--Arizona desert--

Someplace in the desert, near the Gila Flats region of the Hualapai Reservation, all was silent. The sun would be coming up soon. A man (an angel, actually) stood in the desert, he appeared to be alone. He wore all-white, with long blond hair. Pyriel, Angel of Genocide.

Zophael, wearing black, with dark wavy hair, walked up to him. He had a zig-zag scar on his neck. "Master. I have found the whereabouts of the Antichrist. Your mortal followers have proven themselves useful, we managed to infiltrate the Beast's sect."

"Who is the Beast now?"

"A young boy, Damien Thorn. Thirteen years of age. He attends Davidson Military Academy. His guardians have perished, leaving the
Thorn Corporation to him one day, but has presently fallen to Paul Buher."

"Hmm. And does the Son of Satan realize his purpose? Does he know
his power?"

"He does. He has accepted his destiny, and is not at all squeamish about fulfilling it. I don't know where he lives, but I do know where he can be found. One of his friend's parents serves you. Shall I slay the demon child immediately?"

Pyriel held up his hand. "No. Not yet, anyway. I will crush the puny mortals, all of Creation will be finished, then *I* shall rule all. The Antichrist must not get in the way of that! He would surely become a problem if he should discover my intention. I will not tolerate any attempts to stop my plans. Know this, there cannot be two masters."

"Something else. We have spotted the serapph Gabriel coming into
Chicago, with one of his monkey helpers. What shall I do?"

"Go to Damien, speak to him. He has valuable gifts, powers which can be used for us. Recruit him, allow him to serve me. I want to make an alliance with him. Do not allow Gabriel must not interfere! Find Damien *first*! I shall send my servant Malekai to aid you in this mission, in case Damien does not appear..agreeable. If the Beast agrees to my terms, I will let him live. But if not.."

"I will kill him if he refuses?"

"Of course. We cannot allow such a powerful being to become our enemy."

"I understand, master. It will be done." He walked away.

Pyriel laughed to himself. "Yes. Join me, Damien, become a part of my great army. Follow me or die.." He spread his arms, lightning flashed. A mound of writhing bodies appeared around him...