step is Ricky, after that... Maybe we can ask Leena and the twins for help... If they ever talk to us again... Or... maybe we can just explain the whole situation to them, and they'll help us with Ricky? She's starting to look distressed.
[2:06:43 AM] Arbi: Isaac: He places his hands on her shoulders to calm her down. Let's talk about it after breakfast. We haven't eaten anything in awhile...that can't be good for us.
[2:08:05 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: ...Every time I try to eat, something tries to kill me... But I'm so hungry.
[2:11:37 AM | Edited 2:14:58 AM] Arbi: Isaac: Don't worry. I'll protect you while you eat. He looks towards the window. It's a clear day out, the sun is shining into the room past some of the parted curtains. The sky hasn't looked this nice in months. It doesn't look like any monsters are going to show up anytime soon.
[2:14:51 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: I really hope so... She shakes her head. ...What are we going to eat? I'm starving.
[2:17:57 AM] Omniance: About forty minutes later Mandy is sitting in a seat in Samson's basement. Half a pile of pancakes and two eggs still sitting on her plate.
[2:18:10 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: I don't think I can take another bite... But I really want to...
[2:20:33 AM] Arbi: Samson: Me family always said I made the best pancakes in the world but holding off might be a good idea, love. They're good but far from healthy. It's why me sister is a whale, she couldn't stop eating them.
[2:21:23 AM] Arbi: Isaac: He finishes drinking his glass of milk. I'd believe it.
[2:22:28 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: She takes a deep breath, feeling less stressed than she has been for a long time.
[2:23:53 AM] Arbi: Samson: He stands up and grabs their plates. I'll take those, don't want ants finding my delicious pancakes down here. He heads upstairs to wash them.
[2:24:21 AM] Arbi: Isaac: He watches him as he leaves.
[2:26:05 AM] Arbi: Isaac: He sighs out slowly. I don't know what I would've done if he was still back there...
[2:28:30 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: I'm not sure I could've lived with myself...
[2:29:27 AM] Arbi: Isaac: You should've seen Leena...she couldn't stop crying. I think she might've scared him a little...
[2:30:59 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: She looks to the side. I feel like... I should talk to them... About it. About what happened. Ever since I was in that coma, I've felt this... Sort of link or something. Like I needed them to help us. She looks back at Isaac. I can't really explain it... Maybe it's just... Nothing.
[2:31:35 AM] Arbi: Isaac: I don't know about the twins but Leena might be more open to talk about it.
[2:32:27 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: ...Should we call her? I think I still have her number in my... Bag... You brought my bag right? Right? It had the book in it.
[2:34:05 AM | Edited 2:37:01 AM] Arbi: Isaac: Yeah, It should be up in your room beside your bed.
[2:34:53 AM | Removed 2:37:42 AM] Arbi: This message has been removed.
[2:36:09 AM] \*\*\* Call ended, duration 2:39:55 \*\*\*
[2:37:25 AM] \*\*\* Call to Arbi \*\*\*
[2:38:36 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: Beside my bed? She gets up and runs up stairs to the room she was in when she woke up. As she opens the door she looks back and forth for her bag.
[2:42:47 AM] Arbi: Yuri: He freezes when he hears the door open. He's halfway out the window with the book in his hand. He doesn't wait for her to say anything and he gets out, closing the window behind him.
[2:45:38 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: Her eyes turn a deep green and she runs towards the window, sliding it open and looking out after him. After all we went through together you STEAL FROM ME!? Her voice booms into Yuri's ears, deafening him.
[2:47:23 AM] Arbi: Yuri: He jumps down by the time Mandy reaches the window. He lands and rolls before quickly getting up and looking back at the window. I need this more than you do! He gives her a wave and smiles, running to his jeep with Lucas in the driver's seat.
[2:53:54 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: Her eyes deepen to become completely green and her skin dulls to a grey roughness as thorn-like horns grow from her forehead into a small crown. As Yuri runs towards the Jeep a ring of violet flames bursts up around him. Her voice rumbles into his ears. I was going to ask you to help me, but now you're just going to become my enemy. She steps out onto the window sill and the Jeep bursts into a massive fireball of consuming flames. She leaps and lands with little difficulty, instantly sprinting towards Yuri.
[2:55:25 AM] Arbi: Yuri: Lucas! He turns invisible before she can reach him.
[2:59:38 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: She narrows her eyes as she watches him go invisible, and vanishes, her voice slithers out of the flames around him with a dark wickedness that contrasts so much with her normally calm and innocent tone that it sends a shiver up Yuri's spine. So you can turn invisible. What else can you do Yuri? Can you breath fire like your brother? I can breath fire. If you don't give me that book back, I'll show you...
[3:02:44 AM] Arbi: Yuri: He looks at the jeep from the other side, seeing Lucas isn't on fire. He hesitantly holds his hand out to the fire and once he realizes it's not hot or even hurting him he runs up and opens the side door, getting inside. Go go go!
[3:05:08 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: The flames go out and she's suddenly standing in front of the car. Give me my book.

Lucas: He looks around for a moment, realizing that the car isn't actually on fire. It's not yours Mandy!

Mandy Lane: I NEED IT! Lucas puts his hands to his ears and lets go of the steering wheel as her voice booms into his head.
[3:07:53 AM] Arbi: The passenger door opens again and their two dogs jump out, slowly walking up to Mandy growling at her.
[3:09:17 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: She narrows her eyes and a second version of her appears next to her. I really want my book. The second version of her looks emotionless, there's an empty darkness in her deep green eyes. Please give it back. I don't want to fight.
[3:11:13 AM] Arbi: Yuri: He hops to the front and presses down on Lucas's foot, pressing down on the gas and making a sharp turning around Mandy, driving off.
[3:12:29 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: She narrows her eyes, and her voice whispers creepily into their ears as they speed away. I know where you live...
[3:13:01 AM] Arbi: Luka runs off after the car with Rodin.
[3:13:37 AM] Arbi: Isaac: He yells her name out from her bedroom. Mandy?
[3:14:14 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: She turns to look at Isaac, she looks normal and her double has vanished. The twins took it!
[3:16:23 AM] Arbi: A few moments later Isaac runs out of the house and up to Mandy.
Isaac: Took what? He's a little out of breath.
[3:16:57 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: The book. They have it.
[3:18:17 AM] Arbi: Isaac: What do they want with your book? I don't understand, how'd they even know about it?
[3:19:12 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: I stole it. She looks down the road. They were probably tasked with getting it back. That's probably the only reason they bothered coming with us to begin with...
[3:20:48 AM] Arbi: Isaac: What do we do? Go after them?
[3:21:54 AM] Omniance: Mandy Lane: There's only two places where they'll go. Home, and to the person I took it from. If they go home we can confront them. If they go to him... She shakes her head. We'll never get that book back.
[3:26:26 AM | Edited 3:27:11 AM] Arbi: Samson: Aye, you two going somewhere already? He's standing at his frontdoor, looking out to them.

Isaac: He looks back at Samson and then back at Mandy, unsure of what to do.

Samson: Just don't forget the house keys, mate! I'm leaving in a few! He heads back inside.
[3:28:55 AM] Arbi: Meanwhile...
[3:30:03 AM] Arbi: Yuri: He opens the passenger door, letting their dogs back in the car a few blocks away. Good boys. Distracting Mandy like that... He closes the door and pets them both on the head.
[3:30:37 AM] Arbi: Luka: He closes his eyes and pants happily.
[3:31:12 AM] Omniance: Lucas: Mandy is fucking terrifying. He keeps looking in the mirror, as if he's trying to see if she's chasing them.
[3:31:33 AM] Arbi: Yuri: I can't believe you had a crush on her...
[3:32:23 AM] Omniance: Lucas: I can't believe I had a crush on her either... But I feel bad... She said she didn't want to fight. Maybe we should've... Talked to her about it first?
[3:36:02 AM] Arbi: Yuri: Yeah, let's just tell her that we want to take her demon book away. I'm sure she would've just handed it over. No! She wouldn't have! He sighs and leans back in his chair. Fuck, Lucas...
[3:37:39 AM] Omniance: Lucas: We don't know the situation! She was in a coma for three months after that fire, then she seems to try and be friends with us and everything goes wrong at that cabin, then the town. Even Leena said things were trying to kill her... You know I don't like it when we don't have all the information.
[3:41:15 AM] Arbi: Yuri: We have a job, Lucas, or did you forget that one of the scariest guys we know is expecting us to deliver this book back to him? She stole it from him. I don't feel bad, not even a little, taking it back.
[3:41:48 AM] Omniance: Lucas: Yeah but he said time in not and issue, only that we get it back. We could've talked this over with her, then taken the book back.
[3:44:07 AM] Arbi: Yuri: You saw how angry she was. She was never going to let us have that book.
[3:44:57 AM] Omniance: Lucas: Well we'll never know because we didn't ask. He sighs. So are we taking it to the Prince right now then?
[3:46:17 AM] Arbi: Yuri: He looks down at the book. That's the plan...
[3:47:20 AM] Omniance: Lucas: He speeds up slightly, I don't like any of this, but we owe the Prince... A lot. So... Moral choices... I don't even know. Both choices aren't the right one.
[3:52:35 AM] Arbi: Yuri: The prince said the longer we waited the harder it would be to get his book back. You know that probably means she was going to use it to get stronger, right? Just look at her boyfriend...fucking shooting lightning bolts.
[3:53:35 AM] Omniance: Lucas: You're right... You're right... But now... What happens? We go to school with them. They know where we live...
[3:55:38 AM] Arbi: Yuri: They're stuck in the same place as us. They can't use their powers in public. He takes out a treat and gives both hounds a snack. So what if they know where we live? We won't have the book anymore.
[3:56:29 AM] Omniance: Lucas: They sure seemed a hell of a lot more dangerous than us. Isaac pretty much crippled us yesterday... Or... Today or whatever. Back at the town!
[3:56:47 AM | Edited 3:57:23 AM] Arbi: Yuri: Next time...I'll be deadly serious next time. He cracks his knuckles.
[4:00:52 AM] Omniance: Lucas: We're not killing anyone, Yuri. He looks at his brother as they pull into the large housing tract where the Prince lives. We know there's a hell now. We might've even seen parts of it last night. We're not going there when we die.
[4:01:49 AM] Arbi: Yuri: And what are you going to do if he kills me? If that lightning bolt hit my heart I would've died.
[4:03:39 AM] Omniance: Lucas: He thinks for a moment. Is murder in self defense a sin? He seems to genuinely be thinking about a passage in the bible that might say that.
[4:05:02 AM | Edited 4:06:51 AM] Arbi: Yuri: If you let Isaac OR Mandy kill me because of your moral compass I will never forgive you. Ever.
[4:07:48 AM] Omniance: Lucas: That's one thing I won't let happen. If it comes to that I'll... Do what needs to be done. You know I will. He pulls into the driveway in front of the Prince's mansion. But if I do let you die, all those rumors about us at school would go away. He looks at his brother and shrugs. Tougher choice than I thought.
[4:12:25 AM] Arbi: Yuri: We'll just have to stop hanging out all the time... He looks out his window towards the mansion. And live in different houses when we move out...
[4:14:10 AM] Omniance: Lucas: Yeah well, we'll see how that goes. We're practically stuck with each other due to... Circumstance. He takes a deep breath as he too stares at the mansion. I hope this is the right thing to do. He's holding the cross around his neck as he says this.
[4:16:14 AM] Arbi: Yuri: His scratches his chest, he's wearing his black shirt with the picture of Azazel doing the sign of the horns with both hands. It's not about right or wrong anymore. I don't think we're getting into heaven with a demon inside us.
[4:18:12 AM] Omniance: Lucas: We'll be sent to purgatory for a while, then we'll get in. He grips the cross harder. We haven't done anything wrong. We saved our friend's life, and we helped save other's lives last night.
[4:19:05 AM] Arbi: Yuri: Whatever helps you sleep at night. He opens his door and step out, grabbing the book before he closes the door.
[4:20:15 AM] Omniance: Lucas: He opens the door and jumps out of the jeep. If I get sent to hell, there's going to be hell to pay. Especially from grandma because she's the reason we're in this damn mess to begin with.
[4:21:35 AM] Arbi: Yuri: He walks backwards so he can look at his brother. That is unless we figure out how to become immortal.
[4:22:44 AM] Omniance: Lucas: That would be better than being in hell... He shrugs. I'd also like to look this good forever. The front door to the mansion opens on its own, the Prince's body guard standing just passed it.
[4:24:33 AM] Arbi: Yuri: He turns around when he hears the frontdoors open. Hey, Mac. We're here to see the Prince.
[4:27:53 AM] Omniance: The bodyguard motions inside. As they get into the house he closes the door and leads them through the halls, into the large dark library. The Prince is sitting at a table, listening to the radio while he's eating simple eggs and toast. Something that seems very humble in comparison to the house he lives it.
[4:28:20 AM] Omniance: Edward: He looks up from his plate. You've returned with the book. He puts down his fork and stands up.
[4:28:51 AM] Arbi: Yuri: Only took us two months. Not bad, right?
[4:30:17 AM] Omniance: Edward: I had not expected you to return it to me for at least six times that duration. He holds out his hand, waiting for Yuri to hand it to him.
[4:31:31 AM] Arbi: Yuri: He seems to hesitate for a second before walking up towards the Prince at his table. He holds the book out to him.
[4:33:14 AM] Omniance: Edward: He grabs it with a firm grasp and takes it from him. Well done. He turns and places it on the table and then turns to look at them. I am having a late breakfast, it would be rude if I didn't invite you to eat with me. Something about the way he says it seems insistant.
[4:34:20 AM] Arbi: Yuri: I don't see anything wrong with that. We didn't get get to eat breakfast this morning. He looks back at Lucas.
[4:36:51 AM] Omniance: Lucas: Umm... Yeah.

Edward: Good. He motions for them to sit. Strangely there's two chairs at the small table now. Please. Sit. After a very brief hesitation Lucas moves and sits at the table. As Yuri takes his seat they both notice that the book is gone, no longer on the table. What would you like my kitchen to prepare. Anything is within reason here. He stresses the "anything" part, almost creepily so.
[4:38:40 AM | Edited 4:41:32 AM] Arbi: Yuri: Anything? How bout... He thinks for a second. Chocolate chip pancakes?
[4:44:27 AM] Omniance: Edward: And what would you have? He looks at Lucas.

Lucas: ...Uhh. Well... You wouldn't happen to have... Well I don't know.

Edward: Don't be so afraid to speak your desire. He stares at him with his deep, unnervingly black eyes. They're so dark that it almost looks like they're just large pupils set in the whites of his eyes.

Lucas: French toast, please. With cinnamon, and some bacon. Please... And could I get a cup of coffee?

Edward: Very good. He motions to his bodyguard, who leaves the room. I trust that procuring the tome wasn't too difficult?
[4:46:37 AM] Arbi: Yuri: It was just hard finding out who had it. After that it didn't take us more than a day to get it back.
[4:48:58 AM] Omniance: Edward: Very quick for someone so inexperienced. Though if I were to take a guess as to why, it's because you two have one another. The food they asked for is suddenly set down in front of them by a chef and his assistant. Many people in your situation do not have that luxury.
[4:51:57 AM] Arbi: Yuri: I guess we've just always had each others backs. He smiles but it fades, the rumors from school flashing through his head. He wants to take that statement back now.
[4:53:23 AM] Omniance: Lucas: We're just a good team.

Edward: That's quite evident. He starts eating. Lucas quickly grabs his fork and starts eating when the Prince does, like he doesn't want to seem rude. Who was it that had taken my tome?
[4:54:35 AM] Arbi: Yuri: Just some girl from our school. Lucas used to have a crush on her... He narrows his eyes at him before grabbing his fork and starting to eat.
[4:59:18 AM] Omniance: Edward: Mandy Lane Landcaster. He finishes his eggs and wipes his mouth. He stares at Lucas.

Lucas: ...Y-yeah. How'd you know?

Edward: She was the only thing that gave you pause when you were here. He grabs a piece a toast. She seemed to have more an effect on you than the brazen young man with the sword.

Lucas: ...Oh. You were watching? ...That.

Edward: I do attend my own parties. However discretely. He takes a slow bite of the toast and chews it, staring at Lucas as he does. After a moment he looks to Yuri. Neither of you ever told me just where it was you got your abilities.
[5:01:25 AM] Arbi: Yuri: They were sort of forcefully given to us...and then forcefully sealed inside us.
[5:02:38 AM] Omniance: Edward: Between you then. I've seen such a thing before. Once. Quite a rare ability. He puts the toast down and slowly wipes his mouth. I must admit that I did nit think you would return the book at all.
[5:03:41 AM] Arbi: Yuri: He raises an eyebrow slightly. Why would you think that?
[5:04:21 AM] Omniance: Edward: The tome contains great power. Most would've taken it for themselves, rather than given it back.
[5:07:19 AM] Arbi: Yuri: Yeah we noticed. Mandy's boyfriend shot lightning at us before...
[5:12:15 AM] Omniance: Lucas: We owed it to you, for saving our friend... It was part of our agreement.

Edward: Yes... It was. He looks away from them. The two of you show character, know that you have made an ally within this house. Though I can't lend you help without something in return, which is just my nature, and it is a nature I cannot resist nor suppress. What is given must be owed. He grabs his toast and takes another bite chewing slowly as he stares at Yuri. The Prince's manner of speaking, and his blank expression make it impossible to tell what he means by what he said at the end.
[5:14:39 AM | Edited 5:16:22 AM] Arbi: Yuri: He finishes muching on some more chocolate pancake before gulping it down. Does that mean we're even?
[5:16:17 AM] Omniance: Edward: As was agreed, this transaction is complete. I will not call upon you again. Should you wish it, I you might never need see or hear me again. He wipes his mouth again.
[5:19:07 AM] Arbi: Yuri: Maybe you could help us with something...
[5:19:38 AM] Omniance: Lucas: He looks at his brother, with a look of almost panic.
[5:21:48 AM] Arbi: Yuri: Mandy and her boyfriend, Isaac both have powers now because of that book. Is there anyway you could take those powers...away from them?
[5:23:33 AM] Omniance: Edward: There are many ways. He sets his half-eaten slice of toast down.

Lucas: He quickly blurts out. We don't want them to get hurt.

Edward: I did not think that you would.
[5:24:04 AM] Arbi: Yuri: What are you gonna do?
[5:25:19 AM] Omniance: Edward: Taking power away from someone who has made a pact with a demon is extremely difficult. What you are asking for will require considerable payment. He looks at Lucas. With special consideration that you do not want them harmed.
[5:27:55 AM] Arbi: Yuri: Extremely difficult? He crosses his arm. If you're not able to take their powers away then nothing will be owed. I think it's only fair.
[5:29:45 AM] Omniance: Edward: He turns to stare at Yuri. Very true. However, I meant that it will be extremely difficult for them. However that is none of my concern. What can be done will be done, however, what you will owe me will be far more than procuring a stolen tome.
[5:31:02 AM] Arbi: Yuri: They're too dangerous. It'll be worth it.
[5:33:01 AM] Omniance: Edward: You will be put into danger with my subsequent requests as payment.

Lucas: Requests? As in, plural? How many requests?

Edward: Until the effort of the tasks are equal to the effort of the one you've asked of me. Lucas obviously doesn't like his vague answer and looks to his brother.
[5:35:30 AM] Arbi: Yuri: Just remember that if you fail...You get nothing, no matter how much effort was put into this task.
[5:37:50 AM] Omniance: Edward: You suspect that I am capable of failure? He pushes his plate away from him. You assume too much. His eyes narrow slightly. When do you wish for their pact to be dissolved?
[5:38:34 AM] Arbi: Yuri: What do you think, Lucas? How much time should we give him?
[5:40:19 AM] Omniance: Lucas: He looks very uncomfortable. I... Don't care, just don't hurt them. He pauses, thinking of how Mandy and Isaac could potentially no just threaten them, but also their family. ...Soon. By the end of the month, at the very least.
[5:44:40 AM] Omniance: Edward: Then our contract is that the individuals, Mandy Lane and Isaac Abraham will be removed of their powers within the next thirteen days. The payment for my service will be decided if I succeed, and the amount of service you will provide will be equal to the amount of effort and preparation it take for not only procuring the two individuals, but also for dissolving their pact. This is our agreement. Yes? He's staring at Yuri.
[5:45:02 AM] Arbi: Yuri: There's just one more thing...
[5:45:52 AM] Omniance: Edward: Each additional request requires payment, as I'm sure you understand...
[5:52:31 AM] Arbi: Yuri: Until this contract is complete...you are not allowed to communicate with either Mandy or Isaac, directly or indirectly. If you break this rule, you get nothing. Understand?
[5:54:34 AM] Omniance: Edward: I think you are digging a well that will provide me with no water, Mr. Vera. However, if you wish these additional restrictions to make a game of this, I have no reason to refuse. Know only that what I will require of you will not fit into your... Social life.
[5:55:23 AM] Arbi: Yuri: He holds his hand out. Do we have a deal?
[5:55:24 AM] Omniance: Lucas: He gulps. Yuri...
[6:00:44 AM] Omniance: Edward: Do we? He looks at Lucas.

Lucas: He looks at the Prince, then at his brother, then back to the Prince. ...Yes.

Edward: Good. He reaches out and shakes Yuri's hand. Understand that this is a much more serious agreement. As such I will ensure certain safeguards of my own so that you will keep your end of the bargain. A golden light runs up Yuri's arm and a small symbol glows at the bottom of his wrist. It looks like a small skull with two lightning bolts crossed behind it. It burns slightly before it seems to settle in and dim, looking like a tattoo. Lucas lifts up his opposite hand, the symbol is there for him as well.
[6:02:08 AM] Arbi: Five minutes later outside the mansion.
[6:03:01 AM] Arbi: Yuri: They look so awesome. He's looking down at his arm, comparing his with Lucas. We can't let mom see these tattoos...
[6:03:35 AM] Omniance: Lucas: We can't let mom know that we practically made a deal with the devil... He seems very distressed about the entire situation.
[6:07:07 AM] Arbi: Yuri: He's not the devil, Lucas. Everyone knows he always wears white... He gets into the jeep on the passenger side.
[6:08:25 AM] Omniance: Lucas: He shakes his head. I don't like that he's so willing to help in exchange for a favor. He gets into the driver's side. And now we can't refuse him. He's practically branded us.
[6:11:02 AM] Arbi: Yuri: He said I was digging a well that would provide him with no water. He was kind of right...
[6:11:32 AM] Omniance: Lucas: What do you mean? He looks at his brother, starting up the car.
[6:12:42 AM | Edited 6:13:41 AM] Arbi: Yuri: I'm digging him into a hole he can't climb out of...
[6:13:32 AM] Omniance: Lucas: He sighs as he pulls back out of the driveway. So you think he can't do it? He seemed... Confident... Maybe.
[6:21:13 AM] Arbi: Yuri: He's the Prince, I have no doubt that he'll be able to take away their powers. He puts his arms behind his back. Mandy can't hurt us, she uses Illusions. That's why her fire didn't hurt us. Isaac's the only real threat...he'll do everything in his power to protect Mandy, which means he'll have to take away his powers first. He goes quiet for a moment. He won't be expecting what comes next...
[6:22:15 AM] Omniance: Lucas: ...What comes next? He turns the car around and starts driving out of the housing tract and towards the main road.
[6:34:39 AM] Arbi: The next day...
Mr. Hammer: ...What comes next?

Yuri: He raises his head from his desk immediately, having falling asleep. Huh?

Mr. Hammer: I said...What comes next? I do hope you're paying attention Mr. Vera. This assignment will reflect your final grade.

Yuri: He looks at the board, having no idea what's going on. Divide the root of 9?

Everyone in class seems to giggle and laugh at his answer.

Mr. Hammer: He sighs and brings his palm to his face, rubbing his forehead.

Yuri: He groans a little and lowers his head back down on his desk. So tired...

At lunch.

Joel: Huh? He turns to look at him.

Yuri: I said I'm tired. He's sitting at one of the lunch tables that are actually near the cafeteria.

Joel: You do look very tired. He looks down at his sandwich and picks it up to bite it but he's still confused as to why Yuri is sitting with him. Why are you here again?

At the Lake Elsinore Historian museum.

Yuri: We're here because of the plan. He looks at his brother. We're going to help befriend Mandy but the only way to do that is to help her. She's cursed...we're going to help her remove that curse.