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******-South Side Warehouseuter Warehouse Corridor

Himori shook his head and stood up, the smell of burning rubble and ash nearly choking his lungs. He looked at his body, revealing that he had been burned across his arm by the explosion. He shrugged it off, knowing that the injury would heal quickly.

“Ugh…..everyone okay?” He asked, looking around.

“Yeah…..I think.” Tideon sat up and pulled a piece of re-bar from his leg.

“I’m good.” Ryojo said, standing up. He was the least injured out of all of them, suffering only a few lacerations to his face.

“Same here.” Kai said, popping his shoulder back into place.

“Wait, where are Justin and Jonas?” Himori asked.

“I don’t know”, Tideon shrugged, “You don’t think…”

“Augh! Damn it to pus spewing, blood gutted hell!” A voice came from below them.

“Justin!”, Himori yelled, “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Aside from a ruddy headache, of course”, Justin replied, “I think that I must’ve gotten knocked down into the maintenance level.”

“Can you see a way back up?” Kai asked.

“No, but there’s got to be a ladder around here somewhere. I’ll start looking and catch up with you later.”

“Alright. Be careful.” Himori said.

“I accepted going on this mission, Himori. I think my sense of carefulness is long gone.” Justin laughed as his footsteps could be heard walking away.

“We’d better start moving too.” Ryojo said.

“We will as soon as Darrius and his team gets here.” Tideon replied.

“I don’t think we’re going to have time for that!” Kai yelled, pointing toward a group of katana-wielding Tracers that had just run into the corridor.

“Man, Mime wasn’t kidding when he said they were everywhere!” Tideon yelled as his lance reappeared.

“There’s so many of them”, Kai looked on in shock as he nervously drew Hinorashi, “Father, can we fight them all off?”

“We have to.” Himori brought Blue Destruction up with both his hands.

“For Shirley’s sake.” Ryojo said, swing his scythe around.

“Get down, guys!” A voice came from behind them. Everyone looked back instinctively before dropping flat on the floor as tracer rounds and grenades flew above them and brought several of the Tracers down. Darrius and Raidon ran in between the rest of the group and started firing their weapons at the Tracers as Sil’var and Orion jumped in as well.

“Take this!” Sil’var rose his glaive up and brought it down with a hard swing, taking out several Tracers.

“Comin’ at ya’!” Orion swung his sickle chain around a Tracer’s waist and used it as a battering ram to take out several more of them.

Darrius ran up behind Tideon and they stood back-to-back as Darrius opened up his revolver grenade launcher to reload more grenades into the chamber, “So, was this better than what you were planning to do when you came to talk to me?”

“Definitely a lot more exciting.” Tideon spun his lance around and slashed a Tracer across the chest before impaling another.

“What were you planning on doing, anyway?” Darrius shouldered his grenade launcher and fired a single shot that struck the wall on the other side of the corridor, causing the wall to collapse and seal off some Tracers from the corridor they were in.

“Doing some research on a few things.”

“What kind?”

“Curses.”

“Wow. That’s cool.”

“Yeah.”

“Ice Crescent!” Himori swung Blue Destruction around and sent a blue colored blade out.

“Afterburner Slash!” Kai charged forward as flames covered his body and annihilated a large group of Tracers, burning them into ash.

“Good job, Kai!” Himori yelled out, jumping up and then doing a spin strike as he landed.

“Thanks, father!” Kai said as he took two slashes with his sword before slamming it onto the ground and causing a large fire shockwave that knocked several Tracers back into the walls.

“There’s the last of them!” Raidon yelled out, “Area secure!”

“Alright, let’s move!” Tideon said, motioning for everyone to follow him down the rest of the corridor.

“Hell yeah! Here we go!” Darrius cheered as he followed.

”Hang on, Shirley. We’re coming.” Himori thought as he followed the rest of them.

*******-South Side Warehouse:Maintenance Level

“Just my bloody luck.” Justin growled as he walked across the metal grating floor, holding his handgun in one hand and a small dagger in the other. He was also carrying Tenshi’s sheath with him as well, in the event that Shirley needed him.

“Yeah. Like you’re having a rough day. Imagine what Shirley’s probably been going through.” A voice came from his dagger.

“I never said I was the only one, Reynaldo.” Justin rolled his eyes. Reynaldo was the spirit that was with Justin’s dagger.

“I hope that Master’s okay. Liam sounds like he’s a very dangerous person.” Tenshi said.

“I know. I’d hate to try and battle with him head on.” Justin said.

“Especially considering you’re only a human and he’s a powerful demon.” Reynaldo added.

“Hey, I’m getting much better when it comes to combat. I really think that everyone’s starting to consider me to be a great warrior now.” Justin grinned brightly.

“Justin, I think that your gun’s empty.” Tenshi spoke up.

“It is?”, Justin looked down at his handgun and noticed that the slide was all the way back, “Oh….thanks, Tenshi.” Justin pushed a button on the side and dropped the empty clip out before reaching into his belt and pulling out another one, pushing it into the gun and cocking the slide.

“Great warrior, huh?” Reynaldo laughed a little.

“Bite me.” Justin replied with a growl. He then walked into a room that had numerous boxes piled up everywhere, all filled with various types of weaponry.

“Wow. There’s enough guns and explosives down here to supply a full battalion.” Tenshi remarked.

“Which is very bad if Liam’s going to try and start a war with the world like he’s planning to.” Justin said, gripping the gun’s handle with both his hands as he cautiously looked around the room. Suddenly, a crash came from nearby in the room, causing Justin to jump and bring his gun straight up.

”What the bloody hell was that?” Justin thought as he slowly walked around some boxes and jumped out, pointing his gun at whatever had come into the room, only to realize that it was Jonas.

“Don’t shoot, sir!” Jonas put his hands up.

“Bloody hell….you scared me.” Justin sighed as he lowered his gun.

“Sorry. I got lost and I wasn’t sure if there were more Tracers down here.” Jonas said, sighing and relaxing his hands.

“Well, I got lost too…..wait, what do you mean by more Tracers?” Justin asked, looking nervous.

“I’ll show you, sir.” Jonas walked out into another corridor, revealing that it was lined with armor and blood from the dead Tracers.

“Wow”, Justin said in shock, “Did you….”

“My psychic abilities can manifest themselves into telekinetic form as well.” Jonas nodded.

“Oh….that’s cool. And no need to call me sir, by the way.”

“Well, it’s just a way I have of showing those older than me respect.” Jonas shrugged.

“Really? You don’t look that young. How old are you?” Justin asked.

“I’m 17.”

“Bloody hell. Must be the hair.” Justin said as he raised his gun up and started moving into the next corridor.

*******-South Side Warehouse:Inner Courtyard.

“Well, looks like they deployed reinforcements.” Darrius said as he was looking through his binoculars at the Tracers that were swarming the entrance to the centermost building.

“Yeah, no kidding,” Tideon replied, “So, should we just push through them?”

“Shirley has to be inside there, and Liam too.” Himori said, looking over.

“Still no sign of Justin or that Jonas guy. Do you think they’re alright?” Orion asked.

“Most likely. Jonas doesn’t seem to be a slouch when it comes to fighting and Justin’s pretty resourceful,” Ryojo nodded, “They’ll join up with us sooner or later.”

“I hope so.” Kai said in a nervous tone.

“Bob, Clive, are you guys ready?” Darrius spoke into a radio.

“Ready.” They both replied.

“Alright then,” Darrius looked back at everyone, “Let’s move! One final push! Here we go!” And with that, they all began rushing towards the warehouse.

*******-South Side Warehouse:Inner Building.

Lily smashed open the door to the main warehouse room and rushed in, her shotgun firmly pressed against her shoulder. Shirley followed behind, being a little more cautious than her older companion.

“Looks like no one’s home.” Lily said, relaxing and slinging her shotgun over her shoulder.

“I can hear fighting outside”, Shirley said, “It’s my friends! They’re here to help me!”

“Then let’s go give ‘em a hand.” Lily turned around and started to walk through the room, but before she could get any further, Liam darted out from behind a box, grabbed her by the throat, and pushed her up against another box.

“You should not have interfered.” Liam said, staring into her eyes with a deadly glare.

“Hey! Leave her alone!”, Shirley yelled, getting Liam to look over at her, “I’m the one you want! If you’re going to beat up on someone then try fighting me instead!”

Liam growled and released Lily from his grip, “You’re right. Those are your allies and family outside”, he then started walking toward her, “They might back down if I convince them that you are beaten and I could kill you at any moment.”

“Don’t count on it.” Shirley put her fists up.

“Heh heh heh heh”, Liam laughed, “No show of mercy? Not going to try and convince me to surrender?”

“Liam, I know the reason why you’re doing this and you know too, so just think about this for a minute.” Shirley said.

“Ugh….” Lily groaned as she stood up.

“Are you okay Lily?” Shirley asked, looking past Liam.

“I’ve been better, but I’ve also been worse too”, Lily gave a thumbs-up, “I’m gonna’ start giving your friends some backup. Good luck.” With that, Lily picked up her dropped shotgun and left the warehouse room.

“She’s quite brave.” Liam said, watching as Lily left.

“There’s still time, Liam. You can just surrender and we don’t have to fight at all. Think about what you’re doing to Jonas…..and yourself.”

Liam started growling and formed two purple colored orbs around his hands “Shut up! I’ve had enough of your sermon!” He then threw both of them at Shirley. As they got close, Shirley caught one in her palm and deflected the other to the side.

“Your inhibitor wore off too, by the way.” Shirley grinned as she tossed the orb back toward Liam, who quickly shrouded his left wing in front of him to block the orb.

“In that case, I’ll have to go all out”, Liam said, “Prepare yourself.” With that, Liam then quickly sprinted forward. As Liam got close, Shirley ducked underneath a straight punch from  Liam and tackled him onto the ground. Liam quickly broke out of her grip and back-flipped away from her, another orb forming around his arm. Shirley also leapt back a few feet and focused a fireball into her hands.

“Death Flame!” Shirley threw the fireball.

“Aurora Spiral!” Liam swung his arm and sent several small energy balls with lights streaking behind out. Shirley’s fireball attracted most of them and disrupted their path, but a few continued heading toward her, forcing her to throw one of her hands up to deflect them. After their respective projectiles missed their marks, Shirley and Liam then vanished with a flash before they reappeared near one another and slammed their fists together. They then flew away and rushed forward again, exchanging several blows in the process. Shirley then broke it up by spiraling high above Liam, who attempted to shoot her down by tossing two more fireballs at her. Shirley dodged both of them and  retaliated by holding her hand down at him and firing a black laser out of it, which did no good as Liam extended one of his ten-foot long wings and blocked the strike. Shirley then backflipped in the air and landed on the ground.

“Good. You are just as skilled as I thought you’d be.” Liam smiled, cracking his knuckles and shaking his hand.

“You’d better stop being so cocky or you’re going to get your ass kicked.” Shirley glared at him as she put her fists up.

“Who’s the one that’s sounding cocky now?” Liam laughed as he ran at Shirley. Shirley stood her ground and waited for him to get close before she dodged a hard left hook from Liam and grabbed his arm. Liam tried to pull out of her grip but she drilled him in the chest with her heel and then threw him over her shoulder onto the ground.

“Stay. Down.” Shirley firmly said, glaring at him.

“Heh heh,” Liam said as he stood up and faced her, “I can see that you no longer want me dead. Where was that wonderful bloodlust that I saw in your eyes earlier?”

“I don’t want to have to do this, but you’re really pushing me, Liam.” Shirley said, fire in her eyes.

“If that’s all I’ve been doing, then I guess it’s time to actually shove you off of the edge.” Liam leapt back and crossed both of his arms in front of him.

“What are you planning now?” Shirley got down into her fighting stance again.

“Combat form Alpha. Engage.” Liam said to himself just before a black colored, opaque sphere surrounded him. It crackled with electricity for a short time before it faded away, revealing Liam again. However, his entire body was now encased in a skin-tight, black colored outfit that had white stripes going down his arms and legs on the outside and also converged into a double-helix symbol on his chest. On one of his arms was a wristband that had a small cannon attached while the other wrist had a retractable blade that was currently in a neutral position. The only part of his body that was now visible were his face and the back part of his hair.

“Oh my God.” Shirley said in awe as she saw the new form of her opponent.

“I was bred for combat. Would you like a demonstration?” Liam brightly grinned.

Shirley then shook her head and stared him down before dashing forward, “Sure! Demos are always fun!”

“Maybe,” Liam said as he waited for Shirley to get close before he darted to the side and pummeled Shirley in the stomach with a hard punch, causing her to spit up blood, “But I don’t think you’ll enjoy this one.” He then flipped around and aimed the arm with the cannon on it straight at Shirley’s chest and fired a large energy blast out of it that sent her flying across the room and straight into a pile of boxes. Liam then started to walk toward the pile, “You chose this, Shirley,” he said with a smile, “Remember that!” Suddenly, the boxes shattered apart and flew away in a flash of black light and wind. Liam covered his eyes from the flash and then looked to see Shirley, only now her eyes had turned pure black and a pair of sharp horns were protruding out from her head.

“You want bloodlust?,” Shirley growled in an inhuman voice, “You’ve got it.”

Liam raised an eyebrow as a dark-red visor and a metal face shield activated, covering his eyes face, “Hm, Jonas never mentioned anything about this,” he said, his voice now sounding metallic and distorted, “This should be interesting.”

********-South Side Warehouse: Inner Building Lobby

Justin and Jonas darted into the building, cautiously looking around for any unforeseen threats.

“See anything?” Justin asked.

“No, but I believe I can sense them.” Jonas replied.

Justin stopped and looked at his impromptu partner with a deadpan expression, “That doesn’t really help me.” Suddenly, two Tracers leapt down from the rafters and prepared to cut them down only to be shot out of the air by two shotgun blasts. Justin and Jonas ducked down and looked over to see Lily standing in the doorway.

“You guys don’t look like mercs to me.” She said, walking in.

“Uh…thank you.” Jonas nervously said as he stood up.

“Yeah. Thanks.” Justin nodded.

“No problem,” Lily nodded, “You must be friends of Shirley’s, right?”

“Yes, we are, but how do you know her?” Justin asked.

“She got transported into the catacombs below here. Right on my front doorstep almost.”

“Where is she now?” Justin asked.

“Inside this building somewhere. Kicking Liam’s ass hopefully.” Lily replied.

“We have to hurry! I need to stop him!” Jonas franticly said.

“Alright, calm down. I’ll show you the…get down!” Lily dove forward and knocked Jonas and Justin to the ground as a grenade sailed above their heads and impacted near the door, sending shrapnel and fire flying throughout the lobby.

“Well, that was a close one….again.” Jonas laughed a little as he moved some debris out of the way of the door with his mind.

Lily stood up and glared up toward the rafters where a Tracer was roaring and holding a very familiar looking grenade launcher in its hands, “You dirty bastard!” Before she could do anything, however, Justin grabbed his drop pistol and fired five, quick shots up at the Tracer, two of the slugs burying themselves into its skull. The creature dropped like a rock to the floor below, landing with a sickening crunch before it melted away.

“Hopefully that’s the last of the surprises in here.” Justin groaned as he stood up.

“Shirley’s in there.” Lily pointed to the nearby doorway Jonas had just cleared before she walked over to the door that Justin and Jonas had just came from.

“Where are you going?” Jonas asked.

“To help out.” Lily pumped her shotgun before running out.

******-South Side Warehouse:Inner Building

“Get ready to die.” Shirley growled as her wings unfurled and crackled with lightning. The two experimental demons then charged straight forward at one another, connecting their fists together and causing a powerful shockwave to flow all throughout the room, leveling various parts of it. They then quickly darted away and rushed forward again only this time Shirley got the first blow, connecting Liam with a hard uppercut that knocked him through the roof of the warehouse. She quickly followed him up through the hole and faced him down, baring her sharp fangs.

“You should be the one getting ready to die!” Liam stood up and aimed his wrist at Shirley, firing off a few bursts of white colored energy bullets from the cannon. Shirley ducked underneath the first burst and dodged the next two before she flew straight forward, her claws out and ready to strike. Liam jumped away from her and extended the blade from his other wrist and blocked Shirley’s strike before spinning around and kicking her across the roof and into a wall.

“Alright,” Shirley stood up and shook off her injury, “Now I’m really pissed off!”

“You’re not alone!” Liam started shooting at her again, but Shirley quickly got up and flew right at Liam, burying both her clawed hands into his shoulders. The two of them flew off of the side of the building and down into the courtyard. Just as they left, Justin and Jonas came up onto the roof.

“Looks like we just missed them.” Jonas said, looking around at the damage around the roof.

“Apparently so.” Justin nodded.

Jonas then darted over to the edge and looked down, “I think I see them!”

“Where?” Justin ran up next to him.

“Down there!” Jonas pointed down toward the courtyard.

Justin took his binoculars out, “Oh geez, Shirley’s in her Berserk form right now.”

“What does that mean?” Jonas asked, sounding nervous.

“That your brother is about to receive a monumental beatdown.”

******-South Side Warehouse:Inner Courtyard.

Himori deflected the bullets from a Tracer’s assault rifle before slicing it down with his sword. As he prepared to fight against another group, he saw Liam and Shirley throw several punches at each other before they flew onto another building’s roof.

“Kai!” Himori yelled.

“I know, I saw them too,” Kaimetsu replied as he ran up next to his father, “Mother’s in berserk.”

“It appears that way.” Himori nodded before he took off running toward the other building that Shirley and Liam were now on, Kai following close behind him.

*******-South Side Warehouseuter Building Rooftop.

Liam folded up his wings and slowly landed on the moment just as Shirley flew up, knocking over an antenna as she landed, snarling at Liam.

“Have you not noticed how evenly matched we are? This is why we must join each other and help to make the world better! Come on, Shirley! Listen to reason here!” Liam yelled in a pleading tone.

“Your reasoning sucks!” Shirley screamed as she tackled Liam and brought him to the ground, staring down at him with her black, soulless eyes and two rows of sharp fangs. However, before she could lower her head down and sink her fangs into his jugular, a sharp, agonizing pain suddenly entered her head followed by a bright flash and then, in the short time of four seconds, Shirley saw every memory that Liam had involving Jonas. The times they’d laughed, the times they’d cried, everything. It was that that Shirley knew her theory had been confirmed: Liam was doing all of this for Jonas. As she stared down into the red visor, which just barely let her see his purple eyes, the bloodlust of her berserk form went away. This gave Liam enough time to aim his cannon up and shoot her with an electrical blast that knocked her back onto the ground, sparks and electrical bolts crackling across her. As Shirley laid there, struggling to get up, her horns disappeared and her eyes returned to normal.

“I’ve given you enough chances,” Liam said, extending the blade on his arm and walking over to her, “Now you die.”

“Liam, think about what you’re doing”, Shirley said, “For Jonas’ sake.”

“You know nothing about me or my brother other than what I have let you see.” Liam rose his arm up and then swung it down. However, instead of connecting with the downed Shirley, it clanged against the hard iron of a blue, large broadsword. Liam looked up from her and into the blue eyes of Himori.

“That would be a very bad idea.” Himori said, a slight grin crossing his lips.

“Mother!”, Kaimetsu ran over and helped Shirley up, letting her arm drape around his shoulder, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Thanks, Kai.” Shirley nodded.

“No problem”, Kai said with a smile, “Hang on, I’ll heal you in a second.” His body started glowing blue and Shirley could feel her cuts, bruises, wounds and the rest of her injuries start to fade away.

“How cute. You can all die together.” Liam growled as he struggled to break Himori’s grip.

“I don’t think so.” Himori replied, remaining as calm as ever.

“She couldn’t even stop me! You have no chance!”

“We’ll see about that.” Himori said, his slight grin turning into a full-blown smirk. He then jumped back and blocked several swipes from Liam’s blade before bringing his own sword up and coming down with a hard vertical slash that Liam blocked. Himori then broke the lock and spun around, slamming Liam in the side of the face with a hard roundhouse that knocked him onto the ground. He quickly recovered and jumped up raising his arm back as he leapt up into the air and spiraled straight down at Himori. Himori backflipped out of the way to dodge the strike, leading Liam to impale his sword into the ground of the roof. Taking the opportunity to strike, Himori charged forward and swung Blue Destruction upwards, slicing across Liam’s armor and knocking him onto his back.

“Hang on, father! I’m coming!” Kaimetsu drew Hinorashi and darted into the battle, swinging a hard horizontal slash toward Liam. Liam, however, saw it coming and blocked the strike with the cannon on his arm and went to fire a shot at Kai, but he was distracted and forced to block a strike when Himori swung his sword again. Kai took advantage of the opportunity and attacked again, forcing Liam to alternate defending himself against both swordsmen’s’ attacks. Meanwhile, Shirley stood up, now fully recovered from her injuries and prepared to charge into the battle, but she stopped when she heard someone yell “Oi!” She looked down on a fire escape below and saw Justin waving his hands, Tenshi’s sword and sheath grasped in one of them.

“Justin! You brought Tenshi!” Shirley asked him.

“Yes! Can you catch him?” Justin replied, only for Tenshi to leap out of his hands and fly into Shirley’s.

“Thanks, Justin! I owe you one!” Shirley yelled out with a smile.

“Don’t thank me! Thank Jonas! We never would’ve found this place if it weren’t for him!” Justin replied.

“Jonas? He’s here?”

“Oh yeah! He’s right behind me!” Justin looked down the fire escape. Jonas then moved into Shirley’s point of view and nervously waved.

“Well, this is a surprise.” Shirley grinned as she waved back and ran over to join the battle, drawing Tenshi and swinging the blade straight toward Liam. Liam ducked past Shirley’s swing and spun his leg across the ground, tripping the three Tanakas and sending them falling to the ground before he back-flipped away from them.

“I’m beginning to get tired of this.” Liam growled as he aimed his cannon up and fired several shots at them.

“Shadow Wall!” Shirley threw her hand up and formed a barrier around her, Kai, and Himori to deflect the shots.

“Mother, how long can you hold that barrier?” Kai asked.

“Not very long, I used up a lot of energy when I switched to Berserk form earlier!” Shirley said as Liam’s energy bullets kept ricocheting off the barrier.

“Drop it down enough for me and Kai to get out and we’ll flank him from both sides.” Himori stood up.

“Good idea, father.” Kai gave a thumbs-up.

“Alright. On my mark…..go!” Shirley yelled as the barrier dropped for a moment and Kai and Himori jumped through. Before they could do anything, however, several gunshots came from back of the roof, hitting Liam in the back and causing him to wince in pain, turning his attention away from Shirley, Kai, and Himori. He lowered his arms and turned around to see Justin with his smoking handgun pointed at him.

“You’re incredibly brave, or just incredibly stupid.” Liam aimed his cannon up at Justin.

“Guess we’ve got a bit of a Mexican standoff here.” Justin smirked, only for the clip of his gun to fall out onto the floor.

“Uh oh.” Shirley said.

“Justin! Move!” Himori yelled.

“Oh bollocks!” Justin said as Liam started shooting at him, only for Jonas to duck in front of him and take all the shots.

“Jonas, no!” Kai yelled.

“Damn it…” Himori growled.

“Justin….hope you’re okay.” Jonas smiled as he started to fall back. Everyone on the roof froze in absolute shock, Liam included.

“Jonas!” Liam’s visor and face-guard retracted and he ran forward, catching Jonas in his arms.

“Brother….it’s good….to see you’re alive.” Jonas said as he coughed up blood.

“Jonas, I’m so sorry”, Liam said as tears started to form in his eyes, “I didn’t want you to get hurt.”

“I’m sorry too, Liam”, Jonas smiled, “but I couldn’t let you harm these innocent people.” He then gritted his teeth and winced in pain.

“Oh no”, Liam sobbed, “Jonas, please don’t leave me.”

“I don’t want to, brother”, Jonas laughed as he slowly moved his hand up and touched Liam’s face, “However, I don’t…..think that….it’s….my choice.” Jonas closed his eyes.

Liam then lost it and started sobbing loudly, still holding Jonas in his arms, “God forgive me! Please don’t take my brother! Take me instead!” He yelled. Darrius and Tideon then came onto the roof.

“Don’t move.” Darrius said, aiming his grenade launcher at Liam.

Liam stood up, activated his blade and pointed his cannon at the two of them, tears streaming down his face, “Just do it….I don’t want to leave my brother alone.”

“Liam, hang on!”, Shirley darted in between them, “Dar, Tide, chill. I’ve got this handled.”

“Shirley?” Darrius lowered his grenade launcher.

“Are you okay?” Tideon asked.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m fine.” Shirley knelt down next Jonas and put one hand on his chest and the other on his head before closing her eyes. Her hands and Jonas’ body then illuminated with a bright, white light.

“What is she…” Liam started.

“Healing his injuries”, Himori said, finishing Liam’s sentence, “And she’s very good at it.”

“Almost there.” Shirley said as she saw Jonas’ eyelids twitch and start to open.

“Jonas?!” Liam kneeled down next to him as his armor faded away.

“Liam…I’m alive?” Jonas looked down at himself.

“Oh, Jonas”, Liam hugged him, “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Good job, Shirley.” Himori smiled.

“Thanks, Him….” Shirley then fell forward and passed out.

“Mother!” Kai ran over to her.

“Shirley!” Himori rolled her over and started shaking her to try and wake her up.

*******-Research Laboratory

Shirley found herself back within the same laboratory that she had seen in the vision Liam imposed on her. This time, it was daylight and there were scientists walking around. Some were working on projects while others were simply talking with one another.

“How did I end up here again?” Shirley asked herself as she continued walking. In front of the entrance to a laboratory, Shirley saw a scientist talking with a young couple.

“Don’t worry. We’ll take very good care of them.” The scientist said.

“I hope that you will.” The man nodded. The woman said nothing and started crying as she buried her face into the man’s shoulder. Shirley walked in between them and noticed a female scientist talking with a young boy with purple colored hair. At first, she thought that it was Liam, but there was something about his eyes that told her it wasn’t in that he looked frightened. She looked behind him and noticed another young toddler with purple hair and a small baby in a cradle.

“They weren’t created….they have parents.” Shirley said, trying to fight back tears and feelings of loneliness before her intuitive side took over.

”Wait….if that’s Liam and Jonas”, Shirley looked at the toddler and the baby before turning her attention back to the young boy, ”Then who's this?" Before she could think anything else, a  faint voice echoed out in her mind.

“Shirley…are you okay? Wake up!” Shirley recognized it as Himori just before she found herself being pulled out of the vision.

*******-South Side Warehouseuter Building Rooftop.

“Shirley?” Himori said as she slowly opened her eyes.

“Yeah….did I pass out again?” Shirley giggled as she sat up.

“Just after you healed Jonas.” Justin said.

“Heh, it happens sometimes”, Shirley stood up and turned to Liam and Jonas, “I had another vision while I was out.”

“How is that possible? Your memory device isn’t attached anymore.” Liam asked as he helped Jonas to stand up.

“There may be some temporary connections. It’s a small side effect.” Jonas spoke up.

“Whatever happened, I saw something. I think it must’ve been a subconscious memory that neither of you remember. You two have parents.” Shirley said, swallowing a little to get rid of the lump in her throat.

“What?!” Liam yelled in shock.

“We have parents?” Jonas said, looking as equally surprised as his brother.

“Yeah…and an older brother too, apparently.” Shirley nodded.

Liam looked petrified for a moment before he turned to Jonas, “Jonas…we’re not alone. We have a family.”

“Brother”, Jonas walked forward and hugged Liam, “We never were alone. Neither you, nor me. We always had each other.”

“Jonas, I’m sorry”, Liam embraced Jonas as well, “I never wanted to put you  through any of this. My desire for revenge clouded my judgement.”

“It’s okay, Liam. I forgive you.” Jonas said, tears welling up in his eyes.

“A touching reunion indeed.” Himori smiled and nodded.

Kai sniffed and looked away, “Yeah.”

Liam then let go of Jonas and looked over at Darrius and Tideon, “I’ll turn myself in”, he took the memory device off of his head, “I’ve also ordered the Tracers to stand down as well.”

“Liam…” Jonas said.

Tideon and Darrius glanced over at each other before Tideon turned his attention back to Liam, a bright grin on his face, “We’re demon hunters and enforcers, not police officers.”

“Yeah”, Darrius nodded, “Besides, Jonas could probably use your help in finding your older bro’ and your parents.”

“Really? You mean that?” Liam asked.

“Absolutely.” Darrius gave a thumbs-up.

“Of course, you might want to ask Shirley for forgiveness first.” Tideon said.

Liam looked over at Shirley, “I’m…sorry for all that I put you through. I know that it’s probably not possible, but could you forgive me?”

Shirley grinned, “Just consider yourself lucky I had my morning coffee before I got brought here.”

“Thank you”, Liam laughed, “I’ll remember that.”

“Yes. Thank you very much, Shirley.” Jonas smiled. Suddenly, a shot rang out and one of the now motionless Tracers that was left standing up suddenly dropped to the ground.

“Clive!”, Raidon’s voice yelled over the radio, “They’re not doing anything anymore!”

“Just making sure!” Clive replied.

“Damn it, use some common sense, you jackass!”

“You’re not the boss of me!”

Darrius rolled his eyes, “Oh, why don’t you two just make out and get it over with?” He said over the radio.

******-South Side Warehouse:Front Gate.

“Well, I guess this is where we wish you luck on your journey.” Himori said, bowing to Liam and Jonas.

“Looks that way.” Jonas said with a smile.

“Thank you all. We greatly appreciate it.” Liam said.

“Drop by sometime if ya’ ever need any help.” Darrius gave a thumbs-up.

“We’d be glad to give it.” Tideon nodded and smiled.

“We’ll be sure to.” Jonas said.

Liam looked up at the sky, “Jonas, I’ll drop you off at your home first to let your family know where you’re going.”

“Okay. Thanks, brother.” Jonas nodded.

“Goodbye, everyone. Hope to see you soon.” Liam then extended his wings and wrapped his arms around Jonas’ waist before he flew up into the afternoon sky.

“So, do you think they have a chance of finding their family?” Tideon looked over at Shirley.

“Yeah, there aren’t a whole lot of leads for them work on.” Kai added.

“There’s a definite chance”, Shirley nodded, looking up at the sky, “They’ll be alright. I’m sure of it.”

Himori walked up behind her and gave her a hug, “If you’re sure, then I am too.” He said with a smile.

“Good”, Shirley said as she gave him a kiss, “Now, let’s get home. I’m so freakin’ tired.” She laughed.

“Alright. We will.” Himori smiled as the group started walking out of the warehouse.

“Yo, Shirley!” A voice came from up on a roof. Everyone looked up to see Lily standing on it.

“Lily!”, Shirley waved, “Glad to see you made it out of the battle okay!”

“Oh yeah! By the way, you dropped something earlier”, Lily dropped something down to Shirley, “Take care!” She turned around and walked off, disappearing from view. Shirley caught the object and looked at it.

“What is it?” Himori asked.

“My wedding ring. I must’ve dropped it while I was in the catacombs.” Shirley slipped it back on her finger and looked up at the sky, smiling.

”Guess this day turned out alright after all.”

:O (Eek) — Description
******-South Side Warehouseuter Warehouse Corridor

Himori shook his head and stood up, the smell of burning rubble and ash nearly choking his lungs. He looked at his body, revealing that he had been burned across his arm by the explosion. He shrugged it off, knowing that the injury would heal quickly.

“Ugh…..everyone okay?” He asked, looking around.

“Yeah…..I think.” Tideon sat up and pulled a piece of re-bar from his leg.

“I’m good.” Ryojo said, standing up. He was the least injured out of all of them, suffering only a few lacerations to his face.

“Same here.” Kai said, popping his shoulder back into place.

“Wait, where are Justin and Jonas?” Himori asked.

“I don’t know”, Tideon shrugged, “You don’t think…”

“Augh! Damn it to pus spewing, blood gutted hell!” A voice came from below them.

“Justin!”, Himori yelled, “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Aside from a ruddy headache, of course”, Justin replied, “I think that I must’ve gotten knocked down into the maintenance level.”

“Can you see a way back up?” Kai asked.

“No, but there’s got to be a ladder around here somewhere. I’ll start looking and catch up with you later.”

“Alright. Be careful.” Himori said.

“I accepted going on this mission, Himori. I think my sense of carefulness is long gone.” Justin laughed as his footsteps could be heard walking away.

“We’d better start moving too.” Ryojo said.

“We will as soon as Darrius and his team gets here.” Tideon replied.

“I don’t think we’re going to have time for that!” Kai yelled, pointing toward a group of katana-wielding Tracers that had just run into the corridor.

“Man, Mime wasn’t kidding when he said they were everywhere!” Tideon yelled as his lance reappeared.

“There’s so many of them”, Kai looked on in shock as he nervously drew Hinorashi, “Father, can we fight them all off?”

“We have to.” Himori brought Blue Destruction up with both his hands.

“For Shirley’s sake.” Ryojo said, swing his scythe around.

“Get down, guys!” A voice came from behind them. Everyone looked back instinctively before dropping flat on the floor as tracer rounds and grenades flew above them and brought several of the Tracers down. Darrius and Raidon ran in between the rest of the group and started firing their weapons at the Tracers as Sil’var and Orion jumped in as well.

“Take this!” Sil’var rose his glaive up and brought it down with a hard swing, taking out several Tracers.

“Comin’ at ya’!” Orion swung his sickle chain around a Tracer’s waist and used it as a battering ram to take out several more of them.

Darrius ran up behind Tideon and they stood back-to-back as Darrius opened up his revolver grenade launcher to reload more grenades into the chamber, “So, was this better than what you were planning to do when you came to talk to me?”

“Definitely a lot more exciting.” Tideon spun his lance around and slashed a Tracer across the chest before impaling another.

“What were you planning on doing, anyway?” Darrius shouldered his grenade launcher and fired a single shot that struck the wall on the other side of the corridor, causing the wall to collapse and seal off some Tracers from the corridor they were in.

“Doing some research on a few things.”

“What kind?”

“Curses.”

“Wow. That’s cool.”

“Yeah.”

“Ice Crescent!” Himori swung Blue Destruction around and sent a blue colored blade out.

“Afterburner Slash!” Kai charged forward as flames covered his body and annihilated a large group of Tracers, burning them into ash.

“Good job, Kai!” Himori yelled out, jumping up and then doing a spin strike as he landed.

“Thanks, father!” Kai said as he took two slashes with his sword before slamming it onto the ground and causing a large fire shockwave that knocked several Tracers back into the walls.

“There’s the last of them!” Raidon yelled out, “Area secure!”

“Alright, let’s move!” Tideon said, motioning for everyone to follow him down the rest of the corridor.

“Hell yeah! Here we go!” Darrius cheered as he followed.

”Hang on, Shirley. We’re coming.” Himori thought as he followed the rest of them.

*******-South Side Warehouse:Maintenance Level

“Just my bloody luck.” Justin growled as he walked across the metal grating floor, holding his handgun in one hand and a small dagger in the other. He was also carrying Tenshi’s sheath with him as well, in the event that Shirley needed him.

“Yeah. Like you’re having a rough day. Imagine what Shirley’s probably been going through.” A voice came from his dagger.

“I never said I was the only one, Reynaldo.” Justin rolled his eyes. Reynaldo was the spirit that was with Justin’s dagger.

“I hope that Master’s okay. Liam sounds like he’s a very dangerous person.” Tenshi said.

“I know. I’d hate to try and battle with him head on.” Justin said.

“Especially considering you’re only a human and he’s a powerful demon.” Reynaldo added.

“Hey, I’m getting much better when it comes to combat. I really think that everyone’s starting to consider me to be a great warrior now.” Justin grinned brightly.

“Justin, I think that your gun’s empty.” Tenshi spoke up.

“It is?”, Justin looked down at his handgun and noticed that the slide was all the way back, “Oh….thanks, Tenshi.” Justin pushed a button on the side and dropped the empty clip out before reaching into his belt and pulling out another one, pushing it into the gun and cocking the slide.

“Great warrior, huh?” Reynaldo laughed a little.

“Bite me.” Justin replied with a growl. He then walked into a room that had numerous boxes piled up everywhere, all filled with various types of weaponry.

“Wow. There’s enough guns and explosives down here to supply a full battalion.” Tenshi remarked.

“Which is very bad if Liam’s going to try and start a war with the world like he’s planning to.” Justin said, gripping the gun’s handle with both his hands as he cautiously looked around the room. Suddenly, a crash came from nearby in the room, causing Justin to jump and bring his gun straight up.

”What the bloody hell was that?” Justin thought as he slowly walked around some boxes and jumped out, pointing his gun at whatever had come into the room, only to realize that it was Jonas.

“Don’t shoot, sir!” Jonas put his hands up.

“Bloody hell….you scared me.” Justin sighed as he lowered his gun.

“Sorry. I got lost and I wasn’t sure if there were more Tracers down here.” Jonas said, sighing and relaxing his hands.

“Well, I got lost too…..wait, what do you mean by more Tracers?” Justin asked, looking nervous.

“I’ll show you, sir.” Jonas walked out into another corridor, revealing that it was lined with armor and blood from the dead Tracers.

“Wow”, Justin said in shock, “Did you….”

“My psychic abilities can manifest themselves into telekinetic form as well.” Jonas nodded.

“Oh….that’s cool. And no need to call me sir, by the way.”

“Well, it’s just a way I have of showing those older than me respect.” Jonas shrugged.

“Really? You don’t look that young. How old are you?” Justin asked.

“I’m 17.”

“Bloody hell. Must be the hair.” Justin said as he raised his gun up and started moving into the next corridor.

*******-South Side Warehouse:Inner Courtyard.

“Well, looks like they deployed reinforcements.” Darrius said as he was looking through his binoculars at the Tracers that were swarming the entrance to the centermost building.

“Yeah, no kidding,” Tideon replied, “So, should we just push through them?”

“Shirley has to be inside there, and Liam too.” Himori said, looking over.

“Still no sign of Justin or that Jonas guy. Do you think they’re alright?” Orion asked.

“Most likely. Jonas doesn’t seem to be a slouch when it comes to fighting and Justin’s pretty resourceful,” Ryojo nodded, “They’ll join up with us sooner or later.”

“I hope so.” Kai said in a nervous tone.

“Bob, Clive, are you guys ready?” Darrius spoke into a radio.

“Ready.” They both replied.

“Alright then,” Darrius looked back at everyone, “Let’s move! One final push! Here we go!” And with that, they all began rushing towards the warehouse.

*******-South Side Warehouse:Inner Building.

Lily smashed open the door to the main warehouse room and rushed in, her shotgun firmly pressed against her shoulder. Shirley followed behind, being a little more cautious than her older companion.

“Looks like no one’s home.” Lily said, relaxing and slinging her shotgun over her shoulder.

“I can hear fighting outside”, Shirley said, “It’s my friends! They’re here to help me!”

“Then let’s go give ‘em a hand.” Lily turned around and started to walk through the room, but before she could get any further, Liam darted out from behind a box, grabbed her by the throat, and pushed her up against another box.

“You should not have interfered.” Liam said, staring into her eyes with a deadly glare.

“Hey! Leave her alone!”, Shirley yelled, getting Liam to look over at her, “I’m the one you want! If you’re going to beat up on someone then try fighting me instead!”

Liam growled and released Lily from his grip, “You’re right. Those are your allies and family outside”, he then started walking toward her, “They might back down if I convince them that you are beaten and I could kill you at any moment.”

“Don’t count on it.” Shirley put her fists up.

“Heh heh heh heh”, Liam laughed, “No show of mercy? Not going to try and convince me to surrender?”

“Liam, I know the reason why you’re doing this and you know too, so just think about this for a minute.” Shirley said.

“Ugh….” Lily groaned as she stood up.

“Are you okay Lily?” Shirley asked, looking past Liam.

“I’ve been better, but I’ve also been worse too”, Lily gave a thumbs-up, “I’m gonna’ start giving your friends some backup. Good luck.” With that, Lily picked up her dropped shotgun and left the warehouse room.

“She’s quite brave.” Liam said, watching as Lily left.

“There’s still time, Liam. You can just surrender and we don’t have to fight at all. Think about what you’re doing to Jonas…..and yourself.”

Liam started growling and formed two purple colored orbs around his hands “Shut up! I’ve had enough of your sermon!” He then threw both of them at Shirley. As they got close, Shirley caught one in her palm and deflected the other to the side.

“Your inhibitor wore off too, by the way.” Shirley grinned as she tossed the orb back toward Liam, who quickly shrouded his left wing in front of him to block the orb.

“In that case, I’ll have to go all out”, Liam said, “Prepare yourself.” With that, Liam then quickly sprinted forward. As Liam got close, Shirley ducked underneath a straight punch from  Liam and tackled him onto the ground. Liam quickly broke out of her grip and back-flipped away from her, another orb forming around his arm. Shirley also leapt back a few feet and focused a fireball into her hands.

“Death Flame!” Shirley threw the fireball.

“Aurora Spiral!” Liam swung his arm and sent several small energy balls with lights streaking behind out. Shirley’s fireball attracted most of them and disrupted their path, but a few continued heading toward her, forcing her to throw one of her hands up to deflect them. After their respective projectiles missed their marks, Shirley and Liam then vanished with a flash before they reappeared near one another and slammed their fists together. They then flew away and rushed forward again, exchanging several blows in the process. Shirley then broke it up by spiraling high above Liam, who attempted to shoot her down by tossing two more fireballs at her. Shirley dodged both of them and  retaliated by holding her hand down at him and firing a black laser out of it, which did no good as Liam extended one of his ten-foot long wings and blocked the strike. Shirley then backflipped in the air and landed on the ground.

“Good. You are just as skilled as I thought you’d be.” Liam smiled, cracking his knuckles and shaking his hand.

“You’d better stop being so cocky or you’re going to get your ass kicked.” Shirley glared at him as she put her fists up.

“Who’s the one that’s sounding cocky now?” Liam laughed as he ran at Shirley. Shirley stood her ground and waited for him to get close before she dodged a hard left hook from Liam and grabbed his arm. Liam tried to pull out of her grip but she drilled him in the chest with her heel and then threw him over her shoulder onto the ground.

“Stay. Down.” Shirley firmly said, glaring at him.

“Heh heh,” Liam said as he stood up and faced her, “I can see that you no longer want me dead. Where was that wonderful bloodlust that I saw in your eyes earlier?”

“I don’t want to have to do this, but you’re really pushing me, Liam.” Shirley said, fire in her eyes.

“If that’s all I’ve been doing, then I guess it’s time to actually shove you off of the edge.” Liam leapt back and crossed both of his arms in front of him.

“What are you planning now?” Shirley got down into her fighting stance again.

“Combat form Alpha. Engage.” Liam said to himself just before a black colored, opaque sphere surrounded him. It crackled with electricity for a short time before it faded away, revealing Liam again. However, his entire body was now encased in a skin-tight, black colored outfit that had white stripes going down his arms and legs on the outside and also converged into a double-helix symbol on his chest. On one of his arms was a wristband that had a small cannon attached while the other wrist had a retractable blade that was currently in a neutral position. The only part of his body that was now visible were his face and the back part of his hair.

“Oh my God.” Shirley said in awe as she saw the new form of her opponent.

“I was bred for combat. Would you like a demonstration?” Liam brightly grinned.

Shirley then shook her head and stared him down before dashing forward, “Sure! Demos are always fun!”

“Maybe,” Liam said as he waited for Shirley to get close before he darted to the side and pummeled Shirley in the stomach with a hard punch, causing her to spit up blood, “But I don’t think you’ll enjoy this one.” He then flipped around and aimed the arm with the cannon on it straight at Shirley’s chest and fired a large energy blast out of it that sent her flying across the room and straight into a pile of boxes. Liam then started to walk toward the pile, “You chose this, Shirley,” he said with a smile, “Remember that!” Suddenly, the boxes shattered apart and flew away in a flash of black light and wind. Liam covered his eyes from the flash and then looked to see Shirley, only now her eyes had turned pure black and a pair of sharp horns were protruding out from her head.

“You want bloodlust?,” Shirley growled in an inhuman voice, “You’ve got it.”

Liam raised an eyebrow as a dark-red visor and a metal face shield activated, covering his eyes face, “Hm, Jonas never mentioned anything about this,” he said, his voice now sounding metallic and distorted, “This should be interesting.”

********-South Side Warehouse: Inner Building Lobby

Justin and Jonas darted into the building, cautiously looking around for any unforeseen threats.

“See anything?” Justin asked.

“No, but I believe I can sense them.” Jonas replied.

Justin stopped and looked at his impromptu partner with a deadpan expression, “That doesn’t really help me.” Suddenly, two Tracers leapt down from the rafters and prepared to cut them down only to be shot out of the air by two shotgun blasts. Justin and Jonas ducked down and looked over to see Lily standing in the doorway.

“You guys don’t look like mercs to me.” She said, walking in.

“Uh…thank you.” Jonas nervously said as he stood up.

“Yeah. Thanks.” Justin nodded.

“No problem,” Lily nodded, “You must be friends of Shirley’s, right?”

“Yes, we are, but how do you know her?” Justin asked.

“She got transported into the catacombs below here. Right on my front doorstep almost.”

“Where is she now?” Justin asked.

“Inside this building somewhere. Kicking Liam’s ass hopefully.” Lily replied.

“We have to hurry! I need to stop him!” Jonas franticly said.

“Alright, calm down. I’ll show you the…get down!” Lily dove forward and knocked Jonas and Justin to the ground as a grenade sailed above their heads and impacted near the door, sending shrapnel and fire flying throughout the lobby.

“Well, that was a close one….again.” Jonas laughed a little as he moved some debris out of the way of the door with his mind.

Lily stood up and glared up toward the rafters where a Tracer was roaring and holding a very familiar looking grenade launcher in its hands, “You dirty bastard!” Before she could do anything, however, Justin grabbed his drop pistol and fired five, quick shots up at the Tracer, two of the slugs burying themselves into its skull. The creature dropped like a rock to the floor below, landing with a sickening crunch before it melted away.

“Hopefully that’s the last of the surprises in here.” Justin groaned as he stood up.

“Shirley’s in there.” Lily pointed to the nearby doorway Jonas had just cleared before she walked over to the door that Justin and Jonas had just came from.

“Where are you going?” Jonas asked.

“To help out.” Lily pumped her shotgun before running out.

******-South Side Warehouse:Inner Building

“Get ready to die.” Shirley growled as her wings unfurled and crackled with lightning. The two experimental demons then charged straight forward at one another, connecting their fists together and causing a powerful shockwave to flow all throughout the room, leveling various parts of it. They then quickly darted away and rushed forward again only this time Shirley got the first blow, connecting Liam with a hard uppercut that knocked him through the roof of the warehouse. She quickly followed him up through the hole and faced him down, baring her sharp fangs.

“You should be the one getting ready to die!” Liam stood up and aimed his wrist at Shirley, firing off a few bursts of white colored energy bullets from the cannon. Shirley ducked underneath the first burst and dodged the next two before she flew straight forward, her claws out and ready to strike. Liam jumped away from her and extended the blade from his other wrist and blocked Shirley’s strike before spinning around and kicking her across the roof and into a wall.

“Alright,” Shirley stood up and shook off her injury, “Now I’m really pissed off!”

“You’re not alone!” Liam started shooting at her again, but Shirley quickly got up and flew right at Liam, burying both her clawed hands into his shoulders. The two of them flew off of the side of the building and down into the courtyard. Just as they left, Justin and Jonas came up onto the roof.

“Looks like we just missed them.” Jonas said, looking around at the damage around the roof.

“Apparently so.” Justin nodded.

Jonas then darted over to the edge and looked down, “I think I see them!”

“Where?” Justin ran up next to him.

“Down there!” Jonas pointed down toward the courtyard.

Justin took his binoculars out, “Oh geez, Shirley’s in her Berserk form right now.”

“What does that mean?” Jonas asked, sounding nervous.

“That your brother is about to receive a monumental beatdown.”

******-South Side Warehouse:Inner Courtyard.

Himori deflected the bullets from a Tracer’s assault rifle before slicing it down with his sword. As he prepared to fight against another group, he saw Liam and Shirley throw several punches at each other before they flew onto another building’s roof.

“Kai!” Himori yelled.

“I know, I saw them too,” Kaimetsu replied as he ran up next to his father, “Mother’s in berserk.”

“It appears that way.” Himori nodded before he took off running toward the other building that Shirley and Liam were now on, Kai following close behind him.

*******-South Side Warehouseuter Building Rooftop.

Liam folded up his wings and slowly landed on the moment just as Shirley flew up, knocking over an antenna as she landed, snarling at Liam.

“Have you not noticed how evenly matched we are? This is why we must join each other and help to make the world better! Come on, Shirley! Listen to reason here!” Liam yelled in a pleading tone.

“Your reasoning sucks!” Shirley screamed as she tackled Liam and brought him to the ground, staring down at him with her black, soulless eyes and two rows of sharp fangs. However, before she could lower her head down and sink her fangs into his jugular, a sharp, agonizing pain suddenly entered her head followed by a bright flash and then, in the short time of four seconds, Shirley saw every memory that Liam had involving Jonas. The times they’d laughed, the times they’d cried, everything. It was that that Shirley knew her theory had been confirmed: Liam was doing all of this for Jonas. As she stared down into the red visor, which just barely let her see his purple eyes, the bloodlust of her berserk form went away. This gave Liam enough time to aim his cannon up and shoot her with an electrical blast that knocked her back onto the ground, sparks and electrical bolts crackling across her. As Shirley laid there, struggling to get up, her horns disappeared and her eyes returned to normal.

“I’ve given you enough chances,” Liam said, extending the blade on his arm and walking over to her, “Now you die.”

“Liam, think about what you’re doing”, Shirley said, “For Jonas’ sake.”

“You know nothing about me or my brother other than what I have let you see.” Liam rose his arm up and then swung it down. However, instead of connecting with the downed Shirley, it clanged against the hard iron of a blue, large broadsword. Liam looked up from her and into the blue eyes of Himori.

“That would be a very bad idea.” Himori said, a slight grin crossing his lips.

“Mother!”, Kaimetsu ran over and helped Shirley up, letting her arm drape around his shoulder, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Thanks, Kai.” Shirley nodded.

“No problem”, Kai said with a smile, “Hang on, I’ll heal you in a second.” His body started glowing blue and Shirley could feel her cuts, bruises, wounds and the rest of her injuries start to fade away.

“How cute. You can all die together.” Liam growled as he struggled to break Himori’s grip.

“I don’t think so.” Himori replied, remaining as calm as ever.

“She couldn’t even stop me! You have no chance!”

“We’ll see about that.” Himori said, his slight grin turning into a full-blown smirk. He then jumped back and blocked several swipes from Liam’s blade before bringing his own sword up and coming down with a hard vertical slash that Liam blocked. Himori then broke the lock and spun around, slamming Liam in the side of the face with a hard roundhouse that knocked him onto the ground. He quickly recovered and jumped up raising his arm back as he leapt up into the air and spiraled straight down at Himori. Himori backflipped out of the way to dodge the strike, leading Liam to impale his sword into the ground of the roof. Taking the opportunity to strike, Himori charged forward and swung Blue Destruction upwards, slicing across Liam’s armor and knocking him onto his back.

“Hang on, father! I’m coming!” Kaimetsu drew Hinorashi and darted into the battle, swinging a hard horizontal slash toward Liam. Liam, however, saw it coming and blocked the strike with the cannon on his arm and went to fire a shot at Kai, but he was distracted and forced to block a strike when Himori swung his sword again. Kai took advantage of the opportunity and attacked again, forcing Liam to alternate defending himself against both swordsmen’s’ attacks. Meanwhile, Shirley stood up, now fully recovered from her injuries and prepared to charge into the battle, but she stopped when she heard someone yell “Oi!” She looked down on a fire escape below and saw Justin waving his hands, Tenshi’s sword and sheath grasped in one of them.

“Justin! You brought Tenshi!” Shirley asked him.

“Yes! Can you catch him?” Justin replied, only for Tenshi to leap out of his hands and fly into Shirley’s.

“Thanks, Justin! I owe you one!” Shirley yelled out with a smile.

“Don’t thank me! Thank Jonas! We never would’ve found this place if it weren’t for him!” Justin replied.

“Jonas? He’s here?”

“Oh yeah! He’s right behind me!” Justin looked down the fire escape. Jonas then moved into Shirley’s point of view and nervously waved.

“Well, this is a surprise.” Shirley grinned as she waved back and ran over to join the battle, drawing Tenshi and swinging the blade straight toward Liam. Liam ducked past Shirley’s swing and spun his leg across the ground, tripping the three Tanakas and sending them falling to the ground before he back-flipped away from them.

“I’m beginning to get tired of this.” Liam growled as he aimed his cannon up and fired several shots at them.

“Shadow Wall!” Shirley threw her hand up and formed a barrier around her, Kai, and Himori to deflect the shots.

“Mother, how long can you hold that barrier?” Kai asked.

“Not very long, I used up a lot of energy when I switched to Berserk form earlier!” Shirley said as Liam’s energy bullets kept ricocheting off the barrier.

“Drop it down enough for me and Kai to get out and we’ll flank him from both sides.” Himori stood up.

“Good idea, father.” Kai gave a thumbs-up.

“Alright. On my mark…..go!” Shirley yelled as the barrier dropped for a moment and Kai and Himori jumped through. Before they could do anything, however, several gunshots came from back of the roof, hitting Liam in the back and causing him to wince in pain, turning his attention away from Shirley, Kai, and Himori. He lowered his arms and turned around to see Justin with his smoking handgun pointed at him.

“You’re incredibly brave, or just incredibly stupid.” Liam aimed his cannon up at Justin.

“Guess we’ve got a bit of a Mexican standoff here.” Justin smirked, only for the clip of his gun to fall out onto the floor.

“Uh oh.” Shirley said.

“Justin! Move!” Himori yelled.

“Oh bollocks!” Justin said as Liam started shooting at him, only for Jonas to duck in front of him and take all the shots.

“Jonas, no!” Kai yelled.

“Damn it…” Himori growled.

“Justin….hope you’re okay.” Jonas smiled as he started to fall back. Everyone on the roof froze in absolute shock, Liam included.

“Jonas!” Liam’s visor and face-guard retracted and he ran forward, catching Jonas in his arms.

“Brother….it’s good….to see you’re alive.” Jonas said as he coughed up blood.

“Jonas, I’m so sorry”, Liam said as tears started to form in his eyes, “I didn’t want you to get hurt.”

“I’m sorry too, Liam”, Jonas smiled, “but I couldn’t let you harm these innocent people.” He then gritted his teeth and winced in pain.

“Oh no”, Liam sobbed, “Jonas, please don’t leave me.”

“I don’t want to, brother”, Jonas laughed as he slowly moved his hand up and touched Liam’s face, “However, I don’t…..think that….it’s….my choice.” Jonas closed his eyes.

Liam then lost it and started sobbing loudly, still holding Jonas in his arms, “God forgive me! Please don’t take my brother! Take me instead!” He yelled. Darrius and Tideon then came onto the roof.

“Don’t move.” Darrius said, aiming his grenade launcher at Liam.

Liam stood up, activated his blade and pointed his cannon at the two of them, tears streaming down his face, “Just do it….I don’t want to leave my brother alone.”

“Liam, hang on!”, Shirley darted in between them, “Dar, Tide, chill. I’ve got this handled.”

“Shirley?” Darrius lowered his grenade launcher.

“Are you okay?” Tideon asked.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m fine.” Shirley knelt down next Jonas and put one hand on his chest and the other on his head before closing her eyes. Her hands and Jonas’ body then illuminated with a bright, white light.

“What is she…” Liam started.

“Healing his injuries”, Himori said, finishing Liam’s sentence, “And she’s very good at it.”

“Almost there.” Shirley said as she saw Jonas’ eyelids twitch and start to open.

“Jonas?!” Liam kneeled down next to him as his armor faded away.

“Liam…I’m alive?” Jonas looked down at himself.

“Oh, Jonas”, Liam hugged him, “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Good job, Shirley.” Himori smiled.

“Thanks, Him….” Shirley then fell forward and passed out.

“Mother!” Kai ran over to her.

“Shirley!” Himori rolled her over and started shaking her to try and wake her up.

*******-Research Laboratory

Shirley found herself back within the same laboratory that she had seen in the vision Liam imposed on her. This time, it was daylight and there were scientists walking around. Some were working on projects while others were simply talking with one another.

“How did I end up here again?” Shirley asked herself as she continued walking. In front of the entrance to a laboratory, Shirley saw a scientist talking with a young couple.

“Don’t worry. We’ll take very good care of them.” The scientist said.

“I hope that you will.” The man nodded. The woman said nothing and started crying as she buried her face into the man’s shoulder. Shirley walked in between them and noticed a female scientist talking with a young boy with purple colored hair. At first, she thought that it was Liam, but there was something about his eyes that told her it wasn’t in that he looked frightened. She looked behind him and noticed another young toddler with purple hair and a small baby in a cradle.

“They weren’t created….they have parents.” Shirley said, trying to fight back tears and feelings of loneliness before her intuitive side took over.

”Wait….if that’s Liam and Jonas”, Shirley looked at the toddler and the baby before turning her attention back to the young boy, ”Then who's this?" Before she could think anything else, a  faint voice echoed out in her mind.

“Shirley…are you okay? Wake up!” Shirley recognized it as Himori just before she found herself being pulled out of the vision.

*******-South Side Warehouseuter Building Rooftop.

“Shirley?” Himori said as she slowly opened her eyes.

“Yeah….did I pass out again?” Shirley giggled as she sat up.

“Just after you healed Jonas.” Justin said.

“Heh, it happens sometimes”, Shirley stood up and turned to Liam and Jonas, “I had another vision while I was out.”

“How is that possible? Your memory device isn’t attached anymore.” Liam asked as he helped Jonas to stand up.

“There may be some temporary connections. It’s a small side effect.” Jonas spoke up.

“Whatever happened, I saw something. I think it must’ve been a subconscious memory that neither of you remember. You two have parents.” Shirley said, swallowing a little to get rid of the lump in her throat.

“What?!” Liam yelled in shock.

“We have parents?” Jonas said, looking as equally surprised as his brother.

“Yeah…and an older brother too, apparently.” Shirley nodded.

Liam looked petrified for a moment before he turned to Jonas, “Jonas…we’re not alone. We have a family.”

“Brother”, Jonas walked forward and hugged Liam, “We never were alone. Neither you, nor me. We always had each other.”

“Jonas, I’m sorry”, Liam embraced Jonas as well, “I never wanted to put you  through any of this. My desire for revenge clouded my judgement.”

“It’s okay, Liam. I forgive you.” Jonas said, tears welling up in his eyes.

“A touching reunion indeed.” Himori smiled and nodded.

Kai sniffed and looked away, “Yeah.”

Liam then let go of Jonas and looked over at Darrius and Tideon, “I’ll turn myself in”, he took the memory device off of his head, “I’ve also ordered the Tracers to stand down as well.”

“Liam…” Jonas said.

Tideon and Darrius glanced over at each other before Tideon turned his attention back to Liam, a bright grin on his face, “We’re demon hunters and enforcers, not police officers.”

“Yeah”, Darrius nodded, “Besides, Jonas could probably use your help in finding your older bro’ and your parents.”

“Really? You mean that?” Liam asked.

“Absolutely.” Darrius gave a thumbs-up.

“Of course, you might want to ask Shirley for forgiveness first.” Tideon said.

Liam looked over at Shirley, “I’m…sorry for all that I put you through. I know that it’s probably not possible, but could you forgive me?”

Shirley grinned, “Just consider yourself lucky I had my morning coffee before I got brought here.”

“Thank you”, Liam laughed, “I’ll remember that.”

“Yes. Thank you very much, Shirley.” Jonas smiled. Suddenly, a shot rang out and one of the now motionless Tracers that was left standing up suddenly dropped to the ground.

“Clive!”, Raidon’s voice yelled over the radio, “They’re not doing anything anymore!”

“Just making sure!” Clive replied.

“Damn it, use some common sense, you jackass!”

“You’re not the boss of me!”

Darrius rolled his eyes, “Oh, why don’t you two just make out and get it over with?” He said over the radio.

******-South Side Warehouse:Front Gate.

“Well, I guess this is where we wish you luck on your journey.” Himori said, bowing to Liam and Jonas.

“Looks that way.” Jonas said with a smile.

“Thank you all. We greatly appreciate it.” Liam said.

“Drop by sometime if ya’ ever need any help.” Darrius gave a thumbs-up.

“We’d be glad to give it.” Tideon nodded and smiled.

“We’ll be sure to.” Jonas said.

Liam looked up at the sky, “Jonas, I’ll drop you off at your home first to let your family know where you’re going.”

“Okay. Thanks, brother.” Jonas nodded.

“Goodbye, everyone. Hope to see you soon.” Liam then extended his wings and wrapped his arms around Jonas’ waist before he flew up into the afternoon sky.

“So, do you think they have a chance of finding their family?” Tideon looked over at Shirley.

“Yeah, there aren’t a whole lot of leads for them work on.” Kai added.

“There’s a definite chance”, Shirley nodded, looking up at the sky, “They’ll be alright. I’m sure of it.”

Himori walked up behind her and gave her a hug, “If you’re sure, then I am too.” He said with a smile.

“Good”, Shirley said as she gave him a kiss, “Now, let’s get home. I’m so freakin’ tired.” She laughed.

“Alright. We will.” Himori smiled as the group started walking out of the warehouse.

“Yo, Shirley!” A voice came from up on a roof. Everyone looked up to see Lily standing on it.

“Lily!”, Shirley waved, “Glad to see you made it out of the battle okay!”

“Oh yeah! By the way, you dropped something earlier”, Lily dropped something down to Shirley, “Take care!” She turned around and walked off, disappearing from view. Shirley caught the object and looked at it.

“What is it?” Himori asked.

“My wedding ring. I must’ve dropped it while I was in the catacombs.” Shirley slipped it back on her finger and looked up at the sky, smiling.

”Guess this day turned out alright after all.”