How could she think that…?

Why would she think that?

Using her to fill a void?

Even if I was would that be so bad?

If I was doing something like that it was because I loved her so dearly.

Not just anyone could fill what was lacking there.

Inside his heart was emptiness. This genome obsessed with the idea of love to the point that it became a fantasy.

From all of his trials and tribulations, he had become broken. He had seen countless allies die at the hands of the demonic front. He has suffered gravely at the hands of his human captors.

The only pleasure he could ever have here was the idea that another being could love him, unconditionally.

Now that this was broken with the one who held the strings to his heart he didn’t know what to do. Emotions were something that he couldn’t control and so he lashed out at the object of his affection.

Still… I wouldn’t do something that rash… right?

The woman stared at him. She was still perfectly intact and the evidence that he attacked her was nonexistent. Instead, he merely stood up and proceeded to return his clothes back onto his body.

She didn’t utter a single word. She merely stared with those superficial eyes.

Once Abel was dressed he didn’t feel as vulnerable as before and so he looked directly at her with his hues.

“I don’t know how you could think that. I would have done anything for you.”

“I never asked you to do that for me.”

“It doesn’t matter. That’s what love is. Doing things for another. It shows that you care.”

“...”

“I was such a fool. How could I ever love you.”

“You don’t have to say such hurtful things to me.”

Abel’s gaze turned cold as he stared at the woman with a threatening expression. “If you ever talk to those other guys, I’ll burn them alive.”

He mentioned before heading out the door in a rush. Once the door closed the woman sighed and slumped back into bed.

—---------

Nursing Room. 12:44 PM.

Talia still rested in bed, hooked up to an IV to keep her somewhat stable. Cecilia stayed mostly by her side. Even when it was time for her to do her errands she immediately came back when she could.

That is what familiar love was. Rarely did genomes ever have such a relationship like this. In fact, only three have been documented with her and Talia being included. Kain and Abel were also another pair.

The younger sister held her elder’s hand gently. Sooner, rather than later she was greeted by her lover.

“Yo, you mind if I chill here?”

She turned her head to look at him, her slight frown turning into a smile. “Silly, of course, I don’t mind.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

Anthony pulled up a chair inside the small room. There wasn’t much space for anything besides sitting. He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. She soon rested her head on his shoulder.

“Do you think she will pull through?”

“Of course. We can’t lose Talia. Who else is going to keep us on the right path?”

“Yeah, she was always the responsible one.”

“Damn straight. She has to come back so she can get her revenge on Kain, haha.”

Cecilia looked up at him and shook her head. “You know I’ll never forgive him right?”

“Babe, you shouldn’t hold a grudge. He’s been through a lot and the situation was out of everyone’s control.”

“I know, but that doesn’t change how I feel about him.”

“Fair point. I just hope you guys will be able to get along soon. We need all the help we can get.”

—---------

Third Floor, Command Room. 2:01 PM.

The room wasn’t any bigger than a kitchen. There was a large board with an image of the world map. Multiple chairs and monitors were also spread about with a few people playing with the screens. The commander stood in the middle, hands behind his back and greeted everyone who was called into the room. This included Abel, Anthony, and Kain.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

He immediately handed Kain a work cell phone, a black iPhone 14 before he started to explain everything to the newcomer.

“I’m glad you came back to us. At the end of the day, we need you to continue this fight for humanity.”

“...” Kain remained silent as the commander spoke. He merely took the phone and looked at it.

“This phone is for you to link up with your co-workers. You can use it for personal affairs, just realize that it will be tracked. It will also cost you extra points if you do use it in this manner.”

“Wonderful… great to know the company is capping out on their capitalistic traits.”

“We live in a capitalistic country. What else would we do?” He chuckled before his expression returned to a serious one. His uniform was traditionally military it seemed.

He looked over at Anthony and then nodded before continuing on. “Anthony and the girls went to Maryland for three reasons.” He held out his hand, showing holding up his three fingers.

“To locate and defeat Abigail. To locate and gather intel on Belial’s forces. To locate and bring you back, Kain. He and the girls succeeded in all aspects.”

“You were on a roll, Anthony. You’re getting a lot better at this.” Abel said with a smile.

“I learn from the best, don’t I?”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“You were busy. Looks like I wasn’t your main priority.” Kain added.

“Naw, out of everything I cared mostly about bringing you back. The other task was just to ensure the safety of the public.”

The commander cleared his throat. “They will be rewarded handsomely. But the job is not done yet. Now that we have intel on Belial we have an idea of what he is up to.”

“What is that monster up to?” Anthony asked.

“He himself has been moving very discretely. However, his underlings have been expanding to a lot of different cities in Maryland. We can only assume…”

“He wants to create a Red Zone.” Abel gasped.

“As you know he is a Demon Lord. He has enough backing to do it. This is what they tend to like to do. The bastards are all about creating chaos.”

“We cannot let that happen. We have to stop it!” Anthony emphasized.

“Abel was able to take out the Demon Lord of Sloth. He was also able to stalemate and deter the Demon Lordess of Wrath. But, here is how they stack up on a tier list.”

The commander pointed at the screen and soon it changed. It started to rank all seven demon lords:

Demon Lord Ranking Sheet:

1. Greed - Mammon

2. Pride - Belial

3. Lust - ???

4. Wrath - Hela

5. Sloth - Nava

6. Envy - ???

7. Gluttony - ???

“These demon lords have been causing trouble for a very long time. Even when killed this title is eventually handed over to another high-ranking demon. Essentially an endless struggle.”

“Just to give you an idea of how strong they are. The only people who have been able to stand toe to toe with them has been Abel.” Anthony mentioned.

“Killing Nava was one of the hardest things I had to do. Everyone who went with me on that mission died. After that, I started doing missions alone.” Abel added.

“Things are very different this time. Belial is one of the strongest demons we have ever faced. I honestly don’t believe any of you could beat him.”

The three of them looked shocked. Anthony clenched his fist at how powerless he was. Abel held onto his shoulder as he felt guilty for not being strong enough. Kain, however, continued to stare blankly as he was hearing this information.

“Our mission isn’t to defeat him. Our mission is to kill as many of his followers as we can. Weaken him enough that he won’t have the manpower to create a Red Zone.”

“Do you have intel on his followers?” Abel asks.

“No. Not specific information. We just know that he has three lackeys whom he refers to as his generals of war. They are the ones spreading the legion through Maryland.”

“So, if we take these guys out. Belial will back out of his plan?” Anthony asks.

“Yes, he’s a prideful son of a bitch. But, that is also what gives him strength. You guys are our star players. We cannot afford to lose you.”

“Whatever. Sounds simple enough. How strong could he be if he needs someone else to do his work?” Kain asks.

“Even a demon as strong as him plays it safe because there are many mysteries in this world. He has the power to wipe out cities. But, even he has his limits. Just because you are strong doesn’t mean you are invincible.” Abel muttered.

“You three will be taking a trip to Maryland. Cecilia and Sagull will be following you in a few days.”

Abel’s expression soured.

“We don’t need to get the ladies involved.” Anthony said.

“You will need all the help you can get. Trust me.” The commander stated.

Once that was declared he continued to brief them and answer any questions that came to mind. This would be a deadly mission and Terios’ first. It was an interesting time to be a genome and also a deadly one.

The trio didn’t have much time to relax as they were prompted to leave as soon as the briefing was done. They had their work cut out for them that was for sure. With such limited information given they would be walking into a lion’s den.

Once all of that was said and done the three were seated on the helicopter and were on their very long flight back to Maryland. Anthony sat up front while Kain and Abel were seated together.

“No disrespect, but… I hate going to Maryland.” Anthony complained.

“I can’t blame you. It’s a very long trip. We are going to be jet lagged for sure.” Abel added.

“I guess on the bright side we are going together. It’ll be fun. I don’t think I ever had a mission with you Abel, or should I call you Ina now?”

“You two are free to call me whatever you want.”

“This is going to be pretty exciting. Our very first mission together. We should celebrate as soon as we land!”

“We aren’t going to scout the area?”

“Nah man. The stakes are high, but if we don’t enjoy moments like these then we will be off our game.”

“Hmm, that’s true.”

“We won’t have to worry about Belial, huh? Our main targets are the three demon generals?” Kain asked.

“Correct. We are going to be focusing our assault on stopping them and as many of their foot soldiers as we can.” Abel instructed.

“Sucks we didn’t get more time to train. Kain, you sure you up for this?” Anthony asked.

“Yeah, even if I’m not I have no choice, but to be ready. I’m down for the kill.”

“That’s the spirit. Don’t worry, we will look out for you. But, you gotta have our backs to.”

“Yeah. I know how to play nice.”

“That’s what we like to hear. Think of how many geos you’re gonna get once we ace this mission!”

“I can finally pay you back.”

“No need man. But, if you wanna treat me out like friends do that is cool.”

“Sounds good.”

“Though… you probably won’t like the report we have to type up.”

“Report…?”

“Yeah, we have to detail everything that happens. Leave one detail out and if they find out about it… it’s wraps!”

“Sounds like a chore.”

“Many things are. Sometimes killing demons can become that as well.” Abel sighed.

I think I’m beginning to lose the lust for life that I once had.

When everything was new and exciting.

Now it all seems like a chore.

I have to continue to put up this happy face.

Just to make it through the day.

Things should be different now that I have my brother with me.

Right?

It didn’t take long (joke it did, it took a very long time) for the chopper to land. Once it did the trio were escorted to a local hotel.

Hilton Hotel. 10:32 PM.

The trio were now checking in at the hotel. Letting their human handler do all of the talking with the receptionist and getting them all their keycards before handing it to them. He then nodded and left them to their own devices.

“This is a pretty chill spot. Let’s go up to our rooms and chill for a bit.” Anthony yawned.

“I’m ready for bed.” Kain said as he stretched.

“That… might have been the longest flight I have ever been on.” Abel complained.

The three headed up to the elevators, taking it to reach their room. Once inside, Abel quickly hopped onto his bed and hid under the covers.

Anthony made his way to the couch and plopped onto it. “I’m calling it a night. See you guys in the morning.”

“Looks like we couldn’t have gone scouting even if we wanted to.” Kain added before making his way to his own bed and letting his body fall onto it face first.

Abel soon popped out underneath the covers and nodded before wrapping himself in sheets. “Have a nice night everyone. Let’s get breakfast in the morning and try to decide on what we are going to do.”

“Right, sleep tight guys.” Anthony said before spreading himself out on the couch, too exhausted to even pull it out.

“Night.” Kain uttered as he turned over to his side.

This was the beginning of something horrific. Maryland was about to be in the fight for its life. The only ones who had the power to stop it were in the hands of the genomes. Would they be strong enough?

Can these tools of destruction stop a demon’s undeniable wrath? The question remains to be answered.