Sun was setting in Azarath. In the dwelling of Mabon, a conversation was going on.

"Khambatta," sipping his tea, "Rath's slow progress in Kolinahr shouldn't be a concern for the council," commented Mabon.

"Richard Clarkstone's son will always be a concern for the council," said Khambatta.

Kolinahr was a ritual that drained the emotions from a person. All Azarthians went through it that's way they were pacifists. Mabon didn't go through it because he was too old when he arrived to Azarath to retire.

"So he's slow in some areas," staring at the surface of the tea, "Eventually he'll get it."

"Wish that was the case," remarked Khambatta," It also have to came to the council's attention that Raven's showing the same lack of process."

Putting his cup down, "Two students being learners is not that uncommon."

"Not when she is the daughter of Trigon. Since she started Kolinahr all human contact have been forbidden including her mother."

"So?"

"It is believed that Rath has been seeing her."

"For five years under the watchful eyes of Arella and me."

"Have you been watching him in your sleep?"

Sighing, Rath was being his normal rebellious self.

"You know that a demon hunter's powers came from their emotions," stated Mabon.

"Exactly why he must finish Kolinahr," remarked Khambatta, "Like Raven, it is for their own good. It is the only way to prevent their fathers from manipulating them."

"Don't forget that Rath's mother was a willing participant in his birth," thought Mabon, but he kept it to himself.

"Mabon, if this bothers you then maybe you should've killed him when you had the chance."

"It was below me."

"That just makes you a better person then me," said Khambatta standing up.

Mabon walked Khambatta to the door. Closing it walked back into the room.

"Rath show yourself."

Dropping from the ceiling, "How did you know?"

"Your reflection from the tea," answered Mabon, "Well have you been seeing Raven unsupervised?"

"Yes."

"Rath you know that human contact is forbidden during Kolinahr."

"Don't see why everyone is up in arms about it."

"You really need to stop going to Earth. You're picking up bad habits," commented Mabon sitting down.

"Got something to say."

"Yes. The reason for concern is the deal between Richard and Trigon. Your parents were demon hunters. The best, the both of them. Your father nearly killed Trigon, however Trigon offered a deal to save his life. An arranged marriage between their children. Come to think about it, Trigon may have planned not to fulfill his end of the bargain. He properly was the one who told me about Richard's plans. Anyways I killed him and got you with me."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"If you won't finish Kolinahr, then let Raven finish it."

"Why?"

"Without emotion, Trigon can't manipulate her."

"You don't know that. In fact finishing the ritual would leave her emotionally vulnerable since she's an empath."

"How could…" a thought grabbed him, "You're a demon hunter. Finishing the ritual would kill you. You got to leave, Rath."

"I planned on it."

"But you got leave Raven behind. She's safer here then any where else."

"You don't know that."

"Neither do you, Rath."

Closing his eyes, Rath's breathing was steady.

Opening his eyes, "I'm going to my room," got up and left.

Sitting back, Mabon's fingers were tapping against the table's surface. That wasn't normal Rath behavior, he just witnessed. Getting up, he headed towards Rath's room.

Knocking on Rath's door, "Rath."

No response.

Turning the handle, he pushed the door opened. The room was empty. His eyes went to the window.

Closing his eyes, "Rath," mumbled from his lips.