《Rapture: The Bloodstained Chronicles (prototype)》


 Chapter1- The Bloodstained Crow

    Saturday, September 10. On a thunderous night, 3 thugs covered in odd serpent cross tattoos wait for a meeting with other people. Beside them a young girl long brown hair and hazel eyes has her arms tied up in an alley as some type of captive.


    Cross-face: That old man¡¯s look was priceless.


    Thug1: I know right, he was all like ¡°No, release her!¡± or some bullshit.


    Thug2: Then I just knocked his ass on da ground. His head just bounced on da floor, haha.


    Cross-face: Yea¡­ that wasn¡¯t needed! Asshole, now you gotta call the boss about this shit. We just came to grab the payment.


    The Cross-face Thug then points at the girl whom is terrified about these people.


    Thug2: Bitch looks like a 13 year old, *looks at girl* an¡¯t that right honey? You 13, right?


    The young girl in wet dirty clothes doesn¡¯t not reply, let alone look at the thugs.


    Young girl: ¡­


    Thug1: Man I gotta tell ya, she pretty fine for her age though¡­


    Cross-face: DON¡¯T EVEN TRY IT; we need to sell her, that¡¯s our job! Tell ya what; next girl we get ya can do what ya want with her, got it?


    Thug1: Bellow 14?


    Cross-face: Jesus¡­ yea¡­


    As they were talking in the corners of the alley, there were homeless people hiding from both the thugs and the rain.


    Thug2: Shit man where they at? Weren¡¯t they suppose be here before us? We even in da right spot?


    Thug1: Ya we are. See, da logo¡¯s there.


    As the thug points towards a wall with a small cross shaped by snakes in paint, the young girl wobbles her way deeper into the alley. She sees some red splats on the ground that lead toward a dark corner. Then light from a lightning strike shows a man in a dirty hooded cloak, just sitting on the ground, as if he was sleeping. One of the thugs grabs her before she realizes it.


    Thug1: Shit, can¡¯t believe we almost let ya go little cutie. *he looks around and sees no one* Ya know, I like ya¡­ na more like I love that body of yas. So let¡¯s do this before they find us.


    Young girl: S-stop! Get off me!


    Thug1: You can talk! Yay!


    As she gets pinned down by the thug and grabs the young girl¡¯s top about to tear it off, a voice from the dark corner is heard.


    ???: God damn it, I can¡¯t believe I fell asleep¡­ Hey, were you waiting for some people with cross shaped tattoos?


    Thug1: Who that said that!? Come out here!


    Just as the thug said that a swift kick onto the thug¡¯s face hit him. The young girl looks at who it was; it was the same person that was sitting in the dark corner. Rain then begins to fall lightly.


    ???: I¡¯m just asking you one simple question. Were you waiting for some cross-shaped tattooed people? Yes or No?


    Thug1: Who da hell are you!


    Back where the two other thugs were, they started looking for their friend and the young girl.


    Thug2: Man this rain an¡¯t letting up, and where the hell did they go to anyway?


    Cross-face Thug: It¡¯s you guys fault that she left, arguing about if this is the right place, what if she gets raped by that idiot, virgins sell a lot more than a bitch.


    Thug2: Maybe they got caught by that ¡°monster¡±.


    Cross-face: Not this again, that¡¯s just a rumor, aright? Ya know how many people want us dead.


    Thug2: Na man, this guy been hunting down people that have snake crosses on dem for the past three weeks. Maybe he got those guys that were supposed to be here¡­ oh man I think that-


    Cross-face: That¡¯s enough, look it¡¯s not real, there¡¯s no way some guy in a robe with claws for hands is real. There an¡¯t no such thing as a Bloodstained Crow.


    Soon after they both hear a scream coming from ahead of them.


    Cross-face: Ugh! Now what!


    Before the scream happens, thug1 is failing to hurt the unknown cloaked person with a knife.


    Thug1: Stay still you little fuck!


    The cloaked person then kicks the thug¡¯s head towards the ground, and then stomps down on his face.


    ???: I know that there were two other people with you, so I¡¯m gonna need you to call out for them.


    Thug1: Go to hell-*a foot grinds on his face* Ahhh!


    ???: *grins* Good just like that, but a little louder, okay?


    The frightened young girl saw her savior bring down the thug that was going to assault her, but as she looked more at the cloaked man she saw that it was not dirt on the cloak, but dry bloodstains.


    The two other thugs run to the screams and find their friend on the ground.


    Cross-face: What da hell happened here!? Da girl kick ya ass?


    Thug1: Na¡­ it was¡­ a guy in some robes¡­


    Cross-face: What? No wait where da hell is the girl! Did you lose her!?


    Thug2: I knew it man, he is gonna kill us, I an¡¯t gonna stay here man Im out!


    Just as he turns around to run, he sees right behind him the cloaked person. Unable to see his face but can see the blood covered cloak.


    Thug1: There¡­ he¡¯s behind you!!!


    Cross-face: What!? Who the fuck are you!?


    ??? : Just someone that wants all you people dead.


    The Cross-faced thug pulls out a gun at the cloaked person.


    Cross-face: Fuck that! *shoots gun*


    The cloaked person grabs Thug2 and uses him as a meat shield.


    Thug2: Gueh! *bullet hits his chest* What dah fuck!?


    ???: Careful *smiles* you might kill your buddy here. Want to try again and see if you can hit me?


    The Cross-faced thug is then immobilized by the face the cloaked person was showing. Grinning, showing his teeth like a wild animal before it kills. The cloaked man saw this fear, tossed thug2 aside, and rushed towards the cross-faced thug. The Cross-faced thug then snaps out of his fear and tries to shoot him, but before he realizes it, his hands holding the gun have been cut off by what seemed to be the cloaked man¡¯s claws.


    ???: *grabs the cross-faced thug by the throat* Now, tell me where your cult¡¯s holdout¡¯s at?


    Cross-face: *choking* What the fuck are you! *neck is tightened*.


    ???: *sigh* Come on, it¡¯ll be painless death if you can just tell me¡­ Oh wait that freak should know too.


    The cloaked man then stabs the cross-faced thug in the stomach, then walks towards thug1 and was about to interrogates him. The thug notices that the cloaked man''s fingers are large sharp metallic claws; they almost seem transparent as well.


    Thug1: Don¡¯t kill me! I¡¯ll tell ya, I¡¯ll tell ya where we hang at! There three places, one at ¡°Club68¡± in Hollywood, second at the underground subway station near the Los Angeles Stadium. I don¡¯t know where da third is though; I¡¯m new to Cross.


    ???: ...


    Thug1: I swear I told ya everything I know *rushes him and stabs him in the arm* Now can ya tell me where that girl went ta?


    The cloaked person then smashes the thug¡¯s head to the wall, breaking his skull. He then walks towards a garbage container and opens it revealing the young girl.


    ???: You okay? The people that were going to hurt you are gone now.


    Young girl: ¡­


    ???: Scared huh, can¡¯t blame you. You can come out of there now though¡­. *sees the girl is still scared* Hm, I¡¯ll be back.


    The young girl peeks out and sees that the cloaked person is dumping the bodies into another dumpster. Grabs a cell phone from one of the bodies and walks back to her.


    ???: Here, call the police. I¡¯m sure that they will take you back home.


    Young girl: ... Why¡¯d you help me?


    ???: *looks at the girl* I¡¯ll be honest with you, if they weren''t the people I wanted I wouldn''t have gotten involved. You should be careful with older guys like that.


    She then grabs the cell phone from the cloaked man and sees what he meant; his hands stained with blood making his claws appear red crystal like.


    Young girl: I didn¡¯t choose to be with them. They just grabbed me from my home¡­ I¡­ think they killed my dad.


    ???: Oh¡­ but, you don¡¯t even look sad about that. If you want to cry go ahead, children like you shouldn''t hold stuff in like that.


    Young girl: No its okay, I don¡¯t really feel like it, he¡­ he wasn¡¯t someone I was good with¡­ Also, I''m not a child, I''m 17 years old.


    ???: Eh? Are you seriously giving me an attitude after saving your ass!? *sigh* whatever then, least you can say is tha- *sees her using the phone* (she ignores me when I¡¯m talking to her too¡­)


    As he sees her dialing 911 he starts to walk away.


    Young girl: *sees him leaving* W-wait! I thought you would have killed me too, why did you save me?


    ???: ¡­ That¡¯s none of your concern. Just make sure you don''t get caught up like this again.


    Young girl: ...


    Moments later the police arrive to the alley and begin their investigating where the fight had been. Two detectives walk towards the crime scene. One of them wears a long brown coat, short black hair, with his hands in his pockets; named Marshall Patientia. While the other detective had on a black coat, hat, and loose tie; named Steven Xiao.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Marshall: Man this rain just won¡¯t let up will it? But even with all this rain, this mess is still here.


    Detective Marshall points to the carnage of torn limbs and blood on the walls of the alley where Eveline was found.


    Steven: Yea, almost as if this was made by some pack of hyenas.


    Marshall: Why hyenas? Of all things¡­


    Steven: Sorry just some humor, but still, no way someone normal did all this. Hmm, *asks one of the officers besides them* hey where was the girl when you arrived?


    Officer1: *walks to the dumpster she was at* I found her here shaking from the cold, so I got her a coat and put her in the car as soon as possible.


    Steven then looks around to see if anything was anything that hasn¡¯t been washed away on the floor.


    Marshall still trying to figure out what might have happened, he goes to a forensic member named Phillip to ask if they found anything that wasn¡¯t washed away.


    Phil: All we found at the moment is some arms, few legs, fingers-


    Marshall: Aright! I got it! Jesus, Phil.


    Soon after though Marshall gets called by Steven to see what he found.


    Steven: *points to the wall* See, it was them again; the story the girl had matches up now.


    Marshall: So Cross was going to sell her since her father couldn¡¯t pay them back. Fucking Christ.


    Steven: A father with drinking problem and a mother that committed suicide. Such a story is common now and days.


    As Steven said that he then notices some blood on parts of the floor as the rain begins to let up.


    Steven: Marshall, I think these guys were being set up. Look at some parts here *points to parts of the floor* they led up to where the girl was found. Minus some bruises she had, she didn¡¯t have any cuts that would cause this amount of bleeding.


    Marshall: Yeah, makes them notice the blood and they would have followed it. But where are the bodies at?


    They both are called by Phil as they wonder where the bodies might be.


    Phil: Guys! You might want to come back here; we found where our slave traders were hiding!


    When Marshall and Steven arrive where Phil is, they see some people look pale as they look away from a dumpster a few corners away from where the girl was.


    Marshall: Well Phil, where are they?


    Phil: Look in here. *points in the dumpster*


    Marshall: What the!? *looks away quickly*


    Steven: That¡¯s really morbid, even for creeps like them. Though I suppose they had it coming¡­


    Marshall: Phil is this the only trash can that has bodies like this?


    Phil: We¡¯re checking that right now.


    Marshall: Good.


    Steven: Marshall, that¡¯s means the girl¡¯s story was 100% correct, that guy was involved in this incident as well.


    Marshall: That makes this the nineteenth attack in just 3 weeks. Jesus, makes me wonder how the hell we gonna ever capture someone like this.


    Steven: Not sure, but we have to, he could end up killing people that aren¡¯t in ¡°Cross¡± in the process one day. Somebody that wears black armor, a cloak covered in blood and claw for weapons.


    Marshall: "The Bloodstained Crow¡±, sounds kinda weird if you ask me.


    The two begin to walk towards their own car.


    Marshall: Well looks like we got some more paper work to fill out at the office.


    Steven: Correction, I have paper work, you should go deal with your wife¡¯s birthday party, poor Sharon, married a workaholic.


    Marshall: Shut up. My family is important, so if I want them safe then I gotta do my job properly.


    Steven: What about the girl, *looks at Marshall¡¯s car* she doesn¡¯t have a home to go to anymore right. Gonna drop her at the station or something?


    Marshall: No, I think for now I should place her in my care until I can find a better place. Look, leave some work for me got it. I don¡¯t want you to do all the work and make me owe you something.


    Steven: No prob, I¡¯ll do 1/8 of the paper work, and the rest is yours.


    Marshall: ¡­ Don¡¯t play like that Steve.


    As the two part ways Marshall, enters his car and besides him is the girl, her name Eveline Everstone, shivering from the cold rain as she warms up by the car¡¯s heater.


    Marshall: *uses keys to start engine* Eveline, I¡¯m sorry about everything that¡¯s happen to you today. I¡¯m also sorry, by the time ambulance got to your dad; he had died from an injury on his head.


    As he looks to Eveline he sees that she seems to be not bothered by such news at all.


    Eveline: No, it''s fine.


    Marshall: ¡­ I see. *begins to drive the car*


    Eveline: So, where am I going now?


    Marshall: For the meantime, you¡¯ll be living with us since you don¡¯t have anywhere else to go.


    Eveline: You sure that¡¯s a good idea? Won¡¯t Cross come looking for me?


    Marshall: To them, you were 1 out of 1000s of people they sell each day. Besides, like us, they got their hands full.


    Eveline: ¡­ That guy, is the Bloodstained Crow really a bad person?


    Marshall: The crow? His reasons may look heroic, but those methods¡­ they aren¡¯t at all.


    Eveline: I... I see.


    Marshall: I have to ask you one more time, can you remember anything else about him that sticks out?


    She tries to think about anything she can remember about him that would help, but all she can tell them is what they already know.


    Eveline: No, only that he had red claws, a hooded cloak, and black armor looking things on his body. Sorry that¡¯s all I can think of.


    Marshall: It¡¯s okay. If you can think of anything else, please tell me when you do *smiles*.


    As Marshall drives the car his thoughts travel around his head about the Bloodstained Crow.


    Marshall: (Bloodstained Crow, what you are doing isn¡¯t justice or heroic at all. Your nothing but another murder. Just what in the hell are you trying to justify?)


    On the roof tops near downtown Los Angeles, the Bloodstained Crow travels towards the underground subway. As he continues to jump from roof to roof, he hears a voice he recognizes.


    ???: Impressive, I¡¯m very impressed with your progress. Keep this up and you¡¯ll have this whole city tremble in fear, Bloodstained Crow. Or should I call you by you given name, Cipher Avalon.


    Cipher: Vice¡­ Where the hell are you!?


    Soon after an appearance of an angel with black wings, named Vice shows himself.


    Vice: Quite a temper you have, you really have a bad attitude, and you need an attitude adjustment mister. *smiles*


    Cipher: Get out of my way Vice, I know where he is now. So move it!


    As Cipher begins to pass Vice, he looks to Cipher as he walks by him.


    Vice: You know¡­ there¡¯s no one at that subway station. And it will take you some time to get to that club; it¡¯s pretty far from here. Should have gotten that info of that last area from that thug before you killed him you know.


    Cipher: No point, I know he wasn¡¯t lying. Worthless humans like that will sellout they¡¯re friends in a heartbeat to save their skins.


    Vice: True, but you were going to kill him no matter what anyway. After all, you find pleasure in this now don¡¯t you?


    Cipher: No. I kill only those bastards, that¡¯s all.


    Vice: I suppose so. If you didn¡¯t think about killing that girl as well.


    Right when Vice said that Cipher froze, not knowing how to respond to Vice¡¯s comment. Vice sees this and continues his speech.


    Vice: I know you Cipher; you don¡¯t have a shred of humanity left in you. The humans left you as a child, fought you, called you names, and you¡­ you wanted them dead. Such a misfortunate child, abandoned with no memories and right when you think a have friends and family; humanity stole your life as a normal human being. *puts his hand on Cipher¡¯s face* Face it boy, you rather see the world burn then to return to your former life.


    Cipher: *tries to stab Vice* SHUT THE HELL UP!


    Vice: *grabs Cipher¡¯s arm before it hits him* Pathetic, you have no class. And to add salt to my wound, you attack me when I was going to tell you where the third location they¡¯re at right now. And ¡°he¡± is there with them as we speak.


    Cipher: TELL ME WHERE HE IS NOW VICE!!


    Vice: No. You hurt my feelings when you tried to attack me earlier. And to think I gave you this chance for your own petty emotions.


    Cipher: VICE!!!


    Now furious, Cipher uses his other claw to strike against Vice. However his other arm that was still in Vice¡¯s hand was then broken by Vice¡¯s strength which stopped Cipher¡¯s attack.


    Cipher: Aghh!


    Vice: Dear child did you forget, you might have died once, but because I gave this gift that allows you to live once more; you can die again. So in turn, you can still feel pain.


    As Cipher begins to go down on one knee Vice grabs his other arm and breaks it as well.


    Cipher: Ahhh! *falls to the ground*


    Vice: Don¡¯t forget Cipher, you made a deal. *grinds his foot onto Cipher¡¯s head* Besides those arms of yours will heal back no time; after all you did absorb the souls of those humans with those claws, remember. You¡¯ve had 3 weeks since returning to this filthy world, and now you finally got some idea where your killer is.


    Cipher:*in pain* ¡­


    Vice: Good, now then I must get going. *takes foot off of Cipher¡¯s head* An angel like myself staying on Earth for too long may cause problems for us you see.


    Cipher: Screw¡­ you. You¡¯re no god damn angel.


    Vice: Temper now, don¡¯t want me to smash that head of yours do you, that¡¯ll be painful for you, and I don¡¯t think you have enough energy to recover from that. *begins to walk away* Find someplace to hide when those arms heal okay, I¡¯ll keep in touch. Bye!


    As Vice vanishes, Cipher lies on the ground and waits until the bones in his arms heal completely. When Cipher¡¯s arms finally heal he wonders where he should go. He looks at the city in front of him as the rain begins to stop.


    Cipher: (That girl said she was 17 if I remember it correctly. So despite looking like a 13 year old, she''s the same age as me. Weird.)


    He then remembers the one place he grew up and decides to head toward that direction. Using the rooftops he sees people going by their business and traffic caused by cars going slowly due to the heavy rain before. Soon he reaches a residential area as he begins walking on the sidewalk.


    Cipher: (Looks like the neighborhood hasn¡¯t change that much. Actually¡­ it looks empty now than before.)


    As Cipher continues to walk, he finally stops in front of and old boarding house that hasn¡¯t been used in a while. He gives a cold stare and walks to the front door of the building.


    Cipher: (This place, it¡¯s completely run down. Well, it¡¯ll do for a while; getting tired of sleeping on hard cement. Can I even open the door with these hands?) *pushes the door and it opens* (Huh, I guess I lucked out.)


    While walking through the empty building, Cipher looks around and sees all the rooms have been unused and all seem to be good to sleep in. But he continues and heads towards the stairs. When he reaches a door on the second floor he sees that it¡¯s also open; so then he enters the room.


    Cipher: God damn it. *sigh* I really hoped that my old bed might still be here.


    All he sees in his childhood room is an empty room, two windows that face the city and away from the streets, and one wooden chair. Cipher then grabs the chair, takes his cloak off and places it on the chair. With his cloak off it shows that he has on clothes with black iron armor, armored plates on his pants and shoes, light brown hair, brown skin, and black eyes.


    Cipher: Ahhhh¡­. This feels relaxing as always. *looks up to the sky* Damn clouds, one thing I hate about cloudy days, impossible to see the stars in the sky¡­ I wonder if that girl is safe now¡­


    He then remembers the face of the man that took away the life he always dreamed of. The man that had murdered him.


    Cipher: Samuel¡­ I will make sure you will die a painful death by my hands.


    His mind begins wanders off. Knowing that what he¡¯s doing is opposite of what the one person in his life taught him, he tries to forget as he dozes off. During his sleep Cipher begins to experience a nightmare. He¡¯s running in towards someone as fast as he can.


    Cipher: *running* Wait, don¡¯t go there!


    As he runs he tries to grab the girl with his hands; which he does in which he then raps his arms around her.


    Cipher: Don¡¯t go there. Please, just stay!


    However he then sees fire all around, it seems to be burning people around them which are screaming. He then feels the girl in his arms place her hand on his face.


    Cipher: Huh!? *sees his hands covered in her blood* Ahhhh!


    He awakens from his sleep and he strikes at the wall nearest to him and hits some type of creature. His face covered in sweat, he is confused at what he just attacked.


    Cipher: *breaths heavily* Well... fuck.


    Vice: Oh so the little Nightmare spirits just barely go to eat the life-force from you. They usually appear if they are summoned.


    Cipher: Been meaning to ask you, how am I even attracting these things?


    Vice: Your soul has a type of aura that attracts low-class demons like these to come into this world. Did these little guys give you a good dream, little Cipher?


    Cipher: Go to hell. Least I was able to get some sleep this time.


    Vice: Not like you need it, you¡¯ve been killing these humans without the need to sleep. However all these are the lowest common type of demon that you can encounter, similar to the dead spirits that attack you during the night. (But I wonder how he¡¯ll react is if told him what those dreams mean¡­) By the way Cipher; whatever dream you had from the Nightmares, are 100% accurate. Meaning they showed you the future.


    For a moment, Cipher stops breathing as a recalls the dream he had. The room full of silence until Vice speaks up.


    Vice: Well, tell me what type of dream was it. Wait let me guess, you became a harem king!


    Ignoring Vice¡¯s comment, Cipher grabs his cloak as he walks away. As he leaves Vice tells him one last thing before they part ways.


    Vice: Remember child, in the darkness the spirits of the dead will come towards you. Last night was your first time to sleep like a normal human since you came back. So be careful on you killing spree!


    As Cipher exits the building he wonders if he should even look for the person he saw in his dream or continue on his mission.


    Cipher: *puts cloak on* Least the rain washed off all the blood on this thing. (What should I do¡­? Look for that bastard that killed me or look for her to make sure she¡¯s safe¡­ Damn that bastard of an angel.)

 Chapter2- Days in the Sunlight

    At a different location, is Detective Marshall in his house eating breakfast before he heads to work.


    Marshall: Man, honey I never get enough of your cooking. Your food¡­ *munch munch* usually isn¡¯t this burnt though.


    In front of Marshall was his wife Sharon, eating food as well.


    Sharon: I see, so my food has been burnt before and you still ate it huh.


    Marshall: No that¡¯s not what I meant. Just that it usually isn¡¯t this bad though¡­


    Besides Marshall is his teenage son Brandon Patientia, a light skinned, black eyes, and black haired boy whom is eating as well.


    Brandon: I don¡¯t know dad, you sure about that. The food is actually really good.


    Sharon: I knew you would be more considerate Brandon, unlike this guy.


    A soft apologetic voice is then heard from the kitchen as Eveline walks out.


    Eveline: Sorry Mr. Patientia. I¡¯ve never cooked at my house, I usually ate outside.


    Marshall: Wha! No it¡¯s good. Really, I mean, it¡¯s not bad but-


    Sharon: *sigh* Seriously, you¡¯re one of the world¡¯s greatest idiots¡­


    Brandon: Yep. Thankfully I¡¯m nothing like him.


    Marshall: What!? No you got me all wrong it¡¯s just that I didn¡¯t know-


    Just as Marshall tries to defend himself, his daughter walks into the dining room getting ready to leave. Her name being Iris Patientia, comes in with messy light brown hair and light brown eyes. On her is her paw-print patterned pajamas as she had just woken up.


    Marshall: Iris, you can help your old man right? You know that Eveline¡¯s food is better than your mom¡¯s burnt food¡­


    Iris: *pats on shoulder* Dad, its best you stop talking. By the way Brandon, you didn¡¯t wake me up. Again.


    Brandon: Sis, you¡¯re old enough to wake yourself now. You¡¯re 19 now, so you gotta do your own stuff now.


    Iris: Your right, but since your 2 years younger than me, that means it¡¯s time for you to stop relying on your big sister to drive you to school.


    Brandon: ¡­ Fine then, I can walk there, hell that¡¯s why we have feet!


    Sharon: Then it¡¯s best you get going Brandon, its 20 minute walk to school.


    Brandon: Eh!? That long! Alright then, a man¡¯s gotta accept a challenge!


    Eveline: Wait! I¡¯ll go too.


    Suddenly everyone looks to Eveline questioning whether she is forcing herself to act normally.


    Sharon: Eveline, you don¡¯t have to go to school today.


    Marshall: She¡¯s right, stay here and rest up a bit.


    Eveline: Really, everyone. I¡¯m okay, like seriously okay *shows a big smile*


    Iris: Eveline, just rest for a few days. If anything just for today, alright?


    Iris: Don¡¯t worry, when Brandon comes back you can take him out for his walk.


    Brandon: ¡­ Whatever.


    Marshall: Iris, take your brother to school. The streets aren¡¯t as safe as they once were.


    Sharon: Your dad¡¯s right. Besides, Eveline we can eat the rest of the cake from last night¡¯s party. Okay?


    Brandon: I¡¯m done with breakfast; I¡¯ll be in the living room while you take your time getting ready Sis.


    Iris: ¡­ I¡¯ll make sure you get there late then.


    Brandon: Fine by me, you can take your time.


    Brandon waits at the living room as he waits for Iris to finishing eating before taking them to school. Eveline then joins as Brandon is turns on the television and with nothing much on, the channel ends up on a news report.


    News reporter1: And we have news of the latest incident involving another attack by the Bloodstained Crow occurred during a meeting between Cross and the Latin gang Los Soldados de Reyes.


    News reporter2: That''s true; it has been 3 weeks since these incidents have started to happen. The assailant known as the Bloodstained Crow got that name from eye witnesses that were caught in the crossfire between the two. As they were only able to see was a man with large metallic claws and a blood drenched cloak.


    As the news continues on, Brandon speaks up.


    Brandon: They deserved it.


    Eveline: Your dad thinks otherwise like he says the way he kills them is unjust.


    Brandon: Unjust? Fuck that. Look what they do to people they kill and not to mention whatever they were going to do to you. Unjust my ass.


    Eveline: I guess you would like the fact the Bloodstained Crow is killing them all then.


    Brandon: ... He''s giving them what they deserve.


    After they¡¯re little talk Eveline then changes the subject when she sees pictures on the table. She then sees someone she doesn¡¯t know in the pictures.


    Eveline: Who¡¯s this?


    Brandon: Him? He''s someone I looked up to, kinda like a big brother.


    Eveline: Like a big brother?


    Brandon: He was my best friend. The first person I called a friend when me and Iris were orphans.


    Eveline: Oh, so he was older then you?


    Brandon: Nope. Same age as me.


    Eveline: ¡­ Huh? Then why big brother?


    Brandon: It''s because the way he acted. He didn¡¯t really act like a normal kid when we were younger. He did things his own way and I looked up to him.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Eveline: So how¡¯d you guys meet?


    Brandon: Well I don¡¯t remember much after our parents died, but me and Iris were sent to an orphanage and the kids there would make fun of my stuttering. They would pick on me whenever I talked, but Iris always defended me, sometimes she even fought with them.


    Eveline: Wow. I knew she¡¯s the fighter type, but back then too?


    Brandon: Yup, unlike now I didn¡¯t have courage to defend myself at all. I was scared and a very shy kid. But one day Iris was sick and I guess they took advantage of that. I was playing outside by myself and four kids came up to me.


    -Flashback-


    Kid1: Hey look its B-brand-don, haha.


    Kid2: Hey where¡¯s you big sister huh, she an¡¯t her to fight for you.


    Brandon: ¡­ *holds ball*


    Kid2: What you gonna cry?


    Kid2 grabs the ball and drops Brandon on the ground.


    Kid4: Give me da ball, hey let¡¯s play dodge ball. Hey Brandon dodge!


    The ball then smacks Brandon on the face while on the ground.


    Kid3: Wow that looked like it hurt. You should have dodged it. Haha


    The ball flies off and then hits a boy reading a book. As the kids laughed at him Brandon was clenching his fists. Until the ball that hit him came back and hit kid1 on the face.


    Kid1: Gah!


    Kid2: Huh? What?


    Kid3: Who did that!


    The 4 children look and see a boy with a book in his hand.


    Kid2: Wha!? You¡¯re that weirdo!


    Kid4: This got nothing to do with you, Cipher!


    Cipher: Yea, about that I can¡¯t just leave when you¡¯re picking on someone this weak. Also your ball hit me when I was over there, so you better say you¡¯re sorry us. *looks at Brandon* Oh yea, kid you can run away now, I understand your too weak to fight anybody.


    Brandon: I-I¡¯m not weak¡­


    Cipher: Huh?


    Soon after Brandon punches Cipher on the face.


    Brandon: I SAID IM NOT WEAK!


    Cipher: *punches him back* YOU¡¯RE HITTING THE WRONG GUY!


    Soon afterwards both Cipher and Brandon start fighting each other.


    Kid1: Hey¡­ DON¡¯T IGNORE US!


    The 4 kids then start to fight with them as well


    Brandon/Cipher: *punches kid1 in the face* STAY OUT OF IT!


    After the fight, all 4 kids run to the building, hurt and tired; while Cipher and Brandon are both on lying on the ground.


    Cipher: *breathing heavily* Dang kid, you can fight. But your punches suck.


    Brandon: *breathing heavily* We¡­ won though.


    An adult then sees the two on the ground from the fight.


    Staff: What going on here!


    Cipher: Ah man¡­ Maria''s gonna be mad.


    Brandon: Hey, my n-name is Brandon. Wha-a-what¡¯s yours?


    Cipher: It¡¯s best you don¡¯t get involved with me. I¡¯m known as a troublemaker here.


    Brandon: I don¡¯t care. Y-you helped me f-f-fight today.


    Cipher: ¡­ Ha! Sorry but I gotta go, take care kid! *runs from the scene*


    Staff: Cipher! You did this didn¡¯t you!


    The adult then starts to run after Cipher as he runs away from the scene.


    Brandon: Weird name, haha. Hope we can be friends someday Ci-cipher...


    -Flashback ends-


    Brandon: He was a weird guy at times. But he never once asked about the way I talked. I though he didn¡¯t care but when I finally did stop stuttering and showed him he said ¡°Oh I honestly didn¡¯t notice!¡±


    Eveline: I never knew that about you. When did that happen?


    Brandon: I was 11 when I told him, but I think we were 6 when we met.


    Eveline: Sounds like he was very¡­ unique guy. Did Iris also talk with him?


    Brandon: Well sort of, we all kinda met the same day. However she didn¡¯t like him at all due to her being overprotective at the time. She must have thought he was a bad influence or something.


    Eveline: So they didn¡¯t like each other then.


    Brandon: Well, the first 3 years of our friendship yeah. They didn¡¯t like each other, but Cipher did have a crush on my sis after the first year.


    Eveline: Oh! Did she know?


    Brandon: Yup. She rejected him all the time. Saying he was just an idiot or something. Despite the fact the she was so obliviously had to have liked him too.


    Eveline: What? Wait why did she do that?


    Brandon: Beats me. I don¡¯t know what that dumbass was thinking.


    Suddenly behind me, Iris appears and smacks him.


    Iris: Who¡¯s a dumbass?


    Brandon: Uh¡­ You are.


    Eveline: So where is he right now? Does he go at the same school as us?


    A silence then fills the room.


    Brandon: He did. But He doesn¡¯t anymore.


    Eveline: Huh?


    Iris: He died about 8 months ago.


    Eveline: ¡­ I¡¯m sorry for bringing this up. It''s no wonder he''s never introduce us.


    Iris: No it¡¯s alright. We have to move on. He wouldn¡¯t want us do dwell in the past or anything like that. Come on; let¡¯s go get you to school.


    Behind Iris, Eveline turns to Brandon.


    Eveline: I¡¯m sorry bringing up old memories.


    Brandon: Don¡¯t be. Those were nice memories anyways, but let¡¯s not talk about it now. Iris is still¡­ well you know.


    Eveline: *smiles* I understand. If it¡¯s okay with you, I would like to hear more from you later.


    Brandon: *blushes* Huh!? Oh, yea. Of course, anytime Eveline.


    As Iris drives Brandon to Douglas MacArthur High School, he looks outside the window and sees a normal everyday life people goes through living in the city. People walking their pets, morning traffic due to adults going to work, and kids younger and same age as him going to school. Eventually they stop at the front of the high school Brandon attends at. He then gets off of Iris¡¯s car.


    Iris: Aright call mom when you get out, she¡¯ll pick you up.


    Brandon: Bah, I can take the bus. Bout you? Don''t you have class now?


    Iris: I have class later today so I¡¯ma go back to sleep. In the meantime I can set up some flags for you with Eveline. Despite the fact she looks young she is 17 like you.


    Brandon: Please don''t...


    Iris: Don''t what?


    Brandon: Never mind, sides I can¡¯t be late for class 10 times in a row in my case.


    Iris: What!


    Brandon: Gotta go!


    As Iris begins to yell at Brandon, a shadowy figure hides at a roof of a nearby building, Cipher is there, watching them.


    Cipher: *smiles* They¡¯re still safe. That¡¯s good. ¡­ Iris¡­ All I need now¡­ is to find that bastard and kill him. Yea¡­ that''s all. Just to make sure though I¡¯ll lookout for them before nightfall.


    He then looks to the ground and sees ghostly faces on the floor. The faces seem to be moaning; he then backs off to the sunlight and sees that the faces stop at where the sunlight hits.


    Cipher: Least these bastards are weak during the day.


    At the police department Steven calls Phil about if they had found anything from the ally they can trace.


    Steven: Phil was there anything you found from any of the equipment that we can trace.


    Phil: Nope, and if there were these guys didn¡¯t have anything on them that would help.


    Steven: I see, well just keep us updated about-


    Phil: Ah!


    Steven: Found something for us?


    Phil: Huh, no just some noodles fell onto this guy''s face.


    Steven: I see.


    Phil: ¡­ you¡¯re not as fun as Marshall is you know. You were supposed to make some type of remark.


    Steven: Okay.


    Phil: ¡­ Well as for what you wanted, sorry but it¡¯s only the usual with this guy.


    Steven: The attacks?


    Phil: Yea, on a lot of them they had wounds that a bladed weapon would make or ¡°claws¡± in this case. And as always the puncher wounds are also too perfect, as if a laser went through them.


    Steven: It¡¯s his trademark.


    Phil: There were other people that didn¡¯t have any ¡°Cross¡± tattoos on them. Turns out they part of a different group.


    Steven: Yes, the Reyes gangs are possibly going to get involved in this now. Like the others they may let it go after seeing what he''s capable of. There anything else?


    Phil: Actually¡­


    Steven: Yes?


    Phil: Among the weapons, there was a knife that had blood on it.


    Steven: What about it?


    Phil: You¡¯re not going to believe it. The blood we found this one is completely different and is the tests show it to be odd.


    Steven: How so?


    Phil: Another thing is that the color of this blood is nothing like I¡¯ve seen before.


    Steven: What exactly do you mean?


    Phil: I don¡¯t know how else to say this but, Steven, its black blood.

 Chapter3: Predators and Prey

    Steven talks to Phil on the phone about the blood found on a knife that one of the thugs used to stab the Bloodstained Crow.


    Steven: What did you say?


    Phil: I don''t know how else to say this but its black blood.


    Steven: Black blood? Are you sure its blood?


    Phil: Of course I did re-test it at least 4 times before I told you. It has everything how regular blood cells act, it¡¯s just black. Look I gotta go. I have to run more types of tests on this.


    Steven: Understood, take care of yourself.


    As Steven finishes the call with Phil, Marshall arrives into their office.


    Steven: Marshall seems we got a lead on the Bloodstained Crow.


    Marshall: About damn time, looks like this bastard finally gave us something other than eye witnesses to work with.


    Steven: Yes, however. Marshall, the thing is that what they found was blood that had an odd color.


    Marshall: Huh, what do you mean?


    Steven: What they found was black blood.


    Marshall: Black blood? You sure that dipshit Phil wasn¡¯t playing you?


    Steven: He¡¯s no actor and he sounded quite perplexed himself when he brought it up.


    Marshall: Aright then, I¡¯ll trust your judgment. If it is black blood you think it was some type of disease or side effect to some drug?


    Steven: I¡¯ve never heard of any disease that turns blood black. It might be possible it¡¯s a new drug but we can¡¯t be too sure about it.


    Marshall: *sigh* So what? The rumors about him are right. That the Bloodstained Crow is a monster? Give me a break.


    Steven: I agree; if that¡¯s how it was he would have killed the girl or anyone that was inadvertently saved when he attacks.


    Marshall: Okay, so what do we know that could be his motives? Cross began approximately 9 years ago. They had their methods of ¡°sacrificing¡± that threatened anyone that gets in their way; however they haven¡¯t done that since 8 months ago. So the Bloodstained Crow must be involved with one of the victims that were killed.


    Steven: Most of the victims¡¯ families didn¡¯t care about them so many weren''t ever reported. The victims did share one thing which was that they were people that were against Cross.


    Marshall: Yes but unfortunately there were exceptions, since some of them did have families that cared.


    Steven: Like that boy your children knew, correct?


    Marshall: He was a pain in my ass, a straight up smart ass, and continually called me old, an outright delinquent type of kid. However he had a loving guardian and he was Iris and Brandon''s childhood friend when the three lived in an orphanage. It was painful when I found out he was one of the victims of 8 months ago.


    Steven: My condolences. With that said, the Bloodstained Crow must be someone that wants vengeance for losing their loved one or member of Cross that was betrayed somewhere at that point in time. Or-


    Marshall: Someone that survived and has begun to hunting them down.


    Steven: Precisely the case. So in regards to last night when do you think Los Soldados de Reyes will retaliate?


    Marshall: Aghhh! This god damn crow is seriously a pain in the ass.


    Steven: Agreed.


    Meanwhile in building in downtown, a boss sits in his office. The boss sits in his room with his hands typing away on his computer. Besides his computer is his name labeled onto a tag, Charles Servantas, the CEO and founder of a major technology "Servantas TECH" a company that has made technological advancements in consumer and private affairs. He''s wearing a normal business suit, has faded brown hair, and black eyes.


    Receptionist: Sir, you have a phone call on the line. He said he wants to talk to you about something important. Shall I tell him you¡¯re not here?


    Charles: Thanks but put him through.


    Receptionist: Very well.


    While on the phone a business man walks into the Charles¡¯s office as the receptionist tries to stop him.


    Business man: Am I interrupting?


    Charles: *hangs up the phone* No, no of course not it¡¯s just some annoyance I had to deal with. *sees that his receptionist is behind the man* It¡¯s okay; He¡¯s someone I was expecting.


    As the receptionist nods and leaves the two begin to talk amongst themselves.


    Business man: Good. Let¡¯s cut to the chase shall we. My boss, well, our boss wants you to know that it¡¯s almost time for the third phase to begin.


    Charles: Very well. The arrangements should be ready within three days from now.


    Business man: Great to hear. I sure do hope nothing bad happens to them, it would be quiet troublesome to deal with.


    Charles: True, your boss isn''t exactly doing this for a right cause. Am I right?


    Business man: Hmm I won¡¯t answer that for now, but I¡¯ll ask you this, what do you think about this person going around killing members of Cross. It''s been about 3 weeks since it started and this gang has gotten much smaller.


    Charles: What about him?


    Business man: Some of the cargo was "stolen" by Cross correct? I believe if you¡¯re not careful, he might come after you.


    Charles: I''ve thought of that. I have a solution to this and plus, I have doubts that the Bloodstained Crow as anything but destroying Cross in his mind.


    Just then the receptionist calls Charles again and tells him that he has another phone call for him on hold at the moment. The business man nods to him so that he can answer the phone. It is Gomez Santiago, leader of the Soldados de Reyes, one of the notorious gangs that had power in the gang world of Los Angeles until Cross was established.


    Gomez: Ay, your son fucked us last night. I told you, I was gonna waste him if he fucks up again.


    Charles: If you do that, then the one who is interfering in your business will go after you.


    Gomez: Who!?


    Charles: Have you heard of the Bloodstained Crow?


    Gomez: That thing they say on the tv?


    Charles: I have some people in the police that told me, the Bloodstained Crow is the one that killed your men last night.


    Gomez: FUCK! You know what. I¡¯m gonna get this faggot for getting in my way. It¡¯s fucking up my business.


    Charles: Well I sent someone with money for you to pay certain people that will dispose of him. Don¡¯t blow this Gomez, if you spend that money other than what¡¯s need, those mercenaries will kill you after I¡¯m done with you. Is that understood?


    Gomez: Yea yea. Dios, los blancos siempre son anales sobre- <God you whites are always anal about->


    Charles then hangs up the phone and tells the business man of the situation.


    Business man: I see. So you¡¯re still in contact with those people?


    Charles: Don''t worry. I''m almost done with this side project of mine.


    Business man: Good and besides who knows, this crow may benefit us one day.


    Charles: How so?


    Business man: If something goes wrong, we can just blame it all on him. However if I may ask, these people you mentioned from before; do you think your mercenaries will be capable of killing the Bloodstained Crow?


    Charles: They¡¯re highly trained professionals. They should already in the city and most likely searching for the crow as we speak.


    After parting a few words the business man leaves the office and enters the elevator. While in there he begins to laugh hysterically. As he laughs he looks back at his reflection from the shinning door in front of him.


    Business man: (Ahh, this is gonna be really fun to watch. I just hope Cipher does not resist his desires this time. Ugh, this human look for me really is ugly in comparison to my normal angelic self.)


    Back at the Patientia household Iris returns home as walks upwards to her room. The look on her eyes seemingly looks somber.


    Eveline: Welcome back Iris.


    Iris: Hey. By the way Mom can you wake me up at 12, I¡¯ma go back to sleep right now.


    Sharon: Will do honey.


    Iris: Thanks. *walks upstairs*


    Sharon: *sigh* No, it just that the poor girl, she still hasn¡¯t forgiven herself about the incident.


    Eveline: What do you mean?


    Sharon: Well, you see. Moments before Cipher disappeared. Those two had gotten into a big argument. I''m not entirely sure what is was about, but she must still feel guilty in some form.


    Eveline: I see.


    She then looks at a photo that has Iris, Brandon, and Cipher when she had entered college. Upstairs Iris enters her room and lies on her bed and closes her eyes as tears begin to come out.


    Iris: ¡­ Damn, hearing them talk about how we met you; Cipher¡­ If I didn¡¯t say all those things to you, you would still be here with us still. Damn it I really gotta stop feeling sad like this. I¡¯m sure you would have called me something rude if you saw me like this.


    Soon after she closes her eyes and tries to sleep. Outside of her window though, in the bushes of the tree nearby, is the Bloodstained Crow crouched in the tree. He was able to follower her and hide within the tree''s bushes.


    Cipher: ¡­


    Cipher leaves the house behind and walks along the sidewalk. He gets ready to leave before he can be noticed, however then he hears an unfamiliar voice.


    ???: If thyself truly believes to one day return to the old normal human life, then thou art nothing but a fool.


    Cipher: *looks at all directions* Huh?! Who said that!


    No response, as he looks at every direction until he sees a dark figure walking towards him. In front of him is a mysterious man, who has his face covered by a metallic face mask, jet black robe covering his body, and gray looking hair.


    Mysterious man: For now I give thee a warning. The power thou''st acquired will erase any hope to return to the life from hence forward if continued on the path of malice.


    Cipher: ... (Is he really talking like that?)


    Mysterious man: If thou hast kills the one thou seeks, then all that thine would hold dear will be destroyed.


    Cipher: What the hell does that mean!


    Mysterious man: Thou must decide; to kill or to leave the sinner for the living to judge. I advise to not mention nothing about our meeting towards that fallen angel.


    Cipher: Fine, but you mind telling me who you are?


    The mysterious man begins to walk toward Cipher and as he does, Cipher prepares himself for an attack. However he is unable to move as if his body is refusing to listen. Finally the mysterious man just walks past Cipher, ignoring his very presence. Quickly Cipher turns to look at the mysterious man only to see no one around him, as if he just vanished.


    Cipher: What the... Where the hell did he go? Just what the hell was that all about anyways?


    Dusk had arrived and Cipher starts to look for Club68. However unaware to him as he searches in the city, he is being watched by one of the mercenaries. One of them then starts to talk into a radio.


    Mercenary1: I found the target.


    Mercenary2: What¡¯s the status?


    Mercenary1: You won''t believe this but he¡¯s jumping on roof tops. Surprised no one seen him.


    Mercenary3: So this job is to eliminate some superhero wantabe. I mean this guy is called a Bloodstained Crow.


    Mercenary4: Hey I didn¡¯t get much time to read the info, why do they call him that?


    Mercenary2: Says he has claws that tear though many things got black iron armor most parts of his body, and his cloak resembles a crow from behind as it¡¯s covered in the blood of his enemies. I still can''t believe this shit is actually for real.


    Mercenary1: Hey I got a clear shot at him, should I get em now?


    As the mercenaries prepare themselves, Cipher ponders to himself.


    Cipher: (Why was that metal faced guy telling me not to kill my murder? How is he connected to this whole thing? When he was walking towards me, I just froze there like a damn coward.)This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Mercenary2: Almost there.


    Cipher: (Also if somehow they get hurt because of me. It¡¯ll be my fault. I can¡¯t do that to them. I don¡¯t want them involved in this. God damn it I¡¯ll figure this out when I get to that club.)


    Mercenary2: And go.


    Using a sniper rifle equipped with a suppresser, Merceanry1 shoots his sniper rifle and hits Cipher on the side of his right kneecap. Cipher falls from the bullet''s strength and lands into a street market below.


    Mercenary1: Got em.


    The people below start to panic as Cipher crashes down onto the top of a food truck. As he hits the truck he then bounces of it and onto the ground were people are.


    Mercanry3: Kay, finishing the job.


    Cipher: *holds his knee in pain* (Where that come from!)


    As he tries to get up the people start to run away from the area making it easier for the mercenaries to shoot again.


    Cipher: (Wait, if there¡¯s a sniper then-)


    Mercenary3 then shoots his sniper rifle towards Cipher¡¯s head but misses it, only because he barely dodged it.


    Cipher: (Damn, looks like their pros!)


    Cipher¡¯s kneecap heals enough for him to run towards cover.


    Mercenary2: I though you got him on his leg.


    Mercanary1: I did. He managed to move?


    Mercenary2: Sure did. Guess he¡¯s gonna give us some fun after all.


    Mercenary4: Alright! Ay little birdie, let¡¯s play hot potato!


    Mercenary4 then starts to throw grenades towards Cipher¡¯s location.


    Cipher: You¡¯re kidding¡­


    The grenades then explode as the shockwave pushes Cipher to his back. He then sees Mercenary4 and tries to attack. Only to have his hand shot off by Mercenary3¡¯s sniper rifle.


    Cipher: *falls on his back* (Shit, I forgot about him!)


    As Cipher is on the ground and in pain from the bullet that took his hand off, Mercenary2 then shows up next to Mercenary4.


    Mercenary2: So you¡¯re the guy that¡¯s been going around killing all these people. You¡¯re nothing but a kid. Hell I bet you haven¡¯t even had sex, sorry kid. But you an¡¯t ever gonna know that feeling.


    He then shoots Cipher on the head.


    Mercenary2: Welp, job well done. Thought this kid might be some challenging seeing that we were called here.


    Mercenary1: Yeah right, that kid didn¡¯t even stand a chance.


    Soon after Mercenary2 then uses a phone to call Gomez about the job done.


    Gomez: Is he dead?


    Mercenary2: Yeah job¡¯s done. I expect the money is with you?


    Gomez: Yea of course you know where to find us.


    Mercenary2: Yeah yeah. This was overkill though, was this guy really worth our time?


    As Mercenary2 talks on the phone, Mercenary4 grabs Cipher¡¯s shot off hand, walks towards Cipher¡¯s body and crouches next to it.


    Mercenary4: Look at you, some fun you are. These hands though, just what type of kid would do this to themselves?


    Upon closer inspection, Mercenary4 can see that the claws look painfully large and almost transparent with a tint of red. All while his palms are normal like a humans.


    Mercenary4: Ah well your dead now, and we get paid for it. So don¡¯t take it personal.


    He then gets stabbed by Cipher¡¯s other claw hand. As he starts to absorb Mercenary4¡¯s soul; the hand that he had lost starts to regenerate back on Cipher.


    Gomez: Bring me his head. I wanta see the face of the fuck the killed my men.


    Cipher: (Damn, I gotta move now! But where?)


    Suddenly Cipher, vanishes from the ground. As Mercenary2 hangs up the phone he looks back and sees Cipher¡¯s body is missing and Mercenary4¡¯s body in its place.


    Mercenary2: What the hell! Hey! What happened!?


    He looks at the body and sees the stab wound on Mercenary4¡¯s heart.


    Mercenary2: Fuck, everyone the kid is still alive; I repeat the kid is still alive!


    Mercenary3/1: What! Wait how! I thought you shot his head!?


    Mercenary2: I did. But where his body should be, I just see Gerald¡¯s body!


    Mercenary1 then looks though his sniper scope and sees what Mercenary2 sees.


    Mercenary1: Yeah, he¡¯s right. How the fuck is this guy still alive? He a zombie?


    Mercenary3: But if you shot a zombie on the head they die don¡¯t they!?


    Mercenary1: Not if they¡¯re ¡°Return of the Living Dead¡± zombies, with those, its game over!


    Mercenary2: That¡¯s enough regroup back to the location we discussed.


    As the mercenaries begin to regroup Cipher looks from the shadows of the corner of where he was. Thinking about what he just did, he remembers how Vice and the mysterious man can disappear.


    Cipher: (So this is how Vice and that masked weirdo suddenly vanish. This will defiantly come in handy.)


    The mercenaries regroup, get into a car, and drive off.


    Mercenary1: Crap that money better be a whole lot.


    Mercenary3: You think he¡¯s following us on those roof tops.


    Mercenary2: If he can move, then I bet on it. He¡¯s is coming so be ready.


    Soon as he said that Cipher uses his new teleportation skill and lands onto the car¡¯s front hood.


    Mercenary1: What tha-


    Mercenary3 then starts to shoot.


    Cipher: *getting shot at* (Damn! I ended up in the wrong part!)


    Mercenary1: What the hell is this guy!?


    Cipher then breaks the front window and tosses a grenade into the car. Afterwards jumps away.


    Mercenary2: Fuck! Get out!


    The 3 mercenaries the roll out of the car just as it explodes.


    Mercenary1: Where the fuck did he get that grenade!


    Mercenary2: My guess that was Gerald¡¯s grenade. The kid must have looted his body.


    Mercenary3: Got any idea where we should go, boss?


    Mercenary2: First grab a car, then well head towards an open area.


    Mercenary1: Ah! I know a place.


    A police siren is heard and then an officer gets out of the car and points his gun at them.


    Officer: Freeze.


    Mercenary2 then immediately shoots the officer on the head, killing him instantly.


    Mercernary2: That car will do.


    As one of them hijacks a car the other 2 get in and begin to drive away, Cipher watches them from above as he follows after them.


    The mercenaries end up driving towards Santa Monica Pier and go all the way towards the end of the dock.


    Mercenary1: What you think?


    Mercenary2: Clear the area and get your rifles out, he¡¯ll be here any second!


    2 of the mercenaries then open fire killing some people as others try and escape.


    Soon the pier is empty and Mercenary1 and Mercenary3 both go to the top of the buildings to gain a better shot of hitting him. Then one of them spots Cipher across the other side.


    Mercenary1: Got him! *shoots*


    It grazes Cipher¡¯s face as the bullet barely hits him.


    Mecenary3: My turn! *shoots*


    However when Mercenary3 shoots, Cipher vanishes from the line of fire.


    Mercenary3: What the¡­ D-did you see that! He can turn invisible!


    Mercenary1: That or he can teleport! Fuck no money is worth dying for this guy!


    Mercenary2: Well it¡¯s too late now, besides we have an advantage we know he¡¯s going to be in front of us. Moment he see him, we¡¯ll open fire!


    Back at Cipher¡¯s location inside a building on the pier, he wonders if he can use this new power to its limit.


    Cipher: (Looks like there¡¯s only one way there. Can¡¯t necessarily swim with all this stuff on me, especially with these claws. I¡¯ll have to time this perfectly, too many bullets hit me in this condition and I¡¯m screwed. Wonder how far I can teleport?)


    He then walks out of the building and dashes towards the mercenaries.


    Mercenary1: Found him!


    Mercenary2: Well fucking fire!


    They all open fire and as soon as they do Cipher teleports out of the way and reappears closer to the mercenaries then he was before.


    Mercenary3: He did it again!


    Mercenary2: Quick! Spray those bullets till you get the bastard!


    The mercenaries then shoot at Cipher many times as he teleported. However each time they did, he only got closer and closer until they did not see him anymore. Mercenary2 then radios the others about the situation.


    Mercenary2: Where is he!


    Mercanry3: Agh!


    Mercenary1: Fuck, he¡¯s here! *shoots*


    Mercenary2: What! What¡¯s happening up there!


    Mercenary1: What the fuck are you! Why can¡¯t you die!


    Mercenary2: John what¡¯s happening! John! Is Jack dead!?


    Radio is silenced, and then Mercenary2 sees a 5 year old boy with his mother hiding under some stairs.


    Mercenary2: Come here *grabs the boy*


    Mother: Let him go!


    Mercenary2: Shut it! *shoots her on the leg*


    Boy: MOMMY!


    Mercenary2: Fuck up brat. HEY CROW! IF YOU DON¡¯T WANT THIS KID¡¯S BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS COME OUT HERE!


    No response was given to him as he holds the frightened child.


    Mercenary2: FINE I¡¯LL COUNT TO THREE. ONE¡­TWO¡­ THRE-


    Just then Cipher appears in front of them, now somewhat covered in blood.


    Mercenary2: Hold your hands up. NOW!


    Cipher holds up his hands and reveals his claws dripping in blood.


    Mercenary2: Wha¡­ What the fuck!?


    Seeing the mercenary in complete shock Cipher uses this chance to teleport in front of him and slams his head onto the wooden floor.


    Mercenary2: Gagh!


    Cipher: Who sent you?


    Mercenary2: Like I¡¯ll say.


    Cipher: Are you in any position to say that? Look at your situation, you¡¯ve lost, and I know you¡¯re just a hired gun. Is it really worth it to die for some money you won¡¯t see depending on your answer?


    Mercenary2: ¡­ Gomez. His name is Gomez Santiago.


    Cipher: Where is he?


    Mercenary2: I have the directions on this paper. Take it.


    Cipher: Thanks. Unfortunately I never said you¡¯d live. *cuts his head off*


    He sees the frightened boy and gestures to go to his injured mother and leave the area. As soon as they leave Cipher begins to experience an enormous amount of pain circulating in his head.


    Cipher: Huh!? *holds his own head* What the- GAH!!!


    As Cipher falls to his knees holding his head, Vice appears in front of him.


    Vice: *whistles* Sure did a number on them. Good job on staying alive and nice plan on getting shot in the head. Worked in your favor didn¡¯t it.


    Cipher: Aghh!


    Vice: But what I¡¯m really surprised is that you learned to how to teleport like we do. So a congratulations is in order. But you sure did over use it. Was hoping you would kill that stupid looking brat and his harlot.


    Cipher: Wha- AGH!!


    Vice: Listen, you can learn much more abilities and all you need to do is kill more people and absorb their souls. More life you take away, the stronger you will get. That¡¯s the truth of your power.


    Cipher: *holds head* This fucking hurts!!


    Vice: Aw come on. All you should be feeling is your body burning up and your brain being stabbed by an infinite amount of needles. So quit your bitching and stand up.


    Cipher: Shut¡­ the hell up, Vice.


    Vice: You just need practice for every new skill you learn. Just know for now that your teleportation is limited to where you can visualize yourself at. As the humans would say, practice makes perfect, even though humans can never know such a blissful thing.


    Sirens are then heard and a news helicopter is then seen.


    Cipher then walks toward Mercenary2¡¯s head and looks up to see the news helicopter is spot lighting him. He then heads into the shadows of the building. At the other side of the pier, Marshall and Steven head towards his location.


    Marshall: We got him. There¡¯s no way he can escape, since we¡¯re blocking the only way out.


    Steven: What if he swims away?


    Marshall: What you think I forgot about that? Patrol boats around the pier; he and those bastards aren''t going anywhere.


    Steven: Who do you think he¡¯s going against now?


    Marshall: Not sure, but its an¡¯t no way he¡¯s fighting anyone normal. Those craters back at the markets, those bullet holes, and my personal favorite-


    Steven: The dead body of that soldier looking fellow. We must proceed carefully this time, Marshall.


    When they get there, the whole area is blocked out and they proceed to move in. However one of the officers sees someone approaching them from the end of the pier. Steven then pokes Marshall and points in front of them.


    Marshall: Hey there, here I¡¯m with the police. We¡¯ll help you. *signals for the paramedics*


    Boy: *crying* My¡­ my mommy is bleeding.


    Marshall: No problem, we¡¯ll help her. Can you tell me who did this ma''am?


    Mother: It- it was the people with the rifles. They just started to fire into the crowd.


    Marshall: I see. Who helped you escape?


    Boy: It was the scary man, he killed the bad people.


    Marshall: I see... Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯re safe now.


    He then let the paramedics take him and his mother to get treated. They then proceed towards the end of the pier with caution. But by the time they get there, no one is there.


    Marshall: Where is he!? Did he escape again!


    Officer: Sorry sir, there¡¯s no sign of him anywhere.


    Marshall: GOD DAMN IT! *punches the wall nearby* Just how in the fuck did he escape!


    Steven: But he was here, there¡¯s signs of black blood here, just like the market. I¡¯m quite curious to see why these people were killed by him.


    Marshall: Don¡¯t take a smartass to know why, they must be hired guns that got taken out by the crow.


    Steven: Marshall, I don¡¯t think these guys weren¡¯t hired by Cross, they don¡¯t have resources to pull this off. I¡¯m certain this was someone else that gave them the money to get rid of the Bloodstained Crow.


    Marshall: So it has to be the Soldados got caught in the crossfire yesterday night.


    Steven: Yes, looks like something might begin soon.


    Marshall: *sigh* ¡­ Wait!


    Steven: Figure something out?


    Marshall: That boy said a scary man came and saved him and his mother and this is place is out in the open by the sunlight.


    Steven: Do you think the crow''s face was visible because of that?


    Marshall: Let¡¯s just hope so.


    Steven: We could always make them remember.


    Marshall: ¡­ You watch too many movies. Anyways let''s give them time to recover from this tragedy.


    Later that night Gomez leaves the meeting area that the mercenaries and he were to meet.


    Gomez: Seguro que la noticias dijo eso? <You sure the news said that!?>


    Bodyguard1: Si, estan muertos los mercenarios supone que cumplir con. <Yeah, the mercenaries we were supposed to meet with are dead.>


    Gomez: El gringo va esta enojado. Menos aun tengo ese dinero que nos dio. <That white guy¡¯s gonna be pissed. Least I still got that money he gave us.>


    Bodyguard2: Vamos a utilizarla en algun culo fino, jefe.<Let¡¯s use it on some fine ass, boss.>


    Gomez: No seas retardado. Este dinero vale mas el entonces de sus ni?os, okay! <Don''t be stupid. This money''s worth more than your children, okay!>


    As soon as he they get close to his car, he sees the head of Mercenary2 on the roof.


    Gomez: Puta mierda!? <What the fucking shit!?>


    Cipher: So you¡¯re the one that sent these guys after me.


    Soon they see a person standing on the car in a bloody cloak. Then Bodyguard¡¯s 1 and 2 pull out their guns and shoot at Cipher. However right as they shoot Cipher dashes towards them and stabs right through their chests.


    Gomez: Fuck!? Wha- what do you want!?


    Cipher: I want to know why you sent those men after me.


    Gomez: You killed my men yesterday, I¡¯m not gonna let some faggot get in my way!


    Cipher: Well those men of yours were up to no good. More importantly, they just got in my way.


    Upon looking at Cipher better he can see that he¡¯s only a teenager.


    Gomez: You¡¯re just a kid! I¡¯m a make sure your family is gonna get it.


    Cipher: "Gonna get it?" Jesus you¡¯re a gangster right, so fucking say you¡¯re going to try and kill them.


    Cipher then walks towards Gomez, as he does Gomez begins to back off.


    Gomez: Wha- What! What else do you want!? Do you know who I am!?


    Cipher: Just another fatass latino that¡¯s gonna die if you don¡¯t tell me where Cross¡¯s leader is.


    Gomez: I don¡¯t know, I haven''t seen the guy in ages! IS that all you want!?


    Cipher: Let me say this in Spanish so even you can understand. Al¨¦jate furea de mi camino. <Stay the hell out of my way.>


    Gomez: Aright then!


    He then grabs Gomez by the neck and begins to further threaten him.


    Cipher: Repeat it. *starts to grip harder*


    Gomez: I¡¯ll stay out of your way.


    Cipher: Can''t hear you.


    Gomez: Your way! I¡¯ll stay the hell away from the Bloodstained Crow¡¯s way.


    Cipher: ¡­ Ruega a tu Dios que no nos encontramos de nuevo.


    *walks away into the darkness*


    Gomez then pulls out a gun but realizes he¡¯s shaking too much to shoot.


    Gomez: FUCK! *throws gun*


    Cipher then returns to the boarding house he stayed at the night before.


    Vice: Didn¡¯t ask about the location of the club you know.


    Cipher: No point. Don¡¯t want to deal with that or you right now.


    Realizing that he wasted too much time, he decides to look for ¡°Club68¡± the next night. Suddenly as he is walking in the house he realizes he¡¯s surrounded by spirits of the dead.


    Spirit1: It¡¯s here.


    Spirit2: ItS hEre


    Spirit3: ITs FlesSH


    Spirit4: Its BoNe


    Spirit5: OuRS


    Spirit6: All of IT


    Cipher: Took you long enough. *grins* Let¡¯s see if you bastards can take this body from me this time.

 Chapter4- Surviving the Night

    At the boarding house moments after Cipher realizes he¡¯s surrounded by spirits of the dead. Some of them fly towards him, so he slashes at them. The spirits look as if they were cut as they split, but they then revert back to its original form. However he doesn''t realize that some of them as have started to rise from the ground too. Before he realizes it, they grab onto his legs and then his arms.


    Spirit1: Give it to us


    They then begin to attempt to possess him.


    Spirit2: YouR fleSh


    Spirit3: Your BoNe


    Spirit4: All Of IT, IT BELONGS TO ALL OF US!


    All the spirits then begin to laugh as Cipher is being possessed. However Cipher then breaks free from them by forcing them out of his body as he then escapes outside, towards the backyard of the boarding house. The spirits soon follow after him.


    Cipher: (I doubt these grenades will do anything to them too. Wish I had a sword or something that would give me a bit of distance from them.)


    As the spirits moan Cipher attacks them, as he does a disturbing grin showing his teeth begins to form on his face. As he fights Vice watches over him as he stands on the roof of the boarding house.


    Vice: Looks like he''s finally giving in. That face is enough proof that he is enjoying this.


    Vice is then suddenly attacked by being wrapped up by chains.


    Mysterious man: I found thee, fallen one.


    It was the mysterious metallic masked man that had attacked Vice, seemingly as he can manipulate chains. However Vice seemed to not care about his current condition.


    Vice: Oh, it¡¯s just you. What do you want; I¡¯m busy at the moment.


    Mysterious man: Fallen one what brings thou here, angels and demons are NOT allowed to wander among this world.


    Vice: You know, for someone who¡¯s been around for more than 100 years. I would expect you to know already.


    Mysterious man: ¡­ Explain.


    Vice: It¡¯s started the day humanity was born. All that was missing to complete the process was a sacrifice to be made. That boy will do us the honor. *points to Cipher lost in fighting*


    Mysterious man: If it is killed then it won¡¯t.


    Vice: True, but even if he dies by your hand another will take his place. Anyone can destroy the world, just takes the right mind set to do so. Besides, that partner of yours wouldn¡¯t allow you to. She would say that same thing I just said. Now, kindly¡­ PUT ME DOWN.


    Mysterious man: No. *grinds him using his chains*


    Vice: *appears behind him* That attack won¡¯t touch an angel like me.


    Mysterious man: ¡­


    Vice: You should come back to our side; you were born to lead the Morbid Hawks into battle. There¡¯s no way Heaven would ever take you in, for what you¡¯ve done to get your powers.


    As he said that, the metallic masked man tries to again kill Vice, only to find out that he was no longer around him. He then turns towards Cipher as the moonlight touches the ground. He then sees something emerging from the ground.


    Cipher: Now what?


    Emerging from the ground are corpses of animals that were once pets to the orphans living in the building. They consist of dogs and birds, then one of the dogs charge at Cipher. He then cuts the head of the dog that charged at him. As it falls it gets back up, showing that its head is off but still moving.


    Cipher: Aright then, I¡¯ll just tear your body till it¡¯s no longer moving!


    As the corpses fight against him, Cipher begins to fight more viciously as the fight goes on. A bird then goes straight for one of his eyes causing him to evade it, only to then get tackled by one of the dog. The power from the tackle pushes him to the fence near him, breaking it. He glances at the dog that tackled him and sees its neck had been broken from the impact, only to see the dog¡®s head dangling while it looks back at him with a smile and tongue out.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Cipher: *grins*... Hehe.


    He shouts as he continues to attack the dead attacking him. He rips the dogs in half with his claws and tears the birds apart as they fly down to attack. Finally completely lost in the heat of battle begins to laugh as he destroys the possessed bodies until their limbs and guts are everywhere.


    Mysterious man: Growing accustom to this aren''t thou, I have doubt that thou''st can continue these types of fights for much longer.


    Cipher still lost in the heat of the battle jumps at the masked man and tries to attack him. But he is then stopped by the masked man¡¯s chains as they grab his limbs, lifting him in the air.


    Mysterious man: Deciding to lose thyself in order to achieve victory against the dead?


    Cipher: ... Sorry, but just who the hell are you?


    Nier: I am Nier Berzuets.


    Cipher: Ah huh. So I''m just going to assume with how you look; you¡¯re not from heaven are you?


    Nier: Correct. Thou''st nerves calmed I assume.


    As Nier puts Cipher back on the ground he notices the attacks end as they spirits linger around. Cipher sees them not attacking so he tries to catch his breath. He falls, lies on the grassy ground after the battle, laughing. However the evil spirits began to taunt him more.


    Spirit1: You cannot run¡­


    Spirit2: YoU belong to US!


    Spirit3: HAHAHa! You are Ours!


    The evil spirits vanish for the time being.


    Nier: How long have thee engaged against the evil spirits?


    Cipher: Not sure. Still, they''ll be back soon... they also do.


    Nier: Has the fallen one told thou the reason why the dead have been haunting thyself?


    Cipher: Something about my soul attracting them towards me or something along those lines.


    Nier: With this knowledge at hand, thou still choose to endanger the lives of people that cared for thee?


    Cipher: I... Wait what¡¯s it to you, aren¡¯t you from hell? Shouldn¡¯t you want me killing people like them sending them to Hell?


    Nier: FOOL! It was wrong of me to think thou have someone with intelligence.


    Hearing that, Cipher gets up irritated by Nier¡¯s remark.


    Cipher: Don¡¯t push it weirdo. You caught me off guard last time but I¡¯ll send you back to hell if you want.


    Nier: Honestly, a boy such as thyself should show more respect towards the more experienced. So allow myself to discipline thou does need.


    Suddenly Nier vanishes from where he was and then reappears as he lands a devastating punch onto Cipher stomach; breaking through his iron body armor. The impact causes Cipher to be launched backwards into the backyard of the boarding house.


    Cipher: *cough out spit* (Fuck! That strength and speed!)


    Nier: There is a large difference in combat experience between us. Don¡¯t be foolish.


    He sees that underneath the jet black covers, Nier is wearing some kind of armor that a knight would wear. The appearance of the steel armor looks burnt and worn out. Cipher then tries to focus and uses his teleport ability and tries to strike at Nier from behind.


    Nier: ¡­ *attempts a backhand*


    He misses as Cipher teleports again, this time attacking him from the front.


    Nier: Thou''st nothing but a fool¡­ *uses his other hand and deflects Cipher¡¯s claw*


    Cipher: What!


    He''s grabbed by the wrist and is tossed around until Cipher¡¯s arm breaks.


    Nier: Predictable. The attacks, their predictability can be realized just by a glance. The only reason thine remains is only because of the enemies are far weaker then thyself.


    Unable to say anything, Nier begins to look down on Cipher even more.


    Nier: Thou rely on thine dark powers far too much. If it wasn¡¯t for my partner, I would have killed thee the moment we met.


    Cipher: Partner? What are you talking about!?


    Nier: My loyalty is neither towards Heaven nor Hell, least not worry about this for now.


    Cipher: ... Okay.


    Nier: Before I leave, word from the wise: Strategy, Technique, and Luck. These three may save thee if thou''st can learn how to use them in battle.


    Cipher: Wait! I still got-


    Nier then teleports away from the area, leaving Cipher full of questions.


    Cipher: What the hell¡­ Why can¡¯t these bastards answer any of my questions! Just what the hell is happening?


    He lays on the ground, motionless.


    Cipher: Strategy, Technique, and Luck huh.


    After his arm heals he realizes something that he never thought about until the fight he just endured.


    Cipher: (Wait, I know I made to much noise during the night. But no one in this neighborhood called the police. Let alone get in my way.)


    He then gets up and looks through the house¡¯s window of the yard he was tackled into. He sees the same thing that was in the boarding house he once lived in. He sees an empty room with little to no furniture.


    Cipher: No one? Is that the same for every other house?


    He then checks the other houses and sees the same thing.


    Cipher: Explains why no one called the cops. Also, explains why I never ran into anyone when I came here the first time. Why was this place abandoned?


    Afterwards he goes back to the boarding house and into his room. He tries to take off the broken armor but is unable to as he collapses onto the ground. He closes his eyes and tries to sleeps, but opens his eyes to notice the spirits have returned.

 Chapter5- A Comforting Home

    As a new day has come, back at the Patientia residence Brandon and Eveline leave the house to go to school.


    Eveline: Walking there is going to take a while.


    Brandon: Well what can you do? Mom¡¯s at work at the hospital, Iris has morning classes today, and dad hasn¡¯t come home since yesterday cause of work. Sides I have a bike so we don¡¯t need to walk.


    Eveline: Should we even go? I mean yesterday on the news it said that some people literally died from the shootout with the Bloodstained Crow.


    Brandon: Yeah. *sigh* This place is getting worse and worse each day.


    Brandon sees Eveline looking somewhat depressed so he tries to lighten the mood.


    Brandon: But, we need those diplomas to leave this city, I think that¡¯s the first step to escaping to a better place.


    Eveline: But where? The world is always like this. It doesn¡¯t matter where it is. There are always people killing other people. Escaping won¡¯t do anything for this endless nightmare.


    He sees the sorrowful look on Eveline¡¯s face. He then goes into the garage and pulls out his bicycle.


    Brandon: Come on, I want to show you something before we go to school.


    Eveline reluctantly gets on the back of the bike and so Brandon begins to peddle. As he peddles through the streets they go into a park with a hill that overlooks part of the city.


    Eveline: A park?


    Brandon: Just wait.


    They both get off the bike and go to the hill nearby covered by trees that overlooks part of the city of Los Angeles. They see the city being lit up by the horizon of the sunrise.


    Eveline: Wow¡­ the city looks beautiful.


    Brandon: *smiles* Yeah, and if you look up you can see that the moon is still visible, even though the sun is out.


    Eveline: Oh yeah it is. How¡¯d you know about this place?


    Brandon: Cipher showed this to me once. He made me skip school once and brought me here. See, when he brought me here I was depressed because I found out that my real mom and dad died because of a drunk driver.


    Eveline: I¡¯m sorry to hear.


    Brandon: Yeah, but he showed me this and told me ¡°They¡¯re dead. But your alive, that¡¯s proof that they once lived. You''re proof that this world can still have good things!¡±


    Eveline: Huh... He sounds like a real mature adult.


    Brandon: He read a lot of books when we were kids. Heck I don¡¯t think he ever stopped reading things like that.


    Eveline: No wonder he talked like how you say.


    Brandon: He had a way with words sometimes. Right after he said those things to me, he followed it by saying ¡°cause if you stay there all sad, I¡¯ll just punch your face in, until you stop¡±


    Eveline: You and Iris were lucky to have someone like that in your life. A wise and caring friend like that is a blessing.


    Brandon: Wise? Na, he just used some lines he remembered from books and said them in his own words.


    Eveline: But still, I think I know why Iris might have liked him now.


    Brandon: Yep, but still why reject him? She can be a pain sometimes.


    They laughed and then look onto the rising sun. Brandon then looks at Eveline with caring eyes.


    Brandon: Come on, I gotta go meet someone for a bit.


    They get on the bicycle and Brandon starts to peddle away.


    Eveline: Thank you Brandon. I''m sorry I sounded like a real downer earlier before.


    Brandon: Sure. Besides, you¡¯re cuter when you smile¡­


    Eveline: You say something?


    Brandon: What!? Uh no, nothing really important.


    Meanwhile back at the hospital, Marshall and Steven are about to ask the mother of what happened at Santa Monica pier. In the room, visitors are with the mom along with her son.


    Marshall: Hello there, if you can, we would like to ask you some questions about what happened at the pier yesterday.


    Mother: Yes, of course.


    The visitors with the son leave the room.


    Marshall: I¡¯ll talk to the mom; you go see what you can get from the boy.


    Steven: So children still find you freighting huh?


    Marshall: Get off my back, will ya?


    As Steven leaves to go talk with the child, Marshall stays behind and talks with the mother.


    Marshall: Tell me everything what happened at that pier.


    At first she was hesitant, as if she would like to not remember those moments. Just as he was going to assure her, she soon started to tell what she had seen that day to Marshall.


    Mother: I was with my son at the pier, since I rarely have time off from my job I wanted to take him to the beach. We were just talking with each other, having fun. But then we hear people screaming and so I look behind us. And there was a car running through people, heading towards us.


    Marshall: That¡¯s when you grabbed your son and hid in a corner right?


    Mother: Yes, but right when I did that, the people in that car stopped across from us and started to shoot people. We were trapped by gunfire. My¡­ my body didn¡¯t want to move anymore, all I could do was hold on to my son tightly, hoping they won¡¯t see us. But they eventually did.


    Marshall: What were they doing before they found you?


    Mother: It looked like they were shooting at someone. I had my eyes closed the entire time they were shooting. But from the sound of it, they were having trouble hitting someone.


    Marshall: I see.


    Mother: But, when they found us one of them wanted to use us like some shield. He grabbed my son and¡­ and¡­


    She started to stumble with her words.


    Marshall: I understand. When he grabbed your son, he shot you correct?


    Mother: *nods* Then I realized that the shooting had stopped, and that there was only one of them standing in front of me. From the way he acting, I think the other people had died.


    Marshall: What makes you say that?


    Mother: I don¡¯t know, the way he was acting, the shooting had stopped, but I really didn¡¯t notice because he had my son like some hostage and I was incapable of helping him¡­


    Marshall then notices that the mother started to have tears coming down her face.


    Marshall: Look, in those types of situations it¡¯s difficult to take control. You cannot blame yourself for something like this.


    Mother: ¡­ Thank you.


    Marshall: There''s one last question, did you get a good look of the person they were trying to kill.


    Then the mother looked at Marshall with her eyes still somewhat teary.


    Mother: Not necessarily, his head was in a hood and a cloak that was covering most of his body.


    Marshall: Ah, I see. Well, if you can remember anything else please call me by this number.


    The door then opens as Steven comes in with a paper in hand.


    Steven: Marshall, I need you to take a look of this drawing.


    Marshall: What, why?


    Steven then shows Marshall a drawing done by one of the officers when they were with the boy.


    Marshall: This is¡­


    Steven: Doesn¡¯t this drawing look like someone familiar.


    Marshall: This can¡¯t be¡­


    Right when they begin to walk out of the room, the voice of the child¡¯s mother is heard.


    Mother: If you find that person, tell him thank you for saving my child¡¯s life.


    The two then leave the room and then the hospital itself. When they get into their car Steven begins to talk.


    Steven: So where to now?


    Marshall:. There¡¯s no way in hell it¡¯s him, but there''s a place that has pictures we can compare this with.


    Steven: Makes you wonder the reason these people got involved was only because those mercenaries were using that area to kill the crow.


    Marshall: And again he unintentionally saved them. People still died because of him.


    After driving for a while they arrive at a church.


    Steven: So the boy lived here?


    Marshall: Sort of, his mother works here. Apparently she was the only adult that could get close to him when he was a child.


    They go into the church and Marshall asks the priest at the front a question.


    Marshall: Hello Pastor, I¡¯m Detective Marshall Patientia, is Sister Maria here? I have a few questions for her.


    Pastor: Yes, of course. I¡¯ll bring her right away.


    The pastor walks away. Marshall then notices Steven looking at the cross in front.


    Steven: Marshall, what makes you think that a gang called ¡°Cross¡± would even call themselves that?


    Marshall: Not sure, I looked into it and the shape of the cross seems to be a recurring thing in religions. Usually means a good sign.


    Steven: Yes, Cross probably think of themselves as just that.


    Marshall: What a load of crap. People like that are just a pain in the ass. By the way where did that question come from?


    Steven: Was looking at the cross, sides I kinda can¡¯t stand quiet places.


    Marshall: Is that so-


    Suddenly he is interrupted by familiar voice. Named Maria Avalon; she is seen wearing a nun¡¯s outfit; brown boots, long wavy black hair, and seems to be around her mid 20s.


    Maria: In any type of lifestyle you can¡¯t see where you¡¯re going, but you can get an idea of where you want to be with things you find purpose in.


    Marshall: God damn it Maria, can¡¯t you let me finish a sentence without interrupting me all the time.


    Maria: I can¡¯t do that; your reactions are too much fun. Also don¡¯t take the lord¡¯s name in vain, or else I¡¯ll smite thee with my god-like fist.*smiles*


    Marshall: That¡¯s even more offense!


    Steven then introduces himself to Maria.


    Steven: My name is Steven Xiao. I¡¯m Detective Marshall¡¯s partner, and I heard you were the mother of a child named Cipher.


    Marshall: You¡¯re always so damn blunt about things¡­ But yeah, sorry but we need to ask you about Cipher. I can¡¯t tell you what it is about though.


    Maria: Yeah sure no problem, but you¡¯ll tell me in due time, yes?


    Marshall: Yeah, of course.


    Maria: But first I have to introduce myself after all, your friend did his intro. My name is Maria Avalon, a sister of the church of God.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    Maria: My name is Maria Avalon, a sister of the church and grade school teacher for the children here. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.


    Steven: Likewise, so would you like to go somewhere more comfortable for questioning?


    Maria: Aright, please follow me then.


    As they exit the church and go into a building behind, the detectives then see some children playing around.


    Marshall: So how are the kids doing?


    Maria: They¡¯re doing great. The house here is a lot bigger inside then the one before.


    Steven: Where was the house they stayed in before?


    Marshall: You remember the news of the large earthquake 5 months ago which made people evacuate the area. Well, long story short the original home was there.


    Steven: I see; luckily there weren¡¯t any casualties I assume?


    Maria: Thankfully, there weren¡¯t any. By the way is that place still abandoned?


    Marshall: I would assume so. Only homeless people go that part of the city now and most of those houses were scavenged out. All that¡¯s left are just the houses themselves. The economy was bad when it occurred and since it¡¯s a small part of the city, they just left whatever damage the quake did to that small community.


    Steven: Now that area is the home of many homeless; I believe they call it "The Community".


    They eventually enter an office and Maria then takes a seat at the desk.


    Marshall: Okay, first of all Maria I need to know if what you say is true and all your answers are fact.


    Maria: Dude, I¡¯m a nun and lying to you is pointless anyway since this is your job. So what¡¯s up?


    Marshall: Forgive me, but did Cipher have any knowledge that the orphanage was moved here or any plans about moving?


    Maria: Um no, he didn''t. We moved here 2 weeks after he had died. The move was sudden since the earthquake had made damage to the houses there. A lot of them became deemed unfit for living in since the economy was bad back then.


    Steven: So I assume you haven¡¯t seen are heard from him since 8 months ago.


    Maria: He¡¯s dead, you know that. Why are you bringing him up?


    When she asked them that Marshall sees a photo of both her and her adopted child, Cipher. He asks if they can see more photos of Cipher for a case their working on. She grabs one and hands it to them.


    Maria: Here. *hands it to Marshall* These are just family photos of me and him.


    Steven and Marshall then look through the album. As they look, they see a younger Maria with Cipher as a child. As they flip the pages Marshall sees one photo of a current picture of Cipher in a hooded jacket. He then gets it and compares it to the drawing.


    Marshall: What do you think?


    Steven: He looks like a know it all type of kid, but they do looks somewhat similar.


    Marshall: We¡¯ll be taking this picture if you don¡¯t mind. *puts into pocket* Know what, I want you to look at this. *shows her the drawing*


    Maria: What''s this about?


    Marshall: This is the drawing of the Bloodstained Crow. Does he not look familiar?


    Maria: Are you insinuating that the Bloodstained Crow and Cipher are the same?


    Steven: Despite his heart having to be removed, his body had gone missing and there seems to be a small resemblance between these two if you compare them.


    Marshall: Look this is just a long shot so don''t think about it much... but if you come into contact with the Bloodstained Crow, contact us immediately.


    Maria: Yeah, I know.


    When they leave the office Marshall sees the kids playing with someone he recognizes.


    Marshall: Brandon! What are you doing here?


    Brandon: We¡¯re just here because Maria called last night if I can help her with moving some boxes.


    Eveline: Mr. Patientia, good morning.


    Steven: You have a good daughter-in-law there Marshall.


    After he says that, Eveline blushes, averting her eyes.


    Brandon: W-why the hell does everyone think things like that!


    Marshall: More to the point, you have school don¡¯t you? So you can¡¯t help Maria with anything at the moment. So go to school, both of you.


    Maria: Don¡¯t worry about it; I¡¯ll take them before they become late.


    Marshall: No offense but I want them to get there safely, not getting a heart attack going there.


    Maria: You¡¯re an asshat.


    Brandon: Maria, should you be speaking like that?


    Maria: Meh, it¡¯s your dad so it''s fine.


    As the group laugh, Steven then pats Eveline on the arm.


    Steven: Excuse me, but I want to ask a question if you don¡¯t mind that is.


    Eveline: No it¡¯s okay.


    As the two begin to speak in private, Brandon questions the current situation.


    Brandon: Dad, why are you here? And why is Steven interrogating Eveline still?


    Marshall: That¡¯s none of your concern for the moment. I¡¯ll ask him about it when he¡¯s done, but still nothing you should know.


    Looking back at them, Steven begins to speak.


    Steven: Does this drawing look familiar to you?


    Eveline: ¡­yeah. That looks like the Bloodstained Crow.


    Steven: I see, now what of this picture. Do they seem similar to what you can remember if him?


    Eveline: [looks at picture with drawing] Yes, I remember he had skin color like that and¡­


    She then stops and sees the picture a bit closer.


    Eveline: Isn¡¯t that¡­ the same person in the pictures in Brandon¡¯s house?


    Steven: You recognize this person?


    Eveline: I don¡¯t know him personally, but¡­ isn¡¯t this the same guy that Iris and Brandon grew up with?


    Steven: I see. Thank you for your cooperation. Marshall, we should get going.


    Marshall: Yeah, let¡¯s go. Maria, I expect you to keep to your word.


    Maria: Yeah, yeah. God you¡¯re such a pest. *smiles*


    The two detectives begin to walk away and then Eveline looks towards their direction.


    Eveline: Wait! *runs to them*


    Marshall: What is it?


    Eveline: What¡­ what does Cipher have to do with the Bloodstained Crow?


    Marshall: So they told you about him I assume?


    Eveline: Yes. He was Iris and Brandon¡¯s childhood friend.


    Marshall: I won¡¯t say, however I expect you not to tell Brandon or Iris of this situation. They¡¯ve been through enough already.


    The two detectives then leave the area. As they get into the car Marshall asks Steven on what he was talking about with Eveline.


    Marshall: Were you asking her if the drawing looked like from what she could remember about the crow?


    Steven: Yes and on a side note if this is in fact who the Bloodstained Crow is; then we might be stepping into something interesting. Wasn¡¯t the boy¡¯s heart cut out by the leader of Cross?


    Marshall: He was the only victim that had died by being sacrificed like that. The others were killed by normal stab wounds.


    Steven: Do the children know about it?


    Marshall: How he died, not exactly. But the fact that his body went missing afterwards only the reports, my wife, and Maria knows.


    Back at the boarding house, Brandon was carrying boxes into the building from Maria¡¯s car.


    Brandon: Why did you need my help with these? I¡¯ve seen you carry way bigger boxes back at the old home.


    Maria: True, but just because I can, doesn¡¯t mean I want to.


    Brandon: Ugh. Such a pain in the ass.


    Maria: What¡¯d you say?


    Brandon: YOU HEARD ME!


    As Brandon continues to move boxes, Maria then turns her attention to Eveline who is watching the children play around.


    Maria: So how long have you liked Brandon?


    Eveline: Huh!? *blushes*


    Maria: Come on, we just met and I can already tell you see him as more than just a friend. So tell me has he confessed to you? Probably not, am I right?


    Eveline: I-I don¡¯t, well. No. But I don¡¯t think he would. We¡¯re just friends!


    Maria: So you admit you like him. Ah, good luck girly. He¡¯s a shy one; like when he was a child but least he isn¡¯t as bad as he once was.


    Eveline: Because his best friend was there to help him.


    Maria: So you know about Cipher?


    Eveline: Just recently. He never really talked about him until I saw his picture.


    Maria: Say, how long have you known them?


    Eveline: Since July. Um... if I may ask, what type of person was Cipher?


    Maria: So 3 months, okay. Well you see, I was the only person that he first started to speak to. This was 2 years before Iris and Brandon came to live at the old home.


    Eveline: So, Cipher¡­ was alone as a child? What happened to his parents?


    Maria: Abandoned, I can only assume. The headmaster at that time, found him in front of the door early morning. He was covered properly but was still shivering from the cold night. I believe he came to us when he was only 4 years old. He also had some minor cuts on his body. I¡¯m not sure how he ever got those since he didn¡¯t remember anything about his past. He had some type of hatred towards everyone that approached him too. The adults at the time would bad mouth him behind his back and the children would also want nothing to do with him.


    Eveline: How did you get through to him? If he didn¡¯t like anyone why were you able to?


    Maria: To be honest, I''m not entirely sure myself. One day he had gotten into some deep trouble by breaking the nose of another kid while fighting. I kinda got stuck with the task of talking to him after defending him from the words some of the adults there, course I was only 15 at the time.


    -Flashback-


    Staff1: What type of child would beat another to that extreme!?


    Staff2: I heard that he was found alone at the front a year ago. His family probably left him because they couldn¡¯t deal with him.


    Staff3: A child like that could only be the spawn of Satan.


    Maria: How could you people even say such a thing!


    Staff4: Maria, even you must believe that child is nothing but a lost cause. He looks at us with such hate no matter how nicely we treat him.


    Staff1: That¡¯s true, such an ungraceful creature.


    Maria: You¡­ YOU GOD DAMN MORONS!


    Staff3: How dare you take the lords name in vain!


    Maria: Shut the hell up! I know that the good lord would understand that sometimes in situations like this I would of course lose my temper! You all should be ashamed to even call yourselves messengers of God! We don¡¯t even know what type of situation lead to this outcome.


    Staff2: You think we don¡¯t know that! We tried to help him, but he rejects everything we do for him!


    Maria: That still does not gives us the right to call him what you do!


    Suddenly the voice of the headmaster of the orphanage is heard.


    Headmaster: Then why don¡¯t you try to get him to open up Maria?


    Maria: Huh? Well I would but¡­


    Headmaster: What, does he frighten you? Even after you were just defending him?


    Maria: No it¡¯s not that. I just don¡¯t know how I could even try?


    Headmaster: Just try, heck if he can somewhat talk to me then you might have a shot. *claps at the crowd* Okay everyone enough with whatever this is.


    As everyone begins to disperse from the area, the Headmaster turns to Maria.


    Headmaster: Just don¡¯t think about it too much, sometimes a genuine greeting is more than enough. Also watch the way you speak of the lord, how many times must I warn you.


    Maria: Yea, thanks grandfather.


    Just the room next to where everyone was at, Maria opens the door and spots a 6 year old kid trying to escape from the window. She makes a dumbfounded face by what she sees.


    Maria: ¡­ What are you doing¡­?


    Cipher: None your business.


    Maria: You don¡¯t say. Well, unfortunately I¡¯ve seen you, so it¡¯s my duty to stop you from running away from home.


    Cipher: ¡­ This an¡¯t my home.


    Maria: Why say that?


    Cipher: ¡­


    Maria: Well, if you¡¯re not going to answer. Step away from the window and sit back down.


    Cipher: Tch. Fine.


    With an annoyed face, Cipher obeys Maria¡¯s order and sits back down quietly. Seeing Cipher look angry, Maria then takes out a piece of candy from her pocket and offers it to him.


    Maria: Here ya go. It¡¯s your reward for listening to me. *smiles*


    Cipher: I¡¯m not your pet and I don¡¯t want the old hag¡¯s dirty candy.


    Maria: ¡­ Well if you don¡¯t want this Butterscotch candy, then I¡¯ll just eat it.


    Cipher: Huh!?


    Seeing how he reacted to what type of candy it was. Maria then begins to unwrap it slowly in front of him.


    Cipher: No wait! I want it I¡¯ll take it!


    She then shows him a smirking face.


    Maria: Huh, You just said you don¡¯t want this ¡°dirty candy from this old hag¡± remember. Are you saying you¡¯re willing to eat dirty candy? You sicko.


    She then eats it in front of him. Tears begin to show on Cipher¡¯s disbelieved eyes.


    Cipher: Y-y- you old hag!


    Just then Maria flicks an object to Cipher hitting him on his forehead, causing him to flinch. When he holds where the object hit him, he sees that it was another piece of candy.


    Maria: You want one right? I only flicked it hard enough as punishment for calling me old hag once, after all I''m only 15 years old, and I¡¯m not an old wrinkly person yet. Since you called me that a second time I should think of another punishment.


    However by the looks of what she sees, her words seem to just pass by Cipher¡¯s ears. Knowing that he was not listening to her she then continues her talk.


    Maria: So, why did you break that other kid¡¯s nose as he was on the ground?


    Cipher: ¡­ He always picks on the weaker kids. I didn''t like seeing that.


    Maria: I see, so you wanted to help others; however you didn¡¯t know how to go about it. So you used violence to stop him.


    Cipher: What¡¯s that?


    Maria: Violence, it¡¯s something that''s bad and happens when talking can no longer happen. But you know, that shouldn¡¯t be the first thing you resort to. Next time, try talking; make them stop without using your fists.


    While she waited for an answer, Cipher remained quiet for some time. Just before Maria is about get up from knelling down; Cipher asks her a question while not facing her.


    Cipher: That''s stupid¡­ Why did you try to defend me from those other adults?


    Maria: I don¡¯t need a reason to want to help. I do what I know is right, that¡¯s all. I used talking instead of violence and got them to stop.


    Just then Maria gets a look on her face, knowing on what his second ¡°punishment¡± should be.


    Maria: I know what your second punishment is. Would you like to know?


    Cipher: Lock me up in my room for till dinner is up.


    Maria: What!? God no, that¡¯s horrible. Who did that to you?


    Cipher: Another more annoying old hag.


    Maria: Well, we can talk about that during your punishment. This by the way was just thought of by yours truly, it¡¯s called Counseling. If anything happens to annoy you or is giving you trouble, just come find me. I¡¯ll be either teaching a class or in the kitchen; eating.


    Cipher: Why go this far? I don¡¯t want your help! You¡¯re so annoying!


    Maria: Meh, too bad. With the way your acting you won¡¯t have friends. Tell you what, I¡¯ll be you first friend. My names Maria Avalon, it¡¯s nice to meet you.


    She then holds out her hand for a handshake. But Cipher just looks down to the floor, embarrassed by Maria¡¯s bluntness of her kindness.


    Cipher: ¡­


    Maria: Aww, you have such a cute way of hiding your red face.


    Cipher: Ah! You old hag! *runs away out the door*


    -Flashback ends-


    As Maria opens her eyes from talking about the past, she then sees Brandon laying on her car looking like he had just finished carrying everything from the trunk into the boarding house.


    Maria: Come on Brandon. You¡¯re already tired? So weak!


    Brandon: Shut up! Its morning, we¡¯re late for school and I¡¯m too tried to even bother arguing anymore¡­


    Maria: Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take you now and then pick you guys up from school afterwards. I¡¯ll just ask your parents¡¯ permission.


    Eveline: So even Cipher was like that?


    Maria: What do you mean?


    Eveline: From what I heard, he sounded like someone who was really mature for someone his age. But I guess even someone like him was somewhat bratty.


    Maria: Well, I did raise him into a fine young man. Heck he was a smart kid since I was able to teach him 4 languages including English. However he still got in fights for what he thought was the right thing. The day he was taken from me was the same day I got a call from his school that he was expelled for a gang fight he went too far when saving some others.


    She then sees Maria¡¯s face look somber. Then she looks up towards the sky.


    Maria: But I¡¯m sure he¡¯s resting in peace. It took a while but he eventually he opened up to me. He did have a good heart after all. He never once stopped calling me "mom" even after I was able to officially become his guardian.


    During the time Maria was explaining her connection with Cipher to Eveline, at a different part of the city Cipher hides in the shadows of the buildings. Long awake since his battle, he watches bellow as people go one about their lives. He then uses his claws to slide downwards. When he finally reaches the bottom he turns his cloak inside out in order to hide the bloodstains on it and walk alongside the public as a homeless. As he walks for sometime he arrives at a bus stop and watches the person he once knew as she walks alongside her friends.


    Cipher: (What am I doing here? If I get near her like this, she¡¯ll no doubt get hurt because of me. But how can I know that she¡¯ll be okay if those bastards keep showing me that same damn dream!?)


    He stops as she walks into a campus of UCLA College. Unable to bring himself from following her, he turns his body leaving into the small alley between the buildings and then teleports out of the area.

 Chapter6- Battle Engaged Hunter

    Within in a car being driven on a highway, Gomez: the leader of Soldados de Reyes; a notorious gang that had control over the underworld of Los Angeles until Cross took over is drinking huge amounts of alcohol the car as he tries to forget the events of last night.


    Thug: Ay man, you¡¯ve been drinking a whole lot. Calm down dude. You haven¡¯t even slept since yesterday night.


    Gomez: Fuck that¡­ What the shit, YOU CANT FUCKING TELL ME TO CALM DOWN! That fucking psycho¡­!


    Thug: So what you going to do about the money that guy gave you to pay those hired killers?


    Gomez: Ah shit, I forgot about that crap!


    Just then the phone in the car begins to ring. His friend picks it up and answers it. Moments later he hands it to Gomez.


    Thug: It¡¯s him.


    Gomez: *talks into the phone* What is it?


    Charles: I saw what had happened. I assume you still have the money you were given in order to pay them?


    Gomez: W-What you want it back?


    Charles: You sound a little shook up. Did The Bloodstained Crow pay you a visit?


    Gomez: How the fuck did you know!?


    Charles: What did he look like? What did he tell you?


    Gomez: He covered with a sheet that had blood on it; think he had black armor like some knight. Fuck my guys were fucking killed by him, smashing their heads on the floor with those fucking claws!


    Charles: Anything else?


    Gomez: Yeah, he was a fucking kid. Looked like a teenager.


    Charles: My how far has the Soldados de Reyes fallen? Not that it matters in the long run though. I want to give that money you received and give it to Samuel.


    Gomez: FUCK THAT! I an¡¯t no fucking delivery boy! He''s looking for that fuck and he took fucking bullets like it did jack-shit. You want this money come and get-


    Charles: I don¡¯t have time for your bravado. You want to stay out of the police¡¯s surveillance and continue on with your life? Or would you rather have them come and break down the generations of work that was put into your little club of hoodlums. I¡¯m sure a police killer such as you would be let off with only a death sentence.


    Gomez: Tch, fine I get it.


    Charles: Good. Now they¡¯ll be at wherever they always are. Where would that be?


    Gomez: ¡­ yeah yeah, fuck I get it already.


    Charles: Very well then. There will be someone more ¡°reliable¡± watching over the trade.


    Charles then hangs up the phone and speaks to someone who had been with him, standing next to a bookshelf as she seemed to be reading a book.


    Charles: Did you get all that?


    The Caucasian looking woman without taking her eyes off the book answers Charles. She wears a long blue coat, semi-business clothing, and her name is Lisa.


    Lisa: Done. This book an¡¯t so hard to finish in 5 minutes, 150 pages my ass felt like it was at least 50.


    Charles: Hey would you listen to me for 5 minutes before going off to your own world, Lisa?


    Lisa: Fine, my apologies princess *bows*.


    She then closes the book and looks at Charles with a bored face. The color of her hair is burning red, on her face she has a scar running from her eye down her lips, and odd tattoo lines on both sides of her face.


    Lisa: So what, this guy called the blood-period crow is giving ya trouble?


    Charles: Bloodstained Crow and no, not yet. I want you to see on how he was able to kill the four mercenaries from yesterday¡¯s shootout.


    Lisa: There a difference? So what, you don¡¯t want me killing him?


    Charles: Not yet. But since it¡¯s you, does it matter what I say?


    Lisa: Nope. But I an¡¯t that retarded to do that without any intel on how he fights. Unlike those other four that got themselves killed. Just goes to show that a newbie like those are meant to die. Sides I like to hunt my prey in the darkness more, it¡¯s more stimulating.


    Charles: Weren¡¯t they your comrades?


    Lisa: *grins* Ha? They were just rookies that got lucky they survived this long. I¡¯m just a normal woman living the life I find appealing. Anyway, you¡¯re lucky I finished a job here earlier. Though the pay wasn¡¯t worth it, need money to live normally right, princess.


    Charles: Would you cut the crap out. This is one job where your pay is whatever you want. This can only be done by someone like you.


    Lisa: ¡­ Seriously ¡­ Then I want 1 million as payment.


    Charles: Done.


    As he agrees to Lisa¡¯s demand, she is taken back by his sudden answer.


    Lisa: Is this guy that much of a problem?


    Charles: Does it matter. You¡¯re getting a large amount that you can have a vacation for a while. However, you won¡¯t get the money until the job is completed got it.


    Lisa: *pulls out a gun onto Charles face*¡­ Please don¡¯t make a joke


    Charles: Of course, there¡¯s no point in trying to swindle you of all people. Tell me, what would you have done if I was kidding?


    Lisa: Ant it obvious, I was gonna kill you if you were. Joking about money is one thing I cannot take lightly Charles.


    Charles: Guess that means we never had any kind of friendship huh.


    Charles then uses his intercom and tells his secretary to get 250 thousand ready to give to Lisa.


    Lisa: Oy, I said half¡­ Why the fuck would you only give me 250? Where the fuck is the rest?


    Charles: Patience now, the rest will come to you after you do a little side job. I want you to follow Gomez, the man I was talking on the phone with. *gives a picture of the two men*


    Lisa: Is there anything else, princess?


    Charles: Tonight at Club 68 the two will meet up and Gomez will give him a package. Your target will intervene in the meeting. I want you to get me the identity the Bloodstained Crow. Bring it, and then you will get the next 250 thousand.


    Lisa: What am I a fucking photographer? What makes you think that guy will show up?


    He then folds his fingers in front of his face.


    Charles: He¡¯s been hunting down a gang known as Cross, haven¡¯t you heard. A boy named Samuel, is the gang¡¯s leader. He might have asked that brown immigrant about the whereabouts of Cross. Since he¡¯s hunting them, he must be keeping a close eye on Gomez, until they meet up.


    Lisa: Saumel, huh. What''s he to you anyways?


    Charles: An annoyance that needs to be erased soon. Besides him and his gang are only just sacrifices for greater things to come.


    Lisa: Sacrifices, huh? So you have any idea on how the crow even looks like, what he wears, anything?


    Charles then turns his computer and shows a video of yesterday¡¯s news that took place at Santa Monica Pier.


    Charles: *points to the screen* This individual in the hood is your target... My secretary outside will give you a case full of the first payment. Do make with it lightly.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Staring at Charles, Lisa sighs and begins to walk out. Just before she leaves, she stops at the bookshelf and takes four books from it and proceeds to exit. She then exits the office and enters an elevator. She gets to the first floor from the elevator, as she exits the building.


    Lisa: (A sacrifice, ah well the world¡¯s a fucked up place so no surprise there. Still though, this crow person sounds like a load of fun. He was able to take down so many people while getting shot at.)


    As she walks towards one of the city¡¯s underground train stations, she feels that she is being followed. Before entering underground, Lisa glances back and notices two guys looking back at her. She then goes to the bathroom door, but just as she opens it she seductively lures the two thugs into the bathroom with her. When they enter they see she¡¯s leaning on the stalls with her arms crossed.


    Lisa: Mind locking that door behind you, we wouldn¡¯t want unwanted visitors disturbing us.


    Thug1: No prob, babe. *closes the door behind*


    Thug2: Heh, you don¡¯t look like the type of person to be into this type of stuff, what is it? Got a fetish for being alone with two guys girly?


    Lisa: Girly huh? You¡¯ll make me blush with those words you know.


    She then begins to walk towards them as she looks into thug1¡¯s face. He then takes out a switch knife out from his pocket and tries to intimidate her.


    Thug1: Watch where ya stepping girly. Keep on walkin anymore and I¡¯ll make sure you have ya legs open 24/7.


    Lisa: My quite the mouth you have there. By the way what makes you think I¡¯m the one in need of a warning? *grins to the point of showing her teeth*


    As she looks at them with a grin, thug2 then sees the odd shaped tattoos on her face.


    Thug2: Holy- look at the ink on her face!


    Lisa: You know little boys like you kinda piss me off. Just because you can threaten and kill a few people, don¡¯t mean you yourself cannot die. Fuck it, I know damn well you guys aren¡¯t even a warm up for me; but I just wanta let loose now.


    She rushes towards thug1, looking down on him as he then tries to attack. But before he can react, she slams his head onto the wall behind him so hard it made a dent where his head hit the wall. His body twitches on the ground as blood leaks out from his head.


    Thug2: Wha-what the fuck did you do!?


    Thug2¡¯s legs begin to shake as Lisa stares at him. He tries to turn and run, but is unable to stop shaking in fear of what will happen to him. Lisa then grabs and tosses him the knife his pal had to thug2¡¯s feet.


    Lisa: Here try to stab me with that in 3 tries. I¡¯ll just evade you without attacking, but after those 3 are up, well you¡¯ll see. Also don¡¯t bother trying to run, I¡¯ll just kill you before you get to open the door. So don¡¯t disappoint me now.


    Feeling helplessly angry thug2 runs and does a wide slash that misses her face.


    Lisa: That¡¯s one.


    Right when after the wide slash, he then tries to stab her but is brushed off completely by her.


    Lisa: Aww that¡¯s two already. One more.


    However instead of doing one more attack, he starts to shake uncontrollably. Thinking he¡¯s about to die he franticly strikes at Lisa but misses all of them. She then catches his wrist from his last attack.


    Lisa: That was more than one. Game¡¯s over.


    As she grips thug2¡¯s wrist tighter, she then easily breaks his arm by slamming her palm onto his elbow inwards. Before he screams out she then let¡¯s go of the wrist and tightly grab hold of his throat and lifts him up. She proceeds to choke him to death and then tosses his corpse aside. She goes get the case she had and leaves the bathroom.


    Lisa: (Ahhh, killing normal people like that is too damn boring. This little killer sounds interesting enough though.)


    On the street near UCLA students begin to leave as they have finished their last classes. Iris leaves the campus grounds as she talks to her friends. The girl besides Iris is wearing glasses and has long brown hair named Mila Walker. The guy next to them has short black hair and freckled face, named Thomas Hilson.


    Mila: Ahh, I¡¯m seriously gonna fail that damn pop quiz.


    Thomas: You know that wasn¡¯t a pop quiz, we were told about this yesterday. You¡¯re just always sleeping.


    Mila: Well ONE of us has a job to pay for rent. If ONLY of us would stop getting fired for talking back to customers.


    Thomas: It¡¯s not my fault customers at a fast food joint are assholes. Iris you can back me up on this, you¡¯ve worked in the same place before.


    Iris: Uhh please don¡¯t involve me in your lovers¡¯ arguments.


    Thomas: This isn¡¯t an argument, trust me.


    Mila: True, when we do argue he yells a lot and hits me.


    Thomas: I swear you have got to stop saying that. What if someone takes that seriously?


    Mila: Never mind that, anyway, Iris I heard that another guy is trying to get you to go on a date. Why don¡¯t you ever go out with anyone? You got the looks and the personality of a perfect wife, hell if I were a guy would-


    Thomas: Shut up. I seriously don¡¯t want to hear you finish that sentence.


    Mila: What type of guy doesn¡¯t want to hear about to girls going out to eat for a date?


    Thomas: The type that is burnt out from going out with a pervert like you. So just get it out of your system.


    Mila: They eat each other out part? Sorry couldn''t help it, tehe *smiles*


    Thomas: ¡­ *facepalms*


    As they continue to walk Iris then speaks up to answer Mila¡¯s question.


    Iris: Mila, I kinda don¡¯t want a boyfriend for now. Even if it is just a date, I don¡¯t want one, least until I finish my courses.


    As she explains her plans, Mila looks at Iris and begins to show a worrisome face. She then sees a yogurt shop and turns towards Thomas¡¯s direction.


    Mila: Hey, can you get us some yogurt?


    Thomas: *groans* What flavors?


    Mila: Rocky road, I like it rough down my-


    Thomas: Please stop right there... and you Iris?


    Iris: Just strawberry is fine.


    He then leaves and enters the stop. Right as he leaves the two begin to talk once more.


    Iris: Looks like he¡¯s seriously gotten used to your perverted ways.


    Mila: Yeah, at first it was really cute how his reactions were. But now, it¡¯s like he ignores it all completely.


    Iris: Well what¡¯d you expect, you''ve been together for 2 years and since you like to talk like that on a daily basis, he was bound to get used to it.


    The two then take a seat on a bench near the shop. Mila brings up the dating subject once more.


    Mila: Hey¡­ about how you don¡¯t want to date anyone for a while. Is it about that guy you used to always have a huge smile with?


    Iris: *blushes* I didn¡¯t always have a huge smile on with him!


    Mila: Ahh, so there were times you did have huge smile then.


    Iris: W-well, he was funny at times. Besides he was almost always at my house and he¡¯s was kinda like a childhood friend of mine. So it¡¯s only logical that-


    Mila: That you would have fallen in love with him. Look it may not be my place to say but, it¡¯s been 8 months already. I get you don¡¯t want to forget him but it¡¯s not right for you to stay stuck in the past.


    Iris: It¡¯s not just that.


    Mila: Do you still blame yourself for what happened? You two may have gotten into a fight, but do you think he would ever blame you for anything that happened to him. Sorry if I sound like I''m saying just get over it and move on, I just don''t want you to stay in the past.


    Iris: I know that, but I just can¡¯t forgive myself for saying what I said to him. If I had I known that those would be my last words to him, he would still be here¡­ with me.


    Mila: You really loved him didn¡¯t you?


    Iris: I never got to tell him. Even though he always confessed to me how much he loved me, I always rejected him.


    Mila: Why did you do that, could have been together a long time ago!


    Iris: Because¡­ I was never sure if what I felt was love. I didn¡¯t want to be with him if I was confused about my feelings for him. But of course it was foolish as he died right when I realize that I loved him.


    Behind them, a hooded man looks at the girls from behind their backs. One of the pedestrians tosses him some pocket change in a cup near him, but his attention stays at looking at the girls.


    Iris: That¡¯s the main reason why I blame myself. If I was more honest to myself, and never told him such horrible things that night; he would still be here.


    Mila: Iris, I still think you¡¯re an idiot for being indecisive.


    Iris: *panics * I know! I seriously screwed everything and I just said things in anger! God I want to take everything back... but I can¡¯t.


    Mila: *sighs* Sorry I brought such a sensitive topic. I''ve only ever seen him with you or Brandon, so we never got to know each other.


    Iris: I still remember something he said that stuck with me. That the bonds we have are stronger than anything in this world... *shows a loving smile*


    Mila: Wow, I''ve never seen you look so happy when talking about someone other then-


    Iris: Well this conversation is abjured.


    Mila: ¡­Huh!?


    Iris: This topic is very depressing to continue talking about. Also, I don¡¯t want Cipher to see that I¡¯m going to be always depressed about him being dead. Besides I want to live my life knowing he has nothing to worry about.


    Right after she had said that, Thomas returns with the yogurts for the girls. As they talk with each other, the hooded cloaked man turns out to be Cipher watch over them from afar.


    Cipher: (Looks like she¡¯s doing better than I thought.)


    He then sees her smile and takes out his hand to try to reach out to her. Until he retracts his hands noticing that they are no longer that of a human. Cipher reminds himself that his deeds and current form is not worthy. He notices an unwelcome figure walking towards him.


    Cipher: What is it now?


    Vice: My, is that anyway to say hi to a friend like me. Anyhow are you still stalking your girlfriend? Wait no you¡¯re just obsessed over her. You should stop that and continue on your killing hobby, there aren¡¯t many women that find the act of stalking cute.


    Cipher: ¡­


    Vice: *sighs* You¡¯re going to ignore me again are you? You know she¡¯s not the reason you returned right. You came back to kill the leader of Cross. Remember, Mr. Bloodstained Crow.


    Cipher: ¡­ Should you even be talking about that in such a public area?


    Vice: Normal people cannot see or hear demons or angels. It¡¯s something akin to our abilities, we only show ourselves to beings we want. Of course if its people like yourself, then you can see us none the less.


    Cipher: ¡­ I see.


    Vice: Say, did you lose your nerve in terms of fighting. If you did I have some wonderful news for you! Samuel will be at Club 68 today at midnight. Now if you go there now all you have to do is wait for a bit, you can kill them all in one night.


    Cipher: *stands up* Why tell me this? I thought you weren¡¯t going to help me?


    Vice: If I leave this up to you, it¡¯ll take too long and be too boring for me okay. I¡¯m not the patient type, besides I think it¡¯s time to end this all tonight.


    Cipher: *sadistic grin* You know, for once. I completely agree with you.


    Cipher then turns away from where he was and walks off, however behind him Iris notices the cloaked man as he is walking away.


    Thomas: What¡¯s up Iris?


    Iris: Huh, no it¡¯s nothing.

 Chapter7 – Captured

    After arriving back to the police station, Marshall places the picture of Cipher on his desk. 8 months ago, moments after the whole incident some of the bodies of the victims were identified as others were disfigured. Marshall was unfortunate enough to find Cipher''s lifeless body among them. That was the last time he saw him.


    Steven: Marshall, what do you think the possibility of the boy being the Bloodstained Crow?


    Marshall: Absolute zero possibility. I saw his corpse, hell the heart was missing. However his body disappeared after being delivered to the morgue and this art does somewhat resemble him.


    Steven: There might be a connection of the boy¡¯s missing body and the Bloodstained Crow.


    A call comes in from Marshall¡¯s phone; as he answers it Steven then goes toward some audio tapes and puts headphones on to listen in on the tapes. The man on the phone with Marshall is Phil, a member of the forensics team that was investigating the bodies that the crow has left behind.


    Marshall: Anything good?


    Phil: Well¡­ the black blood that I talked to you guys about. So far no animal or chemical is this in anyway similar to anything we know. It maybe some type of side effect from a new drug the crow is taking.


    Marshall: You¡¯re kidding right? Well, what about the bodies you guys got from yesterday¡¯s batch?


    Phil: Those, well there¡¯s not much I can say that hasn¡¯t been said already. Since these guys¡¯ fingerprints are burnt off, I can¡¯t say who they were. Looks like they did it themselves as the wounds are not of recent.


    Marshall: Nothing but bad news, huh.


    Phil: Marshall, what do you think made these types of people to come here?


    Marshall: Someone must have paid them to kill the crow.


    As Marshall said this aloud Steven with his hands on the headphones hears the words.


    Steven: Marshall, I believe I got something.


    Marshall: Yeah, what is it?


    Steven: Some of the tapes that our informer provides us mentions something about mercenaries and the money. Marshall, I suggest we go pay Marcos a visit.


    Marshall: Mercenaries!?


    Marshall then bids Phil his thanks as he and Steven goes to where they know their informer is at. As they go to where the informer is, Steven ponders on the information they just figured out.


    Steven: This is quite difficult.


    Marshall: What?


    Steven: The fact that mercenaries were paid to take down the Bloodstained Crow, makes me wonder who on Earth would go this far.


    Marshall: It''s obvious who it was. However how they get enough resources to pull such a stunt is the really question.


    They stop around Hollywood Blvd near the Chinese Theater. They get out the car go to the front of the theater where Marshall taps on a guy¡¯s shoulder trying to sell some pamphlets to tourists.


    Marshall: How¡¯s the job working you, Marcos? Is it better then dropping the soap in front of people that will make you there woman?


    Marcos: Christ, Marshall you can¡¯t just come here and start harassing me. I¡¯m not even going against my parole. Where¡¯s the other one that¡¯s usually with you?


    Marshall: I¡¯m the one asking questions here. Now what can you tell me about your gang hiring a group of mercenaries to go after you know who?


    Marcos: Look man I don¡¯t know nothing aright. Now if you excuse me, got a sell some of these to get my cash you know.


    Marshall then takes out a couple of 20s and gives them to Marcos.


    Marcos: Okay, well I don¡¯t know about where they came from but the money to pay for those guys didn¡¯t come from us, it came from the Hispanics.


    Marshall: Which ones?


    Marcos: The Soldados.


    Marshall: Did they involve themselves when the crow took out some of their guys during that alley incident few days ago?


    Marcos: I don¡¯t know man.


    Marshall: Right and when Cross finds out you¡¯ve been giving the police some info about them, wouldn¡¯t surprise me if they use you as some sacrifice to whatever gods you people believe in. But even they don¡¯t have enough resources to pay for mercenaries of that caliber. Where did that money come from?


    Marcos: I don¡¯t know man, not for 40 dollars at least.


    Marshall: *sigh* We¡¯re done here. You don¡¯t know anything else I need to know, right?


    Marcos then averts his eyes away from Marshall and then proceeds to talk.


    Marcos: There''s something else; two days from now is another gathering for the ritual that failed on February.


    Marshall immediately grabs Marcos by the collar and demands why he didn¡¯t say anything about this before. Just then Marshall feels a hand calmly land onto his shoulder; it was Steven trying to calm him down before he did anything else as it starts to catch the attention of the bystanders.


    Marcos: Calm your tits! Look I didn¡¯t know until today aright. You don¡¯t wanta make a scene here do ya!


    Steven: Do you know what time of day and where this event might take place in?


    Marcos: *nods* Yeah, look I want to live a normal life that much I¡¯m not even kidding about. I¡¯ve done stuff that are unforgivable. And I feel that as long as they are around then I can¡¯t do that. You get me? It¡¯s going to be at the subway station at 8<sup>th</sup> street in downtown; the only station there that the construction workers stopped.


    Marshall: *lets go of him* My ass you do. You will lead us to the gathering yourself before it starts got it. Also do you know any information on the mercenaries that were killed?


    Marcos: Aright and na, heard nobody knows who they were. Just some people who were paid top dollar to kill the crow.


    After parting ways, Marshall and Steven then go back to the car. Steven then says what he has been thinking about while Marshall was speaking with Marcos.


    Steven: So what do you think? Were the mercenaries just a lone group? Or do you think they might have belonged to a PMC?


    Marshall: You mean a Private Military Company? *sighs* I don''t know what''s worse, having some random PMC getting hired to come here or that Cross is doing another ritual soon.


    Steven: Shall we go tell the chief that we might finally have Cross where we want them?


    Marshall: *opens car door* Definitely. We¡¯ll finally have them where we want them.


    Steven: Perhaps we might even get the Bloodstained Crow if he happens to show up.


    Marshall: Something in my gut tells me the same Steve.


    As the afternoon came, high school students start to leave the campus as school had ended. Buses are waiting as students are getting in and looking for a seat, among the students Brandon and Eveline wait at the side of the school where some students are waiting for family or friends to pick them up. The two sit and wait on the cement stairs looking out at the street.


    Brandon: ¡­ She¡¯s late.


    Eveline: Well maybe there¡¯s traffic. This is around the time when it starts to get packed.


    Brandon: That would be the case and I would agree. But¡­ this is Maria I''m talking about. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if she was asleep this whole time. She even has a cell phone, but it¡¯s like she has no purpose in using it! It always goes to voicemail and she calls back from the house phone.


    Eveline: Maybe she doesn¡¯t know how to use it well? How old is she?


    Brandon: *scratches his head* Old enough to know she¡¯s annoyingly complicated.


    Eveline: *giggles* I suppose so.


    Brandon: So hey, I saw that you¡¯re still not comfortable with talking to the others in class.


    Eveline: ...Yeah.


    Brandon: But you''ve been like that for a while now, didn''t you say it would make you happy if you lived a fulfilling high school life?


    Eveline: I feel really odd and uneasy when I try to speak to them. But *gently smiles* I feel okay when it¡¯s just your family... or you.


    Brandon: *slightly blushes* Well if you say so. (Should I read into what she just said about being around me?)


    Moments later a car drives by and honks at the two. Maria had arrived and they begin to walk towards the car.


    Maria: Hiya, kept you waiting did I?


    Brandon: You¡¯re late. I¡¯m going to assume you were asleep.


    Maria: Well I had an errand to run really quick. So I thought I might make it back a little late.


    Brandon: 30 minutes does count as a little. For you!


    Maria: Ah come on. *brings her head closer* Besides I somewhat gave you more time with your girlfriend. Tell me, *suggestive hand motions* did you two have some fun while you waited.


    Brandon: The hell is that matter with you! Aren¡¯t you supposed to be a freaking nun! Why ask me that!


    Maria: Ahhh. If you keep acting like this, you¡¯ll always be stuck in the friend zone. Where romance goes to die.


    Eveline: Uh, what are you guys doing?


    Brandon: She¡¯s just telling me on how since she has no love life; she¡¯s interested in some teenage romance stuff.


    Eveline: Oh¡­ well everyone has a hobby I suppose.


    Maria: Shut up the both of you! It¡¯s not like I want that anyways, I¡¯m a sister of the church so I don¡¯t need it anyways! Sides it¡¯s not like I haven¡¯t tried before¡­


    Brandon: Well look, we gotta go to the bookstore for some books we need to use for one an essay we were given.


    Maria: Why don¡¯t you use the computer at your home for whatever research you need?


    Eveline: We need the actual books to use since the teacher gave it to use saying that it¡¯s to prepare for college. Something about it¡¯s for sighting our work or something like that.


    Maria: Doesn''t your school have a library?


    Eveline: It didn''t have what we needed.


    Maria: Eh, sure sounds like a pain to me. Well guess you guys need to get ready for college if you plan to attend. But I¡¯m not going to lecture you guys about it, so let¡¯s get going.


    Once Maria starts driving the radio is then turned on to listen to some music. As they drive they somewhat continue talking as the ride goes on, their topics going to school from television. The ride ends when they finally get to the inside parking lot of the library.


    Maria: You guys get out; I¡¯ll find a parking spot and look for you guys. And don¡¯t worry I¡¯ll take my time so you two love birds can be alone. *winks*


    Brandon/Eveline: ¡­ Oh how considerate of you.


    She lets Brandon and Eveline off so that they can enter the building as she finds parking; as she eventually does she gets out and stands near the car. She then takes out a cigarette box, takes one out, and lights it as she smokes leaning against the car.


    Maria: (Those two are just so cute together. Unfortunately with Brandon being who he is, he¡¯s gonna need a push to confess. Still even with two shy people liking each other, it looks like a pain in the ass just for one of them to get courage.)


    She then closes her eyes and a smile begins to form on her lips.


    Maria: (Dear lord make sure he and that girl find happiness. Or at least push that idiot Brandon to tell her how he feels. Just watching those two interact with each other is painful. If you do, I promise I¡¯ll stop smoking for real this time.)


    She drops the cigarette on the ground and steps on it; she then starts to walk away from the car. As she walks, she sees a homeless man being dragged in by a small group of thugs that is being led by a pierced face girl. She sees them harassing him for what seems to be some type of initiation for two of the people within the group. Maria changes her path and moves away from the parking exit to where the groups of thugs are at.


    Maria: Excuses me but why are you harassing this poor man?


    Pierced girl: Get the fuck out of here lady. This an¡¯t got nothing to do with you.


    Maria: You''re right but when I see people harassing others like that, I feel it becomes my responsibility to stop it from going any further.


    Thug1: *looks at Maria* Hey she¡¯s one of those women that don¡¯t have sex cause of god or some shit.


    Pierced girl: So you¡¯re a fucking nun. You know, I never liked YOU people when I grew up. Always saying crap like I should dress more properly and if I don¡¯t pray or believe in god, I¡¯ma end up in hell.


    Maria: Well I can assure you that praying or even believing isn¡¯t the only way.


    Pierced girl: Oh gee golly, you don¡¯t say! Hey newbies, leave that trash alone, I want you two to take care of this bitch!This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    The group surrounds Maria to not let her escape.


    Newbie1: Wait are you serious?


    Newbie2: I think she is. But look we knew what we were doing anyways. So fuck it right?


    Before newbie1 could respond, newbie2 walks and grabs Maria by the arm tightly. But before he could do anything else, she pulls out pepper spray and sprays him right in the eyes. He falls back, cursing in pain as he is holding his hands onto his eyes. The pierced girl then looks at newbie1 as to why he did not assist newbie2.


    Newbie1: Look attacking that homeless was one thing, but I don¡¯t wanta beat her to death! I just don¡¯t feel-


    Pierced girl: *smashes her fist onto newbie1¡¯s nose* Da fuck are you talking about! Look this is how you should do it!


    She then runs towards Maria and kicks her on the stomach. As she lies on the ground Maria slowly puts a hand in her own pocket and uses a speed dial on her cell phone and call Marshall. She then grabs Maria by the hair and starts to punch her multiple times till she starts to bleed from the nose.


    Pierced girl: Fuck this is awesome feeling! Here''s a fun fact you¡¯re not the first nun I¡¯ve fucked up before!


    The pierced girl then gets on top of Maria and starts to strangle her.


    Maria: You- you don¡¯t have to do this.


    Pierced girl: Ha! You know you¡¯re not the first to beg for your life, I¡¯ll tell ya. But too bad, I fucking hate your stupid beliefs. Fucking nun, just die.


    Just as Maria is being choked, a voice is heard and the pierced girl turns around as she thinks she recognizes the voice.


    Eveline: Maria!


    The pierced girl strong grip on Maria¡¯s neck loosens as she eventually lets her go.


    Pierced girl: You¡­ I know you, come here a minute.


    Her legs start to shake, as Eveline sees what was happening in front of her. She recognizes one of the tattoos of one of the thugs as a member of Cross. Unable to respond back, the pierced girl pulls out a gun and points it directly onto Maria¡¯s head.


    Pierced girl: Hey bitch! You heard me!? I said come here for a minute! Since you know this slut¡¯s name I assume you two know each other, which means if you don¡¯t come here I¡¯m gonna fucking blast this hoe-bag''s head right off!


    As Eveline walks towards them, her shaking grows more with each step she takes. Until two of the thugs grab her by the arms and drag her to the pierced girl.


    Pierced girl: *double slaps her with the gun* Shit it really is you. Been awhile since I last saw your fucking face, Eveline.


    The gun smacks were hard enough that they knocked Eveline out cold. But then one of the thugs grabs Maria¡¯s arms and pulls them out. The cell phone that she had flies out as this happens, only for the pierced girl to break it as she stomps on it.


    Pierced girl: Calling for help huh? We¡¯re gonna take you and your little buddy on a little trip. Get the van and put these fucks in there. Actually yo newbie since you didn¡¯t help your friend there with the attack, go and get the van now!


    Newbie1: R-right.


    Back inside the library, Brandon wait for the two as he is looking for the books need for the project.


    Brandon: (What¡¯s holding those to up? Wait this is Maria I¡¯m talking about, and Eveline went back for her¡­ ah crap she¡¯s probably telling her all those stories of how I was when I was small!)


    He walks outside and sees a brown van rushing out the parking lot entrance. As he enters it he sees nobody there, only an unconscious homeless man on the corner. Thinking that the homeless was just a drunk, he continues to walk and look for the two. He then sees a broken cell phone on the ground, so he goes towards it and picks it up. He notices the phone as he is able to recognize it as Maria¡¯s cell phone.


    Brandon: What the¡­ why¡¯s Maria¡¯s phone here? Eveline! Maria! Where are you guys!?


    He then gets a call from his father, Marshall.


    Marshall: Brandon, are you okay!?


    Brandon: Dad! Maria and Eveline I don¡¯t know what happened to them! They¡¯re not here!


    Marshall: Listen, tell me where you are. I¡¯ll be at your location got it?


    Brandon: Waitwaitwait! Why do you sound like you know what happened?! What the hell happened!? I found Maria¡¯s cell here on the ground broken. What happened? Tell me!


    Marshall: Calm down! Look where are you, if you tell me now I¡¯ll tell you what happened when I get there.


    Brandon: I¡¯m at the bookstore by the Westside mall. Now tell me what happened!


    Marshall: I will, just wait for me till then.


    After hanging up, he felt confused on what has happened. But then Brandon sees something shocking as he sees someone¡¯s blood on the ground, around the same location Maria¡¯s cell phone was at.


    He then goes towards the homeless man and shakes him until he finally wakes up.


    Brandon: Hey! Hey! Did you see what happened here! Was there a nun and a short high school girl here not too long ago?


    Homeless man: What, I don¡¯t know. I think there was a nun that saved me from those crazy people. I think one of them has some snake shaped tattoo or something. But I don¡¯t know about some high schooler.


    Brandon: No¡­ fucking shit no! That can¡¯t be!


    Marshall and Steven returns to the police station after talking with Marcos, the informer they use to get information on Cross¡¯s internal affairs and identities of certain members. Once inside, they go directly to police chief Paul Anderson and tell him of what they have been able to learn of while working on the Cross case.


    Marshall: Chief we got some things you should know.


    Chief Anderson: So what do you two have for me this time? Got something that connects the unknown backers of Cross or hell even the identity of whom or what it is?


    Marshall: No unfortunately nothing of that just yet.


    Steven: We went to go see an informer that had said the Latino gang had the money, which he told us that the Soldados de Reyes were the ones.


    Marshall: However we don''t have a clue how they were able to gain so much money since they lost much of that power to gain the finances they once had.


    Chief Anderson: So now they involved with the Bloodstained Crow? This is starting to grow more out of control.


    Steven: If we''re lucky, they were the only mercenaries that were hired.


    Chief Anderson: Jesus Christ¡­ I already got the Feds breathing down my neck cause of the possibility of Cross spreading across other states. I don¡¯t need a fucking PMC bullshit coming to this city and turning into a goddamn warzone. I want you two to get on this faster and find out the damn identity of the leader of Cross. All we know is that it''s a guy with some type of mask.


    Marshall: About that. Two days from now at the subway station on 8<sup>th</sup> street in downtown, Cross is going to reset the ritual from 8 months ago.


    Chief Anderson: What was that!?


    Steven: They¡¯re resetting the ceremony that we were able to stop mid-way from February.


    The chief then looks at Marshall and Steven, as the chief was also there when they raided the first ritual. He saw that Cross was more of deadly than any other gang to date.


    Chief Anderson: So two days from now, we can finally capture those bastards once and for all. Thanks to this new information we can ambush and arrest all of them before they can do anything else.


    Marshall then feels his cell phone vibrate in his pocket and so he steps out and goes to his office to answer it. He takes it out and sees it¡¯s Maria calling him and so he answers it. But to his surprise Maria has not replied back. Instead all he can hear is someone yelling in a violent tone.


    Marshall: What the hell? Maria what are you listening to? Oh god damn it did your phone pocket dial me? (Wait¡­ she has a flip-phone.)


    As he realizes this, he then hears someone beating somebody and eventually hears chocking. Unable to say anything he listens to see what he can make out, as it seems that there are some violent actions happening. Since Maria¡¯s cell phone is a flip-phone the only way she could call if she made the call herself. He hears yelling to walk towards someone and then hears someone else getting smacked horribly by some object. After that, the sounds start to get muffled until all he can hear is phone getting cut off. Immediately he starts to dial Maria¡¯s phone number and gets no reply. He tries few more times and then tries the boarding house phone number.


    Staff: Yes, Hello?


    Marshall: Hello, my name is Marshall Patentia and I¡¯m friends with Maria Avalon. Is she available by any chance?


    Staff: Oh hello Mr. Patentia, no I¡¯m afraid not at the moment. She left a few hours ago to a private matter.


    Marshall: Do you know where?


    Staff: Afraid not. But she did say that she was going to pick up Brandon and his friend after she was done with her errand.


    Marshall: Thank you and if she calls back or arrives there call by this number.


    She agrees and Marshall hangs up. He then calls Brandon and as soon as he answers, Marshall can hear Brandon¡¯s voice shook up. He tells him to calm down and tell him what has happened. But all he can gather from him is that Maria had taken them to the new library that is close to the Westside mall and that both Maria and Eveline were taken. He then tells Brandon to stay put and that he will tell him what happened when he gets to where he is. A hand then pats him on the back and as he turns to who did it, he sees his partner Steven, looking at him.


    Steven: You okay? You look somewhat pale.


    Marshall: Something happened¡­ You remember that woman from earlier today, Maria. I got a call from her but she didn¡¯t reply. All I could hear was someone getting beaten up and then someone getting chocked. I call the boarding house to make sure that she was at home but she wasn¡¯t. So then they tell me that she was with my son and his friend, I gotta get there now!


    Steven: *punches Marshall on the face* Get a grip. I¡¯ll get the car ready and bring to the front. The faster we do this the faster we¡¯ll get to where we need to be. Also sorry for punching you.


    Marshall: You didnt have to punch me! But not like it matters, your punches are incredibly weak but thanks anyways.


    Steven: Sure thing partner.


    When they get to the library¡¯s parking structure, Marshall then steps out to find where Brandon was. He finds him sitting on the pavement near Maria¡¯s car is at.


    Marshall: Brandon! *hugs him* Are you alright?


    Brandon: ¡­


    Marshall: What¡¯s wrong?


    Brandon: ¡­ Them again¡­


    Marshall: What was that?


    Brandon: IT WAS THEM AGAIN! FUCKING CROSS TOOK MARIA AND EVELINE AWAY!


    Marshall: Calm down Brandon. How do you know that?


    Brandon: CALM DOWN! HOW THE FUCKING SHIT CAN I DO THAT!


    Marshall: I said calm down. How do you know it was Cross that did it?


    Brandon: That homeless guy over there said some of the people that were attacking him had some tattoos that were cross-shaped. Maria stepped in to save him but she ended up getting attacked instead!


    Marshall: I see. At the very least you¡¯re safe.


    Hearing this, Brandon begins to walk away from his father. Marshall then begins to call him back and when he turns him around, Brandon''s anger and frustration against Cross get directed at his father.


    Brandon: SAFE! AT LEAST I¡¯M SAFE! FUCKING CHRIST DAD, EVELINE¡¯S HAD IT ROUGH FOR A LONG TIME NOW AND NOW SHE¡¯S BACK IN THE HANDS OF CROSS. NOT JUST HER BUT MARIA WAS TAKEN BY THEM TOO! I MEAN SHIT THE FUCK HOW MUCH MORE TIME DO YOU GUYS NEED TO FUCKING TAKING DOWN CROSS. FIRST THEY KILL CIPHER, AND THEN THEY SCREW UP EVELINE¡¯S ALREADY MESSED UP LIFE AT HOME, AND NOW THEY KIDNAP MARIA AND HER! THEY COULD BE KILLED OR SHIT EVEN WORSE! I¡¯M TIRED OF THEM IF YOU WONT DO ANYTHING THEN I WILL!


    As he turns his back on his father, Marshall sees some tears fall off his son¡¯s eyes. Marshall then holds Brandon with a tight hug.


    Marshall: Don¡¯t make yourself think that I¡¯m oblivious to all of this. I blame myself for not being able to capture them and I can¡¯t forget the emotional toll they did to you, Iris, Maria or anyone else that day. He managed to gives us time to break up that horrid event at the cost of his life, even if he didn¡¯t know it. I promise you, we will stop them and I will save both Maria and Eveline. I give you my word.


    As Marshall holds Brandon, he remains silent as the tears continue for fall. Steven goes to the two of them as the silence remains.


    Steven: Brandon do you have any clue as to how they were taken?


    Brandon: Yeah, I saw a brown van that was rushing out when I was walking here. I already told one of those guys already.


    Steven: That so, well then Marshall you should go drop off Brandon home. I¡¯ll take care of everything else here. After this I¡¯m going back to the office and listen in on more tapes to see if I can find anything more about their hideouts. I¡¯ll meet you back in the office.


    Marshall: Thanks. I owe you Steve.


    Steven: Good your I.O.U.s are piling up. Get going partner.


    The two go their separate ways as Marshall goes to the car with Brandon and as Steven stays behind for the crime scene. He goes to a police officer that¡¯s currently standing, keeping watch of the scene.


    Steven: *pokes officer* Say after I¡¯m done here, care to take me to the station after? My ride just left.


    The brown van is driving on the road as it still drives on a freeway. In the back of the van, Eveline starts to regain consciousness. She sees Maria besides her on the floor tied up with rope and feels that she is also tied as well.


    Maria: Hey you okay?


    She nods, unable to talk as she feels frozen with fear.


    Maria: Hey, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make sure nothing bad happens to you got it. I promise, cross my heart and hope to die. *smiles*


    Eveline: Don¡¯t say that! What if they hear you and they do kill you!?


    Maria: Ha! I like to see them try.


    Eveline: You were getting beat up pretty badly before I saw you. Why did they have to be in there too¡­? Didn¡¯t you notice that they were members of Cross?


    Maria: Yeah, I saw them drag a poor homeless man as they were abusing him. I had to stop them.


    Eveline: Why!? Why¡¯d you get involved with them if you know who they were?


    Maria: Would you jump in the way of a speeding car to save a life that¡¯s about to be ran over or just watch as the possibility of death happen in front of you? Call me an idiot if you want but I¡¯ll jump right in to save anyone¡¯s life.


    Eveline: ¡­


    The van then starts to slow down and eventually stop altogether. Soon the back doors near the two open up and they see that they are under a concrete bridge somewhere in the city. They are dragged to a door and they open it to take them inside, further into the structure. As they go deeper they end up in a large auditorium like room and in front of them are odd structures and on the walls is what looks like places where people watch from. At the center of the room is an altar and a man lying on the stand of the altar, looking at the ceiling. As they get closer, the man then looks at their direction and stands up. He has short black hair, black clothing with white fingerless gloves, and a smiling mask covering his face.


    Pierced girl: Samuel darling, how are things going in here?


    Samuel: Good, I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll be all prepared for the ritual in two days. But before we talk about that, who are these young folks you brought here Tracy?


    The pierced girl hears her name called; and replies as Samuel looks to her as he tilts his head.


    Tracy: That one right there threw her damn bag at my head, hurt like shit. And the other one¡­ well just look at what she¡¯s wearing, just pisses me off.


    Samuel: And what do you think bringing them here would do?


    Tracy: Well I thought that we could both beat them to death since it act like a good stress relief! *smiles*


    Samuel: Oh my dear Tracy¡­


    He then punches her hard on the face, making her lose her balance falling on to the floor.


    Samuel: I¡¯M FAR TOO BUSY TO PLAY THESE GAMES WITH YOU WOMAN!


    Tracy: R-right, my bad. I just thought since you¡¯ve been stressed lately about the resetting this event, your dad, and the Bloodstained Crow I just thought you needed-


    Samuel: Well now is not the time for that. *walks in front of Eveline and Maria* My apologies but unfortunately I cannot have you leave as you¡¯ve seen our hideout.


    Tracy: So we gonna kill them! Yay~!*big smile*


    Samuel: No, but when we leave tonight you can take which ever you want with us. As I deal with the Latin gang Solados Del Reyes or whatever they¡¯re called, you can release some stress for the both of us.


    He then turns his eyes to Eveline and begins to notice that she is shaking.


    Samuel: My, my~ If it isn¡¯t my old friend Eve. It¡¯s been a while hasn¡¯t.


    Eveline: ¡­ Samuel?


    Hearing this, Maria looks at Eveline in confusion.


    Samuel: What? Why are you so scared? Trust me I would not harm you whatsoever. Unlike that "father" of yours. *touches her hair behind her ears* I''ve wondered if we would meet again.


    Maria: Leave her alone asshole.


    Samuel: Wow, you¡¯ve got quiet the mouth on you. I thought nuns weren¡¯t allowed to use such language?


    Maria: Probably, but then again. I don¡¯t really give a rat¡¯s ass at the moment.


    Samuel: Would you like it if I gave you more attention¡­ sister of the church.


    Maria: *notices his clothing* Do you have some type of delusion of grandeur to dress up like that?


    Samuel: I¡¯m 27 years old and this is a normal way for me to express myself. *slaps her with his backhand*


    Eveline: Maria!


    Samuel: Eve, You know, you¡¯re "father" did leave you all alone. So with that in mind I''m always happy to welcome you to join me.


    Eveline: Join you? Wait Samuel, are you the-


    Samuel: Yes. I''m sorry I hid it from you, but I am the leader of Cross.


    Getting up Samuel walks to newbie1.


    Samuel: You¡¯re a new face, what¡¯s your name?


    Newbie1: It¡¯s Mark.


    Samuel: Well then Mark, take these two to the back room.


    Just as Mark grabs the two Maria looks to Samuel and begins to stare at him. Noticing this Tracy goes to Maria and grabs her face.


    Tracy: Just where do you think your looking you fucking nun?


    Maria: Hey, this ritual of yours. Did the same ritual happen 8 months ago!?


    Samuel: Well why do you care? Was there someone you know that was in it?


    The two are then taken to a random corner of the back room. The two are then thrown in and the door closes in behind them. Eveline then sees Maria on the ground not moving.


    Eveline: Maria¡­ are¡­ are you okay?


    Maria: ¡­Yeah. Sorry for making you worry like that. Anyways more importantly are you?


    Eveline: I guess.


    Maria: So you knew each other, huh.


    Eveline: We grew up on the same street and but I with him as much since he was older than me.


    The silence grows and Eveline breaks it as her voice becomes quite monotone.


    Eveline: Maria, I... I was never really part of their gang. I was just... I


    Maria: Don''t worry about it, it''s in the past. *goes to her and rests her head with Eveline¡¯s head* I swear it you¡¯re going to be safe.


    Eveline: Um, why did you bring up the incident from 8 months ago?


    Maria: I¡­ uh, well I brought it up was because I think that man called Samuel, if he is whom he says he is, then he was the one the one who killed my son. Even so, I will make sure nothing bad happens to you.


    Hearing Maria''s promising words, she begins to feel a sense of guilt. Night arrives and at one of the clubs in the Hollywood district Club68 opens. On one of the roof overlooking the club, Cipher arrives as he oversees the club.

 Chapter8- A Twisted Power

    Night falls on the city and Cipher hides on the roof next to some statues overlooking the life below him. The building besides him is Club68 as he sees the leader of Los Soldados de Reyes, Gomez Santiago walking to the club with a small number of people with him.


    Gomez: Are they in there?


    Reyes thug1: Yea. But they don¡¯t look like no gang. Just look like a bunch of white people in black clothing. It¡¯s kinda weird looking at them though.


    Gomez: Fucking sake, look don¡¯t laugh or smirk in front of them got it? I an¡¯t gonna help ya if you do.


    They enter the club and all around them are flashing lights with loud music as people are dancing and drinking. Club68 became famous for being a hangout for gangs and young people to party till morning. Gomez and his crew go pass all the people on the ground floor and go to the second level of the club and go into one of the rooms overlooking the first floor. There they sit across to the leader of Cross, Samuel wearing a smiling mask with a black coat.


    Samuel: It¡¯s been a while¡­ hasn¡¯t it Gomez.


    Gomez: Look I¡¯m just here to give you people the money and bounce got it? *gives them the luggage of money*


    Samuel: Is this the package those mercenaries were going to be given?


    Gomez: Yeah. We¡¯re done now.


    Samuel: Wait up a minute. Don¡¯t you want to enjoy the night here and party till there¡¯s no tomorrow?


    Gomez: Not at the moment, you can have fun on our behalf.


    Samuel: My modest aren¡¯t you? Also there¡¯s something I also wanted to ask. You saw the Bloodstained Crow right?


    Gomez: W-what¡¯s that got to do-


    Samuel: He¡¯s been interfering with my group¡¯s affairs, killing my members which have diminished Cross in less than 3 weeks. The same Cross that took over this rotten Los Angeles and gained control from all gangs especially like yours, the Bulldogs, M.O.S., and the others. None of them have ever gotten to see the Bloodstained Crow like you have. Why is that?


    Gomez: That¡¯s just a fucking-


    Samuel: A what!? A coincidence? How can I believe that?


    Gomez: Cause its fucking true! I don¡¯t even know why you would bring this up now!


    Samuel: Then as proof, I will need something for you to ¡°sacrifice¡± in order prove your innocence.


    Gomez: DA FUCK YOU MEAN! I¡¯m not gonna let you near me for you sick games, pedazo de mierda! <You piece of shit>


    Samuel: Then would you prefer your lovely child to be it. Or your family that lives in the ghetto located in Inglewood.


    Gomez: ¡­How the fuck you know that?


    Samuel: I had some of my people trace you guys to your homes when you leave. It¡¯s quite fascinating the hypocrisy you people have when it comes to families, willing to take lives for you "brothers" and allow your own true blood to just die. Don¡¯t look too surprised, I have knowledge of all the gangs¡¯ whereabouts for instants like this.


    Gomez remained silent knowing in his mask after threatening his and his gangs¡¯ families just for proving his innocence. Then one of his gang members walks in front of Gomez.


    Reyes thug1: I¡¯ll do it. If it means my homies here are telling the truth then I¡¯ll do whatever you need me to do.


    Gomez: What are you doing!? I¡¯m not letting you go be his bitch!


    Reyes thug1: No it¡¯s cool. You and all the others are my family, even though we¡¯ve done some shitty things ourselves least we an¡¯t like these fucking lunatics.


    Samuel: Ah I know you. You were the one that was holding in his laughter when you saw us right? *punches the thug on the throat*


    The Soldados were unable to do anything as more Cross members showed up to make sure they didn¡¯t interfere.


    Samuel: See, I learned some martial arts when I was younger as my mother wanted me to. Of course I eventually got better as I got older. *crouches near the top of Reyes thug1¡¯s face* Gomez, do you know why I called you and all the other gangs¡¯ hypocrites? It¡¯s because you all gained this power by killing and showing fear towards the weaker people. And when it comes to your own kin weak or not you show kindness. All that money and power for your own gain¡­


    He then pulls out a knife and two hooded Cross members hold down the thug¡¯s arms as it gets closer to the thugs nose with his knife. He then removes the mask he¡¯s had on showing his eyes of a lunatic.


    Samuel: You want to know something. I made Cross with one thing in mind, to gain power so that I may show people that anyone can gain the same power against any threat.


    Gomez: What?


    Samuel: This includes my "father" I know that he is trying to use me as some way for himself to go even higher in the pyramid scheme called society. After all if my father is strong, that just means I must be stronger. That is what we should be doing Gomez. Not gain money and power for ourselves, but for everyone. Family or not we should save them, and whoever gets in our way, we shall make them regret it. *starts to slice off the Reyes thug¡¯s nose from the nostrils*


    As the thug starts to scream, Samuel grabs a rag and places it onto the thug¡¯s mouth so that the screaming is muted. After cutting it completely off the thug passes out from the pain. Samuel then begins to talk to two Cross members next to him.


    Gomez: (This fucker is fucking crazy¡­ please forgive me my friend.)


    Samuel: You two, Marcos and the newbie Mark. Take this one to Tracy. She¡¯s on the second floor having her fun. After that come back here, got it?


    Marcos: Yeah, yeah. Just make sure to not lose yourself again, aright Sam?


    Samuel: What makes you think I can¡¯t my dear friend?


    Marcos: Cause that childlike smile is quite large on your face.


    Mark then sees Samuel¡¯s face and is utterly scared of what he sees. A large smile covered in blood from cutting off the thug¡¯s nose. The blood was sprayed onto his teeth as if he was smiling the entire time while doing so.


    Samuel: You¡¯re right Marcos. I should learn to control myself one day shouldn¡¯t I?


    The two then grab the passed out thug and drag him out. While dragging him, Mark then stops walking and starts to look pale.


    Marcos: Sup? Need to throw up? There¡¯s a bathroom up ahead-


    Mark: * turns away and vomits* (What the hell!)


    Marcos: Or you can do it right here¡­


    Mark: *breathing heavily* W-w-what the fuck was all that about!? Is he crazy!?


    Marcos: Seriously you¡¯re asking that? Why did you join Cross if you¡¯re asking that? Anyways I gotta go to the bathroom now that you fucking vomited here ya know.


    The two stop at the door of a bathroom. Marcos goes inside and before going into one of the stalls; he checks all of them to see if they were occupied. After knowing he was alone in the bathroom he goes into the last stall and takes out his phone.


    Marcos: (Pick up, pick up, pick up) Hey I got something you should know. Cross is having a meeting right now with the Latinos. If you guys hurry it up then you can get here and capture them all before the ritual even begins.


    Steven: Why in the hell do you have bad timing with this type of thing Marcos. Playing a game whether or not we kick your ass for this late info? Anyways would this place happen to be at a place called Club68?


    Marcos: Yeah in the Hollywood district. How''d you figure that out?


    Steven: Tapes. Anyways make sure you buy us time before we get there.


    Marcos: Wha- *hears the dial tone* Asshole hung up.


    He gets out and gets walking with Mark and the knocked out thug. They get to the back and then use the stair to get to the top floor. Once there they see Tracy beating someone with their hands tied up to the ceiling in a nuns outfit.


    Mark: Why is she here?


    Tracy: Honey gave me a choice that I could bring her so that I can have fun. I wanted to bring the younger one, but this one just kept pushing it. Even though I kept smacking her she just kept getting up, giving me that same fucking look.


    Maria: *bleeding from the mouth* Eh? By whatever do you mean?


    Tracy: *punches her face* Shut that mouth of yours you slut of god! By the way what¡¯s with that guy you two are holding?


    Marcos: Eh, you know Samuel. Long story short, this guy is your new plaything.


    Tracy: Oh. Put him over there on the chair. These two big guys are gonna tie him up. Oh I just thought of this. Hey nun, watch as this guy becomes an example of what''s to come.


    As the huge men tie up the thug, Maria then sees the thug¡¯s face and looks shocked as his nose is gone. Trying to look away she then sees Mark¡¯s face as he seems to be scared.


    Maria: Hey you¡¯re that kid from before. Why the long look?


    Mark: Huh?


    Maria: You look really terrified you know. Isn¡¯t this what you wanted to join?


    Mark: ¡­No


    Maria: Hmm, why not?


    Mark: I just wanted a quick way to get money and I thought I would be using to help my parents out of the tough neighborhood we live in.


    Maria: Lord help this child¡­ If that¡¯s what you want then go back to school and earn it like a noble person would. Do you think they would be happy that you¡¯re in this type of group?


    Mark: I¡­ I don¡¯t¡­


    Marcos: Let¡¯s go or would you rather stay here.


    Maria: He¡¯s right. You should get out before it¡¯s too late for you. *gently smiles*


    Tracy: Hey bitches don¡¯t talk. You got something¡¯s to see before it¡¯s your turn you know. And don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ll go back and forth with you two. *widens her eyes*


    They turn away but Mark looks back to Maria and for just a bit, he notices that her legs are shaking. The two of them return to where the meeting is held but back on the ground floor one of the bodyguards lays on the ground bleeding. He is then killed as claws tear through his chest. The people there don¡¯t notice as he dies and his killer walks into the club from a back entry. While in there he looks up and sees a balcony.


    Cipher: I wonder¡­ would it be too easy or a clich¨¦ if he really is in there.


    He then sits near the bar and besides him is a woman with red hair, strange tattoos on her face, and wearing glasses drinking rum.


    Lisa: Say aren¡¯t you a little too young to be in a place like this?


    Cipher: ¡­


    Lisa: Ignoring me huh? Well look I¡¯m not one to judge but if you want I can get you a drink if you want.


    Cipher: ¡­ Why would you offer a minor a drink?


    Lisa: Why else would you be here?


    Cipher: I don¡¯t have to tell you that.


    Lisa: I see.


    Cipher: *turns to her* Thanks for the offer though. *grabs the stool and walks to the dance floor*


    Lisa: *adjust her glasses* Ahhh¡­ so that¡¯s how you look. Just a child and already have eyes of a cold killer. How nostalgic.


    Back at where the meeting is Mark and Marcos arrive back. They see that the meeting is coming to an end.


    Samuel: Well, I suppose that all there is to do. It¡¯s been fun talking to you Gomez. Hope we can continue our partnership in the future.


    Gomez: ¡­ Sure. (Crazy asshole)


    Just as the two start to walk to the door, the window overlooking the ground floor is broken by a stool. On the ground Cipher runs and then jumps to the wall closes to the broken window. Once he does, he uses his claws to grip the wall and leaps onto the balcony. Landing at a crouching position, Cipher looks at the group in the room.


    Gomez: (Shit did he follow me here!?)


    Samuel: So you¡¯re the Bloodstained Crow. The one that¡¯s been hunting down my poor Cross members.


    Cipher: *stares with eyes wide open* I found you¡­


    Then one of the Cross members takes out a shotgun and fires at Cipher causing him to be pushed out of the balcony and back at the ground floor. When Cipher threw the stool at the balcony, everyone had stopped what they were doing and then started panicking when the gun shot was heard. Cipher lands on his back and then gets back immediately after.


    Cipher: *feels armor breaking* This body armor isn¡¯t going to hold up if I keep this up.


    As people start to run out to the exit, others take out their guns and fire at Cipher. He runs towards the bar and ducks behind the counter. While down there, he takes out two smoke grenades from a pouch he still had from the mercenaries he killed.


    Thug1: He¡¯s at the bar.


    Thug2: We got em trapped!


    He takes off the pins on them and tosses them at two different directions. They explode and once they do, Cipher jumps out and starts to cut people down as the smoke hides him.


    Samuel: Seems as if he was prepared for war don¡¯t you think. But it seems another coincidence has happened here Gomez¡­ *shoots Gomez on the stomach*


    Gomez: Gah! Why the fuck!? *falls to his knees*


    The other Cross members then kill off the rest of the crew that came with him.


    Samuel: Well I wonder how we should get out of this mess, some of you go down there and distract the crow. While that is happening, I¡¯ll lead rest of us out through the other exit on the second floor. Go!


    More people then starts to show up as the smoke cleared and they saw a lot of people dead on the ground. Some had been stabbed on the neck and/or chest, where others had arms or heads cut right off. In front of them is Cipher holding up one of the thugs as his right claw is pierced right through the body.


    Cipher: *wide eyes and sinister grin* Found him¡­ I found him¡­ and you¡¯re all in the way!


    They shoot him but he manages to get close enough to one and uses one of them as a shield. Holding him, Cipher charges forward with his meat shield towards the others as they shoot. Back where the bar was at, Lisa had hid herself and was watching all that was happening.


    Lisa: (Must¡¯ve gotten those grenades from those morons that got themselves killed before me. Seems reckless but can adapt in a fight, but looks like he can only street fight at best. He¡¯s fast, but his attacks are so desperate looking it''s laughable.)


    As she continued to observe the fight, Cipher had killed more of the thugs before him and the look on his face had gotten more vicious than before.


    Cipher: (Damn them¡­ I won¡¯t let you escape. But where is he. Did he run pass me or was there another exit?)


    Thug2: Fucking Christ, this guy is a monster!


    Thug3: Hell with this I¡¯m leaving, see ya guys later!


    Two others follow after thug3 right when Cipher had killed the last thug on the ground floor by slamming the thug¡¯s head onto the ground. The bullets that did hit Cipher started to heal as his healing ability was active during the fight.


    Cipher: Well everyone here is dead. So he must be somewhere up there then.


    As he runs to the stairs the lead up, bullets start to graze by his ear as thug2 returned to try and kill him. Using a sub-machine gun he relentlessly shoots at Cipher until he ran out of bullets. Cipher then ran at full force and impaled him into the room''s wall where the dead Reyes and a heavily injured Gomez were at.


    Thug2: *coughs* What are you!?


    Ignoring the question, the thug''s neck is stabbed by Cipher''s claw. Pulling it out, Cipher sees Gomez trying to back away from him as he makes eye contact with him.


    Cipher: *steps on Gomez''s head* Why are you here? I thought you didn¡¯t know the leader of Cross you lying piece of shit.


    Gomez: Agh! I-


    Cipher: Whatever. *releases Gomez* Tell me where he is and I won¡¯t kill you today.


    Gomez: He... said something about going up...


    After leaving Gomez alone, Gomez then sees something he¡¯s never seen before. Moments before the explosion, Tracy had stopped her torturing on the now dead thug and had her attention to Maria. She takes out a leather belt and starts to whip Maria.


    Tracy: Looks like I¡¯ma need to whip you harder for you to cry out to your imaginary friend.


    Maria: ¡­ What do you mean? Doesn¡¯t your cult believe in a similar being, after all you people call yourselves Cross for god sake.


    Tracy: Samuel chose that name for the irony of it. We don''t pray or hope or have faith in some fucking invisible thing.


    Maria: What do you mean?


    Tracy: He grew up in a home where he was abandoned by his father but loved by his mother. Day after day he would get hurt by many people but she would always shield him even if she would get hurt herself. She was a kind gentle person that gave us something to be happy about. One day however she was assaulted by some low street thugs and died before she could get to a hospital. Those fucking bastards weren''t caught since they pinned it on someone else. Of course those thugs were dealt with by Samuel himself. He made sure they would never walk on this planet ever again.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Maria: So he became a murderer.


    Tracy: *whips her on the face* Watch your mouth bitch! Those fucking bastards deserved it!


    Maria: Even vermin have families you know. Killing wasn¡¯t the only thing he could have done. From the moment he decided to kill those people, he was on the path his mother would have never wanted him to walk on. I should know...


    Tracy: *continues to whip* What the fuck do you know! Have you lost someone dear to you like that! No of course-


    Maria: OF COURSE I HAVE! IT WAS YOU PEOPLE THAT TOOK AWAY MY SON AWAY FROM ME 8 MONTHS AGO!


    Tracy: 8 months ago? Oh, not sure which one was yours but I still remember one kid. He was fierce. Almost got away if it wasn¡¯t for me breaking his legs, but even after that he still fought hard. But he did stop fighting after his heart got cut out; I swear if my heart didn¡¯t belong to Samuel, I would have fallen for that kid. *smiles*


    She continues on about how that kid got involved, as Maria listens on knowing Tracy is only mocking her with what happened.


    Tracy: He wasn''t part of any gang you know. Fuck since he looked like a Latino I thought he was part of a latin gang, but nope. He just got in only cause he rescued some helpless crying people. Fuck after he let them escape he put up a good fight, until he took a shock from my electric rod.


    She then continues to torment Maria by whipping her face and then uses a wooden bat to hit her ribs to the point where she is almost passing out by the pain. Hearing all the gunshots and explosions had her wonder if the meeting had gone wrong. Soon enough Samuel and his crew came into the room moments later.


    Tracy: Darling what happened!?


    Samuel: Looks like the crow has finally caught up.


    Tracy: He¡¯s here!? How did he know we were here!?


    Marcos: We didn¡¯t have time to ask him since he got shot by a shotgun. But by the sounds of how things are going down there seems like that didn¡¯t slow him down. Samuel we need to make a stand here, if we can all shoot at him at once then there¡¯s no way he-


    Samuel: Marcos my friend, I¡¯ve been meaning to ask by why are you so instant on us doing that instead of leaving now?


    Marcos: Well we have to make sure that the crow is dead by our own eyes. If not then this whole cat and mouse game will continue.


    Samuel: Tracy, stay here and help the others taking out the crow. They¡¯ll need your help since you have a black belt in kickboxing.


    Tracy: Yes! Of course darling, I¡¯ll help if that¡¯s what you want me to do.


    Marcos: (Are you serious¡­) Look Samuel with the amount of noise that¡¯s been made, the police will be here any second-


    Samuel: Not another word Marcos! You don¡¯t want your wife and daughter to know that you¡¯re part of Cross the most dangerous gang in Los Angeles to date do you?


    Seeing all this Mark had been quiet the entire time and when he sees how bad Maria looks with blood coming down her face and all bruised up, he silently walks up to her.


    Mark: Are you okay ma¡¯am?


    Maria: ¡­¡­.. You should stay away from me, you get yourself killed.


    Mark: I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m really sorry¡­ Truly I am. I¡¯ll make sure the other girl gets out safely.


    He backs slowly away from her only to have Marcos notice, but says nothing about it. After exiting the room and start going to the path towards the alley downstairs, Samuel begins to wonder if the voice he heard from the Bloodstained Crow sounded familiar. It was only seconds later until a few of the thugs got in and told her about the situation downstairs.


    Tracy: Was he following those damn Mexicans here?


    Thug3: Who knows! Anyways why you still here, didn¡¯t Samuel and the rest come by here?


    Tracy: Yes they did. And I promised that after we killed the crow that we would meet back at the Altar.


    Thug3: You don¡¯t get it! That guy is a fucking monster, he had grenades and even though we shot him a lot he still moving!


    Tracy: Then you just have to try a little HARDER!


    As Cipher goes up the stairs he¡¯s killing whoever is left shooting at him. Using the railings on the stairs, Cipher jumped to the high levels with his cloak covered with blood. He then rams a thug that was standing in front of the door to where the others were going to. The ram causes the door to be broken down and kills the thug instantly as his chest was pierced by Cipher¡¯s claws.


    Cipher: *looks at the dead thug* Hmm, maybe that was too much power. Oh well.


    Thug3: Shit he¡¯s here already!?


    Cipher: You people haven''t coward out yet? That''s perfect.


    He then dashes forward and stabs thug3 and attacks the remaining few with kicks to the neck. Taking no time in killing as his claws cut faces and stabs others. As Cipher looks at the only door in the room he starts to run towards it and stops when Tracy attacks him with an electric rod that hits him on his back. He falls to his side from the shock.


    Tracy: You an¡¯t going anywhere near my baby!


    She turns him over and is about to go for his neck, but Cipher counters her by kicking her off with a boot to the stomach.


    Cipher: Crazy bitch. You could kill someone with that thing you know.


    Tracy: *calming her breath* You¡¯re one to talk. You¡¯ve been killing off our people left and right, fuck we even had 15 year olds in the gang and you still killed them. So don¡¯t go saying shit like-


    Cipher: Hahaha! You¡¯re a funny one. But that doesn¡¯t concern me. They got themselves into this cult that likes to act all high and mighty.


    He teleports right behind Tracy and tries to stab her back but then starts to feel extremely lightheaded and dizzy. Noticing this Tracy then uses her electric rod and jams it into Cipher¡¯s neck. Getting stunned by it, she then starts to punch him repeatedly until his blood starts to get on her face.


    Tracy: W-w-what the fuck is this shit!? Is this your fucking blood? Why the fuck is it all black!?


    As she is distracted by the color of his blood Cipher then manages to use his knee and smash it right onto her ribs, breaking them. As his face heals, he looks at her as she is in pain from her broken ribs.


    Cipher: *Wipes the blood off his mouth* You know you look familiar. But I don¡¯t have time for you right now. I need to catch up to that ¡°baby¡± of yours and then I''ll be back for you.


    He walks away from her and to the center of the room only to notice the gang member tied to a chair that looks as if his nose was cut off. He sees that his fingers were cut off, eyes taken out, and stab wounds on his leg. He looks away and then sees a woman with her hands tied up towards the ceiling; he also notices that the woman seems to have on a nuns outfit but proceeds to the door to continue his pursuit.


    Tracy: (Fuck what fucking strength he has!? I have to stop him or else¡­ or else he going to kill my one true love.)


    Just then demonic spirits appear near Tracy.


    Spirit1: Desire Power¡­


    Spirit2: You¡¯re BODY and FleSh and BONE we want IT.


    As Tracy is getting possessed Cipher is has already opened the door leading to Samuel but stopped and looks back at the nun.


    Cipher: That nun dress¡­ I mean it won¡¯t hurt to just see really quickly. If it¡¯s not her then I can just hurry it up.


    Once he gets to the woman and lifts her head, Cipher begins to look mortified. He then cuts off the ropes on her hands and uses his arms to gently place her on the ground.


    Cipher: ¡­ Mom?


    Behind him however, Tracy¡¯s arms, eyes, legs, and speech was being disfigured. The veins from her body pulsing and her eyes become extremely bloodshot. She twitches bit by bit as she starts to speak.


    Tracy: I knew IT. This IS A pOwer ThAt loVe is Capable OF!


    Cipher: You know what. That bastard can wait. *glares* You¡¯re the one I want now!


    He teleports right in front of her and attempts to stab her right in the face. However his arm is caught by Tracy and she uses her other hand to hold up Cipher by the neck. He tries to break free with a kick but has no effect. She lets go but only for both her hands to grab hold of his leg and by sheer force of her grip, she breaks it along with the armor on the leg.


    Cipher: Gahh! FUCK!


    He uses his other leg and kicks her face so hard the impact makes her fall onto her back. As Cipher tries to stand, he sees all the evil spirits floating around as they start to take over some of the corpses around them. He runs back to where Maria is and can still see her breathing normally and unaffected by the spirits. He touches her as he attempts to teleport, but finds out he is unable to do so.


    Cipher: ... Why the hell can''t I teleport! If don''t get mom out of here, they''re gonna go for her! *gets tackled by Tracy*


    He crashes onto the wall and tries to get back up. Tracy then holds up the unconscious Maria and begins to choke her with her new found strength.


    Tracy: YOU know I hated this nun. She ALWAYS FeLt as if she KNEW wHat was the goodness in people¡¯s hearts are but I hated THAT WAY. No wait I just HATED THIS FUCKING NUN!


    Cipher: Let her go!


    Tracy: WhY, you want to fuck her? OR IS she important to you?


    Cipher: Let her go god damn it!


    Tracy: You know now I know WhY you sound familiar. YOU¡¯RE THE BRAT that we killed 8 MONTHS ago aren¡¯t you! I¡¯M Surprised you Lived EVEN after getting your heart cut out. I don¡¯t know how you¡¯re doing this, BUT THAT means this bitch is your mother RIGHT?


    Cipher: You¡¯re the one that broke my legs¡­ that woman that tricked me into thinking you wanted me to escape. The same bitch that captured in the first place!


    Tracy: Oh THAT¡¯S RIGHT! YOU were so CuTe into thinking THAT. And now look, Im going to kill you mommy right HERE IN front of you! Want to know something, EVEN AFTER I told your mommy that I broke your legs so THAT YOU couldn¡¯t leave. ShE couldn¡¯t bring herself to even ATTACKING me. Pathetic am I right?


    Cipher: SHUT THE FUCK UP AND LET HER GO!


    Cipher still on the ground trying to get back on his feet but his leg hasn¡¯t healed. He is then forced onto the ground by the possessed bodies that were taken over. Some start of them to bite him.


    Cipher: Get off me! (Fuck come on teleport. TELEPORT! Why can¡¯t I teleport to them!?) STOP IT!


    Tracy: You know what it¡¯s TIME TO kiLL The NuN!


    While being forced onto the ground he struggles more but finds himself feeling weaker. As he sees Tracy start to crush Maria¡¯s neck slowly Cipher begins to feel a burning sensation inside his body as flowing dark miasma appears and covers his body. Bursting out from the pile, the miasma had blown off large parts of the corpses. He reaches Tracy and kicks her on the chest so hard her bones shatter and she breaks through the window behind her, crash onto the wall near the building.


    Tracy: *coughs out blood* What was that?


    As she jumps back into the building she sees a dark figure covered in a black flowing miasma from head to toe.


    Tracy: What-what that FUCK ARE YOU!?


    His pupils were now red diamond shaped with his sclera pitch black. She saw Cipher¡¯s eyes were no longer human as they were glowing diamond red and face covered by darkness as his mouth area had a large opening. His claws had grown larger and darkness flowing from them. In his arms was Maria barley breathing after being freed from Tracy¡¯s hold. Placing her down Cipher then charges towards Tracy. Police sirens get closer to the club as the people around are gathering around the building. Above the club, Vice looks down at the chaos and watches the people below in delight. He uses his hands to make a frame like a cameraman does as he narrates to himself.


    Vice: And that¡¯s the sound of the local police department to investigate the disturbed calls they¡¯ve received. Unfortunately that certain cop isn¡¯t here yet so it¡¯s not going to be as fun just yet.


    He floats above and can see that Samuel has escaped and is headed toward his hideout.


    Vice: There¡¯s goes the star of the show, but if the boy still wants to, I¡¯ll lead him right to you.


    He then senses a dangerous aura coming from within the club.


    Vice: (This feeling seems a little too early¡­ Has he already reached his limit?)


    Vice then goes into the club by going through the main entrance, since no ordinary human can see him as he enters. Looking around he can see the small areas where Cipher threw the grenades and sees the broken windows where Cross and the Soldados were at. While he looks around, Lisa is walking up the stairs then looks back toward Vice¡¯s direction.


    Lisa: (What the hell is that weird guy doing here? Whatever it¡¯s none of my concern.)


    Back inside, on the second top floor where the back stairs lead up to, the possessed Tracy is barley dodging the attacks of the frenzied Bloodstained Crow. No longer acting or moving like a normal human, his speed has increased as his attacks resemble of a starving beast.


    Tracy: What THE FUCK aRe you? Well whatever YOU are you CanNOT DEFEAT-


    Her right arm is the caught by him and is immediately broken in half as he starts to rips it off.


    Tracy: FUUUUCK! FUUUCKING FUUUUCK!


    As she screams in agony, Cipher holds the bleeding arm for a second. Until his mouth begins to drool and start to sink his new sharp teeth onto the amputated arm. Red lines start to show within the black miasma as the blood from the arm drips down from his claws. Thanks to being possessed she can somewhat ignore the pain, Tracy goes to a corpse and grabs one of the guns to shoot.


    Tracy: You FUCKING ATE MY ARM HUH!? WELL EAT THIS ASSHOLE! *shoots the gun*


    Once he looks back at her, the bullets begin to hit him everywhere. Even after using an entire clip, she drops then gun and grabs another and shoots. The bullets all hit him and manage to push him back and crashing onto some wooden boxes that were in the room. After crashing, there was no movement at all from Cipher.


    Tracy: I did it. I¡­ I killED the Bloodstained Crow! He took my arm but still I killed him, ahhhh if only Samuel was heRe to see this. I would finally have my big brothers approval-


    Before she can finish her sentence, Cipher gets back up. The bullets that hit him all fall down and show that they never penetrated his body. Before Tracy could even act Cipher moves so fast that he had no need to teleport to her and has his large claws slices her ribs.


    Tracy: Gah! *coughs out blood* ¡­.how!?


    The black miasma around him starts to make 4 large tentacles and it goes into Tracy¡¯s body. As they are inside her, she gasps for air as if she is chocking until the tentacles tear away the spirits that possessed her. He drops her and she lies on the ground twitching from getting the sprits removed so violently and she begins to feel all the pain from her missing arm to the sliced ribs. However the attack didn¡¯t take her soul, he then gets closer to her and she lunges out a knife to cut his throat, but forced down a tentacle.


    Tracy: ¡­ You¡¯re¡­ kidding¡­ I won¡¯t let you kill my¡­ brother¡­ the only man¡­ I lov-


    He then begins to eat Tracy before she could finish her sentence. As he eats her she screams but eventually silence takes over. The blood sprayed on the floor and walls where they are. Cipher continues to eat and the black miasma moves more excitingly and the red begins to become brighter. Seeing the whole fight, Lisa looks from the side of the doorframe.


    Lisa: (Holy shit. I don¡¯t know how the fuck he became like that, but my guess is that whatever that shit around his body is; is the reason he¡¯s still alive. She wasn¡¯t even able to see his attack since she started to get hit. At first I thought it was because her eyes were trying to get used to the dark, but mine adjusted to it and I saw all his attacks.)


    She notices her fingers beginning to twitch.


    Lisa: (Shit, I gotta calm down. Just watching that whole thing got me all¡­ excited.) *grins madly*


    She hears someone coming so she goes behind some boxes nearby. Eventually Cipher stops eating and looks back towards Maria¡¯s direction. Once he get near her, his claws start to go closer to her but is then shot at with a shotgun from the door he came from, which knocks him back.


    Steven: Looks like waiting for the SWAT team would have been a bad idea.


    As the crow starts to recover from the shot, Steven rushes to Maria and sees that she is badly hurt but still alive. He then hears growling and sees that the crow is besides Tracy¡¯s corpse on the ground, half eaten.


    Steven: What the hell? Can this monster be what I think it is?


    He then sees Maria in Steven¡¯s arms. As he does the black miasma starts to spread on the ground. Quickly Steven grabs Maria and drops to the ground as Cipher launches himself towards them. Cipher then crashes powerfully onto a wall, breaking through it as Steven pulls Maria up and tries to escape but instead he then hears movement where the wall was broken. He places Maria on the corner of the room and gets his shotgun ready.


    Steven: Is this what you really are crow? You and this situation are truly insane.


    In front of him, Cipher emerges from the wall and looks at Steven and uses his speed to try and attack him, but Steven shoots around Cipher and manages to shot his leg causing him to fall down. As he does he reloads his gun as Cipher leg heals back faster than before, allowing him to get up.


    Steven: (Just how is he able to get back? I shot him on the leg... is the crow even a human!?)


    At the same time this is happening, Marshall arrives to the scene and talks to one of the officers outside.


    Marshall: What¡¯s the situation here?


    Officer: We got reports of loud explosions coming from the building here. We started to block out the people and check for injuries and questioned what had happened.


    Marshall: This place has been rumored to be a hangout for Cross members, wouldn¡¯t strike me at odd if this was done by a rival gang or even the crow himself.


    Officer: That¡¯s the thing, some of the witnesses report that someone in a tattered cloak threw a chair onto a stand overlooking the party floor. It wasn¡¯t long till there was gunfire and even explosions inside.


    Marshall: Tattered cloak huh? Has anyone gone in?


    Officer: SWAT team just arrived but there was one other that gone in. I believe it was Detective Steven Xiao. He said that while the SWAT gets here he would check for anyone else that could need help.


    Marshall: That idiot! Has he come back?


    Officer: No, he hasn¡¯t returned.


    Marshall: Damn it, I¡¯m going in. Hopefully the SWAT team can subdue crow.


    Inside, Vice arrives just as Steven is now barley dodging Cipher¡¯s attacks as his speed starts to pick up once more. His clothes now ripped and he is running out of breath since Cipher as been relentlessly going at him. Vice hovers towards Maria as she slowly gains consciousness.


    Vice: (Interesting, it¡¯s not much but just seeing this woman like this was enough to awaken this much power. But... looks like it¡¯s not enough for a true release.)


    Cipher grabs hold of Steven¡¯ shotgun and toss him to the ground. He then breaks the weapon in two by snapping it. Then he grabs Steven by the leg and tosses him onto some broken boxes. Cipher jumps and lands on the detective¡¯s right arm. His large claw then grabs his face, covering his entire head. Unknown to Cipher, Steven tries to get his pistol out from his back holster. Before Steven can take it out, the SWAT breaks through the windows near them and they point their weapons to Cipher.


    SWAT1: Get down on the ground now!


    But with no response as Cipher looks at them, all they can see is the black miasma all over him and the glowing red diamond shaped eyes.


    SWAT2: What the hell is that!?


    SWAT3: There¡¯s blood everywhere¡­ Did this guy do all this?


    A growl is then heard and Cipher lets go of Steven and uses his speed as he starts to attack the SWAT members.


    SWAT1: Fuck! Shoot him!


    As they shoot, Marshall enters the large room and sees the chaos as the SWAT members are being killed. He sees Steven exhausted as he is struggling to get to Maria to safety.


    Marshall: You dumb ass what were you thinking coming here all alone? You¡¯ve seen what that monster is capable of.


    Steven: Marshall¡­ *points to Maria* Get her out of here. I¡¯ll distract the crow, give you time to escape till-


    Marshall: SHUT THE HELL UP! You, Maria, and everyone else aren¡¯t going to die here. The back-up will subdue the Bloodstained Crow.


    Screams are then heard behind them, as the two detectives look back to see what was happening. What they see is that one of Cipher¡¯s claws had gone completely through one of the SWAT members. Even though some where still shooting at him, they see that none of the bullets are affecting the crow whatsoever. He tosses the body like trash and goes for the rest. Killing them with his claws as it rips through their protection. As the blood drips down off the claws, Cipher turns his face towards the two.


    Marshall: Shit he¡¯s looking right as us.


    Cipher then disappears and then reappears in front of them. Two tentacles then emerge from his back and hold up the detectives by the neck. In his arms is Maria as she starts to regain consciousness as she begins to move a bit.


    Marshall: Let her go! *points his gun at Cipher*


    He is then thrown to the wall as the tentacle is still wrapped around his neck. As lays Maria on to the ground and walks towards Marshall. Behind him the other tentacle releases Steven as he tries to breath once more. He also tries to save Marshall by shooting at Cipher but the bullets only fall off the black vibrant miasma that was still around Cipher.


    Marshall: Heh, before you can kill me, tell me crow just who or what in the hell are you?


    However all he can get out of him is a growling sound from him as he is about to impale Marshall as he rushes to attack. As the frenzied Cipher charges at Marshall, behind them Steven tries to get up but his injuries won¡¯t allow him to move. Then he notices that Maria is now on her two feet and also running towards the two.


    Marshall: Stop get away from here you idiot!


    Maria then steps in to protect Marshall from the incoming attack. Already close to them Cipher doesn¡¯t hold back the strike, only to have the attack hit the wall besides them. His left hand managed to misdirect the attack as it was about to pierce through Maria and hit Marshall. Marshall then notices that the crow has been twitching and that he blocked his own attack. With Maria still weakened by her wounds she begins to wobble a bit. However her hand then starts to reach towards the crow¡¯s miasma covered face.


    Maria: You¡­ I don¡¯t know why but¡­ when that woman had me in her hands, you sounded familiar. Do you know me?


    The black miasma then starts to disintegrate as her hand reaches Cipher¡¯s face. His diamond red colored eyes return to normal and his claws shrink back as well.


    Maria: ¡­Tears? Are... you... crying? *begins to fall over*


    The miasma that covered him begins to fade away. Cipher then catches Maria into his arms and holds her. Tears then begin to fall off his cheeks as he stops himself from touching her with his hands.


    Cipher: (What the hell did I just do? All I can remember was mom getting choked and then... nothing.)


    Marshall: *points his gun to Cipher* Drop her and put your hands in the air!


    Cipher then gently gives Maria to Marshall as he smiles since he can see she is now safe. Noticing Vice as he floats besides the doorway, he can see him pointing towards the corpses as the demonic spirits start to return. Cipher then gets up and walks to the broken windows, as he is about to escape Marshall calls out to him.


    Marshall: Stop! Your surrounded Bloodstained Crow, there''s nowhere to go!


    Cipher: ¡­ Take care of her Marshall. *jumps out the window*


    Marshall: What?!


    After he leaves the spirits in turn disappear with him. On the ground Steven looks at Marshall and sees his face as all he sees is confusion.


    Steven: You okay? How is the woman in your arms doing?


    Marshall: We¡¯re¡­ good. (How in the fucking hell did he know my name?)


    Soon enough back up gets in as they see a massacre and the only three survivors. They help and check on Steven, Marshall, and Maria¡¯s condition from the situation. Not too far Cipher is hiding from the search lights as he managed to get into the sewer system. While in there his memory still hazy, Vice praises him.


    Vice: I¡¯m very impressed you had that type of personality inside of you boy. Looks like when your mind is stressed beyond limits, you start to become something else.


    Cipher: What?


    Vice: Tell me, who was the one that had killed all those ghouls as that woman was holding that nun by the neck?


    Cipher: Is that what I-


    Vice: And who was the one that tore away the spirits from that woman with tentacles that came from that black miasma?


    Cipher: What are you say-


    Vice: And who was the one that started to eat said woman that was bringing pain to the nun? Only to attack poor police officers that came after you ate her. That was all you, you may not remember but their blood is all over your mouth.


    Wiping his mouth with his cloak he sees blood, as he sees it which causes him to gag and eventually vomits. As he does, some parts of Tracy do come out, which causes him to vomit even more. After finishing, he catches his breath just a bit until he vomits one more time.


    Vice: Come on, it couldn¡¯t have been that bad. You look like you enjoyed the taste when I got there. Or are you also sick as you actually killed and somewhat ate people that weren¡¯t with Cross in your frenzied state of mind? There are more than 1 billion humans in the world, not like their endangered species you know. What¡¯s few dozen gonna cost?


    Cipher: SHUT THE HELL UP! *tries to strike at Vice*


    Vice: Huh, you¡¯re pretty slow. Guess that transformation took a lot from you. Well, I guess your journey ends tomorrow instead of today. Sides, you have some company. *points to the demonic spirits gathering around*


    Cipher: Goddamn it... Vice and these shitty souls just can¡¯t let me catch a break. *staggers as he stands* Fine, let¡¯s see which one of us can last till morning.


    After the fight, Lisa walks out of the building and is confronted by a cop. The police officer goes to check if Lisa is harmed. As she exits, more polices officers enter the club and a helicopter is heard scouting the area.


    Officer: Ma¡¯am are you okay? *no response is given* Ma¡¯am?


    Lisa: ¡­What.


    Officer: I asked if you were okay. If you¡¯re not then the paramedics can take a look at your injuries.


    Lisa: I¡¯m fine. You should go do something about the chaos in there.


    Still, the police officer advises and points to where the paramedics are and then returns to prepare to enter the building.


    Lisa: Fucking Useless Cop. *walks into the crowd and leaves*


    The building is thoroughly checked for survivors, but they are unable to find the crow.

 Chapter9- Instinct

    Morning comes and Brandon is riding his bike looking around alleys. He asks some people if they have seen the two as he has photos of them. With no clues as to where Eveline and Maria are, he continues to ride as his eyes look as he had not slept since the kidnapping had happened. While on his bike ride he eventually stops on the sidewalk that is above the sewer water as it flows away.


    Brandon: *looks at cell phone* Sorry guys, but I have to find them. I have to save them from those psychopaths, no matter what the cost.


    Getting ready to ride once again, he hears a sound like someone coughing as if they were drowning. He looks down the bridge he is on and sees someone in a cloak and on their stomach struggling to move. At first he doesn¡¯t want to deal with it and move on, but decides to go help him as he began to feel guilty to just leave someone in need.


    Brandon: Hey, you okay?


    With no response Brandon tries to help him, but before he can flip him over the cloaked individual shrugs Brandon off as he starts to breathe again.


    Brandon: Hey sorry I grabbed you, just wanted to help.


    As Brandon starts to walk away, he then gets a response in a deep voice.


    Cipher: ¡­ *deep voice* Thanks. (Why the hell did I speak?)


    When Brandon looks at the guy, he cannot see his face as he has it hidden beneath the hood.


    Brandon: No prob. I¡¯m not gonna ask what you were doing here, but is it okay if I ask you one thing? Have you seen these people? *shows the photos* They¡¯re important to me.


    Looking at the photos Cipher, notices that they are of his mother, Maria Avalon, and a girl that he saved before. He shakes his head. Then Brandon¡¯s cell phone rings and as he looks at it he sees its Marshall calling him. Before he can ignore it he stops and looks at it once more to answer it. At first Marshall starts to yell at him as Brandon could have gotten hurt while looking for him and scolds him for having Sharon and Iris worry even more. As Brandon exhaustingly says sorry, he asks if they had found anything about the kidnapping.


    Marshall: Maria is here with me in the hospital. She¡¯ll be fine but she needs some time to recover. Looks like they were torturing her for a bit, but she¡¯ll live.


    Brandon: What hospital is she staying at?


    Marshall: Beverly Hospital.


    Brandon: Beverly? That¡¯s close to where I¡¯m at. I¡¯ll be there shortly. *hangs up*


    After hanging up the phone, he looks to the hooded individual as he still is unable to see his face.


    Brandon: Well since nothing is wrong with you, I¡¯m gonna get going.


    Cipher notices that Brandon looks incredibly tired and is somewhat wobbling. As Brandon turns he loses his balance and begins to fall. Before he hits the ground Cipher catches him from behind, causing a wound on his head to open and a drop of blood lands onto Brandon¡¯s cheek.


    Cipher: Get some sleep you idiot. You push yourself like this again and you¡¯ll only be a liability even if you find that girl.


    Brandon¡¯s eyes close from exhaustion as he passes out. After seeing he is asleep, Cipher lays him on the wall and wipes his blood off of Brandon¡¯s cheek. He then gets the cell phone from Brandon¡¯s hand and tries to use it but is having trouble since he can barely use a touch screen phone with his claws. He sees Iris¡¯s phone address and thinks about calling but instead tries to go to Marshall¡¯s address, only to accidentally make a call to Iris. He fumbles with the phone to try to end the call but is too late as Iris picks up almost instantly.


    Iris: Hey dumbass where the hell are you?! Mom¡¯s worried sick and I¡¯m out here looking for you! Dad just called telling us Maria is at the hospital now. Where are you so I can pick your dumbass up?


    After hearing her voice, Cipher just begins to smile as he hasn¡¯t heard her voice for a long time.


    Cipher: (Still sounding like a pain in the ass huh.)


    Iris: Well? Aren¡¯t you going to answer?


    Cipher: *deep voice* He¡¯s going to be okay. At the moment he¡¯s-


    Iris: WHO IS THIS!


    Cipher: Ow! Hey you didn¡¯t need to yell like that you know! That loud ass voice of yours could have popped my eardrum!


    Iris: Aright then, who is this that I¡¯m speaking to?


    Cipher: *clears throat for deep voice* Like I was trying to say, he¡¯s fine at the moment he just collapsed from exhaustion and is sleeping now. He¡¯s going to be by the bridge near the Beverly hospital.


    Iris: Oh really? That¡¯s might nice of you to tell me this. How can I trust he¡¯ll be fine, mister stranger?


    Cipher: *deep voice* Because I know how much you love your little brother and like hell if I become the unfortunate soul to harm him.


    Iris: Huh?


    Cipher: *deep voice* He¡¯ll be lying on the grassland near Beverly Hospital. It¡¯ll be right beside a bridge. Watch over him, and make sure he doesn¡¯t do anything like this again.


    Just before she can say anything, he hangs up and begins to carry Brandon to the grass and lays him there. He hides within the trees to make sure she safely gets to Brandon. Once he sees her get out of the car and cautiously goes to wake him, Cipher smiles to himself and teleports away as Iris drives away with Brandon inside. Teleporting back to his own home, the old orphanage, he begins to breaths heavily as he gets down onto his knees.


    Cipher: *breathing hard* Damn it, why is it like I¡¯m chocking all of a sudden. And teleporting is starting to hurt! What the hell?


    After lying on the ground for a bit he begins to think to himself about the events that took place during the club raid.


    Cipher: (Let¡¯s see, from what I can remember mom was being strangled and then I blacked out.) *sighs*


    Cipher extends his arm to the horizon where the sun is rising and can see the light reflecting off the red crystal-like claws.


    Cipher: I''ll just take an hour nap then to the hospital. *closes his eyes*


    An hour passes and Cipher wakes from his sleep feeling a bit refreshed in comparison from earlier. Getting up he feels better but sees his claws has small traces of darkness but unlike before, it does not cover his body nor give him pain. He looks down to where he was and sees that all the grass dried up and some insects dead on the ruined dirt. Once he does the darkness begins to fade once more, as he then feels his energy has fully returned.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Cipher: *looks at his claws* So did these things grab the life-force of whatever was near me while I slept?


    Not understanding on what just happened; Cipher decides teleports back to the area where Brandon found him. Above he can hear the streets brimming with movement of cars.


    Cipher: Okay, now... What direction is the hospital?


    The hospital was actually not the far, as it''s only 10 minutes away north from where Cipher is. In the hospital, Steven sits up in bed with one arm in a cast while he eats breakfast with the other. He is bandaged on his head and has another wrapped around his waist as well. As he eats Marshall comes in and notices that Steven had awakened and has already started to eat.


    Marshall: You''re looking better. How''s the arm feel?


    Steven: Not too sure really. The anesthesia is doing the job so I can move and eat like this.


    Marshall: Well at least you¡¯re up and dandy like usual. But just remember when that thing wears off your going to be wishing you didn''t move so damn much.


    Steven: That''ll be future Steven¡¯s problem. For now I''m going to eat what I can to recover faster.


    As he continues to eat, Marshall looks out the window and thinks about the events that happened from last night. Mostly all of the people they found where killed by the Bloodstained Crow or were hiding as they couldn''t get out due to the gunfire. One of the people they did get was one of the leaders of Soldados de Reyes, Gomez Santiago. Although he was shot on the stomach, he is currently in stable condition and is going to be questioned. One factor in Marshall''s mind remains; he wants to confirm the crow''s identity but to do that he needs to find him.


    Steven: Thinking about the crow?


    Marshall: What do you think he was trying to do? If he wanted to end Cross, he wouldn''t have let some of them escape. It''s as if he stayed because something else more important to him came up.


    Steven: Maybe he knows your nun friend and wanted to protect her.


    Marshall remembers the sadness he saw on Cipher''s face as he placed Maria onto him.


    Marshall: ... Yeah.


    Steven: So how is she? Is it really bad?


    Marshall: Right now she''s asleep. Broken ribs, a bruised liver, slight head trauma... It¡¯s a miracle that she''s survived.


    Steven: That''s reassuring to hear. How are you holding up though? From my angle you look horrible. You haven''t even taken a nap have you?


    Marshall: Yeah took one earlier. Now that I know Maria is going to be okay, I was able to get some rest, but those good damn reports are waiting you know. So get better fast got it.


    Steven: I have a broken arm remember? Can''t speed up my recovery like its magic you know.


    A doctor walks into the room and Steven notices that the doctor looks familiar. He then realizes who it is and greets the doctor before she speaks.


    Steven: Hello Dr. Patientia. If you keep giving me more anesthesia, that¡¯ll be great so I can eat more.


    Sharon: Mr. Xiao, you shouldn''t exaggerate so much. Count yourself lucky that it was only dislocated from the shoulder socket. You need to rest a bit since your ribs are somewhat fractured, doctor''s orders.


    She looks at Marshall and notices he hasn''t said a word or even looked at her direction.


    Sharon: Hey, you okay?


    Marshall: Yeah. Sorry was just thinking about something, that''s all. Since Steven is doing fine, I''m going to check up on Maria one more time and head back to work. I¡¯ll see you two later.


    Walking away from them, Sharon looks to Steven with a sign of worry.


    Sharon: Steven, is he really doing fine? I mean the damage you got looks as if you got into a fight against something horrible. The news also said that some SWAT members were killed as were most of the people that were in the building.


    Steven: I know, but trust in him. He''s only in his work mode at the moment. Don''t worry; I''ll continue to keep an eye out for you.


    Sharon: Thank you.


    Giving her some reassurance, he remembers of the carnage from the club done by the Bloodstained Crow as it creeps up on him. He remembers the blood and body parts of the woman he saw scattered on the floor causing him to stop eating for the moment. Putting the fork that he was using down he tells Sharon that he lost his appetite for now.


    Steven: (Bloodstained Crow, clearly not a human... However was he trying to protect that nun? Do they know each other? Or is he somehow related to the boy¡¯s missing body?


    Still walking in the hallway of the hospital, Marshall stops and opens a door to a room to find a sleeping Maria in bed wrapped up in bandages. He then stands beside her and looks down at her.


    Marshall: Looks like you barely made it out of this, huh. Even though you might not be listening since you¡¯re asleep, I want you to know that I''m sorry about what has happened to you. Even if you don''t blame me... to this day I cannot sleep well knowing that people like Cross are out there. I promised you I will find Cipher''s killer and bring him to justice, I will see to it.


    Turning his back from her, he walks back to the door. His hand on the door knob right as he is about to turn it, he hears a voice.


    Cipher: So that''s how you see it huh, old man.


    Marshall turns back fast with his hand holding out his gun; pointing his gun to the Bloodstained Crow.


    Marshall: Get away from her.


    Cipher: Put your gun down. Then I will.


    Marshall: Not happening.


    Cipher: Guess not then.


    Marshall: Why are you here?


    Cipher: I... I have my reasons. *looks at Maria''s bandages*


    Marshall: You killed a lot of people you know. At first they were people involved with Cross, but after last night, you have become a cop killer.


    Seemingly ignoring Marshall''s last sentence, Cipher reaches out to Maria only to see claws instead of his normal hands. So instead leans over to her and places his head onto hers.


    Marshall: DO NOT TOUCH HER. Get any close to her and I WILL shoot.


    Cipher: Don¡¯t. The bullet could end up hitting her.


    Marshall: So you use her as a shield even after "saving" her? What the hell are you plan-


    Cipher: *stands away from Maria* LIKE HELL I WOULD DO THAT TO HER! My life was ripped away from me by Cross, so why not do the same to them.


    Yelling at Marshall, the detective notices that there''s tears falling on the Bloodstained Crow''s face. However he chooses to ignore it.


    Marshall: So whoever gets in your way is also killed then? Even though there were people you saved as well as the ones you could have, you didn''t really care as long as they weren''t in the way am I right?


    Cipher: ... You¡¯re the detective, figure it out.


    On the bottom floor Iris has arrived to the hospital with Brandon besides her. She asks the front desk for Maria''s room. Once they are told, they go into the elevator and push the floor button. Back in the room Cipher looks to his mom and smiles at her and looks to Marshall once more.


    Cipher: Let¡¯s end this cat and mouse game with Cross today. Whoever gets their hands on the leader of Cross wins.


    Marshall: You think this is a game crow!


    Cipher: Which is why when I leave here now, the game will end. I will get him and kill him. There''s nothing you can do that will stop me Marshall.


    Marshall: How do you know my name crow?


    Cipher: Again, figure that out detective.


    Turning his back from Marshall, the detective then points his gun at Cipher as he speaks.


    Marshall: Wait!


    Cipher: *stops walking* ¡­ What?


    Marshall: Tell me. If she gets in danger like this again, will you protect her again?


    Cipher: I will always be there to save her.


    Marshall: What is she to you?


    Cipher: ... She''s-


    Just as he answers him, the door behind them opens up as Marshall holds Cipher at gun point. Marshall tries to block the door but is not quick enough as Iris comes into the room with Brandon behind.


    Iris: Dad what are you doing?


    Marshall looks back at where Cipher was and sees that he is nowhere to be found. He runs to the window and cannot see him.


    Iris: Wait dad what happened? What''s wrong?


    Marshall: Stay here got it! I need to leave now!


    Brandon: Dad wait! I''m sorry that I-


    Marshall: Not now Brandon! We''ll talk after this is all over, Iris stay here with everyone else got it!


    Iris: Yeah, of¡­ of course but why are-


    Before she can finish her sentence though, Marshall has already left running to exit the building. The two siblings then looks at Maria and see there are teardrops on her face.


    Iris: Maria you¡¯re awake! Are you okay!?


    Maria: Yes I just woke up. Don''t worry.


    Getting into his car, he informs everyone by radio that the Bloodstained Crow is going to raid the hideout of Cross as he speaks. As Marshall starts to get ready, Cipher walks among the crowds with one goal in mind; walking with him, Vice guides the boy to Samuel¡¯s location.

 Chapter10- The Desperate Abomination

    At the Police Station, Chief Anderson is speaking with Marshall via the radio as he is driving.


    Chief Anderson: I know what you''re saying Marshall, but getting a task force together will take a bit. It''s not like we can just make on the spot!


    Marshall: Then I''ll go as you get the squads together! The Bloodstained Crow isn''t going to wait; he knows where they are and will strike soon.


    Chief Anderson: And he''s the one that told you?! Why would he personally tell you about this?


    Marshall: He decided to "end this game of cat and mouse". About their location, I''m might know someone that should lead us to them.


    Chief Anderson: That "rat" of yours right?


    Marshall: Yeah, I''ll report back when I find it.


    He starts to call Marcos and demands him to tell him the location, only to tell him he doesn''t know. Knowing that he might have a lead, Marshall wants his location to talk. Marcos tells him and Marshall drives faster, knowing full well that time is not on his side now that Cipher is launching his final attack against Cross. To Marshall, it will be catching to birds with one stone, and it must be quick or else. Arriving to a park in La Cienega, Marshall finds Marcos with his family playing in the sandpit.


    Wife: Honey there''s someone looking at our direction.


    Marcos: *looks to see Marshall* Yeah I know him, don''t worry it¡¯s just something about my job. I promise.


    Walking to Marshall, he notices that Steven isn''t with him.


    Marcos: Where''s the other one? You know the one that stops you from kicking my ass all the time?


    Marshall: Not your concern. You said that you don''t know where Cross''s leader is currently at, why is that?


    Marcos: After the raid the crow did on us last night, we all went in one vehicle, but we eventually went separate ways to evade capture from both you guys and the crow.


    Marshall: Call him and tell him you have news about the Bloodstained Crow; and you wish to speak about this face to face.


    Marcos: Hell no man, that''s fucking suspicious as fuck!


    A ringing sound is then heard from Marcos''s phone, and to his surprise the person calling him was Samuel.


    Marshall: Answer it.


    Marcos: *talks into the phone* Hey Samuel, what¡¯s up?


    Samuel: Are you busy right now? There''s something I want to talk about. If you with your family it can wait.


    Marcos looks back at his family playing and his wife waves to him. However when he faces Marshall, he knows that this might be the only chance he has to be free from Cross.


    Marcos: Yeah but they can wait. It''s not like they''ll be going anywhere. Where you at?


    Samuel: I''m at the- oh wait you don¡¯t where that is. Just go to the underground train station in Downtown.


    Marcos: Alright. I''ll be there. *hangs up*


    Marshall: Well?


    Marcos: Looks like you got your wish cop. He wants me so I have no choice but to go with you.


    He goes back to his family and tells them that he has to go with Marshall, so he hands his wife the keys to their car. Kisses them bye and walks with Marshall to the car.


    Marcos: So why did you wanta do this now? *gets in the car*


    Marshall: The Bloodstained Crow is going to where we''re going. *starts the car and drives*


    Marcos: Oh hell no! Fuck that!


    Marshall: *grabs him by the shirt collar* YOU WILL GO, GOT IT! Hell they are already expecting you! Without you, we cops won''t be able to stop whatever massacre that''ll happen. Got it, so nut up you sack of shit! I won''t let a reformed family man get killed.


    Marcos: Thanks, I guess.


    As they drive to the destination, Cipher jumps from rooftop to rooftop. Using his teleportation ability to follow Vice, he eventually gets to a concrete bridge. Walking down to the bottom of the bridge he spots a door.


    Cipher: This the place?


    Vice: Yes, well the inside is like a maze so the rest is up to you. I gotta go do my own prep work for this.


    Cipher: What do you mean?


    But when he looks back he sees that Vice is no longer with him. Turning back to the door he opens it and as he does chains appear from behind and toss him against the wall, away from the door.


    Nier: So is this the path thou¡¯st will take? If so then it is my duty to end thy existence here and now.


    Cipher: You... ARE YOU PROTECTING THAT SACK OF SHIT!?


    Nier: What give thou the right to take a life?


    Cipher: Are you kidding me? What gonna lecture me about the facts of life on how no one should kill! Give me *breaks away from the chains* A FUCKING BREAK!


    He attacks Nier only to have his attack countered by Nier, but this time Cipher allows himself to be as his arms breaks and manages to land a kick onto Nier''s face. Seeing an opening, Cipher goes for another attack with an elbow to his chest knocking him further back.


    Nier: If thine does kill him, what will that make of thee? What does killing all those people from before make thou! Art thou¡¯st feel better about their deaths?


    Cipher: You know what. It does! If the police can''t see the crap I saw during these past 3 weeks, then they clearly don''t know how to wipe this city¡¯s own ass.


    As Cipher launches for another attack, he grabs Nier by the head and smashes it to the ground. However as he did, Nier grips onto Cipher''s arm and uses both his feet to kick him onto the ground.


    Nier: So then have thou made a decision I presume?


    Cipher: What? Oh god all you care about is decisions and my choice and crap. Just answer me this, what will you do with my answer?


    Nier: We shall see.


    Sighing, Cipher looks away and scratches his head for a moment.


    Cipher: I want to say it''s a yes. I will kill him. But this power, once I actually saw someone I care about hurt it made turned me into some monster. Do you know what exactly this is?


    Nier: I don''t. All I can say is that it is a dangerous power that no one can control. Unfortunately that is all I can tell thee for I know nothing more.


    With no response, Nier looks at him with his metallic mask coldly staring at him. Nier takes a piece of paper out from his left arm''s gauntlet.


    Nier: Very well. I advise thee to take this. *holds of the paper*


    Cipher: What is that?


    Nier: Once you find that man, the dark powers with thine body will take advantage of the emotional state thou art will be. Reviving the monster thou had once became the night before.


    Cipher looks at the paper and sees odd writings on it as well as it did not look like ordinary paper. It resembled a paper talisman that he once used to read in books. With suspicion, Cipher takes the talisman from Nier.


    Cipher: If you were going to give this to me, why were you always trying to kill me?


    Nier: ... Thou''st attitude is bothersome.


    Cipher: (What! Are you kidding me?) *puts talisman in his bag* So is that all you wanted for today?


    Nier: Thou must hurry. The girl will die if thou''st does not hasten. Till then, ill-fated bloodstained one.


    Realizing he must be talking about Eveline''s situation, Cipher turns back to the door. Thinking about Nier¡¯s words, he wonders just who exactly is Nier and realizes if he becomes an enemy, he has no chance of winning yet. Now past the door Cipher walks into the dark hallways that will lead him to Samuel, the leader of Cross. However Nier stays behind as he turns and sees Vice lying on the wall behind him.


    Nier: Fallen one.


    Vice: So that''s why you''re not coming back to work for Hell. Your serving that witch aren''t you.


    Immediately Nier attempts to punch Vice, only to have his attack go right past his body, like a projection. His attack lands onto the wall and it creates a huge crater on it that the entire surface of the wall shows huge lines of it breaking. Behind him is an unfazed Vice as he begins to taunt Nier with a gleeful smirk.


    Vice: Look at you. I can''t believe you actually thought you would have been able to even touch me. Such an arrogant knight.


    Nier: Enough words, detestable maggot. *takes fist out of wall*


    Vice: Before you lose this fight, are you willing to put the vermin around us in harm¡¯s way? I¡¯m just saying so that we can both go all out.


    Nier: (Thou must mean the people around us.) Figures that thou art would bring innocents into our fight.


    Vice: I highly doubt most of these "things" would be considered innocent. How about this though, a bet?


    Nier: A wager?


    Vice: Yep, I bet you that the boy, Cipher, will absolutely kill everyone in that hideout today.


    Nier: I refuse.


    Vice: He''ll lose it the talisman you gave him and after that it''ll be only a matter of time that he will transform into that blood starved beast.


    Nier: What! Have thou somehow interfered with that area!?


    Vice: *shrugs* Who knows? Oh and you can''t interfere with them. There''s no fun if you go in and spoil it.


    Nier: There is no need.


    Vice: What do you...? That talisman! That bitch of a witch did something else with it didn''t she!


    Before Vice can do anything about the talisman, Nier uses his chains to tightly bind him.


    Nier: What is it? Did thou''st just realize something?


    Vice: You... Release me.


    Nier: Thou art had just forgotten the rules set by the elders? We cannot interfere with this.


    Vice: YOU PATHATIC EXCUSE OF A SOLDIER!


    Nier: I can say the same to thyself.


    Nier uses his teleportation ability on each other to another location so that Vice could not intervene. Inside though, currently Eveline sits in a room alone until the door is open and she sees it is Mark, one of the new members of Cross that now wants out after he saw the Bloodstained Crow.


    Mark: Hey... um I have good news. That woman from before, she... uh well, she escaped.


    Eveline: *smiles* That''s good to hear.


    Mark: Yeah, you see the Bloodstained Crow came and started to kill people left and right. Leader says that we''re safe since not many people from Cross know about this place. But I think she escaped, but to be honest, I''m not so sure she lived. The Bloodstained Crow probably killed her.


    Eveline: No she''s alive. Since it was him, then he must have saved her. Like he did with me, I''m sure of it.


    Arriving into the central area of Downtown, Marshall is led by Marcos to the entrance of a populated underground Metro station. While walking into the station, Marshall receives a call from Phil.


    Phil: Hey I saw I had a missed call from you last night. What was it that you wanted to ask me?


    Marshall: It¡¯s simple; I want you to get a blood sample of someone named Cipher Avalon and compare it with the blood of the Bloodstained Crow.


    Phil: Cipher Avalon? Wait, wasn''t that the name of a boy that you knew?


    Marshall: Yeah, remember his body went missing after being discovered.


    Phil: Hold on. Do you think that these two are the same person?


    Marshall: *sighs* I honestly don''t know, but judging by the crow''s recent actions I have seen. I have a suspicion that there might be some connection between the two.


    Phil: Alright then. I''ll look into it.


    Hanging up, Marshall continues to walk down the stairs until he is stopped by Marcos. In the crowd, Marcos looks at Marshall before moving onwards.


    Marcos: Listen, since I don''t know where exactly this place is there''s most likely going to be someone waiting to take me there.


    Marshall: No shit. I''ll be careful on tailing you people.


    Nodding his head Marcos walks ahead giving Marshall a chance to report back to the police department. As he tells them the current situation along with his current location, Marshall notices that Marcos has started talking with a technician worker of the station. He follows them from a distance as they go away from the populated area. Seeing them go into a door that sign says ¡°employee only¡± he quietly opens the door to find no one in the room. Checking the corners he finds a locked door that the two must have gone into. Unable to open it, he remembers that Steven knows how to pick open doors but without him he seems to be in a pinch. The doorknob then starts to turn as someone from the other side is opening it. Marshall goes to hide as the door opens, seeing that the technician worker has returned Marshall sneaks past him into the door. With gun in hand, Marshall begins his pursuit once more. To his surprise the hallway seems to have no turns as it has been going straight until he finds Marcos waiting for him and they begin to walk.


    Marcos: Took you long enough. That guy told me that if I keep going straight then I''ll find a guarded door which is where everyone''s at.


    Marshall: That man didn''t look like your tradition Cross member.


    Marcos: The members aren''t only the thugs you see on the streets unfortunately. I just hope the crow leave''s former members like me alone. But then again, maybe if I beg-


    Marshall: He''ll kill you. He''s done it to former members too. He doesn''t care if you left them to start a better life; in his eyes you all deserve death. I doubt you should worry about your family; I doubt he''ll do anything to them.


    Marcos: What the hell makes you so sure?


    Marshall: ...It¡¯s a hunch.


    Shortly after finishing their conversation they see a door with a slit peep hole straight ahead of them. Marshall hides just behind the door as Marcos knocks on it to have it open. The guard that sees only Marcos opens it and is attacked by Marshall immediately as he opened it. The other guard tries to help but is subdued by Marcos.


    Marcos: Lucky, there were only 2 of them.


    As they tie them up, the guard starts to antagonize Marcos for the betrayal.


    Guard1: Can''t believe you would betray us like that Marcos. Leader an¡¯t gonna be so nice when he finds out.


    Guard2: Your family gonna get it too you know. He gonna make them squeal like the pigs you people are.


    Marcos: Not gonna let that happen. I will protect them, and today will be the end of Cross.


    Guard1: You mean the bloody crow guy? We know he''s coming!


    Guard2: This whole thing a trap. He knows that must have followed him and with that in mind, why not bring him here where the bigger toys are.


    Marshall: What toys? *holds a gun onto the guard1''s head*


    Guard2: You wouldn''t, if you shoot then that shot will echo all over this place.


    Marshall: *removes the safety* Yeah, but then the crow will get a better chance at hunting you all down as they purse the sound of a gunshot.


    Guard1: ... They¡¯re bigger guns the leader had stolen from somewhere. I don''t know where but I know that some of them are bazookas or something.


    Guard2: What the fuck are you telling him for!


    Marshall: *knocks out the two guards* So this whole thing is a trap to kill the crow.


    He tries to contact the police force, but is unable to since he could not get a signal as the walls around them are too thick.


    Marcos: Now what?


    Marshall: We stick to the plan. The only thing is that we have to move quicker now that these bastards are going to blow up this whole damn place once the crow gets in here.


    Moving the unconscious guards away and moving onwards, Marshall separates from Marcos so that he could locate if Eveline was there. In a different area, the room where Eveline remains, the door opens as Mark enters the room once again.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Mark: Hey... umm how are you holding up?


    Eveline: I''m fine.


    Mark: Well I have to tell you something right now. Samuel is coming to talk to you.


    Eveline: I understand.


    Samuel: Then I should assume you know as to the true reason why you¡¯re not dead yet.


    Behind Mark, passing the door was Samuel. He looks at Mark as a way to leave so the room.


    Mark: (Don''t worry. I haven''t forgotten my promise with that lady.)


    Now alone in the room Eveline looks away from Samuel as he gets closer to her.


    Samuel: What''s wrong Eve? You look like you¡¯re not very happy to see me.


    Eveline: ... Have you always been like this? How long have you been a part of this?


    Samuel: That''s right. You didn''t anything about this, but I¡¯m sure you would have done nothing. After your dear mother committed suicide, I saw in your eyes you didn¡¯t want to be alive anymore. Back when we were younger, you used to at least smile when you saw me.


    Eveline: You¡¯re not the same person anymore Samuel! You are-


    Samuel: A murder?


    He then takes out a knife and grabs Eveline''s hand, forcing her to hold it.


    Samuel: Then kill me. Here and now. I was the responsible for killing your dear old step-father was I not?


    Eveline: Wha!?


    Samuel: *his face gets closer to hers* What are you waiting for? I know your step-father said he was going to become a better person for you. You could have been able to live in a much happier home.


    Eveline: I... I-


    Samuel: Ah! But of course you didn''t believe a single word from him. Just like me. You could have stopped me then, you know it. If a child loves their parent, then they would be willing to put their lives on the line for them.


    Eveline: *weakens her grip on the knife* Stop it.


    Samuel: Even when your poor mother killed herself, do you remember what you asked me?


    Eveline: Please shut up.


    Samuel: Then jam that knife into me. Then I will.


    However instead of putting more strength onto it, Eveline lowers her hand that holds the knife; allowing Samuel to continue talking.


    Samuel: That man that would beat you, he would sexually harass your dear mother after her tiring time of work. What one would except from an alcoholic. You allowed us to kill your step-father because you didn¡¯t care about anything anymore.


    Eveline: That''s not how it happened!


    Samuel: The proof is that fact your dad died because you allowed me too. *grabs the knife away from her*


    Eveline: ...


    Samuel: You had your shot to end the nightmare here. Maybe as punishment we should visit that boy you were seen with these past few months.


    Eveline: Leave him out of this!


    Samuel: Then do you want to take his place?


    Eveline: Fine. I don¡¯t care, but just leave him out of it.


    Samuel: *sigh* You may not care about yourself, but I do Eveline.


    With that said Samuel walks to the door and opens it.


    Samuel: Oh, and if you hear explosions and such; just ignore them. I''ll come back when you have made you choice.


    Closing the door behind him, Eveline gets down on her knees and begins to cry in silence.


    Eveline: *cries in silence* (I''m... I''m sorry. I''m so sorry Brandon. I just don¡¯t want to be in this nightmare anymore. I¡¯m¡­ just tired.)


    Out of the room, Samuel is told by one of the thugs that Marcos had arrived and is waiting for him. Going to his close friend, Samuel greets Marcos with a hand shake.


    Samuel: Glad to see the crow hasn''t gotten to you yet.


    Marcos: Well you know me, elusive as hell.


    Samuel: That you are. Come, I have something I would like to discuss with you.


    Following Samuel, the two walk into a room that has crates and long boxes. Opening one of the boxes, Samuel shows Marcos just what is inside.


    Marcos: Are these rocket launchers!?


    Samuel: RPGs to be exact. This will not only be the grave of the Bloodstained Crow but the day we will break this city. The first one we''ll break will be Servantas Industries.


    Marcos: Charles Servantas, Samuel are you sure? All you have is a small gang compared to whatever he''s connected to. Hell didn''t you tell me he was the one that arranged those mercenaries to come and kill the crow?


    Samuel: Yes, that man does seem to have quite the connections. I''m not surprised.


    Still sneaking around, Marshall comes across a room where he hopes to find Eveline. Instead when he opens it, he finds another room full of crates. He opens one and finds explosive that can cause major damage to the area.


    Marshall: What the hell... Where the hell did this bastard get these!


    On the other side of where they were Cipher continues onward in the dark.


    Cipher: (Okay so I''m sure I passed that scratch on the wall before. Am I freaking lost?)


    Closing the door behind him, Marshall ponders how Cross was able to even get weapons that could turn the whole city into a literal war zone.


    Marshall: (Shit with these types of weapons they¡¯re just terrorists now. How did in the hell did they get this type of artillery?)


    As Marshall investigates the other rooms, Samuel and Marcos continues to talk to him about the plan until Marcos sees that the room has planned bombs in place.


    Samuel: Ah, you''ve finally noticed them. Once the crow does manage to find us then we will trap him in a certain room that will explode and he will be engulfed in flames. Even if he can survive gun wounds, then being burned in an explosion will definitely end him.


    Marcos: Isn''t that going overboard?


    Samuel: Yes. This is the Bloodstained Crow we¡¯re talking about. That man has been able to survive doing what he does.


    Marcos: ... Okay... I guess. So once he''s gone, what''re you going to do?


    Samuel: We¡¯ll just switch to our main target. Servantas Industries will be next.


    A thug enters the room with them and tells Samuel some news to him. Unable to hear the news, Marcos looks at the bombs as the lights on them blink on a constant rate. Looking at them, Samuel calls to him.


    Samuel: Marcos, when you arrived did the two guys that let you in look... how would you say, alive?


    Marcos: That''s a weird way to put it. Yeah they were indeed alive.


    Samuel: So he must have followed you, he''s here.


    Marcos: Wait, they''re dead?


    Samuel: They had orders to keep in contact every 5 minutes even after you arrive. Since we haven''t gotten word and they''re not in position, we can only assume that he''s gotten to them.


    Marcos: R-right.


    Samuel *looks at to thug members* You four go and make sure the entrance near the bridge is secure for our escape.


    As the four thugs leave, Marcos takes a glimpse at Samuel and notices something that he''s never seen on Samuel''s face before; fear. Still sneaking around, Marshall eventually gets to a large auditorium like area where there seems to be some type of altar.


    Marcos: Why does this place looks like some old cathedral.


    Samuel: Just to look intimidating for anyone that tries to fight us. I wanted to make one last statement to all the other gangs, but of course there¡¯s no time for that anymore.


    Marcos: *looks around* By the way, where''s Tracy? I actually haven''t seen or heard from her since I got here.


    Samuel: She did her part and only ended up dying from the crow''s assault. Really, that woman could never do anything right. Well she did one thing right; she brought Eve back to me so there''s that.


    Marcos: What? Dude, she was your sister! Aren''t you sad or even angry that she was killed?!


    Marshall: (So Eveline really is somewhere here.)


    Samuel: There will always be casualties in war. That is what everyone should understand. She was just weak to win the battle... Don¡¯t you think Marcos?


    Marcos: What do you mean?


    Samuel: Did you think I didn''t suspect you would want to end this? I allowed you to leave Cross because you were like a brother to me. You ended up getting a family, but I knew you wouldn''t want dear Uncle Samuel to come into contact with your wife and children.


    Marcos: Sam, what are you talking about?


    Samuel: I know you had come into contact with the police about our little arrangement today. As well of other times before, but what puzzles me is that you never told them about our little history, my identity. Did you feel guilty in some form?


    Just then Marshall comes out, but with his hands in the air as two thugs with shotguns pointed to his back. Walking out, Samuel looks to Marcos with a discomfort look on his face.


    Samuel: I feel so honored to be betrayed by my close friend. Feels like I''ve truly become a force to be feared with. Isn''t that right, officer?


    Marcos: How did you know?


    Samuel: Don''t you remember what I said to that Hispanic? I have people on watch just in case of events like this. So tell me, which life would you choose to spare; this cop¡¯s life, his family''s life or your family?


    At location of the bridge entrance, the four thugs walk along the path until one of them stops


    Thug1: What now?


    Thug2: I gotta take a piss, big time! *unzips his pants*


    Thug3: Ah what the fuck is wrong with you!?


    Thug4: That''s what happens when you go and fucking drink a shit ton of beer dipshit!


    Thug3: Da fuck ya called a dipshit, you dipshit!


    Thug1: I''ma go on ahead. This fucking part of the hallways gives me the creeps.


    Thug2: Yeah, heard you gotta be careful cause of the unfinished parts, it would feel like a maze and get you lost. *still peeing on the ground*


    Thug1: All you need is some people to talk and you find your way out since this place is really echo-y.


    As thug3 and thug4 are still arguing, thug1 continues walking in the barely lit hallway.


    Thug1: Hey any of you shits got a flashlight?


    Thug3: Da fuck I thought you had one?


    Thug4: Just keep on walking man. It¡¯s not like you can¡¯t see jack shit here, there are those fucking lights.


    Thug2: Yeah he has a point; the fucking light barely show shit. *stares ahead* Hey what the fuck is that next to you?


    Thug1: Oh fuck you, there''s nothing in-


    His head is then cut off as Cipher was able to find is way due to the commotion the thugs were making. Before they can do anything else, Cipher eliminates them all silently. As they lay dead on the ground, Cipher looks ahead and can see a small light straight away. Running towards it he sees that he has found his way inside the hideout. As Cipher finds the path, Mark returns to Eveline''s cell.


    Mark: Hey can I go in to see her?


    Thug1: You got the hots for her don''t ya?


    Mark: Something like that.


    Thug1: Well she looks young as fuck so I get ya, ya can do alot of things to innocent looking girls like that. It''s great once you see how broken ya made them afterwards too.


    Mark: Well can you let me in?


    Thug1: Yea, just don''t do anything to her yet. Heard that leader has a thing for this one. Poor Tracy never had a chance! *laughs hard*


    Letting Mark in, he sees Eveline sitting on the ground with her hands holding her legs. The door closes and he walks up to her.


    Mark: Come on, while leader is busy with his thing we can get you passed... *sees her uninterested* Hey what''s wrong? You don''t really want to stay here do you?


    Eveline: ... I have no choice. If I leave... he''ll hurt people I know.


    Mark: But you know what he looks like! You know where this hideout is, you can go to the police quickly, tell them about this place, and have us all arrested okay. You can do this!


    As he lends out his hand, they both then hear the door open.


    Thug1: So that''s what why ya been coming here alot. You fucking-


    But before he can pull out his weapon, an object appears and stabs the thug deep into the neck. As the two look, they see that the thug is dead. Turning his head to the room, Cipher attacks Mark as he grabs his head and stabs him on the chest.


    Eveline: NO STOP!


    Confused Cipher looks at Eveline and then back at Mark.


    Mark: P-please... don''t *coughs out blood* kill her...


    Dropping Mark on the ground. Cipher looks at Eveline.


    Cipher: ...


    Eveline: Why... WHY DID YOU KILL HIM!


    Cipher: What do you mean?


    Eveline: He wanted to save me! He did want to be part of them anymore.


    Cipher: Dumbass should have never joined them in the first place. So anyways since your here, you should get going. I saw that someone was looking for you and another woman, so go back to them.


    Eveline: ... I can''t believe it... You really do kill people who are members of Cross, even if they want to leave?


    Cipher: What''s it to you.


    Eveline: I¡¯ve¡­ known the leader of their group since I was a child.


    The far end of Cipher''s claw then touches Eveline''s neck as she finished her statement.


    Cipher: *sees her flinch* Repeat that again.


    Eveline: Please just end this nightmare of mine. I''m so tired of this life. I don''t want to run away like my mother did, but I just don¡¯t think it¡¯s worth it anymore. So please I''m begging you, kill me.


    Cipher: ... Any regrets?


    Eveline: Not telling I the one I care for about my past. I couldn''t bear with the fact that he''ll hate and abandon me. And I don¡¯t blame him. I''ll deserve it.


    Cipher: *lowers his claws* Tell that someone your past after you escape.


    Eveline: Huh? You''re not going to kill me? I thought that-


    Cipher: If that boy that¡¯s looking for you were to find out you died here cause of me, then I know that he''ll be in absolute pain over your death.


    Eveline Yeah... you¡¯re right. Thank you. You don¡¯t want to bring pain to Brandon and Iris anymore, am I right Cipher?


    Cipher: *looks at her oddly* How do you know me?


    Eveline: Remember the alley during the rain few days ago? I know Brandon and his family so I was taken to their house. It was my first time in there so I didn¡¯t know about you till I saw the pictures.


    Cipher: Pictures huh. What¡¯s your name?


    Eveline: I¡¯m Eveline. Eveline Everstone.


    As Eveline starts to walk towards the door and stops to look at Cipher looking down at Mark''s body.


    Eveline: You didn''t have to kill him. He was a good person that just got involved with bad people.


    Cipher: ... Yeah. You undoubtedly correct. But I refuse to give these PEOPLE any sign of humanity. Which is why I¡­


    Eveline: ¡°I¡± what?


    Cipher bends to his knees and starts to carry Mark¡¯s body. He lays the corpse on the ground gently and closes Mark¡¯s lifeless eyes.


    Cipher: *looks at Mark''s body*... Absolutely fear what I¡¯m becoming, and I hate that I¡¯m unable to stop. So if there¡¯s anyone in this room that deserves to be killed¡­ it¡¯s me.


    They then both hear a loud gunshot echoing through the area. Looking at each other, they follow the noise until another gunshot is heard again.


    Eveline: What''s happening?


    Cipher: (Could have Marshall gotten here already? Is it possible he was caught?)


    Rushing to the scene where the gunshot could be found. The two are in the balcony that surrounds the large auditorium like room. Once there, Cipher looks down and sees that Samuel has shot someone on their leg twice.


    Eveline: What''s happening down there?


    Cipher: You¡¯re going to have to leave here without me. There''s an exit at the far end of the hallway back where we were. Don''t worry about the thugs there; I''ve dealt with them already. However there are a lot of them here in this place so you have to leave now. Got it?


    Eveline: Are you going to kill them all?


    Cipher: ... Go. You have to survive and tell Brandon about your past don''t you.


    Eveline: But-


    Before she could finish her sentence Cipher leaves Eveline as he quickly makes his way down. However as he left, a piece of paper falls from his bag as he began rummaging through it. Picking it up, Eveline looks at the odd paper talisman and feels that she should hold on to it. Now at the bottom, Cipher sees that Samuel has Marshall held prisoner as a thug has a gun to his back. Trying to see if there''s anything in the pouch he holds a grenade and thinks about what his move should be. During all this, other thugs check and have noticed the dead thugs that have their bloody bodies on the ground at the back entrance.


    Thug1: Fuck he came from here!


    Thug2: Then what the fuck happened with the guys at the front then!?


    One of the bodies begins to twitch as they try to figure out what is happening. Noticing the twitch one of them speaks up.


    Thug3: Ay, this guy still alive!


    Thug4: Ay, what happened!? Did the crow do this to you?!


    Mangled thug: Food...


    Thug5: What he say?


    The mangled thug then gets up and takes a bite onto thug4''s neck.


    Mangled thug: ... FooD!


    Other bodies then begin to rise as the thugs get surrounded. Before they can shoot their guns however, their bodies begin to violently shake against their will.


    Thug1: Da fuck IS HapPening?!


    Thug5: What... What da fuck are those!


    Surrounding them are thousands of evil spirits as they try to possess everyone there, dead and alive. While this is happening, back in the main room Marcos holds down on his leg was shot by Samuel.


    Samuel: I should say I trusted you and what not, but to be honest I expected to be betrayed sooner or later. My mistake was catching the traitor before outside interference could occur.


    Marcos: Sam s-stop! Look even if you kill me here the cops will be waiting for you once you get out!


    Samuel: Well that''s what I hope is waiting. After all it¡¯s not like the cops aren¡¯t on the next to be sacrificed by us.


    Marshall: What the hell are you talking about?


    Samuel: Thank you for asking cop. When I say sacrifice I don''t mean we kill them for some god or anything like that. Like all the sacrifices we made, those that we had killed were obstacles that were in our path. There''s a saying "If you''re afraid of stepping on the insects beneath your feet, then you''ll never learn how to walk forward."


    Marshall: So all those people you''ve killed were just insects to you! Just obstacles that needed to be removed!


    Samuel: Seems to me you understood it very well. And now that you do, there are others that will be removed. We will start with the Bloodstained Crow.


    A large crowd of Cross members arrive to the scene as Samuel finishes his speech. Samuel looks to his peers as many of them consist of normal looking people and thugs alike. The thug holding a shotgun to Marshall''s back then gets ready to shoot him as he looks to Samuel''s signal to shoot.


    Samuel: Out of respect, I must ask. Do you have any final words?


    Marshall: ... *laughs* You stupid dumbass. Are you serious?


    Samuel: I see. Well then-


    Marshall: Well as for my last words... they will have to wait. Right crow!


    In a surprise everyone looks around to check if the Bloodstained Crow really is there and quickly Marshall manages to disarm the thug with the shotgun. Once he did others then started to shoot at him as he ran for cover.


    Samuel: You incompetent idiots! How could you fall for such a trick? Go and bring me his corpse as I deal with my "friend".


    Hiding behind a wall as bullets hit it; Marshall takes a quick look to his shooters before they start to shoot again. He checks the shotgun for bullets only to find it empty.


    Marshall: Damn... I can''t believe they got with such a cheap trick. Or he just fucked up. *takes out his pistol*


    Immediately before he can shot back, a hooded shadow runs right passed him with a body acting as a shield. Cipher running towards one group of thugs as the bullets hit his human shield, tosses a flash grenade to them. Once it explodes, the thugs are blinded as Cipher throws the body away and starts to attack everyone.


    Thug1: Oh shit he¡¯s really here! Get the rocket launchers ready!


    Thug2: Got em!


    Thug1: Well!? Fucking shoot it!


    The RPG shoots out and hits close to Cipher as the rocket swerves a bit from target.


    Thug2: Did it hit him?


    Samuel: ... No. You missed him. Try again before I shoot you with it. *dragging Marcos by his head*


    Cipher: A rocket launcher huh... *grins* Looks like you idiots are getting desperate!


    As they try to reload the RPG, Cipher teleports to them and cuts their heads into pieces. Watching in disbelief Marshall sees Samuel also watching as many of his members are being killed. Using this chance Marshall sneaks towards him. Marcos sees him and tries to get Samuel''s gun away, but fails as he hits him with it.


    Samuel: Did you think me being distracted would help you escape?


    Marcos: Should have figured.


    Samuel: You know what... I''ll make sure you see your wife and children suffer in front of your barely breathing body once we get out of here.


    Killing without mercy, Cipher''s cloak is now covered with the blood of Cross members. With his appearance causing fear into their minds, Cipher manages to smash one thug''s head onto another and he cuts open someone else all while getting shot. With his wounds healing more and more as he kills, Cipher is able to somewhat take the pain from the bullets; however as he fights, a familiar sensation begins to emerge from him.


    Cipher: (Shit not yet! I¡¯m starting to lose it... No not yet! Not while that damn old man is still here!)


    Meanwhile Samuel continues to beat Marcos with the side of his gun until he dislocates his jaw. Letting go of him, Marcos falls to the ground in pain and unable to talk. About to shoot his leg once more, Marshall intervenes, tackling Samuel down. As he places handcuffs onto him, a thug grabs another RPG to shoot at Cipher as he stands behind a door.


    Thug1: Hey asshole! Take this! *aims rocket launcher*


    But before he can shoot the rocket Cipher teleports to the thug, grabs his head, and continuously rams it into a door behind them until both the door and head break open.


    Thug3: Back up guys he''s in!


    Samuel: DO IT NOW!


    Now running away from the door, Cipher gets up and sees the room he''s in as crates full of gasoline and blinking lights. Before he can react the room explodes powerfully that the explosion brings powerful quake to the area. The explosion ends up making a fire that begins to come out. Still holding onto the handcuffed Samuel, Marshall forces him to stand.


    Marshall: Tell them to stand down!


    Samuel: They won''t. Now that they know they killed the one thing that has been threatening us is now dead.


    All the remaining thugs that weren''t killed look towards their direction as more Cross members arrive to the scene.


    Thug3: WE DID IT!


    Thug4: FUCK YEA WE DID!


    Thug5: LOOKS LIKE HE''S WAS HUMAN AFTER ALL!


    Samuel: What I tell you... compared to what the crow brought us, you police are just insects.


    Thug6: What you gonna do cop kill him?


    Thug7: Go ahead! We make our own rules anyway!


    Samuel: And why is that?


    All Thugs: BECAUSE WE DO THINGS FOR OURSELVES AND NOBODY WILL STOP US!


    Samuel: That''s what I thought.


    Soon enough one of the thugs comes out pulling a girl out from the crowd.


    Marshall: Eveline!


    Eveline: Marshall!? What are you-


    Samuel: Hey cop if you don''t let me go. They will kill her.


    Marshall: You son of bitch! Don''t you dare!


    Samuel: Yeah I like her too. But if she dies then I might need a replacement. You got a girl that I can have?


    As soon as Samuel says that two thugs that are close to the flaming doorway scream as they¡¯re heads are grabbed and smashed onto the concrete floor by Cipher. Everyone looks to his direction and surrounded by fire all they see is him covered in not by flames, but by a black miasma. His eyes now black with diamond red pupils and claws grown long once more.


    Samuel: Impossible!


    Eveline: C-cipher?


    Marshall: Crow, what the fuck are you?


    Standing there, one thug manages to shoot an RPG at him and manages to hit him.


    Thug3: Got him! Now he''s-


    Dashing out from the smoke of the explosion Cipher quickly slices thug3''s body vertically. Cold air is seen escaping out from Cipher''s mouth as he turns his attention to everyone else.

 Chapter11- Choice

    Rushing to a few thugs, Cipher rips them apart as Marshall drops the handcuffed Samuel, runs and grabs Eveline. As he does, the frenzied Cipher runs at the thugs that had Eveline.


    Samuel: What the hell is he...?


    Marcos: *sees his legs somewhat shake* You know Sam, without Cross there wouldn''t be a Bloodstained Crow.


    More and more Cross members are dying, as some still shooting many other begin to flee in terror. However as they desperately run, Cipher jumps in front of them and manages to bite off the face of one of the thugs. Terrorized they try running back but they are then massacred as heads and bodies are sliced in half by Cipher as he dashes in between them.


    Eveline: Wha- what''s happened to him?!


    Marshall: God only knows. Eveline stay here. As long as you don''t attract any attention to yourself I doubt you''ll get noticed by it.


    Eveline: Marshall, wait! Where are you going?


    But her words are ignored as Marshall runs towards Samuel and Marcos.


    Marshall: Let''s go you son of a bitch.


    Samuel: You... You''re going to let this happen? Such admiration from a cop, how expected. Aren''t you supposed to read my rights or something?


    Marshall: Save it. I''ll tell you them after we get out. Or would you like to hear it as the crow sees us.


    Samuel''s view is then directed towards the massacre Cipher is causing as his claws stabs through one thugs head.


    Thug6: Shit he''s not dying even though he had been shot so many times!


    Then thug6 neck was ripped open by one of Cipher''s attacks. Much of the blood gets sprayed onto Cipher¡¯s face. Killing all in his way Cipher eventually stops his attack as most of all Cross members have been killed by him. The remaining few now back away slowly as they feel if they make a run for it, Cipher will kill them like all the others who ran. The fire starts to spread as the oil from the burning room spreads on the floor. Looking towards their direction, Cipher tilts his head at 9 Cross members in his view as his red diamond shaped pupils stare at them.


    Thug7: Hey, I''ll distract him. You guys go for the exit, I don''t know how long I can give ya but you gotta run for it.


    Thug7 runs at Cipher as the rest try to escape. Running and shooting, the thug does catch his attention but is then pulled and held from his leg by Cipher''s shadow tentacle. Despite this thug7 continues to shoot at Cipher, but is unable to get his attention anymore as he escapes from his vision and before he realizes it Cipher has killed the other 8. With many of their limbs torn off they cry out in pain and fear. Soon enough thug7 is slammed onto the ground next to Cipher. With people still watching and they stop shooting as they try to reload their weapons. Forced on the ground, Cipher looks at thug7 face to face. To everyone''s horror, the uncontrollable Cipher begins to devour thug7 from the face like a starving animal. While all this was happening outside; in his head the unconscious Cipher is being covered in darkness.


    Cipher: ¡­¡­¡­.. I can¡¯t see anything here¡­¡­¡­.. I can¡¯t hear anyone¡­¡­¡­.. Ah¡­¡­¡­. This whole thing must be¡­¡­.. Just one bad dream¡­¡­.. I should¡­¡­ wake up¡­¡­.. Soon¡­¡­


    While being consumed by the darkness, Cipher had just finished eating the thug as everyone tries to shoot him.


    Samuel: Looks like none of us are escaping eh cop. With that fire spreading out and the Bloodstained Crow eating and killing people left and right, looks like we''re trapped.


    Marshall: That''s enough out of you.


    Samuel: Well not like it matters. Once that fire reaches the other rooms, I''m sure even the Bloodstained Crow won''t survive being crushed by the weight of the concrete here.


    Marshall: You... were you going to end your life as you try to kill him?


    Samuel: Like fucking hell I would. I would like to live, but with how the situation is. I doubt any of us will.


    After talking, Samuel head-butts Marshall to try and break free but Marshall recovers quickly and grabs him by the collar and punches his face multiple times. Samuel then kicks Marshall off him as his kick hits Marshall¡¯s stomach. Trying to catch his breath, Marshall is kicked again and once more by Samuel. He then forces his foot down on Marshall''s neck, chocking him. Still hiding on the ground Eveline looks up and notices Marshall in trouble. She looks to where the final thug is and sees him being eaten alive by the demonic looking Cipher.


    Eveline: Cipher... is that... Is that the same person Brandon and Iris grew up with? *looks to Marshall in trouble* I... I have to help him. I can''t let him down!


    Shaking but still getting up, Eveline tries to tackle Samuel off him. However Samuel sees her from the corner of his eye and kicks her away to return to chocking Marshall with his foot.


    Samuel: Such a shame. You finally get up to help someone only to fail miserably. Dear Eveline, don¡¯t worry I¡¯ll make sure you and I survive this whole ordeal.


    Once he turns to look as Eveline, in front of him is the demonic Cipher looking directly into his eyes. His breathing stops as Cipher grabs and lifts up in the air. Now staring into each other¡¯s eyes, Cipher tosses the handcuffed Samuel to a pillar. But instead of killing him like the others, Cipher begins to actively beat down Samuel as his tentacles grabs his ribs and their grip begins to tighten as the bones start to crack.


    Samuel: Gah!! YOU BASTARD!


    As Samuel''s ribs crack from the pressure, he begins to scream out in agony. While on the ground, Marshall looks at Eveline on the ground near him.


    Marshall: Eveline, you okay?


    Eveline: Y-yeah.


    Marshall: Marcos you still alive?


    Marcos: ... *mumbles with a swollen face* Somehow.


    Eveline: I''m glad you¡¯re okay Marshall.


    They then see Samuel thrown across the large area they are in as the fire spreads more now that it has gotten on the fabrics and object in there. With the light from the flames, the see the black miasma come closer to Samuel. Cipher emerges from it and grabs Samuel''s head bringing it closer to his own. He then slams him to the ground, with drool dripping down from his mouth.


    Eveline: He''s going to eat him...


    Getting up, Marshall grabs both Marcos and Eveline to escape. As they do Samuel speaks up to Cipher.


    Samuel: Well what are you waiting for? Come on, do it! Once you do I''ll activate the bombs and you''ll die in here with me!


    Marshall: Shit, let''s go!


    As they try to get away Eveline looks back at Cipher, she wonders if Cipher really was a monster that acted as a human. Thinking about this, an unfamiliar yet soft spoken voice comes into her mind.


    Unknown Voice: (Help him.)


    Eveline: Huh!? Who''s that?


    Marshall: Eveline, come on let''s go!


    Unknown Voice: (You can help him. The one that saved you, the one whom grew up with them. The boy you heard about is still inside there.)


    Eveline: Am I hearing things? Marshall can you-


    Unknown Voice: (There¡¯s not much time to explain but that paper you got is meant to save this boy from losing his remaining humanity. It¡¯s also why you¡¯re the only one that can hear me. Please you must trust me when I say this, you can save him. You can save the boy from the darkness that has begun to devour his body and soul.)


    Eveline: But I... How can I even!


    Unknown Voice: (All you need to do is get the talisman you have to touch his head. If you do not try then he will never return. He will attack all living things and eventually he will die as his body itself gets eaten by that darkness you see.)


    Marshall: Eveline! What are you doing, let''s go!


    Unknown Voice: (You must believe in yourself. I promise nothing will happen to you. Even the slightest touch from the talisman will be enough for me to give him enough power to break out of his corrupted state.)


    Clenching her fists, Eveline runs to Cipher as he is about to eat Samuel.


    Marshall: Eveline! Don''t! *realizes he lost his gun* Fuck! Marcos I''m dropping you!


    Eveline: (I don''t know who or what that voice was, but it felt like it I could believe it. I... I have to give it a shot!)


    Running towards Cipher, his eyes turns to her direction as his mouth stops midway to Samuel. She stops as he drops him and turns his attention to her.


    Eveline: C-Cipher! You have to snap out of it!


    Samuel: Realized your love for me have you? *gets grabbed once more by Cipher*


    Eveline: *walks closer to him* No don''t do it! Think about what you¡¯re doing!


    Marshall: Get away from him Eveline! He''s dangerous don''t you get it!


    Eveline: No wait Marshall don''t shoot him! I know you think that but believe me; I can bring Cipher back to his senses.


    Marshall: No what are you an idiot! Get away from him!


    Eveline: Please Marshall! I''m begging you! Please trust me, I have to save him!


    Marshall: Why! Why do you think you can!


    Eveline: I can''t explain it, but I can¡¯t leave him like this. I''m sorry Marshall... *runs to Cipher once more*


    Marshall: Damn it, Eveline!


    Now chocking Samuel, Cipher is no longer interested in Eveline as she is able to get close to him, to the point she is able to touch him. But once she does, the black miasma then cuts her hand slightly. Even with her hand getting only minimal cuts she tries to hold back his arm while he gets closer to eat him once more.


    Eveline: Cipher you can''t kill him! This isn''t what you want is it! If you do this, you won¡¯t be the same person Brandon looks up to anymore!


    With her eyes closed she feels his arms lighten up, but as she grabs hold of the talisman in her pocket and she opens her eyes; all she sees his black sclera and red diamond shaped pupils are now looking directly at her. His tentacle grab hold of Samuel as Cipher holds Eveline by her head. Marshall finds and grabs a gun to shoot at Cipher.


    Eveline: Marshall don''t! Please he''ll attack you if you shoot him!


    Marshall: And if I don¡¯t he''ll kill you! I won''t let you be killed; I won''t fail those two again!


    Eveline: Cipher! If you kill him you will never be the same! You will kill everyone!


    Not listening Cipher''s mouth opens up as he is about to kill Eveline. Not taking the chance Marshall tries to shoot but is disarmed by another of Cipher''s tentacles as it rips the gun away from him and strangles him. Unable to do anything as he watches Eveline about to be killed as Cipher lunges to her.


    Eveline: Think about Iris!


    Stopping immediately as his mouth stops from ripping her neck apart. She then sees that his eyes are twitching. Using this chance she manages to slap the talisman onto his face. As it hits him, an explosion of light emerges and causes Cipher to leg to of Eveline. As she fell onto the ground she notices smoke coming from her hand sees part of her hand has an odd scar that resembles a burn mark. Cipher¡¯s body then begins to twitch as he begins growl. Eventually the tentacles holding everyone disappear, but the black miasma remains on Cipher''s body.


    Eveline: Cipher, please you must know that this black misty you shouldn''t be the one that decides what you want.


    Suddenly his right claw grabs her neck and uses such a hard grip as she gasps for air. As the black miasma starts to flow violently on Cipher, Marshall sees this as he desperately tries to get back on his feet.


    Marshall: LET HER GO!


    Cipher: *disembodied voice*... I... know...


    Marshall: What!?


    Using his other hand, he grabs hold of his arm that is chocking Eveline and manages to break it. He then drives his left claw onto the left side of his face. While she starts to breathe again, Cipher is struggling with his body as he rips off parts of the black miasma off his face. As he does, blood starts to splat onto the ground seemingly like the black miasma had started to become part of his body. Continuing to rip parts of the black miasma off, Marshall runs to Eveline''s side as they see Cipher struggling with himself. During this the fire spread so much that it had begun to engulf the entire area. Now with most of the black miasma off him, the remaining parts begin to fade away from Cipher''s body. As they watch him, they see that his cloak was partially burned as what little of his body armor had remained is now destroyed. Leaving behind only burned shirt showing his skin and on his chest was a large scar on the side of where his heart is. On his face small open scars remain as well; and his left eye bleeding out as he has it closed. Noticing the talisman on his face Cipher takes it off and walks to Marshall and Eveline.


    Cipher: Did you slap this on me?


    Eveline: Yes, I¡¯m sorry if it hurt.


    Cipher: No¡­ It¡¯s defiantly fine. Don¡¯t worry about it. Here, take it. *hands her the paper talisman*


    Eveline: Don¡¯t you need this?


    Cipher: The paper looks kind of burnt so I think whatever this was; it was a onetime use type of thing.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Knowing that Marshall is right next to Eveline, Cipher tries to avoid eye contact with him.


    Samuel: Well now... seems like you back to your fake self aren''t you monster.


    Cipher: You wish I was a monster after I''m done with you. You guys get out of here! The fire will block your escape if you stay here. Leave now!


    Unknown Voice: (He is right; you must escape the place now. A dangerous being will arrive soon and he will not be alone.)


    Eveline: A dangerous being?


    Marshall: Eveline who are to talking to? Are you okay?


    Unknown Voice: (Do not worry the boy will be okay. This I can tell you with 100 percent that he and your fates are linked by a bond. Now leave before they arrive to you location.)


    Eveline: Um... Marshall we have to leave now.


    Marshall: *looks to Cipher* You going to kill him, crow?


    Cipher: Wish I could. But you beat me to him since I got lost when I was coming here. You won fair and square.


    Once Cipher accidently looks at Marshall, he sees the detective''s eyes analyzing him.


    Marshall: Crow. When this is all over, I want to talk to you. Face to face. Got it?


    Cipher: ¡­ Yeah. (Sorry Marshall.)


    They leave and pick up Marcos from the ground. Cipher then walks to Samuel but feels lightheaded as his vision starts to fade. Seeing this chance Samuel lowers his cuffed hands down to his feet and manages to get them back to his front side. Now with his arms back in place, he stands up, grabs a rusted steel pipe on the ground, and starts to beat on Cipher.


    Samuel: You little sack of shit. *hits him on the back* You should have killed me when you had the chance. *repeatedly hits his ribs with steel pipe* AND NOW YOU WILL REGRET OF LETTING ME LIVE!


    After some hits onto his body, the rusted steel pipe breaks after landing final hit as Cipher tries to block the attacks. Using the broken end of the pipe, Samuel stabs Cipher on his shoulder blade. Right after the stab, Samuel uses the chain on his handcuff to choke Cipher.


    Samuel: This isn''t enough! I want to see your eyes roll backwards as you die from suffocation! I will make sure you regret interfering with me!


    He grits his teeth hard as the force from the small chains tightens.


    Samuel: If you didn''t get in the way, THEN THAT FUCKING BASTARD''S WORLD WOULD FALL!


    Flipping him over all while the grip the chains have on his neck do not lighten, Samuel is able to see the Bloodstained Crow''s face.


    Samuel: You... I recognize you! How the hell are you alive! Did my father save you somehow!? Well I don''t know how''re still alive, but it''ll be my pleasure to see you die once more, boy!


    Unable to concentrate to teleport and unable to breathe, Cipher is unable to think of a way to escape. As his hand slowly reach the chain, a claw manages to cut the chain chocking him as he is able to break free. Breathing once more, Cipher looks at Samuel as he holds up a trigger.


    Samuel: Back off! I will blow up this entire place and kill us both!


    Cipher: Are you kidding me? I just did all that crap and you think being crushed by some falling concrete will kill me? I''ve been shot on the head, stabbed on the neck, had snipers shoot me, and how bunch of other crap. What makes you think this will do me in?


    Noticing Samuel''s guard is down, he grabs and breaks Samuel''s right arm in half. It now painfully dangles from the elbow.


    Samuel: Gahh! You bastard! *tries to use his left hand to activate the bombs*


    Cipher: *breaks his other arm in half* Just stop. It''s pathetic.


    Using his feet to hold down his arms, he grabs them to break them to a point that the bones stab out of his skin. Samuel screams in pain now more so as Cipher grabs his legs. His legs are then bent its opposite direction and the bone in his arms poking out; then he stomps on Samuel¡¯s mouth so hard he broke his jaw bone. Cipher flips him over so that Samuel lies on his chest.


    Cipher: I can''t tell you how badly I want to kill you and you know what, I was close to not even caring what would happen to everyone else as long as you died here.


    He then begins to stomp down on Samuel''s spine.


    Cipher: I almost lost myself again and almost killed someone that means a lot to someone I know. I won''t make them suffer like that again. Even if it means that I won''t kill you but instead, I''ll just make you wish I did. I''ll make you into an example for everyone else out there.


    Grabbing his head and his legs; Cipher smashes his knee onto Samuel''s lower back. Snapping his spine, Samuel passes out from the pain.


    Cipher: ... Shit I went through all this just to break him and not kill him. *sighs* Whatever.


    Dragging his body to the exit, Cipher looks around him as the fire rages out of control. He then sees a familiar silhouette within the flames.


    Cipher: What do you want Vice?


    Vice: ... What are you doing? He''s still alive. Just kill him.


    Cipher: Not happening. It was stupid of me to come back for this; his life will be dealt with the living. Not someone like me.


    Vice: You think you have a choice now? You think I lead you here just for you to have an epiphany of some sorts! You are to kill him here and NOW!


    Cipher: Why does it matter? And what if I choose not to?


    Vice: You do not want to go there boy. Don''t forget you currently have a low amount of energy, you will die again. That whole tearing off the darkness from your body did a number on you after all. Your healing abilities have slowed down since your wounds have not completely healed.


    Cipher: Then do it. Just know that I will not go down without a fight. *drops Samuel*


    Vice: You''ve lost against me so many times, what makes you think you can win now? Boy?


    Cipher: Trial and error I guess.


    Quickly Cipher rushes towards Vice, and as Vice is about to counter him Cipher teleports above him and grabs his wing to toss him. As he does Vice manages to slip by and grab Cipher''s arm to break it. He grabs hit and breaks it, but in doing so Cipher uses this chance to twist his body and land a powerful kick to Vice''s face.


    Vice: You... FILTHY CREATURE HOW DARE YOU!


    Cipher then forms a fist with his claws and punches Vice on his stomach. Forcing his broken arm back to normal, he then lands a barrage of punches to Vice as he lays on the ground. Unbeknownst to Cipher is that surrounding them is not only a raging fire but a swarm of demonic spirits as they enter the bodies of the dead thugs. Within the barrage of punches, Vice''s hand reaches out to Cipher''s neck, causing him to stop punching.


    Vice: I''ve had it with you, your nothing but another failure.


    An unusual orb manifests onto his palm and he stabs it into where the scar on his heart is. Meanwhile the others are running as the fire has gotten out of hand and spread everywhere they look.


    Marshall: Damn the fire''s here too! There''s gotta be a way to get passed it.


    Eveline: There''s someone there!


    As the walk forward they see what seems to be a thug just standing around. Once they get closer and past him he looks at them. As Eveline looks at him she can see that his neck was cut open and he''s still moving.


    Eveline: Oh my god!


    Marshall: What the fuck!?


    The thug then rushes to them. Shooting immediately at the thug, Marshall hits him on the body and the head. But none seem effective until a part of the ceiling collapses onto him, crushing him.


    Marshall: What the hell was that!


    They then see more possessed people getting close to them.


    Marshall: Shit Come on, the fire''s not the only thing we gotta get away from! Back up should be up ahead!


    They get away from the area and head towards the exit. As they run, Eveline begins to see the demonic spirits hovering around the area. While they are trying to escape, back over where the flames originated; the orb now within Cipher''s chest is unresponsive.


    Vice: ... What''s going on? Why won''t it leave!?


    Cipher: W-what *coughs out blood* aren''t you taking this curse away?


    Vice: Silence vermin! (I do not understand? This one is just a failure too, so why won''t you leave this one?)


    Cipher grabs Vice by the arms and head butts him causing the orb in his hand to leave Cipher''s body.


    Cipher: Sorry you damn shitty angel. But I will not be your damn puppet anymore! *head butts him repeatedly*


    Once Vice looks at Cipher after the attacks, he sees that his wounds have healed once again. However a smile forms onto his face as he looks at Cipher''s face. Feeling like he''s being mocked, Cipher delivers one final punch to the face as it launches him across the room. Vice¡¯s voice then echoes within the room.


    Vice: Well then if this is your choice then I must tell you; from now on more vile blood starved beasts will come for you. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve made the best choice, idiotic homo-sapiens. *teleports and punches Cipher on the face*


    Cipher: Gah!


    He takes one step back and then forces his hand to make a fist. As he does the claws pierce through his palm, but ignores the pain and lands one powerful punch on Vice.


    Vice: Nice hit, boy. If only you could use that force to kill that vile HUMAN!


    The two lock hands as they try to overcome one another.


    Cipher: Why the hell does it matter if he lives or dies! Does that mean if I killed him, I would go to hell or some bullshit?!


    Vice: No, that power of yours would have swallowed your body and you could have become a threat to this entire world.


    Cipher: Why? Cause I absorbed his soul?


    Vice: *sighs* Well since you¡¯re not going to be useful now, there¡¯s no point in hiding it. Once you had killed him, you would have been filled with a never ending thirst for bloodshed. You could have become a being that will devour all of life.


    Cipher: You son of a bitch! That¡¯s your plan!


    Feeling that he is being pushed back by Vice, Cipher is able to use his knee and hit Vice at his chin.


    Vice: Such a foolish boy you are. Cipher Avalon


    Now broken free from the hand lock, Cipher reaches out to the ground, grabs a metal rod, and tosses it right to Vice¡¯s head, that manages to pierce right through him. With no movement from Vice anymore, he then looks at his claws and notices that they seem to be slightly longer. One other thing that he notices is that even though he feels his left eye has healed, he cannot see from it.


    Cipher: Did these things grow a bit? They look a little longer then before and why can''t I see from my left eye? *looks around and notices that the corpses had begun to move* Wait if these things followed me in here that would mean... Shit the others!


    Still running from the corpses that have begun to surround them they manage to get to the front exit they were looking for.


    Marshall: Okay just keep going straight until you get to a door got it?


    Eveline: What do you mean! Aren''t coming too!?


    Marshall: I''ll hold these people off as you two get to safety!


    Eveline: But-


    Marshall: GO THAT''S AN ORDER!


    As Eveline grabs Marcos, he notices in the swarm of bodies coming, Mark¡¯s corpse is among them. Stunned by his appearance, Eveline becomes stunned for a moment.


    Marcos: (That kid¡­ looks like he didn¡¯t make it¡­ Damn it)


    Reluctantly Eveline leaves alongside Marcos as they get away as quickly as they can. Looking down at the fiery hallway he can see many of the possessed corpses running towards him. Now shooting as fast as he can to slow them down, Marshall manages to gun down as many as he can before they get closer to him. About to be over run, body parts are cuts off as Cipher had rushed towards Marshall all while carrying Samuel. He then tosses Samuel at Marshall.


    Cipher: You get out of here now! I''ll take care of these guys while you take him and make a break for it!


    Marshall: Like hell you are! These things will tear you apart!


    Cipher: Yeah and it''s my fault and because of that, I¡¯ll take care of it! *looks at Marshall*


    Marshall: Fine, but if you are how I think you are. I ask of you to no go and get yourself killed again.


    Cipher: *turns away* ¡­ I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about.


    As Marshall get the unconscious Samuel up and they leave, Cipher stays and attacks the oncoming possessed corpses that attack him.


    Cipher: (I won''t lose control like last time. Whatever this power is, I need to find out what this really is.)


    However soon enough an explosion is heard as the entire floor begins to shake from the blast. Losing his balance, Cipher falls on his back as he slashes a possessed body till the spirit left. The ceiling though collapses on them. Back at the public area of the station, it had been evacuated before the explosion had occurred. The medics take a look at both Eveline and Marcos as they put Marcos into a stretcher and take him away. When Marshall made it out, they also put Samuel on a stretcher as they leave to place him into an ambulance vehicle. Smoke from the explosion then reaches the door where they had escaped from. Not knowing if Cipher made it out, Eveline walks close to the door in the room. She can hear someone running out from the hallway, so she backs up as one possessed thug lands on top of her.


    Possessed Thug: WomAN GIVE mE YOUr BODY!


    Before the some of the police officers could react, Cipher comes out from the smoke as well and instantly kills the possessed thug. As it is still day time and, the spirit is weak so it dissipates quickly. Now surrounded by cops Cipher stands up in front of them.


    Officer1: Careful guys. This guy was hell a dangerous the last time we saw him.


    Officer2: You... YOU KILLED MY BEST FRIEND AT THAT CLUB!!!


    Cipher: Careful, *grabs Eveline* you wouldn''t want to injury this girl would you? *a claw starts to scratch her cheek*


    Eveline: Huh?


    Officer3: You fucking coward!


    The police backing up and as Marshall is running back, a flash of light then brightens the room as Cipher had used his last flash grenade and teleports out of the station. Once everyone''s vision returns they realize that the Bloodstained Crow had escaped once more. At a park a hill over looks part of the city as Cipher had teleported both himself and Eveline there.


    Eveline: What... What just happened?


    Cipher: I''m sincerely sorry about that. I needed to escape quickly without getting shot at. So yeah, sorry about using you like that.


    Eveline: It''s okay.


    Cipher: No it''s not. What if one of them decided to shoot and it''d hit you?


    Eveline: Yeah... I guess that could have¡­ happened...


    Cipher: Ugh, don¡¯t tell me you still don¡¯t value you-


    Her legs begin to weaken as she begins to fall to the floor.


    Cipher: *catches her* Hey! What''s wrong?


    Taking off his hood, Cipher reveals his face to her. She sees there are small scars on his face and to her surprise he looks as if he hasn''t aged since the photo she saw of him. She looks at him as his left eye remains closed.


    Cipher: Looks like your just tired... I''ll take you home.


    Using his teleportation abilities, they arrive to the front door of the Patentia residence. He leaves Eveline near the door as she sleeps, but he lays her on the ground she grabs hold of his arm and tears begin to fall from her eyes.


    Eveline: Mom... why did you leave me alone... Daddy...


    Loosening her grip off his arm, Cipher places her on the ground.


    Cipher: Sounds like you''ve had a tough life for a while. Look, I don''t know how long you''ve known these people, but the bonds you have with them are probably stronger than you think. So take it from me; being with them... will help you heal those scars of yours.


    Turning away Cipher opens his left eye and notices his vision has not returned. However looking down to his claws he sees that they have begun to emit a dark miasma. Suddenly he starts to lose consciousness as he feels an uncontrollable urge. However before he does, Cipher is able to suppress the feeling long enough to vanish from the area. Moments later a car drives up to the garage of the house. As Sharon, Iris, and Brandon exit the car and begin walking to the front door of the house they see Eveline sitting on the ground next to the door. The group makes eye contact with Eveline as she gets up and shows them a bright smile.


    Moments after the chaos had ended, walking into the office of the CEO of Servantas TECH, Lisa places a flash drive onto Charles''s desk. As he was signing documents before she had entered, he places his pen away and proceeds to grab the flash drive.


    Charles: Does this show a clear picture of the Bloodstained Crow?


    Lisa: If you clean the images up then you might be able to identify him.


    Charles: I''m astonished, how did you accomplish this?


    Lisa: *shows glasses* These things got a hidden camera on the rims of the lens. So what''s the next job?


    Charles: I can see your eager, but that¡¯ll be it for now. The rest of the money will be delivered to your current home.


    Lisa: So what... is that it?


    Charles: No. I have another job for you to take. For now I want you to stay put for now.


    Lisa: *slams her hand onto the desk* Are you fucking kidding me... Tell me one good reason why I should?


    Charles: If the Bloodstained Crow had found their club hideout, then there¡¯s a good chance that the police will have engaged him. If that¡¯s the case then I don¡¯t want you killing those cops all while you¡¯re hunting the crow.


    She begins to walk away from the office and places her hand on the door knob. Before she exits though, Lisa asks Charles a question that has been on her mind since she took the job.


    Lisa: Hey, what type of plan did you have in store for that boy?


    Charles: I was letting him go on his tantrum. Since he had taken some weapons from a supply truck, I can only assume his goal was to attack this building. Unfortunately for him, more than half of the artillery was defective. Hell, even the power in those rocket launchers wouldn¡¯t even deal enough damage to an armored vehicle the police would have.


    Lisa: What¡¯s a tech company doing with those types of weapons, huh.


    Charles: Confidential Government Request.


    Lisa: Is that so. (An¡¯t so confidential anymore.)


    Charles: That boy blamed me for many things that were wrong in his life. He was just a bastard child from a woman I had with during my youth. I only knew him and his half-blooded sister for only a while. In the end I grew bored and decided to leave that foolish lifestyle for a much more "appropriate" one.


    Lisa: Like the one you have now, Mr. Chairman? Fuck, give me a break. I have to say though; I didn''t know the Bloodstained Crow was your child.


    Charles: What, no. I was talking about Samuel. The crow is just someone that seems would be an excellent specimen.


    Lisa: If I were you, I would not bother. He''s not someone YOU could handle.


    Charles: Who said I was the one going to deal with him?


    Lisa: *sighs* Fine but just so you know; I¡¯m not leaving. At least until I have my fun with him. After all, he will be the best prey I¡¯ve ever had.


    As she leaves the office, Charles sits down and takes a glance towards the windows behind him. Days turn into weeks and there have been no sightings or any information of the phantom known as The Bloodstained Crow ever since.

 Chapter12: A Girl who cannot live a Normal Life

    Sunday, November 18. Two months has passed since Samuel had been captured and Cross had disbanded. The incident now known as the "Underground Incident" remained on the news for a while.


    News reporter1: It has been Two months since the Underground Incident that caused the gang known as Cross to disband. There were members that weren''t in the underground station when the explosion occurred but when it became apparent that the Bloodstained Crow was the root cause behind it, no one has seen any members since then.


    News reporter2: We still do not have the identity of the Bloodstained Crow other then the sketches of a man in a tattered cloak. But what we do know is that he was a victim of Cross that from what we can assume wanted revenge of some sorts.


    News reporter1: We would like to remind the viewers that the crow had escaped from the explosion and should he be sighted to call the authorities immediately as the Bloodstained Crow is a dangerous individual.


    News reporter2: The explosion had occurred in the area where the subway and sewer system would meet. How the explosion occurred and why is still a mystery.


    The news on the television is then changed to a different channel. With the channel being changed, Iris puts the remote control down. She walks to the kitchen where Eveline has her hand bandaged up while trying to learn how to not burn food.


    Eveline: Okay, so I need to make sure these eggs don''t get stuck to the pan. *looks at the eggs* So when do I flip them again?


    Iris: Well I wouldn''t do it yet. You just cracked it open, so wait till you feel it¡¯s ready.


    Eveline: When is that?


    Iris: *points to the stove* Like maybe right now.


    Immediately the eggs start to smoke as Eveline tries to flip them only to have the yolk explode. In a panic she tries to flip it back but is fails as the folk side of the egg starts to burn. Turning off the stove, Iris looks at the mess Eveline had made.


    Eveline: ... This is really hard.


    Iris: It''s just cooking eggs. How are you able to burn them to this extent!


    Eveline: I-I won''t give up just yet! Just cause this is my 20th try doesn''t mean I can''t do it!


    Iris: (Actually I think failing this many times is a sign that you can''t... But I should keep my mouth shut.)


    A knocking on the door is heard as Iris leaves Eveline as she tries to clean the burned eggs off the pan. Opening the door she sees it''s her friends Mila Walker and Thomas Hilson.


    Mila: Yellow Iris! We''re here to play! *smiles*


    Thomas: ... *glares at Mila*


    Mila: And study... jezz your no fun at all. Is that all you think about Tom, is studying? Ah! Is that why you can get har-


    Thomas: *covers her mouth* Shut up Mila... Sorry about this one¡¯s mouth. You wouldn''t happen to have any spicy food so this girl can shut her mouth?


    Mila: *takes away his hand* I hate that stuff! Fine I''ll stop messing with you. Jezz you used to be fun you know.


    Thomas: We''re here to study because all you''ve been doing lately is stay in bed and hardly go to class!


    Mila: Then why don''t you join me? *seductively looks at Thomas*


    Thomas: You know you mentally and physically draining me a lot more now.


    Iris: (This is awkward.) Um... you guys can come in now.


    After entering her home, Mila goes to the living room to watch television only see a unfamiliar face staring at the kitchen stove.


    Mila: Hey kiddo, didn''t know you were here. Whatcha doing with that charcoal?


    Eveline: It''s not charcoal! They''re supposed to be eggs. I refuse to give up just yet! *puffs out chest with pride*


    Mila: ...So cute.


    Iris: Eh?


    Mila: She''s so cute! How old are you little girl!


    Eveline: *sighs* I''m 17 years old you know that Mila.


    Mila: 17 years old and still this cute! So adorable I just wanta take you home *starts to move her hand to Eveline''s blushing cheeks*


    Thomas: *slaps Mila''s hands away* She''s not a pet, she a person! Why do you always get like this when you spot someone or something cute?


    Mila: I can''t help it, as a girl I am just attracted to cuteness!


    Thomas: Oh guess that explains why you were like that with me when we first met.


    Mila: Unfortunately you lost your cuteness as we stayed together. Still, I feel bad if I just leave you as you¡¯re so clearly attached to me.


    A voice from behind them is soon heard. Looking behind Mila and Thomas, Brandon stands in the living room doorway with bags of groceries.


    Brandon: Hello, Mila and Thomas.


    Thomas: What''s up, Brandon?


    Mila: Hiya cute little brother! Say Iris, can I take this one instead?


    Iris: Only if you feed him properly.


    Brandon: ... Did I miss something?


    Thomas: *sighs* Trust me, it''s nothing important.


    Walking past the three, Brandon goes to Eveline as she remains still from Mila''s comments about her.


    Brandon: Eveline, I got more eggs. So don''t go burning these as well. Mom wants these to last longer than two days.


    Eveline: Wha!? It-It''s very hard working with eggs you know!


    Brandon: I thought your cooking skills would have improved a little by now you know.


    Eveline: Yeah, I guess it takes more than just 4 weeks to get better right?


    Brandon: Uh yeah sure... if you were blind maybe.


    Eveline: *adverts her head* Sorry I''m bad, I''ll just stop forever then.


    Brandon: Huh? No I was only kidding, come on. See I''m laughing, haha... *forcefully laughs*


    Seeing Brandon and Eveline talking with each other, the rest of them excuse themselves as Iris leads Mila and Thomas to her room. While walking up the stairs, Mila opens her mouth as she is about to speak.


    Mila: Seeing on how that pan was, I would say she''s still not great with the kitchen is she?


    Iris: Eveline? No afraid not. Although she is trying to improve her skills, it''s at the cost of losing supplies.


    Thomas: Still she''s been living here for two months right? Least she''s trying to show you guys she''s not giving up.


    Iris: Yeah. I''m glad. *smiles*


    Entering Iris''s bedroom, the three sit across each other on a round table in the room. While Mila and Thomas notice there are plastic models on the table in her room.


    Mila: You already finished this robot model!? You bought these two days ago didn''t you?


    Iris: That box is a lie; this model of a giant robot from that anime didn''t feel hard at all. It was a pain to paint the smaller pieces without a magnifier but least I have really steady hands to do it.


    The two get ready to study, watching them Iris begins to think back to 1 month prior when she, Brandon, and Sharon find Eveline waiting at the front door of their house.


    -Flashback-


    Sharon: Eveline! You¡¯re safe! *runs towards her and hugs her* How did- Who brought you!?


    As the rest of the family gathers around her, Eveline looks distraught as she tries to say something.


    Eveline: *breathes in and exhales* There¡¯s something I want to tell you all. Can we talk inside?


    Entering the house they settle in the living room where Eveline is the only one standing in the room. Calming herself she begins to talk.


    Eveline: I... I didn''t know you guys really liked me?


    Sharon: Of course we do.


    Iris: Yeah, you know that. Don¡¯t you?


    Brandon: What¡¯s wrong Eveline? Why would you ask us that?


    Eveline: I just wanted to know, now that I¡¯m going to tell you about what happened to me in the past.


    Brandon: We know though, you came from an abusive dad and a mom that well, committed suicide.


    Iris: There¡¯s more to it then? Am I right?


    Eveline: *breathes in calmly* Yes. I asked Marshall not to tell anyone else but there is more. The man that was with my mother was not my real father; he was my step-dad. My real father past away when I was 6 years old. He was killed by a gunshot from a robber when we were at a bank. In front of my eyes, my father died shielding me.


    She looks at everyone else to see she has their undivided attention. Eveline continues on with her story.


    Eveline: Since my mother didn''t work before, she had to get a job to pay for bills, rent, and everything else. She had at least two jobs and in one of them she met someone else. His name was Harry. She was hesitant at first but I guess she warmed up to him and eventually started to date. *smiles* Believe it or not, he actually wasn''t always drunk. At the beginning he was actually nice and he worked as a construction worker, he was very proud of that actually. He and mother remained dating and he even helped my mother with bills and whatnot.


    Brandon: So that man wasn''t even really your step-dad.


    Eveline: He treated both of us very nicely... but I never really got used to him. One day though he had an accident at his work. Someone at his job was drinking on the job and was driving a forklift. While walking by the forklift with his co-workers, an exhausted worker hit the release button on the vehicle. The boxes that the forklift had were holding furniture inside them. So when they landed on him; his legs were hurt so badly he couldn''t walk anymore. During this time he and my mom were already living together, and so he just stayed at home while mother was working. He started to drink a lot and sometimes even do drugs. My mother thought she could make him stop but to be honest I don''t know why she would even bother. While drunk he would sexually assault my mother after she would come home from work; she would very tired.


    Iris: How long did this last?


    Eveline: For 4 years. Until one day my mother had commit suicide when I was 8, leaving me behind with no one. I had no place to stay other then with Harry. The abuse wouldn''t stop as he would always be drinking, and somehow ended up blaming me for what had happened to him. There were times I wouldn''t go straight home after school, but I would wonder around the city.


    She inhales deeply and continues to speak.


    Eveline: One day I was in downtown, afraid of going home and that''s where I met THEM. At the time I had no idea who he was or what the group was but they made me feel like I belonged. During my time with them I never really joined in their activities so I had no idea what they were actually doing. It wasn''t until I witnessed them brutally kill a rival gang member that I started to try avoiding them. I didn''t even know that the person I had talk with a lot named Samuel was the leader of Cross until that day I was taken.


    Brandon: Then, you knew the guy that killed Cipher.


    Eveline: I didn''t know what was happening since I tried my best to stay away. If I had known then I would have said something.


    With a serious look on his face, Brandon speaks interrupting her plead.


    Brandon: Continue with your story Eveline.


    Eveline: Please you have to believe me, even though I was with them I had no part of what happened with Cipher. Marshall knows of my past and knows that I was trying to get away from them. One day I didn''t want to go where either that man or Samuel was, so I just stayed in school. I was just looking out the window in class and then I hear the door open to see you, Brandon, opening the door.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Brandon: Yeah I remember. It was a week after he was murdered.


    Eveline: *tears starts to fall* And that''s how we met and came to where we are now. I can understand that you guys would come to hate me. I... I just liked that you guys treated me so nicely.


    Sharon: *hugs Eveline tightly* Oh honey. I am sorry you had to suffer like that for so long.


    Eveline: I want to tell you all the whole but...but the thought of losing you all is terrifying. I didn''t want to be alone anymore; if I had lost you guys, then I... I


    Iris: *pats Eveline''s head* You feel better now that you''ve told us all this?


    Eveline: You guys- you guys don''t hate me?


    Iris: Why would we? You¡¯re like a member of our family you know. Sides you didn''t hurt anyone, didn''t participate with them, and from the sounds of it you were getting forced to be part of Cross.


    Eveline: Really?


    Sharon: She has a point. Eveline, you have and will always be welcomed in our home.


    Feeling some relief, Eveline then realizes that Brandon hadn''t said anything as of yet. She looks to him to only see his face looking downwards. Sharon lets her go as she walks up towards him. Knowing that Brandon has a deep hatred towards Cross, she believes to think she that has lost the trust of the one she cares for the most.


    Brandon: So is that all? *looks at her with a smile*


    Eveline: Yes. I''m not surprised that you wouldn''t want to even look at me. I can leave the house and tell Marshall that he can place me in a foster home if you don''t want me here.


    Brandon: What! Wait why would you do that?


    Eveline: Don''t you hate people that were with Cross?


    Brandon: *sighs* True but after what you had told us this, makes me wonder how many others got the same treatment. When I think about it like that... I feel like a douche for just talking without knowing much.


    Eveline: So you don''t hate me?


    Brandon: There''s no way I could. I''m just glad you¡¯re safe now.


    Iris: Well now, I''ll go get us something to drink for the meantime. *leaves to the kitchen*


    As Iris is getting the drinks the rest start to talk and comfort Eveline as she begins to feel relieved that she had told them. As they start to converse with each other; tears of happiness start to fall from Eveline.


    Brandon: What''s wrong?


    Eveline: Nothing, just that I''m happy that I ever got to meet you people.


    Sharon: It''s okay, let it all out Eveline.


    Brandon: Mom''s right. If you¡¯re so happy you wanta cry go ahead, no one¡¯s gonna stop you. *smiles*


    Coming out the kitchen, Iris has cups of glasses with juice inside them.


    Eveline: Thank you, looks like our bonds really are stronger than anything in the world.


    Brandon: What? *laughs a little* Where did that even come from?


    Breaking glass is heard right as Eveline had made her statement. Looking at where the sound came from, Iris stands where the now broken cups had fallen.


    Sharon: Iris what''s the matter!?


    Iris: Wha... Eveline what did you say?


    Eveline: Iris?


    Brandon: Sis, why''d you drop them?


    Iris: ... Huh? Oh crap! Sorry, that was my fault! *grabs a towel*


    Brandon: Yeah no one¡¯s gonna deny that.


    -Flashback end-


    Remembering that time as Mila begins to mess with Thomas as they try to study, the two notice a somber look on Iris.


    Mila: Heya, you alright?


    Iris: Yeah, I''m just wondering how many tries it''s going to take you to pass this mid-term test.


    Mila: What the hell you guys! Screw you I''m not an idiot... I just like to act like one.


    Thomas: Okay then, here''s a question. What is Pi?


    Mila: A delicious dessert.


    Mila laughs with confidence and Thomas just looks exhausted from her lame joke, Iris is unable to forget the sentence that Eveline had said that caused her to drop the glass cups.


    Iris: (Bonds, those words... They sound like something he would say.)


    The next day comes as both Eveline and Brandon are in their math class, the teacher is lecturing to the whole class. During the lecture about the Pythagorean Theorem, feeling that he is nodding off; Brandon looks to his side to see Eveline taking notes.


    Brandon: You understand this stuff?


    Eveline: Half of it. These notes should help me, though why haven''t you taken any?


    Brandon: I uh... I got lost.


    Giggling at him, Brandon begins to feel embarrassed as a bell rings is heard, signaling it''s time for lunch. Putting away her supplies, 2 girls walk up to Eveline.


    Girl1: Hey Eveline, can I copy your notes please?


    Girl2: Same here. The teacher has sucha boring voice that we kinda fell asleep, you know.


    She gives the girls her notes so they can copy it. To her surprise one of the girls taps Eveline on her arm.


    Girl1: Hey um do you want to come with us to grab some food?


    Eveline: Well I, uh...


    Girl2: Don''t wanta? Or is your boyfriend Brandon going to be okay without you?


    Brandon: S-she''s not my girlfriend! We''re just friends!


    Eveline: *glares at Brandon* ... Thank you, I''ll go.


    Brandon: Huh? (What I say?)


    The girls leave as Brandon tries to figure out why Eveline had glared at him. He is tapped on the shoulder by a friend of his, named Frank.


    Frank: I wonder how long she''s willing to take your stupidity.


    Brandon: What the hell''s that supposed to mean?


    Frank: Look man, when you say "she''s not my girlfriend" and "just friends" when a girl has feeling for you; she will get tired of hearing that.


    Brandon: She doesn''t have feelings for me though.


    Frank: I''ma kick your ass if you say that again! You were the only person she spoke to before she started to look approachable and stuff. Hell she glared at you cause of what YOU said! You love her don''t you?!


    Brandon: Don''t say it like that! She told me that she''s not used to talk to others. Even now. So I just don''t want to bother her about that type of stuff.


    Frank: Well I''ll say this, you keep that up and you will lose your chance.


    Brandon: You really think so?


    Frank: Trust me, just be a man and take that rejection!


    Brandon: What the hell you just basically said she liked me.


    Frank: It''s just a suspicion of mine. Anyways are you ever going to ask her out?


    Brandon: ... Yeah. As a matter of fact I''m doing it today!


    Frank: Okay. Wait, are you serious?


    Brandon: Yeah.


    Frank: Alright then. I''ll just go distract those girls so you can have you chance then.


    Walking out the door, Brandon panics and grabs Frank by his arm.


    Brandon: WAIT NOT YET!


    Frank: ... I knew it.


    Brandon: That''s not what I meant. I''m doing today, just that I''ll do it after school.


    Frank: Ahh okay, makes sense since you guys hang out after school and such.


    Brandon: Where''s a good place though? Setting the mood may help my odds.


    Frank: You¡¯re just asking her to be your girlfriend, not proposing man. Sides you have a good chance if you weren''t so ignorant about girls; but if you want a place I think I know of one.


    Brandon: Where?


    Frank: The garden behind the school has colorful flowers and the scent there is nice cause of today''s weather. Since today has little wind blows.


    Brandon: Thanks. I''ll send her a text message to meet me there after school.


    Frank: Hold on though, I think that weird chick is there sometimes, you know the one with no friends and those scary narrow looking eyes.


    Brandon: You talking about Miho?


    Frank: That her name? Well you better hope she ant there; I heard she knows witchcraft or some shit like that.


    Brandon: *sighs* Frank she''s in one of our classes and witchcraft isn''t real; besides I doubt she''s there all the time anyways.


    Sending his text message to her, Brandon prepares himself as the day goes on. School ends and walking to the garden, Eveline arrives to wait for Brandon. As a soft breeze passes by she sees the flowers and leafs moving with a flow as the wind hits them. Kneeling down, she catches the refreshing scent from the flower bed in front of her.


    Eveline: Wow these flowers actually smell really nice.


    She gets more comfortable sitting as she starts to think to herself.


    Eveline: (I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s been a month since that whole incident. It feels like it was all some horrible nightmare now that I think about it. Still though, at least Cross is no longer around.)


    She looks at her hand and removes her bandage as she touches a scar from her last moments with Cross.


    Eveline: (That burn left this scar on me and it still hurts every now and then too.)


    Hearing footsteps behind her, she looks behind her expecting Brandon. Instead though there is a girl wearing a zipped up black sweater, black shoes and pants, and long black hair with bangs that seem to cover her eyebrows, and pale looking skin. Her name is Miho Tomonori, a girl that has some classes with Eveline. Looking at her, she notices that Miho is carrying a watering canteen. In a hurry Eveline covers up the scar with the bandage.


    Eveline: *gets up in a hurry* Oh um¡­ sorry I thought you were¡­ someone else.


    Miho seemingly ignores her completely as she walks by her to water the plants. Feeling that she¡¯s in the way, Eveline backs away so that Miho can continue with the watering. However as she does, Miho¡¯s deep monotone voice is heard.


    Miho: You¡¯re Eveline Everstone, aren''t you?


    Eveline: Huh? Oh¡­ um yeah. We have history class together. You¡¯re Miho Tomono-


    Miho: What are you doing here?


    Eveline: Um, someone I know told me to meet them here. I um, I hope that''s okay with you?


    Miho: Does it matter? As long as you¡¯re not in the way I could care less about you.


    Eveline: R-right then... I''m just go wait next to the wall over there. *points to a wall next to a pond*


    Leaning on the wall as she waits for Brandon, she glances over towards Miho.


    Eveline: (She must be the one taking care of the plants, but I thought it was the gardening clubs'' duty to care for them. Guess even with an attitude like that, she''s really just a caring person.)


    As soon as she thought of this, she notices Miho glaring back at her. Not knowing what to do next, Eveline just smiles and waves at her. Miho sees her and turns away from Eveline''s direction. Feeling uncomfortable, she looks at her phone to check for any missed messages. While looking at it, Miho stops watering and begins to walk towards Eveline.


    Miho: Hey.


    Eveline: Yes, what is it?


    Miho: How long do you plan to stay here?


    Eveline: Sorry! Am I bothering you?


    Miho: You kept looking at me. You were thinking to yourself that those rumors about me are true weren''t you.


    Eveline: What no! Actually I was thinking the opposite.


    Miho: ... How so?


    Eveline: Well you¡¯re not in the gardening club right? So I thought that those rumors about you knowing witchcraft and cursing people can''t be right since you¡¯re taking care of these plants.


    Miho: Such a simple minded person you are.


    Eveline: What?


    Miho: Just because I water these weak flowers doesn''t mean I''m a nice person, besides what if I can do witchcraft and I do cast a curse on you.


    Eveline: Then I would be both amazed and hope it''s not a death curse. *smiles*


    Miho: ... Ugh. Are you completely gullible moron? What is wrong with you?


    Eveline: I just think that if you do know how to use that stuff, then that''s pretty cool don''t you think? Sorry if I said something you didn¡¯t like.


    However Miho does not respond and seconds later Brandon shows up, running and out of breath.


    Brandon: *breathes heavily* Sorry... I''m late...


    Eveline: Brandon, did you run here?


    Brandon: *breathes softer* A teacher held me up wanting to talk about my grades. So my bad I was a little... *sees Miho* late... Uhhh, hi Miho?


    Seemingly glaring at him, Brandon naturally feels uncomfortable.


    Brandon: Um okay... Let''s go, Eveline.


    Eveline: Sure, but why did you want to meet here in the first place?


    Brandon: Why!? Oh yeah, well um I wanted to ask... if... *still sees Miho glaring*


    Eveline: If what?


    Brandon: Um, never mind. It''s nothing important.


    As they walk away from the garden, a boy the same age of Brandon walks towards the garden. The boy waves hello at Brandon and Eveline as they pass by each other; and as the boy reaches to Miho he speaks up.


    Sasaki: Yo Miho, did you just make friends while I was gone?


    His name is Sasaki Kazemora. He has short dyed blonde hair with parts of his natural brown hair showing, black eyes, and light skin.


    Miho: *gives a disgusted look* Don''t make me vomit. I''ve told I have no need for useless people like them.


    Sasaki: You can keep saying that, but you never say anything about me being around you.


    Miho: * sinisterly smirks* You''re a necessary asset of mine. Why are you even here today?


    Sasaki: Had to come and pick you up. If I leave you alone then both our parents are going to be more of a pain than usual.


    Miho: You know if you keep on abandoning the school, it will become more difficult for you to continue your duties. Although it more peaceful when it is quiet.


    Sasaki: Still not holding back on those comments, huh Miho. By the way have you finally decided to make full contact with that girl? I mean you were talking to her just now.


    Miho: Who knows, she was quite accepting of idea that I MIGHT place a curse on her, hehe.


    Sasaki: *sighs* You''re a pain to deal with sometimes, you know?


    The next day shines as the blue morning sky shines down the ground. At the police station Detective Marshall Patientia walks tiredly into his office.


    Marshall: It''s so god damn hot in this room. Why did the AC decide to kill itself now?


    Steven: Perhaps it''s because we always leave it on as we forget to turn it off at times.


    Marshall: Ugh. Even with the windows open the place is still hot.


    Steven: It is a hot day today. Maybe we should distract ourselves with our work for now. Like the whereabouts of the Bloodstained Crow.


    Marshall: That bastard has been freaking elusive since he hasn''t been seen for quite some time.


    Steven: Where do you suppose he is?


    Marshall: That''s the million dollar question. If this goes on then his case will become dead.


    Steven: What about the other one, is Samuel still in a coma?


    Marshall: Unfortunately so. To be honest I''m still kind of surprised he is still breathing. His body was a broken mess after all.


    Steven: I''m surprised he''s not dead; the crow broke his limbs, jaw, and spine. That entire trauma to his body and all he got was a coma, but on a lighter note the city has been safer these pass months.


    Marshall: You''re not wrong, however there''s something else that''s bothering me.


    Steven: Still wondering where the Bloodstained Crow disappeared to?


    Marshall: With Cross being disbanded, there hasn''t been any sign of him since. On one hand, the threat of Cross is gone. On the other hand though, a dangerous murder is somewhere out there. Not to mention that the other gangs have started to become more active than before.


    Steven: As true as that is, there has not been any incident that he''s been involved in since then. We have to assume that it''s possible that he''s not in this city, heck he may not even be in this state or country.


    Marshall: ...Yeah. I''m starting to think that may have happened. Guess if this is going to be the case, you won''t be running into his demon form again.


    Steven: ...Yeah.


    Marshall: I''m just kidding with you. Well I''ll go grab some lunch, anything you want?


    Steven: I would like some imitation Chinese food please.


    Marshall: What the hell does that even mean- No you know what never mind. I''ll be back.


    Now that Marshall is out of the office, Steven remains in his seat as he remembers his first encounter with Cipher, in which Steven saw Cipher in his demonic form.


    Steven: A demon, huh. That might not be far off from the truth. *closes his eyes* That black mist, red glowing eyes... I''ll definitely die if there is a next time.


    While on the road, Marshall thinks about the current situation of how Cross was able to amass the weapons that were taken out of the destroyed hideout.


    Marshall: (The crates that was full of weapons, just where on Earth they got them. A lot of them seemed inoperable, so there''s a chance that they were defective before the collapse. But then why would they have broken weapons like that around? Did they even know? They must have had a target besides the crow they wanted to get rid of.)


    The thought of the Bloodstained Crow''s whereabouts then floods his mind.


    Marshall: Where did you disappear to? He purposely saved Maria that night, maybe Eveline too. If the crow... If that truly was him, then how in the hell did he survive this long? And why... why didn''t he come back to them? Or was he just someone else and it was all just coincidence? *flicks tongue* Damn it just where the hell did the Bloodstained Crow run off to?

 Chapter13: Sunset Fatigue

    At school, Brandon is running on the track with his class while Eveline sits in the shade as they attend their P.E. class. Running next to him is Frank.


    Frank: So I know I''m late in asking, but how''d it go?


    Brandon: *looks away*...


    Frank: Rejected huh? Well you did take a long time so it is your fault.


    Brandon: ... I didn''t ask her.


    Frank: You have no balls, do you?


    Brandon: Shut up. I couldn''t because Miho was there just staring at us, so after that it kinda just slipped past my mind.


    Frank: Okay fine. Then do it this time. Matter of fact, go do it right now! She''s just sitting there in the bench anyways.


    As Brandon tries to go to her, the P.E. teacher stops him from moving forward to her.


    P.E. Teacher: Brandon, where are you going? Get back on the track.


    Reluctantly, Brandon returns to the track. However to Frank''s surprise Brandon begins to run faster so that he can be done. While running as fast as he can, Eveline remains on the bench and notices Brandon running speed.


    Eveline: (Weird, he''s really into it today for some reason.)


    Far on the other side of her is Miho. Only realizing just now, Eveline peeks at her and sees Miho as she stares off onto the sky. Remembering their first encounter from yesterday, Eveline decides to leave Miho alone.


    Eveline: (I should just leave her be. I¡¯d probably just be a bother for her like yesterday.)


    She also looks to the sky just like Miho. As she focuses her eyes onto the sky, a sharp pain on her wrist emerges on her bandaged hand.


    Eveline: *holds hand* (Why does this pain keep coming back? Brandon''s mom already checked it multiple times and there''s nothing wrong with it.)


    On the far side of her, Miho notices Eveline''s painful face. A look of suspicion forms on her face and so Miho gets up and walks directly next to Eveline.


    Miho: What is wrong with you?


    Eveline: What!? When did you get here?


    Miho: Just now. Are you going to answer my question now?


    Eveline: What? Oh sorry. I was... I was just looking at the sky.


    Miho: The sky?


    Eveline: Y-yeah the... sky.


    Silence remains as the wind blows once more. As it does, the pain returns in small increments but each one as if the affected area was burning.


    Miho: You seem to be holding on to your hand very tightly.


    Eveline: W-well yeah.


    Miho: *looks at the bandaged hand* Did you hurt your hand recently?


    Eveline: Uh, yeah! I accidentally burnt myself with a hot pan while cooking. Don''t worry though, my friend''s mom is a doctor and she treated the wound so it''s going to be fine.


    Miho: ... Then why are you holding in the pain?


    Eveline: Huh?!


    Miho: Just now your response was suspicious. However not all of it was a lie, right? That part of your hand being burnt is true, isn''t it?


    Glancing back to her hand, Eveline takes another look at Miho and notices that she is also looking at the same object.


    Eveline: What? How can you-


    However before she could finish her sentence, Brandon makes his way towards them.


    Brandon: Yo Eveline!


    Eveline: Brandon, you look really sweaty.


    Brandon: Yeah, sorry if I smell too. I was running after all.


    Eveline: It''s fine. You''re far enough so it''s fine.


    Brandon: (Did she basically tell me to keep a distance?)


    Once the two of them are about to begin to talk, Brandon notices Miho as she gets up.


    Brandon: Sorry, I didn''t see you there Miho. How are you?


    Miho: Sure.


    Brandon: Sure. Wait what? Sure what?


    Ignoring Brandon''s retort Miho walks back to where she originally was.


    Brandon: So, is she like... your friend now?


    Eveline: I... I don''t know.


    Brandon: Well I''ve only seen her talk to one other person but that guy is hardly in school. So seeing her talk to you I just assumed.


    Not knowing how to respond, Eveline just looks at Miho as she sits and crosses her arms. All while her index finger is tapping on her elbow. Brandon then realizes that they were alone and this was a good chance for his confession.


    Brandon: Hey, um Eveline? Can I ask you something?


    Eveline: What is it?


    Brandon: Well you see the thing is-


    As Brandon talks, the pain on Eveline''s hand returns, but it appears fast and suddenly that Eveline doesn''t hear his words anymore. Clutching her bandaged hand, Eveline immediately stands up which surprises Brandon.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Brandon: Uh? Eveline? You okay?


    The pain grows to the point that she thinks she feels it pulsing.


    Eveline: I- I- Igottagodosomething! *runs away*


    She runs towards the bathroom and enters an empty stall. Once she sits down, Eveline removes her bandages. Now uncovered, she looks at her hand and sees the large burn scar on her palm that she used to recover Cipher from his monstrous form. She begins to feel a sensation of heat as the pain continues; causing her to run to the water faucet.


    Eveline: Ouch! Why does this still hurt?! Mrs. Patientia treated it so many times now, but it keeps coming back.


    Then the pain rises to the point that she falls to her knees. She takes a look at the burn scar and sees that it has spread from half of her palm down to her whole wrist. She also notices some traces of steam from the scar.


    Eveline: Wha- What! Why is steam coming from it!?


    Eventually after it spread the pain and steam faded away. Scared and shaking she''s unable to move for a while until she gets up. Eveline walks to the stall she was in and grabs the bandages off the ground. Eveline tries to wrap up her hand again but the scar has grown large enough that having it on would be useless. So she decides to throw it in the trash. As she walks out, Miho appears next to the bathroom''s door.


    Eveline: Miho!?


    Miho: ...


    Miho takes notice of Eveline''s arm is no longer bandaged.


    Miho: Your arm. What happened to the things that were on your arm?


    Eveline: Th-they got wet from washing my hands, so it began to fall off.


    Miho: Is that so.


    Hiding the grown scar, Eveline walks away towards the locker room to change into her causal clothes. After changing into her casual clothes and exits the girls'' locker room, she begins to feel strange. Each step she took caused her legs to wobble like a newborn calf. She reaches the outer area where the rest of the girls are waiting for the bell to ring so they can leave the locker room.


    Girl: Hey Eveline, you okay?


    Eveline: Yeah, I''m just-


    Her legs then just give up as she begins to fall. The girl barely manages to catch Eveline before she hits the floor. A crowd forms around them as Eveline''s conscious fades away. Time passes and she wakes up only to find herself on one of the beds in the nurse''s office. Just as she looks around the room, the school nurse observes Eveline and smiles.


    Nurse: Hello, how do you feel?


    Eveline: What happened?


    Nurse: You don¡¯t remember? Well from what I was told, it seemed like you fainted after exiting the locker room. *gets up from his chair and walks to her*


    Eveline: I did?


    Nurse: *stands in front of her* You¡¯ve been asleep for most of the day. Hell, the last class for the day is almost done. Tell me, have you been eating well lately?


    Eveline: I... I think so.


    Nurse: Think so huh? From what I can tell, you blacked out from lack of energy. That¡¯s all I can really say for the time being.


    Eveline: Right. I¡¯ll make sure to eat properly.


    Nurse: *sighs* I sure hope you do. Here, eat this banana. You need something in your body at the moment.


    As Eveline extends her hand towards the banana. The nurse notices the large scar on her wrist.


    Nurse: That¡¯s quite the scar you have.


    She flinches and quickly retracts her hand away from the fruit. He notices that Eveline tries to desperately hide it with the bed sheet.


    Nurse: I¡¯m sorry for saying something inconsiderate. Would you like some bandages to cover it with?


    She nods without a word. So the nurse goes and gets wrapping bandages for her. He gives it to her so that she could cover her wrist with it.


    Nurse: (That scar... It must be from the incident she was unfortunately involved in. It might have been two months ago for everyone. Poor kid.)


    The final bell rings, indicating that school is over for the day. The students in the school leaves their classes and exit the school from the gates around. Eveline gets up from the bed.


    Nurse: Can you stand?


    Eveline: Yes. I''m fine now.


    Nurse: Well, we''ve called your guardian so that they can come to pick you up. So you can sit back down.


    Eveline: You have?


    The door that leads into the hallway opens and Brandon enters the room. Worried and reliefed at the same time, he hugs her and then places his hands onto her shoulders.


    Brandon: You''re awake! What happened to you earlier? Are you okay!?


    Eveline: I''m fine. I just didn''t eat much today in the morning so I must of gotten light headed. That''s all.


    Nurse: *points at Brandon* Your taking her home, right?


    Brandon: Yes. I''ll make sure she''ll get home safe.


    Brandon hands Eveline her backpack and the two make their way out of the room and leave school for the day. While walking to a bus stop, Brandon takes a glance at Eveline and sees that her eyes are squinting and seemingly exausted.


    Brandon: You''re really tired aren''t you?


    Eveline: You can tell?


    Brandon: Duh. Did you honestly think I wouldn''t notice when you look like this?


    Eveline: I''m just a little hungry. That''s all.


    Brandon: Let''s grab something to eat then.


    Eveline: Isn''t there food at the house?


    Brandon: I think, but you don''t want to wait until we get home. Plus I''m getting hungry myself anyways.


    With the bus arriving soon after they get on and decide to go and eat at the mall. Once they get there and walk towards the food court, Brandon asks what Eveline would want to eat.


    Eveline: I''m fine with anything. I''ll find us a table while you get the food.


    Brandon: Alright.


    As Brandon looks to see what he should get for the both of them, he realizes that it''s just him and Eveline eating together. The sudden realization that they''re on a "date" causes him to cover his embarssment by placing his hand over his mouth. Despite this not being the case. On the other hand, Eveline finds a table, puts down her backpack, and sits down to wait till Brandon returns with food. While she waits she looks down at her bandaged hand is and places her thumb where the scar is covered.


    Eveline: (I don''t understand. How did the scar become larger than before? I know I''ve been careful with it so that it doesn''t somehow open, but that doesn''t explain why is started to feel like it was on fire before.)


    Both her hands start to shake, but tries to calm herself by breathing in from her nose and out from her mouth. Her fear increases from the idea of the pain returning later.


    Eveline: (Is this going to happen more often now? Is the pain going to get worse each time it comes back? Am I going to die from this?)


    As her fears begin to cloud her mind, Brandon returns with a tray of food.


    Brandon: Hey, I''m back with the food. *smiles*


    Eveline: ...Huh? Oh! Thank you.


    He places his backpack onto the ground and places the tray of food on the table. They then begin to eat and as they do, Brandon takes glances at Eveline as she eats.


    Brandon: (Seems like she''s fine now, but before I got to her, she looked like she was starting to panic. Don''t think I should bring it up right now. I''ll keep her mind off this for now.)


    After awhile the first one to finish their food was Eveline. Her face seemingly more energetic from eating as well as looking satisfied.


    Brandon: Feeling better?


    Eveline: Yes. Thank you, Brandon. *kindly smiles*


    Brandon: *slightly blushes* Hey... we still got a lot of time till we have to go home. Want to look around for a bit before we head home?


    Eveline: Are you sure that''s okay?


    Brandon: Yeah, unless you don''t want to. I''m mean that''s perfectly fine if you don''t want to, you must be tired from today after what happened... (Did I just seriously bring it up?)


    Before Brandon can beat himself up for bringing up the subject of Eveline''s passing out, she speaks up.


    Eveline: Sure. I think that''d be fun.


    Brandon: Aright then, let''s go!


    Eveline: Wait, aren''t you going to finish that? *points at his unfinished food*


    Brandon: Oh, yeah. *eats the food in large chomps* Okay, let''s go now.


    Grabing their school bags they start wandering around until they enter a clothing store. While in there, Brandon spots a flower-patterned dress and walks towards it.


    Brandon: Hey, check it out. *holds the dress in front of himself* Does this make me look like a pretty lady?


    Eveline: *giggles* The prettiest one here.


    The two laugh amongst themselves so much that the people around them take notice. They leave the shop and continue to walk and talk until Eveline asks Brandon if he could wait for her because of a urge to use the bathroom. When they get to the bathrooms, Brandon waits for her outside as Eveline enters. Once she uses the facilities she walks to the sink to wash her hands.


    Eveline: *looks at her bandaged hand* (Oh, that''s right. Weird, I haven''t even thought about this the whole time I was with Brandon.)


    She then looks at her reflection from the mirror where the sink is. By surpise she sees that her skin tone has gotten pale.


    Eveline: Was I always this pale? I... I can''t remember.


    Walking out, Brandon notices that her movement is slowed and her posture looks quiet poor.


    Brandon: Hey, you okay?


    Eveline: Yeah, I''m fine... Hey what time is it?


    Brandon: *looks at his phone* It''s about to be 5''o clock.


    Eveline: I think we should get home. Don''t want to get in trouble, right?


    Brandon: Yeah, you''re right. If you want you can hold on to me while we go?


    Eveline: No. I''m fine.


    Brandon: You sure? I mean I don''t mind-


    Eveline: Yes, I''m sure. I''m fine. Really.


    Brandon: Okay then. (Damn, she''s looking pale again.)


    Eveline: (Again. I''m doing it again.)

 Chapter14: Unwanted Attention

    The next morning, Brandon and Eveline are eating breakfast at the dinner table and gettting ready to go to school. Once they finishing eating Sharon walks into the kitchen to check on them.


    Sharon: You kids finish eating now?


    Brandon: Just now.


    Sharon: Good, be a dear and wash yours and Eveline''s bowl. Please and thank you. After that I''ll drop you two off at school.


    Brandon: Wha- Do I even I have a choice?


    As Brandon grabs and washes the bowls, Sharon''s attention turns to Eveline. She sees that Eveline is not as pale as yesterday but still sees that her complexion is still not great.


    Sharon: How are you feeling today sweetie?


    Eveline: I''m feeling fine right now.


    Sharon: I see. Do you mind if I give you a quick check up? I''m sure you don''t want what happened yesterday to happen today. Which is why it''s a good thing that I finally going to have time to take you two to school now.


    Accepting her offer, Sharon then starts to check her temperature and her pulse for any abnormalities.


    Sharon: Have you had trouble eating lately? You haven''t tried to eat any food you made right?


    Eveline: (Is my cooking that bad?) ...No, I''ve been able to eat fine.


    Sharon: *takes notice of her bandaged hand* How''s your hand? May I take a look to see if it finally healed completely?


    She twitches from Sharon wanting to see her hand. However she hesitantly gives Sharon her hand so that she can look at it. Sharon notices Eveline''s unsure movements but does what she said what she would. Once she finishes unwrapping the bandage she sees what''s underneath.


    Sharon: Well then, I guess the scar finally went away.


    Eveline: Huh!? What do you mean!


    Sharon: Calm down Eve. Here take a look yourself. *shows her the location*


    What Sharon sees is a completely healed hand with no sign of a scar, showing Eveline. Brandon overhears this and walks towards them.


    Brandon: Woah, yeah mom''s right. Look''s like the thing is finally gone now. Isn''t that great?


    Both Sharon and Brandon express a sense of happiness for the healed hand. Eveline still looking at her hand is unable to believe her current situation.


    Eveline: (What are they talking about? They can''t see how large it''s gotten!?)


    In her eyes, Eveline sees the large scar that once was a small burn scar on the center of her palm, but now is a large burn scar that goes from the center down to her wrist.


    Eveline: Are you sure you don''t see anything! Like anything at all!


    Sharon: Woah relax Eveline. There''s nothing there anymore. Don''t you agree Brandon?


    Brandon: Yeah. That small scar you had is gone now. Why are you panicing?


    Unable to understand as to why these two are saying that her hand is healed, weating starts to show as she starts to fell nervous. Immediately she notices that Sharon and Brandon are puzzled as to why she is acting weird.


    Eveline: Oh yeah. I guess you''re right. Hehe, sorry I guess I saw something else.


    Brandon: Guess you won''t be needing those bandages anymore.


    Eveline: Yeah... You''re right.


    She smiles as to try and have them think that she is fine. Managing to do so, Sharon goes to start the car with Brandon and Eveline right behind her. Once inside the car, Sharon starts the engine and soon enough they are on the road to school. Throught the whole ride, Eveline is unable to take her eyes off from her "healed" hand.


    Eveline: (Why is it that only I can see this? Am I going crazy? Because no matter how many times I blink my eyes, I still see this damn scar!)


    Before she gets too frustrated, Brandon sees her and his concern for her causes him to place his hand onto her shoulder. She jolts for a second and turns to him. Seeing his calming smiles gives her the chance to relax the rest of the way. Arriving at the front of school, Sharon glances over to Eveline.


    Sharon: If anything bad happens, I''ll come to pick you up as soon as possible. Okay?


    Eveline: Yes, thank you. *gets out the car*


    Sharon: Brandon, watch over her. Look after her so that if she looks like she''s about to faint.


    Brandon: Got it.


    Getting out of the car, they walk into the school and enter the first class of the day. Sitting down, Eveline is tapped on the shoulder by a friend of hers that sits next to her.


    Girl: Hey you don''t have those wrappings on your hand anymore. Is whatever you had there gone now?


    Eveline: Yeah. Yeah it is, take a look yourself. *shows hand*


    Girl: *looks at hand* Huh, yeah it''s gone. Congrats.


    Eveline: Thanks. (... Am I the only one that can see this scar now? But how?)


    Unable to get her mind of her current condition, she couldn¡¯t focus on anything all of the first couple of classes. A bell rings, indicating that Nutrition has started. Walking out to the quad, Eveline sits on a bench near the cafeteria. Brandon sits next to her and attempts to ask why she has been acting strange.


    Brandon: Say, you doing okay? Cause back at the house you seemed very flustered.


    Eveline: I did? ... Sorry I was just shocked I guess.


    Brandon: Shocked?


    Eveline: Not shocked. I mean like I don''t have to wear those bandages on my hand anymore.


    Brandon: Oh so you just got used to having it on or something?


    Eveline: Y-yeah, something like that.


    Brandon: *smiles* You''re weird.


    Eveline: You think so?


    Brandon: Yeah but it doesn''t matter. It''s not a bad thing to be weird, I mean I can be weird every now and then. Even a little too weird sometimes.


    Eveline: That''s true. Sometimes you do say really weird stuff.


    Brandon: ... You make it sound like when I''m weird, it''s a bad thing.


    Eveline: Well...


    Brandon: Seriously? (A crap! What the hell do I even say that''s weird?)


    Eveline: No, don''t worry about it. You being like that is just who you are. Plus your right, being weird isn''t a bad thing. *faces down* Besides it''s one of the reasons I like you.


    Brandon: You say something?


    Eveline: H-huh?! No, nothing at all.


    Time passes and soon enough Nutrition ends and the students head towards their next class. With their next class being history Eveline heads to her assigned seat. As she does, she turns her head slightly towards her left; next to her chair and sees that Miho has been looking at her. The look Miho''s giving appears as if she''s analyzing Eveline. Unable to understand why she''s looking at her, all Eveline can think of is to wave at her. Instead Miho turns her attention towards the front of the class and sighs. More students enter and the bell rings, prompting the teacher to gain control of the class so he can start his lesson.


    History Teacher: Okay, everyone open your books to page 105.


    Opening her backpack to grab the textbook, she realizes that it''s not in her bag. She sees the teacher walking around the class to see if anyone is slacking off. He notices that Eveline doesn''t have her book in front of her.


    History Teacher: Why don''t you have your book out?


    Eveline: I ...forgot?


    History Teacher: *sighs* Did you now.


    Brandon: *raises his hand* I can share with her!


    History Teacher: No, no point in you moving where you are. Besides I want my students to at least pay attention and not flirt while in class.


    The class laugh as Brandon feels embarresed. The teacher looks at Eveline''s left side and he spots someone he can trust.


    History Teacher: Miho, share with Eveline.


    Miho: ...Fine.


    Scooting her desk beside Eveline''s, Miho places her textbook in between where the two desks meet. Following along with the teacher''s lesson, Eveline follows along and her scarred hand lays on the side of the book. She notices that Miho is looking at her scarred hand, thinking that she too cannot see the truth.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Eveline: My hand finally healed. So I don''t need to wear those bandages anymore.


    Miho: ...Is that the story your going with then?


    Eveline: I''m sorry?


    Miho: Your hand. You see it clean with no scar or such, right?


    Eveline: N-no? I don''t.


    Concerned by her question, Eveline''s heart start to beat and feels her palms beginning to sweat.


    Eveline: (Can she see it!?) Do you?


    Miho: No. I was just asking if it was gone from your view.


    Eveline: What do you mean?


    Miho: That whatever it was your bandage was covering up, is gone now. What did you think, idiot.


    Eveline: Oh, haha. (Why did she call me an idiot?)


    Baffled by Miho''s question, Eveline is left wondering if Miho was trying to say something. Soon after Miho gets up and asks the teacher if she may leave to the restroom. Excused to go, she leaves the class and starts slowly walk towards the restroom.


    Miho: *takes out phone* That idiot better answer.


    Dialing a phone number, she holds it up with a annoyed look as it sends her straight to voicemail. She tries once more and the same result ensures. Until she tries one more time and finally gets a response.


    Sasaki: Hey, what''s up?


    Miho: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING SENDING ME TO VOICEMAIL!!


    Sasaki: Damn, you gotta yell into the phone like that? Think about the people around you. They''ll think your a weirdo bitch yelling at her boyfriend or something.


    Miho: The doors around me are either closed or no one''s inside. There''s no problem. I want you to come back from wherever you are now. The girl is going to be killed if she isn''t "treated".


    Sasaki: Aw man, I just put in a couple of quaters into Darkstalkers 3 just now. I''ll come after.


    Miho: You want her blood on your hands.


    Sasaki: I''m on my way. Jezz, way to put guilt on someone Miho.


    Miho: Also, that comment of me being a weird yelling bitch hasn''t gone unoticed. Just know that you won''t be waking up with dry pants in the morning for sometime.


    Sasaki: Haha okay, okay. I''m sorry for saying that. Seriously.


    Miho: ...


    Sasaki: No really. Sorry. Really. You''re not really gonna-


    Hanging up on him, Miho turns back and walks to class.


    Returning to class Miho approaches Eveline and notices her hand. She stops and sees that her scar had gotten dark around its edges while she was gone. She''s not the only one to notice, since Eveline seems to be greatly bothered by it. Sitting down, Miho takes notice that Eveline had quickly put her scarred hand below the desk.


    Miho: (That moron better get her quick.)


    The class ends and Eveline goes to Brandon so that they walk to their math class. Walking out of the room Eveline and Brandon walk towards their next class as Miho is walking far behind them. Once they enter it, Miho stays to make sure nothing abnormal would happen. The bell rings and the hallway is left empty, leaving Miho alone. Just as she herself leaves, she senses something ominous approaching.


    Miho: ... Looks like one came.


    The light in the hallway begins to flicker and a dark human figure forms. It barely has the shape of a person. Its limbs are very long with its arms touching the ground, legs that''s s half of the door''s length, and it''s main body streached beyond human reasoning. Two white glowing eyes appears on it''s head figure.


    White eyed Spirit: Here. I sMell it here...


    Just as it floats to the room Eveline is currently in, Miho extends her hand outwards and she mutters a particular chant all while glaring at the spirit. Suddenly the spirit is frozen in place. Unable to move, Miho walks towards it; now face to face with the spirit.


    White eyed Spirit: That scent. It''s HeRe. I NEED IT. NEED IT. NEEDITNEEDIT!


    She puts on a red glove that has a star within a circle drawn it. Raising her hand once more and creates the shape of a circle with her index finger to the face of the being. Once the circle has been made clockwise, she makes a fist and punches the spirit. The spirit then fades away as it cries in agony.


    White eyed Spirit: WHY! All I nEEd is that smell and I CaN STAY!


    Finally gone, Miho stands alone as the lights return to normal.


    Miho: (Odd. It''s daylight but it took the risk just to manifest a physical form to get her. If that is the case... Then looks like we won''t be able to wait anymore.)


    She approches the classroom''s door and opened it. Quickly she spots Eveline and grabs hold of her arm.


    Math Teacher: What''s going on here?


    Brandon''s protective nature towards Eveline causes him to immediatly stand up and yell.


    Brandon: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING WITH HER!


    Suddenly the windows crack loudly until they break open. The shards of glass from the broken windows go inside the classroom, causing everyone to flinch and run to the saftey of the otherside. Using the commotion to her advantage, Miho pulls Eveline out of the class.


    Eveline: S-stop let me go!


    Miho: Shut up. You can''t stay here.


    Eveline: What? Why!? What do you mean?


    Before she would answer her, Miho stops right next to the stairs and is looking at something below.


    Miho: Why the hell are they so aggresive now? (Her arm!)


    Miho grabs Eveline''s scarred hand and takes a look at it''s condition. Disgusted by what she sees she let''s go of her.


    Miho: You don''t have much time anymore.


    Eveline: ... What? What are you talking about! *looks at her scarred palm.*


    To her horror, she sees that the scar is now completely black. The veins around the scar have also darkened and is very slowly going up towards the rest of her body. She begins to walk backwards until she hits a wall behind her.


    Eveline: W-w-w-what is this... It was fine before...


    Miho: How long have you had that?


    Eveline: I don''t understand. Why is it like this... *tries to scratch it off*


    Miho: Hey. Don''t do that. You''ll only hurt your skin if you keep doing that.


    Eveline: ... You can see this?


    Miho: Yes I can. So stop scratching it. Another time I''ll explain, but right now we need to get out of here.


    Pulling Eveline close to her, Miho pulls out a card from the pocket of her black hooded sweater. She holds the card in front of her face and begins to chant a phrase.


    Miho: Spirit that sleeps within, come forth and hear my command.


    The card burns blue as the ashes spiral and forms into a small creature. The creature is girlish looking, flying with fairy wings, blue skin, long white hair, and two glossy violet eyes.


    Miho: Entity, I command you to burn any malicious beings that will cause this girl harm.


    The small creature looks at Eveline and smiles. However very ugly like as its does not have teeth. Only showing the gum line. It moves towards Eveline, causing her to flinch and it begins to fly around her body.


    Miho: Let''s go. We going to run pass all of them so do not slow down.


    Grabing hold of Eveline, the two quickly walk down the stairs and attempt to pass the dark spirits that are emerging from the ground. Eveline''s eyes try to follow the fairy as it flies around her, however could only see the traces of blue light as it moves around. The ghosts seem to be completly ignoring Miho and only looking at Eveline.


    Miho: *tightens her hold on Eveline* (That fairy won''t last if their numbers grow even more.)


    Getting closer to the exit, all the dark spirits lunge right towards Eveline. Quickly the fairy circles all over Eveline''s body, with its blue light taking the form a a cylinder like shield. The distance drew close and the spirits had reached out as horrible, cold-blooded cries came from the spirits. Where their eyes should be, was only white void. All were focused on Eveline as her blight grows a bit more. Since they''re everywhere too, they made it hard for Miho to see with the dark mass in front of her.


    Miho: Don''t listen to anything they say. Even if a voice sounds familar, DO NOT RESPOND BACK.


    Eveline: They talk-


    Miho: JUST DO WHAT I SAY!


    Eveline: Y-yes!


    Immeditaly as they get closer to the exit, all the spirits body contort and begin to look like the one Miho defeated before getting to Eveline. The sounds they make grow louder as they continuously get burned into nothingness by the fairy''s blue light. However as Miho runs faster, Eveline begins to slow as she begins to breathe harder. Eventually as she looks to Miho''s direction, she realizes that not all the dark spirits are attacking. There are others in the background with an empty gaze facing her.


    Eveline: (What the hell is all this? Why is this happening now! Am I... am I finally going crazy? Is the therpy that Marshall placed me in not working?)


    Old doubts that she once believed to be gone creep in and repeat within her mind.


    Eveline: (Something bad is always happening to me... Do I really not deserve to be happy like before? Should I... I...)


    Voices mix in within her mind.


    Spirits: (YOU SHOULD BE-)


    Eveline: I should be dead.


    Miho: What?


    Eveline: Nothing good ever lasts for me, so what''s the point in going on.


    Miho: *flicks tongue* (Damn it, this situation is too much for someone like her. Plus this mass of darkness these bastards are producing is making it impossible to see anything.)


    She looks back and notices the fairy is starting to slow down. Now frustrated, Miho looks at Eveline and could barely see her since the fairy''s blue light is making it possible.


    Miho: The hell with it!


    Holding her tightly, Miho sprints forward knowing that the fairy protecting Eveline is starting to be overwhelmed. Feeling a brush of cold air, Miho runs as fast as she could, as Eveline was trying to keep up. Suddenly the fairy makes a squeal and the blue light that was protecting Eveline slowly fades away. A hand of the dark phantom touches Eveline''s shoulder and immediatly every muscle and vein in that area feel as if they are being ripped out.


    Before she does scream in pain, she is then pulled forward by Miho. Light blinds her for a few seconds, and as they adjust, she realizes that both her and Miho are now outside. She up and sees the sun still shinning as usual and some students walking around.


    Eveline: We''re outside?


    Miho: Yeah, took awhile since I couldn''t see a damn thing. You''re luck the door we found was already open.


    Miho takes a look at Eveline and observes that she seemed to be holding her shoulder. She walks up to her and moves the collar of the shirt. Quickly noticing that her shoulder is severally bruised. As it the center is redish purple and the rest is dark blue with a green rim.


    Miho: Come on, we need to leave.


    Eveline: But everyone-


    Miho: Didn''t you listen to me. I said they only want you. That blight is attracting them, but since we are in the sun they''ll burn into nothingness the moment they leave that building.


    Eveline: Oh. Okay.


    Glaring at Eveline, Miho sighs and orders her to follow.


    Miho: (This girl... Is she nothing but self-loathing?)


    Walking to the far side of the campus, they run into a closed off wired gate. Miho looks at the thick chains and lock. She rattles the gated door to see if it was loose only to see that it is indeed locked. She looks to Eveline''s side.


    Miho: Hey, do you still have enough energy to get rid of this?


    The fairy still around Eveline, makes a gently squeak and nod. It flies to the gated door and extends its little arms out. The chains and lock begin to quickly burn away. As it becomes ash, the little fairy look towards Miho with a proud face. She notices this and reaches out to it and rubs its head with her fingers.


    Miho: Nice work.


    Feeling her gratitude, it flies back toward Eveline and expects the same thing from her. However it goes unnoticed as Eveline is holding her bruised shoulder and is looking exhausted.


    Miho: *opens gated door* Let''s go. Now!


    Snapping back into reality, Eveline walks as she follows Miho. Unsure what is going to happen. They make it to a gas station three blocks away from the school without any trouble. They are approached by a shaggy looking teenage boy.


    Miho: Why the hell are you here?


    Sasaki: Car was low on gas. So I''m filling it. Why else?


    Miho: I told you that you needed to get to the school. You damn imbecile.


    Sasaki: Imbecile, huh. Sure don''t hear that word alot these days. Sides, looks like everything was fine. She was with you, so it couldn''t have been that bad.


    Miho: There were more than I had anticipated.


    Sasaki: *smug look* Oh, so ready to admit that you do need help from time to time?


    Miho: Hmph, don''t be ridiculous. I-


    She stops her sentence and sees the fairy buying for her attention. Quickly she turns to look at Eveline and as soon as she does, Eveline falls to ground. Sasaki runs to her and notices her blighted arm.


    Sasaki: Holy shit! What the hell type of demon gave her this!?


    Miho: Not sure, but one suspect does come to mind.


    The two of them grab Eveline and place her in Sasaki''s car. As some people looked, Sasaki said that she was only weak because of malnutrition in order to fool them. They then get in the car and move away from the gas station.


    Sasaki: Do you really think that the Bloodstained Crow gave her that blight? I mean only demons give you those. Most of the time it''s by accident, but the blights slowly drain your life, weaken your body, causes your blood vessels to painfully pulsate, and spread to the rest of your body. Worst case it hollows you out as everything in your body become fluid and spill out.


    Miho: I know.


    Sasaki: Why didn''t you notice before?


    Miho: I didn''t sense any anomaly. I should have physcally checked her the moment she returned to her daily life.


    As they drive, Eveline not entirely conscious lays on the back seat. She tries to say something but feels her mouth dry. Pain from her blight begins to sting her more. Now feeling like that one part of her body on fire she tries to grip the now pulsing black arm of hers, but is unable to.


    Sasaki: Think you can treat her? It looks like it''s pretty far into the stage?


    Miho: I must. She may have leads of where that demon went.


    Sasaki: *sighs* Right. You hear that girl? Don''t give up yet! Your time to rest isn''t just yet!


    Eventaully she loses consciousness and the last thing she sees is the fairy next to her with a worried look.

 Chapter14: A Dirty Vagrants Road

    Elsewhere five days prior Eveline''s blight incident, somewhere in Central America, a cloaked wanderer is on the ground seemingly unconscious on the side of a dirt road. A stray skinny dog approaches the wanderer''s body and take a sniffs it. It''s body showing its ribs and somewhat scrawny legs wobbles to the wanderer. The dog''s focus turns towards the arm of the wanderer and sniff that until it takes a bite. The teeth sink into the flesh on the arm, unfortunatly the dog is swung by the arm its'' bitting. As the dog lands on its'' side it begins to growl at the wanderer, he grabs hold of his bitten arm as black blood seeps out from the wound.


    Cipher: GOD DAMN IT YOU STUPID DOG! THAT FUCKING HURT!


    The dog barks and growls viciously as it looks at Cipher. He sees that it''s a weak looking German Shepherd.


    Cipher: Oh shut up before I kick you in the damn ribs! You want that you stupid dog? Get moving! *walks towards the dog*


    Depsite the constant snarling, it begins to back away as he gets closer to it. A small gust of wind hits him, smacking his faces with dirt and heat. As it does the hood that was over his head ended up being blown off as well. His face covered in dirt and sweat drip off as more accumulate the more he moves. Both his eyes showing signs of fatiuge, but at least is no longer like they were when he left Los Angeles.


    Cipher: Why can''t I stop sweating? I''m supposed to be dead. A walking corpse more or less, but I''m sweating. Does that mean I''m alive; but that would require me to feel hunger and I haven''t felt since I came back.


    It seems as well that he no longer has any armor protecting him as the wind reveals all he has on is worn out dark blue shirt, stained and ripped jeans, and torn shoes. He looks behind himself only to see that the dog is following him from a distance.


    Cipher: Hey! Stop following me you stupid mut! It''s fine right now but trust me when I say this: Your going to regret it when the night comes!


    Not understanding what it''s being told, the dog continues following.


    Cipher: Fine! Come and get killed if that''s what you want.


    Cars pass by the two once and awhile, but Cipher tries his best to keep his distance from others. He glances back every now and then to notice the dog behind him. He''s sighs and hears a group of people consititing of women and children. Placing his hood back on, Cipher looks down in order to avoid eye contact. Despite he is now in a place where no one knows who he is. The people in the crowd pass by him to notice his filthy clothes, seemingly dirty face, and horrific smell.


    Woman1: Este olor! <That smell!>


    Woman2: Huele como un animal muerto! <Smells like a dead animal!>


    Child: Creo es ese con el perro. <I think its that guy with the dog.>


    Passing the crowd Cipher lifts his left arm up and sniffs his armpit and part of his cloak. Replused by the stench he then looks back and sees the dog still following him.


    Cipher: Man those people aren''t wrong. I can also see why you won''t go away, I smell like a free meal to you.


    However the dog then collapses onto the ground. He acts dissmissive about it and moves away but cannot commit to leaving. Constantly glancing back and forth to the dog''s location until Cipher looks up to the sky with a facepalm.


    Cipher: ... *sighs* Oh god damn it. *walks back to the dog*


    He kneels down and observes the dog is still breathing. He looks around to see if anyone is around but sees no one. Even the crowd the from before is now far from them. As he is about to carry the dog, he hesitates once realizing that he could accidently puncture it with his crystal shaped claws. So he does his best to avoid touch the dog with them as he uses his arms to hold it; exposing the claws out in the open. Remembering the crowd Cipher runs towards the direction they came from. Wondering if there is a town, villiage, or any facility he can take the ailed canine to. The dog whines and moves around a bit while in Cipher''s arms.


    Cipher: Quit moving so much. Wait, I hope this thing does not have flees... who am I kidding.


    He hears more people ahead and goes faster. More cars are also heard and then a sign is seen from the area ahead.


    Cipher: *gets to the sign and stares at it* 5 miles till a Taller de Mechanica. Okay, maybe you''ll live.


    It takes him quite awhile to get to the mechanic shop. He thinks about using his teleportation ability but is unable to for the moment. He feels his arm is still healing from the dog bite and knows that he does not have the energy to do so. Finally arriving to the shop, he sees truckers, street venders with their children, a gas station, and regular civilian cars. He stops by one of the street venders that is selling fruit for help.


    Cipher: Um, desculpeme pero se pudede- <excuse me, but can you->


    The vender notices Cipher''s apperance and the dog he''s holding, causing him to act very agressive.


    Vender: No toques mi mercancia, te porqueria sin hogar! < Do not touch my merchandise, you shitty homeless!>


    Cipher: Que!? No solo- <What!? No I just->


    Vender: Vaya! La gente no va a comprar mi fruta con usted aqui! < Go! People will not buy my fruit with you here!>


    Not wanting to make trouble he abides to the venders demands and walks away. He tries with a few others but each one is harsher than the previous. He tries the mechanic''s shop but is immeditaly kicked out. He thinks about trying to ask one of the people that are in the cars but realizes that his apperance will only cause issues.


    Cipher: Sorry dog. Looks like I''m going to end up letting you die...


    He looks at the drooling dog in his arms and closes his eyes.


    Cipher: ... I guess I should put you somewhere and steal some of those stuff those venders have. Maybe one of them will have something you need.


    A boy''s voice is heard behind Cipher, causing him to turn around.


    Boy: Oi, quiere este? <Hey, want this?>


    The boy holds up a bowl of water towards the dog''s snout. It catches the dog''s attention and his tongue starts to lick up some water. Looking at the boy Cipher notices that he has very short black hair, an outdated cartoon shirt, blue jeans, and somewhat worn out tennis shoes. They both put the dog and bowl onto the ground to let it drink on its own.


    Cipher: Gracias. <Thank you.>


    The boy doesn''t listen as he stares at Cipher''s crystal claws. His hand reaches out to touch them, as the index finger close to the sharp weaponry that can easily rip flesh and bone is immediatly pulled way.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    Cipher: DON''T TOUCH THEM!


    Taken aback by the sudden yell, the boy looks at him with a mixture of shock and confusion.


    Cipher: (Oh right, this isn''t the best place for english.) Mire-


    Boy: You speak the english!? I know it a little. I''m Robeto. I''m 6


    As Roberto introduces himself, he sticks out his little hand for a hand shake. However it is left hanging.


    Roberto: No shake?


    Cipher: I just said-


    Roberto: Oh you don''t have normal hands. Why are your fingers like that?


    Cipher: Don''t ask. How do you know english?


    Roberto: T.V. that my papi buy. I like the american action movies with the guns and stuff.


    Cipher: Oh, and where is you papa and mama?


    Roberto: Papi is in the bano. Ma is with abulea e abuleo in heaven.


    Cipher: Sorry to hear. How long have they been dead?


    His bluntness causes an awkward silence, but Roberto breaks it with his answer.


    Roberto: 10 days ago. I miss mi ma e abulea e abuleo.


    The happy innocent look collapses as his face begins to show tears and disheartened child.


    Cipher: Go back to your pa. You shouldn''t leave and talk to someone that you don''t know. This isn''t a safe place for kids to go and have an adventure or something.


    Roberto: ... Que? <What?>


    Cipher: Just go to your dad! And thanks for the bowl of water!


    Roberto perks up a bit and waves bye to Cipher. He sees him meet up with his father and looks like he''s being scolded for wandering off. Cipher turns to look at the dog still drinking the water. He smiles at it for a moment before he walks away from the area and his journey alone. The sun beating down on him, Cipher looks at the sky and sees clouds gathering.


    Cipher: (Rains going to be here soon. Hope that dog can find someplace for shelter, it''ll suck if it dies right when I saved it. Well I guess that kid technically did. Whatever, it''s not my problem anymore.)


    Minutes passby until a bus filled with people pass past him as Cipher is hit with a full bottle of water. Before he could think of retaliating, Roberto''s head pops out the window. A sorry can be heard as the vehicle becomes smaller and smaller as it moves away. Cipher picks up the bottle off the ground and looks a the barely visible and distant bus.


    Cipher: Damn kid, guess the next time I see him I gotta smack him.


    A loud abrupt bark rises from behind, catching Cipher off guard.


    Cipher: Jeuss christ dog! You''re still chasing me?


    However this time the dog doesn''t seem as hostile as it used to. Instead it''s tail waging and mouth open, giving the impression of a smile.


    Cipher: Fine. Follow me all you want, but I won''t be responsible for anything that happens to you, understand?


    It barks.


    Cipher: Ugh, I''m talking to a dog like it''s a person now. Have I been alone that long now? Well, I refuse to give you name. I''m not gonna even try to get attached to you got it?


    It barks again.


    Cipher: ... *groans*


    Couple of hours fly away and the sky is now clear of clouds. The dog walking besides Cipher continues to breath with its mouth open and tongue out. Cipher also completely slouching with each step forward.


    Cipher: ... (WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CLOUDS! WHY NO RAIN!?)*glances over to the dog* This is bullshit, huh doggy. Screw it, I''ma have to deal with it since this is Honduras. God knows how long till I reach San Perdo.


    The dog''s ears perk up and without warning echoes of gunfire becomes apparent. Cipher looks around them but sees nothing out of the ordinary until recongizes that the sounds are coming from ahead of them. There''s no place to sneak to observe as the path had less forest on the side. Walking faster to understand what the situation even is, the noise of rapid shooting is replaced by yelling. Eventually what he sees before him is the bus being surronded by a group of people with their faces and heads masked by cloth.


    Cipher: *looks at the dog* Stay.


    As he moves, the dog about to follow him is met with a glare that causes it to stop moving.


    Cipher: Stay here. Now.


    Listening to him, the dog sits down and does what it was told. As it looks onward, all it can see is Cipher''s back covered by a cloak riddled with holes, filth, and old but dry bloodstains. Some of the robbers are entering the bus while others stay out and keep watch. Because of this, a few of them spot Cipher as he walks closer and closer. Two of the gunmen point their assualt rifles at him and demand him to stop where he is. He rushes ahead only to met a barrage of bullets pierce his flesh. As they rip right through him, many on the bus see and hear the gunfire which causes panic. Many of them are praying, wimpering in fear, and some infants are crying out loud.


    Passenger1: Que esta pasando? <What''s happening?>


    Passenger2: No se, pero mantener la cabeza. <Don''t know, but keep your head down.>


    They are all ordered to step outside by the leader of the group. Walking off the bus, some people look to some of the seats and see that some passengers were painted in red as their blood leaked out from bullet wounds. Some of their eyes open as the heads hang from the seats and some in agony as they cling to life. Though they too are eventually forced out as well. The leader calls out to the two that were shooting. They turn their attention back to the bus.


    Lead Robber: Oi que fue lo que disparaon? <Hey what was with that shooting.>


    Robber1: Una persona que empezo a correr aqui. <A person just started to run here.>


    Robber2: Lo dije que para, pero no. Asi que rodamos el cabron. <I told him to stop, but nope. So we shot the motherfucker.>


    Among the passengers, Roberto and his father stay together he desperately and tightly clings to him.


    Roberto: Papi, que va a pasar? <Dad, what''s going to happen?>


    Roberto''s dad: Nada hijo. Solo van a robarnos y dejarnos. <Nothing son. They will just rob us and leave.>


    He tries to smile so that he could bring some sense of hope for his son, but he knew the truth. He recognized the robbers and that they were the type that will kill everyone of the passengers to leave no witnesses. He also knew that the reason that car hasn''t been spotted yet is because another group must be holding up traffic while disguised as policemen. He feels his son poke him slightly on the leg.


    Roberto: Papi, vamos a ver a mami? <Dad, are we going to see mom?>


    Roberto''s dad: Que? <What?>


    Roberto: Van a matarnos, vera? *tears slowly fall* < They will kill us, right?>


    Seeing his son holding in his tears, despair collapses inside him as he attempts to grab hold of his son. A hard blow to his face by the stock end of a rifle in which makes him fall onto his back. Blood spill out as he holds his nose now broken from the impact.


    Roberto: Pa-


    Roberto''s dad: Quedate ahi! <Stay there!>


    He takes glances over to the leader and sees him tell others to keep a lookout for anything else and to leave the body they shot at alone. His eyes widen from what he sees next; they turn away from each other and the gunmens'' faces are slashed off by a hooded individual. The leader hears a splat on the ground, turns back behind, and his head is pierced through by Cipher''s claw. The other robbers finally take notice on what the situtaion is and point their weapons at him. Cipher looks at the bus and notices some blood splat on the otherside of some of the windows. Roberto takes notice of Cipher but remains scared on what''s happening.


    Cipher: ... *looks around* Te voy a dar la opcion de- < I''ll give the option of->


    Guns are fired off as the bullets tear into Cipher''s body. The passengers watch in horror as they witness an execution that no one should see. Limbs begin to seperate as more and more bullets hit. The firing stops and all can only see smoke coming off from the body. One of the robbers cautoiusly walks closer and get a better look. He holds his gun up to the body, but he then falls onto his side and shouts in pain. His right leg has been biten by the dog who came after the loud gunfire. Pulling out a knife he stabs the dog on its thigh. As someone else is about to shoot the injured dog, black miasma appears and within it, Cipher bites the gunman''s neck off. So much blood gushes out like a broken water pipe, even if it was for a moment.


    Passenger: Un demonio.... Dios mio! < A demon. My god!>


    Everyone sees Cipher''s one glowing diamond red pupil, black sclera, crystal claws grow, and miasma covering most of his body. Quickly he deals with the others as they now are running away. Cipher, no longer in control continues to kill and devour parts of the assailants until he comes back to where the bus is. He ignores the plee of the passengers and enters the bus to find a robber. He drops his weapon and gets on his knees as he cries in fear.


    Robber: Por favor no me maten! Dios-


    He''s ripped in half as Cipher guts him open and his organs are toss out of his body. The scream is heard for only seconds only to leave silence. Cipher exits the bus, causing the passengers to think they are next only to be ignored once more as he walks to the dog. He reaches out his hand but stops himself from moving. His breathing begins to intesnify until the black miasma fades, his claws revert back, but unforutnately his eye remains the same.


    Cipher: (Again. I lost to it again. This cannot continue. I can''t keep hold back this fucking power like this. I need to get to that city and see if there''s any lore about a power like this. I just hope there''s something there)


    He looks around him and observes the fear the people around him have. He begins to stagger as his vision blurs. He sees Roberto looking at him as his father holds him close.


    Cipher: Get... away... from...


    He falls as he tries to finish his sentence but pass out. The people unable to understand on what had just happened eventually surround Cipher''s body and help the injured dog. Sirens are heard from afar as the real police finally arrive. Among the passengers, an foreign photographer stands up and goes to the people around Cipher''s unconscious body.


    Photographer: This... this is the Bloodstained Crow!?