A fire superior is seen sitted in his office going through several report files.Without looking his left hand reaches for the sandwich on the desk.After taking a bite,one of the fire men bangs open his door unannounced.
"Sir!"the man stands there panting.
The superior looks up at him,"What in the hell is going on?"He slams both his sandwich and the files on the desk.Crumbs fly onto the papers."See what you made me do."
The man catches his breath and sighs,"Cap you really need to come and see this."
The captain raises a brow a bit concerned,"Why,what is happening?"
A wide smirk forms on the man's face,"Sir,Sledge is taking on Faust."
The captain's eyes glare wide,"Oh that I have to see."
The superior leaves what he was doing and quickly runs down the stairs to the gathering below.The cheering gets louder.
"Ok pass it,pass it on."A fireman walks amongst the group of men holding his helmet as they tossed in bills of money.
In their midst sat two men as one stood holding their hands together.
One of the firemen Carlos stands in the midst of the competitors as a referee.He looks to the fellow on his left.
"Are you ready champ?"He was an average looking man with a slight built.His bicep had already bulged coming in contact with the hands of his opponent.
"Are you?"the champion says looking at his opponent.The challenger even though sat had a towering physique.His hand was so big it completely wrapped around his opponents.Not to mention his bicep looked like someone had stuffed in it a baby's head.The gathering cheered for this man and were confident of his victory.
"Let's do this."says the challenger.Carlos holds both men's hands together.
"On my count."His eyes pace from the champion to the contender.Both men intensely gaze into each other's eyes.One could feel even with the atmosphere it was about to get tense.
"1,2,"Carlos stops the count.A momentary silence sweeps through the group.Upon removing his hands from the men's,this signalled the start of the match.
The two men tug the ends of the table whilst their other hands lock in arm wrestling.Those gathered break out in cheering.
"Yeah let's go,"cheers one of the men in the group.
"You got this champ.You got this,"another stood closely behind the champion.
"Come on Sledge.Bring home the money,"one of the men stood behind the challenger.He almost made an attempt to pat him on his shoulders.His hand is quickly brushed off by his neighbor.
"Are you crazy,you are gonna make him lose!"the fireman snaps at his fellow.He chuckles nervously,"My bad.I'm just excited!Let's go Sledge baby!"
Three years earlier,since joining the 14th ward Belheim fire station,a former truck driver Davis used to make fun of Faust' physique and often wondered how he passed the tests.Not to mention Faustus had bizarre feats that came in contrast with his size.During his time in service,he had been a part of various successful rescue missions.One day Davis walks up to Faustus whilst he was on a break.Faustus is seen in the company of fellow firemen Carlos and Danny.Carlos is the first to notice the bulky driver headed their way.
"Here comes the muscle driver."They all turn in the direction of Davis.
Faustus frowns,"Not this old man."
Davis stand in front of them and snatches Faustus' sandwich.
"Hello boys,"he speaks whilst chewing loudly.
Faustus looks the other way already irritated by his presence,"Davis."
Davis places his hand on Faustus' shoulder,"Ant arms,you alright?"
"Great,"Faustus brushes his hand off of him and defensively stands steps away with his arms crossed.
Davis snickers and wipes his hand on Carlos' head,"What's with the hostility?Weather here is a bit chilly?What is going on?"His eyes pace amongst the three.
"Weather here is conducive for firemen,"says Dante.
"Except you are a bunch of rookies,"responds Davis in a sarcastic manner.
Carlos smirks and gives Faustus a nudge,"One of us isn't."
"Right the hero himself,ant arms Faust,"Davis towers Faustus who was unshaken by his wide chest.
"Take a picture for your wife,"Faustus tilts his head as his companions stand closer to him.
"I bet twenty bucks I can kick your ass and call it a day."Davis attempts to shove back Faustus but he brushes aside his hand.Like two bulls,their foreheads meet.Faustus frowns at the mocking Davis.
"Bring it on,"Faustus says as he looks into the eyes of Davis.Carlos and Danny step in between them to seperate.
"Hold up guys,"Carlos stands in front of Davis.
"Oh ant arms has some balls on him,"Davis continues to mock Faustus.
Danny does his best to prevent Faustus from starting a brawl,"Relax Faust!"
"I'm sick of this guy and his fucking jokes,"Faustus angrily heaves under his breath.Danny could no longer hold him back.
"Matter of fact I want to break those little arms of yours.How about an arm wrestling challenge?"Davis taps the head of Faustus further infuriating him.
"Carlos control Davis.Faust calm down!"Danny desperately pushes back Faustus.
Davis smirks,"Unless you are too much of a bitch to accept."
Carlos turns to Faustus and shakes his head,"Don't."
Faustus grins,"Challenge accepted."
"Let's do this."
"Right now?"Carlos was surprised at how slowly this was escalating.
Davis begins to shout at the top of his voice,"Hey y'all we are about to fight."The nearby fire truck drivers and others nearby look up and see the group moving towards some bench seats.
"There is a fight,"says one of the firemen.They all leave what they were doing and rush to see what was happening.Once they all gather,Carlos steps in as the referee.He looks at the arrogant Davis and asks,"How do you want it to go?"
Davis smirks at Faustus,"Best out of three."The two then lock their hands,"You are gonna remember this day for the rest of your life."
No one saw it coming.Despite his imposing physique and smack talk,some how Davis lost all three rounds in a blink.He would go on to seek countless rematch but lost all the time.His workmates decide to start a mini arm wrestling bout to see who would defeat Faust.Over the years,almost everyone tried and failed.He is honored as an undisputed and unbeatable champion.When Sledge is transferred to the station,the guys tell him about the competition.Having bested other contenders,he had become the favourite to finally end Faust's winning streak.
Present,the two arms stay up with neither sides showing signs of going down.
One of the firemen confidently gives Sledge the morale he needed,"Come on Sledge.You got this baby.You got this."
Faustus locks eyes with Sledge."You sure you wanna keep going?"he asks him.
"Why,got somewhere to be?"Sledge speaks under the straining of his voice.
"You might break some tissues in your little arm,"Sledge grins and continues trying to pin Faustus.
Faustus snickers,"I ain't sweating this at all."
Sledge winced as a trail of sweat runs down his eye and opens it glaring with an intimidation,"Prepare to go down!"
Sledge was sweating like an ice melting in the sun.For someone as small as Faust,he seemed to be enjoying himself and showed no signs of backing down.Suddenly the arms begin to bend to the side of Faust.This sends the crew members into a frenzy,attracting those who were not part of the gathering to join in.
One of the men jumps up in uncontrollable joy,"He is going to do it!"
Both men strain.Sledge continues to apply force so that he can pin down Faust.Slowly Faust was going to lose this one.He had finally met his match.
"Don't you dare lose champ.I bet a lotta money on you!"says one of the champion's supporters who seemed worried.
"Take him down Sledge!"the supporter in the corner of the challenger screams on top of the cheering.
The supporters of the men continue to give tremendous boost to their champions.Sledge drags his arm and nearly has the back of Faust's hand touching the table.They are all shook and rally behind the would be new champion.
One of the challenger's fan breaks into the circle and repeatedly whispers to the ear of Sledge,"You got him Sledge!"
"C'mon Sledge!"With this immense support he is consumed with confidence.
He snickers at Faustus,"Hear that,your time is up!"he chuckles.
The referee leans in to Faustus,"C'mon champ you can't lose today.My money is on you!"
Faustus strains and shakes his head,"I'm sorry guys."
This was the end for Faust.The gathering awes in unison and then a wave of silence sweeps through.
Faustus smirks at Sledge,"Today is not your lucky day."
Faust effortlessly swings his arm and in a blink pins Sledge's hand to the table.The gathering goes wild.The supporters of Sledge hold their heads disappointed knowing they lost the money they had bet on him.
"Sledge,you suck bro,"one of his supporters angrily turn their back on him.
Faustus smiles and extends his hand,"Good match."Sledge nods and shakes Faustus' hand.
The referee leans into Faustus,"Man you were playing the whole time."
Faustus laughs,"You know me.I'm a good entertainer.Didn't you have fun."He gets up and puts on his jacket as the referee counts his money.
"Shit you clowned the boy so bad.In the end he lost!"
Faustus snatches the money from the referee,"Hold up,hold up.He did not lose.He was worthy competition."He goes to his fellow workmates who were still gathered in the garage.He taps his helmet,gaining their attention.
"Spread the word.In the spirit of good sportsmanship,all your generous bets will be used for the drinks later."The men all applaud and cheer for their champion.
"Alright we hit the strip club!"one of the rookie firemen Travis screams loudly.His workmates go silent and give him a glare.
"Really."One of the firemen turns to him.Travis looks down a bit embarrassed,"Maybe too much."
"Alright game's over,back to work."the superior claps his hands as the men disperse.One of the crew man adds a point on the board.Another point added to the side of Faustus as his contender tally continues to stack up.
"Hey Faust,phone call,"one of his workmates informs him.He rushes to the receiver and places it to his ear.
"Hello."
"Hello dear,"a voice of a woman replied from the other end.
"Hey you,"Faustus smiles and leans against the wall.
"You sound ecstatic,"she says.
"I am very,"he looks around and noticed two of his workmates.
"Who is he talking to?"one of the firemen asks curiously his fellow.
Danny walks past the eavesdrops,"It's the wife."
They glare in shock,"Faustus is married?"
Faustus puts his hand on the phone and turns to the nearby listeners,"Piss off."
"Hello,"the woman calls out a bit confused.
He had not covered much the speaker,"No,not you.These shameless eavesdroppers!"
She sighs,"Are you coming home early?"
"Yes.It was the usual here.Just showing the rookies the ropes,"he leans in a position he could see all directions.
"Ok I just got back from the market.I will prepare you your favorite,"rustling of plastics could be heard on her end.
"Nice.After that,you and I should shower together,"he snickers.Two female fighters heard the part of the conversation and giggle past him.
"You mean the three of us,"says the woman.
"Of course,the more the merrier.My child should feel the love from his parents,"Faustus smirks.
Suddenly the alarm goes off.The firemen quickly run around the place getting their gear.
"Honey I gotta go,"Faustus speaks in a serious tone.
"Why what's happening?"the woman asks concerned.
"Something just happened.I will talk to you later."
"Ok be careful."
"Always."
He quickly hangs up and runs into the chief.
"What's going on?"he walks besides him.
"All hands on deck.MIDCorp Industrial complex just went up ablaze,"says the station chief as he grabs his helmet.
"That's not good,"says Faustus who reaches the garage and grabs an axe which is tossed at him.Faustus grabs his gear and jumps into a truck."Go,go,go!"he hits the side of the truck with his axe.They were amongst other several fire trucks and policemen called in to assist.Their drive is prioritized thanks to several ambulances that drove besides them.MIDCorp is a megacorporation that had been of great assistance in their community.So much of Belheim's development and projects were all thanks to its philanthropic head.
"It's not every day you hear MIDCorp is burning,"says the truck driver Homer,"Thanks to their housing project I managed to buy my own house."
Carlos joins in on the conversation,"Plus the supplying and revamping,restocking of health facilities.No,we will not let this corporation go down.Not if we can do something about it."
"Got that right,"says Faustus with much determination.
A majority of local news media houses drive speedily past the truck.The driver honks angrily at them.
"Buzzers!Chasing juicy stories.We could have easily run them over.Is reporting a story worth dying for,"Homer keeps his wheel steady.
Driving in the highway,it was no longer a secret.The sky was covered with a thick layer of black smoke.The patrol officers control the traffic and prohibit drivers from going in the direction of the accident.Some cars park on the side of the road looking at the skies.Ash falls like snow from the sky except it was not pure white but black.
The firemen all stare in terror."Goodness.What really happened?"Danny says to himself as he exchanges glances with the fireman across him.
The mini trucks of media houses had arrived before the firefighting crew.The security personnel of MIDCorp assemble the journalists in a single area."We are not yet sure what transpired.We are yet to receive news of the current situation of what is happening here,"reports one of the journalists.The firefighting trucks and ambulances finally arrive on the scene.
"Goodness,what happened,"the fire chief gets out of the truck.
The firemen quickly begin to gear up.Some of the MIDCorp security create a blockade to keep away the onlookers.
"Please keep away,"cautions one of the security guards.
One of the lookers squeezes his way to the front and asks,"Sir what happened?"
The guard stands closely to the blockade,"Please you need to get back!"
The chief of the crewmen is met with the head of security.The firefighting crew quickly assembles their equipment as others race to find hydrants.
The man walks up to the fire chief extending his hand,"I'm the head of security.Thank you for your quick response."
"Fire Chief Warren from station fourteen,he is Captain Richard from station eight."The head of security shakes the hand of Captain Richard.
"What is the status?Any one trapped?"asks Captain Richard.
"It all happened so fast."Before the head of security could continue,Chief Warren noticed the papers in his hands.
"Is that the blueprint of the building's layout?"He points at them.
"Uh yes it is,"confirms the head of security.
"Come with me."
The chief bring the guard to the crew.
"Alright bring it in.Tell us.Men gather around!"The firemen surround the head of security when a journalist slips past the security.
"Sir can I get a comment on the situation."Chief Warren is caught unaware by his presence."Somebody get this buzzer out of here!"The firemen quickly sweep him off his feet.
"No wait,I just need something,"the reporter tries to break free as he is handed to the industrial guards.
"Keep them as far away as possible!"Danny orders the guards as they hoist the reporter who is instead thrown out of the complex.Meanwhile another of the complex guards comes to the firemen rushing.He stops once in their midst trying to catch a breath.
"Sir we have people trapped inside,"he reports to the head of security.Chief Warren steps in,"Where are they?"The guard stands up and points,"The Northern wing and the South East wing have been affected the most."Captain Richard turns to some of his firemen,"Go and assess the situation."They salute and follow the guard.After a few minutes,one of the firemen from Station One walks up to Chief Warren.
"What you got for me?"the fire analyst joins the firefighters.
"The flames on the West aren't that strong.In an hour or less we can bring down the heat and get inside,"he says and continues.
"The main source is the fire coming from the Nothern wing,"he looks at the map and points.
"Blueprint shows this is where the labs and engineering room are."He looks up at his fellow.
"According to the head of security,the explosion that started it all checks out as the source,"he says and turns to Captain Richard.
"Do we have a number of bodies that might be trapped there?"The head of security steps in,"According to one of the guards,roughly around 40."
Chief Warren turns to the men,"What do you think team?"An indinstict chatter sweeps through.
"The others sides are containable.This side is gonna take a while fighting.Chemical flames are a bitch you know,"says Faustus as he rubs his head and crosses his arms.
"But it's nothing we can't handle,"Sledge says confidently.
"Alright bring around the trucks.You know what to do,"Captain Richard orders the firefighters who scatter to their posts.
"Alright ladies,hussle double time.Move!"Carlos rallies the firefighters who begin to gear up.
Faustus grabs Travis,"You are in the heat!"
Travis is caught unaware and stutters,"Wait what?"
"Let him stay behind.Rookie still needs to observe,"says Lieutenant Andrews.
"Practical lessons are more effective,"Faustus ignores his superior and continues to strap up Travis who was beyond nervous.He taps his hat,"Stay close."
The trucks surround the Northern wing at three points.They all reverse to a safe distance as the respective firemen assist each other in holding the hose as they begin to fight the large inferno.Water rains from three different points.By now the large cloud of smoke continues to cover the sky above them.A momentary explosion from the building sends the bystanders scattering in a fright.Slowly they return standing behind the blockade curious to see how it ends.
"These firemen sure are brave,"says one of the bystanders.His fellow turns to him,"Yeah.They are putting their lives on the line."A woman joins in on the conversation,"I can't imagine how they are feeling.Look at the distance between us and yet we can feel the heat all the way here."
After hours of continuous down pouring,the flames eventually begin to die down.Twelve firemen and six medical personnel rush to the designated entry point.Sledge proceeds to break down the glass door.Faustus takes the lead accompanied by seven firemen.Danny and four other firemen remain at the entrance with the medical team on standby for those rescued and in need of immediate attention.The firemen traverse carefully through the scorched building and maintain comms with the ones waiting at the entrance.
"Alright boys how are we doing?"Chief Warren speaks from the other end.
"We are following the route.Over,"replied Carlos who was behind Travis.
"That should lead you to where the technicians are currently holed up,"Captain Richard notifies them as he scans the map.
"Copy that chief.We are on it,"says Faustus.
"Be careful,"cautions Chief Warren.
"Always.Over and out,"Faustus replies.
Following the plotted route and extinguishing several minor flames in their paths,they make it to a room where the enployees had been trapped.The door had been blocked by a heap of debris.
"Sledge!"Faustus calls out.Sledge who had been at the back quickly walks up to Faustus.He points in front of him,"It's blocked."
"I can see.Maybe we reroute,"Sledge suggests.
Chief Warren speaks through the comms,"What's the situation boys?"
Faustus picks up,"The door is blocked.Is there any other way we can enter this room?"
Mauricio looks around,"How about the elevator?"
"No time.This building is unstable now.Any vibrations and we are all getting buried,"says Sledge.
"Make a hole in the wall,"says Chief Warren.
"Copy sir,"Faustus turns to Sledge,"You are up."
He nods,"On it!"
The fireman assisted by Mauricio swing their sledgehammers hitting the wall.However,cracks form and quickly spread.The floor above them was about to fall.
"Get Back!"the firemen dive for safety as the floor above them eventually falls,but so does the wall.
As the dust was still in the air,only shadows of their bodies could be seen.Faustus waves his flashlight,"Everybody alright?"
"Yes sir,"they help each other up.
Sledge and Mauricio step over the wall and scan the room with their flashlights.Multiple movements come into view as the dust settles.It was the trapped workers.
"Found them,"Mauricio shouts to Faustus.
"Command,"Faustus speaks through his comms.
"Come in Faustus,"Chief Warren was on the other end of the radio.
"We got em!Have the med team on standby.We have dozens of people in need of immediate attention,"he says as he helps the employees out of the smoke filled room.
"Copy that,"Chief Warren turns to the fireman next to him."Send in the doctors."
"Sir,some of them are attending to those that were pulled out of the West wing,"says the fireman.
"How far are the other ambulances?"Chief Warren looks around thinking of an alternative plan.The fireman points across the complex as sirens wail louder."Right on time."
Chief Warren sighs in relief,"Good.Send them to the North wing.Now."
Sledge,Mauricio and Travis guide the workers out of the room.
"One at a time,don't rush,"says Sledge.
"Watch your step.Stay close to your friends,"Travis puts a disoriented employee on the right path.
The first group is led to safety and quickly taken for medical assistance.Faustus and his team proceed to the room where the other employees were trapped.The doors were scorched,forcing them to axe the doors whilst the others extinguish the little flames.
Faustus picks his comms,"Come in chief."
"I got you loud and clear,"he replies on his end.
"Second team has been found.We have four workers injured.We are on the move.Over,"he reports.
"Copy that.Medical team is on standby,"says the chief.
"All right let's get these folks to safety,"Faustus helps out a limping worker.
The firemen swiftly assist the injured.
Captain Richard had momentarily stepped out and walks up to Chief Warren,"I called in for more medical support."
Chief Warren nods,"Good call Rich.I noticed the current help we have is not enough."
"How many workers have been rescued?"asks Captain Richard.
"We don't have an exact number but I'm sure this will be confirmed once the smoke clears."
More of the rescued employees continue to flock out of the building and taken for treatment.
"Good job boys.Keep them coming.Although you must be a little quick.The building might bury you,"Chief Warren notifies them.
"Copy that.We are going as fast as we can,"says Faustus.
"Rodger and over,"Chief Warren hangs up.
"All right ladies,keep it tight and fast,"Faustus lights the way for the workers.
"Go,go,go!"Carlos leads them down the path.
"That way!"Travis helps out another disoriented worker.
"Help!"A voice cries out from behind.Â
Travis turns around and exchanges glances with Faustus and Sledge,"You hear that sir?"
"Somebody help us!"the voice desperately calls out.
"There are other people trapped?"Sledge takes a step but is stopped by Faustus.
"Come in team.What is your status?"Captain Richard takes over radio comms momentarily whilst Warren updates the media.
"Cap,I think there are other people,"says Faustus.
"We are going to check it out.Perhaps they were not accounted for as reported,"Sledge grabs his hammer.
"Make it quick.That whole building is going to crumble,"Captain Richard speaks with much insisting.
"Copy that,"Sledge is however stopped by Faustus."No Aaron,help these people out."
Sledge is caught off guard and questions,"Why not?"
Faustus pats his back,"I got this.First things first the injured.I will call for you if need for help rises."
Sledge sighs,"Watch your steps."
Faustus nods and turns to Travis,"C'mon you are with me."
The two firemen follow the voice.
"Hello,anybody down here?"Faustus calls out.
"Sir we don't have much time.I think it's best we pull back,"Travis stays close to Faustus.
"We are here!"the voice could be heard closer.
"Over there!"Faustus and Travis quickly follow the sound of the voice which leads them to an engineering room.They look around the smoke filled room.
"Hello,anyone?"Faustus calls out again.
"We need help.Help us,"Faustus is able to estimate where they were.
"Goodness.Hurry up.And watch your step!"Faustus takes lead and Travis trails behind him.
"Team,come in,"Chief Warren returns to his post.
"Here,"replied Travis as they look around.
"Any survivors?"the radio transmission begins to crackle.
"We just located survivors,"reports Travis who extinguishes a small fire.
"Well better make it quick.We aren't sure how long this thing is gonna stand.Hurry up."Warren notifies them.
However,the two firemen did not get the last message as static creeps in.
"Hello,come in sir.Hello!"Faustus looks up at Travis.
"What's wrong?"
Travis shakes his head,"I didn't get the last part.We are in too deep.Guess it's this room."
Faustus continues to soldier on,"The quicker we find the victims the sooner we will be out of here!"
The two delve into the heavily smoke field area.A low deep growl is heard halting the men in their steps.Suddenly something flies above them,scattering the smoke blinding their view.The firemen duck and stay close to each other.
"Whoa,whoa holy shit.The fuck was that?"Travis whispers under his trembling tone.
"Calm down,"Faustus snaps at Travis.
"I think we should fall back sir.There is no one here."Faustus agrees to the statement of Travis,"We won't be of much help the two of us.Let's clear and come back with the team!"
Faustus gets up when he is hit in the face.The blow sends him flying into the thick smoke,knocking out his mask.Loud thumps in the ground could be heard.Travis looks up as a pair of red eyes flash from the cloud of smoke followed by a howl.
"Fuck!"Travis springs to his feet and runs off.
The firemen at the entrance hear the echo of the howl.
"You hear that?"Carlos turns to his workmate.He picks up his radio,"Faustus,what is happening?"
"What's going on?"Danny gets close to Carlos.
"Too much static.I can't hear a thing!"Carlos looks in the employees direction with a worried expression,"Where are you Faust?"
Faustus gets up and has difficulty seeing due to the smoke.He pulls up his shirt inside to mask his nose and mouth.The thumping in the ground gets louder and closer in his direction.Another howl is heard,this time closer to him.
"Shit!"Faustus runs to safety not knowing where he was going.He runs into several dead ends surrounded by industrial pipes.After a couple of turns,he once again finds himself trapped.He takes out his radio,"Hello,come in.Do you hear me,anybody?"
Faustus transmition goes through at the other end but in bits.
Chief Warren reaches for his comms,"Listen if you can hear me you need to get out now."
The message could be hardly heard on Faustus end."Sir,can you hear me?I think i'm lost.Hello?"A huge hand picks up Faustus and flings him several meters.His body hits into a pipe and falls into a pool of chemicals.Faustus emerges at the top gasping whilst covered in chemical sludge.As a pipe hisses steam,a winged demon emerges.
Faustus glares in fright,"What the fuck?"It gnarls at him whilst sharpening it's claws onto the pipes,causing a trail of sparks.It readies itself to strike it's prey.
Travis makes it to the entrance as he dashes out,"Get back,get Back!"he jumps out of the door screaming.Carlos is unable to grab him.
"Travis,where are the people you went to rescue,Where is Faustus?"Sledge is unable to either stop Travis who runs past him.
"He is right behind me,"he is stopped by Mauricio and several other firemen."What is going on?What happened?"
At that moment a rumble is felt in the ground.
"Get to safety!"shouts a fireman as the crew quickly disperse from the entrance.They manage to clear the area on time as cracks rapidly spread through the building as pieces begin to fall.The entire building finally collapses.A violent explosion once again scatters the onlookers as they watch in horrific awe.
"Everyone back away!"the guards order the bystanders as they too try to get to a safer distance.Once the dust settles,the firemen look around and come to the shocking realisation.Travis falls to his knees.
"He was right behind me!"The firemen take off their masks as Chief Warren appears in their midst and looks around."Where is Faustus?"
He sees the grief on the faces of the firemen as they hang their heads distraught.Travis looks back at his superior with teary ears."He was right behind me.He was behind me."
"General!"a voice calls out.Slowly the blurry vision becomes clear.A young man stood in front of him.The general,a man with brittle hair and a large beard slowly rolls to his side and gets up.
"Long night sir?"the soldier Quadir asks.
"Something like that,"says the general who yawns and stretches.
"I guess you weren't joking around when you spoke of having an incredible night,"Quadir snickers shaking his head.
The general gets up and walks past him giving a light nudge on the shoulder,"Shut it.What is the report out there?"
The soldier turns to him as he washes his face,"Nothing yet.However you were crying in your sleep sir.Where you having a bad dream?"
The general wipes the water off his face and sighs,"Same old strange visions,"he begins."They are becoming frequent of late."
Quadir crosses his arms and moves closer to his superior,"What did you dream about?"he asks curiously.
"I saw soldiers,holding down a snake that speewed infinite amout of venom like a fountain of water which they used to put out a burning palace."
The soldier has a blank expression and goes quiet for a moment,"A snake that spit out water?"
The General fiddles with his fingers unable to make sense of what he was saying,"More like vomiting.I don't know.Imagine holding a water spring except it is not a spring but a really long snake."
Quadir is left speechless,he too unable to process what he was told,"I think we really need you to seek the counsel of a prophet once this is over."
The general nods,"Agreed.All these unexplained visions and dreams are beginning to overwhelm me.I sound like a mad man.I need some clarity to what this means.If it any way affects my future.."Before he could continue a soldier dives into his tent.
"Sir,"the man stands at attention breathless.The two get up as well.
"What is it?"the general takes on a commanding tone whilst addressing this soldier.
The soldier reports,"Trouble at the front."
A tremor is felt in the ground.The men glance at each other and dash out of the tent clad in their armor,sheathing their swords.The two run past an army of soldiers armored and ready for war.Once at the front of the other men,the general looks up ahead.A huge sand storm was approaching.This was concerning for an area that had no deserts nearby."What kind of sorcery is this?"the general says to himself.The sand storm closes in rapidly,from it jumps out a giant armored,four armed demon whose hand pins down the general before rolling violently and begins to kill the soldiers in single blows.From the storm flies out other demons who instead target the village the soldiers had been trying to protect from an oncoming assault.
"To the village.Protect the civillians!"a soldier cries out as a demon pulls out his head.
The village trumpet is blown,alerting their people to get to safety.A handful of soldiers make an attempt to return to the village whilst a majority of them are squashed and trampled on by the gigantic demons whom they were no match for.
From the heap of the bloodied bodies,the general rises as he takes off his helmet.He looks at the field full of smashed bodies that were once living corpses.Besides him,his trusted friend was amongst the dead soldiers.
"Bastards!"he curses.
A flurry of rage takes over him.He begins to run towards his village,picking up a spear and a shield.Upon arrival,the demons had pillaged the village.The residents try their best to escape but the monsters show no restraint as they kill all.From the infants to the old,no one was spared from the bloody onslaught.A woman holds her baby close to her chest as she attempts to out run a medium sized four armed demon only to be cornered by another.
"Please let me go,"the woman holds her baby close to her chest and cries helplessly.
As they slowly prey on the weeping woman,from above the general lunges his shield at the back of the demon's head,beheading before tossing it at the other and driving his spear straight to it's head stopping it in its tracks.
The general helps up the woman,"Find a place to hide.Go!"he orders her.
Before she could run to safety,a giant arm grabs her in his presence.
"No,no,No!"the general is unable to grab the feet of the woman.Blood pours on his face as the woman and the child are squashed in the giant demon's grasp.Gunning him for his next slaughter,the general ducks and manages to stab it's wrist and hangs on.The demon cries out raising it's arm with the general holding on.He is flung up high.Unbeknownst to the demon,the general tosses another spear which hits it's eye.The general stomps on its end lunging the weapon deep into the creature's skull.The general grabs the demon's metallic shoulder pad which he uses to shield himself from stray arrows from the demons.Compared to their human made shield,this proved effective towards the attacks of the demons.Whilst on his rampage,he runs into some of his soldiers.They surround their superior,"Sir."The general looks around,"Is this all that is left of us?"
"Possibly,"says one of the soldiers.
The general raises his sword,"On me.We fight till we drive out these monsters."
The soldiers rally behind their general.The skilled unit lay waste to a majority of the demons,although all his men die due to being overpowered.The general has his leg impaled by an arrow,momentarily stopping him in his tracks.A giant demon slowly walks up to him dragging a colossal blade.About to take a swing of death,the general cries out in rage and flies towards the demon.He drives his arm extended into the creature's chest.He is bathed in it's blood and pulls out it's heart.As the demon falls in it's bloody pool,the smaller demons watch in almost terror.
"Who wants to challenge me?Step up and get ready to die!"he looks around as the demons tremble at his murderous raging tone.
He waves his sword at them,"When I descend I should not find you in my village.You have been warned."The general gives them a death glance and staggers on his way.
He arrives at his home and is instantly powerless.From the entrance laid mutilated bodies of the female house maids.He walks past their bodies kicks down the door to the house.He walks in and a powerlessness overcomes him.He sobs as he crawls towards two women who laid on the floor in a crimson pool.He cradles them both.He looks at the other woman,"Mother!"he sobs uncontrollably.He turns to the other woman who was barely alive."I-I did my best t-to k-keep her safe my l-love,"the woman closes her eyes and becomes lifeless.
"My love,wake up,wake up,"he rocks back cradling her tightly whilst his tears uncontrollably flow down his cheeks.
"Please don't leave me."
After a while,the general rests the women down and staggers to the door.Upon coming out,he is greeted by a gathering of demons who seem to had been waiting for him.His eyes browse through the legion.He walks into the horde as they snarl and comes to a halt.The demons had surrounded him.
He clinches his fists tightly.One could visibly see the pulsating veins on his forehead.His eyes narrow and looks down,"You took every thing from me.Now i take your lives."
He raises his head and extends his arm pointing,"Who wants to go first?"
The general howls and proceeds to clash with the demons.Near sunset,the general pants,his body riddled with spear tips,arrows,swords and battered beyond recognition.Though weakened he continues to run through the demons.Taking a staggering rage filled step,he is shot but an array of arrows which bring him to his knees.He looks up at a figure that approaches him."That is enough from you."The figure then proceeds to drive a sword into his chest.
"Pierre,Pierre!"a young man quickly sits up breathless and looks up at an older Travis.
"Goodness you were having a nightmare.You alright son?"Travis asks him.
"Yeah.Just a crazy dream,"says Pierre who rubs his eyes still coming through from his dream.
Travis sighs,"Glad I came right on time.Besides we are going to be late.I suggest you better start preparing."Travis gets up as Pierre nods in agreement whilst getting out of his bed,"Alright dad."