Chapter 34

The Greater Rift forming this time around was located, ironically in Henry’s mind, at the campus for the Church For All Nations. Which was a mega church located on Powers, that was just up the street from the Imax. Granted, with the traffic, and Henry’s delay, that meant they showed up after about 15 minutes of the alert going out. And already, the parking lot was packed, and throngs of people milled about in groups, their phones in hand, as they all played D.E.D.

“As the Home Team,” Jewel continued her explanation as they parked, “it is our job to take out any D.E.D. that come through the greater rift before the Tiered Demon makes its way here. One thing to be aware of,” she went quiet as they passed a group of players all battling a fake rift. “Is that the D.E.D. that will come through a Greater Rift, will likely be stronger than those who pass through normal rifts. Because of the massive power of the Tiered Demon’s, the rifts they create are more stable, and are capable of allowing many more D.E.D. through, in an expedited manner. Not to mention, some Tiered Demon’s send their own followers through, to try and weaken our defenses.” She chuckled. “Not that it actually works though.”

“So, it’s area defense?” Henry responded simply. He was glancing around at the masses, his eyes searching for his fellow team members. Because they were specifically on patrol in the area, they were all part of the Home Team. The away team would be selected anonymously, and kept secret, as part of the organizations efforts to maintain secrecy with regards to the powerful D.E.D. users.

“More like free for all farming.” Jewel’s eyes were filled with amusement, and she was practically vibrating with energy. Henry noticed a few smaller rifts springing up here and there, a result of the masses gathering in this singular area. As they did, he noticed a few figures casually move towards them, along with various D.E.D. His teammates, and other exorcists, were here. Jewel, however, wasn’t paying those any mind. She was making a beeline towards the massive rift of energy erupting near the statue in front of the church. Something that still baffled Henry that it was unnoticed.

“You’re enjoying this a little too much.” He returned, but went silent a moment later. Her earlier actions were still fresh in his mind.

“I just take pride in my work.” She flashed him a sickening grin, as she pointed towards the rift. Henry could see D.E.D. beginning to form from the rift, and he could tell from their sizes, they were more powerful than the ones he’d come across so far. Pulling out his phone, he could confirm, the figures breaking through now, were all at least level 10. This really was going to be a free for all when it came to experience.

“If that’s what you want to call it.” He glanced at his two D.E.D., nodding towards them faintly. They knew what their task was. Tag an enemy, and let Jewel kill them. Even though these advancing D.E.D. were stronger, it didn’t discount their task.

While effective, his Drakeling growled, this methodology leaves a foul taste in my mouth. Once I’ve evolved, know I will not let others fight my battles for me.

Henry chuckled as his Drakeling rushed forward to attack the first emerging D.E.D. A large creature that looked like an Elk, but had burning antlers. It was called an Infernal Elk.

“At this rate, you’ll get there soon enough.” Henry responded quietly. His statement drew Jewel’s gaze, her eyes narrowing. She’d made it clear she thought of D.E.D. just as tools. And she made it perfectly clear she didn’t talk to the D.E.D. At all. Which also meant, she disproved of Henry’s growing tendency to talk with them.

“Stop treating them like-“

“Oy, didn’t expect to find you at a church man.” Before he could get chastised by Jewel, a familiar voice called out to him. He jerked in surprise, even as his D.E.D., and Jewel’s, slaughtered the emerging D.E.D. from the rift, as JJ walked towards him. Just as before, JJ had no D.E.D. near him, and he was doing a damned good job of acting like he couldn’t see the greater rift behind Henry and Jewel. “I knew you’d get hooked on the game man.” He draped and arm over Henry’s shoulder, his phone in hand as he showed the screen towards Henry. It was the game screen. “Got any new D.E.D. yet? Figured we could trade if you needed some man. I freaking love this game.”

“Uh,” Henry was immediately uncomfortable. What the hell was JJ doing? It made sense the Demon Hunter would be here, but coming up to Herny, while he was working for the Exorcists, just screamed reckless. “Now’s not a good time man.”

JJ’s arm tightened around Henry’s neck for a moment, before he let go and stepped backwards. JJ glanced between Henry and Jewel, his eyes showing no hint of recognition, nor betraying any sign that he knew what was going on. Henry couldn’t help but admire that about JJ. If not for his Demon Hunter background, maybe JJ should have gone into acting.

“Oh shit man.” JJ chuckled, pointing at Jewel, “am I interrupting something? Man I get you to download the app so we can game together, and you ditch me for a hot goth gamer chick?” JJ grinned as he looked Jewel up and down, nodding approvingly. “I guess I can’t be mad, but I’m definitely jealous.”

Jewel took a slight step forward, and Henry tensed up. Was she about to slap JJ. Could she tell he was a Demon Hunter? The whole situation was out of Henry’s control, and he really didn’t like it. Especially given what JJ had mentioned about the relationship between Demon Hunters and Exorcists.

“We’re just friends.” Jewel said softly, as she put herself between Henry and JJ. “But I would appreciate it if you let the two of us spend some time together, alone.” She lowered her voice a little more, “if you get what I’m saying?”

JJ shot Henry a wink, and turned away, chuckling as he did. “Sure thing. My bad. I hate being the third wheel anyways.” He raised a hand towards Henry as he walked away, calling back as he did. “Hit me up later man, don’t forget your bestie, even if she’s definitely worth it.” As he lowered his hand, Henry saw JJ take out his phone, and begin casually typing away. A moment later, his phone vibrated in his hand. Careful not to be suspicious, Henry glanced at the message he’d just received.

Didn’t expect to see you with the Reaper on your first day out. Be careful around her. She’s dangerous, even if she totally fits the hot and crazy scale man.

Henry closed the message, a smirk crossing his face as he glanced from the Greater Rift, back to Jewel. His companion was still watching the crowd where JJ had disappeared, an unreadable look on her face. He was only mildly surprised JJ knew who Jewel was, but even still, the last part of that message had made him laugh. Typical JJ.

“Interesting.” Jewel said, drawing Henry’s attention back down to her. She shook her head, and turned back towards the Greater Rift, not even glancing back at Henry as she did. “Very interesting.”

“Uh, what is?” He asked, his stomach suddenly cold. Had JJ blown his cover? If he had, Henry needed to know, so he could warn his friend.

“I’m pretty sure your friend there, was hitting on me the last time I went to a party. But, he was a lot more…inebriated then.” She laughed, and for the first time, it sounded like an actual, real laugh. Of course, considering how excited she was about murdering the D.E.. coming through the Greater Rift, he figured she was in an actual good mood.

“That, definitely sounds like him.” Henry responded, relief flooding through him. Crisis adverted. Though, why the hell would JJ drunkenly flirt with her, and then send Henry a warning about her. Freaking hypocrite.

“If he hadn’t been completely wasted, I’d have given him a shot. After all, I’ve nothing against Demon Hunters.”