Remington enjoyed the rest of the night with Vezaias, which they spent a couple hours enjoying the dance but then afterwards they headed to a nice restaurant which served Remington's favorite food teriyaki tofu. The restaurant of course was not open to the public, but there were plenty of fans outside hoping to get an autograph. Remington did insist on going out to at least acknowledge their fans for a short while, where they both sighed autographs and took pictures with the excited fans. They eventually had to make their escape then going back to the base where they spent all night together doing pleasurable things. In the morning they woke up rather late but eventually got up and continued their day. It was now Ephraim's turn to spend the day with Vezaias. Of course while they were off on their personal date Remington was thrilled to be able to spend the day at the base with Lux. It wouldn't be a fancy date but he really missed Lux and Lux was eager to have Remington with him all day since for quite some time now Remington had been gone nearly everyday to work on music or do the concert in reality. Vezaias took Ephraim into the city for a while which was hectic because of the fans that seemed to be everywhere they went, and they were super interested to see Vezaias with his ‘other life partner’ which to a lot of people seemed taboo because he was with Ephraim and not Remington. Ephraim enjoyed Vezaias being so focused on him while they spent time together. They ended up being chauffeured to a large building with nice but very old architecture. Ephraim got out of the vehicle and looked at the building in awe.

  “What is this place?” He asked as Vezaias took his hand and led him up the stone steps to the fancy old double doors.

  “It's a library. Or at least it was a library.” Vezaias said mildly. They entered to see the wide open foyer that was deserted. Of course the shelves were dusty with cobwebs and the air was stale, and there were not many books, but the collection that this library did have were ancient leather bound outdated novels. The place was in terrible shape and needed at the very least a fresh coat of paint and better lighting from the old fancy chandelier style fixtures against the tall ceiling. Any other typical person would have entered looking rather disgusted by the large shabby space. Ephraim walked in looking amazed, with a huge overwhelmed smile on his face. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath in through his nose and stood enjoying his surroundings.

  “It smells like books in here.” He said with passion.

  “It does.” Vezaias said, watching Ephraim’s reaction. He was eager to wander further into the library, nearly running up and down the rows wanting to explore every nook and cranny of the library with much enthusiasm while plucking books off of the near empty shelves and rubbing off the layer of dust to see the title.

  “This place is amazing! How did you find it??” Ephraim asked eagerly.

  “The property was for sale. Unfortunately the library has been closed for a few years. The building needs restoration and love and the shelves need restocked. Nobody has been interested in such a big expensive project so this place was just going to sit and wither away until it finds someone to give it the huge amount of TLC that it needs.” Vezaias explained. He laid a set of keys into Ephraim’s hand. “And I thought that you would be just the person to restore it to its former glory.” Ephraim was stunned.

  “I mean what?” Ephraim said as if he didn't hear him. Vezaias chuckled.

  “I purchased this property for you. It is now your library. I want you to fix it up nice, and reopen it to the public.” Vezaias said mildly. “I will help you and I will fund the whole project.” Ephraim was suddenly gushing with tears and throwing his arms around Vezaias's neck and hugging him tightly.

  “That's incredible! I love this place so much!” He exclaimed. Ephraim clung to Vezaias for way longer than necessary before letting go and dashing around the different areas of the library now flooded with ideas of how he would restore the building. He shouted out all the things he wanted to do like adding a kids area with a tree slide to play on, a computer lab, an audio book section, a craft area and how he wanted to keep the architecture as original as possible, but instead of the dark murky brown he wanted to paint it a bright creamy white color to make it less creepy.

  “Should I be taking notes?” Vezaias chuckled.

  “Maybe you should, I have so many ideas!” Ephraim was overjoyed. They continued to explore the library for a long while before settling down to eat some food that Vezaias had delivered since Ephraim was deeply distracted by collecting a stack of old books to read. They sat on the floor in the foyer after Vezaias pulled open the curtains to let some natural light in. Vezaias was very content to sit and eat while watching Ephraim enjoy his surroundings. After a few hours of hanging out at the library Vezaias then took Ephraim back to base where they settled into their bedroom to do other more intimate things.

  The next day was Lux's turn to spend the day with Vezaias. He was the most apprehensive to this date because he would have been content to stay at the base and do absolutely nothing and just be close to Vezaias, but of course Vezaias had already planned out something specific for Lux. First they went to a terrible place that at first was a complete nightmare. Lux was frozen and seemed to choke up as he stood outside of the barbed wire fence.

  “Why the fuck would you bring me here?” Lux said angrily.

  “Because I wanted to do something insane. Something I knew that you would appreciate.” Vezaias said, crossing his arms and looking satisfied.

  “So you brought me to the prison I was locked up at?!” Lux snapped “How the fuck do I appreciate that?!”

  “The prison was privately owned. It also has been failing state regulations and inspections but somehow it has managed to stay open. The owner doesn't give a shit about the people that are locked up here, and apparently the hospital wing is full of asshole doctors. So I purchased the property and I am going to fire all the jerks that work here. We can do anything we want with it now. We can fix it up and hire new people that actually give a damn about rehabilitating the inmates here. We can invest in real opportunities to help them. So nobody else has to be locked up here and suffer the way you did Lux.” Vezaias explained, looking even more satisfied. Lux was struck and filled with tears. He turned to Vezaias looking emotional and amazed. Vezaias pulled him into a hug just in time to intercept him as he began to sob.

  “I hated this place so much, Vezaias!” He sobbed. “If I could fix all the problems, I could help them not go through the trauma that I did….” He cried.

  “That's why I bought this place. I did it for you Lux. They may be felons but they deserve better than this shit hole.” Vezaias said. “I want you to relax knowing we can make a difference here.” Lux was allowed to tour the prison which was scary but exhilarating as he walked the halls and offices while on the free side of security. All of the employees, office workers and guards were overly respectful in hopes they would be able to keep their jobs.

  “Do you recognize any of these people?” Vezaias asked.

  “Some of them.” Lux said seriously.

  “Make a mental list of the ones you think don't deserve to work here and we will send them a severance check and terminate them.” Vezaias said, looking smug. Lux only nodded as they walked through to inspect. After a long while of checking out their new property they left to go do something much more fun and enjoyable. Vezaias had rented a huge arcade that they could enjoy all to themselves. This was the ideal date for Lux because he could feel relaxed and secluded while doing something that he did enjoy doing for fun, which was playing video games with Vezaias like they used to when they were teenagers. They spent several hours playing games and then eating food that Vezaias had delivered, then it as back to video games again and the night concluded with Lux and Vezaias curling up in bed together holding each other as if their life depended on skin to skin contact which eventually turned into more pleasurable things.

  Everything was progressing as per normal now. Lux and Ephraim continued to train in the day while working on their new projects of restoration of the library and overhauling the prison during the afternoon with Vezaias’s help. Then settling into the base during the evening. On weekends Remington and Vezaias continued to do their concerts while on weekdays Remington worked on music but also assisted Demetri with putting together their new recording studio. Things were going smoothly and everyone was accomplishing a lot of work on their individual projects. The library was gutted to near a skeleton, the electrical issues were solved, the roof was repaired, and the interior was in the process of being painted and fitted with new custom made shelves. Ephraim had also looked into ordering plenty of varieties of books to stock the shelves with. The prison was also making progress. The unsatisfying employees were sifted out and terminated of the near one hundred that worked there. They were to host a hiring event soon to replace the garbage they had gotten rid of. Lux also planned on pumping millions of dollars in the future to fund programs to help inmates that wanted to better themselves. Everything from mental health therapy, to GED and college classes, to social skill classes, to job training. The communal showers were quickly replaced by private stalls with security locks and the old gym equipment was replaced with a variety of new and updated equipment, but the most satisfying part of updating the prison was when Lux was able to personally hand Dr. Woen, Dr. Juun, and Dr. Ken their termination letters. Each reacted with anger but Dr. Ken in particular was outraged. Lux's only reply to him was “Well if you weren't such an asshole doctor maybe this kind of thing wouldn't happen to you.” He shouted at Lux for nearly 10 minutes before he was ultimately escorted out of the building by security.

  Soon it came time for the band's last concert before the music awards. They would take a long break from touring then resume again in the spring to continue their tour. The performance went exactly as planned just as it had been since after the proposal concert. When the last encore song finished the band gave their farewells.

  “We really appreciate everyone who has supported us and our music! This is our last concert for this season, but we will be back again with new music and another tour soon! So just remember we are ‘Nobody in Particular’! See later bitches!” Vezaias said in closing. The crowd went wild as they made their exit from the stage and soon they were preparing for the meet and greet. This all went totally as expected until they met the fans who purchased a VIP ticket. Several people entered who seemed to give Vezaias a strange feeling. These people didn't close in right away to get an autograph or say hello but seemed to always stay ‘at the end of the line’ of other fans waiting to meet the band members. He quickly flipped on the satellite to alert his team that there was danger. Vezaias swiped his hand shifting the reality and exposing the intruders then his team reacted. Ephraim prioritized taking Demetri and Maxwell out of a portal to safety. Lux was ready to defend and Alt was distracted by someone he recognized. Remington was prepared to protect Vezaias however there was a loud blast and some sort of projectile struck Vezaias before he could react. It knocked him off his feet and he slid to a stop. Reality around them seemed to glitch then shattered as this happened. Vezaias reached up realizing the projectile was a collar now snapped in place around his neck. Remington shot forward to help Vezaias but in his impulsiveness he failed to see the attacker from behind him jump forward and strike him down. Remington twisted and slid to a stop then rebounded to attack. A female with a pair of ninja sais slid in front of Alt.

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  “Demetri! Oh my gosh! Stay behind me we're gonna get you out of here!” She shouted.

  “Allie? What are you doing here?!” Demetri was stunned to see her.

  “Apparently it's a rescue mission!” She said gleefully.

  “Wait, no Allie, don't attack anyone! If you do you might…!” Demetri pleaded but it was too late. Suddenly there was a huge BOOOOOOM! The explosion detonated just between Vezaias and Remington which knocked them both into a wall. This gave a slight opening for someone else to attack. Vezaias recognized her quickly and tried to defend by summoning his machetes but they would not come to him. He jerked at the collar that was the obvious source of his weakened state. He stood up trying to jerk the collar to remove it but it was made of strong material that would not budge. He then quickly dashed away as the new female attacker swiped at him. Without a weapon Vezaias was only on the run trying to avoid her, but she was fast and propelled at him sinking a strange blade into his skin. He screamed and she pressed in deep into his flesh then began to suction his energy through the blade and into her hand.

  “Fucking bitch!” Vezaias choked out. He weakened quickly and was near the point of passing out. She let go.

  The other assailants were busy dodging charged bullets that Lux shot at them while avoiding Remington who was swiping his crystal blade back and forth putting pressure on them to evade. One attacker jumped and dodged then crushing Lux to the ground then with a flip he landed next to Remington and swung a blade around to his neck.

  Remington was panicking but the assailant was now clutching him by the neck with a blade. He dare not move or his neck would be severed. The other assailant pinning Lux to the ground. Vezaias was now losing consciousness and slumped over to the floor with the blade still deeply embedded into his upper chest. The female turned to Remington next.

  “Where is he?!” She snapped.

  “Ziona!” Remington growled.

  “Ziona stop this! You won't be able to win! And if you kill Vezaias then…!” Demetri yelled urgently.

  “Shut up Demetri! It seems to me you have become a traitor!” Ziona turned back to Remington. “You killed him again! Didn't you?!” Ziona snapped at him.

  “No it wasn't me!” Remington yelled looking panicked.

  “Then it was this bastard!” Ziona turned back to Vezaias, taking the weapon's handle and jerking it out of his chest. Blood sprayed as Vezaias choked and sputtered. “Then I will kill him and have my revenge!” She lifted the blade again to drop it down onto Vezaias. Suddenly the attacker dropped Remington and stumbled then took aim with his crossbow and shot at Ziona striking her hand then another well placed shot striking the assailant that had Lux trapped. Ziona jolted in surprise and pain as more arrows flew at her. Remington recovered quickly and dashed toward Vezaias suddenly Ziona was now defending against projectile bullets she dodged but was intercepted by the other attacker.

  “Raph what are you doing?!” She dodged him but stumbled away from Raphael and ran right into a trap. Lux wrapped an arm around her neck then suddenly she was being electrocuted and weakening fast. She dropped to the floor with muscle pain too intense to move. Remington reached Vezaias now. Lux was beside him to give Vezaias back the stolen energy.

  “Vezaias! Are you alright?!” He shouted. Vezaias was conscious and sat up shakily. He got to his feet and suddenly everything around them shook violently the shift was quick this time as wings stretched open and Solaris emerged. He ripped off the collar from his neck as if it were a brittle toy. Allie moved to protect Ziona and go on the offensive but was frozen at the sight of Solaris. He dove at her, chomping her flesh like a chicken leg as she punched and stabbed at him to no avail. Solaris fed on her and the sight was horrific. Ziona was sprayed with blood as Allie was ripped to shreds above her. Solaris then switched to a different assailant who had been shot by the crossbow already. He paused long enough for Ephraim to vacate then feasted upon Raphael who didn't stand a chance. He sliced through the flesh easily and devoured him. Lastly he flew at Ziona grabbing her and ready to enjoy the meal when Demetri jumped forward.

  “No Solaris! Please don't kill her!” He begged. Solaris looked at him in irritation.

  “She attacked us. She is our enemy.” Solaris said seriously.

  “She did that because you killed her mate! I will be responsible for her! Please! She's my friend!” Demetri begged harder. Solaris scoffed at this then dropped her.

  “If she continues to be hostile, I will take her for nutrition.” Solaris said firmly. Solaris turned to Remington now who was very worried about his injury.

  “Your bleeding Sol. You need medical attention.” Remington said inspecting the stab wound.

  “I cannot die from this.” Solaris said.

  “But Vezaias can.” Remington pressed.

  “Fine, we will go to see the physician. Remington, take the female. Everyone, return quickly.” Remington quickly clutched Ziona though rather resentfully to take her to the base into a holding room. Remington, Lux, Ephraim, and Demetri all went to the infirmary with Solaris. Solaris did not seem bothered by the wound but cooperated to receive medical care. Zexich appeared looking concerned and quickly examined the wound.

  “It seems as though you heal much quicker than we do.” Zexich highlighted.

  “I had a rather large meal. Soul energy will heal any wound that my body sustains. The team was too concerned even when I told them I would be alright.” Solaris said.

  “Well I do not believe you are in much need of medical care right now. I am curious as to what the situation is that caused this.” Zexich said.

  “We were attacked.” Solaris said seriously. “I do not know the details, but it seems the attackers were familiar to some of our team.”

  “Oh? Who was it?” Zexich asked, looking concerned. Everyone was quiet for a moment.

  “It was Ziona, Roman, Raphael, and Allie. Ziona is the only survivor.” Demetri finally answered. Remington looked irritated.

  “Oh my goodness. Was she without?” Zexich asked.

  “It seems so.” Demetri said understanding the suggestion. “They put her in a holding room.”

  “Oh dear.” Zexich paused, looking emotional.

  “Can she have medical attention? She was injured from battle.” Demetri asked.

  “I do not see any reason for us to help her. She attacked us. Of course I do not have history with her as some of you seem too so I will place her fate in Remington's hands. I will keep her talent shut off now that I am in tune with it. I will be in the office please inform me of whatever decision you make.” Solaris said then he left quickly. Demetri looked crushed. He took a deep breath and prepared to beg for Ziona’s life.

  “Rem…” He began.

  “I do not care for Ziona. She hasn't been very kind to me.” Remington began.

  “Rem please she…” Demetri urged.

  “She is also my brother's girlfriend. I won't condemn her unless she will not cooperate and continues to be hostile. You can do whatever you like to try and convince her, but she will remain a prisoner until we can trust her.” Remington said solemnly. Demetri looked relieved.

  “Can I go and see her?” Demetri asked anxiously.

  “I would like to see her too.” Zexich said.

  “Eph, you wanna help to supervise this interaction?” Remington asked. “Lux please go and inform Solaris.”

  As soon as Zexich landed in the room Ziona dashed towards him and threw her arms around him hugging him tightly.

  “You're alive!” She exclaimed.

  “Fortunately I am just the right amount of useful and unthreatening to be kept alive.” Zexich said as he returned the hug.

  “You are alive, and Demetri, did anyone else survive??” She asked urgently.

  “The only survivors were myself and those who escaped with you. Everyone else was killed. I have since been allowed to recreate Sigil, Lucius and Demetri on the grounds that we all submit to the new leader. I have been working very hard to appease the goals of our new management so that…”

  “You are working with them?! You are a traitor too!” Ziona pushed Zexich away angrily.

  “I am, but I assure you it is for the….”

  “He killed our family Zex! He killed Rocks! My son won't have a father anymore!” Ziona snapped at him. “How could you do this?!” She yelled angrily.

  “It is necessary, if you would let me explain it…” Zexich began.

  “I do not want to hear your explanation!” She yelled at him.

  “Very well, I will try again when you have calmed yourself down.” Zexich said solemnly then he left the bedroom quickly.

  “She will not listen to any explanation, she is too angry.” Zexich said as he entered the hallway.

  “I will try to talk to her.” Demetri said seriously. As soon as he entered the room Ziona lunged for him. He evaded and dodged as she sprang at him throwing punch after punch and eventually clipping him in the jaw then dropping down and swiping his feet out from under him. He shielded his face as she bashed him repeatedly with her uninjured fist.

  “How could you do this?! How could you turn your back on our family?! What about Maxwell?! Are you just going to forget about him?!” She yelled angrily as she punched him. Suddenly she was forcefully removed and uncontrollably backed away from Demetri.

  “Now she will have no choice but to listen to you.” Her voice spoke uncontrollably.

  “Thanks Eph.” Demetri said, getting to his feet. “Ziona, I understand how angry you are, but I haven't given up on our family at all. We lost to Vezaias. He killed everyone including me, and took the base for himself. He left Zex alive because Maxwell, who was the last to parish, nearly killed Ava and Remington so in order to convince Zex to save their lives he revealed that he has kept all of our members safe by storing their crystals inside himself. He promised Zex if he cooperates and helps to achieve his goals then he will let Zex recreate all of our members. I don't know what his plan is exactly yet, but Zex has been working on a new portal. Vezaias has since kept his word and allowed Zex to recreate Sigil, then Lucius, and now me. I don't like submitting to him any more than you do but it's the only way I will ever get to see Maxwell again. Even if you managed to kill Vezaias with as powerful as he has become it wouldn't be easy, you would only end up destroying the rest of our family along with him. So if it seems like I would protect him it is because I don't want to lose Maxwell.” Demetri explained.

  “Maybe we should give her time to process this information.” She spoke uncontrollably. Ephraim then fazed out of her body and stood next to Demetri who acknowledged this and left the room.

  “Vezaias will keep his promises if you submit.” Ephraim said seriously. She looked up at him full of tears and disdain.

  “You can tell him I said to fuck off!!!” She yelled angrily.

  “If you do not cease hostility and submit, Solaris will kill you.” Ephraim said just before leaving.