Outskirts of Pentagram City.
The screams. Oh god, the screams. They rang out like a warped bell ringing away in a rundown churchyard.
In the middle of the massacre around him. Sat a being with pure black wings. He is seen wiping down his sword with a cloth he had within his suit jacket. The demons around him? They were his latest victims. He knew why he was here. He had been commissioned by God to do a little hunting in Hell for one person. And, one person only.
The gutted remains of the innocent family of headless demons? The heads of those victims were now hanging from the archangel's belt. Once the archangel stands from his seat in the middle of what was once the residents' lounge area. He walks over to the hole where the door once stood.
Standing in said hole. He turns to face you, the viewers with a dangerous glint on his smirk shows before turning back around and walking through the hole at the entranceway. What he doesn't notice is when a piece of paper flies from his back pocket. On the poster. Is the image of one very important person in the archangel's assassination mission for God. Said image depicted on the sheet was of one Lazarus Snow. The newly resurfaced Genesis.
And Balthazar, was here to kill him.
Later That Night At Snow's Apartment
After the trip to Beef Boys with I.M.P. and Loona. The four were dropped off at the apartment by Blitzo. So, after receiving a kiss goodbye from Loona. Eric brought his adopted kid's belongings into the second-floor apartment. Getting Eliza to open the front door for him. Eric walks in front of the three kids before speaking up.
"Welcome to your new home, Austin, Winter."
Upon his entrance into the apartment. Austin was impressed by what he saw. Winter, however, was excitable. Not even Eliza could keep up with her little sister practically bouncing off of the walls at the sight of her brand-new home. She only stopped when Snow put a gentle hand on her shoulder to calm her down. This was Eliza's cue to speak up.
"Dad's managed to get you both some sleeping arrangements. Make yourselves comfortable. And, enjoy your new life as a member of the Snow family."
Austin nods. Shouldering his bag so it didn't slip off of his arm. He allowed Eliza to show him to his room. While Snow showed Winter where she would be staying now she had a home. It allowed the two to get to know their new family members better.
With Eliza and Austin
Opening up the door before them. Eliza swings the door open to allow Austin entry into his new room. Once the two were fully inside, Eliza speaks up from beside the giant teen beside her.
"This is your room. Dad had help from Uncle Moxxie to make sure everything was to your liking for your arrival."
Austin was impressed. Since his new dad didn't have a clue if he was only adopting one, or in the current situation, two hellhounds. He kept the room gender-neutral for his adopted kid, or kids to do with what they wanted. So, when Austin saw the room was bare, he immediately set to work making the room his. He started by grabbing a box he had brought with him. Inside said container, where all of his posters and other memorabilia he had managed to salvage from the home he and his sister were in.
"Wanna help me get set up?"
This question caught Eliza off guard. But, she was more than happy to help her new big brother. Grabbing what she could to help. The siblings began placing Austin's things in places he specified to his sister for them to go. Starting with his massive fifty by fifty foot signed poster of Verosika Mayday to go on the wall behind his bed's headboard. More of Austin's stuff followed from the duffel bag he had with him. The only items he had to go in his new room were a small picture of himself and Winter for the top of the drawers next to his bed. The rest was the only other change of clothes he had with him. A ratty wife-beater that should've been white. And a pair of gym shorts. Even Eliza noticed the jeans and t-shirt Austin was wearing were beaten up and worn down from constant use without a wash.
Once the items were put away. The two siblings hear Snow call out from where he was with Winter in Eliza's room.
"Austin, Winter's getting in the shower. Do you want in next?"
"Yeah, pops. I'll get in after Winter."
Sighing in relief at knowing he was finally going to get a warm shower after so long. He turns to Eliza sitting on his bed with a smirk before speaking.
"I take it that, pops likes to make sure we're comfortable?"
Eliza nods in confirmation before replying.
"He's been doing that since I was an only child, Austin. He likes to make sure we're okay before he does his thing in the living room."
"His… thing?"
"He watches some stuff on the TV until about three in the morning. He doesn't come to bed unless I remind him he needs his sleep. Otherwise, he would be up all night."
Austin nods with an 'O' face in the realisation of his sister's answer to his question. Noting she had said all she needed to say to her brother. A quiet knock on Austin's door was heard by the two of them. It was Winter.
"Austin. The shower's free now."
"I'm on my way now, sis. Go get yourself ready for bed. Goodnight sis."
"Goodnight Oz."
That was one little sister he had bade goodnight to. Now, he just had one more to get out of his room now. Knowing she needed to leave without Austin having to say a word. She says with a happy smile.
"Welcome to the family, Austin. You'll find that living with us is different than the prison you two left."
The tall hellhound nods. Once Eliza leaves the room. He is left to his thoughts before deciding on just going to the bathroom to shower. He would try and make the best of his new situation. Even if it was going to take some adjusting for himself and his biological sister whom he was adopted as a package deal.
Later. Eliza and Winter's Room
Eliza was in for a shock when she saw Winter sitting happily in a pair of Eliza's old night clothes. With her legs swinging happily off the edge of the bed to the side of Snow's birth daughter. She happily greets Eliza with a warm smile.
"Hi, big sis!"
This still took some getting used to for Eliza. She'd been twelve years without a sibling. Now that she had two of them. It was an alien feeling to get used to. So, deciding not to be rude. She answered.
"Hey, Winter. How're you finding your new home?"
Winter thinks about the question before answering Eliza.
"It's wonderful, Eliza. Your dad is amazing. I'm somewhere I feel loved! And, I don't need to feel self-conscious about myself ever again."
Eliza chuckles in response. She was happy Winter was taking to her new home like a fish to water. Stripping down to just her underwear. She climbs into her bed before continuing to speak to Winter.
"Well. You have seen nothing yet, sis. Just wait for another five seconds. Then, you'll see how caring my… sorry, force of habit. I meant how caring OUR dad is."
The sudden giddy feeling Winter felt at that moment made Eliza chuckle. How was someone this excitable never shown love and affection before? But, true to her word. And, right on cue, Snow entered the room with a big, wrapped-up box. Placing it by the foot of Winter's bed without her notice. He notices his two daughter's eyes were on him. Noticed his youngest daughter was vibrating in giddy anticipation whilst Eliza just smiled with love and warmth towards him. Eric walks between the two beds before getting down on one knee to speak to Eliza first.
"Enjoying your first night being a sister, Liz?"
Eliza nods happily before answering.
"Yes, dad. This is the best late Christmas present I've ever received."
Eric chuckles warmly. Whilst stroking his birth daughter's hair gently. He whispers in her ear.
"Don't tell your sister. But, I got her a late Christmas present too. I've placed it at the foot of her bed so she can open it in the morning. Austin has one too. But, when I put it in his room. He was already fast asleep."
Eliza chuckles and nods in response. She wanted to see Winter's face when she opened the present their dad had gotten her. But, Eliza had a hunch about what her little sister's present was. So, deciding to wait till morning to see if her hunch was correct. She gets comfortable under her bedsheets before Snow kissed her forehead and said.
"Goodnight princess."
"Goodnight daddy."
Making sure Eliza had nodded off. He turned around on a bent knee to look at the girl lying in her brand-new bed. Doing exactly what he did with Eliza. He stroked the top of Winter's head with a gentle hand. At first, Winter flinched before realising she wasn't back at the orphanage anymore. So, with that realisation, she leans into her new dad's touch before he spoke.
"How're you finding your new home, Wyn? Everything to your liking so far sweetie?"
Winter nods happily in response before replying with her words.
"Yes dad… but, it's also weird."
"How so, Winter?"
Taking a shaky breath whilst shedding a stray tear from her eye. She says shakily.
"Since I only knew that orphanage from my eleven years of existence. I've had to deal with being called a fat freak, retard. And, the worst of it… I was…"
Even Eliza turned around to listen in on the conversation. But, she wouldn't get any more out of Winter. Because that was Snow's cue to pull Winter in close to his chest. Causing her tearful eyes to widen in surprise when he gently shushed her to calm her down before speaking.
"You're safe now. No harm will come to you while you live under this roof with Eliza and me. There are no bad hellhounds in this place to hurt you anymore. Just try to slowly phase it out of your mind in your own time, sweetie."
Now, Winter was burying her head into Snow's chest. Crying her tears into her new dad's chest. Eric allowed her to get it out of her system before asking once he felt she had calmed down enough.
"Feeling better?"
Winter nods. Allowing a yawn to escape her, and for her dad to tuck her back in. Eric kisses Winter on top of her head too before stroking her snow-white hair and saying.
"Goodnight Princess."
Winter smiles sleepily. Only replying once she was entering dreamland.
"Good… night... dad."
Kitchen
Making sure his two little girls were fast asleep. And, making sure Winter wasn't crying anymore after pouring her heart out to Snow and, inadvertently, pouring her heart out to Eliza. The, now, dad of three kids grabbed the jar of coffee from the kitchen counter before setting to work on making his coffee. He was, however, unaware of the hulking teen standing by the kitchen counter when he spoke up.
"Thought Eliza said you needed to be in bed, pops."
Eric jumped half a mile at the sight of his oldest son standing by the counter with his arms crossed. Answering with a hushed tone whilst holding a hand over his heart.
"Christ on a stick, Oz. You scared the shit outta me!"
Austin merely nods. Seeing his son wasn't going to continue. Eric asks.
"Can't sleep?"
The tall teen hound nods. Grabbing a milkshake from the fridge. He pops open the pull ring of the can before responding.
"Too many sleepless nights comforting my baby sister pops. Hearing her cry like that from my room across from me. I'd forgotten I wasn't in that shithole anymore. So, seeing you comforting her. It made a nice change."
"Well, what kind of dad would I be if didn't comfort my crying daughter, Oz?"
"A shit one."
Eric nods with a smile. Taking a breath. He says something he needed to get off his chest.
"Dad. Did Winter specify to you why she was crying?"
The male by the coffee machine nods. Once the cup was full and, once he added the necessary stuff like milk and one sugar, he replied to Austin after taking a sip of his mug of coffee.
"She mentioned what the other hounds called her. But, she stopped when she was going to mention what happened to her physically."
Austin's eyes widened in horror. She almost mentioned what five of the hounds did to her?! Deciding it was too early in the morning to go into detail. The tall teen bade his dad goodnight before heading back to his room. Leaving Snow to his thoughts and the coffee that he held in his hand.
'I've shown the kids I can be trusted. And, Eliza warmed up to her new siblings quickly. I need to keep an eye on Winter. Something is wrong for her to be crying like she was.'
With this thought track burnt into his brain. The father of three took a sip of his coffee before looking at his phone. On the lock screen, after swiping up for it to light up in his hands, he saw the sight that made him chuckle.
On the front screen was the picture Blitzo took for him. Said picture was of a smiling Eliza standing between a widely grinning Winter, and a smirking Austin, holding up their adoption certificates. He couldn't see anything going wrong for his small family shortly.
If only he could predict the future.
The Next Morning
Song Playing On The Radio In The Kitchen: Kingston Town by UB40
The sounds of the radio coming from the kitchen were what greeted Eliza's ears the moment she awoke from her slumber. Sitting up in bed. We see her yawning, stretching and smacking her lips with a half-lidded and tired gaze before focusing on the digital alarm clock on the chest of drawers beside her bed.
'He's seriously playing the radio at this time? It's eight in the freaking morning!'
But, that was when Eliza remembered who she was talking about. Her dad was an early bird. So, more than likely, he had been up since stupid o'clock in the morning. Or, as Eliza would soon find out when she got out of bed to head to the kitchen. He'd been up all night with six empty cups of coffee in the kitchen sink.
"Morning, Liz."
Eliza acknowledges her dad with a tired grunt. Opening the kitchen cabinet to grab the box of frosted mace flakes she wanted. She turns back to face her dad when he asks.
"How'd you and Winter sleep last night?"
"Sleep? She's still out cold. When I passed Austin's room, he wasn't there."
Eric's right eyebrow rose at Eliza's reply. Austin wasn't in his room? That was surprising to him considering the two spoke to each other earlier this morning. But, his wonder was answered the moment he heard the front door to the apartment open. Revealing the tall fourteen-year-old with a plastic carrier bag in his right hand. Eric was about to ask where he'd been until he saw Loona walk in behind him. Causing Eliza to say before her dad could speak.
"Miss Loona!"
"Hey, kiddo."
Loona responds with a hug for her boyfriend's, now, the middle daughter. Spotting Snow lent against the kitchen counter. She acknowledges him by asking.
"Spotted Austin outside the grocery store at seven-thirty this morning. Did you know he'd been to the store?"
Shaking his head in response. Loona nods at Snow's answer before continuing.
"Well. Since you put me down as Austin and Winter's adoptive mother. At some point, Blitz wants to spend the day with his grandkids. I tried telling him that you haven't spent a full day with them. But, you know what that idiot is like when he wants something?"
Eric chuckles in response. He knew his boss well enough now to know that he wouldn't take no for an answer. Handing Loona a mug of hot coffee, he speaks.
"Well, it looks like it will only be Austin joining you and Blitz today, babe. Winter's still fast asleep in her new bed."
That surprised Loona. But, at the same time, Austin spoke up.
"Compared to the rat piss-soaked, flea-ridden, lumpy piece of shit we slept on at the orphanage. My baby sister must be on cloud nine being in a bed that's freshly made."
Eric nods in response. Whilst Loona took a seat at the coffee table with Snow and Eliza, who was seen eating her cereal, Austin continued.
"Also, pops. I thought adopted hounds couldn't adopt. How did you manage to put mom's name on the adoption certificates without that stuffy old bastard seeing?"
That was where Snow tapped the side of his nose in response before answering.
"I have my ways, Oz. Plus, I thought it'd be a nice surprise for Loona."
"It was! I just wish you would've consulted me first before you put my name down."
"Loona. I love you. And, I thought that, by adopting the two hounds that live with me. I wanted it to be a pleasant surprise for you and my boss when you discovered your name was on Austin and Winter's adoption certificates."
Loona couldn't help her smile towards the male across from her that was holding her hand. So, he had thought about Loona's feelings on the matter when it came to light. She chuckled when Eliza made a gagging noise before handing Austin her cereal, saying in mock disgust.
"Here Austin. Eat this before I bring it back up."
Austin merely shrugged whilst the two adults laughed. Taking the bowl from his second little sister. He ate the contents in the bowl when Loona spoke.
"Eliza's disgust aside, Snow. What did you plan on doing today with the girls?"
Eric merely shrugged. He honestly didn't have a clue what to do with Winter and Eliza today. Luckily, Eliza made his decision easier.
"Well, I want to spend the day with my big brother and Miss Loona. If that's okay with you dad?"
That surprised Snow. Eliza normally wanted to spend time with him. But, considering who she wanted to go with today. He replies happily.
"Of course, you can, Liz. You're nearly at that age where you can make your own decisions. So, don't let me stop you."
Eliza also mentions another thing.
"Also, it lets you spend some time with Winter."
Eric and Loona never thought of it like that. If Snow wanted to deepen the trust between the two. Today was as good as any to do so. Almost as if on cue. A tiny, tired voice spoke up as she walked into the kitchen.
"Morning everyone."
"Morning sis."
"Morning sweetie. Are you hungry?"
A slow nod is Snow's only answer to his question. Letting go of Loona's left hand. He gets up and heads over to the stove to begin making something warm for the sleepy pre-teen sitting next to Eliza. Making sure he had everything. He didn't see Loona standing beside the fridge until he stood back up and saw her with a can of cola in her hand. Acknowledging her, he asks.
"Yes, Loona?"
"Snow. We need to talk at some point. About… you know… us."
This made the male gulp audibly. Hiding his discomfort about it being something bad his girlfriend was going to mention. He allows her to continue.
"Can we do this privately? I don't want the kids getting the wrong idea."
Sighing and, looking towards the three kids looking back at them with raised eyebrows. He pulls out his wallet and, calls over to Austin.
"Oz. Can you take your sisters to the arcades? Your mother and I need to talk about something private for a moment. And, we don't want to upset Winter."
Austin nods. Though, deep down, he was beginning to feel resentment for Snow grow. If it was what he thought was going to happen. Then, he would never speak to his adopted dad again. Handing Austin three hundred dollars. The tall hellhound says to his sisters.
"Come on you two. We're going out for a while."
"Where are we going, big brother?"
"Just to the local arcade, Wyn."
"But…"
Austin just sighs tiredly towards Winter's constant questions. So, speaking gently to her, he says.
"Look, sis. We're going out for a bit with Eliza to the arcades while mom and dad talk."
"Okay."
Even Eliza could tell Winter wasn't convinced by Austin's reply to her. Luckily, Austin didn't look Eliza's way when he replied to their little sister.
Once the three were dressed in their attire for the day. They set out. Leaving the two adults at the coffee table in the kitchen. Now, Loona could get what she wanted to say off her chest. Starting with Snow asking.
"Now we're alone, babe. What's going on?"
This is where Loona had to take a breath before answering.
"I wanted to talk… mainly, about us. And, what the future holds for us both."
Eric began to steel himself for the worst-case scenario. That scenario, you may ask? Loona was going to break up with him. And, she was going to take Austin and Winter with her. That was the thought he was thinking.
"I want to… move in with you and the kids."
Eric froze solid in his seat. His brain had malfunctioned. And, his jaw was open in shock. Had he just heard the hound correctly? Needing confirmation, he asks.
"You serious?"
Upon Loona's nod. He allows her to continue.
"I've been thinking about it since we first got together after we survived Azrael outside the burning bull. And, I've been thinking about it since you put my name down as Austin and Winter's mom. Also, I've talked with Blitz. And, despite his objections to the idea. He realised that, if I wanted to be closer to the kids I'm the adoptive mother to, I need to move in with my boyfriend, which is you, so I could help you with our kids."
Eric nods. His thoughts had taken a complete one-eighty compared to earlier. Something Loona caught onto when she saw Snow sigh in relief. making her ask.
"What? Did you think I was going to talk to you about something else?"
This led to Snow nodding before Loona continued.
"What could I possibly have wanted to talk about that could cause you to… oh."
The penny had dropped for the hound at what her boyfriend thought was going on. Causing her to smile and say warmly.
"Don't be stupid, Snow. Why would I break up with someone who makes me feel special? Plus, last time I checked. Didn't Eliza say she'd never forgive you if we split up?"
Eric nods with laughter escaping him. He remembered the moment clearly in his mind. It was the day before the Fiji job. And, Eliza had chewed him out about if he ever hurt 'Miss Loona'. Causing him to smile and reassure his daughter that, breaking up with Loona had never crossed his mind. With that worrying thought clear from his mind now. He soon found himself with a hellhound now sitting with her legs around his waist. And, looking down at the male with love in her eyes. She says softly.
"Since the kids are out for a while. Why don't you show me to the room I'll be sleeping in from now on?"
He didn't need to be told twice. Picking up Loona with surprising strength, making her laugh and hold onto Snow. The two walked into the bedroom whilst kissing wildly. With the slam of the door by Snow's trainer covered right foot. The two were going to be 'busy' for a little while.
Arcade
Shooting down the sixth alien that popped up on the arcade cabinet. Austin had the light gun held like he was attempting to kill someone for real. Eliza, however, was seen in the penny machine part of the arcade. With a tub of pennies in her left hand. She slotted them into the slots with a speed that no one could match. All the while Winter watched in amazement at how fast her big sister was moving to put the pennies into the machine.
The tiny hound had wanted a squidgy toy demon that was just smaller than her hand. But, she had found she was too small to reach the machine. So, she had asked Eliza, who had won on the machine behind her, to win her the prize she wanted. Wanting to show Winter she was going to be a good big sister, she obliged.
Now, she was two tubs of pennies deep. And, the toy Winter wanted, was about six metres away from dropping down the shoot into the tray where the pennies would land. She would win Winter this squidgy, one way, or another. Austin, after beating the score on the machine he was on, came over to see what his two sisters were doing by the penny arcade. Noticing Eliza concentrating whilst Winter was holding her breath. He chuckles to himself at the two being loveable dorks. Leaning with his back against the machine, he says whilst smirking.
"Are ya winning Liz?"
Eliza flips off the tall hound whilst maintaining complete focus on her task. Causing him to chuckle at how serious his little sister was. That was until Winter filled him in on what Eliza was doing.
"Eliza's trying to win me something in the machine. I couldn't reach so, I asked her to help me."
Austin nods. Though he was the oldest one out of himself and his biological and adopted sisters. He had noticed a maturity about his middle, youngest sister that made her act like she was his older sister. He merely deduced that Snow had raised her correctly to the point that Eliza had their dad's sense of responsibility. If someone needed something, no matter how stupid, small or insignificant. They would attempt to complete their task, no questions asked.
"If you want to help. Grab a penny tub and start putting pennies in this machine, Oz."
Austin chuckles. With a mock salute and a smirk, he did as Eliza said. Taking the right slot whilst Eliza stuck to the left penny slot. The two began to double down their efforts to get Winter her prize. The complete and utter focus was on the two adopted sibling's faces now. Meaning, no one was going to break their concentration. Not even Winter who, noting she needed to go to the little girl's room, let Eliza know.
"Liz, I need to go the bathroom."
That was the only thing that broke Eliza's concentration. Turning to ask Austin, she indicates for him to take over.
"I'm gonna escort our sister to the little girl's room, Oz. Can you take over for me?"
"On it, Liz. Get her there quickly."
With a quick pass over. Austin now had the reigns while Eliza escorted Winter to the bathroom. Leaving the tall hound by himself with the machine. If only he'd realised he'd made a big mistake letting his two little sisters go by themselves to the bathroom. Mainly, due to the demon-disguised angel lurking around the corner. They hadn't followed Eliza and Winter. They were focused on the bigger threat in the fourteen-year-old standing at the machine. So, making his move, he made sure Eliza and Winter had entered the bathroom before walking over with a purpose towards Austin.
If Austin paid attention to his surroundings. He'd notice everyone was frozen in place. Not a single damned soul was moving about the entertainment centre. Almost as if the demon-disguised angel had stopped time for the arcade's patrons. When he did notice. It was already too late.
"Nighty-night child."
Those were the last words Austin heard before he had his head smashed into the glass on the machine. Knocking him out cold and, causing him to collapse onto Balthazar's left shoulder. With blood dripping from his face whilst he was laid out. Balthazar thought he had a clean exit awaiting him. If only he knew about the two girls who had returned at that moment.
Seeing the angel with the black wings had their brother captured. Eliza says quietly to Winter after handing her phone to her little sister.
"I need you to stay hidden and call for help, Wyn."
"What are you planning on doing, Liz?!"
Eliza smirked. Placing her hand on top of Winter's head, she replies with that damned trademark Snow family smirk on her face.
"Don't worry about me, sis. I'm going to try and save our brother."
Winter could only shake in fear. Hiding behind the trash can. Eliza made sure Winter was out of sight before confronting the demon-disguised angel that had their brother.
"HEY, ASSHOLE!"
Whilst Balthazar was distracted by Eliza's act of defiance. Winter used her sister's phone to call their dad for help.
Apartment
Eliza's Ringtone Playing
Shifting further to his bedside cabinet after the lovemaking he'd just done with Loona. Eric picks up his phone to see that it was, indeed, Eliza calling him. Speaking up in surprise, Loona looks at him from her side of the bed the two shared.
"Liz is calling me. I wonder what's up?"
"She's probably calling to ask if we've talked about what we wanted to talk about earlier."
Nodding in response to Loona's answer. He answered his phone. A crying Winter was not what he wanted to hear on the other end.
"DADDY!"
Eric shot bolt upright in bed the moment he heard his youngest daughter crying. He needed to calm her down. So, he asks gently.
"Wyn? What's wrong sweetheart?"
"A mean angel has kidnapped my big brother!"
Glass Break
That was the sound Snow's eyes made when his eyes shot open in horror. Even Loona looked at her boyfriend when their adopted daughter said an angel had Austin. Before they got to that, however, Snow had to ask.
"Are you safe, Wyn!? Where's Eliza!?"
"She's gone to confront the angel. I'm hiding behind a trash can in front of the girl's toilets."
"Did you get a good look at the angel Eliza's confronting?"
Loona's question caused Snow's body to go cold. But, his body temperature went sub-zero when he heard Winter's description of the angel that had the kids.
"Brown hair, dull gold eyes… and Black Wings behind his back."
No more words were needed. Because, before the girl on the phone knew it. Her parents quickly dressed and, out of the apartment door. Before Snow hung up, he says calmly.
"Hold on just a little longer, sweetie. Mommy and daddy are coming to get you!"
"Please, hurry!"
Arcade
Winter could do nothing but try and hold her breath and pray her parents would arrive to save her and her siblings from this angel. But, the sounds of fighting soon caught up to her from her hiding place. This was due to Eliza smashing into the wall across from where Winter was hiding. Making the small Hellhound try and make herself smaller to avoid being seen by the angel baring down on her sister. Luckily, Austin must have gained consciousness long enough from where Balthazar had left him against the slushee counter. Because, whilst the angel was ready to kill Eliza. The black-winged angel never saw a fire extinguisher to the back of the head coming. Sending him skittling across the room from the impact.
"Leave my sisters alone, dickhead!"
Balthazar let off an impressed smirk. He kept the smirk when he felt the blood from the back of his head with his hand. This hound had made a top-ranked angel bleed. But, his impression wouldn't last long when he drew his sword from behind his back.
"You want to tussle, mutt? Let's go."
Austin got on all fours and growled viciously. Eliza just stood behind him with her gun out, ready to back up her brother if he needed her to. She knew he needed her brother to stall the angel long enough for their dad to arrive.
The sounds of angered fighting and sword swinging told Eliza that Austin had engaged the angel in a one-on-one fight to the death. Though he only had his claws. He was doing his best to, at least, keep Balthazar on the ropes. With each swipe, Balthazar could only dodge the teen's fury-filled swipes of the claws going for his throat. However, the angel noticed the teen's techniques were, at best, sloppy. There was no tempo to the teen's swipes and lunges. Meaning, soon, Austin would wear himself down long enough for Balthazar to take advantage. But, whenever that opportunity would present itself? Not even he knew. When it looked like the teen was tiring himself out. And, Balthazar would attempt to kill him. Eliza's bullets would ring out and, clang against the heaven-made steel of the angel's longsword. Knocking the angel back long enough for Austin to catch his breath and, continue to take the fight to Balthazar.
"T-MINUS ONE MINUTE, SIS!"
Eliza acknowledges Winter's shout whilst reloading her pistol. It didn't take Balthazar long to realise the kids were stalling for time. Why? Not even he knew. But, what he did know was. Whatever these brats were waiting on. It would be here shortly to help them. So, he needed to end this fight quickly. Otherwise, he was going to be dealing with whoever the kid had called for backup.
"There is no one you could call that can save you brats! I'm the highest of the high in rank for an angel. I AM AN OVERLORD!"
Hearing enough. Austin swung a huge haymaker towards Balthazar's face. Only, he managed to swipe thin air. It wasn't long before the black-winged angel appeared behind him with a smirk at the shocked hellhound.
"Too slow."
With one hit to the back of his neck. Austin was sent crashing through the arcade walls behind him before coming to a sudden halt at a lamppost outside.
It wasn't long before Balthazar followed at his own methodical pace. Leaving the girls to sprint to the outside of the arcade. Only to find Austin laid out against the post with blood dripping from the top of his left eye. With the angel standing before him now. Austin shakily stood to his feet as Balthazar walked towards him.
"You bastard!"
Balthazar merely smirks and tuts at Austin for his use of language before placing a palm to his chest to administer the killing shot. Only for Eliza to try and interfere.
With a shake of his head, he snapped his fingers. Summoning an electrified chain that shocked Eliza where she stood.
"I'd stay put if I was you, my dear."
When he turned back to try and kill Austin. Balthazar noticed he had vanished from his line of sight. Making Balthazar angry before receiving a jaw-shattering right hook to the face from said hellhound which, with the strength of the punch, had taken the angel by surprise.
"Surprise motherfucker!"
The angel grew angrier at the teen. As the punches flew at him one by one, Austin dodged Balthazar's strikes effortlessly. whereas Austin's strikes were the opposite. They were fast, precise and connected each time.
Despite the chains around her. Eliza noticed something was off with Balthazar. He seemed to be charging some sort of beam in his hand whilst the blows connected. Once she put the pieces together. She shouts.
"AUSTIN, LOOK OUT! YOUR ATTACKS AREN'T PHASING HIM!"
Austin looked shocked by what his sister had shouted. But, he noticed too late as Balthazar whispered whilst staring the hound point blank in the face.
"Time to die, Austin Snow."
"AUSTIN, NO!"
With the last shout from Eliza. Balthazar fired a dull black beam straight through Austin's chest. While everything seemed in slow motion. And, as the shot died down. Eliza and Winter's eyes were wide in horror at the sight of Austin's head flying backwards. The sight of blood shooting from his mouth in a pained gasp and, him collapsing to the ground in pain from the blow he'd suffered. It made the girls stand frozen in fear at what this angel had done to their older brother.
The moment his eyes clapped on the two girls. They backed up further the moment the blood-covered face of Balthazar turned to face them. Drawing his sword. He began to advance on the two pre-teens frozen in fear by the angel.
'Shit… it can't end like this!'
Eliza's thoughts ran rampant. Winter could do nothing but cower into her big sister's embrace when Balthazar's sword sparked against the concrete towards them. His smile got crazier as he approached the two girls.
'Is this… the end?'
As Balthazar raised his sword to strike down the two pre-teens. Winter screams from Eliza's embrace.
"DADDY!"
'Secret Angel Art.'
If only Balthazar had been paying attention to his surroundings. He would've noticed his right arm missing from the attack that sped past him at breakneck speeds. The same sword-swinging arm that nearly struck down a certain demon's precious daughters.
"Crimson Shadow."
Balthazar grunts in pain due to his missing limb. Eliza and Winter began to cry happily upon seeing Snow standing in front of them with a neutral expression. Making sure the kids were safe. He says to Loona.
"Get the girls to safety, Loona."
"What're you doing?! He'll kill you!"
This was where Snow gave a side smirk to the hound he loved. Knowing Snow was going to be okay. Loona brought the kids close to her and says hurriedly.
"We need to get you two to safety!"
Winter and Eliza nod. Making sure Loona got an injured Austin too. The hound turns back with the girl's holding her hands. And, with Austin over her shoulder. She shouts back to her boyfriend.
"Don't you dare die on us now, Snow!"
Eric merely nods with a warm smile.
Turning his attention back to the angel recovering from his arm missing, when he looked at who had struck him. He says cockily once his smirk returned.
"Brother Lazarus… I knew you'd come!"
TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 2...