That night, Arc was alone in his room, contemplating what had happened during the day. It was impossible, after all, to rid himself of the demon residing within him unless he formed a contract and overpowered it.
"Like sealing from within..." he muttered to himself as he began to concentrate.
Everything was blocked out—distant city sounds, the fan—everything fell still. Arc entered his soul's gate and faced the demon once more.
He turned to the shadows, from the seemingly perpetually expanding space, and spoke, "I'm here to make a contract."
An immediate response was heard when the shackles rattled, and the demon was finally seen closer.
"A contract..." Ba'al said, standing straight before Arc. "Now, of all times?"
He was not sure of the face he was making, but the demon laughed.
"You've learned you're my last..." it said, taking another step forward, crouching over at his face. "But there is a price. Are you willing to pay it?"
