One cold December day, when the storms had never been worse, a single, frightened little girl was wandering around. How did she get there? I know you're curious. Let's start from the begining and maybe that will clear a few things up. Her name is Janine, Janine Moram.

She was born on a month and day quite opposite as the one in her current situation. It was a bright, sunny, peaceful day in June. June 6th, 2006 to be exact. Maybe you noticed the curious detail. It's definately something that might raise eyebrows or draw a suspicious gaze here and there.

Her birthday is 06/06/06, or, how we say it normally, 666. Now, you might be saying that's nothing incredibly unusual, nothing...... Important? Have you made the connection yet, because Janine certainly hasn't. She just wants her mum that will never be there. She's calling out hopelesly, and she knows it, even if she's only nine.

On her birthday she was visited by someone she doesn't remember. How could she? She was barely two years old. A figure made of darkness so thick that it could be distinctly seen in pitch black. It had two burning red embers for eyes and a smile that flashed white as a beacon in contrast to its shadowy form.

Only she could see it. It was her imaginary friend. The one she didn't remember. It was her destiny to become a Reaper. A Reaper helped Lucifer and God to put the souls where they belonged after they died. The figures made of pure shadow were just Lucifer's minions, or, if you prefer, demons.

Only future Reapers could see them. The reason it's so ironic with Janine is because she's so sweet. She charms everyone she meets with a timid smile and politeness, but she's astonishingly funny and is wonderful and kind to everyone. That's what makes this all so sad.

Only a week ago, her mother had fallen fatally ill. She watched as a Reaper walked into the room. "Who're you!" she cried, helpless as the man stood over her mother. "I'm sorry." he said, and he truly looked it. He would have looked friendly and likeable if his face was not pulled in an expression that looked like the after-effects of swallowing a lemon.

He wore a puffy brown coat and the hood was trimmed with tan mink fur. He wore baggy sweat-pants and some sneakers. A tuft of brown hair poked out from his black, sagging winter hat and stubble was visible under and around his rosy lips. He was pale and his face was flushed from cold, but something about him seemed not quite there.

This Reaper wasn't particularly muscular and his eyes were crinkled with laugh lines and crow's feet. His eyes were the color of the sea and they sparkled accordingly.

His cheeks were pink as he took off his gloves. "I suppose I should explain.. But there's not really time." he said with a shrug.

Janine just stood there, mesmerized by the stranger. She wasn't afraid, just fascinated. Her mother was laying in the bed beside where Janine was sitting. The stranger lifted one of his hands and placed it on her forehead. Her back arched and she let out a long sigh. After a moment she laid back and didn't move again.

In the stranger's hand now was a sparkling purple mist. "She had a beautiful aura." he said quietly with a smile. Janine rushed over the the bed with a toothy grin fixed on her face. "Mama! Mama!" she shouted with a smile, "Look at the wonderful man! Look at what he has! It's magic!"

Janine shook her mother, soft at first, then harder. "Mama! Wake up! Mama! Mama? Mama....." Janine had stopped shaking her now and turned to face the man who had done this, but he was gone without the slightest trace he had been there. Janine had not even heard the door open. All he left behind was a memory, and a vivid one at that.

After a week of gathering supplies she set into the cold. That's where we are now.