Maybe it was the loss of blood or possibly the draining of his power, but whatever case Jory felt like he was walking around circles in this cemetery. It seemed no matter which way he took all he wound up upon was more trees or more graves, and his pace was starting to slow. The wound at his side was as painful as ever and blood could still be felt trickling down his side even though he tightened up the damage and with that loss of blood came the dizziness, he couldn't seem to walk in a straight line for more then a minute before he stumbled into a tree or lost balance. The howling of wolves in the distance kept him alert as he made through the grave site, not wanting to be eaten by a possible pack of werewolves surely drives a person to put their body to the test.

A place to rest would be good at this point, but he could feel the evil lingering in this area, it made him too uncomfortable to even stop for a moments rest, he had no idea what would come after him if he stopped for a breather but what did it matter really? Either way he was in no shape to defend himself.

His thoughts drifted to the others in Spokane, he worried for them while he was absent and didn't like leaving them in the first place but it was needed if they were to be successful in getting the vampire hunter to join them. Memories of Colleen flooded his mind's eye while thinking of Spokane, and he realized that he missed her more then the others..but why? This woman used to be the enemy and tried to kill him on several occasions, so why feel this way about her? His life only became more & more confusing every passing day..were humans allowed to have such feelings about...demons?

A sound snapped him out of his thoughts and stopped him dead in his tracks. For a while the only thing he could hear was the beating of his heart but then he heard it again...the snapping of a twig..the sound of being followed.

Jory rested his right hand on the hilt of his sword and began to walk again except this time he crept to a smaller pace so he wouldn't make much noise and be ready if there was an attack. Since becoming a necroscope hes had to battle for his life and has become accustomed to scenario such at this, hes been wounded much worse then this would if lucky could hold his own if this was a single being..but anymore and he could be in for a long night.

His eyes swept over the area as he walk to see if he could catch any movement but he found none nor any further signs that he was being followed, but he wasn't about to drop his gaurd just yet..this was a game of the mind and he was going to show that he can hang with the best.

Another snap of the twig echoed into his ears but the sound was closer, much closer. Jory tightened his grip on his sword and took a few more paces ahead of himself when suddenly a small alarm went off with his power, it was trying to warn him of something..and then he could feel it. He turned around and tried to pull his sword out of its scabbard but was caught off gaurd by the lightning quick speed of a werewolf who rammed into him, tossing him several yards away from the beast and landing on his back.

Jory shook off the blow and tried to get to his feet and was toppled back with a nasty claw swipe from the wolf that caught Jory right across the right cheek. Before he could attempt another try at getting up the werewolf pounced on his chest and went for another swipe but Jory moved his head just in the knick of time and jammed the butt of the sword right into the side of the werewolf's head forcing it off of him.

Several sounds of growling was heard behind Jory as he used the sword to push himself up and he turned to see more of the werewolves ready to strike at him. With his attention averted just slightly the first wolf took advantage by tackling Jory back down to the ground with such force that when Jory hit he could feel all the air rush right out of his lung..it didn't help he landed right on his open, blood wound.

Jory grabbed the arms of the beast before it could claw at him anymore than it has and tried to look around for his sword, without it he was completely defenseless. His eyes caught it laying right next to the other werewolves he just sat there and watched with delight their fellow pack member trying to get the kill..there was no way he was getting that sword now.

His strength was dwindling down rapidly with trying to keep the wolf from eating him or even doing further damage, he tried to call upon the spirits of the cemetery to help him but his link to them was too weak for them to hear his call..tonight it seemed he would be joining them.

Just when Jory felt he was about to give up and give in to the hunger of the pack he detected a presence around them that felt very familiar to him, the power of it was so great that even his weakened abilities were able to pick it up without a problem. The wolf's face was just above Jory's at this point, he could see the razor sharp fangs ready to split open his skull, could smell the scent of blood on the wolf's breath..could envision his own death at the hands of this best..and then it was gone.

Jory had to blink his eyes a few times to realize that in a matter of seconds he went from staring down the throat of death to gagging at the sight of a headless torso spewing blood all over him. The body stayed put where it was for a moment then slowly slumped down onto his chest..oozing gore & other bodily fluids onto his chest, Jory laid limp under the body as he turned to see all the other werewolves laying on the ground..all headless..all lifeless.

He saw a shadow appear over him and when he looked up a hooded figure was looking down at him. He couldn't see any facial features or much of anything but the energy flowing off of him gave Jory the impression that no matter how he looked this was a person not to trifle with. The figure bent down to one knee and started dusting some stuff off of Jory's clothing.

???: Its very dangerous for people to be out this night.

The voice was very deep, very commanding. Jory figured by the way the voice sounded, he would be an older man of maybe 50-60, something he wouldn't expect a werewolf killer to sound like.

Jory: Trust me, its not by my choice that I'm out here.

???: Then why are you here? This ground isn't for trespassers.

His breath was tightening more & more with the ache of the battle and his stomach wound becoming more eminent in his mind, as much as he would like to stay and chat with his savior, he needed to find a way out and get some help.

Jory: I'm just lost, if you could point to a way out that'd be great.

The figure sat there silently assessing Jory's situation, probably trying to decide if he should call the police on him for trespassing. Jory felt the wound to his side to see how it was holding up..his makeshift bandage had loosened in the fall and blood was starting to come out more then it had.

???: No no, you had better come with me and wait til daylight..with the condition your in it'd take no time for the rest of the pack to hunt you down and finish what these wolves started. You shall come with me to my place and rest.

Jory couldn't argue, there was no way he was going to be able to defend himself any longer out here, he needed his rest and quickly if he was to recover his strength and resume his journey. With the man's help Jory got to his feet and tightened the makeshift bandage on the wound to try and stop the bleeding as much as possible. A quick graze across his chin revealed the nasty cut he acquired from the werewolf when it attacked..a quick flash of icy cold fear ran through his veins when he finished tracing the wound..a scratch or bite from a lycanthrope meant that you could very well contract the disease yourself..the last thing Jory needed to worry about was turning into an animal during the full moon.

Surveying the area, Jory saw the dead bodies of the werewolves strewn about in a gory fest that would have even made Zedd flinch a little. While the wolves he saw and were attacked by were headless, he saw a few others that had probably wished their heads were taken off. Guts laid sprawled out all over the ground, while others had died of a few other causes..Jory even saw one that had its spine ripped out from behind it, that one made him stumble a little.

Getting past the bloodshed, Jory couldn't believe that the man behind him was responsible for all of that. Now Jory was a great fighter, but he doubted even he could take on that many wolves without at least a little help from his spirit friends..how was this guy able to take out those wolves?

What disturbed Jory a bit more than that was that the figure emitted a power that felt very familiar to Jory, a power he knows hes felt somewhere before but for some odd reason it wouldn't register in his head what it was, if he could just clear his head he could think it over and come up with an answer..but for the moment he would just have to settle with the question eating at his brain.

The figure lead him away from the cemetery and deeper into the woods, so thick was it out here that the moon no longer casted its glare upon them as they journeyed to this man's safe haven. The forrest floor was carpeted in dead leaves & other various plant forms which made it close to impossible to stay quiet while they walked, but somehow the figure managed to keep the noise level to a low..as if he was floating right above the ground.

His great night vision was probably the only thing at this point that was helping him follow this guy, the darkness kept emblanketing them more & more on this path..a normal person would be lost in a heartbeat in this are of the woods, no wonder he chose this place to live.

They kept to themselves on the trip, probably so as not to call any attention to them, but Jory was becoming increasingly interested in this man..all the questions he had forming in his head were becoming repetitive..like a song thats stuck in your head you cant get rid of. Finally, after a walk that seemed forever, the man stuck his hand back to halt Jory then lit a flame in his hand. The light showed a gaping hole in a side of rock that was no doubt this guy's hiding place..had you no light out here you would walk right by this thing and never knew it was right infront of you.

The figure waved him on into the cave and using the lights glow they walked into the protective shelter of the cave and descended down a small hill of dirt & rock that lead them down a long tunnel of small insect noises and unending darkness.

Jory: This your place?

???: It's not mine, but this is where I stay hidden from the world.

Jory: Why do you say that it's not yours?

???: These animals and insects were here a lot longer then I have been, the way I see it they are just sharing the space with me..I mean them no harm and in return they let me stay here..away from the rest of the world.

Jory: Why do you want to hide from the world?

The question stopped the man as if an arrow had just struck him in the heart. The echo of footsteps was the last bit a noise to be heard before the entire cave went deadly quiet..even the bugs didn't make a noise.

???: The world is full of evil...I'm apart of that evil, One such as I should not walk among the innocent living.

Thinking the answer was good enough, the figure started walking again as did the noises in the cave. Jory found the answer to his question odd, but by the way the man started walking after answering he figured it probably wasn't a good idea to pester the man about the subject any longer..at least for now.

***Back to the beginning***

Standing in the Great Hall before the Master of all Hell, Durius cursed under his breath for such an interruption. When he had gathered his army in an attempt to locate the whereabouts of the necroscope a messenger of The Master was sent to summon Durius..The Master wanted to speak with him. Durius was forced to leave the camp in the hands of General Renholder and come down to the Gates of Hell immediately, to make The Master wait would be most unpleasant.

As he stood in the middle of the Great Hall, surrounded by greater Daemonlords then he could even be and The Master himself, he let his hand rest upon his sword and held his chin high as he bowed one knee before the master.

Durius: Master Lucifer, its an honor to be in your presence once again.

At first The Master didn't speak or show emotion, he just stared at Durius, the man he had sent to take care of the necroscope in Zedd & Earl's place..both of those men had failed The Master and he had trusted none other then Durius to handle the situation instead..he thought he was doing well. A quick gaze of the Great Hall showed the pillars that surrounded the circular room..pillars designed with the history of Hell and all of its magnificent glory. The first pillar bore the birth of Hell..showing The Master being banished from Heaven and being sent down here. The second pillar then starts to depict how The Master manipulated the thread of death..making it so that Sinners who didn't try to bask in the glory of God were sent here instead of Heaven..forcing God to then create Purgatory, a place of judgement. This was but the beginning of an everlasting battle...a battle that may never end.

Lucifer: Durius, I have been hearing nasty rumors about your conquest on the mortal plain..about your wars against the necroscope.

Durius: May I ask what nasty things have you heard My Liege?

Lucifer: For starters, I heard that General Smith, one of the finest generals I've seen on the field, has joined the necroscope?

He had to agree, General Smith was a very valuable general who had a tremendous amount of victories against Heaven under her belt..but something the necroscope did to her in a battle over the necroscope's old childhood home changed her..she no longer fought for him or Hell, but for the necroscope.

Durius: That is true sir, we did lose General Smith to the necroscope.

Lucifer: HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE!? WE SPENT COUNTLESS YEARS TRAINING HER TO JOIN THE LEGIONS OF DAEMONLORD, WE HARDENED HER INTO A COLD CALCULATED BEING OF WAR..WHAT DID THE NECROSCOPE DO!?

The Master was infamous for his nasty temper, usually when he lost it someone nearby would pay a heavy price..in this he didn't know if it'd be the necroscope..or him.

Durius: I'm not exactly sure Your Excellency, I had sent her and the necroscope's tainted grandmother to dispose of him while I finished off the other born necroscope and his comrades..before I knew it a burst of energy the likes I've not seen in ages swept over my camp..killing a great many from my side. I was able to escape but when I found the general she...she was empty of the hate we instilled in her..she was gone from us.

Lucifer: Then it is true, I have lost a great general to that necroscope...I HAVE LOST TOO MUCH TO THAT NECROPSCOPE!!!

Even with The Master being shrouded in the darkness he could see his staff bang against the ground so hard that it almost rocked him off of his knee.

Lucifer: He has costed me much in this war Durius, he has stolen Zeddicus from me and he took away Earl Beardie..two of the more powerful demons I've ever had the pleasure of having under my command. This necroscope, this simple mortal was supposed to be but a small mission, take him and turn him to our side. That mortal has been more trouble then hes worth since then Durius and this news does not please me.

Durius: I understand Master, I too am saddened by your losses.

That was only partly true, he was deeply troubled by the death of Earl Beardie, who was actually a Master Vampire and not a demon. Earl had taken Durius under his wing when Durius first became a general and helped teach Durius some invaluable information. Zeddicus on the other hand was always bitter about Durius's rise among the ranks, claiming Durius never deserved such great admiration. He felt no emotion when he found out that Zeddicus was a traitor to the cause, but it was when he found out that Zeddicus assisted the necroscope in killing Earl that made the anger rise in Durius.

Zeddicus was furthering himself from his old ways by joining the necroscope and killing Earl, such treason made Durius, over time, boil over in so much rage that when he was picked to wage war against the necroscope he had his army and things ready to go a full week ahead of schedule. On behalf of The Master he would kill the necroscope..to appease his rage he would kill Zeddicus.

Lucifer: I now hear that you've lost track of the necroscope, that you had him in your midst and you let him slip away.

Durius: Yes Master, we did have him cornered but it was in the spirit world so when we had our chance he.....

Lucifer: HE WHAT!?

Durius: He created a portal..sir....

A moment of stunned silence filled the Great Hall a moment before Durius heard The Master rise from his throne and step into the dim light. Dressed in gold robes with a gold hood covering much of his face, The Master took a few steps toward Durius, letting his staff drag against the ground.

Lucifer: He...what?

Durius: My phantom shot a burst of energy at the necroscope that wounded him and took him off course, in doing so he somehow managed to create his own portal out of the spirit world.

The Master stood there stunned for what seemed like eternity, he was obviously taken aback by what the necroscope accomplished.

Lucifer: That is amazing, no necroscope since the very first could accomplish such a feat! To be able to create your own portal in the spirit realm...he must possess great power.

Durius could almost feel the plans of killing Jory Johnson once again switch to the original plan, The Master never much showed emotion for things with the exception of the mentioning of the Lord..but a being as powerful and resourceful as the necroscope certainly was enough to call the attention of The Master..somehow he was unable to detect just how powerful this necroscope really was.

Durius: I will give the mortal credit, he has given me more trouble then I'm used to.

Lucifer: Of course he has you blundering fool! Don’t you see!? Not since the beginning of the weapons has a necroscope so powerful walked the earth! A necroscope with those abilities among mortals might as well be considered God himself....

The Master trailed off in his dastardly thoughts, no doubt scheming up ways of either killing the necroscope, or finding a way to join him at his side to fight the forces of Heaven. A necroscope with the ability to bend the laws of the dead and create portals at his own will...was a necroscope to be valued by any side, after all..who knows what else they could do?

Durius: Though we are unable to find him My Liege, I believe that no matter where he turns up he will more then likely die from the wound he received. After all, a mortal who receives a wound like that in the spirit realm does not have much of a chance to live...death trickles into that wound and worsens it until....well....heh.

Lucifer: NO!!! We must not let him die..at least not yet. The past attempts have failed, but if we could somehow convince the necroscope to join us...the Gates of Heaven would have a terrible time being able to defend against him.

Durius: Join us? No offence Your Excellency..but that is madness. The necroscope would never join us.

Durius could feel The Master's heated glare resting upon his body..he knew he should have kept his mouth shut but he found it ridiculous that The Master would want to try another mission like this.

Lucifer: You have failed me in killing the necroscope, in doing so you have disappointed me in one aspect, but..your inability to overcome the mortal has opened up possibilities for him down here. The necroscope is too strong for you Durius..I thought I could count on you to handle him.

Durius: Master I am more then....

Lucifer: SILENCE!.....Clearly this is above a Daemonlord of your abilities Durius, I should have never underestimated that mortal..even after what hes done to me. As of this moment Durius your army is to be disbanded and you will be removed from this mission.

Durius: WHAT!? BUT MASTER!

Lucifer: ENOUGH! You should be happy to know that I am at least sparring you from the deepest pits of Hell Durius..this is a battle your not yet prepared to fight in. Remove yourself from the necroscope's childhood home and return here..a new strategy must be formed if we are to get a true footing in this war.

He could not believe this was happening to him. After all the crap he had to put up with to get where he was and suddenly The Master has a change of heart and disbands his army..claiming Durius isn't capable of facing the necroscope. Durius took a deep breath and bowed his head to The Master.

Durius: As you wish Master...I shall gather my things and return here.

Lucifer: Good, dismissed!

Durius lifted himself from his knee, turned his back to The Master, and made his exit out of the Great Hall knowing The Master did not wish to discuss the matter any further with him. As the doors to the Great Hall opened up before him, he took one last look behind him towards The Master who sat himself back down on his throne and at the Council of DaemonLords. He knew what he was about to do might get him demoted or much..much worse, but he had to prove to The Master that he could accomplish the task given to him..alls he needed was a little time & patience..he was so close in the first place.

The doors closed behind him as he left the Great Hall and when he turned to head towards the Gates of Hell he was joined by the phantom who accompanied him down to Hell. It took him a few minutes to realize that the phantom was trying to talk to him.

Durius: Huh? What'd you say?

Phantom: I asked how the meeting went sir.

Durius: Not as I expected...The Master wishes to disband us and have me return here.

Phantom: WHAT!? But My Lord, were so close!

Durius: Yes yes I know.

Phantom: So will you follow The Master's orders? Will you return home?

Durius stopped and turned to his companion after she asked him the question. He didn't know if he should feel like a traitor for what he thought he needed to do..but it was his only way to prove he was more then these beings gave him credit for.

Durius:....Take a good look around phantom...we wont be coming back.

***Taking a stroll***

Jory had only been gone for a day now and already something was wrong within the camp. Zedd & Colleen had come out of the cabin a few hours after Jory left and went on a frantic search for Kerri who was doing some training in a patch of grassy field behind the cabin. When they found her they all ran back to the cabin and asked that everyone stay out until they say otherwise..it all seemed too fishy to Scotty.

It was dark all around the camp with the exception of the porch lights coming from the cabin and a few fires built to keep the others warm while they were banned, and with the disturbance lingering on everyone's mind it made the shelter of light something to seek. The witches throughout the camp did a quick sweep of the area with their magic to try & detect any enemy presences around the area, they didn't feel anything but to be safe Scotty sent out a few lycanthropes to see if they could come up with anything..they couldn't.

Sitting on a large rock outside of the cabin away from the others, Scotty's mind was being eaten away by the questions he wanted to ask Zedd. What was the dilemma? Why keep people out of the cabin? What’s wrong with Jory? None of those would be answered anytime soon so he could do nothing but sit and stare into the darkness around him.

Craig, who must have felt a little lonely too, walked up to him with a small grin on his face and raises a finger towards the woods.

Craig: Want to do a quick check of the area?

Scotty: Why? We've already had the witches and lycanthropes scout it for us.

Craig shrugged and placed his hands into his pockets, possibly feeling dumb for making the suggestion.

Craig: Figured it'd ease our minds a little more if we were to confirm the absence of an enemy presence ourselves.

He did have a point, it'd be nice to be absolutely sure that there is nothing wrong, and he didn't think a small walk would hurt.

Scotty: Alright, lets go.

Scotty hopped off the rock and together they walked into the dark woods to see if they could disprove the others in their findings. Scotty had to question whether it was smart to go by themselves, sure Scotty was armed and an excellent fighter and Craig had the ability to control Fire & Lightning, a gift bestowed upon him by Heaven in the battle against Satan, but they were still only two men..two mortals. When they got a goodly distance away from the camp Craig huddled a little closer to Scotty as they took a turn that would make them start their circle of the camp, apparently he had something to say to him.

Craig: Listen, I didn't want to say anything back at the camp in fear of alarming anyone..but I needed to talk to you.

Scotty: Ok, What’s up?

Craig: This business with being banned from the cabin...is too fishy.

Scotty: I thought so too.

Craig: What do you think the problem is?

Scotty sighed at Craig's question..its one hes been trying to answer himself all night.

Scotty: I cant say for sure, usually when emergencies like this happen you & I are included, but tonight something is wrong..very wrong.

Craig: Think Durius has done something?

Scotty: Thats a thought, but part of me is thinking that it has to do with Jory.

Craig: Jory? What would be wrong with him?

Scotty: I don’t know, I just don’t like him being alone in New York City of all place.

Craig: Me neither, but if he finds the vampire executioner then there wont be any worries.

Scotty: Until then there is going to be worries. Hes yet to give us any sign that hes made it. I've traveled with him through the spirit world and let me tell you..he should have been there a long time ago, he would at least call us and let us know he made it.

A small look of horror crossed Craig's face in realization that something could in fact be wrong.

Craig: But Durius never knew of Jory's plans to see the vampire executioner, no one but us did..so how would he get into any trouble?

Scotty: I wouldn't lean on that too much, Durius has surprised us in the past like this..hes a very intelligent and powerful demon. if I were to guess, I'd say Durius somehow managed to discover that Jory was heading to NYC and decided to act.

Craig: Hmmm...if he found about Jory going to NYC then not only would he know that Jory was alone, but he'd also know that our camp is now open for attack.

Scotty: Not really "open" for attack, but he knows that we'd have a more difficult time defending the area then if Jory was here. Besides, Durius doesn't know our location..so even if he had the idea to attack us, he'd still have to find us.

Craig: So what do you think Kerri, Colleen, and Zedd are doing then?

Scotty: Zedd & Kerri have a link to Jory. Zedd's is through his connection to Jory's soul..and Kerri's is her connection to Jory's power, I'm guessing they are going to try to use those links in order to find Jory.

Craig: They can do that through the spirit realm?

Scotty: I'm pretty sure they can, Zedd & Colleen are powerful demons in their own right and Kerri's power, like Jory's is rooted in death. I don’t know much about magic like they do but I'm thinking they can use their abilities to strengthen their link to Jory and feel him out..try to locate him.

Craig: Well, hopefully Jory is ok. The last thing we need is more trouble from that fick.

Scotty took a moment to let his eyes gaze over the beautiful trees of Mt. Spokane to detect any motion and to let the conversation sink into him. He wished Zedd & the others would hurry and answer his questions.

Scotty: I agree bro. Lets head back to the camp..I'm done waiting for them.

Craig nodded his agreement and followed Scotty to the camp, hoping that Zedd will be able to calm their nerves and answer their questions.

***The First reveals himself***

???: There, how do you feel?

Jory stretched his sides a little to let the bandages around his mid-section settle in a little. When they reached the man's area in the cave he had Jory remove his shirt and immediately went to tending Jory's wounds. The scratch on Jory's face from the werewolf attack was a simple matter, at least to his new friend. He claimed that he had a way of making sure that the disease wouldn't spread in him and when applying the bandages he also put on some kind of paste to his cheek and the wound at his side..saying it'd help the wounds heal faster and kill the disease.

He had to admit, this guy was good at first aid. His wounds barely hurt him now and he could finally take a full breath of fresh air, now all he needed was a good nights rest and he'd be ready to go.

Jory: Pretty damn good, thank you.

???: Your welcome.

The man had small candles lit all around this small living space, which only consisted of a small bed of straw for him to sleep on, a sheet to cover his body when he sleeps, and a desk where he kept various items..some Jory thought looked to be as ancient as ancient gets. All Jory could think of was how this man was possibly able to survive. He saw no food laying around, no water or anything else for him to drink..he was out in the middle of no where in a forrest layered thick with the spirits of the dead and holding its own werewolf pack..what was this man's deal?

He sat on the straw bed watching the man put away the bandages and other items, feeling like he could no longer hold back he decided to ask some questions..but the man beat him to the punch.

???: Why are you here?

Jory: Uh, well...I don’t think I should say.

???: Oh? Why not?

Jory: The less you know the better.

???: Ah I see, so I'm not supposed to know about you being a necroscope?

He was bewildered...how did this guy know he was a necroscope?

Jory: Uh....how did you...

???: Or that you came out of the spirit realm?

Jory: How the Hell do you know that stuff?

???: I know many things, go ahead and tell me why you’re here.

He wondered if he now bother not telling the guy or lying..if this guy could pick up on all of that without even asking Jory the questions then surely he should know more then hes already putting off.

Jory: I was on my way to New York City in search of a vampire hunter who I believe can assist me in a battle.

???: The one against Daemonlord Durius?

Jory: Only one I'm fighting in.

???: Hes nasty business, that Durius..I admire your courage in standing up to him. So, if you were on your way to New York City..how did you end up here?

Jory: Durius's spies in the spirit world spotted me and came at me with a flurry of attacks to try and throw me off. They did a good job of it and I was forced to go to the Chicago portal, but a spirit under the control of Durius beat me to it and blasted me off course..in a desperate act my power, without my doing, opened up a portal and I woke up here.

The figure was silent for a moment as he went over Jory's words. He seemed to be a little more interested now in what Jory was saying.

???: You created a portal not apart of the spirit world eh?

Jory: Well it was that or die, so I chose the former.

???: Quite interesting, a necroscope has been unable to do that for many years now. Much of the power of the necroscope has weakened over the years..the weakest of you only able to communicate with and see spirits, but not have the kind of control yourself and few others do.

Jory: You mentioned earlier that Durius is nasty business...how do you know of Durius?

A faint chuckle came from the dark hooded area of the man's face. He sat himself down next to Jory and stared off towards the ground.

???: I've had many encounters with him, some I'd rather not remember.

Jory: How is it you know so much about my power..and of Durius? Many mortals who stand infront of Durius never live to tell the tale..mouthless claim to have many encounters with him.

The robed figure remained silent for a moment, possibly not wanting to open up to Jory. Part of him could understand, the man had helped Jory with the wolves and taken care of the wounds..why pester him now? But his curiosity was becoming too much to bare.

???: Long ago, back when time had no meaning and the Lord had just barely created the Heavens and the Earth..a tragedy happened that still effects every living thing to this day.

???: Lucifer, once a prominate angel in Heaven, began to question God's methods and act outside of his holy birthright. All of the angels in heaven and the Lord himself could see that Lucifer was becoming evil..letting hatred consume his soul and the Lord could not have that in his Holy Palace. So, he banished Lucifer to Hell where Lucifer would have to spend the rest of eternity away from God's love..but Lucifer had other plans.

Somehow, he was able to manipulate the flow of death, making it so that those who did not ask forgiveness from the Lord for their sins would be sent to Hell instead of Heaven. There he twisted the souls of the dead into what we know today as demons. With a small army gathering in Hell..an army of twisted souls full of hatred and bloodlust, God was forced to create Purgatory, where souls who followed the tunnel of light would be able to be fairly judged instead of automatically being sent to Heaven or Hell. This unsettled Lucifer greatly and thus..the war began.

The war became and uphill battle for both sides, angels involved in the battle were made into Archangels, angels specifically made to battle the war against Lucifer. To counter this Lucifer was able to lure angels from Heaven with false promises and turn them into Fallen Angels, angels with the blessed ability of the Lord but with the hatred of Satan coursing through them.

The war was becoming very intense, many times both sides were close to bringing down the gates that protected their kingdoms..but somehow in someway they always failed..something had to be done.

At around this time the war was getting to a point where mortals, human beings like yourself, were getting caught up in the battle. Many were slaughtered just for being innocent people getting caught up in the foray. Satan used them as a way to bait the Lord into doing what Satan wanted..but the Lord would not break and the war only escalated.

The scales needed to be tipped in order for a side to gain an advantage, if Lucifer and the Lord continued to fight the war the way they were doing now then they may be stuck fighting each other forever on end...not even those two have that kind of patience..so a drastic step was taken.

New weapons were created in order to tip the scales..the only problem is is that these weapons weren't made of steal or other angels or demons..but of human beings.

Jory stared open mouthed at what the figure was telling him. How could God & Satan force innocent mortals who had nothing to do with the war to become weapons in it?

???: Many mortals were blessed by Heaven with the gift to control the elements..like your friend Craig. At first Hell was unable to defend against this but then they came up with a weapon that countered the element wielders. Hell infused wiccans who were greedy for more power with deadly magic arts from Hell, creating witches. The witches, imbued with new powers, were able to give element wielders a very hard time..new weapons had to be made.

Heaven started creating more & more holy weapons such as Paladins and wizards, to counter that Satan had his higher ranking demons develop a disease that would change the human body during the full moon or when the act was desperate..thus lycanthropy was born.

The battle was at its most deadly at this point and Lucifer sought to take advantage of the Lord trying to deal with the lycanthropes by creating two new weapons..weapons that would change the course of the whole course of the war.

Jory: What'd he do?

???: Lucifer knew that a key to winning this war was to use more spiritual force then physical force against Heaven. He figured if he could change humans to control death much like he was able to then he would put the Lord in a Checkmate..so to speak. In a ritual that took several weeks and involved the highest ranking of Daemonlords..Lucifer was able to create the first humans who had the ability to call upon the dead bodies of the dead and to call upon the spirits of the dead...he created the first Necromancers and Necroscopes.

He was speechless. How does one react to knowing that the person your fighting is the person who created you? He could only gulp and stare at the figure.

???: Heaven went crazy when they heard this news. Humans who had the ability to control death was something the Lord never wanted them to have. Life & Death were his area and his alone..he created everything that exists today and to have outside forces meddling in that would cause world wide chaos. In a desperate act, the Lord created a sect of Summoners to counter the Necro people. These Summoners had the ability to call upon spirits much like the Necroscopes and Mancers did..only they called upon the spirits of the Archangels who would come and slay the Necro sects..this still continues to this day.

Jory: My gift...part of me...was created by Satan?

???: Ironic..no?

It all swam around Jory's head like a shark circling its prey..how was this possible? How is it that his power, the very weapon he was using against Satan, was something Satan himself created? How was this man so knowledgeable about this? Afraid to test his shaky voice, Jory spoke to the man in a whispered tone.

Jory: How is it you know all of this?

The man turned his head a little to Jory and stared at Jory's feet a moment before he slowly reached up and retracted the hood from his head. Jory stared at the man who now showed his wrinkled, battle worn face to him and listened as the man answered.

???: Because...I was there the day Satan created the power of the necroscope..I was the chosen man for this power. I..am the first necroscope.