The monster was able to invade the person’s soul and harvest it before it could dissipate. That’s the only way I can think for this to be possible. The mist cycled through the body curiously. It was done very skillfully. There are hardly any signs of soul related trauma.

Remembering what he was told, and looking at all of the bodies lying about in the corridor, he smirked slightly. How did a wild monster do such delicate work on such a scale? I know of a few people who would be able to do something like this. In fact, they’d be able to affect even more people than this. But all of them have been in Hell for a very long time.

Looking around at the reckless destruction and combining it with the fact that Ulric was able to dodge the creature’s attacks for a while, he deduced that it wasn’t very smart. It must be very young, and I haven’t heard of anything like this. I’ll have to check the library to see if I can find any clues as to what this thing is.

Going down the corridor, he checked each of the bodies one by one, running through the same tests over and over again. But why would it do this? If it was just hungry, it would be easier to just rip it straight out. What possible use does it have for these bodies? I’ll need to spend more time on this.

Gathering the bodies, he marched them one by one back out the door, wanting to keep them for future research, and maybe even to give as a gift to a few interested parties.

Walking back out to join the group, he walked out just in time to catch a glimpse of the threads before they returned to Ed’s body as he bowed in apology to Lady Invidia. Having just studied the bodies, he was immediately able to put two and two together, identifying Ed as the monster.

The parade of bodies drew Elaine’s attention, who walked over to Balthazar. She kept one eye locked onto Ed, nodding slightly as Invidia allowed him to stand.

“What did you find?” She asked.

“It was just like what Draven said...” Balthazar then recounted his findings, all the while boring a hole into Ed, hoping to see through him.

“So you’re saying that he holds power greater than most people in Hell?” She asked.

“Only if he learns how to wield it. He did lose to a bunch of thugs after all.” Balthazar chuckled. “He’s the most interesting sinner I’ve seen in a thousand years.”

“I agree. Let’s give him some time to digest his gains, then we’ll see what he can do.” Walking back to rejoin the group, she looked between Ed and Zara. “There are many things we need to talk about. We’ve got what we came for, so why don’t we leave this place.” She turned to bow to Lady Invidia. “If you would do the honours.”

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“I’ve spent long enough here.” With a wave of her hand, reality warped around them, and the group found themselves back in her palace.

Ed and Zara held onto one another, helping each other to stabilise. His threads tied them both together while her wings wrapped around them.

Returning to her throne, she called in the servant from earlier. “Thank you for making my evening interesting Princess Elaine. Balthazar, make sure to tell me when you find anything worth sharing, and leave one of those bodies.”

The group bowed as they made their leave. Escorted by the servant, they made their way back through the snaking hallways, a long line of corpses following them.

Zara looked around, mesmerised by the extravagant sights on display. She wanted to run up and touch every stone and statue on display but stopped herself. Knowing that she shouldn’t do anything to piss people off.

Ed also looked at everything with wide eyed amazement. The hallways felt completely different to those found in Elaine’s palace. It’s like the houses I saw in Envy, but on a whole other level. If this is what she has on display, what treasures is she hiding away?

Reaching the teleporter, the main group entered the room to return to Pride, leaving the corpses behind so that it wouldn’t be too cramped. Balthazar chose to stay behind, wanting to make sure all of the corpses made it through.

With a familiar flash of blue light, and the feeling of all sensations disappearing, the group returned to the inner palace in Pride City. Leaving the room so that Balthazar could return, the group walked through the long corridors of Superbia’s palace, passing through the hallway connecting to Elaine’s palace.

Reaching the throne room, Elaine made Ed and Zara wait outside while she sorted out everything with Ulric.

Finally getting a chance to be alone, Zara immediately jumped on Ed, squeezing him tightly. “God, I missed you.”

Ed hugged her tightly back, kissing her gently on the head. “I missed you too.”

Spending a few moments in each other’s embrace, she suddenly squeezed him even tighter, crushing his stomach.

Ow, ow. Ed gasped for air, wondering how she got so strong.

She looked up at him, a fire burning in her eyes. “Are you stupid? Why would you do something like that?” She asked furiously. “Do you know how hard I had to work in order to find you? Buddie wouldn’t even tell me where you were!”

“Babe, you’re crushing me. Please let go.” He eked out, gently patting her on the back.

“No. You might do something stupid and leave me again.” She said, keeping a tight hold on him.

I really worried her didn’t I? Ed gently stroked her hair. I don’t regret what I did. I’ll do it all over again if given the chance. “I can’t guarantee that I won’t do it again. But I promise to not keep you out of the loop, okay?” He whispered.

“Okay.” She said, her voice muffled by his chest. She loosened her grip slightly, just enough that it wouldn’t hurt him, but she still refused to let go.