Fear is such a terrible word. The word itself left a disgusting taste on Nathan's tongue.

Sometimes fear alone could trap a man in prison within his own mind. A beast could stare you down and render you a useless husk if your resolve was weak enough. Nathan had faced many foes in his life, not once had he seen his friends hesitate. But here he was, a witness to Evie's psychological siege.

Ivory, the stoic Sentinel, frozen like a statue. Jonah, the swift marksman, was reduced to a quivering mess. He had a weapon in his hands yet he knew that a gun was useless against a god. Sally simply cowered. As for Abe, he simply stood there with his eyes focused on Evie.

Nathan and Gluttony were the first two who encountered the Bloody Tyrant, as they all know at the moment, so it made sense for the two to keep their distance.

The intruder to their home was just there, sitting on their couch as if she was at home. She wasn't afraid of them, and they knew it. Their numbers didn't matter, or their strengths. This wasn't like a champion, this was a literal god that could not be rivaled by mortal men or divine and demonic power.

Only one of them had any experience with battling a god, and it was Sally. Even then, she feared that her identity would be revealed if she intervened with whatever scheme Evie had. Her advantage could easily be lost if she stepped out of line. And Evie knew that as well. Hell, Evie showed the machine that she was powerless at the moment with a flash of her toothy smile.

Nathan thought Evie was preying on Sally with that despicable smile of hers, so he took a step over to Sally and shielded her from Evie's gaze.

Evie simply found it humorous of him.

"So, aren't you gonna introduce me to your friends, Nathan? Well, I know their names but proper introductions are required. Don't be shy, I'm not some fae. Maybe I am actually… Who knows."

"Doubt you'd care," Nathan spat out his words like venom.

"You're right, I don't. Just want to have some semblance of style." Evie leaned into the seat and made herself comfortable. "It'll be really boring if we just go straight into the action. Gotta spice things up, so some banter and junk couldn't hurt."

She waved a hand dismissively at the gun pointed at her.

"You bunch don't have to be so tense, I'm not here to slaughter you. No, I'm merely here to discuss some business." Slaughter. She said that word so casually that it wasn't a threat, if anything, it was a promise.

Jonah was reluctant, but he lowered his gun. Nathan jabbed an elbow into Ivory's ribs and brought her back to reality.

Freed from the fear induced by Evie, Ivory took a step closer. But before she could even utter a word, Evie raised an open palm.

"If you're here to beg for your life, it's pointless."

"No, that's not what I wanted to do. You were talking about business?"

"I do love your serious personality, but you don't look fun at all." She raised a finger at Jonah. "This guy on the other hand seems to be the fun one of the three. You know what he did when I sent Watcher to test him? Bloodfield here shot Watcher's gun and Watcher almost shot himself in the face because of it! That caught all of us off guard!"

This was clearly an attempt to change the mood, sadly everyone was far too tense to even smile. As proud as Jonah was of his achievement, he wasn't going to lower his guard around Evie.

"Wow, you bunch sure don't appreciate cool moments, especially done by your friend. Speaking of which, awesome name there Bloodfield, if you work for me I'd let you use it."

"Can we focus, please?"

Evie frowned. "What's the rush? Fine, let's not enjoy ourselves and just get to the business part. Can one of you get us some tea? Or coffee? Can't do this without any warm drinks."

Her question was directed at those who weren't part of this little meeting, which was Abe and Sally. Abe obliged and started the task that was requested.

For a short moment, the whole room was in deafening silence. If one were to drop a needle on the carpet, they would've heard it crash. That was how quiet it was, not even the streets breached their little soundless sanctuary.

Nathan felt as if his heart was in his neck with how loud it was. He was sure his heart would've made him deaf with the help of the silence.

It was only when Abe returned with some tea for everyone, except for him and Sally. Once everything was settled, Abe retreated to Sally's side as this did not concern him, but he was ready for any trouble just in case.

"Thank you," Evie made sure to flash Abe a smile. "Now, let's all get down to business. Nathan, did you inform them about the job I gave you?"

"No," He fished out the picture of the man who was dressed like a plague doctor. He showed the others soon after, and both Ivory and Jonah had mixed reactions. "I'm guessing this is about him?"

"Right you are! I really need you to do this job as soon as possible and I can't just send out one of my own. He's too much of a threat and I cannot risk losing my guys. You and your group are expendable."

"What makes you think we'd accept this job?" Ivory wondered.

"You are free to decline," Evie's arm shifted before their very eyes and transformed into a large blade made of flesh and bone. The group nearly jumped back but froze as Evie brought her sword arm to Nathan's neck in just a blink. "But this would mean I'd have to get rid of you, if you don't want to play then you're out of the game."

Ivory slammed her fist into Evie's chest before anyone could make a move. "You don't threaten my friend in my home,"

But Evie was undeterred. "And you think you can stop me? Just say yes, and you won't have to worry about me hurting anyone else. Much."

"You aren't giving us a choice." Ivory glowered. "Fine, give us a day or two to prepare. I will request more information about this job and wish to study it before we embark." With that, Ivory pulled her fist out. Everyone was surprised at the lack of blood as Ivory's hand left a sizable hole in Evie's chest.

They all watched in horror as the damage fixed itself. Bones regenerated first before muscle and flesh. If they had not experienced gore before, they would've surely lost their breakfast.

Once she was healed, Evie retracted her blade and shifted it back into her hand. "Like I said, love that serious side of yours. Just need a fun part and I'd like you even more."

"Just get out of our apartment,"

"I haven't had a sip of my tea yet," Evie argued. Without any more distractions, Evie brought the cup to her toothy lips and drank her tea.

With her example, Nathan decided to drink his as well followed by Gluttony. Jonah and Ivory simply remained motionless as they watched Evie with a careful eye.

Satisfied, Evie placed the cup down and said her goodbyes to all. Much to their confusion, the goddess had chosen to exit through the door instead of disappearing as they had expected. Somehow she just showed up, but now that they had their eyes on her, she simply left the apartment normally.

This only confused them more as she proved once again how unpredictable she was.

Once they were sure she was gone, everyone released a sigh of relief. Even Sally who didn't have lungs.

Jonah's arms collapsed to his sides, hands still shaking from the fear that Evie left in his heart. "I think I died…"

"What makes you say that?" Ivory sneered. It seemed that the visit had also left Ivory rattled. Her voice was laced with sarcasm which failed her attempt to hide her fear.

"I gotta go." Sally excused herself and ran out as quickly as she could. Abe simply nodded to the three as he knew this did not concern him. So he followed Sally's example and walked out of the apartment.

Now the three were left alone.

Jonah and Nathan barely moved, but Ivory started to pace around the room. "The hell did we get ourselves into? Nathan, what did you do before all of this?"

"I'm just as clueless as the rest of you. But why give us only two days? Not like we can handle whatever this guy is."

"She wanted us to do this job as soon as possible, doubt she'd wait for a week. Think Scratch knows who this bird guy is?"

"We can ask later," Jonah said. "I need to grab another slice." His hunger betrayed him and led Jonah back to the pizza. "I'd suggest we bring in our A game for this. Any job offered by a god is a job that'll kill us."

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

The two were impressed by Jonah's initiative. Ivory especially.

"Jonah is right, if this man poses a threat to her then he's just as dangerous as the Tyrant. Crow, huh?" Ivory examined the picture more. She memorized every detail about this man and made some small notes about his strange choice of attire. "Dressed like a soldier, wearing a mask of a plague doctor, and most likely isn't for show. Expect chemical combat. Jonah, I believe that those armor plates he's wearing won't be much of a problem to this man, so you'd best bring a lighter gun. One that's easier to move around."

"Right, a bullpup rifle. I'll see if I have one around."

Ivory faced Nathan and Gluttony. "You two aren't really flexible, so I'll just ask you to bring in your best. Being a Star Forged weapon, the Gluttonous Maw will be our best trick."

"You ain't got nothing to worry about!" Gluttony said confidently. "I bet I don't have to do anything! Just sit there and eat whatever is left of this bird guy!"

"I'll see what I can do," Was all Nathan could say.

"You worry too much, Nate! You and I will be the MVP for this one!" She was as confident as ever. "Now come on, I'm very hungry and I've been craving for my share of pizza!"

Ivory agreed. "You two certainly earned it. I'll take this picture and head over to Cain's and get some info about this guy."

"Don't want to have a pizza first?"

She shook her head. "No, you can give the Gluttonous Maw my share."

"Sweet!" Gluttony screeched as she rushed over to the boxes to claim what was hers.

The other two gave Ivory their short goodbyes and wishes for safety.

The Sentinel proceeded out the door and discovered a strange man in the hallway.

He was dressed like some scarecrow, which alone told Ivory that this was one of Evie's grunts.

One large hat that fitted a witch better, a coat with tuffs of hay in every opening of his clothes. His lower face was hidden by a mask that covered his neck as well. Three guns on his belt for all to see. Despite having more of a scarecrow look, he resembled a cowboy more.

Then it struck her, this was the one who attacked Jonah. The question was; why was he here?

"Headin' out?" He asked calmly.

"Watcher, right?"

"That I am."

The two waited in silence until Ivory focused on the task. Watcher simply eyed her as she walked down the hall. Seemed like Evie assigned him to keep watch on them. Probably how he got his name.

Still, their lives had been different ever since they got that lead from Scratch. How it all spiraled down to this after their encounter with the Midnight Witch.

Back then it was simpler. Get a job from Scratch, do said job, then earn the pay. Even after Nathan was introduced to Ivory and Jonah, nothing changed. The only thing that did was their efficiency. With a wielder of a Star Forged weapon, every extermination was a breeze, especially when they had to get rid of some non-humans. A strange flaw for the Gluttonous Maw if you asked Ivory.

Her trip to Cain's was short, her visit was even shorter. Seemed like even the well-educated Apex had their limits. Crow was a mystery then, and even more so now.

Ivory tried other connections and other information brokers. But they didn't offer anything other than a word of warning. Seemed like the mystery of Crow was a frightening thought for many. The simple fear of the unknown.

Something that scared Ivory a little.

She didn't fear for her own sake, she worried more about her two mortal friends. Humans of all things. Jonah and Nathan weren't like other races, they were weak and squishy compared to most. The Apex was strong and patient like the King of Eden. Thyvxen were fast and deadly, especially if they caught you with their teeth. Even the small Martians were smarter than the humans.

The only thing humans do have is that they were spiteful and determined.

Humans could be found everywhere, it wasn't much of a mystery as to why. God himself made humanity.

Ivory took a pause and glanced at the sky. There was one big difference between a god and the God. One of them was that he was omnipresent, and only observed the lives of the galaxy. As for the gods of Eden? They were weaker in comparison, if He wanted it, then all will be purged by His angels.

She once theorized that because of God, humanity stood on equal grounds with the rest of the galaxy. Outmatched in many ways, yet humans fought back. The invasion of Earth made everything evident.

For a moment, Ivory paused in front of an appliance store where they displayed televisions. One was currently broadcasting the news and some recent terrorism on a planet called Plasma. For mortals, that would be frightening news as that planet was just next to them. But for Ivory, that meant a job opportunity. She took note of this recent news and would certainly ask Scratch if any people needed some freelancers.

"The GCC is getting braver these days."

Ivory glanced to the side and discovered Nathan's friend, Daria. The young woman gave Ivory a small smile as a greeting.

"Afternoon, Ivory. People these days are causing so much trouble, aren't they?"

"True, I still wonder why they aren't doing anything about these cults. Eden could easily stamp out the problem from the roots."

Daria shrugged her shoulders. "No clue, think they're just busy with other things. You know how much work they do to keep our universe safe."

"Right, Umbra and her little frequent maintenance on her Gates. Don't trust those things even if they claim it's safe. Don't get me started with the Sentinel of Time. He got nothing but time. Last I've seen the guy, he was busy with those clocks in Eden."

"You've met the gods before?"

Ivory huffed. "All Sentinels knew Orion before he ascended. We all agree that he's by far the best Sentinel just because of his achievement."

"Is that a hint of jealousy I hear? Really, from a stoic woman such as you?"

"I may envy him, but I promise you that I am satisfied with my life. Both the good and the bad, makes me feel mortal. How have you been, Daria?"

"Money troubles," She answered tiredly. "Maybe I should do what you guys do and kill for money."

"If you have the guts for it, and are not easily bound by your morality, then I say you can join us for a few jobs."

"I'd appreciate that, and you may not know, but I've been in a lot of fights before. So, if I ever want to join, you guys would be alright with it, right?"

"The more the merrier, Jonah says. Though that just means I'd have to keep an eye on another human." If she had a brow, Ivory would've raised it once she realized something about Daria. "You have experience in battle? That's something I'd never expect from you. Tell me, what can you do and bring to the team."

"Well," Daria puffed out her chest proudly. "I'll let you know that I'm a powerful psychic, not just a pretty face."

"Is that so?" Ivory said amused. "Hey, do you have any idea who this guy is? Our… client isn't telling us anything."

Daria inspected the picture Ivory had pulled out from her pocket. For a moment, Daria stared at it with a furrowed brow. Suddenly, her face hardened.

"You're not gonna like this, but I do know who this is."

******

Jonah let out a happy sigh. The boxes were empty and stacked by the trash can as they had served their purpose with everyone satisfied. With their stomachs full their fear no longer clouded their mind.

Even Gluttony was content.

The three were left alone by their leader, which meant they had some time before Ivory started the planning phase.

A job like this required their full focus.

"Last meal?" Nathan asked out of the blue.

"Are you asking me if I want one last meal before the boring part of our job or…?"

"What would you have if you got one final meal?"

Jonah stopped to ponder for a minute. He thought about Nathan's question carefully just so he himself was satisfied with his answer.

"If heaven allowed me, I'd have some of ma's apple fritters. You remember those? I brought some back after the last vacation."

"Sure I do, your mother really kills it, I honestly like hers over Scratch's."

"That says a lot," Jonah chuckled. "Hope she doesn't get jealous about that, or maybe she'd want to learn from my ma. How about you Nathan, what do you want if you get one final meal?"

"Easy, honestly, you know I'd never forget Scratch's pizza burger. My favorite thing in the whole damn universe. I mean, the sauce is just so good."

"Well, that's your favorite. But what about the first Nathan White? I'm kinda curious about the guy before you."

Nathan paused as he remembered what had transpired earlier this day. A lot of things were said, and he was given a short window into his past. But what he learned was not what he wanted to hear.

"Jonah… am I a bad guy? Be serious, I kinda need to hear it right now."

"Nate, buddy, out of all of us- even the Gluttonous Maw- you're the nicest one here. Ivory doesn't like people who aren't exactly human, and I've been a very rude dude when it comes to some conflicting opinions. But you seem to be more forgiving, and always did try to do things peacefully."

"Thanks… I kinda found out that I wasn't much of a decent fella back then. You know how I'm part of Evie's group, right? Well, I have a lot of enemies there. One of them was a blue lady, and she seemed to have it out for me."

"Yikes, sounds like you pissed off the wrong people. Guess, the Nathan in the past isn't you in any way. If this is eating you up, buddy, just talk to us. Ivory especially, she'd definitely listen."

"Thanks, man, I am glad to have you guys."

"Nathan," Gluttony suddenly pulled Nathan's face to hers. Despite the difference in size, Gluttony possessed the same strength as him. Wouldn't certainly surprise him if she was stronger. "Buddy, pal, friend, you don't need to talk to blank-face. I'm here for ya, and I bet you that Jonah here won't know what you feel. Guy is probably only thinking about brass."

"Guilty." Jonah said with a grin.

"Besides, if you don't want to talk with me, then there's always Scratch. She got us out of the jam once, then she could do it easily for a second with you!"

"Thanks, G, I'm just happy that I'm not alone in this."

"No problem! Now, when's blank-face coming back? We need our beauty sleep if she wants our full potential with this job!"

"Planning can be done tomorrow, I'm sure we can all just sleep the rest of the day away." Jonah pushed himself up. "And that's what I'll do. Oh, before I do, you should check on the others."

"Abe and Sally?" Nathan got a quick nod from Jonah. "Right, better see if they're alright. Come on, G."

The duo exited the apartment but froze as their eyes made contact with Watcher's who stood in the hallway like a statue. Static and lifeless, the scarecrow eyed them curiously as the two walked out the door. Slowly, Watcher gave them a short nod before he remained still again. Only his eyes followed as they ventured deeper into the building. Both confusion and suspicion were shared between the two.

The first door he went to was Sally's, which was the closest to Nathan's apartment. He looked back once more and found Watcher facing them. It irked him greatly as this Apex had managed to move without so much of a sound. Eager to get away, Nathan knocked on Sally's door and was glad that she answered quickly.

Strangely enough, the small robot had a large smile displayed on her screen. Seemed like she was very happy to see him and Gluttony. That is until she noticed Watcher behind them did her smile falter.

"Hey, Sally! I was checking up on you to see if you're alright."

"You don't have to worry about little old me! Hopefully, you come back soon after your job, Nathan. Who knows what Wicked would do if you weren't around."

Gluttony stepped up and gave Sally her biggest smile. Despite her limited facial structure. "Don't you worry about a thing, as long as team Nathan and Gluttony are on the job, we've got this in the bag!"

"Right, maybe you should get some rest then. Don't want to be even more of a bother. And I'd rather not have the Apex here." She muttered the last sentence.

"What was that?"

"Nothing! Well, see you next time. And please come back, I don't want to lose my new friend so quickly." Before Nathan could even give Sally a small goodbye, the robot had closed the door.

With that out of the way, he visited Abe next. It took a while to get Abe's place as he was on the first floor of the building. The first room as well. And Nathan couldn't really miss Abe's apartment as the door was covered in very impolite words. Someone had vandalized the poor thing, sadly Abe didn't care about the ruined door and was focused more on important things.

Nathan had offered countless times to clean the mess, but Abe turned him down every time.

After a short moment of silence, Gluttony reached for the door and gave it a loud knock. As expected, Abe was there to greet them just after a second of waiting.

"Ah, Nathaniel, I am glad to see that you're alright."

"Hey Abe! Just checking on you, after the whole thing. How you doing?"

"No need to be concerned, I've seen many things in my life that could bend a mere mortal to his knees, and even now I feel the same fear they felt. But… a diabolical goddess appeared before me. I don't know if I should be ignorant to the dark tide on the horizon, or believe that the will of God requires me to stand against it."

"It's alright, the others and I are hoping she won't do anything as long as we accept the job," Nathan assured the priest. "Listen, I know it's too much of me to ask for, but could you pray for us? Something tells me this job is gonna be a tough one."

"Of course, I will speak to our Lord that He may watch over you and your friends. Now, would you also ask something from me, little Gluttony?"

"For one, stop calling me little. Also, you got any demon blood to spare?"

Abe laughed. "I prefer to keep myself from harm, but if I ever shed a single drop, perhaps I could keep it for you."

"Thanks, I've been craving for more after that demon incident."

"Last week?" Nathan stared at Gluttony suspiciously. "Didn't I tell you to stop that habit? You have no clue where those demons came from."

"You say that, but I'm sure I won't get sick from it. I've eaten worse things before." Gluttony argued.

"Well," Abe caught their attention. "I believe you should rest my friend, troubled times are ahead and you will need all the energy."

"Right, then we'll see you once it's all over, Abe! See ya!"

The three said their farewells and went on with their own separate businesses. Nathan returned to their apartment quicker than Jonah had believed. He found Ivory there as well but something about her caused Nathan to feel a sense of concern. But that wasn't important, it seemed like Ivory had a clue about who their target was. For now, they had to plan out an attack, especially once they received more details from Evie.

This job was going to be a difficult one, but Nathan was confident with their abilities and skills.