Chapter 8

We were all sitting at Patch's living room, looking expectantly at Basso. Patch was a bit hesitant to let an Archangel inside the city under Delphic Amusement Park, even inside his home but the urgency had won over. Basso cleared his throat, apparently uncomfortable as well. Even though there were only two fallen angels in the world now, the idea of being in the city of the fallen unsettled him.

"Since the fall of Man, several Archangels and the Avenging Angels have seen the emergence of creatures besides the Nephilim race. We believed that these creatures are the manifestation of Man's sins. Most of the time, these creatures would feed on man. We didn't stop this because the human's population had been growing rapidly. As they grew in number, their sins grew as well. Death would always balance this.

"But sometimes, these creatures would get out of control. They would slaughter and kill aimlessly and without prejudice. Sometimes, their presence would threaten the humans in general. When this happens, the Avenging Angles would intervene, destroying the creatures that threaten the humans the most. These creatures would not be identified nor revealed to us. They are too vile to interact with Angels so their powers and abilities are never revealed to us, not until the Avenging Angels would annihilate their kind."

"So one of these creatures are now threatening to bring Devilcraft back to the world." Patch concluded simply, crossing his arms.

Basso nodded. "We believe so. The creatures that are interested in Devilcraft are old, immortal, and powerful. They are civilized and intelligent enough. However, they would establish territories and once they do, they are fiercely protective of it.

"These things are naturally nomads, wandering either alone or with one other companion. However, there are several groups that are large enough to be considered as clans. The closest one is in Washington State, in the small town of Forks while the largest clan can be found in Volterra, Italy, with fifteen members.

"We believe that the clan in Volterra is these creatures' peacekeepers. When their kind threatens the slaughter of a large number of humans for whatever reason, the clan from Volterra would sweep down and eliminate any threat to keep the peace. These creatures actually had alerted us several times before, however, because of this clan, they had actually prevented the elimination of their own kind in many occasions.

"Several years ago, a huge number of these creatures rapidly emerged in Seattle. This threatened the peace of the humans. A lot of them were being slaughtered and killed. So naturally, this sudden activity alerted us Archangels and the Avenging Angels. We theorized that these creatures were preparing for war against the nearest clan, the one in Forks. We believed that they were going to start a territorial war. It was clear that the clan in Forks knew this was coming as well so they came prepared. A battle had begun. The clan in Forks came out victorious with all of their members intact. The Volterra clan had several of its members sent to the area but they did not intervene in the battle. Afterwards, however, they eliminated every single member of the Seattle clan.

"However, several months later, the clan in Forks added two members. After this, they began to recruit several of the other clans around the world, even some nomads. Their number began to grow until Forks had at least thirty members. What bothered us more is ever since their battle against the Seattle clan, they had the allegiance of another type of creature, still unknown to us. These creatures had helped them defeat the Seattle clan. So now, this clan has the advantage of numbers, their own powers, and the strength of another unknown set of creatures.

"We believed this particular clan was ready for domination. We believed they were planning to overthrow the clan in Volterra and become the leaders of their kind. However, the Volterra must have seen this coming so they came down to Forks. They began to recruit nomads and other clans all over the world. Their original number tripled and they faced the clan in Forks.

"What puzzled us most is after all the activity and preparations, no war had begun. However, the Volterra clan killed one of its own and left. We assumed that a diplomatic solution had settled the conflict and we thought it was the end of that.

"Last month, after the battle during Cheshvan, interest of Devilcraft had been stirring within their kind. We do not know how they got the knowledge of Devilcraft and we do not know which clan is actually interested in it. So the Archangels and the Avenging Angels had concluded that since there are no one that knows this area better than you two, we need your help to eliminate this threat."

I stood up quickly, angered. "So you're telling me you held a trial for Patch because you want us to eliminate this threat?! Patch didn't really do anything!"

Basso nodded again, slowly this time. "I do admit that this was the only way to get you into it."

"But you had the threat of hell hanging over our heads!" I screamed, outraged. "Is it impossible for you to just ask us?!"

To my surprise and fury, Basso laughed. "We are Archangels. Even if we didn't place Jev in a trial, we would still have the power to hold a decree to bind Jev into this job. But honestly, if we asked you about this, there is a large possibility that Jev, along with you, would run. We knew he was flight risk ever since we asked him to stay away from you. This is a good way for him not to be sent to hell, Nora."

"He is right, Nora," Patch said behind me, gently tugging at my hand, signaling me to sit down. "If they asked or even commanded me to do it, I wouldn't do it. I would just run away."

"Besides, we're Archangels. We don't do anything without a little show of authority in it," Basso added with a full-on grin.

I snarled but said nothing else as I was compelled to sit down and become silent. I looked at Patch and I knew this is a part of the agreement I entered just a few minutes ago. Patch ignored the glares I was shooting him and looked directly at Basso.

"So since you assumed the Volterra clan is the peacekeeper, you are saying the Forks clan is the one interested in Devilcraft," he said in a definite tone once more.

"Yes," Basso said, returning Patch's intense stare. "We believe that the Forks clan would use Devilcraft to overthrow Volterra and become their kind's new leader. It isn't impossible. If they recruited the help of the same clans the last time and the unknown creatures and pair that with the power of Devilcraft, the Volterra clan would not stand a chance. Furthermore, they would have the control over the others of their kind and who knows what horrors they would inflict on Man."

"We need to be prepared then," Patch looked at me meaningfully. "If we're dealing with unknown creatures in great numbers and unknown powers, we'll need to have our own edge as well."

"Well, the Archangels were hoping these things would be diplomatic. If you convince them, they might cease their efforts."

"How do you suppose we do that?" I asked Basso curtly.

He shrugged. "That would be up to you. But to help you out, the Avenging Angels agreed to guard Hell's entrance to prevent any attempts from these creatures. I have also guaranteed that if these creatures attempt to hurt you in anyway, you are at the liberty to fight back. If you fail to stop these creatures, the Avenging Angels would eliminate their kind and sad to say, you would be sent to hell."

"If we fail, what would happen to Nora?" Patch asked.

"Nothing. Like what I said, she is still partly human so she is protected. But we do believe that knowing you are in hell for all eternity would be enough of a punishment for her."

Basso raised his eyebrows knowingly at me and I nodded.

"So, you're saying we have to stop them diplomatically?" I asked him, knowing by the sound of these creatures, nothing would be done diplomatically.

He shook his head. "No. Though we prefer things would remain diplomatic, we would accept any method as long as these creatures wouldn't get to the Devilcraft at all."

"I need you to guarantee one thing," Patch said, standing up.

"What is it?"

"I want allies. I want the numbers too"

"Who are you going to recruit for this mission, Jev?" he inquired suspiciously. I feared where this was going.

"The Nephilim race."

My stomach dropped as my fears were confirmed. Basso's face hardened. "Why would you want their help for this mission?"

"Because they know Devilcraft and it had been used against them in the past as well. They do not want this power to get out of hell as much as you do. The deaths of their brother and sisters are still fresh in their mind. Besides, they are the only other creatures powerful enough and immortal enough to fight the creatures you talked about. Of course, we only need pure-bred or half-bred Nephils fighting in our side. There's no use having third generations and on fighting this because they are mortals."

"And I suppose you want Nora to recruit them for you?"

I whipped at him in disbelief but he refused to look at me. "Yes. There's no one better to fuel their rage other than the heir of Black Hand herself and the person who saved them from Devilcraft."

"Very well but they would be your responsibility, Jev. If one of these Nephils mess it up, it would be on both of your heads. Do I make myself clear?"

Patch nodded.

Basso stood up and fixed his suit. He stuck his hand out and Patch shook it. "Very well. We have a deal. I will convene this to the rest of the Archangels. Good day to the both of you."

He exited out without another look back. I turned towards Patch who looked as calm as ever. "You want the Nephil race to be involved in this?!"

He shrugged. "Either way, they would know about it. I don't think something this big, especially this close to their heart, would escape from them."

"How do you suppose I get their cooperation?!"

"Come on, Nora," Peper said finally that I forgot he was even there. "You know as well as the rest of us that they are at your feet right now. You can tell them exactly what you need. Just call on a meeting and tell them your strategy." He bit his lip. "Hang on, what is our strategy?"

"We need to settle this diplomatically with the Forks clan first. However, we are not going there unprepared. We will have the loyalty of the Nephil race with us even before we go just in case things get ugly," Patch said, combing his hair with his fingers as he think. "Pepper and I will go to Forks and you will wait for any news of us here with the Nephil race, Nora. If we cannot talk to them diplomatically, get ready for war."

I opened my mouth in protest. "I'm not going to miss this! I'm not going to stay here and wait!"

"No, it's too dangerous. We don't even know what we're dealing with."

"But I can handle myself!"

He shook his head firmly. "Who do you suppose will lead them here, then? It cannot be me or Pepper since both of us are fallen angels. It has to be you. You are their leader."

I quickly racked my brains for any argument. There was no way I would let Patch leave again, not when I just got him back. "Yes, but no one alive knows Devilcraft more than me! In case you forgot, I ingested it and I was wounded by it."

Pepper nodded in agreement. "Well you really can't argue with that, Jev."

He shook his head. "No. We still need to have someone prepare the Nephils, train them."

Then it suddenly hit me. "Vee!"

"What?"

"Vee can train them. She's a Nephil too. She'll know what to do with them. Most of all, her loyalty is with me."

Patch rubbed his chin, thinking deeply, no doubt, for a loophole in my argument. When he sighed, it sounded resigned. "Very well, you can come. But I want you to call a Nephilim meeting right away. Get Vee in it as well."

I nodded in agreement. But something was bothering me, something I just realized now as I thought back on Basso's story about these creatures. One of clans resided in Italy. A few seconds passed by as I thought why that should matter before it hit me. "Patch!"

"Yeah?"

"One of the clans is in Italy."

He nodded, slowly, trying to figure out where I was going with this. "Yeah, and?"

"Marcie!"

"What about her?"

"Marcie is in Italy too. She suddenly disappeared, remember?"

He frowned. "You don't think she had something to do with this, do you?"

"I think she knows about Devilcraft, or at least her mother does. It's like what you said, nothing is coincidence anymore. I think it's possible they had informed the Volterra clan about Devilcraft." I bit my lip, thinking. "Do you think that instead of the Forks clan wanting to get their hands on Devilcraft, it's actually the Volterra clan?"

"But why?" Pepper asked, pacing back and forth. He was engaged in this as much as we were. "They have everything: immortality, power, and prestige among their own kind. I don't think they need Devilcraft."

"But they are against the Forks clan," Patch pointed out. "What if they want the Devilcraft to make sure the Forks clan never questions them. Basso said their conflict was diplomatically resolved but what if the Volterra clan actually wants this to make sure no one would question them ever again? What if they want to use this to destroy the Forks clan?"

"That would imply they are drunk with power," Pepper answered him, frowning. "Regimes rise and fall but if they have the Devilcraft by their side, theirs would never see their downfall."

"Exactly."

"It does actually make more sense if the Forks clan wants it," I told both of them. "I mean, that's what the Archangels thought. They are the ones who actually started recruiting first, didn't they? So that means, they wanted the war to happen first. They challenged their royalties first."

Patch nodded. "We'll never know if we keep theorizing here. We need to go directly to the root of the problem. We're going to Forks, Washington."

Even though I had my doubts as to who wanted the Devilcraft, I decided to use the possibility that Marcie and Susanna were somehow involved into this to convince Lisa to get a meeting for me. I called her at her old number once I got home, doubting it would work. But I was extremely surprised when she picked up.

"What do you want?" she asked with hostility.

"I think I know where Marcie and Susanna could be."

"Where?" she was still suspicious.

"Italy."

I could hear her snarl on the other line. "I know they are in Italy. Do not play games with me girl."

I inhaled a sharp breath of air. I might as well push this theory of mine to the edge. "Well I think they're in trouble. But I cannot talk unless it's a secure line. I want you to call a meeting with the other members of the Black Hand's society. I want them to hear what I have to say."

"And why should I believe you?"

"Because I have answers to your search. I'm the only lead you have. I figured you already went to Italy and had not found them. I think they were abducted."

"How can members of the Nephil race be abducted?!" she was screaming. Apparently she still doesn't believe me.

"Not in an unsecured line," I hissed. "Call the meeting or you won't get anything." I hung up, wondering she'll take the bait.

The following day, I received a text message from her, telling me to go to the Marriot hotel in Portland that night. Somehow, within twenty-four hours, she had convinced important members of the society to hear what I have to say. I immediately called Patch so if this was some kind of trap, I wouldn't be alone in it. I also called Vee because she's vital to this plan. We agreed to meet at the place. I quickly locked up and drove my Volkswagon to the Marriot hotel.

Vee was standing by the lobby, waiting for me patiently. When I reached her, she grabbed me by the hand. "What is it? You sounded really urgent. Is it Lisa?"

"I just wanted you to become a part of the Black Hand's society."

Her mouth dropped. "Say what?"

"Come on, I'll explain when we get there." I looked around for Patch but decided he must be somewhere lurking in the shadows. I suppose if he was there with me, it'll be harder for persuade the other members.

I looked quickly for conference 5, turning to several corridors. Finally, I saw oak double-doors with the number 5 plastered on top. I readied myself just in case this was an ambush before turning the doorknob open. Inside were dozens of members of the Black Hand society. They looked at me expectantly. There was a mini-stage in front complete with a podium. Lisa was standing there, in the middle of saying something. Everyone didn't look happy at all, judging by how they frowned.

"Ladies and Gentleman, Nora Grey," Lisa introduced me, waving towards where I was. Vee glanced at me both worried and embarrassed that all of them were looking at us suddenly. I nodded, signaling I'll be fine. She settled in one of the chairs at the back and I walked towards the stage.

I stepped up the podium and looked around the room filled with expectant faces. I cleared my throat and tried to get something out but nothing came. I inhaled sharply.

"Today, we are faced again with another crisis. I recently have found out that we are not alone in this world. Besides the fallen angels that are now banished in hell, there are other creatures that roam this earth that can threaten our safety. Apparently, one of those creatures is now threatening to bring back Devilcraft in order to achieve great power."

The murmur that went throughout the room didn't surprise me. I saw their hesitation to believe me and I don't blame them. I don't have much proof other than my own words. I looked around, estimating the room to be holding about fifty or more people. Wondering if I can do this, I reached out my mental net to them. The resistance was immediate and overwhelming.

"To explain this to you, I need to show you what happened and how it happened. I need to show you the conversation I had with the Archangel who informed me about this."

I felt them resisting longer until I felt like my net was going to break. Taking an inhale, I quickly looked for any of their quick spots and bombarded them with the bombs. One by one, they surrendered. When I had all of them under my control, I concentrated on yesterday's memory. Though I didn't want to brainwash them, I offered suggestions to make them believe me easier. A lot of them yielded while I could still feel several resisting, including Lisa.

Once the memory was finished, I let all of them go, sliding my control off. I gave them a few seconds before letting them recover. "Additionally to that, I think Marcie and Susanna Miller, my father's remaining family are in trouble. They are the only one with the direct link to the Devilcraft and any information about its existence, its whereabouts, and its power."

"Are you accusing Susanna and Marcie of treason?!" Lisa spoke outraged.

I shook my head. "No. But I don't think they are in a safe position right now. The only way we could know for sure is if we investigate this further. But we cannot guarantee a diplomatic solution will be reached if these creatures are desperate and determined to retrieve Devilcraft out of hell. If they do not yield, we will have no choice but to wage war against them to make sure Devilcraft never leaves hell to harm us ever again."

"From what you're saying, it looks like these creatures are not seeking to fight us but they want to fight each other," one man from behind asked in a reasonable tone. "We don't know what these things are capable of. Is it actually worth risking our lives if the enemy is not us?"

"If they know about the Devilcraft, they certainly know about us," I told him. "Would you risk having that power on their hands when they finally do face us? What they are seeking is total domination. Total domination for their creatures for now, yes. But what makes you think they are not going to stop there? We are immortals, most of us. We are powerful and my father had trained you all well. We are a definite threat to them and if we let them, we could be their next target. If we prevent them from getting their hands on Devilcraft, then we would be able to live in harmony."

"Why not just get the Devilcraft ourselves?" another man spoke up from behind the room. "Get the Devilcraft before they get it."

I shook my head. "That would not work. A Nephil once held that and the consequences were grave. That much power should never be yielded by a group seeking for power. If we have that power, I could guarantee you we would be destroying each other next. It is better to have it remain in hell where it cannot harm us. Besides, we would never be able to get to it without being destroyed by the Archangels guarding the entrance of hell right this moment. They will not be merciful and they would make sure every single Nephil, even with the tiniest hint, would be destroyed."

"So what's the plan?" I recognized Vee's voice fom the back.

"I will go to Washington to investigate along with Patch and Pepper." The murmur of the crowd did not sound happy. "I understand that they are the two remaining fallen angel. But remember that Patch helped me save the Nephilim race and in great personal danger while Pepper is forever under him because of his sentence as a fallen angel. They are our allies."

"If you're going, who will stay here and command this army you're planning to build?" the man who asked the question after Lisa raised his voice again.

"I want to introduce you to Vee Sky," I proudly said, beckoning Vee to come in front. She looked stunned as the heads turned to her. She stiffly got up and walked towards the stage.

"What's her qualifications?" the man asked again.

"She had been training me in personal combat. Besides this, she is skilled in mind control and brainwashing. Most importantly, Scott Parnell trained her." When the crowd heard Scott's name, another wave of murmur rose. This time, however, I heard approval.

Vee was staring at me in disbelief however. "Me?" she mouthed, pointing numbly at her chest.

I nodded. "She will show you loyalty and perseverance as she had shown me over and over again. Furthermore, she will have constant communications with me so she will know exactly what needs to be done."

The man who kept asking questions stood up. I recognized him in the previous meetings we held. He had thin glasses above green eyes. He wore a light gray suit and shiny black shoes. His mousy hair was neatly combed. He was one of the closest advisors to Hank when he was still alive but he kept his distance during the war.

"May I suggest something?" he asked me.

"Go right ahead."

"On behalf of the members gathered here today, I think it would be safer if Ms. Sky accompany you to this investigation."

I didn't respond, quickly suspicious. Someone suggesting that we get the Devilcraft for ourselves means they are thinking of it. I didn't want these people to actually attempt stealing Devilcraft.

"Why?"

"Because we believe that it would be better if we have some inkling as to what we're dealing with. It would be harder to communicate what needs to be done physically to Ms. Sky if it is only through a phone."

"Very well then, but I want you to make a Blood Oath," I said firmly.

"Why, do you not trust us?"

"I want to make sure that none of you attempts to get Devilcraft at all," I told them firmly.

They didn't look pleased and I was afraid I was pushing it a little too far. I was already making assumptions here so I might as well make another one. "Don't you see, the Archangels will destroy you if I tell them you are planning this. Just take the Blood Oath and this will be over. Vee will come with me to Washington, come back here with any further instructions, and fight if we must."

"Very well," the man finally said, looking around the room. "We do owe her a lot, fellow members. I think it is fair we show our loyalty to Black Hand's heir."

I felt suspicious even more. Things were never this easy. But here they were, pricking their fingers and slicing their arms, reciting words of loyalty to me. Once every member had finished, they all took a seat. By then, their wounds had healed even before their blood on the carpet had dried. Lisa was the only one standing up.

"I suggest you make a Blood Oath as well," she told me, glaringly.

I was committing myself a lot. "What do you want done?"

"Find Marcie and Susanna."

"Is that it?"

She nodded.

"Very well." I took my nail and dug into my skin. My strength immediately broke through the thin layers and I was able to shake off a couple of drops of blood. "I swear to find Marcie and Susanna Miller. If not, I would return to dust."

Seemingly satisfied, she sat down. Unsure if she realized she just forced me to find them but not keep them safe, I continued on without pointing it out. "For now, I want all the pure-blooded and half-blooded Nephil to begin their training. We have several of our commanders so please prepare. This meeting is adjourned."