The War

"I know you didn't exactly like Florence, but he could prove to be useful to you in stopping Gustav from achieving his goal of opening the Twelve Gates..."

"Listen, I don't know much about reapers." Dark narrowed her eyes at him. "But I do know just how annoying and heartless they are. Explain to me."

"First of all, Florence is the only Reaper still around that is capable of using ancient arts. Also, he is the wielder of Blood Harvest, one of the twelve keys that Gustav needs. Incidentally, you also have one of these keys."

"Soul's Bane." Dark said. "Also, Florence is one big idiot."

"I understand that you don't like him, but with Gustav and the High Council against you, having someone with his power on your side would be useful."

"What's the High Council got to do with it."

"They are more or less in charge of the Twelve. At the moment they've been luring the Twelve into Gustav's trap. Four are already dead. If he manages to kill the other eight and get the last keys he will become immortal."

Dark growled. "Well he'll have to kill me first. And I'm pretty hard to kill." Everyone in the cave agreed. "Can't you summon me or something to them?"

Edmund had no idea what she meant by that.

"Like, talk to them with me or something."

"That is unlikely. Without a Reaper the High Council has no need to speak with the likes of us."

"Well they better speak to me." Dark smashed down the wine bottle. "Or there's going to be serious trouble."

"I suppose I could make them appear if I were reunited with the other half of my soul, but it's bound to Florence's scythe, which Gustav has."

"I liked that scythe. I was hoping to get it when Florence died."

"Well, it may have changed when Florence's full power was reawakened, but regardless, we need to get it back from Gustav."

Dark sighed. "I hoped never to go back to that place." Dark got her armor and staff. She also barked a command to the wolves. They left the way silently. Dark followed with Edmund.

Daniel stayed to watch Arianna and Scott.

Edmund followed Dark and the wolves, but he doubted it would be easy to get Blood Harvest away from Gustav.

Dark was getting ready for battle when they approached the lab building.

Edmund looked at it. Somewhere inside was the other half of his soul.

Dark kept to the shadows, as did the wolves.

Edmund mimicked them. He had an easy time of it.

To Dark, the shadows provided a friend. Dark got to the room where Gustav was.

Edmund looked at Gustav. "He was expecting us. He's got one of the Reaper's weapons."

Gustav looked over at Edmund curiously. "Strange. You're supposed to be dead. No matter. I'll just kill you again."

Dark waited until he was closer. Dark let an arrow fly to his eye.

The arrow sunk into his eye. As usual, it was ineffective as he was made of slime. He swung at Dark suddenly, and Edmund saw the glimmering blade of a sword in his hand.