A/N: I am just going to give a couple notes before we dive into Critical. First off, the is the second part of a trilogy. If you haven't ready Crisis, my fic, you, my friend, are going to be very lost. Second, [SPOILER ALERT], this starts the day after the wedding. So prepare for slightly off-character Holiday. And also vulture-ish Six. Third, this is going to be way more horror-oriented than Crisis could ever hope to be. Fourth, I'm going to swear. If you are offended, please leave. Fifth, enjoy the show, folks!

"Rebecca, we've been seeing each other for a long time now..."

Rebecca Holiday-Calan sat in her bedroom, staring at the gold band encircling the fourth finger on her left hand. It was beautiful. Simple, yet perfect. She could hear the people in her house, waiting for her to come out. Waiting for her to be alright.

"...and I know you are so freaked out with commitment, but, damn, I love you..."

But Rebecca Calan was not going to be alright. Not until the person who took her light was gone. Probably not even then. Because she loved Dean so much. And in one second, he was taken away from her.

"...and I'm not expecting you to say yes right away, because I know you can't do that..."

Dean was most definitely the best thing in her life. When she woke up in the morning, and she saw him, she was always so happy. He made her feel whole. He made her feel right. And he wasn't a bad boy, but he certainly wasn't squeaky clean, either. And damn, he had a personality. He was warm. He was home. And in a second, she became homeless.

"...I know that when you make a decision, you think about it, and make sure you consider all possibilities..."

As Rebecca sat on her bed, wearing his t-shirt, she felt nothing and everything all at once. Her head spun. Her heart beat a slow, steady beat, even though her mind begged for it to stop. She felt the ring weigh down her finger like a dumbbell.

"...and I love that about you. I love everything about you..."

Rebecca knew what Dean would say to her right now. He would tell her he loved her. And he would tell her he was okay. And he would tell her to remember him fondly. She felt a stray tear flow down her cheek.

"...And now, I have nothing else to say. Rebecca Ann Holiday, will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

Rebecca took a deep breath and stood. She selected a black blouse and a black skirt. Nothing else felt right. She tied up her hair into a bun, and applied a small amount of makeup. And taking all of the strength she had, she walked out of her bedroom into a hell she wasn't sure she could brave without Dean Calan.

The Mann stared at the sunrise, thinking about how ironic it was that Dean Calan was dead. On his wedding day. The best kind of justice was poetic, and Mann relished it. He heard Naligra hissed and he knew he wasn't alone.

"Circe," he called out. "Come to kill me?"

"No, I'd rather not deal with that nasty snake of yours," Mann turned around to see Circe, wearing her old suit. Well, that was surprising.

"Circe, I do love the outfit, it suits you," Mann began slowly moving towards her, pleased with the fit. "So, tell me love, why have you come to me?"

"I want info on Dean Calan's killer. I assumed you'd have it," Circe said, aware of how close he was getting.

"Information...ah, Circe, that's expensive, and I'm afraid you'd be wasting your resources. I know nothing of his death," Mann said, his hot breath on her skin.

"Nothing? Not even a little hint?" Circe looked at him right in the eyes, and for the first time, wasn't afraid of the reptilian man.

"Come back in a day. I'll decide my price when you have what you're looking for," Mann hissed. "Oh, and Circe? There is no reason for the Boss to know of our transaction, agreed?"

"Agreed,"

A/N: Hello darlings! I'll try to post every Saturday night (it will be late, so just check Sunday around noon). I really hope you all will enjoy this story. It is significantly darker than it's predecessor. More gore, more psychological horror, more angst, and mourning Holiday-Calan. Also, Circe is not trustable. Anyway, I hope you all had happy holidays and I wish you all a glorious new year!

Love Always,

Kate