Death watched with raised eyebrow as a few of the Hunter's gathered left, waiting for what seemed like an eternity for them to settle their business. It seemed suicidal to him for them to be leaving at a time like this. Regardless, he made no action and had no response when Atma and his group left, simply watching them leave with a blank expression. A few moments later, when Adeline made her return, he turned to her and listened, smiling slightly at her words.<br/>"A leader? I wasn't aware a ragtag group of survivalists was in need of one," he responded, smirking. "I suppose I could be considered as such, however, assuming there are no objections. I'm not fond of following orders myself, but issuing them is doable."<br/><br/>He was about to continue speaking when Adeline began again, touching on the exact subject he was about to bring up.<br/>"Yes, our position is now known to our enemies, which affords us only one alternative; I'll give you until tomorrow to prepare yourselves, and we move at dawn. The enemy shouldn't be able to organize an offensive before then," he explained, crossing his arms once again. "As such, training today will be skipped, as well as tomorrow in all likelihood. Now that my true identity is known, however, I can offer each of you a safe haven no place in this city can offer.. provided you trust me, and that I have Adeline's assistance. Your power over air will be invaluable."<br/><br/>-----------------------------------<br/><br/>Merle continued on her beeline path to the tower, ignoring the few various demons that began to follow them. She was sorely tempted to take her aggression out on them, but decided, agaist her instincts, to leave them be. Now was not the time or place, given Vaan's condition. As she continued walking, however, the need to hit something came further and further towards the forefront of her mind, and she was having trouble resisting the urge. That's when she heard the voice.<br/><br/>It took all of her restraint to not react. She continued walking, her eyes fixed straight ahead of her, but her fists quickly balled even tighter, her fingernails digging into her skin almost to the point of drawing blood. "I<span style="font-style: italic">do not</span>have the patience to deal with you right now, Gabriel. Do us both a favor and fuck off before I do something<span style="font-style: italic">you'll</span>regret," she growled through clenched teeth, walking a bit faster and urging her crows to do the same. The tower was within sight now; she just had to ignore him long enough to get Vaan back to safety.<br/><br/>-----------------------------------<br/><br/>Blood red wine swirled in a tall, thin glass, held precariously between five spindly fingers. The cup slowly raised toward a pair of young, smooth lips, its contents smoothly flowing down the throat of the man who held it. A slight sigh of contentment escaped him as he lowered the glass, setting it on the armrest of the chair that supported him.<br/><br/>This man appeared younger than he actually was; in truth, mid-40s, but he looked to be at least two dozen years younger. An air of self-superiority emanated from his every action, be it the posture he sat with, or the gentle-but-arrogant smile that caressed the contour of his face. He was clad in thick, black boots and a long, flowing robe of deep black, trimmed with white at various points, and embellished with blood red cloth and embroidery. He stood at 5'11", with eyes of a deep amber and hair of a similar color, almost dark enough to be mistaken for black, which was rather short and hung down naturally, just barely stopping before his eyes. Of other note was only the blood-red pearl that sat in a gaudy, golden ring around his right-hand middle finger, the singular adornment the man had.<br/><br/>"Owari, my boy.. Would you kindly step over here?" asked - or more appropriately, politely ordered - Reverend Blaine Carter, his voice gentle and soft, yet commanding. He rose from his seat, quietly stepping over to the edge of the menacingly tall tower he was currently standing on, overlooking the chaos and destruction of the city below. His lips curled in a disgusted growl before he spoke again; "Humans are such disgusting creatures. Just look at what their war has caused to this beautiful city, all in a vain attempt at prolonging their own pitiful lives. How much will it take them to realize that they are no longer welcome in this realm?"