"The Church of Lights" (Flock'⁴⁴/ıı)

## Plot

In the snowy mountains of the Czech Republic on May 8th, 1945, Jonah and Hazel continued their tireless search for young Miki. For weeks, they had traversed treacherous terrains, following Miki's telepathic messages that guided them to her location. Finally, their efforts paid off as they spotted a half-damaged church nestled among the snow-covered peaks. Their wings aching from the long flight, Jonah and Hazel descended upon the ancient church, seeking solace and a moment of respite. As they stepped through the towering entrance, Jonah's keen eyes caught sight of intricate drawings etched into the walls. The symbols appeared to be ancient runes, reminiscent of those he had encountered during his travels in Denmark. A spark of recognition ignited within him, whispering of a forgotten connection to a time long past. Though the runes intrigued Jonah, his primary focus remained on finding Miki. With Hazel by his side, he ascended the stairs leading to the church's inner sanctum. As they pushed open the creaking doors, a scene of unimaginable horror greeted them. The once hallowed grounds were now littered with the lifeless bodies of the townspeople who had fallen victim to a relentless and savage monster attack.

Amidst the macabre display, Jonah and Hazel discovered a lone survivor - a traumatized Croat soldier who had witnessed the gruesome deaths of fellow survivors. The Croat soldier's mind had been shattered, pushed to the brink of madness by the sheer terror he had endured. In his delirium, he mistook Jonah and Hazel for the very monsters that had ravaged the town, launching a frenzied attack in a desperate attempt to protect what little remained of his shattered reality. As the Croat soldier trembling hands clutched at Jonah's throat, a chilling vision materialized before their eyes. Ghostly apparitions, the tormented souls of those who had perished in the onslaught, surrounded the Croat soldier. Their anguished cries filled the air, echoing the pain and agony they had suffered. These vengeful spirits seemed to draw closer to the Croat soldier, their ethereal presence intensifying his heart-wrenching torment. In a cruel twist of fate, the Croat soldier frail heart succumbed to the overwhelming weight of his fear and guilt, manifesting as a sudden heart attack. He collapsed to the ground, his grip on Jonah loosening. Silence engulfed the chamber as Jonah and Hazel stood in stunned disbelief, grappling with the tragic consequences of their arrival.

With heavy hearts, Jonah and Hazel understood that their mission to find Miki had taken on an even greater significance. They were now not only tasked with rescuing Miki from the clutches of darkness but also with bringing justice to the monsters responsible for the town's devastation. As they solemnly made their way through the desecrated church, Jonah vowed to uncover the secrets behind the ancient runes, hoping they held the key to unraveling the mystery surrounding the monsters' origins. Little did they know that their journey would lead them deeper into a world of darkness and peril, where the boundaries between reality and myth would blur beyond comprehension. As Jonah and Hazel cautiously stepped into the Nave, their eyes widened at the sight that unfolded before them. The male and female knights, along with the menacing blonde-haired Viking man, loomed in the center of the room. The chilling realization hit them like a wave - they had captured Miki and trapped her within a glass box. Their hearts pounding, Jonah and Hazel sprang into action, desperate to reach their friend's side. But their efforts were met with brutal resistance. With a swift, powerful kick, the female knight sent Hazel crashing into the broken walls above. The impact was jarring, causing Hazel to gasp for breath, his body aching with pain. Meanwhile, Jonah narrowly evaded the female knight's attack, her strike missing him by mere inches. Sensing an opportunity, he sprinted towards the exit, hoping to find a way to outmaneuver their adversaries. But he was swiftly intercepted by the blonde-haired Viking man, who delivered a bone-crushing punch, leaving Jonah gasping for air as he was pinned against the wall.

As pain surged through their bodies, Jonah and Hazel refused to succumb to defeat. With sheer determination, Jonah summoned his remaining strength and launched a desperate kick towards the Viking man. But to his shock, the blow had no effect, as if the Viking man possessed an otherworldly resilience. In retaliation, the Viking man effortlessly threw Jonah towards the ancient altar, his body colliding with a resounding thud. Undeterred, Hazel charged down the aisle, his eyes blazing with fury. She lunged at the Viking man, attempting to land a decisive blow. But her efforts were swiftly thwarted as the Viking man effortlessly kicked her aside, sending her sprawling to the ground. The male and female knights, seizing the opportunity, continued their relentless march, carrying the glass box containing Miki. Ignoring the pain coursing through their bodies, Jonah and Hazel watched helplessly as their adversaries strode past, their determination unyielding. And then, in a moment that froze time itself, the blonde-haired Viking man underwent a horrifying transformation, morphing into the monstrous entity known as Idh-yaa. The air grew heavy with malevolence as Idh-yaa's form exuded an overwhelming darkness, a sight that sent shivers down Jonah and Hazel's spines. Bruised and battered, Jonah and Hazel shared a silent understanding. They knew that the battle before them would test the limits of their strength and resolve. With unwavering determination, they pushed aside the pain, ready to face the ancient evil that threatened their friend and the very fabric of their world.

Little did they know, this encounter was just the beginning. It was the catalyst for a perilous journey that would force them to confront their deepest fears, unravel ancient secrets, and forge unbreakable bonds. As they braced themselves for the imminent clash with Idh-yaa and his minions, Jonah, Hazel, and their unwavering spirit became beacons of hope in a world consumed by darkness. As Idh-yaa unleashed its piercing sonic screams, the nave was thrown into chaos, with debris flying in every direction. Jonah, his reflexes honed from countless battles, skillfully evaded the relentless attacks from Idh-yaa's thrashing tail. Seizing the opportunity, Jonah hurled grenades at the colossal creature, causing a powerful explosion that rocked Idh-yaa to its core. Undeterred, Jonah leaped towards Idh-yaa's menacing face, delivering a swift and powerful kick. In a display of unwavering bravery, he plunged his knife into one of Idh-yaa's eyes, momentarily stunning the creature. However, Idh-yaa retaliated with a vicious strike from its tail, slamming into Jonah's back with bone-crushing force. With a surge of anger, Idh-yaa attempted to crush Jonah, slashing at him with the blade-like growth on its tail. But Jonah, fueled by determination, expertly evaded each deadly blow. As the battle escalated, Jonah swiftly raised his rifle, taking aim at the tail blade that had caused him so much pain. His shots found their mark, inflicting damage upon Idh-yaa and intensifying its agony. Jonah relentlessly fired at the creature, landing multiple hits with precision and tenacity. However, in a brutal turn of events, Idh-yaa's tail struck Jonah with a devastating blow, hurtling him towards a nearby column. The impact was brutal, leaving Jonah unconscious, his body wracked with pain, resulting in him vomiting before succumbing to unconsciousness.

With Jonah incapacitated and Idh-yaa closing in for the kill, Hazel, ever resourceful, let out a resounding whistle, catching Idh-yaa's attention. Standing tall, Hazel mounted Idh-yaa's tail with a playful and lighthearted demeanor, engaging in amusing banter with the colossal beast. Taunting Idh-yaa about its appearance and playfully teasing it, Hazel managed to divert the creature's attention away from Jonah's vulnerable form. Enraged by Hazel's audacity, Idh-yaa swung its tail with full force, attempting to strike down the daring intruder. However, Hazel's quick reflexes allowed him to dodge the tail's deadly arc, using his agility to stay one step ahead. In a surprising turn of events, Hazel found himself positioned atop a nearby shrine, his body propped up on his head, defying the laws of gravity. From this peculiar vantage point, Hazel continued his witty banter, mocking Idh-yaa's fighting abilities and remarking on the uniqueness of its tail as a weapon. As Idh-yaa relentlessly attempted to strike Hazel with its tail, the agile warrior effortlessly evaded each attack, showcasing his remarkable dancing skills. With each graceful move, Hazel praised Idh-yaa's hidden talent as a dancer, encouraging it to embrace its true potential. Despite Idh-yaa's relentless attempts to hit him, Hazel's nimble footwork proved too elusive, leaving the creature frustrated and eventually giving up on its futile attacks.

With swift precision, Hazel hurled himself through the air, skillfully landing on his feet as he swiftly ran towards the approaching Idh-yaa. Drawing his trusty M1911 guns, he unleashed a barrage of bullets towards the monstrous creature, aiming for its vulnerable spots. As Hazel flipped over, his wings unfurled, propelling him forward with incredible speed. However, Idh-yaa, sensing the danger, unleashed a torrent of fire-breathing attacks from its depths, threatening to engulf Hazel in flames. Acting quickly, Hazel conjured a protective shield, shielding himself and managing to evade the fiery onslaught unscathed. Seizing the opportunity, he grabbed Jonah and swiftly maneuvered behind a sturdy column, ensuring their safety. Idh-yaa, undeterred, closed in on their position, its massive form causing the ground to tremble. With determination shining in his eyes, Hazel reloaded his M1911 gun, ready to face the creature head-on once more. Meanwhile, Jonah sprinted towards where Miki was, determined to rescue her from the imminent danger. As Idh-yaa approached the column, its colossal presence threatening to crush them, Hazel launched himself into action. Performing a daring aerial cartwheel, he gracefully evaded the creature's tail as it swung with tremendous force towards the column. Taking advantage of the momentary distraction, Hazel leaped towards the menacing tail, using his incredible agility to avoid its deadly strikes. Utilizing his acrobatic skills, Hazel expertly maneuvered along the walls, his feet barely touching the surface as he sped away from Idh-yaa's destructive path. However, the relentless creature continued to lash out, using its tail to demolish the surrounding walls in a display of raw power.

Jonah's feet touched down on the war-torn ground, his eyes surveying the desolation that surrounded him. The remnants of what once were sturdy buildings now lay in ruins, their skeletal structures protruding from the ground like the bones of a fallen giant. Smoke billowed from the smoldering rubble, mixing with the acrid scent of destruction. The scene before him only ignited his determination to protect Miki, his trusted companion. As he took in the devastating sight, Jonah's heart pounded with a mixture of adrenaline and concern. Miki's safety was paramount, and he knew he had to shield her from the imminent danger that loomed closer with each passing moment. There, in the distance, he spotted two knights making their way across a bridge towards him. Without hesitation, he took flight, his wings propelling him towards the bridge with a sense of urgency. As Jonah landed gracefully on the bridge, an audible creak resonated through the air. The structure responded to his presence, descending rapidly, effectively blocking the path of the two knights who were carrying the unconscious Miki. The bridge now stood as an impenetrable barrier, providing a momentary respite from the encroaching threat. However, his interference did not go unnoticed. The female knight, sensing Jonah's intervention, unleashed her true form. In a matter of seconds, she transformed into the fearsome figure known as Zoth-Ommog. Her transformation was accompanied by a gust of wind, causing her blade-like wings to unfurl with a threatening elegance. The very air seemed to crackle with electricity as her tentacled mane writhed and sparked, ready to strike at Jonah.

Jonah's instincts kicked in, his body moving with agility and precision. He effortlessly evaded each surge of electricity that Zoth-Ommog hurled towards him. His nimble movements allowed him to dance through the air, gracefully dodging the deadly strikes. With every feathered blade aimed in his direction, Jonah twisted and turned, narrowly avoiding their razor-sharp edges. Some of the feathers grazed his wings, leaving behind a trail of discarded plumage as they lost their trajectory amidst the chaos. Despite the relentless pursuit of Zoth-Ommog, Jonah remained one step ahead, using his aerial prowess to his advantage. However, Zoth-Ommog was relentless in her pursuit. Determined to capture Jonah, she employed the rest of her tentacles, their slimy appendages reaching out to ensnare him. Jonah felt the grip tightening around him, threatening to crush his body. But through sheer willpower, he summoned the strength to break free. With a swift motion, he used his wings to create an opening, twisting his body in mid-air to escape the clutches of Zoth-Ommog's grasp. As he soared away, Zoth-Ommog retaliated with her tentacles, desperately trying to strike him down. Yet Jonah's reflexes were honed to perfection, allowing him to expertly navigate through the onslaught, evading each attack with calculated precision. Zoth-Ommog unleashed a fierce attack, her tentacles lashing out towards Jonah with a forceful whip-like motion. The impact was brutal, causing Jonah to crash against the ground, his arm throbbing in pain. Through the haze of agony, he witnessed Zoth-Ommog's relentless determination to end his life. One of her tentacles sliced through the blinding that surrounded them, a sinister attempt to reach him and deliver a fatal blow.

With lightning-fast reflexes, Jonah evaded the deadly strike, narrowly escaping the clutches of impending doom. Seeking a momentary respite, he quickly sought refuge in the corner of the room, hoping to conceal himself from Zoth-Ommog's piercing gaze. However, the malevolent creature was undeterred, her massive form hurtling towards the now-tattered blinding. As Zoth-Ommog crashed through the remaining barrier, chaos ensued. Debris rained down upon Jonah as the room became a battleground of destruction. He skillfully avoided the falling objects, his agility and quick thinking preventing any further injuries. Amidst the crumbling walls and shattered glass, Jonah spotted an opportunity for escape. Summoning his remaining strength, he propelled himself towards a shattered window. With a powerful surge, he burst through the fractured glass, shards glinting in the air as he soared into the open sky. However, Jonah's freedom was short-lived, for Zoth-Ommog pursued him relentlessly through the broken window, her monstrous form silhouetted against the backdrop of destruction. Jonah's heart raced as he continued to navigate through the treacherous airspace. The landscape below, once familiar and serene, had transformed into a war-torn wasteland. Ruined buildings and smoldering debris served as a constant reminder of the chaos that enveloped them. Yet, amidst the devastation, Jonah's determination burned brighter than ever.

With each beat of his wings, Jonah propelled himself further away from Zoth-Ommog, his movements guided by a combination of instinct and calculated precision. The cacophony of destruction echoed in his ears, a symphony of destruction that seemed to push him to the limits of his endurance. But Jonah refused to succumb to the exhaustion that threatened to consume him. His mind raced, assessing the perilous situation and searching for any advantage he could exploit. He weaved through the decimated landscape, skillfully maneuvering through the obstacles that obstructed his path. Every twist and turn, every dip and soar, brought him closer to the possibility of liberation, a chance to elude the clutches of the relentless Zoth-Ommog. The chase continued, a relentless pursuit that showcased the unwavering determination of both Jonah and Zoth-Ommog. Their paths intertwined in a deadly dance, a battle of wills that defied the limits of physicality. As he soared higher into the sky, the world below seemed to shrink in significance. The once-familiar town became a mere speck in the vast expanse, its struggles and turmoil momentarily forgotten. Jonah's focus remained unwavering, his wings beating with unwavering resolve as he sought sanctuary amidst the boundless heavens. But Zoth-Ommog, fueled by a malevolence that knew no bounds, refused to relent. Her massive form loomed ever closer, a menacing presence that threatened to shatter Jonah's hopes of escape.

Meanwhile, inside the church, Hazel displayed his remarkable agility as he unleashed a series of powerful swing kicks, specifically targeting the vulnerable groin area of Idh-yaa. Each strike landed with precision and force, showcasing Hazel's exceptional combat skills. Amidst the chaos, Idh-yaa responded with fury, thrashing its tail with immense power, obliterating everything in its path within the once serene church. However, Hazel remained undeterred by the imminent danger, skillfully evading the creature's tail strikes. With each attempt to strike him down, Hazel effortlessly leaped over the attacks, showcasing his exceptional reflexes. In a breathtaking display of aerial prowess, Hazel unfurled his magnificent wings, their vibrant hues catching the light as they gracefully extended. With a swift and elegant motion, he executed a stunning flip, propelling himself with astonishing speed along a circular trajectory. The sudden burst of energy generated a whirlwind of immense power, causing nearby objects to be lifted and hurled towards Idh-yaa with tremendous force. The relentless barrage of flying debris crashed into Idh-yaa's colossal frame, causing the creature to stagger and falter under the onslaught. Blow after blow, the whirlwind of objects pummeled Idh-yaa, leaving it dazed and disoriented. The once invincible creature was now succumbing to the overwhelming assault, unable to defend itself against the relentless barrage of projectiles propelled by Hazel's impressive aerial acrobatics. As the dust settled and the whirlwind dissipated, Idh-yaa stood battered and bruised, its imposing figure diminished by the relentless assault. It was a testament to Hazel's quick thinking and extraordinary abilities, as he single-handedly turned the tide of battle in a breathtaking display of skill and resourcefulness. The church, once a place of tranquility, now bore the scars of the fierce confrontation between Hazel and Idh-yaa. In the midst of the chaos, Idh-yaa launched attacks on Hazel, destroying columns in an attempt to crush him. However, Hazel swiftly uploaded his hidden guns, retaliating by launching a counter-attack on Idh-yaa. He landed on the creature's face, using his tail as a shield against its strikes. With incredible agility, Hazel leaped onto Idh-yaa's head, only to be met with a swift tail strike from the creature.

However, this attack revealed Hazel's heightened strength as he mustered up his supernatural power, enabling him to seize hold of the tail. Employing his grappling expertise, Hazel forcefully crashed the tail, inflicting immense pain on Idh-yaa. Undeterred, the creature vigorously shook its head in an attempt to dislodge Hazel, who, in a moment of quick thinking, utilized his knives to stab and cut the tail. But the battle was far from over. As Idh-yaa unleashed a fiery breath towards Hazel, the resilient protagonist took flight, soaring upward while simultaneously emptying his gun's bullets into the creature's face. Hazel's precision and speed were unmatched as he skillfully dodged the relentless attacks and delivered swift punches and kicks to Idh-yaa's vulnerable spots. Despite Idh-yaa's desperate attempt to immobilize Hazel with its tail, the tenacious fighter evaded and retaliated, refusing to succumb to the creature's onslaught. Seizing the advantage of being perched on a column, Hazel reloaded his gun, swiftly closed the distance between himself and Idh-yaa, and aimed for the creature's tail. Utilizing the lethal combination of his martial arts prowess and extraordinary strength, Hazel unleashed rapid poke elbows, inflicting excruciating pain on Idh-yaa and causing it to stumble. In the midst of the chaos, Idh-yaa's tail struck Hazel, crashing through the already broken walls and creating a gaping hole. Sensing an opportunity, the creature attempted to pursue Hazel through the hole with its tail, but Hazel retaliated by firing his gun towards the tail, impeding its advancement. Unfurling his wings, Hazel effortlessly evaded further attacks, expertly flipping over Idh-yaa's onslaught while delivering powerful strikes. It was then that Hazel, with a well-timed flying kick, landed inside Idh-yaa's mouth, forcing the creature to expel him in agony. Realizing its defeat, Idh-yaa made a hasty decision to escape, fleeing the church and leaving destruction in its wake. Hazel, victorious yet fatigued, watched as the creature retreated, knowing that it would no longer pose a threat. The once serene church now lay in ruins, bearing witness to the intense battle that had unfolded within its walls.

Meanwhile, the male knight maintained a watchful distance near the fountain, patiently biding his time as Zoth-Ommog assessed Jonah's skills, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Zoth-Ommog's stance exuded an aura of formidable strength, her muscles coiled like taut springs, ready to unleash devastation upon her prey. Fear gripped Jonah's heart as Zoth-Ommog unleashed her massive stinger, striking at him with relentless force. Jonah's instincts kicked in, and he swiftly utilized his wings to dodge the venomous attacks, soaring in elegant circles to evade her. Zoth-Ommog retaliated by launching a barrage of blade-like feathers, but Jonah's agility allowed him to evade their deadly trajectory. However, in the midst of the chaotic struggle, Jonah's right leg suffered a deep gash from a well-aimed strike. Despite his injuries, Jonah pressed on, fighting to reach the safety of the tunnel that lay ahead. Zoth-Ommog pursued him relentlessly, her determination unwavering. As Jonah entered the open utility tunnel, he stumbled upon a cache of leftover molotov cocktails, his mind racing with a daring plan. Concealing himself from Zoth-Ommog's relentless pursuit, Jonah turned a nearby valve, unleashing a torrential stream of water. Meanwhile, Zoth-Ommog scoured the area, her piercing gaze searching for any sign of her elusive prey. In a twist of fate, her pursuit led her straight into Jonah's path. With lightning speed, she lunged forward, stinger poised for the final strike. But destiny intervened, as her attack inadvertently struck a pipe, igniting a scorching geyser of water that engulfed Zoth-Ommog, causing her immense pain. Seizing the opportunity, Jonah hurled one of the molotov cocktails, its fiery contents engulfing Zoth-Ommog's insides, leaving her burning from within.

However, Jonah's respite was short-lived. He soon found himself entangled in Zoth-Ommog's tentacles, his injured wing receiving a painful whip from their relentless strikes. The scent of oil wafted through the air, and Jonah realized he was near a cluster of pipes. As one of Zoth-Ommog's tentacles tightened its grip around him, she opened her menacing mouth, preparing to devour him. Yet, just as her jaws began to close in, Jonah's instincts kicked in once more. With lightning reflexes, he ignited another molotov cocktail, hurling it into Zoth-Ommog's gaping maw. The resulting explosion created chaos, leaving Zoth-Ommog burning from within, her plans of devouring Jonah abruptly halted. As Jonah made his escape, racing against time, he felt a surge of triumph. But his moment of victory was cut short as the male knight, hidden in the shadows, impaled him from behind with his stinger, causing Jonah to lose consciousness. As Jonah crumpled to the ground, the female knight emerged from the burning tunnel, her armor singed from the flames. Casting a solemn gaze upon Jonah's fallen form, she acknowledged his valiant efforts. Together, the knights walked away from Jonah's motionless body, their journey continuing into the unknown. And so, the episode drew to a close, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a lingering sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.