"In this world they are monsters who lurk in the shadows, ready to devour innocent humans. Only those gifted with the sight can see them"
CHAPTER 1: ASYLUM
The darkness crept in like a living entity, seeping through the crumbling walls of the asylum. It was as if the very fabric of reality had grown thin, allowing the shadows to writhe and twist like restless spirits. The air was heavy with the scent of decay and desperation.
One of the doctor's voices cried out in the midst of all the chaos . "Code Red, we have a Code Red!" their eyes scanning the mayhem unfolding in the asylum.
The asylum's alarms and sirens wailed like a chorus of the damned, echoing off the walls as patients and staff alike ran wildly up and down the corridors.
But amidst the pandemonium, two patients stood frozen, their eyes fixed on the rooftop as it exploded in a shower of debris and flames. The blast sent them stumbling backward, their faces pale with terror.
"What's happening?" one of them whispered, his voice trembling.
The other patient, a young man with sunken eyes, didn't respond. He just kept staring at the rooftop, his gaze transfixed on the horror unfolding above.
As they watched, a colossal creature emerged from the inferno, its massive frame silhouetted against the burning sky. The beast's horns curved like scimitars, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly red fire. Razor-sharp claws gleamed in the flickering light, and its jaws were wide open, revealing rows of serrated teeth.
The creature's roar was a deafening crash of thunder, shaking the very foundations of the asylum. The patients cowered, their minds reeling with terror as the beast began to pound the walls, threatening to breach the fragile defenses of their sanctuary.
One of the doctors grabbed the two patients, pulling them close yelling above the din, "We need to get out of here, now!" But as they stumbled toward the exit, they realized that the creature was not the only horror they faced. The shadows themselves seemed to be moving, twisting into grotesque forms that reached out to snare them.
The two patient's eyes remained fixed on the horror above, their minds struggling to comprehend the creature's existence. The monster's roar grew louder, causing the asylum's walls to shudder. The air was thick with the stench of smoke and sweat.
Without thinking, they both yelled at the top of their lungs, desperate to warn the others. "Everyone get out of here, it's coming!!" Their voices echoed down the corridors, but their cries for help were drowned out by the chaos.
Doctors and nurses rushed past them, chasing after patients who were running wildly in all directions. The sounds of shattering glass, crashing furniture, and screams filled the air. Yet, amidst all the mayhem, no one seemed to notice the monster looming above.
The two patients exchanged a bewildered glance. They stared at each other, their eyes wide with fear and confusion. Why couldn't anyone else see the creature? They looked around, hoping to find someone, anyone, who shared their terror. But they were alone.
Takahishi, his black and white hair disheveled, his white eyes sunken with fear, took a step closer to the other patient . His pale skin seemed to glow in the dim light. "You too can see it?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The other patient, Crinix, his black spiky hair matted with sweat, nodded vigorously. His eyes were frozen on the monster, his face twisted in a silent scream. He tried to speak, but his voice caught in his throat. Words failed him, leaving only a faint whimper.
As they stood there, paralyzed with fear, the monster's claws scraped against the rooftop, sending shingles crashing to the ground. The sound was like a death knell, tolling the end of their sanity.
Suddenly, Crinix grabbed Takahishi's arm, his grip like a vice. "We need to get out of here," he whispered urgently. "Now."
But Takahishi didn't move his eyes remained fixed on the monster above them.
Takahishi stood frozen, his eyes locked on the monster. It's thunderous roar shook the building. The walls trembled, and the air was thick with the stench of smoke and sweat. The monster's massive fist punched through the walls, sending debris crashing to the floor. It grasped one of the patients, lifting him off the ground as it opened its mouth, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth.
Crinix's voice was hoarse as he tried to call out for help, but his cries were drowned out by the chaos. He was shocked that no one else seemed to notice the monster. Was he dreaming? The thought sent a chill down his spine.
As the monster lowered its prey into its mouth, Takahishi and Crinix felt a sense of powerlessness wash over them. They were paralyzed with fear, unable to move or look away. But just as all hope seemed lost, a figure appeared out of nowhere.
A girl with long, bright orange hair and piercing blue eyes descended from the sky, a sword at the ready. With a swift, deadly motion, she slashed the monster in half, its guts spilling out onto the floor. Blood sprayed everywhere, covering the walls and the patients in a gruesome, crimson blanket.
Takahishi and Crinix stared at the girl in awe, their minds reeling with questions. "What are you?" they asked in unison.
The girl looked surprised, her eyes widening in wonder. "You guys can see it too?" she asked, her voice laced with excitement.
Crinix and Takahishi exchanged a curious glance. They were still trying to process the events unfolding before them. The girl's orange hair cascaded down her back like a river of fire, and her blue eyes sparkled with an inner light. She wore a black leather jacket with a hood, and a sword hung behind her back.
"Follow me," she yelled, her voice urgent. "More of them are coming. They've felt your presence!"
Takahishi and Crinix looked at each other in shock and confusion. "What do you mean more of them are coming?" they asked, their voices laced with fear.
The girl didn't answer. Instead, she turned and sprinted down the corridor, her sword at the ready. "Come on, if you want to live!" she yelled over her shoulder.
Takahishi and Crinix followed the girl, their hearts pounding in their chests. They found themselves in an underground sewer, the air thick with the stench of rot and decay. A figure emerged from the shadows, a guy with tall, spiky hair and a scar on his right cheek. He wore a black hooded leather jacket, and a sword hung around his waist.
The girl smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Is it done, sister? Did you kill it?" the guy asked, his voice laced with a hint of humor.
The girl nodded, her orange hair bobbing up and down. "That was way too easy."
The girl's eyes narrowed as she looked at Takahishi and Crinix.
"Look who I found. These two can see the Soul Eater. They have the sight."
The guy moved closer, his eyes scanning Takahishi and Crinix. "No doubt about it. Their aura is the same as ours."
Crinix looked at him in confusion. "Who are you guys? What's a Soul Eater?"
The girl laughed, her voice musical. "Oh, where are my manners? I'm Shina Akiyama and this is my brother Shinro."
Shinro bowed, his scar twisting into a faint smile. "Nice to meet you two."
Takahishi and Crinix exchanged a wary glance.
"I'm Crinix Crimson " Crinix said, his voice hesitant.
Takahishi nodded, his black spiky hair bobbing up and down. "I'm Takahishi Himura"
The four of them stood there, sizing each other up. Shina's blue eyes sparkled with amusement. "Nice to meet you two. But we need to get moving. The Soul Eaters are coming."
As they turned to leave, Takahishi and Crinix exchanged a fearful glance. What had they gotten themselves into?
"Wait," Crinix said, his voice hesitant. "What are you guys? Are you like that monster we saw before?"
Shinro laughed, his scar twisting into a grin. "Ha-ha-ha. No, we're not Grims. We're Grim Hunters."
Takahishi and Crinix looked at each other in confusion. "Grim Hunters? What's that?"
Shinro's eyes gleamed with a mix of intensity and conviction. "We are an elite organization that exorcises evil souls called Grims. We protect the human world from the supernatural realm."
Takahishi's eyes widened in shock, his face pale. "Wait, what? You mean evil souls are real?" His voice trembled, and he took a step back, as if trying to escape the truth.
Crinix's eyes were fixed on Shinro, his expression a mix of fascination and fear. Takahishi, on the other hand, was losing his grip on reality. "That shit wasn't real, was it?!" he exclaimed, his voice rising to a near-shriek. He looked around frantically, as if searching for an escape from the nightmare.
Shinro chuckled, his scar twisting into a wry smile. "That was a Soul Eater, a low-level Grim. I've slain stronger Grims than that." His tone was casual, but his eyes gleamed with a hint of pride.
Shina's voice cut through the tension, her tone urgent. "I hate to interrupt, but we must get going. The Soul Eaters are coming. I can feel their presence"
She glanced at Takahishi and Crinix, her expression serious. "We need to get you two to safety."
Takahishi's eyes were still wide with fear, but Crinix nodded, his expression determined. "Let's go," he said, his voice firm.