By Keion Haydel
Toin, a name feared by the elderly and unknown to the adolescents who would walk around at night freely. Explorers would tread cautiously in the woods at all times of day, listening for their mortal enemy. Toin was no pirate, no thief, and no tyrant. Toin was a demon, and a very powerful one at that. His skin was ripped in many places since he was involved in the war in Heaven which had cast Lucifer and his followers down to Earth. His form was of a coy-wolf, covered in chains, and wielding in one hand a large mace. His stench was a strong musk, which smelled of urine and death. His presence could be felt from miles away, so it was quite easy for people to prepare for his arrival, but the chance of survival in an encounter was thin as paper.
Toin was weak in the prime of his existence, and had to feast upon earthly vegetation to survive. He needed more, and one day walked upon a small village in the thick. It was dark out, and the only life detectable was a woman who was tending to her cattle. His eyes started to glow a bright yellow and his pupils dilated to an almost invisible size. He crept up slowly, trying to control his urge to lash out and split her in half. Toin got close enough to grab her from behind and get her on her stomach. He ripper her apart, rejoicing within himself from her screams of pain. As he drained the last bit of blood from her body, his eyes began to glow a deep red. No pupils were seen, just a demonic red glow. He had finally uncovered what could unleash the true demon inside of him. Blood would begin his reign on earth.
Two years after this incident, Toin's name was on everyone's tongue--from adolescents to the elderly who once feared him only as a fairytale. However, there was one man who didn't believe in the stories that he heard from the guards and explorers at the local taverns. Brae Gorham was an explorer and a traveling merchant. He was of a decent size to defend himself in battle, so he always traveled alone unless it was trade week. He would listen to the wild stories of sightings and battles with the demon, and his response would always be, "I"ve been in the forest at night, during harsh conditions, and I have yet to come across such a beast." Men would just turn the other cheek towards Brae's responses to their stories. He was lucky to have never even smelled the stench of the demon, for just that could result in illness or death. Brae was in Holstoff for the week because of trade week there. Holstoff was the second largest city at that time, and hosted trade week every year. Trade week brought thousands and almost millions to the large crowded city to trade items, get jobs, and leave much wealthier than when they arrived. With this large crowd came destruction. Toin found this as good a place as any to begin his master plan.
Brae, being a registered trader, began to set up his booth in the crowded marketplace. He traded general goods and weaponry, so his booth was of a much bigger size than others. The marketplace would be open soon, so he had to rush to get his things together. He'd been trading for years, so this was of no real challenge.
As he completed setting up his booth, a beautiful woman with brunette hair and a perfect figure walked up to his booth. Without looking up, he felt her presence and quickly said, "The market officially opens in twenty minutes, ma'am. There's nothing I can do for you at the moment." She smiled and placed her hand on the table, causing him to raise his head and stop wiping the boards. They exchanged smiles and she extended her hand. "I am Laiyah, and I'm no buyer. I'm just trying to see what my competition is made of." "You sell the general merchandise?" Brae said, gazing upon her beautiful face. Her eyes were a light green, and they showed signs of peace in them. Her natural aura was just, amazing--like nothing he'd ever seen before in his life. Laiyah nodded and extended her hand. "It was nice meeting you, Mr...?" she raised a brow. He took her hand and kissed it. "Brae Gorham, my lady. The pleasure is all mine." She walked away as shoppers rushed into the square, and Brae couldn't take his eyes off of her. Later that night, all the merchants were scheduled to have their nightly jam at the tavern. It was filled with people and the night seemed to be going by perfectly. Brae was socializing and flirting with the beautiful Laiyah, and all the merchants were drunk and having a good time. Outside, the city gates were being infiltrated by something that would turn the night around.
Ten guards sat at the front gate of the city that led directly into town square, and one of them smelled a familiar odor. "Nate, do you smell that, lad?" asked one of the guards to his partners. Nate nodded and stood as if he were ready for battle, and started to tremble in fear. The guard looked to him, worried. "Nate. Aye, Nate?! What's wrong with ya, lad?" Nate stepped back as the stench grew stronger and eventually retreated, yelling, "Run! Run for your lives or you will all die, I tell you!" The other guards looked as they heard large footsteps approaching; their faces focusing on the trees as if awaiting a bear or mountain lion.
The guards dropped their weapons and stood in fear, shaking at the sight of Toin. All that was heard was a demonic roar, which sounded like a thousand souls screaming in pain and the roars of vicious dragons all mixed in one. At the tavern, nothing was heard--just the enjoyment of people, laughter, and loud conversations. All of a sudden, the noise died. The crowd froze, and a dark spirit came over everyone's spirit. The merchants had smelled the horrible odor of the demon. Everyone began to scatter and run out of the tavern, but what they did not know was that Toin was waiting for their stupidity and fear to lead them out of the tavern. They all grouped together at one stop, facing the demon as he wore a belt of six severed human heads upon his waist. Toin let out his demonic roar and the crowd broke out in every direction. Brae came out of the tavern staring into the eyes of the creature, not amazed but somewhat drawn to him. Toin locked his gaze to Brae and said in his demonic voice, which sounded similar to ten men talking at once in a deep tone, "You, finally, mine."
Brae ran in fear, hearing the voice inside of his head, and Toin ran effortlessly after him, playing with his fear. He grabbed Brae by the shirt and threw him in a large alleyway, staring him down.
"Your soul is empty. You do not believe in me, Gorham, and you do not believe in the creator or his enemies. We do not believe in you either, for your body is merely a shell that I may use at my will." Toin glared into Brae's eyes, laughing. Brae was amazed. He was not a spiritual person, and the fact that this creature was telepathically communicating with him was enough to change his mind completely. "Please, no. I'm sorry. I can't go out like this. What are you?" Brae said, sneaking for his sword to fight the beast while his guard was down.
"I am what is not to come until the future. I have to fulfill my prophecy, and you will assist me, whether you wish to or not. I will have your temple," Toin said as his eyes began to glow.
Brae raised his sword as Toin rushed at him.
Everything turns to complete black. Nothing is to be heard.
The next day, the town is back to normal, and trade week continues with extra guard presence. Laiyah stands at her booth as Brae walks up to her and smiles. "So, you managed to get away, hmm?" she smiles happily, hugging and kissing him. He takes her off to the side. "We have to talk, but not here."
Brae takes her to the tavern, which is empty and being blessed later that day. He guides her upstairs and holds her hands. "Darling, you need to help me with something. It's very important and will determine the fate of millions."
Laiyah nods, "What is it, my dear?" She looks deep into his eyes, awaiting his response.
Brae leans in toward her and whispers int her ear in a demonic tone, "Give me your temple."
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