Mid Nights Requiem, Opened Eyes

by General W.A.R Monger

Ruvyzvat Morozov, a battle-hardened once lone lumberjack thought there was nothing unique to the happy go lucky 1950s America, he was raised in. Little did he know that the Evil Axis Empire of Europe weren't the only threat to the fragile peace, for hiding in the shadows are creatures and spirts of unspeakable power. This story takes inspiration from Lovecraft, Fallout, and FNF.

Confidential Documents For Authorized Eyes Only

Mid Nights Requiem

"Opened Eyes."

Chapter 1

Preordained Beginnings

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." - Ronald Reagan.

Ruvyzvat's inner monologue accompanied by a slow trumpet solo. "War, war never changes. In order for there to be great prosperity there must be great suffering. For my family their war ended in 1945 after the United States wiped away Leningrad and Stalingrad with the atomic bomb. Our war has yet to begin and the era of peace we live in is fragile. Evil will always exist no matter what form it may take. Whether it be of our own flesh or beyond our comprehension. Men like me keep that evil away, but the question is, for how long?"

It starts with black and white visuals of U.S Soldiers and Russian soldiers engaging in brutal combat, two of which are beating the life out of each other while tanks and men die around them. The Second World war ended with an atomic bomb exploding over the last Soviet strongholds along with a burning Soviet flag falling to fractured ground. Rising from the smoke was the star-spangled banner that took its place over what remained of Moscow. The years pass into the 1950s but the golden era of America is overtaken by the dark shadows of their new enemy. In the heart of the German Reich Adolf Hitler has a loud speech to a marching crowd of loyal soldiers from the marble Reichstag ready and confident in his regime's ability to create a new empire over this world. In the coming years many Eastern European countries were engulfed by the slithering tentacles of Nazi Germany. Eventually the flimsy new republic of Russia collapsed to violent fascist rioters creating another dangerous threat to America and her allies. With ever increasing tensions and a looming threat of nuclear annihilation each side rushes in building its nuclear arsenal waiting to see who would dare attack first. On a smaller scale there are even needless small proxy wars, most never reached the public eye. Deep in the shadows agents from all over quietly try to sabotage each side.

August 21st, 1970.

The last rays from the summer sunshine down on the small suburbs of Lincoln city in the humble state of Oregon. Every log or white picket fenced house was divided by rows of tall evergreens that almost blocked the sky. Despite the lack of sidewalks complementing the roads, there were plenty of dirt or cobblestone paths which allowed for easy walking or riding. Proud star-spangled flags wave in the light wind outside every house. Occasionally a car would drive down the pavement river, but it was always quiet as a falling feather. The culture of this world has not changed after the second World War. The happy optimism, American exceptionalism, Cold War, fear of Fascism and National Socialism (Because Communism was defeated), as well as the threat of total atomic annihilation continues to dominate.

It's also worthied to point out the vast intelligent species that can be found roaming almost every known habitable corner of the earth. Fortunately, most individuals identify with their nation having both pride and patriotism even believing it is the best to ever exist. With some obvious exceptions if one lives under the iron fist of the German Reich. Where they heavily emphasized the purity of their blood and race.

Regardless of the peaceful circumstances of this fine day, one 14-year-old boy carefully treading on the path never conceded delight to it. His name is Ruvyzvat Morozov, and he is a stick figure. Although that species is similar to humans they have noticeable differences. Specifically, their heads are rounder, and their hair comes in all kinds of colors. Both his hair and face were gray of ash however the long depressing years of his childhood have aged him faster than his peers. Trying to come home from a prolonged monotonous day in private school he wore a standard black and green uniform. Over it a black thick scarf hid his neck from the outside, but it was not because of the weather.

As he busied himself, he couldn't help but notice a young beautiful girl arriving at the corner. Her name is Sarvente Evans, she too is a stick figure but had the colors of pink and magenta depressed in a similar uniform. She is magnificent as a perfect flower blooming in the summer wind. Going against his prior convictions Ruvyzvat couldn't help but gaze upon her feeling almost hypnotized.

What she did not know was that behind reaching the raised road is another young boy on a bike. He too wore a uniform for the same school and is named Henry Lang. Unlike the others he is a hybrid of a human and stick figure. A fair looking kid having pale white skin but normal human eyes with jet black hair. Although they were complete strangers, at this moment the lord wanted them to become close. Before he could turn away the chain on his bike snapped wrapping around the wheel. It stops and throws him into the air.

Seeing these events unfold Ruvyzvat drops his items dashing towards Sarvente.

"Look out!" He shouted.

Sarvente is successfully pushed out of the way. In her place Ruvyzvat pluments on the ground receiving a landing strike from Henry upon impact.

She rushes over concerned. "Oh my goodness, are you guys alright?"

They struggle to get up.

"Yes, I'll be fine." Ruvyzvat responded in a light Russian accent.

"Holy Toledo I am so sorry man." Henry responded. "Did I hurt you at all?"

Ruvyzvat brushes off dirt. "Like I said, it's fine. You dropped all your stuff by the way."

So Ruvyzvat helps Henry retrieve everything on the ground, among all the papers and books were many white baseballs.

"Are you gonna need help with your bike?" Sarvente asked.

Eventually the boys finish.

"No thanks." Henry asserted "I'm not far from my house."

"Do you have a name?" Sarvente kindly asked.

"Name's Henry Lang. I may not look the part but if you see my dad, it'll make sense."

"I'm Sarvente. I hope we see each other again."

Henry humorously responds. "Preferably under better circumstances."

He picks up his bike and crosses the street to a clean teal house. After watching him disappear in the doorway Sarvente turns around to Ruvyzvat walking away. She eventually catches up to interest in some simple small talk.

"Thanks for saving me back there."

Ruvyzvat stammers. "Oh, well it's not necessary."

"I'm being sincere." Sarvente continued ever so kindly. "I truly appreciate what did for me."

"Okay then."

They both approach two colorful suburban houses hidden in a couple trees on the left side of the silent road. Ruvyzvat splits off to the one that had a blue Impala parked on the driveway. Just as he reaches for the doorknob, he gets asked one final question.

"I almost forgot; may I know your name?"

He pauses for a second. "It's Ruvyzvat. If you can't pronounce it, I completely understand."

"Not a problem, mine too is also kind of wordy. My name is Sarvente, it's nice to meet you Ruvyzvat."

"Nice meeting you too." Ruvyzvat quietly responds.

Sarvente turns to her house "See you in school tomorrow, neighbor."

Confused by this, Ruvyzvat looks back. "Neighbor?"

"I live next door, honestly I'm surprised we haven't crossed paths before."

He watches Sarvente open the mailbox's mouth, removing multiple letters and a strange small envelope. Although he wasn't someone to engage in long conversations, it felt soothing. Yet the small drop of joy would be lost in the puddle of despair as he entered his home. No lights were on to brighten its gray and blue walls. It is decorated modestly with black and white pictures from the war and old family relics from the motherland. Ruvyzvat cautiously walks to the leather chair staring at the silent TV to await his father but finds it empty. For he was waiting in the kitchen smoking a large cigar.

His name is Dimitri Morozov, like many men of his time he came home from the Second World War. Sadly, not long after its conclusion he lost someone close that left him empty. Being a very big strong man he is sporting a shadow behind a thick gray mustache. Having slightly removed some of his suit he looks disgusted at his son.

In a thick Russian Accent Mr. Morozov grunts. "You are late boy.

"My mistake, Father."

Mr. Morozov approaches his son and lands a slap on his head. "Do not let it happen again. Understood?"

"Yes Father." Ruvyzvat mumbled.

His father walks to his room. "Go make yourself useful and clean up the backyard."

"Yes Father."

Down the corner Henry locks the door to his home. While containing more color and carrying the 50s theme similar to every other house nobody is there. The kitchen was clean, having dishes stacked perfectly next to the slick sink. Olive stripes complement the washed wooden walls inside holding country loving items. He sets his bike in a corner next to a calm coat rack. This absence of his parents wasn't normal for him although it had been going on for a few months. The answer to his question is lying down on the pristine patriotic pine coffee table by the Chicago made black leather cushions.

Sorry Henry, I got called up to the station for an emergency. I'll be home late today but there is pork in the fridge for you. Love Dad.

Henry leaves the note heading to the fridge for his sustenance. He waits for the microwave to revive the cold food while scanning through stations of the TV. All black and white but divided by westerns, cartoons, sitcoms, and news channels. Finally, Henry stops at one channel detailing a developing case he conscientiously follows since it was of great importance to him.

"Although the court has heard the heartbreaking testimonies from the multiple witnesses, the prosecution still has yet to find evidence worthy of conviction. Therefore, the child trafficking trial Oregon State vs Hawks Foundation continues still not producing a decision. For the viewers watching, all you can do is pray for the best."

Grabs a small picture from the coffee table of his family. Taken years ago, in the city of Salem during a championship game. The human man on the right was his father, tall and fit with slick black hair. His mother was right next to him. A lean stick figure dressed modestly with a beautiful face.

"I'm counting on you Mom." He said smiling.

As the news Anchor begins talking about other things, Henry changes the channel to a more exciting cartoon of the famous Agent Dec Independence. Dressed in a spotless brown trench coat facing off against the sinister Commander Adolf Dusseldorf in a secret frozen fortress. His mission in that episode is stopping a deadly mountain laser and saving his love Lady Liberty. Owing to the fact, spies have become incredibly popular among youth pop culture.

"Your reign of evil ends here Dusseldorf!" Agent Independence shouted

In an exaggerated German accent. "You are too late Agent Independence! My weapon has been activated and there is nothing you can do. Komrade Ivan kill him!

A big hulking uniformed man lands in front of them.

Komrade Ivan in an exaggerated Russian accent. "Let's dance."

Henry chuckles to himself. "Wouldn't that be an awesome life?"

Hours later the moon has seized the shift for the sun in the sweet night sky. Ruvyzvat lays back first in his bleak bed unable to sleep. His room had some decoration and a couple toys, but it isn't anything merry. The mouth of the window is open allowing for the calls of nature to be heard.

Breaking through the symphony of night crickets he hears a small scream in the distance. Confused by the sound, Ruvyzvat retreats to the window to find its source. All of a sudden, a mysterious figure breaks out the window of the Sarvente's house. Rapidly running into the forest.

"What the heck?"

Without hesitation Ruvyzvat grabs a heavy flashlight from the side of his bed. He also brings out a small tin concealing a pocketknife which he equips. Ruvyzvat climbs down the boards outside his window down into the open yard. Ignoring the consequences for waking his father he hurries into the darkness of the Oregon forest following the screams into its heart. The trail of abnormal footprints comes to rest in a clearing. All he can see is patches of evergreens surrounded by darkness.

Ruvyzvat pans the area but finds nothing. "Great, I lost them."

Then there are some rustling sounds prompting Ruvyzvat to point the flashlight to a large moving bush. He cautiously approaches the noise while switching the blade behind his back. Pouncing into the bush expecting to find the culprit only to tackle Henry on the ground.

"Whoa calm down I mean no harm."

"Jesus, what are you doing out here?" Ruvyzvat questioned while allowing Henry to get up.

"I'd assume the same reason as you. Heard screams and I decided to investigate."

Ruvyzvat raises an eyebrow. "In a bush with a BeeBee gun?"

"Thought I'd hide and wait for the kidnapper to show himself. Shoot him in the eyes, you know."

"Doesn't sound like a good plan."

"I also called my dad so he will take care of the rest when he arrives." Henry rolled his eyes. "How about we make ourselves useful and start looking"

They continue to search but turn up nothing.

Ruvyzvat sighs. "Nothing."

"I don't get it. How could someone that loud disappear?"

Something wet drops on the ground between them. Ruvyzvat crouches down to inspect it, lightly touching the strange substance. The liquid is purple and sticky while also smelling similar to diesel.

"What is it?" Henry asked.

"Something sticky, but it isn't tree sap. It's probably oil-." But as Ruvyzvat gets up he notices Henry staring at something. "What are you looking at?"

Trembling like a leaf Henry points up to something in the sky. Ruvyzvat aims his flashlight up. Hidden in the treetops is a creature of horror, drooling down to its next targets. It's a starspawn, its skin is covered in some kind of purple liquid oozing all over its body. The face is the thing of nightmares, ugly and twisted. Underneath its slimy tentacles is a mouth of sharp teeth. Redder than blood where its eyes fixated on the young boys underneath.

"Tell me we're hallucinating."

All Ruvyzvat could say was. "No."

The starspawn emits a loud scream chasing them through the forest. Fortunately, it failed to avoid a large branch hidden by the darkness up to receiving a slap in the face. Exploiting this opportunity the boys hide behind a log trying to formulate a plan of action.

"You got a better weapon besides a small knife?" Henry gasped, rushing to load his rifle.

"At least it isn't a toy."

"Fair enough."

Finishing their prep Ruvyzvat takes one more look before giving his orders. "On my mark we turn."

"Ready."

"One, two, three." They look over the log, but nothing is there.

Henry nervously looks into the darkness. "Where did he go?"

In a flash Ruvyzvat gets grabbed from behind by the creature dragging him down.

Dropping his gun Henry grabs him but struggles to secure his strength. "Hold on, I got you."

While attempting to retrieve his knife Ruvyzvat spots Sarvente stuck in goo on its back fighting for her freedom but to no avail.

"Please help me!" She desperately pleads

Finally, Ruvyzvat successfully secures his knife to which he slices off the starspawn's fingers, stirring it up in pain. Before its fingers materialize Henry and Ruvyzvat fall back to a hill, but it rushes to them with tenacity*

"Nothing's working." Henry asserted after emptying his entire gun into the creature.

Ruvyzvat finds a large enough sharp rock, so he quickly hands it to Henry. "Throw this!"

"No way that won't be-!"

"Do you have any better ideas?!"

Henry reluctantly takes it. "Arms don't fail me now."

In a perfect motion he throws the rock with elegance at the creature's face. Its trajectory ends at the Starspawn striking its eye, disorienting it in agony. In a confused fit of rage the creature hits its face in a tree then falls down.

"Nice throw but we must hurry."

Wasting no time, Ruvyzvat cautiously climbs up the sticky back of the sleeping creature. Thankfully it wasn't hard finding Sarvente.

"Hold still."

"Okay." She murmured

Like a hot knife through butter Ruvyzvat removes all the bindings successfully freeing Sarvente.

Henry approaches her from the end of the beast reaching out with his hand. "Can you walk?"

"Kinda."

Ruvyzvat helps guide her down. "Careful."

Unknown to the boys, one of the Starspawns arms moves.

Sarvente notices it. "Uh guys."

It ultimately awakens even more enraged, knocking them down. It grabs all the kids but before it could enact its goal a 44-caliber bullet penetrates its skin. Dropping them the starspawn looks over to Henry's dad in full uniform aiming his pistol at the beast next to his police Fairlane. Of course he had acquired back up for this dangerous occasion.

"Stop in the name of the law!" Mr. Lang demanded

Not understanding a word of what they just said the starspawn simply screeches at them. Since it refused to comply the officers used lethal force to put down this creature. The task was not as easy as the thought because this thing ate up almost all of their bullets like they were nothing. Eventually one of the shots breaks through a small holotape in the center of the starspawn's chest. It screams in extreme pain and dies, exploding goo everywhere forcing the adults to duck.

After the dust settles the Deputy opens the Fairlane's rear doors. Mr. Evans is the first to retrieve his child.

"Oh thank God you're safe." Mr. Evans exclaimed with relief. "What happened, are you hurt?"

"Only my knee dad."

Beyond disappointed Mr. Morozov stomps over to his son who could only stand waiting for his judgment.

Mr. Morozov grabs his collar in anger. "You better have a damn good excuse for leaving your room."

"Father-." Out of nowhere, cutting off Ruvyzvat's words, Sarvente steps in between them.

"Pardon me sir. Your son was simply saving me from a foolish mistake. He doesn't deserve punishment."

"Move young lady, this doesn't concern you." Mr. Morozov grumbled.

Coming to her defense Mr. Evans chimes in. "For all that is holy let it go Dimitri. They've been through enough."

Ruvyzvat's father begrudgingly complies while giving one last demand to his son. "You are to never leave your room again without my permission. Is that clear?"

"Yes Father."

Once it was over Ruvyzvat focused his attention on Sarvente rather confused. "Sarvente, why did you do that?"

"We're friends. Friends look out for one another."

"That's right, friends." He whispered with some emotion.

Meanwhile Mr. Lang thoroughly checks his son for any injury not after holding him tightly.

"What took you so long?"

"Sorry son, just working late shifts again. Never go into the woods without me, especially by yourself."

Henry looks down. "Yes dad, I'm sorry I only wanted to help."

"I know you did, it's just your nature just like your old man. But you're way too young."

The Deputy taps Mr. Lang on the shoulder. "Sheriff, you gotta see this."

"Go wait in the car with your friends." Mr. Lang politely ordered. "I'll be back."

His son complies with this request walking over to the car where his friend was also residing. Now that everything was taken care of Mr. Lang follows the Deputy to inspect their kill. Neither of them could even begin to explain what this thing even was.

"What on God's green earth is this thing?"

"I have no idea Sheriff." The Deputy responded, shrugging his shoulders. "It certainly doesn't look like any wild animal I know of."

Fishing through the purple puddle Mr. Lang recovers a broken holotape floating in the murky liquid and it has the words 'experiment' scratched on the front. What nobody even realized was hiding away in the cloak of darkness were two robed figures observing the outcome from this event.

"Interesting." Mr. Lang then asks Mr. Evans. "Did this come from your mailbox?"

Mr. Evans pulls out packaging to confirm it. "Yes it did. Although I'm unsure where it came from."

"But then who would even have the ability let alone the motive to send a packaged monster to a random family?" The Deputy questioned.

"That is a question we cannot answer right now. I'll take this back to the station to see if we can find anything." Mr. Lang directed concealing the holotape in a bag. "From now on I recommend you thoroughly check your mail in case something like this shows up again."

Back in the car Henry asks his new friend an important question. "By the way it might be a little overdue but, I haven't got your name?"

"Ruvyzvat."

"Okay then, my name's Henry. Nice to formally meet you Ruvyzvat."

Henry extends his hand and the two shake.

The next morning Ruvyzvat continues to finish the cluster of work he compiled from yesterday's school day in the dining room. Him and his new friends decided to take the day off after the events of yesterday. At the same time he dares not to disturb his father dwindling upstairs in a place of worship.

There is a knock at the door.

"Boy get the door."

In a split second Ruvyzvat grabs his scarf to cover his neck then opens the door, to his surprise both of his new friends are outside.

"Morning Ruvyzvat."

"Want to play outside with us." Sarvente asked.

Ruvyzvat responds. "I'll have to check with my father first."

Goes upstairs then carefully knocks on his father's door.

"What is it boy?"

Ruvyzvat takes a deep breath. "My friends from next door want me to go outside with them."

"Did you finish your work?"

"Yes Father."

There is a brief pause before Mr. Morozov responds. "You have 3 hours. Don't be late, understand me boy."

"Yes Father." Ruvyzvat muttered, heading downstairs to deliver the good news.

Henry asks. "So, is he okay with it?"

"Yes." Ruvyzvat responds.

Cheerfully Sarvente spoke. "Alright, let's head to my yard."

Sarvente's backyard, like all of the other widely spaced houses in their neighborhood, is very grand and open. It contained patio furniture, a stainless steel barbecue, and green grazed grass. A decent patch of dirt layed towards the gate near the forest. Henry is the first to set up a couple targets near the fence for the game selected is some simple beebee shooting. Being upstanding gentlemen, the two boys allow Sarvente to take the first shots. They are amazed at her accuracy as she lands almost all of the hits on the targets. Once she finishes Henry is next up, although he may have been a little rusty, he does make a few bullseyes.

"Good hit." Sarvente marveled.

Henry objects fiddling with his gun. "Yeah, but my sights are off again."

"It hit the bullseye, Henry."

"True, but it could be better." Henry turns to Ruvyzvat. "Hey buddy, how about you come and give it a shot."

"I don't know how to shoot. Sorry." Ruvyzvat responds finishing a Vim Cola

Despite this Sarvente retrieves a BeeBee gun. "Not with that attitude. I'll show you how."

Going against his weaknesses Ruvyzvat carefully comes to Sarvente and consents to using a BeeBee gun. Its stomach is full of plastic ready to shoot its primed breath.

"The trick to aiming is your stance." Sarvente explained while shaping her friend's stance. "Thankfully these aren't real guns so recoil won't be an issue."

"I see."

Ready but reluctantly Ruvyzvat raises his rifle to the target. He shoots but the pellet misses, instead striking the dirt.

"Damn." He sighed, then tried again but to no avail.

Henry finishes his Vim. "Almost had it."

"Try to use your right side." Sarvente recommended

Complying with the suggestion Ruvyzvat switches positions to his right. Unsurprisingly to himself he fails to land the shot, further destroying his fleeting willpower.

Ruvyzvat spoke in gloom. "Told you I can't shoot."

But Sarvente was determined to push through. "It's okay, take a deep breath and relax. Try again."

In extreme hesitation Ruvyzvat gets back in position again. Following the advice Ruvyzvat relieves the stress of his brain clearing up the dark clouds then takes a deep breath. Time slows and the sights stand still on the bullseye perfectly aligning the barrel. Ruvyzvat relaxes, formally shoots and it hits the target.

"Nice job." Sarvenete congratulated him.

Ruvyzvat responds in gratitude. "I want to say I truly appreciate this, thank you guys."

"You never hangout with friends before?" Henry inquired.

"Never could have friends." Just then Ruvyzvat's stomach rumbles.

"I have some snacks if you guys are hungry?"

"That would be great." Ruvyzvat concurred. "Anything will do."

"I'll take a Boeuf bourguignon with Sanguis Virginus please."

Of course this gave Sarvente a good laugh. "Be serious Henry."

"Just kidding, I'll take a Soarin' Slugger Bar please and thank you."

As Sarvente disappears into her house, Ruvyzvat sits there in the backyard thinking to himself. Thoughts are whispering in his head that he cannot fully hear. Whatever the thoughts are, they're very powerful and impossible to ignore. Naturally his friend notices this right away."

"What's with the face?"

"I just can't help but see the lovely energy between you two." Henry remarked smirking

Ruvyzvat rolls his eyes. "Henry, whatever you're thinking is definitely false."

"Sure buddy."

Sarvente walks out from the back door with the snacks. "Orders up boys."

"Mmm thank you." Henry said.

"Much appreciated." Ruvyzvat responded with gratitude.

Everyone eats while enjoying the sunlight. Yet Ruvyzvat tries to build the courage to ask a small question.

"So Sarvente-."

Nevertheless, he doesn't get to finish as Sarvente's brother opens the screen door to deliver important news. He is tall and skinny, having similar colors to his sister's along with his name Sarvin. He had on a brown sweater and slacks.

"Robert is waiting in the living room for you."

"Thank you big brother." Sarvente responded.

Of course Sarvin notices his sister's new friends. "Who are these guys?"

"New friends of mine, Henry and Ruvyzvat."

Henry waved. "Howdy."

"Hello there." Ruvyzvat said.

In a teasing manner Sarvin remarks. "You are a dude magnet I swear."

"He seems nice." Henry pointed out.

Sarvente packs her things. "Sorry guys, I have to go."

But Ruvyzvat asks. "Who is Robert?"

"That's right I forgot to introduce you guys to him. Robert is my boyfriend."

Just like that, Ruvyzvat's thoughts were silenced. "Very well."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Henry encouraged after cleaning his things. "After you, my lady."

He lets her enter the house first, following with Ruvyzvat close behind. Sarvente's house has more of a lodge-like decoration. Hunting is very present in the family along with woodworking. Her lover waits in the living room on the leather sofa. Wearing a leather jacket over a suit vest and bow tie he too is a stick figure with blue stripes on his white face. Fashioning a blue and brown tinted pompadour. He is slightly taller, being around the same height as Ruvyzvat.

"There you are, how are you feeling?" Robert exclaimed, sharing a hug and a kiss with Sarvente.

"Sorry, I was feeling a little under the weather, but don't worry I'm better now."

"You almost worried for a second. Thought I was gonna have to cancel tonight. By the way, mind telling who these fine gentlemen are?"

"Robert, these are my new friends, Ruvyzvat and Henry." Sarvente replied. "They live next door."

"Well, any friend of yours is a friend of mine." Robert chuckled, extending his hand out to them.

Henry accepts the handshake. "Charmed."

"Nice meeting you." Ruvyzvat did the same thing. "What's the jacket for?"

"Keeps dirt off my nice clothes and goes with the motorcycle."

"You're kidding right?" Henry queried in disbelief.

Those thoughts are quickly dispelled as Robert moves a curtain showing a red and black Harley-Davidson chilling on the corner

"It may be a little old but it's fast as hell." Robert elaborated. "Excuse my French."

"You're excused." Henry said in amazement. "How long have you guys been dating?"

"Wanna say two years now, but I've known this angel since the second grade. I'd love to chat with you guys some more but we must be on our way."

Sarvente holds his hand. "What adventure are you taking me on?"

"A nice relaxing dinner under the stars my love." Robert responded in a smooth tone.

Before they exit the house Sarvente waves back to her friends. "Bye guys."

"Don't show off out there with her too much Ponyboy." Her brother remarked.

Yet Sarvin seems to have forgotten that his mother was right there in the kitchen. "Young man, that is not appropriate."

"I'm kidding mom."

Watching from the windows Ruvyzvat and Henry wave goodbye as the lovers take off on the motorcycle down the street.

"Henry, do you want me to drive you home?" Mrs. Evans asked

"No thank you."

Ruvyzvat pats his friend on the back. "See you tomorrow then."

"Sorry you struck out man." Henry said.

Ruvyzvat brushes it off. "I wasn't even up to bat to begin with."

From that day on they would support each other through the trial of fire that is private high school. But sometimes when life gives you gifts it often takes something away when you least expect it. It is the end of a new week and today is the final playoff baseball game. Tensions among the crowd elevated high with the score selecting a slim victory for the home team. With the game almost coming to a close everyone is ready for a victory. Among the folks are two men in black who appear to be watching every player closely. On the pitcher's mound Henry rolls a ball in his hand staring down home base. Even when contemplating a fast ball or a curve he could still hear the cheers from his friends in the stadium.

"Throw him a curve!" Ruvyzvat shouted.

"You got this son, strike him out!"

Sarvente exclaims. "Stay focused!"

Henry takes a deep breath then in an eloquent motion throws the ball into the air with a long curve. Yet the batter is quick to catch the act with the swing of his bat. It hits the ball's face forcing it up in the air. Wasting no time the batter runs down the white line to first. One of the outfielders backs up with it predicting its landing. Although he fails to acquire the catch, he successfully throws it to the second base player who lands an out. Nonetheless, a runner on third managed to make it home tying up the score. This caught the attention of the men in black.

"And that concludes the top of the ninth." The announcer explained over the loudspeaker. "However, at the last second the OceanLake Eagles managed to tie up the score for the final inning."

Henry hustles to the dugout. "Dang it."

Back in the bleachers Sarvente looks over to her boyfriend taking the spare time to read a couple passages from a strange book.

"What are you reading?"

"Call of Cthulhu by H.P Lovecraft." Robert responded closing its cover. "Got it from the school Library."

"Is it a scary book?"

"Yeah, has a creepy looking squid monster and a crazy cult."

Sarvente was confused by this. "Squid monster?"

Robert shows her a page in the back of the book. Devoid of any color, it is a strange bulky figure sitting down on some kind of rock. It didn't have a human face, only dark eyes and tentacles on its mouth. On its hunched back is a pair of wings. Sarvente remembers that awful night many days ago brought back by the unpleasant image. Robert immediately observes his girlfriend's discomfort at the image.

"Hey is everything okay?" He asked politely.

Sarvente wipes her eyes. "Of course. I'm fine."

Alas Robert could not stay for long since his stomach began to angrily hiss at him from the might of spicy nachos.

"Excuse me for sec, got to go to the bathroom. Could you watch this for me darling?"

"Sure thing." Sarvente responded after holding onto her boyfriend's reading material.

"I'll try to be fast."

Once he leaves the bleachers the fourth batter arrives at the plate rather pompously. Being born as a bomb and absent of an explosive temper is none other than Witty Daniels. Yes there are walking talking bomb-like people in this world and to the contrary their explosions aren't dangerous. All that happens is the room gets a little dirty but that's neither here nor there. He is a friend of Henry's having known him since the 7th grade.

"Alright Witty, keep it simple." Henry commanded from the batter's box. "No theatrics please."

"A good showman doesn't disappoint the audience." Witty bragged expertly moving the bat, soon pointing at a couple girls in the stadium. "This one's for you lovely ladies. Especially you darling."

They chuckle in response while he gets in stance following this the umpire signals the pitcher to start. A ball is thrown through the air missing Witty's bat.

"Strike one."

Ruvyzvat watches Witty with bewilderment. "What is he doing, that wasn't even in the box?"

"Hold on buddy, let him cook." Henry requested.

Meanwhile Robert washes away the soap on his hands whistling a fine patriotic tune. All alone in the dead air of the empty bathroom. He quickly bends down to splash water on his face removing the sweat from his brow. Once he returns to the mirror it isn't just his reflection he sees. Next to him is a mysterious shadow with red eyes.

"Robert." The voice said disorienting.

Scared by this Robert turns around in fear to the empty silence of the green stalls.

"Just my imagination. Yeah."

He tries to leave, but by itself a stall opens.

Robert cautiously walks over. "Hello? Do you need something?"

It's empty.

"Must've been a draft."

He barely turns away only to see the same shadow standing there even more menacing.

"Robert, listen to me."

Robert hides away in the stall. "Whoever you are, leave me alone!"

"I am a great old one."

All around him the walls distort turning red. The once quiet air starts speaking incoherent words which he tries to ignore. There even appear to be tentacles coming from the cracks

"Please go away! Please go away!"

The shadow does not listen. "Heed my words."

"Noooooo!"

Outside Witty misses another ball giving him one last chance at victory. With two outs already and a potential for a turnover the stakes couldn't be higher.

"Is he trying to make us lose?" Sarvente complained.

Ruvyzvat takes a sip. "Most definitely or he thinks too much of himself."

"Wait guys." Henry pleaded.

The pitcher throws another ball down the line. It is just right enough to be hit perfectly by the bat. It flies away high in the air taking away any doubt among the audience. Allowing the Crusaders a grasp to victory. The men in black take notice with one writing something down. Witty slides into home with a wave of cheer from the crowd, one of the girls he had impressed decided to hunt down the ball he struck.

Henry sits back down on the dugout seat. "See, just gotta give him time."

Sarvente looks over to the men's restroom hoping to find her love. To which Ruvyzvat notices.

"Something troubling you?"

"Ruvyzvat could you check on Robert for me please?"

"Certainly."

Ruvyzvat quickly exits the bleachers making his way to the men's restroom. Upon opening the door he hears his friend's fearful pleas in the last stall.

Ruvyzvat walks over. "Hey is everything going alright back there?"

"No no no, I want you out!" Robert seemingly shouted to himself.

"Take it easy Robert. How bad is it?"

Robert bursts out of the stall falling over. "Go away! Get outta my mind!"

Watching his friend slide down on the wall Ruvyzvat is less than certain about approaching him but does so anyway.

"Calm down. Tell me what is going on?"

Robert gazes upon him, but he only sees red and shadows. He cannot hear the familiar words as they were replaced with deep distorted garble.

Filling up even more with fear he backs up. "Go away, demon!"

"Robert, it's me, your friend."

Ruvyzvat reaches his hand out trying to calm him down. Robert freaks out, smashing his friend into a mirror which cracks on impact. His hands hold Ruvyzvat in place as he tries to get free but somehow Robert is stronger than him.

"Robert . . . let me . . . go."

Robert grabs a sharp shard. "I will not let you torture me any longer."

Watching them among the shadows whatever that thing was it is most displeased at these events. "Hmm, unworthy."

Back outside Henry awaits his turn to bat. Sarvente proceeds to look around hoping to find Robert and Ruvyzvat but alas they remain hidden.*

"Looking for someone?" Henry asked, putting on his helmet.

"Yeah, Robert. He's been in the bathroom for a while now."

"Must be a big one then."

Henry's Coach taps him on the shoulder. "Henry you're up."

"Here it goes."

Henry pulls out from the shaded confines of the dugout to the home. Slowly exercising his arms with the bat through the air then finally waiting for the perfect throw. Unknown to everyone there a brutal struggle performs in secret behind the bathroom walls. Ruvyzvat struggles to keep away Robert's aggression, although he could inflict harm onto his friend he chooses to hold back the attacks only using strength when necessary. Unfortunately it's ultimately worthless as the blade slices through his left eye spilling blood faster than a faucet. Ruvyzvat stubbles back in pain holding his hand close to his wound. You couldn't have asked for a more chaotic crime scene in that room. Robert again stabs Ruvyzvat's legs forcing him down. But before he could continue his blind attack a janitor finally ends it. He removes Robert off of Ruvyzvat then formally knocks him out. Like a guardian angel he carries the wounded boy in his arms rushing outside.

Outfield Umpire does a hand motion. "Timeout!"

"What the hell?" Witty asked.

The players stop what they were doing to gaze at the janitor holding Ruvyzvat in his arms.

"Someone call 911!" The janitor pleaded in a light Russian accent.

Mr. Lang and Mr. Evans rushed out of the bleachers with other parents following suit.

Henry drops his bat. "Oh crap Ruvyzvat."

"Sheriff Lang here, what exactly happened to him?" Mr. Lang demanded as the janitor set down Ruvyzvat.

"Some deranged kid tried attacking him, I left the attacker unconscious in there Sheriff."

"This is Sheriff Lang. We have an assault at the Saint Jude's Private School." Mr. Lang explained into his walkie talkie. "I need backup and an ambulance asap."

While Ruvyzvat lay unconscious Sarvente kneels down holding her friend's hand. Other adults attempt to block the bleeding with whatever they can find.

"My God, who did this to you?"

Her answer would be found in the cracks of the crowd seeing Robert being held down by Mr. Lang. The two lock eyes for a moment before the hole is filled. Everything cuts to black among the sounds of police sirens.

On the morning of Saturday Ruvyzvat rests in his hospital bed in total silence. He is almost a mummy lying in a blue tomb with the injuries he sustained. Beside his bed his friends wait for him to awaken along with a doctor. Sarvente slides a small gift into his hands. She brushes along his neck finding many heinous scars that were inflicted long ago. Outside their parents are cautiously having a confidential conversation. Every single one of them is dressed without color since the situation didn't deem it proper. Sarvin is busy writing a history paper in some seats nearby.

"How could this happen?"

"No idea." Mr. Lang sighed. "I've been in this job for a while, but I haven't seen anything like this."

Mrs. Evans pressures him. "Surely there must be a reason? He wouldn't have attacked his friend like that."

"Apparently he saw shadows, demons, or something weird. No jury in their right mind will let him go scott free." He responded with disbelief. "I'm sorry."

"This is going to break her heart." Mr. Evans muttered.

Mr. Evan's wife tries to comfort his fears. "Don't worry, she'll understand."

The moment of sadness would be shattered by the thunderous footsteps of Mr. Morozov as he storms past them and barges into the room. His expression only showed extreme disappointment which is concerning to the other parents outside.

"Unfortunately, the damage sustained to his eye cannot be reversed." The doctor explained. "However, it appears his depth perception hasn't been altered in any way."

"So, he is even more useless?"

"Not exactly-."

Mr. Morozov puts his hand in front of the doctor's face, shutting him up. Almost immediately he takes out a flask, downing most of its contents. He walks out slamming the door rooking the wall.

"We're sorry for what happened to your son." Mrs. Evans said.

But Mr. Morozov wasn't having any of it. "Enough, I don't want your pity."

Mr. Lang is annoyed by this. "Dmitri, we just want to help you."

"I already have too many disasters in my life." Mr. Morozov snapped. "So, leave me alone."

Again, he tries to leave but is halted by Mr. Evans. "I understand what hell you're going through. Avoiding it will only make things worse."

Straight away Mr. Morozov shoves Mr. Evans into the wall. Mr. Lang swiftly reaches for his firearm; however, Mrs. Evans stops him.

"You know nothing of hell." Mr. Morozov whispered in anger to Mr. Evans.

He leaves to the main lobby letting go of Mr. Evans. Regardless of this Mr. Evans calmly recomposes himself, wiping away the dust from his coat. When all is said and done Mr. Lang checks his watch.

"I'm gonna get my son."

Mr. Evans asks him. "You got somewhere to be?"

"My wife is coming home tonight. Hopefully to bring good news."

"You two take care." Mr. Evans remarked.

A couple seconds pass as Mr. Lang brings his son out of the room having his head down and depressed. All the while he holds his son by his side.

"He'll be alright Henry, let's go home."

While they leave, Sarvente's parents open the door to the room sitting on opposite sides of their daughter. Both of them sit down but neither could say a word as Sarvente cries into her parent's arms. Her brother quickly hugs her too.

Mr. Evans comforts his daughter. "Shhh, it's okay."

"Why did this happen?" She could barely string a sentence together through the tears. "What did I do wrong, just why?"

"Sweetheart, you did nothing wrong. Sometimes things happen that you aren't prepared for." Her mother responded.

"What will happen to him?"

"We'll go see Robert tomorrow." Mr. Evans reassured. "Let's go home honey."

They eventually leave Ruvyzvat alone asleep in his room.

Back home Mr. Lang holds his son close on the living room couch. Right on time Mrs. Lang enters through the front door unaware of what has happened.

"I'm home and I have great news."

Henry jumps the couch running to hug her. She holds him close and feels the sadness emitting from him.

Her tone changes entirely. "Joey what happened?"

"It's a long story dear." Mr. Lang said, sharing a kiss. "Help me get Henry to bed."

Henry's parents lay their miserable son into his bed. Unlike the rest of the house, it had an interesting atmosphere. He is a big fan of spies and the military as every corner had toys, history books, patriotic posters, pictures, and models. Statues of gold with pendants of valor crowd a couple shelves due to his skill in America's favorite pastime. After tucking him in his mom leaves him with a smooch on the forehead. They close his door to continue an important conversation downstairs.

"So let me get this straight, one of his friends, Robert, almost killed someone? For absolutely no reason at all?"

Even now Mr. Lang couldn't fully explain it. "I know it sounds crazy, but one minute he was a normal kid then suddenly he's screaming like a madman. Kept going on about shadows and dark voices.I tried getting him admitted for a therapist but to avail."

"That poor kid. How is he faring?"

"His friend Ruvzyvat is recovering, but can't say the same for the others. Anyhow about the trafficking case, what was the final verdict?

Mrs. Lang shows a smile "We won."

"All of them are going behind bars?" Mr. Lang exclaimed, giving his wife a loving embrace. "And the children can have closure?"

"Yes, after so many months." She responded.

"I'm so proud of you Elisabeth, and so is our son."

Mrs. Lang and her husband share a lovely kiss. "I'm just glad it's over. No more stressful nights and I won't have to worry about leaving my little boy anymore. It's time I hang back up the degree so I can be with the two most important men in my life again."

On the spur of the moment the doorbell rings interrupting their happy time. The Langs turn to the door confused by this development.

"Wasn't the milk already delivered?" Mr. Lang asked suspiciously.

"I'll get it." Mrs. Lang responded.

She opens the door to the same men in black from earlier patiently waiting outside.

Mrs. Lang looks at them rather worried. "Do you gentlemen need something?"

"Good afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Lang. I'm Agent Powers and this is Agent Brown. We would like to speak with you folks in private."

"What is the meaning of this matter?" Mr. Lang demanded.

Agent Brown brushes his concerns away. "We can discuss details inside sir. I assure you it's nothing of concern."

"Well then come in gents."

"Could we get you agents anything?" Mrs. Lang asked, guiding them to a couch.

Again the agents are disinterested. "That won't be necessary ma'am."

Mr. Lang finally sits down. "And what pleasure do we owe to your company Mr. Powers."

"We work with a special division of the federal government. Currently our superiors are looking for new recruits." Agent Powers explained pulling out a file. "We believe your son Henry has the potential to be an applicant."

"What makes our son applicable in this case?" Mrs. Lang questioned.

Whilst Agent Brown pulls out some documents from the folder. Unknown to everyone was that Henry had woken up to listen in on the conversation.

"Impressive SAT scores, grades, and physical performance. Also we are aware your family has had experience with certain unexplainable phenomena approximately one week ago."

This surprises Mr. Lang. "How do you know about that?"

"Let's just say nothing passes our ears." Agent Powers responded. "Even the noise from your son who is listening to us this very minute."

The agents turn their heads to the stairs.

"Dang it." Henry whispered.

His mom calls him down. "It's okay, come on down Henry."

Henry slowly walks down to his parents sitting in between them.

"We presume you already acquired the previous information Mr. Henry?" Agent Brown asked.

"Yes sir."

Agent Powers continues setting down several forms on the coffee table. "Excellent, we can continue with logistics and time. Since you are a minor we cannot just remove you out of highschool. You will be taking extra private classes off hours to prepare you for the training in our main facility out of state. During this process you are not allowed to disclose anything to anyone for any reason. Afterwards if accepted expect to receive immediate assignments most likely from your home state. Occasionally you will be called to perform operations outside the U.S. It's highly recommended to keep zero contact with family and friends for their safety. Understand that not a word of our conversation is to reach the public ears."

"Understood sir."

"Could we have a moment gentlemen?" Mr. Lang interjected.

"Affirmative." Agent Brown assured them. "Try not to take long."

"Henry, are you certain this is what you want to do?" Mrs. Lang asked.

"All my life I wanted to protect the people I care about, especially after everything that happened last week. Now that I've been given a golden opportunity, I'd be remiss if I didn't take it. I appreciate everything you guys sacrifice for me. So let me return the favor for you."

Both his parents hug him tight.

As soon as they finish Henry's father takes a moment to ask him one request. "If this is what you choose, then promise that we can see you again."

"I promise."

Agent Powers satisfied with these results closes the file. "Very well, expect your new classes to start next week. For national security reasons we never had this conversation nor were we ever here. We will keep in touch."

Before they leave the agents shake Mr. Lang's hand thus concluding this confidential conversation. Next door Sarvente's family fatuously waits for her at the dinner table.

"She's not coming down dad." Sarvin groaned.

Mr. Evans pushes his chair back. "I'll go talk to her."

He walks upstairs the dimly lit hallway to his daughter's room. Yet when Mr. Evans knocks on her door, she doesn't respond so Mr. Evans has to let himself in. Instead of buying their furniture, Mr. Evans had handcrafted everything from wood he collected in the neighborhood. Sarvente's room is fairly sized to fit a good amount of furniture. Usually she would keep it cleaner than a whistle, but that is the last thing on her mind right now. Mr. Evans eventually finds his daughter stuffing her face in a pillow hiding away her tears.

"How is my little angel doing?"

"Fine." Sarvente replied from her pillow.

Mr. Evans sits down on the bedside. "Remember the stories I told you about the war?"

Sarvente finally lifts her head. "Certainly."

"I saw the worst things man could inflict upon his brothers. All of the carnage we faced should've broken me, but I never told what kept me going."

She gets beside him. "What was it?"

"Hope. That whatever gets thrown my way I will endure. We are always facing struggles to see if we are capable of doing what is necessary. For me, my struggle was fulfilled the day the bombs dropped. When your mother and I were able to be together. To give you what we always wanted, a happy life. I know you can do what is necessary. No matter what happens you will endure because you have hope. Tomorrow, I need you to exercise that strength. Promise me Sarvente."

"I promise."

Mr. Evans kisses his daughter's cheek. "That's my girl. Come downstairs to eat."

Upon the morning of Saturday, the broken dame stares through the clear reinforced windows of the Juvenile Prison. She wasn't alone because her father sits in a chair waiting for the crucial conversation.

A prison guard turns on the telephone. "20 minutes."

"Thank you, sir."

She sits down still having butterflies buzzing in her stomach. Trying to ease herself, Sarvente turns to her father sitting down by the exit.

Mr. Evans whispers. "Stay calm and say what you need to say."

The metal door concealed by the reinforced glass walls opens. Dressed in orange Robert walks out being escorted by two security guards to his spot. Finally feeling some warmth in this cold coffin, he sits down in front of his love.

"Hi Sarvente, it's good to see you again." He said through the phone.

"Why did you do it?" Sarvente struggled to hold back her tears. "Were you jealous of Ruvyzvat?"

"No, no, it's . . . hard to explain. Please believe me I never wanted to hurt him."

"I find that extremely hard to believe Robert." Sarvente takes a deep breath. "You almost killed him."

"You have to understand, I wasn't in control of myself." Robert stuttered. "I saw these demons in my head. There were voices all around me. I know it sounds insane, but-."

Sarvente couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Robert, I love you, but what you did to our friend. I can't give you forgiveness. I'm sorry but it's for the best of both of us."

"What are you saying?"

"We need to break up." Sarvente allows a tear to slide down her eye. "I will pray for your soul. But I need to be alone."

Robert tries to halt his own sadness. "Please don't do this Sarvente . . . I need you, without you I feel broken."

"Goodbye Robert."

Reluctantly Sarvente hangs up the phone walking back to her father.

Mr. Evans comforts his daughter. "You did the right thing honey."

"Doesn't feel like it." She responded.

As they leave, two people pass by them rather rudely. The wealthy couple Mr. and Mrs. Smith happened to be Robert's parents who were rightfully irritated with their son. His father, like many men, is fit and big wearing formal attire. Both were stick figures, one with brown coloring and the other with blue.

Almost quickly Robert changes his demeanor. "Hello father."

"You have long lost that privilege." Mr. Smith angrily spoke into the phone. "We expect you to be an upstanding citizen and this is how you betray us?"

"I . ." But Robert couldn't form a sentence.

"That better not be an excuse coming out of your mouth Robert." Mrs. Smith commanded.

"Yes mother."

His father grows even more upset. "Should've known from the minute you were born you would do this. What a waste of our life."

"Are you leaving me?" Robert asked, trembling his hand.

"Enjoy your new home, if you get out, don't expect a place in our house." These were the final words from his mother.

Behind the crystal-clear cell of the voice box, Robert watches in total silence everyone he knew abandon him. The emotional damage is too much for him to bear. Hours pass of pain and suffering in the cold catacombs of the cement prison. But at the stroke of midnight the walls of his mind degrade away, his new purpose to find that thing which spoke to him. Perhaps it could guide him to a new hope. In the light of the moon, he carves horrifying writings in his cell.

"Left alone to rot away by those who I thought cared." He chuckles to himself. "I'll show them all what they refuse to see with their own eyes. You called upon me Great Old One, so I shall find you, my lord. Of course, devotion demands loyalty. So, I will bathe in the color you want me to see."

Finishing the final fictitious carving but then Robert cuts his finger and rubs the blood on his face over his color lines. Several miles away Ruvyzvat finally awakens in his room. The window was open allowing the moon to pear in illuminating the flowers left on his stand. He feels the gift Sarvente had left by his side. He carefully removes it from its post and opens the box. Inside was a newly made scarf woven with unique symbols of a crescent moon. Along with a nice note.

Just something to keep you warm, I hope you enjoy it. - From Sarvente.

Ruvyzvat shows a small smile before closing his eyes. "Thank you."

Chapter 2

A Long-Awaited Reunion

8 years later.

The head of a log is quickly decapitated with the drop of a sharp head of an ax. We see many brawn big men cutting down trees in the busy Oregon forest. Among them is Ruvyzvat, now older but alone. Hiding his old scar is the same scarf he had received from Sarvente. Laying down on his slick hair was an old Imperial Ushanka sprinkled with snow. He wore a heavy flannel under a gray overcoat. He carries away the log into the back of a dump truck filled with more clean-shaven lumber. After which he continues to clean up the rest of his pile until his watch goes off signaling the end of his shift.

"All done sir."

The foreman writes down on a clipboard before processing his payment. "Sure thing, good haul you made today. Here's your pay."

Ruvyzvat takes his check. "Thanks."

He drops his ax into the bed of his old black Chevy pickup. The cloudy sky watches over him driving down the snowy country roads of Oregon through fields of white among the frosty groves scattered throughout the landscape. Revving into the quiet slums of his hometown he parks on the curb several blocks away from the Bullmoose bar.

Since tis the season it became a chore trying to find parking with everyone busying themselves the week before the 25th. Camera changes to him opening the bar doors with the smell of hard liquor and strong tobacco. There never was a more testosterone working class bar on this side of the country. In the sea of men, you could find a couple weather warmed ladies if you looked hard enough. Hardworking men enjoying the fine things of life after a long day's work. Above taxidermy heads and rifles proudly watch the floors below along the voices of Rock-n-Roll coming from an old jukebox. Along the wall is a TV displaying pleasureful sports for those who fancy. Ruvyzvat politely moves to the counter.

"Ah Mr. Ruvyzvat, the usual I presume?" Borris the bartender asks in a thick Russian accent.

Ruvyzvat lays down a couple cents. "Yes please."

With the elegance of da Vinci, Borris serves the perfect Shirley temple.

"You have the hands of God Boris, thank you."

"How was work?"

Ruvyzvat drinks a little. "Stimulating."

"That's good." Brosi chuckled. "Only do the job if you enjoy it, remember that. Bye the way, have you found a girl yet Ruvyzvat?"

"No." Ruvyzvat rested his arms. "I don't think I ever will."

"Don't be down on yourself, you're in the prime of your life. You have a stable job, and you are built like a lion. All you have to do is wait for the word of the Lord. Trust me, she will come to you."

But those words do very little in lighting Ruvyzvat's mood. "Perhaps but for how long?"

Meanwhile outside a suspicious blue Cadillac ElDorado, parks on a newly open curb outside the bar. Its driver steps out on the sidewalk decked in a black fedora and trench coat. He carefully surveys the landscape before entering the bar. As he approaches the bartender Ruvyzvat takes notice trying to determine his familiarity.

"Can I help you sir?" Boris asked the strange man.

The man lifts his hat disclosing the older face of Henry.

"Agent Lang, you called earlier reporting unexplained phenomenon Mr. Petrov." Henry asked, carefully revealing a badge.

"Finally, please follow me sir."

Boris leads Henry behind the counter through a door. All the while Ruvyzvat cautiously follows, trying not to draw attention. He hides away in a broom closet at the edge of the stairway leading to the attic. It was dimly lit in the crumbling cluttered box cubicles, everything covered head to toe in layers of dust. The air was dead like a graveyard while being eerily silent.

"I've been hearing strange noises in here, and items that appear to be moving." Boris nervously said.

Henry shines a flashlight over the junk. "You checked to confirm it's not coming from the utilities?"

"Yes sir."

Just then Henry spots something. "I recommend turning up the volume downstairs Mr. Petrov."

"Of course."

Boris heads downstairs and exits to the main bar turning on his speaker. "Ladies and gentlemen tonight is Rock night. Whoever performs the best dance gets free drinks for the rest of the night."

Everyone cheers in excitement as the jukebox gets turned up while people make room for the dancing to begin. Ruvyzvat creeps up the stairs quietly. Silent as the grave he slips through the door hiding among the boxes to watch his friend. Henry continues with his investigation shining light upon the many piles of junk. His light lands on a suspicious cloth covered object shaking behind two boxes. Once he takes away the cloth two dirty rats scurry away from an inconspicuous sword.

"Hmm."

Metal falls down grabbing his attention as Henry turns around to its source which may have come from Ruvyzvat who hid behind a couple tarps.

Henry equips a capsule. "What have we here?"

Ruvyzvat holds his breath seeking to suppress any sounds. However once Henry finds the source of that noise, it was nothing more than a suit of armor that left its post.

"Damn rodents." He muttered.

Behind him a sarcophagus opens its red eyes. One of its black hands soundlessly slithers across the floor to his leg. Ruvyzvat spots this straight away so he has no choice but to expose his position.

"Henry behind you."

Henry turns around which alerts the ghost sarcophagus as it erupts the vilest scream of dying souls. It shoves Henry on the ceiling causing him to lose the capsule. After dropping him into boxes it focuses its cold dead eyes on Ruvyzvat. Shoving several ghostly hands all over the junk filled forest trying to grab him. Downstairs the party keeps getting louder along with the excitement drowning out the chaos from above.

"The containment capsule, throw it to me!" Henry pleaded, crawling through catacombs of junk.

Ruvyzvat rushes to retrieve it, in response the sarcophagus summons several sharp objects. He narrowly avoids the wall of death aided by bodies of several boxes. Steaming the sarcophagus throws Henry into more junk who had attempted to suppress its further destruction. It flies over to Ruvyzvat, finally capturing him in its grasp. Dragging him to it, the stone face opens to a large gaping black hole of spirits swirling around. They reach out wailing into his face like crying children.

In the nick of time Henry wraps a cloth around its face. "Now!"

Taking the opportunity Ruvyzvat throws the containment capsule in the air to his friend. Henry activates it which starts a vacuum sucking in the ghostly monster. As its body is swiftly subjected piece by piece the sarcophagus lets out one last shriek until it is finally silenced into the swirling tornado. Closing away their capture the capsule quietly steams a little bit until it falls asleep. Just then a winner is declared downstairs.

Ruvyzvat approaches his friend with a handout. "Been a long-time old friend. So, what was the deal with that?"

"Something you cannot know." Henry said, walking to collect the capsule. "Now I need you to forget we ever had this encounter. But knowing you that will probably not happen.

"What a warm welcome Henry. After all this time you're just going to disappear again?"

"Sorry, just doing my job. I appreciate your help, even though it was foolish to let you engage with a federal investigation. Since we were good friends, I won't report this. Goodbye."

Ruvyzvat stops Henry from leaving. "Let me get you a drink. For old times sake."

Downstairs to the bar Henry cautiously opens the main door looking for anything suspicious. His friend carefully walks out behind him avoiding contact. Since there wasn't anything of interest, he approached the counter to deliver the news to Boris.

"Your issue has been resolved." Henry then sets down a small slip. "However, Mr. Petrov, I need you to sign this."

"Thank you, Agent."

With that taken care of Henry retrieves the slip. "If you see anything like that again give us a call."

Simultaneously Ruvyzvat flips a couple coins to Boris. "We will take a nice Hot Toddy."

So, Boris conducts the crafting of the choice drink ever so eloquently in a perfect harmony ending the piece with a clean landing of the final product in the center of the bar top. Taking their respective drinks the two old friends sit down in a corner for a little chat.

"Why did you vanish those years ago Henry? It wouldn't have hurt to leave a call or anything."

"By now you should've understood that I can't disclose that information. Besides, everyone grows a little distant after high school. I seem to recall during graduation hearing words from your father about sending you to boot camp. How is he doing by the way?"

Ruvyzvat looks to the side a little, sealing away any emotion. "My father is dead."

"I'm sorry to hear that. How did he die?"

"The pain he was carrying became too much to bear." Ruvyzvat then looks back. "I knew it would happen eventually; I just didn't know when."

Henry quickly finishes his drink. "I don't mean to be brash, but I never understood his hatred for you. It never made any sense."

"What were the first words you remember when you were born?

Henry was confused by this. "Well, probably from my mom. She said I had beautiful eyes."

"All I heard was 'you killed her'." Ruvyzvat told him in a cold voice. "Over and over again."

"Should've known."

"It wasn't your burden to bear." Ruvyzvat reassured his friend.

"At least you're able to provide for yourself." Henry started changing his mood. "I presume I'm the only friend you reconnected with?"

"Of course, but you might be the last." Ruvyzvat then asks a personal question. "Before you go, was it worth it having the job of your dreams?"

It takes a couple sends but Henry finally gives him an answer. "The price for protecting those I care about is isolation. Sometimes it seems steep, however the thought of safeguarding people helps keep me going."

"For how long I wonder? You seem lonely."

Henry shares a short chuckle. "Men like me can't enjoy such luxuries. You can though, so make the most of it before it's too late."

Eventually they both exit the cozy bar to the cold and cloudy outside. The sun obscured in the milky sky all the while more clouds continue to congregate making their preparations for a dark afternoon.

"Before I go, I trust you can keep our conversation private?" Henry asked after stopping just in front of his car.

"If you wish to disappear again then so be it. I won't say a word."

"It doesn't please me to do this Ruvyzvat. Yet I understand your frustrations. Maybe under more favorable circumstances I could arrange something. Although it's incredibly unlikely. Goodbye Ruvyzvat."

"Goodbye Henry."

Henry enters his car as Ruvyzvat watches it tread away from the white sidewalk into the lonesome road. Despite being the afternoon, it was rife with gray flashing clouds looming over him for he felt forsaken. Perhaps it was meant to be as he pondered partitioning in the pouring crystalized desolation. Not a person was out as the roar from the clouds grew along its cold touch despite many vehicles shivering on every conceivable space of the sidewalk.

Suddenly Ruvyzvat feels a warm presence as he looks up to the headlight cutting between the roads. Sticking out of the cold crowd like a beam of light was Sarvente. still blossoming beauty while wearing some religious clothing she passes by his vehicle. A seed of softness that was once silent grows again in his heart. Turning in a corner Ruvyzvat spots three leather bound men having malicious observations on his friend. They approach Sarvente causing concern while slowly forcing her in the alley. Quietly moving around, he sees the men corner his friend.

Thief (1) pulls out a switchblade. "What's a pretty dame like you doing all by herself?"

"Gentlemen, can you please let me go."Sarvente begged.

"Sure, how about we start with the cash in your pockets and the silver around your neck?" Thief (2) snarked back at her.

Sarvente reluctantly complies. "You don't have to use violence gentleman, if charity is what you want."

"Shut up and make it quick wench."

Ruvyzvat makes his presence known. "Let her go."

The thieves stop to stare at him confused.

Sarvente is relieved at his presence. "Ruvyzvat?"

"Who the fuck are you?" Thief (2) shouted. "This your girl Russki?"

Undeterred by their presence Ruvyzvat slowly approaches them. "I will not say it again, leave her alone or else."

Thief (2) pulls out another switchblade. "Or else what? Face it, you're out matched."

"Very well, I'll make this as painless as possible for you." Ruvyzvat responded by clenching his fists.

"You don't scare me one bit." Thief (1) laughs at this threat.

He thrust the blade at Ruvyzvat's face, however its path was blocked by the quick motion of his hand. Ruvyzvat swiftly sends a strong upper cut directly to the greaser's jaw, breaking it. The others watch their friend fly high in the air landing on the cold pavement. This spectacular movement doesn't deter them as the leader demands the others to defeat him. Attempting to aim his weapon, Sarvente quickly halts it. However, she is soon held by the leader unable to escape. The thieves rush Ruvyzvat but he effectively holds them off. He fought with the ferocity of a lion no matter how hard they tried he wouldn't yield. They stabbed him a couple times however it was ultimately futile for in the end he stood above the battered boys victorious. His future advances were put on hold with the sight of Sarvente held at gunpoint.

"Take one step, and I spill her guts out!"

Ruvyzvat recomposes himself. "This is your last chance to walk away. I suggest you take it."

"Fuck you!"

"Sarvente, close your eyes." Ruvyzvat softly asked.

She is confused by this. "Excuse me?"

"Trust me." Ruvyzvat assured as he slowly brushed his fingers of a concealed magnum under his coat.

"Whatcha gonna do asshole? Cause there ain't nothin-."

BAAM!

He was cut off from the sentence by the response of a bullet which broke into his shoulder. The thief leader falls over on the ground hard sleeping but not dead. Ruvyzvat runs over to his friend who was understandably shaken from this moment.

"Are you okay Sarvente?"

"Yes, thank you so much." She hugs him tightly, unable to express her gratitude clearly.

A loud siren splits stillness as the city guard dogs have arrived at the scene. Both had their weapons disclosed in the direction of the passed on violent phenomenon.

"Sir, put your hands up!"

Ruvyzvat drops his weapon.

Sarvente tries to keep him from leaving her. "Ruvyzvat what are you doing?"

"Protecting my friend."

Another small seed of softness grows in her heart too. Yet that happiness is all but put on hold as she watches Ruvyzvat comply with the order of the police officers

"Slide the weapon over now. And put your head on the hood of the car."

He follows their orders as one of the cops heads over to the beaten thieves. Sarvente however intervenes in the middle of the arrest.

An Officer tries to remove Sarvente without touching her. "Ma'am, can you please step back."

"Officers, my friend saved me from these awful men. Please don't arrest him, he has done nothing wrong." She pleaded.

"It's okay Sarvente. I'll be fine."

"Ma'am we simply need to take him for processing." Again, the Officer tries to talk. "Can you please move?"

With hesitation Sarvente complies watching the police take away the thieves and her friend. Like a whisper in the woods, she hears something. A long dormant feeling now awakened in the moment giving her sort of a new purpose. She composes herself heading back to the church where she had come from for some answers.

Inside Sarvente sits down in one of the many polished benches standing in its carefully carved hall. While the place was empty the House of God always had its arms open to deliver hope for those who seek. Waiting there was the head Nun, Mother Alana Atkins, an older Human woman who was soft spoken and highly respected.

"What troubles you Sister."

Sarvente sits down. "Earlier today an old friend whom I never thought I would see again saved me from harm."

"Interesting, how often has he sacrificed his own safety for you?"

"I can't exactly calculate the amount. Every time I'm in need, he's always there. Like a guardian angel."

Mother Atkins' interest grows. "What was the reason for his sudden departure long ago?"

"It wasn't anything he wanted that much I know."

"Sister Evans, your devotion to the church has always been appreciated. From what you described; it seems the holy spirit has envisioned a different path for you. I advise you to go to him, but always remember to have faith in him, the lord, and yourself."

"Thank you, Mother." Sarvente slowly stands up. "God bless you."

"God bless you too."

Sarvente leaves the building fulfilled with a new promise. Deep in the buildings among the city is Ruvyzvat all alone. His broad apartment is very bare bones in its decoration. Not because he couldn't afford luxuries, he had accumulated quite the capital both in cash and investments, but it was because he never had reason to participate. Until now he finally frees his fluttering feelings with the examination of old memories. First, he looks over to the picture with his friends like a ray of hope. It sat next to his dog tags of a forgotten operation he was drawn in. For its furious seeds never fully sprouted which many had feared during its germination.

"I've let myself become alone for too long." Ruvyzvat sets his cross down. "I'm coming Sarvente."

Quickly leaves his chambers, opening the gates to his closet where many clothes lie in waiting. Among the coat field he finds the nicest suit showing its sleeves. It begins a quick montage of his style sharpening itself faster than a blade. Following its completion Ruvyzvat successfully raced to his truck. He drives down the snowy streets until finally his prayers are answered seeing Sarvente waiting for him in the corner in a telephone booth. So, he pulls up.

Sarvente walks up rather nervous but is able to formulate her thoughts. "I know it's been a while Ruvyzvat, but are you doing anything tonight?"

"Only if you will join me."

Just like that she enters his rusted chariot bound for a wonderful night. Thankfully a showing in the drive in theater still had one spot open for the two lovers. Watching the flashing colorless pictures of pleasure retelling an old Christmas film brings the two closer to one another.

"Thank you for doing this." Sarvente complemented as she rested on Ruvyzvat.

"It's the least I can do. After all these years of isolation, I forgot what it felt like to have someone who cared. You were always there for me, as I was for you. I'm sorry I left you feeling abandoned."

Sarvente locks her eyes with his. "You don't have to apologize because we're here now. No matter what happens Ruvyzvat, we'll face it together."

"Please, call me Ruv. Sarv." He said holding Sarvente's soft hand.

Listening to them, the radio plays a smooth song from Ben E King (Stand By Me) at the stroke of midnight. Its lyrics swirl around like soft tornadoes as they get closer. Then final words stand by with the lock of their lips underneath the bright moon.

As the night passes, the truck's face approaches a curb to Sarvente's old home. With its arrival the house eyes illuminated the sidewalk. Its door opens showing Mr. Evans has aged like fine wine.

"Ruvyzvat? Never thought we would see you again." He then sees his daughter being escorted by Ruvyzvat. "Oh. Well I'll be blessed."

Ruvyzvat walks Sarvente up the lawn and stops before her father and removes his hat. "Good afternoon Mr. Evans. Right now I'm sure you understand what's going on. With your permission, I would love to be given the privilege of being with your daughter."

"Well then, raise your right hand for me." Mr. Evans asked Ruvyzvt who did comply. "Ruvyzvat Morozov, do you solemnly swear to protect and cherish my daughter forever? That no matter the challenge you will answer the call to action? To share your heart with her and in return she will share her heart with you?

The warmth inside Ruvyzvat's heart continues. "Yes sir. Forever and ever."

"Good, you have my permission. Come inside and have dinner, we have a lot to discuss."

"Of course." Ruvyzvat respondes.

Fast forward a couple minutes down the line of the night. The ladies finish the final forms of tonight's feast deep in the kitchen. Nearby Ruvyzvat sits comfortably in the cushions with Mr. Evans in the cozy living room. To discuss other matters.

"I want to let you know we're eternally grateful for everything you have done. For a while when it seemed you parted ways, we worried about her future. Now there was nothing wrong with the devotion she gave to the church, but I always knew she couldn't live alone. I'm glad she found you."

"Sarv is the only woman that makes me feel whole. I would do anything to keep her safe."

Mr. Evans shows a smile. "That's a good virtue to possess. In all my years I've encountered a fair share of the danger this world can produce. We may think we're the cat's meow, but there is always a lust for blood that lurks beneath the surface. Some men are able to control it only using it when absolutely necessary. Most give in to the temptation and become monsters."

"I'm no stranger to such things too Mr. Evans."

"Always remember, good men don't seek fame, they earn it through virtue. It is our duty as men to protect our family. Because family makes a man whole."

After the pleasures of this night pass on back in his apartment, Ruvyzvat rests with his new lover by his side. He finally feels a sense of purpose once again now that the sad hole in his heart is full. Despite this, he cannot but ponder the possibility of unseen peril maybe due to either recent events or his hidden history as a soldier. Since he had experienced those things but successfully suppressed their advances. Yet he wants to do more for Sarvente. Therefore an idea formulates in his head.

Come morning the winter wind allows the sun to peek its head through the white curtain in the sky. Just down below Henry parks his Cadillac ElDorado on the curb next to an alley. He quickly surveys the inside of the area before initiating his investigation.

"This Agent Lang responding to the 401 in North Clinton Ave. So far there are no signs of supernatural activity."

"Copy that Agent Lang." An Agent said on the other side of the earpiece. "Proceed with caution over."

Keeping his hands close to his concealed weapons Henry carefully combs through the confines of the alleyway. He eventually finds the target of interest only to see the deflated head of a drifloon resting on the gravel. Of course this sight doesn't distract him from sensing the sounds of familiar footprints following him from behind.

Henry turns around to his friend waiting in the alleyway entrance. "You are too predictable Ruvyzvat."

"Maybe, but I still got your attention."

"I'm only going to say this once. I cannot compromise my sworn duty-."

Ruvyzvat cuts him off. "I want to join your agency."

Henry is confused by this. "Wait what?"

"You heard me."

"I don't even know if that's possible." Henry had a couple pauses in his words. "I mean there are multiple tests and trials you would have to go through. Not to mention the mountain of requirements."

Ruvyzvat throws his dog tags which Henry catches perfectly.

Once he is done inspecting them Henry's tone changes. "Okay these actually greatly increase your chances. I have to ask why though? You could enjoy your life in peace."

"After all these years I finally have the love I have been missing my entire life. All that remains is the protection I must provide for Sarv."

"So you Sarvente actually got together? Congratulations. And you can prove she has no knowledge of this federal meeting?"

"She doesn't need to bear the pain of this world." Ruvyzvat said. "Now if we are done with theatrics, can you guide me to your HQ."

Henry sighs. "Stay behind my tail and don't draw attention to yourself."

"Affirmative."

Ruvyzvat cautiously follows Henry's car through the busy streets of Lincoln City. He parks right behind his friend next to a large grand building among the magnificent architecture. Colored in a mixture of golden yellow and white along with heavy patriotic appeal, its official use was a recruitment center and veteran services for the United States Military. Above its double dapper doors is a mural of the evolution of the army. Down below the grand smooth stone staircase had two white pillars with golden eagles proudly watching over the city. Ruvyzvat is quick to follow Henry through its mouth into the main lobby. Like the outside it was fairly grand in its decoration however the room was noticeably quiet.

Henry approaches the counter.

"What can I do for you?" The soldier stationed there asked.

"Good weather outside isn't it?" Henry asked, sliding a card.

The soldier reads it, changing his tone. "Understood sir, but I'd prefer it to be colder."

Opens one of the side metal doors. They navigate through the crowded cubicles to a small inconspicuous elevator. It opens up as usually yet once they are inside Henry inputs a code into the floor buttons.

Upon its completion the enlivened elevator emancipates itself backwards. Finally, it stops and slowly slides down into the confidential confines kept below. Henry goes through his pockets pulling out a small pin.

"Oh you might want to wear this by the way." He hands it to Ruvyzvat who takes it.

The elevator opens its metal lips revealing the proper entrance. This agency goes by the name "Supernatural Special Operations" or S.S.O for short. Contrast to its fancier cousin the lobby only spoke with blue and gray colors. Its symbol of the American eagle holding a shield containing a magnifying glass rests underneath the polished marble floor. Embedded on its face are the words "Protecting the United States from all threats natural and supernatural" layed in gold. Other agents and some military personnel busy themselves with various concerns.

"Good afternoon Agent Lang, what will it be?" The receptionist asked.

"I have an applicant I'd like to process. His name is Ruvyzvat Morozov. Is the Colonel available?"

The receptionist checks a monitor while also printing out the necessary information. "Affirmative, I'll let him know about your arrival."

"Thank you." Henry responded as he was given documentation.

Motions Ruvyzvat to follow him to a checkpoint where they wait to be checked in.

"All I can say is prepare yourself."

"How difficult is this interview going to be?" Ruvyzvat asked.

Henry pats Ruvyzvat's shoulder. "Let's just say it will be similar to the Marines, but I believe you got it under control."

Deep in his dapper distinct office is Colonel James T Bragg of the Oregon Division of the S.S.O. Like many offices of higher standing it held various patriotic decor on its shiny oak skin. Behind his ornate desk was the U.S eagle hanging proud under the feet of two colorless presidential pictures. Colonel Bragg despite being a heavy in age human still had the energy of his youth. He wore an old Olive uniform which displayed his medals from the Second World war. His phone rings.

"What is it, Debra?"

"Agent Lang has an applicant ready for you. Shall I send him in?"

"Affirmative."

Door opens allowing Ruvyzvat to step where he stands at attention. "Colonel, with your permission I would appreciate the opportunity of serving my country again."

"At ease Mr. Ruvyzvat. Take a seat and make yourself comfortable."

Before Ruvyzvat complies he carefully removes his Ushanka as well as his coat. It had sealed away his old Marine uniform that was freshly prepared for tonight.

Colonel Brag is amused by this. "Hmm you may fit in after all. So let us begin."

Ruvyzvat hands him the documents containing his information. As Colonel Bragg dives deeper into its words he notices a couple interesting points regarding Ruvyzvat's military record.

"So Sergeant Morozov, is it correct you served from 1974 to 1978 in the 17th Marine Raiders?"

"Affirmative sir."

"By any chance does the name "Operation Eindringling" ring a bell?"

Ruvyzvat slides his dog tags, they bear its name as well. "Affirmative sir, clear as day."

Also, he left a little old photo under the care of those tags. Its skin made of colorless ink revealed a total of 17 camo soldiers, one of which was himself. The background was bestowing the Belgian Congo Jungle although its lens had been badly beaten over the years. Like many other unknown operations, the United States had tried to expel the German influence from the Western European colonies. This one did not give a happy conclusion, as the lands were ultimately conceded through the will of gold to the sinister tendrils of the Nazi Empire.

Colonel Bragg spends a good amount of time gazing on this old relic. "I'll be damned, I didn't think anyone made it out of that disaster of an operation. My sincere apologies for the loss of your fellow soldiers. If you managed to survive that then it would be a waste to let you go. Sergeant Ruvyzvat Morozov, welcome to the Supernatural Special Operations."

Ruvyzvat shakes the Colonel's hand. "Thank you sir, I am honored to be given this privilege."

"Starting tomorrow expect to take a lot of tests, just make sure you ain't rusty." Colonel Bragg writes Ruvyzvat a slip. "And considering the fact you were close associates with Agent Lang he is now officially your partner."

"Affirmative sir."

Exiting the office, Henry is sitting down using a cigarette.

"So, what were the results?" He asked, putting it out.

"I'm in, also you and I will be working together from now on."

Henry rolled his eyes. "Of course he did. Well too late to complain, go home and get some rest. Because tomorrow is going to be the toughest day of your life."

"I'm counting on it."

The very morning we see just how difficult the challenge is for Ruvyzvat. Some of its trials involved skills he already was acquainted with like combat and endurance. Yet the select few required more difficult solutions to solve its supernatural circumstances. One of which involved the use of a containment capsule on a savage ghost.

What enquired his interest the most was the vast knowledge that had been kept away from the public consciousness. While hands of the supernatural can grasp the many objects made or found on this earth, it is the people who by accident or on purpose get entangled with the web of the supernatural. Of course this includes the powers of the occult, not the popular false forged groups that are found in the many forms of media. Since such cults that secure this power seclude themselves in the shadows.

He also learns of the crucial role the Catholic church plays in this dangerous chess game. With their own specialized division named the Knight's Templars" they handle the demonic dangers of the world. The most notable is the rehabilitating demons who escaped from their hellish world under this earth seeking to win back their favor with the lord. That underworld surprisingly wasn't the place spoken of in the bible where sinned souls of mankind are sent. What confused Ruvyzvat was the fact these demons do not possess any powers, that prevailing evil belonged to the perverted plethora of secluded shards scattered over the world of ultimate evil known as the Devil.

At first he struggles to sustain his streak for the first few days. Nevertheless the nights he spends with Sarvente help boost his strength. Slowly but surely in defiance of the onslaught of soreness he successfully makes it to the final week where he awaits the results.

"Congratulations Mr. Ruvyzvat, you have been officially cleared to serve as a Sentinel Agent." The instructor complemented. "Here is your badge."

Ruvyzvat accepts and shakes the man's hand. "Thank you sir."

"Nice work." Henry resigned from one of the metal benches by the doorway.

"You performed better than I thought."

"Do you have my alibi in order?"

Henry equips a small file. "You bet, it's all taken care of. As far as the public is concerned, you're still a regular old lumberjack. "

"Much appreciated."

"Don't get too comfortable just yet." Henry remarked with a little sarcasm. "The job is the most difficult part."

Ruvyzvat asks him regarding a little nagging feeling of confusion. "There is one thing I can't seem to understand."

"Ask away buddy."

"It's about supernatural encounters with our fellow man, it doesn't make any sense how ordinary people can be infused with that power out of nowhere."

Henry sighs. "Now that's the biggest mystery we all want answered. Sadly I can't tell you anything other than nobody knows how."

"Are there any theories?" Ruvyzvat asked.

"Of course but none of it is concrete. But I can tell you this, when it happens it always ends with someone's death."

"You have seen that haven't you?"

"More than enough, but the ones that stick with you. Are the people that beg for their death." Henry gets somber just thinking about his encounters. "The worst part is knowing how it'll end, every single time."

Ruvyzvat tries to change the mood. "I suppose the only comfort given is how rare it happens; shall we get work?"

"Over and out." Henry responded.

The years pass like leaves in the wind of Ruvyzvat and Henry protecting the country from many supernatural threats ranging from cursed objects, evil demented spirits, and even the occasional magical maniac. Eventually he does experience what his friend describes. Five times he is forced to put down those who without explanation accidently were exposed to supernatural power.

However, at the same time his home life grows like a fresh fancy flower as the months go by. First he trades his old truck for a white and silver Corvette, a nice accommodation from the S.S.O. It changes to him covering the eyes of Sarvente as he surprises her with a nice house resting on the calm Oregon shores. She jumps in excitement and immediately locks lips with her love. Of course Ruvyzvat's smile slowly starts to show itself once again after being silenced for so long among the activities and events he takes her to. Seeing her happy strengthens Ruvyzvat's spirit. In the midst of this happiness, lurking deep in the darkness, a familiar evil quietly prepares to enact its disturbing plans.

Chapter 3

Optical Awakening

1982 near the Pacific coast.

The agents find themselves in the metal belly of a Helicopter gliding through the cloudy sky over the sea. Ruvyzvat and Henry wait by the aircrafts door wearing some protection over their suits.

Henry surveys the ocean using binoculars. "The Navy said it was here but the fog is too thick to see anything."

"There she blows." Ruvyzvat responds.

Eventually the target is revealed drifting lifeless in the sea. Piloting the aircraft was a new friend of theirs Technical Sergeant Charlie Calderon. He is a fairly young and charismatic stick figure pilot yet regardless of the occasion he always had on aviators. He wore the same standard olive uniform as every other pilot.

"Charlie land on the helipad." Henry ordered "Keep it simple please."

"You got it sir."

The helicopter crops its feet onto the helipad. This ship was given the name "Ourang Madan" on its dark hull. Upon landing on its deck they instantly sense a dark presence. Empty completely bare of life or so it seemed.

Henry pulls out his flashlight. "Keep your radar on just in case we aren't alone."

"Got it, try to be careful sir cause this place gives off so many red flags."

Ruvyzvat and Henry navigate the dead vessel's narrow body. Grim fog congregating where life once stood. Eventually they find a hatch leading to its lower insides among the cargo.

"Cover me." Ruvyzvat requested, grabbing the wheel.

Twisting the stubborn wheel on the hatch it eventually yields to his command but once Ruvyzvat shines his light down to the depths he reveals the corpse of one of the crew members. Next to his beaten body were spent bullet casings.

"What do you think, pirates?"

Ruvyzvat equips his gun. "Perhaps."

They descend deeper down uncovering more death in its halls. These men were certainly attacked but the perpetrators had yet to identify themselves. Some of them are found frozen in fear completely covered in ice.

"One thing is for sure this wasn't a pirate attack."

"But why this vessel?" Henry asked.

At the edge is the Captain's cabin, emitting more eerie energy. Ruvyzvat carefully opens the ruined door so far nothing of danger is there. Inside the Captain is still sitting in his chair dead but staring at the door. He had cuts all across his body indicating he was uncooperative to his now absent captor.

Henry puts his gun down. "I'll check the manifest, see if you can find anything on his desk."

"Affirmative."

As Ruvyzvat inspects the corpse Henry searches through the logs but they don't reveal anything useful. Then he struggles to pull out a small red book from the shelf. He puts some strength into it as it makes a mechanical sound signaling a hidden drawer to open on the desk. Inside it held a small book and a key.

"What is it?"

Ruvyzvat flips through the book. "These men were smugglers and look who was their employer."

Shows an order on a page holding the Nazi eagle.

"That explains why nothing was touched." Henry looks around. "Surely they must've hidden their valuables somewhere on this vessel."

Ruvyzvat inspects the key for any clues. On its handle it speaks the words "Devil's eye". Fortunately a painting depicting Lucifer falling from heaven stood above the Captain's cot. Brushing his hand carefully feels the face of the painting where he discovers a small hole in the eye. He inserts the key turning it clockwise, thus awakening a hidden door down the hall. It also alerts the evil hidden in the shadows.

"Henry, I found something."

"Nice work."

Entering the concealed room it presents columns of carefully clustered crates. Its contents are written in German, most of which certainly were valuable.

Henry inspects a couple crates getting some amusement. "They haven't changed one bit, still chasing the wrong relics."

A device goes off in Ruvyzvat's pocket. "I'm detecting energy readings."

"Me too." Henry responded, pulling his out aswell. "Check every crate."

The further they go the closer the mysterious evil presence grows. Unknown to the agents, a couple men in the darkness arm their weapons. Eventually Ruvyzvat's device grows louder upon one particular crate.

"Here."

Henry scans it. "Holy Toledo, the readings are through the roof."

Grabbing a crowbar Ruvyzvat breaks the iron bindings of the crate allowing it to be accessible. Inside was a strange stone cylinder subscribed with surreal markings. There was one symbol that stood out along its suspicious stone tapestry. It looked like a face but had two curved lines protruding from its head and strange squiggly swirls where its mouth should be.

Suddenly the enemy attacks, pressuring Henry and Ruvyzvat to take cover behind the crates taking the stone with them.

"Looks like the Nazis came back for their loot!" Henry shouted, retrieving his gun.

Ruvyzvat shoots one of the men, however he didn't resemble a typical Wehrmacht soldier. In fact every single one wore red and black masks under fedoras with Trench coats.

"Not likely they look nothing like German soldiers."

One of the crates spills its insides after sustaining too much damage. Thankfully it happened to be bronze shields.

Ruvyzvat grabs it. "Cover me!"

Aright, go now!

Like a bull in a china shop, Ruvyzvat rushes at full force with the shield eating up bullets. With all his might he takes down the enemies brutally bashing them into the ground.

"Shit, they're Eye cultists."

"Didn't the Eye dissolve years ago?" Ruvyzvat questioned.

More gunshots forcing them to take cover again.

"Guess not, you got the stone?!"

Ruvyzvat reveals the stone. "Affirmative, there has to be another exit!"

Thankfully a map on one of the walls exposed an exit which connected its pathway across the hall.

"There, on my signal we run for it." Henry exclaimed, preparing a flashbang.

"Ready."

Henry pulls the pin. "One, two, three!"

It leaves his hand landing in front of the enemies where it releases its light. In its brief moment Henry and Ruvyzvat bolt it down the hall.

"Dammit we lost them!" A cultist shouted.

"They went down the left hall follow them!"

Outside the ship Charlie continues his reading of the Dunwich Horror when the helicopter's radar sees 4 incoming objects. He checks a console and his worst fears are confirmed.

"Ah shit." Charlie quickly turns on the radio. "Sir we have a situation."

Back inside the ship Henry and Ruvyzvat rush through its morbid maze to avoid anything that could hinder their path.

"Got our hands full down here." Henry responded into the earpiece. 'What's going on?"

"Sir I'm picking up 4 Kriegsmarine U boats heading our way. I suggest we leave as soon as possible."

"Get her started when we give the signal."

Ruvyzvat spots the exit. "There it is."

They reach a red smoky boiler room where they expected to find the exit. Only someone else had already bet them on it as he stepped into the bright red eyes of the ship lights. Decked out in a dark trench coat and hat he wore a darker mask over his face with another crimson crying eye embedded into its forehead. He has an evil stare menacingly watching his prey.

"Thank you for retrieving my property, but I'll be needing it back."

Ruvyzvat and Henry arm themselves.

"Like hell." Henry commanded. "Move out of the way or else you'll be sleeping with the fishes."

The Leader cackles. "No need to be rude. I'm giving you a fair offer, give me the stone and I might just let you live."

Ruvyzvat was having none of this. "You are in no position to make demands. Since you won't cooperate, I'll make this painless as possible for you."

POW!

The bullet stops halfway in front of the Leader's face only fueling his amusement. "Well this will be more interesting."

Dark red flames engulf his hands as he swings it down to the ground, ripping it open. In the red cracks multiple black skeleton hands reach out trying to grab our heroes but they flee just in time. Henry is the first to engage with the Leader, however his bullets don't hit him. The Leader simply moved so fast it was like wind. He punches Henry to the ground but Ruvyzvat sends his fist into the Leader's skull. It doesn't seem to hurt him at all so he quickly fights back. With the force of ten strong men he throws Ruvyzvat into some cargo. More evil magic emits from the Leader's hands this time it was a wave of frozen ice. Thankfully Henry removes Ruvyzvat from its path but their enemy remains undeterred thus in rigorous fashion continues his pursuit. Whatever power this man processes made their efforts futile. Outside, having reached the bow, several German soldiers prepare to board the vessel.

"He's not going down!" Ruvyzvat shouted, still trying to hit his target.

The Leader continues to doge all of the attacks. Then Henry spots oil barrels right behind the leader.

He shouts while reloading. "The barrels!"

Without hesitation Ruvyzvat focuses his aim on the barrel. Taking a deep breath time slows allowing the mouth of his gun to find the barrels. He releases the hammer alerting the bullet to glide through the air hitting the barrels. Upon their destination they engulf the Leader in them finally freeing the agents to move for the hatch.

Back to the helicopter Charlie nervously watches the German soldiers continue their search. "Come on hurry up guys."

The radio finally gives a response. "Now."

Charlie spots the agents just a few feet away so he starts the engines. The German soldiers notice them as well so they respond accordingly with words and weapons.

(In German)

"Stop right there!"

Although the agents had thought the Leader was claimed by death's hands they were wrong. With his clothes and skin burned but still strong the Leader ever so vile walks out of the flames. Using his dark power all of the wounds close up along with the realignment of his outfit. His surviving followers rush down to the boiler room.

(Back In English)

"My lord, the enemy is escaping, and the Nazis have brought reinforcements."

"Don't worry, they will lead us right to their lair." The Leader responded, Performing a movement making a small purple blob with a crimson eye to which he gave it a command. "Find them my child and lead us there."

It obliges this crawling quickly through the ship onto the top deck. The Leader cuts his hand allowing his blood to float in the air forming a strange portal. But conjuring this creation causes him to use more energy.

"With haste my brothers."

Everyone quickly enters the portal. Just as Henry and Ruvyzvat board the chopper, the little goo creature attaches itself to the crate containing the stone. They finally flee from the ship avoiding all the attacks from the Germans. One in particular emerges from the hatch of a U-boat to observe the getaway. He wore a dark commanding officer's uniform containing his rank of Major. His name is Hermann Richtofen, he was surprisingly young for a man of his stature but still demanded absolute respect. A strong stick figure, his hair is golden yellow with a blue stripe across his left eye.

(In German)

"Major, the enemy has gotten away. So far most of the cargo is intact however they did steal one item." A Kreigsmarine officer informed him, handing over the manifest.

"What is the significance of that I wonder?"

A German soldier scoffs at this. "Does it matter sir, losing one relic won't make a difference."

"It only takes one small movement to cause a massive shift." Hermann responded quickly, silencing the soldier. He then turns to the officer. "Lieutenant, I want you to find everything you can on those men and report back to me. After you collect all the cargo, sink the ship. I don't want any loose ends."

"Yes, Sir Major."

High in the skies everyone is a little exhausted but relieved over the favorable outcome of this expedition.

(Back in English)

"Whew, that was way too close."

Henry pats Charlie on the back. "You'll just have to get used to that Charlie. How is everyone doing?"

"The mission is completed, that's all that matters." Ruvyzvat straps the package to the seat but suddenly grunts in pain.

"Are you hurt?" Henry asked.

Ruvyzvat inspects his arm to see a wound. "Yes."

"Med kit?"

Charlie grabs it. "Here ya go."

Henry takes it then heads over to Ruvyzvat and starts fixing the wound.

"This will be difficult to explain."

"Just say it was an accident in the lumber mill." Henry reassured his friend while sealing up the wound. "She won't notice."

"For how long I wonder?"

"There, all patched up. I could give you morphine so can you pretend you're fine?"

Ruvyzvat brushes it off. "No thank you."

Several hours later back at the mainland Henry and Ruvyzvat walk through two glass doors leading to a storage and testing chamber. It may not look too big but behind the desk its rows stretched on.

"Ah Agents Lang and Morozov welcome back. I presume you've brought back the item of interest?"

Ruvyzvat sets it down. "Yes Doctor."

The Lead Scientist opens the case and inspects the stone. "Truly magnificent craftsmanship, it must be at least thousands of years old, maybe even older. Has it done anything supernatural by any chance?"

"So far nothing, but it did give off the highest energy readings I've ever seen." Henry replied. "Some remnants of the Eye wanted it so badly they gave us a run for our money. However, we ended their existence in the derelict ship."

"Well then you gentlemen kept forces of evil away from this country once again."

Yet as the Lead scientist begins to install the stone in storage Henry's walkie talkie beeps.

"This Agents Lang and Morozov, what's the situation over?"

"We just received a report of a 402 in your vicinity. Request immediate action."

"Roger that."

In the passing minutes they leave the building making quick travel to a small suburb where an unfortunate incident has occurred. Not even a few feet away and they could see the markings of magical madness all over the area. Specifically burnt marks along the house's blue wooden walls. Outside was the couple that called in worried to death at this grim site.

Henry parks the car. "So, you want to handle relations this time?"

"Negative, I take care of the incident."

Henry is the first to exit the Cadillac approaching the young couple who were even more distraught at his presence.

"Are you with the fire department?" Mr. Emil asked.

"Correct sir."

Mrs. Emil was practically frantic. "Thank goodness, we don't know what happened, only that the house was engulfed in fire-."

Henry puts his hand up silencing the couple. "Ma'am before we go any further, I'm going to need you and your husband to confirm a couple items of interest for me."

While Henry handles the neighbors his partner quickly and quietly enters the burnt husk of the house. Once pristine but now painted with ash all he can see is destruction. Once Ruvyzvat enters the kitchen he finds the person of interest. A young woman crying over the burnt corpses of her husband and son. Her hands and clothes covered in ash for the source of their demise she had unintentionally unleashed.

Discreetly Ruvyzvat engages with her. "Ma'am, are you alright?"

"I didn't mean this . . . my family . . . oh God, what have I done?" Mrs. Brown could barely speak.

"It's okay, just tell me what happened."

Yet she is unable to respond as a sudden surge of supernatural power begins to make her choke. Wasting no time Ruvyzvat finds cover with a detached door as Mrs. Brown vomits a firestorm almost engulfing him like a roaring wave. After surviving this, he sets down the door then tries to comfort Mrs. Brown.

"Tell me, what was the happiest day of your life?" Ruvyzvat asked Mrs. Brown, holding up a burnt picture.

"It's hard to choose . . . it would have to be when my little baby boy was born. Seeing his sweet eyes and his little-."

She never finishes her sentence. A small injection had quietly ended her life while her mind was distracted. Ruvyzvat carefully rests Mrs. Brown's lifeless body on the ground, still piecing together the brutal outcome. His mountain of experience became a mere mole hole when confronted for such things like this. He leaves the scene maintaining a straight face on the outside. On the inside, another chain of guilt latched itself on his brain. Ruvyzvat exits the house just in time for his partner to finish securing the neighbors' sworn secrecy.

"Now, both of you understand not a word about this event will ever leave your mouths?" Henry demanded.

"Of course, sir." Mr. Emil finishes signing a document. "But what about our friends?"

Henry shows a little sympathy. "Unfortunately, you're going to have to take a few days off to say your final goodbyes."

Just behind him an Ambulance along with another S.S.O vehicle park on the curb. With their business concluded the agents enter their car.

"How are we holding up?"

Ruvyzvat doesn't show much emotion. "I'm fine, I can't say the same for the family members of that couple however."

"On a lighter note, we're getting a raise today." Henry starts his car. "Gonna spend it on anything fun?"

"I was thinking of taking Sarv out, maybe to a fancy restaurant or a casino in Fevertown. She wants to go to Italy for a weekend, but with the current situation I don't think it's possible."

"If she asks any questions, you know the drill." Henry mentioned.

"Of course." Ruvyzvat sighed. "It never gets old."

"Just don't forget to change before you head back home."

With the hours of the sun coming to a close of the day Ruvyzvat drives down the dusk country roads in his white Corvette after a long day at work. The spring wind whispers so lightly in the air and enthusiastic evergreen trees engage in a calming sensation to a rough day. Ever so carefully he parks in the driveway of the beach house. He opens the door to be treated by the smell of cooked dinner in the kitchen. The home had very unique decoration with a nautical 1950s theme along with some patriotism. Ruvyzvat sets his coat on the rack with his Ushanka and enters the kitchen where his fiancé is adding the finishing touches to tonight's feast.

"I'm home."

Sarvente turns around sharing a kiss with him.

"How was work today?" She notices a couple bruises on his head and the bandage on his arm. "Oh no what happened to you?"

"Just an accident at the mill is all other than that everything went about as smoothly as can be."

Sarvente prepares the table for them. "Well along as you're being safe. Oh, do you think they'll consider you for the position of foreman?"

"Maybe, although there are other men more qualified than me." Ruvyzvat takes out his check. "However, I did get a raise."

"That's wonderful Ruv, remember don't sell yourself short." Sarvente serves Ruvyzvat a bowl while also preparing her own seat. "All you have to do is keep moving forward and you'll get it eventually."

"Hmm it smells good, what did you make?"

"Borscht, I thought of making something new, so I bought a European cookbook earlier today. How'd I do?"

Ruvyzvat tries it and shows satisfaction. "If that isn't a taste from heaven then nothing is. I love it."

"Thank you, I was worried it wouldn't turn out right." Sarvente said smiling.

"Like you said my love." Ruvyzvat takes Sarvente's hand. "don't sell yourself short."

He then turns on the TV in the hope it would provide some pleasure however it shows a News Broadcast instead. We see in the black and white footage Kriegsmarine Battleships blockading the English Channel as well as the Red Sea

"Nazi Germany continues to escalate the ongoing crisis as Reichskanzler Karl Von Papen orders the Kriegsmarine to blockade both the Red Sea and the English Channel. President Ronald Reagan, despite receiving multiple demands from the Nazi government to remove the missiles in Denmark, has issued an executive order for the U.S Navy to counteract this blockade. Earlier today Karl Von Papen gave a rather anger ridden speech, so here is what he had to say."

Changes to Reichskanzler Karl Von Papen who is speaking very heavily in a meeting inside the Reichstag. His words protrude aggressive determination and intense disdain garnering a thunderous praising response from the loyal powerful crowd watching him in the populated seats of the Reichstag.

(In German)

"The Fatherland will not give in to the foolish demands of the United States. That impure excuse for a nation corrupted by its degenerative bloodlines has no moral authority over the Reich or her people. Therefore . . ."

Back to Ruvyzvat and Sarvente.

"One of these days someone is going to mess up." Sarvente sighed. "These fools play with way too much fire."

"Maybe, unless someone reminds them of the consequences of their actions."

Far away hidden in the storage of the Recruitment Center, the goo creature reveals itself hidden away in a vent. Its eye opens and starts blinking red very rapidly. Its message is received close by from its master.

"Ah there it is, members it's time to embark." The Leader declared after concealing his vision.

Trench coat cultists arm themselves outside in the darkness. Later in the night in Ruvyzvat is trying to sleep in the warm comfort with his love. Yet something dark demanded his determination in his dream. In this dream he walks forever through a fearsome forest. So far he knows something is lurking watching him like a predator, but he cannot find it. Until he sees cracks forming in the ground unleashing black tentacles.

"Child listen to me."

"Who are you, show yourself!?"

"You have already unearthed me once; all I ask is that you heed my warning." It said as eyes appeared in the trees whose branches morphed into tentacles.

"You will not twist my mind like you did to my old friend!" Ruvyzvat shouted "Leave me at once!"

The voice gives a sinister chuckle. "Beware of your-.

However, Ruvyzvat doesn't hear the rest because he is awakened by his watch flashing a red light. Immediately understanding the protocol Ruvyzvat perfectly proceeds to prepare himself without waking up Sarvente. Before he leaves, he gives her another warm kiss on the cheek.

Ruvyzvat quietly leaves the house and gets in his car. Carefully drive down the street without attracting unwanted attention. Several minutes later he approaches the chaos erupting Recruitment Center. Its fire alarm can be heard screeching as smoke seeps from its broken windows. Outside military Police hold back civilians while escorting employees out of the building. Emergency Services can be seen everywhere.

"Sir this place is off limits please turn around." But before the Military Police officer could say another word Ruvyzvat gave him a card. "My mistake sir, move along."

Once Ruvyzvat steps out his friend's Cadillac Eldorado also parks on the curb.

"Just woke up?"

Henry exits his car. "Let's get inside."

The sounds of excruciating combat echo in its halls. Occasionally there would be badly injured personnel or the unfortunate victim of the attack.

"Where the hell is it?" Ruvyzvat questioned.

"The contacts are heading towards storage C."

Henry crouches down inspecting the wounded soldier. Are you going to make it soldier?"

"Don't worry about me sir, go."

In the hallway across from the storage squads of struggling soldiers and agents engage in combat with the enemy. Their commanding officer is a young human man of honor named Sergeant Johnathan or more commonly known as Tankman. Truth be told, Tankman actually doesn't fully know how to properly use any kind of tank. Nevertheless, he doesn't enjoy discussion about how he got the nickname to begin with. He wore a standard olive uniform with a bulletproof vest and a pair of goggles regardless of the occasion. Just like any other officer, Tankman never took no for an answer, nor would he tolerate any kind of folly amongst his star-spangled soldiers.

Ruvyzvat loads his gun. "Where did they come from?"

"No idea sir the contacts just appeared outta nowhere!" Tankman avoid more gunfire.

Almost immediately Henry recognizes them once he lands a couple shots on two cultists. "Crap, they're more Eye remnants."

The remaining cultists retreat deeper into the storage.

"Sir, the enemy is retreating!"

"Advance and take position!" Ruvyzvat commanded.

"Affirmative sir!"

They rush into the chaotic storage chasing after the cultists. Dwelling its depths the Leader casually strides through the rows. Many bodies are scattered around him, all who suffered painful deaths to his pleasure. He stops and collects the crate containing the stone. His goo creature dematerialized in the palm of his hand. Admiring the precious prize in his hands he commands his men to prepare their hastily departure. Performing the same ritual from before although it requires much more energy he opens another portal. Just before our heroes could confront the cult, the Leader uses his evil power to collapse a shelf blocking their path.

Tankman surveys the acne finding nothing. "Where the hell did, they go?"

All Ruvyzvat could say was. "We are in serious trouble."

Chapter 4

Unfortunate Circumstances

Morning awakens the briefing room following the projector shining upon the screen.

Colonel Bragg steps in front of the board. "As I'm sure you're all aware, at 3:00am last night this facility was attacked resulting in the theft of one artifact recovered from the Ourang Madan. After reviewing eyewitness accounts and the security footage we have determined this was not the work of the sinister agents of the Axis Alliance."

The tape plays a recording from the night before. Several staff members are cataloging the containers until the door is blown open. Heavily armed cultists clearing out every soldier and scientist in their path. The Leader also engages in violence as well using otherworldly powers in a cruel and unusual way. His amusement in the suffering of the S.S.O personnel horrified many agents watching the tape.

"As far as the public is concerned this was nothing more than a gas leak. We've examined the bodies and our archives, leading us to conclude this is the Cult of the Eye. Previously this cult was presumed inactive after it collapsed from infighting. With the power these cultists possess, it is likely they are back and are even more dangerous than before which is why Washington has made eliminating them our top priority." A soldier hands Colonel Bragg several folders so begin to pass them out. "Agents Santiago, Hughes, and Dalmer you three are assigned to the East Oregon countryside."

Three agents leave their seats and take a folder.

"Agents Collins and Wilhelm you two are assigned to Portland."

Two more agents get up rather reluctantly and take their folder.

"Agents Lang and Morozov you two are assigned to Salem."

Henry and Ruvyzvat get out of their seats and take their folder. Yet Henry seems a little more interested in it than his partner.

Henry aggressively shuffles papers. "Come on, come on where is it?"

"Trying to find something?"

Henry finds the page he's looking for labeled 'Resources', among the text with the words 'Informant Agent' was the name Gwendolyn Eisenhower. This gives him some small excitement.

"Didn't know the names of the Informants pique your interest." Ruvyzvat teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, it's nothing, the person I'm looking for is just good at her job." Henry commented, trying to keep composure. "Which means she's reliable and most likely has the information we need."

"Alright then. So shall we take my car-."

"Mine, we'll take mine."

Hours later in the bustling streets of Salem they park a couple feet away from a particular cafe among the many restaurants. Henry surveys the area before making his preparations.

"Not a very subtle place for an information exchange." Ruvyzvat remarked

"I wouldn't say that. It's in the quiet part of town away from action. And it is very small."

Ruvyzvat notices his friend fixing any imperfections in his attire. "Going overboard with the corrections, aren't we?"

"What, haven't you learned to always dress to impress?" Henry Grabs a card hidden in his glove compartment. "Anyways I'll make it quick."

Ruvyzvat's suspicions grow even more. "Sure, you don't want me to go with you?"

"No, just stay here and keep a sharp eye." Henry leaves the car walking eagerly to the Cafe.

Of course, Ruvyzvat watches him like a hawk the entire time. "What are you up to Romeo?"

Approaching the crystal-clear doors of the cafe Henry could smell the beautiful breakfast bouquet. It bore a peaceful scene with few patrons enjoying the pleasantries of the warm morning. His observant eyes narrow the Informant Agent enjoying a first print of a beloved classic 'The Princess Bride.' Her name was Gwendolyn Eisenhower, she's knowledgeable in this city since it was her birthplace. She was a very gorgeous Gardevoir wearing a graceful blue dress but only with the warm cup of simple coffee resting on the cafe table.

Pokémon and Beasts are perhaps the most intriguing species in this world. Half are able to coexist with the other intelligent species, but some can only congregate among the wild behaving like normal animals. Like every other species most don't have the ability to control the strange power of this world. Those that do, well it always ends in suffering. On the contrary a select few are carefully guarded secrets courtesy of the S.S.O due to their rather disastrous consequences. Some are even relegated to the legends of ancient times like every other species. After all, everyone has their stories of mythological figures. Returning to the two.

Henry quietly takes his seat at the table just next to her. "Almost finished with the book I see?"

"It's a beautiful story, depicting what everyone dreams of experiencing."

Henry picks up a menu. "Lost love I presume?"

"It's certainly present but nevertheless, it can only be lost if it doesn't wish to be found."

"Of course, in that case what have you found so far?"

Gwendolyn removes a small envelope from the back of the book. "The Eye has its new nesting here in the state. Although I have yet to pinpoint their precise congregation. A couple of their members have arranged a meeting with the curator of the Italian Ancient Artifacts Museum here in the outskirts at midnight."

She slides it to him, and Henry slides his envelope as well.

"You are always the most reliable person I could count on."

Gwendolyn opens the envelope she had received from Henry. Inside was a brand-new pearl necklace. This brings a smile to her face along with a warm sensation in her heart.

"Thank you very much Henry."

"It was the nicest necklace worthy of your appreciation, Gwendolyn. Till we meet again."

Henry leaves very inconspicuously not before looking behind him. Although she couldn't turn her head, eventually when he looks away to exit Gwendolyn looks back. Before he leaves Henry observes another man walking into the diner rather suspiciously. Doesn't take a second for Henry to recognize the man as one of the cultists responsible for the attack. He silently avoids eye contact, successfully keeping cover intact. Secretly Henry listens to their conversation before exiting, making sure Gwendolyn's guest doesn't arouse any suspicions.

Once Henry enters the driver's seat, he notices his friend silently staring at him with high suspicions.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Henry asked.

"One you're acting rather excited for this to be a simple message drop. Two you very clearly brought a gift of some kind for Gwendolyn most likely jewelry. Three you're wearing cologne specifically 'Man's True Purpose' number 69 not to mention you fixed any imperfections in your demeanor. My conclusion is you are hopelessly in love."

"What, no that's preposterous." Henry tries to brush it off. "Your head is in the gutter."

Ruvyzvat raises an eyebrow. "Is it?"

"If you have nothing to add, how about I put on the radio."

He turns it on however it hilariously plays "Tell Her You Love Her" by Frank Sinatra. Trying to change it the radio continues to spew similar songs like "When Somebody Loves You", "Everybody Loves Somebody", and "The Door is Still Open to my Heart".

Henry gives up, so he starts the car. "You have got to be kidding me."

"You are one terrible liar."

"Shut up, you're not my dad." Henry groaned.

It is now nighttime in the calm open air of the outskirts. Busy during the day but quiet during the night, very few people were along its silent sidewalks. Ruvyzvat and Henry have been waiting in the Cadillac Eldorado for a while for something of suspicion to peek its ugly head in the midst of nighttime.

"What a calm, cozy night."

"You still haven't answered my questions." Ruvyzvat mentioned, while checking the police scanner.

"Fine, but you are one stubborn son of a gun. Has anyone ever told you that?"

Ruvyzvat drinks some coffee. "No but it's true nonetheless."

"It was spring of 1980 if I remember correctly." Henry sets down the binoculars. "My mission was to locate a young child taken by a supernatural crazy madman."

Changes to a flashback with the song "Falling in Love with You" playing. Its visuals follow Henry's words.

"The exchange took place in this fancy restaurant in Salem called the Emperor's Grotto. Somewhere where the worst people in society would often conduct their affairs amongst its pleasurable accommodations. Looking back, I think that it was meant to be, because it could've been anyone assigned to be my Informant. Informants have the difficult task of gathering the data we need, often it requires the sacrifice of oneself. Gwendolyn however, I don't know how she managed to stay true to herself, but she did. Unfortunately, she had to play with the two biggest egos in the criminal world, let's just say they don't ever let things go."

In the flashback the heir to the Russian Mafia Fyodor Kuznetsov hastingly enters the restaurant with a heavily armed hunk of an escort. Immediately he spots Gwendolyn accompanying the rival Romano Mafia family, so they rush over revealing their weapons.

"Ronin!" He shouts in a thick Russian accent.

Of course, the other heir to the Romano Mafia Ronin Romano stands up. "What in the flying fuck are you doing here Fyodor? This is our turf; your kind are not wanted here!"

His men also arm themselves as the two egotistical men face off. Henry carefully prepares himself while also checking on Gwendolyn who is waiting for this powder keg to explode.

"Then perhaps you will be smart for a change, hand over the whore so that I may punish her properly. So, you and your establishment can avoid the embarrassment of my wrath."

Ronin laughs at this. "What in your stupid Slavic head makes you think you can command me? I'll say it again, leave now or else."

"Oh, I beg your pardon good sirs, this is a nice place so please settle your grudges outside." Henry asked, trying to de-escalate.

But his words are met with a punch to the face from a Russian mobster. Ronin pulls out his golden piece pointing its barrel directly at Fyodor, yet it does not deter him at all. Because hiding behind his coat, he slowly takes out a poisoned knife.

"So be it, let me show you how we punish those who don't obey back in the old country."

Ronin is completely caught off guard as the cunning swing of the poisoned blade cuts open his face, killing his eyes. Before he could even retaliate Fyodor's men open fire forcing the other mafia to scatter, of course everyone else their screams trying to survive this slaughter. Naturally Gwendloyn attempts to avoid them but she is overpowered by two big brutes forcing her into the broken chair of another table.

Gwendolyn tries to resist this. "Let me go!"

"Shut it, you took advantage of my hospitably so I will simply get what I deserve."

Henry narrates. "It was in that moment where our paths would forever be conjoined."

"How about I do the honors?" Henry exclaimed after carefully completing his armament under the cover.

BAAM!

Fyodor is forever finished by the explosive emergence of a shotgun slug. Of course, Henry is able to assassinate one of the arrogant brutes allowing for Gwendolyn to free herself. While the other gangsters prepare to open fire Henry then takes Gwendolyn's hand guiding her away from their fiery fury.

"We took each other's hands, and we fought off every single gangster so eloquently it looked like a musical. My heart felt whole again, and I couldn't keep my eyes off her neither could she do the same with me."

Eventually everything stops with the two of them holding each other's hand in the middle of the dance floor close together. With the closure of the final lyrics.

Back to the present.

"Afterwards the next time I met her we had a proper dance. I kept seeing her again and again. Each time reviving something inside that I thought was long dead."

"Damn, why keep it a secret?" Ruvyzvat wondered. "You two love each other so much."

"Sentinel and Informant agents can't have relationships with each other. Creates risks."

"Either way you two can't keep this a secret. Soon or later the cat will come out of the bag."

Henry doesn't seem to be concerned by this. "It stayed in for this long. Nobody will know, except for you."

"You're running around in circles my friend." Ruvyzvat then noticed a suspicious car driving into an alleyway. It was a Black Chevy sedan with fake license plates and dark windows. "We got something right there."

"That's our target. Let's go."

Quietly exiting the Cadillac Eldorado, the agents begin their careful journey following the car into the alleyway. Hiding behind some trash cans they spot its doors letting out the Italian Museum Curator Alfonso who looks rather cold. He walks down a bit with his escort before stopping in front two cultists.

"What is the meaning of this, where is your boss?" Curator Alfonso demanded

The leader reveals himself. "Why Alfonso, surely you of all people could refrain from such a vulgar attitude."

Curator Alfonso looks back shocked and also annoyed. "Stop messing with me, if you want this information, you must bring me what you promised."

"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten our agreement." The leader snaps his fingers to a cultist. "Bring it forth at once."

One of the cultists opens a briefcase filled with ancient scrolls.

"The last remaining scrolls from the Library of Alexandria. Thank you, here is everything you will need." Curator Alfonso applauded.

Fulfilling his part of the bargain, Curator Alfonso hands the Leader a file detailing the security of the entire museum.

Almost immediately the Leader senses the presence of the two agents. "Now run along Alfonso for I have other matters to attend to."

Charges up evil magic from his left hand sending it directly to their hiding spot. Of course, Ruvyzvat and Henry avoid it but their targets flee further into the alleyway. Curator Alfonso tries to leave as well but is blocked by the barrel of Ruvyzvat's gun aimed at his face.

"You're under arrest Mr. Curator." Ruvyzvat explained, cuffing his suspect to the fence.

"They're getting away."

The agents chase down the cultists who climb up a wire fence but manage to break its ladder.

"Crap."

Henry crouches down by the fence. "Come here I'll give you a boost!"

He successfully lifts Ruvyzvat over the edge.

"Meet me on the other side!" Ruvyzvat ordered.

"Got it!"

Fast like the wind, Ruvyzvat follows the cultists farther down the filth-filled alleyway until their advances are halted by a wall. Seeing no other option, they pull out guns and attempt to take down Ruvyzvat. Using his wits he avoids their rain of death throwing a trash can lid like a boomerang to disarm them. He quickly disposes of their usefulness with a shot for each.

Ruvyzvat picks up a wounded cultist by his collar. "Tell me where your Leader went?"

"Right behind you." The Leader responds.

A deadly blade is thrusted from behind, thankfully Ruvyzvat narrowly avoids it. Thus, they engage in brutal hand to hand fighting with the occasional magical attack in between moments. Eventually Ruvyzvat seizes the opportune moment releasing a raging fist into the Leader's face, wrecking his mask and sending him stumbling backwards. Once he regained his standing all that Ruvyzvat could show was disbelief. Standing there was his old friend, Robert. Behind the mask was his new red streaks replacing the blue along with a red eye imprinted on his forehead.

"Robert? It can't be?"

"In the flesh, and I see you still have my farewell present." Robert recomposes himself. "Surprisingly it fits."

"Enough, you're either coming with me." Ruvyzvat finally pulls out his weapon. "Or I put you down."

They stare each other down while walking in a circle.

Robert laughs. "So now you want to see your old friend after all these years? Well, I'm sorry, I'd rather refrain from rotting away in a metal tomb, again."

Henry arrives at last, and even he is taken back by this development. "Oh God no. What have you become Robert?"

"All I've done is seen through the ignorance of mankind to find the true power of this world. What you all refused to believe so long ago. The cowardice of man is why you are doomed to suffer." Robert explained his voice devoid of any empathy.

Ruvyzvat cocks his gun. "Some 'good' that power has done for you. It's turned you into a monster."

"Nay. It's given me a new purpose. There are greater things in this world you cannot possibly comprehend." Robert snapped.

"Damnit Robert, we cared about you." Henry pleaded. "Stop this madness before it results in more bloodshed."

Again, those words have no effect on Robert. "Do you seriously expect me to fall for your lies again? Your ignorance insults me. Therefore, my patience has run its course."

In that moment he sends a shock wave down on the ground unleashing unspeakable power sending both of our heroes on their knees. First, he glides through the air and cuts Ruvyzvat in the back. Landing with full force he sends his dagger deep into Henry's side pushing him on the ground. Both of them tried to get up, however something strange was messing with their vision. In fact, they felt sickly, almost unable to move, eventually collapsing on the ground.

"Why, you two don't look so good." Robert snickered, but before he could conjure his spell, he felt the presence of an otherworldly consciousness on both of the agents. "Perhaps you may be of some use to me, if you survive that is. See you soon."

Performs the same ritual creating another portal leaving the two downed agents in the alley. Darkness and silent beeping are what Ruvyzvat can see or hear. Until he feels a warm touch on his face with soothing sweet words bringing his eyes back to light. He awakens in a dimly lit hospital room, and by his side was Sarvente.

"Thank God you're awake." Sarvente said in relief, hugging Ruvyzvat tightly which he embraced.

They share a kiss.

"Where am I?"

"In the hospital, you were found stabbed in an alleyway. The police barely told me anything, what were you doing out there?"

Ruvyzvat continues to hold his love tightly. "I was just working overtime, that's all. I'm so sorry I should've come home sooner."

Sarvente holds Ruvyzvat's face to hers. "Don't you ever scare me like that again."

"I promise."

Right on time Sarvin enters the room, wearing a simple suit.

"You came." Sarvente asked.

Sarvin smiles, setting down a bouquet of flowers. "Of course, you didn't think I would leave the two most special people in my life alone in pain now. I'm really glad you're okay old buddy."

"Much appreciated, where are your parents?"

"On their way, I brought some take out just in case you get hungry." Sarvin changes his tone. "Word of advice: don't go into alleyways at night, you're damn lucky to have survived."

Ruvyzvat tries to get up, but Sarvente stops him.

"No Ruv stay down, you still need some rest."

"You're right."

Hours later Henry and Ruvyzvat await in the S.S.O clinic for blood test results. There was not a shred of joy in that cold white room. The doctor comes out of the lab but doesn't have any positivity in his attitude

"It pains me to say this gentleman, but it appears you two have been infected with some kind of poison."

"Do you have anything to cure it?" Henry questioned.

The doctor flips through his clipboard. "To slow it down and suppress the symptoms, yes. But to cure it will be a no. I'm sorry gentlemen but your days are numbered."

"How long do we have doctor?"

"A week maybe, I'm honestly not sure. If your two are ready, The Colonel would like to see you both. All you can do is pray you go out with peace."

The same depressing tone takes itself to Colonel Bragg's office.

"Given the circumstances you two find yourselves in. I am fully prepared to let you both go, maybe you could spend your final days on this planet in peace. You all have been the best agents I've ever seen. It would be torture to have you push your luck."

"I'm sorry sir, but I cannot in good faith go to God without finishing what I started." Henry asserted.

"Are you certain?" Colonel Bragg turns to Ruvyzvat. "What about you Agent Morozov? You could spend the remaining days with your loved one?"

"The monster that caused this is roaming free. If I die, I want her to be safe from all threats."

Colonel Bragg has a brief moment of silence. "Well, I will call the doctor and get you boys some medicine to keep you on your feet. Good news is we now know there is a showcasing happening in the Italian Ancient Artifacts Museum tonight. One of the items on display is a stone similar to the one from the Madan. Be prepared to move out at 10. Our contact at the museum will meet you there. You both served your country well, and you shall be honored properly."

Henry salutes. "Appreciate it sir."

They leave the Colonel's office, and the secretary has the radio playing outside as they head for the elevator.

"The situation over in Europe continues to escalate as Reichskanzler Papen has now ordered troops to the French borders. Tensions haven't been this high since the trial of LBJ in 1963. Leading many experts to fear this could end with a potential Nuclear Exchange. In other news NASA has predicted alignment is due for March 10th. So be sure to have your telescope-."

Waiting for the doors to open Henry pulls out two colas. "Since our time is limited, how about one last drink? If we go out, let it be with honor."

"Amen to that." Ruvyzvat agreed, clinking the bottles.

The elevator opens to the biggest floor of this entire facility, which was carefully hidden under the parking lot above. Military personnel perform a plethora of tasks in and around every precious aircraft. Charlie is working on his helicopter when he spots them approaching him.

"No offense but you guys look like shit."

"Do you have the medicine?" Ruvyzvat coughed.

Charlie takes out the freshly delivered drugs. Both agents swallow a couple pills.

"Okay, what are we looking at here?" Henry asked.

Charlie uses a map. "So, I was able to secure you guys' invitations, however if we want to keep it undercover the blockade is severely restricting civilian airflow. I can't find a flight that will get us there in time."

"What if we take a private trip, off public records." Ruvyzvat suggested. "Surely the Italians wouldn't want to disappoint some wealthy businessmen interested in the opening."

"That could work, let me see if I can arrange it."

Yet Ruvyzvat pulls Henry aside to discuss other important matters.

"What is it?" Henry questioned.

"By any chance have you had strange dreams with mysterious shadows?"

"Yes, why have you?"

Ruvyzvat sighs. "Affirmative, exactly two nights before. What do you think it could be?"

"My guess it's Robert trying to mess with our minds. Which means we need to be more focused on the mission at hand."

"I don't think so that thing, it felt otherworldly." Ruvyzvat doubted.

"Either way we can't let ourselves become compromised by whatever it is. And we need to find out how you're going to explain away your heavy absence overseas to Sarvente."

Ruvyzvat gets an idea. "Maybe I don't."

This makes Henry suspicious. "You better not be thinking what I think you're thinking. Do you even understand what ramifications this could entail?"

"Yes, I do. But also understand she deserves at least one more moment with me. Trust me to handle it, she won't know the true purpose." Ruvyzvat pleaded in a stern manner.

Henry reluctantly agrees. "Well, who am I to judge, just be careful. How good is her Italian?"

"Good enough."

Chapter 5

When in Rome

Fast forward a couple hours later in the beautiful marble center of Rome. Although the city was once a tarnished tourist trap decades ago, it serves as the crown jewel of the Italian Empire. Every ancient building was brought back to its glory, restored head to toe in marble and gold. The methods of which may be frowned upon had they not been concealed.

Having exited the yellow limousine on the clean curbside was Ruvyzvat dressed in the most dapper ordained red tuxedo in his arsenal complete with a bowtie. His lovely accomplice, Sarvente had on a fancy red and gold ball gown. Outside the furnished main entrance Ruvyzvat delivers the invitations to which the guards grant them access.

"I've always wanted to visit Italy; this was sweet of you." Sarvente said in amazement at the beauty of the place.

"I wanted it to be the most special night of your life." Ruvyzvat responded smoothly. "You look beautiful as always."

"Thank you."

They walk through the crowd of aristocrats. The room which held the showcase was nothing short of class and style. Just like the rest of Rome it too was furnished in gold and marble. Every inch had been filled with paintings, sculptures, and ancient artifacts. The ground was so clean it became more reflective than the most pristine mirror. Red and golden yellow carpet complements the mahogany tables and chairs. Gold-plated crystal-clear glasses containing the region's finest wine lay waiting on many long tables.

Directly in the center were the items of question hidden under several red cloaks. Ruvyzvat spots his friend carefully waiting near a hall. Although he signals Henry over, he also turns his lover's attention to the statue of David.

"Look here, you told me you always wanted to see this statue."

Sarvente is in awe of this sculpture. "Just as magnificent as I thought it would be. It was one of my favorite stories, my father read it to us every night. Amazing how motivation can make a man unstoppable."

"Yes, it is." Ruvyzvat remarks. "Although I prefer the baroque version, it has more detail."

"Maybe, but I find something soothing about its simplicity."

Henry is three feet away, so Ruvyzvat finds some wine on a table. To which he hands it to Sarvente.

"What's this?" Sarvente asked, taking the glass.

"I believe it's Bevanda degli Dei. Why don't you try it?"

While she sips down the smooth wine Ruvyzvat and Henry communicate quietly with hand signals.

"No sign of the contact, once I find him, wait for my signal."

"Affirmative. Keep a sharp eye." Ruvyzvat signaled back. Once Henry leaves, Ruvyzvat focuses his attention on Sarvente. "How does it taste?"

Sarvente has a look of disappointment on her face. "Doesn't really live up to its name to be honest."

Ruvyzvat tries it too. "Hmm must've been a bad harvest then."

Above on the beautiful balcony Henry patrols around to avoid attention from any of the attendees. He spots his contact casually smoking a cigar while flirting with a young woman by the balcony edge. There was some familiarity about him although he couldn't see his face yet.

"Wonderful night tonight isn't it." Henry asked in Italian

The contact immediately stops his conversation.

(In Italian)

The contact's guest is confused by this. "Do you know that man behind you?"

"Just an old associate of mine, I'll meet you back in the room darling." He reassured her.

The contact gives the woman a kiss on the cheek as she leaves, eventually responding to Henry's question. "Not exactly, could use some moonlight."

He then turns around revealing himself to be Witty.

(In English)

"Well, I'll be damned." Henry cheered.

They shake hands.

"Good to see ya again ya glorious bastard."

"How have you been Witty?"

Witty puffs his cigar. "Fantastic, it's been eight years since we last saw each other. But I've only been assigned here for about two months."

"Gald to see you haven't changed." Henry laughed.

"What can I say, Italy has it all. Beautiful art, food, drink, architecture, and women." Witty changes his tone slightly. "By the way, didn't the boss say you had a partner?"

Henry Points to where Ruvyzvat and Sarvente are standing. "Affirmative he's down there."

"Ain't no way, is Ruvyzvat with who I think he is?" Witty asked.

"Correct, Like I said a lot has changed."

"Clearly. Anyways, let's get to business. You see the table to your left, that's where the stone is." Witty hands Henry a paper depicting a map of the place. "Been watching that thing for a while, so far the cultists haven't gotten to it yet. Our best course of action is taking it before they do. Lure 'em out away from the crowd."

Henry inspects it. "Good, once we cut lights, I want you to meet us on the west side of the building."

"Roger that, but if I may be so bold, what if we grab the damn thing before they reveal it giving the audience sort of a shock?"

"Always trying to be a showman." Henry teased rolling his eyes.

Ruvyzvat turns his head to the top of the balcony seeing both Henry and Witty watching him. Henry gives a nod to which Ruvyzvat responds with another nod. Quickly and covertly, he consumes two more glasses, almost immediately he feels them unease his stomach.

"Ruv are you okay?" Sarvente asked.

Ruvyzvat clenches his stomach. "No, you don't mind if I rush to the bathroom really quick?"

"Oh, please go if you feel sick."

"I'll be back."

He rushes to the restroom in the West hallway avoiding anyone in the way. Now he did have to discharge the alcohol which wasn't pleasant. Back to the mission at hand Ruvyzvat removes the metal lid of one of the vents inside the bathroom. Thankfully he established communications with the others.

"What's everyone's status over?" Ruvyzvat asked into the earpiece.

Underneath having covertly navigated to the basement Henry chokes out the last guard. "Making my way to the generator. Once I shut it down you have 35 seconds to get in and out."

"I'll keep watch over the prize. Those cultists could appear from anywhere." Witty carefully observes the target. "Also, if you don't mind me asking Ruvyzvat, but when do you plan on marrying the lovely lady?"

Ruvyzvat slowly searches his pocket, recovering a golden rose quartz ring belonging to his mother. "Hopefully when this is all over."

He Eventually crawls above the table, where very faintly he can see the target through its grate. Underneath Henry itches closer to the mechanical heart of the building, however up above Witty notices a couple High ranking German guests huddled close by the table. While many of the officers busy themselves over nothing in particular stared down the table with vigorous determination. It was Hermann.

"Shit that's gonna be a problem?"

"What is?" Henry asked, still in the basement.

Witty eyes down the Nazis staying out of sight. "Bunch of Nazis are hanging out a little too close to the table. I'll deter them away."

So, he walks over nonchalant grabbing a glistening glass of wine. Once Witty gets close enough, he casually spills some on the jacket on one of them.

(In German)

"What the hell you idiot!?" A German officer shouted.

Witty fakes being concerned. "I am sorry I wasn't looking. Do you want a towel, good sir?"

This of course angered the German officer. "No, keep your filthy bomber hands off me!"

This little kerfuffle gets Hermann's attention, he walks over grabbing a cloth.

"Gunter, stop acting like a child and clean yourself up." Hermann throws it at the German officer then turns to Witty. "As for you stranger, be careful who you spill drinks on."

As intended, this sparked a small argument between the German Officers keeping them distracted. Witty walks back however he gets spotted by Sarvente who slowly approaches him.

(In Italian)

"Excuse me sir." Sarvente askes as Witty turns around. So Sarvente asks in English. "Witty is that you?"

Seeing the gravity of the situation he plays along. "Well, well, if ain't my old friend Sarvente. Nice to see you again."

"What are you doing here?"

"Oh, you know, enjoying the finest things in life." Witty casually plays off Sarvente's questions. "I could ask the same about you. If you don't mind, you look too beautiful to be here by yourself."

"Ruvyzvat is here with me, call it a fancy date."

"God damn you and him got together. Man, it's been so long, where is he by the by?"

Sarvente sighs. "He's in the bathroom with stomach problems."

"Too much to drink I bet." Witty jokes.

"He only had one glass, I guess the wine must be spoiled or something."

(In Italian)

Then an announcer arrives at the podium. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to announce the moment you all have been waiting for. Here on this table are artifacts old as time."

(In English)

"Well let's hope he hurries cause he's bout to miss the main act." Witty exclaimed, ushering Sarvente with him closer to the podium.

(In Italian)

"Our first exhibit is a dead sea scroll, knowledge once thought to have been lost." The Announcer boasted.

A cloth gets pulled off; the audience is amazed at the beauty of the scroll. Down below Henry is picking the lock to the generator room.

The Annocuner continues his words of excitement. "Our second exhibit will bring pride to all of Italy. Behold the sword of Alexander the Great."

Another cloth is removed following the audience showing cheer to the fine smithed weapon of old.

(Back in English)

Above Ruvyzvat waits for a response back. "Henry any minute now."

Down below Henry frantically looks for the fuse box. "Hang on up there, I'm trying to find it."

"And now the moment you all have been waiting for. This ancient stone was found deep in the sands of the Arabian desert. it appears to be older than civilization itself." The Announcer gloated, garnering the excitement of the audience.

"Come one guys hurry up." Witty whispered to himself.

Eventually Henry finally finds the fuse box in the basement. "It's go time."

"Let's get this done." Ruvyzvat said as he made the final preparations and removed the grate.

(In Italian)

"Behold the ancient stone of the Arabian Desert!" Abruptly The lights die right as the cloth is removed, shocking the audience. The Announcer rushed to calm down everyone's nerves. "Ladies and gentlemen do not panic, our backup generators will be on shortly."

The lights come back on however the stone has vanished. In defiance of the sudden shock Hermann looks around the room undeterred. He sees the grate from above being put back in its place growing his suspicion. With determination he follows it.

(Back in English)

"Wait what just happened?" Sarvente asked.

"Must've forgotten it in the backrooms." Witty responded. "Happens a lot more than ya think."

Meanwhile, having entered through the vents, Ruvyzvat exits the bold bathroom door of the upstairs west hallway. It had potted plants standing by wondrous windows or various kinds of regal bronze decor. He carefully stored the stone in a red bag holding it close.

"Target has been acquired, I'm on the second floor. Meet me in the West parking lot." Before Ruvyzvat finishes, the lid for the laundry shoot flies open. Henry steps out covered in towels. "Did you at least get a good wash?"

Henry brushes off the towels, sending them back inside. "It was my only option. (To his walkie talkie) Witty we gotta go."

Back downstairs in the main room.

"You betcha." Witty quietly whispered into his earpiece. He puts out his cigar before asking Sarvente. "Where did you say Ruvyzvat went to the restroom again?"

"Down the West hallway I think."

"How about we go find him? Let him know the show was for nothing?"

Sarvente follows him, slightly concerned. "Okay."

The lock yields to the might of the bobby pin opening the doors to a dark study upstairs. Its only source of light was the freshly lit fireplace reflecting it off a shiny crest hanging above. Surrounding the room are catacombs of books with even a couple books resting lightly on the fine mahogany furniture, but there isn't a soul in sight, or so they thought. Ruvyzvat attempts to open a window leading into the parking lot but he hears the meticulous sounds of menacing heavy boots intensely marching closer. The agents both draw their guns at the man entering the light who was none other than Hermann. His stone serious face staring at them in scrutiny.

"About time you showed yourselves." Herman heralded in a thick German Accent. "After watching you flee from the Madan I had to see what exactly you two were capable of. I must say I'm not impressed."

"We are not in the business of showmanship. If you are as intelligent as you present then leave before we present how wrong you are." Henry commanded.

Hermann lectures him. "Don't get ahead of yourself boy."

"You're one to talk. Either way you have no commanding authority here." Ruvyzvat retorted.

Yet Hermann continued to approach them undeterred. "I expected as much."

In the blink of an eye Hermann throws a metal dish disarming both Henry and Ruvyzvat. Their guns fall into a vent which empties into the room below. At the same time Hermann pulls out his golden Luger only to receive similar treatment, losing it from the impact of a thrown quill. Nevertheless Hermann releases a sword from its leather skin strapped to his sturdy belt. Ceremoniously cutting the air he points it directly at Ruvyzvat and Henry. To which Ruvyzvat responds by removing a sword from a suit of armor.

"Let's settle this old fashioned way." Hermann commanded, preparing his stance.

Ruvyzvat gives Henry the stone. "Go I'll hold him off."

"No way in hell, we will fight him together." Henry objected.

"Go now. I'll catch up."

Henry reluctantly rushes to the door despite that, Hermann skillfully skyrocketing through the air ready to land his sword's metal tongue. The attempt is thwarted by Ruvyzvat returning a solid swift defense, subjecting Hermann to recompose himself. With no other option Henry hurries to pick the window lock.

All the while his friend vigorously shields himself from the serious sophisticated strikes of Hermann's blade. It is a difficult battle, Hermann is more aggressive and articulate while Ruvyzvat is mounting his best defense. In the meantime Witty brings Sarvente closer to the room below unaware of the struggle above.

"Witty, are you sure you know where you're going?" Sarvente asked.

"Certainly, I know the ins and outs of this place like the back of my hand. Don't worry about anything."

Back to the brutal battle.

"I must say you put up a good fight. It will certainly be a worthy achievement defeating you."

Their swords are locked, each trying to push the other into death's grasp.

Ruvyzvat struggles to hold back Hermann's force. "Not today, you're the one staring down defeat."

He finally breaks the lock swiping his sword, successfully slicing a cut into Hermann's face. Although it gives him brief pain he still attacks with stubborn strength. Henry almost has the lock bending to his will when suddenly Hermann disarms Ruvyzvat. Before he could turn his attention to his friend, Ruvyzvat grabs Hermann's hand and neck forcing him to drop his weapon. They fight like strong bulls filled with determination both drastically struggling for control.

For Ruvyzvat the medicine had started to become weak making him vulnerable to the vile poison in his body. Hermann notices his opponent's weakness, wasting no time in exploiting it. He manages to force Ruvyzvat into a table then grabs his blade ready to finish him off. Ruvyzvat uses all his strength to take Hermann off his feet, sending him out the window. Yet it was also the one Henry had successfully opened but couldn't avoid the collision in time. All three men fall out of the study plummeting straight into the glass ceiling of the room below.

Witty opens the door unaware of the oncoming catastrophe. "Trust me when I say Ruvyzvat will certainly appear right here-."

The ceiling above yields to the force of Henry, Ruvyzvat, and Hermann dropping them on the ground.

"Oh my goodness." Sarvente gasped.

"Oh shit this ain't gonna go well."

The three men struggle to get up, however Ruvyzvat is the first to sense the presence of Sarvente.

"What in the name of all that is holy are doing Ru-." Immediately she is cut by Ruvyzvat.

"I'll take care of this, you make sure Hermann doesn't get any bright ideas." Ruvyzavt requested.

All too eager Witty gets out his gun. "Don't need to ask me twice. (To Hermann) Alrighty get up nice and slowly Kraut."

While Witty walks over to help his old pal Henry. Ruvyzvat pulls Sarvente away to have a private chit chat.

"Sorry you had to see that."

Of course Sarvente was beyond worried. "Ruvyzvat what is going on? What the heck were you doing with that Nazi? Where have you been this whole time? Just help me understand."

"Okay, you deserve the truth then. Long story short, I work at a secret agency dedicated to protecting people from supernatural threats. As I'm sure you already guessed, so is Witty and Henry."

"Did you honestly take me here because you cared about me, or because of your mission? How about everything else? Did any of it mean anything to you?" Sarvente asked, keeping her emotions away.

Ruvyzvat sighs. "Yes, everything I've done was for you. I'm sorry that I haven't been honest with you. It was never my intention to cause you any harm, I only wanted to keep you safe. You are my whole world Sarv, I did take you here to spend every last second of it with you, honest to God. Because well, I don't know how much longer I can make it."

"What are you talking about?" She asked getting even more fighting. So Ruvyzvat removes his collar revealing the poison spreading to his neck. Sarvente lightly touched it with sadness spilling into her heart at its sight.

Of course Hermann couldn't help but have a few peaks at their private conversation. Thankfully he couldn't hear its details.

"Hey Fritz eyes on me." Witty demand to which Hermann reluctantly complies.

"My whole life I never felt what it meant to be loved, until I met you." Ruvyzvat brings his lover's face to his. "The darkness I fight is a fate I never ever want you to experience. I will never ever hurt you, I can't."

"Whatever happens Ruv, we face it together. No more lies, no more secrets. Don't you ever lie to me again." She politely pleaded. "Please."

"Never again my love." With the closure of those words the two lock their lips. After all this is resolved Ruvyzvat turns to his friends. "You know what to do."

Henry and Witty prime their weapons.

"Sorry Hermann, it's nothing-."

"Come on Henry, don't play the honor card." Witty boasted. "We will certainly enjoy sending this evil bastard to hell where he belongs."

Hermann rolls his eyes "Then what are you idiots waiting for?"

Suddenly a red portal opens up unleashing a shockwave that interrupts everyone. Robert menacingly moves into the room grabbing his prize.

"Robert?" Sarvente gasped. "No it can't be?"

"Ah, I should've expected he would bring you into this. No matter, just another-." He is interrupted when Witty shoots his gun but just as before Robert dodges all the bullets. He eventually grabs Witty by the neck with his evil strength. "It's rude to interrupt a man when he's talking."

Robert throws him into a wall.

"Guess we're even then." Henry chimed, as he regained his standing.

Engages in heavy fighting with Robert. Unfortunately the poison interferes with his strength allowing Robert to throw him high in the air. He unleashes evil black hands with his power that strangles Henry to the ground. Ruvyzvat prepares to attack but the poison prevents his movements taking him off balance. Much to the amusement of Robert.

Robert amusingly cackles. "Why are you making this too easy?"

He releases evil red flames shoving Ruvyzvat into the ground. Sarvente, worried to death, quickly runs over trying to help her lover recover. Behind him Hermann attempts to tackle him yet Robert straight away sends him through a wall.

"It's funny watching you all struggle to stop me." Robert boasted walking around the destruction he created. "So entertaining."

"Get up Ruv come on get up." Sarvente pleaded, trying to help Ruvyzvat fight to rise but the poison refused to let him.

All the while Robert secures the stone. "But alas the entertainment must eventually cease."

Yet he soon senses supernatural power but not from anything otherworldly. So he focuses his attention on Sarvente holding Ruvyzvat tightly trying to get him up.

"Oh perhaps not." Robert asserted his grin getting even more wicked. He summons more skeletal hands of darkness that garb Sarvente pulling her away from Ruvyzvat. Struggling to fight, Ruvyzvat quickly scuffles to stand up to stop this sinister action only to be stopped by Robert's hand. "And now you shall watch me uncover what truly lies inside your fiance."

"No." Ruvyzvat begged.

The hands of evil bring Sarvente closer to him where he places his hand on her head emitting dark energy. Robert's eyes glow red and whatever he sees inside only fuels his sadistic amusement.

"Reveal yourself to me."

Channels dark energy from his hand into Sarvente. Ruvyzvat watches in pure horror as Robert slowly but surely tortures his lover. Sarvente's hands change, becoming black of ash. A pair of dark feathered wings sprout from her back along with two horns on her head. With transformation complete Sarvente stares terrified at what Robert has turned her into. However she quickly becomes sickly, throwing up blood and collapsing on the floor. Robert willingly lets go Ruvyzvat who rushes trying to do anything he can. Witty and Henry eventually manage to recover however they too cannot bear to see the evil actions that have transpired.

"Sarv, stay with me. Look at my eyes everything will be okay." Ruvyzvat held her tightly as continued to shake in pain. He then redirects his rage. "What have you done to her!"

"Nothing, I only revealed the demon on the inside. It's not my fault she cannot control it."

Henry shouts. "Damn you to hell!"

Grabs his gun emptying the entire magazine but the bullets don't even hit Robert. Of course Robert quickly disposes of him back into his place. Witty retrieves a sword from the ground having been released from its cage during their conflict. He rushes with full force sending its teeth into Robert's chest and removes his arm but Robert only laughs at him.

"Missed."

Not even breaking a sweat he forcefully removes Witty and the sword. His arm by through its perverted powers propels itself back on his body. Then backflips close to the back window.

"I'd love to stay and chat some more, however I'm rather short on time. So as a gift I will leave you all alone with an old memory." Robert said as he pulled out a familiar holotape, and inserted it into the holoplayer.

Witty aims his weapon. "You ain't going anywhere buddy!"

"Enjoy, it's a remastered edition so it'll have a couple tricks."

Concluding his bastard business Robert leaps out the window. Henry and Witty rush over. Sadly they were too late as the miniacl cult leader flead through another portal. Behind them the holoplayer starts speaking screams and static shaking violently with sparks flying. All of a sudden it sprays out purple goo that morphs into another Starspawn. Witty and Henry back up watching the hideous creature grow.

"Perhaps we should retreat?" Witty asked

"Way ahead of you." Henry rushes over to Ruvyzvat. "Oh no it's getting worse"

Ruvyzvat carries Sarvente in his arms. "Is there anything we can do?

Starspawn fully materializes, into a towering bulky creature with purple liquid all over its body. Its eyes were even redder than before. But this one has sharp spikes protruding from its arms and shoulders. Still having purple tentacles covering its hideous mouth it unleashes a loud evil roar.

"We'll have to settle that later." Witty remarked.

The agents retreat with haste while from behind the titanic terrifying Starspawn tears through everything tempting to halt its path. They manage to reach the doors of the main room. Witty meaninglessly moves a mahogany bench blockading the door confusing a couple aristocratic onlookers. He runs away right when the Starspawn bursts through unleashing its rage, terrifying everyone.

(In Italian)

"Open fire!" A guard shouted.

The efforts of the security were in the end futile for the reason that the Starspawn rips through every guard in its way. Each in savage fashion without a care what else was around. Seizing the opportunity, our heroes regroup behind the ruined tables where artifacts once stood. Ruvyzvat holds Sarvente tightly by in his arms but struggling to help her survive this torture.

Henry aggressively reloads his weapon. "You need to calm her down before she goes into shock."

Starspawn screams in pure rage.

"Follow my breathing, everything will be alright." Ruvyzvat reassured his love as she cried in his arms, still in pain.

Witty notices the creature running towards them. "Incoming!"

It smashes through the tables forcing everyone to split up. Both Witty and Henry use everything at their disposal searching for something that can kill this creature. Yet it continues its chaotic destruction.

"How the hell are we supposed to kill this thing!?" Witty shouted avoiding an attack.

Henry throws a grenade. "My dad killed this thing last time but don't remember how!"

"Then remember harder!"

It blows up in its face which quickly regenerates making the Starspawn even more enraged. Field with fire it jumps at Henry into a pillar taking down part of the balcony. He narrowly avoids it but it gives chase. In the midst of the carnage Ruvyzvat finally calms Sarvente down. She eventually changes back having survived from the torture.

"Thank God you're okay." Ruvyzvat sighed in relief.

Sarvente calms down, getting closer to Ruvyzvat. "As long as you're with me Ruv, I'm not going anywhere."

"Oi love birds, stop making out and help us over here!" Witty shouted, circumventing another attack.

Ruvyzvat gives his gun to Sarvente. "Whatever you do, don't get hurt and don't miss."

"Only if you're clear."

As the carnivorous creature cascades everything around it Ruvyzvat retrieves a fallen rifle rushing to the Starspawn. He practically empties the magazine into its back but it did nothing. It turns around redirecting its attention thus Ruvyzvat has to retreat. Meanwhile Sarvente climbs up the balcony's broken arm keeping clear of the creature. Nearby Henry scavenges every handheld explosive he can recover from the remaining corpses. Wrapping it into a makeshift bomb he prepares to throw it.

"Move!"

Everyone ducks.

Pulling the pin Henry perfectly throws the bundle of death spiraling through the air. It lights up directly in the disgusting face of the Starspawn engulfing it in a cloud of white and yellow. For a brief moment the beast may have been vanquished. Its broken body still stood up slowly, regrowing everything taken in the explosion. Shattering that thought.

"You have got to be fucking kidding me?" Witty groaned.

Up high Sarvente watches from the Starspawn grow Its body back. Deep inside its chest she sees a holotape, it awakens the memory from long ago. When the force of that 44 bullet broke the holotape which killed the last creature.

"Guys shoot its holotape!" Sarvente shouted.

Ruvyzvat responds. "Where is it!?"

Its face grows back first, recharged with rage hotter than the sun. Once its body became fully restored it sprouted four large purple slithering tentacles.

"This day just keeps getting worse by the minute." Witty moaned

Henry reloads his weapon. "Tell me about it."

Straight away it spreads the slimy tentacles everywhere. One swiftly grabs Witty, tossing him around in the air as if he were a toy. Henry is unable to avoid them for long as he gets swept like dust in the wind by a powerful smack. The Starspawn speeds up the shattered balcony, sending Sarvente into the wall. Ruvyzvat jumps into action grabbing the sword which once belonged to Alexander the Great.

"Don't fail me now Alexander"

Above Sarvente reaches for the revolver while the thundering footsteps of horror rush at her. The Starspawn reaches with its claws to attack but simultaneously is interrupted by Ruvyzvat sending the sword into its back. Completely enraged, the carnivorous creature slams itself all over the place then leaps on a chandelier. Ruvyzvat managed to stay on it in spite of its attempts. He desperately endeavors to enforce his will on the sword but it cannot comply since it's stuck in place. All the while fighting off the poison slithering in his veins. Sarvente reorganizes herself, aiming her weapon at the Starspawn.

"Sarv Shoot it!" Ruvyzvat pleaded.

Yet Sarvente can't find any opening. "I can't get a good shot!"

Its tentacles start recklessly rampaging everything around it. One of which grabs Sarvente, throwing her off balance. She screams struggling to remove herself from its stranglehold. Suddenly it was sliced by the will of a silver blade. She looks up seeing Hermann.

Hermann throws the revolver at her. "Stop wasting time and kill that damn thing!"

Simultaneously Hermann gets hit by a tentacle holding Witty which eventually lets go of him.

"Get your sauerkraut hands off me Fritz!" Witty demanded, pushing Hermann off. He gets up and sees no other options. "Here it goes. Yeehaw!"

Witty runs with a leap of faith off the broken edge. His arms catch Ruvyzvat's legs forcing the blade to cut deeper into the Starspawn exposing its holotape. As the men fall down to the ground Sarvente aims the barrel of the revolver directly at the target. Time slows as the hammer orders the casing to release the bullet head in a powerful push. It kills the holotape resulting in the Starspawn screaming in agony before exploding. The chandelier cannot deny gravity anymore landing on the agents below.

"Oh no. Are you guys alright?"

Henry climbs out of the rumble. "More or less."

"Bring the car around ASAP." Ruvyzvat commanded his earpiece.

Charlie repondes on the other end. "Roger that sir."

Of course Ruvyzvat quickly embraces Sarvente, making sure she wasn't hurt.

However Witty was unfortunately impaled in the side by a piece of the chandelier. "I ain't."

Henry runs over. "Crap, (To Ruvyzvat) Help me get him up."

They carry Witty out of the main doors of the Museum. Many guests outside are either huddled together in fear or being escorted to their fancy limos. Police cars and armored escorts have their sirens screeching from one of the roads near the beautiful buildings. Thankfully Charlie pulls up in the yellow limo next to the curve.

"Sir what the heck happened." Charlie asked, opening the doors.

Ruvyzvat helps witty into the vehicle. "Mission was a failure."

"Medkit is behind the seat." Charlie said.

Henry tends to the wound. "Stay strong for me pal."

"I'm trying God damnit." Witty coughed.

Just as Ruvyzvat enters the limo he sees Hermann stumbling out of the ruined entrance of the museum. He can only give a brief glance watching it disappear into the night. Hermann's entourage eagerly escorts him down the stairs.

(In German)

"Sir what the heck happened to you?"

Hermann pushes the German officer away. "Make yourself useful and get me the first flight to Berlin."

Chapter 6

Family Secrets

Far away in the depths of a dark crypt a red portal opens to a waiting group of cultists. Robert steps out fixing his tie but his loyal followers grovel to his feet bringing grave concerns.

"What troubles you members?"

A cultist brings over a man with his head badly beaten up. Blood driving from his scalp. "This member betrayed our location to an informant agent. If I may be so bold my lord, we should leave as soon as possible."

"Unlike the old one, I am not forgiving." Robert suddenly squeezes the man's throat surrounding him with evil red magic. He brutally rips out the man's heart letting him fall over. Crushing it he gets an idea.

"My lord, what do you command?"

"It would be uncivilized of us to not welcome our guests when they arrive." Robert cunningly acclaimed. "Members get a party ready so we can find this Informant. (To a mysterious woman) Darling be a dear and make this place presentable for their arrival?"

"With pleasure my lord." She responds

In the cold hallways of the Hospital, everyone waits for the news regarding the condition of their friend.

The doctor shuffles some paper on his clipboard. "He will recover in time, but his body needs time to adjust to the implant. Feel free to conversate with him if you wish."

"Thank you." Henry shakes the doctor's hand and opens the doors. "After you."

Ruvyzvat and Sarvente go in first, of course he closes the door carefully after them. Resting on the blue metal bed Witty opens his eyes trying to bring a smirk to his face faintly glowing from the cracks of sun coming in. Radio by his bed playing smooth jazz.

"How are you feeling?" Ruvyzvat asked.

"Well, mediocre as can be. Guess you ain't the only cyborg in this town eh Henry?"

"Trust me, it's not something you want."

Witty relaxes himself. "This is the end of the road for me. It's been an honor serving with y'all."

Sarvente is confused by this. "The doctor said you would recover?"

"I'm not dying, at least not on the outside." Witty takes a moment to formulate his words. "I have had time to think about it and well. I can't take the loneliness anymore. The amount of women I left in the dust, many of whom didn't deserve it, just eats away at me. Doesn't matter if it was for the greater good, I played them like a fiddle. Everytime I wake up I hear them calling out."

"You can't give up now, we need you." Henry objected.

"Sorry Henry, just don't have it in me anymore. The longer you play pretend the sooner the truth comes out. (To Ruvyzvat and Sarvente) Take my advice, if you have nourishment, make it last, if you have safety don't take it for granite, and if you share a loving bond never let it die. Words from my dad, he was one of the lucky ones to come home from Stalingrad."

Ruvyzvat pats Witty on the shoulder. "Then rest well old friend."

Leaving Witty in his slumber they exit the room. With a sense of unease in the air.

A nurse approaches Henry. "Agent Lang, you have a letter."

"Much appreciated." Henry quickly reads the message then folds it into his pocket. "Well good news is our Informant has more intel for us."

"We'll meet you there, Sarv and I have other matters to attend to."

Henry tosses him a pill bottle. "Roger that then. Don't forget to take these and let me know when you're ready."

"Affirmative." Ruvyzvat responded, catching the bottle.

Inside Witty tries to relax as the nurse kindly removes any imperfections in his room.

"You have lovely friends."

"That may be so, but they have something I probably won't ever be capable of having." Witty groaned.

The nurse checks her pocket. "Hmm, I wouldn't say that. Everyone always has the option for a second chance, the real kick is whether or not you're brave enough to take it. A little boy showed me that long ago."

She leaves behind a small wrapped sphere. Witty opens it feeling surprised but also relieved. Inside was a slightly clean baseball reading St. Jude's Crusaders 1970. On its face read, "A good showman doesn't disappoint, but a great man doesn't give up. Love Carol." Laying beside it was small paper with her phone number.

Witty smiles with amazement. "Ain't that a kick in the head."

With the passing hour Ruvyzvat parks his Corvette next in the suburbs of Lincoln City. Not even minutes after escorting Sarvente up the sidewalk, Mr. Evans opens the front door. His wife was waiting behind him.

"Got your call, is everything alright?"

"Not exactly, could we talk more inside?" Ruvyzvat requested.

Mrs. Evans ushered them inside. "Certainly, come on in."

Sitting down in the peaceful living room Mrs. Evans lays down a silver dish with warmed tea.

"So what do you want to talk about?"

Ruvyzvat sets down a paper with a pen on the coffee table. "Before I begin, for national security reasons, I must have a guarantee that this conversation remains private."

"Ruvyzvat, I completely understand. Not a word will leave this house." Mr. Evans assured, as he signed the document."

"Alright then, you remember a certain someone named Robert."

Mr. Evans raises a brow. "Clear as day. Why do you ask?"

Ruvyzvat takes a deep breath. "To make a long story short, he did something to Sarvente. What I had thought was a simple transformation, turned out to be something far more dark. The only person credable of explaining it should be you."

"By any chance did she grow wings and horns?" Mr. Evans asked.

"Yes."

Sarvente's worries grow. "Dad, how did you know?"

Mr. Evans silently signals his wife to retrieve an item from the basement. "I prayed that this day would never come. Sarvente, there is something your mother and I have been meaning to tell you."

Be a gentleman Ruvyzvat helps Mrs. Evans carry an old Victorian-like trunk to the center of the living room. Ruvyzvat removes himself sitting back with his love. He watches Mr. Evans unlock it, opening its dusty mouth. It held many vintage photos covering books and a dark black royal uniform. Ruvyzvat inspects the first picture showing several demon-like men with horns and dark feathered wings standing in front of a colorless palace. They wore a similar fancy uniform as the one resting in the trunk. One of the men was a younger version of Mr. Evans.

"Hell is a place of punishment, but it is divided in two. The first is for those who followed Lucifer after he was shattered were stripped of their powers and casted deep into the planet. And a world beyond this one where the sinners go. It's just as bad as it sounds; corrupt, dangerous, decadent, chose the word. I was supposed to be one of its lords. I'm sorry Robert tortured you, I can't imagine how painful it must've been. I know this is a lot to take in, so if you need a moment to process, take as much time as you need."

Sarvente simply asks Ruvyzvat one question. "Did you know about this too?"

"There's no way he would've known sweetheart, the organization that helped bring me here is very secretive even more so than the one I think he occupies." Mr. Evans assured his daughter.

"You would've been told that day if I'd known." Ruvyzvat softly holds Sarvente's hand giving her comfort before turning to Mr. Evans. "I presume you came here with the help of the Knights Templar."

"Correct, without their help, I wouldn't be here. Demons can't live on the surface in their twisted forms, the only way I can describe how it ends. Is burning up from the inside in a wave of suffering. With what Robert has done, if we don't act quick enough she faces the same fate. There is a way to purify her. And I was assigned with a guardian for this situation so it won't take too long. Roughly two to three days at most."

Ruvyzvat brings Sarvente close to him while she holds him tightly. "Well the good news is I have already set that plan in motion. I felt it would be best to have you explain it rather than a bureaucrat."

"Then I'm glad you came to us, whatever you two need we can provide, always remember that. As for the process itself, it's 100% painless but the surgery does require one key component."

"What is it?" Sarvente asked.

"You must have a purpose greater than yourself. Through a strong connection with someone close. It's why we are thankful that you have that with Ruvyzvat." Her mom responded.

"About that-." Ruvyzvat couldn't speak another word because the poison had interrupted him, twisting his vision.

"Ruvyzvat is everything alright?" Mr. Evans asked.

Sarvente with worry helps him up, her heart cracks seeing the poison slithering on his arm.

Ruvyzvat notices his hand starting to shake. "It's getting worse, I'm not sure how much longer I can make it."

"No, I can't lose you." Sarvente hugs Ruvyzvat tightly, her parents watch in sadness.

Deep in the concrete jungle of the city Henry stops outside a familiar courthouse. Removing a small felt box from his dash he exits his car. The sun lights up the sky to the park below, giving happiness to the people enjoying the spring weather. Henry watches a family play with a kite, their joy making him feel empty. Serving to remind him of the desire he secretly seeks. Eventually he finds Gwendolyn sitting down on a park bench with no book this time. On her neck was the pearl necklace. Slowly Henry sits down next to her but not maintaining a distance being right by her side which she gladly accepts.

"Beautiful day today isn't it?"

"Yes it is, but beauty itself can't be fully appreciated by one person alone." Henry added, as he moved his arm around her.

Gwendolyn slowly pulls out an envelope. "On the more ugly side, the cult has their nesting inside an old church in Fevertown. It will be heavily guarded so have back up."

Henry slides his gift over yet also receives something from her. A small black and white picture from that old court case. He could see his mom proudly standing with several children, one of which was Gwendolyn.

"You were there?" He smiled.

"We called her the Godmother. The way she handled everything under pressure despite all the setbacks and struggles intrigued me. One day I wanted to ask before my testimony, how she did it. She said 'Because my son believes I can. You would love him, he cares so much even if things get difficult.' Turns out she was right."

They hold hands.

Henry sets down the picture. "Some things are meant to be after all."

But Gwendolyn's attitude becomes gloomy. "Yet despite our efforts to remain together, our paths may be cut off by that poison, If only it wasn't so."

"How do you know that?"

"I'm an Informant Agent, it's my job to collect information." She responded, slightly moving Henry's collar revealing the poison in his neck. "Besides, you're not a hard man to read. Before you pass on, promise you will remember me."

She kisses him on the lips, Henry's heart finally bursts with purpose again.

"Be the man I know you are Henry."

Henry lightly takes her palm, placing something inside. "You have my word. Inside the box is the key to my heart, which will always belong to you. Not even death can take that away, Gwendolyn. I love you."

He leaves looking back at Gwendolyn who also keeps her attention on him for a little longer. She eventually opens the box he had given her, discovering a golden ring with a polished stone of diamond in its hands. Gwendolyn sheds a small happy tear at this final sight.

Chapter 7

Gospel of Death

Back at the Recruitment Center, Ruvyzvat finally finds his friend's Cadillac pulling up. Although his grip cannot remain steady he still holds the hand of Sarvente.

"Good news, we have another lead and it's local. But where we are headed she cannot come. Don't worry, I've already placed an order for Witness protection."

"Affirmative." Ruvyzvat finally focuses on his love. "When this nightmare ends I will come back, to give you every last breath."

"I'll be here waiting."

The two lovers enjoy one last kiss as the footsteps of soldiers approach.

"Ma'am it's time to go."

"I love you more than anything in this world." Ruvyzvat said, still holding Sarvente's hand.

She does let go. "I love you too, even in death."

The clouds darken as the sun prepares its slumber while Ruvyzvat watches in hope the soldiers escort Sarvente away.

Henry taps him on the shoulder. "Are you ready for one last Hurrah old buddy?"

"Yeah"

Henry attempts to comfort him. "Hey, it's going to be alright. The surgery is quick and painless. She'll be fine."

"That's not what concerns me." Ruvyzvat acknowledged in a somber tone. "I made a vow to her, and it's falling apart right before my eyes."

"I understand. So let's go punish the man responsible." Henry asked.

"Certainly."

"Tankman move out to the coordinates ASAP." Henry commanded into his earpiece.

"Copy that sir."

The two agents in the blue Cadillac leave behind the calm comfort of Lincoln City to the endless party of Fevertown. It truly is the Las Vegas of Oregon, flashy neon signs shouting out their entertainment as far as the eye can see in the night sky. Anyone could get themselves lost in alcohol and amusement among the jazz undertones.

Despite its distracting lustful luxuries, Fevertown has a notorious Mafia reputation. Most of its districts serve as the center of pleasure, except for one. A long time ago it used to be a quiet cozy zone. Sadly, after the conclusion of World War two, there was a massacre in this district forcing it to be condemned by the government. Every building was old and decayed giving it the nickname "The Graveyard" since it was always unsettling. Standing dead in the center is the Saint Louis Church, it doesn't look presentable since its walls were covered in old crumbling vines.

They park next to its ruined entrance.

Ruvyzvat exits the car. "What a perfect place for a cult to nest. How did a city lose an entire district?"

Henry also exits the car. "The government found Soviet war criminals trying to seek refuge here. Turns out they weren't the only monsters lurking in the darkness."

"Tankman we're entering the site and remain on standby until given the signal." Henry ordered into his earpiece.

"Copy that." Tankman with a couple officers were hidden in a van. "No enemy contacts have been detected yet but be alert just in case."

Ruvyzvat opens the archaic wooden door yet not a single sound dared to echo the old dead halls. Most of the rotting furniture was still together with the occasional pile of rubble or trash. Aged bullet holes and casings liter the ground and walls. By some strange force, mysterious markings which their origins remain unknown to the public could be found all over. It leaves many to wonder, what exactly went down here? It pondered that the fighting wasn't just the loud argumentation of mini metal machines of death. Henry and Ruvyzvat carefully check every hallway expecting the worst. In the center is the altar stained in old blood. Henry feels around it, giving the side a little push making it move slightly.

Henry grabs an end. "Give me a hand here."

Ruvyzvat grabs the other end. "Ready push."

Using their combined strength the altar is removed from hiding a ladder leading into the catacombs.

"Hmm, something's off." Henry questioned.

Deep inside footsteps and a strange buzzing sound get louder. All of a sudden, the wooden doors slid shut locking in place by the will of metal bars.

"It's an ambush full retreat, I repeat full retreat."

Ruvyzvat pushes Henry out of the way. "Move!"

Someone with the force of thunder catapults out of the hole unleashing a powerful landing. Outside communications become confusing.

"Sir, do you copy?" Tankman tries to use the comms but only static can be heard. "What's your status over?"

A Comms officer notices many dots appearing on the radar. "Sir we're picking up multiple hostiles in the AO."

"All units we have a code red, you are cleared to engage!" Tankman commanded on comms.

Conversely the agents raise their weapons at their host being illuminated by the moonlight. She is a stick figure, bearing a black nun outfit. Along her outfit are several sharp blades strapped to her belt, some stained in blood. Replacing the Holy Cross is an evil blood red eye on her habit. Another is hiding under a couple locks of her black hair. All one could see on her attractive face is a deep thirst for killing. Her name was Taki.

"Drop your weapon." Henry demanded.

"Well, well, have you lost souls come to confess?"

"If you value your life then surrender immediately." Ruvyzvat commanded

But Taki simply cackles at them. "Why my poor child, it is you who will meet God."

She reveals a bloody loud raging hungry chainsaw.

Seeing the changing situation Henry pulls out a shock baton. "Something tells me we won't shoot our way out of this."

"Then let's get it done." Ruvyzvat agreed, also equipping a shock baton.

Ready and willing they advance simultaneously to strike. Naturally Taki avoids it with her supernatural movements being fast as sound. She successfully fights back both Ruvyzvat and Henry, holding both of them off.

Unknown to them, Taki's evil partner had been privately preparing his plan. We first see the silent streets of a downtown apartment complex cloaked in the dark of night. Gwendolyn's pristine purple Edsel parks perfectly in a space in front of the main entrance. She cleans up and collects a couple things but faintly here's a distorted voice.

"Hide yourself, run."

She looks to the back seat of course there's nobody there, naturally she had her gun ready. "Hmm, must've been the wind."

Turning away from the back window Robert appears without her knowledge. His head was down covered by his dark fedora watching his target ever so silent. Casually leaving her car, Gwendolyn slowly walks up to her apartment complex.

Again, the distorted voice tries to communicate with her. "Below, leave at once. Beware."

Gwendolyn turns around but like the last time nothing was there. Not even taking one step she hears a squishing sound. Flatter than paper was a familiar little purple blob with its red eye fixated on her.

"What the hell?"

"Didn't your parents ever tell you it's rude to poke your nose where it doesn't belong?" Robert whispers into her ear. Just as Gwendolyn brings her head up she is put to rest by Robert's hand from a strange spell. "You're coming with me, your fiancé will want to know you're safe."

Laying her down Robert's men kidnap her.

Back to the agents furiously fighting for survival against the endless fury of Taki. Their strength fading away every passing second while the poison gets stronger. Thus it slowly devolved into a defense. Outside the soldiers are stuck in a standoff with heavily armored cultists. Unaware of secret plans enacted by an evasive evil.

Miles away Sarvente waits in a dimly lit modestly furnished safe room. She closely holds a small humble photo of Ruvyzvat in her hands hoping for his return. Breaking through the silence the distorted voice quietly preaches its precursed warning.

"Run away, you are not secure."

She sees the shadow on the other side of the bulletproof glass. "Hello?"

"Prepare yourself." It croaked.

"Who are you? What do you want?" But she never gets an answer since the shadow vanishes leaving behind a confused soldier staring into the window.

"You need something Ma'am?"

Sarvente looks around, eventually trying to brush off the event. "No thank you."

"Affirmative."

Turning around she fails to see the evil presence of Robert brutally killing the soldiers outside having just appeared. She sits down trying to understand what it was she just heard. Hiding away is another purple blob patiently staring at her.

"What was that?" Sarvente pondered to herself.

Right on que Robert breaks down the door, shocking her. "Nice to see you again. Don't worry you'll see Ruvyzvat soon enough."

Knocks her out with more evil magic before she could let out a scream. With both of his targets captured he prepares for his final task. To the ongoing battle in the church Henry and Ruvyzvat stand exhausted a few feet away from Taki.

"She won't go down." Henry grunted.

Ruvyzvat looks around, spotting a sharp rusty chandelier hanging above the center. "I'll distract her, once we're in the center, shoot the chandelier."

Henry grabs his gun. "Just be careful about it."

Not even a second to spare Ruvyzvat deflects another aggressive attack. While he uses every ounce of his remaining strength to hold off Taki, Henry quietly slides through the darkness. Gun aimed at the chandelier's neck he waits for Ruvyzvat striking back Taki with everything he has. By the force of his baton Ruvyzvat locks on Taki's chainsaw slowly forcing her down but struggling to maintain his position. Henry shoots his weapon, killing the chandelier's will to stay hung.

"Now you will meet the Lord." At the right second Ruvyzvat let's go sliding backward.

The chandelier falls releasing a cloud of dust. Outside the soldiers are victorious against the cultists.

"You okay pal?"

Ruvyzvat takes a moment to catch his breath. "As I'll ever be."

The rubble shakes violently faster than light; it's blown away, causing the agents to avoid its blast. Taki was unharmed and much to their dismay her twisted partner Robert, had just arrived through another portal.

"I must say that was quite the performance you two put on." Robert turns to his love. "Thank you for entertaining them for me, darling."

Their lips become locked, eventually becoming more energetic.

"I don't want to see that." Henry groaned looking away.

"Enough Robert, I won't hesitate to show you-." The poison interrupts Ruvyzvat again. He falls down shaking coughing violently.

Of course, his friend also faces the same fate, much to Robert's amusement.

"Now this is sad, I was expecting our final confrontation to be more epic. Oh well, at least you both won't die alone."

The distorted voice tries to communicate with them again. "Books will guide your allies."

Henry can barely understand this. "What the-."

"I feel his presence around you and I'm starting to understand why." Robert then grabs Henry by the collar. "Anything else before our journey ends?"

"Go to Hell." Henry mumbled spitting in Robert's face.

Robert just wipes it off. "You first."

Using the same evil magic, he knocks out Henry. Just as he was heading to Ruvyzvat, the Distorted Voice's orders were finally heard by him.

"Prepare yourself."

Ruvyzvat tries to use his earpiece. "Tankman."

"Sir we're about to breach the perimeter, what's going on in there?" Tankman asked on the other end.

Robert takes the walkie talkie away from Ruvyzvat, breaking it into pieces. His black boot keeps Ruvyzvat in his position. "Your friends won't come to save you, not this time."

Ruvyzvat gives a couple words. "They will."

"No, they won't." Robert grinned eventually and knocked him out.

Several cultists arrive out of the shadows.

"Bring them with us so they can be served nicely to the Great Old One."

"Yes, my lord." A cultist responded.

They pick up the downed agents.

"My lord we have the final piece."

Another cultist kneels down presenting the final stone, this one having slightly different carvings. Robert gladly takes it, extracting something which gives him the location of their final destination. He lends it to Taki, who perfectly places the stone in a case with the other two along a golden chalice. Performing the same ritual he opens another red portal.

"Come members, our promised land awaits."

They all head through the portal leaving right before Tankman and his soldiers blast the doors open with C4.

"Sir there's nothing here?" Soldier shouted.

"Spread out and check the perimeter!" Tankman commanded.

The soldiers obey his orders, but they don't find anything.

A soldier reaches the edge of the balcony. "We're clear up here sir."

"Clear down here too." Another one responded

Tankman sighs. "Fuck."

A communications officer runs up to him. "Permission to speak Sir?"

"Permission granted Corporal."

"Command wants us back at HQ ASAP."

"What's the situation?" Tankman asked.

"We have company."

Chapter 8

When Two Worlds Collide

The planets dare to almost connect the lines once again at the middle of this night. While the location of the cult remains to be a mystery to the S.S.O, someone else has taken an interest in their struggles. Tankman and his squads arrive back at the Recruitment Center. This time the on-site Military Police have locked off all access to the public with barriers and vehicles everywhere. Most of the civilians have been properly evacuated from the premises as the secrecy of this event is of the utmost importance.

On the roof Colonel Bragg waits with a high ranking General from the second world war. His name was General Washington Chase. Wearing a dark olive uniform covered in medals and patches he was a very old Human. Even with his gray hair and aged face he still commanded respect. They carefully watch with unending nervousness a gray double-bladed helicopter being escorted by 4 other choppers landing on the helipad.

Tankman calmly assures his troops. "Steady men."

"I don't like this sir, why do they decide to show up here out of all places." Colonel Bragg asked.

General Chase remains undeterred. "Let me do the talking."

Its doors slid open, out stepping a row of SS Soldiers. They stand at attention by the door awaiting the arrival of their high commanding officer to follow. It is the infamous General Heinz Richtofen. Stories from the second world war told a bloody tale of this wicked man. Relentless, cold, calculated, ferocious, earning the nicknames "Baba Yaga" or "The Boogeyman". Some have even claimed that gazing into his eyes you could see the devil himself Being a stick figure he had golden yellow hair and two blue stripes along his face. His uniform is gray, covered in medals and insignias of the Nazi party. A dark gray coat carefully covers a golden sword clenching his right belt. Scars could be seen across his eye, right cheek, with some signs of aging. Despite this he is still in perfect shape, never showing any sign of weakness. His son along with several other Nazi party officials leave the helicopter slowly approaching their rivals.

Colonel Bragg crosses himself. "Lord up high deliver us."

(In German)

"I highly doubt the yanks have the ability to listen to your proposal, Major." General Heinz quality commented to his son.

Hermann has some confidence. "They're desperate, which we shall use to our advantage."

They stop directly 5 feet in front of their hosts.

(In English)

General Chase breaks the silence. "General Heinz Richtofen, this is an unexpected visit. I take it you wish to discuss a proposition?"

"Correct General Washington Chase." General Heinz responded in perfect English. "I come with a proposal from the Third Reich concerning the unique situation we are currently at the mercy of."

"Understood, shall we discuss these matters in a more private setting?" General Chase proposed.

"Of course."

Walking down the stairs none of the commanding officers notice their troops engaging in egregious looks and displays of hatred at each other's presence.

The meeting room contained a big beautiful, polished table holding several blue leather chairs. Engrained on its face is the U.S eagle fierce and proud. On the skin of the room is polished wood resting on crisp clean carpet. Having just arrived from Washington was the Speaker of the House Thomas P O'Neill. A very old human fashioning a black suit while enjoying a fine cigar. Everyone gets themselves ready before taking their seats. Of course, their high-ranking German guests had removed most of their weapons outside.

Speaker O'Neill polity addresses them. "Gentlemen, welcome. Now that the pleasantries are over, what is it you wish to discuss."

"Mr. Speaker, I present to you Meyer Schmidt, Representative of Reichskanzler Karl Von Papen. He will explain everything." General Heinz responded by sliding the chair out for the representative who sets down a briefcase case

Representative Schmidt opens the case delivering the request in a thick German accent. "It has come to our attention that a certain cult "The Eye" has committed many crimes against the Fatherland and our rival the United States. Given the severity of this situation the Reichskanzler is willing to negotiate to deal with this matter."

"The President can confirm our ongoing crisis with that cult." Speaker O'Neill pauses before choosing his words. "Unfortunately, with the current political situation on the global scale we find ourselves stuck in, He's not exactly in the position to provide anything unless that matter is resolved."

Representative Schmidt snaps his fingers, and a SS soldier hands him a real. "Understood Mr. O'Neill, which is why we come with information and a proposal. To settle our current disagreement."

He Removes a document from his briefcase and slides it down to which Speaker O'Neill reads it; however, his expression changes the further down he goes.

"Mr. O'Neill, what's the issue?" General Chase asked.

"They want us to remove our missiles and our naval blockade."

Colonel Bragg looks at it in preparation for his response. "And what about your government?"

General Heinz interjects. "The Reich is willing to pull our troops from the French border and our naval forces from the English Channel. Surely you can understand why this is the best we can offer."

While this is happening several soldiers from both armies continue to conceal their cross insults and slurs towards each other from their commanding officers.

"If you'll excuse me, I need to go over this with the President." Speaker O'Neill leaves the room to enter a smaller, more private quarters to relay the information to D.C. A few minutes later he comes back with a response. "The President has agreed to your government's terms. On the condition that we collectively agree to destroy the artifacts and wipe out the followers belonging to the Eye. No exceptions burn it all down."

"Agreed."

Both men sign the fine printed document. With a shake of their hands, it will last for today and only today. Eventually the United States and the German Reich will follow through their agreement on the global scale. This certainly will come with great disagreement from their populations but their drama in politics will have to wait.

Unaware of the current situation Witty cleans up his office. He had yet to hand in his resignation considering his office needed to be spotless. Of course, he had on a nicer suit for he was planning a date tonight with Carol. Hiding inside like a needle in a haystack he spots an old photograph from years ago resurging a flame of forgotten memories with his friends who he believed had been killed during the operation in Fevertown. Yet unknown to Witty a familiar faint presence floats around him.

"Should've gone with 'em. I'm such an idiot."

It finally speaks. "They are still alive."

Witty turns around seeing the dark shadow standing near his desk. His reaction is rather interesting.

"Nope, nuh uh, not dealing with this right now."

Witty Leaves his office and heads into the men's restroom, yet the shadow was waiting for him.

"Witty listen to me."

"No, leave me alone. I ain't falling for your tricks Robert." Witty objected. He turned around to leave but the Shadow beat him to it.

"I am not the deranged degenerate that you seek. But heed my words."

Witty groans. "Ugh fine, what do you want? Rip out my soul, eat my heart, or make me lose my mind."

"In the words of Lovecraft, you will find your answer." It answered as the shadow vanished in a cloud of smoke.

"Well, that was just incredibly unhelpful. Why are these creepy assholes never clear?" Opening the door to the outside Witty consults the words in his consciousness trying to find its correlation. "Words of Lovecraft, what is it talking about? Maybe the Archives will know."

He waits for the elevator to answer its call. Before it arrives, Charlie comes up to the elevator burying his eyes into a particular book written by the man spoken by the voice. At first Witty pays no attention to him walking into the elevator as he selects his destination. On its cover was a strange symbol, it spoke to Witty slowly grabbing his attention. In his mind he finds the visual of the stone, recalling where he first saw it. Before he draws the connection the elevator halts to Charlie's destination.

Witty puts his hand in the door. "Hey wait!"

"Need something sir?"

"I need to see your book real quick soldier."

Charlie hands it to him. "Affirmative sir."

Witty quickly flips through its pages finding the symbol along with a strange number.

"Sergeant, how many of these do you have?"

"Every edition, why do you want to borrow them sir?"

Witty pulls out his wallet pulling out a 50-dollar bill. "Here get me all of them and make it fast."

Charlie takes it but is still uneasy. "Sir I assure you, that's not necessary-."

"Just do it. And get me the Colonel."

"Yes sir, it might be difficult considering he's in a meeting right now."

"Well then I'm sure he won't mind."

Back at the meeting a German officer loads a holotape into a projector. The once clean table had given residence to the plethora of documents.

General Heinz explains the footage. "As you can see Mr. O'Neill, this was footage collected from the Berlin Museum of Rare Antiquities. The artifact stolen was a giant gold chalice."

The footage shows a similar situation to the Eye's attack on the Recruitment Center. They enter through a portal killing anyone who dared to stand in their way. Standing behind a glass coffin in the marble ordained center is the chalice. Casted from carefully crafted gold infused with ruby the cup was certainly made for bigger beings. Front to back it displayed surreal symbols of suspicious origin. The Leader of the cult, Robert, commands the chalice's obedience to his grasp. Collecting his prize he and his followers escape through another portal leaving the German Police standing in confusion. The tape ends.

"How long ago was this?" General Chase asked.

"Approximately one day ago."

"Well, they certainly left nothing behind." General Chase remarked

The phone rings so Colonel Bragg answers it. "What is it?"

"Sir, Agent Daniels is here. He says he has new information to provide." A Soldier said on the other end.

Hermann raises an eyebrow at that name.

"Send him in." Colonel Bragg ordered.

A Soldier opens the door allowing Witty to walk in carrying a stack of books, naturally he notices the Nazis watching him rather unimpressed.

"Gentlemen, is this a bad time?"

Hermann stands up slowly approaching him. "I'm surprised to see you're still moving."

"Come closer and share my recovery strategy." Witty chimed.

"Perhaps you don't seem to understand, but we have collectively agreed to refrain from hostilities for now."

Witty continues to get more sarcastic. "Why don't we take it outside then settle this the old-fashioned way. Unless you have no balls."

"You presume to insult me?" Hermann scoffed.

General Chase interrupts them. "Agent Daniels, you can settle your grudge later if you have information please share it."

"Certainly General, my apologies."

Witty quickly sets down all the books opening each page to beginning where either a letter or number lay bare on the blank front page. Naturally many of the Nazis view this with irritation.

"This meeting has become a book club now?" A German officer asked in a thick accent.

General Chase ignores the German Officer's complaint. "If you read as much as you burned you wouldn't be here, would you."

Witty tosses a book titled 'The Call of Cthulhu' to General Chase who swiftly halts and intercepts it. "Take a look inside, everything matches the markings on those stones."

"He's right it's a match." General Chase said as he inspected it and sure enough the same symbol was engraved in its parchment showed itself in the stone's snapshots.

General Heinz also inspects it. "Interesting. What is the purpose of these numbers and letters?"

"Some kind of code maybe." A U.S Officer commented.

Hermann studies them, finally drawing the connection. "Nien, they're coordinates."

He organizes the books by the dates they were published, and they finally reveal their secret.

Colonel Bragg reads through them. "I have 479′S 12643′W."

"Same here. Soldier." General Heinz commanded

A German Soldier moves his finger across the map's face until he reaches the coordinates. "Right here."

"Alright we're back in business."

"Sergeant Johnson, get your men ready." General Chase orders. "We move out in exactly 15 minutes."

"Affirmative sir."

(In German)

General Heinz commands Hermann. "Major prepare your men to move out in fifteen."

"Yes sir" Hermann responded

(Back in English)

"Permission to participate in this operation sir." Witty asked Colonel Bragg

"They certainly will need Intel. Permission granted."

Their soldiers collect their equipment deep in the secret hangar now teaming with lively helicopters. Unfortunately, the budding heads between the different armies finally reaches a boiling point. An American soldier Corporal Reichmuth removes a photo of significance depicting his family. He had wished to see their presence one more time; however, a German soldier interrupted his peaceful memories. Slapping it out of his grasp

"Hey asshole! Mind your own fucking business!" Corporal Reichmuth shouted, aggressively pushing the German soldier Private Schaffer, into his comrades.

"Don't lay your filthy hands on me ill-bred Yankee. You're lucky I don't kill you right now."

"You think I fear a skinny wimp like you? I bet you're too cowardly to fight back Kraut." Corporal Reichmuth hit him again, this time killing a flower hanging from the vest of his opponent.

"That's it!"

The two aggravated soldiers drop their weapons to throw hands. Their peers cheering on the fighting firing insults to fuel its fury. Then their commanding officers enter with immense disdain.

"That's enough!" Both Herman and Tankman shouted.

The soldiers stop finally removing themselves from the situation. Waiting for the proper discipline.

(In German)

"I will not tolerate any child's play coming from you soldier." Herman berated the Private. "Understood."

"Understood sir, Major."

(Back in English)

Tankman scolded the Corporal. "I am thoroughly disappointed at your actions Corporal."

"My mistake sir, with all due respect he-."

"Doesn't matter. Never indulge in their fantasies. I don't want to see any bullshit coming from you."

Corporal Reichmuth nods. "Sir yes sir."

Inside the helicopter Charlie gets the signal to head out. "Alright we're ready to take off, let's go."

The soldiers board their respective helicopters. Before the doors close Witty approaches them.

"Have room for one more?"

"Of course, sir, but aren't you retiring?" Charlie asked.

Witty straps himself in. "I ain't leaving till the job is done."

The cars that used to rest on the lot have been safely removed, because you wouldn't want to ruin that finish once the ground opened up. Outside the Military Police continue their fine job of keeping the civilians from interfering in this secretive matter. The helicopters fly high in the night sky.

"Command this is squads Gold and Silver we are heading to the coordinates." Tankman said into the comms

"Roger that."

Charlie presses a couple buttons. "Let's hope we get there in time."

"We will." Witty reassured him.

Chapter 9

The Final Worship

A small faint sound slices through the silence of the cloth covering Ruvyzvat's face. He tried to move his arms, but they were bound by rusted metal to a wooden beam. The sound turns into sinister chants for which he slowly yet surely floats closer to him. Suddenly his sack is removed.

"Glad to see you're awake, I was worried you would leave us before the grand finale." Robert soon orders another cultist. "Wake the rest up."

Ruvyzvat looks around the haunting Hall of the temple. Silk banners of twisted blood red eyes held my tentacles hang from the ancient marble pillars. Torches alone with stone benches surround the unnerving altar where the cultists bow their heads in respect to their dark god. On the altar were 3 holes and a strange carving having its mouth opened like it was thirsty. A more magnificent and surreal sight to behold is the stone door with intersecting eldritch engravings. Divided into three pieces.

He sees a cultist remove Henry's sack.

"Where are we?" Henry demanded.

"Somewhere no one will be able to hear your prayers or your screams. Of course it would be boring to have you both sacrificed alone." Robert boasted.

He snaps his fingers as two cultists remove the sacks of the face of Sarvente and Gwendolyn. Bound to wooden polls directly across from them.

Ruvyzvat couldn't believe his eyes. "No."

"Isn't this just poetic?" Watching his captives to his sinister pleasure, Robert removes both rings from his coat. "Ah love, a powerful bond. Yet it can easily be severed with the right push."

"You won't get away with this." Ruvyzvat tried to break free, but it only entertained his captor.

"I already have, so bask in the beauty with your partners while you can. Once he awakens, I will spread it across this waste of a world."

Two cultists along with Taki quietly step to him holding the three stones. "The service is ready darling."

Robert mysteriously moves the stones through the air. They rest in their holes on the altar permanently.

"The Old One is thirsty so we must quench it." Robert proclaimed as he sliced his hand along with the hands of the cultists dripping their blood into the chalice's head.

Once done he walks over to his captives since they must provide a donation as well.

"I don't think so."

As expected, Robert ignores them cutting thick scars in all their plans dripping blood into the red pool settling inside the chalice. "Didn't ask for your permission. He simply needs to taste."

"So, torturing our minds isn't enough for you?" Ruvyzvat objected.

"If you are referring to the voice you hear, it's not by my own doing but his. So be a good guest and don't push my hospitality." Continuing with the ritual Robert pours the chalice into the altar's solid mouth. "Feast on our offerings. Your children await you, my Lord."

The cultists chant in an unknown language waiting for the planets to get closer. In the closing moments of the ritual's birth Ruvyzvat prepared for what could be the final moment.

"This is not how I wanted this to end, it's all my fault."

"It's okay Ruv, none of that matters now." Sarvente replied with comfort. "When it is all over, I know where we will both be."

Yet Henry seems to be paying attention to something else. "Do you guys hear that?"

In the distance the doubts of Ruvyzvat are deafened as he also acquires the faint sounds of helicopter blades cutting the air. Engulfed by the ecstasy of the entrenching dark magic Robert continues his sermon spiritually slicing the air with his hands.

"Rise from your slumber oh Great Old One and give your gifts to this world. Reclaim what is-."

He is interrupted with the explosion of the back wall. Soon his confusion is quickly dispersed by the glorious appearance of reinforcements.

"Open fire!" The commanding officers ordered.

The soldiers unleash their payload into the cultists there thankfully avoiding the captives. With enough down battle-ready men deposit into the chamber disposing of any desperate enemies dangling on. Witty cunningly cuts the chains with the shot of his gun.

"We got here in a nick of time, y'all alright?"

"How did you find us?" Henry asked.

Witty reveals one of Charlie's books. "Did some reading."

Hermann also steps forward rightly giving the rescued agents cause for concern.

"Oh no." Sarvente groaned.

Ruvyzvat approaches Hermann. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Preparing for a fight Henry cracks his knuckles. "Probably wants another ass kicking."

"Guys wait. He's with us, for now." Witty objected

Eventually they all notice Robert recovering near the altar.

"I believe we have more important things to take care of." Herman suggested.

With all the cultists dead Robert finds himself surrounded however it doesn't bother him.

Tankman focuses his sights on Robert's head. "We have you surrounded, surrender now!"

"No, my dear blinded one, it is you who is outgunned."

In the blink of an eye Robert snaps his fingers again calling to four freshly activated holoplayers. Inside their bellies are the screeching sounds of freshly structured Starspawn. Four to be precise. They exit their slumber with an insatiable craving for blood.

"How many of these damn things does he have?" Henry groaned in frustration.

A Starspawn screams with anger initiating the attack. Everyone desperately retaliates to the best of their ability, some being unable to escape the carnage. Robert's lover had survived the onslaught from the machine gun fire, furiously gripping her flesh craving chainsaw.

"Can we kill these heretics now?"

"Tear that idiot Henry and his partner into pieces." But Robert has a growing pain in his hand. "I will teach Ruvyzvat what it means to truly feel pain."

Taki ignites the fire in her chainsaw. "It will be my pleasure."

She glides through the air preparing to land with force to her foe. But thankfully Henry's saving grace would come from an unlikely source.

"Here!" Hermann shouted.

Elegantly emaciated with a spare sword from his belt, Herman glides it into the air. Henry catches it removing the leather skin perfectly deflecting the attack. The sword denies her advance, pushing her back. Having armed herself, Gwendolyn stands next to her dying fiancé.

"Shall we have one last dance?"

Henry sticks his spare hand out. "Take my hand then."

In the chaos Ruvyzvat carefully advances to his angered adversary concealing something away. They stand just 5 feet from each other. Although knowing his strength will fade fast, he doesn't let it deter from the issue at hand.

"Are you sure you take him on?" Sarvente asked him, watching his hand tremble.

"With every ounce of my being" Just like that his hand halts. Ruvyzvat leaves behind his lover to confront his enemy. "Enough games Robert. This is between you and me."

Robert stands up still sharing his sinister grin. "Okay then have your way."

Still struggling Robert takes off his gloves emitting green energy that engulfs his hands. In a ritualistic matter the dark magic begins sapping the slumbering power inside Sarvente. Ruvyzvat wastes no time in stopping this endeavor however Robert had already taken more than enough to begin his final preparations.

The once solid black trench coat he wore changed its mood. Transforming into foul metallic armor with more monstrous armor around his limbs. The symbol of sight opens on the breastplate and his metallic hands. Now growing wicked black claws. His eyes flood with evil glowing brighter than the sun with streaks of black slithering across his face. A pair of warped wings bestowed their presence on his back allowing him to lift from the ground.

"If it's a fight you want, then it's a bloodbath you get." Robert boasted as he threw Ruvyzvat into a bench.

Both of them strike hard beginning the final battle. Henry and Gwendolyn are stuck in their escalating spar with Taki and behind the American and German soldiers fight the devastating danger of the Starspawn. The poison inside starts to sap what remains of their strength but both men still hang on knowing what must be done.

"How the hell do we kill these things?!" Tankman demanded, emptying his entire mag into a Starspawn.

Witty aggressively reloads his weapon. "It has a holotape in its flesh!"

"Take cover!"

Thankfully they avoid the egregious attack of a Starspawn.

Tankman takes cover. "We need more firepower. Alpha squad, load the Gustav this will be a tough kill!"

Two soldiers prepare a rocket launcher. Their target refuses to allow them their chance. "Sir, we can't get a clean shot!"

Hermann unfastened his sword from its skin. In a split second he leaps up sending its teeth into the creature's back ripping through everything. It finally exposes the holotape making the Starspawn halt from pain.

"Target locked!"

The rocket leaves its nest and destroys not only the upper half portion of the Starspawn but fortunately disintegrated the holotape ending its existence. Witty takes cover with another Corporal Reichmuth behind more rubble next to another Starspawn. Both of them had cooked up a thought of disturbing the deadly balance of their foe, yet they needed someone brave enough to plant the killing blow.

Witty prepares the grappling hook. "Oi Kraut!"

"What the fuck do you want Yankee?!" Private Schaffer responded.

"Once we trip this bastard plant every explosive you have into it!"

"What?!" The private asked in pure disbelief. "Are you insane?!"

Corporal Reichmuth slaps him. "I don't see ya giving any other ideas just follow our damn lead!"

They aim their grappling hooks directly at the slimy purple limbs of the Starspawn who is busy ripping a poor soldier in two. The claws of the hooks successfully slice into the Starspawn coating the creature off guard. Witty and the Corporal use every ounce of their strength to pull it down, giving their German friend the opportunity.

"Go now!" Witty ordered.

(In German)

"Fuck me."

With no other choice Private Schaffer runs to the struggling Starspawn where he digs every grenade into its body that he has. Once the job is done, he pulls a pin rushing away from the explosion however it goes off before he can make it to safety. He didn't die but his actions were not for nothing, the holotape became exposed. Allowing Witty to cut it in half with the pressure of his gun. After reclaiming his weapon Hermann turns towards Witty fending off another Starspawn.

(Back in English)

"Well, ain't ya gonna help kill this thing?"

Hermann rolled his eyes. "Certainly, considering it's more annoying than you."

Over by the twisted altar Ruvyzvat continues the clash with Robert using whatever he has at his disposal to gain the upper hand. Although the poison kept intruding inside his body, he didn't give in. Similarly, Henry also faces the same predicament with Taki but with Gwendolyn by his side his strength still stands strong.

Robert grabs Ruvyzvat by the neck, strangling him to the stone surface of the altar.

"No matter what you try he will rise. Whether you live to see it or not." Suddenly Sarvente smacks him in the head with a large candlestick, but Robert recomposed himself getting even more annoyed. "Ouch."

He throws Ruvyzvat away but not even seconds before he could serve pain to Sarvente, he gets attacked again. All the while the distorted voice gives one last piece of wisdom for our heroes to hear.

"The heart."

Having been knocked down, Henry recovers hearing those words. The opportune moment was in their grasp, so he prepared to launch a final strike.

"On my mark."

Gwendolyn prepares her weapon. "Ready."

Grasping their grip tightly Henry gives Gwendolyn a majestic boost. She soars high and effectively emancipates Taki from her balance. In the moment Henry uses every ounce of his strength to charge his dash, finally forcing Taki into the ground. Swiftly he sent his sword into her chest, slicing her heart. The crazed nun is unable to heal from this slowly falling into the grasp of Death. They quickly rush to Ruvyzvat's aid, giving everything to overwhelm Robert's rage. In the background Witty and Hermann finally finish another Starspawn leaving on remaining.

"Focus fire!"

All the soldiers empty every bullet and explosive into the creature. So many things rip it into pieces turning it into a sponge. It falls down heavily injured leaving the holotape open.

Witty natural steps on it putting an end to the creature's miserable creation. "Now stay down!"

In the meantime, Robert relentlessly refutes every attack, but he eventually becomes swamped. Ruvyzvat removes his ritual dagger from his rival's coat preparing to land the final punch. He tears through the flesh and the armor of the chest piercing the pumping heart. He rapidly twists the tongue of the blade suppressing Robert's healing.

"An eye for a heart." Ruvyzvat whispered into Robert's ear.

"Well played Ruvyzvat, well . . . played."

With his life gone Robert dies falling face forward into the stone.

Seeing their victory, Tankman addresses his troops. "Men, we've won!"

(In German)

"The day is ours soldiers." Hermann boasted.

The soldiers cheer with proud patriotic chants.

Unfortunately, all was not well for Henry and Ruvyzvat for their bodies could no longer hold back the poison. Both of them collapse on the ground in pain. Ruvyzvat struggles to remove the rings from Robert's cold dead possession. He gives the other to his friend so they could both enjoy what seems to be their last moments.

"I always wanted to give this to you. Just couldn't find the right time." Ruvyzvat struggled but he put on Sarvente's hand.

"Ruv."

"It hurts me knowing your fate." Ruvyzvat continues even though the poison is slowly killing him. "I'm sorry."

Henry does a similar thing with his love. "Guess I'll never be able to fulfill my duty to you."

"You've done more than I could ever ask for." Gwendolyn said, trying to hide away her tears.

Watching it unfold Witty can barely believe this fate. "Damn, not how I wanted this to end."

"What did you expect?" Hermann asked rather rudely.

Above in the void of space the planets finally correlate their crucial alignment. The earth trembles as green smoke grows around the walls. Everyone has been caught off guard by this event.

The distorted voice calls out again to them. "Close your eyes."

Henry quickly hears it. "Gwendolyn, close your eyes."

"What are you sure?"

"Trust me."

At the same time Ruvyzvat and Sarvente also close their eyes.

"Ah screw it." Witty groaned and looked away from the door but the ground got more violent.

The soldiers point their guns at the door. Its violent rumbling continues to breathe with the stone seal opening completely. Pouring out was green ancient air sweeping across the ground. Those who dared to gaze at become like stone unable to move. The air clears leaving the rest confused.

Witty waves his hand in the frozen face of Hermann. "What now?"

Trying to sit up, Ruvyzvat responds. "He's awake."

Loud thumps echo inside the chamber soon their host makes his appearance. It was none other than the Great Old One, Cthulhu. His skin was rough and green with a face more menacing wrought with wicked tentacles. Through his big red eyes, he sees those he called for terrified at his presence who cross themselves. However, he doesn't show disdain at their presence for it looked like he had been expecting them.

"Who are you?" Henry asked.

"The voice in your heads guiding your destiny to me."

Witty nervously steps forward. "Well, congrats you have us, so what do you want? Are you gonna end the world or something?"

Cthulhu's eyelids get tighter. "Were I in a different mode perhaps, but as of now I seek no reason to wipe your little species from this tiny planet. My goal is to leave this place behind once and for all. For that I need conduits to release my shackles."

"But why us, you had people who worshiped you?" Sarvente looks back at the bodies of the cultist. "Albeit very crazy psychotic people."

"Those half-witted imps who claimed to devote their existence to me have not the intellect nor ability to properly be of service." Cthulhu responds in slight irritation. "You five have proven your worth."

Ruvyzvat is barely able to get his words out. "How exactly can we be of use when we are near death?"

"Fear not for this phylactery will only protect you from the consequences of age and cleanse you of your sickness." With the wave of his palm Cthulhu creates a black symbol similar to the one on the stones. "If you accept my deal that is, and if you refuse, I will find my conduits whether or not the consequences remain constrained."

Taking a moment to think about it, Ruvyzvat finally makes his decision. "If it guarantees Sarv's life, I accept."

"Assuming you remain docile, we have a deal." Henry concurred.

"Fair enough for me, I'm with them." Witty replied.

It glides to them becoming embedded deep in their arms. Just like that the poison that had almost destroyed Ruvyzvat and Henry finally was vanquished. Both of them quickly realize its absence. Naturally their lovers are quick with joy.

"Now for your debt, once my strength is fully restored in a century you will return to be off service for my release. However, if you interact with those which are close to you, the duty will also be bestowed onto them."

Henry stands up. "And what if we are unable to fulfill our part of the bargain?"

"Then you will be doomed to roam between worlds forever. Till we meet again my servants."

Cthulhu retreats into his slumber once again the stone door seals itself. Suddenly everyone else becomes unfrozen, rightfully confused and concerned for what just transpired.

Chapter 10

Aftermath

Hours later in Washington DC.

The sun awakens to the beautiful East Coast of the United States. Waiting inside the oval office our heroes have been summoned by the President to discuss a contingency for these complicated circumstances. The agreement with the German Reich has long expired bringing a sense of unease about the ramifications that will surely come. President Ronald Reagan turns around in his chair surrounding him are several high-ranking military officers and other cabinet higher-ups.

"Considering the current situation we find you folks in, as of right now your service to the Government will not be required. You are all honorably discharged from duty for this country owes you five a great debt. For national security reasons you will have to take on new identities and contact with each other will be allowed however expect to be heavily monitored. I trust you will keep this conversation away from the public?"

They agree.

"Rest assured we will provide proper accommodations for your special assignment concerning a certain creature in the coming decades." Commander Hawthorne addressed them.

"How exactly will you ensure that Nazis won't get any ideas? With the information they now possess they'll scour the world for everything no matter how absurd it may sound."

The Secretary of Defense hands them each a large orange folder. "There's a contingency for that as well Agent Lang. The Nazis won't change, that much is certain. We will just have to find those abominations before they do. Speaking of such, your new identities."

"This concludes our meeting gentlemen. If you wish to make any last-minute goodbyes you have 20 hours. Thank you for your time." President Reagen announced.

Back home everyone is quick to settle a couple things. At Henry's old home his colleague Charlie carefully rings the bell. Hearing the sound of the door Mr. Lang opens it with Mrs. Lang by his side.

"Can we help you sir?"

Charlie nervously takes off his shades. " Mr. and Mrs. Lang, my name is Technical Sergeant Charlie. I worked with you son, and I am here to deliver his final words."

This worries Mrs. Lang. "My god, is he dead?"

"No, for the sake of his safety and your own, he can't come back. However, he wants to assure you both that he loves you so much." Charlie replied, handing them a film recording which they accepted.

Mr. Lang looks at it. "Thank you."

Charlie leaves behind the Langs to discover Henry's goodbye buried in the film. At the same time Ruvyzvat sends his and Sarvente's goodbyes to the Evans as well. Of course, he also returns to his father's grave leaving behind not only flowers but forgiveness.

Not too far away after this is done Ruvyzvat and Sarvente stand inside the church ready to take their vows, it being kept secret for obvious reasons.

"Sarvente Evans, do you take Ruvyzvat to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do."

"Ruvyzvat Morozov, do you take Sarvente to be your lawfully wedded wife. In sickness and in health?"

"I do."

"Then by the power vested in me I pronounce this couple Husband and Wife."

Ruvyzvat and Sarvente kiss. Minutes pass by in the nearby Cathedral where the Oregon branch of the Templars resides. There Ruvyzvat patiently waits for the results of Sarvente's purification. Soon Mother Atkins along with a couple priests open the door and gives a nice nod. Once she leaves Ruvyzvat gladly walks in to see Sarvente quickly recovering. With the closure of the door, we change to Witty enjoying dinner with the same nurse from before. Although he could engage in the life he wanted, the essence of Cthulhu lingered over his mind.

"Very promising." Cthulhu murmured in Witty's mind.

Understanding the situation, Witty carefully changes the atmosphere. "Look I don't know how else to say this but there is something I need to tell you."

"Tell me anything?"

Witty Shows her the tattoo, its eyes moving. "I had to bind myself to an eldritch god. In order for us to be together you too would have to be bonded. This is a lot but if you don't want to, I completely understand."

"What exactly does it require?" Carol asked.

"Well, I guess the perks are ya get a longer life, but in about 100 years or so we gotta back and set this guy free."

To his surprise Carol agrees. "Then it's good that I get to spend those years with the most special person of my life, I'd say that's worth the price. What about you?"

Witty smiles. "Then I'd be a fool to say no."

Although Witty had doubts they were quickly silenced. Carol really was prepared for everything, she only wanted to make sure the man she had fallen in love with was still as fearless as he was in his youth. Eventually even though it would take some time Witty is able to settle his new development with his government watchdogs and eldritch god.

The very next day Henry's Cadillac Eldorado is cruising through the bustling streets of Lincoln City. Everyone was with him ready for some bowling to enjoy the beauty of this day. Watching from the stone rooftops far away is the scope of a German assassin. He meticulously follows the Cadillac Eldorado's journey through the streets although he briefly loses it behind a building, he finds it turning left.

The assassin fires, hitting his target.

It swerves, getting hit by an incoming Semi truck. Its engine catches on fire that surrounds the wreckage like a swarm of flies. The German assassin sneaks away believing his mission was complete. However, hiding away by the same building was the actual Eldorado watching the decoy burn.

Henry sets down the remote. "Now we are officially dead."

Yet, across the Atlantic inside the lion's den the Nazis begin to do what they do best. Among the cold grandiose buildings of Berlin under the careful watch of Zeppelins stood the Reichstag revamped long ago with limestone, gold, and imagery of the Nazi Party. No longer a small brown building but a large marble dome with the iron eagle staring down the city.

Inside his delicate office is General Heinz setting down the phone upon receiving the confirmation from the assassin. Like many offices of higher standing, he had numerous paintings depicting his pride along its wooden walls. Eventually his son enters.

(In German)

Hermann salutes. "General, you have requested my presence."

"By now you've heard rumors from members of the Reich complaining about how we handled the situation with the United States. They think we showed weakness."

"Yes sir, and how shall we prove their conspiracies wrong General?"

General Heinz slides a folder detailing every creature and God of supernatural origin once thought to be the work of fiction. "Fortunately, the United States only specified the destruction of the Cult of Cthulhu. They failed to mention the other creatures so me must win their favor. Which is why I want you to take charge of the new Division of Supernatural Affairs."

"It will be my honor sir; I assure you we will not disappoint you. However, I still have doubts concerning our loose ends."

"Those agents are no longer a threat. Now get to work Colonel Hermann Richtofen."

"Yes, sir General."

To be continued.