User blog:Akasha1908/Goddess of Demise: Most Wanted Dead

Note from the Writer:
This fanfic was written for InsaneAsylum. It's about the 5 Goddesses of Demise he created; specifically Halloween (Halle for short). Before reading, you should check out the link below.

http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User:InsaneAsylum/Most_Wanted_Dead

As always, thanks for reading!

<3 Aka

            The Goddess of Demise [Halloween] walked into the living room of their mansion. The entire room was white; white walls, white ceilings and white marble floors. Even the furniture was white. The room was spotted with silver accents, and in the center of the ceiling hung a huge crystal chandelier. It was the picture of modern living; clean, simple and elegant. Halloween hated it. There was no color, and no emotion. It made her feel uneasy, which was why she preferred to stay in her room. Unfortunately, she felt the call. The tingling sensation that indicated she, or one of her sisters, was being summoned…

             The moment she entered the room, her sister Moon, short for Moon Viewing called out to her.

             “Good evening, Halle!”   Moon exclaimed happily.

Halloween smiled at her sister. Moon and Summer were the only ones who called her by her preferred nickname. Moon was lounging on a white chaise, lazily sipping on a glass of red wine. Her pink hair was loose around her shoulders, and she wore a sophisticated white dress. Her sister’s idea of lounge wear was evening gowns and diamonds, so when she wasn’t fulfilling a contract, Moon preferred to indulge in her clothing obsession.

“Evening.”   Halle replied, leaning down to kiss the top of Moon’s head.

“Hi, Weenie.”   Halle cringed at her other nickname, the one she hated, and the one her sisters Rage and New Year’s insisted upon calling her.

“Hello, Nene.”   Halle answered tightly.

New Year’s, aka Nene, was seated at the white washed table in the dining room. Since they were goddesses and therefore were not required to eat, Nene used it as her work space. The tiny witch was flipping through several sheets of paper; no doubt results from her numerous experiments. She wore a pair of circular reading glasses, and there was a smudge of ink on the tip of her delicate nose.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Did either of you plan on responding to the summons?”   Halle asked, dropping into the couch across from Moon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Nope.”   Nene replied instantly. “I’m in the middle of fulfilling a contract at the moment.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Then why are you here?”   Halle asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I’m reviewing my data.”   Nene answered without looking up. “My contractor requested his targets be eliminated in the most painful way possible.”   She huffed in frustration, removing her witch’s hat, running a hand through her hair, then plopping it back onto her head. “You know, I’ve killed thousands of people, in a hundred different ways, but I’ve never actually stopped to think about which one was the most painful.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Really?”   Moon asked in disbelief.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Nope, not even once!”   Nene exclaimed, scribbling furiously in her journal. “Imagine my surprise when the concept finally struck me!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Is that even possible?”   Halle asked. “Can you really determine the most painful way to die?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes! Or at least I think I can.”   She mumbled. “I mean, every human has a different threshold of pain that can be measured and documented. Naturally, any data collected before that threshold is met is inconclusive. But,” She said, holding up a tiny finger. “Once the threshold is met, then any pain experienced after that should yield relatively consistent results. So, if I measure the level of pain from a human’s threshold, up until the point of death, then I can get a good idea of which is the most painful way to die.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Hmm.”   Moon hummed sweetly. “All I heard just now was blah, blah, blah.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Halle laughed. “I get what you’re saying, sis, but wouldn’t you need several test subjects if you wanted to test multiple types of deaths?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Nope.”   Nene said. She pulled open the massive book next to her, thumbing through several pages. “I only need one.”   She looked up and her sisters across the room. Her mischievous eyes glistened excitedly. “I’m using my client.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“But I thought your contractor did a Sacrificial Summoning.”   Moon said, standing and walking into the kitchen. She pulled out another bottle of wine from the cabinet and refilled her glass.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“He did.”   Nene replied. “But the offered sacrifice was unacceptable.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Why?”   Halle asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“He asked for two deaths, but the sacrifice only covered one.”   Nene returned to scanning her book. “His wife is cheating on him, and he wants both her and her lover dead. Two deaths require two sacrifices. Apparently, he failed to realize that.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“But even still.”   Halle insisted. “He can only die once, so you can only test one type of death on him.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Not when I have this.”   Nene slipped a hand into her pocket and pulled out a bottle. “I had Little Witch make this for me. She owes me favor. I helped her out of a jam a century or so ago. She happens to be friends with Elixir, and with a tiny does of the Anima’s vitality, she was able to create this.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“And “this” is…?”   Moon asked, taking a seat again and crossing her legs.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“It’s a potion that brings a human on the brink of death back to life.”   Nene replied with a wink.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Halle eyed her sister warily. “So every time your contractor is about to die…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I give him a drop of this and poof! His wounds are healed and I get to start all over again.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Wow.”   Halle whispered. “That seems a bit harsh, even for you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“And messy.”   Moon replied with a frown.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“It can be a bit messy.”   Nene replied with a proud smile. “But I’ve managed to narrow down my list of the most painful deaths down to twelve.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Umm, good for you?”   Halle replied uncertainly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Very good.”   She said, diving back into her research.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Well, I guess that means Nene can’t take this one.”   Halle said, addressing Moon. “What about you, sis, it’s been a while since you’ve had a job.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I don’t think so.”   Moon replied, lounging back in the chaise. “You know I don’t respond to Invocations unless they are done perfectly. And since the summoner just butchered the pronunciation of this one; I’ll pass.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Suddenly, Rage appeared in the room. She was completely covered in blood and what looked like pieces of internal organs. Her nostrils were flaring and her weapon was still at the ready.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Damn it, Rage!”   Nene shrieked. “You’re getting blood all over my papers!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rage hissed, pointing her halberd straight at Nene.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “B-but th-that’s ok.”   She stuttered, gathering her notes in her arms and backing away slowly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Calm down, Rage.”   Moon said, gently setting her glass on the table next to her chair. “Damn it! Where the hell is Summer when you need her?”   She groaned.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I know right.”   Halle agreed, moving behind the couch. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter. One of us needs to calm her down and get her cleaned up.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Of all the sisters, Summer was the one Rage connected with the most. Summer had a way with her that the rest of them would never understand. And honestly, preferred not to…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What’s that song Summer sings for her?”   Moon asked. “I can’t remember how it goes.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “How the hell would I know?”   Halle replied, shrugging her shoulders. “It’s in French.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Well, she sings it so much I figured you would have it memorized by now!”   Moon snapped.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “If thanks the case, then you should know it, too!”   Halle shot back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Forget it.”   Moon rolled her eyes, walking slowly towards Rage. “I knew I shouldn’t have worn white today.”   She mumbled to herself. Moon took Rage by the shoulders, gently coaxing her towards the exit. “Come on, sis. Let’s get you cleaned up, ok? I think you’ve got a bit of intestine in your hair.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rage’s eyes narrowed on Moon, but she let her escort her out of the room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Well, that was exciting.”   Nene said, dropping back into her seat.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Don’t worry. Rage will be fine once she gets the scent of blood off her.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I thought we made a house rule about this.”   Nene said. “Summer and Rage are not allowed to take jobs at the same time.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I thought so, too. I think it’s time for a reminder.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Agreed.”   Nene replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Well,” Halle said, walking towards the exit. “I guess have no choice but to take this one.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Look at the bright side.”   Nene replied. “Halloween is tomorrow. You’ll be at your strongest.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “True.”   Halle replied.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “And since the summoner said the incantation wrong, you’ll get to kill him, or her, too.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Two kills for the price of one.”   Halle grinned.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">              “Exactly! It’s kind of win/win, if you know what I mean.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I suppose.”   Halle sighed. “Oh! Since it’s almost Halloween, how about letting me use your broom? I can dress up like a witch and everything!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">              “No.”   Nene replied immediately. “My broom is not a toy.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I know that.”   Halle pouted. “I’ll be extra careful with it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “That’s what you said last time.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Last time was not my fault.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Riiiiiiight. My broom just happened to get broken into three pieces then put into a wood chipper on accident.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I told you, I wasn’t myself!”   Halle argued.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “How can I forget?”   Nene replied dryly. “You thought it was a snake, right?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Look.”   Halle replied seriously. “I needed a hallucinogen for my pipe. If I had known Caro-kun was going to sell me something so strong, I wouldn’t have used it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You should be ashamed of yourself.”   Nene smirked. “A goddess who gets high on her stash, isn’t a goddess at all.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Halle huffed angrily and stormed out of the room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I was just kidding!”   She heard her sister shout after her, but it was too late. She didn’t want to borrow the damn thing anyway…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Halle went to her room and changed into her work uniform. She loved her room. It was her sanctuary. It was warm and cozy and it made her feel at ease. Mostly, it was because of the pictures covering every inch of her wall; each image depicting one of her victims at their moment of pure happiness. She even kept duplicates in the albums which filled all five of her bookcases. Every picture gave her comfort. It was like she could feel their happiness as her own. It was a high she couldn’t resist. If only it would last forever…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Halle brushed her red hair and tucked it behind her ears. Once she was satisfied with her appearance, she removed her pipe from the oak chest she kept on the highest shelf of her tallest bookcase. After inspecting every inch of it, she checked her stash.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Damn it.”   She mumbled. “Low again.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">She forgot to resupply after her last job, and with it being such short notice, she would be forced to do what she swore she would never do again. She’d have to go see Caro. Halle sighed heavily. Putting it out of her mind, she reached up and pulled down her camera from the shelf, tucking it into the case attached to her belt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Alright, first things first.”   She said, slipping her pipe into her belt as well. “I have a client to meet.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">To summon a Goddess of Demise via Invocation is long and tedious. Even when the summoner is experienced, the process can be extraordinarily difficult. As a result, the process could take hours to complete. Halle waited impatiently in the summoning room, just off the living area. It was one of three the sisters rotated using; all of which were designed to transport them from the astral plane to the mortal realm. She tapped her foot on the floor, twirling a strand of hair. She was about to plop down into one of the comfy chairs, when the giant glyph opened before her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Finally!”   She exclaimed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">When Halle stepped through the glyph, she found herself in a massive office. Surrounded by steel and glass, she immediately expected her client to be a male; late 30s, early 40s. Imagine her surprise when she found a petite female standing behind the desk.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The client looked barely older than 21 years old. Her inky black hair was pulled back into a disturbingly neat bun. The suit she wore was dark grey, tailored perfectly to her slender frame. She stepped around the desk and towards Halle.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The goddess couldn’t help but smile. She liked the way the woman’s hips swayed when she walked. The pencil skirt she wore was just above her knees, giving Halle a perfect view of her pale white calves. The look was finished off with a pair of black high heeled shoes. The heels showed of the muscles of those lovely calves, while making her feet look tiny and delicate.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Are you the Goddess of Demise?”   The woman asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Halle moaned softly. The gentle lilt of her voice was music to her ears. And the way the woman’s large green eyes sparkled in the moonlight made Halle want to kill her in all sorts of delicious ways…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Excuse me.”   The woman said. “Are you alright?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Halle came to her senses, blinking a few times to clear away the naughty images flashing through her mind.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes.”   Halle replied, clearing her throat. “I am one of the Goddesses.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The woman breathed a sigh of relief, leaning on the edge of her desk. She wiped away the sweat on her brow, accidently displacing a strand of her hair. The strand fell into her eyes and she gently brushed it away, tucking it behind her ear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Halle moaned again, placing a hand over her mouth to keep from saying anything stupid like, “Do you mind if I make love to you while I strangle you to death?”   Halle took a deep breath, desperately trying to suppress her sudden urge to kill the woman in front of her. Since she’d said the words of the Invocation incorrectly, the woman’s life was forfeit. It was only a matter of time before Halle had her on the desk; her warm blood spraying across her face…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You have summoned me here for a purpose.”   Halle said, slipping the pipe from her belt. “Speak you desire.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I want my father dead.”   She replied firmly. “He seeks to take over the company I built. He believes a woman is not fit to lead a business and has made a move to merge my corporation with his. As it stands, he owns 45% of the shares in my company, while I own 40%. The remaining shares are going to be released tomorrow morning. I’ve begged him to stop, but he plans on buying them before I can come up with the money myself. If I don’t stop him now, he’ll take away everything I worked so hard to build.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Halle smiled, filling her pipe with the remainder of her herbs. Conjuring a flame from the tip of her thumb, she lit the pipe. Breathing in deeply, she blew out several clouds of smoke, letting it fill the room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   “Your ambition and dedication are commendable.”   Halle said, walking slowly towards the woman. “What’s your name?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Tapi.”   She replied hesitantly. Tapi stood up, trying to wave away the smoke encircling her. “Can you put that out please?”   She asked, coughing as the smoke filled her lungs.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Tapi.”   Halle whispered. “You see, you misspoke the Invocation used to summon me here.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I-I d-don’t understand.”   Tapi stuttered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You, my dear one.”   Halle said, gently cupping Tapi’s chin and running a thumb over her plump lips. “Have made a terrible mistake. One that will cost you your life.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“B-but…”   Tapi tried to finish her sentence, but the drugs were starting to take effect. She swayed for a few seconds, then fell back against the desk.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   “Don’t worry.”   Halle whispered in her ear, pulling out the pins from her jet black hair. The darks locks tumbled down, the ends brushing the top of the desk. “I’ll still fulfill your desire, but not before I take your life as penance.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   “N-no, please.”    Tapi begged softly, clutching her head. “W-what have you done to me?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Nothing yet.”   Halle laughed softly. She lifted Tapi onto the top of the desk. Closing her eyes, Halle leaned in for a kiss…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Suddenly, there was a rush of cold air. When Halle opened her eyes she found herself in a massive library. The ceilings were vaulted, and the bookcases that lined the walls reached all the way up. The room was split into two floors. Dark wooden balconies lined the second floor, allowing for an open view of the first. The arched roof was built with glass panels, and at the moment, moon light was spilling into the room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“What the fuck?!”   Halle shouted, her scream echoing in the cavernous room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“My apologies for bringing you here so abruptly.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The voice came from a seating area in front of a massive fireplace. Halle turned to find an older gentleman sitting in a leather wingback chair. He looked to be in his late 50s, wearing an expensive looking silk robe and pants. His hair was black with a streak of white over both ears.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Who are you?!”   Halle shrieked, marching over to the man. “And how the hell did you managed to summon me here, against my will, while I was in the middle of fulfilling a contract?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“He didn’t. I did.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Halle winced. She recognized the other male’s voice immediately. She turned around, only to find the bane of all existence approaching her. He was dressed in black from head to toe with the exception of the silver tie he wore.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Insa.”   Halle hissed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“It’s nice to see you, too.”   Insa replied with a sinister smile. “I can’t believe that actually worked. It’s the first time I’ve ever written a contract that stops you from completing another job. I’ll have to write this one down somewhere so I don’t forget it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He sauntered towards her, slipping his arm around her waist and pulling her close. He kissed her on both cheeks, then walked over to where the old man sat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Halloween, I’d like you to meet Clear-sama. He is your new client.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The hell he is!”   Halle roared. “Jesus Christ, Insa, I was in the middle of sealing a contract! What right do you have…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Insa lifted his hand, gesturing for her to be quiet. He moved to the chair next to Clear-sama and took a seat. He unbuttoned the jacket of his black suit and leaned back into the chair.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Listen, Hal.”   Insa said, running a hand through his blond hair. “I don’t enjoy meddling in you or your sisters’ business.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Please!”   Halle snapped. “You love doing it!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Insa rolled his blue eyes, then continued. “Clear-sama approached me a few weeks ago. He expressed concerns that his daughter would try to make an attempt on his life using… unconventional means. Just in case, he requested my assistance in creating a Pre-planned Contract. One that would take effect the moment his daughter summoned you or one of your sisters.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Let me guess.”   Halle snickered. “Tapi is your daughter.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes.”   Clear-sama replied, looking from Insa to her. “My daughter is confused. She thinks I’m trying to steal her company from her, but I swear that’s not what this is.”   The old man sat up in his chair. “I’m dying.”   He said. “And I’m trying to create something before I leave this world; a legacy to leave my daughter and grandchildren. Unfortunately, she refuses to listen to me. She doesn’t want to hear my side of the story.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Look at my face.”   Halle said to the old man. “Does it look like I care about your family problems? Insa, send me back, or I swear I’ll…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Insa lifted his hand, flicking it ever so slightly. Halle flew across the room, slamming into one of the bookcases. She remained pinned, her feet at least 10 feet off the floor. The mark on the back of her neck burned mercilessly; a reminder that when she was on the mortal plane, she had no real power.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Insa leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. The corner of his mouth lifted in a small smile. He was mocking her and Halle was furious about it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Don’t make this difficult, Hal.”   Insa said nonchalantly. “The contract has already been written and the details are final. Now, I expect you to handle this job like the professional I know you are. And when you’re done, you will go back to your box like a good little goddess. Do you understand?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Halle refused to respond, making Insa laugh softly. He moved two fingers on his right hand and Halle slammed into the floor. It felt like a concrete wall was crushing her, making it impossible to breathe. Suddenly the weight was removed and she was slammed back into the bookcase. Halle shrieked in rage, only to have her jaw slammed shut.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I’m going ask you one more time, Hal, and if you don’t answer, I’m going throwing back into that box of yours, and lock you in for the next century.”   Insa glanced over at Clear-sama, smiling reassuringly, then turned his gaze back to Halle. “You will finish this contract and return to the hole you crawled out of. Do you understand?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes.”   Halle answered through clenched teeth.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Good.”   Insa replied, clasping his hands together.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Halle dropped to the floor in heap. She dragged herself off the ground, pinning Insa with a deadly gaze. Insa stood, re-buttoning his jacket and fixing his tie.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The contract is on the table. Make sure you read it carefully.”   He turned, reaching out to shake Clear-sama’s hand. “It was a pleasure doing business with you, sir.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“And you, Mr. Dupre. Thank you again.”   Clear-sama replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“No, thank you.”   Insa said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He walked over to Halle, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, before sauntering out of the room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Halle took a deep breath, fighting the urge to run him down and snap his neck. For over 500 centuries, the Dupre family had kept the five Goddesses’ of Demise under lock and key. During a fluke encounter, Insa’s ancestors managed to isolate each of the sisters and mark them with an ancient brand, burned into their flesh using god’s fire. It was a failsafe. Should any of the sisters enter the mortal plane and wreak the kind of havoc they did all those centuries ago, they could be immediately subdued by anyone within Insa’s bloodline.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Granted the sisters had caused their share of chaos and destruction, but nothing more than what the foolish humans had coming. She and her sisters certainly didn’t deserve to be locked up for it. Well, maybe Rage did…   And perhaps Nene as well, but certainly not the rest of them. The first few decades had been rough, but the goddesses had managed to settle into an undefined and slightly precarious relationship with their captors. Until the last three family heads…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The idea of being able to control five Goddesses would be a heady concept for anyone, but in these recent years, the heads of the Dupre family had crossed the line:   Interfering with jobs, placing restrictions on the number of contracts one could take, even defining what was and was not a suitable sacrifice when negotiating with clients. But what happened tonight was unforgiveable. To mock and humiliate a goddess in front of a human was a declaration of war.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“This was not how I anticipated our encounter to be.”   Clear-sama said, interrupting Halle’s reverie of revenge. She cut him an evil glare, snatching the contract off the table.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I only want to take care of family.”   Clear-sama continued. “I just want to do what’s best for them.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Silence.”   Halle commanded. “Speaking isn’t necessary. The contract will tell me everything I need to know.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Halle clenched her teeth in anger. According to the contract, she was required to destroy Tapi’s feelings of hatred and anger towards her father, then deliver his hand written note explaining the reasons for his decisions. His daughter was to remain alive and untouched, and all in exchange for the old man’s life. Halle tossed the parchment back onto the table.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Unbelievable!”   She exclaimed. “I’m practically working for free!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Free?”   Clear-sama replied quizzically. “I paid Mr. Dupre a great deal of money. There is nothing free about this.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Your sacrifice in no way meets the price for what you’re asking!”   Halle froze, her eyes narrowing. “Wait, did you just say you paid money for this contract to be written? Exactly how much did you give him?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“1.2 million.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I’m sorry.”   Halle said, sitting on the table. “Did you say ‘million’?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes. And from what your employer said, that was relatively cheap.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Then he lied to you.”   Halle replied. “This.”   She said, snatching up the contract next to her. “Is not how this works. Money does not buy the services my sisters and render.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I beg to differ.”   Clear-sama countered. “Money can buy you anything.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Not when dealing with life and death.”   Halle replied shaking her head. “Life pays for life; and death for death. This is about balance, not profit.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Why do you care about balance? According to Mr. Dupre, all you want is to kill and destroy. I’m giving you the opportunity to do that. Isn’t that what you want?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“First of all, this is not what I want.”   Halle answered incredulously. “What I want is to be free! Kill those of my own choosing, instead of catering to the whims of a bunch of inept humans. Second, I’m a goddess. I may not be held to the same trivial standards you humans are, but when it comes to ‘universal balance,’ even I’m smart enough to respect it. And lastly, killing is an art for us, not some barbaric instinct like it is for you filthy humans! We take pride in our work. Something you will obviously never understand!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“My apologies.”   Clear-sama replied. “I had no idea it was so complicated.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">His tone held a hint of sarcasm, and it made Halle want to rip out his throat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Let me put this in terms you can understand.”   She said, leaning in. “When the sacrifice does not equal the service rendered, the universe has a way of re-setting the balance.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Meaning…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Meaning, you’ll be seeing your daughter again. And much sooner than you think.”   Halle rose from the table, searching the room leisurely.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“But…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“No ‘buts.’”   Halle said, picking up a letter opener off a desk nearby. “It’s time for you to die.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Wait!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Sorry, the contract is made and there is no backing out now.”   She continued, taking out her camera and placing it on the table. “I apologize, but I’m out of herbs. This will be a bit more painful than usual.”   She straddled him in the chair, placing the tip of the letter opener to his throat. “ <span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN">Are you ready for your last fling? <span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Wait.”   He said, grabbing her wrists. “What if I can give you a way to liberate yourself from the Dupre family’s hold? You and the rest of your sisters. Would that be a sufficient sacrifice? Would it prevent my daughter from being a victim of this ‘universal balance’ you speak of?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Halle paused, running her finger along the edge of the blade. “That’s impossible. Only a member of the Dupre bloodline can free us from this life of servitude. And trust me, none of them are in a hurry to do so.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Clear-sama smiled, gesturing for Halle to take sit in the chair beside him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Please.”   He said. “At least hear me out. What have you got to lose?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Halle thought back to the beautiful specimen whose arms she’d been ripped from. The man had a point. After missing out on the chance to claim Tapi’s life, the night couldn’t get much worse.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Make it quick.”    Halle replied, sliding off his lap. “I still need to fulfill the final part of our contract.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Clear-sama bowed his head. “Thank you, goddess. I will tell you what you need to know and where to find it. Then you can exact your revenge on the Dupre family for what they’ve done to you and your sisters. And perhaps for me as well; I don’t appreciate being swindled.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“If you do that, I’ll personally make sure your daughter lives.”   Halle said. “And, as an added bonus, I’ll make sure you die a very happy man.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">