In Celestia things were slowly going back to what they were, before a child Over Lord came and gave them a wake up call that they very much needed. After that day, vigorous training was in order and all the Angel-trainees were pushed to their limits. Seraph Lamington didn't think this training was truly needed, however he understood, to a point. By being defeated by a child, even a an Over Lord was a great blow to their pride.

As time went by the whole thing slowed down a lot then what it had been before, that didn't change that the training programs had gotten tougher. If he had wanted the Seraph could have stopped it but their was no point at least not now. His more important goal was restoring peace between the three worlds as they once had been; Earth, Netherworld, and Celestia. Flonne was doing her part but it would take more then just her it was a slow somewhat tedious task but Lamington believed in the long run it would be worth it.

Already he could see some progress, he had even heard some Angels were considering to visit the Earth, and some humans had wanted to see the Angels world. Soon after some of the demons wanted to, "See what all the fuss was about" so a few individuals demons had taken liberty upon themselves to visit the other two worlds once at the least. It wasn't perfect and often their were many cultural differences between the three races, but upon getting to know someone from a different race first hand showed that their prejudices were often born of ignorance. Simply what books told them from a biased stand point, which had only been part of the problem.

The Seraph at the present time was busy looking through his private library for something, it was the few times he was allowed to relax unbothered by politics and the concerns of a growing population. The library was huge, each shelf having countless rows of books of all kinds from Fantasy to Romance(Lamington was the few males that liked that genre, but he often found most to be dull and unrealistic in its views on love)

I have to thank Lady Ayame for this tea. Taking a small sip of the green liquid, he gently put it aside by a pitcher along side some thick books he already been through. He had patience so it didn't frustrate him that he wasn't finding what he was looking for, in fact he didn't know exactly it was that he was seeking-but he would know when he found it.

Lamington could feel a sudden shift in the air as another presence appeared behind him, he was not alarmed because he knew who it was. Taking another small bird-like swallow of his drink he spoke with out turning around, "Welcome old friend. Did you come to read with me like old times?"

In response a chuckle was heard as Mid-Boss, or as he called himself "The Dark Adonis" however, the Seraphim was the few people that knew who he really was and his secret. "I would enjoy that but I'm afraid its not just a reunion of old friends. I wish to talk to you about something." For those who knew him, they would have been surprised on how serious he was, but then few knew who he really was.

"I felt as much." The Angel commented lightly, motioning for his friend to take a seat nearby since their was no need to stand. "So tell me, what is troubling you?" As a Seraphim he had limited empathy skills or so it was said, that or he was simply good at reading peoples body language and facial expressions.

"This tea is truly top quality, give the maker my thanks." Mid-Boss said with a content sigh after taking a sip then put it down, making a slight tap before speaking again, "To the point. I have been doing some digging for personal reasons why the Red Moon is acting so irregularly among other things. Someone is bending the After Life to their own whims, a very dangerous thing."

"..Please continue."

"From what I could gather on my own, a balance of power is starting to shift once again. Battles on the higher planes happen all the time, but this is the rare occasion where it effects the Mortal Planes, in other words our reality. Very powerful and dangerous forces are at work here, we must be cautious."

Lamington for once wasn't passive, he seemed to be thinking, going over any information trying to remember anything that might be of value in his memory. "So what your saying in other words, is that a war of some kind is going on and we might get stuck in the middle? And how did you come up with this information?"

Adonis nodded. "Partly right. There is still much I do not know, I will have to keep doing some private digging once more. As for the how I got this information? Lets just say I have my ways. Tell me, do you know Maiden of Light, specifically the one named Alouette?"

His Angelic friend closed his eyes, as if thinking. "Yes. I know about the Maiden of Light and I know this Alouette, though not as well as I might have liked. Why?"

"It has to do with someone bending the After Life and as such things that normally don't happen occur. Tragically she died in battle, as noble as it was. But instead of being allowed rest as she rightfully should have, she was reincarnated as a little girl with no memory of her past life, ironically she still shares the same name. I find it..too much of a coincidence." He shook his head. "In Parprica is where the person manipulating the Higher Realms is at currently. Also our old friend is back.."

Something didn't feel right when he mentioned an old friend. A bad feeling in the pit of the man's stomach, Adonis facial expression was very serious, he almost dreaded the answer. "Who might that be?"

"Baal, The Lord of Terror." His Demon friend replied back in a humorless tone. "I had thought that the seal I created was strong enough to hold him for longer, but it seems I underestimated his great strength. He's not here anymore, instead he's going to another place he can claim another land as his own."

Obviously troubled, Lamington didn't reply right away. How where they going to stop such a creature? He remembered fighting that thing it didn't even deserve to be called a he. It was a little known fact that the Seraph had once fought Baal, and a lesser known fact he terrorized the land of demons and Angels alike. The Angel could still recall that horrible power, he could still see the destruction the thing had caused, the weeping of mothers in a horrible wail over their children..

Shuddering unconsciously with out realizing it worried his friend but he had to ask, "What should we do? We can't let a monster like that run free, it was our responsibility to put an end to the creature."

"I know old friend." Mid-Boss gave a tired sigh, seeming to age a few years like everything had finally gotten to him. He didn't show it or act it often but he had heavy burdens on his shoulder and in his heart, but the Angel promised himself he would help with that as much as he could."This isn't something we can ignore..but at the same time you can't cause a panic." He said calmly, thinking of a plan.

"If I know anything about Baal is that he likes a challenge, since supposedly higher powers are at work; then he'll go to Parprica once he learns of it. If who ever is destroying the natural balance wins, I fear the worse." Adonis then waited for a response.

Lamington was silent for a long time. What should he do? Not only did his own people need him but it was the middle of a critical time in their history when the three races were on a shaky alliance at best. On the same token he knew if this wasn't handled the problem could get out hand and in effect not only harm this dimension, but many others. If what he knew about messing with the natural balance was true, then it would be like a domino effect-destroying multiple reality's at once. Father, I could use your wisdom now..

"I will take care of this matter; personally."

Adonis looked at his friend for a hard moment. "Are you sure?" He asked simply.

"Yes. Its something I feel I must do. I will leave things in charge to my second in command Lady Ayame, she's an Arch Angel so this will be a good exercise for her, the event something were to happen to me." He stood up. "I thank you for telling me, are you coming with me?"

"As much as I would enjoy coming on your adventure with just the two of us like in our youth, I have things to take care of this side. Someone needs to keep an eye out on things here, besides I have a hunch I'll be needed here for a purpose. Be careful Lamington, it will be very a dangerous journey." A flash crossed the slightly pale demons face, as if he remembered something. "I have to leave for now."

Lamington watched his friend slowly walk away, not surprised at the sudden change in attitude. "King Krichevskoy." The mention of his friends real name caused the other man to pause but didn't turn back around. "..Do you still miss her?" His voice was barely audible.

"Everyday my friend, everyday." Once that was said he silently left the Angel to his own devices and thoughts.

Croix was finding out why it was good to keep a low profile, something he knew for a long time but never fully appreciated until this point. Four years since he left Prier and the others but it seemed longer somehow, almost like a whole life time ago. Sometimes he would remember a fond memory or two about the group but never dwelled on it for to long. If he thought about it to long then chances were he may give into the weakness and go back.

Honestly, four years was probably enough to repent and cleanse his inner demons. So again, why didn't he return back to Prier? It was something that kept him up at night and he pondered it on constantly until he finally came up with an answer: his feelings were misplaced. Every time he looked at her, heard her voice it reminded him of his first love-Angelique.

He felt guilty about that, and when the realization finally settled in didn't really help his morale either. Maybe he hadn't tried hard enough? But would it be right to force something that wasn't true, wouldn't that make things worse instead of better? If he truly had no feelings for Prier and he had repented, what was keeping him from coming back? Was it to keep her heart from being broken?

Croix hated himself for being a coward about it.

Walking through another crowded city, he was mildly annoyed when people kept getting in his way irritating him slightly. His employer was somewhere around here but the problem was they hadn't really been to specific with their directions and were pretty vague. However, the amount of money made up for it and at this point he wasn't sure if he should decline. That was until recently.

Outside of Parprica, there had been an empire slowly growing and making themselves known. They had claimed a lot of land and had a heavy influence which probably even rivaled The Church of the Holy Maiden. They had plenty of zealots in their ranks with their beliefs and views. If you wanted to keep your heard, Croix learned you had to be careful on what you said and acted around them. He winced mentally remembering a poor young woman getting burned after being accused of being a witch; simply because giving birth to an "unique" child with odd markings on them.

With the alarming rate of demon attacks rising, especially now recently Croix guessed some were willing to turn the other cheek, even on stuff they might not have agreed with. Frankly, the empire disgusted him, reminded to much of the hateful ignorant people who had killed his fiancé and at the same time a part of himself as well.

Two children were playing with their backs turned playing with a ball-one boy and one girl. But the moment they turned around so he could see them, Croix looked surprised.

The two children's face had been half burnt away, yet no one payed it any mind.

Turning away he couldn't help but clinch his fist a bit. This empire claimed they supported justice and love. But just what the hell was that? It's all a bunch of lies by a bunch of self-righteous power hungry cowards. A voice in the back of his head sneered, "Like yourself?"

Wisely, the free lancer Demon Hunter ignored the cynical voice that appeared in his head from time to time.

"Hey stranger. You must be the hunter I was looking for." Turning around he saw a man who looked like a priest from the same empire he despised, accompanied by two swordsmen guards. "I know I could count on you to come. Now lets discuss business."

Croix bit back the urge to tell all three to stuff it and leave him alone but he wasn't stupid and knew it would get him killed. "I manage." He said, his tone dry and devoid of emotion. "What do you want?"

"You should relax, you'll live longer, but business comes first with you I see." The priest looked at the children Croix saw, and a visible look of distaste formed before vanishing, that fake charming disgusting smile the Demon Hunter badly wanted to rip off formed again quickly. "I want you to take care of a demon problem."

"I wouldn't have guessed you would call me for that."

Ignoring Crox's obvious sarcastic comment he continued unhindered. "In a village to the south I have been hearing word of a demon woman and its spawn. It lives on the edge of the forest and its been slain many of the villagers." He sighed. "Regretfully, we could not track the creature and its child, if you could call it that, down. That's why we need you sir Croix, your known for your tracking skills."

Why do I have a feeling theirs more to this story then he's telling me? Croix made his first response blunt and to the point. "How much are you paying me?"

A knowing smile appeared on the priest lips. "I was thinking to pay you enough to last you about a years time. A noble man such as yourself deserves as much as I can give. I want the head of the demons both."

...Now he's just kissing my ass. I could tell he doesn't like me. Adjusting his shades, Croix shook his head."First off, I want to get some things straight. One I will do things My way, but I will provide you with proof I've done my end of the deal. Two, don't insult my intelligence by kissing up, its very unbecoming a priest, isn't lying a sin?."

If camera's existed in this point in time, the priest's face would have been priceless.

A low growl came from the man's throat. "Watch your tongue. I can have it cut out for talking badly about a child of the Gods." Croix resisted the temptation to make another snide remark and remained silent as the priest handed him a map, which he took. "Where you need to go is marked. Have a good day sir." He and his guards walked away rather stiffly.

I think I felt myself get dumber. Shaking his head once more, he headed off in the opposite direction looking at the map. It was interesting to say the least, some of the things on it he didn't completely understand. Careful what you wish for Croix. Making sure his shades were firmly on as some sun got into his eyes, he left town and wandered into the unknown.