The storm rolled in without warning, the air heavy with the promise of chaos. Clouds churned in the sky, dark and menacing, as rain lashed against the rooftops of a sleepy little town. Thunder rumbled like an ominous drumbeat, and lightning tore through the heavens, illuminating the wet streets in bursts of stark white.
Among the storm's fury, three young friends ran through the downpour, their laughter echoing despite the tempest. For them, the storm was not a threat but an adventure. Elliot Graves, the quiet and curious one, trailed behind, his thoughts distracted by the electric energy coursing through the air.
"Come on, Elliot!" shouted Maya, her dark hair plastered to her face. She grinned at him, her playful tone cutting through the rain. "Don't tell me you're scared of a little lightning!"
Elliot smirked, shaking his head. "I'm not scared. I just don't want to get fried."
His other friend, Adam, a burly and excitable young man, clapped him on the shoulder. "Relax, man! What are the odds? Besides, we're invincible tonight!"
They sprinted toward the old park at the edge of town, their shoes splashing through puddles. The world seemed alive with energy, every crack of thunder vibrating through the air, every flash of lightning painting the landscape in stark relief.
As they reached the park, the storm intensified. The wind howled, bending the trees as though they might snap. Elliot paused, his eyes drawn upward to the swirling clouds. There was something strange about the storm—something unnatural. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end.
"Guys," he called, his voice uncertain. "Maybe we should head back."
Before they could answer, a deafening crack split the air. Lightning struck with a blinding flash, its electric tendrils branching out like the fingers of a vengeful god. The bolt arced downward, striking the ground just feet away from the trio.
Elliot's friends screamed, stumbling back. But the lightning wasn't done. A second bolt came, sharper and more precise, slamming directly into Elliot's chest.
Time seemed to freeze. The world dissolved into a void of light and sound as Elliot's body convulsed, his scream drowned by the roar of the storm. His friends watched in horror as the lightning coiled around him, its energy crackling and pulsing before it finally dissipated.
Elliot collapsed to the ground, motionless.
Maya and Adam rushed to his side, their panic palpable. "Elliot!" Maya cried, shaking him. "Wake up! Please!"
Adam checked his pulse, his hands trembling. "He's alive," he muttered, relief washing over him. "But he's out cold."
Before they could decide what to do, Elliot's body jerked violently. His eyes snapped open, glowing faintly with an orange light that wasn't there before. He sat up slowly, his movements deliberate and alien, as though he were rediscovering his limbs.
"Elliot?" Maya asked hesitantly, her voice trembling. "Are you okay?"
Elliot turned to her, his glowing eyes narrowing. When he spoke, his voice was deeper, layered with a menacing timbre. "Elliot," he said, testing the name. His lips curled into a smirk. "So, that's what they call this vessel."
Maya and Adam exchanged confused, frightened glances. "What are you talking about?" Adam demanded. "What's wrong with you?"
Elliot—or the thing inside him—stood, towering over them. His posture was confident, almost regal, and his gaze burned with a mixture of curiosity and contempt. "This world is… different," he mused, his voice a low growl. "Weaker than my own. But it will do."
Maya backed away, her hand clutching Adam's arm. "Elliot, this isn't funny. What's happening to you?"
The entity tilted his head, his smirk fading. "You dare speak to me so casually? Know your place, mortals."
Within his own mind, Elliot stirred. He felt as though he were floating in a dark void, disoriented and confused. He could hear the voice speaking through his mouth, feel his body moving without his consent. Panic gripped him as he struggled to make sense of what was happening.
"Who are you?" he shouted into the void, his voice echoing.
A presence loomed before him, massive and fiery, its form indistinct but radiating power. The voice boomed, answering his question. "I am Etreuf, demon lord of the infernal realm. And now, boy, I am your master."
Elliot recoiled, his mind racing. "This is my body! You can't just take it!"
Etreuf's laughter was deep and mocking. "You are nothing, a mere vessel for my power. Be grateful I allow you to exist."
But Elliot wasn't ready to give up. "If you think I'm just going to sit here and let you use me, you've got another thing coming."
Etreuf's form loomed closer, his fiery presence pressing against Elliot's resolve. "Defy me, and you will know true pain."
Elliot gritted his teeth, his fear giving way to determination. "Then I guess we're going to have a problem."
Outside, Maya and Adam watched in growing terror as Elliot's glowing eyes flickered. For a moment, his posture shifted, the menacing aura around him fading. He clutched his head, groaning as if in pain.
"Elliot?" Maya whispered, stepping closer.
He looked up, his expression confused and strained. "Maya… Adam… I—" His voice broke off, replaced by Etreuf's growl. "This body is mine!"
Elliot fell to his knees, his hands clawing at the ground. Inside his mind, he fought against the demon's overwhelming power, refusing to give up control.
"Stay back!" he managed to shout, his voice a desperate mix of his own and Etreuf's.
Maya hesitated, tears streaming down her face. "We need to help him," she said, turning to Adam.
Adam grabbed her arm, shaking his head. "We can't. Whatever's happening… it's not something we can fix."
As the storm began to subside, Elliot's body stilled. His glowing eyes dimmed, and he stood slowly, his expression unreadable. He turned to his friends, who flinched under his gaze.
"I… I can't stay here," he said, his voice trembling. "It's not safe."
"What are you talking about?" Maya asked, stepping forward. "Elliot, we're your friends. We can figure this out together."
Elliot shook his head, his fists clenching. "You don't understand. He's still in here. And if I lose control…" He trailed off, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.
Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving his friends behind. Inside his mind, Etreuf smirked, his presence a dark shadow over Elliot's thoughts.
"This is only the beginning, boy," the demon said. "You and I are bound now. And soon, this world will know the name Etreuf."
Elliot's jaw tightened, his resolve hardening. "Not if I have anything to say about it."
As the storm faded, the first rays of dawn broke over the horizon, marking the start of a journey that would change the fate of SAMBALETA forever.