The walk through downtown Spokane at night was suicide if you were ill equipped, not too many nice people hung out here in the streets and alleys after night and with Captain Durius's army now at large..it wasn't any safer. Though this would be a problem for most people it definately was not a problem for Jory and his friends, theyw ere far from ill equipped and knew how to fight..anyone or anything caught in their path was going to go down and they were going to go down HARD. After Colleen had decided to join the group, they all went back to the cabin and mapped out a plan of stragedy..the first part was to recruit people onto their side to help balance this war once more, and the reason they are doing this late at night? This is when the witches, bounty hunters, lycanthropes, necromancers...and vampires had their turn of the city..and many more "creatures" other then the ones listed were out there somewhere..waiting to do something and have a purpose, but Jory wasn't sure yet if they would serve a purpose for him.

The party split into three groups of three so they could cover more ground int he recruitment area. The assassin's were to go to the bounty hunters and request that they hold a meeting with Jory, while Scotty,Craig, and Colleen went to the local lycanthrope hangouts to ask of their services..and where does this leave Jory,Kerri, and Zedd? They are to handle the vampires and if there was time..the necromancers..afterall, who better to handle the powers of the dead then people with the powers of the dead?

The problem with recruitment was that everyone had their price..even creatures of the night. The bounty hunters would be no problem, they would most likely want money which Jory had plenty of..but the others he wasn't sure of. The lycanthropes can be stubborn at times..especially when it comes to acually helping eachother out, for some reason the lycanthrope comminuty just didn't give a damn about eachother, sure the werewolves had their packs and the wereleopards had their pards..but the wereleopards and the werewolves didn't seem to get along..and he doubted it was because they happened to be dogs and cats. It seemed the only way lycanthropes worked together outside of packs was if there was a treaty between the two clans..the clans that helped Jory and Zedd earlier before they left had treatys going into this fight..Jory wasn't so sure about Spokane's lycanthrope community.

And then there was the vampires, one could only imagine what a vampire, and in this case the head of the Spokane Clan of vampires, would want in exchange for his or her services. Vampires had a wide range of things they wanted, from blood to money...to sexual favors..even power was in there somewhere, cant run a vampiric clan without power over the ones in your clan right? One thing was for sure....unless the vampies hated Captain Durius as much as Jory did, then this was going to be a long night.

The vampires in Spokane were lead by a man named Maxwell who is said to be a former colonist of the original 13 colonies who had moved west in search for life away from the colonies and maybe even some riches...but only foudn death in the form of a vampire who was the main vampire of Spokane before it was even Spokane. After serving under the vampire that turned him for about 100 years he was forced to kill him in a dispute over leadership of the city and Maxwell assumed the position as Head of the Spokane Vampire Clan. For a man whos only been around for a little over 200 years..he was very powerful and very dangerous.

Coming upon the enterance of the club, he noticed that the line was stretching out onto the sidewalk and around the corner..a very popular place at night it appeared to be and Jory could see that the line was a mix of humans, vampires, lycanthropes, and anything else inbetween. Only the weirdest and kinkiest humans would come to here or any other vampiric and lycanthrope hang out seeking for the most part..sexual favors that regular humans just couldn't give. Sometimes you'd see bounty hunters out here looking for the monster they are supposed to kill..or powerful humans in the buisness world looking for the services of the monsters to rid themselves of an enemy or for protection..but for the most part it was just the kinky strange leather clad humans looking for some fun.

Jory could feel the connection the vampires had to Maxwell, being that Kerri & Jory are very powerful necroscopes and Zedd is a powerful demon..they had the ability to sense the dead and the links they shared with others..the links these vampires had to Maxwell were strong, he was either a very good leader or these vampires just didn't have anyone else to lead their way and protect them from more powerful vampires looking to rip them a new one.

Vampires tended to be hostile creatures, Hell all of the monsters tended to be..but Vampires held the title for most hostile. If another vampire that posed a threat to another vampire were to wonder onto that vampire's territory or if a weaker vampire disrespected a more poweful one....death was sure to come.

Lycanthropes and other not quite human creaturs also did this, but for the most part they would just kill you and be done with it..not many would torture you like vampires would...and vampires knew how to torture..especially their own kind. From holy crosses, to sun light, to whatever else a vampire was weak against..it would be used against them in a way that didn't grant a person death..but unbelievable and seemingly unending pain..until finally that day comes where they are done being tortured..and just die.

Because of the nature that vampires held, Jory and the others took caution when they entered Maxwell's territory, but Jory didn't think he had much to worry about..afterall his power was based from the dead and so he could easily do harm to these vampires..but you never know.

Patience was not a virtue for Jory, and he figured Kerri & Zedd weren't looking to wait in a line that long either..so they risked the people in line giving them shit and headed to the front where two vampire bouncers stood. They were both very well built but the tallest one only went to about 6'4"..compared to Jory & Zedd he was small but a vampire had superhuman strength and combined with this man's build..he definately wasn't one to mess with..unless of course your names are Jory, Kerri, or Zedd.

Jory had asked Kerri & Zedd to keep their power hidden so that none of the monsters would freak, he didn't want the vampires to not grant him access or the lycanthropes to go ape shit and attack..he was here on a mission of peace..not bloodshed. It came no surprise to him that none of the monsters could sense their power, not even a powerful witch or necromancer would be able to detect their power..they had plenty of practice at this.

Jory, Kerri, and Zedd humbly walk up to the bouncers who were watching them out of the corner of their eyes while letting people in and out..and now they were looking fully at the three people infront of them. With their powers hidden the vampire bouncers couldn't sense any type of power from them..so now they are probably under the impression that if these humans dont move out of the way soon..they were going to die..charming.

"Go to the back of the line."

It was the 6'4" guy who spoke and the look on his face said hes done this millions of times before and this would be no different..how wrong he'd be.

"I'm sorry, I'm here to have some fun with my friends here but..the line is waaay toolong for my patience so I thought maybe you could just...I dont know...slide us on in?"

The two bouncers and a few people in line started busting up laughing at that, apparently Jory was not only a necroscope..but a comedian too.

"I dont know what your ass has been smoking, but your not getting in here unless you go to the back of the line and wait like everyone else."

"I'm afraid we cant do that."

"Oh yea? And why not?"

"Because, I'd be very disappointed to wait in this long line..only to see the sun come up and not have a chance to speak with Maxwell..if the line is indeed that long."

Jory knew sun rise wasn't going to be for a while, but the mention of Maxwell's name put the bouncers in high secruity alert.

"Whats your buisness with Maxwell?"

"I need to speak with him, its a very urgent matter."

"Why dont you give me the message and I'll give it to him?"

"I dont trust you, I know if I told you you'd ignore it and just pretend you told Maxwell..then I'd have to kill you."

The two bouncers didn't like hearing that from Jory and suddenly their eyes had turned from human eyes to a glazed over death look...vampire eyes.

"A human like you? Kill me? I dont think so. You can either give me that message...or you can find yourself dead in a dumpster here in a second."

Jory sighed, vampires were fickers to deal with sometimes...but hey he couldn't blame them..territory is territory and it'd be a shame to lose that.

"So be it then."

Before the vampires could blink Jory had his sword drawn and pressed up against both of the bouncer's necks. Kerri and Zedd had their swords out just as fast and they were backing the rear.

"Now, are you going to let us in? or will we have to let ourselves in?"

The look of surprise ont heir faces couldn't seem to escape them, no human could move as fast as they had and now the tables were turned..it was the bouncers who were in the position of dying..not Jory.

"Who the Hell are you people?"

"Zeddicus Rahl, Kerri Storm, and Jory Johnson...your worst nightmare if you dont let us into this club."

There were sudden whispers amongst those in the crowd. The looks of surprise on the bouncers faces turned into looks of fear and Jory could hear the faint words "The Wind of Death".

"What is "The Wind of Death"?"

"It is the name given to you by the monsters of this country, we all have heard of your battles against DaemonLord Durius..we are amazed that a necroscope is able to stand up to a demon so powerful..so wicked."

"DaemonLord Durius"...now that sounded pleasent. Jory turned to see the faces behind him and they were all full of fear and respect..the looks on Kerri and Zedd's faces were of surprise too..they didn't know that word of this battle traveled so fast inbetween those not involved with the battle.

"Has Durius come here yet?"

"No, Durius has shown interest in us so he can use us his services though. Maxwell doesn't much like someone trying to control him or his people so has had witches cast protection spells around the area and has had us and the local lycanthropes scare off mini squads trying to break through..but I fear that eventually Durius will grow tired of this and break the spells then march in...destorying and conquring all."

"We are on time then, this is good news."

"Indeed it is Zedd, but I fear that if Durius truly wants the Spokane vampires he will not go easy on them..he will come and conqure."

"Then we better talk to Maxwell, who knows when Durius will want to strike."

"He'll want to strike with the sun up, the vampires will not be able to defend themselves as easily as they can at night..they will fall to him."

"Lets hope then that Maxwell will join us..and spare his people of this."

Jory turned to the bouncers and lowered his sword from their necks..which brought relief to the vampires who slumped and took big deep breaths.

"Will you let us in?"

"Sure sure, come on in."

No one in line seemed to complain as Jory, Kerri, & Zedd sheathed their weapons and walked into the club. Before goign in, Jory stopped and turned to the bouncers who were still looking at him wide eyed.

"Never judge a book by its cover, I could have easily killed you and everyone out here if we wanted to..make sure that even a person who seems weak and powerless is searched understand?"

"Y-y-yes sir."

Jory turned then and followed Kerri & Zedd into the club, wondering if the bouncer would infact take his advice. Inside monsters and humans alike were dancing, drinking, making out, and whatever else you could do with "Living Dead Girl" by Rob Zombie blaring through the club. They walked down a set of stairs that were infront of them and were stopped by a hostess who had a set of menus..must be a club and an eating establishment all in one..that would explain the tables.

"How many?"

"Were not here to eat, were here to see Maxwell."

Because Zedd was now infront Jory allowed him to handle the situation. The hostess kept her ground and looked into Zedd's pale blue eyes.

"Maxwell isn't seeing anyone right now, your either here to eat or party..but not talk to Maxwell."

"It is urgent ma'am, we must speak to him about DaemonLord Durius."

Jory knew this woman was also a vampire..but he didn't need his power to judge that..her skin was pale...as if she hadn't even fed yet, but she had a nice body that any man would drool over and her face could melt the coldest of hearts.

"I'm sorry, but I was told not to let anyone see Maxwell."

"....I see..."

Zedd looked at Jory and gave him a look..a look that said "fix this". Jory walked up to the hostess after Zedd had gracefully moved out of the way and slowly let his powr leak out into her and the club. It was weak and slow at first and no one seemed to care..but then Jory kicked it up a notch and suddenly the air was so thick with his power that you could cut it with a knife. Everyone in the club stopped what they were doing and looked over at Jory..even the humans with no special abilites were feeling the amazing power that Jory was showcasing. The hostess nearly buckled at the knees from the power and could only stare up into Jory's eyes as he towered over her and let the power flow.

"W...what are you?"

"Someone who needs to talk to your boss."

Suddenly a booming voice echoed over head and everyone turned to see a man standing on the second floor of the building wearing a trenchcoat that resembled Jory's except that it wasn't leather and it was buttoned up..so you couldn't see much else. His face looked calm, as if his booming voice did not match his calm face..and his brown hair was just past shoulder leangth..flowing all around his shoulders like a drape.

"Everybody calm down!! He means no harm, am I right Mr. Johnson?"

His colonial accent has been fading over the years due to him getting used to the more common American English, but there was still a trace of it in his voice.

"No, I am merely getting annoyed with all of this delaying when much is needed to be discussed."

"To true Mr. Johnson, please come up here with your friends and join me..I know you are here on peace and so I trust you that you will not harm my people or the ones protected here by my laws."

"There are some who wont be so kind in the future."

"Thats a matter to be discussed is it not?"

"Yea, it is."

"Good, then please join me."

Jory sucked up all the power back into him and a huge sigh was drawn out from the people in the building. The music started back up and Jory helped the hostess regain her strength before apologizing then leading Zedd & Kerri to the second floor where Maxwell's office was. The hallway to his office was littered with dancing people and some who were very close to getting it on right there infront of everyone, a sight that Jory and Scotty would have stopped and watched if the times were different..but Scotty was on a different mission and Jory's work was never done so he sadly moved on.

The office door was open and Jory entered to see the entire room was made up of memrobilia chronicalling times from the late 1700's til now. From a Revolutionary War uniform to Union and Confederate flags to pictures of World Wars 1 & 2..bits and pieces of history filled the room and in the middle was Maxwell's desk, on it was papers and a few pictures of people Jory has never seen. Maxwell sat at his desk looking at them with the same calm eyes he had outside..but a smile was on his face when Jory looked at it.

"Please have a seat, we have much to discuss."

Jory, Kerri, & Zedd took seats infront of the desk and looked at Maxwell who now had on a buisness face..this man has done this sort of thing many times before.

"I assume you know that DaemonLord Durius is waging a war to try and conqure the earth."

"All but the humans with no special abilities know, they are being kept in the dark so as not to start wide spread panic. Other than that, everyone and everything knows."

"Then it also must be known that I was the one chosen to lead the revolt against him?"

"Oh it is known alright, you and your co-horts have spread like wildfire over the minds and emotions of those connected to this battle, to some your the enemy..keeping Durius's paradise off of this earth makes some mad..but those whoa ren't ignorant know the truth of this battle and cheer you on, while others stay neutral..not wanting to get on the bad side of either team..I cant sya I blame those, the power I felt from you was just..astonishing."

"That was nothing, I was only playing the crowd."

"You mean to tell me that you are more powerful then that?"

"His power feeds off of the dead, so much so that he is able to do more then most necroscopes have ever been able to do..him and Kerri that is."

"The girl is like him?"

"Their power has some differances, but yes..she shares a bond with Jory that gives her almost the same ammount of power as him."

"Two people with that kind of power against Durius, this is perhaps his greatest challenge yet."

"If we have it our way, it'll be his greatest..and last battle ever."

"With that kind of power, why do you need my help?"

"Our power alone is not enough to defeat Durius, his power is still strong enough to take us on..maybe even defeat us..but he has an army too..one I lack at the moment."

"Oh I see, you wish to enlist me and my vampires to help you in this war?"

"We would be honored if we could have you and your vampires, besides..Durius will no doubt want you too..but he wont choose the approach we did, he'll do it the hard way."

"Yes he would, and sadly we are no match for that."

"Then you have two choices, you can join us and help us defeat this monster so you can keep your vampires and your territory...or stay here and fall to him so that you can then be tortured and forced to do his bidding."

"What is your army consisting of at the moment?"

"Well, we have myself and Kerri, Zeddicus over there is a high demon who has helped guide myself and Kerri with this battle. We have a lesser demon then Zeddicus who was once the general of Durius's army but is now with us, and 5 humans with amazing fighting abilities that amazing keep them alive."

"This is it?"

"I have those not with us out asking help from the lycanthropes, witches, and bounty hunters..we are also looking into a necromancer and any other possible creatures that want to serve."

"You truely are in need of help then."

"Yes we are, if this war is to be won by us then we need your help..we can let Durius sink his claws into this world."

"You are right, if Durius wins this war then Hell will have free reign over this land..and as much as I enjoy bloodshed myself..his will be more then I can handle. I will talk with my vampires...but you can bet that we will help you in this cause Mr. Johnson."

"Thank you Maxwell, you are a lot less difficult then your minions."

"They only want to look out for me Mr. Johnson..your friends would do no less."

Just then the hostess from downstairs flew through the door with wide eyes on her horror stricken face..it wasn't often you saw a vampire look this scared..something big has to happen for a vampire to look like its going to wet its pants.

"Janet, why do you burst through my door without knocking?"

"I'm sorry sir but..we have a problem outside."

"What problem do we have?"

"Its Durius's phantom sir...shes here."

Zedd & Kerri turn to look at Jory whos face turns into mixed emotions of hatred and sadness..he wasn't going to let Durius live down what he did to his grandma.

"Not even 5 seconds into our treaty and already trouble brews."

"You dont even know the half of it."