Steve
Steve knelt beside Ace's broken body, watching Edwin rise from the earth like a wounded titan. Blood mixed with dirt on Ace's chest, but Steve's eyes stayed locked on Edwin.
"You fought well, warrior," Steve said, voice steady. He rose, leveling invisible twin pistols at Edwin. "Your actions have cost you mercy from me, Edwin."
Edwin's lips curled into a sneer.
"Who are you?" he spat.
Steve didn't hesitate. He raised both hands into gun shapes and fired. Two air-bullets tore through Edwin's shoulder and side with enough force to stagger him.
Before Edwin could recover, Steve closed the distance. He slammed a high kick against Edwin's ribs. Edwin blocked, but Steve's silver-and-platinum aura flared around him, each strike fueled by purpose. Punch after punch rained on Edwin's guard, bones rattling under the blows.
Damn, this brat can fight, Steve thought, as the "bearded man" voice whispered in his mind.
Steve, he's Lucifer's disciple what did you expect?
I know that old man, Steve replied silently. Just let me handle this.
The internal voice chuckled.
By all means.
Steve's aura thundered brighter. He unleashed a barrage of twenty strikes in three heartbeats, each hit landing with a sickening echo. Then a final kick sent Edwin crashing into a nearby tree. Edwin slumped to the ground, unconscious and bloody.
In Steve's mind, the bearded man urged,
Grab Thomas and Ace. Let's go.
Steve shook his head, grinning.
We're just getting started.
The old voice now trembled with worry.
I think this is only the beginning.
Steve blinked at Edwin. The half demon mortal form before him began to stir. A low, wicked laugh rumbled from Edwin's throat. Steve raised his hand, firing another air-bullet but it passed harmlessly through Edwin's chest.
"What the hell?" Steve muttered.
Edwin pushed himself up. His flesh darkened, turning purplish-black as if scorched by shadow. He threw back his head and laughed at the full moon.
Steve's blood ran cold.
This isn't good.
Edwin stretched his arms wide. Two vast, black-angel wings unfurled from his back, shadow swallowing the clearing. He flexed them once, then propelled himself straight into the sky, silhouetted against the moon.
How is he evolving this fast? Steve thought.
In his mind, the bearded man's voice cracked with urgency.
Grab Thomas and Ace. Now!
Steve nodded.
I hear you, old man.
He dashed forward, scooping up both Thomas and the fallen Ace. His boots barely disturbed the leaf-littered ground as he sprinted through the woods, heart pounding.
Steve glanced back once. High above, Edwin's wings beat against the night breeze, carrying him toward the city. The bearded man spoke again, softer this time.
It seems darkness has won this battle of Edwin.
Steve tightened his grip on his burden.
So it seems. Let's hope our timing works out in the end.
They raced to a hidden tunnel mouth and disappeared into the earth. Behind them, the forest settled into silence except for the distant echo of the manifestation of evil wings.