—The Beginning—
-Dimension 1-
War Is Hell-
France, 1918-
Explosions boom overhead as a lone soldier rushes from cover to cover. “Fuck!” The young man shouts, his long blonde hair blowing in the breeze after his helmet flies off. He carries a bolt-action rifle and 1911, and his chest bears an American flag. “How the fuck did I end up here?” He asks himself as he rushes from trench to trench. He eventually spots a church on the horizon, the lights off and the area around it smoking. The Eiffel Tower looms in the far distance, the spotlights around it following several airplanes circling the tower. “Bingo,” he says. He rushes forward while cautiously checking the sky above him. Airplanes spin in circles, firing at each other in the night sky. The man sighs. “C’mon Bright, how the hell did you get this lost?” Bright says to himself. He takes a deep breath as he heads for the church. He eventually makes it to the front door, and it opens on its own with a dull and loud thud. He ventures inside, aiming his rifle ahead of him. “Hello? Is anyone in here? I’m Harold Bright, United States Army!” He calls out. His voice echoes around the church. He ventures further inside and eventually comes across a small altar hidden from view behind the pedestal. He slowly and carefully walks up to the altar, discovering a small wooden box in the center, a glass roof atop a velvet pillow. Upon the pillow sits a silver chain with a purple and gold amulet resting around the middle of the chain. Harold slowly opens the box and takes the amulet for himself. He admires it, tossing it between both hands. He wraps the chain around his neck and clicks it shut. The moment he tightens the necklace, a feeling of energy washes over him. He looks around and notices that everything is the same. As he confidently walks back towards the door to the church, a loud whining noise bounces around the church. “What the hell is that?” Harold asks, looking around. Through a hole in the derelict church’s roof, he notices a small orange star. Upon closer inspection, the small star is a plane shot out of the sky and barrelling down towards him. “HOLY SHIT!” Harold shouts, diving for cover. The plane impacts the church with a loud bang, and Harold is knocked out as the flames from the explosion char his skin. He wakes up a few moments later, checking himself for damage. He gasps upon discovering the amulet kept him safe from harm completely. “I-I’m… invincible?” He asks aloud, checking the rest of his body for damage. “Oh my GOD!” He calls out in joy. He runs out of the still-burning church and down towards Paris.
Welcome Home-
Ellis Island, 1920-
“What do you mean I’m denied access?” Harold demands from a woman working in a booth. “I’m sorry, Mister Bright. You don’t have any proof of identity, nor do you have any evidence you served in any war, let alone the Great War.” She says. Harold groans. “Can’t you please just take my word for it?” He asks. The woman smiles softly. “No.” She says happily. “NEXT!” She calls out, waving Harold away. He walks away with his hands in his pockets. He angrily sits on a step outside the immigration building, facing out towards New York City. “Didn’t get let in?” A man asks. Harold grunts, and looks up. A man wearing a nice suit stands above him, his brown hair slicked back. “Doctor Brenner, head researcher for United States Paranormal Division. I assume you’re Harold Bright?” Brenner asks. Harold nods. “Yeah, I am. Paranormal Division? I didn’t know America believed in that crap.” he says. Brenner laughs. “Do you believe in it?” He asks. Harold shrugs. “Dunno, I never really thought about it.” He replies. Brenner laughs again and makes a slight movement towards Harold’s amulet. “Really? Even when you’re wearing that?” He asks. Harold looks down at his amulet and glances back up at Brenner. “What about it?” He asks. Brenner sighed deeply as he sat down, clearly in pain. “That amulet is supernatural, as I’m sure you know. The whole thing in Paris, with the church?” He asks coyly. Harold nods. “Yeah, I was supposed to die there. I think. This thing kept me safe, somehow.” He says. Brenner nods. “Listen, I’m willing to offer you a deal. You help me research the paranormal, and I can get you back in America. Deal?” Brenner asks, holding out a hand. Harold stares at it for a second and grasps his hand. “Deal,” Harold says, shaking Brenner’s hand.
Division-
Washington DC, 1956-
Doctor Bright and Doctor Brenner wait outside the conference room in anticipation. “The Paranormal Division!” A voice hollers from the room, and Brenner stands up. “Don’t forget the suitcase.” He says, pointing at the case at Harold’s feet. “Shit, my bad,” Harold says, grabbing it. The two men approach the round table, and high-ranking US Military officials and Politicians gather in one place to discuss the future of the Paranormal Division. Brenner and Harold sit across from the conglomerate, a bright light shining on the two men. “Hello, I am Doctor Michael Brenner, and this is my partner, Doctor Harold Bright. I’d like to start by asking-” Brenner says, but is cut off by one of the Generals. “How is progress on the Rift?” He demands. Brenner is taken aback. “It’s coming along fine, but this isn't about the Rift. It’s about more funding for our other ventures.” Brenner says firmly. The General leans back. “So be it. We deny any funding until the Rift can be weaponized against the Russians,” he says. One politician speaks up. “I also would like to the serum you two created that keeps you from aging, as I noticed both of you look good for almost sixty.” He says. Harold wraps a hand around the amulet. “No, sorry. This is for scientific use, NOT for you people to weaponize and control people with.” Harold says. The people in the conference room all look offended, and Harold stands up. “In fact, I’m sick and tired of you all. I think the Paranormal Division is going to split off from you guys,” he says, packing up his things. Brenner grabs Harold’s sleeve and pulls him down to whisper with him. “What the hell are you doing?” Brenner whispers. Harold winks. “Now, we’ll be going.” He says. The conference room erupts with several whispers overlapping. “Fine, leave then. The United States sees no reason to invest in such a niche research project.” The General says. The Politician nods in agreement. Harold scoffs. “Fine, we’ll see you when you come crawling back to us.” He says, heading for the door. Brenner looks between the council and Harold eventually grabbing his things and rushing out after him. “What the fuck was that!?” Brenner shouts. Harold rests a hand on Brenner’s shoulder. “It’s time for the baby birds to fly from the nest. Our Division is going independent.” He says. Brenner puts both of his hands over his face. “Oh my God. Oh my fucking God…” he says, breathing heavily. Harold smiles. “I think It’ll be Division 18, considering I was brought into the paranormal world during World War 1.” He says happily. Brenner just cries quietly into his hands.
Welcoming Anew-
Saint Louis, 1971-
“Here?” Brenner asks aloud, the device in his hands dinging every couple of seconds. Harold nods. “Yep, seems like some sort of minor seismic activity around the Arch.” He says. The Gateway Arch towers above the two men, the wind blowing it ever so slightly. Brenner sets down the device. “Listen, Harry. I’m not so sure about this whole idea. I mean, going against the United States Government? The guys ruling one of the two most powerful nations on Earth? I think we might be in over our heads here, buddy…” He says. Harold holds up a hand. “Stop.” He says. Brenner watches him expectantly. “Feel that?” He asks. Brenner shrugs. “No, I just feel the wind,” Brenner replies. Harold nods. “Which way is the wind blowing?” He asks. Brenner looks around. “North, I think.” He says. Harold nods. “Exactly. So why is my hair blowing West when I stand between the Arch and the river?” He asks. The two men look up at the Arch again as a massive red lightning bolt erupts from the ground, hitting the peak of the metal structure. Almost as if glass shattered, the view of Saint Louis fractures within the Archway, and a red portal opens. The portal howls and wails, what Harold thought was the wind turns out to be the screams of the damned. “Holy fuck… a portal to Hell!” Harold shouts excitedly. Brenner rushes towards the car, opening the door in a hurry. “Harry! Let’s go!” He calls out. Harold squints at the portal, noticing a figure approaching. He steels himself as the figure walks out from the red rift. “Hello, I am Doctor Harold Bright, head of Division 18, and I’m going to assume the position of Ambassador of Earth. Where do you come from? And what is your name?” He asks. The figure starts to giggle. The giggle slowly devolves into laughter, and the woman falls to the floor. The rift closes, and the woman’s silhouette is no longer hidden. She wears loose, burnt, and tattered white robes with surprisingly modern sneakers on her feet. She has short, shoulder-length red hair. A pair of horns protrude from her forehead, and her dark red pupil focus on Harold. She calms herself down, wiping a tear from her eye. “Whoo boy, now THAT’s funny as shit!” She says, holding her side as she pants. Harold notices a thin black tail waving as she giggles to herself, an arrowhead-shaped whip waving around at the end of her tail. “What’s your name?” Harold asks again, slowly reaching for his pistol strapped on his thigh. “Relax, dude. I’m Lucy Daemon, and I’m from Hell.” Lucy says, waving Harold’s subtle threat away. “Besides, that little gun wouldn’t do anything to me anyhow.” She says, strutting over to the car. “Well, come on. Are you gonna take me home? Show me around this lovely place you people built?” She asks coyly. Harold shakes his head and sighs. “Yeah, sure. C’mon.” He says, heading for the car as well. A terrified Brenner sits in the back seat, shaking.
Paranormal Partnership-
Saint Louis, 1974-
“I still can’t believe you all built this,” Lucy says, sitting alone in a small room. “Yeah, me neither. Now hold still. We’re not done with the x-rays.” Harold says. Lucy groans. “You’ve been running these tests for almost four years now. Can we PLEASE just go explore?” She whines. Harold sighs. “You know what? Fine. We can have a chat about Hell and we can go take a walk after, okay?” He asks. Lucy smiles, and her tail wags excitedly. “Holy fuck, FINALLY!” She exclaims, jumping up from her chair and stretching. Harold clears his throat. “And maybe we can go ahead and find you some clothes to wear. You can’t walk around like that.” He says. Lucy looks down at herself, her bare white skin contrasting her bright red hair. “Why not? I’m sure people won’t complain when a cute Demon walks up to them. Maybe I’ll get some action from a cute girl or two in an alley.” She says, smirking smugly at Harold through the one-way mirror. Harold sigh. “Just put on the damn clothes.” He orders. Lucy scowls. “Fine, whatever.” She says, grabbing the bag next to the chair. After a short wait, Lucy walks out of the testing room to meet with Harold in the hallway. She wears her sneakers from before, with skinny blue jeans and a nice dark red shirt under a tan overcoat. “How do I look?” She asks. Harold scans her up and down. “Fine, I guess.” He says. Lucy flips him off. “It’s not for you, asshole. I’m trying to get some ass out there.” She says with a smirk. Harold looks surprised. “You said you were a succubus on your file. Did you lie?” He asks. Lucy shakes her head no. “Nah, you all think a succubus needs cum to gain powers. I just need the energy, I don’t need any baby batter to use my powers. Luckily, fucking sexy bitches gets me the energy I need.” Lucy says, examining her hands. Harold sighs, and gestures towards the exit door. “After you.” He says. Lucy smiles at him. “Didn’t take you for a gentleman, Bright. If I liked men, you know I’d want you.” She says. Harold rolls his eyes. “Swell. Thanks.” He says. Brenner stops him as he walks. “You sure letting her out and about won’t be an issue?” He asks. Harold holds up a hand. “Relax, I got this. If she escapes, we can just track her using the tracker I snuck in her overcoat.” He whispers. Brenner looks into Harold’s eyes. “Don’t fuck this up. The Army already wants us dead, please, for the love of God, don’t give them a reason.” He pleas. Harold nods. “I won’t.” He says.
Harold and Lucy walk around the downtown city of Saint Louis, admiring the view. “Here, I’m hot. Take this. I need to let these puppies walk and catch some attention.” Lucy says, pressing her boobs together. Harold sighs. “Fine, give me the coat. Just stay close by.” He demands. Lucy nods and walks away quickly. Harold keeps an eye on her as she talks with civilians, flirting with cute girls and talking about whatever the men want. Harold blinks, and she’s gone. He looks around frantically, his heart rate increasing. “Son of a bitch.” He mumbles to himself, reaching for his pistol.
Demon Gone Missing-
Saint Louis, 1974-
Lucy rushes towards the Arch, and she stops before it. “Now, it’s my turn to help you, brother,” Lucy says, using her fangs to rip the skin on her arm. Her blood pours down her wrist, pooling at her feet. The blood magically circles the Arch, and the wind blows once again. “Open, sesame,” Lucy says sarcastically. The Hell Gate opens once again, and another figure exits. “About damn time, Sis. I almost gave up on your plan.” He says. “Alastor, my dear brother, you should have more faith in your older sister,” Lucy replies. Alastor approaches with his blade in hand. His dark red hair and bright red eyes oppose Lucy’s, and his long leather overcoat blows in the Hellish wind. The bottom of his jacket seems to be aflame, only it never burns. “This place is mighty wonderful, I reckon that’ll make a good new HQ for Hell. Azureth bores me now, anyway.” He says, looking around. Lucy nods. “Damn straight, bro.” She says. A gust of wind blows past them both, and the Hell Gate closes instantly. “Son of a bitch…” Alastor says, looking behind Lucy. Lucy turns and finds a woman standing tall. An Angelic blade is in her hands, and her wings are spread in the typical attack pose. Her halo shines brightly, and the gold glow in her eyes pierce Alastor and Lucy. “Surrender yourselves, Demons. You do not belong here.” The Angel says. Alastor chuckles. “You’re funny. Who’re you?” He asks The Angel does not move, and her voice is as monotonous as before. “I am Seriph, Angelic Scout of Michael. Come with me peacefully. Whatever conflict you have with Heaven can be settled in Heaven. Do not involve Humanity, for your sake.” She says coldly. Alastor pretends to shiver. “Whooo, scary. Big old Angel with a big scawey bwade.” He says, smirking to himself. His fleshy wings spread wide, and he draws a jagged and flaming sword. “Mine’s a bit bigger, though.” He remarks. Seriph sighs. “So be it.” She says, preparing for an attack. Lucy slowly backs away, hiding out behind a trash can. Seriph charges at Alastor, but the Demon dodges. “I’m Alastor, by the way. Hell Knight, and Torturer of Hell. Nice to meet you, Seriph.” He says laughing. Seriph blinks twice, and charges once more. Alastor dodges again, swinging his blade. It clips Seriph’s wing, and she cries out in pain. “AH!” She calls out, falling to the ground. Alastor pants, and walks over to the Angel lying on the ground. “Don’t like the feel of Hell, do you? There’s some ancient magic in this blade that’ll keep you from Heaven. Hope you enjoy Hell.” he says, smugly walking away. Serpih starts to laugh. Alastor turns to look at her but is instead face-to-face with a large Angel. He has white hair, and his eyes glow dark silver. “Hello Alastor, good to finally meet you.” He says, drawing his sword. “Fuck me, it’s a goddamn Archangel…” Alastor says. The Archangel slams the hilt into the Hell Knight’s head, knocking him unconscious. Seriph finally stands, clapping. “Way to go, Sir. I’m sure Michael will be proud of you.” She says, dusting herself off. The Archangel turns to face her. “I do not care if Michael is proud. I want a job done well, understand?” he asks. Seriph nods. “Yes, Uriel. Sorry.” She says quietly. Uriel grabs Alastor’s body and throws it over his shoulder. “He will be taken to Heaven. Sta down here until your sickness is gone.” Uriel says, taking off. Seriph sighs. “Yes… Sir.” She says, flying away.
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Harold arrives at the Arch a few minutes later, finding Lucy sitting behind the trash can still. “What the fuck did you do?!” Harold shouts at her. Lucy’s eyes glow a dark red, and she glares at him. “I just wanted my brother back… is that so bad?” She asks, tears forming in her eyes. Harold sighs, holding out his hand to help her up. “No, was he taken?” He asks. Lucy nods. “He and I were planning on taking over this realm… but now he’s gone.” She says sadly. Harold drops her hand and reaches for his gun. “You wanted to what?” He asks. Lucy nods. “Take over this realm. You know, Hell on Earth? That’s the plan… until that damned Angel got in the way.” She says annoyed. Harold shakes his head. “N-No… you were just… using me?” He asks. Lucy nods. “Duh, of course. Now, I’m gonna find me someone who can track down an Angel. Bye!” She says, snapping her fingers and vanishing. Harold looks around in a panic. “FUCK!” He shouts, grabbing a portable radio. “Hey, Brenner we have an issue!” He says loudly into the radio. Lucy glances back at Harold, her body now hidden by dark magic trickling to her from the still-closing Hell Gate. Harold sighs. “Yeah, I know. Track a UFO leaving Saint Louis… you found it? Good…. Where? Chicago? Why?” Harold asks. Lucy smirks, and rushes towards the nearby highway to find a ride to her new destination.
Price To Pay-
Chicago, 1974-
“You know I don’t usually meet clients face-to-face…” A man says, his lamp hiding his face. Lucy approaches slowly, her red dress blowing in the breeze as she walks. She leans on his desk, her cleavage clear in view. “Oh, you know I don’t meet with prying detectives, but times are tough right now. Now, Mister Vincent Price, go ahead and lead me to my missing brother.” She says sternly. Vincent looks up at Lucy, her eyes and horns hidden by a large hat. “Where was he last seen?” He asks, grabbing his notebook. Lucy ponders for a moment. “I assume a church since he’s VERY religious. I just know he was there to meet a woman wearing a trench coat… probably.” She says. Vincent nods. “Alright, fine. Come with me.” He says, grabbing his hat and car keys.
Vincent and Lucy drive down the wet Chicago streets. “Tell me about yourself,” Vincent says suddenly, catching Lucy off guard. “What? Why?” She asks. Vincent sighs. “So I can understand you and your brother’s motive. Why would he be with a woman, and why do you think he’s missing?” He asks. Lucy nods. “Well, my brother and I were born… down south. And we moved up north to… find a new place to live. But he got distracted by this woman and now he’s not responding to any calls I send his way.” Lucy says. Vincent nods. “And what’s his name?” He asks. “Al. Alan… Smith.” She says slowly. Vincent sighs. “I shouldn’t ask, but what’s our name? Usually, I keep my client's name away from me in case I get interrogated,” he says. “Lucy Smith,” Lucy replies. Vincent smiles. “I once knew a seductress named Lucy… she was a nice girl.” He says. Lucy nods silently. The car is uncomfortably quiet for the next several minutes. “THERE!” Lucy shouts, pointing at a woman entering a nearby church. Vincent slams on his brakes and manages to park the car legally on the side of the road. Lucy jumps out of the car and runs towards the church, with Vincent in tow. He stops for a moment and grabs his gun from the car, but Lucy’s already inside the church. “Shit,” Vincent mumbles to himself as he rushes towards the front door.
“Lucy? Hello?” He calls out nervously. He cocks the gun and moves in down the aisle. A woman sits in one of the pews, her hands locked in prayer. As Vincent approaches, he can hear what she’s mumbling. “...Dearest Michael, I pray for my salvation. A Demon hunts me, and I can not return to…” The woman gasps and jumps up at the sight of Vincent. “Who are you!? Where did you take Lucy’s brother!?” he demands. The woman shakes her head. “Wait! I can explain. Here, let me touch you for but a moment…” She says, reaching forward. She holds Vincent’s hand, and a golden glow forces him to look away. He looks back at the woman, who now has a golden halo floating over her head. White wings are folded behind her back, and a warm smile on her face. “Hello, Vincent Price. I am Seriph, Angel of Michael. I believe you were led astray by a false leader, claiming her brother was stolen unjustly.” Seriph says. Vincent lowers the gun and looks around confused. “W-What? Angels are… real?” He asks. Seriph nods, taking his other hand in hers. “Yes, Vincent. And so are Demons. Lucy’s brother was a Demon Lord named Alastor. He was planning on conquering Earth for his own Empire, and I had to stop him.” She says. Vincent nods. “Okay… so Angels and Demons are real…. And you stopped Lucy’s brother… who’s a Demon.” He says slowly. Seriph nods. “Yes. That is correct, and that would also mean that-” She’s cut off by a small dagger protruding from her throat. She gurgles, and her eyes light up white. They flicker out like dying light bulbs, and she falls aside. Lucy stands behind her, her hat on the floor next to the dead Angel. Her horns are bloody, and her eyes glow a dark red. “Sorry, Vin. Can’t let her spoil the surprise.” She says. Vincent raises the gun at her. “You’re a Demon. Looking for your Demonic brother, right?” He asks. Lucy claps, smirking smugly. “Guilty as charged, your honor. Now, I need to kill you. Sorry.” She says. Vincent shakes his head. “Why? Why kill the only lead you have?” He demands. Lucy starts laughing. “Because I know where he is, I just wanted revenge. And now I can go ahead and burn this damn world and all your obnoxious people with it!” Lucy says, readying her knife to charge at Vincent. He prepares for a fight and Lucy charges at him. He falls to the ground, Lucy’s knife missing his throat by an inch. He grabs Seriph’s halo and swings it at Lucy. it cuts her arm, and the sickening scent of burning flesh fills the room. She yelps and rushes out of the church. Vincent gets up and chases her, only to find his car barreling down the street away from him. “SON OF A BITCH!” Vincent yells, running after his stolen car.
Lucy Daemon-
Chicago, 1974-
Vincent, now soaking wet and exhausted, finds his car crashed into a street lamp. He sighs and grips the halo tightly as he enters the bar nearby. “Lucy. Come out.” He says coldly. Lucy pokes her head up from behind the counter. The bartender’s body is slumped behind her, and his first-aid kit is ripped from the wall. Vincent shakes his head sadly. “You murdered a civilian for a band-aid?” He asks Lucy shrugs. “I’m a soldier, Vin. Everyone else is an enemy to me. You know how it is… when you served in the war.” She says, staring at him. Vincent sighs. “No, Lucy. I wasn’t in the Army.” He says. Lucy rubs the back of her head. “Worth a shot. So, we doing this?” She asks, standing up to reveal the dress is gone, and underneath it is the red shirt and blue jeans from before. Her tail is pointing upwards in excitement for the bloodbath that’s about to happen. Vincent readies the halo, and Lucy charges at him. He manages to kick her as she charges, falling into the bar itself. Vincent swings the halo down at her, splitting the wood instantly. The bar where the hit landed is set on fire as the holy flames sense a Demon nearby. Lucy backs away, clearly scared for her life. Vincent stands up again, preparing for another attack. The Demon holds her hands up in surrender. “Fine, you win.” She says. Vincent’s bloodlust doesn’t go down, the scent of the barkeep’s blood still in his nose. “Listen, I know what I did was wrong. I’m sorry, okay? I was just… desperate. I JUST got my brother back… and that fucking glorified seagull stole him from me… I’m sorry.” She says, tears welling up in her eyes. Vincent scans her face and sighs. He drops the halo. “Thanks, Vin, I just KNEW you’d do the right thing!” She calls out, flipping him off as she runs out of the door. Vincent sighs and grabs the halo again. “This is the Angel’s problem now…” He says softly as he walks out of the bar. He notices his stomach is bleeding where one of Lucy’s horns stabbed him in the scuffle. “...fuck…” He mumbles as he falls to his knees. A spotlight suddenly blinds him, and he falls to the ground. “FUCK…” He says louder, raising his hands to block the light. “FREEZE! Do not move! You're under arrest!” A man shouts, the sound of an assault rifle being loaded echoing down the street. Vincent slowly climbs up onto his knees. “For what?” He asks. A man approaches, his rifle aiming at Vincent’s chest. “For known association with a Supernatural Entity.” He says. The man slowly comes into view. His shoulder-length blonde hair is messy, and he has a soul patch barely coming in. His green eyes peer down at the detective, and a gold and purple amulet hangs from a silver chain around his neck. “Sorry for the show, I need people to believe this is an official police raid. I’m Doctor Harold Bright, and I need to ask you a couple of questions.” Harold says. Vincent nods. “Fine, take me… away…” Vincent says before passing out from blood loss. Harold nods his head softly. “Yes, Sir. Let’s take him back to Wolfrun! I have a meeting there soon anyway…” Harold says, hopping back in his car. He floors it down the dark and quiet Chicago road.
Dragon’s Breath-
Wolfrun, 1974-
“Hey, Bright. I think he’s here to see us.” Brenner says, his head peeking around the doorway to Harold’s office. Harold nods and stands up. “Wish me luck!” he says with a smirk. Brenner grabs his sleeve. “You got a bad habit of doing that, dude. What do you want?” He asks. Brenner looks towards the conference room, the blinds drawn so nobody can see inside. “You trust this guy? An unknown investor who will blindly fund this project before knowing what Division 18 is about?” He asks. Harold shrugs. “Worst case scenario is he wants some changes around here. The best case is we can save the world from the numerous supernatural threats.” Harold responds. Brenner nods. “Alright, I trust you. Which I probably shouldn’t after Lucy’s escape…” Brenner says. Harold frowns. “Shut up, Brenner.” He says, walking towards the conference room. He knocks lightly on the door, and a voice speaks from behind it. “Come in,” he says. Harold takes a deep breath and opens the door. A man sits across from him, resting at the table. He’s wearing a black suit, with a grey undershirt. A scale-patterned tie rests on his chest, and his black hair is slicked back. He sits brushing his moustache. “Ah, Doctor Bright. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He says, standing up and extending a hand. Harold shakes his head. “Just Harold, please. I don’t want any formalities to scare anyone while we discuss important things.” Harold says, shaking the man’s hand. He smiles. “Good man. You know who I am, I assume?” He asks. Harold shakes his head. “Sadly, No. Sir. I’ve been busy saving the world, you know how it goes.” He says with a nervous laugh. The man smirks “I am Senator David Dragon, Democratic candidate for this upcoming election and current senator of Colorado.” Dragon says. Harold nods. “Nice to meet you, David, I hope we can-” “Senator Dragon, please. I’m a man of titles and prestige, I like to think I’ve earned that at least.” Dragon says. Harold mouths the word ‘sorry’ at him and sits down across from him. “So, you want to fund Division 18?” Harold asks. Dragon nods “Not exactly. See, I was going to endorse The Omega Corporation, my long-standing weapon manufacturer for this election, saying I’d lower the price of weapons for the United States MIlitary. But I think these new evolutions require a new endorsement.” He says. “I think Division 18 can help me win the election, and I can help you save the world with my funds. It’s a win-win.” Dragon says. Harold looks at him skeptically. “Sorry, I don’t mean to sound rude, Senator. But it sounds to me like you plan on using us to forward your own agenda. I’m not sure I’m down with that…” Harold says slowly. Dragon smiles and nods. “Sure seems that way. I’m offering to merge my Omega Corporation with your Division 18. I can boost your funds by one hundred and fifty percent, and all I ask is for you to help me win the election by endorsing me. You and Doctor Brenner share this company fifty-fifty, right?” Dragon asks. Harold nods. “Yes, Senator.” Dragon looks at a sheet of paper. “So, I’d require roughly thirty-two percent ownership, and I’d be in charge of all financial decisions. Brenner can take weapons manufacturing, and you can keep doing the field research and studies you’re so good at.” Dragon says. Harold looks closely at the contract, scanning for any fine print. “We have a deal?” Dragon asks. Harold reaches for a pen, but right before he can sign, Dragon adds on another section of their deal. “If for any reason Omega overtakes Division 18 in employee numbers, my share of ownership will increase as well. I can not go over forty percent, as you two need to keep over half of ownership between yourselves. I figured I should add that on.” Dragon says, watching the pen in Harold’s hand. “Is that an issue?” Dragon asks. Harold looks down at the paper, and back up at Dragon. He signs the dotted line and smirks. “No, Senator. It’s not.” He says. Dragon stands up and the two men shake hands. “Things are going to change for the better from here on, Doctor Bright. Less Demons, more weapons for Humans. It’s like I always said: Sol For The Soulful!” Dragon exclaims as they shake hands. Harold can’t help but feel as though he’s just made a horrible mistake.