Episode 8: Persecutor's Trust

  The sun's rays gleamed off the insignia of the H.G.O, reflecting light onto the invisible gaze that watched over the scene. The brilliant flash quickly faded, transitioning to a more somber view. A rundown motel sat at the outskirts of Tokyo, its faded sign creaking in the gentle breeze. The building, once a place of passing strangers, was now sealed off, a heavy presence from both the H.G.O. and Public Safety keeping watch. The stillness of the area stood in stark contrast to the mounting tension in the air.

  Aki Hayakawa stood at the forefront, his cold gaze locked on the motel. His hand brushed the small necklace around his neck, the sinister piece of the Gun Devil's flesh swaying slightly with the breeze. It pulsed faintly, as if alive, reacting to the very atmosphere. Aki's expression remained unreadable as his eyes never wavered, even as the piece throbbed with an unnerving rhythm, like it was trying to communicate something hidden within the motel's walls.

  Denji, standing off to the side, hands in his pockets, watched the pendant with quiet curiosity. He couldn't shake the strange pull he felt, sensing the tension in the air, and it only piqued his interest more. "Hey, Aki," he called out, voice casual but edged with intrigue. "Is that some kind of Devil magnet or something?"

  Aki shot him a quick, sharp glance, the corners of his eyes tightening before his gaze returned to the motel. The piece of flesh responded again, glowing faintly, as if confirming Denji's question. His voice was calm, but underneath, a tension simmered. "Not exactly a magnet, but close enough."

  Before Denji could prod further, Power's voice cut through the moment, sharp and full of self-satisfaction. She appeared beside them, eyes gleaming with mischievous intent as she glanced at the pendant hanging from Aki's neck. "It's amusing..." she said, her voice dripping with her usual overconfidence. "Something so valuable is only worthy of someone like me!"

  Aki's reaction was immediate—he swiftly pushed the pendant out of her reach, his hand strong and quick. He turned his gaze toward Denji, his look piercing, cold. "Didn't I tell you to keep an eye on her?" His tone was sharp, leaving no room for argument.

  Denji, half-apologetic but mostly exasperated, sighed heavily as he fished a piece of chewing gum out of his pocket. He extended it to Power, trying to calm her down. "Sorry, Aki, but she's out of control," he muttered, offering the gum with an almost sheepish grin.

  A few members of the H.G.O. combat unit, stationed nearby and keeping watch over the motel, exchanged looks at the scene unfolding before them. One of them, Arai, couldn't hold back. His voice rang out from behind them, laced with concern. "Hayakawa!" he called. "Considering we're about to fight devils, can we really trust a fiend to watch our backs? We've got a fiend and three rookies on this squad. We're probably gonna be more of a liability to you, sir!"

  Aki turned toward him, his expression cold and unwavering. The subtle flicker of irritation passed over him, but he remained stoic. His voice was clipped, but his words held a clear warning. "Try your best to keep up." He then shifted his focus back to Denji and Power, who were still caught in their own little world of chaos.

  "Besides," Aki continued, his gaze unwavering as he stared at the motel once more, "time is a luxury we don't have. and don't worry about the fiend," he added, his tone cold and devoid of any emotion. "On extermination missions, she'll be taking point. If they try to run or switch sides, we'll kill her."

  Power, overhearing the conversation, scoffed, her hands landing on her hips as she glared at Aki. "You're treating me like livestock," she muttered under her breath, her voice tinged with frustration.

  Aki didn't even flinch, his expression as emotionless as ever. "You don't get any rights," he replied flatly, his words final, making it clear that there was no room for argument. This wasn't a time for games or emotions—it was business.

  Denji, sensing an opening for a bit of humor, leaned toward Power and whispered, "Wow, what did you do to piss him off?"

  Power whispered back, her voice low but mischievous, "It must be from this morning."

  Denji chuckled quietly, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Oh? What did you do?"

  Before either could respond, Aki cut them off sharply, his voice laced with warning. "Don't you dare say a word!"

  At the sudden outburst, Kobeni, who had been quietly standing nearby, let out a small, nervous "Eek!" Aki's gaze locked onto both of them for a moment, his voice dark as he threatened, "I'll kill you."

  Himeno, ever the observer, was close by, taking a smoke break. She exhaled slowly, leaning against the side of the car, and raised an eyebrow at Aki's harshness. "Yikes, what happened, Aki? You can't just be harsh all the time, you know?"

  Denji, ever the one to stir the pot, chimed in with a grin. "Yeah, she's kinda right. Even if she's some kind of animal, they deserve a little praise and reward, right?"

  Himeno's eyes suddenly sparkled with a bold idea. "Hmm... how about this," she said with a grin that matched her sudden mischief. "Whoever kills this devil first gets a reward—a kiss on the cheek from yours truly!"

  The group stared at her in stunned silence, their expressions a mix of confusion and disbelief. Kobeni was the first to voice her confusion. "Eh?" she asked, unsure how to react to such a bold proposition.

  Denji, on the other hand, had a silent thought racing through his mind, his eyes wide with disbelief. Is she for real?!

  Arai, who had been listening in from behind, looked horrified. "That... you shouldn't do that! A young woman who's not married shouldn't be so... indecent!"

  Himeno shot back without missing a beat, her voice laced with playful defiance. "Huh? But doesn't a reward help with motivation?"

  She put an arm around Kobeni's shoulders, pulling the younger woman into the fold. Kobeni awkwardly shifted, clearly uncomfortable with the sudden attention. "Ah... Urgh... Mmm..." Kobeni stammered, unsure how to respond as Himeno continued to tease her.

  The squad watched in silence, all except Aki, who seemed completely unfazed by the antics around him. As the tension in the air thickened once more, the team's strange dynamic unfolded further, revealing just how chaotic and unpredictable the path ahead would be.

  "Holy crap, a chance to get kissed on the cheek by a hot chick?" Denji thought to himself, his heart racing. A bead of sweat trickled down the side of his face as he stared at Himeno, his excitement palpable, but his nerves getting the best of him. It seemed so simple, yet the thought of it sent his mind into a whirlwind of confusion. He wiped his forehead quickly, trying to hide his growing anticipation.

  Just a kiss on the cheek, Denji. What's the big deal? But even as the words played in his mind, his thoughts raced back to his past—how he'd never experienced anything like this, the closest he'd ever come to affection was Pochita, and that was... different.

  "Just... focus, man," he muttered to himself, trying to play it cool, though his eyes kept darting toward Himeno, who was grinning as if she knew exactly what was going on inside his head. She's teasing you, Denji. Don't get carried away.

  Still, the thought lingered, and with every passing second, his excitement only grew. It wasn't just the idea of a kiss; it was the feeling of being treated like something more than a tool, more than the kid who'd lived in the dirt for so long. And that was enough to make him stand a little taller, despite his anxiety.

  "Hey, uh, Himeno," he stammered, finally speaking up, "So, uh, if I win... I get that kiss, right?" His voice wavered, betraying the excitement he couldn't quite hide.

  The squad around him looked on, some trying to suppress grins, others just outright laughing at the awkward tension he was trying to fight through. Aki, however, didn't even spare him a glance, his expression as cold as ever.

  "Yep," Himeno replied with an innocent yet teasing tone, her grin widening as if she was enjoying every second of the chaos she'd just unleashed.

  Arai's face twisted in disbelief, his voice trembling slightly. "You can't just accept her terms like that! This is completely inappropriate!" His tone was as much disapproval as it was panic, clearly unnerved by the casual way Himeno had turned their mission into a game.

  Power's smirk grew, her sharp teeth glinting as she jabbed a finger at Denji. "Such a pathetic quest, all for a mere kiss. You humans are truly desperate creatures, driven by your ridiculous thirst for lust!" She laughed mockingly, her voice carrying that trademark fiendish arrogance.

  Aki rubbed his temple in frustration, his brows furrowed as he glanced at his squad with a mix of embarrassment and disappointment. They hadn't even started their mission, and already they were making a spectacle of themselves.

  The combat members stationed around the motel exchanged bemused looks, clearly unimpressed by the antics of the supposed "Devil Hunters from Public Safety." Before Aki could reprimand his team, two combat members approached the group, their presence drawing attention away from the ongoing commotion.

  The first was a young man with striking light green eyes that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. His black and highlighted brown hair that fell messily around his face, giving him a boyish charm that didn't match the hardened demeanor typical of combat personnel. Despite this, his smile was warm and disarming as he greeted the squad.

  "Hey, you guys need extra hands?" His voice was light, almost casual, as if he hadn't just walked into a tense situation.

  Beside him stood a taller, older man, taller than Aki. He wore a tactical hooded jacket with a black cap that cast a shadow over his face, adding to his imposing presence. His curly brown hair peeked out from beneath the hood, framing a face marked by subtle scars that hinted at years of experience. He raised a hand in a brief wave, only to lower it quickly as if reconsidering the gesture. His silence added an air of mystery, contrasting with the younger man's approachable demeanor.

  Aki, ever the professional, straightened and gave the two men a curt nod. "We're here on an investigation authorized by Public Safety and the H.G.O. If you're joining us, I expect you to follow orders and stay out of the way unless needed." His tone was firm, making it clear that while he appreciated the offer, but he wouldn't tolerate any distractions.

  The highlighted brown-haired combat member's smile widened, undeterred by Aki's cold demeanor. "Understood, sir. We'll follow your lead." He glanced at the rest of the squad, his gaze lingering on Denji and Power. "Looks like you've got an interesting team here."

  Power puffed out her chest, clearly taking his comment as a compliment. "Of course! I am Power, the greatest fiend you'll ever meet! You should feel honored to fight alongside me!" she declared, her voice full of self-satisfaction.

  Denji, still caught up in his own thoughts about Himeno's promise, barely registered the newcomers, though he managed a quick nod in acknowledgment. Arai, on the other hand, looked slightly relieved to have some backup, even if he wasn't entirely sure about their capabilities.

  "Oh, and my name is Marcus Villamor, The H.G.O's Scout" the red-haired man introduced himself. He knocked the back of his hand lightly against the taller man's chest. "And my partner here is Joe Guildberg, the rifleman or the heavy weapons specialist on our team."

  Joe just nodded.

  "Oh, don't worry, he talks and he isn't shy. He's kinda like the tough, quiet guy you see in those action movies," Marcus added, grinning.

  Himeno gave a sly smile, raising her eyebrow as she assessed Marcus. "Oh~ I like him," she muttered under her breath, her gaze flickering between Marcus and Joe.

  Marcus, ever the charmer, flashed his usual warm grin, completely unbothered by the attention. "Glad to hear it," he said lightly, signaling Joe to start gathering the supplies for the mission.

  Joe, as usual, didn't respond with words but simply gave a single, deliberate nod before walking off to retrieve the gear.

  Himeno turned back to Aki with a playful smirk. "Looks like we've got some real muscle on our hands now," she teased, her voice dripping with mock seriousness.

  Aki gave Himeno a sidelong glance, clearly unimpressed. "As long as they don't get in the way, I don't care how much 'muscle' they have," he replied curtly, turning his focus back to the motel.

  The faint pulsing of the Gun Devil's flesh continued, its ominous aura sense something constant reminder of the danger lurking within.

  Denji's thoughts were still consumed by Himeno's teasing, his mind swirling with images of a kiss on the cheek, but the sudden arrival of Marcus and Joe pulled him back to the present. His eyes flickered toward the two newcomers, briefly noting their contrasting personalities: Marcus, the charming and warm-hearted guy, and Joe, the silent but imposing figure.

  "These guys seem like they know what they're doing," Denji murmured under his breath, his earlier excitement momentarily muted as he tried to read the new additions to their team. But then, just as quickly, his thoughts drifted back to Himeno.

  Arai, on the other hand, gave a nervous chuckle, trying to ease the tension. "Yeah, well, it looks like we'll need all the help we can get," he said, his voice unsteady. "I'm just hoping this won't turn into another disaster."

  "Relax, rookie," Marcus said with an easygoing smile, patting Arai on the back. "We've got your back. Joe and I have been through worse."

  Joe simply gave a silent nod in agreement, his cold demeanor making it hard to tell if he was paying attention or not. His movements were deliberate as he started gathering the necessary equipment for the mission.

  Meanwhile, Himeno's eyes were still fixed on Marcus, an amused glint flickering in her gaze. "So, a three-in-one and a tough guy," she mused aloud. "Could be fun." Her words were accompanied by a slight tilt of her head, a playful glint in her eyes as she glanced at Aki.

  "Though I'm more interested in you, Aki," she added with a teasing smile, clearly enjoying the mix of chaos she was causing.

  Aki's expression didn't budge. "Focus, Himeno," he muttered, not even sparing her a glance. "We're here to do a job, not flirt."

  Himeno, undeterred, chuckled softly. "Don't worry, Aki. I'm not going anywhere... at least not yet."

  As Joe continued his task, the group began to gather themselves, preparing for whatever awaited them in the motel. The Gun Devil's flesh pulsed with an eerie rhythm, and despite the levity surrounding their squad, the ominous presence of the Devil they were hunting remained at the forefront of their minds.

  The group's energy shifted slightly as the newcomers integrated themselves into the team dynamic. Marcus' charm and Joe's silent strength brought an odd balance to the squad's chaotic personalities, but the tension of the mission still loomed over them.

  "Alright, let's keep moving," Aki said sharply, his tone commanding enough to snap everyone's attention back to the task at hand. His eyes lingered on the pulsing glow emanating from the Gun Devil's flesh as it sat on a makeshift device, pointing them toward their next confrontation.

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  "The Devil we're hunting has consumed a part of the Gun Devil."

  As the squad headed into the motel lobby, still looking fresh and new, Marcus smiled despite the tense atmosphere. "The Gun Devil? Haven't heard that name in a while."

  Aki's sharp gaze turned toward Marcus at his casual remark. "Im guessing you have encountered the Gun Devil before?" he asked, his voice steady but probing.

  The weight of the name alone was enough to quiet the group for a moment. Marcus shrugged, his expression still light but with a flicker of seriousness in his green eyes.

  "Not directly, but I've worked on cleanup operations after some of its attacks. The devastation it leaves behind... it's unforgettable." His tone shifted subtly, a hint of somberness creeping in. "It's not something you forget once you've seen it. The kind of destruction it brings? It sticks with you."

  The squad exchanged glances, the levity of their earlier antics replaced by a somber air. The mention of the Gun Devil always had that effect.

  Aki's gaze didn't waver as he studied Marcus. "If you've seen its aftermath, then you know what we're dealing with. The Devil inside this building might not be the Gun Devil, but if it has a piece of it... we can't afford to underestimate it."

  Joe returned, his hands carrying an arsenal of weapons with practiced ease, and silently began distributing them among the team. Himeno gave a low whistle at the sight of the equipment, clearly impressed.

  "Looks like you boys came prepared," she said with a smirk, taking a handgun with a nod of thanks. "Do you always carry this much firepower?"

  Marcus grinned as he adjusted a tactical holster on his hip. "When you've been around as long as we have, you learn to expect the unexpected." He glanced at Joe, who was still quiet but methodically checking each weapon. "And Joe here doesn't take chances. If it can't be shot, stabbed, or blown up, it's probably not a Devil."

  He then pointed to the stairs that led to the upper floors of the motel, his expression shifting to a more serious tone. "Once we head up those stairs, we'll start losing contact on comms. Basically, the higher we go, the more cut off we'll be from the outside world. If we go high enough... well, let's just say we're potential goners."

  Marcus patted a small pack slung over his shoulder and gave a lopsided grin. "So, just in case, I brought food and medical supplies. If it's our last day, we might as well have a fighting chance."

  as Marcus finished his sentence. Himeno shot him a look, her playful demeanor slipping just slightly as she acknowledged the gravity of the situation. "Food and medical supplies? You're thinking ahead," she said, raising an eyebrow. "Guess that's why you guys are here."

  Marcus grinned, his usual cocky demeanor returning, though there was a certain seriousness to his expression now. "What can I say? Always prepared for the worst," he replied, glancing around their surroundings. "Don't want to find ourselves in a situation where we're running low on both, right?" He leaned back casually, his eyes scanning the group. "Plus, I’m not one to wait for someone else to handle things when I can take charge."

  Himeno's voice took on a slightly more intrigued tone, her smile widening as she stepped closer to Marcus, clearly enjoying the playful banter. " A man who takes his job seriously... now that's a rare sight. Guess I've misjudged you, Marcus." She let out a light, teasing laugh, glancing at Aki as if to see if her casual flirtation was having any effect.

  Aki, however, remained as unamused as ever, his sharp eyes scanning the dimly lit room before letting out a barely perceptible sigh. "Focus, Himeno," he muttered, his voice steady as he started up the stairs with calm, measured steps.

  Marcus smirked, glancing at Himeno before nodding toward Aki. "You heard the alpha—let’s get moving." With that, he and Joe followed suit, their footsteps echoing lightly against the worn stairs.

  Himeno fell in step beside Aki, though he naturally kept some distance from the others, his usual detached demeanor unwavering. The indistinct chatter from the group below faded as they ascended, the air growing quieter save for the soft creak of each step.

  As they reached the next landing, Aki pulled out a cigar, lighting it with practiced ease before exhaling a thin stream of smoke. His expression remained unreadable as he spoke in a straightforward tone. "Himeno, what’s your take on the rookies… and our new addition?"

  Himeno followed Aki up the stairs and with a teasing smile still playing at the edges of her lips as she mulled over his question. her eyes half-lidded with casual thought.

  "The rookies?" she said, her voice low but amused. "Well, Arai's a nervous wreck, but that's not unusual. Every squad has one of those. He'll either get a handle on it, or he won't. As for Denji..." She paused, glancing over at him as he trailed behind, his gaze distant, probably still caught up in his own thoughts. "He's got guts, that's for sure. Doesn't seem like the brightest, but there's something about him—some fire. If he can stop daydreaming long enough, he might just make a decent hunter."

  he puffed out a steady stream of smoke, watching the stairs as he moved up without breaking stride. "And Marcus and Joe?" he pressed, eyes narrowing slightly as he observed her closely.

  Himeno's lips curled into an almost predatory grin as she exhaled the smoke slowly. "Marcus is... something else. He's got that easy charm, the kind that'll make you want to trust him. But he's too smooth, and you know what they say about people like that. As for Joe..." She gave a quick glance at the silent figure moving behind Marcus, the hulking presence of the heavy weapons specialist. "He's a rock, but one you can't really move. He's not much for conversation, but you don't need to be when you're built like a tank."

  "Could be useful," Aki muttered, more to himself than anyone else. He glanced at the group behind them, all still in the process of getting in formation as they made their way up the staircase. The sound of boots and armor clanging, the low hum of tension as everyone readied themselves for the unknowns ahead. Aki took another drag from his cigar, the glow lighting his face momentarily. "I just hope they know how to keep up when it matters."

  Himeno chuckled darkly, puffing on her cigar once more. "Oh, they'll keep up. Or they'll learn quickly. Survival tends to teach you things."

  "Useful... if we can trust them," Aki added, his tone cool and skeptical as he pocketed the piece of Gun Devil flesh.

  "Don't worry about that." Himeno's voice was light, almost teasing, as she plucked the cigarette from Aki's mouth with practiced ease, placing it between her own lips.

  Aki frowned, his expression flat but clearly annoyed. "Himeno, don't you have your own cigars?"

  She exhaled a thin stream of smoke, smirking mischievously. "I do. I just wanted yours."

  [Flashback]

  On the balcony of Himeno's apartment, the cool night air mixes with the faint warmth of a streetlight below. Himeno leans in, her lips near Aki's, the ember of her cigar glowing bright against the darkness. She presses it delicately into the fine ash of his own cigar, letting the two smokes mingle for a moment before pulling back, eyes glinting with mischief. Despite the bold gesture, Aki remains unfazed, his expression calm as ever. Himeno takes a long drag, the smoke swirling between them like a dance of its own. With a lazy flick, she takes a sip from her beer can, its metallic clang barely audible in the stillness of the night.

  "You're no fun, Aki," she teases, her voice low and playful, almost coaxing, her gaze locked on him, an unspoken challenge hanging in the air.

  Aki glances at her, his tone matter-of-fact as always. "You're drunk," he says, his eyes briefly shifting, unbothered by her proximity.

  Himeno leans in just a little closer, the space between them shrinking as her lips curl into a knowing smile, savoring the moment. The tension lingers, charged with something unspoken, yet so clear in the quiet stillness. as Himeno lets out a soft chuckle, the sound warm and unrestrained, as though she's teasing the boundaries of Aki's restraint. Her beer can dangles loosely from her fingers, the condensation slipping down her hand, but her focus remains entirely on him. She exhales a slow stream of smoke, the tendrils twisting in the faint glow of the streetlight.

  "Maybe I am," she admits, her voice lilting, playful. "But you make it too easy to push your buttons, Aki." Her eyes narrow slightly, her smirk widening as she inches closer, her presence a mixture of casual intimacy and deliberate provocation.

  Aki meets her gaze with his usual stoicism, though the faintest crease in his brow suggests he's weighing his response. "You should go to bed," he says evenly, his voice calm but firm, a quiet attempt to diffuse whatever game she's playing.

  Himeno leans back suddenly, her laughter breaking the tension like glass shattering in the night. She tosses her head, her short hair catching the light as she stretches, her arms dangling loosely over the balcony railing.

  "You're always so serious," she says with mock exasperation, taking another

  As Himeno leans in once more, her eyes gleaming with mischief, Aki's hand rises, resting gently but firmly against her forehead, stopping her in her tracks. His touch is surprisingly calm, but it's enough to halt her playful advance. Aki turns his head slightly, his expression shifting just enough to show a flicker of annoyance beneath his usual stoic exterior.

  "Himeno, you're too close," he mutters, his voice flat, yet there's an unmistakable edge of frustration underneath.

  Himeno pauses, her smile never fading, her eyes dancing with amusement as she leans back slightly, still close enough to feel the tension crackling between them. She giggles softly, the sound light and teasing, before taking another slow drag from her cigar, letting the smoke curl upwards between them like a playful whisper.

  "Ah, come on, Aki," she purrs, her voice low and teasing, "I'm not that bad, am I?" She inches closer again, undeterred by his subtle attempt to push her away, enjoying the way he tries to remain composed despite her antics.

  Aki sighs, shaking his head slightly, a mix of frustration and reluctant amusement in his eyes. "You're impossible," he mutters, but there's no real heat behind the words. It's clear he doesn't entirely mind, even if he'd never admit it.

  She leans forward just enough to make her presence impossible to ignore, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper.

  "I see... how about we make a contract?" she proposes, the words carrying a mischievous edge.

  Aki raises an eyebrow, his usual calm demeanor giving way to mild surprise. "A contract?" he repeats, skepticism evident in his tone as his hand lowers from her forehead.

  Himeno nods eagerly, her smirk widening. "Yep, a contract," she replies, the way she says it making it sound more like a game than anything serious.

  Aki sighs, rolling his eyes, but there's a hint of curiosity in his expression. "If it'll stop you from annoying me, sure," he says, though his tone is laced with reluctant indulgence. "So, what are your terms?"

  Her smile turns into something more playful, yet there's a hint of sincerity underneath. She takes a step closer, her beer can forgotten as she tilts her head slightly, her voice soft but laced with intent. "I'll help you," she says, her gaze steady now, "with all of my body."

  Aki blinks, his brow furrowing slightly at her words, but she doesn't stop there.

  "In exchange," Himeno continues, her tone growing more serious despite the mischievous glint still in her eyes, "you must give me all of your body—heart and soul—once you've moved on in your path for revenge."

  For a moment, there's silence between them, the night air carrying only the faint hum of the city below. Aki stares at her, his expression unreadable, as if weighing whether she's joking or if there's something deeper behind her playful words.

  "Himeno," he says finally, his tone cautious, "what are you—"

  She interrupts him with a chuckle, stepping back slightly and raising her beer can in a mock toast. "Relax, Aki. It's just a little game or-" she says, though her smile lingers a moment too long, making her intentions feel just ambiguous enough to leave him wondering.

  [End of Flash back]

  As the squad ascended the seemingly endless staircase, Denji let out an impatient groan, leaning heavily against the railing. His frustration spilled out unchecked.

  "Aki, does that meat chunk of yours even work? We've been climbing these stupid stairs forever, and there isn't even a devil in sight!" he complained, slumping dramatically as if the railing were the only thing keeping him upright.

  Aki glanced back, calm as ever, though there was an edge of irritation in his voice. "Keep your voice down. Devils might not be showing up because they're avoiding us—until they don't."

  Denji snorted, muttering something under his breath about "wasting energy" when Himeno's sharp voice cut through the air.

  "Aki... incoming," she warned, her tone low and serious.

  The squad froze. A faint but unmistakable sound of footsteps echoed through the empty hall, growing louder with each second. Everyone instinctively reached for their weapons.

  Suddenly, the door to one of the hotel rooms creaked open with an eerie slowness. From the shadows emerged a grotesque sight: a disembodied head with a single hand and foot grotesquely grafted onto it. Its movements were jerky and unnatural, like a puppet being controlled by invisible strings.

  Kobeni let out a startled gasp, her body trembling as she gripped her weapon tightly.

  "Oh my god!" Higashiyama whispered, her face pale.

  Arai stumbled backward, barely keeping his voice steady. "What the hell is that?"

  The head twitched, its one bulging eye scanning the squad before locking onto Kobeni. The fear radiating from her was palpable, almost suffocating, and it made the creature pause. Then, with a wide, wicked smile, it lurched forward, lunging straight at her with an unnerving speed.

  Kobeni let out a panicked scream, barely raising her weapon in time—

  "Move!" Aki shouted, darting forward with his sword drawn.

  As Aki and Himeno prepared to make their move, the sudden crack of a silenced shot echoed through the hallway. The head, struck with precise accuracy, jolted backward from the impact, hitting the floor with a sickening thud. For a moment, it twitched, its remaining features contorting into an annoyed grimace.

  Without missing a beat, Joe stepped forward, his heavy boots echoing in the quiet. He looked down at the head, his expression unreadable, before bringing his foot down hard, stomping on it with crushing force. The head gave a final, grotesque squelch before being reduced to an unrecognizable pulp, the wicked grin that had once adorned its features now nothing more than a smear of blood and broken bone.

  Joe stood over the mess, silent as always, his face partially hidden under the brim of his cap. He didn't even flinch as he looked back at the team, his nod acknowledging the end of the threat, before walking to the side to help gather their equipment.

  Marcus, ever the lighthearted one, let out a small chuckle from behind him, shaking his head. "Well, that was one way to handle things." He gave Joe a friendly clap on the shoulder, though it didn't seem to faze him.

  Aki knelt by the puddle of blood, holding the bracelet with the Gun Devil's Flesh in his hand. His fingers ran over it methodically, searching for any signs of a reaction. His expression remained unreadable as he waited, listening to the stillness of the moment.

  Himeno, standing nearby with her arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "Anything, Aki? Got a hit from the Gun's flesh?"

  Aki didn't look up, his gaze fixed on the object in his hand. "No strong reaction. This isn't the one."

  Himeno let out a disappointed sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Figures... Guess we better keep moving up."

  The group nodded, tension thick in the air. Slowly, they started ascending the flight of stairs, each step echoing in the dimly lit hallway. Marcus and Joe lagged a bit behind, their footsteps deliberately slower. Marcus was casually fiddling with a compact communication device, adjusting its small antennas with quick, nimble movements.

  Marcus broke the silence, his tone light, almost mischievous. "Alright, how about a little icebreaker while we're at it? Maybe share some details about our powers. Good for teamwork, right?"

  Power's narrowed eyes glinted with suspicion. "Do you fools think it wise to blabber about your abilities in front of me? Aren't you supposed to restrain me, humans?"

  Himeno shrugged, the ghost hand at her side barely moving. "She's got a point... but he's not wrong. Knowing each other's tricks can come in handy."

  Marcus smirked, leaning casually against the wall as he adjusted the device again. "Exactly! Most of the time, this job's less 'team effort' and more 'whoever doesn't die wins.' Especially when devils and fiends like you are involved, Miss Horns."

  Power's voice dropped into a low growl. "Horns? Watch that tongue, mortal, or I'll rip it out and use it as a bookmark."

  Marcus laughed, his eyes flashing with amusement. "Ooh, scary stuff. What about you, Joe? Does the big bad fiend have you shaking in your boots?"

  Joe remained stoic, his hands deftly securing his rifle as he readied himself. The briefest of shrugs was all the response Marcus got. Marcus's smirk didn't fade, but his eyes twinkled with mischief.

  Himeno, never one to shy away from a challenge, threw in her own words with a casual grin. "Anyway, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve too, so I'm not worried. As long as nobody does anything dumb, we're fine."

  Power grinned mischievously, as her blood starts to form into a blood made knife as she suddenly lifted her weapon and aiming it at Higashiyama, challenging himeno if she is just all talk. "Oh? What if I decide to kill this one right now?"

  Higashiyama flinched, stumbling back with a stifled yelp, her eyes wide.

  Himeno was quick to react, her ghost hand materializing and grabbing around Power's throat with a sharp, practiced motion. "Put the weapon down, Power."

  Power struggled against the invisible grip, her eyes bulging as she gasped for air. "Erk—!"

  Her knife raked helplessly against the ethereal hand, but it was no use. The ghost hand tightened.

  Himeno's voice was calm but unwavering. "If you misbehave, I can always choke you out. Just keep that in mind."

  Power choked and sputtered, her frustration mounting as she squirmed. Finally, Himeno released the grip, and Power gasped, her eyes glaring with palpable venom.

  "See? I'd rather we all got along. It's easier that way," Himeno said with a casual shrug, as if the scene hadn't just escalated moments ago.

  Denji let out a hearty laugh, clearly amused by the whole interaction. "Hahaha! That was brutal. You're kinda scary, Himeno."

  Marcus clapped sarcastically, the sound cutting through the tension. "Effective and terrifying. Gotta respect that. Remind me not to get on your bad side."

  The group began moving forward again, but the air was noticeably lighter, the sharpness of the moment dissipating.

  Power, still fuming, muttered under her breath. "I'll devour you all in time!"

  Denji grinned, looking over his shoulder at her. "Yeah, don't. I'm still trying to get that kiss, remember?"

  The lighthearted banter continued, though it was clear everyone was on edge. They reached the next floor, and Joe immediately went to work, scanning the hallway with sharp precision. His eyes darted over the surroundings, every shadow checked for potential danger. But something was off, and he kept his silence for now, letting the unease simmer without speaking.

  Arai, his brow furrowed in confusion, suddenly stopped. "Uh... hold on. Aren't we supposed to be on the 9th floor?"

  Aki turned to him, brows furrowed. "Yeah, what about it?"

  Arai's confusion deepened, and he looked around, trying to make sense of the situation. "This is the 8th floor again."

  Denji's skepticism was immediate. "You probably just misread it."

  Arai shook his head, his voice rising in disbelief. "It's not that! Something's wrong here. I'm gonna double-check."

  Without waiting for a response, Arai turned and hurried back down the stairs, leaving the others in tense silence. Power, distracted, mumbled to herself, "I know! Grilled like a steak!"

  Denji's attention snapped to her, his stomach growling audibly. "Steak? Oh man, I've been dreaming of steak..."

  Arai reappeared moments later, his face pale with confusion. "I... I went down to the 7th, but I came out here. The same floor."

  Marcus's face darkened, his playful demeanor evaporating instantly. He stepped forward, his eyes scanning the surroundings with renewed intensity. "Okay, that's definitely not normal. Joe, what's your take?"

  Joe remained still, adjusting his grip on his weapon, his stance becoming tense, every sense on high alert.

  Aki, his voice calm but firm, locked eyes with Arai. "What just happened?"

  Arai, still wide-eyed, shook his head. "I don't know... but something's off. This is definitely not how the building should be."

  Higashiyama stammered, his voice shaky. "Wh-what...? What's going on?"

  One Bright Light || Episode 8 "Persecutor's Trust"

  super late post, guys! ?? This episode was tough to make because, honestly, I was kinda unmotivated and got distracted with some games ?? (you know how it is, right? ??). But don't worry, I'm gonna do my best to get to season 2 before Anime Adventures comes out! ???♂???