Episode 19: Reaper Of Death

July 4th 2:30 p.m.

Dark clouds filled the skies above. Crackles of thunder erupted from them as rain began to fall below. Rain... such a sight to witness. Some dislike it as it restricts them from outdoor activities or from a practical perspective, soaks them for those who aren't prepared for it. While others simply stare at it in awe and can't look away, even if they wanted to. On one side rain can be described with the words gloomy, despair, and sorrow. On the other side it can be described with the words beautiful, mesmerizing, and calmness.

Within Destiny City lies Celina Mortuary and Funeral House. One of five funeral homes in the city and the best place to say farewell to those that have departed from the world.

Inside the building far in the back Onyx calmly walked through the quiet hallway and approached a door before opening it. Walking into the room he turned the lights on. From above the lights illuminated, although several of them were dim with a few flickering due to the faulty wiring. Onyx himself was never bothered by this ever since he started working at the mortuary. It actually mattered little to him since he enjoyed this kind of lighting.

Walking forward Onyx stopped in the middle of the room, surrounded by three tables with body-bags on them. His eyes locked onto the middle table in front of him. Gazing at the bag he immensely stared at it. As he reached out his hand for the zipper a sudden knock gave pause to his arm. Retracting his arm he turned around and walked toward the door. Reaching the knob he twisted it and pulled, opening the door. On the other side were the Park Sisters, Angela and Chelsea.

Angela wore a solid strapless white dress with white earrings, a touch of lip-gloss, and white dress shoes with blue bow-ties at their centers. As for Chelsea, she wore a Gothic black dress with straps, black eyeshadow, black lipstick, black nail-polish, and black dress shoes. Both girls displayed swelled eyes with dry tears falling down their cheeks.

"May I help you?" Onyx asked.

"We want to see him." Chelsea said, seething through her teeth.

"I'm afraid I cannot allow that. The service will start in an hour. You both may see him when it begins." Onyx replied.

"Please? We understand that we should wait, but...but...can't we just see him before the service? Please?" Angela said.

Their expressions of sorrow was all too familiar to Onyx. Though different, it was clear these sisters felt utmost and devastating pain. It was a rule that mourners, family, associates, and acquaintances aren't allow to see the departed until the service began. However, ever so often, he can let it slide.

"Very well. Does your mother know where the both of you are?" Onyx replied, allowing them in.

"She's too busy crying her eyes out. Plus she's with our grandparents." Chelsea answered.

As the girls walked inside Onyx closed the door behind him as he watched them walk toward the tables. Following them Onyx walked passed them toward the middle table again. Reaching his hand out he grasped onto the zipper of the body-bag and opened it. Inside was a pale-skinned male with short black hair, a mustache, and a unshaven beard.

Both sisters stood side by side as they looked at the person. Angela raised both of her hands toward her mouth as tears started swelling in her eyes. Chelsea's visible eyes was filled with tears as well, however her hands slowly clenched themselves as did her teeth. A noticeable glare and angry expression formed on her face.

"I apologize for your loss, girls." Onyx offered.

"Thanks, but honestly...the bastard had this coming. Karma finally caught up to him." Chelsea choked as a tear fell down her cheek.

"Chelsea!" Angela yelled, looking at her sister.

"It did!" Chelsea screamed. "Don't forget that he left us! He never cared about us or mom! And let's not forget what he did to me!" She added as she raised her hair up from the left side. A noticeable scar was shown as well as her other eye, except both the pupil and iris were completely clear.

Angela soon glared at her sister. Both stared at each other intensely as floods of tears fell from their eyes. Angela shut her eyes before she covered her face with her hands. Her legs wobbled before she fell onto her knees, sobbing. Chelsea herself shut her eye and clenched her hands even tighter than before. Light sobs left her mouth as lifted her head.

Onyx calmly watched them. Closing his eyes for a brief moment he slowly opened them up again and helping Angela up from the floor. "Is Kameron here?" He asked them.

Both sisters looked at him as they id their best to pull themselves together. "Y-Yes. He is along with the rest of our friends." Angela answered.

"I suggest you both go to them and your family. I understand your pain, even if you believe I don't, but be assured that with time it will get better. You both may not know it yet since you are still young, but have faith. Take my words if you wish, but only you yourselves decide how you want to move forward." Onyx replied.

Chelsea sniffled as she wiped away her tears. "Don't worry. I'm already a lot better without him in my life."

"I...I...I'm not sure. He wasn't the best father we've had, and even after everything he did I still can't help but feel bad for him. Is that bad?" Angela said.

"It is not." Onyx replied, placing a hand on her shoulder. "For now, you both must leave so the service can begin. Understand?"

Angela slowly nodded. Onyx softly patted her shoulder as she walked toward the door. Turning to Chelsea she took one last glance at her departed father before following her sister out the door.

July 4th 7:00 p.m.

Transylvania. The center of Romania. If there was ever a place you wanted to go to revolving Gothic architecture, hear horror themed stories, or even experience a time within creepy and disturbing areas then this is the place for you.

Within Hollow Cemetery a large black portal erupted with Onyx and Pearl stepping out of it. As it closed Pearl immediately began observing their surroundings. Up above was a pitch-black dark sky with a crescent moon accompanied by stars. All around were numerous tombstones with crows perched onto them and a massive gate in the distance.

'Ugh. Transylvania. Out of all the places we could've gone to, why did it have to be this place?' Pearl thought as her body lightly shivered.

Soon the crows began to caw, making Pearl give out a short scream. Some of the crows took flight and left their perches before finding new ones near the gate. Silently walking forward Onyx kept his eyes straight as Pearl followed him.

Exiting the cemetery they soon followed a path leading into a forest. Step after step the sounds of crickets and owls entered their ears. As they walked Pearl took a few glances at Onyx. Raising her hands she slowly tapped her index fingers together while letting out a small hum. It wasn't often they would pair up for a mission, only rarely actually.

'Okay. You should talk to him. See if you can make this work.' Pearl thought to herself. Just as she attempted to open her mouth, her eyes lightly expanded before she slapped her forehead. 'Wait. This is Onyx I'm with right now. I know things aren't very good between us, but... Maybe I shouldn't bring this up at the moment?' She then shut her eyes tightly and started shaking her head. 'No! I need to do this. I have to do this.'

"Umm... Onyx?" Pearl spoke.

Onyx lightly turned his head to her.

"This might not be the best time, however...I just wanted to say I'm sorry." She told him.

He looked at her for a moment before turning his head back. As he did he felt something grabbing onto his hand, making him stop in place.

"I know you understand why we did what we did. And I am truly sorry for hurting your sister. Please. Is there a way we can make amends?" Pearl softly said.

She lightly added more pressure onto his hand as she stared at the back of his head.

As the sounds of owls and crickets continued no response was said from Onyx. Nothing. He just stood there while Pearl was holding onto his hand. Her eyes slowly trembled, waiting for him to say something, anything. It didn't come.

Closing her eyes she released his hand from hers. With his hand freed he continued walking forward. 'I shouldn't have done that.' Pearl thought to herself as she followed him.

July 4th 7:30 p.m.

Making their way out of the forest Onyx and Pearl arrived at their location, Orasul Rautacios.

Crossing over Necro Bridge they stepped into the town's entrance. Oddly enough there was not a single person in sight. The street lights were still illuminating as well as the hanging lanterns, but no people.

'Either the Corrupted had gotten to them or the civilians are hidden away.' Onyx thought to himself.

'Are we too late?' Pearl thought to herself.

Walking up Ghoul Avenue a loud screech froze the duo in place. Their eyes ascended above to see a large figure descending below. Landing a few feet from them the creature's features were shown from the moonlight. The creature was gray and furry with large pointy ears, sharp fangs and claws, gray eyes, and wings stretched out from his arms. It's Gem was placed on it's forehead.

Opening it's mouth the creature raised it's arms out and released a strong and powerful screech. The sonic vibrations from the frequency pushed Onyx and Pearl back several feet away from it, knocking them to the ground. With another screech the creature flapped it's wings and dashed toward them. Just as it reached out with it's claws Onyx opened a portal beneath them and vanished. The creature turned it's head from left to right as it's ears twitched, however just as it attempted to take flight a black portal opened up above it and before it could even react it's head fell from it's body.

Onyx and Pearl landed behind the creature as it's body fell forward before it poofed. Pearl walked over to the Gem and placed it in a bubble before sending it away.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but was that a giant bat?" Pearl asked.

"Yes." Onyx answered. "Although...I am certain there isn't just one of them. Bats live in solitude, though there are times when they travel in groups." He added.

A light gasp left Pearl's mouth, "Oh, right. I remember learning about that from an educational animal show."

Dismissing his scythe Onyx and Pearl began walking away from the area. As they made it to the end of the avenue a voice called out Onyx's name. Turning his head his eyes were locked onto a nearby alleyway. Walking toward it a person stepped out of the shadows and revealed herself. It was a young girl. She had crimson red hair and red eyes. She wore a simple red dress with black outlines and accents, and bright red heels. Her hair was frazzled while her dress was nearly torn, and she was afraid, but her eyes had a small sense of relief in them.

"Onyx. It's you. It's really you, isn't it?" The girl said as she slowly approached him and Pearl.

"How do you know my name?" Onyx asked.

"My mother and father told me a lot about you since I was little. You've been our guardian for decades until you disappeared one night. But tonight the Reaper has returned." The young girl said a she took Onyx's hands into her own. "My name is Veronica Blood."

Blood... Wait... That name sounded familiar. "Do you know a woman named Catherine Blood?" Onyx asked.

Veronica gasped as a small smile stretched across her lips, "Yes! My Great, Great, Grandmother."

"I see. It is very nice to meet her descendant. As I would like to engage in conversations with you, for the time being me and my acquaintance need to complete our mission. Where is everyone else in town?" Onyx said.

"They're all safe at the Cathedral. I snuck out to check if there was anyone missing and got attacked by this giant bat. It almost killed me until it heard you both coming. So let us go to the Cathedral." Veronica replied.

"What's a Cathedral?" Pearl asked.

"You will see once we get there." Onyx replied as he opened up another portal.

July 4th 7:45 p.m.

Arriving on the opposite side of town Onyx, Pearl, and Veronica made it toward the Cathedral. A large building with various doves and stars placed on it's windows. Honestly, it looked more like a miniature castle rather than a cathedral due to it's size. While it's architecture has definitely aged, it's actually surprising that this place is still standing. Guess the stars really appreciated those that have created it.

"Wow. This is enormous." Pearl said in awe.

"It's a lot more beautiful inside. Come let's us not-" Veronica said.

Just as she attempted to finish Onyx leaped forward and tackled her to the ground. Another bat Corrupted swooped in and missed it's target just as it ascended to the skies again. It screeched into the heavens as it swooped down once more, but as it got near Onyx and Veronica Pearl threw one of her spears at it, piercing it's head. As it crashed into the ground the Corrupted poofed before Pearled rushed in and bubbled it away.

"Thank you." Veronica said.

"No problem." Pearl replied. "Are you okay, Onyx?" She added.

He silently nodded as he got up while helping Veronica. Without anymore delays the trio rushed toward the cathedral. "Sanctuary! Please give us sanctuary!" Veronica yelled as she banged the door.

The sounds of locks were heard as the door to the cathedral opened up and allowed them inside. Once inside two people who were near the door immediately locked it again. Straight ahead were the rest of the towns people. They all turned their eyes onto Onyx and Pearl with looks of relief and caution.

"Veronica!"

Veronica turned around to see her parents running up to her. As they approached her her mother immediately wrapped her into her arms. "You had us worried to death! What were you thinking going out alone!?" Her mother cried.

"I'm sorry, mama. I wanted to be sure everyone was safe. And I've brought back our savior." Veronica replied.

As her mother released her both her and her father turned their eyes onto Onyx. "The Reaper...has returned." Veronica's father whispered.

"No! He must be thrown out of our sacred place!" A voice yelled out.

From the crowd a man in a black suit stepped up with a glare on his face. "He is no savior! He is a demon! Him and that woman!"

"Don't be absurd!" Veronica yelled. "The Reaper has protected our town for generations. He is no demon!"

"Do not be so blind, child! They are responsible for those creatures that slaughtered countless innocent lives! They are responsible for all the turmoil we've had to suffer from! And now they have tainted our haven!" The man yelled back.

"Excuse me!" Pearl yelled, gaining the man's attention. "Yes, we are responsible for the Corrupted, but we are doing everything we can to make up for it."

"Why don't you say that to my mother, who I had to bury after one of those bat monsters took her life!" The man replied.

Pearl's eyes expanded as she shut her mouth. Before she attempted to say anything else Onyx placed a hand onto her shoulder, making her look at him. She looked at his eyes. His eyes were enough for her to understand. He was a man of few words, but just a gaze at his eyes were enough for her to know what he was saying.

Releasing her shoulder Onyx summoned out his scythe. He then walked toward the man as his eyes quickly trembled. Raising his arm he grabbed the man and pulled him close to his face as everyone watched.

"Go ahead! Take my life! Show everyone how much of a demon you really are." The man said.

The man looked at his eyes. Those eyes... even if he was doing his best to remain strong the man's composure was slowly degrading. His lips slowly began to tremble as well. "Stop looking at me like that. Say something."

No response.

Soon echoes of screeches entered everyone's ears, making most of the town's people fall to their knees as they intertwined their hands.

"You're life is not worth taking by my hands. Only those deserving shall face death. Hate me if you wish." Onyx said as his tone sounded slightly annoyed.

Releasing the man he soon walked passed him. Pearl quickly followed him without even wondering where he was going.

The Corrupted bats were near, but why haven't they attacked yet? The windows were frail and fragile, surely easy for them to come in and feast on all of the town's people. And those screeches from earlier...they were close by. There was only one place they could be right now. If there was a group of them then they need a large place that's big enough for them to rest. There was only one place in the cathedral for them to be at right now.

Near the altar Onyx opened a door to the that lead to a massive staircase. Remnants of light from the moon was able to help him and Pearl see as he gazed upwards. Above them were the remaining Corrupted. Snapping his fingers Onyx summoned a black portal just above them before jumping into it. Without even saying a word Pearl followed him as the portal closed behind her.

Reaching the top two portals opened up with both Onyx and Pearl dashing out of them with scythe and spear in hand. The Corrupted bats quickly took notice of them and unleashed multiple sonic screeches. Dodging them Onyx gripped his scythe tightly as he swung it toward his target, slicing off it's arm. The Corrupted bat crashed onto the wooden flooring just before Onyx placed his scythe around it's neck and decapitated it.

Pearl readied herself as her target was airborne. It screeched and dived toward her. As it got close Pearl quickly jumped into the air, flipping herself over it as it went airborne again. As it turned around she her spear at it, piercing it's chest and pinning it into the wall.

Two remained.

"I suggest you cover your ears Pearl." Onyx told her.

"Why?" Pearl questioned.

Without a response Onyx dashed toward his right and stretched out his leg. Seeing what he was about to do Pearl quickly covered her ears.

DING! DONG! DING! DONG! DING! DONG! DING! DONG! DING! DONG!

The Corrupted bats started screeching in pain as they instantly fell onto the floor. The bells continued to ring as Onyx took his chance and launched his scythe onto the chest of the first Corrupted, poofing it. Turning to the other he summoned a portal underneath it and watched as it fell in. Directly above him the Corrupted reappeared before Onyx sliced it's torso in half, poofing it instantly.

The cathedral bell slowly stopped and the echoed ring had come to a halt. Pearl released her hands from her ears as she looked up to see Onyx holding the Corrupted Gemstones.

"Ugh. Next time, please warn me when you're going to do something like that, okay?" Pearl said.

Without giving a response Onyx slowly began to add pressure into his hands. Slowly tiny cracks began to form onto the Gemstones just until he gave them one last squeeze. Pearl gasped as she watched this and witnessed shards falling toward his feet.

"Onyx... Why...? Why did you do that?!" She screamed as she pinned him to the wall by her hands. "And this time don't give me the silent treatment! We're suppose to poof them and contain them until we find a cure, not shatter them!"

No words exited out of Onyx's mouth. As Pearl slowly removed her hands for his shoulders he stepped forward, raising his hand and pinning Pearl against the wall, grasping onto her throat. Pearl gawked as she soon grasped onto his arm.

"Onyx...you're hurting...me. Please...stop." Pearl choked as he tightened his grip.

She didn't have a throat nor lungs or even an actually neck. It was very pointless to conduct such irrational behavior towards her, but...at this very moment...and this time...it was necessary for Onyx's case.

"I don't like to talk much. The reason I am doing this to you Pearl is so you can full understand." He said as his tone sounded angry.

"Under...stand what?" Pearl asked.

"I am the wrong person you should be apologizing to. If you wish for forgiveness then come to my home and say it directly to my sister. No excuses. Further...I do understand why Rose Quartz did what she did, but it does not excuse her for the consequences of her actions. Everyone has repercussions for their actions. We may never forgive ourselves for all the bloodshed, violence, and deaths of those that have fought by our sides, but we must forgive and embrace everything we've done. Take your time, but you will apologize to my sister. Am I clear?"

Looking at him Pearl noticed a change in his expression. His eyes were now narrowed.

"I...will. I promise. Please let me go."

Onyx's face soon returned to his default setting as he released Pearl's neck. Pearl fell to her knees as lightly coughed while rubbing her neck. Looking up she noticed Onyx offering his hand to her. Just seconds ago he was choking her and now he was helping her up?

Taking his hand into her he lifted her up. "Speak a word about my actions to my parents or family and that will be the end of your existence."

"I understand." Pearl replied.

"I do not wish to hurt you or the Crystals unless it is required. Always remember that." Onyx told her as they walked into a portal.

End of Episode 19.

Hope you all enjoyed it. I know that some of you might be questioning the dark ending here, but I assure you all that this is part of Onyx's character and I felt like it was necessary.

Next Time:

Morality Part 1