The sun had long since vanished and the Spectral's whispers were louder than ever and were in harmony with the pelting rain from above. The damned court lasted longer than what was scheduled and now she was behind.

She weaved in and out of the flowing bodies on the walkways that hugged the towering buildings of the 10th hour, the Capital. Hover tanks and large shipment vessels slowly went along their specified paths with the only thing protecting the people next to the extreme heat and roar of the Ether fueled engines was the force barrier that kept such power at bay. The neon lights on the buildings, showcasing various businesses, ads, and names, combined with the lights of pylons that unified the barrier were her guides, the only way she could see in the intense darkness that threatened to swallow them all combined with the relentless rain. Her leather coat easily blocked the rain that wanted to soak her and her boots made her silent with the masses. Despite the late hour people, demons, and Animalistics, were still out.

Demons were flocking to the lower city and exiting rails. Their time above on the surface and in the Capital had run out and they had better hurry before the Heavens hunted them down as was the agreement made 10 years ago. Most of them scurried in fear, they dare not risk the wrath of one of the winged and horrifying monstrosity known as an Angel. Yes, ever since the Heavens returned they also brought along their own special security force. A security force that fell onto the planet and began the Purge of Purity. Not even the Rehabilitated demons were safe.

A shiver went down Minji's spine as she recalled that day. That terrible day that changed everything and destroyed all that they worked towards. A day that changed her goal.  

The Animalistics were also in a hurry. Ever since the Return, the Sacred Order and council had no choice but to comply with the Heavens decree. The decree of the complete eradication of Animalistics and of the Animalistic program within Paradigm and the mortal realm. Meetings upon meetings upon meetings only resulted in civil unrest and revolts. Ultimately, it was the Angels that held public executions on the Animalistics deemed unworthy and too forgone to be "redeemed". The ones that couldn't control their urges and gave in to their more beastly and beastly carnal desires. The ones that swore loyalty to Paradigm. The ones that just wanted to be left alone. Now, after the dust had settled, the Heavens imposed their own sanctions on the mortal realm and on Paradigm. Sanctions that resulted in the Animalistics having to live in specified areas with specific trackers. Areas that offered little in terms of fulfillment and barely provided a living. The Heavens decreed Animalistics unnatural and such mingling of human and corrupt animal from Paradigm as inhumane. But what do they know about being humane?

"Jiu...."

Minji paused for a brief moment before continuing her walk. This time slowing down to match the pace of an Animalistic that was walking beside her. A familiar friend. 

"We wanted to say thank you...." The voice was low and shaky. She doesn't know the name of this Animalsitic but she does know their voice. 

Neither of them looked at each other as they continued to walk and weave through the crowd.

"The kids sent a tube to you....to the cafe...."

Despite her heart straining at the mention of the kids, she kept her face stoic. It was worse than she thought. A lot worse.

"Hopefully we can visit.....The kids would love to see their idols.....Is there a good time for that?" 

An innocent question holding so much meaning. A damned meaning.

"Of course," Minji responded almost immediately. It's gotten to the point that she doesn't even need to think about what she says to those that ask. If they need help, Animalistic or rehabilitated demon, then she'll help like she always has since the Heavens return, "We updated our hours for a little bit since we're about to take a vacation so I'll send a tube to you with all that information. We also added a few new items on the menu as well."

The moment the words left , she noticed the immediate relief on the Animalistic's face.

"Thank you! Do you mind if we also have some cousins over?"

Another innocent question. Another damning meaning.

"Not a problem," Minji kept her voice even and bright. Playing the role of shopkeeper once more, "You're more than welcome to invite whoever you want."

The Animalistic gave a brief nod before peeling off into the crowd and vanishing. Now the crowd has changed. No demons were around and the only Animalistics left were the drunkards and Ether users. As much as she wanted to get to them first, she already saw the bright orbs of the Angels coming to collect them. 

Before the screams of the Animalistics could reach her ears she increased her pace towards the loading platforms. 

She barely reached the last rail down to the 7th hour. The conductor bot started the safety tape and spiel once Minji was on and she waved a white pass in front of the bot's sensor in order to bypass all logs for the next 10 minutes. As the doors closed on the rail, she glanced towards the pinnacle of the 10th hour. The ever imposing capital building with its white walls reflecting the light that shone upon it. And just behind the building was the dazzling auroras of the Heavens. It was like an odd eye that watched all and saw nothing. As such a brightness burned itself into her retinas, Minji dared not look away. For it was that building that decided the fate of her team.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Line item 15," The judge adjusted her glasses as she placed the paper in front of her, "The discussion to consider a request by the Animalistic & Rehabilitated Welfare Board...."

As soon as the board entity was named, Minji felt the shift in the room. This was only item 15 out of 26 items on the agenda and everyone was already falling asleep around her. But the moment the board entity was named, everyone sat straight and at attention. 

"...Requesting the creation of a parish managed account to hold monies donated to the Welfare Board and directing the Capital Treasurer to create the same."

The head judge removed her glasses and examined the lean figure that stood at the podium that faced all the members of the council in this small chamber. It was a Rehabilitated demon. The only one in the room. Their red eyes were calm and their stature proud. They knew what they were getting into, they knew the battle, and yet it was for a cause greater than their own. Silence embraced them as the rest of the council patiently waited for a moment to strike. 

Minji couldn't help but tense up. This was the third time the Welfare Board had put in such a request and yet their proposal had always been rejected or accepted with ridiculous contingencies that would result in immediate termination. Despite all the evidence and statistics to back it up and prove the need all these elected councilmen cared about is their own precincts within the parishes and Hours.

"This is the third time the court has heard this item," The judge started with a strained sigh. 

"Yes, and we're back today as the previous court has ruled that the only way this item can move is with contingencies and proof from a verified third party," The lean figure started as the began to open up a file in front of them, "The backups have detailed reports and inquiries laid out, as requested. We've also met with the Heavens Embassy to be a third party auditor in order to ensure funds are being used and documented properly without much interference."

"Now, as great as having a third party auditor is, much less it being from the embassy, I see nothing in these pages on who is going to be paying for such an expense," One of the councilmen stated with a show of flipping the large report in front of them. 

Minji hid her scowl. Councilman Meta, a thorn in her side for years. The one who always finds the flaws and never offers possible solutions. Well, sometimes. Only if those solutions resulted in business to her many enterprises. 

"That would be dependent on the Parish and its precincts as stated within our articles and codes," Councilman Sar stated as they continued to read the report in front of them without looking up.

"We talked about enough budget line items already, Meta. The articles keep things simple, no need to complicate things in order to have an excuse to refuse at this point. The board has done more than enough to fulfill their end and it's time to fulfill ours as it is our duty as councilmen to do what is right for our parishes and Hours," Councilman Lu Keran said as they flashed Meta a smile. An innocent smile hiding the true message within her eyes. A message that was begrudgingly accepted.

"The embassy has yet to respond to our own inquiries about changing various jurisdictions and departments, so just how will they be able to handle an audit?" Another councilman jumped in. 

Councilman Vel. A giant of a mortal and yet his brains have yet to match his size. It always fascinated her on how such a man even managed to be voted into such a position.

"Simple. Once the account is approved the next step, as stated previously, is to make it parish managed. The embassy's auditors will come in and make suggestions on which parish would fit best."

There was a beat of silence followed by a hollow emptiness. Minji couldn't help but be impressed at the play. She made a mental note to talk to them later and see if they would be interested in joining or helping her own cause.

More silence filled the room before judge Gadriel began.

"Well, we've heard and discussed the line item a plethora of times. Councilman Keran is right, we must fulfill our end as the backups prove the board has met all of the contingencies stated from the previous court. Is there a motion to move?"

This time silence did not answer.

"I motion it."

Councilman Sar. The only one that Minji has the slightest respect for. 

"Received a motion. Do we have a second?"

"I second."

Councilman Lu Keran. Despite the air of innocence and good intentions, Minji knew better. She knew exactly what Lu Keran was capable of. 

"Received a second. All in favour, say aye."

A chorus of aye's echoed throughout the chamber.

"In disagreement, say aye."

Silence answered again.

"There is no disagreement, the motion is hereby carried."

The rehabilitated demon gave a small bow towards the councilmen before going back to their seat while hushed whispers gave their own judgment. But, not before making eye contact with her and giving a small nod of acknowledgment. A sign of common ground.

"Line item 16," Judge Gadriel droned, "The discussion or action to approve or deny the contract with the Sacred Order under Resolution 52-xx32 concerning the still operable Units such as Unit D, O, & P."

Minji stood tall as she walked towards the podium. Her suit was crisp and showcased just how much more she was a soldier than a political speaker with how fitted it was. She kept her demeanor calm as she knew just how critical these next moments were.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ahhhh, Dongieeeee~~" Bora whined as she attempted to drape herself onto the taller demon, "How did Paradigm's calling not affect you??"

The six of them just left their intrepid leader behind to face the court and, as ordered, they made their way back home. Although, the order did not state a time frame in which to return home and they all know how long the court meetings last. So, with that loophole, they all took their time and elected to take the scenic way back. 

The sun was still high and the winds were strong. The Ether run engines were rampant and deafening as the barriers strained and whined. Just another day at the Capital.

"I just came back from Paradigm, remember?" Handong answered with a playful smile as she saw Bora struggle.

"But what does that have to do with anything!!" Bora continued to whine at the unfairness, "Not even Gahyeonie or Siyeon were affected!"

"We didn't even take our suppressants either," Siyeon chimed in without a care at the implications of her words.

"Eh?! Look, they didn't even take their suppressants and yet I was the only one affected!!" 

"How are you this loud this early in the morning?" Yubin's tone was tired as she squinted at the still loud Bora.

"It's called being passionate at the injustice of me," Bora said matter of factly.

"Injustice of you? What are you trying to say?" Yoohyeon said as she dragged the tired Yubin along. Careful to not bump her into anyone and mindful of where her own feet are stepping less she causes another domino effect. 

"Don't you have an unusual low tolerance to Ether though?" Gahyeon joined in as she made her way into the center of their formation. Siyeon was right. They didn't take their suppressants and right now it was biting her in the . Every time she breathed pheromones assaulted her nose. It was almost unbearable. But she kept it under control. At least she hoped she did.

Bora scoffed as they finally reached the gateway to the lower levels. They let Minji have the only pass so now they have to suffer. Suffer in terms of taking the long way down towards the 7th Hour. Scenic suffering.

"Excuse you, I may have a low tolerance but at least I'm not glowering," Bora pointedly looked at the youngest. The youngest that was currently having a deathgrip on Handong's arm.

"Eh??" The young fox squeaked, "Isn't that just my resting face??"

"Yes, but also no."

"Dami....That answered nothing," Yoohyeon gently shook the still leaning Yubin as a small punishment. 

The giant gate creaked and ached as it opened its maul to let them through. Rust sprinkled on top of them and a warm gust from the lower levels met them. Just on the other side were another flux of beings. Mortals with suits. Animalistics with torn and weathered clothing. Rehabilitated demons with hobbled together outfits that could pass as mortal. Spectrals with their dead eyes watching everything and nothing. Gods with their dazzling glow and haughty face. 

With the rush of new faces, they switched to using Pandemonium. Even though Yubin and Yoohyeon didn't know what was being said, the other four made sure to include them. Despite the language barrier, they all know each other well enough to understand.

"Qepweha fehgalehshaq weh clecyaweha iqmehshaqdeg ga baqoemeh," Siyeon started as she instinctively wrapped herself around the shorter demon so they wouldn't lose her in the crowd.

""Weh?! Qoefehgaleqiq--" The fox started again while pointedly letting go of Handong's arm. Trying to showcase just how in control she is. Even if the influx of new scents, new and alluring scents, were currently bombarding her senses.

With the wolf wrapped around her, Bora continued to walk proudly on, but not without teasing the youngest at the same time.

"Qepgafehclec piljehlermehqoenel yaqoe. Wehaqoe sehaleq yaqoe?" Bora's red eyes sparkled with mischief and knowing. 

A knowing that bothered Gahyeon to her core.

"I--no!! It's just strong today...." Gahyeon muttered as she caught another whiff of pheromones as they passed by the brothel that was tucked away. 

"You're needs or ...??" Handong couldn't help but smirk. It was too easy to tease their youngest. 

"Dongie!!" The young fox cried as she gave Handong's arm a couple of light punches.

"Oh! I wasn't that off on my understanding then!" Yoohyeon smiled at the accomplishment and she gave Yubin an enthusiastic pat on the shoulder as an extension of her celebration.

The group paused for a brief moment as they reached the end of one of the spirling paths and onto the giant lift. Steam swirled around them as tendrils from the lower hours called to them. Calling them back home. The sun and its powerful rays became hidden behind the mass of buildings and tech. The streamline, sterile, and homogeneous nature of the 10th hour vanished and was replaced by the hodgepodge nature of the lower hours. Pipes flowed along the walls with no pattern. Flowing and crossing anything and everything in their path as their inner cargo was important enough to ignore any sort of structural and engineering guidance. Neon lights were scattered about so haphazardly that there were spots of darkness. They were in the dark side of the Capital before they found their exit with one of the many lifts that were scattered about. 

"Oh? What was that understanding?" Bora pulled the lever to the lift in order to activate the gears. A low moan surrounded them as the ancient and tired cogs woke up from their slumber.

"Yea, that something was up with Gahyeon," Yoohyeon started as she gave a small pat on Gahyeon's head. 

"Mmhmm, and that something was called ," Yubin finished with a straight face.

"WILL YOU GUYS LET ME LIVE?!?!" 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By the time they made it down to the 7th hour they were a mess. Well, specifically one was a mess. Yoohyeon did her best to avoid any of the muck that littered around the Hours but they seemed to be attracted to her. First it was the vendor that was throwing out some sludge and while she avoided being soaked that didn't mean she avoided being touched. The sludge was so heavy that it ricocheted back just enough to coat her shoes. Second, it was when they passed the loading bays and neighboring garages. Several of the greasy, oiled, Ether slathered mechanics rushed by and nearly ran them over, and despite her height advantage compared to the others, it was as if they targeted her specifically. Yubin did her best to get Yoohyeon out of the way but it was all in vain. Third was when they were taking another lift. She got distracted by a curious neon sign and by the time she heard the others yelling for her they had a head start. Despite her prowess, her years of training, she managed to trip at the edge and tumbled down towards them instead of gracefully leaping like she planned.

"I think someone has it out for me," Yoohyeon muttered as Yubin continued to pat her down in a sad attempt to make her look more presentable.

"I didn't see any spectrals or anything else," Siyeon did her best to comfort the pouting Yoohyeon, "Maybe your luck just ran out today."

"Did you wrong someone in one of your games?" Bora asked as she opened the building door that led to their paradise. As the loud roars and hisses emanated from the ever passing hover vehicles above and bustling bodies that followed no set path there was a sense of calm from being so close to home. The metal ground of the 7th Hour vibrated with the strain of carrying so much weight and chaos. The world’s worst foot massage and yet it was mildly comforting. The low vibrations were a sign of home by now. Even if the vibrations were accompanied by the loud screech of steam escaping from the many vents below.

"How could I wrong someone in a game?! All I do is win," Yoohyeon huffed as she obeyed Yubin's command to lower her head so she could get some stuff out of her hair.

"Win at nothing it seems," Handong said without missing a beat. 

Yoohyeon could only look at Handong in silent offense with agape and eyes wide before scrunching her face. But, she should know by now. And yet…

Yubin stifled a laugh but Gahyeon let her giggles be known. It took Siyeon a moment longer for her to understand what just happened as she was briefly zoned out. But after that she too struggled with stifling some chuckles.

"Alright, alright. Kids, follow me," Bora said as she gestured for everyone to shuffle into the narrow corridor as the door was fully open by now. 

Once everyone was inside she closed the door behind them and locked it. After that she made her way back front in order to lead them back home. Without Minji to guide them it fell onto her to fulfill those duties. Especially since this building was made to be like a maze and only a select few can make their way in and out with ease. 

Taking a deep breath, Bora hoped the building wouldn't play tricks like last time.

She took the first step forward and the floor collapsed beneath them.