Dawn Of A New Empire - Part 1

Dark, shadow-like creatures with horrifying visages rampaged through the city at night, some possessing humans while others feasted on human flesh. The chaos grew so intense that the government was forced to take action. However, their firepower proved ineffective against the creatures without physical forms, only harming the possessed victims. Some of the possessed recovered instantly, while others switched hosts if their current bodies were too damaged, retaliating brutally against the armed forces.

Amidst the turmoil, Mr. Hawthorne began to leverage his influence to track down Azriel's traitors. Additionally, he ordered his goons to abduct innocent victims for diabolical experiments. His scientists worked feverishly to construct a doomsday device, one that, when fused with dark magic, would breach the barrier between the spiritual and physical realms, unleashing untold horrors upon the world.

The city's nights were plunged into an eerie darkness, where shadows crept and death lurked around every corner. The government's struggle against the creatures seemed futile, as each attempt to quell the chaos only led to more violence and destruction. In this nightmare landscape, Mr. Hawthorne's malevolent plans advanced, his twisted ambitions threatening to bring about an apocalypse that would forever alter the fabric of reality.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Dante, Bella, and their daughter Amy set out on a journey to find an old friend of Dante's. With Amy's assistance, they tracked down John Maxwell in a modernized part of Aihandrui. They found him in a bar, effortlessly beating up thugs who had tried to ruin his night. After knocking the last thug out cold by slamming his head on a table, John was greeted by the unexpected sight of his old friend, who had teleported in alongside Bella and Amy. Amy was amazed to finally meet the immortal human she had heard so much about from her parents, tales of how he and Dante fought to protect Aihandrui.

Surprised to see Dante after such a long time, John embraced him and his companions warmly. "Long time no see, old friend. I see you've got your hands full as a family man," John remarked with a grin.

"Chris! We need to talk," Dante said, his eyes and facial expression serious. John Maxwell immediately sensed trouble. Just as they were about to find a place to talk, shadow-like creatures with horrifying visages invaded the bar. Some possessed innocent victims, causing havoc. Dante and his allies stood their ground, battling the monstrosities with intensity.

John Maxwell was stunned by the creatures, both the possessed and the unpossessed. He had never seen anything like them, though they bore a resemblance to Fawiches. Amy quickly provided a solution for the unpossessed creatures, using her magic to vanquish them. She informed her father, and together with Bella and John, they overpowered the possessed victims, forcing the creatures out. Dante and Amy combined their magic to reduce the shadowy entities to nothingness.

In the aftermath of the chaotic bar fight, Dante finally sat down to discuss matters with John Maxwell. John, having already caught a glimpse of the situation, agreed without hesitation to join them in their quest to save the world.

"We're going to need all the help we can get, Dante," John said with a smile. "You know, you're not the only one who has friends in high places."

On the other side, Liliana, Elijah, and Malachi ventured to the Wise abode. Their presence was met with an immediate understanding from the Wise family, who already knew the purpose of their visit. Becca's eyes were filled with terror, but her mother's reassuring hands on her shoulders provided some comfort. Upon seeing the stranger among them, they quickly recognized him as the last descendant of Michael.

"But how?" Hanna Wise asked, stunned that they had found the last descendant.

"Liliana has her ways," replied Elijah Wood.

"Then you know why we're here?" Liliana asked as they were invited in by Hanna Wise. They settled down to discuss their mission.

"Finding the lost supernaturals is our only hope to even the odds," Liliana explained.

"Forbidden or lost supernaturals have been called many names," said Becca Wise, "but their secrecy was never meant to be breached. However, I fear that Azriel might once again summon those who had been in alliance with her. To find them, you'll need the combined powers of a fairy and a witch. Fortunately, with you and Malachi here, you can make that happen and reach out to them."

"You both aren't just supernaturals; you're something entirely different, born from the fusion of heaven and earth, holy and unholy, divine and more," Becca added.

With Becca's guidance, Liliana and Malachi combined their powers and successfully located the lost supernaturals who were not aligned with Azriel. Afterward, Becca revealed something crucial that she had kept hidden, especially during Emma's time. She informed them about the true origins of Azriel and Michael, a revelation that stunned Liliana and Malachi but not Elijah, who had already been informed by Agatha Wise, a fact Becca also knew.

Becca shared Azriel's grand scheme to unleash Hell on Earth. She emphasized that Liliana and Malachi were key to defeating Azriel once and for all. She laid out Michael's past plans, which had been passed down through the Wise family bloodline.

"Michael believed the war in heaven was unfinished and that a third war is coming. Azriel's final trump card is set to trigger this unless we stop her, and she has grown too powerful," Becca explained.

"And without the Beta Sword, she's unkillable," Malachi added.

Becca then took Elijah Wood by the hand, staring directly into his eyes. "While the Beta Sword is forever lost, it is not entirely lost. There is still hope. You know what to do, Elijah, when the time comes, to fulfill your purpose."

With this, they set out to seek and recruit the lost supernaturals. On their journey, Malachi turned to Elijah, questioning him about Becca's cryptic words regarding his purpose.

"What did Becca mean about your purpose?" Malachi asked.

Elijah's eyes darkened with a mix of resolve and sorrow. "The Beta Sword... it can be reforged, but at a great cost. Agatha hinted at this before. When the time comes, I must make the ultimate sacrifice to bring it back. My purpose is to wield it once more, even if it means the end for me."

Liliana and Malachi exchanged glances, understanding the gravity of Elijah's words. Their mission was clear, but the path ahead was fraught with peril and sacrifice.

Sometime later, John Maxwell, Dante, Bella, and Amy arrived at an undisclosed location fortified by powerful magic and illusion spells, which Amy sensed. As they set foot into it, they were greeted by the sight of other supernaturals in an entirely different utopian world. Diverse creatures of land, sky, and sea coexisted harmoniously in this sanctuary. The fortress was heavily fortified by sorceresses and mages, with a few wizards and witches also spotted in this magical utopia. Alchemists shared their scientific wonders, adding to the astonishing reality of this place.

Dante, Bella, and Amy were stunned by this intriguing paradise. Dante turned to John, questioning how he had discovered this place.

"The world is changing and evolving, Dante, and so are the supernaturals," replied John Maxwell with a smile. "A few of us here have been kept secret by the Wizard of the Sixth Order, who was trained and taught by the honorable Sarah Lance herself. Since then, the descendants of the Wizard of the Sixth Order have enlightened themselves and all who seek knowledge, bringing us to this very moment."

"We've also been trying to reach out to other supernaturals after the previous war, to adapt to this new era of the world's reawakening," John Maxwell added.

"I want you to meet someone important. Without her, this gathering would not have been possible. Martha Hathaway," said John, introducing them to a shape-shifter.

Hearing this, Bella and Dante immediately recognized the name, realizing Martha was the long-lost twin of Karl Carl, stunning John with this newfound information.

"Wait! You both know her?" asked John.

"We're familiar with her twin brother," Bella replied.

"He once told us about you, how you got separated," Dante added. "He never stopped looking for you".

Martha Hathaway, hearing this, was both stunned and worried. She asked after her brother, her face a mix of hope and fear. Dante and Bella's expressions turned to sadness as they revealed the heartbreaking truth of Karl Carl's demise at the hands of Azriel.

Martha's eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling. "Karl... He's really gone?"

Dante nodded solemnly. "We are sorry, Martha. Azriel took him from us."

Martha's sorrow was palpable, but she quickly composed herself, determination replacing grief. "Then we must stop Azriel, for Karl and for everyone else she's hurt."

John Maxwell placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We will, Martha. Together, we'll find a way."

In this utopian sanctuary, the group found not only allies but also a renewed sense of purpose. They knew the journey ahead would be fraught with danger, but united by loss and driven by hope, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.