Roman returned to the hotel room falling back in the chair after he was sure the door was closed. "What have I gotten myself into? Demons? Hell...what the fuck is she? What he hell did I become there?" He thought out loud. Standing up he removed his shoes & shirt before reaching the bed. He set his alarm for only a few hours. He did not want to waste anymore time then needed. He got as comfortable as he could to rest closing his eyes, allowing his body to rest even if his mind refused to.

Next he fully was aware of was the alarm going off. He sighed as his eyes opened. "Well here goes nothing." He took a few deep breaths as he allowed himself to slip into the trance needed for the trip. He reached the shadows with no trouble. Curiosity he looked himself over before traveling through the rift this time. Once there he retrieved the dagger before proceeding. Once again his appearance had changed to that of some creature he did not know of. Based on what he was told it was that of a demon. How was that possible?

He continued his path along the strange life thread. Reaching the next rift he rushed through unsure what he would find once he crossed. He was surprised to find it was a barren wasteland. A tower stretched into the sky in the distance. The sky was streaked in shades of yellows & oranges, the air thick & dry. Roman looked down at his hands, he looked as he had in that other place. He hoped it would benefit him in his task. He moved forward seeing that was where the thread was leading him. His footsteps kicking up red dust below him with a faint thundering sound. 'So much for the silent approach.' He thought to himself. As he reached the shadow of the tower he could hear inhuman voices from within the walls of the structure.

He began to search of the way in, he stopped as he saw a figure much like himself was in his path of travel. 'OK I can do this, focus.' He thought as he approached. The creature held a long whip in its muscular grip.

*What you doing here?* It snarled at Roman. Roman took a deep breath, his hand gripping the blade tighter preparing for a fight. He had no clue what this thing just said to him as he moved into a defensive stance. *State your business grunt.* It barked at him. Its lip curled exposing the rows of sharped teeth. *SPEAK OR PAY!*

When Roman made to move or reply the creature raised the whip, the tendrils began to glow a deep orange. Roman rushed the creature knowing there was no hiding. The force knocked them both down. As he tackled the creature Roman attempted the stab the creature with the blade. A howl echoed through the thick air as the blade pierced the chest. Roman quickly stood as the creature remained still. He then took the whip looking it over in his hand. It oddly held the same warmth the dagger did when he first received it.

He was shocked when nothing came to investigate the disturbance. He would not question his luck. He continued on his way enter a large wooden door that was now free of its guard. Once inside the sounds grew. He did not want to even guess how many there was. He reached an open stone chamber. In the center was a circle of different shapes & sizes of being. All speaking in the strange language. Roman did not know if it was to his relief or dismay that the life thread he was following lead right to the circle.

He slowly approached it, studying the clamoring of activity. He finally saw through the mob of creatures to spot someone…or something shackled to the ground. Black feathers littered the ground around them. Blood could be smelled in the air coming from this being; cuts marred their body & face. Dark hair matted to their head & around their face. The flesh not covered in soot & sores was nearly white, void of color. As different creatures moved closer to it, it seemed to be trying to defend itself despite its restrained state.

'Oh come on…that can't be…then again.' Roman pondered moving closer to the circle hoping he could blend in enough till he could think of a plan. There was only one of him & who could really say for sure how many of them. As he got to the edge of the strange move the being in the middle turned towards him. His breath wanted to catch in his body, there was no mistake the fallen black feathers came from tattered wings that were pressed & folded on this being's back. There was no mistake this was her.

"Waya?" She whispered but dare not voice her full question. The name had passed her lips before.

Roman very faintly nodded his head. *A new challenger I see…ready to die?* She smirked at him. He looked puzzled as some of the others moved looking at him.

*Be careful brother.* A few mumbled. He moved closer as if to study her. What little clothing she still had was just made of rags matted to her body by blood. She raised her hands to motion to him to come at her. He was insure what to do, but made a move to lock up with her. She pulled him in close.

"Put on a small show…then accidently hit the thread." She whispered to him, her voice rough & horse.
"What? That will kill you."
"Trust me, do it." She shoved him back away from her.

Roman growled while confused. Maybe she wished to die; she was in such bad shape. Were the shadows doing more harm them good? Would they even allow him the damage her thread? He moved back towards her exchanging a few blows till she moved for the opening he needing bringing the dagger across the thread. It shattered like a glass needle causing her to collapse at his feet. Roman looked down shocked, voices raised around him as right before their eyes she faded into nothingness.

The circle seemed to want to close around him & he felt that was his cue to flee. He run without a second thought & kept running till he reached the rift moving through it.