The next day was everyone's day off. Training would be put on pause every Sunday and there would be relatively no work to be done apart from caring for the prisoners which was both Ava’s and Demetri’s job for the day. The team spent the day together as a group which was very enjoyable. Vezaias set up a movie night and the group settled into their seats with snacks and drinks while enjoying each other's proximity. After several movies were finished the group headed to the kitchen to cook a meal and sit down to eat together. Next they headed back to their bedroom for some very enjoyable skin to skin contact.

  The next day it was back to business as usual but with one exception. When Ephraim and Lux arrived for training Remington and Vezaias were already there waiting with Sigil. They waited patiently for instructions.

  “You are to be tested today. Your objective will be to successfully fend off a life threatening attack from a hungry demon, and escape through a designated exit that will be located one mile away in a projected cityscape. The whole team of three must escape to be successful in this task.” Sigil explained. Ephraim raised his hand. “Yes, Ephraim?” Sigil prompted.

  “How authentic is this attack going to be?” Ephraim asked nervously.

  “We are preparing to recreate anyone if the mission is unsuccessful.” Sigil said flatly. The team jolted in fear.

  “Aw SHIT!” Lux groaned.

  “I have confidence in your talents.” Sigil said.

  “Will we be defending against both Vezaias's and Solaris's set of skills?” Remington asked.

  “No, you will only be dealing with Solaris's skills today, Vezaias isn't going to be involved in this.” Sigil said. “This is to simulate a real attack from any demons you may encounter while in Solaris's world. Please take your mark and we will begin shortly.” Sigil informed them. The team took their places and readied themselves. The cityscape formed around them now as Sigil activated the training session.

  “Training session begins in 10, 9, 8, 7,…” The AI counted down.

  “Everyone, stick together. We cannot separate because we all need to exit in order to pass. Ephraim, save your possession for as long as you can. Lux you will lead, we will defend you. If I can catch him in my hold I will, but he is very fast.” Remington instructed. Everyone agreed as the countdown concluded.

  “3, 2, 1, Begin.”

  The team dashed forward into the city. They ran for a long distance before there were any signs that they were being tracked. Suddenly the cityscape grew completely dark. Remington immediately halted and held out a flame in his hand to brighten his surroundings.

  “Eph?! Lux?! Where are you?!” Remington called out.

  “I'm over here!” He heard Ephraim answer.

  “I can't fucking see anything!’ Lux replied.

  “Look for my flame!” Remington instructed. He turned while growing the flame bigger but halted again as he found Ephraim.

  “I think Lux is this way!” Ephraim motioned for Remington to go in a certain direction. Remington paused, looking serious.

  “You lead the way.” Remington said. Ephraim chuckled and then lunged at Remington. His flame went out as he barely dodged the attack, then countered with his crystal blade that clanked against the thick steel like skin of Solaris's body. As the attack failed Solaris shifted into looking like himself while reaching and clutching Remington by the neck then quickly sinking his teeth into Remington's shoulder with enough force to decapitate his victim but was quickly blasted in the head by a charged bullet. Solaris staggered as the shock of the bullet temporarily disabled him thus returning their surroundings to normal. Remington screamed as the sharp teeth ripped into his shoulder then staggered as he was freed from the attack. Lux grabbed him and yanked him away from Solaris and ran.

  “Where is Eph?!” Remington shouted as he cupped his bleeding shoulder.

  “I don't know!” Lux yelled back.

  “We have to find him!” Remington slowed and looked around frantically.

  “We cannot stop or Solaris will catch us!” Lux urged him.

  “But we won't pass the test without him!” Remington insisted. “Eph?! Where are you?!”

  “Over here!” Ephraim's voice called.

  “Wait Remington! We can't trust that he is real! Solaris can make us hallucinate!” Lux stopped him. Remington cringed and turned with Lux to run. “If that's really you Eph, you must follow us!” He yelled as they ran. Even at top speed it took over 10 minutes to get close enough to see the exit.

  “Wait, we have to make sure Eph is with us!” Remington insisted.

  “We can't! Their exit is right there Remington! We have to trust that he will make it on his own!” Lux pressed. Remington cringed not wanting to leave Ephraim behind. He turned and ran with Lux then quickly skidded to a halt finding Solaris guarding the exit. Remington reached trying to snatch Solaris with his telekinesis but missed because Solaris was too fast to be caught when jumping and spreading his wings and soaring into the air then nose diving right for Remington. Lux took aim and shot at him but Solaris' barrel rolled and avoided the bullets. Solaris was ready to sink his teeth into Remington's but at the last moment while Solaris couldn't dodge Remington clutched him only centimeters away from his intended meal. Solaris jerked and growled in anger but could not free himself.

  “Lux go through the exit! Hurry!’ Remington urged.

  “Wait, we have to search for Ephraim!” Lux called back.

  “Eph!!! Are you there?! Hurry!!!” Remington yelled as he clutched Solaris in place.

  “I'm here!” Ephraim fazed back to visibility and ran towards Remington.

  “Get out of here quick!” Remington shouted.

  “Come on Rem! Throw him and let's get going!” Ephraim shouted as he passed Remington heading towards the exit. Remington lifted then threw Solaris as hard as he could then turned towards the exit to run. Just as he approached Ephraim turned to wave him forward. He was nearly home free but just as he got within range Ephraim grabbed him wrapping around him like a snake then Lux whirled and sank teeth deep into his shoulder. Remington cried out in agony as the two teammates morphed back into Solaris who kept a firm grip on him while slicing deep into his neck. Remington struggled and tried to scream but blood only began to gush out of his mouth. Solaris fed on him as he was still alive but just before he faded away Solaris lifted into his view with blood smeared all over his mouth and face looking satisfied.

  “You will never pass the test if you continue to trust everything that you see. Just remember you will never know when you are awake and when you are dreaming…” Solaris's voice soothed him as he faded into unconsciousness.

  Demetri carefully entered the bedroom only to be immediately attacked by Ziona who was waiting for his arrival. Demetri wrestled her to the ground and pinned her to the floor.

  “You cannot attack me everytime I come to check on you! Don't you want to get a meal or survive long enough to see your child?! Or have you given up on ever leaving this room alive?!” Demetri yelled at her.

  “You would turn me in and have me killed wouldn't you?! You traitor!!!” She struggled.

  “I don't want you to die, Ziona! I want you to cooperate so you can stay alive!!” Demetri shouted at her then he sprung backwards away from her and made a quick exit. Demetri was crushed by how uncooperative she was and on top of that he was the only one appointed to take care of her. It was nearly time for the morning briefing now so he decided to go directly to the office and wait. Of course he was early but it wasn't long before Zexich and Sigil arrived to wait for the briefing to begin. Demetri was quiet and distracted as he waited but snapped out of it when he heard Zexich say his name.

  “Good morning Demetri.” Zexich greeted him. “You are looking awfully sullen today.” Demetri perked up for a moment.

  “Hello Zex. Yeah I'm having trouble caring for Ziona. She is angry still and she attacks me everytime I enter the room. I do not want her to be fed to the demon, but she will not cooperate at all.” Demetri said unhappily. “I feel like if I fail to gain her cooperation then it will be my fault if Solaris consumes her.”

  “That is a difficult situation. I wish there were an easy way to convince her, but she is a rather bold and stubborn soul.” Zexich said seriously. Demetri fell silently into contemplation. He didn't become aware again until the team entered with an obvious missing member. Ephraim looked completely distraught, and Lux was brooding as they took their normal spots near the desk. Vezaias arrived next and sat at the desk. Vezaias was very serious and quiet for a long moment.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Lux and Eph you passed. Remington failed the test. I will need him recreated immediately.” Vezaias said, looking angry and overwhelmed.

  “I will work on this right away.” Zexich said solemnly. Demetri wasn't aware that Remington had been killed and looked up in disbelief as the team seemed to be crushed over the need to recreate their second in command.

  “Does anyone have anything else to add, if not I will conclude this briefing.” Vezaias seemed impatient to leave now.

  “I do.” Demetri said firmly.

  “What is it?” Vezaias asked in irritation.

  “Ziona will not cooperate with me. Not even to bring her a meal. I need a solution that doesn't involve taking her life.” Demetri said solemnly.

  “Seems like the best solution to the problem to me.” Vezaias said in irritation.

  “No! She shouldn't have to die! Can't you just talk to her and show her that Rocks is safe? She just doesn't believe me!” Demetri said firmly.

  “Fine, I will talk to her, but if she remains hostile even afterwards, she's done for. I do not have time for anyone that cannot be convinced to join our group. Lux, Eph, go and help Zex in the lab. Dem, come with me.” Vezaias got up to go to Ziona's room. Demetri followed him. As soon as they landed in the room Demetri anticipated Ziona attacking and cut her off then snatching her quickly and wrestling her into submission. Demetri pulled her to her feet and held her in place now. Vezaias watched, looking very smug.

  “I will kill you, you bastard!” Ziona cursed him as she struggled and failed to get free.

  “Let her go.” Vezaias said in amusement.

  “What! Are you sure that's….”

  “I said let her go Dem!” Vezaias snapped. Demetri immediately let go of Ziona who lunged for Vezaias. She threw punch after punch of her only remaining fist while Vezaias easily dodged her. She grew frustrated quickly which amused Vezaias as he swooped away from her then pounced like a tiger snatching her up by her shirt and lifting her from the floor as she helplessly punched him. It didn't seem to hurt him at all no matter how hard she punched.

  “Vezaias! Please don't kill her! I said a solution that doesn't take her life away!” Demetri begged. Vezaias ignored him and clutched her by the throat now. She struggled and panicked now as wings sprouted from Vezaias’s back and he shifted into demon mode.

  “What a bright day it is today. I do not believe we have met. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Solaris, and I am the Nightmare Demon that resides alongside Vezaias. You think you can best me then give it your best shot.” He dropped her. She tumbled to the floor and gasped for air but got to her feet as quickly as she could to attack. She punched and kicked and used up all of her energy and strength but Solaris didn't seem to be damaged at all. He caught her fist mid swing and held it firmly. She jerked about trying to free it as tears streamed out.

  “Pathetic human. You couldn't even stand a moment if I decided to kill you. Without your talent you have no hope to hurt me even the slightest amount.” Solaris spat. Ziona dropped to her knees.

  “I have to try! You took away my child's father! We need him!” She sobbed.

  “Do you think that matters to me? His flesh nourished me. Do you want to end in the same satisfying way? A meal offering is always welcome, you could call it romantic to join him wherever he ends up at.” Solaris spoke delightfully. She sobbed harder at the cold response and shook her head frantically.

  “I have a child! He would be orphaned!” She sobbed.

  “I care as much as you would the orphaned caff of the slaughtered cow.” Solaris mused. Ziona cringed. Suddenly the demon faded away leaving only Vezaias in its place. He watched Ziona seriously.

  “I will protect you from Solaris, but you have to accept the terms. Cooperate, cease hostility, follow orders, help me achieve our goals. Only then will you be granted the chance to live or see Rocks recreated again.” Vezaias said seriously. Ziona looked up at him with soaking wet cheeks.

  “How can I trust that you have him?” She cringed. He reached inside himself and pulled out a bright shimmering wheat colored crystal.

  “His essence is here, I will keep him safe. If you could kill me you will kill all of them. I will give him back to you in exchange for your cooperation.” Vezaias said. Ziona paused with hope in her eyes.

  “A cheap parlor trick!” She snapped as her pride overtook her.

  “Let me prove this.” He pushed the crystal back within himself then with a quick jab impaled her in the chest. Her eyes went blank as she was momentarily disabled then Vezaias plucked out a part of her crystal and pushed her crystal back inside and she woke in astonishment.

  “Now I have your essence. I can let Solaris kill you then easily recreate you with this. I will also give a part to Ava so he will be able to mimic you and your energy manipulation talent. If you value your pride and arrogance more than your own life, Rocks’s life, or ever seeing your child again, then by all means continue to resist.” He plugged Ziona's crystal into his own chest and paused for a response. She only cried for a long moment.

  “Dem stay with her. Give me her answer by tomorrow. If she does not agree to the deal Solaris will be here after the briefing tomorrow. I have other things to do today.” Vezaias said seriously then he left. Demetri waited for her to calm down before he spoke.

  “Do you understand now?” Demetri asked softly. Ziona was weeping but nodded.

  “What are you going to choose?” He asked, trying not to sound too hopeful.

  “I have demands. If that bastard agrees to them I will accept his offer.” She said painfully.

  Demetri woke in a brightly lit room where he was tied to a chair. He was immediately alarmed and began to struggle at the restraints.

  “Ohh good! You're asleep! I mean awake!” Demetri jolted seeing the demon sitting across from him.

  “Who are you?! Let me go!!” Demetri jerked about in a panic.

  “Woah easy there! Don't get scared, I don't wanna lose ya! Just remember I am trying to help you save the Troublemaker! You told me to say that because you wouldn't remember being here! Now I need you to spill the information I need or I will torture you with music!” The demon said, looking very serious.

  “Uhh…..what?” Demetri looked confused.

  “Music torture activate!” The demon announced looking mischievous. He then waved a hand and a stereo appeared and began playing loud off key poorly timed music. Demetri cringed and jerked to try and cover his ears but he couldn't.

  “What the hell?! Stop that! Ughhh it's horrible!” Demetri yelped as he tried to struggle himself free. The demon only turned the music up louder.

  “AHHH stop it!!! I will tell you anything you want to know, just stop it already!!” Demetri jerked about as if in agony. The demon ended the music.

  “Great! Now tell me everything you found out!” He said looking eager.

  “I don't know what information you want from me!” Demetri said in frustration.

  “Geez bad music really makes you irritated doesn't it? Hum….I want to know about the demon in your world! Don't you remember telling me to say I was helping you with the troublemaker??” The demon said.

  “That music literally gave me a panic attack! And no I don't remember telling you that!” Demetri panted in frustration. He tried to calm down. “But if you know about the troublemaker…what is his name?” Demetri asked suspiciously.

  “Maxwell! And man is he a feisty guy! He is wreaking havoc in his Dreamscape right now!” The demon said, looking very amused.

  “Sounds accurate. What do you want to know about this demon?” Demetri asked now that he was feeling much calmer.

  “How did he get to your world? What is he planning?” The demon asked eagerly.

  “I don't know exactly how he got to my world but I was told he fused with the soul of someone who was recreated and now they share a body.” Demetri said seriously. “All I know about his plan is that he is training a team of three people to fight demons, while making our scientist build a portal that he is going to use to take himself home. Beyond that I am not sure.” The demon looked astonished.

  “Whoa, and you are just going to let him do that?” The demon asked.

  “Well I cannot stop him. He is powerful and he has other powerful humans helping him too. One of them just died while trying to learn how to fight demons. They are going to recreate him as soon as possible so he can continue to train.” Demetri said seriously.

  “Hum….now that's something. Would you happen to know his name?” He asked mischievously.

  “Remington.” Demetri said.

  “Right! How fascinating.” The demon was now typing away on his device. “Found him. Thanks for the info.” The demon got up to leave.

  “Wait!” Demetri urged.

  “Yes?” The demon turned back.

  “I've met you before. What is your name?” Demetri asked.

  “Novaeris Apollo Titania! But you can call me Nova. Try and remember me alright? You're the only human I've ever made friends with.” Nova said with a smile. Demetri tried to smile back.

  “I'll try.” Demetri replied.

  Remington felt the flesh ripping from his body. Solaris did not make this death quick or painless. He fed while Remington was alive for as long as possible until his body fell limp and all awareness faded away. Afterwards he could feel again and it seemed like he was floating. It felt like a dream but he couldn't remember what that dream was. The words fluttered out of his mind as a comforting dream evaporated from his memory.

  “It's alright. You don't have to fight alone.”

  Then it was quiet for a moment before suddenly he remembered being ripped to shreds as if it were still happening. He jolted with a scream and sprang up as if in reflex, trying to escape the attack.

  “Rem! It's okay! You're safe! It's me, Ephraim!!” He heard as he scrambled and fell to the floor. Suddenly there were arms around him hugging him but also restraining him to keep him from panicking. Remington focused now, seeing Ephraim and Lux both holding him. He gushed with tears and buried his face into their shoulders. When he finally calmed down he realized that Vezaias was standing not far away looking very crushed.

  “Zay….?” Remington wiped his face. “I'm sorry. I failed the test…..I will do better I swear!” He pouted. Vezaias only looked away then left the room. Remington quickly followed him, then Ephraim and Lux who all ended up in the office.

  “I tried Zay, I really tried my best but I….” Remington pleaded. Vezaias shifted quickly into Solaris.

  “Ephraim passed the test! Lux passed the test! You are the only one who didn't use any fucking common sense! It is so easy to fool you! I am a Nightmare, Remington! Do you think you can trust that a Nightmare won't deceive you?! You can't!” Solaris shouted at him angrily.

  “I'm sorry! I will do better!” Remington pleaded.

  “You are going to do better! So get your shit together and pass this fucking test!” Solaris yelled then he faded away. Remington stood there looking defeated and Ephraim quickly put an arm around him and led him through a portal to the bedroom. He spent the rest of the day focusing himself on the lesson that he needed to learn. Trust in his teammates while not falling for the delusional world that a Nightmare could create. He was deep in concentration when Lux interrupted him.

  “We need a password. If we are unsure if we are in a delusion, if our team mate is real or fabricated, this will help us verify.” Lux said seriously.

  “Lux, you are a genius. That's exactly what we need.” Remington said, upbeat by the suggestion.

  “It is a basic strategy that I know will help.” Lux said flatly. Remington looked ashamed for a moment. It was an obvious strategy that would help, and as the leader why didn't he think of it at all? They eventually decided on their passwords. Remington was the Stars, Ephraim is the Sky, and Lux would be the Moon, this would leave Vezaias to be the Sun, and Solaris would be the Universe.