Even once Owari and his guests had departed from the rooftop, the Reverend still stood at the edge of the building, concentrated on matters pertaining to the discussion from moments ago; it was not until Owari returned that he acted.<br/><br/>"Dear boy, would you be so kind as to watch over things up here for me? This recent turn of events seems to think it is above the reach of my law, and I'm afraid it could take me some time to correct this rather egregious oversight." With those words, he spun on his heel and quickly made his way to the elevator. Once inside, he pressed the button marked '58,' and waited.<br/><br/>-----------------------------------------<br/><br/>The sound of the door slamming open and light pouring in jerked Merle from her slumber, and she quickly sat up in a confused daze, shielding her eyes as they tried to adjust to the sudden brightness. "Wha..?"<br/><br/>The Reverend's gaze narrowed at the sight before him; his assumption had been correct. He slowly started walking forward, his hands held together behind his back. "So, I see my little secret has been keeping secrets of his own," he said menacingly, all the while continuing in his forward movement.<br/><br/>The fear in Merle's eyes as she scrambled to her feet was more than evident. "Reverend, please! He's injured, and-"<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Hold your tongue, ungrateful bitch!"</span>In a fraction of a second, The Reverend had closed the distance between them and struck Merle forcefully across the cheek, knocking her to the ground. The action was followed by a shrill scream of agony, as the attack had drawn blood and left deep gashes across the side of her face. One look at the Reverend would explain why; the tips of his fingers had been momentarily replaced with the sharp claws of a demon, though they were already returning to normal as he walked towards her. Merle slowly backed away from the man as she tried desperately to ignore the burning pain on her cheek, a task far easier said than done.<br/><br/>"The curiosity and subtlety that made you so useful to me at one point has worn out its welcome, Merle! There is no longer a place in my world for the likes of you," he said with a sneer. "Had I but known of your transgressions ahead of time, I would have simply thrown you<span style="font-style: italic">both</span>out to be demolished with the rest of the city. Sadly, it appears the task of eradicating you falls to me. Rest assured, however; your precious Vaan will be joining you, just as soon as he stops being of use to me.."