Jason frowned at her, a skeptical look in his eyes. "For a cancer child you look reasonably healthy, and you still have your hair. I must tell you that I have no patience for lies, especially when you're so blatantly horrible at them." He then turned back to his book. Leukemia. Of the things she could think of, she chose Leukemia. The girl was either as dumb as rock, or she thought he would be.

Jason looked back up at Maria. The girl seemed so happy despite her illness. It amazed him. "It's odd you can keep such a good attitude about it. Optimism in the face of death is rare these days." He looked up at the clock and closed his book. He would continue in his own room to give the girl some rest. "If you're finished you can throw whatevers left away over there," he said as he stood and gestured to the garbage bin. "If you need me, I'll be in my room."

Jason glanced back at Maria once at the doorway. He was about to close it, but decided against it. He didn't want anything happening to the girl without his knowledge. He went to change into his nightclothes and settled down on his bed to continue reading his book. Outside the Squad marched in organized rythm that caused the walls to vibrate with the footsteps.

The next morning Jason woke early and dressed at once to go check on Maria. She was still sleeping peacefully on the couch. It would be a shame to wake her. Instead of doing so Jason went into the kitchen and dialed for the hospital. He gave all the information he knew and the woman on the other end assured him that a transport would be over soon. He thanked her and hung up.

Jason heard her change in breathing and went over at once to check on her. Her face looked as if she was in pain. He circled quickly around the other side of the couch and leaned down to lift her head a little. "Maria. Maria, wake up," he demanded. It could just be a bad dream, but he wasn't going to take chances. He had to know if something was wrong.

Jason sighed in relief. Good, she was okay after all. He straigtened and fixed his coat. "I've called the hospital. They'll be here with a transport any moment."

Jason thought for a moment. She looked miserable about going back, even though it was really for the better. She needed her time in the hosipital to stay healthy, in a sense. "Don't you have any young friends you can call on?" Surely she would at least have one.

The girl really must be lonely. Not even a friend that would try. Jason folded his arms as he stared down at Maria in deep thought. It had been years since he had even touched on his demon powers. He couldn't be certain that his new idea would work. In a few of his books around the house he had read about ancient demons make blood pacts with warriors in order to benefit both of their goals. He was no full blood, so it might not work even he had kept in practice with his abilities. He had to try though. The girl deserved it.

Jason knelt down in front of her and looked her straight in the eye. "I'm going to tell you something, but you have to swear that you will never speak of it to another living thing, understood?"

Might as well just get right to the point and say it. He was hoping her trusting eyes would last. "I am a demon, Maria. As real as any legend. I've never told any living soul of this, but I have a reason for telling you. My blood can give you immortal life and a body immune to any disease imaginable. I'm offering you freedom from your past life, but only if you are willing."

Jason stared at her blankly for a moment. Then his eyes narrowed and he stood. A knock came at the door and he turned to answer it. Two women from the hosipital were standing there. They smiled as soon as the door opened and one looked around Jason to see Maria. "Hello there dear, all ready to go?" the woman asked pleasantly. Jason stepped aside to let the woman come over to Maria. The second woman turned briefly to get the wheelchair that sat out in the hall.

"Is it possible to visit Maria later?" Jason asked one of the women before they wheeled Maria off. The women nodded. "Of course. Evening visiting hours are from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Thank you and have a nice day," the women said cheerfully before turning to hurry in the elevator with the others. Jason stood in the doorway and watched until the the doors closed. Once the elevator started down he leaned his head against the door frame and sighed in frustration. What in the world had the girl mean't? She gave off no indication that she was anything other than human. He wished he hadn't said anything at all. If the girl knew any other non-humans, there could be risk of him being found out.

Later at the theater Jason walked out of his office exactly at 3:00 to dismiss the group. They started to whine and complain over this sudden change in plans. He got up onto the stage to face them directly. "I have personal business to attend to. Now pack up and go home. I'll let you in this weekend to get more practice in before Monday, agreed?" Reluctantly they all agreed to the new deal and shuffled off the stage to gather their stuff. Jason went to lock up his office and strode out to his car to head up to the hospital. Hopefully he could talk with Maria alone and finally get this all straigtened out.

Jason arrived at the hospital much sooner than he had thought. He hadn't even realized he'd been driving so fast. He pushed the thought aside as he went in and took an elevator up to the oncology clinic. Once there he asked for Maria's room and a nurse came to show him to it.

The nurse opened Maria's door slowly and peeked in to make sure she was awake. "Hello there dear, you have a visitor," the nurse told her. The women stood back to let Jason in.

Jason nodded to the nurse as she said goodbye and pulled the door closed. He went to sit on the end of her bed and just looked at her for a moment. Finally he spoke. "What are you really?"