Chapter 1 - We Begin

"Sit up straight, Alison!" screeched Mr Strich. Alison straightened her back and lifted her head so she could she the messy board.

"Look! Goodwin fell asleep again!" Thome yelled, pointing his finger at the small girl. Alison covered her face with as much brown hair she could, hiding her now red, teary eyes.

"Probably stayed up crying last night!" Another child yelled. Multiple others chipped in, their voices booming over the teachers. Alison ripped the blue bow from her hair and ran from the room. Her footsteps echoed through the bare halls, slow and meaningless.

Alison cried and cried, only going where her feet took her. It was almost as if she wasn't in control of her body. But by the time she had worked up enough courage to open her eyes, she heard someone talk.

"To get to the end, from far and far; the demons come from beyond the star." A low voice said. Alison turned around, attempting to find the person who had followed her. As Alison calmed down, she noticed a small demon in front of her. This would be a very different adventure for the young exorcist.

Alison looked the demon over, attempting to decipher its class and purpose. It was short and lanky, with a bluish gray coat. Its red eyes glowed and shimmered under the dim sun. This was a B class demon, used for stalling an opponent. They were small, but dangerous.

"Saint Michael the Archangel, defend me in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil ; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray ; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power God, thrust into Hell, Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls." Alison chanted, weakening the demon with every word.

As she chanted at the demon, Alison heard another voice. The voice boomed with power and knowledge. She kept her focus on the demon, but knew who was behind her. She watched from the corner of her eye, seeing every step towards the demon. She saw his talisman in his hand as his chant grew louder and louder. Eventually, he was able to tap the demon's head with his talisman. When the demon was completely returned, Alison sat down. Her chants had weakened the demon enough for him to get close enough.

"Always needing my help, Goodwin." Thome said with his infamous, devilish smirk plastered across his face. He put his arm out for Alison, reluctantly helping her to her feet. Thome's blue eyes beamed as he looked where the demon had stood.

"What are you so happy about? That was only a B class demon. Definitely not at the famous Thome Sparrey level. Plus, there could be more coming." Alison stated, brushing down her uniform. After her tie had been fixed, Alison turned to face Thome. "What are you doing here anyway?" Thome didn't notice the question. He had pulled out an old, dusty brown book. It had golden patterns on the cover and parchment shoved in between the pages. Alison peered over his shoulder, in order to get a better look.

It was a chanting book. Most likely, one of the few left. Once Thome noticed she was there, he closed the book and handed it to her. He watched her study the book before cleaning his sacred object. He made sure that every corner of the cross was free of any demonic remains.

"The teacher told me to apologize and bring you back to school." This sentence made Alison confused. "You really are a good chanter, Alison." Thome said, breaking the silence that had built between the two. "But that book will help you. I know you can memorize that book, even the chants you haven't learnt yet. It should help us." Alison studied a few more pages before closing the book.

"Help us with what?" Alison asked before realising she had forgotten something.

"Thank you… for helping me." She mumbled, hating having to apologize. And to Thome of all people. She looked up at him and smiled her bright smile. Then they heard a shriek. They remembered where they were and turned to face the border. Without thinking, Alison took a step inside. She instantly regretted it, as she had broken the barrier that kept Him away.

"Hide your face, sit on the ground; wait till you hear his scary growl." The low voice echoed into the brunette's ears, ringing with mystery. The two turned to look at each other before he appeared. Asmodeus.