Episode 8 - A Voice

A bone-chilling voice made them freeze. Hearts pounded even more, reaching to their ears.

Massive wings flapped against the moonlit sky with an unsettling smile.

"Did you think you could escape me? I am not kind enough to lose my prey," the demon snarled, its eyes fixed on Jiexin and the child.

It then tilted its head, looking behind Jiexin.

"It seems you brought another prey," it hissed, its long tongue licking its lips greedily.

Ms. Chen couldn't help but feel a shudder as it looked directly into her eyes.

Ms. Chen glanced at Jiexin, shaken with distress, her eyebrows furrowed.

"Were you being followed?" she asked, her voice tense.

Jiexin was unable to respond; guilt was on his face.

Ms. Chen realized it immediately through her expression.

"Shxt!" she muttered.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Chen."

"Shut it. I thought you'd be useful. I shouldn't have gone along with you."

Ms. Chen gritted her teeth, regret coursing through her.

Jiexin felt awful, not because of what she had said but because he had dragged her into this perilous situation. He knew she was right to blame him.

The demon descended slowly, its wings gracefully controlling its descent. Its large, bird-like feet touched the cold ground.

"You know, I've been pondering how I should end you," the demon said, its finger resting on its chin as if contemplating a menu.

"Ah! How about a bit of skydiving?"

It grinned widely, discussing it as if it were a casual conversation.

"Should we make a run for it?"

Ms. Chen suggested, in a hushed tone, that her nervous breath betrayed her fear.

Jiexin couldn't reply; he was equally uncertain about their options. They were in an open area, and the demon would catch up to them quickly if they tried to flee.

But there was only one viable choice.

But there was only one viable choice.

"Ms. Chen, can you do me a favor?" Jiexin said in a low tone.

His gaze was fixed on the ground as he contemplated a difficult decision.

"Huh?"

Ms. Chen studied Jiexin's face, and it revealed his intentions without words.

"You're not thinking of confronting that demon alone, are you?"

Jiexin remained silent, his eyes determined, confirming Ms. Chen's suspicions.

Ms. Chen took a deep breath and let out an exasperated sigh.

"You stubborn idiot," she muttered under her breath, unable to hide her frustration.

"Do whatever you want; I just want to live", Ms. Chen expressed herself.

"Give me the kid," she resigned, her tone exuding annoyance.

Jiexin looked at Ms. Chen, his eyes conveying his gratitude, and he gently caressed the boy's head as he looked at his eyes.

The boy's eyes welled up with tears, and he puckered his lips, struggling to hold back his sobs.

"I need you to listen to auntie, okay?" Jiexin said to the child.

'Auntie!?'

Ms. Chen was taken aback by Jiexin's use of the term "auntie."

"What are you guys yapping about?" the demon impatiently demanded.

Without wasting a second, Jiexin relayed the child to Ms. Chen.

"Please, take care of him," he pleaded, desperate.

"Sure," she said, her hesitations showing.

Now that they have finally decided, it's time to initiate it.

"Run, now",

Ms. Chen nodded once and sprinted away from the scene, cursing under her breath.

"Shxt!"

The demon's smile grew sinister as it watched the two run away.

"Ahh, what a hero you are. Do you want to meet the same fate as the mother?" it mocked Jiexin, its lower lip tucked in.

Jiexin paid no heed to the demon's taunts and grabbed a thin metal pole from a broken road sign just lying beside the pavement.

"Too many hero wannabes," the demon scoffed.

Jiexin gripped his weapon as he gulped, ready to confront the demon.

"Did you really think you could kill me with that?"

Jiexin was silent as he gripped the metal pole tighter, sweat dripping and heart pounding.

Jiexin stood in silence, clutching the metal pole tightly, his heart pounding as sweat dripped down his face.

The demon began to flap its wings, rising a few meters into the air, causing dust to swirl around.

"Humans have changed," the demon remarked.

"The humans on Earth back then were strong but selfish. Now, they're weak and have the audacity to save someone. Humans have become boring."

Jiexin gripped the metal pole with both hands, pointing it forward as he prepared for the demon's move. His eyes showed a mix of courage and fear.

"NEHAHAHAHAHA!"

The demon laughed manically, placing its crimson-red hands on its forehead.

Then it smirked, finally making a move.

And with a powerful flap of its massive wings, it flew toward Jiexin at intense speed.

Jiexin braced himself, unwillingly closing his eyes as he was gripped with fear, gritting his teeth for the oncoming assault.

But what was about to happen is what Jiexin didn't consider.

The demon made a move that he didn't expect.

Jiexin felt a gust of wind on his side as the demon passed through him, completely ignoring his presence.

Its eyes were locked on Ms. Chen.

"NOOO!" Jiexin screamed, feeling utterly helpless.

He watched in despair as the demon pursued Ms. Chen, horror schemed down his throat.

He knew he wouldn't make it in time; the demon's flight speed was as fast as a speeding car.

But just when it seemed like all hope was lost and bitterness was about to consume their fates,

A voice rang out, piercing his mind.

"Light Shield, the Scroll!"