Demetri fell into deep consideration. There seemed to be no other choice that wouldn’t cause more suffering.

  “I will not accept because I want to actually help you with whatever it is your goal is.” Demetri clamped his eyes shut to unsuccessfully keep from gushing with tears. He paused for a long moment to swallow his pride. “…..but if this is the only way that I can ever see Maxwell again, then I will submit to you with the hope that you will return him to me as soon as you are satisfied with my forced loyalty.” Demetri said painfully.

  “Very good. Welcome aboard then. You are free to roam the base as you wish, but you are not allowed to leave unless I allow it, and only if I or one of my team members is supervising you. I will also order that you do not speak of the situation at the base to anyone in Reality especially not the other band members because they are mostly unaware that you were dead, but they are aware that the situation is rocky in some type of way and the details of which will remain secret. You are also required to attend my morning briefing to receive whatever orders you are to follow for the day. Now if you will excuse me, I have other more important shit to do today.” Vezaias said, and with that he left a long with his team. Demetri sat for a long time soaking in the new arrangement. It was hours before he was able to leave the bedroom and seek out where Zexich would be at. The infirmary was empty, the laboratory was void, the base was quiet. It wasn't until Demetri walked through the hallway near the gym that he heard commotion. He walked into the locker room and finding the room to be completely gutted of lockers and benches and instead a very large contraption was being built near the middle of the room. Zexich saw Demetri and quickly halted his work and came over to hug him.

  “Have you accepted the offer?” Zexich asked in confirmation.

  “Unfortunately.” Demetri said softly.

  “It is not as horrible as it feels, Demetri. If you cooperate with our new leader he will be generous as promised. I agreed to help him in exchange I was rewarded with permission to recreate Sigil. Then he has granted me permission to bring back Lucius and now you too. Things will continue to improve I am sure of it.” Zexich soothed.

  “He refused my demand to have Maxwell. He feels Maxwell is too dangerous.” Demetri choked out.

  “I know that is unsatisfying, but what do you think would be Sunshine's reaction when offered to join this new assembly? Do you think he would accept the terms easily?” Zexich asked gravely.

  “He would, but with the hidden motivation to disassemble the group at first chance, with much secret clever scheming behind a fake wall of cooperation.” Demetri said seriously.

  “So is it not surprising that Vezaias will not fulfill your demand? He knows how risky it would be to try and get Sunshine's authentic cooperation.” Zexich said seriously but tried to comfort Demetri. Demetri was quiet and soaking in heartbreak for a moment.

  “He's such a troublemaker.” Demetri said painfully then rubbed the tears from his eyes in frustration.

  “Indeed he is. I know how painful it is to be without. I spent several days knowing everyone else was dead. So much loss and it completely crushed me. I nearly gave up and wouldn't cooperate, and let the demon kill me, but as soon as I began to cooperate things got better. Now I think it may be much longer for you, since Sunshine is so fearsome, but within time, and with much cooperation and patience I am sure Vezaias will keep his promise. I find that he is not completely despicable as I had first assumed he was, once you see how his choices have been delicately calculated to cause the least amount of damage possible when trying to satisfy Solaris’s demands.” Zexich explained seriously.

  “I keep hearing this name. Solaris. Who is he?” Demetri asked.

  “He is the demon. A vicious predator and the one responsible for Vezaias's appetite for human nutrition. If you hear him say ‘It is very bright out today.’ That is Solaris announcing his presence. Before this cue was arranged it was rather difficult to distinguish between Vezaias and Solaris, but learning the difference is necessary when dealing with either of them. Solaris only views humans as nutrition and expendable, but he is heavily influenced by Vezaias who put forth a great effort and consideration toward preservation of human life while still satisfying Solaris's ultimate goal. I suggest you keep a keen eye on spotting the differences.” Zexich urged him. Demetri only nodded painfully.

  “I think I just need some time to process this. I will be in my room if needed.” Demetri said softly. Zexich hugged him again and watched him leave the room. He went to his bedroom and crawled into bed and lay there awake for a long time in a very blank state then eventually he fell asleep. He sunk into deep unconsciousness then woke in a plain room with a bright light shining on him. He quickly realized that he was tightly bound to the chair and frantically began to struggle.

  “I'm gonna need you to stay calm!” A voice echoed. Demetri looked around squinting from the blinding light shining on him.

  “What?! Who are you?! How the fuck do you expect me to do that?!” Demetri struggled.

  “That's a very good question! I have no idea if this will work, but I must force the information out of you that I need without increasing your fear level high enough for the Nightmares to intercept you! So I will extract the information out of you by way of tickle torture!” Novaeris stepped out in front of the light holding a long fluffy white feather. Demetri looked confused. Novaeris waved his hand with a mischievous smile and suddenly Demetri was half naked with only a pair of boxer shorts on.

  “What the hell?!” Demetri jolted in surprise.

  “I know, I know, this is ridiculous, but it's the only way to find out what I need to know without scaring you! Now let's see where you are most ticklish at!” Novaeris approached looking playful. He swiped the feather underneath Demetri's chin back and forth and then he swiped it to his chest up and down repeatedly. Demetri jerked and struggled and began to laugh reflexively.

  “Ugh! Stop that! Hmphhhahahaha!! Quit it!!! This is very…!!! Haaagg!! Stop it!!! I will tell you whatever you need to know if you fucking stop it!!!” Demetri spat between uncomfortable laughs. Novaeris withdrew the feather.

  “Well that was easy! Okay now tell me everything!” Novaeris said, looking eager. Demetri caught his breath and composed himself.

  “Can you be more specific?” Demetri said in frustration.

  “Is the Nightmare still in your world? What is his name? What is he doing there? Is he causing problems in the human world? How did he end up there in the first place? Is he…”

  “One question at a time! Okay?? I really can't answer most of these questions anyway! There is a demon in my world still, but I don't know exactly how he arrived! I don't know much about him besides that he has certain goals that he hasn't revealed to me yet! His name is Solaris. That's all that I know about it I swear!” Demetri insisted.

  “Hmph. Well then…” Novaeris snapped his fingers and the room shifted and Demetri was suddenly back in his clothes and sitting on a bed. He looked around in confusion. Novaeris took a seat in a chair and fell into deep consideration. Demetri was bewildered at the situation and sat quietly.

  “I need you to find the answers to these other questions. It is important. Your human world is in incredible danger if there is a Nightmare running loose. I will use this information to try and figure out a way to stop whatever he is planning.” Novaeris said seriously. Demetri nodded mildly.

  “Are you willing to provide me a meal? I will put you to sleep so it will not hurt you.” Novaeris asked. Demetri was quiet for a moment.

  “We have met before, haven't we?” Demetri examined Novaeris keenly. There was something familiar about him.

  “We have. Since this is a dream, you may not wake with any memory of what happens here. Nonetheless I need you to discover this information. It is detrimental. When you return you probably will not remember me again. I will try very hard to force the information from you even if you do not remember that I need it.” Novaeris said seriously.

  “Hmm, well you can tell me something that I’m familiar with. I will know that I gave you this information even if I do not remember doing it. Then I will trust you.” Demetri said in consideration. “Tell me you are trying to help me save the troublemaker. That is my nickname for Maxwell. If you say that I will trust you.” Demetri said solemnly. Novaeris perked up at the strategy.

  “Deal.” Novaeris said firmly. “Now about that meal…” Novaeris continued. Demetri was very apprehensive but nodded. Novaeris approached, pulling Demetri to stand up.

  “Just relax alright? I don't want to hurt you.” Novaeris said mildly. He pulled Demetri into his arms and suddenly everything shifted and Maxwell was hugging him. Demetri automatically filled with sorrow and tears.

  “Squirt….” Maxwell said softly. He knew it was fake.

  “I miss you so much. I am going to try and be patient until I can get you back.” Demetri pouted painfully.

  “I miss you too Squirt. We will be together again. Novaeris is going to do everything he can to help us.” Maxwell said softly. A moment later they were kissing urgently and stripping off clothing then falling into the bed to continue their passion.

  The next day it was business as usual. The newly added members attended the meeting in the morning although very tensely being new to this group. Lucius stood off to the side in his former usual spot with Ava next to him. Demetri sat near Zexich very quietly and felt very uneasy as the new leader and his more trusted team arrived. Vezaias did not speak right away but only worked diligently on the computer then activating two keycards. He handed them to Remington who distributed them.

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  “Lucius, Demetri, these are your keycards. They have limited access.” Vezaias said then he relaxed into his seat and was quietly in consideration for a long moment.

  “Demetri do you believe you will be able to go to reality and continue your place in the band without letting it slip the drastic changes that have happened recently?” Vezaias asked. Demetri was quiet for a moment.

  “I feel as if I do not have much of a choice to do what you expect of me.” Demetri said sourly.

  “You do have a choice, you just may not like the alternative choice very much.” Vezaias said seriously.

  “And what is that? You will feed me to the demon again?” Demetri said angrily. The tension grew quickly.

  “If you continue this sort of attitude then perhaps, otherwise you can swallow your negativity and politely decline in which case Ava will continue to replace you. I am fine with either of these three options.” Vezaias said smugly. Demetri choked on his anger for a moment trying to control himself.

  “I do not understand how that last option is possible.” Demetri said through grit teeth.

  “You are rather behind. Maybe you need a demonstration.” Vezaias mused. He glanced at Ava.

  “Ugh Vee do I have too? I'm not a fucking circus monkey!” Ava groaned.

  “Ava I need him to understand the gravity of our capabilities! Now get over here and fucking show him!” Vezaias snapped in frustration.

  “Ugh! Fine! Who is it this time?!” Ava snapped back and stomped his way over to the middle of the room where everyone had a clear view.

  “Fucking everyone, Ava!” Vezaias snapped.

  “Aww damnit, okay fine. Example number one….” Ava morphed into Sigil first and everyone that followed as he complained. “…just in case I need to turn off the emotional climate for whatever reason!” Suddenly the room calmed as he nullified everyone's emotions as a demonstration. Demetri was soon released from the emotional control and very stunned at each shift in persona. “Example two: just in case I need to be invisible! Example three: in case I need to see anyone's past or float things with my brain! Example four: just in case I need to feel super awkward because Louie is literally standing in the same room!” Lucius looked unnerved at this disguise. “Example four: in case I want to be super bad at lying.” Remington looked embarrassed by this. “Example five: in case I want to be insane for a while!”

  “I am thoroughly against cloning.” Lux groaned.

  “Example six: in case we ever figure out how floating around is fucking useful!” Ephraim looked sheepish at the example. “Example seven: in case I want to sputter out ridiculous sentence fragments and set things on fire!” Demetri was stunned and cringed in pain seeing Ava shift to look like Maxwell.

  “Example eight: in case I want to be a musical drowning pool!” Demetri was completely devastated now but silent. “And last but not least example nine: in case I want to be a gigantic asshole!” Ava spat out sassily.

  “Thank you for that demonstration and the ridiculous commentary. Now go back to your spot Ava.” Vezaias said crossly. “So now you understand, you are perfectly replaceable, and I really don't care what you decide to do, but I did offer you more freedom and it is the only way you will be allowed to go to reality and see your counterpart.” Vezaias said relaxing back into his seat. “So what do you choose?”

  “Is this something that is Solaris’s motivation?” Demetri asked sourly.

  “Absolutely not. This is purely my desire to make Remington happy. He does not want the band to fall apart. He truly enjoys making music and as his life partner it is my job to be supportive of his dreams and make him the happiest guy in the world.” Vezaias said seriously. Demetri looked emotional over this motivation.

  “Since your love life is so important how can I say no?” Demetri said sourly.

  “You better reel in that resentment a bit Dem. It is not my fault your soulmate is such a bastard. You are expected to keep the situation here at the base a secret. Be ready to leave in one hour.” Vezaias said seriously. “Ava, please give Demetri every memory that you have of what you have done while you took his spot.” Vezaias said seriously.

  “Ugh, being Skyler is the worst!” Ava groaned.

  “Shut up and do it, Ava!” Vezaias snapped. Ava rolled his eyes and approached Demetri shifting into Skyler then holding up one finger and poking Demetri in the shoulder immediately pushing the memories through quickly. Demetri sat quietly and processed the memories.

  “Moving on, does anyone have any issues that need my attention? Speak now or we will conclude the meeting.” Vezaias said mildly.

  “I would like to know if Solaris has a timeline for when your team's training should be completed? I need to know how much time I will have in order to plan out their training program.” Sigil spoke up.

  “How bright of a day it is. How long would the standard timeframe be for such training?” Solaris spoke. Demetri perked up, paying attention to the strange shift in Vezaias's voice.

  “In the past our training programs have run for approximately five years.” Sigil said seriously

  “That is far too long for me to have the patience for. I shall expect the team to be ready as soon as the portal is completed. I will test the team myself. If they can fend off a serious attempt at consuming them, then they will be ready. I expect success.” Solaris said firmly.

  “Very well, I will prepare them for this test.” Sigil said with as much respect as he could muster.

  “My expectations have never been higher. The meeting is over. I have a meal to enjoy.” Solaris stood up and left the office quickly. Demetri watched as everyone went in their own direction, but quickly focused on the three team members that were loyal to Vezaias. He studied the new unfamiliar person first who was part of the group. The unfamiliar member of the group seemed very comfortable chatting with Remington and Lux but soon glanced in Demetri's direction. Demetri quickly diverted his eyes and tried to wait patiently. To his dismay Remington and the new person were now approaching.

  “Hey I wanted to introduce you to our new member. He is actually a huge fan of our band. This is Ephraim. Eph, this is Alt, but really his name is also Demetri.” Remington introduced.

  “Hello Demetri. I really do love your music. You are a very gifted musician.” Ephraim said politely. Demetri took a deep breath trying to scrape together what little reserve he had left.

  “Sure um, thanks I guess.” Demetri said softly. Ephraim immediately looked concerned.

  “Well it was nice meeting you. I was actually a member of your fan pages, and I follow the band's social media too, before Zay found me. That's sorta how I got sucked into this whole situation.” Ephraim said meekly.

  “Congratulations.” Demetri said in irritation. Ephraim frowned.

  “You don't have to be rude, Dem. He really is a big fan of yours.” Remington said seriously. Demetri sighed in frustration.

  “I'm sorry, I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. I'm still getting used to the new arrangements, all while feeling as if I am burning alive. Thanks for the empathy though.” Demetri said between clenched teeth.

  “Sure, of course I understand. If I could convince Zay to allow Maxwell to return I would, but it is out of my hands.” Remington said, trying to sound even remotely comforting.

  “I suppose it is. Just don't expect me to ever trust you again.” Demetri said then he turned to look away to the floor as if signaling the conversation was over. Remington cringed at this. It was meant to hurt him.

  “Common Eph, Dem needs more time to recover. He has been through a terrible ordeal. I'll go with you to the new portal room.” Remington said mildly.

  “Okay, um, it really was nice to meet you Demetri. I do hope things get better for you.” Ephraim could feel the tension as he turned to leave with Remington.

  Once everyone was ready the three band members headed to Reality where they went straight to the new downstairs recording studio and stage. Nobody seemed to notice the change in their drummer now that Alt was swapped in for Ava. At least nobody at first but eventually Demetri started to notice that something was slightly different within his counterpart but he remained silent over it. Alt sat obediently trying to be as normal as possible while listening to the band updates that Zach was giving them. As soon as there was a chance to do so, Alt got behind the drums and began to let out his feelings as intensely as possible. By the time he was finished he was streaming with tears which he quickly wiped away hoping nobody would notice.

  “That was an amazing piece you smashed out.” Demetri commented smiling but secretly observing Alt's change of attitude.

  “Thanks. I had that one in my head all day.” Alt said, trying to smile and seem cheerful. “It was pretty urgent.”

  “Ah, I could tell. Are there lyrics to it yet?” Demetri asked. Alt tried not to look anxious over this question.

  “Well sort of.” He said, glancing at Vezaias who was busy learning music on the guitar.

  “Can I hear more?” Demetri asked. Alt juggled with the choices. Let his feelings out which could be very incriminating, or lie and say the song would never be fully realized.

  “Did you pay attention?” Alt asked.

  “Of course.” Demetri said.

  “Let me get that guitar.” Alt got up and motioned for Demetri to sit at the drums.

  “We can just stick with guitar and drums for now.” Alt said as he put the strap over his shoulder and adjusted the microphone. Meanwhile Zach was getting a camera ready to record for their social media page. Vezaias realized there was some urgent composing going on and paused his own efforts and listened to the spontaneous song from afar. Alt messed with the distortion to the guitar for a moment then prepared to scream his heart out.

  “Dem come in before the fourth lyric. Add some ‘Here we go!’ as back up before each chorus.” Alt said. Alt began the lyrics.

  [A/N filler lyrics “Bodies” by Drowning Pool]

  Demetri slammed the cymbals to start before bashing out the heavy drum piece he had watched Alt compose earlier. Alt added a very angry sounding guitar line.

  Alt began screaming out the heavier lyrics letting out all of his anger and rage.

  Vezaias was watching angrily now at the very suggestive song. It would only get more angry and more threatening..

  Alt ended the song on a strong angry scream then silenced his guitar while breathing heavily and full of adrenaline. He hung up the guitar and walked off the stage very abruptly while everyone applauded him, everyone except Vezaias who only watched him go and sit at the table.

  “Man Alt, who shit in your cereal today?” Zach mused as he began to edit the video of the new song. Alt only smiled in amusement.

  “Nobody. Just having a bad day I suppose.” He said softly. There was some chatting amongst the others now but Alt remained quiet and aloof. Demetri was in the process of finalizing the plans for the tour. They discussed a few things before ending the day.

  “There will be an interview tomorrow to get people hyped for the album drop and the tour. The interview will be live at 2PM and the album drops at 6pm nationwide. I do want to warn you though. This interview is with Theody Lexington. He has a reputation for giving the most difficult interviews in the celebrity world. He is harsh, blunt and doesn't give a shit about ruining your career, and he is amazing at doing his research and digging up dirt on the people he interviews. He has actually put a few celebrities in the trash can, and destroyed their careers. So be careful how you go about answering his questions. I think this interview is very purposeful, since ‘Nobody in Particular’ is now the number one band in the country. This might be an attempt at destroying your popularity.” Zach explained. Everyone considered this for a moment but eventually they all glanced at Vezaias.

  “What?” Vezaias asked in seriousness.

  “We all know you have a colorful past and a bad habit of being brash and aggressive. Now on top of that you are harboring a demon. Do you think you can keep all that under control tomorrow?” Zach asked in amusement.

  “Psh, I don't give a shit about what Theody has to say.” Vezaias said sourly.

  “You say that now…” Zach said with a chuckle. “But what are you going to say when he is asking you about the most horrible things he can possibly find out about you?” Zach said, falling into seriousness. Vezaias scoffed at this and was quiet. It wasn't long after this that everyone was finished and ready to leave. Vezaias opened a portal letting Remington through first followed by Demetri then he followed just behind.