Raiden sat relaxed on the couch, his arm thrown across the back near Bubbles's head. Bubbles sat snuggled into his side, her gaze focused solely on him. Boomer had long fled the room, unable to stomach the sight of the two. Butch and Brick sat silently on another couch, refusing to make eye contact with anyone. Reed sat in the middle, his brows furrowed as he concentrated. Riley tossed a ball up in the air, his thoughts drifting to Buttercup.

"How long is this gonna take? You've been at it for an hour."

"Did you even draw the summoning circle right?" Reed cracked an eye open to glare at his brothers before going back to his meditation. His hair fluttered softly in the slight breeze, but that was the only indication that something seemed to be happening.

"This is how Mojo did it. If it doesn't work we'll just have to try it again. Now shut up and let me work." Riley and Raiden obediently shut their mouths, recognizing the dangerous edge their brother's tone had taken. Brick fidgeted, uncomfortable. It felt like he was a passenger in his own body, aware of every action but unable to do anything other than watch.

The wind fluttering around Reed suddenly picked up in intensity, causing objects to fly around the room. A vase crashed into the wall. The couches were pushed around. Side tables toppled or were swept into the tornado surrounding Reed. Raiden protected Bubbles, while the others threw their arms over their heads to protect against injury.

Just as it seemed to reach its crescendo, the wind suddenly stopped, taking all sound with it. It was if the occupants of that summer home existed in a vacuum. They all looked around cautiously, the hairs on their arms and backs of their necks standing on end. Every cell in their bodies seemed to scream danger.

A portal suddenly opened in front of Reed. In the empty space, galaxies seemed to swirl and spiral. Reed reached forward to touch it, but Riley shot forward, halting his movements. Reed shook his head, seeming to snap out of a trance. As they watched, a pinkish red clawed hand emerged from the void. A second followed the first, gripping the edges of the portal. A black booted foot emerged next, along with the second. The main body soon came into view along with the rest of the demonic being.

The black boots came up to the creature's mid thigh. Pink fur acted as a loincloth, leaving the stomach and chest bare. The demon boasted a well built physique. The same pink fur that covered his lower region covered his neck, coming down to the top of his chest and back. Black flames licked at his chin to form a goatee. Pointed ears, and reptilian yellow eyes stared back at the rag tag group. His sharp chin turned up in glee as the creature took in his new surroundings.

"Finally. Finally! I'm free!" His gaze landed on Reed and Riley still crouched before him. One claw grabbed each young man, slowly squeezing the life from them.

"Which one of you summoned me?" Reed choked as his legs kicked in the air.

"I-it was...me..." The demon let him go, dropping him harshly to the floor. He continued choking Riley, not seeing a reason to keep this bug around. Reed crawled forward, wrapping a hand around the demon. Butch and Brick stood at the wordless command, their element erupting around them as they started firing attacks. Raiden and Bubbles stood as well, though Raiden had to quickly undo the seal on her powers before they were able to help. The demon raised an amused brow at the paltry attacks, deciding to humor the humans. He dropped Riley, who doubled over and coughed violently. Reed let go, crawling over to his brother instead. He glared at the demon, his hand rubbing soothing circles in Riley's back.

"You'll do well to remember who's in charge here. I summoned you here! And I have the Gods' power at my disposal. So keep that in mind the next time you think about harming my brothers." The demon grinned, his sharp teeth glinting in the light.

"Very well. You may call me Him." The demon bowed low, his eyes sparkling in mischief. His gaze suddenly landed on Bubbles. His eyes narrowed, straightening back to his full height. He brushed past everyone, stopping in front of her. He used one clawed hand to turn her head this way and that.

"Very curious..." Raiden pulled her back to his side, stepping in front of her protectively. Him grinned, raising his claws in appeasement. He turned back to Reed. Looks like I can use them thoroughly.

"So? What will you have me do?" Reed grinned, turning to the door. Boomer wordlessly appeared in the doorway, taking his place beside his brothers.

"Build me an empire."


Blossom jerked awake, the sweat cool on her forehead. Beside her, Buttercup continued to sleep. The mood had fallen, the sun beginning to rise to take its place. But even the beautiful hues of early morning could dim the evil now permeating the air. She grabbed her robe, moving to look out the window.

"Oh Reed, what have you done?" Her magic curled around her in apprehension. This changed things drastically. Mojo had failed something so purely demonic, and she had believed that even now, Reed still had some semblance of restraint. That turning the boys into living conduits for the Gods' power would be as far as he went. But now, he had doomed them all. And she wasn't sure she could save everyone this time. But one thing was for sure - this was all her fault.

"I never should have brought them back. But maybe I can still fix this..." She moved around the bed, heading toward her closet. But Buttercup's hand shot out, gripping her wrist. Blossom startled, looking at her still sleeping friend. She sighed, sitting back on the bed.

That's right. There's no need to be hasty. I was only successful last time because the others bought me time to cast the spell. But this time we barely have half our strength. And I'm not sure if Buttercup and I will be enough. Her gaze hardened on the wall. We have to get Bubbles back first.


In the distance, the first scream of the morning was heard. It was the only warning the sleepy town of Townsville had.