I bolt upward with a stifled gasp, frantically scanning my surroundings for the unknown assailant that had invaded my dreams. Only the outlines of the furniture greet me. With a deep exhale I flop back against the mattress, sweat cooling against my body and causing me to shiver as I come down from the adrenaline high.

What the fuck was that? I silently grumble while blinking up at the ceiling. I can't recall much of the dream, but I remember large white wings and fevered lilac eyes watching me. With a quiet snort, I turn onto my side and curl up once more. Deciphering half-dreams can wait till the morning.


"Mey-Rin!" I roar as a resounding crash echoes throughout the manor. The maid's rambling apologies further direct me on where to go as I stalk through the halls, my healer's satchel already hanging from my shoulder. I find the clumsy woman in one of the receiving rooms off the main hall, a broken vase and crumpled flowers scattered at her feet.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Odon!" Mey-Rin wails. "I tripped and the vase flew out of my hands."

I click my tongue and move around the mess to examine her. "This is the nth accident in as many days," I grumble as I carefully extract a tiny sliver of porcelain from Mey-Rin's palm with a pair of tweezers. Otherwise, she's alright except for the usual hysterics when this happens. "There now, you're fine." I dab a bit of homemade antiseptic paste on the shallow cut and then expertly apply a bandage.

"Thank you, sir." Mey-Rin sniffles with a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

"If you weren't so attached to those ridiculous glasses of yours I'd snap them in half for all the trouble they give you!" I swear those things were created with the sole purpose of driving me mad with their inefficiency! But for whatever reason, the maid refuses to part with them. I heave a sigh as I shoo Mey-Rin from the room before she goes to try and pick up the vase pieces. I banish it with a swish of the Elder Wand.

I pack up and walk out of the room, massaging the bridge of my nose to relieve the slight headache that is trying to form. I swear if she or Finny break one more thing I will hex them into the next century!

Sebastian's dark chuckle seems to echo my silent threat. "Having fun, Hadrian?"

"I'm going even more insane than I already am, does that answer your question?"

The butler smirks as he shifts the suitcases in his hold. We will be leaving for Houndsworth first thing tomorrow morning, so naturally, the rest of the staff are running amuck like chickens with their heads chopped off!

"Have you packed the entire mansion?" I tease as I count at least eight different bags and cases all miraculously balanced in the butler's arms. Sebastian's upper lip curls faintly in amusement as he sets the bags in the room I'd just vacated. He'll collect them tomorrow morning as we leave.

"One never knows what the young Master will require upon his missions for the Queen."

"So, any idea what's so special about Houndsworth?" I inquire as I lean against a wall.

"Something about a mutt I believe was the gist of the matter." Sebastian practically spits the word 'mutt', a glower briefly settling over his porcelain face. I blink as an image of a black, feral dog comes to the forefront of my mind's eye. I blink again as the corners of my eyes prickle slightly, the faint wisps of grief brushing against the edges of my soul.

I swallow the sudden lump in my throat and try to focus on the memory trying to take shape. These occurrences are becoming fewer and fewer since entering this Realm. I'm scared that one day I will truly cease to recall anything from my past life.

Unfortunately, as soon as I try to examine the fragment it fades back into oblivion as quickly as it came. All I'm left with is the lingering melancholy and frustration from being unable to reclaim the echo of my past self.

"...Hadrian?" Sebastian's voice seems to come from a great distance and I realize that he's been trying to get my attention for a while now. "Are you well?" I pretend to not notice the faint trace of concern in his voice.

I tilt my head and rake my fingers through my long black hair. "I-I... I'm, well, not really fine." I sigh in irritation at my stammering. "I was trying to recall a memory... I apologize, Sebastian."

The Demon gives me an appraising look, eyebrow raised slightly in question. "Does this happen often?"

I snort softly. "Off and on for a little over..." I trail off as I try to tally how long it has been since my memories started to fade. A chill runs down my spine as I realize that I can't even remember that much! It was a little over my fifth century in my previous Dimension... Why? Why did I forget?! How could I forget my friends and family? A low, harsh noise rumbles in the back of my throat and involuntarily slips past my lips as an even more terrifying thought enters my mind. Did I even have anyone that cared about me?!

My vision begins to blur at the edges and I swallow hard as my lungs constrict, cutting off my air. "Hadrian!" Sebastian grips me by the shoulders, ruby eyes meeting mine. So stupid! Why am I panicking?! Please, if there is a God don't let me faint!

"Breathe, Hadrian!" Sebastian orders, Demonic authority ringing in his words even as his own slightly panicked gaze wavers. I do as ordered, the inhale burning my lungs. My chest heaves frantically, almost against my own accord, as my body fights to regain normality. "That's right. Keep breathing. Don't let whatever is plaguing you win! You're stronger than this!" Sebastian's velvet voice is an anchor in the midst of the fog swirling within my head. I force myself to inhale and exhale slowly as the butler continues trying to calm me.

"It-it hurts! No one left! I've forgotten!" I rasp out the words as my legs buckle and I slide down the wall. I vaguely hear the sound of footsteps approaching as Sebastian takes his gloved hands from my shoulders and turns to address the newcomers.

Master? Master?! Harry please! Death's frantic voice is what finally breaks through the haze enveloping me.

Death. I nearly weep in joy at the sound of his familiar, comforting voice.

Are you okay, Harry? Are you in trouble?

I... I'm alright now. I reply and lazily glance over to where Sebastian is trying to calm an overly concerned Bard, Finny, and Mey-Rin respectively. I think I just had a panic attack.

I know. I could feel it through our link. I was so worried! Death's usually smooth tone quivers slightly. I blink in surprise at the faint foreign emotions I can pick up from his side of the bond. Do you know why this happened?

No. I was trying to remember when I could last clearly view my memories of my loved ones, but I forgot for a moment that I had anyone to begin with. It... I hiss softly under my breath at my almost admission. I'm ashamed to say how scared I truly felt at that moment before the attack.

You do not need to be ashamed, Master. Death scolds lightly. And yes, you did have people who cared about you very much. You have lived for a little over seven hundred years, so it is natural for your mind to shift, especially since your immersion and transformations! I believe once you've fully mastered your new forms and magics you should be able to recall your earlier years with the clarity you once had. I hum softly as my shoulders droop slightly, completely drained. Relief and sorrow flooding me in equal bitter measures at my friend's explanation. I long to remember, yet at the same time, I dread it. Yes, I have changed a great deal throughout the years, but is there another reason I can't remember much from my time before I became the Master of Death?

Did I choose to forget? I ponder as the other servants finally cease with the hysterics and Sebastian shoos them away. They depart, but not before wishing me well and advising to take things easy. I muster up enough energy to dip my head in acknowledgment and give a tiny appreciative grin.

I shall check in on you later this evening, Harry. Death promises as the telepathic link closes.

"Are you alright now, Hadrian?" Sebastian murmurs as he extends his hand to help me to my feet. He eyes me warily as if afraid I'll crumble into dust if he breathes wrong.

It takes me longer than I would like to squash my knee jerk reaction to growl at him. "I'm fine now." Still, I cannot completely keep the annoyance from my tone. I blow out a long breath as a wave of exhaustion sweeps over me. "I think I'm going to go nap for a little while. Thank you for your assistance earlier." I say sincerely and the Demon only gives a nod in return. I start down the hall and toward the grand staircase but pause and toss one last remark over my shoulder. "Oh, and when you tell the Earl about this make sure to also let him know I will be having a chat with him soon."

And before Sebastian can react I rush up the stairs, ignoring the way my body protests at the too swift movement. I don't allow myself to relax until I shut my bedroom door with a quiet click and slide down the wood with a muttered curse.

"Damn it all!" I mumble and thunk my head back against the door. Sleep steals me away before I can even think of forcing my body to move toward the bed.


Ciel ~

I awaken abruptly from an already forgotten dream. I take a moment to breathe and assess my surroundings, mouth slightly dry and the faintest edges of unease from the dream lingering beneath my skin. My eyelids are beginning to droop and I'm almost succumbing to slumber once more when I see them.

A pair of glowing emerald eyes gaze out at me from the darkest corner of the bedroom. I bite my tongue hard to stifle a scream and flinch back into my pillows, heart pounding a frantic tattoo against my ribs. I blindly reach for the dagger I keep under my pillow and grasp the cool handle tightly as the stranger takes a step forward, the pale moonlight streaming through the window illuminating their outline in ghostly silver.

"Hadrian!" I gasp as the owner of the green eyes at last fully reveals himself.

The man offers me a thin smile as he takes a seat on the edge of the mattress, hands clasped loosely in his lap. He turns his face toward me, silvery shadows dappling his nightclothes and greens eyes pinning me in place despite the exhaustion in them.

"What the Hell are you doing here in the middle of the night?"

"It's actually three in the morning."

I glare at him. "I don't care! Why are you here?" I repeat the question with more force, nearly growling.

Hadrian is silent for an indiscriminate amount of time and I am about to tell him to leave when he finally speaks. "You were screaming."

It is said so simply that it takes a moment for my sleep-fogged brain to catch up. I blink and settle back against my pillows with a weary sigh. "Well, I'm obviously fine," I flick my hand at the door dismissively, "You can go now." I don't need you to make a fool out of my weakness again! I silently seethe.

Hadrian could be carved of stone for all the movement he makes, his lips quirked in a frown. "You were calling out for your mother." He murmurs softly.

I suck in a sharp breath as the flickers from my earlier dream flit across the edges of my mind. I grind my jaw together and glare at the silk bed sheets, refusing to show Hadrian my pain. Such a fool! There is no use in grief, it won't bring them back!

"There is no shame in that," Hadrian says as if reading my thoughts. "I... I once had terrible dreams of my parents' deaths. I would hear my mother's voice screaming and pleading seconds before she was murdered." His gaze has taken on a distant sheen, voice quiet with sorrow. He turns that haunted gaze onto me and I swallow tightly as my own grief threatens to rise up in reflection to meet it. Hadrian offers a tiny smile, barely a curl of his upper lip, but the understanding behind it leaves me reeling.

"W-Why would you...?" I trail off, at a loss for why he would try to comfort me. No one has even attempted it in years, so why would this virtual stranger do so when I have been so hostile? What's his game? What does he gain from this, sharing his story? "Your parents... they were murdered?"

He nods. "I tell you this not to garner pity, but to express my sincerity."

I scoff. "Sympathy and sincerity are for fools. I don't care about your pathetic sob story." I drawl in a bored manner. Hadrian seems to completely ignore my attitude, and if he is bothered by it he does not show it in the slightest.

"Believe it or not, I see a part of myself in you... my previous self, before I was transformed." Hadrian continues as he tilts his head slightly to the left, studying me and I fight not to squirm. "You have a disgusting burden placed upon your shoulders," his lip curls, "And from what I have seen have no one who can see past that icy facade you wear."

I open my mouth to protest, pulse spiking in alarm, but Hadrian cuts across me.

"I offer this solidarity because out of all the Immortals and once-mortals, I understand this the best. I know the depths of what it is like to have loved ones taken from you, though... I do not remember them." He sighs and lowers his head for a moment before continuing before I can question him. "The Demon would not offer you any sympathy, and would use this to crush you to flavor his meal." Hadrian's green eyes seem to spark. "I know he heard your cries tonight. Demons do not understand pain like you and I. And the other servants, although well-meaning, do not know how to handle this. So, that leaves me." A bitter chuckle slips from his lips as he gestures to himself. "It just leaves me..."

I lick my dry lips and give a bemused nod. "I still don't understand why you would care. What's in it for you, Hadrian? Why are you even here in the first place?" I narrow my eyes, trying to see if there are any tells that will give away his motives, but I cannot find any, at least none of the most common when someone lies to me.

Hadrian meets my stare head-on, the corner of his mouth curling up into a smirk that wouldn't have looked out of place on Sebastian. "I am here because I want to be." He stands and moves toward the headboard and I cringe backward, gripping the covers between white-knuckles fists. Sorrow darkens his gaze as he pries my fingers from the sheets and pulls the blanket up over my shoulders. His hands are cold.

I can only gape up at him stunned, as he all but tucks me in. WHAT IN THE NINE HELLS?!

"You are still a child, little lord, even though you are embittered and cunning beyond your years," he murmurs, "Going through the depths of the Abyss does that to people, hmm?" The shadows seem to lap at his frame, blurring the edges and giving him a ghostly appearance. "I would suggest you take what comfort and joy you can from this life while you are still able to. Before... you forget everything you once were." Hadrian's words are heavy with experience and I swallow hard as his powers, whatever they are, coalesce against my body for a moment in a strange mixture of warmth and dread.

"Wha-?"

"I have warded you against having any more of those forsaken nightmares, at least for the rest of the evening."

I sigh and close my eyes, exhaustion, confusion, and exasperation swirling through my blood. The bastard chuckles and says with faint amusement, "Goodnight, Ciel. You shall get your answers... eventually." The door clicks shut and I groan as I roll onto my side and ponder the strange encounter.

I'm up for a long time before sleep steals me away again.


Hadrian ~

The steady rocking of the cart and the warm sunlight flickering through the cloud cover lulls me into a half-doze. The other servants' chatter keeps me from reaching true slumber, but I cannot fault their enthusiasm.

It's nice to see beauty with fresh eyes. Finnian is fascinated by everything he sees, childlike enthusiasm ringing in his words and actions. Baldroy is more restrained but no less enthusiastic and Mey-Rin chimes in with observations about the wildlife that crosses our path every so often.

I snuggle back into the corner I've claimed of the open-air wagon and listen in on Sebastian's quiet conversation with the Earl in the carriage a couple of meters ahead. Apparently, there are rumors of illegal dog-fighting pits the village of Houndsworth. The Queen wants this cruelty gone before she can begin to turn the town into her new summer resort.

So naturally, she sent her Guard Dog to investigate and claim the property in her name.

I huff softly to myself. Why the higher class feel the need to migrate every season for no purpose will always baffle me. Though, I am curious to see what the Earl will do with this seemingly unimportant mission. Nothing is a coincidence after all.

I have to bite my tongue to keep from cackling at Ciel's remark of the servants reducing the manor to shambles if he hadn't brought them along. Methinks you are a seer, little Phantomhive!

I crack open an eye and lazily watch as the landscape slowly transitions from green rolling hills and forests to parched, lifeless earth. My nose wrinkles of its own accord as the stench of sulfur and wet dog permeate upon the wind. I growl as the scent grows stronger and Sebastian glances back at me, a similar look of disgust on his face. Barely an hour later we reach the outskirts of the town.

A large dead tree draped in chains and studded dog collars guard the entrance. The rusted iron chains clink eerily in the breeze, a counterpoint to the other servant's cries of dismay. Charming. I swear I hear Death's rasp-like chuckle in the back of my head as we move on.

Dilapidated houses and dreary weather greets us as Sebastian steers our cart along the roughshod road leading up toward a manor house sitting atop a hill overlooking the town. My Demonic affiliation presses against my magic, almost as if curious, as I catch glimpses of the occupants eyeing us warily. Insanity, suspicion, and fear lay heavy upon this place like a smothering blanket.

When Finny, bless his kind heart, jumps out to help an elderly woman with a baby carriage he leaps back in shock to reveal the bones of a small dog, most likely a puppy. The fanatic, dazed words she mutters as she pushes the carriage away leave a bad taste in my mouth. 'The white dog is a good dog. The black dog is a bad dog.' How strange a saying... Perhaps it is a reflection of balance...? Then again, I'm probably putting too much stock into the mutterings of a crazy woman. I shake myself from my thoughts and motion Finny to get back in the wagon. I notice dogs of all sizes and breeds as we make our way through the village. The raucous and snarls hurt my ears. Upon the hill is what I assume to be the Lord of the land's house, judging by the size and position from it. It looks only slightly less ramshackle than the other buildings in my opinion.

Mey-Rin gushes over a handsome man playing with what I think is a German shepherd when Death's voice caresses my mind. That will be one of the souls you are to collect for me, Master. His end will be violent, unfortunately.

I sigh and watch the young man and his dog until we round the bend. I overhear Sebastian making some kind of philosophical insinuation or other, but I am too preoccupied with the task ahead to pay much attention. I'll need to be there right before he dies so I can guide his soul to the Void where Death will take over for the rest of the Judgement and Afterlife processing.

Very well, Death. How long?

It will be tonight, roughly around midnight.

I run my fingers through my long black hair and yawn as the cart winds its way up the hill and at last stops in front of the gray-stone manor house. I have a feeling I am not going to like this one bit... I think with a wry grimace. My Servant's silence is confirmation enough.

Our entourage is greeted by a willowy young woman with silver hair and lilac eyes at the front door. "Hello. Are you the Earl Phantomhive?" I'm surprised when she looks in Ciel's direction instead of one of the adults.

"Yes, I believe my Master was expected?" Sebastian states, helping the boy from the carriage.

The woman smiles and gives a formal curtsy. "Excellent. Welcome to Barrymore Castle, sir. Lord Barrymore has been awaiting your arrival."

I hop out of the servant's wagon and raise my arms above my head in a leisurely stretch, wincing in relief as my vertebrae pop loudly. I grin as Ciel shoots me a disapproving glare as I follow him into the manor, leaving the others to handle the luggage. We follow the woman through the halls and up a flight of stairs to a receiving room.

I shudder at the stuffed animal heads looming overhead on the walls. Wisps of memories of an old, derelict house and preserved elf heads mounted upon the walls along with the screeching of a maniacal portrait flicker through my mind. Damn it! Why can I never hold on to them? I blow out a harsh breath, stamping down upon my frustration. It seems the more I try to hoard the memories the more they slip away.

The crack of a whip and an angry male voice shocks me out of my mental lost and found. The woman who led us here is on her knees, her arms raised in a defensive position, pleading and whimpering as a burly man strikes her repeatedly with the whip.

"Who is this poncy little chihuahua you've brought me, Angela? I'm expecting the Earl of Phantomhive! CAN'T YOU DO ANYTHING RIGHT?!" The man roars and snaps the whip several times across the maid's raised arms in quick succession.

A sharp, piercing hiss whistles through my bared teeth as fury claws its way through my blood. My magic thrums eagerly, begging to be unleashed and I am seconds away from allowing my control to slip when Ciel gives a quiet order to Sebastian.

In the blink of an eye, the Demon is across the room and snaring the man's whip hand in a vice-like hold.

"What are you doing? Let me go you filthy Doberman!" The man blusters, his odd sideburns-mustache bristling.

"He's acting on my orders." Ciel murmurs, a half-smirk twitching at his mouth. His single cyan eye glows with predatory excitement, the hunt commenced. I take a moment to suck in a lungful of air and use it to calm my magic into something more focused. I'm pissed as Hell but I cannot let my magic out to wreak havoc in such an unorthodox manner.

The little lord would chew my ears off if I killed any suspects before he got his answers!

The man, Lord Barrymore I assume, finally wrenches his arm from Sebastian's grasp. "What? Who are you?" Barrymore grunts.

Ciel takes a seat at the table and places his cane upon the surface with a soft clack. "I take it from your tone you don't know who I am. My name is Ciel, the Earl of Phantomhive."

"Do you mean to tell me the Queen's Emissary is nothing more than a toy poodle?" Lord Barrymore glowers at the child, massaging his wrist where the butler had gripped too hard.

I imagine how much more fun it would be if I could wrap my own around his neck. Out of the corner of my eye, Angela cautiously rises to her feet and back away a few steps. She glides along the edge of the room until she reaches the door and slips through. A few minutes later she returns with a tea service as Ciel and Barrymore discuss the legalities against the Queen obtaining Houndsworth. I'll ask to see if she would be willing to let me heal her later. I make a mental note to myself as I watch Sebastian take over preparing the tea due to the uncontrollable trembling in Angela's hands.

A quiet growl rumbles in my chest as I catch sight of the molted purple bruises and welts on her porcelain skin.

Barrymore pauses and glances over at me having heard my displeasure, a sneer marring his features. "And who is this lowly mongrel?"

"Aww. I don't get an official dog breed name?" I moan, words dripping sarcasm as I take a step closer toward the table. I square my shoulders and raise my chin.

"You're not worthy of being a dog."

Sebastian raises a cynical eyebrow at that. "Oh, you are so right about that, Barrymore." I shift into a stalk, my magic coiling at the edges of my fingertips. Barrymore scowls and goes to open his mouth but I cut him off before he can spew anything else that will lower my IQ. "I'm no common dog." I smile, sharp and mirthless. The man pales as I creep ever closer. I'm almost right in his face as I softly croon, "I'm a wolf."

We lock eyes and the idiot finally seems to realize I am only wearing a human mask, the Demon nature in me peeking through the flesh. I am not truly human any longer. Haven't been for a least two hundred years now.

Lord Henry Barrymore will be your second target, Harry. His end shall also be quite violent. Death murmurs, though he sounds slightly amused.

I lick my lips and let my smile stretch, freaking Barrymore out even more. I can smell his fear through the sweat he secretes. My Wendigo purrs in pleasure at the scent.

Good. I cannot stand abusers. I reply with sadistic glee. Death sends a warm wave of affirmation and his presence vanishes a moment later.

"Enough, Mr. Odon." Ciel commands and I draw back, still grinning.

"Of course, little lord," I reply with an exaggerated bow at the waist. The boy's face twists into an annoyed grimace, but his uncovered eye gleams with mischievous delight. Sebastian also appears to be enjoying watching the Lord of Houndsworth squirm, if his innocent expression is anything to go by.

"Right. Back to business." Ciel announces and that seems to break the spell on Barrymore. He turns and ignores me completely as he picks back up where the conversation left off.

The Lord skims the papers, but I can tell from his body language that he will not give in to the Queen's wishes. Barrymore confirms it a second later as he tosses the packet down and folds his arms with a frown. "Under no circumstances will I sale Barrymore Castle to anybody."

Ciel raises an eyebrow. "Oh? And why is that?" he inquires.

"Because of the Curse," Barrymore states solemnly.

"What Curse?"

"This village and its dogs have been around for hundreds of years. Anyone that interferes with us will be cursed." Silence reigns for several minutes as the Earl and Lord face off. Barrymore rises from his chair and places his palms down on the table, looming over Ciel's small frame like a hulking grizzly bear. "The Curse affects people in a most dreadful manner. Even the Queen cannot lift it! Anyone that tries will meet an unspeakably terrible fate!" He nearly growls the words, sounding much like the dogs he accused my companions of being.

I tilt my head and let a tendril of my magic loose to explore the room. If there is a Curse I should be able to locate and hopefully dispose of it. I sense Ciel's power as the Contract Holder for Sebastian and said Demon's own dark, seductive magic. However, I barely abort a startled gasp at the power I sense from Angela.

Pure and powerful like electricity, it is a beacon against Sebastian's. I bite my bottom lip and start to withdraw when I catch something very off about this new magic. There is something tainted within Angela's core. Something even more twisted than that of a regular Demon's. My gut clenches uncomfortably as acid burns the back of my throat. I squeeze my eyes shut and inhale and exhale slowly to fight back against sudden nausea.

Shit! That is disgusting! It... if felt familiar... Like a Horcrux... I swallow hard and shove my hands into the pockets of my cloak to keep from fidgeting. How could whatever that wrongness is exist in something with magic that pure? Unless... I open my eyes and sigh softly, hoping my hunch is just that, a hunch. I'm only half aware of Ciel and Barrymore bringing the conversation to a close. What if whatever Angela is it is all just a facade? There is something bad within her magic!

I'm jolted from my worried musing by Sebastian's gloved hand falling upon my shoulder.

"Are you well, Hadrian? You've been staring off into space for a while now." The Demon says with a curious head tilt.

I muster up a smirk, but it feels thin and hollow. The butler obviously doesn't buy it either.

"Can you sense anything off about Angela?" I ask in a low undertone.

Sebastian frowns thoughtfully. "Other than the fact that she is an Angel? Not at the moment," he replies equally as quiet.

I blink, dumbstruck. "An Angel? Really?"

"Yes. Fortunately for my sensibilities, she is not broadcasting her Grace fully, otherwise I would be quite put out."

I glance at the others as Ciel and Barrymore rise from their seats, Ciel with a contemplative gleam in his eye and Barrymore giving the boy a death glare with all his might. "Be on your guard, Sebastian. There is something sick within Angela." I whisper and brush past him to follow the Earl from the room. As I pass Angela fire suddenly blazes along my spine and shoulder blades. I dig my nails deep into my palms to keep from crying out and hurry out of the room and along the corridor. Bloody Hell! Why did this have to come at the most inconvenient of times? I curse my luck and head down the stairs and through the front doors. I ignore the other servant's shouted inquires as I hurry past where they are unloading the last of the bags from the carriage. Warm, sizzling magic races along my marrow and nuzzles against my Magical Core.

I hiss softly, unable to contain it, as another wave of scorching heat ripples along my shoulders. The Angel affiliation seems to be unlocking a lot faster than the Demonic or Reaper powers. I apparate behind a nearby tree and into the thick forest bordering the village, taking what small comfort I can in the darkness of the trees.

I need to figure out the depths of this new Angelic side without being disturbed.


It is almost nightfall by the time anything manifests from this new power.

The only warning I receive that something is about to happen is a final all-powerful itchy tingling that zings along my spine before it focuses upon my shoulder blades. It feels as though something bursts out of my back and I scream, collapsing onto all fours. Brand new muscle, tendon, and bone climb up and away from my body like tree branches, skin and something soft and airy forming a millisecond later to cover them. Spots dance across my vision as my body fights to accommodate my new appendages.

Something wet drips from the shredded remains of my shirt, somehow still valiantly clinging to my torso by a few threads. It takes me a moment to realize it's my blood staining the grass below me. Ow. Is the only eloquent word my brain can supply, even though I've yet to feel the pain from my shredded back.

A breeze blows by and I shiver despite the humidity. Suddenly the limbs on my back twitch and extend, the soft, airy material covering them rippling along with the wind current. Wincing slightly, I glance over my shoulder to finally get a look at what new oddity has been added to my bizarre existence.

Wings.

Of course, they're wings, idiot! a sharp, little voice snipes and I can't help but roll my eyes at myself. I focus back on studying the wings. They are very large, about four to five meters each. The soft stuff is actually feathers. The color is a little hard to see in the weak light, but I can make out that the feathers appear to be very dark green, almost to the point of obsidian. A faint sheen of blood gleams upon the feathers and I grimace as the sight brings a bout of dizziness.

With a moan, I close my eyes and focus on my breathing and dig my fingers into the waxy grass to keep grounded. The lightheaded sensation fades after several rounds of breathing exercises, however, it seems my adrenaline and shock has finally worn off. Pain lances along my back and wings as I rise on half-asleep legs.

"Shit!" I snarl when the weight of my wings and my sore limbs nearly make me topple face-first into a tree trunk. I manage to catch myself in time, sinking my nails into the rough bark to keep my balance. I push away from the tree and take a step back to brace against the awkwardness of my uncoordinated wings. Okay... first thing's first, I need to figure out how to control these things. With a quiet huff I slowly, cautiously, flex the new muscles in my shoulders and back. Despite the sharp sting from the injuries, my wings respond of their own accord, gently flaring until they are half curled over my shoulders. It is a bit odd, they feel like an extra pair of arms, only covered in feathers.

With a giddy grin, I ease one wing to its full extent, loosening the stiff joints and marveling at the feeling of control. I do the same with the other and after a couple of hours, I'm able to have both wings extended to their fullest with minimal pain. "This is awesome," I whisper and watch the moon slowly ascend before the clouds begin to converge. I can smell rain in the distance, the storm front should be here in a few hours, probably around midnight.

Midnight... that was when Death declared I needed to take the soul of that young man. I run my fingers through my hair and wince as I hit a tangle. With a quick flick of wandless magic, I set my hair straight, as straight as it will ever get at least, and cast a quick Tempus charm. The glowing numbers inform me it is already past ten. Alright, time to get to work. I give a decisive nod and cautiously push a small portion of healing magic into my spine and wings. I shudder as the skin on my back tingles and slowly knits back together. Another charm sees the blood cleaned up and my torn shirt repair itself, just with slits for my wings this time around. I groan softly as I realize I'll most likely have to do that to all my clothing if I'm going to need to call upon my Angelic affiliation in a moment's notice. It would be annoying to rip apart my shirt every time this happened. The things I do for my Servant. I hope you appreciate me Death.


It is exactly midnight when I witness the murder of James Ettore by the hand of Henry Barrymore.

The poor man barely has time to cry out before Barrymore's bloodthirsty hounds are upon him. They rip him to shreds in barely under five minutes. James' dog, the one he was playing with earlier, lets out a ferocious bark and lunges for the Lord. Barrymore lets out a muffled shout of pain as the German Shepard takes a chunk out of his calf, the fabric of his pant leg ripping as he kicks the dog away. The coward makes his escape, calling his dogs back to him before James' hound can manage to make it to his paws.

I lower the hood of my Invisibility Cloak and walk over to the rapidly cooling corpse. With a flourish I summon my Reaper Scythe to me, the double-bladed glaive eagerly jumping into my palms with a happy thrum. I stifle an amused snort and dip my head in respect toward the body.

With a deft slash, the blade of my weapon cuts the strings tying James' soul to the living stratum. James' spirit looks as he did in life, auburn hair and warm brown eyes, though he is transparent like a ghost. As the soul rises from the body I watch the Cinematic Record of the life of James Ettore. He had a simple life, not letting the worries of the world drag him down like most others in this village. James had dreamed of leaving Houndsworth with his dogs to seek out a small fortune and then raise his own animals in peace. He was only twenty-three, quite young to have his life torn from him by a power-mad tyrant.

I sigh as the Record ends and beckon James' soul to me. "I'm sending you on your way now, James Ettore. I am confident Death will agree with me and send you on into Paradise." I say gently and slash my glaive through the air, creating a portal for the departed spirit to slip through into the Void where Death will await him. "Go on now," I murmur and place a hand upon his shoulder and nudge him toward the tear I'd created.

James pauses and looks forlornly at his dog. The beast whines pitifully and paws at the body of his master. "Do not worry, James. You will see him on the other side one day." I try to be reassuring though the words pierce my heart with bitterness. I never will see my loved ones again. The spirit offers me a tiny smile as if sensing my thoughts and then slips through the portal. The rip seals immediately after like it was never there.

Death, the first soul is on his way to you. I send the message through our bond and twirl my Scythe a couple of times before vanishing it back to a pocket dimension until I have need of it again.

Thank you, Master. James has been reunited with his family and ancestors in Paradise.

Good. I'm glad. I sigh in relief at that. The young man deserved it. I purposefully ignore the pain in my own soul at the reminder that I shall never be reunited with my family and friends. I'm Immortal and always shall be. There will be no crossing over for me, and I am not allowed to fully cross into Heaven or Hell, even with the Resurrection Stone. The shades of the dead cannot compare to that of a living spirit that has already crossed over. With a grimace at my self-pity, I force a change of subject before Death can pick up on my negative emotions.

Just so you know I unlocked my Angelic powers. It hurt like a bitch! I feel my Servant's amusement and concern and decide to ward him off before he can work himself up. I chuckle quietly at the absurdity of that. Death driving himself into a tizzy is such an odd thought, even though I've been getting to know the Entity for centuries.

It is nice to know he cares.

Don't worry, Death. I'm fine. Despite a lot of clumsiness and dizziness, I was able to get through it in one piece. I shift my wings against my back. I really need to figure out how to get them to go away... Any tips for this new side of me?

Well, depending upon your Angelic affiliation you should have certain abilities. For example, all Angels have their own magic which they call Grace. Angel's Grace is specific for their classification, like a fingerprint. Death explains patiently as I move away from the body. What color are your wings, Master? Most Angel wings are white with slight variations into gold, silver, and blue.

Mine are a deep, dark green. I reply absently as I try to will the wings away like I'd done with my Wendigo claws and teeth the first time they were unlocked.

Death's cackle startles me from my concentration. Only you, Harry! Only you could be one of the rare Angels of Death! The Entity sounds absolutely smug and I rub my temples as his laughter fades to the occasional snicker.

Must you really wail like a banshee right in my skull, you rotten sack of bones?

He cackles again just to prove to me that he is really an immature child hiding beneath those dark, hooded robes. Once the ringing fades Death speaks. I would like to you soon after this errand is over, Master. I'll be able to help you adjust to this newest change. I detect the wistfulness in his tone and wince. Death, ironically, gets rather lonely. I can empathize. Immortality is as much a curse as it is a blessing, and Death had been around since the Beginning. He was one of the First Ones the Creator brought into being when the universe was born. Death has stood stalwart against most every emotion and trauma the universe has witnessed, but loneliness has always been the one stumbling block he's struggled with.

Of course, my friend. I shall come to Headquarters after this Houndsworth fiasco is over with! Besides, I need to make sure that Grell Sutcliffe remembers his place. I've been wanting to know if the flamboyant idiot has been faring since I dropped him off at William's mercy.

My Servant snorts softly in amusement at the last remark. He's been doing paperwork for William and the other Division Managers ever since. His Scythe was also confiscated. He'll be on probation until William or I say otherwise.

I muffle my laughter with my palm and go to reply when a long, loud howl pierces the evening. "What now?" I growl, frustrated with one debacle happening after another.

I shall see you soon, Master. Good luck. Death whispers within my mind before closing the link.

I rake a hand through my hair irritably as the townsfolk begin shouting and I can make out shapes darting from their houses. I tug the hood of the Invisibility Cloak over my head, obscuring my body lest the villagers think I had something to do with James' death. My wings twitch slightly as the wind picks up. I reach into my core and take hold of the electrifying Grace dancing about and tug, willing it to settle. A moment later my wings meld into my back as if they had never been. I roll my shoulders to work out the stiffness and wait for the newest disaster to find me.

Knowing my luck it won't be long.


"Are you not going to swim either, Hadrian?" Sebastian murmurs as he leans over the beach towel I'm currently reclining on.

"Nope." I pop the 'p' and close my eyes. The warmth of the rare sunshine is lulling me into slumber. Last night, I learned about the Demon Hound supposedly stalking the land, preying upon the villagers in defense of the Barrymore family. What a load of bull! The villagers had recited some creepy chant similar to what the old lady with the pram earlier had muttered. Barrymore is playing them like a fiddle! The villagers had continued the eerie poem as they bore James' body away, careless of the real reason he died.

After the Hell that was last night, I got very little rest, so any opportunity to grab a quick catnap will not be missed!

I should know better than to let my guard down around a Demon.

Before I know it my towel has suddenly become a net and I am flung through the air. I hit the water with an almighty splash, the coolness of it shocking me. I gag as lake water fills my lungs and I claw my way to the surface. I spot Sebastian by the shore with a triumphant smirk on his face and Ciel struggling to hold back laughter from his lounge chair.

"Y-YOU BLOO- BLOODY BASTARD!" I splutter between coughs. I tread water and silently bemoan my clothing. Everything is charmed waterproof except for my cream cotton blouse. For some reason, this one shirt will not hold a spell for anything! I swim toward shore and slog my way into the shallows, glaring down the butler the entire time. I flick out the Elder Wand and spell my clothes dry and shake out my hair, water droplets flying in every direction.

"I'm getting you back for this!" I hiss as I storm past the Demon, heading for the food laid out upon another towel. Sebastian merely throws me a smug grin and walks over to Ciel. They have a whispered conversation and then the butler is speeding away and the Earl has a pensive expression cutting across his features.

I roll my eyes and plop myself down on the towel and snatch a finger sandwich from the platter as Finny, Bard, and Mey-Rin seat themselves around me with Angela and Tanaka joining a moment later. I nibble on my food and listen to the other servants chat with the Angel while Tanaka sips at his ever-present mug of tea. I notice with a start as Angela reaches for a slice of cake that her hands are completely healed from the scourging they took yesterday.

It must be a trait of Angels to heal quickly. I determine as I finish the last of my sandwich. I internally must agree with Mey-Rin's praise of Sebastian's skills in the kitchen as the others munch through the snacks. I bury my face in my hands as a group of people run by, shouting something about finding a dog and punishment. Can I not have five minutes to rest? I despair when I see the Earl rise and march after the mob with a determined stride.

"Are you coming, Hadrian?" Bard questions as he and the others leap up to follow their master.

"Noooooo." I can't keep the petulance from my voice as I flop onto my back and fling an arm across my eyes.

"Come on, Mr. Odon!" Finny chirps, scooping me up and throwing me over his shoulder as he dashes off. I yelp in shock at the action and cling on for dear life. I can hear Mey-Rin and Bard snicker as they chase after us and I lower my head with a defeated groan.

"End me," I whimper as I bounce along. My pleas are unanswered and eventually, the abnormally strong lad sets me gently upon my feet. I wobble briefly and Finny steadies me with a strong hand against my shoulder. I give him a soft, grateful smile before focusing on the mob baying for blood in front of us.

I watch as several large dogs are released upon James' German Shepherd. Red tints my vision as the canines viciously bite and claw at the chained up creature. The dog growls and struggles but his foes only increase their brutality. Beside me Finny pales and begins to tremble, clenching his hands in front of his chest and pale green eyes wide with horror.

"Stop this," he whispers so softly I can barely hear him for the shrieking of the crowd.

"Finny?" I watch as his shaking worsens and tears begin to build in the corners of his eyes. He looks as though he's seen a ghost.

"JUST LET THE POOR THING GO," Finny bellows out of the blue and pushes his way through the mob. I gaze at the boy in surprise, and after a quick glance at my companions to confirm we are all in the same boat, follow after him. Finnian is such a soft-spoken, gentle creature. I've never once heard him raise his voice in anger! I stumble to a halt in a mixture of awe and pride as the boy rips a thick stake from the ground and dashes toward the bloodthirsty hounds. "Stop this NOW!" With a single, precise swing he uses the pole to knock the dogs away, sending them skittering back with surprised yelps.

The blond boy drops the stake and collapses to his knees, hugging the mangled German Shepherd to his chest. We form a semicircle around him, anxiously wanting to aid the distressed gardener. The shuffling and muttering from the villagers alert me that there is about to be more trouble.

I spin on my heel and face the angry mob head-on, the others following my lead.

"How dare these outsiders interfere!"

"They should be punished."

"They are bad dogs!"

I catch a glimpse of Barrymore smirking at the back of the crowd and a growl rumbles in my chest as the villagers press forward bandying clubs and pitchforks and rakes. I take a step forward and call upon my magic. It rushes through my blood and gathers at my fingertips, ready to be unleashed.

"Try something. I dare you." I snarl, my voice heavy with dark promise. The villagers start forward but freeze in their tracks as I whip out the Elder Wand and fire off a warning blast into the air. I unleash the full weight of my tightly controlled magic, letting everyone feel the weight of my aura pressing down upon them. The villagers' eyes bug out of their sockets and I catch Bard and Mey-Rin gaping at me in surprised confusion. Ciel's gaze drills into my head but I ignore it. "Take one more step," I warn, "And I will have the next person's head."

The Demon in me stirs in excitement, longing to cause chaos and terror. My new Angel half rises in my Magical Core to protect and defend. I feel the phantom sensation of wings upon my back and talons curving from my fingers. My magics pulse in tandem with my rapid heartbeat as I hold my ground in a loose defensive stance, waiting for some idiot to make a mistake. I will kill them all and apologize to Death later for the influx of extra souls if someone decides to act foolishly.

The prize for the 'Biggest Idiot of All Time' ends up going to Lord Henry Barrymore.

"Your phony tricks won't save you from punishment!" Barrymore bristles, his dogs snarling at his feet.

"Its funny you should mention phony tricks, Lord Barrymore." Ciel drawls, stepping up to my side.

"What? What the blazes are you talking about you yapping Pomeranian?!" the man blusters. I notice with interest that his complexion has become noticeably paler.

The Queen's Guard Dog frowns in annoyance at the moniker but continues on with his accusation. "You've been lying to the people of Houndsworth this whole time. There is no Demon Hound! You-" The young Phantomhive's passionate speech is interrupted by Barrymore's livid roar.

"How dare you! Get him!" The hounds circling the Lord bolt forward at once on his command.

The dogs barrel toward us, spit flying from their jowls and teeth bared to rip and crush. I tense and gather my magic and release it in a shock wave. At the exact same time, Sebastian swoops in out of nowhere and backhands one of the dogs as the exact moment the magic hurtles two others into the air. The Demon then quickly dispatches the rest and straightens to stand protectively in front of Ciel.

"Such uncouth, barbaric growls." Sebastian tsks disdainfully as the beasts scramble to their paws and edge forward, hackles raised and ferocious snarls ringing in the air.

"Cutting it a bit close, Sebastian," Ciel mutters though he keeps his gaze firmly fixed on the now puce colored Lord of Houndsworth.

"It won't happen again, young Master." The Demon murmurs succinctly while adjusting his gloves.

"I'll show you what happens when a dog challenges me!" Barrymore scream, eyes burning with rage. "What are you useless mutts waiting for? Kill them!"

The dogs bark and howl, tensing to attack.

"That is another reason why I despise these creatures," Sebastian says quietly, disgust dripping from his words. A moment later the butler's eyes flash with vermilion Demonic power and the dogs immediately whimper and lower onto their bellies, tags wagging tentatively in submission.

I've got to learn that trick! I vow silently and train my wand upon Barrymore and the mob lest they try anything while Ciel and Sebastian begin to produce proof of Barrymore's treachery. The Demon Hound was nothing more than one of the village dogs coated in fluorescent turquoise powder and made to run about the town. Sebastian proceeded to produce a projector which beamed an image of a wolf head silhouetted against the dark gray clouds and a vial of faintly glowing dust.

Barrymore rants and waves his arms about, puffing out his chest, but I notice the way he shifts nervously from foot to foot and the perspiration gathering upon his brow. If I wasn't already aware of his sins the way he's reacting now would be damning enough.

"That doesn't prove anything! You cannot fool them. Where is your evidence?"

I roll my eyes until they're nearly stuck backward. "Absolutely pathetic," I grumble.

Ciel smirks as Sebastian makes his way over the German Shepherd which is barely clinging onto life by a thread. "You can rest now. Your duty is finished. We can take it from here." He murmurs and retrieves a scrap of cloth from the dog's mouth. James' dog lets our a tiny, almost grateful whimper and shuts his eyes. I send the creature's soul into the Void with a flick of my wand. Animal souls do not need as much guidance as those of humans.

"What fine craftsmanship." The Demon calls out, examining the shredded bit of cloth. "Would you care to examine this, my Lord?" Sebastian holds the fabric out toward the flabbergasted man and villagers. I myself am amazed by how quickly Ciel and Sebastian have pieced the clues together in just a few short hours. "This is yours, as I'm sure you recognize. This is a piece was torn from your pants by James' dog when you attacked his master." The butler states in a cold, blunt manner.

Barrymore freezes for a split second, rage, fear, and shock all warring for dominance on his face. He turns as if to run, but the crowd quickly surrounds him. One villager lifts up his pant leg to reveal the bite wound from James' dog.

"He lied!"

"He really killed James!"

"Punish him!" Someone yells and just like that the mob switches targets. They hoist their former Lord off his feet and drag him away, ignoring his demands and protests while chanting all the while, "Punish James' killer!"

I slowly let lose the breath I didn't realize I was holding and allow a self-satisfied smirk to curl across my lips. I glance over my shoulder to check on my companions. Mey-Rin is half slumped against Bard, the relief evident in her posture. Bard scratches the back of his head, a puzzle from on his face as he gazes after the dispersing townsfolk. Tanaka simply sips at his tea, totally nonchalant, and I shake my head fondly. The eldest Phantomhive servant is truly a treasure.

Finny seems to cave in upon himself as he hugs the dead dog tightly to his chest, sobbing quietly. I sigh and walk over to him, placing a reassuring hand on his trembling head, softly stroking his straw-colored locks. "Shh," I mutter, "It'll be okay, Finnian. He's with his master now. He was a good dog."

Finny sniffles and looks up at me, tear tracks staining his cheeks and eyes glassy. "Are y-you sure?" He implores in a small, ragged voice.

I smile. "I'm certain of it," I say confidently and help him to his feet. I give the lad a gentle push toward Bard and Mey-Rin, knowing that they will be able to comfort the youngest servant better than I.

"One more reason for me to hate dogs," Sebastian grumbles with a contemptuous flick of his hand toward Finnian's grief-stricken form huddling in Barldroy's and Mey-Rin's embrace.

"Shut the fuck up, Demon!" My temper explodes at Sebastian's callousness. The butler's russet eyes widen and he takes a half step back. I make to shove past him but he snags my elbow in an iron grip. "Let me go," I hiss, struggling to keep my agitated powers from lashing out.

"Do you have a problem with me?" Sebastian leans in close, his voice is almost a growl and his eyes glimmer with Hellfire.

"I will if you don't bloody stay your tongue!"

The tension rises as both our Immortal powers begin to permeate the air, battling for dominance. Before things can escalate to relationship-damaging Ciel steps between us, his expression murderous. "Enough of this childish behavior!"

The butler releases my arm and steps back with a snort. "Of course, Master." He murmurs with a dip of his head.

The Earl snaps around to face me and open his mouth to most likely chew me out but something in my face must make him think better of it. He sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger. "Cool down, Hadrian. We will be leaving in the morning." The boy looks as exhausted as I feel.

He marches off toward the manor, shoulders slumped. Sebastian gives me a long, assessing look but says nothing as he walks past and follows the young lord up the hill. I scoff but the anger vanishes barely a minute later as Mey-Rin, Bard, and Finny shuffle over to my side.

"Thank you for standing up for me, Mr. Odon, but please don't judge Sebastian too harshly. I... I don't think he meant to be rude." Finny says with a teary smile.

"How'd you get them all to freeze like that?" Bard questions, his pale blue eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Magic," I deadpan, too tired to even think of a convincing lie. "I'm not exactly...normal." The servants gape at me.

"W-What do you mean? Real magic, not just misdirection and tricks?" Mey-Rin is the first to find her voice.

I simply nod. "I'll explain, just not right now please." I plead and scrub a weary hand down my face. "I-I'm sorry." Now they'll know what a freak I am!

"There is nothing to apologize for." A warm, wizened voice murmurs. My head snaps up so fast I nearly crack it against the man before me. Tanaka gives me a pat on the shoulder, adjusts his glasses, and walks off.

I blink in shock. Tanaka rarely speaks, but when he does it always holds weight and makes one pay attention. I chance a glance at the trio.

Bard looks impressed. "Well then, if Tanaka thinks its fine, then it must be!" He exclaims and just like that the tightness in my throat vanishes and I'm able to stand tall once more.

"Don't worry, sir. We won't tell anyone." Finny rushes to reassure. Mey-Rin and Bard echo their agreement. Who would believe you? I keep my incredulity to myself. A relieved smile twitches at my lips despite myself and I bow low in gratitude.

"Come on. We should rest while we can. Who knows what disaster will happen next?"


Rain pounds against the rooftop in a steady, hypnotic beat. Thunder rattles the window panes as I stalk through the halls. My Wendigo power caresses my Magical Core with velvet pleasure as my blood-lust slowly grows.

It is my turn to exact a pound of flesh. The next soul Death wants me to collect will be his and I plan on showing his little mercy before I send him to the Void. I navigate my way down to the dungeons where Barrymore is being held. The irony of his placement brings me no end of satisfaction. A barely muffled scream vibrates in my larynx as Angela suddenly steps into my path as she enters the hallway from a side room.

"Oh!" She startles, a hand flying to her heart. "I'm sorry sir, I didn't see you!"

I shakily blow out a breath and will my posture to ease. "No worries."

The Angel bows and slips past me but as she does so, I catch a flicker of her sickly aura. I swallow against the bile that tries to clog my throat.

"Are you well?" She must've noticed my struggle. I've never had a very good poker face... Damn it!

"I'm fine," I rasp. "Excuse me." Her lilac gaze follows me until I turn the corner.

With a fortifying breath, I continue my journey and at least reach the stairs leading down into the oubliette and descend. As soon as I force open the heavy oak door Barrymore's frantic cries assault me, echoing off the mildew stonework.

"Let me out! It's going to get me, I know it! Please, oh please let me go!" The condemned man wails, voice thick with panic. I frown and start down the steps toward the main holding area. Why is he so worked up? What's going to get him? I ponder this as Barrymore's pleading grows more pronounced. "It's coming for me! Please, I beg of you, anyone! Plea-"

CRASH!

I freeze, adrenaline surging through my veins and magic coiling along my forearms. Barrymore's scream of agony sends me bolting down the stairs. I skid to a halt in front of Barrymore's cell and desperately try to get air into my lungs. A giant white wolf looms over me with Barrymore's right arm trapped in its jaws.

The Demon Hound! I realize with a jolt.

The man is howling in fear and pain, clawing and scrabbling at the beast's muzzle. With a snarl, the creature chomps down. There is a sharp crack! of bone breaking as the wolf rips off the hand and swallows it. Barrymore shrieks and then goes limp, collapsing in a pool of his own blood.

I immediately sense the man is dead. Blood loss and shock in too short a time period.

But the carnage does not end there. The wolf bares its teeth at me in a crimson grin and then, to my absolute horror, tears the soul from the body and shreds it. Barrymore's spirit locks eyes with me in a beseeching plea just as the deadly fangs end his existence forever.

"No!"

The wolf howls and leaps through the crater it'd made in the wall.

"You will suffer for this!" I vow in a ragged whisper. To end a soul's existence in such a manner is one of the ultimate crimes a non-Reaper can commit. I snarl wordlessly and apparate outside, unleashing my Demonic affiliation as I do so. My bones crack and morph as I change into Athanasios, my Wendigo embodiment. A moment later the transformation is complete.

I raise myself onto my hind legs, rainwater slicking my black pelt, and swivel my head around to try and find the Demon Hound. A mournful howl echoes across the land and I spot a glimpse of the mutt hightailing it for the forest. With a guttural roar, I charge after the beast on all fours. I will not let this go unpunished!

My long limbs eat up the distance and my claw-tipped paws leave furrows in the mud as I gain upon my prey. The Demon Hound squeals as I lunge for it, catching its hindquarters with my claws as it dodges. It growls at me, red eyes gleaming in the gathering fog when it turns tail again. I extend my long tongue and lick along my incisors and mandibles and then swipe it across my talons, savoring the taste of rain and blood. Euphoria thrums through my body at the taste.

"Run! Run little puppy!" I grin. "You're making the Hunt more fun." I toss my antlers with a laugh and chase after the fleeing Demon Hound. The wind whistles through my deer-like skull as I run. I keep my gaze locked on the flash of white fur streaking across the moor, heading for the forest. Shouts and screams ring out behind me from the town, but I ignore the clamor. The Hunt has consumed me.

My target pauses and looks back. The beast appears stunned that I'm still on its tail. Lightning arcs overhead, illuminating the world in brilliant white-blue relief. With a confused bark, the Demon Hound doubles its pace and reaches the tree line and into the woods with me only a few meters behind. I smash through the trees, roaring in frustration as undergrowth ensnares my antlers. I hack at the vegetation until its nothing more than a trampled pulp and sniff the air. The sour tang of fear and confusion taints the breeze. Thunder roars overhead, but below the din of the storm and the villager's cries in the distance, I can hear the rapid tattoo of the wolf's heartbeat. With a joyful hiss, I turn westward and take off.


I pursue the Demon Hound all throughout the night and into the gray hours of the morning.

I do not tire thanks to my form's natural endurance and only pause now and again to toy with my prey or lock onto its location. I finally corner the nuisance in a maze of crumbling ruins just outside Houndsworth. It must have been part of the original town years past. The fog is so heavy I can barely see two feet in front of me, even with my improved Demonic vision.

I prowl through the dilapidated building, ears pricked and nose to the wind. I know the wolf is here. I can hear its wheezing pants and the humming of its heart. I can smell its sweat and exhaustion.

The Hunt is finally drawing to a close.

Unfortunately, I haven't learned my lesson when it comes to Demons. They never react the exact way one thinks they will.

A bloodcurdling shriek bursts from my throat as a stream of fire suddenly engulfs me. Excruciating pain lights up the left side of my ribs as the flames consume my flesh. It can breathe fire! Gasping, I drop to the ground and attempt to mold myself into the wet earth. I frantically scrape dirt upon on the fire, successfully smothering it after several heart-stopping minutes. However, before I can get my paws under me, I'm bowled over. Son of a-!

Claws dig into my damaged side and sharp teeth clamp down on my clavicle. I bellow in pain and twist around, trying to snatch the Demon Hound off me. My foe snarls viciously and bites down harder making me buck harder. Blood stains my fur and the stench of burnt flesh and wet canine invades my nasal cavity. My burnt flesh... The thought makes me sick.

With a desperate snarl, I roll onto my injured side, crushing it beneath my weight. I can't hold back a scream as the creature's claws sink deeper into my ribs before pulling free with a wet slurping sound as I scramble to my feet. My sides heave, nearly to the point of hyperventilation, as I risk a glance to assess my wounded side. My skin hangs from my torso in thin, bloody strips. Chunks of fur have been ripped away and I swear I can see a bit of bone poking out. At least the fire cauterized the wound. I shudder from my antlers to my tail bone and turn back to where the Demon Hound lays winded.

Before it can gather itself I descend upon it.

I rip into the wolf, gouging at it with my wicked talons and pull away mouthfuls of fur and skin. My prey wails and whimpers, kicking at my underbelly with its claws. I ignore the pain and renew my attack, determined to end the Hunt. It stole from Death! It will repay him with its life!

Blood, the Demon Hound's and my own, smears my jaws in red and coats my tongue in iron. The beast's struggles grow weaker and weaker until I at last strike the killing blow. I crunch down upon my prey's windpipe and listen to its heartbeat fade into silence.

Th-Thump.

Th-Thump.

Th-Thump...

The Hunt is over.

I let the body fall from my jaws with a dull thud and back away. The Demon Hound's corpse is in pieces, viscera scattered about the battleground in random intervals. There is barely a patch of white left on its fur, stained as it is with dirt and blood. A deep, rattling sigh escapes my jaws in a cloud of steam. I'm beyond exhausted!

"Justice has been administered. Rest in peace," I rumble in my deep, smooth baritone. Agony flares along my ribs as I turn to leave and I hiss softly. This really sucks!

I limp my way past the now hauntingly quiet ruins and am about to shift back into human form when I finally notice the apparition trailing me. I wearily turn to address it, only to still in stunned amazement.

Floating before is a person I had long ago lost the name of, but the face is so achingly familiar it brings the identity rushing back.

"Sirius?"

The spirit of my long-dead Godfather says nothing, nor makes any motion of affirmation. It simply hovers above the remains of Demon Hound and gazes back at me with piercing gray eyes. Pulse racing I call upon my magic and transform. I stumble briefly upon my human legs and scramble upright.

But when I look up and blink Sirius is not there.

There is nothing except for the rapidly cooling body of the wolf and the looming fog-shrouded ruins and me.

"Sirius!" I shout, my hoarse voice echoing. I scan the area frantically, but I find no trace of my Godfather. My gaze comes to rest upon the corpse and that is when the memories assault me.

I only get flashes.

Sirius laughing at something someone had said.

A large, black dog challenging a werewolf.

His touching words of advice on the nature of Dark and Light.

Sirius falling through a Veil that leads to the Realm of Death.

I come out of the memories with a sharp cry and fall to my knees in the blood-stained grass. My breath leaves me in shallow pants as shock freezes my inside. I finally have a few memories from my previous life! I can finally recall someone's name from the past! I did have someone who cared about me!

And I got them killed.

"It's my fault," I say in a rough whisper. "It was all my fault!"

Guilt and shame and rage and a thousand different emotions all slam into me with the force of a tidal wave. And I can do nothing to stop it, to make things right. To erase my mistakes and fix my past.

So I bow my head and give in to the maelstrom.

For the first time in over five hundred years, I weep.


Author's Note:

Hi everyone! I'm still alive!

I'm so sorry for the long wait! A lot of stuff, good and bad, has happened since my last chapter.

In a nutshell:

Start of a new semester of junior year in college.

Sickness.

Dealing with several deaths, sadly including a suicide, on campus.

Processing and dealing with mental health.

Writer's Block.

And finally having to adjust and deal with this freaking coronavirus pandemic!

Life is really weird sometimes, huh?

Anyway, those are the reasons I've been gone for a while. So, I decided to try and make it up to y'all with a super extra long chapter! I really hope y'all enjoy this because I worked very hard on it! It's literally past 4am where I'm at and I only just now finished this bloody monstrosity! XD

Please. please, please let me know what you think of this! Comments, constructive criticism, questions, the whole shebang! I love hearing from you guys!

Please stay safe in the midst of this covid-19 crisis, but don't give in to fear either! I'd recommend giving Psalm 91 a look-see. Even if you are not spiritual its still a pretty good pick-me-up.

Blessing and Favor and Protection be upon you all!

~ Lightseed

P.S: I have Harry's Angel name picked out! Just waiting for him to get a bit of a better control on his new powers and then I'll introduce Angel-Harry to his companions! Also, I know James' in the Black Butler anime did not have a last name, but I decided to give him one because it sounded more professional, idk. Ettore means "loyal" in Italian, or that's what Google told me!