{Prophecy}
The darkness returns to the spiral, and ancient evil once again returns to take what it before could not. Two shall stand against it, one hero torn and one who is yet to know the truth. If the good inside comes out then spiral may yet be saved, or if the darkness corrupts then the spiral will see its last days. The prophecy shall be fulfilled soon, the dark one shall seek his heir.

“Don't be afraid Eric, this duel is merely a practice circle, no harm will come to you, I promise.”

Seraph was now silent as he stood across from the young boy in front of him, a rather timid newcomer by the name of Eric. Below their feet the ground was glowing a distinct blue hue, both of them were standing in a small circle with a symbol before it, Seraphs symbol was that of a dragon while Eric’s symbol was one of a cat. A much larger circle surrounded the two smaller circles they stood in, around the edge of the ring of blue other students stood excitedly as they watched. Seraph kept his wand raised as he was in a common battle stance, Eric however was shaking rather hard as he looked down at the trainer cards in his hand, no doubt trying to decide which one he wanted to try and cast. As Seraph watched Eric drew a card and slowly looked at it as the kids around the ring were cheering him on, trying to encourage him. When Seraph had learned of a new arrival this late in the year, he had been a tad hesitant given the basic lessons were already taught and past months ago. However Seraph would never reject a student if he could help it, it was nice to the other students cheering him on as well, it truly brought a smile to his face. There truly was no other place he would rather be in the spiral then right here, right now.

As Eric shakily looked up he moved his wand through the air trying to make the symbol on the card, however the trademark line of fire did not appear in the air to initiate the spell.

“Eric remember, you have to see the symbol in your head, concentrate your magical aura into the tip of the wand and then form the symbol. Don't be so tense buddy! Your going to do just fine, the first casting is always the toughest.”

Seraph watched as Eric’s classmates continued to cheer him on, he seemed to get a little more bolder as he looked at the card and then found a look of concentration. Slowly he began to draw the symbol on the training card, and slowly as he finished it, he brought his wand down to break the connection. The symbol he had drawn in the air made a hissing sound as it fizzled out and disappeared. Eric was dismayed as it disappeared lowering his wand with a slight look of defeat.

“Eric that was good! We all fizzle from time to time don't let that discourage you! Remember what I taught you, draw the symbol in the air and then I want you to raise your wand not drop it down and then I want you to hit the symbol like a hammer to a nail. You got this bud!”

Seraph saw the look of determination as Erics classmates got louder encouraging him, chanting for him to do it. Eric brought his wand back up and started to swish it with confidence, as the symbol appeared, he finished it then raised his wand and brought it down upon the lines of fire in the air. The symbol exploded furiously as a fire cat erupted from the center of the symbol hitting the field with a loud roar. Almost instantly there was a chorus of cheers and claps as Eric seemed almost beside himself as the fire cat slowly came in front of him, reaching his hand out he felt its head for the first time, it must have felt very warm to him.

“There you go Eric, that’s the way to do! Now remember our lesson about blades, or spells that strengthen our beasts.”

Seraph raised his own wand and within the blink of an eye he drew a fire symbol into the air, it exploded in a fury of fire as a sunbird erupted from the middle of the symbol. With a shrill scream it flew in the air and dived bomb back to the ground landing in front of Seraph. Eric seemed to become frightened again at the sight of Seraphs Sunbird, but with his fire cat in front of him he kept his composure and readied his wand, that was what Seraph loved to see.

“Ok Eric now use a fire blade, remember when your casting it you must picture your firecat in your mind so it is correctly casted on your beast. Go for it Eric!”

Eric was a bit quicker this time as he looked down at the training cards in his hand and found the appropriate one. Averting his gaze to the fire cat in front of him he drew a shaky but complete fire blade symbol in the air an then raised his wand hitting it. Almost instantly the firecats trails of fire increased dramatically as it was pouring fire from its body. The cheers continued as Seraph gave a quick thumbs up to Eric his confidence returned fully once again.

“Ok Eric remember when I told you that when facing an opponent of the same element that you are able to use their own spells to power your beasts? This will show you the extent of exactly what I mean.”

Seraph waved his wand fast and then the the middle of the dueling ring exploded, a fire ring stretched from the center of the ring and quickly surrounded the entire blue ring in a circle of seering wild fire. As this happened, Seraphs sunbird grew in size as it lifted from the ground, fire trails appeared replacing its tail feathers as it gave another shrill squak. At the same time Eric's fire cat roared as the fire around its body intensified covering it in a blast of fire.

“You see Eric my fire circle not only increased my sunbirds power but the effects are applied to all fire types on the field. So your firecat has gained a power boost as well. Ok Eric its time, in your next move give me all you got and send your fire cat at me. See me in your mind and then command your fire cat at me! My sunbird will automatically try to intercept your fire cat being it is the only beast on my side of the field and watch what happens.”

Eric nodded determined as he raised his wand and had his gaze directly on Seraph, and then in a loud voice he yelled:

“Attack!”

Seraph watched as the firecat launched from its spot with a furious roar, it quickly covered the battle circle and jumped at Seraph, almost instantly Seraphs sunbird flew into the air, with a shrill battle cry and meant the Firecat head on, in an explosion of fire a small amount of heat flew in every direction, enough to feel like a hot gust of wind. Seraphs hair blew all over the place for a moment as the firecat landed in the middle of the battle circle, the obvious victor of the clash, returning to the other side of the field it took place at Eric's feet once and sat hunched poised for the next attack.

“Very good Eric, very good you are an exceptionally quick learned I am quite proud. It is important to remember that in an actual duel inside the battle circle, that you are allowed to summon as many beasts that you desire, however the more beasts you summon and lose, the more depleted your magical aura will be. Remember strategy is the true way to win a duel, strength alone is not enough to beat a seasoned opponent. A pyromancer has many spells that they can call upon, you must be prepared for anything Eric.”

Seraph was fast as he drew another fire symbol in the air, with an explosion the area above the circle instantly clouded up as the ground shook slightly. Out of the air a couple fire strewn meteorites came out of the sky and smacked the ground breaking into pieces, and then one last one came down and came like a missile, it smacked into Eric's fire cat hard, with a large explosion the fire cat was blown off the field as the clouds slowly departed and the battle ring returned to normal.

“As you can see there are many different types of spells at your disposal, very much like instant attack spells such as Meteor strike which strikes every beast on the field. Now comes your first test, summon what ever you choose Eric, your only objective is to strike me directly and to stop me from directly hitting you.”

Seraph smiled at the confidence he saw in Erics eye's, all around the ring the students were cheering excitedly some for Eric, some for Seraph now. Watching Eric he chose a card from his hand, slowly he drew the symbol in the air and then with a hit he smacked it, however the symbol fizzled quickly hissing before it disappeared.

“Remember Eric concentrate, always concentrate.”

Seraph raised his wand and quickly drew a fire symbol and in a fury of fire and burning feathers a large golden fire Phoenix erupted from the ground as it gave a mighty call for battle. As the Phoenix landed its fire intensified from the power boost of the wildfire around the circle. It was obvious that Eric was not a bit panicked having no beasts on his side of the field, it was a do or die moment for him. Eric set his gaze on the card in his hand, and then he drew the symbol in the air and hit it, instantly another Phoenix erupted onto the field in a fury of fire. Almost as soon as this happened Seraph saw Eric fall to one knee as if he was instantly fatigued, lowering his wand Seraph put his hand out, the battle circle slowly evaporated and the remnants of the battle disappeared as Seraph walked forward with a smile.

“Very good job Eric, very good job, not everyone can summon a fire Phoenix on their first day. However the fire Phoenix is a high aura costing spell, which your aura was not high enough just yet to cast.”

Seraph knelt down beside Eric putting a hand on his shoulder.

“I apologize for not telling you this, but it is crucial for you to know that magical aura can deplete it self or in some cases not be enough to summon and maintain certain beasts. I wanted you to learn this because aura is not only what gives us the ability to summon beasts in battle, but also because our aura is our very life essence.”

Seraph looked at every body as he continued to speak.

“Many witches and wizards have fought duels in the name of purity, in the name of evil, in the name of many different things in which they believed in. Some even dueled to the point of death, because if we deplete our magical aura in a duel, then our body starts to use our life aura to keep the duel going. This is why the three ABC's exist, the training battle circle, the dueling battle circle, and the black dueling circle. Two of these will not allow either caster to use their life aura to duel with, so once your magical energy is depleted the duel is over. However the black dueling circle, probably one of the most dangerous of all circles allows us to use our life aura as magical aura. It is important to know your limits and to strengthen, and even more so it is important to remember.. that any witch or wizard who fights in the black circle.. the duel is to the death.”

The entire rings of students was completely silent now as Seraph returned his gaze to Eric. With a smile helped him to his feet and gave him a small dust off.

“Remember Eric none of us can fight forever, never try to unless you have no other choice. For using your life aura takes away from your actual life. Now! I think its time for lunch, I think Eric here and all of us could use some replenishment, so consider this the bell.”

Almost instantly the entire circle of students yelled in glee as they started to talk to each other and laugh. Eric quickly joined them as Seraph looked over and saw Headmaster Ambrose watching on from across the practice field. Seraph slowly made his way over as he greet Ambrose with a respectful nod.

“Headmaster how can I help you?”

The headmaster seemed to give Seraph a look of urgency, Seraph knew instantly that there was something wrong, he had come to know that look.

“There is an urgent matter we must discuss Seraph, I have notified Falmea to resume your class after lunch. There is an important task at hand, please follow me, I will explain once we reach my office.”

Seraph shook his head towards Ambrose to signal he understood, he started to walk with Ambrose unaware of the journey he was about to begin.

The crowd (though in truth, it was only about thirty people) cheered as the two teams raced back and forth across the field, the worn leather soccer ball flying furiously between them. Occasionally, someone from the other team would manage to steal it back, or a shot would go bad and the goalie would toss to her own team. Either way, the score had been an even 1-1 for the past several minutes, and it didn’t look like it was about to change anytime soon.

Lizzy, however, knew better.

Lizzy was currently warming the bench, resting after the first half. Her hair was in its usual long pigtails, which – regardless of what others might say about her – was her personal favorite hairstyle. Her shirt was still wet from the sweat she’d worked up, but her eyes showed no signs of fatigue; this match was for the district championship: Hornets vs. Sparrows! The winners would move on to the State Tournament, and her team was on fire this game! Of course, the other girls were clearly just as eager to move on, hence the deadlock between their scores. But Lizzy could tell they were tiring out. Soon, they’d make a mistake that would leave them all open. She just hoped her fellow Hornets could capitalize when the opportunity presented itself.

Five minutes. The other team had managed to make a few good shots, but Rachel – the goalie for the Hornets and one of Lizzy’s best friends – was completely on point, blocking or catching every single one of them. The Sparrows were relentless, though, and their goalie was just as focused as Rachel. The deadlock continued. Four minutes.

Unfortunately, as is often the case in a tense situation, someone went too far. In this case, it was a girl named Kelsey, a younger member of the team. She slid hard, attempting to knock the ball away from the Sparrows, but something went wrong. Lizzy never saw exactly what happened, but the next thing anybody knew, the Sparrow girl was doing a face-plant and Kelsey was screaming as she clutched her leg. The Hornets’ coach – Lizzy’s father – rushed out to the field. He later returned with Kelsey’s arm draped over his shoulder as he led her carefully off the field. She put as little weight as possible on her injured leg, which was now turning a very unhealthy shade of purple.

“Liz,” he said as he passed, “take the field.” Lizzy nodded and raced out, the cheers of her teammates and the crowd behind her. The game resumed, and she dove headlong into it. Soon, there were only three minutes remaining. She managed to swipe the ball and avoid an attempted steal by the other team, but when Lizzy attempted to pass, one of the Sparrows was able to intercept it. Lizzy skidded to a halt and raced after the other girl, managing to catch up just as she was about to attempt to score. A well-timed kick saw the ball sail away in the wrong direction, and the Hornets recovered. Two minutes.

The crowd was on the edge of their seats, both sides cheering as loudly as they could. Lizzy’s father was back now, screaming until his face turned purple – though whether he was yelling encouragement or instruction, Lizzy couldn’t hear. She’d gone into her “zone”, and all she saw was the field before her. She knew where every player was, which way the ball was going, and where she had to go to meet it. A poor kick by one of her teammates cost them some distance, but now Lizzy had the ball, and she was going for the goal. One minute.

Halfway down the field, she passed quickly, frustrating her opponent’s efforts to steal the ball back. Her teammates continued to pass, moving the ball in a rapid-fire zigzag down the field. Finally, the ball came toward her, and with everything she could muster, she leapt into the air and sent the ball screaming to the opponent’s goal. Time seemed to slow down. Their goalie rushed, but she wasn’t going to make it. The ball continued to travel, going further and further, and as Lizzy fell back onto the ground, she was just able to see it fly past the goalie’s hands…

…and right into the bars around the goal itself, bouncing off just as the timer sounded. Cheers and groans erupted from opposite sides of the crowd, and the two teams jogged back to their benches, preparing for overtime. Lizzy took a bit longer than the rest, remaining on the ground for a moment as the unscored ball rolled gently toward her. She looked at it and sighed, blowing at her bangs with a disappointed huff. Finally, she picked herself up and headed back to the bench, her teammates going past her. A few offered a friendly “Good shot” or “Nice try” as they passed, but Lizzy ignored them. Her father motioned toward the bench with his head, and she sullenly sat down. He sat down next to her.

“Mad at your miss?” he asked. She didn’t respond. He knew the answer. “Well, don’t be. It was a good shot, and you had good form. We’ll practice it, and next time, you’ll get it for sure.” He paused to call out a few instructions to the girls on the field, then resumed. “Besides, it’s overtime now. We can still win this.” Lizzy nodded, but she didn’t seem to feel better. Her father nudged her in the side. “Hey. I mean it. You were great out there. Remember what I said? ‘The only game you lose…’”

“’Is the one you never play,’” she finished. “I know.” Her tone was flat, but a small smile had crept onto her face. “Thanks, Dad.” He smiled at her, patted her on the shoulder, then stood and resumed shouting instructions. Lizzy sat back, a bit more relaxed now, and began her after-game ritual of reviewing what she’d done. Much as a coach shows his players videos of previous games, Lizzy liked to review her own video of her latest performance, criticizing what she messed up on and taking note of what she did well.

Suddenly, a cold shiver raced up her spine, like an icy finger sliding slowly toward her shoulders. She turned around, but there was no one nearby. Puzzled, she turned back to the field and dismissed it as fatigue. She was just in time, too: her teammates were driving through the Sparrows, and she was quickly on her feet cheering them.

Seraph was silent as he sat in the dimly lit tower that Ambrose called his home, the tower was large, much larger then the outside appeared thanks to the enchantments. All around the tower was filled with ancient looking bookshelves adorned with large dusty books. Near by Gamma Ambroses owl and friend was resting on her perch silently her head pressed under her wings. In the center of the room a huge floating display of the spiral was slowing revolving, most of the planets if not all of them were quite familiar to Seraph as he had the honor of visiting them all. However he was drawn from his liking for the Headmasters tower by the words that had just been spoken to him. Looking across the large antique dark wood desk at Ambrose Seraph spoke in his usual lightly accented but deep voice.

“So if I have grasped this situation correctly Headmaster, darkness is once again upon us... however its are not going for Wizard City but to Earth to apprehend this girl?”

“That is correct Seraph, the Prophecy was given to me by Madame Muu herself, the Emperor of Mooshu has felt a chill for days now, one in which he is unable to figure out. We have been working for days not trying to make sense of this Prophecy, and through a twist of fate we were able to discern two people. The first one “a torn hero”, we figured that out right away and that is you Seraph.”

Seraph crossed his arms as he listened, it was funny how from just the phrase they were assuming he was the one in question. However he had to put that aside for now, he didn't like the insinuation all that much, but he respected the Headmaster and his wisdom, so he merely said nothing and kept listening.

“The second “one who is yet to know the truth”, this was the harder part to figure out. However late this morning I received a vision. In this vision I saw a young woman who lives on earth, behind her I saw nothing but chilling darkness, she was running from it. I am almost certain that this girl is the one spoken of in the prophecy. We do not know yet whom of which is after this young girl, but we are positive if we don't step in, they will find her and take her and for what we do not know.”

Seraph sat back in his chair silently as he let the Headmasters words go over in his mind, he was silent for a time as he thought about the current situation and he knew even if Ambrose had not said it, what he was going to be asked to do. The signs all pointed to it, and he did not like the idea of it being himself to do it.

“I know what your going to ask me Professor, I told you only few years ago that I would never return to that planet. The world holds nothing for me anymore, and that I would never again force myself to lay eye's on it, any part of it.”


Good song for this moment on

“Unfortunately Seraph it must be you to go to Earth. The prophecy has named you as part of this fate that is now going to befall the spiral. I know of what has happened to you on your home planet, and I know why you choose to never again return, but you know as well as I that we can not fight the destinies that are our own.”

Seraph stood up uncrossing his arms, the anger was evident in his eye's, the word destiny was a word that he had long wanted to erase from his memories. It was a word that had nearly taken his life so many times, even if he had not known back when was a kid.

“I respect you headmaster, you are my teacher, my mentor, and my friend. But with all due respect, I have lost my respect for destiny and what it entails. Destiny destroyed my life headmaster and sent me to a place that I know I can never escape... memories I can not forget. I know that if I had, had the chance to change my destiny all those years ago, and decided not to go with you to this magical world, that the spiral and earth as well would have been taken by the darkness and turned into something even I do not want to think about. But I am not a hero anymore Headmaster, I left that title behind long ago when... when that incident happened. I just want to live the days I have left to me in peace, not full of hurt and despair, and this destiny, this prophecy will only lead me to pain, I already know that.”

Ambrose silently got up from his chair as he walked around the table and came up to Seraph, putting his up on his shoulder he looked him in the eye's with that knowing older yet wisdom gaze of his.

“I know Seraph, I know the pain you feel and I know what you live with everyday. Guilt is a terrible burden, one we all must carry with us. I know that my being sorry for what you went through back then will never be enough to wipe away the pain. But Seraph you have to let go of that pain, let go of the memories that plague you night and day. I am not saying to forget the past or the life you lead, but to forgive yourself. We have all made mistakes, and what makes us different from the evil in this world, is that we torture ourselves over those mistakes, we feel sorrow, that what makes you a good man not the bad man you tell yourself you are.”

Seraph slowly moved away letting Ambrose's hand leave his shoulder as he slowly turned away from the headmaster and walked to the door of the tower. Reaching out his hand he put it on the knob before slowly turning his head and speaking lowly.

“I know you mean well by me Headmaster and I am thankful to you for watching over me through these years... but I can not forgive myself for what I did. For what I did, I deserve to suffer in those memories until a day comes when I am so long gone that those memories start to fade away. No one blames me for what I did, but this does not erase the wrong in my eye's. I am torn Headmaster, torn between the life I live and a past I can't deny...”

Seraph turned his head away as he left out of the headmasters tower.

HOURS PAST...

Seraph sat silently on the warm sand on his personal home, he watched the ocean silently as the waves crashed on the beach. The sky was a dark blue, the first hints of stars were seen in the night sky, it was almost like his past were the waves that hit the beach, each one coming closer and then receding back, there but not close enough. Very much like he felt his life was, somewhere in between his past and his present, never close enough to either one to make a difference.

”I won't let you win! I will do whatever it takes to make sure your evil dies here Morganthe I promise you that! I am not afraid to stand up to you!”

The thought raced through Seraphs head like most memories, a line that he believed in back then, his will to never give up, to save his friends and his allies. It was that same determination that had lead him down a road of evil, it was the loss that has broken him, dragged him down to the dirt, it was his loss that drove him down the wrong road. He was always too far ahead being a hero to realize that he had never accepted that he could lose. An when it did happen that was when it all started to break, where the first tear occurred, where the pain began.

Seraph looked up at the sky silently as he could see a moon in the distance. When he heard the feet crunching on the sand he turned his head to see Ambrose walking in the distance. He knew already seeming no one else could enter to his private house besides him and the man who could go where he pleased. Ambrose slowly walked up as he came to stand beside Seraph, looking out over the vast ocean of blue he just seemed to stand there for awhile and admire the view. When he eventually spoke Seraph just looked up and listened silently.

“I thought you would be here, it seems to be where you go when your memories are most strong. I remember when you first bought this place, you used to spend hours here, we barely used to see you around Wizard City anymore. None of us blamed you, we understood that you needed time alone, it was a long couple of years for you Seraph I know this. I didn't come here to try and convince you to go Seraph I came here to tell you I am sorry, maybe I didn't realize just how much the past still affected you. I always saw you with the kids, smiling and teaching and tricked myself into believing that you had found peace.”

Ambrose silently lowered himself to the sand as he sat down, a pillow appearing out of thin air as he looked back out at the sea crashing on the beach. They sat there for another period of time without words spoken by either one of them. It was Seraph who broke the silence this time.

“I love teaching Headmaster, it is one thing out of it all that has brought me peace if only for a little bit everyday. To see the smiling faces of the kids, it almost makes me feel as if this world is not as bleak as it has become for me. It brings me comfort to know that I will be strengthening the future witches and wizards of Wizard City, so that they one day can find their way in life such as I did. A life that is free of pain, but full of happiness, the life I want but can't find.”

Seraph sighed as he turned his head to look at Ambrose, he caught the older mans cheerful yet understanding eyes as he continued to speak.

“After thinking I realize that I must go to Earth, it is why I have been here for so long today, trying to erase the doubt in my head. If I were to turn my back on this, an innocent young woman would be left to an unknown fate, and even in my pain I can not turn my back on that. Even though my head tells me to stay, in my heart I know that I would feel more pain letting this young woman suffer whatever fate this new darkness has in store. An that maybe its time that I start facing my own demons instead of always running from them.”

Ambrose slowly nodded his head as he reached out his hand and clasped it firmly on Seraphs shoulder and spoke one last time.

“Your a good man Seraph, and if this does not convince you then you must seek what does. We all have a destiny, however the means in which we get to it are our own. We can not escape what has already been set, but we can decide the path we take to achieve it. That is our freedom Seraph, and I know you will find yours.”

Seraph blinked his eye's and then Ambrose was just gone from his side, slowly turning his head back towards the open sea Seraph continued to watch the waves. Maybe it was time face his past, and find the happiness he had long sought out in the open sea.

The locker room was wrapped in the deafening echoes of cheers, congratulations, and celebration: the Hornets had won 2-1 with an incredible shot from Sarah, and the Hornets’ next game was going to be in the State Tournament for the first time in 16 years! Coach McKaren was clearly trying to say something, but it was another minute or so before he could finally quiet everyone else down enough to say it. Even so, the grin never left his face.

“Good job, ladies!” he shouted. “I can barely believe it! Us! In the State Tournament!” This elected another cheer from the team. “And I’m not gonna lie: there were more than a few times in that game I coulda cut the tension with a knife. But we did it!” More cheering. “But most of all,” he said, calming them down again, “I have each and every one of you to thank. I know I’m still new to coaching, but you all stuck by me, and it was you girls who won this game today. Don’t ever doubt that.” More than a few “aww”s sounded. Lizzy only smiled. “Now! All of you go shower, get cleaned up, and then meet me outside at the van. I’m taking all of you out for dinner!” One last cheer, even louder than before, echoed through the room as the coach made his way out. He glanced back at Lizzy and winked. She flashed him a thumbs-up in response. Nice speech, Dad, she thought.

The locker room descended into personal congratulations, compliments on parts of the past game, and more than a little excitement about a free dinner. Rachel followed Lizzy as the two stripped off their uniforms - which were covered in stains of various colors - and headed for the showers, Rachel excitedly buzzing about her successes as a goalie that day.

“…and when that one shot was coming at me, and I was like ‘WUMPH! No, ball! You are not in my goal!’” Lizzy smiled and let her friend go at it, occasionally offering an “Uh-huh” or “Yep” to prove she was still listening. Finally, when the two reached the showers (which were separated into stalls with old curtains in front of them), Rachel’s buzzing died down into actual conversation tones. “And you were great out there too, Lizzy! You were really on fire that first half!”

“Thanks,” she said quietly, sliding into one of the open stalls. Rachel took the one next to her.

“Are you still upset about missing that last shot?” she asked. Lizzy smiled; her friend knew her too well. “Get over it, Liz! You were great out there, no one blames you, and we won anyway!” She twisted on the shower, and warm water began to pour down over her. “You just take this way too seriously.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Lizzy admitted, turning on her own shower as well. “I dunno, I just hate to lose, and anytime I mess up, I feel like I’m losing to my own weakness.” She shrugged, though Rachel couldn’t see it. “Besides, you know I’ve been practicing that shot for weeks now, and I still-“

“And you were absolutely perfect!” Rachel interrupted her. “You looked incredible making that shot, and even though it didn’t go in, you hit the goal! If I’d made a shot like that, I woulda just flopped down on my back and laid there. You managed to send that ball flying! You can pout about it all you like, but I say you were terrific.”

Lizzy smiled. “Thanks,” she said, this time with far more feeling than last time. She could always count on Rachel to have the right thing to say.

“Say it.”

“What?”

“You heard me, Lizzy. Say it.”

Lizzy sighed and rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t keep the grin off her face. “Fine. I did a good job.”

“You did a great job,” Rachel asserted, “but you’re on the right track.” Lizzy smiled again. Some soap and shampoo later, both girls emerged from their now-steamy stalls and began to towel off. “And that still doesn’t explain why you won’t take a boyfriend!” Rachel suddenly said. “You know Philip and James from the football team are both interested in you. And they’re both good guys! Why won’t you date one?”

Lizzy shook her head. “Because,” she said, preparing the same answer she’d given what felt like a hundred times now, “I’m waiting for just the right person.”

“But they’re both-“

“Great guys,” Lizzy admitted. “They are. But both of them have had girlfriends before, and none of their relationships ever work out. Do you know why?” Rachel shook her head. “Because they both love football. As in, whenever they get a girlfriend, she has to compete with football. Remember Becky? She told me she spoke to Philip’s old girlfriend, and both of them felt the same way. No, I need a guy who knows where I belong in his life, and who I can find the perfect place for in my life. You know I date to marry.” She smiled and nudged her friend. “Besides,” she added, wiggling her eyebrows, “that means more options for you.”

“Ooh, I do appreciate options…” Rachel said, grinning. She gave a mock salute. “Your service is appreciated, Private Bestie!” They both laughed and headed to their lockers. Another moment and both were dressed. As they made their way out, however, that same chill suddenly froze Lizzy in place. Rachel took an entire two steps, still talking about boys, before she realized her friend was behind her. She turned. “Lizzy? You okay?”

Elizabeth was currently looking behind her, frozen in place. Behind her, a hooded figure stood, staring right at her. By the reactions of the other girls (or rather, the lack thereof), it was clear that no one else saw him… or maybe her; the hood hid the person’s face completely. The hooded figure continued to stare at her, then turned and walked right through the locker room door, disappearing as she passed through it. Without really knowing why, Elizabeth took off after them, but when she opened the door, the hooded figure had vanished. Rachel ran up beside her.

“Lizzy? What is it?” She looked around outside the door, but there was no sign of anyone having been there. “Were the boys trying to peek again?”

Lizzy shook her head, frowning. “I… thought I saw something,” she said. “Sorry, guess I’m just tired from the game.”

“Well, I know what’ll fix that!” Rachel assured her, draping an arm over her shoulders. “A free dinner, compliments of your dad!” She led the way this time as the two of them made their way out toward the van. Elizabeth tried to look relaxed, but no matter how far they walked, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.

Seraph was silent as he leaned against the wall that surrounded Bartleby the great tree in the center of the Ravenwood commons. At best it was early in the morning at least by Wizard City standards, yawning ever so slightly Seraph stretched, it would be no big secret that his sleep had not been the most refreshing after his talk with Ambrose on the beach. Truth be told he was almost feeling ill, he did not like earth, for many reason in fact, most didn't know of his distaste for the planet, given most students in Wizard City were from earth. It was a fact in which he kept to himself for that exact reason, but even though he himself was from earth, he had seen more of his home planet then most ever did. He had seen things on earth most never knew existed, and one of those things was the evil of the place. You don't notice it if you live there, then again most dont notice it because unlike them Seraph has an ability which allows him to feel evil inside of others. Both a blessing and curse in its own way to be sure. If he had to compare the darkness of earth to most of the places he had endured when fighting the likes of Malistaire and Morganthe, Earth would be at the top of the list.

The thing that separated the spiral from earth was simply the fact that no matter how much evil there was in the spiral, the many different planets, cultures, species, they all bonded together to fight the evil, they had honor, respect, and love. Earth did not have this, when the time was hardest the people of earth would abandon their own comrades to die, their own friends. That was a huge reason Seraph hated earth now, there was no unity just a bunch of people looking out for themselves and no one else. Seraph was broken from his thoughts when heard someone walking on the road before him, as if out of nowhere Ambrose appeared and made his way up to him.

“Headmaster I assume everything is ready?”

“Very much so Seraph, all that is left is to get you to earth. Before you go I have some things for you, as you know earth is a bit different from here so here is some money just in case you find yourself needing it.”

When Ambrose handed Seraph a stack of money, needless to say he was shocked, counting it up he had damn near one thousand dollars. Seraph looked up at Ambrose questioningly, how the heck had Ambrose, a man who barely went to earth get one thousand dollars?! Seraph could not help it as he spoke so he asked:

“Headmaster may I ask how you came across this much money?”

“Well it was the darnest thing dear boy, I was on earth to talk to a new potential student when a bunch of older ladies came up to me. An well they seemed to like me so they invited me to this game called... um I believe it was Bingo. They were very nice ladies and I liked playing games so I went. Apparently on earth they have this number game where if you get a straight line you can win money, so I played it and won something call the aggressive which was that money there.”

Seraph damn near broke out laughing at Ambrose, he just could not picture Ambrose in his flowing robes playing bingo on earth with a bunch of older ladies. Hell did Ambrose even think about other ladies none the less play with them? Seraph immediately started to laugh out loud as he put his hand on the wall steadying himself.

“What is so funny Seraph?”

“Nothing headmaster, nothing.”

Seraph continued to laugh for a couple more moments before he regained his composure and looked back to Ambrose, he saw his face and nearly laughed again but he stifled it.

“So who Is this girl I am looking for? How will I know to find her?”

“Unfortunately we were only able to figure out here name and he hometown, you will have to do a bit of searching upon your arrival thus the money I have supplied you with. Her name is Elizabeth Mckaren, we do not currently have a picture we can use, so you will have to find her. Remember the enemy is most likely after her too, so keep your eyes open and be on guard.”

“You got it Headmaster I will bring her back safe.”

Seraph nodded to the headmaster as he took the spiral key that was used to get to earth, it was not the first time he had used it but hopefully it would be the last. Walking forward he entered the entrance to inside of Bartleby, inside the great tree was a grand room,circular in nature, the center was a staircase with one door in the center of it all, sunlight shining on it from somewhere even though it was dark outside.

“Good luck young wizard.”

“Thanks Bartleby see you soon.”

With that Seraph ascended the stairs to the door and slowly took the key putting it in the keyhole in the door, with a click he pushed the door open and slowly walked inside. As he did the world around him changed into an all too familiar vortex of swirling colors. The colors gained speed as they started to revolve faster around him, the vortex then slowly began to take form. The world then slowly started to take form as the vortex turned into the many different colors of the world he was entering. Finally the entire area came into view as Seraph was looking at an empty street that was lined with stores, from the looks of it the time was a bit later now, however he could see a few people here and there coming out of the stores. No one seemed to notice his arrival which was a good thing, making his way to the sidewalk he started to walk towards the stores.

As he walked Seraph caught the eyes of a couple older people walking on the streets, they seem to just stare at him as they passed by. This was one of the reasons he disliked earth, everyone seemed to just judge you for no good reason. Looking up Seraph looked at the stores on the street, one that caught his attention was the one with clothing in it, specifically the hoodies are what caught his interest. Perhaps it would be better if he bought himself a hoody and conceal himself, specifically his tattoos and wand, his hair he could just change color by himself to conceal it. Walking into the store he was hit with some really hard rock music and the smell of perfume and incents. Looking around there were some younger looking girls behind the desk, from the moment he walked in they seemed to just giggle and talk lowly to themselves. He merely ignored it as he look at the hoodies on the racks, grabbing a basic black one, he quickly walked to the desk and set it down.

“Id like to buy this.”

The girl behind the counter seemed to look at him, then she seemed to giggle again looking at his waste where his wand was, as she ring up the hoody she spoke to him.

“Thats a nice wand you got there, are you like a Wizard or something?”
That other girl behind the counter seemed to snicker at this retort Seraph merely shook his head as he saw the price on the register and took out one of the hundreds and handed it to the girl. The girl smiled an took the bill and clicked on the register, it dinged as she took out his change and handed it too him. Picking up the hoody Seraph put it on after ripping the tags off concealing his body from the waist up, the girl continued to look at him and she had a smirk on her face. Finally Seraph spoke as he looked at the girl.

“You wouldn't happen to know someone by the name of Elizabeth Mckaren would you?”

The girl behind the counter seemed to cock her head at the name as she looked at him weird and spoke.

“No one I know why you asking Mr? We don't get too many strangers around here looking for people? Are you like an assassin or something!?”

Seraph shook his head as he raised his hand up and put it right in front of the girls face, speaking under his breath the girls eye's suddenly became glazed over and unresponsive. Looking at the other girl she seemed to just be watching but not understanding, diverting his hand he pointed at her and spoke the same words. After they were both in a daze he spoke to them both.

“Remember nothing, I was never here, soon as you hear the door ring, awaken.”

Seraph slowly lowered his hand as he saw a mirror in the corner of the store, walking to it he pulled his hood down and looked at his red hair in the reflection, speaking lowly to himself, his hair took the color of light brown replacing the bright red. Replacing his hood he merely exited the store and got back on to the street, looking through the glass the girls regained their conscious from his memory spell and seemed none the wiser. As Seraph began to walk he started to think about how he would find this girl, obviously she was in this town, but the task was harder said then done. Hearing the grumble from his stomach Seraph realized that he had not eaten since yesterday morning, perhaps a bite to eat first would be better then he would continue on. Coming to a restaurant that was named Bringers Inn he slowly made his way inside to get something to eat.

Bringers Inn was an old-timey-themed restaurant in the middle of downtown. While it wasn’t the most popular restaurant around, the food was always excellent and the prices were in reason. Best of all, the manager was a Hornets fan, so the team got preferred seating and even a small discount! The team was seated around a long table, Lizzy between her father and Rachel, and everyone was chatting excitedly about one thing or another. Once everyone had been served their drinks, Coach McKaren stood and raised his tea. “To our victory today, and our victory at State!” A round of “Here here!” echoed as the girls all lifted their various waters, teas, and sodas in salute. In all, everyone was having a good time.

So why was Lizzy still so terrified? Ever since she’d seen that hooded figure, some nameless terror she couldn’t identify had settled into her stomach, and it had been slowly growing stronger ever since. She smiled and chatted with Rachel and the others, but she still couldn’t shake her fear no matter how hard she tried. Even as she spoke to others, she was often sweeping the restaurant with her eyes for anyone wearing gray hoods. Finally, Rachel asked her, “What exactly are you looking for, Lizzy?”

“Oh, uh, just… wondering where our food is,” came her weak reply. Rachel looked doubtful, but decided to let the matter go, instead talking one more about the various boys that were available for dating. Lizzy barely listened to her. What’s going on with me? she wondered silently. Am I going insane? Did I really see that thing back in our locker room? And why am I so terrified? I never get terrified! It was true; even as a small child, Lizzy had always been a tough child. With the death of her mother, she’d had to grow up strong and independent, even with her father there. By the age of 5, she was the one checking her closet for monsters! So why now? Why was she suddenly so terrified?

“…Lizzy, are you sure you’re okay?” Rachel asked, breaking her out of her own thoughts. She was looking at Elizabeth with concern. “Your face looks a little pale.” Her father, too, was looking at her. Lizzy waved them off.

“I’m fine,” she assured them. “Just… a little tired from the game.” She stood up. “I’m gonna go to the restroom. Be right back.”

“I’ll go with you,” Rachel offered, starting to stand up, but Lizzy shook her head.

“I’m fine, Rachel. Really.” Again, Rachel didn’t look convinced, but she finally sank back into her seat.

“Just don’t take too long,” she told her. Lizzy smiled and walked toward the back of the restaurant, pushing open the door to the women’s room. It was actually a nice-looking restroom; it even had an air freshener that smelled like fresh flowers. Lizzy made her way to the sink and ran some cold water, splashing some on her face. It felt good against her (she now realized) surprisingly hot face. “Am I getting a fever?” she asked no one in particular. She glanced up at her reflection. Same blonde hair. Same blue eyes. Same small nose. Same rounded ears. Same Elizabeth McKaren. So what feels so wrong? After a few more minutes, she wiped her face off with a paper towel and headed back out to the dining area.

When she got back, it was definitely not right. Everyone had stopped talking. Everyone had stopped moving! Lizzy walked around, head turning this way and that as the sense of fear in her threatened to overwhelm her, but it was clear: she was the only thing moving in that restaurant. She made her way back to her table. Sure enough, everyone there was also frozen in place, her father’s mouth open in mid-conversation, and Rachel’s drink at her lips. No one moved. No one spoke. It was like time itself had frozen around her. “Guys?” She waved a hand in front of Rachel’s face, but the girl neither moved nor took notice. Lizzy turned around. “Alright, whatever’s doing this, this isn’t funny!” Even she realized that whatever was doing this was more than likely not remotely trying to be funny, but as scared as she was, she couldn’t think of anything else to say. “Come out!”

She got her wish. Sure enough, from within the walls of the restaurant emerged the same hooded figure that she’d seen prowling the locker room. She saw no eyes, but she knew it was staring at her. “Who are you?!” she demanded. The creature gave her no answer. Instead, it lifted its hand – which was hidden within its sleeves – and held it in the air. Slowly, three more figures emerged from the wall around it, each identical to the being in front of her. Each of them was hidden beneath their hoods, but each was clearly staring directly at her. Slowly, as though they were floating through the air itself, the creatures converged on her. Lizzy took a step back, then another. The lead creature lowered its hand to point directly at her, and a blood-chilling moan poured from its hood.

Finally, the dam burst inside her. Lizzy ran for her life.

Over tables and around waiters, Lizzy simply turned around and ran for it. She could see the double doors that were the entrance, and she raced toward them. She quietly thanked whatever one called fate that her father had introduced her to soccer instead of dolls, because at that point, she needed to run. The creatures were slower than her, but their ability to phase through solid objects let them keep an even pace with her, and even slowly start to gain. After what felt like minutes (though in truth, it was a few seconds at best), she was almost at the front doors, when suddenly they were pushed open. A lone figure, hidden in a black hood, was stepping inside. Lizzy didn’t take time to note the difference in this person’s appearance and that of the creatures that now chased her. She also didn’t bother considering that this person was able to move when no one else was. In her terror, she knew only that this person was now standing between her and the front door. She leapt at him with her heaviest flying kick. “HYYYAAAAAAHHH!!!”

Surprising was an understatement when Seraph had opened the doors to the restaurant to enter inside, the first thing he saw was a young girl running straight for the doors, not far behind to his shock he saw four robed figures, their faces were all too familiar to him without a doubt, the frozen room of people which quickly became obvious was enough to prove it... they were Wrath’s. However he did not have much time to think about that, the young woman who had been running had suddenly screamed and launched herself in the air. Seraph was too late from all the things going on to properly even try to block the attack. Seraph felt the kick slam into his stomach, thankfully it did not hurt as bad given his particular training in the past, but the kick was strong and it knocked him back as he flew to the ground and slid a little bit across the concrete.

“Ah damn it...”

Seraph grabbed his stomach coughing as he quickly pulled himself up to a sitting position, the young woman who had kicked him was now flying across the parking lot at top speed. However she was not going to make it far, Wrath’s were not known for being slow, and their teleportation abilities was a sediment to that fact. Almost as soon as he thought it a Wrath dressed in black robes appeared right in front of the young girl, with a simple raise of its hand a shock wave of magical aura hit the girl hard enough to stop her in her tracks and knock her backwards to the ground. Seraph regained his feet, his mind already racing, there was no way this was coincidence this had to be the girl he was looking for, but what the hell were these Wrath's doing here!? Wrath’s were beings who had no equal, they were never known for working with anyone or anything, and were impossible to control, yet they were here and from experience they did not initiate attacks like this just because.

The Wrath whom stopped Elizabeth was now descending on her, its hand popping out of its cloak black as the night and deformed with razor claws on all five fingers. Seraph was quick to react as he quickly jumped between the Wrath and Elizabeth.

“Back off Wrath!”

Putting his own hand out, his wand was not in it pointed directly at the Wrath in black, the wand pulsed for a second as the red crystal glowed brightly like a blinking light, then a shock wave of Seraphs hit the Wrath head on, the Wrath was thrown through the air as it disappeared almost immediately. Seraph quickly bodily grabbed Elizabeth’s hand and yanked her to her feet as he quickly put her behind himself as he looked around the parking lot in every direction. Then out of nowhere the leader Wrath appeared with its four lesser Wrath’s in tow. With a blood curdling moan directed at Seraph it outstretched its hand like it had done to Elizabeth however Seraph waved his wand as another small wave of aura erupted from the tip of his wand telling it to back off.

“You scare tactics won't work on me Wrath, I know more then I care to know about your tactics to scare your targets and gain power from their fright. So enough with your moans, tell me why your here!?”

The Wrath merely lowered his hand the rest of the way as it suddenly spoke in a decrypt raspy deep voice.

“Were here for the girl, move aside Wizard and give her to us don't make us kill you...”

“Why do you want this girl, tell me that..”

“It is because the darken says it is so, an what the darken wants we his avengers shall grant. An right now it is that girl, so step aside weakling or parish where you stand.”

“Not a chance Wrath, this girl is mine and she will come with me, far from you clutches and your masters who ever that may be.”

The silence after that was painfully frightening to any there to watch, it was like this for precious minutes before the explosion erupted. The Wrath’s were fast as they all attacked at once, the nearby cars were hit as all the glass broke and scattered in every direction, Seraph put his wand in front of himself as a blowing blue aura surrounded them both, the area surrounding was hit with an immense shock wave as the cars caught in the blast were blown away as if in a tornado. After the initial attack the Wraths moved in a circle around the two taking positions in every direction, then in a furious attack they all came at once, their razor sharp talons ready to strike Seraph.

“Back off!”

Seraph swung his wand as a burst of wild flames erupted from his wand and cracked into the Wraths head on knocking them back, they all disappeared at once as Seraph quickly turned and grabbed Elizabeth by the hand.

“We gotta move now! No questions that fire dispelled them for a short time but we must get distance from this location or they will return with vengeance!”

Seraph swished his wand as the fire disappeared as he grabbed Elizabeth's hand and started to run.

Everything happened so quickly, Lizzy barely had time to consider them.

She felt her kick slam into the hooded figure, and she was actually quite surprised; she hadn’t expected that to work. She didn’t stop to congratulate herself, however; she tore across the parking lot as fast as she could, trying to get somewhere, anywhere that wasn’t here. A glance behind her showed the hooded figures phasing through the walls of the restaurant, but they were still a good distance behind her now. Good, maybe in the open, I can outrun-

She never finished the thought, as suddenly, yet another hooded figure appeared out of thin air in front of her. Having caught her completely by surprise, Lizzy had no time to react as the creature suddenly sent her flying back. She landed on her back with an audible “Oof!” as all the air rushed out of her. How had it done that? That creature hadn’t even touched her! She hit her head as she landed, stunning her and making her vision go hazy. She saw the one creature in front of her slowly reach out toward her, the horrifying hand sliding out of the fabric that hid it. She brought her arms up in a feeble attempt to defend herself. “No… don’t…”

Suddenly, something stepped in between them, cutting off her view of the creature. She looked up, blinking her eyes a few times to try to clear them. Slowly, the back of a man came into focus. He was saying something, but she was still somewhat dazed. Suddenly, he was pulling her to her feet and pushing her behind him. She shook her head to try to clear it, and the world gradually came back into focus around her. It was then she realized that the… things were talking.

“We’re here for the girl. Move aside, Wizard, and give her to us. Don’t make us kill you…”

Me?! Lizzy thought. Why do they wantme? I don’t even know what these things are! She glanced around the stranger’s shoulders. He was pointing… was that supposed to be a wand? Well, whatever it was, he was pointing it at the creatures, which were now gathering together in front of him.

“Not a chance, Wrath,” the stranger suddenly said. “This girl is mine and she will come with me, far from your clutches and your master’s, whoever that may be.”

Um, excuse me, she thought to herself, but when exactly did I agree to this? And next time you call me yours, I’m gonna kick you again. She thought about saying it out loud, but in the present situation, she figured it was best to wait. So she waited. The things… Wraths, was it? The Wraths waited. The stranger waited. Lizzy could have sworn she could hear the tension mounting, and she most definitely heard it when the tension finally snapped. The Wraths roared with enough force to send cars flying, and Lizzy ducked behind the stranger’s back, trying to keep her head down. Somehow, however, the shockwave never reached her, and she realized that she and the stranger were now surrounded by a large bubble. That bubble didn’t last long, however, and suddenly the Wraths were all around them, surrounding them in a circle and rushing at them, screaming their terrifying war cries. Just as suddenly, however, they were all gone. With a loud “Back off!” the stranger suddenly sent flames exploding from his wand that caused the Wraths to vanish. Before she could say anything, however, the stranger was suddenly running with her, his hand tight on hers as he took off with Lizzy in tow.

No questions? Nothing could be further from the truth, but if the stranger was right, they needed to get away fast. “Fine!” she shouted. She tore her hand from his, adjusting to his speed and running on her own beside him. “But I expect answers once we’re clear!”

“But I expect answers once we’re clear!”

Seraph heard the retort from Elizabeth as he quickly lead her down a side alley, anywhere that was out of the open and out of possible eye sight from the Wrath's, he was not so sure she would want the answers when the time came, and even so it was not like he had many of them to begin with, at least towards the subject of why Wrath's were earth bound and working for someone else. Problem was Seraph didn't know this town at all, he was flying blind here, all he knew to do at this point was to keep out of open area's, Wrath's were very hard to elude, even if they were dispelled for a short time, with their ability to phase in and out of this dimension, they could virtually go anywhere they pleased at will. Seraph already knew that a duel was going to be inevitable, but in any case if he could avoid it, he was most definitively going to, even for him five on one odds were not good, and that Wrath in black was a step above the other four, the black robes were only worn by Wrath's of exceptional power. The only reason he had been able to avoid a duel before is because they had underestimated him, not knowing who he was. He had to catch them before they caught him, the only way to do it would be to feel them to avoid them. Seraph didn't want to do this, his ability to feel evil was a taxing ability, one in which had consequences if it was used too long... but there choices were not slim.

Coming to a stop he put his hand up to stop Elizabeth, slowly turning to her he spoke quietly but quickly hoping she was going to grasp what he was going to tell her. Pulling her down beside a large dumpster he looked her in the eye's.

"Were far from being out of the woods Elizabeth, you need to listen and listen well because we don't have the luxury of time to repeat anything. These beings are inter dimensional creatures, they are able to phase into dimensions at will, and they are among the most particularly nasty beasts known. In your current state fighting them is not an option for you, and if they catch us then they will force us to duel... and that includes you. One thing that will attract those Wrath's to us is fear, these beings feed off of it like a meal, you have to stifle any fear you might feel, the stronger your fear the bigger the trail they have to us. I have a way to detect where they are, but its risky for me to do it, if anything happens to me you need to keep to the alleys, any place small and closed in, Wrath’s have a hard time tracking you if you keep to small spaces.”

With that said Seraph silently replaced his wand in his belt and put his hands into fists, then putting then together knuckle to knuckle palms up he closed his eye's. The area around seemed to simmer for a couple seconds as if in a dry desert, and then Seraph opened his eye's, they were now glowing a distinct yellow.

“Hurry I don't want to keep this connection open for long.”

Seraph turned around as he sneaked to the back of the alley towards the other side. Slowly looking around he noticed almost immediately two distinct masses of black billowing out in the streets. He was silent as he watched them depart going down separate sides of the street, looking forward Seraph saw a small playground with what seemed to be a medium size play house. Turning he looked at Elizabeth and pointed towards the playground, then he counted off three fingers putting each on down slowly, when the Wrath’s were good distance away he bolted from the alleyway. Both of them covered the distance quickly as they came to playhouse, it was a tight squeeze but they both managed to get inside okay.

Seraph silently looked through the small window the world too him was a bright purple now, and he could seen just fine in lew of the night time darkness. In the distance the two Wrath's were still going in opposite directions unaware of their movements, moving back to the entrance of the door Seraph looked out and there was no Wrath's near by now, exiting the playhouse he motioned for Elizabeth to follow, slowly he crouched making his way through the playground equipment. Seraph immediately stopped however at the edge a large wooden platform as Elizabeth ran into him by accident. Turning he put his finger to his lips, in front of them were two masses one was bigger then the other, the elite Wrath was right in front of them, listening closely he caught their conversation.

“They could not have gotten far...that wizard is clever whoever he is. He has avoided us this long an we have yet to find him or the girl. We underestimated him from the start, a mistake we will not make again. When you find him call us to you, and we will put and end to this. Lord Draken demands we bring him that girl... alive... so watch what you do.”

As the larger mass of dark energy disappeared the small one remained behind, looking beyond Seraph saw another alley way, but first he would have to deal with this Wrath before they could go for it. He could stun it, but it was risky, Wrath's were not ones to be so easily stunned, it wasn't moving however so there was no real choice, moving back towards the other two was not an option. Seraph looked at Elizabeth and made a sign for her to get ready.

Taking his hands Seraph put them together and closed his eye's, concentrating his hands began to glow a deep shade of orange, then slowly pulling his hands apart a ball of glowing red energy slowly formed. Turning he slowly stuck his hand out towards the Wrath from behind the platform, almost instantly as the ball touched the black mass, it turned into red chains which engulfed the entire mass, to Elizabeth she would not see the chains however there was no time to admire. Seraph quickly dashed out from the spot, however the moment he did the Lead Wrath materialized out of nowhere right in front of them, with a wave of its hand, it pushed them back with authority. Slowly the Wrath came upon them both as it seemed to glare at them both.

“Did you truly think you could elude us mortal...?”

Seraph quickly regained his feet as he pulled his wand, letting his eye's return to their natural shade, his vision returned to normal as the other Wrath's appeared all around them, surrounding them once again in a circle. However they kept their distance this time as the leader of the Wrath’s slowly came forward and spoke.

“You are quite powerful Wizard, I did not sense It before because I underestimated you, however that is a mistake I shall not make again. All I want is that girl, give her to us and I give you my word that you won't be harmed. An seeming you know a lot about us the way you avoided us and knew our secret, then you know we are honor bound, by death to keep our word.”

Seraph raised his wand keeping Elizabeth behind him, he had no intention of letting them take her if he could help it, and by damn he would.

“I know all about your kind Wrath, I have been to the darkness of the Shadow Dimension, the only human to set foot there and survive. I have faced death many times at the hands of other Wrath's and I am still here standing. I am not scared of you Wrath.”

“Who are you mortal to speak so boldly?”

Seraph was silent as he reached down and slowly removed the hoody from his body, tossing it aside his various tattoo's were glowing slightly as the Wrath's all took a resounding move back away from him, now fully aware of who was standing in front of them. The lead Wrath however did not back up it stayed right where it was as it spoke again.

“So... the Hero of the Spiral stands before us. I never imagined you an me would ever meet again... Seraph. Yes I know you personally, but you probably don't remember me, back then they called me, Alazar...”

“Alazar... protector of the Shadow Dimension I remember you, we fought on the tower before the Shadow Queen. I remember beating you and the Shadow Queen banished you to the Realm of Eternity. How is it that you escaped that place?”

“I was brought back from damnation to this place by a powerful Wizard, one in which I am now honor bound to until a time comes when I am released from his bond.”

“Lord Drakar I take it.”

“Yes, but it makes no difference if you know his name or not, I can not allow you to leave this place now Seraph, you must die.”

Seraph kept his wand raised as the Wrath's started to close in, how when a blast of fire erupted out of nowhere Seraph was caught off guard as the fire quickly transformed into projectiles and slammed all the Wrath's at the same time dispelling them all.

“Professor! Quickly follow me!”

Seraph saw a young man appear from the shadows as he motioned for him to come, Seraph quickly nodded to Elizabeth and started to sprint away from the sight, as they reach the alley the young man quickly lead them through the alley and onto the other side. Following him the young man quickly entered a backyard where he opened what appeared to be the door to and old tornado shelter, quickly motioning them in Seraph ran in with Elizabeth as the cellar door was closed and locked. Seraph made his way down the stairs slowly as he came into a large room furnished with tatty furniture and a lamp in the center lightly illuminating the room. As the young man finally came down the stairs he came into view with a smile on his face.

“Professor as I live and breath, never thought I would see you on earth, welcome back.”

Seraph smiled back as he walked up to the young man and gave him a hug like old friends letting go he spoke gratefully.

“Thank you Seth, although its been a rather rocky homecoming.”

“Always is when your involved.”

They both laughed after that, even if it would probably be the only laugh they were going to get that night.

Everything was a confusing whirlwind to Elizabeth as she continued to follow this stranger. Why was she following him? Better a complete stranger than those... monsters behind them. She wasn't sure what it was, but something - perhaps a tumultuous mixture of fear, adrenaline, and confusion - was raging inside her mind, and she was only just barely able to comprehend anything that was being said to her. She understood one thing this stranger said, though: the Wraths could sense fear. So, while the stranger closed his eyes and did... something... Elizabeth took a moment to make several deep breaths. Slowly, her mind started to calm down. Alright, she said to herself. Focus. Just like before a game. The objective? Get through the city without being spotted. To do that, I have to stay calm and hold back my fear. ...Well, she knew one of those things was possible right now, but she did her best to keep herself in check. Suddenly, the stranger's eyes opened, and they were glowing a bright yellow. Lizzy almost took a step back; eyes didn't normally do that. Oh, yes, because the rest of this night has been so normal! "Hurry," the stranger said. "I don't want to keep this connection open for long." She had no idea what "connection" he was talking about (she felt like he'd told her earlier, but it was all she could do right now to keep calm). Instead, she simply nodded and followed his lead.

As they raced toward and then moved their way toward a playground (including a very uncomfortably tight playhouse), Lizzy's thoughts turned back toward her teammates in the restaurant. Were they all safe? Were her father and Rachel worried about her? Okay, that one's a dumb question, she scolded herself. As soon as they realized she was missing, Lizzy knew they'd search the entire city if they had to to find her. The fact that they hadn't called or texted - coupled with the fact that they hadn't encountered anyone else on the streets that night - meant they were probably still frozen. She really hoped they were alright.

So distracted was she by her worries and fear that she failed to notice when the man leading her came to a stop, and she unceremoniously rammed into his back. She was about to ask why he'd stopped when he put a finger to his lips. She kept her peace. She could hear the voices of those things up ahead, telling the others to take her alive. What the heck do they want with me?! I don't even know what they are! She didn't see what the stranger was doing, so when he suddenly dashed for it, it cost her half a second's hesitation. Of course, that may have been to her favor; the Wrath in black reappeared again and threw them both back. The stranger took the worst of it, but Elizabeth was still knocked to her back. "Did you truly think you could elude us, mortal...?" the creature taunted, hissing as it spoke. Elizabeth was no stranger to being knocked to the ground, but that was normally in grass and dirt, so being knocked to the concrete for the second time was a less than pleasant experience. The stranger was quick to get back to his feet, but she had to drag herself back to her feet. She almost missed the conversation.

Seraph. The stranger's name was Seraph. That was about the only thing she was able to keep up with, however. That and the cool tattoos. As the Wraths began to move in on them, sudden blasts of fire appeared out of nowhere and blew them all away.

"Professor! Quickly follow me!" shouted a voice. Elizabeth looked and saw- was that kid younger than she was?! It doesn't matter! her mind screamed at her. Just go! She needed no further persuading, and as Seraph took off after the kid, she did the same, not bothering to stop and look behind her. When they were finally indoors (as indoors as a cellar could be, at least), Seraph and the newcomer - Seth, was it? - greeted each other pretty warmly. Elizabeth, too overcome by all the night's events, barely heard what was said, but what she did hear was the laugh.

Her entire world was just torn apart, demonic who-knew-whats were trying to kidnap her, her friends and father were halfway across town frozen in time, and these two - who had no small part in tonight's events - were standing around laughing!

She finally just snapped.

"Okay," she said, perhaps louder than intended, "that's it! I am not going another step, not one more step with you, until I get some answers!" She stabbed a finger at Seraph. "Who are you? What are you? What the hell were those things, and why do they want to take me? Is my team safe? Am I?" Okay, maybe not the best question. "I don't know what's going on, but I'm not doing anything else until I get some answers! Now start talking!"

Seraph was immediately silenced when Elizabeth just about snapped pointing a finger at him. Seraph silently took her words in as she was clearly agitated, which given all that was happening, was a pretty good reaction as apposed to what it could have been. Seraph looked at Seth who was now dead silent, when Elizabeth had finished, the explosion fizzling down Seraph spoke not to Elizabeth but more towards Seth first.

“This cellar is enchanted yes? So those Wrath’s won't be able to phase in here?”

Seth merely nodded his head as if he did not want to speak at all after Elizabeth’s sudden outburst. Seth was normally like that, for being his age he almost still was like a kid. Truth be told Elizabeth would never even realize the boy before he was merely an fifty year old Wizard who often cloaked himself as a wayward child. However that was neither important or necessary to even talk about at this point. Seraph slowly placed his wand back in his belt as he took a seat on one of the rag tag couches and looked idly at Elizabeth, not like this was going to be easy to explain anyways, might as well just dive into it.

“Well... I was hoping to be out of earth when I told you this Elizabeth, however seeming things went south pretty fast I guess we have to do this here and now. So I guess lets just start, you asked who I am well to tell the truth your going to not believe me. My name is Seraph, I am a human just like you or anywhere else on this planet. So if the subject of alien ever crossed your mind hopefully that can be put to rest. Now who I am in this whole situation is hardly worth knowing, but if you insist I am a Wizard from Wizard City a magical place of learning located in what we call the spiral, which is a collection of planets all linked together by the great Bartleby god of past and future. I am a Professor in the prestige Pyromancer School where young students learn the fine arts of fire magic. An those things out there they are called Wrath's a particularly nasty creatures that mostly resides in the Shadow World.”

Seraph looked at Elizabeth but it was pretty hard to read what was going through her mind right now, if it was anything less then he should be thrown in a mental hospital somewhere far away, he wouldn't have been surprised. However what she might think he continued.

“As for why they are hunting you I am not fully sure. I suppose it has something to do with this Lord Drakar they mentioned before, but as for the connection, I have no real idea why they have taken such a keen interest in you. As for your friends, if they were with you when the Wrath's first tried to take you, most likely back in the restaurant where you kicked me in the stomach... then they are most likely fine. Wrath's are beings who have no real care to harm those whom they are not hunting. Feel better now that you know..?”

Seraph looked at Elizabeth, but he had a feeling that this was only the beginning of a rather long night of questions and disbelief.

Elizabeth took a deep breath, eyes closed. She brought her hands to her face in her customary "processing pose" (as Rachel had dubbed it): fingers together, index fingers against her forehead, thumbs down on her chin. It almost looked as if she was praying. It was an odd pose, yes, but somehow, it actually did help her process things. She sighed. "...A Wizard," she said, her voice betraying no emotion at all. "You're telling me... you're a Wizard. From Wizard City. And you do magic. Frequently." She sighed again and shook her head. Normally, she'd call the guy loony and have him put in a mental asylum, but after tonight, she wondered if she might not need to join him there herself. Think it through, she told herself. Just like analyzing a bad play. Think it through end to end. She started.

Seraph claimed he was a Wizard. That was impossible. However, so were hooded nightmare beings that could freeze time and phase through walls, so "impossible" was not allowed in her vocabulary this time. So his being a Wizard was now possible. She had certainly seen him do some strange things this night: summoning fire and repelling those Wraths with that stick he was carrying; presumably that was his magic wand. It certainly seemed plausible... though still completely insane. Maybe she was going insane and talking to two figments of her imagination right now. Maybe she'd slipped and hit her head in the bathroom, and was laying on the floor in a delirious nightmare. She pinched her forehead and opened her eyes. ...Nope. Still here, she thought to herself. Well, darn. That would have made it much easier.

Next, the Wraths; if she wasn't insane, and she wasn't delirious, then those things were real. They were also a very real threat to her. There was no denying that they recognized Seraph, or at least recognized his power. The black one seemed to know him, but the rest seemed more... mindless. I probably shouldn't discount them as threats, though. They'd done a good job of hunting her all throughout the day, steadily nurturing her sense of fear until they'd cornered her in the restaurant. The pain in her back was certainly a testament to the reality with them: she hadn't been sent flying back by a stray gust of wind, that much was clear. Even if she tried to desperately hold on to that explanation, twice in one night? In two different parts of town? What were the odds of that happening?

She was glad to hear that everyone else would be safe, but she still hoped to contact them and tell them she was. This is assuming, of course, that I am safe, and Seraph here isn't trying to kill me himself. She'd hold on to that thought for now. She had her phone in her pocket, of course, so she could easily call or text someone to let them know what had happened. Unfortunately, she was sure if she tried to explain what she'd seen tonight, she really would end up in an insane asylum, so that plan was scrapped. Ultimately, she realized, I'm at the complete mercy of either Seraph or the Wraths out there. Both of them want me, and I'd really like to know why.

Finally, she spoke again. "Alright, next question: let's assume I believe you, at least in part. a) Why should I trust you over them-" she jerked her thumb back toward the exit, "and b) What do you want with me? I'd rather not go out there with those things looking for me, but I'm not about to trade one kidnapping for another."

Yep Seraph was right this was not going to be no easy feat, as he watched her Elizabeth just seemed to make a weird hand gesture involving her forehead and her hands put together, a way of thinking perhaps? Who really knew whatever made it easier to process he supposed. To the side Seth was standing silently, even Seraph could see he was close to laughing, the man was incorrigible when it came to irony. Seraph quickly shot him a look telling him if he dared to laugh then he was gonna get out of this chair and come put him in a nelson. Seth was quick to cover his mouth and push it off as himself yawning, the last thing needed right now was for Seth to go off in a laughing fit because this earth girl was making weird hand gestures so she could think. Seraph sat there silently for a good amount of time as the girl made all sorts of different gestures, at one point he was pretty sure she had pinched herself, it had been while since he last came to earth but it seemed like maybe they earth inhabitants were more crazy then most in the spiral if this is how they handled thinking. Eventually when she seemed content with her thoughts Elizabeth looked at Seraph and spoke again asking him another question.

"Alright, next question: let's assume I believe you, at least in part. a) Why should I trust you over them-"

Pointing her thumb at the entrance to the cellar she continued her line of inquiry.

"and b) What do you want with me? I'd rather not go out there with those things looking for me, but I'm not about to trade one kidnapping for another."

Seraph sighed when he heard the word kidnapping, all that thinking she did and she was under the illusion that he was trying to kidnap her instead of the Wrath's. This was part of the reason he didn't want to come to earth, once people on earth reached a certain age, it was so hard for them to grasp the fact that there is heck of a lot more out there then they think. An when they see it first hand, they always are skeptical and come to concussions that are ridiculous, never seeing the obvious truth even if its in front of their eye's.

"Perhaps your not understanding the gravity of the situation your in, or perhaps you do and your going into denial. But even you must have noticed that I was trying to save you not kidnap you. I didn't pick you up and carry you away from them Wrath's you went with me willingly, so the use of the word kidnapping is the wrong word to use in this case. You would be right in assuming that I did not just happen to show up tonight when you got attacked that much is true, I was sent here to find you, however when you kicked me in the stomach I was merely trying to get something to eat, finding you there with Wrath's hot on your trail was coincidence, and a nice coincidence to be honest. I guarantee you if they had captured you that the horror you would be in right now would be... how do you say... overwhelming."

Seraph became silent as he removed he wand from his belt and pointed it at the floor in front of him, the crystal glowing a bottle of fire hit the floor taking the form of a footstool. Propping his feet up on the flames he continued to speak.

"Why should you trust me over them, thats a simple answer... because I am the only one besides my friend Seth here on this planet right now who can protect you from them. But let me be frank, I can't and won't force you to stay, as I mentioned I am not here to kidnap you, I came here to bring you back with me to Wizard City because I was asked too, because there are evil forces at work and they want you. Like I said before the reasons are unknown at this point, thats how destiny and fate work a lot of the time. But if you want to leave then I won't stop you, so you can go outside and take your chances with Alazar and his army of walking horrors, but from experience I guarantee you won't make it five feet from this cellar."

Seraph put his feet down as he got up replacing his wand in his belt and walked past Elizabeth, walking to the stairway to the entrance he put his hand up and looked at her speaking.

"My question to you is simple. Who would you rather put your trust in? Me or Alazar? Choice is yours Elizabeth so decide, you can walk out of here right now no questions asked and accept whatever fate awaits you out there or you can stay here where no harm will come to you, until a time that we can leave back to Wizard City, far away from the Wrath's and their clutches. Either way it goes, you are now a part of this if you want to be or not, and they will not stop hunting you. That I can promise you without a doubt in my mind."

Elizabeth shook her head and laughed. It was not a humorous or happy laugh at all. "You say I went with you willingly, but what choice did I really have?" she asked, eyebrow raised in query. "Sure, I could have chosen at any time to leave you, because if you were trying to save me, I'd be killing myself, and if you were trying to kidnap me, I sincerely doubt a guy who can do what you've been doing would have any trouble stopping me in my tracks." She sighed and sank down into a nearby chair; she wasn't going anywhere tonight. That much was clear. Her eyes widened a bit as Seraph conjured a footstool for himself, but the limits of what was possible had been so thoroughly shattered for her that night that she didn't even care anymore. It was magic. Whoop-de-doo at this point, she mused fatalistically.

"And you're right: I don't understand the gravity of this situation, because my only plans for tonight were to eat a meal with my teammates, go home, spend a night online, and maybe watch a movie. Now I'm being chased by demons, running halfway through town and nearly dying with every step while my family and friends are apparently frozen in time with no idea what's going on, and according to you, my only hope is to flee the planet - flee the freaking planet - with you; a nutjob in a hoodie with a magic wand and powers!" She failed to notice how her voice was steadily gaining volume as she vented her frustrations out all at once. "But you're not a nutjob, are you? No, you're a freaking Wizard! And you're a Wizard, too!" she added, motioning toward Seth. "Wizards, magic, demons, and in the middle of it all is me, and I have no desire whatsoever to be a part of it all! But I'm stuck here, aren't I? Stuck dealing with you two who I have no reason to trust, except that my only other option is to go running outside and be abducted by those things!" She was shouting at this point. "So forgive me if I seem a little bit hesitant to go diving into Wizard Land with you and leave everything I've ever known behind because everything I've never known is apparently trying to KILL ME!"

By now, Elizabeth was standing up again, screaming the last two words especially loudly. She stood panting, her tirade of fear and frustration finally spent. She looked at Seraph as she steadily began to calm down. After her panting again became slow, deep breaths, she was able to sit back down. She simply let out a long, frustrated sigh, having realized even as she was speaking that she really did have very little choice in this matter. She put her elbows on her knees and her face in her hands. She didn't cry, to her credit - she'd let just about everything out in her screaming - but she was suddenly feeling very tired and powerless, neither of which appealed to her. She was going to have to put her life in the hands of this stranger and hope beyond all hope that he might actually want to help her. Well, at this point, I'm pretty much gone already, she said to herself. If he means well, great. If not, at this point, there's really nowhere else for me to go anyway. It was a long, long time before she finally spoke again, and when she did, it was in a very quiet, subdued voice.

"When do we leave?"

Seraph was quiet when Elizabeth had went into a frustrated state, starting low she was soon screaming loudly at the both of them, it was obvious that none of this was going well. But Seraph decided to say nothing while she screamed at him, he kept standing as Seth was just idly watching it all go down. When she was finally done, she sat back down breathing hard as the fight quickly left her. After some time passed Seraph walked past Elizabeth and to the chair he had been sitting in, however he merely put his hand on it as he turned his back to her, kicking the foot stool he had made for himself it flew in the air and disappeared as he kept his back turned to her and spoke, this time however it was clear that his voice lacked the same compassion it had before.

"You know I understand your frustrations, better then anyone I understand what its like to be taken from one world and throw into another. I don't care if you believe me or not when I say that, but the truth is it is not easy to be here for me. It is not easy to be back on this planet, the reasons why are none of your business, but you know, I could have easily just left you to your fate. In fact when I was first asked to come here and help you I refused to do so, because I didn't want to be the one to take you from your home, I didn't want to be the one to have to tell you your life was in danger and you were now part of something you didn't understand. But most of all I didn't want to be the one who involved in trying to save the spiral again. But I guess that what we want, and what we can't avoid are two different things. You don't have to like me or trust me, I am not here for that, but you know even in the midst of things even a little gratitude goes a long way seeming I could have just left you to your fate..."

With that Seraph silently made his way around the chair and disappeared into a small doorway off to the side disappearing from view. As he left Seth finally walked over to where he had been sitting and took a seat in front of Elizabeth looking at her quietly. It was a couple moments but he finally started to speak to her.

"You know it truly is hard for him to be here in this place, especially after what happened to him here. Its no excuse for him acting the way he does right now, I know that there were nicer ways he could have gone about telling you the answers to the questions you asked. But maybe you need to see that your not the only one down here that has had to throw away all they ever knew for reasons they did not understand. I am not saying you don't have a right to be scared and angry or frustrated, but maybe you could be a little more... nicer. Just a suggestion nothing more. Let me go talk to him see if I can ease the tension here."

Seth got up from the chair as he too disappeared through the doorway, in reality the door way lead to a rather large room that curved off the from the main entrance. The room was pretty bare besides a couple more rag tag couches and chairs and dusty throw rug that had seen better days. Seraph was sitting across the room in a chair positioned towards the wall. The only thing visible was the back of his head over the chair, a small fire was in front of him making the shadows dance around the walls as Seth approached and silently took a seat in the other chair next to Seraphs. They were both silent for a couple moments before Seth ending up breaking it.

"She is scared you know, I know you have your reasons for the way you feel, but you could try to be just a little nicer to that young woman, after all its not everyday something like this happens to an earth bound person. She is trying I can see it in her eye's, but Seraph she has family here and friends, its not like when you left earth, when you left you were just a runaway orphan. So I don't think you quite realize what this means to her, to have to leave."

"I know Seth, I know its just that being in this place again just reminds me of the terrible things I did. Its been almost eight years and not a day goes by when I don't ask myself why I did what I did. Back then I told myself it was the right thing to do... but it wasn't the way I felt when it was done. An the fact that no one blames me for what I did only makes it worse. What is it that makes one life so much more worth then other lives? An what makes other lives worth less? I have pondered this question for so long now, and I have found no answer. How do you forgive yourself when you just so damn disgusted with your own actions? Being here now only brings back the pain of that day, and every time I try to understand what that girl is feeling in there, I am only blinded by my own self pity."

"Think of it this way Seraph, if everyone hated you for what you did, would you feel any less then you do now? It is hard to think past the choices we don't understand, or to understand the choices that we make in light of deep pain. Was what you did right? I don't know I am not the one to answer that question for you, we have all did things out of revenge and anger, and your no different. My question is why do you hold yourself more accountable to your actions then anyone else?"

"I hold myself accountable because what I did, that wasnt who I was, and in that moment I realized that I was no better then Morganthe was. Thats why I don't see myself as a hero like everyone else does, a hero would not do that, a hero would forgive not seek revenge."

Seth sighed as he put his hand on Seraphs shoulder and squeezed a little bit.

"You are a good man Seraph, your not like Morganthe and one day your gonna see that to. But right now there is a young woman who needs your help and she needs to see the best side of you not the worst. She needs the courage that you have if she is going to make it through the darkness ahead. Come on she needs us even if she is confused and thinks she can't trust us."

Seraph nodded silently as he slowly got up, waving his hand over the fire in front of him, it sizzled out lowly as it completely disappeared. Re entering the room Seraph looked at Elizabeth as he spoke.

"We will set out when the sun is out, Wrath's are unable to materialize in direct sunlight, so it will be safest when it is light out. Once we make sure your family and friends are okay we must go and return to Wizard City."

Elizabeth listened quietly as both men gave their speeches, head still in her hands as she refused to meet the eyes of either. When they were both gone, she took a deep breath and lifted her head. She was glad for a moment to be alone. She leaned back in her chair, trying to make herself relax. "'Nicer,' huh?" she asked out loud. As she expected, no one answered her. Actually, with the night I've had, that's probably a really good thing. She hoped those two didn't have any spells that let them watch her from the other room, though she wouldn't have been surprised if they did.

Spells. She'd admitted it. They were really using spells. They really were Wizards. Wizards really did exist. Magic really did exist. Had she had those revelations a few hours ago, she would have been blown away. Right now, however, she was just tired. "I'll be excited later," she told herself, "when I'm not on the run and worried about everyone else." Speaking of everyone else... She fished her cell phone out of her pocket. Somehow - "As if by magic." She couldn't help but grin - she had a signal down here. A few buttons later, she had a text ready to be sent to her father and Rachel. But what exactly am I supposed to say? she wondered. "Uh... Got attacked by demon creatures, saved by a wizard, and I'm about to leave the planet in search of other wizards. Be back soon." She shook her head. She really couldn't tell them that. If they got involved in this, they were probably in as much danger as she was. Of course, whoever those things were working for - that Drakar guy - might decide that, if he couldn't get her, he'd go for them to get to her. "In that case, they're still in danger. ...Man, this sucks." She had to tell them to watch their backs while wording it so they didn't come looking for her. Of course, if she was leaving the planet, she doubted they could find her anyway. With a sigh, she began to type up a message.

Hey guys. I have to keep this short, because I don't know exactly what's going on and don't want to take unnecessary risks. When I was in the restroom, I found out I was being stalked by somebody dangerous, so I took off and went to hide. I would have told you if I could, but if I'd stayed at the restaurant, they likely would have taken me, so I'm sorry I couldn't tell you where I was going (Probably shouldn't mention they were frozen in time.). I'm with the authorities right now (Which technically isn't a lie - Seraph said he was a teacher, so he's an authority of sorts, right?) and they've promised to keep me safe until things blow over. The bad news is that I don't know how long that'll be. I love you both, and I swear I'll make contact again just as soon as I'm able to do so. Keep safe, and keep an eye out for any strangers.

Until later,
Lizzy

She sent it off, and watched until her phone confirmed that both recipients had their message. Then she tucked it away and sighed. "I really hope I don't regret this," she muttered. Just as she said so, Seraph and Seth emerged from the other room, both looking a little calmer than they had before. Elizabeth stood to say something, but Seraph spoke first. "We will set out when the sun is out. Wrath's are unable to materialize in direct sunlight, so it will be safest when it is light out. Once we make sure your family and friends are okay we must go and return to Wizard City."

Elizabeth blinked, then smiled slightly. It was an olive branch, and she fully appreciated his effort. "Thank you," she said, still smiling. She shuffled a bit, then added, "Listen... I wanted to apologize. It's been... well, a rough night." She couldn't help but grin again. "Give me a little more time, and I swear I'll be a lot calmer and more capable. And..." She took a deep breath before continuing. "I'm going to put my trust in you. You didn't let me down tonight, so I promise I'll try my best to do the same." She extended her hand toward him. "Friends?"

"Friends?"

Seraph extended his hand taking Elizabeth's firmly and shook as he smiled at nodded his head.

"I am sorry too my attitude has not made this any easier, don't let yourself worry about it, it has not been an easy night for either one of us. But don't worry I am going to get you through this safely I promise you that on everything I stand for. Its late though an you should probably try to get some rest, its going to be a long day tomorrow so we should meet it well rested. I am sure Seth can find you some blankets and pillows."

Seraph turned away silently as Seth quickly went about to get some blankets and pillows for Elizabeth to use, walking back into the adjacent room Seraph walked to the chair facing the wall and returned to sitting in it. Pointing his finger at the wall some flames licked up the walls as if a fireplaced, the flames illuminated the room as the flames formed shadows as it crackled lightly. Looking down Seraph lifted his right arm, waving his arm left hand over it, the skin color changed to a burnt and charred black color from fingertip all the way to the elbow, turning his hand left and then right he looked at the old wound silently before looking at the wall of flames. Sighing he reached into the color of his shirt and pulled out what appeared to be an earth made heart shaped locket, clicking it open inside a picture of a young woman was inside, her hair was brown and flowing, her eyes an emerald green.

"Hold on I will pull you up, don't let go!"

"Please Seraph don't let me fall... please"

Seraph was silent as he saw her image in his mind, the tears running down her cheeks as he held her hand above a pit of black flames, her voice seemed to resonate in his head as he looked at her picture.

"Your such a fool young wizard, your petty attachments only make you weak, thats why you will lose."

Seraph could hear the evil cackle of Morganthe playing through his head as she had loomed over him, delighting in the torture that she was causing to not only him but to Jennifer as well. Like the fire on the wall, his eye's had shown that same fire back then in the light of certain death.

”I won't let you win! I will do whatever it takes to make sure your evil dies here Morganthe I promise you that! I am not afraid to stand up to you!”

She had only laughed in his face when he said that, her wicked grin only caused the fire inside to explode. It was in that moment when in her cruelty that she raised her hand and the black fire below raised up and hit Jennifer and then his arm. The horror of that day did not so easily leave his mind, it never did, just feint memories that seemed to flash through his head at his lowest moments. Seraph looked at his arm again, at the black and charred skin, it was but a reminder of that failure, a reminder he could never escape. Closing the locket slowly he pushed it back under his shirt as he waved his hand over his arm, the skin tone returned making his arm look normal again. Seraph would not fail again, he wouldn't allow himself too... never again...

((This is just a bit of filler so it wasn't and incredibly short post, you can time skip if you desire in your next post, or if you want to continue on with the nightime and talking with Seraph. Totally up to you.))

She smiled as Seraph spoke, then graciously accepted the pillow and blankets from Seth. "Thank you," she said, addressing both of them. When they disappeared into the other room, she set up the couch she'd been offered and made a makeshift bed on it. She laid down - the couch was surprisingly comfortable - and sighed deeply, managing to relax for the first time in several hours. She believed Seraph; he had looked and seemed completely sincere when he'd promised to protect her. She'd trust him. As she closed her eyes, her thoughts began to drift out. Were her friends and dad safe? Would they be looking for her? She sincerely hoped not, but knowing her father and Rachel, they'd be out all night even in spite of her text. She hoped they'd be okay. She hoped she'd be okay.

So, tomorrow we leave for Wizard City... she thought to herself. I hope I'm ready for this. Honestly, no matter how hard she thought about it, she could find no discernible reason for all these things that were happening to her, or a reason why they were happening to her. Monsters, demons, some evil guy, wizards, magic... it was like reality itself was being torn apart for her. She was surprised at how easily she was taking all this, but rather pleased; the last thing she needed was to start freaking out like a child. No need to promote stereotypes, she thought with a grin. Well, I'll deal with all this tomorrow. A few moments later, she was fully unconscious, her dreams filled with fire and magic, demons that stalked her in the night, and an odd, mysterious presence she couldn't identify.