JOHN BROWN
The moment I hit the ground, pain surges through me like a live wire. It's sharp and relentless, but I force myself to stand. There's no time to dwell on it—Demon Coyote is coming. I spot a car wrecked nearby and grab it, preparing for the next round.
Demon Coyote strides out of the church, his sneer more venomous than ever. "Come on, boy! Give me a real fight!"
I swing the car with all my might, smashing it into him again and again until it's nothing but twisted metal. I slash at his face with my claws, but it's like striking water—he just heals right back, smirking.
"Are you done?" he taunts.
Before I can react, he delivers a powerful kick to my chest. The force sends me crashing into a building, the impact knocking the wind out of me.
REV. LAURA VAIL FREGIN
I'm about to step outside when I hear the unmistakable sound of whirling blades, growing louder by the second. Helicopters. The noise swells, but I can't see them yet. Reverend Richard joins me, his face pale.
"Is that a helicopter?" he asks, voice trembling.
"Yes," I nod, trying to stay calm. "But it sounds like there's more than one." A cold dread settles in my stomach. "Who could've alerted the military?"
JOHN BROWN
I stagger to my feet, trying to shake off the daze, when the chopping noise of rotor blades mixes with the sharp rattle of gunfire. Looking up, I see two helicopters, their guns blazing, chasing Demon Coyote through the sky.
I don't hesitate. I sprint up the side of a building, using both hands and feet to scale it, my eyes locked on him. Demon Coyote dodges behind a wall, using it as cover, waiting for the choppers to pass. But as soon as they do, he leaps at one of them, claws ready to tear it apart. I don't let him. I leap too, grabbing his leg mid-air. He clings desperately to the helicopter's landing skids to keep from falling. I dig my claws into his back, trying to drag him down.
"ARRRGH!!!" Demon Coyote howls in rage, smashing his elbow into me repeatedly. The last hit is brutal, knocking me loose. I plummet, but not before grabbing his leg again, pulling him down with me. The helicopter spins out of control and crashes to the ground.
We both hit the dirt, battered but alive. I glance over at the wreckage, a sinking feeling in my gut. The people inside... they didn't make it.
REV. LAURA VAIL FREGIN
A man steps out of one of the helicopters, dressed in crisp midnight blue trousers with gold braid, a white shirt, and a black necktie. His demeanor is all business as he grips a radio, issuing orders with practiced precision. Ten soldiers flank him as he approaches me.
"Get ready. Move into position... Now, fire!" His voice is cold, decisive.
I stride toward him, heart pounding. "Did you just order a hit?" I demand, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me.
"Ma'am, stay calm," he replies, barely glancing my way. "We're soldiers, not cops. We've got this under control."
"I asked, did you just order a hit?" My voice sharpens, cutting through the chaos.
"Yes, I did. Why?" He finally turns to look at me, curiosity mingled with irritation.
"My God in heaven saved us from those terrorists by using one of the monsters," I say, locking eyes with him.
His brow furrows. "Which one?"
"The green one. He's a werewolf, known as Lycon Wolf. He's strong—no weapon can pierce his skin. You're wasting time and bullets on him."
He studies me, suspicion evident in his eyes. "And how do you know that?"
"The terrorists tried to kill him with their weapons, but they failed. I'm telling you, have your men stand down or focus on the other monster."
"The other one?"
"I don't know much about him, just that he leads the terrorists. But if you want to make a dent, aim for the werecoyote, the second monster. A word to the wise is enough."
The man's face tightens as he considers my words. After a tense pause, he speaks into his radio. "Fall back. We don't need backup. The creatures are too strong. I repeat, fall back." Just as he finishes, grim news crackles over the radio about the first helicopter's failed attempt to take out the monsters.
JOHN BROWN
Demon Coyote rises as I force myself up, the sharp pain coursing through me like fire. Before I can brace myself, he's on me, slamming me against a wall and wrapping his hand around my neck, squeezing with brutal force. The pressure intensifies, and I gasp for air, the world narrowing to the crushing pain in my throat.
Desperation fuels me. I drive my knee into his stomach, strike his chest, his face, anything to break free. But it's useless—my blows only seem to strengthen his resolve.
"You're too weak, boy," he snarls, his breath hot against my face. "You don't deserve this gift."
Suddenly, bullets rip through the air, slamming into him. He releases me, snarling in pain, and I seize the moment, smashing his head against the wall. Glancing up, I spot another helicopter—this time, it's helping me. But the brief relief is shattered when Demon Coyote blindsides me with an iron rod, the impact ringing in my skull. I collapse to the ground, pain exploding through me.
He stands over me, iron rod raised high. "Any last words?"
"No retreat, no surrender!" I shout, refusing to back down.
He leaps, aiming to skewer me with the rod, but I twist away at the last second. Grabbing him from behind, I lock my arms around his waist and hurl him to the ground. He staggers to his feet, wincing as pain shoots through his back.
I don't waste a second. Snatching the rod from the ground, I drive it into his back and twist, bending it so deep he can't pull it out.
REV. LAURA VAIL FREGIN
Lycon Wolf lands with a heavy thud in front of us, his powerful form radiating raw energy. He turns to me, his eyes filled with gratitude.
"Thank you," he rumbles, sincerity in every word. Then, with a nod, he leaps away, disappearing into the chaos beyond.
To be continued....