Gavin felt terrible, “Ok, let’s go back to my place.” He held onto Sylvie’s hand, “I’ll explain everything once we get there.” He whispered into her ear as they walked hurriedly towards his apartment.

Little did anyone know that a powerful force was assisting Alex as he did all he could to save the remaining patrons. An angel felt the souls of good people being taken away by evil, as he surveyed the scene he saw that one with magic abilities was trying to save the remaining 5 survivors. His soul was the next to be taken if he didn’t intervene. The angel Gabriel prepared to do battle with this creature, just as it reached it’s ice hand to grip Alex by his throat Gab used his sword to sever the connection. This being was defiant and surely an agent of Diablo, it’s energy was highly negative. The gaunt creature faced him in battle, it used it’s many hands to try and distract him from it’s attacks. Gabriel was able to ward off all it’s attacks while Alex got the last of the people out unharmed. Then as he checked the theater to see if it was clear he found Alex still inside, his attention momentarily diverted was opportunity enough for Diablo’s minion to strike. It held Gabriel’s throat and as he felt himself being drawn into it’s realm he made a hasty decision. Gathering all his positive energy into himself he pushed it into the evil being, as the energy was released and dispersed into the creature it screamed. Gabriel fell to the ground in a heap, his wings were gone, sword gone, clothes…well all was lost except for his life. He was mortal now, but his sacrifice was sufficient to send the demon back to it’s gate. Now Gabriel was vulnerable and weak, unable to do even a simple task, such as walking. Looking up he saw the face of the man he’d rescued, Alex.

Holly followed them back to Gaven's house, ready to burst into tears. She wanted Alex here. She needed him. "Please let him be okay." Holly whispered, a tear ran down her pale cheeks.

Alex pushed everyone out of the theater. "Go home and forget everything." He said walking back into the theater and looking at the man. "Thank you. Are you okay? Who are you? How did you do that? Are you okay? Do you need anything?" Alex asked trying to figure out what this man was.

Gavin went to Holly and took her hand, it was still bandaged from when they’d met. If he hadn’t tripped her, maybe none of this would have ever happened. “Alex is strong, and he’s very logical about things. He wouldn’t have gone back if he thought he wouldn’t be able to handle it. Everything will be alright.”

Gabriel was struggling with his senses, the man was asking him questions too quickly. Everything was garbled and he couldn’t understand what was being said until he figured out his senses. As he struggled to stand he found that even much of his physical strength had been sapped. Leaning his arm heavily against the wall he saw that Alex had a look of confusion on his face. Then all the questions came at him at once, I’m fine. My name is Gabriel. Or at least that’s what he’d wanted to say, instead all he said was, “I’m f-fff.” And collapsed in a heap at Alex’s feet.

"Right." Sylvie nodded vigorously as Holly snapped her out of babble mode. She tried not to take it personally. "Gavin's place." His hand was clammy in hers, but she guessed her own was just as bad, and she offered a squeeze. She'd never been to Gavin's home, in spite of all the years they'd known each other. It was not where she had pictured going on a first date, either.

This was hardly a typical first date, though. Assuming they got through this, she made a mental note to ask him on a do-over later.

Alex gasped and lifted the man up carring him to his car, which just happened to be right by the exit. Alex sat him in the car and gave him a blanket. "You're not fine. We'll go back to my house and get you something to wear, then maybe something to eat. And we'll see how you feel. For now just take deep breaths." Alex started driving, not relizing he had dropped his phone.

Holly tried to smile but couldn't. "We're at your place." She said pulling her hand away from Gavin. "I'm going to call him. He has to be done by now." She pulled her phone out of her boot and called Alex, while walking inside. Ring...Ring...Ring..,No answer. "He didn't pick up." Holly said recalling him. The same thing happened. She looked at the two about ready to freak out. What if he got hurt! What if they're tourturing him! What if he's dead!!"

Gavin didn’t know what do, “He’ll be fine…maybe the phone is on silent?” He tried not to betray his worry as well. “Come on, let’s fix dinner. If he’s not here by the time it’s ready we’ll go back.” Gavin wanted to stay busy, sitting around waiting would only worsen the situation.

Gabriel laid in the contraption that humans called a car, though convenient it was still very dangerous. He’d seen too many people injured and killed by these things, but it was The way to travel. He tried to relax as Alex sped through the streets to his home, “H-how far?” Gabriel was able to manage to say that much before taking another deep breath. His senses as a human were dull, he wasn’t liking this trade off, but no soul deserved to be taken unjustly and he could live with his decision. All he needed now was a way to get his powers back, and fast. Too many demons and evil witch’s on this planet wanted his blood.

After putting her phone back in her pocket she looked at Gaven. "His phone isn't ever on silent." She mumbled walking into the kitchen. They mine as well cook dinner what what was the point of focusing on the fact Alex wasn't okay. He had to be okay. Of course he was okay. "Fine. We'll make dinner then we're going to find him."

"We're here." Alex said pulling into the driveway of Holly's and his home. "Excuse the fact it might be kind of messy. Holly doesn't like cleaning." He got out of the car and walked over to the mans door lifting him up again and carring him into the house. Alex sat him down on the couch and brought him a pair of pants and a shirt. "Um..Can I get you anything to eat? And a glass of water?" He asked the man looking at him confused. He still wasn't sure who this man was. Maybe he could figure it out at some point.

"These are strange circumstances," Sylvie replied, staring at Holly. "Maybe he had to turn his phone off for some reason?" She hoped that was it, hating to think that someone else might have gotten hurt because an innocent date had turned into a real-life horror film. For no good reason.

Making dinner did sound like a good idea, in any case. She wasn't dressed for it, but she could make do. "Do you trust me with the salad?" she asked Gavin, thinking that vegetables wouldn't be too messy. "Are we making salad at all? Do you have an apron I could use?" Ah, gods, she was nervous again. And worried.

Gavin smiled at Sylvie and threw her an apron from his cupboard, “Salad sounds great! And Holly, I think you’d do great with tenderizing the meat.” He got out a mallet and pointed at the fridge. “There’s some pork in there, just get out a board to put it on and beat the meat until it’s almost flat.” He thought it may help her loosen up a bit and get out some of her frustrations. He washed his hands and grabbed the necessary dishes to make tenderloins and mashed potatoes with gravy. He hoped Alex was ok, Holly would kick his butt or worse if his first date was the cause of the end of their relationship. He looked over at Sylvie, though she was a bit frazzled she was still beautiful.

Gabriel put on the shirt and pants, “Thank you for your hospitality Alex.” Looking up he noticed that Alex seemed a bit confused, then it dawned on him that Alex, though he had magic powers, wasn’t able to know everyone or read their minds. Though he now no longer possessed either of those powers. “I’m sorry, my name is Gabriel. I am- well was an angel. I felt a few good souls seeping out of the heavenly bodies and came to investigate. I didn’t realize that the power, or being was overwhelming strong. It took all of my angelic powers to stop it and send it back from whence it came. Now I am merely a human and must regain my powers, otherwise I will remain in this state until I’ve reached the end of this mortal life.” He hoped that this information would suit Alex, perhaps he knew of another magic user with the abilities to correct this terrible atrocity.

Marissa smiled at Lyna, “It’s ok, I wouldn’t go either if I didn’t have to. It boring but it’s supposed to help me, plus I promised my mom I’d finish high school at the very least.” Thinking of her parents gave her a pang of sadness, she was starting to really miss them. Once this was all over she’d visit them for awhile, but for now she was making a bunch of new friends. Looking at the clock she saw that she had a bit of time, “I’ve got to get going, but your welcome to stay here or at least walk with me if you want.” She was envious of Lyna’s powers, though she could us magic to transform she’d never be able to do it at will. Plus it was dangerous, there was also the possibility of never returning to her previous form if she messed up the spell.

"I don't mind walking with you. We can get to know each other more." Lyna said as she stood up, she motioned that they should go, personally she always wantted to be a witch because at least that way she would still be accepted by her family. She looked absently out the window as she thought about her past and how everyone in her family had treated her, she had wondered if she should change shapes and go as and animal with her on the walk to her school. She decided against it since she still wantted to get to know the girl, she blinked a few times before she turnned and looked back at Marissa and smiled at her.

Holly did as she was told and turned her almost tears into anger. It didn't take her long to flatten the slab of meat she got from Gavin's fridge. Putting down the meat tenderizer she stood in the doorway of the kitchen watching the door. "Alex, where are you?" She mumbled. If he didn't come back she was going to end up killing someone, or herself.

"I'm glad to help you. Thank you for saving me earlier." Alex smiled at the angel-man. "I don't mean to force anything upon you but would it be alright if we went to get Holly? She must be freaking out by now. I dropped my phone in the theater and I has mad her leave. Umm...We don't have to stay with Gaven and Sylvie but I have a bad feeling about what Holly could do."

Marissa smiled back at Lyna, “So what do you do besides make dreamcatchers for a living? They are beautiful and very effective, not one bad dream last night.” Saying this Marissa had started to pack her school things and head for the front door. Kyle tried to approach but she held up her hand, “I don’t want to hear it, I’ll be back after school.” She closed and locked the door behind her and Lyna, who’d followed her outside.

Gabriel stood up, “I’d be honored to accompany you to the dwelling of your friend Gaven and to help you reach your love. She would be very worried if she knew not of your location and condition, best that we make hast.” Gabriel walked back outside and stood next to the “car”. He lifted the metal flap that opened the door and sat on the comfortable chair.

"You can walk now. I see you must be feeling better." Alex stated walking out and into the car. "It must stink to be stuck here after being an angel. At least you know you'll get back someday." That was a thought he ment to keep in his head. Often he wished Holly and he could die, they could live together without anyone resenting them. "You're an angel, if someone uses magic to get back at others, but not hurt them or anything, would they go to heaven?"

"Well, i take care of the animals around here that need help. They give me things that i use for my dreamcatchers and other things that my father's people use. Like a fan out of feathers, drums, clothes, jewlrey and other such things. Dreamcatchers have magical properties or spirtual ones, depending on how they are made." she said to her with a small smile on her face, she followed the girl towards her school, not walking quickly but not exactly walking slowly. She took in everything that was around her she even stopped and petted what every animal decided to walk up towards her.

“Yes I am feeling better, and this car doesn’t stink, as you put it.” Gabriel found Alex’s speech somewhat odd, though he did ask a good question. “Alex you have lived a rather long life for a human, as well as for Holly. Though you use magic it doesn’t make you evil, only the intent does. I can’t judge on your life, I haven’t seen it all. And I also can’t decide which heavenly body you would go to. Just as hell has different abysses, although there is much even I a lowly angel can’t see or understand what is beyond any of these planes of existence, for I am but the guardian of good souls. There are those who would take them and twist them for their own purposes, for a soul can’t be totally destroyed.” This was all that Gabriel was permitted to discuss with mortals, for they were ignorant of the wholeness of their world, they couldn’t comprehend the entirety of their universe, much less other planes of existence.

Marissa marveled at Lyna, it was as if all the animals were her friend, “How do you do that? It’s like they’re all your friend, I wish that I could pet an animal so easily.” Marissa remembered the other day when she’d approached a stray dog that looked a lot like Illusious’s image form and it nearly bit her fingers. Though it was a small dog it had been viscous, and a bit scary.

After listening to Gabriel speak he drove the car, while thinking deeply. Instead of saying anything about his response he said, "I didn't mean the car. I was talking about the who earth relm." Alex sighed and parked the car. "We're here. I hope Gavin won't mind I'm bringing a friend."

Sylvie grinned crookedly at Gavin as she caught the apron, which she smoothly put on over her dress. The color clashed horribly, but she didn't care. She wore aprons on the job, some for making candles and tidier ones for selling them. Either way, they felt right, and put her in the mood for work.

She raided Gavin's vegetable drawer, which was, it turned out, well stocked with all sorts of leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots, sprouts, a few vegetables she couldn't even name, and pulled out everything she thought she'd need for a salad for four. She refused to believe that Alex wouldn't be around later. On a whim, she also chose a nectarine. As she was washing the romaine, she called over her shoulder. "Gavin, do you have any sliced almonds?"

"It is good to have a calm aura and since i am shifter i smell like home to them. not only that i am indian and they are called friends of nature some times." she said as she picked a stray cat up and held it out for Marissa to hold and or pet, she couldn't help that she was a magnate for animals, it was something that always happened since she was little so she could only think of two reasons why they came up to her.

Gavin looked in the fridge and found a small bag that held the last of the sliced almonds, “Here you go.” He said tossing the baggy to land next to Sylvie’s cutting board. Then he quickly made a note to buy more sliced almonds on his shopping list. Turning back to the stove he put a drop of water into the oil and heard the appropriate hiss that told him the oil was ready to be cooked. Though he checked on the status of the potatoes first and found they weren’t soft enough to be mashed yet. Then turning to the tenderized pork he found that Holly had been the perfect candidate for smashing the meat flat. “Well done Holly, these will cook up in no time!” Making short work he dunked each piece in an egg mix then once the surface was egged he lay the piece of meat on a bed of bread crumbs then flipped it to cover it completely. He slowly lowered the piece into the skillet and listened to the meat sizzle and cook as he readied the other pieces for the skillet.

“I like earth, though it is a tough place to live. There is much pain here, but without it humans wouldn’t enjoy the good times as much.” He got out of the car and followed Alex, “Gavin has always been a good soul, especially to strangers. I’m glad that he was able to find a friendship with you and Holly.” Gabriel found his breathing was becoming heavy as he started up a flight of stairs. So he quietly followed Alex up the stairs until the arrived at Gavin’s apartment door.

Marissa held the cat and pet it gently, “I can see why they like you so much though, you’re easy to get along with. I’ve always had a hard time talking with others, even my parents sometimes. Though ever since I moved to Suchen I’ve making a number of new friends.” They’d walked a ways and were almost at her school. The cat mewed in her arms and she looked at it and massaged behind it’s ears. She was rewarded with an almost instant series of purrs that emitted from it’s body.

"Gavin is a really nice guy. If anything ever happened to me I'm glad Holly has a friend like him. To think, this all happened because Holly tripped and fell skipping down the sidewalk yesterday. I'm accually glad that happened." Alex smiled, he was talking so much around this man. Somehow he knew whatever he said he could trust this man.

Holly forced a smile looking back to Gavin. Although tears were almost falling from her eyes. "I'm glad I could help." Holly said turning back to the door. "He's not coming. Why did you two just have to go to that movie?! Why did you have to say something about the other people?! Why did you ask us to come in the first place? Why did..." Tears were streaming down her face, but she was intrupted by a knock on the door. Her face turned white and she couldn't move.

Alex knocked on the door three times before trying the handle and relizing it was unlocked. Someone had to be there for it to be open. Slowly he pushed the door. "It's me, I hope you don't mind I brought a friend."

The color returned to her face and she practically flew over to him. "You're okay." Holly squeeked hugging him tightly.

His arms wrapped around her. "Yeah, I'm alive thanks to Gabriel. He saved my life."

"Thank you....not many people tell me that i am easy to get along with. Well animals are just like people and that is something that is hard foe humans to understand so they tend to be distant to them." Lyna said with a smile on her face, she ended up picking up another cat and began to pet it, she smiled even more when she heard both of the cats purring, it made her purr a little as well. She stopped out side the Marissa‘s school, she didn‘t want to go in it and she hopped that her new friend wouldn‘t mind if she showed up again or something like that in a different form.

Walking into the apartment after Alex he waved hello to Gavin and Sylvie who were in the kitchen. It looked and smelled to him like another one of Gavin’s masterful dishes. “I see you’re cooking again Gavin, and I’m happy to see Sylvie by your side helping with the preparation of what smells like another great chorus of meals. I hope that my presence in accompanying Alex is not intrusive upon tonight’s dinner arrangements.” He smiled warmly at Gavin’s awestruck face as Gabriel went and sat at the kitchen table.

Marissa looked sadly at the school building, “Well, I’ve gotta go. I’m already in enough trouble, not to mention I have finals coming up.” Reluctantly she handed the cat back to Lyna, which was a bit awkward since Lyna was already holding a cat. “Come over whenever you want ok? We’ll drink tea or do something together, and I wouldn’t mind it if you became a silver cat and walked and talked with me going to and from school and…” Marissa was rambling but then the first school bell blared. “Oh, gotta go! See you later ok!” It wasn’t a question, Marissa had all the joy and naivety of a child’s exuberance when they made new friends. She waved good-bye to Lyna as she ran into the building with a smile on her face.

"Thanks," replied Sylvie, as the almonds landed in her work area. The salad came together quickly, as salads tend to do. Sprouts, sweet onion, orange slices, and the almonds adorned fresh, dark greens. She'd decided to forego the tomatoes and cucumbers, beautiful as they looked, and hoped that Gavin had a nice sweet vinaigrette to go with everything. She suspected he did. His kitchen was impressive. "Whatever you're cooking smells great, too!"

And then the drama started. It was good drama, though, the return of Alex and a stranger. The stranger didn't seem quite right to Sylvie, but not in a bad way. She found herself grinning, in spite of Holly's outburst, though her eyes still watered from the onions.

"I hope this will be enough," she finally said, glancing at her bowl. "I think it will." Truthfully, given the size of the dish, the salad could have served eight, but Sylvie was at a bit of a loss for words. The evening just kept getting weirder.

Lyna smiled as she put on the cat she was holding onto her shoulder and took the cat that Marissa had handed her. She waved at her as she ran towards the school building, she set both of the cats down to let them go about their business, she knew that she had to go and take care of some animals but she didn’t know what time she got out of school so instead of going home she stripped her clothes and hide them under a bush before she sifted into cat and started to explore the school grounds, or even the inside of the school, she knew if she needed to be bigger or smaller that it wouldn’t be to hard depending on where she was trying to go.

Holly pulled away from Alex and gripped his hand tightly before walking over to the table. Right as they sat down she kissed him softly and grinned. "Sorry for yelling at you guys before Alex came...I'm glad we helped...I just well....I would have died without him." Alex put his arm around her pulling her and her chair closer next to him. "Gabriel, thank you. Ummm, for whatever you did that got him back her." Holly added waiting for dinner to be served. "Smells great." Was the only thing Alex said.