While Invasion began his interrogation of Zoey he had left two of his supposed children to stand guard outside.

Bert: Man, why do I have to be the guardman?

Kyle: Because you got to join in on the interrogation like every other time.

Bert: Ok so I'm good at it. What kind of jackass benches his best player?

Kyle: What the hell makes you think you're the best. Seriously you don't do anything. Frankly standing here and guarding a door works wonders for you.

Bert: Guard duty is so damn boring though.

Kyle: Ok do you mind not talking to me while I'm trying to take a leak? Because it's really gay.

Bert: Yeah about that. Why the fuck are you pissing in the hallway!?

Kyle: Christine and the others were burning this place to the ground anyway and I ain't walking through a building that is intentionally being burned down just to be a good role model.

Bert: Oh for the love of . . . fine! But hurry up already.

Kyle: Shut up! I am done you fat bastard.

Bert: So this is like the part of the building that will burn down last right? Because I haven't seen the others arrive?

Kyle: Who knows maybe they got busted. We can always break them out later.

The two continued to argue waiting for their companions but in that time only one showed up.

Christine: So what, did Invasion get sick of having Bert in the room?

Kyle: Yeah pretty much.

Bert: Oh bite me. Seriously that's an Asian girl in there. Do you know how rare Asians are now a days?

Kyle: Not rare enough for my taste.

Bert: Oh right you prefer the big girls right? You're so shallow.

Kyle: No I'm just not a pedophile.

Christine: Only thing that kinderguardener's got going for her is being the Police Chiefs daughter.

Bert: How come you're not in there then?

Christine: Because Spicule said no physical injuries. And we're doing this behind his back anyway so I'd rather be on the side line when he finds out thank you.

Bert: What we're way past the 21st century. Same Sex shit is no longer illegal. Hell it was still done when it was illegal.

Christine: Do I look like a lezbo to you. God talking with you is such a . . . hey did you pee in here?

Kyle: Yeah he marked his tree right there.

Bert: What, no I didn't you liar!

Christine: Just couldn't hold it could you. Why didn't you just run through the burning school. You might have made it without getting too cooked.

They both continued to taunt Bert for a little while. That was until he noticed that no one else was comming.

Bert: Wait where is everyone else anyway?

Christine: I thought they came back in. I seriously didn't see anyone else.

Kyle: Probably got busted.

Christine: Those chicken shit teachers sure as hell didn't stick around to throw anyone in detention. I seriously didn't see the gang once I set my end off.

It was then a section of the ceiling tiles fell on Bert.

Bert: Oww, Frick! What the hell?

Kyle: You ok there dude?

Bert: Fine. Just why the hell did it drop?

Christine: Well that's how they have the ceilings designed. They still use the old hanging lights for the sake of authenticity. That bit's just the cover up.

Kyle: Amasing how we're in the year 2467 and they're still this cheap.

Christine: Well it's not like resources are getting any more plentiful. They got to cut costs somewhere.

Bert: Ahh to hell with them. This crap is why I wanted to join Devil Scar in the first place.

Christine: I know we're burning the place down, but I'm surprised it just dropped now all of a sudden.

However as they were pondering, they did not notice him. He reached out and grabbed Christine before they had a chance to react. His cloak enveloped Christine like it was a red mist.

Christine: Wha . . . MMFFF - - -.

Kyle: Jeesus!?

Bert: What the . . . was that him?

Before they had a chance to look out the window they heard a crashing sound against the outside wall. It was swiftly followed with three nails puncturing the windowless part of the wall. They dripped in blood leaving Bert and Kyle shocked.

Kyle: Why the hell is he here!?

Bert: I don't fucking know!?

Both of them were terrified.

Kyle: Where the fuck is he!?

It was then Kyle felt a small piece of the ceiling tile fall on his head. He slowly turned around to notice the Red Cloak. And in the center looking down at him was Red Raven. Before Kyle even had a chance to scream, Red Raven was on him. Punturing his body with a number of large nails. Bert was frozen as he watched him impale Kyle.

He then turned his head over facing Bert. Red Raven tilted his head slightly to the right. Bert tried to turn around and slowly walk away in hopes that Red Raven was looking for any sudden movements. He wasn't thinking straight but the thought that came into his mid was "if you leave him be he'll leave me be" over and over. Without warning two nails went flying right by Bert and crashed into the ceiling. Debris and fire blocked Berts path leaving only one exit left. In a panic he rushed over to the gym doors to alert Invasion about the Raven that stalks them.

Bert: Oh god . . . Boss! Boss!

Red Raven: Sub luna saltamus

________________________________________________________________________

         A large hole in the school broke open as Crypter soared through the air revealing her Dayon form. Her arms became wings and her legs became claws. Standing 37 feet in hieght, Crypter was nearly three times the size of Alice's Novus form.

Crypter: Neither Reaver or Dayon. So what do we call you anyway? You seem more like a machine to me.

Alice had nothing to say and instead replied with the projectile weapon she used on Hive.

Crypter: Scary. So that's why Hive was in such bad shape when he came home. It's not nice to bully those smaller then you and you of all people should understand that.

Unlike Hive, Crypter was a Dayon better suited to combat. She had open skies to evade and manuver with the exception of the skyscrapers. As their struggles continued, many civilians paniced and tried to leave the area.

On some of the fleeing crouds, Crypter breathed a black smog enveloping and killing the victims. Within moments the deseased began to rise again like the waling dead. They began charging at Alice trying to overwhelm her size with numbers.

Alice: Is there anyway to cure these people Nova?

Nova: I have begun on making an anti-body to the virus that the Dayon can produce. However it can only cure the virus and currently I have no delivery system. It would only stop their movements anyway. There would be no way to revive them.

Alice: Then these are just her puppets at this point. I'm sorry but this is the only relief I can give all of you.

Without hesitating Alice threw off a cluster of Crypters victims, following it up with a shot. The scattering pieces of the bodies became unusable to Crypter.

Crypter: You know, a few of those people could have been married. Or even had children. And you didn't even hesitate.

Alice: The only thing I can do is stop you from adding to those numbers. I can't save the ones lost.

Crypter: That's what I like about you girlfriend. You get how things work without clinging on to the standard "right and wrongs" layed down by society. Honestly we don't even have a reason to fight to begin with. But I can tell that you feel for those who died so how about I make you a deal. I'll stop this madness and you come with me and meet Spicule. What do you say?

Alice: If Spicule wants to come and get me then he can do it on his own terms. I also have to go after your partner so I don't want to play your black mail games.

Crypter: . . . I remember before that you once pissed off one of our middle school teachers in a similar way.

Crypter then dove down and abducted Alice. Pinning her to the side of a skyscraper.

Crypter: He gave us a scenario where we were all stuck in a room. One switch would set everyone freebut the poor bastard who pushed it would die. And if no one pushed it, then everyone would perish.

Alice tried to strike at Crypter while she was talking. However both were locked in a struggle of physical power.

Crypter: Everyone said the normal stuff. "I would sacrifice myself with the knowledge that the others would live". Of course they can say it really easily but they usually lie so they get good mark.

Nova: Alice I have gotten a proper read out of Crypter.

Alice: Give me a second ok.

Crypter could not hear either of them as they were communicating on a mental basis

Crypter: No one however saw your answer comming. "I'd throw my shoe at it". Which at first sounded increadably stupid. But then it started making sense. Too much sense for the teacher anyway. You argued your point and suddenly the guy lost the point he was trying to make. That's why you don't belong here with these little people. Their society and laws didn't phase you. Just like me.

Alice: I don't recall having any kind of kinship with you.

Crypter: The main difference was you just wouldn't tolerate their bullshit. I played along but deep down I was always a liar. I never liked their system and neither did you. You just wouldn't fall in line.

Alice managed to slip her arm free. She then used the shockwave effect on Crypters wings. As Crypter screamed in pain, Alice didn't waste any time. Getting on her back and forcing Crypter to the ground.

They both crashed leaving a coud of dust from the impact. Alice noitced that there were still people trying to evacuate the area.

Alice: Ok so what was it that you wanted to say Nova?

Nova: I was able to get a read out of Crypter when you came into physical contact. Most Class B Dayons rely heavily on a particular chemical. In this case the black vapor. But it uses a special gland in it's mouth to vaporize the liquid it's body produces.

Alice: So get rid of it and she can't make more zombies with it. Wait why doesn't she just cast it all over the city.

Nova: The chemical is limited to how much it can produce and it breaks down when exposed to open air. Other wise the Dayon could have casted it all over the city.

Alice: Wish I had known that sooner.

As the dust began to clear Alice could hear Crypter taking another breath. She noticed another mob trying to get clear of Crypter, but they wern't fast enough and Alice a bit too far to stop her in time.

She tried one idea and shot at blast at the ground inbetween the crowd and the vapors trajectory. The shockwave erupted pushing the vapor away. Some of the civilians were knocked on their feet but nothing serious. If there was any injuries, they would be minor and alot easier to deal with then the virus.

Alice quickly leaped back on Crypter climbing to her jaw. Unfortunatly Crypter seems to be keeping her mouth closed. She might have known or was always aware of such a weakness and trained her self to protect the mechanisms to her ability.

The initial shockwave attack was unable to break the hardened skin around Crypters jaw and the blast would probably need to get a precise shot. If neither of those worked then she was going to have to break through the skin all together. Similar to how she trapped the shockwave into a shot. Alice tried to keep the trapped shot around her arms preventing it from detonating.

The end result was an energy blade for both hands. Alice did her best to stay in the spot where Crypters wing arms coudn't reach while holding on to the constant thrashing. Giving it all that she had Alice forced the blades through Crypters jaw.

While the damage was done, she was now within arms reach of Crypter who did not hesitate to throw Alice off her. She began coughing up the liquid form of her vapor.

Crypter: You really are a rough girl you know that? Broken wings, damaged caster . . . I'm begining to think you hate me.

Alice: Hate has nothing to do with it.

Crypter then reached her claw into her ear.

Nova: I detect a radio transmission. I think I can hack into it.

Crypter: Are you done yet Invasion. I'm taking alot of damage here that will take me weeks to heal. I honestly don't think I can hold out much longer.

Invasion: MMmmmmm . . .MMMMmm....Mmmmhhhh - - -

Crypter: What the hell is wrong with you speak u-.

Red Raven: Sub Luna Saltamus, Pied Piper.

It was hard to make out the sound with the static but the sounds they could make out were dreadful to think about.

Crypter: . . . That can't be. The Bird is here . . . But why?

Alice: Wait, Zoey was being held by Invasion.

She knew little about Red Raven. He seemed to hunt Dayon but that doesn't mean that he will leave Zoey alone.

Crypter: If that freak show is here then we need to leave now. The bird will just murder you and I if you go to save little Zoey. Your looks and your size mean nothing to him. And I refuse to let the Conclave have you either. Forget these people and their little whims. Your future is with Devil Scar and working with Spicule, we can liberate ourselves from it all.

Alice: I will not follow you or do as you please.

Crypter: Then I have to make my choice as well Alice. I'll drag you to Spicule even if I have to die to do it.

Without any regard for her own well being Crypter charged at Alice in hopes of subduing her. They clashed for a little bit but Crypter was oriented to aerial combat. Many of her other abilities were not working as well. In the end Alice finished the fight by piercing Crypters heart by digging the energy blades just under the rib cage.

Then something happened to Crypter. She began reverting to a half way point between her Human and Dayon form. It looked deformed but it was still human. She struggled to hold herself up by holding on to Alice's shoulder.

Crypter: Heh . . . He can probably . . . Keep going without me . . . You'll have to see him one day . . . You'll understand when you see Spicule . . .

Alice: I really didn't want to do this to you Bianca. But everything you said. Everything you told me. I didn't do anything special. I just said what was on my mind that time.

Crypter: You acted . . . The rest of us just went with the flow . . . That's why I thought you were a pretty girl . . . You were real . . . Everyone was fake to me . . . It was fun while it lasted . . . Enjoy the calm while it lasts . . . And good luck . . .

Crypter then lost all her strength. And within seconds, she was gone. Only her body was left behind. Alice gently layed her on the ground. Words were meaningless now. And saving Zoey was now her priority.

________________________________________________________________________

Alot of people were evacuated from the school. The sprinklers in the building could keep the fire managed but that didn't stop the smoke from spreading. The gym sounded like it was the furthest away from the fire but that doesn't mean it's safe.

Alice: Nova, I know my bodies been altered but can I breath through the smoke?

Nova: It shouldn't be that big of an issue. And in the event that you pass out, I can take manual control to resume where you left off. If your objective could not be achieved I would have no choice but to evacuate you from the area.

Alice: Good enough for me.

Alice ran into the burning building. It would not be long before the firefighters would show up. But they probably won't be fast enough to help the people in the gym. Finally she made it to the gym door but paused as she witnessed the corpse burning on Red Ravens nails. The guy was grewsomly impaled on Red Ravens favorite weapon. And it was only a prelude to what she found inside.

The fire had not spread into this area yet but everywhere she looked there was someone impaled. A different number of nails were used to execute each individule. One person wa even nailed to the cieling. And then she saw him. What looked like the remains of Mr. Dominic. He had it the worst. A nail in each limb, almost like they were streched to accomidate the nails placement. Several in the center of his body. And the last one was shoved through the mouth as if Red Raven tried to force feed it down his throat.

Alice: Zoey, you're ok right? Please tell me your ok.

For a moment there was nothing. And then she finally replied.

Zoey: Hi, Alice.

She spoke in a very quiet voice, wrapping her arms around her legs. It was hard to tell if she was ok or not but there was no question that she saw the whole thing. Alice noticed that there was the remains of a chair around her and a nail that she had been leaning on. The only nail without blood on it.

Alice: Did he try to kill you.

Zoey: If he did I don't think I would be alive right now. He was like a nightmare. But you could say he saved me. Not sure if he planned to do so. Same with Daniel . . . That's right. The monster that Dominic turned into threw him into the storage room.

Alice: You're ok to walk right?

Zoey: Yeah I'm fine. See if Daniel is ok.

Alice rushed to the gyms storage room. She found him lying in a pile of equipment. Alice pushed the debris off of Daniel and tried to help him to his feet.

Daniel: . . . Pounding headace, and a leg the feels funny. Yeah sounds like I'm not dead.

Alice: Don't worry I'll get you out of here.

Although to Alice's surprise he was increadably light.

Alice: Oh . . . Ok well I think I can just take you out alone then.

Daniel: Then that makes us even.

They came out of the storage and by the sounds of it the firefighters had finally arrived. Zoey then took notice of the way Alice had been carrying Daniel.

Zoey: Talk about role reversal. You sure you want to keep humiliating him like that Alice?

Daniel: It's fine. I didn't exactly do a good job as a protector today anyway.

________________________________________________________________________

Alice let Daniel down and tried to help them both out of the burning building. The firemen went to work on the burning school while medical teams helped the injured.

Medic: Are you sure you don't want to get medical treatment? You looked pretty banged up there.

Daniel: I'll live. Thanks anyway but I can handle myself.

Zoey: Oh common Daniel. Don't try to be a tough guy.

Daniel: Never said I was one. I actually consider myself to be quite weak. I just don't like medication. The sling and bandages will suffice.

Zoey: Oh . . . Man you're nothing like Fredrick. I think you're the first guy I know who puts himself down like that.

Medic: Alright fine, but if you collapse don't come crying to me.

Among the police cars it appeared that Chief Naganata had arrived. He had dark gray hair and mustashe and stood 5'7 feet tall and had an average build. If it wasn't for the detective uniform he could be mistaken with an old samurai. Of course the first person he came to was Zoey.

Soki: It seems my fears have been put to rest. You are unharmed, Zoey?

Zoey: Yes daddy.

Soki: This damage was not an accident was it?

Zoey: No, there were these people who had me tied up while setting the school on fire.

Soki may be a carring father but he is definatly a policeman when he's on duty. Almost like he had switchable personalities for when he needs them.

Soki: My only regret is that I was not here sooner. I'll let you get your rest for now. How about you youngman. Did you see any identifying marks on these arsonists?

Daniel: I didn't see anything special on them but they were organized, I can tell you that.

Alice remebered that Bianca had identified their group.

Alice: Umm Mr. Naganata. I did recall one of them slip a couple names out.

Soki: Ahh good day Ms. Vermire. How long has it been, about four years since we last met. You have changed alot since then.

It shouldn't be surprizing that even Soki is shocked. After all She didn't look like this two weeks ago.

Alice: Sorry but I would rather talk about that another time.

Soki: Of course. You said that you heard their names?

Alice: A girl earlier let two names slip out. They said they called themselves Devil Scar.

Soki: That is quite disturbing news . . . They have been getting worse over the months.

Alice: Oh well then I guess you already have heard of them. And even their leader?

Soki: Spicule! They are way too pleased to speak his name. It's not even like they're trying to cover for his actions. I think it's best we discuss this at my place. Does that sound good to the two of you?

Daniel: If Alice's is going then I guess I am as well.

Soki: Good, I'll be with you once I finish up the investigation. Mr Riggs.

Among the police Brian Riggs had been working for Soki for a day and already he's pretty much his police chiefs go to guy.

Brian: Uhh yes sir?

Soki: I want you to take the squad car and take these three to my home. Then ccome back and I'll meet you here in an hour.

Zoey: What we got to go with this asshole? The only difference between him and the people here is the fact that he forgot to bring a match.

Brian: Yeah nice to see you to little mis-

Soki: Mr. Riggs. Remeber the first leason I taught you. If you can't maintain yourself then you can't maintain order.

Brian: . . . Yes sir.

It was hard to think of Brian in a police uniform. Two days ago he was a juvenile delinquint in a biker outfit.

Daniel: That outfit suits you.

Brian: . . . Common I'll take you to the Chiefs place. Where'd the blonde guy go anyway.

Zoey: Unlike you he actually take care of his sister. So he got out before this even began.

Brian: Got out early . . . Well that seems convinient for him.

No one asked but The way Brian acted after that sounded like Zoey unintentionally hit a sore spot.

Brian: Whatever. Lets go . . .

Alice didn't have the same kind of anger she had against him from the Hive incident. She may have to ask him exactly what he went through to get where he is now. As they walked to the car Soki stopped her for a momment.

Soki: When the time is right I think you and I need to have a serious talk.

He did not look at her directly but Alice had a clinging feeling that Soki might know what she is even more then any of the memebers of Devil Scar.