Ch 9
The Devil was stunned when Nilrem's spirit came down to him. The old spirit stood among the flames, blank faced. "Why are you here?" the Devil asked.
"Defeated. I was sucked dry and defeated." the spirit mono toned.
"Not good enough!" The Devil roared. "I put you up there to protect that gate! You have been doing so for millennia, HOW is it you failed?"
The spirit began to fade. "Defeated." it whispered, then faded away to nothing.
The Devil blasted out a roar that blew burning souls to tumble away to the sides. Why now, when he was getting ready to finally take over the material world? Right after his fit of rage, another soul landed in front of him. Sunecro, one of his demon Succubi had been returned.
The succubi screamed in anger. "Sent me back! I was tricked and trapped! I will destroy that priest!" she raved.
"Who was it?" the Devil demanded.
"I don't know!" the succubi ranted. "I was sprayed with holy water, and this priest came out of hiding and fucking BLESSED ME! I burned so bad. I know their tricks now, please return me so I can rip them apart!"
The demon succubi were his most potent weapon, and he had few of them. "Go!" he commanded.
The Succubi began to fade, then came back. "What!" She cried. "The gate is closed to us!"
"Impossible! GO!" the Devil commanded. He added his energy to kick her ass back to the material world.
Sunerco did materialize on the hill the gate was at. Over her was a milky white dome. She tried to teleport, and bounced off the dome. She tried to ram it, again bouncing off. Around her, other demons were tying to get out. Shooting her long nails out she dug. The dome was under the ground also. After digging down twenty feet, she still met impenetrable dome. She wasn't able to get out and now in the material world, she could not go back to find another gate unless she was killed. She and these other demons were trapped. She belted out a scream of anger.
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Now the gate was closed, the biggest problem was China. The call for revenge and to wipe evil off the face of the world burned in every one on Witch Hill. Tsukune was still stunned and sorrowed by the fact Ruby was gone. He also sent out more teams to search out demons than ever before. He sent everyone possible to China. Kurumu went with her own super soaker full of holy water and an extra gallon. Yuki, Lucy's younger 16 yr old daughter went with her, as did the young witch Bella from a yokai family in the Sotoba Valley. Moka, Lucy and Tsukumoka, Yukari's oldest child, went to Hong Kong where trouble was stirring up.
From Witch Hill, a hundred parties left for different parts of China. From the Sotoba valley, another 30 went. Kurt was ordered to reinforce Taiwan and rebuild his network. Mariko knew how to make the demon sense crystals and was hard at work.
Although, this was now her Magic room, Mariko still thought of it as Ruby's. Although she did not have the use of crows as Ruby did, Mariko discovered she was able to hold portals open with each of her mind arms. As teams came to get transported to China, she opened and closed five portals at a time. In the one she sent a team to Fang-Fang, he came back through to ask her to open a few to strategic locations in China. Mariko became a master at routing traffic from one part of the world to another while she watched teams from her family and the Aonos.
Subtlety was no longer in play anywhere in China. A demon taking the role of general in Shanghai was attacked and struck down in public while she'd been giving a speech to charm the masses. Kurumu took over the speech, and cast her charm on the people to stop the fighting and support all Chinese, even their yokai brethren. The naval commanders there were to support Taiwan and assist them in reforming a central government for all the peoples of captured oil tankers in port were released. She convinced them the only true leader left now was Taiwan's president.
The Government troops opposing Fang-Fang seemed to melt away. Many left to return and guard their homes. Others fled, hoping to survive the onslaught. More turned their loyalties over to Fang-Fang and his growing army. Fang-Fang now controlled a whole one third of China.
In Hong Kong demons found out they could be held in place by Dicolnious to have holy water poured over them. Moka took on the 'Mayor' role to calm the population and restored order. She called for candidates to run on the election she scheduled in two months.
Four demons were sent back to the abyss in three days of searching. After nearly getting caught herself, Cruella gathered the three others who had been doing the devil's work in China. She knew something large was going on. Not only her demons, but several other Hellions had disappeared.
Casting a magic circle the a basement of a building that was being guarded by her demons and hellions, Cruella called the devil forth. He appeared in human form. Kneeling before him, she asked, "Master, we are loosing support and demons. I beg you to send us more!"
"I have been sending them," he growled. "Where are they?"
Cruella looked up at him. "None have arrived, Master."
"They came through the gate," he stated. His face then slacked. "The gate is operating, fifty hellions and five demons have gone through. Go to the gate, find out why they haven't come. NOW!"
"Yes, Master!" Cruella, said and teleported to the gate.
Instead of ending up in the hill, she bounced off a translucent dome surrounding the hill. She brought forth her claws and slashed at it, then breathed fire on it. On the other side, she saw all the hell spawn gathered, watching her and beating on the inside of the dome.
Teleporting back to her magic circle, Cruella said, "There is a dome over the entire hill! Our demons are inside, they can't get out! I can't get in!"
"It makes sense," the devil said thoughtfully. "Whoever killed my wizard used their own magic to seal in the gate since they could not destroy it. China is in chaos now?"
"It is, Master," Cruella agreed.
"Then it is time to work closer to the ultimate goal," he intoned. "Make a gate here, I will send you a flood of hell spawn. Take all your hell spawn to the mid east and southern Europe. Help the armies of hate destroy Israel and whoever stands with them. Motivate more humans to join in the fight on our side. Destroy opposition to us directly if you must! The only way we will get that gate back open, is to control the land around it. Do. Not. Fail. Me!" he then disappeared in a cloud of red smoke.
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They knew it was coming. Tsukune got a call from Akemi's Lawyer, Laurie Welsh, that the Grand Jury was going to meet about the incident that happened on Harvard Campus. Although only Laurie was required to attend, she strongly requested Akemi should be there also. She gave him the place and time, and wanted Akemi to appear in her office an hour prior to the time the Grand Jury was scheduled for.
Akemi stepped through Yukari's portal and into Laurie's outer office. Upon seeing her, the secretary let out a gasp. "Ohh!.. when did you come in?" she asked.
"I am Akemi Aono, here to see Laurie Welsh," Akemi explained.
"Yes, she is expecting you. Go right in."
Laurie met Akemi at the door. She ushered Akemi in and scrutinized her clothes. Akemi was dressed nicely in a flower print, knee length light blue dress and wore white thigh high stockings. She also noticed Akemi's injuries were all healed. "You are all healed?" Laurie asked.
"I am," Akemi agreed.
"No, you're not," Laurie stated. "You are still injured and traumatized," she stated. She then went over to a closet and pulled out a box of various bandages. "Appearance is important," Laurie stated. She dug into the box and said, "Akemi, lower your stockings, we need to bandage your knees."
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By the time they left to go to court, Akemi looked like a walking wreck. Her left arm was wrapped in gauze, the right side bandage only covered her forearm. The gloves Akemi wore were white. Her head was capped with a skullcap that hid the fact her hair had all grown back, and both knees looked like she was wearing knee pads under her stockings.
Instructing Akemi as they walked over to the court building, Laurie explained, "You are allowed by law to view any legal proceedings that involve you, and face your accusers. Today, the incident you were involved in at the school will be discussed. You are here to witness, and if there is anything you hear that is not correct, tell me. I will bring up the discrepancy. Understand?"
"Yes, Miss Welsh." Akemi replied.
Laurie cast her a brief smile. "It's MS. The more pitiful you can look, the better."
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Inside the formal courtroom, Akemi was sat at the 'defense' table. She noticed Betty Faust had also come with her own lawyer. On a table in the center of the open area in front of the bench, were items in plastic bags. Bottles, papers and items clogged the table. Several other were here, including the Detective Akemi had talked to.
The Judge came in. Once he was seated, he looked at the paperwork and said, "Grand Jury for incident number 44672, at Harvard University is in session. I will hear facts and evidence. Detective Reynolds."
Detective Reynolds stood up. "Your honor, at approximately 7:30 Monday morning on 24 October, Akemi Aono and Daniel Collins entered the south entrance of Harvard campus. Inside the south entrance, Harold Weyman, Samuel Gunter, Betty Faust, Alice Cassidy, Kathy Benning and Rachel Walker were waiting for them. This group approached Daniel Collins and Akemi Aono is a blocking movement in front of them to prevent them from entering the campus. When Aono and Collins refused to leave, the group became violent. Weyman and Gunter physically attacked Collins, driving him to the ground. Faust, Cassidy, Benning and Walker attacked Aono with water bottles. Pure water burns vampires. They knew this as well as knew Aono is a vampire. Even though he was down, Weyman and Gunter kept attacking Collins, who was on the ground, no longer capable of resisting them. Aono, hurting from the water burning her, moved to remove Weyman and Gunter off Collins. To get to him, she had to fight her way to them, being under attack herself."
Detective Reynolds motioned to the evidence table and said, "At the scene water bottles were collected bearing the fingerprints of Faust, Cassidy, Benning, and Walker. The tape of the call to 911 that Aono made from her phone also bears her witness statement that one of those girls shouted, 'Get her', when the 911 call as made. The transcripts of interviews and tapes show that the sequence of events I have found, match statements made by Aikemi Aono, and the ones made by Daniel Collins. The statements from Betty Faust are contradictory from one interview to another. Those are the facts, Your Honor."
"Thank you, Detective. Mr. Prosecutor, what charges, if any are you prepared to being forth?"
"Your Honor, statements from Akemi Aono herself prove she caused the unlawful deaths of Harold Weyman, Samuel Gunter, Alice Cassidy, Kathy Benning and Rachel Walker..."
"I object your Honor!" Laurie snapped as she stood up. "Item one, there is no where in Ms. Aono's statements where she admits to killing anyone. Item two, the evidence as well as the 911 call prove it was Ms. Aono and Mr. Collins that were brutally attacked by SIX others. They were going to school, as they have every right to do. It was these six THUGS that caused this confrontation. I insist that charges of Denial of civil rights, terroristic activity, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder, be brought against Betty Faust! I agree it is a sad thing students died, BUT Aono and Collins were only defending themselves, as is their right to do. As Detective Reynolds said, The 911 call that Ms. Aono made trying to get help shows THEY attacked HER. Your honor, killing someone who is attacking you is self defense, it is by no means any kind of unlawful death!"
"Five kids are DEAD!" the prosecutor snapped at her.
The judge banged his gavel. "Order!" He then asked, "Detective Reynolds, is there evidence that the parties involved knew that water is harmful to vampires?"
"Yes, your Honor," Detective Reynolds said. "Mr. Weyman had in his files and on his computer information that stated pure water was like acid to vampires. He was also the head of the local anti-yokai group and in his communications, indicated their intent that morning was to, quote : "Drive that bitch away, burning and screaming." This attack on Akemi Aono was premeditated."
The judge looked at some paper on his desk and asked, "Detective, has Miss Aono indicated anything in her statements that she intended to kill anyone?"
"No, your Honor. During my interview with her, she seemed surprised to learn that those students were dead." Reynolds stated.
The judge was quiet for a moment, then said, "In the act of defending oneself from harm, any suitable form of defense may be used. Weyman and his group did attack Aono and Collins. By both the ferocity of the attack and their research ahead of time, it is reasonable to assume their intent was to kill, or at least severely injure Aono and Collins. In that Aono killed them defending herself and Collins against attempted murder, I find the actions of Akemi Aono to be reasonable self defense. There will be no charges against her."
The Judge then said, "As for the actions of Betty Faust being part of this attack, she will be brought to trial for civil rights violations, assault and battery, and attempted murder. The charge of terrorist activity does not apply to her." He looked at the lawyers and said, "Is there any other information or evidence in this matter that has not been presented here?"
A short chorus of, "No, your Honor"s sounded.
The judge wrote something down and said, "Betty Faust is hereby arraigned to stand trial for stated charges, with the evidence collected at this hearing. This case is moved on to trial, the date to be determined."
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Akemi left the courthouse with a great sigh of relief. "It's over now, right?" she asked Laurie.
"Your part of it is," Laurie told her. "There is still the matter of a lawsuit against Harvard for refusing you an education and assuming your guilt. They owe your family the tuition books and services pre-paid as well personal expenses and punitive monetary funds for causing you such torment and embarrassment."
Akemi frowned and said, "If they don't want me there, then I don't want to go back."
"I can understand that. Your father wants his money back, and I plan to get it for him, plus research and lawyer's fees," Laurie explained.
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An American cruiser, the USS Anzio, CG 68, was on patrol in the eastern Mediterranean on picket duty. The modern warship had a load of Tomahawk missiles waiting for the latest targets, it's guns ready to fire and anti-aircraft missiles and Sea Wiz defenses ready to down any threats. Sonar was listening closely for sounds in the water. It picked up it's neighbor ships that were 100 miles closer to the shore and the fast attack submarine shadowing their fleet.
Back from the action, all the ships' crew had been doing during this war was receiving target data and launching Tomahawks as ordered. They were vigilant against outside threats. They never expected that anyone could possibly board them.
The roar of flame lit up the bridge on the inside to the sound of a host of wailing screams. Fire parties were called, radars in CIC struggled to come up with an answer if this was an external attack or an accident.
CIC and the radio room were hit next, engulfed in hot flame. As the crew struggled to try to figure out what was happening, flame filled the missile storage magazines. The fire suppression system went off, but the missile rocket engines fired anyway from the intense heat.
Cruella and Aliana teleported up and away as the ship exploded, it's sides blasting out and a giant fireball rising above it. They grinned as the twisted pieces of ship sunk, leaving nothing but bits of scattered debris on the water.
"Let's do another one," Aliana said, eyes shining.
"Two more, the closest ones to the Russian ships, then we will do a couple of theirs."
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20 Hellions in Iranian uniforms were left off behind an Israeli command post fifteen miles inside the border if Syria that were monitoring a large Iranian army five miles away in front of them. Racing in, humans shot them, for all the good it did. The hellions shot them down and used their fire to destroy a tank and a pair of armored cars. Flinging bullets and hellfire, the hellions destroyed communications, equipment and killed everyone they came across. The brave soldiers tried to fight back and were cut down or burned to cinders. A wounded female was stripped and torn apart, her head stuck on the broken flag pole where the Israeli flag once waved. Once the Hellions had killed everyone, they concealed themselves and waited of the reinforcements to arrive. More Israeli soldiers came, and more died fighting bravely, but in vain.
The Combined Syrian/Iranian army of 900,000 with 2500 tanks and 1400 mobile guns hit the front line hard as 300 warplanes pounded the Israeli positions. Fear cast by a demon onto the Israeli soldiers helped break up the line and punch a hole through it.
To the south, the remains of the Iranians and Somalis north of the Gaza strip received reinforcements and crashed hard into the weak Israeli lines there to make them buckle and fold. Spread out thin over their entire front, The Israeli commanders had few reserve troops left to try and plug the holes. They were forced back to shorten their lines to heavier defended points. The Israeli army was running low on everything and becoming desperate.
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The Devil made use of men that had made deals in exchange for their souls. Ultra rich bankers were used to foul the finances of his opposition. Others that were personally greedy he used as appropriate to sew chaos or organize help for his followers. A very rich man in Greece was tasked to buy mercenaries and perform rebellion and discord. An influential man in Egypt was to dig out between the paws of the Sphinx to find what was hidden underneath. A wealthy arms dealer in Libya was to commandeer a large cargo ship and overloaded with powerful explosives. Nuclear, if he was able to get them. Sunk in the right place in the Mediterranean, and Israel would be wiped out by the tidal wave.
All his bought souls and followers were gifted with magic to help them achieve their goals. And of course, he urge all his followers to spread discord wherever was possible.
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In Chicago, Ancient Mai, one of the oldest magical Chinese dragons, looked at the world and the flare-ups of conflict everywhere. Humans always had wars. The fact wars were going on was not her concern. The amount of evil permeating almost every place on the planet did concern her. This wasn't just black magic, although she did detect that as well. Another item that peaked her interest was the meeting with Aono Tsukune and the Pope at the Vatican. Although she hadn't been able to scry on them, she knew thousands of important people had attended. That meant they knew something she didn't. Then there was a new dome that appeared in northern Israel, and under it was a hill teeming with demons. She sent word to gather the High Council of sorcery. She also asked to see Lord Aono about what was happening.
The reply from Lord Aono was fast. She had no more then sent a magical message, when he appeared in her conjuring room through a portal.
Tsukune bowed to her. "You wished to see me?" he asked.
Sitting cross legged on her mat, Mai, bowed in return. "Yes, M'Lord. Are you aware of the demon entrance and the dome over it on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean?"
"I am," he replied and sat down, mirroring her pose. "We put that dome up to cap the entrance to the abyss. The Devil had been very active sending his minions here. We had to stop it. That dome will remain in place, and we will destroy any other openings to the underworld we can find. It would be beneficial if you would offer your assistance."
"I am calling a meeting of the High Council, M'Lord. Have you discover what the devil's end goal is?" she asked.
"No. I do not know why he is causing this mass of chaos. I only know we must stop it," he told her firmly. "He is threatening existence as we know it. What worries me the most, is where the other portals are. I find it hard to believe he is using only one. It was hidden and guarded, but I highly doubt he would have just one in place. There must be at least one more."
"Yes, one hidden better, and much more difficult to find," Mai agreed. She then took on a more intense look and said, "The devil must have a grand plan. I will discuss this with the High Council. Normally we deal only with sorcery, but as you say, this is very important. We cannot let him succeed."
"Thank you for your assistance," Tsukune told her then cautioned, "Be advised though, once you begin, demons and every other dark power are sure to try and stop you. We believe China is a distraction, as is the other unrest around the world. All attention is being drawn to these places. I suggest looking in places where there is no trouble."
Mai nodded. "Yes, that is wise, M'Lord. Be assured, even if the High Council will not act as one, I and all I can convince, will assist you."
Tsukune bowed and said, "Every bit of help you can provide will make a difference." He got up and went back to the portal. Before going through, he added, "Mai, that hill had a very powerful user of magic guarding it. Be prepared."
"I will, M'Lord."
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One of Yukari's scrys she had was watching the front of the Sphinx to ensure the Mahess never got out. Seeing men and equipment arrive, she noted they had many jackhammers and what looked like crates of explosives. If those things got out now, there would be no stopping them!
"MOKA!" she yelled. "Moka, someone, come quick!"
Azami zipped into the room. "Mama Yukari, what is it?"
Yukari pointed and said, "Those men are going to dig under Sphinx! We have to stop them, go get help now!"
Azami shot off to collect whoever she could find to help. Yukari drew up some spells to delay the men. Focusing on the truck with the explosives, She opened a portal, cast a fireball onto the truck, then shut the portal. Through the cry, she watched the tuck be enveloped in her fire, then it exploded. Men by the truck flew away in pieces. Others were caught in the blast wave and pitched away badly injured and knocked unconscious. A few farther away were only knocked down and dazed. She opened a portal behind them and dropped pans on their heads, knocking them unconscious. Some helpers near the back of the caravan saw what was happening and ran.
Azami returned with Tommy, Uzume, Haihane, Frank and Liz. Yukari made a portal at ground level. Pointing to is she said, "Go through, destroy whatever equipment is left. Come right back after you do."
They all ran through the portal. Azami lead. Seeing jackhammers lying on the ground, she stomped on one then threw it at the running men. Tommy followed suit. The man ran faster wailing out their fear as bouncing jackhammers chased them.
Frank looked at the trucks that weren't burning. "Start all the trucks that run!" he announced and began doing so. Once the six trucks still capable were running, he pointed to Uzume and Haihane. "Open the gas caps, pour sand in the tanks, hurry!" Seeing Kaiyo come through he said, "Get in a cab, rev the engine."
One by one, the motors on the trucks seized up. Once they did, he had Liz, Azami and Tommy thrown them in a pile on and near the road up to the Sphinx. One caught fire.
"Do we got it all?" Tommy asked.
"I don't see anything else," Azami said.
"Then retreat!" Frank called. They all ran back through the portal.
Watching, the devil gritted his teeth. "Them again!" he growled.
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Kumiko actually got to do something useful. Well guarded by her siblings, Kumiko etched one of her musical magic symbols as she knelt atop the back of the sphinx. The notes she put into the five rings around the circle, she carved carefully. She then sang her song as she concentrated. She sang of the Sphinx, how precious and important it was. Singing loud and clear, Kumiko's voice and the magic radiated out into Cairo and beyond. She sang of the curses that would haunt those who dare defile this great wonder and the doom and agony of any who dared break off a single piece, then the honor and glory to those who defended the great Sphinx from harm.
Kumiko's magic song spread through Egypt and the Sinai peninsula. By the time her song was done, Millions swore to never let any harm come to their greatest treasure.
The demon who'd Charmed the men into digging came to stop the spells. Kanae wrapped the demon in mind arms. Frank shot it with his holy water filled buckshot. Ichi blessed the demon. It wailed out in agony as it dissolved into ash. A wind blew the black dust away.
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Tsukune got back home to hear from Mizore about the attempt to dig up what was sealed under the Sphinx's paws. "So, it's no holds barred," he said in a musing tone.
"Um." Mizore agreed.
Minori was next to come up to him with a stricken face. "M'Lord, you got an urgent call from Mr. Dresden. Demons are attacking the Israeli army and sinking ships in the eastern Mediterranean. There is no one to stop them."
Tsukune's jaw tightened. "They want that gate back," he said, realizing why demons were there. He had calls to make to get those ships protected, either by magic wards or by being blessed. He also had to stop those armies from getting to that gate.
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In Israel, it was clear that they were going to be invaded, and no help would come in time to stop the massive army coming at them. Evacuations were being ordered. Cargo planes that made it in to land were emptied of war materials and filled with non combatants. Commercial planes took off low and across the sea to get their passengers to safety. Landing craft that disgorged American troops and equipment stayed to be refilled with the helpless.
Everyone who stayed to fight, including older men and women, were formed into troops to go help defend their country and allow their other citizens to get away. If someone could walk, shoot a gun or even help dig defense trenches, they were accepted.
The new General in charge (Since the old one and all his staff were killed in a mysterious and very hot fire) got a call from the UN. The Vampire Lord wanted to send them reinforcements. Seeing how these 'yokai' were considered unclean, he refused. The Americans were sending troops. He didn't need monsters like Aono to invade his country also. One thing he did notice was the main driving forces of this invasion were to the south and north, and getting close to cities. The evacuations were not going well, they were far too slow for the speed the enemy was advancing. So far, only 120000 people, mostly underage, had been taken to safety.
Looking at the numbers, the enemy strength and where the hardest push was, he began to realize something. He did not study the New Testament, but did know some things about it. A prophet had warned of such an occurrence in the book of Revelation. Israel was being swarmed with armies from the east, the main push was nearing the town of Megiddo. If the enemy got past there, then all of Israel would be open to them.
According to this book, only 144000 of his people were said to survive this disaster that was called Armageddon.