Chapter 15: The Curse Unfold
The Demon’s Retreat
As the winged creature screeched and lunged toward the plane, Richard clutched his seat, panic etched on his face. “Bucky, do something!”
Bucky turned slowly, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. Without a word, a surge of demonic energy radiated from him, casting an invisible force that repelled the creature.
The demon recoiled, shrieking in pain, before retreating into the clouds and disappearing into the void.
Richard stared at his friend, his voice trembling. “What... what was that?”
Bucky blinked, his eyes returning to normal. “I don’t know,” he murmured, his voice distant.
---
Back in the City
The plane landed without further incident, the passengers chalking up the turbulence to a mechanical issue. Richard and Bucky, however, knew better.
As they entered their apartment, Richard slammed the door shut. “Okay, enough’s enough. What’s going on, Bucky? What happened to you back in that temple? And what the hell was that thing on the plane?”
Bucky shrugged, attempting a weak smile. “I don’t know, Richie. I’m as clueless as you are.”
“That’s not good enough!” Richard shouted. “Your eyes were glowing! That... thing ran away from you like you were its boss!”
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Before Bucky could respond, the TV blared with breaking news.
“Flight turbulence blamed on engine malfunction,” the reporter stated.
Richard scoffed. “Engine malfunction, my ass.”
“Let it go,” Bucky said, slumping onto the couch. “Maybe we’re overthinking it. Let’s just... try to move on.”
---
Days of Normalcy
For a while, life seemed to return to normal. Bucky received a promotion at work, earning praise from his superiors. Feeling confident, he called his parents to share the news.
“Son, that’s amazing!” his father exclaimed.
“Finally, all your hard work is paying off,” his mother added warmly.
Bucky smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope that things were under control.
---
A Night of Horror
That night, as Bucky lay in bed, a strange energy overtook him. His eyes burned with crimson light as he rose, his movements unnatural.
Dark flames engulfed his body, forming a fiery black and red suit that obscured his face. Unconsciously, he stepped out into the night, a predator driven by unseen forces.
In the city, chaos erupted. People screamed as Bucky, the masked figure, unleashed destruction. With every step, his power grew, leaving devastation in his wake. By dawn, over a hundred lives had been claimed.
---
The Morning After
Bucky woke up drenched in sweat, his body aching. He couldn’t remember a thing from the previous night.
“Why do I feel so exhausted?” he muttered, rubbing his temples.
His phone buzzed. It was Richard.
“Hey, dude, turn on the news,” Richard said, his voice grave.
Bucky turned on the TV, freezing at the sight of the headline:
“Masked Killer Claims Over 100 Lives in One Night.”
The footage showed a dark figure clad in a fiery suit, tearing through the city with inhuman speed and power.
Richard burst into the room moments later. “What’s happening to this city?” he asked. “And who is this... crucifer guy?”
Bucky shook his head, genuinely clueless. “I don’t know, Richie. This doesn’t make any sense.”
---
A Tiring Day at Work
Bucky went to the office, hoping for a distraction. But he couldn’t shake the feeling of dread. His mind was heavy, his steps sluggish.
“Bucky, you okay?” Stacey asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.
He forced a smile. “Yeah, just tired.”
As they chatted, a sinister voice echoed in his mind:
“Azur... kill her. Take her soul to me.”
Bucky flinched, his breathing quickening. The room spun as the voice repeated its demand.
“Bucky?” Stacey asked, concerned.
“I have to go,” he stammered, backing away.
---
The Voice in the Park
Bucky ran, his legs carrying him to a nearby park. He collapsed onto a bench, his hands trembling.
“Leave me alone!” he yelled into the empty air.
The voice responded, cold and menacing:
“You cannot escape me. You are mine, Azur. You cannot save anyone.”
Bucky clenched his fists, tears streaming down his face. “I’m not Azur. I’m not!”
The sinister laughter echoed in his mind as the chapter closed with
Bucky staring into the horizon, unsure if he could resist the darkness growing inside him.
To Be Continued...