Destiny's Echo

Chapter 6: Lightning's Judgement

The city streets are slick with heavy downpours, rain puddles everywhere, with glorious and deafening thunder booming through the night. In the city's dark corners, two hooded figures are in the city's catacombs, treading through the sewers.

"Eugh, I hate this," The first figure complained. "Couldn't we have just met them at the warehouse?"

The second replied, "Ever since the appearance of that pesky Hunter and his mentor, The Maker, we have to keep a low profile more than ever."

"Still, we couldn't have just chosen a less disgusting location?? Like, a rooftop?!" The former complained.

"Silence, Young Xander! I can't deal with your complaints. You're lucky I can't bring you too much harm because of your nepotistic position in this organization!" The latter threatened with a hint of a low growl in his tone.

Soon enough, they arrived at an intersection, where another group of hooded figures had gathered in a circle. The leader approached the two and greeted them in a low voice.

"Welcome, Master Balthazar and Young Xander. I was worried that you had lost your way."

"Grandmaster Orpheus, meeting you in person is a pleasure." The second figure, known as Master Balthazar, shook the Grandmaster's hand firmly in an excited manner. "I hope we weren't tardy, Grandmaster."

Grandmaster Orpheus shook his head, his lips curling into a grin. "Fortunately, you're in time to see the transformation. Our new creation is about to be born!" He exclaimed in excitement, followed by a sinister laugh.

In the middle of the circle, a man was writhing on the ground, and rune symbols, carved with a knife, were on his body. He was in pain. Then, he began to transform. His body shifted into the sleek, muscular body of a wolf. But his legs were that of a different creature, the praying mantis. They began to turn serrated and spiny at the forelegs. His head shifted into the mold of a wolf, with large mandibles near the mouth. His eyes were large and multifaceted, allowing them to see in all directions. It let out an eerie mix of insect-like clicking and the occasional deep, predatory growls. Suddenly, it went berserk and started slashing at nearby cultists, blood spraying everywhere.

Grandmaster Orpheus stepped forward and calmed the berserk beast.

"Heel, my creation. You are under my command now, Wolvenis."

The creature, now known as Wolvenis, heeled at his command, kneeling in front of the Grandmaster. Grandmaster Orpheus then grinned, his yellowish teeth showing in a sinister way.

"Now, find the Hunter and bring me his head!" He commanded. In a swift motion, Wolvenis pounced away and onto the surface, intent on going through with its orders.

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In the afternoon, Orion and Lily were on their second date at the beach. The sound of waves crashing and the occasional seagull gawks brought Lily a sense of familiarity. Orion rested his head on Lily's lap as they sat on the picnic blanket they had set up previously. Various snacks and meals were set around them: sandwiches, orange juice, and the usual food and beverages.

Lily began to reminisce about her childhood. Orion listened intently, occasionally moving strands of her hair from her face using his hand. He could still see her facial features despite the sun glaring at his eyes.

"My dad used to bring me to this specific beach every weekend after her day job. We would play by the ocean as the waves crashed into us a lot." Lily giggled at the memory as it brought joy to her.

"Your dad sounds like an amazing guy. When can I meet him?" He teased her. Lily blushed softly at his teasing.

"Hey, it's only our second date! Are you that excited to meet my parents?" She laughed, flicking his forehead in embarrassment.