"And so it is, that both the devil and the angelic spirit present us with objects of desire to awaken our power of choice."

- Rumi

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Death

I travel back, leaving behind the succubus to open myself a door to my office. I call for Daxt, immediately. He willingly summons himself, entering the room.

He bowed before he spoke, "Yes, Master."

Though it might be strange but all my loyal demons and Reapers showed me utter respect, they bowed, addressed me as Master and when summoned had to immediately come to my aid. If not well let's just say they lose more than just their right to stay under my rule.

"Daxt, I want constant supervision on my new succubus. I'm afraid she is not as accustomed and devoted to her demon self. Adeline is stubborn, she will not listen to just anyone so send her Bast. I think they will be quite a pair, don't you think."

"Of Course, Master. Your judgments are precise and well thought of." He nodded his big head, his eyes blinked uncontrollably.

The question of how Adeline thought to of liked him at all was strange, the humans thought anything that didn't appear slightly human was terrifying.

I scoffed which startles the demon, I did all thoughts of the human focusing on Daxt.

"Good, we'll see to that it is handled, I want her there today," I ordered.

"Right away, Master." He vanished in a blink of an eye, being my messenger had its perks.

Now for the situation at hand, the unknown magic not in my jurisdiction, I had talked with the Reapers, the three had no logic as to what was happening but it needed to be resolved. I abandoned them later that night so I could resolve the issue with Adeline, Daxt was unable to find the girl so he called me. The demon didn't understand that she was still mostly human and curiosity got the best of them, he pricked her with his claw, the sedative that coated them put her to sleep. He only wanted to calm her but Daxt was a lesser demon, intelligence wasn't his strong suit.

My Reapers were currently trying to resolve the problem of the magic that seems to call only to my Reapers.

Calling my scythe, I opened yet another door to continue to talk with my first Harbinger. The strong magical pull came from a church in the heart of the Vatican City. The church was called St. Peter's Basilica, a late renaissance architecture.

The sight was magnificent, massive pillars holding a top a gorgeous intricate design, a dome protruding from the top of the church. It was truly an awe-inspiring building, built before its time. I recall when it was built, though I believed it would never be finished by the mundane surely they proved me wrong.

Harbinger was just outside the building, no one could see the reaper he was invisible to the world, as was I. We only let you see us when we wanted to be seen, which was quite rare seeing as I cared little for human interaction.

The aged reaper was wearing a large dark brown cloak covering all his features. His face was weary, wrinkled, aged over time, he could change his body but did not wish it. The stubborn fool looked like he was going to croak, as he leaned on his large staff, his choice of weaponry.

"Harbinger, did you further your search," I asked as I ascended the stairs.

He bent forward, acknowledging my presences, "Master, I have studied this area pinpointing the exact location of the source, please follow me."

He made a slow pace entering the church, he veered left which stood a statue of St. Longinus. He held a spear in his left hand standing rigid, looking severely proud.

"What's the importance of the statue Harbinger." Honestly, I found it melodramatic, you don't see me with statues of myself everywhere.

I folded my arms over my chest, maybe I should take his advice and stand with a scythe, cloak and all, as the world sees me.

"Master," Harbinger brings me back with a strange look before continuing. "I will explain, the spear he is holding is what's drawing the reapers here, unfortunately only a small piece of the spear is causing it. The very tip is a relic; I believe it is a fragment of an object. The power it holds is overwhelming your Reapers drawing them here, forcing them to obey its power. We know what occurs when a lesser reaper enters holy land." He proclaimed.

"Yes, well they die. How do we neutralize the power Harbinger? I don't think the church will be happy to hear that I broke a piece off their statue." Someone indeed took the time to place this small object inside the statue, why I do not know.

"Master, I'm afraid that is the only solution, I have not conjured up any other way. If the lance is in your possession the reapers will no longer die." His blank stare was unnerving; of course it's the only solution. Everything had to be so fucking complicated.

"Thank you, Harbinger. You may depart I will take it from here." His head moved slightly nodding once, then he disappeared.

Glaring at the statue, I just have to break off the tip that's the only part that's real.

I chuckle softly to myself, there was absolutely no double meaning to that I assure you.

Glancing behind me no one was looking at the figure so I climbed the statue grasping the tip of the spear breaking it clean off. A low rumble was heard so I quickly exited the church.

I ended up in my office twirling the object in my hand. How does something so small be so powerful? Crumbling away the rest of the marble, all was left was an iron fragment, this was only one piece, it was missing at least two more parts.

Lifting myself off the chair I walked the short distance to the glass cabinet. Inside was a small statue of a weeping angel, underneath it was a skeleton key. The key lead to a secret door locked away from anyone's prying eyes. Lucifer would just love to get his hands on certain relics I own, even the angels.

I paced myself walking down the long halls, finding the staircase that led to the lower lever of the house. I came to a stop in front of a large painting, the picture was of an angel falling from the sky.

Raising my hand, I skimmed the side to find a small latch, unhooking the painting, I watched as it fell free. Behind it revealed a black iron door. Inserting the key, the door became alive as it unlocked. You could hear the clicks sliding from their placement, the small mechanical wheels working to fulfill their purpose. Pushing open the massive door I entered, closing it behind me.

This had to be one of my favorite accommodations, every inch of the room was covered with an ancient relic, swords and daggers used to kill someone who touched history in some way. Armor belonging to ancient warriors gleamed against the stark lighting, the jewels upon rings, necklaces, from women who wore them thousands of years ago. A secret buried treasure discovered and retrieved, sat in a corner, gold and jewels spilling from the chest. A praiseworthy accomplishment over the many years of my life, not a dull moment.

Taking the small fragment, I placed it in a small glass over-casing, sealing the magic within it.

The reapers will no longer feel its pull, the remaining left that is, I have barely any soul reapers to spare, I will have to venture out with Sovereign and collect more. The last thing I want to do.

I watched as my second, Sovereign leached the life from the human, replacing it with a reaper. When reapers die, they get returned to me, not their soul they do not have souls but the reaper's life force, willing human or near death humans are reliable subjects.

Other creatures such as warlocks, or demons would not suffice. They have been corrupted, manipulated into something else, their souls sold for a higher purpose. The human that dies, the soul departs from the body, leaving a small amount of life force left, I use this small opportunity to make a reaper. My Greater Reapers and I were the only ones who could collect lesser reapers.

"Sovereign how many have we attained." Running my hands through my hair, I was starting to feel drained, I have not slept in over a month.

We do not require constant sleep, but once in a while, it is necessary. I was starting to feel how necessary.

"Master, we have two dozen new reapers." My second was intimidating to anyone who did not know of him. His bulky, massive form overpowered him, making him appear vicious and beastly. His long dark hair touched his shoulders, armor displayed on his broad chest, a warrior blade hanging from his hilt. A loyal companion over the many years, my three Greater Reapers were truly a sight.

"That will have to suffice for now, thank you Sovereign. I will return once I've rested."

"I can return with Harbinger and Valfalls to finish if you wish." He assured.

"No need, they have other matters to attend to." Leaving I summoned a door, entering my bedroom. The room was decorated with everything else in the house. The walls red, golden accents complementing the room.

Glancing around, it has been like this for too long maybe I will change it.

Undressing I laid my clothes down on the chest in front of the king size bed. I loathed the fact that I needed sleep, such a mundane thing to possess. Lifting the covers, I lay back, my body becoming heavy with sleep. Closing my eyes, I drifted, trying to empty my mind, but electric blue eyes danced across my vision.

"Death!" Adeline but that can't be her.

Sitting up on the bed I looked around, no one was in my room.

"Please! Help me!" Her screams came from everywhere as I rushed the door opening it wildly. At the end of the hall was Adeline, her body was covered in blood.

Adeline!" I ran to her. Looking at her tear-stained face, she had no injuries.

"Are you hurt, what's wrong?" She sat before me wailing, not answering me.

"Adeline answer me!"

Her hands shot up cupping my face, hot blood smeared my cheeks. Adeline's tearful eyes, were radiant amongst the dark hallway.

"Save me." She pleaded.

"Save you, Adeline-" I was unable to finish, her lips crashed into mine. Her hot sweet breath consumed me, our tongues collided as we parted our mouths. Her hands dug into my hair, she pulled me back forcefully. She peered at me with animalistic eyes.

"Save me." Her mouth hovered inches away from mine, as soon as she inhaled, I felt a tug deep within my body. She breathed in again, I heard myself yell out in pain as a burning sensation scorched across my chest forcing its way up my throat. I couldn't fight her, I had no control over my body, unable to move just stare at this beautiful creature, as she slowly drained the life from me.

She halted, small whimpers escaping her. "Death, you did this to me! You!" She screamed, a high pitched noise escaping her lips, piercing my ears.

I jolted awake. Sweat coated my body, my breathing was uneven and rabid as I swung my legs over the edge I placed my head in my hands.

What the hell did I just see, it was so vivid, so real. Her voice continued to echo in my head, the pleading cries, her wailing. Adeline plagued my mind in day and night, causing me to have a nightmare. Me, the fucking Angel of Death.

So much for sleeping, glancing out the window, I watched as the sun woke up from its slumber. Sighing I stood up, changing into my usual clothes, black on black. I debated whether or not I actually wanted to leave the confines of my room.

Daxt made the choice for me he was opening the door, already greeting me.

"Master, did you sleep well." He shuffled alongside me.

"Not necessarily." A blued eyed succubus tried killing me. I didn't bother mentioning that part.

"Any news for me Daxt." There is bound to be some, nothing was remotely silent around here.

"Yes, the Angels are still requesting a gathering with you, Master. They are becoming quite agitated and forceful." I watch as he covers a burn on his arm, "Also, Harbinger needs to speak with you right away." The Angels could wait, they think they can just come in here and boss around Daxt. Harbingers request seemed more urgent anyhow.

"Thank you, Daxt. Tell the Angels I will meet with them...soon. Tell Meeksha to take a look at your arms as well, if they try anything else, you need only utter my name. You're dismissed."

"Yes, Master." He bowed, scurrying away.

I never liked such creatures as demons, I had only possessed my Reapers but even they have limits to certain endeavors. Adopting demons so to speak was the most absurd plan but it benefited me in the end. Daxt was short sided but he was still one of mine, no Angel can say otherwise.

"Falcatae." My scythe appeared, waving it in a circle I summoned a door to Harbinger.

Stepping through, a flash of light blinded me before departing. A field could be seen as I exited the black hole of a door, trees amongst the blue sky, hovered not too far away. Harbinger stood with my other Reapers, Sovereign, and Valfalls.

He turned hearing me approach, the others soon followed.

"Why are we here Reapers," I asked, confused.

Valfalls spoke first, "Master, the strange magic has appeared once more."

Then Sovereign, "The lesser reapers are dying, traveling again onto holy land.

Finally, Harbinger spoke, "I'm afraid it might be the other fragments of the piece you already found."

Of course, it is.

••••••••••••••

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-Ash

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