Chapter 1 - Open for Business

*Ding-Ding*

The bell hanging above the swinging door chimed gently in the empty shop as the man entered the shop. As the standard for a Tuesday morning, the aisles of the "Detective Publications" Anime, Comic, and Card shop were empty. the store had barley opened five minutes before when the man donning the large trench coat entered. His hands rested in deep pockets as he gazed below a large brown hat and black sunglasses.

"Just a moment." A voice called from behind the counter.

Standing away from a pile of mismatched comics and manga, A tall man purple hair, tied in a ponytail that reached his lower neck, stood and looked towards the man. His dark-blue eyes scanned the man for a familiar face. None showed. He smiled his "For new customers" smile.

"Hello there, can I help you?"
"Perhaps, I'm looking for a man that goes by the name of Slayer."
"Well." the man said raising his hands, "Looks like your search has ended."

"Good." The stranger said, a smile appearing on his lips for a moment as his hand flashed out from his pocket. In a blur of speed, he reached into his coat and produced a long, curved blade. And in one fluid motion, he struck outwards, cleaving the head of the store clerk right down the middle. His blade stuck in the man's neck as a geyser of blood erupted and covered the countertop. "Thanx for all your help." the man said, removing his blade and returning it to an unseen scabbard.

"No, thank you." a voice called out from behind the killer.

He twisted around quickly, laying eyes upon the man he had just killed. Only this time, he wore red and blue armor, and a purple cape. And his head was of course in one piece.

"Man! We've been looking for you forever Malaphar!" Slayer stated, shaking his head in disgust, "I mean really, of all the people after your bounty, you'd think we would be the LAST place you attack...."

"Guess i'm just hard headed." the man said, his jaws clenching tight, revealing a pair of fangs. Moving with unnerving speed, the man removed his coat and hat, and glasses, revealing a body of fur and muscle. Long claws jutted from his hands, green trails of venom leaked from them. Along his back, the white of his spine stuck out, making a deadly serrated edge across his back. his eyes glowed a deadly red, and his hand gripped a large sword, still wet with blood.

"And of all the dumb things! You fall for the fake store clerk bit! I though your brand of demons had a good sense of smell, or something....." Slayer smirked, His hand glowed red for a moment as a large metallic staff formed. "Your mistaken." Malaphar said, "My breed has a strong thirst for blood!"

The demon charged Slayer, his sword slashed out for his chest, aiming to cut skin, muscle, lungs, and spine..... Except the Slayer was already airborne. Flipping over the creature, he smacked his staff against it's spine, causing it to reverberate in a humorous jingle. "Hey! That must be great at parties!" he joked, landing and turning as Malaphar did the same.

His eyes now burning with rage, the demon shot a hand out, a red orb of fire erupted and sped towards Slayer. With a simple wave of his hand, the man sent the ball of fire upwards towards the ceiling. it crashed through, and flew off into space.... Slayer wasted no time. He charged forward and kicked the beast's hands at the wrists. the sword flew out and lodged into a nearby stand of Anime, and the beast was left wide open...

"Your fun to play with Malaphar, but i really need to get back to work..." Slayer placed a hand on the demons chest and shut his eyes. "Helvete's betents, forlate dine raseri... Fyreball!"

The space between them glowed red hot for a brief instant as the fireball took form, faster still it crashed into the demon and sent him crashing into the back wall of the store. The fur on his chest was burnt off, and he was unconscious.

"Why does he always get to have all the fun!?" a voice called from the now open door. 2 men entered, one wore a white robe with green trim, the other a black robe and silver mask. "I swear, it's annoying!"

"Chill out Whitemage, if you had been on time for once." "Knock it off you two, we got a call from the boss, he wants us over at the tower ASAP." the masked man said, walking over to the KO'd demon. "Pfffft. Malaphar. What's his deal? Didn't i put him away last year?" "Yes Daimon." Whitemage stated, rolling his eyes, "Your best case ever..." Daimon smiled. "Well it was!"

"Come on." Slayer said, closing and locked the front door, "Put ugly on Float Whitemage, and let's go see what the boss wants." Whitemage scowled and waved his hands over Malaphar's sleeping form. The beast rose gently into the air as the trio walked towards the back room.

Against the only bare wall, a large blue circle glowed as they neared. "Him first." Slayer said, motioning for Whitemage to send the floating furball into the portal. It went through gently, and the 3 followed.