Hell Broke Lose Chapter 1

It was a strange sensation, like I was falling... Yet... I couldn't see anything, but I could hear air rushing through my ears, my hair flying above my head. After a while I start to see something other than black... A light starts to gradually get brighter below me, I feel my heart stutter in sheer panic as I notice masses of creatures on the ground, all staring up at me, as if waiting for me, for my company or dinner I am unsure, but it doesn't sit well in my stomach. I clutch tightly on to the teddy bear in my grasp, searching desperately for a sign of hope or positive outlook, finding none but the warmth of the stuffed animal.

I notice someone else landing just before me, why didn't I see them? He's a young boy, and by the looks of things: completely terrified. I watch in horror as the monsters surround him, their horrid laughter echoing around me, I hear him scream in terror as one of the biggest picks him up by the scruff of his clothes and leads him away. I try to yell at them to stop and let him go but my voice escapes me as I notice I'm getting closer. I hear my heart rate increase in speed with every millimetre I get closer, the noise echoes in my mind til I fear it may drive me insane...

My feet clap against the rocky ground. As with the boy, the monsters surround me, humour etched into each ones face (or faces as some of them had multiple heads). Some were a gruesome sight to behold, with scars, warts, features that didn't belong, like extra eyes and ears or limbs. Almost all were animalistic in shape- suddenly I scream as one grabs me from behind and carries me off through the masses. Some monsters leap at my heels, snapping, trying to grab hold of me, my heart almost deafens me in panic, I don't want to be eaten. Thankfully the beast carrying me, smacks away all threats. Suddenly it dawns on me that perhaps I shouldn't be so grateful? What if it wants me for itself? Oh god...

I notice a group of people before me and my anxiety lessens at the sight of beings I'm accustomed to, normal people, two arms, two legs, two eyes; everything typical, a little bruised and battered but reassuring slightly all the same. I tighten my hold around my teddy bear, seeking bravery from its warmth and comfort. I pluck up the courage and look amongst them desperately, after I'm unceremoniously dropped on the ground by my captor, for the little boy, I hoped he was here too.. I almost gave up in my search when I heard small quiet sobs behind me, I spin around.

There he is, with his head between his knees, shaking. I walk up to him slowly, gently resting my hand against his shoulder; he flinched, but didn't shake me off. He tilted his auburn head, looking at me with large green watery eyes before he rushes up to me and pulls me into a tight embrace. For a moment I felt confused, I didn't understand his reaction. Maybe it's because I showed him a sign of comfort and all the other people here feared and cared for themselves only, I'm unsure.

He sobs against me, as I run my fingers through his hair gently, soothing him:

"It's okay... You'll be alright."

Eventually he stops crying and pulls away to look me in the eye, I kneel before him, wiping away his tears with my finger, giving him a reassuring smile.

"That's better," I tell him, "What is your name?"

"Daniel," he mumbles back.

His eyes travel down to my teddy in my arms; he seems fixated on it which gives me an idea. It takes me several minutes to remember who I was, which quite concerned me.

"Well Daniel, I am Cerys, I'm very pleased to meet you," I start as I pull out a small stuffed puppy I have in my pocket, "This is my puppy.. I might not be able to take good care of him here.. Would you like to take care of him for me? You seem like a big, strong, good boy."

As I say this I see his eyes widen gleefully and a smile creep across his face as he gratefully accepts the toy, hugging it tight to him, looking several times happier:

"Thank you kind lady!"

I don't know why but I felt strong attachment to the bear in my arms and couldn't bare to let him go. Besides, Daniel seemed happy enough with the puppy.

Suddenly I see the circle of monsters around us split apart, providing a pathway towards us. Through which walked a couple of more monsters, coming straight toward us..

xxxxxxxxxx

Simultaneously...

"Well there's even more of the damned coming right now... Maybe one of them is yours, finally, Daisuke" laughs Aroki evilly beside me.

I roll my eyes in exasperation and sigh, not even wanting to respond to that jibe.

"Come now... don't be like that.. You know I'm only kidding..." mutters the tiger demon as he prods my side with one of his large, lethal paws, before adding with enthusiasm "You never know! One of them MIGHT actually be yours and you might just see some action again!"

I just shut my eyes in retort, I can't be bothered with this same routine anymore.. Same thing everyday... Souls become damned, the evil are sent to us, and they either match you or they don't, leaving you to repeat the cycle.

I hear a clash of thunder overhead- signalling the arrival of the final souls, but don't even lift my head. There is no point in getting my hopes up, it has been centuries and I have not been matched, why would this time be any different. His attempt at getting my hopes up falsely begins to irritate me.

"Why do you even come here now Aroki? You have your match." I growl.

"Because I give a damn about-" Aroki gasps and stands suddenly beside me causing me to open one eye.

"What?" I ask gruffly, before tilting my eye upwards to where he was looking before I too stand up in disbelief.

"What the...?" purrs Aroki beside me.

"Let's go find out what's going on then shall we..?" I say smirking, my intrigue taking over.