You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.

-Maya Angelou-

Tuesday, Week 5…

Location: Japan, Kuoh Academy

Hunter Westerdyk

Meeting Gremory has proven to be one of the worst things that has ever happened to me.

An entire week has passed, and yet still, the entire school of local's haven't left me alone. They won't leave me alone. And at this point, they aren't doing it for themselves.

In my experience, Japanese teenage boys are weak-willed cowards, with rare exceptions. The local's should've let me have peace by now, sadly, it appears that someone has given them motivation. Who, I have no clue, and I don't really care. Chances are it was Gremory, or maybe that long-haired girl that I spoke to a while back.

So, evidently, the power of boner is greater than self-preservation for these fools.

Growling, I slammed my fist down into the table, scaring the pathetic locals that were trying to annoy me. Actually, they succeeded, probably the first time they ever did. As they ran off, I unleashed a small smirk. One that actually made another local run away in fear.

'Huh… that's strange. That didn't happen before.'

While I was curious as to why they were suddenly so much more afraid of me, it worked in my favour. Especially since now, I didn't have to worry about the constant interruptions. My outburst last Thursday probably caused this.

Scaring one of the Locals, so badly that they actually pissed themselves and fainted was a very nice experience, almost made the detention and scolding afterwards worth it.

DING DONG DING DONG!

Standing up, I grabbed my bag and swiftly made my way out of the classroom. The locals parting like the red-sea before me. Whispering amongst themselves, all in Japanese, as always. It was getting very annoying.

The Japanese, not the whispering.

Perhaps my fellow introvert could provide some solace. Silence was ever preferable to the noise of the locals.

Shortly After…

"Toujou." My fellow Introvert suddenly said. Causing me to look at her with a confused expression. "What?" was my response.

Turning my attention away from my research, and towards my fellow social hermit, I saw that she was looking at me with… a strange focus. Definitely more than previously given.

"Toujou." She repeated. Staring at me blankly. After a moment, it occurred to me that she was introducing herself. Certainly unexpected…

'Could this be a trick? A trap?'

I still hadn't sensed her Aura, I couldn't, I never saw this girl outside of when we were literally all alone, isolated from the world. I wasn't going to risk my own death just to satisfy my curiosity. Furthermore, this… this was out of no-where. When did she decide to introduce herself? What brought this on? Introvert's don't ask for each other's names, we wait for their name to be called on the roll, or if we can't do that, we give them a nickname, until someone else says their name.

The hell was going on?

And assuming this was a trap, did I fall into it if I said my name? Was it activated through that? And what did the trap even do? Kill me? Force me into eternal servitude? Gender-Bend me? Make me Gay? Destroy my soul? Mind-Break me? I had no way to know!

"Okay." I responded. Making Toujou look at me with a rather confused expression. But she eventually shrugged and went back to watching her cat videos. And I breathed a sigh of relief as she did so. No magic traps for me today!

But still. What brought this on?

Lunch…

"Excuse me. May I have a moment of your time?" Japanese Prince Charming asked, leading to me looking at him disdainfully. "No." was my answer.

"HOW DARE YOU!"

"APOLOGISE FOR TALKING TO KIBA-SAMA THAT WAY!"

"I'LL SPILL YOUR GUTS!"

Growling, I turned my attention to the horde of girl's that always followed Kiba. "Shut up. Or Die." I said simply, making them all turn pale with fear. They didn't run though, so it seemed that their fear of me wasn't greater than their love for JPC. Annoying. As everything in this school was.

'Toujou's fine though.'

"No Need to be so aggressive." Kiba said, and I just looked at him. "Shut yo bitch ass up." I said, turning around and walking off. Kiba just gasped, and even though I didn't pay attention to his expression, I did hear him talk in English. "He's just like Toujou-Chan."

'Another English Speaker? Okay, I've had enough of this shit.'

Shit was getting done. Tonight.

That Night…

Location: Kuoh, Outskirts, Westerdyk Residence.

With narrowed eyes, I stared down at the list of English speakers. Something was going on between all of these fools… these anomalies.

Yuuma, The Student Council, Himejima, Gremory, Kiba, all of them could speak english. And no-one else could. Something was off with them, all of them. Why were they so interested, what did they want from me?

Drawing a circle around the name 'Yuuma' I thought to myself. Staring at my black-board as I did.

'Almost certainly Supernatural. English speaking from the start, unusual interest. From a school that I cannot find.'

Then I drew one around a picture of the Student Council.

'The Student Council. Confirmed as Supernatural. All capable of English. Strange Auras. Disappear at random periods, typically at night.'

Lifting up a flyer, one that I had received from the Student Council, I pinned it up against the wall.

When I had first received the flyer, it had a faint aura, one similar to that of the majority of the Student Council. It wasn't the only one, I had actually gotten a few of them, for some experimentation. Interestingly enough, so long as the symbol in the centre of the flyer was intact, the magical presence would remain. But the instant it was damaged, that presence would disappear. Contact with opposing religions didn't seem to do much to the symbol. With one exception.

Christian.

Holy Water, The Cross, Any and every symbol of Heaven and God, heck even saying the words 'Jesus Christ', 'Holy Spirit', merely uttering the name 'God' would severely weaken the aura. Interestingly enough, only Holy Water would actually destroy the magical presence. Of course, I originally believed that to simply be the action of 'wet paper' since it would likely classify as damaging the symbol. So, I had it laminated and tried again. That gave me the confirmation that I needed, as the Aura had vanished.

'An aversion to christian symbols, seemingly related to the level of holiness. And their leader's last name. 'Shitori' It's similar to the Demon name 'Sitri' All evidence points towards them being affiliated with hell, possibly even being Demon's themselves.'

Next, I picked up the pictures of Gremory, Himejima, and Kiba, pinning each of them against the wall as well.

'All members of the 'Occult Research Club'. They share many similarities with the Student Council. Unconfirmed Supernatural. English Speakers. Isolated. They also send out flyer's.'

I had also collected one of the ORC's flyer's, it had a different design than that of the Student Council's, but it operated under the same principles. So it was safe to assume that the ORC was also supernatural, and affiliated with Hell. And again, may be demon's themselves. In fact, it was because of the name 'Gremory' that I made the connection to hell. It was the name of a demon general, the same as Sitri. The possibility existed that Gremory and Shitori were named after the demon's. Possibly either in honour of them, or possibly they even were them.

Even if Sitri was a man, and a demon of lust. It wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility that he had merely shapeshifted to mimic a young girl. The name change did point towards the possibility of a higher intelligence than that of Gremory. Who hadn't even bothered to change her name.

The existence of their first names was a little more difficult to discern, but chances are, that they simply took those names as additional cover, and thus mattered little.

I suspected that they had the ability to transform other individuals into whatever they were. Possibly by corrupting their soul. That could explain their female forms, possibly the corruption was done through seduction? The Blonde Pervert never stood a chance if that was the case.

But why him though? If it was through seduction, or rather, if they could transform people to become like them. Then why wasn't the entire school turned? Did they have a limit? Was the ritual exhausting?

I couldn't be sure. And that worried me. And unluckily, the Church had no official presence in Kuoh. At all. They hadn't been here for years, nearly a decade. That definitely made Kuoh unique, even Kyoto had a christian presence. Whereas Kuoh, had absolutely none. It was like the Church actively forbade anyone from entering Kuoh.

Did that mean they already knew that Gremory and Shitori were here? Was there some kind of deal? A contract? Were they afraid?

I didn't know which, and I needed to know. I didn't want to become some servant. Some thrall to the Devil. Who could be happy as a slave? As a demon? Why was the Blonde Pervert…

'His Aura.'

Blonde Pervert had a unique Aura, the same strange Aura as the others, but also something else. Something different. He wasn't the only one either. The vice-president of the student council. She had something different in her Aura as well. Although, Blonde Pervert's difference was a lot more evident.

Was that why he was chosen? Was there something special about him? Something that I didn't see, didn't know? He was abysmally lacking in everything else, so surely that's why.

Shaking my head, I took a step back, and looked at my black-board. I was getting close, I was sure of it.

'I will uncover your identities soon enough. Shitori. Gremory. You cannot hide forever.'

Friday…

Location: Japan, Kuoh Academy…

"I fucking knew it." I hissed.

Gremory, and the rest of the ORC, which surprisingly included Toujou, were gathered at the other end of the school. So, with one foot out of a metaphorical door, and ready to book it, I had sensed their Aura's.

I was not disappointed.

Each of them, all of them, had a unique Aura. Only Gremory herself didn't have something off. They all shared the 'Cool Summer Breeze' sensation. But Himejima, Kiba, Toujou, all had something different, something deeper.

Kiba, part of his Aura was darker, more malevolent. The roots of his aura were deeper than the flames they produced.

Himejima's Aura seemed to be split down the middle. Half of it was the same as the others, but the other half. It was different. Like fading embers of a fireplace. Fading warmth, a light long suppressed.

Then was Toujou's, her aura was also split down the middle. Or rather, one half was buried by the other. The buried half being the half that was different from the others. It felt… pure in a word. Clean, untainted. Like nature, a clean spring.

Toujou's aura intrigued me the most, could she perhaps be a corrupted holy individual?

Of course, sensing their Aura's also made me privy to another thing, just how potent they were. All of their aura's, they were like titan's. The strength of Himejima, and Toujou most of all. Their Aura's surpassed even Gremory's. Which confused me. Clearly, they wielded more raw power than either Gremory, or Kiba. In fact, they held more raw power than anyone I had previously sensed. So why were they subservient to Gremory? Did she perhaps own their souls?

I severely doubted it was bonafide gratitude, loyalty, or even love. Demon's didn't have those emotions. Satan definitely didn't.

If Toujou had been corrupted, the same for Himejima, that could be why their original aura was suppressed. The Power of Gremory might be suppressing their true selves, and their true power.

If that was the case, then it would stand to reason that the same was happening for the others. Which terrified me. Slaves, that was what they could very well be. Slaves to a great evil. And both Gremory, and Shitori, had their eyes on me.

'What do I do?'

A part of me thought I should run, survive another day, get the Church, fight back, but that didn't sit well with me. I couldn't leave behind my family, I couldn't leave Adrian behind, defenceless to these unknown. Many of them would be able to easily defeat Adrian, Toujou and Kiba. My brother was strong and skilled, but he was not that strong. Nor that skilled.

I suppose I could simply stock up on Holy Water, maybe put it in a squirt-bottle. And use that against Gremory and Shitori. It appeared to be very effective. Even name's caused Shitori pain, especially when I said 'God Bless You' after she sneezed. I wondered if shouting would be more effective?

But, regretfully, I had no idea how effective Holy Water would be against them. Even sensing it's Aura didn't do me much good, although I did get to learn about another type of Aura.

But whatever Aura was in Holy Water. It wasn't like anything else. It was ancient, powerful, light, I couldn't really describe it. It showed the most when I used it on the ORC/Student Council's Aura. Its Aura would spike, almost like an outside force or rule of nature activated, and the Aura of the ORC/Student Council would crumble before it.

Back onto more important things, I didn't know what to do. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Actually…

Thinking back on the Holy Water that I had, the relics, everything. If they weakened the ORC, then, theoretically, couldn't they be used as protection against them as well.

Additionally, the flyer's that I had, specifically the ORC's one, stated that they would 'grant my every desire' so, theoretically, those flyer's would summon the members of the ORC. Or possibly, just Gremory.

If I summoned one of them, with every advantage on my side, could I safely deal with the threat? And, if I could specify for Gremory, then could I take her out, before the ORC could come save her?

'Hmmm… Idea.'

Saturday…

Location: Japan, Kuoh Outskirts

"Thanks." I said as I, and the priest, nodded in agreement.

I had formulated a plan to trap Gremory, using a mass of Holy Water, Christian Symbols, and what was supposedly, a 'Holy Gun'.

Through some luck, I was able to get into contact with an old priest, who claimed to be a former exorcist for the church, and was living on the Outskirts of Kuoh, as in the real outskirts. Where the poor people, homeless, and factories were.

In exchange for some Lien, which I had been saving up for a long time, I was able to buy everything in front of me. And I had reason to believe that the Holy Gun was actually genuine, considering that this was the same guy that I got all the rest of my Holy Water from, and he had an active aura. It wasn't quite that large, but I could also sense something coming from the Gun.

It was like a… glimmering light I supposed. Like a torch, or perhaps the light reflected off a gem.

Whatever, what truly mattered, is that I had a weapon now. A means to defend myself from Gremory when I summon her.

Glancing at the large duffel bag that I had, stocked to the brim with Holy Water and the Christian Symbols, including several bibles, I felt apprehensive.

Was I really going to summon, what for all purposes could be, the ultimate evil, just to satiate my curiosity?

Well, that and investigating what Gremory truly was, and finding out who she truly was.

If she was some great evil, then I'd trap her, I don't think I have the heart to kill something… Not yet anyway.

As I made my way through the backstreets of Kuoh, riding my bicycle as I did so. I absentmindedly activated my Aura Sense, somewhat curious about if there was anything interesting nearby.

'What the…'

Then it all went dark.

Unknown amount of time later…

'Ugh… Jesus Christ… what happened?'

Opening my eyes, I blinked away the darkness that lingered around them. My left side hurt for some reason. And… I was bleeding…

My eyes snapped open immediately, something was nearby. Something, unnatural.

It felt like Gremory, but worse. Like an Erratic Breeze, cold as frost, in the middle of a desert. Something was wrong with this aura. Very Wrong.

Looking around, I spotted my Duffel Bag and Gun, and quickly grabbed them. To my anger, some of the bottles in the Duffel Bag must've broken, because water was dripping out of the sides. Even the Gun looked damaged. But seemed to still be in working capacity.

Slowly, wincing as I did so, I got on my feet, glancing down quickly, I could see my blood soaking through my black jeans, and dripping down my left hand.

Whatever just hit me, was behind me.

Spinning around, I pointed my Gun at a… little girl?

"What the hell?" I muttered in utter confusion. The Girl smiled brightly, but something about her smile sent shivers down my spine. It wasn't right. "Hey mister. You don't mind if I eat you. Do you?" She said, with a seemingly innocent tone. But what she said was anything but.

I pointed the gun at her again, but she merely laughed, "An Exorcist's Gun won't help you. Human" and then the girl began to change.

Before, she had a bob cut, red hair, and was wearing a yellow sundress with white flowers. No shoes. But now? Her spine was elongating, her eyes turning into hollow sockets, her arms and legs stretched and grew, and her clothes were ripped to shreds, exposing her to the world.

She grew, from what was probably 3'0, taller than a bus, a thin wiry frame built her. And her hair, it stretched, hanging down from her head in thin strips. Her skin was pale, whiter than snow, and she seemed to be only skin and bone, as I could see her ribcage.

And her mouth, it split into four parts. Serrated Teeth moving in a spiral down her throat. She stood hunched over.

"What the holy fuck are you?" I said in horror, staring at the abomination before me. "Some kind of mutant Shyguy?" The… thing… only laughed, "Foolish mortal. I am a Devil. And the one that will-" "JESUS CHRIST HOLY SPIRIT AND BY THE LORD GOD FEEL PAIN!" "AAAH!" Hearing the names of the holy trinity the Devil instantly yelled in pain, stepping back and away from me. "ELOHIM!" "AH" "JEHOVAH!" "AAAH!" "ALLAH!" "AAAAHH!" "MAY THE LORD BLESS YOUR DAMNED SOUL!" "GAAAH!"

Never let it be said that knowing the 24 names of God was pointless, you might need to remember them to fight off a Devil one day.

'If this Aura is that of a Devil, than that means Gremory and Shitori are both connected to Hell. I can't be sure why their Aura's are different, but perhaps that has something to do with why this one is a monster and they aren't'

"Stop… Saying… HIS NAME!" The Devil roared as it rushed towards me, "JESUS CHIRST HECK NO!" I responded, causing her to fall to her left and clutch her head. "Damn… you… Human…" The Devil snarled, walking up to it I continued to speak. "Elohim. Jehovah. Allah. Jesus. Holy Spirit. God." Everytime I spoke one of their names, the Devil would wince in pain and wouldn't be able to move.

Finally, I stood right beside the Devil's head, before levelling the Gun with it's head. "You are going to answer some questions for me." I said, the Devil snarled, "Jesus Christ answer my questions or else I swear to God." The Devil winced, "What… What do you want?" and I smirked, "Who are Gremory and Shitori?" The Devil blinked, "What?" I pressed the gun to her head, "Who are Gremory and Shitori? Answer me God Damn it!" The Devil Flinched at the name of God, but otherwise did nothing. However she slowly began to open her mouth, before saying, "They're the only ones that can save you now."

"Huh?"

Than my world exploded in Crimson Pain.

?

Her eyes widened as she saw what happened. The nails of the Stray, had pierced right through Westerdyk's chest, right through his Heart.

"GGAAAAAAH" Westerdyk Roared in Agony, dropping the Holy Gun and clutching at the Stray Devil's nails. "HAHAHA! You stupid Human! You should've paid more attention!" The Stray Devil Chortled. "Go-ggghgghhhhh" Before Westerdyk could even say THAT the Stray Devil slashed through his throat, destroying Westerdyk's voice box. "Ah ah ah" The Stray tutted, "That's a bad word. And we can't have you saying bad words now can we?"

Westerdyk clawed at his own throat, eyes wide in horror, pain and fear. The Stray chortled, and took her nails out of Westerdyk. "My my, what crimson blood you have. Let's see how it tastes, shall we?"

At the Stray's words, Westerdyk's eyes widened for the shortest moment, before narrowing determination laced across his face. And as the Stray raised the arm she had used to run Westerdyk through over her mouth, letting the droplets of blood drip down into her throat, Westerdyk almost seemed to grow a vengeful smile, as he stepped back and away from the Stray.

But she was looking at Westerdyk in surprise. How could he continue to stand? His heart was pierced, his throat slashed, he was bleeding buckets and yet he continued to stand.

How?

"Ah-AAAAAAGGGHHHHHH!"

Hunter Westerdyk

As I smiled grimly I stared at the Devil who had made her final mistake. I smiled at the Venom that she had willingly put down her throat, into her body.

Taking another step back, I winced at the pure AGONY that spiked and tore through my body. My Heart. My Lungs. My Neck. This Devil had barely avoided my Spine, but she had shredded several of my nerves. I couldn't move my toes, I couldn't feel my left arm, and the feeling of my right was quickly fading.

Each Breath sent a new river of pain through my body. But that was good. The Torture kept me awake.

Turning around, I looked for the nearest hospital. And a glimmer of hope shined in my heart as I saw one, only a few blocks away.

Trudging forwards I began to make my way to the Hospital. Dragging one lead foot after another.

Exhaustion quickly came, I felt like I could faint. But the PAIN would not let me. I couldn't close my eyes, I would die if I did.

I wanted to scream. To pray. To hope for salvation. But I had no voice. Any scream I made was silent. Any cry of pain was only wind.

A fresh wave of horror filled my veins. And tear's nearly shone in my eyes.

Was I mute forever?

No… Was I going to die?

I shook my head, stepping into an alleyway as I walked closer to the Hospital.

Do not accept death.

Remember Dying is Gay.

The Reaper will not take me today.

"Hey lookie here… HOLY SHIT!" A male voice suddenly screamed. And I blearily turned to look at it. What looked like a man, shorter than me, was standing there. I couldn't make out his face, my eye sight was failing. But he looked to be in horror. "What the hell happened to you?" I snarled at him. But I could not speak. So I only continued forwards. "Well I guess this is my good act for the year." Suddenly, a sharp pain struck my side, and I tumbled over. Coughing, choking on my own blood.

"Don't… Kid… Out… Misery" Sounds were fading in and out. The Darkness was creeping closer. And I felt a wave of dread and determination rise in unison.

I would NOT DIE!

Agony pierced my chest, and I unleashed a silent scream. The Man had stabbed my chest.

Lashing out with my hands, I grabbed onto the man's neck, before using all of the Adrenaline filled strength that I had.

And Snapped it.

A dull thud fell to the ground next to me. And I panted, accepting the pain that kept me awake.

Slowly I stood up, Pain, Pain, PAIN.

One foot… in front of the other…

PAIN PAIN PAIN!

I couldn't see. I couldn't hear. All I could do… was feel. Taste. Smell. The metalic of my blood. The stench of the Venom. The warmth of the Ichor.

My leg's gave out. And I fell to the ground.

NO!

?

Was he… dead?

As she stared at Westerdyk, she wasn't sure, even as his chest did not move. His blood continued to gush out of his body. But perhaps that was simply the way he was standing.

Because even now, Westerdyk Stood.

As he went to fall over onto his back, Westerdyk had suddenly stopped, holding his head mere inches above the ground. Only his feet and hands touched the ground. Nothing else.

What was he?

When the Stray had started to scream, she had presumed he had used the Holy Water. But the Stray Devil's body had shown no signs of Holy Poisoning.

As Westerdyk left the corpse behind, each step he took only added to her shock.

How could he stand? How could he walk so far?

How had he lived?

When the man had appeared, she was worried, and when he had stabbed Westerdyk those fears were founded. But in spite of every natural order in the world, Westerdyk had not only resisted, but he had snapped the Man's neck in half. So brutally that each end of the shattered neck were poking out of the Man's skin, his head nearly at a 90 degree angle.

Than, even when Westerdyk was meant to die. He did not fall. He stood. Defiant. Strong.

WHAT WAS HE?!

Slowly she creeped up to Westerdyk's body, she felt no life in him. He was gone.

"President. Westerdyk is… dead."

"Summon me Immediately."

As a Crimson Glow ignited behind her. She found her eyes lingering on Westerdyk's Body. Than to his face.

And despite all she was. Who she was. She nearly screamed, as a bolt of fear racked through her.

He was looking right at her.

Chapter 5 is complete!

I bet you all thought I'd have like 20 chapters of prologue. That's where you're wrong.

In the words of Moon Knight, RANDOM BULLSHIT GO!

Now, I know some of you won't be happy about what's happening to Hunter. But don't worry, everything I do has a reason. Fate itself decrees that Hunter needs to die.

The final part, after Hunter got stabbed by the Stray, was actually my favourite part. Writing his movements, his stubbornness and will. Especially the very end, after he died. In case you're wondering, his pose is the same as Katakuri's when he stopped himself from hitting the ground through sheer force of will and badassery.

Hunter is a monolith of Will and Determination, something as measly as getting stabbed and his throat torn apart won't kill him.

Well, technically, it will, but it won't kill him quickly. Blood loss and all that jazz.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and I wonder what your favourite part was!

PS: I have a Discord, the link should be on my Fanfic account. But if it doesn't work just tell me and I'll fix it.

PS-PS: I have also added a Poll onto my account. If you want to see Asia be a member of the ORC, then I suggest going over there and voting quickly.

BYE!