Alex trembled quietly as she walked through the monster world. This was a place of beasts that feasted on human flesh- most preferred young women. Joanna was shrunk into a doll, as if that was reassuring.

The two girls had a disturbing conversation hours earlier.

"Who are you? What do you want from me?!" Ariel was breathing rapidly, "ALEX!"

Alex was snapped out of her reflective state with a shock. Oh, the girl must have overheard the two Russos talking.

"I just want my daughter back, and Justin needs you. I have no choice."

Ariel whimpered in fear, "Can't you just tell your lover not to do this?"

Alex shrugged, "Even when we were kids he didn't listen to me."

"How long have you known one another?"

Alex knew what the captive was doing; getting her to talk, get her to feel some compassion. Well, that was no longer a possibility, "I don't know him well anymore, but we grew up together. We were so competitive, and one day, I just turned on him... I wonder if he hates me for it...?"

"So he's like a brother to you?"

Alex laughed bitterly, "He is my brother."

Ariel blushed, "Oh... sorry, just... the way he talks to you..."

Alex waved her hand, "There's no need for apology." The Russo girl stared down into her captive's eyes to communicate the truth: brother and lover both. That was who he was.

Justin was totally quiet, and, not surprisingly, totally at peace. These had been his minions. And he was a full wizard, so if anything decided it wanted a piece of him... it would get a 'slice'. For the first time in a very, very long time, he was a source of comfort for Alex. None of the monsters would try and get her while he was still here.

"So tell me about your life."

Alex was shocked to hear this. She stuttered a bit before sighing wearily. What were they? For the one million and twentieth time that day, the Latina considered their relationship. Was he her protective older brother? Her rapist? Her lover?

"Information was not a part of the deal."

Justin shrugged, "Fine."

They walked in silence, passing unmarked graves and bones of daunting origins.

"What do you care anyways?"

Justin sighed, "...Information was not a part of the deal, remember?"

He snickered, walking away. Alex huffed and followed, "My life is not yours, Justin!"

He whirled on her, "Are you sure about that? Because I do own you. You're like my toy." This was a major mistake on his part.

"You never did. And I am not your toy!" She got into his face, "You always took care of your possesions, obcessing over every small detail! You treated me horribly compared to your little dolls! This could be a trap, leading me into a monster's lair, and just run off...!"

"And then my wound would re-open, and I would die." He made a sarcastic thinking face, "I suppose that you really weren't the smart one, were you?!"

She smacked him.

...

...

Justin turned back. Alex flinched as his hands rose, but instead, he wrapped them around her, "Yeah."

That was it.

The walked in silence until they found Justin's friend, Azazel. He told them that there was a powerful new wizard in town who was making a move against the Russo family.

"No idea whose game they're playing, but they've got a looooot of anger."

Justin nodded, "Here's payment." He tossed the beast Ariel, "Let's get out of here, Alex."