Demon

[Silvarn]

The sun set and rose again as Silvarn sat in deep meditation, trying to find his own center as had asked Raine to. That deepest part of a person's soul eluded him. He began to think it was gone, taken from him by the Twisted Mirror in exchange for his power. A trade he was not sure he liked anymore.

He sighed, willing himself out of his trance. He watched apathetically as the sun made its presence painfully known, beating back the night with its golden spears, clearing the blood away and bringing the clear blue skies with it. One more day to wait, and the day after that might never come. One more day, but he needed more time. More time to figure things out, to tie up loose ends, to right old wrongs, to quell his inner demons.

Excuse me? Scorcahr interrupted.

"A figure of speech." Silvarn corrected.

How goes the soul-searching?

"If I had a soul, I would have found it by now."

It is in there, somewhere, Grey-Eyes, and it is strong. Otherwise, I would have taken over your fleshy shell long ago.

"I suppose I should be thankful for the compliment." he sighed again, "Scorcahr, why did you join forces with the Twisted Mirror?"

In the many years we have been together, you choose now to ask me that question? I chose to serve him for the same reasons you did -- he promised power, and I wanted it.

"And if he were to make the same offer to you again, tomorrow, would you accept it?"

No. Scorcahr answered quickly, but the justification was a long time coming, I have learned there is more power in freedom. By binding myself to the Twisted Mirror, I broke my binding with my old master. With the Twisted Mirror gone, I became one of the few truly free demons. The Risks are not bound to a Devilish master, but they are bound by tradition and family. Even though I am bound to your skull, I am still my own demon, and I revel in that feeling. No, I would take my own life before I joined the Twisted Mirror again.

Silvarn remained silent, considering.

Would you?

Silvarn remained silent, considering.

[laraine]

After her swim through the lake, Raine returned to land, getting dressed and combing her hands through her long pink hair. That hair symbolized her demonic blood.

I wonder if I was reborn, if I could become someone with a happier life... Raine smile softly at the thought.

Fool, I will tell you this now Laraine. You will never be reborn.

What? Raine narrowed her eyes at the demon within her. "Okay I have had enough of you and you're cryptic words. Tell me everything!"

Hahhaha, now you look as insane as that Silvarn.

Demons living in your skull does that to you..

I am not a demon Laraine...I was once a witch.

A witch?

Yes, but I will explain it to you more tonight, after you speak with that Silvarn guy. He will not know anything about me until the end as everyone will.

Raine cursed. "This is really getting old."

Sighing, Raine used all her strength to remain calm and steady. She walked through the woods surrounding the lake, maybe searching for something within her that could help from her soul collapsing.

She recalled Silvarn's words from before. " A center, but what canter can I have?" She thought of Danny, then remembered his last words to her as a ghost. She shook her head. Samuel? Maybe..but it wouldn't be a strong center, she did care about him, his friendship and devotion. She would always treasure that. But would that be enough? Silvarn?

The witch inside laughed.

Raine ignored her.

Maybe my mother and father? Does it have to be a person though? Can't I just be strong believing in myself?

Fool, You have no self esteem. Though not even the idiot mage knows this. You are more fragile than a piece of glass. But that's your own fault for not letting your demon personality take control like it did before.


Raine closed her eyes. I never want to live through that again. I closed off that part of myself forever okay? I can't do it..

You went from one opposite to the other. Now you are fragile. Easily broken emotions, You smashed down your own protection wall. That's why you are a fool.

Raine growled.Danny taught me its better to believe in people! Even if they betray you its better to believe in them than hate people for doing nothing to you! If you are suspicious all the time then you will always remain alone. Live and die alone. You will never be happy, only angry at the world. I don't want to be that type of person!

Ah you're talking about Silvarn..

Get out of my head you idiot! Raine slammed her head against a nearby tree. I want you out! I swear if I have to use every ounce of magic, of my soul I will destroy you! You are worse than a demon!

Laraine, destroy me...and you will destroy yourself..

At this point I don't care anymore as long as you don't hurt anyone by using me!

You don't understand Laraine. You will be totally destroyed. Not just body.....but your soul will also be completely scattered. They say that energy cannot be destroyed. While that is true, souls are energy and also many other materials mixed within. You will no longer be able to be reborn, your soul will become nothing but ribbons of energy. No conscious...nothing.

Raine stumbled back. She put a hand over her face to keep her soul from fracturing again. But the news was hard to hear.

"No..."

She ran, ran from everything, trying to run from the monster that resided within her.

Finally, she broke through to where Silvarn was meditating, and once again comically tripped on a root and landed flat on her face in front of him.

"Ow.." Raine rubbed her sore nose and pulled herself from the ground.

"Oh... hey Silvarn. How's it going?" She smiled, trying not to let out a comment that she knew would shorten her own life.

"Still Brooding?" ha, that is a good one Laraine...

Raine knew that he might run away again. He seemed to be avoiding her constantly, but she hoped he would stay for what she had to say. She awaited his response.

[Silvarn]

Her entrance was comical, if only Silvarn appreciated frivolous comedy. No, he had to focus. He drew up within his robes like a grey tortoise, his dead eyes glowering at her. Something still did not feel right about her. "I am doing well, thank you." he said hesitantly, distrust evident in his voice. He rose to left, but something in his head made him sit down again.

Look at her, Grey-Eyes. Can you not see the words hiding behind her lips? It is obvious she wishes to tell you something. Something important. Perhaps that is why she feels so strange.

Silvarn made himself comfortable, indicating the space in front of him, though removed some. "I can tell there has been something you have been meaning to tell me. Pray, say it."

And afterward, you can tell her all about Echoes and how you plan to sacrifice her.

[laraine]

Raine sighed, she lowered her eyes and then met his own, determination on her face. " I should tell you before the big fight happens. That I think I figured out what will happen on my birthday. I won't gain some crazy power....but...there's something inside me.." She swallowed, pressing her hand to her chest. "Something trying to take me over. At first I thought it was a demon, but she's...different. I thought I was going crazy hearing things in my head. But...this witch...whatever she is...I think..she plans to take over my body on my birthday." Raine looked up, lost and alone. "She's the reason for everything.." She closed her eyes, standing up.

Say it Laraine....

She frowned, turning her head to the side. She shook away the voice. "Anyway, I'm glad you came this far with me. Even though you probably will kill me in the end. Heh.." Her body shook a little. "But its okay...I will fight her until the end. She won't control this halfa that easily." Raine's eyes were determined, but her eyes also showed her weakness, her fractured soul on the verge of shattering.

"I like you a lot Silvarn. I'm glad I met you, even if you don't feel the same." Quickly, she kissed his forehead and was gone before he knew what happened. She ran through the woods, this time running as fast as she could.

What are you planning Laraine?

"Something that may cause Silvarn to kill me." Raine laughed weakly.

Fool...you are walking right into death...

Raine smiled again. "I know..."

[Silvarn]

So, she is not going to be in control of her own body? Even if she were going to go mad with power, there is going to be someone else, a witch, controlling her? Fantastic. Scorcahr whined.

"She said her possessor would be a witch." Silvarn mused.

Well, at least she would be inclined to help us take care of the Risk demons before she turned herself on us.

"That is entirely possible. Or perhaps she would decide to attack us before focusing on the demons. In either case, this is not good. If it were Raine going mad with power, I could, perhaps, anticipate her actions, knowing her on a somewhat personal level. This witch, however, brings an element of uncertainty to our plans."

And everyone knows how much you hate uncertainty. You have also been very careful to avoid thinking about Raine's little sign of affection.

"I honestly think nothing of it. I cannot afford to become attached to her. When the time comes, should the time come, I have to be able to destroy her without a second thought."

Say what you want, Grey-Eyes -- we both know you are touched by her little token. It shows she likes you for you, despite you being apathetic beyond all reason, involved with dangerous foes, and a general pain in the ass.

Silvarn rose swiftly from his seated position, silver lightning crackling from the ground, through his body, and to his hands. A thin layer of roiling grey fog billowed from his cloak as he marched in the direction Raine had run off.

What are you doing, Grey-Eyes? Scorcahr whined.

"Doing what I should have done long ago."

You are going to remove Raine as a threat before she, possibly, kills us?

"No. I am getting out of here. Let the Lockners and Risks sort out their mess. I should have never gotten myself involved with them in the first place."

Something put a hold on his legs against his will, and Scorcahr's presence filled his mind. And let the Twisted Mirror enslave both the demons and the witches? At that point, it will be nigh-impossible to defeat him. He will devour their essence, grow strong from it, and return to this world. Is that what you want to happen?

Silvarn glowered in seething silence, the mists spiraling around him madly.

No, I thought not. Now, we will continue through this. We will take all obstacles in stride, including mirrors, echoes, and witches. Like it or not, Grey-Eyes, we are in set in our roles until curtain call. Best make ourselves cozy.

[laraine]

Raine continued to run through the forest, her breath coming in gasps and the fear inside her mounting.

Girl, I should have a right mind to take you over now, heading to your own death, knowing no one cares.

Raine laughed softly, coughing as her intake of air decreased. She looked at the ground as she continued to run, those words cut deep. But she knew she couldn't let them break her yet.

I'm sorry, but I won't allow you to hurt anyone. So I've decided to face them all..now and alone. Raine looked ahead of her.

You will die. I won't allow this. You are even willing to go against those things that Silvarn is so afraid of?

"Why not? I have nothing left to lose." She smiled softly. "My soul will break anyway, there's no hope left. Besides, this way Silvarn will be free to do what he wants. He wont have to be afraid of them anymore. I care about him and those evil beings will pay for what they put him through. Hear me?!" Raine yelled into the forest. "It's not my birthday yet, but I won't let anyone hurt Silvarn again!"

"Bravo.." Rusty appeared from behind a tree, a smirk plastered on his face. "That's love for you. Weak emotion as it is. Too bad Silvarn shall never know the full truth of everything. Of you."

"You know don't you?" Raine growled. "Tell me!"

"Impatient aren't we? Simply can't wait till your birthday can you?" Rusty sighed.

"I have no choice. I will not sit by patiently and wait while others are dying because of me!" Raine grabbed her wand, transforming it into a sword and pointing it at Rusty. "Tell me who this witch inside me is!"

Rusty sighed. "She isn't a witch anymore, nor is she a demon. There is no word to describe her. Even ghost isn't a correct term. She's more or less a parasite."

Excuse me?

Raine ignored said parasite.

"She was once a witch, but then she was betrayed. As she was dying she swore a curse on any couple unfortunate enough to have a half demon half witch child. And that curse was.." Rusty sighed again. "Can't a guy explain anything without others listening in?"

Four Risk demons emerged from the forest, two children and two in their teens. All four had red eyes and pink hair, and all were out for blood.

"You know very well Rusty that Raine must never know the true contents of the curse!" the little girl hissed.

"Why not?" Raine demanded. "Why can't I know it? Tell me!!"

"Laraine, die." The two teenagers attacked Raine with dark magic. She dodged the blasts and slashed at them with her sword. The blade only cut off a few strands of hair, from a now very annoyed demon girl.

"Tell me!" Raine yelled.

They won't tell you...

Why?

Because telling you would only break your soul and set me free.

"What?!" Realizing Raine said that out loud, she bit her lip and glared at the fast approaching demons.

Raine cursed, her sword suddenly lit up with demonic and magical energy, she swung it at the demons and cut two in half, nothing left but dust. Raine blinked, amazed she had that kind of power. The other demons jumped at her, one grabbing her by a arm and yanking her to the ground. Her sword flew from her grasp and soon she stared into two deep crimson eyes, wanting her death.

Raine struggled from under the teen, his smirk filled with malice. Raine felt her anger rising, her eyes slowly fading to red.

"Get..." Her body started to glow. "Off.." The power around her charged and sparked. "ME!" The area around them exploded in a white light, sending small earthquakes that could be felt within the Lockner's town.

Once the light faded, Raine lay on the ground, unconcious from the magic she used to exterminate the demons. Rusty smirked and walked towards her, looming over her body. He leaned over and picked up her limp figure.

"Come now Laraine, dear girl. I will tell you everything, and when that woman awakens from within you, You will destroy the demons, witches, those fools that Silvarn fears and even Silvarn himself. Such a shame that such a beautiful soul will be sacrificed. But none of the fools wanted to break the curse, knowing the answer before them. There is but one way, and no one will find it...ever.." He carried Raine through the forest towards his hiding place.

[Silvarn]

Silvarn felt the large discharge of magical energy long before the earthquake rippled through the Lockner village.

That rogue demon is here again. Scorcahr whined.

"Should we go after her?"

He was able to dispatch her easily the last time they encountered. I should think she would need our help.

"It is her destiny to have that power awaken within her and take her over. It is a rare person who has no destiny to control them, and I do not believe that includes Raine."

Are you saying we leave her in the hands of the demons?

"Exactly. With any luck, her power will ignite and destroy this Rusty fellow and the Risks. All we have to do is observe her and wait until she turns on us."

Opening the floodgates and then closing them when the water gets too high, so to speak?

"Yes."

[laraine]

((Sorry I might not be availiable the next few days. I'm in Washington and Internet is hard to find here. I will try to post more later, but I am in a hurry so I will post what I can before mom kicks me off))

Suddenly a ghost of a figure appeared before Silvarn, it was Danny, Raine' s boyfriend who died long ago. He looked to Silvarn and began to slowly speak.
"Why Don't you go after her? I have been watching you both. I know you are using her for your own means, but you don't understand everything going on. Something even worse might happen to her than her fate on her birthday if she is awakened now. I don't know exactly but it might be more extreme.Besides, if she goes, she will be gone forever..." He looked down and away at this. "I tried to warn her... please Silvarn you must save her."

Meanwhile darkness stirred within Raine, as she lay helpless on stone.

[Silvarn]

"For accusing me of not understanding, you do not appear to know any more than I. Something 'might' happen? And even if this theoretical event did transpire, you do not know if anything would come of it. And, as you said yourself, the only one between us who actually cares whether she lives or dies beyond this is you." his fingers crackled with arcs of Twilight. "You are wasting my time." he made a violent gesture of dismissal, and the ghost vanished into many swirling tendrils of white mist.

That was deliberately cruel, Grey-Eyes.

"Would you rather I vent my frustration on a Lockner?"

What of Raine's lover and his warnings?

"They change nothing. When this thing awakens, I will crush it. And Raine as well, if I must."

And if she proves to be too powerful?

Silvarn's hands tightened, the arcs of Twilight playing across them again, "Then I will call upon Echoes to help bring her down."

Would that be a wise decision?

"Even wisdom must give pass to necessity."

You always were adept at covering your ass...

"What?"

...-ets.

[laraine]

Raine lay in a deep slumber. Rusty, smiling wickedly circled her body. Red eyes glowing in the dim light as the day ended and night began. Time was running out, if he had any time to awaken her, it would be now. He nudged the sleeping girl until she opened her eyes to stare into his.

And quite expectantly sprung five feet away from him.

"...The he-" Raine stopped speaking as Rusty was upon her, pressing her body against the cavern wall. One hand was firmly pressed against her mouth, muffling her next curses and anger filled words.

Rusty laughed at her, red eyes dancing with mischief. "Laraine, do you even realize anything?" He asked.

Damn him.. the voice growled. Raine try to hold out until tomorrow when I take you over..

"Shut up!" Raine hissed to everyone, shoving Rusty from her body and grasping her hands on her head. "I'm not listening to ANY of you anymore, you all lie to me and want me killed anyways!"

She backed away, trying to find her crystal sword. Rusty held her gaze with each step she took, he was still smirking snidely.

"Listen to me Laraine, you should not fight your destiny. You were fated to be destroyed, for that evil to take you over and kill everything in sight."

" I don't believe that." She turned her head away from him, her soul was breaking apart, she knew that. Yet, she still tried to survive, she had no choice.

"Laraine, you must not trust anyone, yet you trust that mage. The one who wants to sacrifice you to save his own hide."

Raine's eyes widened slightly at this, then closed. " I know. I have always known."

"Yet, you still trust this man? You know nothing." He walked towards her, spreading his arms out. "You know nothing about the curse nor about your own fate..or who you should trust. Not even your family."

"What are you talking about?" Raine saw the opening of the cave nearby and edged towards it. But Rusty was too fast and cut her off, pressing a hand against the wall beside her and leaning against it.

"You know nothing..for I have one secret that you should know.." He leaned in and whispered into her ear.

Raine's eyes widened.

Crack.....crack....

Damn him!!!!

Raine grasped at her heart and fell to her knees, gasping for air. She looked up at the cold-hearted demon, Rusty and ran past him into the forest.

She could hear Rusty laughing as she stumbled through the forest for a second time that day. The darkness caved in around her and she felt she couldn't take anything else.

I have to be strong...I have to be strong....I have to...I have....I can't let them win...

She pieced together the last fragments of her soul that she could mend and continued to run through the forest. Everything hurt inside, the demons words still echoing through her mind, her heart. She reached the lake finally, staring into the waters that reflected her nature before her. She saw her shattered soul through her own eyes.

One more push Laraine, that's all before you turn...tomorrow you will become me and lose yourself forever.

Raine swallowed and glared at her reflection, she slammed her fist through the water, distorting the image and lied down on the grass. The cracks could be seen through her eyes, she knew this. But she still smiled weakly.

"What I say still stands.. I will fight everyone till my last breath, my family, Rusty, you who reside within me and Silvarn's enemies. None of you will have me. I knew Silvarn would never like me. But I had to try...I do love him. But it is something foolish to believe that he would change. But I feel so sad...that he will never experience love. Still, I wish he will be happy and content with his choice."

You are crying you dolt.

Raine blinked, realizing it was so. She laughed softly again, wiping away the tears and looking up at the almost full moon.

Rusty will pay for what he said..

Raine sighed. "It isn't that hard to believe if you think about it. He and I are a similar age almost. He's only one year older than me and if you look at the dates..."

Still, it must be a shock to you..

"Yes...who knew I had a half brother? And one who wants me to destroy everything by tearing apart my soul and using my body as a puppet."

At least he didn't tell you...everything..

"Will I have to wait till tomorrow for it? My birthday?"

Yes, be prepared Laraine, the minute it turns midnight your birthday starts and everything will begin.

" I understand, I have said everything I needed to say to everyone. Bring it on.."



Meanwhile, Danny reappeared a few miles away from Silvarn, sighing. "That's what I get for trusting that idiot. He doesn't even want to know how to save Raine..Especially since in a couple hours her birthday will begin and her soul will vanish forever. I guess he really doesn't care....." He looked down at Silvarn from behind a tree.

[Silvarn]

Explain this to me, Scorcahr said in his nasally voice, does her birthday begin on the stroke of midnight, or the moment of her birth? Technically, she would not gain another year in age until the same moment on the day she took her first breath. Calendars and dates are merely a nice way of keeping track of such events, but do not accurately state the exact moment a person tacks on another year. Unless, of course, the halfbreed was born at midnight.

"Is that all you think about? Different ways to annoy and infuriate me?" the grey mage growled through clenched teeth.

Testy, are we? Not that I blame you. The notion of having to team up with your hated rivals in order to kill the one person who has ever shown you genuine kindness in spite of your grim demeanor is a demoralizing thought. Though, would it not make more sense for her birthday to begin at dawn? It is certainly more dramatic. Midnight is nothing special, really. Who came up with the day beginning in the middle of the night, anyway?

"Scorcahr, can we please focus?"

On what, Grey-Eyes? We have been told many times the many ways matters will go tomorrow and we have prepared for each and every one of them.

"Except..."

Except what?

"If Laraine is able to overcome her destiny, deny the prophesied power, and remain herself. What then? Do we continue fighting the Risks or do we turn tail and flee?"

We fight. If we run away, the Twisted Mirror and his disciple will slaughter the Lockners and continue chasing us. I am tired of running. I want this to end and be free once and for all.

"As much as we can be. We can never escape our past."

Perhaps, that is why the Twisted Mirror has returned.

"What?"

Perhaps, he was able to keep a hold in this world because you have been unable to let go of your past -- your past with him. Your regret anchors him to this world.

"Perhaps."

The grey mage strolled to the lake to watch the moon and stars dance upon its dark surface.

"Shall we watch the end begin together, Scorcahr?"

There is little else we can do.

"We can hope."

[laraine]

She sat up as she felt everything begin to change around her. The world seemed to be sparking with energy. The full moon high in the sky.

Raine stood up from the edge of the lake, staring out into the silent woods. Yet, she could still hear movement from all directions.

Everyone was coming for her. To destroy her soul, body and mind. She knew this, but also knew the time for running had long passed.

She closed her eyes and prayed to any deity that would listen. She had to find the strength to fight this darkness within herself and on the outside.

She took a step towards the forest, and another. Soon she came to a clearing within the middle of the forest. It was silent at first. But slowly, figures began to emerge from the darkness.

The demons, the witches. Both stood on opposite sides of each other, Raine standing in the middle.

"Laraine Lockner Risk." The matriarch of the Risk tribe said, her grave voice adding to the tense atmosphere.

Raine smiled weakly turning to the woman who was her grandmother.

"Prepare yourself girl, for now is the time to finish what we started. You must die, otherwise the world will end."

Raine could only nod to the woman before her and she turned to the witches, whose eyes also held no pity or remorse.

"We will fight the demons, but we will not protect you Laraine. We only intend to fight the demons and their hideous allies." One witch said. "If however you change and start to become unmanageable we will not hesitate to end your life."

Again, Raine nodded, the cracks within her soul breaking faster.

She pressed her hand against her heart, trying to steady her breathing.

"Any Last Words Laraine?" Both sides asked her.

" I will fight until I am taken over. I don't blame anyone for this. I only wish...I could have had a second chance to say everything I wanted." She still smiled weakly even as each demon, each witch got their battle instruments ready.

It is now midnight...time for it all to end...

[Silvarn]

"Moping as always, I see, Grey-Eyes."

Silvarn turned to face the voice's owner, but knew who it was before he saw the black figure. A slim black shadow, the only parts that had color were where the moonlight touched it: catching the edges of its black cloak, shining on its pale white hands, and glittering off its obsidian glass mask.

"It has been a long time, Echoes." Silvarn said.

"Indeed. Tell me, whatever came of dear Scorcahr?"

"He is here, with me -- as if you ever cared. As I recall, you were particularly envious of his high standing with our former master."

Echoes chuckled darkly, "He is still our master. We cannot escape him, even if we tried, even if we died. We might as well embrace the Twisted Mirror and become gods among men."

"Speaking of the fiend, where is he now?"

"He is about to entertain the demons and witches while he waits for us to come to him."

"What makes you think I will go quietly?"

"I do not. In fact, I am hoping you will put up a resistance. Our master incessantly compares me to you, and I want to prove to him that there is no comparison -- I will make you kneel before me!"

"You always were insufferably arrogant. You honestly believe you can defeat me? Can you even wield the Twilight?"

"Whether I can or cannot is of no importance. The Twisted Mirror has taught me well, and I have been preparing for this moment for years. The day Silvarn Grey-Eyes falls to his knees and begs for forgiveness."

Silvarn clenched his fists, silver lightning playing across his skin. "If you wish to prove your mettle against me, Echoes," he flared his fingers and a vortex of grey mist appeared around him, "then strike at me!"

An aura of moonlight radiated around Echoes' figure, illuminating him and making him a silhouette against the night. Black energies gathered around him, snuffing out all light except for his silver outline. "If you so insist." He thrust his hands forward and a beam of moonlight surged forth.

In the same instant, a torrent of silver-grey sprang from the vortex at Silvarn's command.

The very sky trembled when the two forces collided.

[laraine]

Raine felt the energy grow heavy and heard the noise of somewhere close in the forest. She figured that Silvarn's own fight had begun. But she had other things to worry about. Her own life.

They decended upon her from all sides. And she fought. As one demon swiped at her with claws, she used her magic and blasted through the demon, killing it instantly. The next and next came and she was killing every few seconds. Blood from demons and witches splattered onto her clothes and skin. Her family's blood.

Crack, crack...

Through the frenzy of fighting and killing, one grabbed her arm and yanked it back painfully. Raine cried out and lost her balance. But another person grasped her other arm and both pulled them behind her, causing Raine to fall to her knees with head lowered. She was breathing hard and managed to stand back up with the two holding onto her arm. A demon stood before her, sword at the ready to kill her. She looked up at their eyes and several things ran into her mind.

Mostly the desperate feeling to escape.

Laraine, I can do it...let me...

Raine closed her eyes, refusing to back down from anyone.

Her grandmother, Eline Risk stood by, her hands clenched together. She just stared.

The sword drew back, ready to strike, then flew foreword, ready to impale Raine clean through.

[Silvarn]

Gathering his power, Silvarn channeled it forward into a massive flare of Twilight energy. However, Echoes had the same idea and the two bursts collided in a ferocious explosion that shook the very ground.

"You have grown stronger, Echoes, I must admit." Silvarn said between breaths.

"I would thank you for your compliment, Grey-Eyes, but I know you are lying." Echoes said with a slight rasp in his voice.

"You know me well, then." Silvarn said, silver lightning playing across his fingers.

"You do realize, Grey-Eyes, that by the time we are finished, the Twisted Mirror will have slaughtered the witches, demons, and that half-breed pet of yours. And then he will find us here. How, you ask? I will make you bow down and pray to him, and he will feed upon them as he traces them back here, and then he will devour your soul. You will be his slave for eternity, if you resist him."

Silvarn's grey aura exploded into a frenzy of black clouds streaked with silver lightning. He charged forward at Echoes with a feral roar, his eyes and fists blazing with Twilight. He drove one into Echoes' face, but the wily dark disciple caught it with his own moonlit magic, the force of impact creating a resounding thunderclap.

"I gave up my soul a long time ago, Echoes." Silvarn growled as he slowly drove his fist forward, causing Echoes to bend under his might, "All you see now is a man, nothing more."