Long ago, a child was born and named Rei Balphegor. He was a unique being—an angel and demon hybrid, the first of his kind created by a God.
The Heavens tremble as a new presence is sensed, powerful yet unidentifiable. Angels gather, whispering in hushed tones, their eyes wide with fear and confusion.
Angel 1 (whispering, anxious): Do you feel that? It's unlike anything we've ever sensed before...
Angel 2 (nervously): It's... it's not possible. A demon in Heaven? But how?
Angel 3 (afraid): Could it be? No... No, it can't be... But what if it's true?
Lucifer, standing on a cloud overlooking the gathering angels, narrows his eyes. His heart pounds, fear creeping into his mind.
Lucifer (to himself, fearful yet determined): A hybrid? Here? It can't be... But if this child is what I fear, then... I must act before it's too late.
Lucifer's eyes gleam with dark intent. His thoughts race, consumed by fear—fear that this child might outclass him and destroy his plans. He descends from his perch, his wings unfurling dramatically.
The child, Rei, is alone in a secluded area of Heaven, unaware of the gathering storm. His innocent eyes look around in wonder, taking in the splendor of the realm. Suddenly, a shadow looms over him—Lucifer, his expression dark and menacing.
Lucifer (coldly, masking his fear): You... What are you?
Rei looks up at Lucifer, his eyes wide with confusion.
Rei (innocent, confused): I... I don't know. Why are you angry?
Lucifer's anger flares as his fear takes over. He raises his hand, dark energy crackling around it.
Lucifer (furious, afraid): You're a threat, a mistake that must be corrected! You don't belong here!
Without another word, Lucifer unleashes his power, attacking the child with everything he has. The force of the blast sends Rei hurtling out of Heaven, his small body falling through the celestial clouds and plummeting toward Earth.
The Earth, a vast, unfamiliar land, stretches out beneath Rei as he falls. The wind whips around him, and he can feel the immense pain from Lucifer's curse, a heavy burden weighing down his very soul. He crashes into the ground, the impact creating a small crater. For a moment, everything is still.
Rei lies there, battered and broken, the world around him a blur. Slowly, he opens his eyes, seeing the blue sky above. He's alive, but barely. He tries to move, but the pain is overwhelming. Tears stream down his face as he wonders why this happened to him.
Rei (weak, pained): Why... Why did he do this to me?
He curls up in the crater, his small body shaking from the pain and fear. The world seems so big, and he feels so alone. For days, he wanders the Earth, shunned by humans who fear his appearance, calling him a demon and a monster. With each rejection, his heart sinks deeper into despair.
Rei stumbled through the dense woods, each step heavy with uncertainty. He gazed around, bewildered by the unfamiliar landscape. Towering trees loomed high above, their leaves whispering secrets to the gentle breeze. Birds flitted from branch to branch, their cheerful songs contrasting sharply with the turmoil in his heart.
Rei (softly, to himself): Where am I?
As he walked, he marveled at the intricate patterns of the leaves and how sunlight filtered through the canopy, creating a mosaic of light and shadow on the forest floor. The vibrant colors of the flowers dotting the underbrush caught his eye, and for a moment, he forgot the pain that still echoed in his chest.
He paused, closing his eyes to take a deep breath. The air was fresh and earthy, rich with the scent of damp soil and blooming flora. It was peaceful here, a stark contrast to the chaos he had escaped. Yet the beauty surrounding him felt surreal, like a dream from which he feared awakening.
Suddenly, the wind shifted, carrying a hint of rain. Rei opened his eyes and looked up at the sky, where dark clouds began to gather ominously. The once bright blue was now a swirling mass of gray, casting shadows over the land. A shiver ran down his spine as he felt the first cold drops of rain begin to fall.
Rei (muttering, anxious): I need to find shelter...
He hurried deeper into the woods, his heart racing as the sky continued to darken. The distant rumble of thunder served as a reminder that a storm was approaching. With each step, he felt increasingly isolated, the serene beauty of the forest overshadowed by a growing sense of dread.
His thoughts drifted back to the last moments he remembered—Lucifer's fury, the blinding light, and then the fall. A weight settled in his chest as he couldn't shake the feeling that he was somehow to blame for what had happened. If only he understood who he truly was.
Suddenly, a sharp crack of thunder echoed through the trees, louder and closer than before. Panic surged within him, and he quickened his pace, desperately searching for any sign of refuge. In the distance, he spotted a large rock formation partially sheltered by a canopy of branches.
Rei (determined): That'll have to do.
As he dashed toward the rocky outcrop, the rain intensified, the drops becoming a relentless downpour. He reached the shelter just in time, panting as he pressed himself against the cool stone. The sound of rain pounding against the rocks echoed around him, drowning out his chaotic thoughts.
He closed his eyes, allowing the soothing rhythm of the rain to calm his racing heart. Here, amidst the storm, a flicker of hope ignited within him. Perhaps he could find a way to navigate this strange world, to understand what he was meant to be. Perhaps he could carve out a place for himself among the living, despite the darkness that had driven him from the heavens.
As the sky darkened ominously, heavy rain began to pour, each drop striking the earth like a relentless drumbeat. Rei watched as animals darted through the underbrush, desperately seeking shelter from the approaching storm. Squirrels scampered up trees, and birds flapped their wings frantically, their cheerful songs drowned out by the sound of the rain.
Feeling an unexpected kinship with the creatures around him, Rei called out, his voice barely audible above the storm's roar.
Rei (calling out, hopeful): It's okay! I won't hurt you! Come here!
Yet the animals merely glanced at him with wide, fearful eyes before fleeing, their instincts urging them to escape the strange being among them. A pang of loneliness tightened around Rei's heart as he watched them vanish, the weight of isolation settling heavily on his shoulders.
Rei (disheartened, murmuring): I guess they're just as scared as everyone else...
Just then, from the corner of his eye, he spotted a small creature lingering at the edge of the underbrush. A rabbit, its fur a soft gray, regarded him with curious eyes, seemingly unafraid of the torrential downpour. Rei's heart swelled at the sight of the little creature.
Rei (kneeling down, gently): Hey there, little one. It's okay. You don't have to run. I'm just lost...
The rabbit tilted its head, ears twitching as it cautiously hopped closer, sensing the gentleness in Rei's tone. Rei extended his hand, palm up, inviting the creature to approach. The rabbit sniffed the air, hesitating for a moment before taking a few tentative steps forward.
Rei (softening, smiling): See? I'm not a threat. I just need someone to talk to.
As the rain continued to fall, drenching Rei to the bone, the rabbit finally ventured close enough to nuzzle his fingers. The gentle touch brought warmth to his heart, a reminder that not all beings would reject him. In that fleeting moment, he felt a connection form between them.
Rei (whispering, grateful): Thank you for trusting me. You're the first friend I've found since... since everything happened.
The rabbit's soft gaze met Rei's, as if it understood his plight. In that instant, a flicker of hope ignited within him. If this tiny creature could find comfort in his presence, perhaps there was a chance for him to carve out a place in this world.
But just as quickly, the rabbit twitched its nose, sensing something in the air. With a sudden start, it bounded back into the safety of the bushes, leaving Rei alone once more.
Rei (sighing, looking at the rain): Guess it's just me again...
He leaned against a nearby rock, the storm raging around him, and closed his eyes. The rabbit's brief companionship lingered in his mind, a small reminder that even in the darkest times, connection was possible, however fleeting.
Rei took a deep breath, steadying himself as the rain continued to fall. Maybe he was lost, but he wouldn't stop searching for his way—whether through the kindness of animals or the chance encounters with those who might understand him. He was determined to forge a new path, to discover who he was meant to be in this vast, strange world.
Rei gazed up at the darkening sky, droplets of rain beginning to fall, their cold touch awakening him from his thoughts. As the rain intensified, he heard rustling and chattering sounds coming from the underbrush. Curiosity piqued, he moved toward the noise, squinting through the sheets of rain.
When he finally pushed through the foliage, he spotted a large snake coiled around something small and furry. A rat! Rei had never seen a snake before, but he felt a surge of instinctive empathy for the little creature.
Rei (muttering to himself, wide-eyed): "Hey, what are you doing? That's not nice! Let it go!"
The snake hissed, its beady eyes locking onto Rei. It tightened its grip on the rat, who squeaked pitifully. Rei took a cautious step closer, his heart racing.
Rei (softly, determined): "I have to help!"
With trembling hands, he reached out toward the snake, not knowing how dangerous it could be. The rain poured down around him, blurring his vision, but he was focused on saving the rat. He tugged at the snake's tail, trying to pry it away.
The snake responded by twisting and flicking its tail, making Rei stumble back.
Rei (yelling, a mix of fear and resolve): "Let go! You're mean!"
The snake lunged, striking out at Rei, but he jumped back just in time. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. If he didn't do something soon, the rat might be lost.
Rei (thinking, heart pounding): "I can't let it happen! It's just a little thing..."
After a tense moment, he finally found the courage to charge at the snake again, pulling with all his might. The snake hissed angrily, but finally, it released its hold.
Rei (breathing hard): "Gotcha!"
As the rat stumbled free, Rei felt a rush of triumph. But in its panic, the rat turned and bit Rei's hand. He yelped, startled, pulling his hand back.
Rei (confused, pouting): "Ouch! Why did you do that?"
The rat, seemingly ungrateful for its rescue, darted away into the bushes, disappearing into the rain-soaked undergrowth.
Rei (rubbing his hand, feeling both scared and sad): "I just wanted to help..."
He looked back at the snake, which had slithered off into the shadows, and he wondered if the creatures he encountered were always this scary.
Rei (softly to himself, feeling small in the big world around him): "I just wanted a friend..."
As the rain continued to pour, he realized he was alone again, the weight of his solitude settling heavily on his shoulders.
Rei felt a wave of disappointment wash over him as he stood in the rain, the little rat he'd saved now a distant memory. With a heavy heart, he turned back, determined to find the rock where he had sat before, hoping it would offer some comfort. But as he walked, the landscape looked different, the trees taller and more menacing in the downpour.
Rei (worried): I thought I knew the way back... Where are you, rock?
As he stumbled through the dense underbrush, the storm intensified, the rain hammering down harder and the wind howling around him. The world became a blur of gray and green, and he struggled to stay on his feet, feeling small and insignificant against nature's fury.
Just when despair began to creep into his thoughts, a soft glow caught his eye. A ball of light floated nearby, shimmering like a distant star. Rei's curiosity sparked anew, and he forgot his troubles for a moment.
Rei (amazed): What is that?
He reached out instinctively, wanting to touch the glowing orb. It danced just out of reach, swaying gently as if inviting him to follow.
Rei (excited but uncertain): Hey! Wait for me!
He took off after the light, his small legs pushing through the underbrush as he chased it, not caring about the rain pelting his face or the wind threatening to knock him over. But the orb fluttered further away, teasing him with its brightness.
Rei (frustrated): Come back! I want to see you!
With each step, the light drifted further, and the storm raged on, the wind growing stronger and more violent.
Rei squinted against the rain, struggling to see through the downpour. His heart raced as he scanned the area for shelter, but the world around him was a chaotic blur of dark shapes and shadows. Every tree looked the same, every branch seemed like it could break off at any moment.
Rei (frantic): I need to find a place... somewhere safe!
He stumbled forward, his feet slipping in the mud. Just then, a loud crack echoed through the storm. Rei's eyes widened as he turned to see a massive tree swaying ominously, its roots straining against the relentless wind. Panic surged within him as the tree began to topple.
Rei (screaming): No! Watch out!
Before he could react, the enormous trunk crashed down, striking him hard. Pain shot through his body as everything went dark, the world fading away into an abyss of silence. As he drifted into unconsciousness, the last thing he felt was the chilling rain continuing to pour over him, a distant echo of the storm still raging on above.
As Rei's body lay still beneath the fallen tree, his mind floated in a hazy, dreamlike state. Time seemed to stretch on, and the chaotic sounds of the storm faded into a soft whisper. Then, amidst the darkness, a faint voice began to cut through the fog.
Rei (confused): What... who is that?
At first, the voice was a distant echo, a gentle call that danced on the edge of his consciousness. But with each passing moment, it grew clearer, more insistent.
Voice (softly): Rei, wake up.
The name felt familiar, pulling him from the depths of his slumber. Slowly, warmth began to envelop him, chasing away the chill of the rain. It felt so inviting, so peaceful.
Rei (drowsy): Where am I...?
With a sudden jolt, he opened his eyes, blinking against the bright light of a warm morning sun. The world around him was transformed. Instead of the chaotic storm, he found himself in a serene forest, bathed in soft golden light. Birds chirped cheerfully, and the scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers filled the air.
Rei (wondering): Is this... a dream?
He sat up slowly, feeling the weight of the world lift from his shoulders. His heart raced with a mix of confusion and relief. As he took in his surroundings, the gentle rustle of leaves and the warmth of the sun reassured him.
Rei (to himself, feeling hopeful): Maybe it's not so bad here after all...
But even as he marveled at the beauty around him, a lingering question tugged at his mind. Where had the storm gone? What had happened to him? The warmth in his chest was comforting, yet the mystery remained, urging him to explore this new world he had awakened to.
Feeling the warmth of the sun on his face, Rei rose to his feet, a newfound energy coursing through him. The world around him sparkled with life, and he couldn't help but smile.
Rei (excited): Wow, look at this place!
He took his first steps into the sunlit forest, marveling at the towering trees that stretched toward the sky. Their leaves rustled gently in the soft breeze, creating a melody that danced in harmony with the cheerful chirping of the birds overhead. As he walked, he noticed a vibrant carpet of flowers blooming at his feet, their colors bright against the lush green grass.
Rei (curious): What are those pretty things?
He bent down to touch a flower, its petals soft and velvety beneath his fingers. A butterfly fluttered by, its wings painted in dazzling shades of orange and black. It caught his attention, and he followed it, giggling as it danced from flower to flower.
Rei (playfully): Hey! Wait for me!
As he ran after the butterfly, he stumbled upon a small stream that sparkled in the sunlight. The water babbled cheerfully over smooth stones, and Rei knelt beside it, dipping his fingers into the cool, refreshing water.
Rei (gleeful): It's so nice!
He splashed a bit of water on his face, feeling invigorated. As he looked around, he noticed small fish darting beneath the surface, their scales glimmering like jewels. The forest was alive with sounds and colors, and Rei's heart swelled with joy.
Moving along the stream, he spotted a family of fluffy creatures—small and furry, with big eyes that peeked out from behind a rock. They looked at him curiously, their little noses twitching.
Rei (smiling, softly): Hi there! What are you? You're cute!
One brave little creature stepped forward, sniffing the air. It seemed curious about this strange boy who had appeared in its home. Rei crouched down, hoping to get a closer look. The creature's soft fur glimmered in the sunlight, and its little feet made quiet pattering sounds against the ground.
Suddenly, the birds took to the sky in a flurry, their frantic calls piercing the peaceful atmosphere. Rei turned to see what startled them, feeling a ripple of anxiety.
Rei (worried): What happened?
But there was no immediate danger. As he scanned the trees, he noticed a branch shifting slightly. It was just the wind playing tricks.
Rei (relieved): Phew! Just the wind.
As he continued his exploration, he wandered deeper into the forest. He marveled at the towering trees, their trunks gnarled and twisted with age, and the sunlight that filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor.
Rei (in awe): This place is amazing!
He began to sing softly to himself, his voice mingling with the songs of the birds, feeling as though the forest was welcoming him into its embrace. The fear from the storm seemed like a distant memory, and he was determined to enjoy this beautiful new world.
Rei (joyful): I can't wait to see more!
With a spring in his step, he ventured further into the enchanting forest, his heart light and full of hope.
Rei continued walking, his eyes fixed on the sky above. The clouds drifted lazily, and the sun peeked through, casting a golden glow over the distant mountains. He marveled at how everything seemed so vast, so endless.
Rei (awed): The clouds look like fluffy mountains… and the real mountains... they're huge!
He was completely lost in the beauty of it all, his heart light with wonder. The warmth of the sun on his face and the soft breeze in the air made him feel like he belonged to this peaceful world.
But as he walked, still gazing upward, he wasn't paying attention to where his feet were taking him. Suddenly, his foot caught on something, and before he could react, he stumbled forward and fell into something—no, someone.
Villager (gruff, annoyed): Hey, watch where you're—
The man's voice froze in his throat as he turned and looked at Rei. At first, his expression was one of surprise, but it quickly shifted to shock and fear as he took in Rei's appearance. His skin paled, and his eyes widened in horror. The villager, who had been out hunting, stared at Rei like he had just seen something out of a nightmare.
Villager (shocked, terrified): Wh-what are you?
Rei (confused, apologetic): Uh, I'm sorry! I wasn't looking! Are you okay?
The man, however, wasn't listening. His mind raced, trying to make sense of what stood before him. Rei didn't look like any human child he'd ever seen—his pale, almost otherworldly features, his strange eyes, and the way he seemed out of place. There was only one thing the man could think of.
Villager (terrified, panicking): Aswang... monster... demon!
With a shaky hand, the man grabbed the machete strapped to his waist. His breath quickened as fear took over his senses. Without thinking, he swung the weapon at Rei, letting out a terrified yell as he did.
Villager (yelling, desperate): Stay away, demon!
The blade made contact with Rei's body, but instead of piercing his skin, it shattered on impact, the metal breaking into pieces as if it had struck solid rock. Rei, startled, stumbled back, his eyes wide in confusion and fear.
Rei (frightened, confused): W-wait! I didn't do anything!
The man stared in disbelief at the broken machete in his hand, then at Rei. He stepped back, his face pale, trembling with fear. The sight of his shattered weapon only confirmed his worst suspicions.
Villager (terrified, breathless): No... no... it's real... a demon... I've seen enough!
Without another word, the man turned and ran, disappearing into the trees as fast as his legs would carry him. His shouts echoed through the forest as he fled.
Rei stood there, frozen, staring at the broken pieces of the machete scattered on the ground. His heart pounded in his chest, and his mind raced, trying to make sense of what had just happened.
Rei (whispering, scared): Demon? What's... a demon?
He looked down at his hands, confused and scared. The man's fear had shaken him to the core. Was that what people saw when they looked at him? Was that why they ran?
Rei (sadly): I didn't mean to scare him...
He slowly backed away, his heart heavy, feeling more lost than ever. All he wanted was to understand why he was different, but it seemed like no one would give him a chance.
Rei stared at his reflection in the lake, his eyes wide with surprise. There was someone staring back at him from the water. He blinked. The other person blinked too.
Rei (confused, startled): Hey... who are you?