Deep beneath Ashwick, in the city's hidden underground tunnel system, shadows clung to the cave walls. The air was thick with the smell of soil, far from the rain-slicked streets above. A group of hooded figures huddled around a rough altar, candles flickering in the dark.
In the center sat a masked man, his face hidden behind a bone-white mask etched with biblical runes. His robe was dark red, and two huge shapes loomed at his sides—massive, hulking guardians, their forms barely human, with glowing red eyes peering from under hoods. The figures around the altar shifted uneasily, as the Whispered in the ghostly voice.
One stepped forward, a thin man with a hood pulled low. "Bishop," he said, voice trembling. "We felt it, a huge burst of divine energy. Right here in Ashwick. Strong and pure.... like nothing we've seen in years."
The masked leader tilted his head, the mask's empty eyes staring into nothing. His voice came out muffled, deep and echoing like it came from a well. "Divine energy? In this backwater town?" He paused, fingers drumming on the altar. A low chuckle escaped him, growing into a raspy laugh.
"Perfect. With power like that, we can speed up our plans. The veil's thin this Hollow Season, imagine what we could do with a divine spark to fuel the ritual." He leaned forward, mask glinting in the candlelight. "Find it. Track the source, who or what it came from. Bring it to me. No mistakes. The time for our rise is close."
The thin man bowed. "Yes, Bishop. We'll search every corner." The group murmured agreement, hoods nodding like flickering shadows. The huge guardians grunted, their red eyes scanning the dark as if already hunting. The masked man waved them off, leaning back. "Go. And remember, the divine will bend to us, or break."
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Back in the Boss's office, the group blinked as the grass field faded away. The bare concrete walls and desk snapped back into place, the chairs creaking under Seed and Mira as reality settled. Seed shook his head, the vision of Mira's past still swirling in his mind like smoke. Mira slumped against him, her white hair damp with sweat, pink eyes half-closed, halo flickering weakly. She breathed heavy, like she had run a marathon.
The Boss crossed his arms, his white beard brushing his chest as he paced. "That angel's deep in her," he said, voice low.
"Fused to her soul. We can't just yank it out. It's too risky now. Could kill her, or worse, unleash it full-strength." He glanced at Cassie and Pedro, who nodded grimly.
Cassie fiddled with a talisman, her buzz cut catching the office light. "We've tried seals before on possessions like this. Works on minor demons, but a fallen angel? That's big league. We'd need something ancient, like a Raziel relic, to bind it without hurting her."
Pedro leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "And time's not on our side. its been in her for a long time, It's healing fast. If it takes over..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "We should watch her close. Protect her till we find a way. No missions alone, no risks."
The Boss nodded, turning to Seed. "That means you, boy. As her partner, you're her first line of defense. If you're not up to it, speak now. We can swap you out for someone tougher." His jet-black eyes bored into Seed.
Seed felt the weight of it, his mind flashing to Lila: young, lost, her photo on his coffee table like a ghost. Mira leaned heavier against him, small and tired, her breathing slow. She looked so much like Lila in that moment, helpless, but fighting. No way he'd let her down.
"I'm in," he said, voice steady. "Whatever it takes. She's my partner now. I'll keep her safe."
The Boss smiled, a rare crack in his stone face, white beard shifting. "Good man, Wallace. Knew you had it in you. And since you're stepping up, ask for a favor. Anything. We take care of our own here."
Seed hesitated, then straightened. "Alright. My sister, Lila. She went missing five years ago, during the Hollow Season. Cops called it a runaway, but I know better. Supernatural vibes all over it. Spirits, maybe, or something worse. Can you... put some agents on it? Help me dig?"
The Boss rubbed his beard, eyes thoughtful. "Five years? Hollow Season hit? Yeah, that smells like our wheelhouse. We'll look into it. Agents on the case by week's end. You have my word."
Seed exhaled, a knot in his chest loosening. "Thanks, Boss. Means a lot."
The Boss waved it off. "Now, get out. Rest up. Missions don't wait." Cassie and Pedro headed for the door, Mira stirring against Seed's shoulder. She mumbled something weak, her pink eyes cracking open. Seed helped her up, her halo steadying. As they filed into the elevator, up this time, back to the surface, Seed felt a spark of hope. Lila's case reopening? Mira safe, for now? Maybe this MMA gig wasn't all bad.