Devil Possession

3

Shide had kept his presence shielded as he watched-looking for an opportunity to strike, but also assessing this man . . . Shuyi who had apparently broken rank with the other Angels to come and rescue this girl. A girl who was not even his own.

The Devil could not tell much about him from this distance, only that his hair was dark, stuck to his face and scalp in places with blood-his own or a demon's, Shide didn't know. Shuyi was tall not more than him and powerfully built-the range and aim of his arrows was something to be admired.

Shide moved closer, stepping over the dead, ignoring the calls of despair that surrounded him. His eyes were on one person . . . One person who was now slowly moving away from the battle, protecting the girl and helping her to limp back away from the fight.

Well that wouldn't do . . .

His fingers came up in a flourish, his thumb holding his middle finger in place before it flicked outward, sending a jolt of energy towards the girl. She let out a high-pitched yelp as it struck her side and she fell again, her fingers trembling as they clutched at the invisible wound.

"Nat!" Shuyi called turning around with wide eyes-eyes that missed the demon coming up behind him. He reached out to help her just as the poisoned blade sliced through the flesh and bone of his back.

The girl lurched forward, heedless of her own significant pain as the other Angel fell to the ground. His hands trembled in the dirt but his legs were unmoving. The demon was upon them, intent on finishing them off, but Shide needed only to finally reveal himself and give a short jut of his chin.

The demon turned without another sound and scampered off to kill someone else. The girl, Nat, was looking up at him, horror etched on her features. She moved to shield Shuyi, but the man grabbed her arm.

"Nat, run," he whispered and Shide found the young man's eyes were on him.

The girl was trying to pull on him-get him up again, but it was no use. The wound was deep, his spine probably severed. It was a wonder that he was still coherent enough to speak.

She shook her head, her voice catching with tears. "No Shuyi. I can't leave you-"

The girl was so focused on the other Angel that she still hadn't even noticed Shide moving ever closer. A stupid girl that should have perished here today, but had instead lived with the sacrifice of a Angel. Why had this young man entered the battle? Shide saw no regret in the angel's gaze-no fear or sadness-and that . . . that interested him.

Shuyi was looking at him, but his words were for the girl. "You-You need to run! That's a Devil , Nat- the Devil."

She finally seemed to realise that there was someone close behind her and she whirled around to face him again. He knew the picture he made standing there over her. Demon eyes glowing through the smoke and twisted black metal armor covering much of his body. His crowned helmet sported horns that curled up and back making him appear taller and infinitely more terrifying. He didn't really need armor, but he wore it anyway for occasions such as this. He enjoyed the way her throat bobbed as she tried to swallow past her own fear. She held up her trembling blade against him and his head tilted as he smiled down at her.

"You should listen to him, girl," he said placidly. "Run away-run back to your people."

Spread my tale of fear and confusion into your ranks.

"No!" she said, her voice a bit more firm than he'd have credited her for. It was admirable . . . or perhaps incredibly stupid. He wasn't sure which as of yet. Shide waved a hand in a gesture, pointing towards Shuyi. The girl flinched expecting an attack, and then seemed even more unsure when none was forthcoming.

"That boy is already lost to you," Shide said logically, his voice even. "He can not walk and even now his blood stains the ground." The young man was growing ashen as he steadily lost more blood. Nerves and tissues dying as the seconds ticked by. "He will be dead in moments . . . if I do not heal him."

It was not what he had intended to offer. He'd intended to kill the Angel, but capturing one was just as good, if not a better option.

Shuyi reached out a trembling hand, brushing his fingers against the girl's hand with the last of his strength. "Please, Nat," he whispered, "get back to Oh . . ." Whatever he'd been about to say was lost as the Angel finally lost consciousness.

Nat turned again, showing her back to Shide as she tried to shake the other Angel awake again. "Shuyi? Shuyi!" she called, her voice taking on a higher pitch towards the end. Her anxiety was clearly taking over her good sense. The Angel would be dead soon if not properly cared for.