It was a long moment before a portal opened and Vezaias arrived with his team. Skyler was immediately tense and stood quietly watching the team take their usual spots, Vezaias sat at the desk to type on the computer and Remington, Lux, and Ephraim sitting closest to the new leader. Vezaias completely ignored the tension his presence caused and finished what he needed to on the computer then he leaned back looking very serious.

  “Demetri, take the day off. Lucius, you are in charge of cooking today. Ava, check on Gran, make sure she isn't dead or something. Check on our father too…” Vezaias listed.

  “Ugh but Vee, I hate having to see that asshole everyday. He's always sulking around and depressed. Then he won't stop asking me to tell you to come and talk to him. Can't you do it today?” Ava groaned.

  “No Ava I have other shit to do today besides deal with that asshole.” Vezaias said in irritation. Ava groaned but didn't argue the issue anymore. Vezaias was now silent and brooding. Skyler watched him closely wondering how he would be able to tell the difference between Vezaias and the demon Solaris, unless he were to announce his presence or transform.

  “Zex I don't have anything for you to do today but I would like you to be prepared for an emergency recreation if necessary.” Vezaias said seriously.

  “I will be on standby.” Zexich confirmed. It was suddenly tense in the room as Vezaias fell into turmoil.

  “I will do better this time.” Remington pressed.

  “I hope so because it is detrimental that you pass this test Rem.” Vezaias began. “And your first attempt was pure garbage.” Remington cringed at the insult.

  “I have a better strategy this time.” Remington said.

  “That you didn't even come up with yourself. Maybe I should put Lux in charge of the team because you obviously have very little leadership skills!” Vezaias snapped. Remington looked hurt now and stared at the floor. Skyler was worried now about this situation and he had very little context as to what they were talking about.

  “If you must, but I will pass this test, I won't give up until I do!” Remington pleaded.

  “What a bright day it is, and do you think that it is difficult to fend off an attack from me Remington?!” Skyler immediately noticed the verbal cue realizing this must be the demon Solaris talking now.

  “You are powerful, but I'm sure it is not impossible to escape you!” Remington was frantic.

  “And to escape me just barely?! What are you going to do in a city full of my kind Remington?! Test yourself against nearly one hundred starving demons! How will you handle that?!” Solaris shouted angrily. Remington seemed to crumble from the angry criticism.

  “I will do whatever is necessary!” Remington began.

  “I don't believe you can achieve the level I need you to be at! Be ready in two hours time! We will run the test again, and pray that you pass this time or I will enjoy devouring you slowly!” Solaris snapped. Remington was in tears now and covering his mouth trying not to make any noise.

  “This meeting is over.” Solaris said firmly. Most of the others left the office but Skyler stayed. He approached the desk and waited.

  “I said the meeting is over.” Solaris said flatly.

  “I know that, but I have questions.” Skyler said looking curious. He still looked like Vezaias, but he sounded different.

  “What is it?” Solaris said impatiently.

  “Are you the demon?” Skyler asked with anticipation.

  “I am. My name is Solaris.” Solaris answered.

  “Where is Vezaias?” Skyler asked. He wondered if it worked the same as when he shared a body with Remington.

  “He and I share this body. We are always both here. In this human form typically he takes the front and I fade to the back, but I can still hear or see everything Vezaias is doing. However it is uncomfortable for me to be in front while in human form so I only come forward if I have something important to say. When in demon form I am in the front, and Vezaias fades to the back, while he is still able to see and hear what I am doing. Is that a sufficient answer?” Solaris said seriously.

  “Well I guess so. Where did you come from?” Skyler asked. “And how did you get here? And why are you…”

  “I hardly find that information relevant to you! No more questions!” Solaris snapped in irritation.

  “Alright geez, I was just curious.” Skyler looked disappointed.

  “Solaris doesn't realize that you are used to knowing everything about everyone, Sky. Give it a rest, okay?” Vezaias suddenly emerged.

  “Zay??” Sky was excited at the shift.

  “Skyler.” Vezaias said in annoyance.

  “Whoa. You really can tell the difference! Is Solaris still there too??” Skyler asked eagerly.

  “He can hear you. Now I know you didn't just come over here to risk your life by annoying the hell out of Solaris. What do you really want?” Vezaias asked.

  “Oh! Well, you allowed me to return, and you wanted my cooperation which I've agreed to, but you haven't given me any orders or expectations. You didn't even tell me if I am supposed to come to this briefing today. Is there something that I am supposed to be helping you with?” Skyler said mildly.

  “I really don't care what you do as long as you do not become hostile or threaten the mission I am on. Your girlfriend just had a baby, maybe you should just take some time off and support her. That's why I didn't ask you to be here.” Vezaias said seriously. Skyler was very surprised by this answer. Vezaias didn't seem threatening at all and he even seemed to care about Skyler taking the time to spend with his newborn child.

  “Okay, thanks I guess. I just feel like I should be helping you somehow.” Skyler said.

  “You can help me by not getting in the way.” Vezaias said.

  “Ugh, geez okay.” Skyler groaned. “What is your mission?” Skyler asked.

  “Stop it Skyler. Just because I shut off your talent doesn't mean you can come in here and ask 1000 questions.” Vezaias snapped.

  “Okay okay! I'm sorry I can't help it! It's just Rem looked like he was very upset after Solaris shouted at him! I was concerned about him. Just let me know if I can help alright?” Skyler said in frustration.

  “Rem is training to survive a full-on attack from Solaris. If he fails Solaris will devour him. Then we have to recreate him. Eph and Lux passed the test. Rem is the only one who did not pass. If you can think of a way to motivate him to pass this test then by all means, coach him on it. Other than that I just need you to shut up now because I have other things to do besides answer all kinds of questions.” Vezaias said firmly then he stood up and exited the office quickly to avoid more questions.

  Skyler was unsure of what to do now so he opted to go and check on Khallie. He found her asleep in the hospital bed with Dash sleeping close by in a baby bassinet. He stood there for a long moment marveling at how amazing Dash was, such a tiny little bean. He decided to go to the kitchen and get something to eat while he was able to. Lucius was in the kitchen cooking everyone food which Skyler was thankful for because fatigue was becoming an issue after not sleeping or eating since his new life was activated. He sat down feeling exhausted but watching from across the table as Vezaias's team waited for food. Skyler kept a keen eye on the group since it was absolutely driving him crazy that he couldn't view anyone's past. He had to survive this way before but now there was so much that he had missed from being dead and it was nearly painful not to be able to look for himself. Like when did Ephraim show up? And how did he get involved into Vezaias's group? How exactly was he able to have the talent to possess people? And plus he wanted to know about pretty much every single moment that happened while he was dead. Remington looked very stressed out among the group, and seemed to be uninterested in eating his meal despite encouragement from the others. Eventually the meal was finished and everyone went on their way, aside from Lucius who was charged with cleaning up, and Rocks who came over to Skyler looking eager.

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  “Sky, do you have a few minutes? I wanna show you something.” Rocks said with anticipation.

  “Sure, what is it?” Skyler said.

  “You'll see. Common.” Rocks lead him through a portal to his bedroom where Ziona was just finishing burping Felix. Skyler was immediately thrilled.

  “Aw this is your baby!” Skyler said with enthusiasm. “Awww he's just adorable! He looks just like you Rocks!”

  “See I told you he looks like you!” Ziona said, looking amused.

  “Well yeah but he looks like you too.” Rocks insisted.

  “Sky, do you want to hold him?” Ziona asked.

  “Yes! Of course I do!” Skyler eagerly came over to the rocking chair and carefully took Felix into his arms.

  “This is your Uncle Sky. Sky this is Legacy Felixander, but we call him Felix for short.” She introduced.

  “Well that's quite a name for such a little guy. I like it though. Hello Felix, it's nice to meet you.” Skyler said mildly. Felix blinked up at Skyler attentively then began to shove his fingers in his own mouth.

  “Does that taste good?” Skyler asked him in amusement. Felix grinned and blinked as he gummed his own fingers.

  “We wanted to ask, how is Khallie? Is she up for having visitors? I really want to see her.” Ziona asked.

  “Oh, she was asleep the last time I checked on her, but she might be awake now. I will go and check.” Skyler handed Felix back to Ziona before going to check on Khallie. She was awake and done eating the breakfast that Zexich had delivered to her.

  “Khall! How are you feeling?” Skyler asked warmly as he approached and took her hand in his.

  “A little sore still but much better.” She said,

  “Are you up for visitors?” He asked.

  “Sure.” She smiled. Skyler quickly brought Ziona and Rocks who carried baby Felix with him to the infirmary. Khallie was glad to see them and eager to show them a very sleepy Dash for the first time.

  “His name is Dash Ish?zri.” She told them.

  “That's adorable.” Ziona gushed.

  “Hello everyone, just visiting I assume?” Zexich interjected as he entered the infirmary from his office.

  “Yeah Zex. Just here to meet baby Dash and see how Khallie is doing.” Ziona answered.

  “How is the little bundle of joy doing?” Zexich asked. Everyone talked for a while about both the new additions to the family. Eventually Dash woke and began to fuss. Skyler was quick to pick him up and tend to his needs while talking to him mildly. This immediately calmed him down. It was just after feeding him a bottle when suddenly a portal opened and Solaris entered the room in full demon form with a bloody face and torso. Lux and Ephraim were just behind him looking completely crushed. This put everyone else on edge and ready for defense, especially because of the two infants in the room. Skyler placed Dash with Khallie and turned ready for combat even without his weapon or talents.

  “I will need you to recreate him immediately.” Solaris said angrily, ignoring the tension his presence caused.

  “I will make it my most urgent priority.” Zexich answered him looking solemn and unthreatened. Solaris left quickly with his team. Everyone relaxed now but fell into turmoil.

  “Does that mean that Rem didn't pass the test?” Skyler asked in concern.

  “It does. Remington was consumed and is dead. I must get to work quickly on this project to appease our leader.” Zexich said then he opened a portal to leave.

  “I will help you Zex!” Skyler said, then followed through to the laboratory. Skyler assisted Zex in the laboratory for several hours before he was able to sit down and take a break. Before he realized it he was asleep in the armchair near the computer terminal where Zexich sat and finished the process. Vezaias eventually showed up with his team to check on the progress. He glanced down at Skyler who was snoring softly in the armchair before drawing his attention to Zexich.

  “How much longer?” He asked seriously.

  “By the end of the day he will be here again. I was able to complete the work much faster because Skyler volunteered to help. However he has not slept since his new life began so he is unavailable now.” Zexich said.

  “Why did he volunteer?” Vezaias asked, continuing the trend of seriousness.

  “I believe that question would be best directed at Skyler. Perhaps he desires to be useful to you?” Zexich said mildly.

  “Tell him I appreciate it. Lux, Eph, stay with Zex and help him if he needs it then find me when the process is completed.” Vezaias said, then he left. Lux immediately started to pace around in a circle. Ephraim was quiet and watched him in concern for a few moments before intercepting him.

  “You are in need of emotional support Lux, true or false?” Ephraim asked calmly.

  “True! How many fucking times is Solaris going to murder Remington before he can fucking pass this test!” Lux began to sob. Ephraim hugged Lux and let him cry against his neck. Skyler was awake now and slightly bewildered as he listened to Lux cry.

  “I just don't think I can stand to listen to him scream as Solaris consumes him anymore! He doesn’t deserve to be tortured like this!” Lux cried. It was a long and painful moment before Skyler couldn't contain his curiosity anymore.

  “Why are you two able to pass the test while Rem has not?” Skyler asked. He immediately gained their attention.

  “Ephraim and I both have talents that make it very difficult for Solaris to stop us. I have conduction which Solaris isn't immune to, and Ephraim can faze his body into vapor. Without any solid mass Solaris cannot catch him. Remington’s talents do not help him against Solaris. Even when he slows time Solaris can keep up with him, his fire talent does not hurt Solaris, nor does water, and Solaris is usually too fast to be trapped in Remington’s telekinesis. So then it becomes necessary for Remington to outsmart Solaris, but we all know Remington is not the greatest critical thinker at the funeral, so he ends up falling for Solaris's tricks.” Lux explained in frustration.

  “Hmmm..” Skyler considered this. It was calm for a while as Zexich finished what needed to be done. Eventually Lux left to find Vezaias and both returned shortly after. Skyler watched in amazement as Vezaias extracted his saved portion of Remington's crystal and handed it carefully to Zexich to complete the convergence. Vezaias stepped aside now to wait for things to be finished. He approached Skyler.

  “Do I need to leave?” Skyler asked worriedly as Vezaias closed in.

  “Nah, I wanted to thank you for volunteering to help Zex work on the recreation today. You didn't have to do that.” Vezaias said seriously.

  “I know but I wanted to. I've told you and Remington before that all I want to do is help you. That's what friends do for each other right?” Skyler said mildly. Vezaias looked at him for a long moment.

  “Skyler I fucking killed you. I know what you taste like. Is that something that friends do?” He asked seriously.

  “Solaris killed me as I understand it.” Skyler highlighted.

  “I was the one who allowed and initiated it.” Vezaias said even more seriously.

  “I know there was a specific reason you did that, so did it help you?” Skyler asked with a grin.

  “Ugh, Skyler, stop it.” Vezaias yucked him.

  “I'll assume that means yes, so that means I was helpful. Just warn me next time that you need to feed your demon.” Skyler teased.

  “Shut your mouth Sky.” Vezaias said in annoyance then he turned away to indicate that the conversation was over. Remington was soon ready to be woken, with Lux and Ephraim standing by to intercept his anticipated panic. Just as suspected Remington woke suddenly with a blood curdling scream then began to thrash about as if to fight off an attack. Lux and Ephraim were quick to subdue him by forcing his attention away from the attack that was no longer happening.

  “It's over Rem! You're safe now! It's okay!” Ephraim pulled him into a hug with Lux to his other side gripping his shoulders firmly. Remington crumbled and began to sob.

  “I failed again!” He sobbed. “Vezaias is going to be so mad at me!” Remington sobbed harder. Vezaias approached once Remington was calmly weeping.

  “I am not angry, Rem. I just hate to see you suffering like this.” Vezaias said solemnly. Remington looked up with tears streaming down his face then reached to hug Vezaias.

  “I'm sorry!” Remington apologized. Vezaias only held him tightly trying to calm him down as he cried more.

  “Don't make him test again right away. Let him train more.” Ephraim insisted.

  “He needs to work on a better strategy.” Lux affirmed. Vezaias didn't reply, he only held Remington trying to sooth him.

  “Is Solaris angry?” Remington meeped from inside the embrace.

  “Don't worry about it right now Rem.” Vezaias pressed.

  “I just want to know. Tell him I'm sorry.” Remington pouted. Vezaias suddenly looked angry and let go of Remington back away from the bed.

  “Of course I am angry Remington! Maybe this mission doesn't mean shit to you! Something that you are forced into doing! It's different for me! This is my only focus! Saving my entire species! Do you know what it's like to starve for thousands of years but never die?! Of course you don't! This whole mission depends on how well you can protect yourself while we face demons such as myself! If you cannot do that, then you will single handedly fuck up this whole entire mission!” Solaris emerged completely, spreading his wings wide and aggressively. “If I do not see progress then maybe I will decide to ignore the deal I've made with Vezaias to not devour any human that I so chose too because the help I was promised is failing since I was stuck with THE MOST WORTHLESS HUMAN ON THE PLANET!” Solaris roared. Remington choked on his own reaction as Solaris left quickly through a portal. Skyler watched as Lux and Ephraim tried to console him but without much success. Skyler was now full of determination. He approached the bed making Lux and Ephraim both tense.

  “Rem.” Skyler prompted. Remington was anxious but paused giving Skyler his attention.

  “I know what I want to say to you now.” Skyler said seriously. Remington was quiet and rubbing tears from his eyes with anticipation.

  “I was angry at you at first, for helping to kill me, and as I've found out, the other too. Since I've returned I have learned more about the situation. I just want you to know that I forgive you.” Skyler said. Remington looked struck for a moment.

  “Why? I've done so many terrible things that..”

  “I'm not saying what you did wasn't terrible, because it was. I understand it better now. Vezaias told me the situation was way bigger than I knew. He was right. I want to help you. That's all I've ever wanted to do. Please let me train you to pass this test.” Skyler pressed. Remington was astounded by this. It was an offer to be trained by Skyler, after all he had done to help destroy everything, Skyler wanted to continue to help him.

  “Why would you want to help me, Skyler?” Remington choked out.

  “Because I've told you before. I wouldn't be able to stand around and let somebody hurt you. I just want to help you because that's what friends do.” Skyler answered genuinely with a smile then he extended his hand as if to make the offer official.

  End.