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TIK TOK. TIK TOK. The clock clicked on and off in the corner of the classroom. Pencils scratched against their Shakespeare exams. The teacher, Mr. Smitwick, watched Youtube videos behind his desk. What a joke; Leon looked out the window, tapping his finger against his seat as he groaned. He’d finished over half an hour ago, left with nothing but the dream from the previous night to ponder upon. Why does that angel keep coming back? She keeps promising we'll meet… but what does that mean? His eyes wandered to the empty courtyard below, where only a few paths crisscrossed the grassy field.
It’s been almost a year since Iris and Cynthia went missing… I couldn’t find them no matter how hard I tried. That angel didn’t start appearing until they disappeared. There couldn’t be a connection to that, could there? Iris, his missing sister, and Cynthia, his ex-girlfriend, were the most important people in his life, yet they vanished without a trace, leaving only a letter urging him to forget about them and move on.
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A few hours before…
The skies had been clear. For the first time in what felt like a lifetime, Leon stepped through the gates of Irlington University. He’d never spent much time there. Crowds of people rushed to their classes. Leon paid them no mind. His eyes were glued to the white feather clutched in his hands. It was the one thing that had stuck with him when we awoke from the angel’s visit. She always talks in riddles. This is the first time she’d left me a gift… So they aren’t simply dreams after all. Leon’s eyes narrowed as he tucked the feather into his pocket.
She cannot be trusted… A deeper voice replied in his mind.
Leon froze, twisting to look amongst the crowd. He’d heard it as if someone were speaking directly into his ear. The voice didn’t speak again. It was his first day back in his hometown. Despite the nice weather, there was a pressure in the air. It weighed heavily on his shoulders as he turned the corner into the English building
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The present….
Leon…
I know I’ve been gone for quite some time. You don’t need to search any longer. Come back to school. I’ll be waiting for you.
Love,
Iris.
The letter that had been given to him almost halfway across the United States in Kentucky. Someone had been kind enough to let him stay in their barn during his search. How the letter had found him or where Iris had been all this time concerned him. Just where are you, he thought irritably. He was half tempted to crumble the letter up as he folded it back into his bag.
A movement caught his attention near the courtyard fountain. Someone was watching him beside one of the benches. It was a girl with black curly hair and gothic clothing. Startled, Leon’s eyes widened as he jumped out of his chair, knocking a pencil rolling off his desk. "Iris?"
Alarms blared and screams of terror filled the air. Leon stepped away from the scrambling classmates to avoid falling against his desk. He climbed onto a table and leaped to the far side of the classroom."Please, don't panic-" Mr. Smitwick attempted to yell, but the students ignored him, rushing towards the exit. The bewildered professor ran with them without waiting for stragglers.
Leon watched them, shaking his head. No problem, Smitwick. I’ll just do your job and look for stragglers… It’s my first day back and school’s already going up in flames. He searched underneath the desks to make sure everyone had escaped. Thankfully, other than himself the room was empty. Well, getting out on my own should be simple enough.
Explosions outside shook the building, making Leon brace himself against a desk. He scowled as the commotion subsided. That sounded close. I better beat it before…. His thoughts were interrupted as a sharp crack came from the ceiling above. Fiery debris crashed in front of him, narrowly missing him. So much for that way.
With no other choice, he turned to the windows. Not like this is the first time I’ve had to climb out of class. Broken tiles thundered down in flames from the ceiling around him. Leon swerved around them, each one closer than the last.
Cinders spread to the desks as he tossed them aside. It wasn’t long before he was cornered by a wall of fire and the gated window. Smoke caught in the air, forcing him to cover his mouth. Running out of breathing room. He coughed violently into his arm, lungs burning with every breath. How the hell did this even happen?
Sirens wailed from the outer halls. He shook off his confusion. Leon turned his head to the right and grasped the emergency latch on the window. He gritted his teeth as he tried opening it. His stomach dropped.
"It's stuck!" Leon exclaimed, his voice cracking. His muscles flexed, burning from exhaustion in forcing the latch to turn. He twisted it, and it broke with a loud clunk. "Oh, of course. Cheap piece of crap."
Tossing the latch into the flames, he rolled up his coat sleeve. "Whatever."
Leon slammed against it, the rusty window tearing off its hinges. Explosions blasted inches from where he’d been standing. Dust trailed the ends of his jacket as he crashed into the grass outside and rolled onto his back. Gasping for air, he coughed in fits. Not my most graceful exit.
Glancing at the embers falling from the burning building, Leon's eyes narrowed. …Was I hallucinating when I saw her standing out here a minute ago? He only took a few steps back onto the concrete path.
A cold voice whispered, You're not alone… It was the same voice he’d heard by the entrance.
"Who's there?" Leon asked.
He spun around. The hairs on his neck rose as he saw a tall, dark, brooding figure hovering before him. Its shadow easily towered over him. The wind grew horribly cold as it blew against Leon, making him shiver. "Leon, my boy…. How you’ve grown.”
The voice was emotionless, toneless. It was like a corpse was speaking to him. "Am I supposed to know you?" he snapped, more aggressively than he intended. It was like the mere sight of this creature made him furious. His blood boiled every second looking at it.
“Surely you remember. This is not our first meeting.” His eyes widened as the figure levitated closer, slow enough to barely be noticeable. Fear paralyzed him, rooting him to the spot.
Before he knew it, his body was sprinting on its own accord toward the cloaked man. It was as if an invisible force had possessed him, controlling his every move. Leon threw a punch, leaping forward. With a mere flick of the wrist, the attack was stopped dead by the figure in mid-air.
Everything in his mind was reeling. Violet eyes glared from within the cloak, an invisible force restraining him. "Even now, you stand in my way? So be it.,” Death growled.
With another flick of the wrist, Leon's body flung backward. The wind whistled in his ears as he tried to catch himself. His heel barely scraped the concrete when everything spun in his eyes. Falling to a knee, his boots rubbed the floor when he finally slid to a stop. Even at that moment, he felt himself trying to run at Death. To attack him. This time he resisted it, clutching his arm as he stood.
“Why the hesitation? Destruction is what you crave, is it not?” the man asked, revealing an armored hand underneath his robes.
Leon chuckled nervously and shook his head. "Nuh-uh. Think I'm good." The broken window levitated and flew in his direction. He rolled aside and sprinted away. What the hell is that thing?
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Why are we retreating? A deep and angry voice snapped, echoing in his mind. We should be attacking.
It was almost enough to make Leon skid to a halt, but he kept moving. And just who are you taking a joy ride in my head? Were you taking a nap my whole life, or is today just one of the many weird circumstances blowing up in my face?
He could hear the entity in his mind groan like every second was inconvenient. I am what you call a demon. Diablos is my name; much to my distaste, I have been sealed within you for centuries.
A laugh escaped Leon’s lips as he turned a corner. Isn't that convenient?
Dark clouds followed above, and raindrops began to fall. The abandoned art building stood before him. It was tall, the blue paint fading. Several windows were broken, and a chain around the front doors with big white letters said, 'DO NOT ENTER.'
I could hide in here. The stories of it being haunted are the least of my concerns. The lock was just for show, as the chain quickly unraveled from the handles. Before he could touch them, Leon saw the shadow of a colossal silhouette being hurled in his direction. He ducked as it smashed the doors down.
He turned to see Death hovering right behind the corner. His eyes locked on the figure's outstretched hand. Blood poured down its sleeve, a severed blonde head clutched in its grasp.
“Where did you even find that guy? Do you kill everyone you come across?” Leon snapped, sweat running down his brow.
As if his name didn’t give you a clue, Diablos taunted.
A toneless laugh responded. “Worry not. He will be reborn in the world we create. For now, he will make a fine weapon," Death took the head, snapping the spine from the skull. It looked like a giant shish kebab. "Do not resist. I’d hate to have to use it.”
“Sounds like you’re excited if you asked me-”
There is no escaping Death. We can only fight- Diablos began when Leon snapped, Shut up! You’re distracting me! It only made his stomach turn as he noticed Death clutching his head.
Good thing I skipped breakfast today... Leon twisted around, tripping over the severed head's body. He was covered in blood, all of it staining his clothes. This is what broke the door. The whole hall was flooded in a sea of red. He was so shocked he'd almost forgotten what he was running away from. All the terrible stories he had heard about this building could've never prepared him for this. The horrible warmth, the stench of rotting flesh, and the stickiness of it all engulfed him.
His vision blurred. Bodies of men, women, and children littered in the halls, ripped to shreds, all bearing wings like the angel. What... What the hell? He shook his head violently, closing his eyes. When he opened them, they were gone.No; blood or anything, just a dusty, beaten-down hallway.
Death's shadow grew more prominent as he approached. Enough. This isn’t the time to be going crazy… Leon forced himself to stand up, advancing more profoundly into the building. With locked or blocked doors at every turn, Leon felt hopelessness gnawing its ugly head. Oh, come on, give me a break, damn it! He barely made it to the stairwell as he heard the door behind him slam back into place.
Shivers went up and down his spine as he ran downstairs, the light steadily decreasing. Clutching the wall, Leon felt his way down the stairs. He cringed as the end of the railing touched a new, rough surface. He strained his eyes, looking around. Can’t remember the last time anything scared me…
You are just a coward, Diablos taunted. It matters little how far you run. He will always find us.
A groan escaped his lips. Well, how do you suggest fighting something we can't even touch? We tried that, and you saw how well that turned out… How'd you make me do that anyway?
The question was met with silence.
We share a body. Taking control of you is mere child’s play.
I doubt that. Your control is limited to me being aware of it.
He tore his phone out of his pocket and turned on the flashlight. It was impossible to see ahead, the ground a horrible red mush. Thick fog plagued every step of the way. Any indication of the building he’d entered from seemed to have disappeared. The mush squished under his boots like stepping into dog shit. Fighting Death doesn't sound so bad after stepping into this crap. Eugh… Is this supposed to be the basement? Feels like I stepped into Hell or something. The sounds of bones smacked against the floor, making him drop his phone. "Oh, shit!" he muttered as he blindly groped the floor, trying to find it.
Diablos groaned. Make light of this all you like. It won’t end well.
Bundle of sunshine, aren't you? All sorts of slime and grimy materials slid through Leon’s fingers. This day just keeps getting better and better. Just as his hand grasped his phone, he heard a faint rattle over his shoulder.
The air in the room grew thinner, the ample space shrinking around him. After a deep breath, he turned the light behind him. It hissed and snarled, the sounds like nails on a chalkboard. It sniffed furiously. Leon held his breath. I’m not still dreaming, am I?
No, you are not, Diablos retorted.
The most grotesque creature he had ever seen rose behind him. It was a skeleton of some prehistoric animal rising with mold, decaying skin, and bones looking at him with eerie silence. It reminded him of a giant bird or a dinosaur.
I assume you expect me to fight that too. The insides of its body were fog-like, holding it all together. The monster let out an ear-splitting shriek, causing him to fall back.
Gasping, Leon lost his footing on slime and barreled down a slope. He hadn’t seen the trench beside him, and was falling to no end. He tried sinking his hands into the ground. The mud-like surface merely slipped through his fingers. Almost like some entity was just watching from above and saying, 'Haha, look at this guy. Tryin' to survive. Not on your life, pal.'
He twisted around, leaning into the fall. Can't beat em; join em. Wind whistling in his ears, he dove into the dark abyss. Everything was falling until… SPLASH. He plunged into ice-cold water. Leon rose to the surface as the current carried him. Gasping for air, he flailed his arms about for anything to grab onto. His hand hit a metal object, and he caught it. A ladder? All the way down here? He squinted, trying to see the top. I guess the man upstairs is looking out for me after all. Let’s go.
SPLASH.
A heavy object crashed into the water behind him. He flinched so hard he almost let go. You wouldn't know what that was, would you, Diablos?
I would if you turned around to look at it. Do you have some sort of secret vision in the back of your head? The demon retorted.
Another screech gave him the answer. I don't need to. Leon sped up his pace, climbing for what felt like an eternity. Finally, he detached and kicked the ladder back down when he finally reached the top. It crashed loudly into the waters below. Pausing to admire his handiwork, he thought, Well, that was dramatic. There were no signs of movement below.
Good to know they can’t climb… Whatever they were. How did going into the basement of the art building turn into this? First that sludge filled cave, monsters, a trench into the depths of nowhere, and now… Did the teachers know about this? I feel like I’m losing my mind even trying to comprehend it. Any idea where we are? Leon asked, turning to the walkway.
Not at all. Those creatures are called Stalkers. Slaves Death uses to ensnare his prey. He’s close, Diablos responded.
A gray metal door with a keypad awaited at the end of it. The light above it was the only thing illuminating his surroundings. The stone walls of a cavern grew more visible as he got closer to the end of the railing. Just what is Death? And for that matter, what are you? You said you were a demon, and something about sleeping for centuries? How is that possible?
Leon’s shadow turned, looking at him. Crimson pupils where his eyes were supposed to be stared back at him. This isn't the time to go into detail. Even in my sleep, I know this body is not my own. There are things about us even I do not hold the answers to. Death is the harbinger of this world. He wishes to destroy this world and recreate it as he sees fit. Killing me and the others are the keys to succeeding, Diablos said.
The other? If he’s after you, why did he call me by name? Leon crossed his arms, leaning against the railing behind him. A wave of heat came from him, just like the anger he felt at seeing Death from before. These emotions I’m feeling… they’re coming from you?
I don’t know what Death wants with you or why. We won’t learn anything just standing around.
Leon knew he was avoiding the question but silently agreed. Just as he neared the door, he sighed. Am I hallucinating, or is there no doorknob to this thing? Before his fingertips even so much as tapped the keypad, it slid open. A chill ran down his spine; stepping inside.
What else could possibly go wrong today? he thought.
A huge alignment of giant computers surrounded him, bright colors glowing from the panels. Also connected to them were tall capsules filled with bodies, horribly disfigured and deteriorating. His stomach churned, his eyes shifting left and right with each tube he passed. I think I’m going to be sick. Is this supposed to be some sort of twisted lab? Why is it underneath the school?
Finally, at the end of the rows was a larger capsule in the center. The silence in the room rang in his ears as Leon looked at the name on the tube. It was his own. Without raising his eyes, he knew he wasn't alone. "Just what is this supposed to be? Huh?"
When he turned, a cold and rough hand snatched at his neck. Death raised him against the tube, the icy grasp closing tighter each moment. He pinned Leon against the tube, forcing him to look into the darkness of his hood. He attempted to pull himself out of the man's grasp. His arms flailed helplessly at nothing. It's like trying to punch through smoke. "Who... are you?" Leon choked as his grip tightened.
The temperature in his body dropped rapidly as the entity continued his hold. With a flick of the head, the hood dropped, revealing his long dark curls and pale skin, and Leon's eyes widened. It was Iris. No… this can’t be real!
Pulling him closer, Death replied, "You already know who I am."
“Is that really you, Iris?” he croaked, his eyes watering. “Why are you doing this?”
CRASH.
An eruption of rubble crashed down in the back of the lab. Death glanced over her shoulder and smirked.
"Leon! Get away from him!" a voice cried, and he recognized it. The angel's voice, her white wings barely visible behind Death's menacing gaze.
“She was the first... while Cynthia was the second.”
“What is that supposed to-?” Thinking was impossible as Leon’s eyes began to roll back.
" It appears we've been interrupted. Take a nap. I'll deal with you shortly.” Before Leon could even croak another word, a painful crack sounded in his neck as everything went black…