Lilith, shrewd and propelled by her nefarious goals, ventured into the human realm with a definitive purpose: to locate and scrutinize Kathy. She was aware that comprehending the girl's daily routine and her acquaintances was crucial to approaching Darkness.
Mrs. Bellmont, Kathy's teacher, was a strict and oblivious individual. Lilith encountered her alone in a classroom, engaged in grading. Stealthily, Lilith advanced, undetected until the final moment.
With a mere gesture, Lilith enacted a spell, seizing Mrs. Bellmont's soul. The teacher's form writhed as her essence was siphoned away. Her hair shed in tufts, her teeth decayed and dislodged, and her skin aged and withered in moments. Mrs. Bellmont's cries of distress reverberated in the vacant room, laden with fear and suffering. "Should I endure this crone's visage, it must serve my pursuit of that contemptible offspring of Death and his intriguing companion," she murmured. Content with her new guise, Lilith exited the classroom, seamlessly mingling with the oblivious pupils and faculty. "Time to unearth the human world's mysteries," she intoned, her voice now a replica of Mrs. Bellmont's. Roaming the corridors, she kept a watchful eye on Kathy, cataloging her social exchanges and mannerisms. Lilith's malevolent scheme was underway. She intended to exploit her disguise to draw nearer to Kathy and, ultimately, to Darkness. As days elapsed, Lilith's surveillance intensified. She monitored Kathy's every action, biding her time for an opportune moment. The stratagem was in play, and Lilith was resolute in leveraging every tactic to ensnare her progeny and fulfill her dark aspirations.
Lilith had flawlessly assumed Mrs. Bellmont's identity, integrating into the human realm with ease. Daily, she monitored Kathy, cataloging her routines and social interactions, yet Darkness remained undetected, shrouded in obscurity.
As Lilith diligently documented Kathy's life—her habits, acquaintances, and favored haunts—she harbored the hope that some clue would surface, leading her to Darkness. Pondering the enigma, Lilith whispered, "How can he remain so concealed when he's so near?" Her patience was fraying. "There must be more to this girl."
Her demon ally, keen to display his loyalty, proposed with urgency, "Mistress, perhaps a provoked response is in order. A situation that compels Darkness into the open might be our answer." Contemplating the proposal, a malevolent grin emerged on Lilith's face. "Indeed, a compelling scenario might just draw him out."
With her strategy taking shape, Lilith's resolve intensified. She was prepared to go to any lengths to coax Darkness from hiding, with Kathy as the unwitting lure. The risks were immense, yet Lilith reveled in the gamble. She would persist in her surveillance, biding her time for the opportune moment to act. Darkness might be veiled for now, but Lilith's patience was steadfast, and she was certain that eventually, he would slip.
Darkness and Strike were determined to have a glimpse at the human realm, a task that had become exceedingly challenging ever since Uncle War assumed control of the mirror's surveillance, preventing any unsanctioned excursions into the human world.
"Young nephews, Darkness and Strike, what brings you here?" War's stern voice pierced the silence, startling the pair.
Strike began to respond, "Well, we were going to see the Hu—"
However, before he could finish, Darkness quickly stepped on Strike's foot, stopping him from disclosing their real purpose. Strike grimaced in pain but remained silent.
"We... were coming to see you, Uncle War, and to ask how you... erm... managed to deal with that angel, Uriel" Darkness lied on the spot, trying to sound convincing.
War narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing them both. "Is that so?" he questioned, his tone skeptical. "Dealing with angels demands precision and strength. You should both concentrate on your training." Strike, still in pain but following Darkness's lead, nodded. "Absolutely, Uncle. We seek to learn from the best." War's expression softened slightly, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Very well, but remember, the human realm is off-limits without proper authorization. Keep your focus on your duties." Darkness and Strike both nodded, a sense of relief washing over them as War turned his attention back to the mirror. As they walked away, Strike muttered under his breath, "You really didn't need to stomp that hard."
Darkness chuckled, "Well, you should've kept your mouth shut, Strike!" Strike sighed but couldn't help but chuckle. "Did I tell you how much I hate you, Darkness?" Darkness offered a sly grin. "All the time." They knew they had to wait for the moment when War was no longer watching the mirror. "We might require Wreckage's assistance," Darkness contemplated, strategizing their forthcoming actions.
As Strike limped away, Darkness overheard his uncle Strife's robust laughter. "Oh Strike, he got you again." A chuckle escaped Darkness despite himself, but he swiftly refocused on the imminent task. He had to consult with his cousin Wreckage. Navigating the complex corridors, a feeling of unease began to settle in. Dealing with Strike was one thing, but Wreckage was a completely different challenge. With his unpredictable and resolute disposition, Wreckage was not easily persuaded. Arriving at Wreckage's quarters, Darkness hesitated, organizing his thoughts. Inside, he observed Wreckage immersed in his typical disordered endeavors, amidst a disarray of mechanical parts.
"Wreckage," Darkness announced, maintaining a neutral tone.
Wreckage glanced up, his eyes reflecting interest. "Ah, cousin! What brings you here?"
Taking a deliberate breath, Darkness responded, "I require your assistance. It concerns the human domain."
"So, the human realm?" Fearless, the perennial rule-breaker, appeared suddenly with a grin. "I'm in as well."
Fearless never cared for rules, a trait passed down from her mother, Fury, who hardly disciplined her. In fact, she encouraged her daughter's rebellious streak. Wreckage raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. "The human realm? That's fraught with risk. What do I gain?" Darkness proceeded with caution. "I can't offer guarantees, but it will be worthwhile. We must reach the mirror undetected by War." Wreckage reclined, his smirk evident. "Lucky for you, I relish a challenge. And observing your attempt might provide some amusement. Any hidden complications?" Darkness exhaled, thankful for Wreckage's curiosity. "Discretion is key. War must remain oblivious. Do I have your support?" Wreckage's laughter resonated in the chamber. "This will be entertaining. I'm on board, cousin. But if things deteriorate, I won't be the only one accountable."
Darkness agreed with a resolute gaze. "Understood. Let's proceed."
Darkness acknowledged that with their combined efforts, their scheme was unlikely to fail.
As they strategized, Darkness sensed the onset of a greater ordeal. Yet, with Wreckage and Fearless allied with him, he harbored a sliver of optimism.
Within Eclipsia's core, Death walked restlessly, his thoughts clouded with apprehension. "Those kids are up to something," he murmured, a look of suspicion on his visage.
"Stop being paranoid, Death," Fury retorted, her voice laced with indifference.
"They're just children. We can manage. Their ploys will fail," War interjected, his tone imbued with assurance.
Death halted, giving War a piercing look. "I don't know, my son is a chip off the old block!," Strife interjected with a laugh. Fury's lips curled into a smirk, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "Indeed, if they resemble us, they may well challenge us."
Death exhaled deeply, his fingers combing through his hair. "I'm plagued by the notion that they're plotting something. Vigilance is imperative." Strife laid a comforting hand on Death's shoulder. "Ease your mind, Brother. We are equipped to confront any eventuality. After all, a bit of mischief is harmless."
"Regardless of its nature, they're risking of being grounded," Death declared. "Tonight, I will uncover their scheme. Darkness is incapable of hiding anything from me," he stated, his tone resolute.
That evening, as Death approached his son amidst training, his face bore a grave expression. "Hello, Father..." was Darkness's terse greeting.
"Don't 'hello, Father' me. What are you engaged in?" Death inquired , sensing the futility of deceit, hastily sought a diversion. "I demand the return of my books!" he asserted. Death, skeptical, arched an eyebrow. "Your books? This is not about your books, Darkness. I sense you're concealing something. Confess the truth." Darkness endeavored to remain calm, desiring to avoid further scrutiny. "The books are essential for my studies. They are of great importance."
Death scrutinized him closely. "Ensure you're not deceiving me, Darkness. I shall uncover the truth in due time." As Death departed, Darkness exhaled in relief, having just evaded his father's probing. Yet, he was aware that keeping his secret would prove increasingly difficult.
Amidst growing suspicions, War confronted his son, Wreckage. "What are you up to, boy?" he demanded, his voice stern. Wreckage maintained a facade of indifference. "Nothing, Father. Just working on my projects." War remained skeptical. "I can tell when you're concealing something. Out with it." Wreckage gave a noncommittal shrug. "Honestly, it's nothing. Merely some harmless tinkering." Despite War's penetrating gaze, he eventually backed down. "Very well. But be warned, if I discover any mischief, there will be repercussions." Wreckage acknowledged with a nod, concealing his relief. He realized they needed to exercise greater caution to execute their plan successfully.
In another location, Strike was undergoing his own questioning. Strife discovered his son tending to his injured foot and inquired, "What happened to you this time?"
"Merely a slight training accident," Strike responded, aiming to shift the focus away.
Strife let out a laugh and shook his head. "Training accident, indeed. What's really going on, Strike?" Strike exhaled, aware of the need for caution. "Nothing of concern, Father. I'm merely devising some tactics with Darkness." Strife gave a skeptical look but decided not to pursue it further. "Very well, but exercise caution. Your cousin is known to be quite the handful."
Simultaneously, Fearless was engaged in a comparable dialogue with Fury. "What are you up to, Fearless?" inquired Fury, her voice reflecting curiosity rather than suspicion. "Just engaging in some risk-free amusement, Mother. There's no cause for alarm," Fearless answered, her smile hinting at mischief. Fury chuckled and shook her head. "Your escapades never cease. Just bear in mind that rules are established for a purpose." Fearless acknowledged with a nod, though she harbored no plans to adhere to any regulations that might obstruct their scheme.