During the mission Sean had donned the rings of the Armatura Dei just incase things spiralled out of control. The armour had literally saved his life. Carefully he wrestled his way out of the front seat. Sean made his way to the back of the vehicle to check if the boys were ok. Concern filled his heart as his eyes took view of the gigantic indentation the collision had left in the side of the vehicle. Ripping the door open he crawled inside to find the boys unconscious. Checking their pulses one by one, he finally gained reassurance when he confirmed they were ok just incapacitated. However he knew he still had a fight on his hands as he scoped the surroundings for Azazel. His evil laugh echoed through the trees as he taunted Coach Stevens;
“So you thought locking me in a vault would stop me from getting to you! You’re naivety is almost as annoying as your sense of hope. Still, your plan to use the Star of David against me was quite genius, if not in vain. And it is with a heavy heart that I must bring this lovely gathering to an end. Are you prepared to meet your worthless maker because I’m going to hunt you down like the rodents you are and help your souls depart from your bodies in the most painful way possible.”
Sean quickly searched for the Star of David but could not find it anywhere.
Must have been lost during the crash he thought to himself. Gathering up whatever ammunition was available; he armed himself and called out Azazel.
“Show yourself demon. You claim to be a mighty warrior but you hide in the shadows, running your mouth. Stand and face me you coward!” ordered Sean.
A growl could be heard resonating from the trees which stirred the birds of the forest to flee in fear as they fluttered their wings and took flight into the morning sky. Suddenly a flock of crows came hurtling through the trees.
They flew in a unison formation and were heading directly for Sean’s position. Sean began to fire at the dark birds but they continued to move towards him. As they got closer, they seemed to divert in direction and fly straight up into the air. Unexplainably they then plunged to the earth and looked like they were about to crash into the ground below but at the last second the group of birds began to morph together. As each bird fell into the transformation, a figure slowly began to take shape. First the feet appeared, then slowly his legs built up to a torso as the birds contorted and meshed together. As the final birds came in to fuse, Sean knew he was standing face to face with Azazel.
“Mr. Stevens. How are you?” quizzed Azazel with a wicked smile. He looked him up and down and perused the armour he was clad in. “I see you’ve managed to acquire the Armatura Dei.” He nodded his head slightly, showing how impressed he was. “It won’t help you but it’s rare to see a human in one. You know I admire your resolve Mr. Stevens. You have really been through some testing times haven’t you? It’s kind of like déjà vu now though don’t you think. I mean here you are again with your team. And just like then, they are all going to die. Only this time you won’t survive either.” Azazel paced up and down whilst he delivered his monologue. “I am however willing to spare your lives, if you hand over the Star of David to me. Then we can forget this all happened and go on with our lives, how does that sound?”
Sean laughed to himself, “We don’t have it anymore.”
Azazel’s smile quickly turned to a scold, “Liar! Stop wasting my time and hand it over!”
“You’re one to talk about lying,” smiled Sean. “But that little stunt you pulled on the road caused our vehicle to spin out of control. We lost the ring in the process.”
Azazel grew infuriated, more so over his own actions as they jeopardized the ownership of the ring. He pondered for a few seconds, as to what his next step would be.
“No matter then. First I will deal with you and your brats then I will find the ring myself!”
Sean stood firm and ready to fight. He knew this could be his last stand and wasn’t prepared to go down without a fight. Dawn began to break through the darkness of the night’s sky. Slowly the forest came alive as the morning approached. Birds could be heard tweeting, the rustling of branches and shrubbery in the wind. Wildlife scurried around them and in the trees and the shadows started to make way for the light. A nearby river could be heard flowing as the water rushed past and downstream. Yet to Sean, in that moment, the woods seemed completely silent.
The sun was beginning to rise, transforming the heavens from pitch black to an arctic blue. The brash, cold air kept Coach Stevens alert and his senses keen.
Sean wasted no time and immediately opened fire on his foe. Azazel retreated into the shadows and began stalking Coach Stevens.
Transforming himself into a snake he writhed up the long, thick bark of a giant beech tree, until he was high enough to gain a vantage point over his opponent. He perched himself on a branch and waited until Sean was directly under him. Hanging like a bat from the branch he plummeted downwards, aiming directly for him.
As he descended Sean caught a glimpse of him and began shooting but he moved too fast. The bullets flew past the demon as he fell. Sean dodged Azazel as he crashed into the earth beneath them, causing a small shockwave that rippled through the trees and caused the tranquil wildlife of the forest to suddenly burst into animation.
Coach narrowly avoided the violent impact but began shooting at the fallen angel as soon as he landed.
Using dark magic Azazel cast a shield to take the impact of the bullets. Knowing this rendered his gun useless Sean threw it to the side and opted for hand grenades. Moving swiftly he plucked the pin from one and threw it in Azazel’s direction. Running behind a tree he took cover. The loud boom echoed from the forest and rippled up into the heavens.
As the smoked cleared, Sean peered from behind cover to see if he had caused any damage. But as he did so Azazel sliced through the tree he was hiding behind, narrowly missing his head in the process. Sean rolled out of harm’s way and threw another grenade at the evil spirit. This one was a direct hit and pushed Azazel back. Feeling his chest, which now had a hole gaping through it, the demon commander, grew increasingly frustrated, even though the wound healed in a matter of minutes.
“You are a pesky little parasite aren’t you.” he taunted.
Sean knew he couldn’t keep this barrage of assault up forever. He was running out of ammo and explosives. Standing to his feet, he took off his gun holsters and unclipped the grenade belt. Dropping them to the floor, he decided to take a different approach at fighting the super powered monster.
“So you finally realise your weapons are useless against me. You are just prolonging the inevitable.” exclaimed Azazel.
Sean looked unwavering and determined. Raising his left arm up in front of his body, the armour generated its Shield of Faith once again. He crouched down behind it tactically and raised his right hand to emit the Sword of the Spirit. He stood prone. The sun was now high in the morning sky and the rays glistened over the heavenly armour, caressing the precious stones and causing them to twinkle beautifully in the sunlight.
He looked like a Spartan warrior prepared for battle, and the glorious suit of armour radiated through the shadow of trees, shining splendidly.
“So you wish to fight the old fashioned way I see. Fine by me. Now you will learn why they call me the Harbinger of Darkness on the battlefield.”
Azazel transformed once again but this time he was much bigger, towering over Sean. Clad in full battle armour. It was comprised of a thick black alloy, mixed with solidified magma. The shoulder pads were spiked and protruded outwards. Along with his skin becoming leathery and scaly, his hands and feet had completely changed in appearance, becoming more beast like, as he now had razor sharp claws and talons. Atop his head was also a Corinthian helmet but it wasn’t as pristine and glamorous as Sean’s. Barbaric in appearance, it was a rough, matted black and housed two identical horns sprouting from each side. Where the helmet crest would have been, instead were spikes, adjacently placed from the top of the helmet all the way down the back. It completely covered his face.
The g
round beneath Azazel began to tremble and crack. A hellish light emitted from the crevice as embers of fire flickered from it. Filling the air was a stench of decay as ashy smoke rose from the ruptured soil. As the earth opened up beneath his feet, a long handle emerged. Gripping it Azazel pulled the long pole out of the ground to reveal a terrifyingly lethal double-edged axe. A large decorative serpent wrapped around the hilt and winded all the way up to the blade, which had two dragon heads crafted into it. Both edges shimmered in the sunlight, demonstrating how sharp they were. Using one hand, Azazel wielded the two handed weapon with ease.
With weapon in hand, he charged at Sean. His footsteps were a lot heavier in this form and the loud thud of his incoming advance sounded like a herd of buffalo stampeding. Sean raised his shield high and braced for impact.
Azazel built up momentum then jumped into the air. Swinging the axe above his head with two hands, he came crashing down with a catastrophic explosion of power. The axe ricocheted off the shield, creating a sound similar to the booming of thunder that resonated through the forest. Energy dispersed throughout the surrounding area as the two mystical weapons collided.
Andrew, who was unconscious at the time, was awoken by the commotion that was taking place nearby. The shift in power caused his body to react to Azazel’s new form. He could sense the battle happening. Immediately he checked his surroundings and found his friends remained incapacitated. Making sure they were ok he then proceeded to peek through a slight crack in the door. Sean was holding his own the best he could as Azazel continued his ruthless onslaught of attack. Every swing from the axe was taking its toll on Sean as Azazel was tremendously powerful in this form. Andrew knew it would only be a matter of time before the demon got the upper hand.
Searching frantically around the truck he tried to find the Star of David. It was nowhere to be found and Andrew grew frustrated. At that moment in time, it was the only thing that could help Sean. He had to think of something.
Coach Stevens was mostly on the defensive against Azazel. The demon warrior fought with an intense ferocity and had boundless energy. His attacks were relentless and he never let up. Sean tried to look for an opening but to no avail. He was growing tired and exhausted.
“How long do you plan on keeping this up mortal? You will eventually weaken.”
Sean breaths became heavier but his heart did not give up, “I will fight you for as long as I have to asshole.”
Azazel guffawed loudly, “Such bravado in the face of inescapable death.”
With the creature slightly distracted, Sean took the only opening he had. Grabbing a smoke grenade off the floor, he threw it in Azazel’s direction.
The cloud of dense grey smoke interrupted the demons laughter and threw him off guard. Now momentarily blinded, Sean took advantage. He threw his shield into the face of Azazel. The blinding light of the Shield of Faith disrupted Azazel’s vision even more so and Sean charged at him with all the energy he had left. Jumping through the air, he let out a mighty roar and drove the Sword of the Spirit through the shoulder of Azazel. A screeching howl of pain reverberated through the forest. It was a deafening wail that echoed and impaled the senses.
Andrew continued to watch through the crack in the door. Anxiously waiting for the smoke to clear, he hoped that his mentor was still in one piece.
Sean was still holding onto the sword when the smog cleared. Azazel’s axe lay on the floor motionless. He was on one knee, and blood was pouring out from the wound inflicted by Sean. It landed on a small patch of flowers beneath them that instantly died and rotted away on contact. Azazel was trying to prevent Coach Stevens from plunging the blade deeper causing more damage. Sean pushed with every ounce of strength he had, but the demon proved too strong and Azazel threw Sean back violently, sending him smashing into a tree. The gauntlet the sword was attached to remained impaled in Azazel.
The thud from the impact shook the tree vigorously causing leaves to break off and fall. Azazel slowly rose to his feet and attempted to pull the blade free. He roared in pain as the weapon slid free from his punctured flesh. He threw the sword aside disgusted with it and without a host it reverted back into a ring. The wound that was left was gaping but not fatal. Picking up his axe, Azazel methodically walked towards Sean.
Sean was still writhing in pain on his hands and knees. He was concussed, broken and fatigued. He could see the demon warlord approaching but didn’t have enough vigour to defend himself anymore.
Andrew looked on distraught. He was powerless to help and hated himself because of it. He remembered back to when Sean was fighting Anak and it frustrated him because back then he was in the same situation. He had come so far since then but once again he felt useless. As the thoughts of all the times he spent with his friends and his coach flashed through his mind, he grew more and more angrier with himself. He thought of how far he had come, of his mother, Louise. He made a promise to himself that he would never be helpless again.
“Now is not the time for tears,” he said to himself. Wiping his eyes, he decided there and then to do the craziest thing he had ever done.
Kicking open the door of the hummer he instantaneously caught Azazel’s attention. “Hey ugly, isn’t it me you want?” screamed Andrew.
The devilish warrior diverted his gaze immediately. Seeing the young man as no threat, Azazel reverted back to his human form.
“Well well well. Nice of you to join us, Mr. Robertson. I believe you have something that belongs to me.”
Andrew smirked. “I do indeed. Why don’t you come and take it from me. If you can, that is.”
Sean was still half conscious and pleaded with Andrew, “Kid what are you doing? This is my fight. Back away.”
Azazel looked at Sean and laughed, “Your fight? Your fight!? I believe the fight is over for you Mr. Stevens.” Sean tried to get to his feet but was so beaten down he could hardly move. After struggling for a few moments, he gave into fatigue and passed out.
Azazel then turned his intentions to Andrew, “Now now Andrew, we both know what will happen if I have to take the ring back from you by force. Why don’t you be a good little half breed and give it to me?”
Andrew had to think quickly, “If I give you the ring will you let us live?”
Azazel smiled an untrusting, evil, maniacal smirk that creased across his face from ear to ear, “Is this not a face you can trust?”
Andrew climbed back inside the overturned vehicle. He appeared to be searching for the ring and after a few minutes he re-emerged.
“Well, do you have it boy?” ordered Azazel growing impatient.
Andrew walked a few feet then stopped. His hands were in his jacket pocket.
Unexpectedly he pulled out a flash bang and a smoke grenade and threw them in the demons direction. They detonated simultaneously, stunning and confusing Azazel for a few seconds. This gave Andrew the opportunity he needed and using his super speed, he picked up Sean and carried him to a safer location. It happened in the blink of an eye that when Azazel had gathered his senses, Andrew was already a few yards away.
Andrew found himself running in any direction that was opposite to Azazel. He ran for a few minutes before he realised he was lost. Looking around, he needed to put Sean down somewhere safe, and then go back for the others. Searching the woods his eyes came across a small shallow ditch. He placed Sean in the trench and covered him with leaves and loose grass.
“I’ll be back for you coach, don’t worry.”
As he said this, the frustrated cries of Azazel could be heard ringing out through the forest.
He was absolutely furious and was now hunting every inch of the woods for Andrew. He called out to him and warned him of his impending fate, “I’m going to find you Mr. Robertson. And when I do….I’M GONNA TEAR YOUR SOUL FROM YOUR BODY!!!”
Andrew tried to familiarise himself with his surroundings. If he was going to get back to the truck and get his friends he would need to do so without being spotted. He looked around frantica
lly. He could sense Azazel getting closer but couldn’t figure out which way was the right way. The vast forest looked the same from every angle and time was running out. He closed his eyes and asked God for help.
“Lord show me the way please.” he begged.
As he said this, the tyrannical voice of Azazel answered him, “God cannot save you now. You’re mine!”
Looking up and behind he could see the demon fly towards him. He immediately got up and started running. He didn’t know where he was going but now he was fighting for his survival. He just kept running.
CHAPTER 15
“SHIT!” Shouted Andrew repeatedly, as he ran with every fibre of his being. The malevolent shape of Azazel’s shadow was chasing him. The unadulterated hostility could be felt closing in on him. Azazel was set on ending his existence.
Dodging through tree after tree, giving the quick, sharp glimpse back to see if he could identify how close this creature that was chasing him was.
His eyes were only met with a huge impending dark shadow that was drawing ever nearer to him as he fled with extreme purpose. All his sight was certain of was that this creature had imposing wings and could fly with a destructive force, as the forest behind him was laid waste to its immense stampeding charge.
It was a sight to behold, even at a glimpse, and the sheer shock and awe of such destructive power was enough to throw Andrew off his footing, as he tripped and tumbled, his speed and momentum carrying him downhill until with a large thud, his head met with a tree. Gathering himself and wincing in pain, dizzy and confused, he felt his head and checked his hands for blood.
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