Chapter Two

The Metal Demon

The Crystal Cove Church Bell Tower, Crystal Cove

February 5, 2014, 10: 45 am

Feralle climbed out of the hatch that went to the church's bell tower, her claws digging into the wood floor as she tried to stand up from the small space. Once she was up, she looked at the panoramic view of Crystal Cove, waiting for the others to follow suit with her.

Seraphim came out of the hatch minutes later, having a bit more difficulty, as her claws dug into the woodwork and burned the material at the touch. "Dammit, this is getting annoying!" Seraphim exclaimed as she finally stood up and went to stand beside Feralle. "Why are we here, Feralle? I thought you didn't like me! Which I call bullshit by the way, since no one can resist my charm~"

"This is not about charm Seraphim, we're here because you decided to do something reckless. You didn't have to burn the mansion. We are supposed to be hidden, Seraphim, not coming out to everyone we meet. We need leverage for the teenagers… And burning the Blake family's home isn't exactly leverage for the girl."

"Is that it? I told you it wasn't my fault, they started it! If it wasn't for that stupid militia veteran it wouldn't have happened. "

Feralle rolled her eyes at this. "Not only do you act reckless, but you act like a child as well. The teen may have failed in keeping their own in check, but they can try again. You know that… It's not too late for them. They still fight tooth and nail for their lives… They are doing that as we speak even."

"Oh, they won't… not even another group of teenagers could destroy the Entity right now. Not without the current one dying or being corrupted as a whole first."

"You don't know that, Seraphim…"

Seraphim growled, "Oh please, spare me your explanations. You know it's true, The adult Mystery Incorporated is dead, remember? We destroyed the blonde's parents, we ended the parrot's career, and we stripped the Parrot's mascot from all that he once knew. And don't you dare get me started on how you manipulated a child to do your bidding-"

Feralle laughed darkly at the response. "My dear Seraphim… if not for my plan, you would have been stuck in that pool of lava for another millennium! It was our chance to resurrect. You know that, I know that and soon… The Entity will… And we won't have to follow it's orders any longer..."

The fire demon raised a horn at this. "Huh? What are you talking about, Feralle? What are you planning? Could it be… an uprising?"

Feralle never answered, instead she looked out into the town and noticed the mane of someone she did not expect to see alive or well, at least.

Marcie Fleach.

Seraphim growled at the look Feralle was giving to the human. "What do you see, Feralle? hold on… is that… Is that really-?"

"Yes, Seraph… It's her, our master wasn't lying after all… She did escape her fate somehow… Interesting, In order to do that she must have had another Annunaki looking up to her..."

"We should give her a little visit then, hm?" Seraphim smirked, "Wouldn't that be something that you'd want to do? After all, you're more interested in her than any of us."

Feralle shook her head, "No… I do not have time for such things. Get Angelo or Sovrano to deal with it, and if luck is on our side, bring her to us, instead of the Entity."

"Is there even a reason why you don't want the entity to have her? I mean… She's an obstacle to it. If they can't destroy her, They lose their power." Seraphim asked curiously, crossing her arms.

Feralle shook her head, genuinely answering her. "No, but I don't want this obstacle… To end just like that… I want the thrill of being stopped every time…"

"You really are strange Feralle…"

Crystal Cove

February 5, 2014, 10:55 am

Marcie gave a sigh as she walked down the street to the Spook Museum. Passing through an alleyway, Marcie stopped and turned around once she heard the tapping of paws coming towards her.

She looked into the alleyway, trying to see the source of the noise. Her eyes widened as she saw a brown blur coming towards her, not being able to dodge it in time.

The brown dog pounced at her, pushing Marcie onto the ground. The impact of the fall made Marcie grunt in pain, her wounds not yet fully healed.

"Rarcie! I'm glad I round you!" Scooby Doo exclaimed, wagging his tail with excitement. "Rave you reen the rothers?"

Marcie groaned as she looked up to see the familiar Great Dane. "Scooby? What were you doing in that alleyway?" she asked, gently pushing the cowardly dog off of her. "I thought you were with the gang! Everyone is looking for you and the others."

Scooby shook his head at this. "Ruh-uh, Rhe rother rold me to rtay away from Rericles. Rova—erm, I mean—the Anunnaki rook me rere, ro meer you!"

"Who's Nova?"

"I believe we have never met, Marcie Fleach."

Marcie looked over her shoulder, seeing a small Cocker Spaniel standing behind her. She gulped slightly, looking intently at the small dog. "Please tell me that Cocker Spaniel didn't just talk?"

"Rhy are you rurprised? I ralk too!"

"…Point taken." Marcie muttered, mostly to herself.

Nova, without a moment to waste, looked over to Marcie, and spoke, "Marcie Fleach, I have come to you to ask you for your aid. Your friends, Mystery Incorporated the Second, have been captured and tortured to no end by the Entity. They need you to save them as soon as possible!"

"D-Don't get me wrong. I'm all for helping Velma and the others… But why me?" Marcie asked, getting on the small dog's level.

Nova sat down, "Because Marcie Fleach, you have a connection with Velma Dinkley. You have a better understanding of her than anyone. You are a perfect fit to help with this quest, That is why I'm asking you to help me and Scooby doo."

"N-No… I don't think I fit in… I'm… I was only trying to get her to trust me…"

Nova shook her head, beginning to explain. "No Marcie Fleach, You were not yourself at that time. You were controlled by the Evil Entity at that time. Everyone in Crystal Cova was actually. There wasn't anyone that wasn't spared by his influence… And it's been going on for so long too…"

Marcie's eyes widened at the revelation. "Hold on, you mean to tell me that all of Crystal Cove's citizens were possessed by the Evil Entity? That's why I attacked my dad's amusement park? That's why all of the gang's parents were horrible to them?"

"Precisely, Marcie Fleach. But you've reformed… Velma helped you out of the Evil Entity's grasp. Set you free from it. The same with Fred and the former mayor, Fred Jones Sr." Nova said, walking towards Marcie, and put her right paw on Marcie's left leg.

"They have the power to pull someone away from the clutches of the Evil Entity without knowing. It is even more stronger now that it was foreseen that they were the chosen ones… But now that they are missing…" Nova trailed off, sighing. "Please Marcie, you must save them. They are in danger. In grave danger."

"The kidnappings, the earthquakes. It is all the Entity's doing, with the help of his new minions."

"Rinions?" Scooby Doo whined, not enjoying what he had to hear.

"Yes. Strong minions, powerful ones. Minions that use the elemental powers of Earth, Fire, Water and Air. They are the cause of all this havoc, and they are keeping Mystery Incorporated as leverage until the time comes."

"And that time is?"

"The end of the world."

Marcie's eyes widened, she clutched her fists as she processed the information. 'This is all too much… How am I even gonna do all that? Would Nova know about the dreams that I've been having? Could they be a sign of what's going to happen if I don't find Velma in time?'' she thought, 'No, stay focused Marcie. You heard what Nova said… Velma is in danger, she needs you.'

"Tell me what I have to do-"

A swift kick to the gut made Marcie hit the wall hard. She groaned, the wounds beginning to open from the constant hits she was receiving. She looked up to see the perpetrator, but whoever it was—was long gone, until she received another hit, this time from the back. She looked up again, finally getting a good look at the attacker.

The attacker was fully armored; the only thing that wasn't protected was his arms. The light of the sun reflecting off of it meant that his head was made of metal, perhaps a mask of some kind from the looks of it. It had marks that started on his forehead, and went down to his chin. The only thing inhuman about the attacker was his horns, which were coming out from his neck.

Scooby leaped in front of Marcie, growling at the strange humanoid. He didn't know why he was suddenly feeling courageous, but he shook it off soon.

"Who the hell are you?" Marcie asked, almost in a whisper. She held her side as her wound bled gravely. She gave a hiss, the pressure she put onto the wound hurting her.

The metallic humanoid demon smirked under the mask, and gave a dark laugh. "Who am I? I am the one and only Pestilence Di Angelo! But my comrades call me Angelo… I bring wind and thunder to those who have wronged our master, the Evil Entity!"

Nova barked at the demon. "You're one of his minions!"

"Precisely, animal! Now step aside, and let me take this filthy human to my master. He wishes to speak to her… privately..." Angelo said, emphasizing darkly the word "privately".

"You think I'm going with you just because your 'master' told you?" Marcie asked, slowly standing up.

Angelo's smirk vanished, as the reality of the situation unfolded itself on his face. The filthy human wasn't going to fall for one of his tricks just because. There was only one way to make them know the severity of such a demand…

"Well, my dear… if you don't come with me to see the master..." Angelo began to explain, "...then I guess finding out how your little group of friends is doing isn't THAT important to you."

Marcie frowned at that. "Why, you fuc-"

Angelo pointed a clawed finger at Marcie. "Do not worry, they are very much alive, if that's what you're wondering… But, they are not as you would expect them to be right now… Maybe a little dead or maybe a little alive… Who knows, maybe they are in between." Angelo said, giving a dark laugh.

"You… you fucker! Whatever it is that you did to Velma—I'll make you regret it! That's a promise!" Marcie exclaimed.

Angelo shook his head at the threat, "You? You don't even have what it takes to destroy the Entity. Look at you! You're a disgusting bleeding mess; the master would crush you like a bug at the sight of you. Only a group of four friends and an animal, chosen by the Entity himself, can destroy him."

Marcie growled, "Bet on it, freak. You and your stupid Entity will get what's coming to you. I'll make sure of that..."

"We will be waiting on that then… right after I've taken you to him-"

When Angelo got near Marcie, Scooby pounced at the metal demon. He bit on one of his horns and ripped it apart with ease, making the humanoid scream in pain. Just as Scooby was about to celebrate a triumph against the terrifying beast, Angelo raised his right arm, and a heavy, metallic sword came out of his hand.

Scooby Doo jumped out of harm's way as the sword mashed into the ground, almost hitting its wielder.

"Marcie, run as fast as you can! Now!" Nova exclaimed, getting into a defensive stance.

"No! Let me help! I know I can-"

"No, you need to get out of here, for your safety! You're their only hope; do not waste it on a fight you will not win." Nova interrupted Marcie, staring at the injured brunette. "Go, we will handle this one."

Marcie froze, trying to find a better outcome to the situation. She wanted to fight, but her condition made it impossible for her to make it out unharmed. She looked down, as she made the ultimate decision.

"Fine, j-just make it back! I have so many q-questions!"

"I know, you will have your answers in due time." Nova said, growling at the threatening demon. "Now go! We will be right behind you! Don't worry!"

"You think she's going to be safe from the master?! There are many of us staring down at her! We will find her, and we will bring her to the Evil Entity as the sacrifice she was meant to be!" Angelo gave a battlecry, grabbing his heavy weapon and leaping at the injured Marcie. "She can not escape her fate! She will go down as soon as she finds the teens, and when she does… It'll be the end of this accursed world and universe altogether!"

She dodged the blade seconds before it could hit her, running out of the alleyway. Before Marcie could turn towards the Spook Museum, a trident shot down into the concrete in front of her. She stood still, her arm still at her side.

"If you value your life and don't want to be food for the fishes… come with me, now." another demon threatened, his green eyes glowing brightly as his spikes grew.

Marcie frowned, "Yeah sure, I'm going to follow a creepy lizard looking humanoid wherever hole you crawled out from, and from what I can tell—your little friend there isn't helping your case right now."

"Hmph." The demon hummed softly, "You're right about that, he has no control over his strength. I apologize for that, even if he is a total fool and should just die right then and there..."

"Thanks, that really helps right about now." Marcie sarcastically commented.

The humanoid rolled his eyes, raising his trident at her. "Oh please, just be honored that there's someone with actual sense on the other side for once. Not that it's considered a triumph on any side. But I know that you need to do something very important and noble… I've seen it..." The demon then grabbed Marcie, and threw her into a puddle of black water—only; the puddle was actually a portal which had transported her to the Crystal Cove docks.

The water spat Marcie out, slamming her into the docks, which, in earlier days, would eagerly await ships to be docked in.

Marcie coughed until the tiniest bit of water was out of her. She looked around, as she familiarized herself with the surroundings, and sighed. "Well, at least those two are gone…" she muttered mostly to herself.

"Not quite, young one. I'm still here."

Marcie stood still, slowly turning around to see the demon that had pushed her into the water. She groaned, "Ok, talk. Who are you? Why am I a sacrifice?! Do you know where Velma is?!"

The demon rolled his eyes at this. "Which one? I once had a human name… but at this point, it's not useful anymore… or do you want my true name? There are just so many things to call me."

"Just tell me one."

It nodded at the answer. "I am Sovrano, and as you probably have guessed… I was created by the Entity…" At the last part, Marcie could feel that it was forced. Like it was forced to say it…

"Yeah, kinda did because of the whole… look you got…" Marcie muttered sarcastically, rolling her eyes at the newcomer demon.

Sovrano growled, "My 'dear' master wants you, because you were actually supposed to die. Like, Literally die by the parrot's hands believe it or not… Not a good way to go in my opinion… But that's the Evil Entity for you. They don't care about details… they want the deed done… But somehow in some way… You've survived… Very rare, and very interesting. Perhaps you've hit the nerve of a very affectionate Annunaki without realizing..."

Marcie's eyes widened at this. In one half… It wasn't a surprise. She was trying to protect Velma, HER Velma—but to somehow survive a gatling gun from a Kriegstaffelbot…. She was supposed to die then and there… Would he be telling the truth at this point? That maybe a merciful being saw her and managed to save her from the clutches of death that easily?

"And from what I could gather… you were VERY affectionate with the small nerd…" the demon chuckled darkly. "It's very cute."

"If you did something to he-"

"I didn't, don't worry about that. Worry for your survival, you will need to be alive if you want to see her again." Sovrano said, walking towards the girl. "Now, my 'associates' will be looking for you. They will stop at nothing to find you and break you… You won't see much of me around them… But I feel like I should warn you… Just in case."

Marcie stood still, digesting what was thrown at her. She gulped slightly as the menacing demon was closing in on her. Marcie stared into its eyes, trying to see some human decency in them—but she kept failing to see it. She could swear something was familiar about them though….

Like they have met somewhere...

"However…" It began.

"I will help you with this predicament… IF you wish to help me with something important, if you were to give me your most… undivided attention…" From Marcie's view, he couldn't smirk. His mask prevented it, but Marcie knew it was smirking under the fabric it wore.

Marcie frowned at that. "Depends, what is it?"

"My allegiance with the Entity has been broken. I do not care for his plans, nor do I follow his… miserable… point of view of ruling this world- Or destroying it… Perhaps the latter if you persist in saving your love. However, I can only do so much as the other servants serve him blindly."

Marcie blushed hard at the part about saving her love, Was it really that noticeable? Did Velma know about it? She ignored it as best as she could.

"If you help me out, run the Entity's luck… and help me and the others… Let's just say, think clearly of their decision, I will personally help you in your search for your troublemaking friends. All you have to do is make a pact with me."

Marcie shook her head. "Not a chance in your miserable lifetime." She pointed a finger at the humanoid. "I've already worked with the corrupted CEO of a company whose parrot wanted to release your stupid Entity! I almost got killed for it, remember? How do I know you won't stab me in the back once I'm done doing what you please?!"

"You don't. You don't know… until you've actually done it." Sovrano said, his green eyes giving a faint green glow. "But I assure you, the pact is a pact done by blood… if it were to be broken… Well… I would certainly fade from existence…"

Marcie frowned, staring at the being's hand. Sovrano raised it towards her, offering to shake it. Marcie felt a shiver run down her spine as she stared. She took a deep breath, and gave the being a straight face.

"No strings attached? Once I'm done with this—once I'm in a pact with you… what's going to happen? What WILL happen if I step out of line?"

"Do you worry about your safety, child?"

"I worry about what you'll do to me once I'm in a pact with you, and what you'll do once I've done what you ask of me." Marcie said, frowning.

Sovrano nodded, "It is understandable to feel unsure, child. Believe me, I know… But if you need more convincing on the idea of forming an union..." he said, slowly turning and walking away from her.

Marcie raised an eyebrow at this. "Where are you going? I thought you were going to persuade me into shaking your hand."

"I will show you the reason why you should make the pact with me… And quickly…"

The being stepped closer to the edge of the docks, waving a hand towards Marcie, signaling her to come with him. Marcie frowned, her suspicions about Sovrano slowly rising. She stood close to him, watching as he gave a twirl at the water with his trident.

Slowly, an image formed in the water: The Entity's eyes looking back at Marcie, as it devoured the Crystal Covians.

"The Entity will not stop until he gets what he wants… He will not stop until you are put down, and certainly he won't stop until your friends have been dealt with. And they will be dealt with soon, I know you don't want that on your mind..."

Marcie couldn't look away as the vision changed to Mystery Incorporated The Second screaming in agony as the alien being tormented them to the point of breaking them fully. She finally looked away as the vision turned to Velma's fate, not willing to look anymore. "You told me you didn't know where Velma and the others were..."

"I never said I didn't know… I may have said that I wasn't sure… Since Mystery Incorporated's fate is still undecided at the moment... But if you ever decide to make the pact with me-"

"Alright, I'll do it."

Sovrano stared at her and chuckled at the fast answer he had received. He raised his hand towards her again, the faint glow in his eyes never fading. "Then, shake my hand. Shake a poor sinner's hand, and I promise to help you on your quest to save your dear friends in exchange for your services in making the Entity's life a living hell."

Marcie held onto his hand, shaking it. "Fine, I'll help… but only if you help me find my friends."

"I accept… You will have 7 years to find a way for the Entity to be destroyed and for me to be set free."

Marcie raised an eyebrow at this. "7 years? Why?"

"Because the Entity has decided to destroy everything in 7 years… there will be catastrophes waiting to happen, my dear friend… I will tell you in advance, but don't expect me to help you with them anytime soon…" Sovrano said, before jumping off the dock and into the ocean.

When Marcie went to see where he went, Sovrano was already gone…

"Wow, he disappeared just like that…" She muttered to herself, looking at her hand. "I just hope I made the right decision… If he can help me… What do I have to lose, right?"

"A lot."

Marcie looked behind her. "Please tell me you're a human and not a monster."

The hooded figure chuckled a bit at that. "Do not worry, I did not come here to fight you. I came to speak with you. I have been watching you, Marcie Fleach. For a long time now, and I must say… The dreams that you have been receiving, and this whole ordeal is no coincidence."

"You have been chosen."

"By who?" Marcie asked, curious.

The figure smiled under the hood. "The fate and the universe and right now, it will test you these 7 years to come. Just like Sovrano predicted, It will happen."

"You know him?"

"Oh yes… I've met him once…"

"Then you know about my pact." Marcie said, curious to know where this was going. "Do you know how it works?"

"Oh I know… But I do not know how it works for him… But I do know from another being."

"Who?"

"Ferralle… And right now? She's at your father's door… Looking for you."

Marcie's eyes widened in horror of the situation, running in the direction of the town and to her home. 'Dad, Don't you dare open the door to no one… Please…!"

Fleach Residence, Crystal Cove

February 5, 2014, 4:15 pm

Winslow Fleach heard a knock on the front door; he went to see who it was, before the door slowly opened on its own. Winslow stepped away from it, as the menacing figure of Feralle stood over him.

"Who are you?"

The being smirked, laughing menacingly at him. "I am Feralle, and I have come to take the one named Marcie Fleach.."

"What do you want with my daughter?" Winslow asked, backing away from the being.

"She has been targeted by my master, something that shouldn't be ignored in my opinion." The being smirked, releasing her claws in means of protection and brutal force.

The man gulped, tripping on his own feet from terror. He looked up, seeing the menacing figure of Ferralle on him.