User blog:NyricTheDeceiver/Chapter 2

The light of dawn broke through Alexander’s window and shone on Alexander’s face, waking him. Still somewhat groggy and drowsy, he sat up slowly and threw his legs over the side of his bed. He was shaken out of this drowsy state, when he heard a knock on his door.

“Who is it?” Alexander asked.

“It’s me, Azrael.” The voice on the other side answered back. “I came to see if you were awake.”

“I just woke up. What is it?”

“I have some evidence on who is looking for the gauntlet.”

Alexander quickly threw on some clothes and rushed out of the door. He was greeted by Azrael and Anthony on the other side. He was wearing his usual, brown trench coat with a black shirt underneath. He was wearing black pants as well.

“Who is looking for the gauntlet and how did you find out so quickly?”

“Our prime suspect is Samael, the former Archangel of Death. I learned this from a demon I killed last night.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Anthony stood in the background listening silently.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“What demon and what did the demon say exactly?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“It said it came here to spy on and kill you if it needed to, but it delayed its mission when I arrived. It also said it was sent by Samael. It was staking the mansion”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Are you sure about the legitimacy of the information? It was from the mouth of a demon.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Unfortunately, no. It’s just a suspicion. I’ll send some Dominions to search for Samael while we search for the pieces.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Speaking of the pieces, how do we find them anyway? You said they were scattered.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Not all of them were scattered. The first piece is locked away in a magically sealed vault in the magical dimension that comprises Earth. The others were scattered randomly to make sure it would be next to impossible to reassemble the gauntlet.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“So, basically, both sides are completely in the dark.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Not necessarily. I have thought of a solution to said problem. From what I was told before I arrived here, the pieces give off an energy incomparable to any other energy in existence, the very energy that sparked the creation of the multiverse. Using that knowledge, I thought of my plan. After we extract the first piece from its prison, we can take it to a technomancer and have them examine it and construct a machine that can detect the energy given off by a piece.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“That sounds brilliant.” Anthony applauded. “But, where is the first piece exactly?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“It’s located on the outskirts of Sircania, the capital of the county of the same name. I can create a portal and take us there immediately.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Wait. What about your duties Alexander?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"> “You are my advisor Anthony. You are more qualified than anyone else here to take over my duties temporarily. We should only be gone two to three days.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“But, Sir I-”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“You are an adult Anthony. Please do your best to act as such.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Anthony held his head down in shame. A small sarcastic smile spread over Alexander’s face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Stop holding your head down like a wounded dog. I’ll return shortly, my friend.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Anthony held his head up. A smile was on his face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Don’t die on me sir.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“I can’t promise that”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Anthony left the room. Alexander turned his attention to Azrael.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Are you ready, Alexander?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“I’m always ready.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Azrael’s left hand was covered in the same energy from last night. He placed his hand on the wall behind Alexander’s desk. A gigantic, circular inscription, with “Keter” inscribed in the middle, drew itself on the wall. The inscription glowed an iridescent yellowish-orange. A hole in space-time formed in the middle and enlarged until it encompassed the entire area of the circle. Alexander and Anthony could see a megacity filled with advanced buildings and architecture on the other side.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">They both walked through the portal. When they stepped out of it, they were greeted by towering skyscrapers and spires. Levitating vehicles flew overhead. Magi walked around them. Alexander stood there in awe. The portal closed behind them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“I thought you said this was a magical dimension.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“It is. It just looks like a more technologically advanced Earth because the magi use their knowledge for their own betterment than their own destruction. They learned war is costly, you humans didn’t.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“You’re such a downer.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“I’ll ignore that. Now, that we are here, we need to find this country’s lead technomancer, Dante Splithe, so we can schedule an appointment. His office is close to the center of the city.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:black;mso-themecolor:text1">Azrael pointed in the direction of the largest crystal spire. It stood in the exact center of <span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">the city.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“How are we supposed to get there so quickly? Fly?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Azrael extended his right hand, which was glowing, out to Alexander. Alexander covered Azrael’s hand with his own. A spark of light flashed out from beneath Alexander’s hand. He removed it and to his surprise, there were 100 tiny gold coins now in Azrael’s once, empty hand. Alexander reluctantly took the coins from Azrael, trying to ascertain whether it was ok to do so.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Take these and rent an Icarus Cycle from the vendor behind us.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Alexander looked behind them and saw a magus on the corner behind them. He was selling, what looked like hovercycles. He returned his gaze to Azrael, a look of disbelief on his face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Is that a-”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Yes, it is a hovercycle. To be more specific, it’s an Icarus Cycle, a vehicle that has an engine composed of meteoric iron.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Meteoric iron is a metal known for its room temperature superconductivity, meaning it allows electricity to flow without resistance and it also repels magnetic fields, however, should a superconductor stay with a magnetic field long enough, the magnetic field passes through the superconductor and the superconductor levitates above the magnet or below it depending on its position. Using these properties, the magi created the Icarus Cycle. The ground we stand on has a very powerful magnet beneath it. The Icarus Cycle levitates above this magnet and allows for transportation throughout the city. This transportation is essentially frictionless. It does require propulsion of some sort, so it has mana gates attached to the sides to collect mana and use it to power the mechanisms inside that allow it mobility. I think you know what the rudders do.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“I asked was it a hovercycle. I did not ask for a science, magic, and engineering lesson.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“You merely ask the questions Watson and I answer them.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Is that so Sherlock?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“If you’re quite finished, go rent an Icarus Cycle.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Alexander turned around and walked towards the shop of magus vending the Icarus Cycles. Behind the man, there were 10 or so Icarus Cycles. The sleek metal of the cycle’s chassis gleamed. They all appeared to be in top condition. It had a motorcycle-like chassis minus the wheels. Instead of wheels, it had a chuck of constantly rotating meteoric iron in the shape of a cube, it gave off an iridescent blue light. On both of its sides, there were two vent-like apertures. Mana gates, Alexander thought to himself. The chassis had lines of a blue energy running over it. He approached the man. The man had a faux smile on his face, as all street vendors do. The man greeted him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Hello. How may I help you today?” the man asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“I would like to rent an Icarus Cycle.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“For how long?” the man inquired.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Three days.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“That would be 100 gold please.” The man told Alexander.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Alexander handed over the gold that Azrael gave him. The man took the gold and walked behind his stand and handed Alexander an Icarus Cycle. ''It’s surprisingly lightweight. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Please do come again!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Alexander walked over to Azrael with the Icarus Cycle. Azrael was smiling.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“What?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Nothing. Do you know how to ride a motorcycle/operate an airplane?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Yes, I do. Why?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“You’ll have no problem operating this piece of magitech then.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“How fast can this bike go?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“It can reach excesses of 170 mph.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“What are you going to ride, Azrael?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Azrael turned his back on Alexander. After he did so, a divine light took on the shape of four wings on his back. It solidified and became just that. His wings were pure white, except for the tips, which were a magnificent crimson. They shone in the light of the city.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“I need no ride.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Do you really think you can keep up?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“I can do more than that. Now, stop asking questions and get on the Icarus Cycle.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Alexander hopped on the Icarus Cycle and flipped the one switch. The meteoric iron engine started without a sound. It began rising slowly and was soon suspended 10 feet above the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Azrael flapped his wings and was soon at the same height that Alexander was at.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Let’s go.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Alexander revved up the Icarus Cycle and took off in the direction of the center of the city. Azrael was right beside him, going the same speed. The air rushed past them and through their hair, ruffling it. He and Azrael zoomed through the air at breakneck speeds. He looked at the speedometer. He saw that he was going 160 mph, close to the top speed. ''How am I still breathing at such a speed? ''Alexander looked over to Azrael.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“How am I still able to breathe while going at such a speed?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“There is a mechanism within the Icarus Cycle that creates a protective barrier around the rider after it passes a certain altitude and velocity. This barrier allows air in slowly so that the rider can still breathe.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Azrael surpassed Alexander’s speed. He became nothing more than a blur, a trail of white and red. In mere moments, he was miles ahead of Alexander. Alexander looked ahead of himself, in awe at Azrael’s speed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“He is faster. Oh well, I can catch up.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Alexander sped up, achieving the cycle’s top speed. After 15 minutes, he saw Azrael hovering in mid-air, grinning at him. He slowed the Icarus Cycle down to a stop. He grinned back.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“As I told you, I can do more that keep up.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“I saw. So, is this the place?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Yes, it is. His place of work is directly below us.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Alexander dipped the nose of his Icarus Cycle downwards and flew in that direction. When he was near ground-level, he turned off the engine and stepped off the Icarus Cycle. It hovered two inches above the ground. On the ground with him, was Azrael, who was now wingless again. Alexander looked up and read the title sign of the building.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">Dante’s Technomancy Emporium <span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">They both entered the building. On the inside, were strange machines, some glowing and some not. Mechanical wurring and whistling filled the room. Across from the entrance was a desk, behind it sat a young woman, that could be no younger than 16. The young girl had black hair and deep, blue eyes. A genuine smile was on her beautiful, perfect face. Her skin was unblemished, except for one mole on her left cheek. She wore a yellow dress that began around her shoulders. Around her neck, was an amulet that had a mystical air about it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Hello. My name is Elizabeth, I’m Mr. Splithe’s assistant/apprentice. How may I help you?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“We wish to schedule an appointment with Dante Splithe.” Azrael proclaimed. “Is he here at the moment?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Elizabeth grabbed the pen from the corner of the desk and positioned it above a sheet of paper.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“May I ask you your names?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Our names are Azrael and Alexander Hellsing.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Elizabeth began writing on the sheet of paper. She looked up and smiled at them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Good news, Mr. Splithe is here at the moment and we have an opening available right now. Would you like me to summon him for you?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Yes, please.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Elizabeth grabbed hold of the amulet around her neck. It began glowing a pitch black. An amorphous darkness shot out from the amulet and began talking form. The darkness gradually took a humanoid appearance. Human features began to show. After a minute or so, a man in his late twenties appeared. The man had brown hair and blue eyes. His brown hair was unkempt. He wore an all-black outfit. He looked similar to Alexander in physical appearance, except Alexander’s hair is cut short and is kempt. The man stared Azrael and Alexander up and down, studying them. He then focused his attention to Elizabeth.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Hello Master Splithe. Good afternoon.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">A confused expression spread across Dante’s face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“To what pleasure do I owe, for you to summon me, while in the middle of hunting dragon scales?” Dante asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Elizabeth sank down in her chair, trying to make herself disappear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Sorry, but these two gentleman wish for your assistance.” Elizabeth stated in a low voice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Dante walked over to the desk and took the paper from it. He read it silently. He looked up from the paper and switched his focus to Azrael and Alexander.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"> “What is that you need for me to construct for you Azrael and Alexander?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“We need you to construct an inter-dimensional energy locator that can pinpoint the can exact location of the energy it’s attuned to.” Azrael stated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Ha! That is child’s play. What energy does it need to be attuned to?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“We will come back to you and bring you a sample of the energy.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Why so?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“This energy is like no other. It is special. That is all I can tell you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“You have intrigued me. I’ll be here waiting for you then. Don’t make me wait long. I hope for a challenge.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Alexander and Azrael left the building. Alexander hopped onto his Icarus Cycle. He revved up the engine.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Where do we go next?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“We need to go to meet an old friend of mine. She will be needed to gain this piece and the others.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Azrael pointed across the street to the giant spire. His smirk unwavering.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“That is city hall. It is the headquarters of Sircania’s central government. She is part of said government. She can help us later on.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Why do we need her?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“The first piece is locked in a magically sealed vault only an Archangel can open. The government of Sircania considers that a national treasure and a point of interest. With her, it will be easier to gain access to the vault and possibly other pieces. She is also destined to be one of the most powerful magus in existence, so she will also be useful in combat situations.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“I understand now. Let’s go.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“You don’t need that Icarus Cycle anymore.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Alexander switched off the engine and hopped off the Icarus Cycle.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“What’s her name?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Her name is Elena Drathan.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">They both strolled across the bustling streets and sidewalks and made their way to the government building. On the other side, they that saw a young woman was walking towards them. This woman had a peculiar hair color, purplish-blue. Her eyes were yellow. Her skin was fair, however, she had a birthmark that resembled a circle with arrows coming out of it in the cardinal and ordinal directions. She wore a purple dress with a golden trim line. When she finally reached them, she hugged Azrael and kissed him on the cheek.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Hello Azrael.” The young woman said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Hello to you too Elena.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Elena shifted her gaze to Alexander and studied up him and down.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Who’s the human?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“His name is Alexander Hellsing, a renowned demon hunter in the human world. He’s helping me with a mission currently. I also require your assistance.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“What do you need?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Access to ‘The Impenetrable Vault’. It’s of the utmost importance. I intend to open it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Elena’s face lit up with joy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Come with me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Alexander and Azrael followed behind Elena as they walked inside the beautiful, gigantic crystalline spire. The inside was as beautiful on the outside. Ornate gold trims ran along the walls. Exquisite paintings hung from the walls. Bouquets of red roses filled the room. The inside was also busy with magi. Papers were being carried, calls were made, etc.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Elena pointed them in the direction of an intricate pad on the floor in the back of the room. They walked over to the pad and stepped on it. In an instant, their molecules were disassembled and reassembled 10 floors above them on an identical pad.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">They stepped off the pad and looked into the dimly lit room they stood in. Six magi were sitting, illuminated by ball of energy, at a long table with seven seats. The six magi looked very old, distinguished, and educated, half of them were female and the other half were male.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“What took you so long council member, Elena?” one magus asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Sorry, I was preparing my subject that I wish to present for today’s meeting.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Just because you’re the Chaos Magus, do not expect special treatment. All members must be punctual regarding meetings.” the old man rattled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Give her a break Zachariah. She is but a child.” An older female magus responded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Zachariah stopped talking, obviously beaten.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Thank you for defending me, Zarella.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“You’re welcome child. Now, please present your item first. Then we can get on with the rest of this meeting.” Zarella said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Of course. As you all know, the Impenetrable Vault has been an issue on our agenda for an indefinite period of time. We have tried every magic knowable and have failed at opening it. But, a new possibility has come to light. I have a solution to opening the Vault.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“What is this solution to our troubles?” the other magi asked, intrigue and doubt in their voices.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Elena pointed directly at Azrael.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Our solution is an Archangel. He says he intends to open the vault.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Impossible! No one has opened this gate. I doubt a being, such as he, can open the Vault.” Zachariah exclaimed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Azrael’s smirk grew wider.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Make no mistake old man. Don’t dare question my power. Life is fleeting, Death is eternal. Has old age granted you no wisdom? I intend to and will open that vault. An object containing unimaginable power lay within that vault and I will protect it.” Azrael proclaimed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Zachariah once again became quiet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Can you really open the vault, Archangel?” Zarella asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Of course, I can. I just need your permission to do so”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“All who wish to grant Azrael permission say ‘aye’.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Aye.” they all said in unison.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“It is decided then. You have our permission to do so. Godspeed, Azrael.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Azrael bowed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Of course. God bless all of you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Azrael straightened himself up and walked over to the pad with Alexander and Elana. Alexander, Azrael, and Elena stepped on the pad and were back on the first floor in an instant.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“I’m sorry about Zachariah. He can be a bit of a grouch.” Elena apologized.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“It’s okay Elena.” Azrael said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“If I may, what is a Chaos Magus exactly?” Alexander added.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“The Chaos Magus is very special being. The Chaos Magus is born with the ability to utilize Chaos Magic, a Primal Magic along with Void Magic, it is the originator of all other magic. Chaos Magic is the magic of probability. Chaos Magi tend to become beings that can alter probability on a cosmic scale, possibly infinite scale. They can learn any and all types of magic, except for Void Magic. They can create new types of magic. They transcend the very nature of magic which is equivalent exchange, for something to be created, something of equal value must be sacrificed. A Chaos Magus is born every thousand years. She is the fourth.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“You weren’t kidding when you said she was powerful.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“The only thing holding her back is her faith in her ability to use Chaos Magic, her strongest form of magic, yet also her most unpredictable.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Elena was rubbing her right arm nervously. She was blushing red. Her head was down, staring at the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Can we go now?” Elena asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Yes, let’s go.” Azrael said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">They all walked outside the building and stood next to the doors.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Why are we just standing here?” Alexander asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“I was about to create a portal before you said anything.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Sorry.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Azrael turned his back on the government building and faced the street. His left hand was covered in a familiar pale yellow energy. He snapped his fingers. In front of him, a gigantic, circular inscription, with “Keter” inscribed in the middle, formed an inch above the ground. The inscription glowed an iridescent yellowish-orange. A hole in space-time formed in the middle and enlarged until it encompassed the entire area of the circle. On the other side, there stood two metal doors with Latin inscriptions on them, in the forest on the outskirts of the city. A golden light escaped from the cracks between the doors.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">They stepped forward and walked through the portal one at a time. After everyone was on the other side, the portal closed behind them. The forest was teeming with fantastic animals that Alexander could only dream about. The forest was filled with lush evergreen trees. The vault doors stood in front of them. Azrael placed his left hand in between the doors. The Latin inscriptions began glowing a fluorescent dark blue. His left glove glowed the same color. The inscription on his left glove moved from the glove to in between the doors.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Open.” Azrael commanded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">The large, metal doors gradually slid apart, generating an annoying scraping sound. In mere moments, the doors were open. The inscription was back on Azrael’s left glove. A vivid, striking golden light pulsed from within the depths of the vault. Azrael walked inside and retrieved the piece from its stoop.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">After that, he walked outside to find Elena, Alexander, and Dante being held hostage by a group of men in dark cloaks and robes. The one who appeared to be the leader approached Azrael. The leader had a smirk on his face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“We are the Princes of Oblivion. We were sent by Lord Samael. My name is Xanatos.” the leader said. “I wish to conduct a business transaction with you Azrael.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Which is?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“That piece for their lives.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">The cloaked men positioned their hands directly in front of Elana’s, Alexander’s, and Dante’s face. The hands of the men were surrounded by a dark purple energy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Azrael’s normal smirk turned into a snarl of anger and hate. His right glove was surrounded by pulsating dark energy. The leader took a step back. The men shook with fear, but tried to act as if they felt nothing. They were paralyzed moments later as Azrael’s anger grew in magnitude.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“All of you, die!” Azrael yelled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Azrael snapped his fingers. The men were permeated by that dark energy and began exploding one by one, sending blood, viscera, and limbs flying. Some tried running away but that failed. Elena began crying as the men holding her and the others exploded into chunks of bloody flesh. Alexander and Dante stood there in shock of what was occurring, utter horror and terror on their faces, staring directly at Azrael. Blood sprayed out and covered everything within two feet of the explosions. Blood dripped down from the leaves in slow moving strands. Blood covered all of their faces and clothes. Azrael eventually calmed down. The energy dissipated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Is everyone-?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Azrael looked down and saw their faces, how they looked at him with disgust and fear. They feared him. They were disgusted by him and his actions. Using the power of the piece, he wiped all of the blood covering them from reality.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“How could you kill them in such a way?” Alexander asked, his voice shaking.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“That was brutal. No being should die in such a manner.” Dante added, his voice low.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Elana said nothing, she was still in shock, tears dripping down her face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“They were going to kill you if I didn’t hand over the piece, which I wasn’t going to do! The only logical choice was to kill them!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Monster.” Elana said, while pointing at Azrael, her hand shaking. “You’re a monster.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Something inside of Azrael broke. He began cackling like a madman, his laugh echoing throughout the forest. His face was evidence of his madness. This scared the three of them. He then stopped laughing. He gave off no emotions. All he felt was void, yet he was smiling.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“You call me a monster!? HA! HA! HA! That would imply that I’m an evil creature, which isn’t true. There is good and evil in this universe, white and black. I’m a being that is good. They were evil. Good and evil war against each other. It was only natural that I kill them.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">They said nothing and just listened to the lunacy spewing from his mouth, their jaws dropped.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“See all of you at the emporium. Have an excellent day.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;tab-stops:213.75pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">Using the inscription on his left glove, he created a two portals to the Emporium, one for himself and one for the others. After he walked through his portal, it shut behind him.