(His life was never easy. From day 1 it seemed that something has always been trying to make his life a living Hell. He had a lonely childhood, his anger constantly consumed him, he had to fight a demon AND a vampire to finally free himself of his anger, and now this. A demon..or ghost..or whatever, was haunting his dreams, was haunting his life...and this one was closer then ever to acually being able to kill Jory and everyone he cared about. With Becca still on bed rest, Jory only had the company of Scotty to keep his mind focused. He wondered how Becca was fairing, and if she would recover soon and help himself and Scotty on this journey. After departing the Queen Mary, Jory stuck to Zedd like glue, and had Zedd help him develope his power. It was amazing what talents Jory was able to accomplish when Zedd took the time to help Jory, he felt like he was something special for the first time ever. All his life he knew somehow he was different, but because he couldn't put his finger on it he just figured he was like everyone else and that really bothered him. Now that he has these amazing talents, he knew he was someone special...but with great power comes great responcibility and Jory knew what his responcibility was, to save mankind. He couldn't go around and flaunt his power like a world leader might, he had to keep this to himself and use his power to save those that the phantom is after, he also knew that this power made him a target for the phantom and its army, if he didn't watch his back he was surely a dead man. Zedd's assassins decided to take Scotty aside while their master was busy with Jory and help train him for the battles ahead. They knew Scotty wouldn't warm up to them easily, as it was because of them Jory was able to beat Scotty all those months ago and put Jory where he is now within the UEF ranks. Scotty figured if Jory could forgive and forget for now, he might as well too, and listened to what Kain, Cloud, and Vincent had to say.

Their destination was New Orleans, a city so full of history that you couldn't even begin to draw a picture to what has happened here within the past 200 years. From legendary pirates, to voodoo rituals, to the Civil War and so on, New Orleans has seen and been through it all. Jory was very sttracted to New Orleans, who wouldn't be attracted to a city that has women showin off their goods once a year? Though that was part of it, it was the history of the town that made Jory wanna visit this place so bad. The history was so rich, Jory could drink from it forever. The history of New Orleans is very troubling, it was plagued by sickness, graveyards would overflow with dead bodies and they'd eventually spill out into the streets. Prostitutes ran wild in the city, it seemed every other building was a brothel and you could guess where un-married..Hell..even some married men went to when night blanketed the skies. If that isnt dark enough, pirates were infamous here, always looting and drinking and even sometimes, killing. With pirates, also came voodoo, a religion that mixed African and Haiti beliefs with the Catholic religion. Many believed that voodoo was used to curse people, make them sick or die, and that voodoo priestesses would summon evil forces to do their wicked bidding. As we all know, voodoo dolls were born from those beliefs, and people thought that voodoo people would use the dolls to torture other people by casting a spell on the doll and make it appear like the person the spell caster wanted to torment.

Many people have their beliefs, but voodoo is far from evil. Sure, some people can use it for evil purposes, but generally voodoo is just a religion based on good beliefs and that mean no harm to anyone. There is much more that could be said about the history of New Orleans, but to go on would take a life time, and we just dont have that time. The point really is, with all this dark history, comes ghosts of all sorts..good...bad..and the evil. Knowing this, Jory was going to stay on gaurd, it wouldn't be good to let it down in a city so full of ghosts and an evil phantom who could easily control them in the city looking to rest from a long battle. Jory was amazed he was able to get the first win over her, he was surrounded by death and it seemed all over before it even began. But thanks to friends, his ability, and a flashlight amazingly, he survived another battle..and lived to fight another. Jory figured it was a good thing this spirit went to New Orleans, as UEF was bringing Soul Survivor into town and Jory, along with his pal Jacob, had to defend their titles against the team of Hiddukel and Criminal Sypher. Jory wasn't too worried about the match, though Hiddukel and Sypher were a threat, he had bigger things on his plate. This was why Kerri and Madison were in town, cause of the event, they had no idea though as to what was waiting for them. Though this phantom was after Jory, it did know that there was another necroscope that would be valuable to Zedd if Jory were to die or be sidelined, and it knew that it needed to kill her as well to prevent that from happening.

Once they arrived in New Orleans, they werent shocked to see the town packed full of people. Not only was UEF in town, but it was Mardi Gras time and anyone who likes to party is definately going to this event. Though he was there on a serious matter, he didn't think it'd hurt to indulge himself a little and tour the party scene..hey..the phantom could show up, ya never know. Walking through the airport, Jory was really struck with awe, while watching people pass him by or talk to him about UEF, with just how much responcibilty really rested on his shoulders. Every person in this airport, and outside of it depended on himself and Zedd winning this war, and they didn't even know it. After talking with UEF officials when they touched down, they found that Kerri was staying with Madison and Heather Taylor at Hôtel Rose de Jardin in the "The Blue Rose" suite. Zedd knew the area well, and knew that she was located in the Garden District of New Orleans. Because UEF knew that Jory and Scotty were now in town, they sent over limos to pick them up and take them to the hotel so they could check in. Jory was glad UEF chose that hotel as it had some of the best service in town and Jory just needed to lie down for a while and rest his aching body. Being in a battle with zombies, vampires, wereanimals, and ghosts wasn't exactly the workout Jory needed or wanted for his body and his body agreed with him, he needed to do some strecthing and put some ice on his muscles, cant go wrestling with stiff muscles he figured.

Zedd had his army spread out and watch the city, leaving the group down to Jory,Scotty,Zedd, and Anita. It felt good to just have a small group of people sitting with him instead of a huge group of supernatural creatures stare at him, wondering what hes all about. Because it was daylight and Zedd's vampires couldn't go out into it, Zedd had them shipped to an abandonded wearhouse in New Orleans where no one would find em, Jory figured the vamps must feel a connection to the group or he wouldn't have sent them away, besides it'd look goofy if they waltzed into a hotel with coffins in their arms. Driving through New Orleans was a breath taking experience on its own. The buildings, new and old, seemed to have taken upon them so much livelyhood and history..Jory could only imagine how long it'd take him to tour the entire city and learn every drop of history along the way. For now that would all take a backseat, he had to get to the hotel and make sure Kerri was alright. With his special talents, he was able to feel the presence of s spirit wherever and he was definately feeling a lot of energy around him, but nothing too powerful and evil yet.)

Zedd: *Breaks the silence in the limo* So Jory, you feel anything yet?

Jory: *Looks at Zedd* Nothing of concern, doesn't mean we should let our gaurd down.

Scotty: You think the girls are alright?

Jory: If theres one thing I know about them women, its that they can take care of themselves.

Anita: But were talking about an evil force that is beyond any power that I, at least, have ever faced.

Jory: *Looks at Anita*...Shes been through more then you know, trust me.

Zedd: Once we get there, lets not get here involved too fast, we'll ease it onto her.

Jory: Let me do it.

Zedd: But..

Jory: No Zedd, I have more history with her then anyone in this limo. Shes connected to me in a way no one else is, if anyone is going to tell her who she really is its going to be me..I owe her that much.

Zedd: *Nods*....Fair enough.

(Jory wondered how Kerri would take the news. Its bad enough that she had to go through life not knowing she was acually a Storm, but to now find out shes also a necroscope...man..joining the UEF has definately put Kerri on a bumpy road. After it was all settled, they pulled up to the hotel enterance. Outside waiting for them, alongside the bell hop and a few helpers, were Kerri, Madison, and Heather..looking a little too eager to meet up with Jory & Scotty. Just as the limo stopped, Scotty hopped out of the limo and gave Madison a big hug. Jory missed doing that with Becca, but knew once this was over and she was healed, he'd be doing that a lot more. Jory had Zedd and Anita stay back for a bit and stepped out of the limo after Scotty finally moved out of the way. Kerri gave her "bro" a hug and smiled up at him.)

Kerri: Its good to see you Jory.

Jory: *Hugs her back* You too Kerri.

Heather: *Gives Jory a hug after Kerri* Glad to see ya again.

Jory: Uhh...*hugs her back* You too Heather.

Madison *Runs up and hugs Jory* I figure I'd complete the hugs *giggles*.

Jory: *Laughs and hugs her back* Well thank you Madison.

Kerri: So bro, what took ya so long to get here?

Jory: *Scratches the back of his neck*...Well....uh.....I got caught up on something.

Kerri: *Looks curious* Like what?

(Jory looks over at Scotty whos just staring at Jory, knowing he wont be able to help out with this one.)

Madison *Looks up at Scotty*...Scott?.....Whats going on?

Jory: *Looks at Kerri*...Well...ya see sis....I...went back to the Queen Mary.

Kerri: *Looks startled* What!? Why?

Zedd: Because *gets out of the limo*...he was sent there.

(Kerri watched Evil DM get out of the limo and takes a step back breathless. She couldn't fathom why Jory and Evil DM were sharing the same limo, muchless standing side by side.)

Kerri: *Whispers*.....Evil DM.

Jory: Its ok Kerri....hes with us now.

Kerri: You cant be serious!? Hes done so much to us I cant even...

Jory: *Interupts her*....Everyone, we need to talk.

(As he says that Anita exits the limo and stands on the other side of Jory. The girls give Jory and Scotty a weird look and Madison backs away from Scotty a little.)

Heather:...Whos this?

Scotty: Anita Blake...she uh....

Madison:....Scott...

Jory: Madison, for now trust me when I say theres nothing for you to worry about when it comes to Scotty's faith. But for now we must hold this off and take this to your room, we need to talk.

(Jory looks over to the bell hop and tells him to take their stuff to their rooms, then turns and follows Kerri into the hotel. Jory didn't pay much attention to everything around him, his mind was so jumbled up it seemed his legs did all the work while his mind went numb. Madison stayed close to Scotty...as a matter of fact Kerri, Heather, and Madison stuck pretty close to Jory & Scotty while Zedd and Anita hung off to Jory's side. Jory figured the girls got a creepy vibe from both of them and didn't blame them for wanting Jory and Scotty to be their shields. It took them a bit, but the group finally made it to "The Blue Rose" suite, surrounded in the deafening silence, Jory was glad to be there finally. Kerri opened the door to her suite and Jory allowed her, Heather, and Madison to go on ahead before stepping into the room himself. The room was definately a light warm welcome, at least compared to what hes been through, and without even thinking he walked over to the bed and dropped dead right onto it. He crawled up the bed and rested his head on the big inviting pillow before him and savored the feel of soft and warmth against his body.)

Kerri: Um....Jory?

Zedd: *Walks into the room* Give him a moment Kerri, hes been through a lot.

Kerri: What do you mean?...Why are you here?

Zedd: Believe it not Kerri, I was a pawn, used to use you and Jory. No ammount of words I say will make up for what I've done, but I want you to know that I dont mean you any harm now that I'm free.

Kerri:...That still doesn't explain whats wrong with him and why your here.

Jory: *Sits himself up and walks to a window beside the bed*....You better sit down Kerri, I have some things I need to tell you.

Kerri: But Jory...

Jory: *Raises his voice* Kerri, do as I ask.

(Kerri sighs and sits down on her bed looking at Jory. Jory lowers his head, trying to go over the thoughts in his head and what he should say first.)

Kerri: Jory, please tell me why your so tired and why you hace scratches on your body...whats going on?

Jory: Ya see Anita over there?

Kerri: *Slowly looks over at her*...Yes...

Jory:...I met her on the Queen Mary after bumping into Zedd. From the moment I met her I knew there was something about her, much like how I feel about you. When she met, she told me she was a necromancer.

(The room fell totally silent at Jory's words.)

Jory: I've been having dreams that something is haunting me and killing myself, and people I care about in brutal ways. The dreams led me to the Queen Mary. Here I learned the reason why I felt a strong connection between her and you.

Kerri:.....What?

Jory: *Turns and looks at her*...Kerri....I'm a necroscope.

Kerri: You mean....

Jory: *Nods*..I see and can talk to the spirits of the dead.

Madison:.....*Looks at Scotty*....Is this true Scott?

Scotty: *Nods*...Yea babe, its true.

(Heather looks at Jory then walks to the other side of the room and grabs a bottle of water, sweat now noticably running down her forehead.)

Jory: Because of this gift, I've been forced to do battle with a creature stronger then Zedd...stronger then Earl Beardie...stronger then anything I've ever seen. The scratches you see on me are the results of battling against vampires..and werewolves. The reason I'm tired sis?....Cause I've been on the brink of death..and only my gift has saved me thus far.

(Hearing this, Kerri could only rush over to Jory and give him a hug. Jory was stunned for a bit, but then hugged her back.)

Kerri: I cant believe it Jory...

Jory:...Theres more sis.

Kerri:..What else is there?

Jory: This phantom, its looking to destory humanity. If I allow it to win this battle, it'll put Hell on earth..and all will be lost.

Kerri:.........Thats....impossible.

Jory:...Its possible Kerri. But theres something else sis...something that could save this cause.

Kerri: What is it!?

Jory: Ya see Kerri, as I said earlier it was because of my gift that I was able to feel a special connection to you and Anita...well...Anita over there..shes a necromancer....she has the ability to raise the dead.

Kerri: *Stares into Jory's eyes*...Jory....

Jory: *Puts his hands on her shoulders* Sis.....like me...you too..are a necroscope.

(She couldn't believe it, but at the same it all made sense to her. This is why shes always felt such a strong bond to Jory, why Evil DM used her, why so many things happened to her. She backed away from Jory and sat back down on her bed with shock running through her body. Heather came over and sat beside Kerri, giving her a supportive hug and some water.)

Jory: Because your a necroscope sis, this phantom I'm fighting is also after you, for it is us necroscopes that threaten its chance of winning.

Kerri: *Blinks*.....How is it we threaten its chances?

Jory: Though our army is powerful, it lacks one thing that the other has plenty of...spirits. Because of this our army is close to losing this war as our werewolves, vampires, and whatever else cant even touch those spirits...and thats where we come in.

Kerri:....We can summon spirits to counteract theirs.

Jory: Exactly.

Kerri: Wow, and I thought I had learned all there was to learn about me.

Jory: Life is full of surprises.

Zedd: Theres more Kerri. Soul Survivor isnt the only reason why were in town.

Kerri: Let me guess, this thing is in town huh?

Jory: *Chuckles* Good guess sis.

Kerri: Were gonna need to be extra careful then wont we?

Jory: Indeed sis, indeed.

Kerri: Hmm, this news comes at a bad time guys.

Jory: *Looks curious* Whys that sis?

Kerri: Well, theres a ball that I'm attending tonight with Ryan, and Mardi Gras is tonight.

Jory: Crap *leans against a wall*....thats two places that need to be covered.

Kerri: There wont be many people at the ball, at least compared to Mardi Gras. Perhaps you, Zedd, and Scotty should go there while I hold the fort down here?

Scotty: But Kerri, you'll be practically an open target, we can just leave you alone.

Zedd: No, she has a point. We need all of us in the more populated area, and her all alone in an empty space. We may be able to lure the phantom out, and in its weaken state we can destory it.

Jory: *Sighs*...Guess thats what we'll have to do then.

Zedd: Good, I'll have my assassins here to keep an eye on you just incase Kerri, in the mean time..we should all get ready for tonight..and remember..watch your backs.

(Kerri and Jory shared a look with eachother before Jory and his companions leave the room to prepare for tonight. Phase 1 is out of the way, now can this team complete phase 2 and rid New Orleans of the phantom?)