Revelation

        Kole scolded himself. He should have seen through the falsities in the book. Kole took the volume off of his counter and and flipped through the book again. Inside lay the stereotypical pictures of demons and their perversities. Next to the images, was a diagram of the seal needed along with step by step instructions. In fact, the instructions themselves were very simple to understand. Even the few demonic books that were written in English were more complex than this. Now that he was taking time looking at things, he could even note that there were handwritten comments and suggestions in the margins on how to better perform the summoning. Someone was trying to make this book as easy to understand as possible.

        He handed the book back to his partner “Tibias, now that we have the book, let's see what the demon Shera fought today actually is.”

        His partner looked up from the counter and gave him a quizzical look. “I believe I remember you telling me that it was a greed demon that was summoned.”

        “I am not sure. A greed demon would not have been able to survive Shera's assault, plus, one couldn't have been able to vanish like it did before the killing blow was struck.”

       “True.” Tibias replied. He gingerly opened the book and started looking. “Oh for Fucks sake, they even have an index in here. This book is by far the most non-magical tome I have ever seen.” He was fingering through the pages when a knock on the door came. Thinking about it for a moment, Kole got up silently to go greet the night-time visitor, having a good idea of who it was.

        He moved up to his door and pulled it open to reveal his fellow reaper and next door neighbor standing there. “Good evening Shera, come in.” She was wearing sweatpants and a blue t-shirt, obviously retired for the night. Her amethyst eyes however still sparkled with energy. She gave him an insincere smile. “Thank you very much.” She walked on through the door with Kole following on her heels. “I take it your partner is here? I believe I heard his voice when you arrived home.”

        “Indeed I am.” Came his voice from the kitchen. “Actually, quite good timing Shera, Kole's winged assistant discovered something back at the Fortier's.”

        Kole passed his guest and led her into the kitchen. Tibias was there, still rifling through the pages of the book, every once in a while pausing to take a sip of his tea. “Find the demon yet?” He asked.

        “Not yet.” Tibias sighed. “I looked through all the lesser demons. None of them match the description of what you fellows experienced.”

       “Keep at it.” Kole said.

       “Oy, do not order me around. I am not one of your inferiors.” Tibias promptly flipped Kole off, took another sip, and continued looking through the book. Shera moved behind his partner, looking at the book over his shoulder.

        Kole turned and looked over to Shera. “Did you manage to find out where the demon fled to at least?”

        She grunted. “No. If he teleported, he isn't within inner Boston anymore. I looked-” Sheras eyes suddenly focused on the book. She raised her pointed finger to an image splayed on the book. “That's it.”

        Tibias, in mid-sip almost choked on his drink. “Impossible.” He chuckled.

        “No, no, I am sure that is the being I fought,” Shera said adamantly.

        Kole moved over and looked at the image. It was drawn with faded coloured ink. The being looked vaguely humanoid in appearance. It held dark, almost black skin and it's golden green eyes set a sickly shade. It's long lanky arms were covered in small, fine spikes, and it's long tongue could not be contained in it's mouth. It's expression held a look of contempt and smugness in it. Kole recognized it immediately. “This was indeed the demon we fought.”

        Tibias's complexion paled for a second. “Are you sure?”

        Kole and Shera spoke at the exact same time. “Yes.”

        Tibias slowly shook his head back and forth. “Well, we're fucked. “he demon that you just fought was Mammon, the demon prince of avarice.”

        The room took on an unnatural cold and stillness that for once had nothing to do with Kole. It was a few seconds until somebody said something again. Tibias spoke in a quiet voice. “We need to inform the council immediately that one of the Seven Lords of Sin is active.”