2.07 Firestorm

The Titlecard.

"Firestorm" is the seventh and penultimate episode of the second season of Lincoln City.

## Episode

Loyalton, California, USA: Several people can be seen going about their daily business, most of them can be seen driving in their cars, we follow one car as it begins to speed away from the small town, it doesn't get far though as the radio springs to life with an emergency evacuation notice, the driver begins to contemplate whether the alert was real or not but it it soon proven real as the heat in the vicinity increases at an almost freakish level, the driver begins to panic as sweat begins to form on his brow - he looks around to see a Fire whirl (also known as a fire tornado) heading for the road he is on - the driver begins to panic as he sees the rotating flames approaching his car - he proceeds to leave his car in a panic and legs it back into Loyalton, mere minutes later the Fire tornado crosses the road and melts the driver's car as the freak weather just skims Loyalton causing no harm to anyone or anything at all however a middle aged man with brown hair and brown eyes known as Father Joseph to the locals due to his role as a Priest, observes the storm and is quick to clutch a large crucifix as he asks God for protection as he believes the next act of freak weather is going to be much more dangerous as the tornado continues on its path and into the distance.

24 Hours later, over in Lincoln City in the UK, Shane can be seen observing the Hunter Network as reports flood in from all over California about the Loyalton Fire whirl, as he procrastinates - the spirit guide Fiona can be seen approaching Shane's house in suburban Lincoln, she is wearing a rain coat over her elegant white dress, she smiles as she greets Shane and he returns her smile as she enters his home however Shane seems distracted by something: "Do you really need a rain coat? You're not exactly...alive...or at least, I don't think you are...but anyways, do you need a rain coat?" he asks in a rambly way as he thinks aloud. Fiona ponders for a moment before replying "Maybe" she then adds "I just like the way it looks on me" Shane chuckles a little at this before turning his attention back to the hunter network, "What do you think of this?" he asks Fiona as she stands beside him observing the fire whirl story, "A fire whirl?" she asks "It's bad" he states - she nods in agreement before commenting: "They are very rare indeed, extreme weather like this usually is accompanied by something much worse" Shane looks up at her with a slight smirk and asks her what that could be. "Nothing good" she replies as she continues to observe the images of the Fire whirl before trying to diffuse the situation: "I say nothing good but there just stories, the lore isn't always right..." she awkwardly smiles before adding "Plus I've never seen one for myself so how could I be sure?" Shane raises an eyebrow at this and asks what she would do if he actually did believe her. She replies with a smug expression "I don't know, but I guess it's a case for you" which causes Shane to point out that California is thousands of miles away and "an entire ocean from here" as he tries to dissuade her from this idea. Fiona simply replies with "Oh but I'm good at crossing oceans" Shane looks up at her with a slightly puzzled expression as she continues "I'm also very good at taking risks and I am very dedicated" she points out as Shane tries to get himself out of the situation: "Look...I would go but I don't have anyone to go with....I get terribly home sick" as he rambles. Fiona looks at him with a stern expression and simply says "Yes" Shane then asks what she means by yes but she just looks at him and says "Yes" as if that said everything she needed to say before promptly disappearing, telling Shane to stay put before she does so.

Elsewhere, in Caithness in the Highlands of Scotland: Kyle Macleod can be seen walking round the town of Thurso with his girlfriend Maria Murray, a brunette with piercing blue eyes, it is clear they haven't seen each other in a while and are keen to finally have a day to themselves, they can be seen at a restaurant sitting outside as they wait for food, they are clearly enjoying a rare moment of tranquility, they hold hands under the table as if to not attract attention, savoring the feeling of togetherness that had been absent from their lives for far too long - Kyle sighed, breaking the comfortable silence between them. "You know, Maria, I've been thinking about how little time we've had together lately. Between my multiple jobs and your busy schedule, it feels like we're always just passing each other by." Maria nodded, her expression filled with understanding. "I feel the same way, Kyle. It's been challenging, trying to make our relationship work amidst the chaos of our lives...especially yours, one moment your a farmer then your a secret detective...I mean, wow...but I agree that we've been missing out on the simple joys of being together." Kyle's gaze softened as he squeezed her hand gently as his introverted ways cause him to almost interrupt Maria like he was itching to say something back: "But today, Maria, today feels different. It's such a relief to finally have this time with you that's not over the phone or rushed between our responsibilities. I've missed these moments, where it's just you and me, fully present in each other's company." A genuine smile spread across Maria's face as she leaned her head on Kyle's shoulder. "I couldn't agree more, Kyle. This moment feels like a breath of fresh air, a respite from the demands of the outside world. It's these moments that remind me why our love is worth fighting for." Kyle's voice grew softer as he spoke, his words filled with warmth. "You're my anchor, Maria. When everything gets chaotic, you're the one who keeps me grounded. And I promise you, from this moment forward, I'll do whatever it takes to ensure that we have more of these moments together." Maria's eyes sparkled with affection as she looked into Kyle's eyes. "I believe you, Kyle. We've faced many challenges, but together we can overcome them. Let's make a conscious effort to prioritize our relationship, to create space for us amidst the busyness of our lives." Kyle nodded, determination etched on his face. "Absolutely, Maria. No matter how many jobs I have or how many responsibilities we carry, we'll always make time for each other. Our love deserves that, and so do we." - They sat in silence once again, the world around them fading into the background. In that moment, their hearts were full, and the worries that plagued them melted away. They found solace in the simple act of being together, cherishing this newfound time that they had longed for.

Their food soon arrives and they eat together, not wanting to waste another second apart, and share their feelings for one another - both happy, content and deeply in love - Soon afterwards, they begin to walk around Thurso, taking in the sights of this beautiful town - enjoying the peaceful quietness of it all, a rare smile appears on Kyle's face once again as he admires his surroundings. "It's so quiet here. Not a soul in sight, no cars or people rushing about. It's almost as if we're the only two people left in the world." Maria chuckled. "It feels like that, sometimes. There's nothing quite like being alone with you, Kyle. I could stand here forever and never grow bored." Kyle took her hand in his, relishing the warmth of her touch before his sense of realism kicks in: "No, you really couldn't" he says with a smirk. Maria shoots him a questioning glance as things start to get awkward between them. "Oh, I didn't mean it like that...I was just...thinking out loud..." his voice trails off. Maria offers a reassuring smile. "It's alright, Kyle" Kyle seems to be contemplating what to say next however as he does so, his gaze trails off to a figure sat on a wall of a nearby churchyard. "Excuse me for a moment, Maria. I'll be right back" Maria looked concerned but Kyle reassured her that he was fine and has come across "someone from work" that looks "lost" before heading towards the stranger. As he approached them, the figure stood up and turned to face him: "Hello, Kyle Macleod" it is revealed to be Fiona, who smiles warmly at him before continuing "It's nice to finally meet you in person" she says as she reaches out her hand for Kyle to shake, Kyle politely accepts before his hunter side kicks in: "Who are you?" he asks bluntly. Fiona gives him a blank stare, not fazed by his rude tone of voice or lack of greeting before replying with an equally blunt "My name is Fiona" Kyle's eyes give a quizzical look: "Am I supposed to know you?" Fiona nods. "I'm sure you will eventually, but I'm afraid I have no time to explain at the moment" she states as she notices Maria looking over, her arms folded: "I don't have long Mr. Macleod, I'm here on Shane's behalf...I have tasked him with a case and he won't go without help from someone...the place I want to send him too is a place in California called Loyalton" Kyle looks confused as he tries to process what Fiona has just told him, "California? I've never been" he says with a slight shrug of his shoulders as he tries to seem disinterested however Fiona presses on: "Yesterday, a fire tornado skimmed the town and a local priest is VERY adamant that the gods are angry are something" she pauses and adds: "I'm inclined to agree with him" Kyle shrugs his shoulders in response, he is clearly trying to hold back some kind of rage at the spirit guide for interrupting his time with Maria: "Look Fiona, if that's your real name, I'm currently on a date and yet I feel like you're trying to pry it away from me...unlike Shane, I'm not at your beck and call like I assume he is, I don't even know you!" Fiona looks slightly hurt by Kyle's cold manner of speaking however she tries to stay focused on her mission: "Shane is NOT at my beck and call, I am his spirit guide...." Kyle interrupts: "Get to the point before I torch your holy arse" Maria looks over with a shocked expression however Fiona stays calm and composed as she continues "The point is...Shane needs a partner to help him on his case and you fit the bill" Kyle furrows his brow in response, almost giving in to Fiona's persistence as he finds himself torn between his girlfriend and his normal life and his hunting life...he can feel his resolve wavering as he imagines a "perfect scenario" but as Maria turns around and walks away, Kyle breaks: "I'll go with you...but don't do that again" Fiona smiles before replying "I can't promise you that I won't, but please be prepared for what you may find there..." she then promptly disappears as Kyle quickly rejoins Maria, he grabs her arm so she faces him, he begins to speak in a very formal way to try and save face as things are now very awkward indeed, after a long pause Kyle says, "Maria...I'm sorry about that, It was someone from work who needed my help urgently. I didn't mean to ruin our time together." Maria looks at him with a mix of concern and curiosity, tension can be heard in her voice: "Kyle, who was that? And why did you agree to go with them?" Kyle takes a deep breath, trying to find the right words to explain the situation. "That was Fiona. She... uh... she works with a colleague with mine on some cases....It's kind of hard to explain but she needs my assistance on something important. I dont't want to leave you, but at the same time I felt like I have to help." Kyle seems very conflicted and even holds his head slightly as his head metaphorically spins.

Maria's expression softens as she listens, though there's still a hint of worry in her eyes. "Kyle, I understand that you have responsibilities, and I support you in whatever you need to do. Just promise me that you'll be safe and that you'll come back to me...I feel like this job of yours is hurting our relationship" Kyle nods, his voice filled with as much sincerity as possible: "I promise, Maria. I'll do everything I can to make sure I come back to you. You mean the world to me, and nothing will change that." They share a tender moment, holding each other tightly, before Kyle pulls away and looks into Maria's eyes - "I have to go now, but I'll be in touch as soon as I can. Take care of yourself, and know that I love you...I'll drop you off home first though, how about that?" Maria smiles, trying to be strong despite the worry in her heart, she avoids the question that Kyle just asked and just hugs him tightly as she tries to hold back tears.

Moments later, Maria is dropped off at her house and with a final glance, Kyle turns and drives away, heading towards the unknown. As he ventures into the world of supernatural investigations once again, he can't help but feel a pang of regret for leaving Maria the way he did and he is clearly kicking himself about it but he also knows that he can't ignore his calling, and that sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good even though sometimes he wishes he didn't have this second life of hunting, he pulls over into a layby and shows his regret properly by banging on the dashboard of his car with his fists as if it was a punching bag as he looks in the mirror at the back seat where his hunting equipment sits idlely. He then composes himself as he remembers that he has a job to do, he says to seemingly thin air that he is ready and a bright white light engulfs the car, he soon finds himself in the suburbs of Lincoln City and in Shane's makeshift hunting headquarters aka his family home garage, Fiona is also there waiting for him: "Welcome Mr. Macleod, I see you've made it safely" she smiles, trying to be professional however Kyle just rolls his eyes: "Let's just get this done with, you almost cost me the love of my life" Fiona looks taken aback but shrugs it off quickly: "Yes, of course. You two have 48 hours to find out whats going on, if you stay in Loyalton for longer I won't be able to retrieve you so be quick" she says with a stern tone before adding: "Also, be careful" before using a spell to transport the pair, and their bags of hunting equipment, to the small town in rural California known as Loyalton.

Over at the church in Loyalton, Father Joseph can be seen going through many books - he has clearly been rocked by the appearance of the Fire whirl in town and is trying to find out more information on what could be causing it, he is also seeking answers to help people cope with what has happened as well as protecting his town from further harm, he also firmly believes that the gods are angry with him for some reason but he has no idea why...he rubs his tired eyes as he sighs: "Why? Why would they be mad at me? I have tried to lead a life of service and yet this is the thanks I get?" he adds as he rests his head in his hands. A few moments pass and he stands up from his desk, determined to continue his research despite his fatigue, he leaves his office and heads down the church aisle - stopping suddenly when he hears a strange noise coming from the confessional box, despite their being no one in there - a dark figure appears from inside and leers over Father Joseph, he can barely make out the figure in the dim candlelight but he can hear its heavy breathing - he steps back slightly as it approaches him - he backs away some more until his back hits the confession box - The figure looms closer, now seeming more humanoid, with one hand reaching for the priest's neck - Father Joseph's eyes widen as he tries to cry out but nothing comes out of his mouth - The figure then leans in close and whispers in his ear "Hello Father Joseph...I'm here to deliver a message from your God..."

At the same time, Kyle and Shane adjust to their surroundings, Kyle notices that Shane is comically wearing a cowboy hat however he decides not to comment on this fact: "Well..." Shane begins "Hopefully we can get this done quickly as it seems you would be anywhere else rather than here right now Mr. Macleod" this causes Kyle to look at his friend with a cold stare. "If you had some quote on quote spirit guide force you out of a date with your girlfriend, how would you feel?" Shane shrugs his shoulders in response: "Not a clue, never had one" Kyle decides not to comment on this fact either which causes Shane to change subject: "So...Weather based case, that's new for me...what about you? Scotland can be quite a wild place sometimes" Shane says in his usual laid back way as he puts on his detective suit jacket, he seems to be enjoying himself as he takes in all the sights and sounds of this small town in rural California: "Yeah, weather was pretty unpredictable...depends what the Atlantic decides to throw our way" Kyle says with a shrug of his shoulders, clearly not enjoying this conversation and wanting to move on from it quickly - Shane notices this and decides to keep his mouth shut about the weather as they walk to the door of the local library, this town seems pretty dull but Shane's curious about it all as he heads straight for the "Fantasy/Supernatural" section of the library whilst Kyle hangs around outside and looks around at the townspeople who are walking around, talking amongst themselves about the latest happenings - "Definitely has some publicity" he says to himself as he sees several cameras being carried by news reporters "I'm sure there's more going on than what they're showing the public" he adds as he notices a couple of officers who seem to be on high alert.

Shane is busy examining a book on Norse Mythology, instead of finding anything useful surrounding the case, when he hears a voice behind him: "May I help you with anything sir?" Shane turns to see a librarian approaching him, he smiles politely and says: "Yes, I was just looking for some information on Fire tornadoes..." the librarian looks at him with a puzzled expression but continues: "I'll see what we have" she then walks away as Shane continues reading through the book, he turns the page and reads on as the Librarian returns with a book in hand: "Here you go sir...fire tornadoes huh? What brought this on?" Shane replies honestly: "I came into town with a friend of mine, we are looking into the one that skimmed the town here a day or so ago..." the Librarian sighs as she remembers the events from the past week "I was driving home from work and I saw it as I was passing through the forest nearby...it was terrifying...I never thought I would see anything like that again..." the "again" catches Shane's attention: "Again?" he asks as he looks at her with curiosity, the Librarian hesitates a moment before replying: "It's not something I like talking about..." Shane continues to stare at her and waits patiently as she continues to look around nervously - "It's happened before around here, except last time it was somewhat natural - the U.S. National Weather Service issued a tornado warning due to growing winds and a nearby wildfire...what? three, maybe four, years ago...it produced one of those...THINGS...and nearly drove us all out of house and home" she says with a hint of fear in her voice as she thinks about what happened - Shane is intrigued now - "As you might be able to tell from my voice, I'm not American but I heard on the news back home of a small town that got wiped out by those wildfires back in 2020...I guess this place nearly got the same treatment...I'm sorry to say that" Shane says as he feels sympathy for this woman, she seems like a nice lady - the Librarian smiles softly at him: "Thank you sir...that means a lot" she pauses briefly before adding: "Anyway, I hope you find what you are looking for" she says before walking away again - Shane flips through the book about weather phenomenon but nothing jumps out at him, so he discreetly checks his lore book and notices that extreme weather, especially if it's out of season can attract many kinds of supernatural entities who may use the chaos of a panicking town to cover their tracks and carry out deeds, after reading this he rejoins who can be seen attempting to juggle rocks - Shane watches him for a moment before Kyle notices him: "There you are! You were taking a while, did you find anything?" Shane chuckles as he closes his lore book and places it in his jacket pocket: "No luck here unfortunately, but I did come across something interesting...a book on Norse mythology, doesn't help our case but it's a fun little find" Kyle shakes his head in disbelief: "We don't have time to be reading up on Mythology, we need something concrete, we don't even know what we're dealing with and for all we know it's just an effect of climate change or something" Shane rolls his eyes as he picks up his bag of hunting equipment: "Come on mate, it'll take our minds off this heat wave we've been having...besides, not knowing is half the fun"

As they leave the library and begin walking down the street again, Shane turns to Kyle and says: "So...You were out on a date eh? With that Maria girl you've messaged me about? How did it go?" Kyle shakes his head: "As you can tell, not great, that Fiona turned up and I had to bullshit my way through an explanation..." Shane can't help but laugh at this - "What did you tell her?" Shane asks curiously - Kyle scratches the back of his head as he replies: "I said I had an emergency call and had to help out my colleague who needed some help urgently..." Shane looks at him with a quizzical stare but chooses not to question him on this fact - "So, how did you meet her?" Shane asks next, Kyle sighs: "We met online about a year ago...we started dating shortly after...she was visiting Thurso at the time and we spent some time together and overtime we got attached, like REALLY attached and then we decided to make things official and start dating..." Shane nods slowly as he processes this information: "I see, well I hope things work out between the two of you" Kyle gives him a forced smile in response: "Thanks mate...I'll try and pick up the scraps later" Kyle says as he is clearly still mad at Fiona for her actions.

Back at the church, Father Joseph can be seen adjusting to the strange presence in the room with him - he is clearly fearful though as he struggles to find his voice amidst the fear and confusion, Father Joseph finally managed to speak. "W-Who are you? What do you want from me?" The figure, its lips curling into a smirk, responds with a sinister tone. "Ah, Father Joseph, so full of questions. You may call me Azrael, a messenger of the divine." Gathering his courage, Father Joseph presses on, seeking clarity in the strangest of encounters. "What message does the Almighty have for me, Azrael? Why does He send you in such a menacing form?" Azrael chuckles darkly, dismissing the concern over his appearance. "The form I take is inconsequential, Father. It is the message that matters. You seek answers, do you not? Explanations for the turmoil that has befallen your town?" Nervously, Father Joseph nodded at this remark. "Yes, I... I seek to understand. I want to help my people, to guide them through this chaos." Leaning closer, Azrael whispered, his voice filled with an eerie presence. "The gods are not angry with you, Father Joseph. They are indifferent. You are but a pawn in a game much larger than you can comprehend." Confusion clouded Father Joseph's face. "Indifferent? But I have devoted my life to their service. I have prayed and led my congregation faithfully. Why would they abandon us?" Azrael's tone turned cold, his eyes gleaming with an otherworldly wisdom. "Your devotion is admirable, Father. But the gods do not concern themselves with the affairs of mortals. The fire whirl was a mere reflection of natural forces, a consequence of the world's delicate balance." Azrael's brutal honesty causes desperation to well up within Father Joseph. "No! There must be a reason. I must have angered them somehow. Tell me what I have done, and I will make amends." A smug smile played on Azrael's lips as he responded. "Oh, Father, always seeking penance for sins unseen. Your humility is commendable, but your search for blame is futile. The gods do not punish without cause, nor do they bestow their favor upon a single individual."

Determined to prove otherwise, Father Joseph challenged the enigmatic figure. "Then why are you here? What purpose does this message serve?" Drawing even closer, Azrael's voice echoed through the confined space. "Your purpose, Father Joseph, is to understand the insignificance of your role. To accept that your actions, no matter how noble, are but a fleeting moment in the grand tapestry of existence." The words of Azrael clearly get to the priest as he begins whispering a prayer under his breath, Father Joseph sought guidance. "Lord, guide me in this darkness. Show me the way to bring solace to my people." Leaning back as if to take it all in, Azrael's sinister smile lingered on his face. "Solace, Father? Ah, there lies the crux of the matter. How will you provide solace to those who believe they have been abandoned by the divine?" Undeterred, Father Joseph's determination shone through his words. "I will show them that even in the absence of divine intervention, we can find strength within ourselves. I will be their light, their source of hope." Mockingly, Azrael responded. "A noble sentiment, Father. But remember, the gods may be indifferent, but darkness always lingers. Be cautious with the hope you offer, for it can be easily shattered." Clenching his fists at these mocking words, Father Joseph refused to succumb to fear. "I will not let fear dictate my actions. I will face the darkness head-on, for I believe in the resilience of the human spirit." Azrael's smirk faded, replaced by a more solemn expression. "Very well, Father. Your conviction is admirable. Perhaps there is hope yet for this troubled town." With unwavering resolve, Father Joseph declared his unwavering commitment. "I will not falter. With or without the gods' direct involvement, I will be a shepherd to my flock, guiding them through the storms that come their way." as Azrael stepped back, fading into the shadows, his voice echoed one final message. "Remember, Father, the gods may be indifferent, but their mysteries are boundless. Continue your search, for the answers you seek may lie beyond the veil of understanding." - Father Joseph then seemingly collapses as his brain fails to process what just happened and he passes out from exhaustion.

Elsewhere in the town, Kyle and Shane have just finished talking to the locals about the strange weather anomaly. Although some were relieved to know that they weren't going crazy, others were more concerned about the potential harm these storms could cause should they get too close to the small town of 600 people, the pair once again consult the lore book but find nothing, as night falls - they realize that they have been searching for answers for around 6 hours and should get some rest keeping in mind they only have 42 hours left to find the cause of all this chaos before it's too late. "I wonder if Maria's doing ok" Kyle says to himself as he closes the lore book and packs his stuff away, the two then head to a nearby motel where they book themselves into separate rooms - Shane can be seen on the balcony of his room looking out over the town below him: "Wow...what a sunset" he says as he takes in the beauty of the view - he then takes out his cellphone and takes a photo before heading inside - Shane can be seen writing in his journal whilst sitting at the foot of his bed: "It's been a long day, but it seems that we are no closer to solving this case, although I can't help but feel that we are on the right path...I think....I don't know" before going to sleep - as for Kyle, he uses this time to sneak out of the motel and go on a walk around the town, his bag of hunting equipment in tow - Kyle finds himself wandering along a quiet road lit by streetlights and looks up at the clear night sky - Kyle can't help but notice how calm and peaceful the town feels at this time of night and realizes that there has been no incidents since the storm yesterday - as he wanders along he comes across a small graveyard where a Deputy can be seen patrolling, curious Kyle walks over due to his hunter instincts once again kicking in - he decides to wait for the deputy to finish his patrol before approaching him - "Evening Officer" Kyle says as he approaches the deputy - who appears startled by Kyle's presence and quickly raises his weapon at him: "Whoa there! I didn't see you there sir, what are you doing out here?" Kyle shows him his FBI badge and says (lying): "I'm Agent Jones from the FBI, I'm just doing some investigating here..." The deputy puts his weapon away as he replies: "Sorry about that Agent Jones, my name is Deputy Lee, I was chasing up some calls about supposed grave robberies around this area, four coffins have gone missing so far and one was found but was completely empty, like someone had taken the body" Kyle nods and says: "I see...do you have any suspects?" Deputy Lee replies: "Unfortunately no, we have no leads as of yet but I'm sure we will get there soon enough..." as Deputy Lee speaks, he is shocked to see a hand burst out of a nearby grave and grab his leg and then, at a very alarming speed, drags him underground into the grave - Kyle is equally as alarmed and attempts to grab Deputy Lee but is too late as he is pulled underground - Kyle is then astounded to look over and see that the grave is in fact hollow and can also see what appears to be a tunnel leading into the ground - Kyle gulps at this sight and is unsure of what to do - he calls down the hollow grave to see if the Deputy answers but hears nothing - Kyle sighs heavily and then goes over to investigate more graves to see if he can find more tunnel entrances or hollow graves - After checking a couple of graves he finds another one that has a hollow grave which is covered by an old fashioned looking coffin - Kyle opens it only to find a rotting corpse - Kyle yells in disgust as he steps back - He then hears a loud crash behind him and turns around to see that a figure dressed as a cowboy from what appears to be a western movie is dumping an empty coffin onto the ground - The figure notices him and tries to run away - Kyle sprints after him and eventually catches him - He grabs him by the arm and starts to interrogate him as he pins the figure against a tree: "What did you do to Deputy Lee?! Where did you take him?!" The figure hesitates at first but then begins to talk - "I...consumed him...as I am compelled to do..." Kyle is horrified by this reply - "I assume your the grave robber too?" he asks him - The figure nods at this seemingly confirming this.

"It's not pretty but it's how I survive, I came into town on the coattails of that Fire tornado" the figure says in an accent from a western film - Kyle takes out a hunting knife and threatens the figure: "You killed a person of authority" he says in anger - The figure replies with fear in his voice: "Yes...I did...but I needed too...I am compelled to do so..." Kyle then gets up close to the figure and says bluntly: "Tell me what you're doing and why you're doing it" The figure seems reluctant to speak at first but finally says coldly: "I'm here to claim a prize, you see, something else came on the coattails of that tornado and not just me...I'm just here to seek the benefits and eat a few corpses along the way...maybe a few living ones too" Kyle is still confused at this and asks: "What are you talking about? Who else came with you?" - The figure chuckles at this - "Well...let's just say...this kinda event attracts people like me" Kyle sighs heavily at this - "Ok...fine" he says as he pretends to turn away but instead he swings his arm around and attempts to decapitate the strange figure but is stopped when he hears a gunshot which ricochets off the tree, it was a warning shot, Kyle turns around to see another figure dressed like a cowboy with a pistol drawn. "Leave him be" The figure says coldly as he approaches Kyle, his face is hidden under a wide brimmed hat - Kyle rushes the new arrival and attempts to punch him in the face but he dodges it and lands a swift kick on Kyle's stomach - Kyle cries out in pain and drops to the ground, winded. "Shit..." he mutters as he struggles to stand up and faces off against this strange figure as a two on one fight ensues however Kyle, still secretly seething from earlier, gets his adrenaline going and decapitates one of the figures with his hunting knife - He then takes out a shotgun from his hunting bag and fires a round at the head of the other figure, killing him instantly - Kyle takes a step back and inspects the bodies before throwing them into the strange hollow graves, he shakes his head and quickly returns to the motel where he cleans himself up and heads back to sleep, his plans of having a walk to clear his head thrown out the window.

The next morning, with 32 hours left, Kyle tells Shane about his encounter in the graveyard causing Shane to check the lore book: "I doubt these are the overall threat here but it looks like you found yourself a pair of Ghouls" Shane says as he flicks through the pages - Kyle is confused by this statement but realizes what Shane meant as he looked back on his encounter and remembers how these figures seemed to be feral in their actions and seemingly took and ate Deputy Lee without hesitation - "Ghouls huh...filthy scavengers, chomping down on the dead...definitely not a pleasant way to spend a day" Kyle says sarcastically - Shane shuts the lore book and says: "They certainly are nasty creatures but fortunately NOT what we are after, they can't cause extreme weather but ARE attracted to it...so what's our next move?" Kyle is quiet for a moment before saying: "The road the tornado crossed?" Shane nods at this in agreement - "Good idea" he says as they pack their bags and leave the motel - They drive to the location where the Fire tornado crossed the road that connects the town with the outside world, scorch marks are visible on the sizzling tarmac - Shane is amazed at the power of such a natural event but Kyle has other thoughts on his mind as he spots footprints in the dirt that lead into a nearby forest: "There's someone else here...someone's been following it" as he looks into the distance to see the trail of burnt and charred land left by this weather phenomenon, Kyle then gets his phone out and uses the Maps app to determine where they are going: "That forest is part of Antelope Valley, an area for wildlife but not quite a national park...its too small according to this "official" article" Kyle observes reading something from his phone before putting it away, the two are about to follow the burnt path of the long gone Fire tornado into Antelope Valley but before they can even leave town limits, they are approached by Father Joseph who approaches them very quickly, the heat from the California morning sun making him short of breath - Father Joseph's face is flushed with urgency as he approaches Kyle and Shane. Sweat beads on his forehead as he tries to catch his breath before speaking. "Please, I... I overheard your conversation about following the path of the tornado. I need to come with you. I believe there's a connection between the turmoil in our town and the events you're investigating."

Surprised by the sudden appearance of the priest, Kyle and Shane exchange glances, unsure of whether to trust him. However, there is an earnestness in Father Joseph's eyes that speaks of a genuine concern. Shane steps forward and extends his hand. "I'm Shane, and this is Kyle. We're here to investigate the strange weather occurrences. What makes you think there's a connection?" Father Joseph grasps Shane's hand firmly, gratitude evident in his eyes. "I've had a... a visitation, if you will. A messenger named Azrael appeared to me in the church. He claimed to be a messenger of the divine and spoke of the gods' indifference towards us. He said the fire whirl was a consequence of the world's delicate balance, not a punishment from the gods." Shane furrows his brow at this in curiosity and concern. "Azrael... who or what is Azrael exactly? And why would a messenger of the divine have such a dark and foreboding presence?" Kyle chimes in, his voice tinged with skepticism. "Father, I hate to say it, but this Azrael character sounds more like some kind of demon than a messenger of the divine. Are you sure you can trust what he told you?" Father Joseph's expression turns pensive as he contemplates their questions. "I understand your doubts, but there was an otherworldly aura about him, a wisdom that seemed beyond this mortal realm. Whether Azrael is truly a divine messenger or something else entirely, I cannot say for certain. But his words resonated with me, and I believe there is truth in what he spoke." Shane nods understandingly and politely asks: "Father, if you don't mind me asking...religion isn't really my area...is Azrael mentioned in the Bible at all?" Father Joseph smiles warmly at Shane. "No, Azrael is not mentioned in the Bible, but there is an angel named Azrael that is mentioned in some texts. Azrael is the angel of death, He is regarded by many as the Grim Reaper as it is he who ascends the righteous and the innocent to Paradise as well as the one who descends the depraved and guilty to Perdition" Kyle exhales as he processes this information: "Looks like everyone's maker, Death, has some rivalry after all" Shane jests: "An angel chasing a fire tornado? Either this guy has a complex or wants to become a demon" he jokes further - Father Joseph demands some respect as he continues his explanation: "Azrael didn't outright state he brought the fire tornado upon this town, but I get the sense he may be responsible for it." Kyle then turns to Shane and says: "Ok...we follow the tornado's path then...Thank you Father" - Father Joseph is eager to leave and says: "Thank you, you must hurry before it is too late!" Father Joseph then bends down to examine the scorch marks on the road and bless them with a crucifix as Kyle and Shane head into the forest near Antelope Valley, mere minutes after the hunters have gone, a man in a suit and fine hair (he looks like a model or an actor because of his physique) approaches the bent down Father Joseph - "Father, we meet again" he says ominously as Father Joseph looks up into the sun, his eyes widen in surprise as he recognizes the voice. He stands up slowly, facing the man in the suit. "Azrael," he breathes, his voice filled with a mix of awe and apprehension. "What brings you here?" Azrael's lips curl into a knowing smile as he takes a step closer. "Oh, Father Joseph, always searching for answers, aren't you? I must admit, I find your determination quite fascinating." Father Joseph's expression hardens, a touch of defiance in his voice. "What do you want, Azrael? Why have you come to this town?" Azrael chuckles softly, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Oh, Father, you misunderstand. I did not create the fire tornado, but I did use it to my advantage. You see, there are certain... goals I wish to achieve, and the chaos that ensues from such events can be quite beneficial." Father Joseph's brows furrow in confusion. "Goals? What kind of goals? And why involve this town and its people?" Azrael's gaze pierces into Father Joseph's eyes. "All in due time, Father. I'm afraid I cannot reveal all my intentions just yet. But I assure you, there is a purpose to everything that has unfolded." Father Joseph takes a step back, his face a mix of concern and determination. "I won't let you harm these innocent people. Whatever your plans may be, I will do everything in my power to stop you." Azrael's smile widens, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity. "Oh, Father, how valiant of you. But remember, the balance of the world is a delicate thing. Sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good." Azrael then uses the shadows on the road surface to show off his wings, hypnotizing several motorists in the process - Father Joseph's eyes widen in surprise as he watches the wings spread out from the back of Azrael's shadow. He tries to respond but finds himself unable to utter a word. Azrael turns around and walks away, disappearing into the distance, he does click his fingers though causing several motorists to robotically exit their cars and follow him into the town, it is clear that Azrael is looking for something.

Meanwhile, Kyle and Shane enter Antelope Valley and continue to follow the path of the unexplainable fire tornado, they enter a clearing in the woods and spot a collapsed cabin and what appears to be a woman wearing a flannel shirt and denim jeans, her skin is badly burned and she is covered in soot - She is lying on the floor with blood staining her clothes - Kyle rushes over to her and kneels by her however when she quickly turns to him, her eyes are black in colour, Kyle jumps back and gets out his shotgun but Shane talks him out of it identifying the woman as the vessel of a Demon: "Kill her Kyle and you kill the human she's possessing" he turns his attention to the Demon: "What are you doing here?" Shane asks causing the Demon to laugh in a haunting voice: "I could ask the same question..." Shane scoffs at this: "You say that like we've met...How did you get here?" Shane asks sternly - "I flew...by magic carpet...what's it look like?" she jests, Kyle replies sarcastically: "Oh hoh, look at that Shane...Demon trying to be funny" - she gives them a sinister smile, her black eyes burning into their souls as she observes Kyle's weapons: "Ah so you guys are Hunters...great...well come on boys...killing me won't solve all your problems" she says as she stands up, her legs trembling from the severe burns she has received - Kyle shakes his head in disbelief and takes aim at the Demon - Shane tells him to stop but Kyle fires a round at the Demon anyway making sure it hits a non-fatal area so the vessel the demon occupies can recover, it merely flinches at the round regardless of its severity and continues to taunt them: "You'll never kill me with that puny gun...the bullets aren't exactly iron!" she jests as she walks towards Kyle and grabs him by the throat, her grip is strong causing him to drop his weapon, Shane peacefully attempts to diffuse the situation by dropping his hunting knife and saying: You're different, I can see it in your aggressive yet calm nature, you're not exactly a normal demon are you?" Kyle looks at him disapprovingly as his face goes red from lack of oxygen - The Demon drops him and he falls to the floor gasping for air - The Demon then laughs loudly in an extremely deep voice: "Well that was entertaining" - The Demon then picks up the shotgun and fires a round into the sky causing the trees in the area to sway: "Bingo! Top prize to this hunter right over here...I'm a Disaster Demon, an outcast of The Underworld itself" Shane's eyes widen at the Demon's revelation, his mind racing to comprehend the gravity of their encounter. He steps forward cautiously, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and caution "A Disaster Demon? That explains your power," Shane says, his tone measured. "But going back to earlier, why are you here? Besides the obvious disaster thing..." The Demon smirks, tossing the shotgun aside as if it were a mere toy. "Oh, I have no interest in this insignificant town or its feeble inhabitants. I'm merely drawn to the chaos, the destruction, and the power it brings. This fire tornado, it's a delightful spectacle, wouldn't you agree? I was merely sent here to observe!" Kyle, still catching his breath, glares at the Demon. "You're enjoying the suffering of innocent people? Well now, that's such a demon thing to do" The Demon's laughter reverberates through the clearing, a bone-chilling sound that sends shivers down their spines. "Innocence, guilt... such trivial concepts. I revel in the primal forces that shape this world. Chaos and destruction are my domain." Shane's gaze hardens as he takes a step closer, his voice tinged with determination. "Answer me this, what is your purpose? And what do you know about Azrael?" this causes The Demon's smile widens, revealing rows of sharp, jagged teeth like it's trying to physically show it's an outcast of it's own king. "Ah, Azrael. He walks among you, hidden in plain sight. He seeks something out...a weapon... to disrupt the delicate balance, to sow discord and despair. And I, well, I've taken a liking to his little game." As the Demon speaks, a gust of wind whips through the clearing, causing the surrounding trees to sway violently. Shadows dance around the Demon, amplifying her menacing presence as Shane locks eyes with the Demon, his voice is steady and resolute. "We won't let you or Azrael succeed. We'll stop both of you and restore peace to this town." The Demon's laughter fills the air once more, a chilling chorus that sends a shiver down Kyle's spine. "Oh, I do hope you try, Hunter, what you just said is very cliche but know this...I'm not here to play" and with that the Disaster Demon (having already observed the Disaster which was the Fire tornado) "smokes out" it's burnt vessel, not by the mouth but the eyes as it flees into the trees, vanishing from sight - Shane looks at Kyle with an exasperated look: "Now that was a demon if I've ever seen one" Kyle just rolls his eyes at his friend: "Great...more shit to worry about" Kyle looks at the timer on his phone: "We have 26 hours left, we need to find Azrael now and also find what he's looking for" Shane nods in agreement and they exit the Antelope Valley promptly making their way back to Loyalton.

In Loyalton, Azrael sends the hypnotized motorists into many different stores and outlets ordering them to find whatever it is he is looking for, he even orders them to attack others if they try to stop them from reaching the item he needs, the motorists mindlessly walk like robots around the centre of town and are ordered by Azrael to begin attacking civilians that enter the area - Azrael himself is drawn to a nearby antique store however as soon as he enters he sees a young girl sitting at a counter and smiling at him, he approaches her slowly, his gaze burning into her soul - The girl is wearing a white long-sleeved top with a light brown skirt and blue leggings with black ankle boots - Azrael's eyes lock onto the young girl behind the counter, his presence looming over her like a dark shadow. He approaches with an air of silent authority, his voice laced with a hypnotic tone and in a calm, mezmerizing way he says: "Good evening, my dear. I believe you hold within this store an item of great significance. A certain blade...some would say forged in Dragon's blood. Show it to me." The girl's smile falters for a brief moment, her eyes glazing over as his words take hold. She stands up mechanically and walks towards a display case, her movements controlled by Azrael's unseen influence - "Yes... it's here. Let me get it for you." The girl says dreamily, she unlocks the display case and retrieves a gleaming blade, its hilt adorned with intricate carvings that seem to come alive in the dim light of the store. She presents it to Azrael with a vacant expression, Azrael's gaze is fixed on the blade as he admires it: "Ah, exquisite. This blade shall serve its purpose well. Your assistance is appreciated." The girl's eyes regain a flicker of awareness, confusion crossing her face for a moment. But Azrael's intense stare draws her back into his thrall as she whispers to him: "Anything... for you."

Azrael takes the blade from her outstretched hand, a wicked smile playing on his lips. He grips the weapon tightly, feeling its power surge through him, he seems satisfied: "Thank you, my dear. Your service shall be remembered." - As Azrael turns to leave the store, the girl's eyes remain fixed on him, a mix of longing and emptiness in her gaze. She stands there, a mere puppet under his control - things take a turn however when the sound of a pistol being readied can be heard and Shane and Kyle can be seen blocking Azrael's exit, Kyle pointing a pistol at the angel's head - Shane and Kyle stood their ground, their eyes locked on Azrael, who turned to face them with an expression void of fear or surprise. Behind the counter, the girl remained motionless, still under Azrael's hypnotic control - Kyle's voice trembled with anger as he tightened his grip on the pistol, his finger poised on the trigger. "You're not going anywhere, Azrael. Explain yourself, or I'll blow your damn head off." A wry smile curled on Azrael's lips as he observed the scene, his gaze shifting between Kyle's gun and his unwavering eyes. "Ah, the hunters have arrived," he said calmly. "How quaint. You may lower your weapon, my dear Kyle. Violence won't yield the answers you seek...Hello Shane, nice to see you too...and yes, I know your names...I know everyone" his calm and professional tone is almost unnerving.

Shane stepped forward, his voice laced with determination. "We've seen the chaos you've caused, the innocent people you've manipulated. What do you want with that blade?" Azrael raises an eyebrow, acknowledging their perceptiveness: "The blade serves as a key, a catalyst for the change that must occur," he explained. "It holds the power to disrupt the delicate balance that binds this world." Kyle's anger grew as Azrael continues to talk in tongues, his voice strained. "What kind of change? What are you planning?" - Leaning in closer, Azrael's gaze turned steely, his voice resonating with an otherworldly authority. "You see, my dear hunters, this world is stagnant, suffocating under the weight of its own mediocrity," he declared. "The gods have grown indifferent, leaving mortals to languish in their apathy. But I... I seek to ignite the flames of transformation, to usher in a new era." Shane's defiance surged forth as he challenged Azrael. "And what makes you think you're qualified to decide the fate of humanity?" A sinister glint flickered in Azrael's eyes as he responded with unwavering conviction. "I am not bound by the constraints of mortal limitations. I possess knowledge and power far beyond your comprehension. The world must be cleansed, reborn from the ashes of its stagnant existence. And I shall be the catalyst that sets it ablaze."

The tension hung in the air, the weight of their opposing ideals threatening to ignite a conflict. Kyle's finger tightened on the trigger, ready to eliminate the threat before them, Shane's voice trembles once again: "And those people we had to fight through just so we could get in here? The innocent lives you manipulated and put at risk with your mind tricks. Is this the price you're willing to pay for your so-called transformation?" Azrael's eyes gleamed with an unsettling determination, unyielding in the face of their questioning. "Collateral damage," he replied coldly. "Regrettably, sacrifices are necessary" as he continues his monologue, a resounding gunshot filled the air as Kyle's bullet flew toward Azrael with determined force. But to their astonishment, the bullet seemed to lose all momentum, halted mid-air as if suspended by an invisible force. Azrael's face remained unflinching, unaffected by the futile attempt on his life - Azrael's voice dripped with disdain as he mocked their feeble resistance. "You think your weapons can harm me? Mortal instruments are no match for my divine essence. Your efforts are in vain." He then with a simple wave of his hands sends Shane and Kyle hard into the walls of the store, knocking them unconscious. He then turns around, the young girl remains standing in place, a vacant look in her eyes - Azrael strides over to her and places a hand on her shoulder, his hypnotic gaze boring into her mind - "It is time my dear...kill them" he then gives her a silver blade and orders her to kill the hunters, just as Azrael is prepared to unleash the hypnotized girl upon Shane and Kyle, a commanding voice filled the air, cutting through the suffocating atmosphere: "Stop! Release them at once!"

The voice belonged to Father Joseph, revealing himself to not just be a priest but a seasoned exorcist known for his unwavering faith and indomitable spirit. He stood at the entrance of the antique store, his eyes filled with determination - Azrael turned to face the newcomer, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. "Father Joseph, always meddling in affairs that do not concern you." with a swift motion, Father Joseph held up a crucifix, its radiant glow dispelling the darkness that seemed to emanate from Azrael - "Your wicked presence is an affront to the divine order," Father Joseph declared, his voice steady and resolute. "Release these souls from your grasp, demon!"

A surge of holy energy emanated from Father Joseph, breaking Azrael's hypnotic hold on the girl. Her eyes regained focus, confusion and fear replacing the vacant expression as Azrael sneered, his voice laced with disdain. "You think your faith can save them? Your feeble attempts are futile...I'm no demon, I'M A SOLDIER OF GOD!" Azrael's annoyance causes Father Joseph's grip on the crucifix to be tightened as he faced what he calls a fallen angel with unshakable resolve. "I have witnessed the power of divine grace countless times. It is stronger than any darkness you wield." after the priest utters these words, he extended his hand toward Shane and Kyle, channeling a surge of divine energy. The unconscious hunters stirred, their eyes fluttering open as they regained consciousness - Shane and Kyle blinked in bewilderment, their bodies aching from the impact. Their eyes met Father Joseph's unwavering gaze, and a glimmer of hope ignited within them - Azrael growled in frustration, his power waning against the might of the exorcist's faith. With a final scowl, he retreated, his form dissipating into shadow as he faded from the store - Father Joseph rushes to Shane and Kyle's side, helping them regain their footing. "Be wary, my friends. Azrael's influence runs deep, but together, we can thwart his plans...I have heard rumblings that he wishes to lead a serman on a nearby hill at sundown, your friend Fiona tells me you have one day to stop Azrael, you must take that blade with you" he says as he points to the blade that Azrael seemingly dropped - "Thank you Father Joseph," Shane says as they thank the priest before making their way out of the antique store, as they do so: Kyle receives a call from Maria, the pair exchange loving words and Kyle asks Maria if she can forgive him for breaking his promise of a date for the sake of the case he is on: "Of course Kyle... I understand." before she abruptly hangs up - Shane nods at Kyle as his friend to balance his chaotic life with his normal one once again, a desperate looking Kyle then turns to Father Richard and surprisingly asks for guidance, Father Joseph places a comforting hand on Kyle's shoulder, offering a warm smile. "My son, remember that faith and duty can coexist. Seek wisdom in prayer, trust in the guidance of your heart, and let love be your compass. God will show you the way" Kyle nods understandingly as the trio head out of town once again.

Moments later, the trio come across a hill with a cross stuck in it, the cross seems old and fragile - Father Joseph seems very confident that Azrael will be here in mere hours and warns Shane and Kyle to be on their toes - Shane checks the lorebook on Azrael "How can we smoke this angelic douchebag?" he asks himself as he looks at Azrael's entry, it reads: Azrael, the Fallen Herald, was once a revered angel who strayed from righteousness. He now seeks to disrupt the delicate balance of our world. Possessing unmatched knowledge and power, he manipulates minds through hypnotic control, turning the weak-willed into his pawns - Driven by a desire for change, Azrael is willing to sacrifice innocents and upset the existence's balance. To counter him, one must remain steadfast in faith, invoking divine grace and using prayer, holy relics, and unwavering belief as protection, beware of his cunning nature, as he can assume deceptive forms and sow discord among his opponents. Azrael's strength lies not only in his power but also in his ability to cast doubt upon those who stand against him.

Shane closes the book looking sad, "We can't smoke him...there's nothing in the lore" - Father Joseph then steps forward, his voice resolute: "Then we must be prepared for his arrival... we must pray" he leads Shane and Kyle in prayer for protection against Azrael, Father Joseph then blesses the ancient blade that Azrael dropped during the confrontation at the antique store, placing it in Shane's hands. "This is a holy relic of great significance," he explains. "The blade itself holds great power, use it as you see fit...Azrael is powerful but he cannot resist divine grace." - Shane is skeptical: "You seem very sure" as he comments on Father Joseph's certainty - Father Joseph smiles warmly "I am certain, I have faith" - Suddenly, a rumbling can be felt around the hill as Azrael can be seen behind them, his vessel emitting a light from it as the hypnotized motorists look to bring the townsfolk of Loyalton into their fold as Shane and Kyle shield their eyes from the blinding light, the motorists and townsfolk form a circle around the hill as they hold hands and hum in unison - Azrael looks at Shane, Kyle and Father Joseph in disapproval as he speaks: "Thralls of Azrael, today you have ascended," Azrael proclaimed, his voice carrying a chilling resonance. "You have cast off the shackles of mediocrity, of stagnant existence. Embrace the power that surges within you, for I offer you the promise of a new world." The light emanating from Azrael's vessel intensified, casting an ethereal glow that enveloped the hill. The hypnotized townsfolk joined the motorists in forming a unified circle, holding hands and humming in a haunting chorus. Their collective energy seemed to amplify, fueling Azrael's malevolent intentions, "With this blade," Azrael continued, his gaze fixated on the ancient relic, "forged in the blood of dragons, I shall cleanse this world of all that hinders its transformation. Anything that stands in the way of progress shall be eradicated. No threat, no resistance, no trace of the old order shall remain." Shane's grip on the holy relic tightened, his determination mounting in the face of Azrael's daunting presence. The townsfolk's surrender to his influence saddened him, but he knew that their faith and unwavering belief in the power of divine grace could still prevail - Father Joseph's eyes locked with Azrael's, his faith unyielding as Azrael's steely gaze intensified, a flicker of uncertainty momentarily crossing his face. But it quickly transformed into a wicked smile, filled with confidence. "We shall see," he sneered, his voice laced with ominous certainty. "The battle for this world's fate has only just begun, and I assure you, my dear adversaries, it will be a cataclysmic spectacle unlike anything you've ever witnessed...I will bring upon this world my image, the image of a fallen angel and I will become GOD!" As the confrontation reached its peak, a storm brewed on the horizon, clouds swirling ominously above the hill - he turns to the hunters and Father Joseph: "Anything you would like to say before your own kind beat you to death?" he says mockingly - "No?" he replies, feigning disappointment "Good" he then raises his hands, directing the hypnotized townspeople to attack Shane and Kyle "kill them all!" - Shane rushes towards Azrael with the blade declaring "You first" before attempting to use the blade on the angel however he is pulled back by the hypnotized townsfolk before he can even reach him - Azrael watches in amusement as the townsfolk tackle Shane and Kyle to the ground. "Let me go!" Shane shouts, his voice filled with anger as he tries to resist their hold, this commotion causes Father Joseph to look around at the chaos.

He assesses whats going on before picking up the blade himself: "Curse you Azrael!" Father Joseph's voice reverberated with righteous fury as he raised the ancient blade high, infused with the power of divine grace. The storm above the hill intensified, crackling with lightning and roaring with thunder, as if nature itself recognized the impending clash between good and evil - With a swift motion, Father Joseph lunged towards Azrael, his eyes blazing with determination. The hypnotized townsfolk, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden turn of events, loosened their grip on Shane and Kyle, allowing them to struggle free.

Azrael's amusement quickly shifted to surprise as Father Joseph's strike connected. The blade, forged in the blood of dragons, pierced through Azrael's vessel, a resounding clash of celestial and divine forces reverberating through the air as the fallen angel recoiled, a mixture of pain and rage contorting his face. But before he could retaliate, a figure emerged from the storm, a weakened Azrael turns to face the figure, it is a man dressed in black: "You followed our firestorm Azrael, yet it wasn't meant for you...yet here you are, capitalizing on it like the snake you are" the man spoke with an unwavering calmness. His voice carried authority, resonating with a deep power. The townsfolk and motorists, now free from Azrael's influence, watched in awe and confusion - The man stepped forward, he extended his hand, summoning a torrent of flames that engulfed Azrael, searing his essence and weakening his hold on the earthly realm as Shane identifies the man as a Dragon but in human form - Azrael howled in agony, his form flickering and fading. The man in black, his eyes blazing with righteous fury, uttered words in a forgotten language known as Dovahzul, sealing Azrael's fate with a banishing spell. With a final burst of incandescent light, Azrael's essence dispersed, leaving only a charred mark on the ground where he once stood.

The storm began to dissipate, the thunderous clouds parting to reveal a sky tinged with the hues of dawn. The man in black turned towards Father Joseph, Shane, and Kyle, a solemn look on his face, he requests the blade that Shane has however before Shane and Kyle can do anything, Fiona's voice echoes around them without a source: "Hometime" before they seemingly disappear from Loyalton and end back up in Lincoln City, their mission complete as Shane and Kyle find themselves in Shane's garage once again - They look around in confusion, the only thing that remains from their adventure is the blade that Father Joseph blessed earlier - "What the hell just happened?" Shane asks himself in bewilderment - Fiona can be seeing sat in Shane's chair: "Ah, I see you've returned safely. Well done, my friends." Shane and Kyle exchanged glances, their faces a mix of surprise and relief. "Fiona? What happened back there? We defeated Azrael? Ghouls? Disaster Demons? Dragons? Magical Priests? and ALL because of a strange weather phenomenon" Shane questioned, his voice filled with curiosity - Fiona's voice carried a sense of reverence as she explained: "The Dragon you saw is a guardian of the group who aim to carry out the will of Kasuti, it's sole purpose is to seek out threats to the group and recognized the danger Azrael posed, and thus orchestrated a plan to bring about his downfall by luring him out with that Fire tornado which it likely created itself." Shane facepalms at the hearing of Kasuti as it reminds him to the Dragon encounter he had with that same group - Fiona continues: "However, you got off lucky - Azrael's true form, like many other angels, would have burnt your eyes out with a mere glance." Shane shudders at the thought "Can we not go through that again" - Fiona chuckles: "We shall see..." before she then disappears abruptly taking Kyle with her, Shane seems astounded at this: "Erm...Bye guys?" he says unsurely before looking at the blade and placing it in a special case.

Elsewhere, Fiona has taken Kyle back to his car which is still parked in a layby near Maria's house - Fiona puts her hand on Kyle's shoulder: "I think you have a house visit to make" she says with a smile before vanishing - Kyle nods to himself and drives to Maria's house, it is night time now but he knocks on the door regardless - Maria opens the door and sees Kyle: "Maria! I'm so sorry I-" Kyle begins but Maria interrupts him "Kyle...I understand." She pauses for a moment "Come inside" she says kindly - Kyle follows Maria inside and the pair talk for a while discussing their lives once again with Kyle even saying that the case he just worked helped him learn about the importance of balance in one's life, soon after Maria invites Kyle to stay the night as it is late and he has been working hard recently so he accepts - Maria simply hugs Kyle tightly as the pair move upstairs, their connection proving to be truly unbreakable.

Back in Lincoln City, Shane can be seen sleeping upstairs, as he does this - a man dressed in black breaks in and finds his way into Shane's home and into the garage, he scans what artefacts Shane has and even his lore book but what he is truly after is the case with the ancient blade in it. He examines the blade for a bit before determing quietly that it needs to be destroyed - He then proceeds to take it with him as he stealthily disappears back into the night, wings sprout from his back as he takes flight all while Shane sleeps, not knowing at all that a Dragon had just visited him.

## Characters

* Shane
* Kyle Macleod
* Azrael
* Fiona
* Maria Murray
* Dragons