The beginning

"Wow," Anna mused. "She's met her other half... that's so amazing." She clasped her hands and turned to Soren. "Where is Athen anyway? I want to meet him!"

Soren smiled back at Cala. "When I found you, you were close to death. I will not give up on you now." He nodded at Cala's words. "Seth seems to be the best candidate due to Athen's spell."
He frowned at the girl. "Can you tell me more about Athen, child?"

Anna's eyes lit up. "Athen was one of the first humans to find immortality. The other Misers say his love is what keeps him alive. He had a wife that he loved dearly. When he went to war to protect his country, he left her in the care of his best friend, Krios. When he returned, the town had turned on him. They said he was a coward who left the battle. Athen didn't know why they thought so. Then he returned home to his dying wife. Someone had attacked her. Krios told him the town's people had done it and he and Athen murdered the whole town in rage!" Anna threw her arms out. "But then, Krios took Athen to the river and told him to clean the blood off. When Athen did, Krios struck him with his sword and tried to kill him. He admitted he'd killed Athen's wife when she resisted his advances. Ever since then, Athen and Krios have been in a constant battle to kill the other. Krios was given immortality by the Dark Lord to lure Athen back into Hades, but Athen had disappeared. Krios is in a slumber now, but since Athen is awake, Krios will be awoken as well."

Ezekiel managed to run over to Zander, coughing a little before telling him, "I was told to bring them to you." He looked back, blinking at the group. "Whats going on?" He asked quietly, looking to Zander again. "Well, they're here now."

"Put your respirator on, Ezekiel," Zander told the kid, walking towards the group. "Okay, what's going on here? None of you look like you're human."

He did as he was told, silently since he should have known better. He followed Zander after a moment, looking the people over again. A small panicked feeling came over him again as it always did when he was unsure. He waited for the answer, wanting just to know what was going on.

Lily sat in her room, perched on the edge of her desk, humming quietly. She thought fondly of the woman that had disappeared, quite suddenly, leaving the tower and everything in it under her control. "Oh, Miss Rose. As unfortunate as your leave has been, how fortunate that every luxury has fallen unto me." She smiled, remembering her face and her kindness to the others residing there. "I hope to make you proud, Rose." She turned back towards her window and peered outside, watching the world crumbling around them.

Soren smile politely at the man. "My name is Soren Lykke. This is my apprentice Cala Thorn. We are of the Lost. I am an exorcist." He hesitated before continuing. "Based on what I have seen, and what I have heard from this young lady," he motioned towards the young Miser, "I have concluded that you will soon have a big problem on your hands."

Cala bowed, hesitantly.

Zander inclined his head toward Cala. "Problem?" He turned back to Soren. "What kind of problem? What was that in the city?"

"That," Soren said, "was the exorcism of Athen. I relinquished his powers for the sake of humanity. Had he been summoned with all of his powers, I believe a battle following his summoning would annihilate every living creature on this planet." He looked down at the young Miser. "Until he knows how to control his inner emotions, he is not ready to wield his full power.
"However," he continued, "if what this Miser has told me is correct, we will have more trouble if Krios is summoned."

Cala stepped back, looking around the safe camp curiously.

Five took Seth by the arm and pulled him to the side. "We're going to have to get you some extra training," he said. "Teach you some new skills and improve some old ones. You're going to need to be stronger and faster."

Zander blinked a few times. His head swam with the information in front of him. "Wait, hold up," he held up his hands, one of which still held his shotgun. "So...two demons are being summoned. One is already here, but he doesn't have his powers. And another is on the way?" He frowned at Soren. "Where's this Athen?"

Seth nodded and mumbled a string of curse words. He jumped up on the counter and took out a mirror tool from his pocket. "Mother of Zeus..." he muttered, studying his eye. "What the f-," he turned his head. "What was Athen talking about? That bridge garbage."

Five sighed heavily. "I have no clue. All I know is you're going to be a target now, so we need to get you out of here. I wouldn't be surprised if the one following us here was Tira."

"Tira? The witch lady?" Seth snorted. "Great. So the city isn't even safe. Awesome shit, Five. Both the humans and the Misers are going to be trying to kill me, but I'm a monster." Seth threw the little mirror across the room, cracking it against the wall. "All because of this stupid eye? Is that really all? I can't just hide it?"

"Hey, kid, cool it," Five sternly said. "Kallias is right. To get any answers, we'll have to go see Asterianna..."

Kallias cleared his throat. "I think you should take him somewhere quieter, Five. I need to find the doctor. We've wasted a lot of time talking."

Five grabbed Seth by the forearm and pushed him towards the door. "Yeah, we're going to find somewhere to work on his strength. He's a weak little chicken shit." Five grinned at Seth, his sharp canines showing near the corners of his mouth.

"What the heck, man? You trained me!" Seth tripped out of the room. "Thanks for nothing."

"He is with the ambassador and Five at the hospital, I believe. However, do not be alarmed. Athen's power is dormant. He has no access to it and cannot hurt anyone."

Zander sighed and called a soldier over. "Tell the guards double duty on border details. Nobody in or out without proof they're human. I don't care if they're benevolent Misers." He pointed to the group. "Take them to a holding house so the refugees don't try to tear them apart." The soldier nodded and got in position to lead the group.
"Stay together and don't let yourself be seen," he told the group. "Especially you two." He pointed at the girls. "You're a Miser, and you're...well, I don't know. We'll send someone to check on you regularly." He began walking towards the hospital.

Anna giggled maniacally. "I'm getting back to the city," she whispered to Cala. "I'm not staying here any longer. They're trapping us in. No way! We have our freedom too! We're not their dogs!" Anna stuck her tongue out in Zander's direction and quickly headed for the escape route she'd planned for emergencies.

Cala took offence to Zander's words, visibly frowning. She looked at the little Miser as she spoke, nodding in agreement. She felt the same about the Misers as if she were one. People were prejudice against them all without distinction. She turned to Soren, uncovering her eye. "Sir, I think I'd like to get some rest. Please, may I be excused?"