Chapter Thirteen- "Losing Samael"

            “What is it I am needed for?” Samael asked, after a pause. Raziel cleared his throat.

“Balance is thrown out,” he began, “it appears as if a rogue sect is slowly toppling the parliament.” Samael sighed.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve dealt with politics. Last time I did, it landed me here.” Samael said at length.

“Are you going to get us out of here? We’ve been here so long…” Plebnus stopped himself before he could remember terrible memories.

“Yes, we are getting you out.” Eznezio said. “We’ve just got to figure how to work the lock…” He turned toward a strange device in the corner. It had many holes, dials, lights, and gears.

“Are you sure that’s a lock? Looks like a bloody torture device to me.” Raziel said.

“That ‘bloody torture device’ has kept Plebnus and I from leaving this place for four-thousand years, give or take. Many have tried to set us free, all have died trying. At least, we think they died.” Samael replied.

“This thing kills those who fail to unlock it!?” Raziel panicked.

“Yes. It releases a cloud of gas, then they disappear, we assume they’ve been disintegrated.”

“So, no worries.” Eznezio said, starting with the device.

Bless my life. I hope to Lucifer that this goes well. Raziel thought.

ΘΘΘ

            The assassins and Seran had trudged through the snow for half an hour before anyone spoke.

“So, Seran. Are there any special strategies needed against the Darkwings?” Jenxier asked. Seran shook her head. “Then why are they so hard to fight?”

“Big. Strong.” Was Seran’s quick reply. Nexus could barely hear them, he was far ahead and scanning the horizon. He saw a large, dark from move.

“Darkwing!” He yelled. The winged creature swooped and attempted to pick up Seran. Jenxier pulled out the sword given him by Ulbrecht, Seran readied her bow, and Nexus’ back bled as his chains came out. The Darkwing flew back down for another try. Nexus’ chains missed, as did Seran’s arrow. Jenxier managed a shallow cut on its leathery-skinned foot. Seran shot three more arrows, one of which got it on the back. It hissed and turned back around. It caught Jenxier this time, carrying him high into the air. The demon’s position made it difficult for him to attack. Nexus was able to launch two chains upward and catch the Darkwing on the back of its legs. He heaved with all his might, bringing the beast down to the frozen ground. Seran pulled a large dagger from her belt and stabbed the thing between its eyes.

“Dead.” She said. Jenxier pushed himself free of its grip. The chains slithered into Nexus’ bloody black. “Take feathers. Good use.” Seran said.

ΘΘΘ

            The guard awoke and saw Vittur reaching for the keys. He dashed and picked up the keys. “Cursed inmate. Where’d the other one go?” The guard asked.

“Thomas- the cur- left without holding his end of our escape deal. He ran, leaving the keys where I could reach”

“So you were trying to escape. I suppose this calls for an execution!” The guard said this as if the idea excited him.

“No, no. How about we strike a deal? If you let me out, I will capture Thomas and return him here. I will also give you a large sum of Tokens, when I have them.”

“I know better than to trust a criminal.” Vittur decided that words were going to take him nowhere. A flash of green from his palm and the guard was unconscious again, and the keys were within reach.

ΘΘΘ

            The device was mostly unlocked. Eznezio used some of the tools on his chains to unlock it. Raziel attempted but could understand. Parts went left, parts went right. Things were pushed in, things were pushed out. At last, it was fully unlocked. Samael let out a sigh of relief. “I forgot what it feels like to be free.” He said. Back in the warehouse, everything was as it had been before. A horrible sight was seen upon exiting the building. Alexis lay on the ground battered and bloodied. Five violent-looking men stood leaning against the wall, smoking cigarettes.

“So, there were people here with her. You guys are on our turf. We’d say ‘scram,’ but I think we need to beat some sense into you.” Said one as the others laughed. A furious fist fight broke out. Raziel discovered that Kapernicon’s potion had not only changed his appearance but his strength as well. It was taxing just to fight one of the men. One man stood on Eznezio’s chest while holding Raziel in a headlock while two others dragged Samael and Plebnus (Who now looked like a rat) into a nearby van. The men released the demons and sped off in their van.

“Alexis, Alexis! Are you okay?” Raziel knelt next to her.

“So… much… pain…” She said through gasps.

“Do you know where the nearest hospital is?” Raziel asked Eznezio.

“Yes. Leave the bike, get her in my car!”

Raziel in tears, they went as quickly as they could to St. Palmette Hospital.

To Be Continued...