Chapter 9: Chapter 2: Broken soul

The air was thick with the stench of violence as the two police officers surveyed the gruesome scene before them. Blood pooled on the floor, mingling with the remnants of shattered lives scattered throughout the dimly lit room.

“Man, these kids really went over, didn’t they?” Police Officer 1 remarked, his voice a mix of disbelief and disgust.

“Forget about that. Look at this place; it’s all filled with blood and dead bodies. What could have done this?” Police Officer 2 replied, his eyes scanning the carnage for any clues.

“It’s probably gang wars again,” Officer 1 speculated, crossing his arms.

“Mmm, quite the assumption, sir,” Officer 2 said, raising an eyebrow.

“If I had to guess, it’s probably the Blood War Gang,” Officer 1 continued, his tone growing more certain.

“Dammit, those scumbags! What the hell could they want in this small town?” Officer 2’s irritation was palpable.

Suddenly, a voice interrupted their conversation. “Excuse me, Officers.”

Both officers turned to see a mysterious man clad in a pristine white suit, his demeanor calm amidst the chaos.

“What the? Who’s Mr. Fancy Suit?” Officer 1 scoffed.

“My apologies for the inconvenience, gentlemen. I’m somewhat of a private investigator,” the man replied smoothly.

“You gotta be kidding me. Go play dress-up somewhere else,” Officer 1 shot back, unimpressed.

“I see you don’t believe in my truth,” the investigator said, his gaze unwavering.

“Like hell I don’t!” Officer 1 retorted, crossing the line from skepticism to outright hostility.

“Hell, you say? Quite the interesting joke,” the mysterious man replied, a slight smirk forming.

“What did you say!” Officer 1 barked, stepping forward.

“Whoa, sir, relax. Let’s handle this calmly,” Officer 2 interjected, trying to defuse the tension.

“Good to see there’s a sensible mind in the perimeter. Would it help for proper documentation?” the investigator suggested, his tone almost mocking.

“Huh, yeah, that would really help,” Officer 2 admitted, glancing at his partner.

“Very well, here’s my ID,” the man said, producing a card with a flourish.

“Whoa, it’s legit, sir,” Officer 2 exclaimed, his eyes wide as he studied the badge.

“What?!” Officer 1 exclaimed, incredulous.

“Yeah, it says he is a private investigator and he’s got police clearance from the court,” Officer 2 explained.

“Really now? Then what type of INVESTIGATOR WEARS A WHITE SUIT TO A BLOODY CRIME SCENE?!” Officer 1 demanded.

“Sometimes professionalism gets the job done, wouldn’t you agree?” the investigator replied, his tone smooth and confident.

“Huh, fine, whatever. Let’s go, rookie, and leave it to Mr. White Suit over here,” Officer 1 grumbled.

“Yes, sir. Good luck with the crime scene,” Officer 2 said, eyeing the investigator with curiosity.

“Why, what a splendid young man. With that attitude, he’s going places,” the investigator mused, watching as the officers walked away.

As the investigator stood amidst the bloodshed, a figure emerged from the shadows—a girl with striking blue eyes and short black hair, dressed in a white coat adorned with a Christian cross necklace.

“Huhhh, those guys gone yet?” she asked, glancing around.

“Oh, Candra, there you are. Still beautiful as ever,” the investigator, Mark, said with a hint of admiration.

“Thanks, Mark. I guess,” she replied, rolling her eyes. “You creep.”

“Wow, these demons really destroyed this place. I can only imagine all the deaths,” Mark said, his tone shifting to one of seriousness.

“Forget about them. If demons were here and caused this much havoc, sinners must have summoned them,” Candra replied, her voice cold.

“Wow, how cold of you, Candra,” Mark said, shaking his head.

“You remember the saying, right?” she asked, her gaze piercing.

“Yes, Life of a priest,” Mark replied, a hint of reluctance in his voice.

“Life of a priest,” she echoed, her expression serious.

“Okay, let’s see what happened here. My suit is starting to look bad around the bloody mess,” Mark said, glancing down at the stains.

“Whatever, creep. Don’t you think we should have asked those cops questions before they left?” Candra suggested.

“Don’t worry, I got a file on it. They think it was because of gang wars,” Mark assured her.

“That’s a good cover-up story. The last thing we need is people finding out about the existence of demons,” Candra replied, her voice laced with concern.

Both Mark and Candra began to survey the club, searching for any clues that might aid their investigation.

“It’s really weird, you know,” Candra said, her brow furrowed.

“Care to explain?” Mark asked, intrigued.

“Demons don’t typically hang around small towns. They always tend to be in cities since that’s where sinners mainly stay,” she explained.

“A good point. In my file, it states the authorities found an injured boy covered in ashes,” Mark added.

“Wait, someone actually survived this hellhole?” Candra asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

“By the grace of God, he did,” Mark replied solemnly.

“Well, what’s this kid’s name? Is he a demon or like us?” Candra pressed.

“This kid’s no demon, no doubt,” Mark insisted.

“How on earth can you even tell?” Candra questioned skeptically.

“His father is…” Mark began, a look of disbelief crossing his face.

“Whose his father?” Candra asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Of all people, I can’t believe it,” Mark replied, his voice trailing off.

“Just give me that file. I’ll read it myself,” she demanded.

“Wait! His father is…” Mark finally revealed.

“Yes, his father is Jacobs Dimitte… The Jacobs Dimitte,” he finished, his voice heavy with the weight of the revelation.

“Oh, Jacobs Dimitte, The Holy Fire of Trinity,” Candra breathed, her expression shifting to one of urgency.

As Mark and Candra delved deeper into the chaos, a different struggle unfolded—one that pitted faith against despair. Sister Lily, once a beacon of hope, now sat lost in her sorrow, mourning the loss of her beloved orphans.

“Oh Luke, you have arrived, I see,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper as her old friend settled beside her.

“Lilith, how are you doing?” Luke asked gently.

“Oh, don’t mind me. I’m just here,” she replied, her gaze distant.

“Lilith, it’s perfectly fine for you to cry. There’s nothing wrong with that,” Luke assured her.

Sister Lily began to shed silent tears but still held her head high. “No, no, no, forget about that. Did you call for reinforcements?”

“I did. The organization has been investigating the area,” Luke said, his expression serious.

“What of Jacobs? Did he save Isaac and his friends?” Lily pressed, her voice tinged with desperation.

“Jacobs… didn’t survive, but Isaac is alive. His friends, unfortunately, didn’t make it,” Luke revealed, his voice heavy with sorrow.

“I see. Jacobs didn’t survive… I’ll soon be joining him in paradise,” Sister Lily said, her tone resigned.

“Ahhh, Lilith, I understand your pain. Losing your life willingly is not the way to go,” Luke urged.

“There’s no point in living anymore,” she replied, her voice a mere whisper.

“Okay, Lilith, listen. Demons might know about this orphanage, and Jacobs killed a devil. That might attract more here,” Luke warned.

“Mmm, Jacobs killed a devil? He still retained his skills,” she mused, her brow furrowing in thought.

“That’s not the point. Now that a high-ranking demon is dead, it will alert other demons. The organization is already occupied with cities to care about small towns. Think about your life here,” Luke urged.

“Think about my life? My life died with all those 29 orphans. I failed them. Plain and simple,” Sister Lily replied, her voice cracking.

“At least one survived,” Luke countered.

“Yes, and I pray to God that they’ll live a fruitful life,” she replied, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“What about Isaac then? The poor boy just lost his father and his friends. Are you going to leave him alone, too?” Luke pressed.

“Does it matter? Look at me, Luke. I’m an old woman. I’m too weak. My divine dominion has greatly decreased. It’s better if I go now so that Isaac doesn’t see me die at sight. He probably saw his father die, didn’t he?” Sister Lily said, her voice filled with resignation.

“We are checking on him, and he’s in a state of shock, refuses to eat, sleep, or do anything,” Luke explained, concern etched on his face.

“It’s for the best if he thinks I’ve died with the orphans,” Sister Lily said, her voice steady.

“Huh, I understand. If that’s your wish, it’s okay,” Luke acquiesced.

“Sister Lily, please promise me something,” she said, her voice breaking.

“What is it, Lilith?” Luke asked, leaning closer.

“Please promise me that orphan… that little girl gets a loving, safe family,” she implored.

“After what she must have seen, I’ll do everything in my power,” Luke promised.

“Oh, and Isaac, do not help him at all,” Sister Lily added suddenly.

“Why not? He needs all the help he can get after what he’s been through,” Luke replied, confusion evident in his voice.

“I’m guessing his powers awakened when he was in contact with demons. You know what that means, right?” Sister Lily said, her expression serious.

“Yes, I do. He’s going to go through training to be a priest,” Luke acknowledged.

“Exactly. Helping him will make him soft, weak, over-reliant on others. If he’s to survive, he needs to face the harsh realities of this world, or he’ll…” Sister Lily’s voice trailed off.

“…or he’ll die,” Luke finished, the weight of her words sinking in.

“More suffering is to come on Isaac’s path to God. That’s how it is for us—the life of a priest,” Sister Lily said, her tone somber.

“Yes… the life of a priest. I understand, Lilith. Is there anything you want to confess?” Luke asked gently.

“No, I’ve nothing to confess. I lived my life the best I could in my circumstances. My only regret was those children,” Sister Lily replied, her voice heavy with sorrow.

“Very well, then. Goodbye, Lilith. I’ll see you in paradise, if that’s your path,” Luke said, rising to leave.

Days passed, and Sister Lily remained seated in her chair, waiting. One fateful night, a dark entity paid her a visit. It was finally her time.

“To whom do I speak that decides to salt the house of the Lord?” she asked defiantly.

“Why, just a humble visitor in search of knowledge… your knowledge,” the dark entity replied, a sinister laugh escaping its lips.

“Why do you hide in darkness? Are you afraid?” Sister Lily challenged.

“Am I afraid? ARE YOU....not afraid, priest?” the entity taunted.

“I am no longer a priest, just a torn soul wandering aimlessly,” she replied, her voice steady.

“Ah yes, it seems your faith has greatly diminished. Such is the truth of life, is it not?” the entity mused.

“Who are you, dark one?” Sister Lily inquired, her resolve unyielding.

“Most know me as the end, but you, dear lady, may call me Zion,” it said, revealing its name with an air of arrogance.

“What do you want, Zion? You look to devour my soul?” Sister Lily pressed, her heart racing.

“Well, not yet. I just need answers. Something very interesting has occurred here, priest,” Zion declared.

“To what do you wish to know?” Sister Lily asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Oh my! Very compliant. I like that,” Zion said, an unsettling grin spreading across its face.

“Only if my patience isn’t tested,” Sister Lily warned.

“Fine, fine, fine… A high-ranking demon seems to have been greatly injured. Now, demons die all the time, but when one that has the rank of devil dies, it deserves attention, wouldn’t you agree?” Zion inquired.

“What? You believe I killed that demon?” Sister Lily asked, incredulous.

“No, no, no. You’re clearly too weak, but I feel as if you know who did. So then, priest, who is it?” Zion demanded.

“I’m afraid I don’t know,” Sister Lily replied, her voice unwavering.

“LIES!! You can’t lie to me, woman!!” Zion roared, its anger palpable.

“I’m just a retired priest. There’s nothing for me to hide,” Sister Lily insisted, standing her ground.

Zion, the demon hiding in darkness, grew in size, enveloping the room in shadows and fixing its gaze on Sister Lily. She remained motionless, her faith shielding her from fear.

“There’s no life in your eyes. Mmm, okay, I believe you,” Zion said, its voice dripping with disdain.

“Anything else, demon?” Sister Lily asked, her voice steady.

“Yes, you remember when I said I won’t eat you unless you give me information… well, you have no information. It’s time TO EAT!!” Zion proclaimed, its laughter echoing ominously.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Sister Lily warned, her resolve unyielding.

“HAHAHAHAHA! WHAT WILL YOU, AN OLD WOMAN, DO? YOU’RE WEAK!! I SENSE YOUR DIVINITY; IT’S INCREDIBLY WEAK, HAHAHAHA!!” Zion taunted, its laughter reverberating through the darkness.

“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch,” Sister Lily replied, her voice unwavering.

“False confidence, I LOVE IT!” Zion cackled.

“Divine Dominion—Holy water,” Sister Lily declared, her voice rising with conviction.

“Holy water? Here I thought you were weak, but you had this. Are you sure you didn’t kill that devil?” Zion questioned, momentarily taken aback.

“No, like you said, I’m too weak, but I’ll leave an impact on you,” Sister Lily replied, her eyes narrowing.

“Are you overloading your body for one attack? Yes, that’s good. GIVE ME A GOOD FIGHT!!!” Zion roared, its excitement palpable.

“Holy water—fallen tears!” Sister Lily cried out, channeling her remaining strength.

With that, she unleashed a powerful wave of holy water, a desperate attack fueled by her life force. In that moment, she sacrificed herself, knowing there would be no regrets. The attack struck Zion directly, leaving a fatal blow to its chest.

Zion, now weary, looked down at the wound. “Wow, that old woman wasn’t so bad. She left me with quite the scar; don’t even know if it will heal. Well, I failed my mission. The other demons will probably not like this. What was that old woman’s name again? It’s so shitty… oh yeah, it was Lilith. Yup, it is a shitty name.”

And so the shadows deepened, as the lives of the living intertwined with the sinister forces that threatened to engulf them all. In a world where demons lurked and faith faltered, the struggle for redemption continued, each soul fighting against the darkness that sought to consume them.