Chapter 20:

A Gruesome Encounter

So... it really is happening, huh? A gorgeous blond woman, looking to be in her mid-thirties, was
seated at the wheel of a convertible. Deep-seated resolve marked her light-blue eyes behind a pair of
plain eyeglasses. She directed a refined and mysterious yet stern gaze at the soldier before her.
Yes, madam! We were instructed not to let anyone through, the soldier answered. The city of
Nevelyn is under martial law.
My name is Nina Stark; Im a detective from the Lemuris P.D. She displayed her badge. Im
currently working on a very important investigation and need access to the city.
Sorry, I cant let you through, the soldier insisted, shrugging. His body language clearly indicated
that although hed like to help, there was nothing he could do.
Nina tried to keep her calm. I dont think you understand; its absolutely essential that I get into
that city.
Its for your own safety. Sorry, Detective.
Out of my way, soldier. I dont want to cause you any trouble, she spoke boldly, staring directly
into the soldiers eyes, but how would your superiors like to know you hindered a police
investigation?
The soldier proved equally persistent. Are you crazy? The place is a warzone! There are demons
and angels fighting, everywhere! Youre not getting in there.
I am getting in, with or without your approval, she replied somberly. Youll have to shoot me, if
you want to stop me. She revved up the engine before putting the rental car into gear.
The soldier raised his rifle and stared at her in silence. He looked shaken, even if determined.
I dont think this is the time for us to be fighting amongst ourselves. Maybe the soldier in front of
her wouldnt waver, but the man behind the uniform would. Do you?
A drop of sweat trickled down the soldiers brow, and, almost satirically, a crow cawed in the
distance. The purr of the engine seemed to inflame the blistering suns heat.
Fine! Suit yourself. The man gave in, lowering his M4 carbine. He signaled another soldier to
move the vehicle blocking the road. Youll end up getting killed! he screamed as the cars tires
screeched loudly and dirt lifted up in the air.
In seconds the vehicle had disappeared into the horizon, rapidly heading towards the army-occupied
city.
***
[About three months earlier]

What do you mean Ms. Sutherland isnt here?! Shes been institutionalized in this place for over
half a year! She wouldnt just check out without informing us! Inspector Charles H. Smith had lost his
patience. After fifteen minutes of debating with the attendant of St. Marys Mental Institution, he was
finally speaking to the person responsible for patient discharge.
Inspector, you must understand; Ms. Sutherland wasnt forcefully institutionalized. She remained
here only for as long as she wanted to, the well-mannered, middle-aged woman explained.
Yes, I know that! I was here just last week visiting with her!
Well, last Sunday, she signed herself out, the woman said briefly.
 The inspectors eyes widened. And you didnt think to notify us? He couldnt believe what he was
hearing.
Why should we? The woman spoke with a stiff face, as if completely indifferent to the inspectors
outrage. We try not to overstep our boundaries, Mr. Smith.
You idiot! Smith banged his fist on the counter. Did you even stop to think how many murderous
criminals may be after such a renowned investigator? She was in a completely vulnerable position here,
and you didnt even consider that a factor?!
Maybe she just wanted to get away from the force and have some free time for herself, away from
all of that, the woman suggested. Again, we are not here to make any kind of judgment.
Youre all crazy! The world is lost... all the bizarre happenings out there arent enough, apparently!
The human being is also losing the capacity to reason! Smith had his hands in the air, waving them in
frustration. Shit... Well, did she leave anything behind?
She left one personal belonging, yes. But, as the name itself implies, it is personal.
Smiths face first showed relief for a brief moment, before his voice became sharp. As of now, this
is an open investigation. If you want to be charged for obstruction of justice, keep going that way.
Otherwise, bring me that item, right now!
Is there a warrant? The womans lack of cooperation seemed unrelenting.
Smith shortened the distance between himself and the lady. He reached forward, placing both hands
on the counter. I swear to God, if you force me to lose precious time getting a damn warrant, Ill make
it my personal goal to shut this place down. He stopped for a second, making sure he was being listened
to and not just heard. Ill check your records and history from the first day you opened, and I guarantee
Ill find something, no matter how small. Ill drag this place to the ground.
The woman regarded the inspector in silence for a few seconds before replying. Ill be right back,
Inspector.
What the hell is wrong with these people?! Arent those demons enough? Shit... Nina... where did
you go?
After a short while the woman returned, carrying a book. Here you go.
Her diary... Smith realized, voicing his thoughts as he received the leather-bound object.
Yes. You can take that away now, please. I have no wish to witness you invading someones
privacy.
The inspector frowned. Expect to hear from me if something happens to Nina.
Goodbye, Mr. Smith.
Smith had just got into his car and already the diary was weighing on his mind. The sun-heated
drivers seat was scalding his legs. He lowered the window, letting fresh air in to cool the stifling car,
before undoing the knot in the diarys strap. After fumbling with it for a moment, he managed to open
the journal and skimmed to the end in a hurry.
Lets see what was in your head... hopefully you left some kind of clue thatll help us... the last entry...
 {September 5th 2014}

Its been so long since I last wrote in you. Sorry for the long absence...
Shortly after I overdosed on those pills the department psychiatrist prescribed me, I
was brought to a local institution for mental support... a private psychiatric hospital
... a fancy one, at that. I had to remain here, in treatment, as long as the doctors
deemed necessary for my recovery. Otherwise Id be fired... 10 months have gone by.
The first 2 months I spent them half asleep, under the effects of medication... My
memories of them are blurry and vague. But one thing is for sure: those months helped
me get some much needed rest. My head was clear of all that had happened... and from
anything at all, really...
The following 4 months were what it took me to get myself up again. Smith visited me
basically every week, sometimes more than once. He kept me company when I most needed
it, in this lonely place. And thanks to his help, I managed to reconstruct all the pieces
I had put together regarding my daughters untimely death, along with all the other
strange happenings and bizarre facts that I uncovered. Even after so much time, there
was still no clue as to what had actually happened... and that body I had examined in
the morgue...
But now, another 4 months later, it all came to make sense. The final piece of the puzzle
was given to me... to everyone, actually... and what an unbelievable piece of information.
2 days ago, the existence of otherworldly creatures was confirmed... holy and unholy
entities from different planes of existence came into contact with ours.
A small village was attacked by a group of demonic creatures, resulting in 2 gruesome
deaths, about 10 injured villagers that showed serious signs of torture, and the abduction
of 3 other people. Theyre still missing. Not only that... Angels came down from the
skies to subdue the Demons...
Religious leaders from all over the world have spoken to authorities, stating that theyve
been in contact with God-sent entities for weeks, and that they were expecting the coming
of those Demons, as well as many other future attacks of the sort. They claim they were
ordered by the holy beings not to disclose any of it until it actually happened, because
they would be discredited as false prophets, and would not be given the rightful attention.
In truth, that is what would most certainly have happened before clear evidence of the
Demons and Angels existence had been shown... but is that enough to prove theyre
speaking the truth? Arent they just trying to use these recent happenings to their
advantage, to try and exalt the church?
Already the balance of power is threatening to shift... what will become of modern society
if religion takes the upper hand once again, as in ancient times? News channels from all
over the world have started referring to this as the beginning of a new age... A.R.
Anno Revelatio.
But... even with all of this going on, I cant stop myself from thinking about what it
means... everything is telling me to accept that my daughter was killed by something
involving demonic activity! And that would mean that the body we had in the Lemuris
Town Morgue was actually the body of a Demon!
And what would that say about the fact that Ryo survived the incident? And how did
the Demon die?! And did the Demons also kill Ryos parents? Ryo and Michael...
could they also be dead? Or abducted, just like those 3 victims at Meadars?

So many questions... but now it seems I have much more to follow up on. I dont care
if I lose my job anymore, its time I left this place. I will not rest until I find out the
whole truth about what happened. This journey may, and probably will, lead me into
danger... I dont want anyone else to be involved. That is why I am writing this last
entry...

Smith, if youre reading this, as you surely are, I want to make it clear that I wish
to be left alone. Please dont follow me. Youve been a good friend. Thank you so much
for the support you gave me over these harsh months... but now its time for you to forget
about me. The journey Im about to undertake, I must make it alone.

Goodbye, for good, dear diary.

Having made it through the roadblock, Nina sped her way to the city of Nevelyn. It had been about
twelve hours since reports had made the news of a demon attack. The largest scale demonic crisis to
date... while up until then the creatures had only attacked in small groups, this time it was all out war.
Out of nowhere, tons of hellish, winged beings had swarmed the city murdering everyone in sight.
Less than an hour later, the recently created Special Forces for Demonic Activity - S.F.D.A. - arrived
at the site to combat the threat. Hours had gone by. On every radio station, news about the arrival of
angelic warriors had been announced, but shortly after that it seemed all hell had broken loose.
Armageddon is upon us, had been the last official statement. Everyone, without exception even to the
military, was to be evacuated from the city.
Now, only a few miles away from her objective, Detective Sutherlands senses were overflowing
with anticipation and enthusiasm. After the months spent suffering in ignorance, she was finally close
to something that might help her unravel the truth. Her life had once lost all meaning, but now the
anticipation of uncovering the mystery and facing the cause of her daughters death filled her with
purpose it gave her the will to step on the gas pedal, headed towards an encounter she wouldnt likely
return from. Even though the detective thought herself ready for anything, it was far from the truth.
Despite all the appalling sights shed seen, nothing could prepare the former L.A.P.D Shark for the
events she was about to witness.
On the outskirts of Nevelyn chaos ran rampant. Dozens of civilian-occupied vehicles rushed their
way out of the city. Honking for their lives, the people fought for their way to safety; soldiers lined the
roads, trying their best to control the desperate masses and guide them to the nearest exit route. Cars
smashed into each other, but their drivers couldnt care less for the damage as they waded through the
sea of vehicles.
The roads Nina now drove on were a striking contrast to all of the bedlam: completely free of traffic.
Five minutes of speeding to the center was all it took for utter chaos to disappear, replaced by a ghostly
absence of life. Every living soul had already been evacuated and the inner circle of Nevelyn was
completely deserted of human presence. As Nina got closer to Central Square (where the demonic attack
had actually begun) the picture around her got darker and grittier... abandoned vehicles smashed against
trees, traffic lights and buildings soon gave way to dead bodies either trampled or run over by cars.
A block away further along, the scenery was already a gruesomely accurate representation of what
had been announced on the news. Broken and mangled corpses were covered in gore. Destroyed
vehicles, wrecked newsstands, phone booths and sundered trees surrounded her. Blood was splattered
on the ground and sprayed on the walls. Body parts and carnage painted a picture of horror and
devastation. Amidst the human victims, Nina could see the remains of demonic creatures, their dark
monstrous frames riddled with bullets or burned to a crisp. It seemed the S.F.D.A. had managed to
inflict some damage, but not nearly enough. The demons had clearly taken the upper hand.
The detective was driving slowly now, anticipating what she might find around each corner with
dread. Were the soldiers all dead? Had the demons already left or were they still fighting up ahead?
There were no gunshots. One more turn around a street corner and she heard screams close by. She
quickly got out of her car and proceeded on foot. All around were the remains of dead demonic
creatures. Corpses cut in half, decapitated heads, limbs separated from their respective bodies...
whoever had done this, they were ruthless and unwavering in their assault. The creatures dead faces
showed horrible expressions of terror, fear, and pain. Had this been the work of the angels?
 Suddenly a loud scream was heard. Nina looked to her right, in a hurry, and spotted a demon running
forward, screaming. Its huge black wings flapped wildly, and it held a long sword above its head. In
front of it stood the wingless frame of a man, long white hair streaming down his back. He was in a
hunched position and remained completely still. Pulling out her gun, Nina hurried to help the strange
man. Her advance was halted by a sudden flash and a loud metallic grinding sound. The demonic
creature stumbled to the ground, headless. Blood gushed everywhere, and the body twitched as the
unholy existence it had once housed evaporated.
The lonesome figure, dressed in what had been ivory clothing that was now blood-drenched, calmly
stepped towards another demon. Nina took cover behind a car, watching. The demon screamed and
suddenly released a flash of lightning from its hand. His attack was swiftly evaded. The creature then
opened its wings and jumped upwards, holding another body with both hands... was it trying to escape?
Nina covered her mouth in horror as she realized the body being held by the fleeing demon had no legs.
With an inhuman maneuver, the wingless fighter was suddenly on top of the demon, and another
reverberating metallic sound echoed. Something fell to the ground but a pair of wings flew away into
the distance, leaving behind a trail of blood.
The silver-haired warrior landed calmly, looking up at the fleeing creature and aiming his hand in
its direction. It seemed he was preparing to do something when, out of nowhere, a shadow came flying
at him. He evaded sideways, and the broken body of a winged being smashed against a wall. It fell to
the ground in a puff of pearly feathers, lifeless.
Oh my God! Is that... the body of an angel?! Shit... what the hell did that to him?
A monstrous creature had appeared next to the blood-soaked fighter. Its huge black wings
overshadowed its tall dark frame. The giant scythe in its hands imposed fear. The rounded blade
gleamed in the sun, covered in blood... Ninas skin prickled.
Now, child, you will see what a true demon is capable of! You will not go unpunished for what
youve done to my brethren!
Shit, I gotta help the guy... he doesnt stand a chance against that monster!
A stone-cold voice stopped Nina from abandoning her hiding place. The ashen-haired man spoke
with such calm that it was as if he was not seeing the same dreadful figure she was.
This is where and when you meet your end, clan leader. But dont worry; none of your kind will
escape the fate that my blade brings. The rest will soon join you.
Well, whoever that is, hes a deluded fool! Nina thought, bewildered and astonished by what she was
hearing. How can he really think himself capable of beating that... thing?!
From behind the tall demon came an angel, rushing with his sword aimed at the creatures torso. For
a moment, Nina felt relief she thought the preemptive strike would hit its target. The feeling soon
dissipated and horror crept back into her mind. The monstrous demon easily evaded without even
looking back, and, as its opponent passed by, it grabbed him by the top of the head with long-clawed
fingers, jerking the white-winged warrior to a sudden stop. The vile entity then placed the edge of its
huge scythe to the angels back and in a sudden movement lopped off both his wings. He cried out in
agony as blood streamed down his legs to accumulate in a gory crimson pool on the ground.
Swiping its weapon clean, the demonic creature violently bit down on its enemys neck. The holy
being twisted and screamed while the blood was sucked out of his body. Completely frozen, Nina
watched in horror the dying entity scream and claw at the demons arm and horned head, trying, in vain,
to get loose. How many seconds or minutes went by, the detective couldnt say.
A loud snapping sound marked the angelic creatures demise. The body fell to the ground, limp.
You will meet the same end as this wingless puppet, halfling! The demons harsh voice resounded
gravely while he wiped his mouth and chin of smudged blood.
 W...what... the... fuck...
Surprisingly, the lone warrior seemed perfectly unmoved. Hed watched the angels horrifying death
without even blinking, while quietly sheathing his long Japanese-looking sword. He uttered no reply to
the demons threat. Nina could have sworn shed even spotted a smile cross the mans lips as he readied
himself to a lower stance, holding his weapon by his waist.
The demonic creatures imposing presence was terrifying, yet Nina could not help noting its grim
features. A pair of long, twisted, ram-like horns projected from either side of its clean-shaven head.
Two pure black eyes were surrounded by long, branching, dark veins as if darkness spread out from the
creatures very soul. Slowly her gaze met a jaw lined with oversized teeth and fangs which protruded
from behind closed lips. The huge black-feathered wings now folded allowed a closer look at the
intricately adorned black and yellow vests, covered in what Nina assumed to be the blood of countless
angelic warriors.
Upon a closer look, the silver-haired warrior definitely wasnt human either. He had similarities to
the demons: his skin noticeably pale and eyes completely dark. But there were no wings on his back,
and he was clearly fighting with the angels or against the demons, at the very least.
Who... or what are you?
Both opponents were still, looking straight into each others eyes, their weapons ready for a clash.
All around them, the ravaged city was enveloped in a strange and unexpected stillness. The atmosphere
was extremely heavy and sharp, worsening with the creeping seconds. Nina felt antsy. She had no idea
what to expect or even who these creatures were, yet, somehow, she felt as if the outcome of this battle
could alter the course of human history itself.
Suddenly, the demon dashed forward with unnatural speed. His wings wide open, he raised his giant
scythe high in the air and swung it down with enough force to slash through virtually anything in its
path. The wingless warrior swiftly evaded to the side, and with one single movement unsheathed his
sword and attacked with such overwhelming speed and accuracy that Nina could almost picture the
demons head falling off its shoulders. Using the scythes metallic handle, the creature was able to
protect its neck, though. The sheer force of the impact generated a thunderous clang.
The demonic leader was propelled back a few feet and, while he was still recovering his balance, his
adversary was already on top of him. With a straight strike, the warrior hit the demon in the gut with
the tip of his swords sheath and then rapidly twisted in place and delivered a powerful roundhouse
kick. Switching the grip on his long sword to an inverted position, the strange man performed a swift
upwards slash aimed at the throat, but the creature managed to recover its senses in time, and parried
the attack. Responding quickly, the white-haired warrior took advantage of the momentum his enemys
parry had given him. In full rotation, he forced his sword upwards, impaling the creature straight through
the torso.
Ninas senses were overwhelmed. She was having trouble following their movements at such
dazzling speeds, but she clearly saw this moments picture. She gasped in thrilling surprise at seeing
what looked like a swift victory for the demon slayer. Everything and everyone stood still, as if time
itself held its breath... blood flowed through the air, gushing from the vile entitys back, where a large
portion of the mans sword shone brightly, reflecting the sunlight amidst the demonic vital fluid.
Somehow, there was no sign of falter from the winged monster. As its opponent prepared to twist
and remove his blade, the creature suddenly grabbed the man by the neck and delivered a powerful head
butt to his face. Quickly, the demon jumped forward with a single flap of its great wings and twisted
around mid-air, the sword lodged in his chest apparently having no effect on his stamina. The man
stumbled back, recovering his senses, as a shadow passed over him. The dark creature landed behind
him in a low stance, holding the huge scythe with both hands. In a circular motion, it delivered a full
moon slash that cut through the ground and over its wings, lifting a cloud of dirt and stone shards.
Nina saw the blood sprayed through the air, forming an arc from the warriors position to the ground
behind the demon. She looked to the scythes blade, expecting to find the warriors body impaled on it.
Instead, she saw the weapons blood-covered edge buried halfway into the ground. As the dust settled,
the wingless figure became visible, stumbling to its knees.
Youre better than you look! It took a lot of skill to escape that attack. A real shame you have to
die here. The monstrous demons powerful words showed pity for its opponent. There was not a hint
of pain as the creature removed the long katana from its torso and dropped it on the ground. A bright
light shone around its hand, enveloping the gaping wound in a matter of seconds, the creatures chest
was completely healed.
Oh my god... that monsters unbeatable... hes going to die... I have to help him!
Kneel and accept your defeat. Die with honor, the demon demanded.
The lone warriors voice sounded faint and weak. It was hard for Nina to tell if he was
Argh...
sobbing with pain or actually laughing, despite how ridiculous that mightve seemed to her. You think
youve won already, demon?
You are unarmed... you have a deep wound across your entire back and no resources to heal, the
vile creature stated, calmly. It is unrealistic to believe you can still win. Why delay the inevitable? You
will only make it harder... for everyone. Im sure even the little human observing us would rather have
this finished now.
Who... what... human?! The injured fighters voice faltered, showing, for the first time, surprise.
It... knows Im here?
Ninas heart rate shot up.
The demon looked directly towards her position. Its stare caused a shiver to run down her spine.
Come out from your hiding place, human. I have no intention of harming you.
Seeing no other alternative, she stood up from behind the car. Cautiously and nervously, she walked
over to the warriors, keeping her firearm ready at her side. She slowly directed her gaze to the white-
haired man, who struggled to his feet. As he looked at her, his eyes suddenly became different he was
startled, confused.
Huh? Whats that... look? His... face... it looks familiar, somehow... but... hows that even possible?
Blood pooled on the ground around the warrior. It looked as if the pain meant nothing to him. His
attention was completely focused on Nina.
Fuck... I have to do something...
Let him go. Please... The detective pleaded, stepping between the demon and its prey. She faced the
creature and tried to keep from stuttering. Her heart was ready to jump out of her mouth. Dont kill
him...
The entity looked surprised for an instant. It stared in silence at Nina before its hoarse voice invaded
her perception. Child, what makes you think I care about anything you, or any of your kind, have to
say?
But... what have we ever done to you? she questioned in frustration, despite the enormous weight
constricting her throat. Why do you hate us so much?
I have no desire, or reason, to discuss this with you! the demon exclaimed as it took a step towards
her. Move aside, unless you have a death wish!
Argh... shit... what am I supposed to do now?
 Ugh... Ka... rin?
Huh? Nina looked behind her in bewilderment. What... did you say? She closed in on the
struggling warrior. What did you just... call me?
The warrior looked utterly confused. His face reflected immense pain, sadness, and anguish.
Please! Who are you?! How do you know her? she demanded, her mind occupied with questions.
The mans abyssal gaze slowly descended to the ground. When he looked back up at her, his
expression was once again cold and emotionless.
Get behind me if you value your life, he said, shortly.
What? No! I want an answer! she screamed in despair.
Come on! The warriors dark eyes bulged open as he screamed, Now!
Enough chattering! Get out of my way, human!
Startled, Nina turned back toward the demon who sounded impatient now.
No! Please, dont kill him! I wont move! She opened her arms wide, as if forming a protective
wall between the evil entity and the mysterious man behind her.
Enough! The demonic being suddenly stepped closer, and its arm moved abruptly. Everything went
dark.