THE SEVEN HEAVENLY CHILDREN

6TH ACT: THE HUNT

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?", the boy scolded her. His eyes were wide and was looking at her as if she had grown three horns or something. They had managed to hide from their pursuers and was currently hiding in a dark alley behind a dumpster. "Do you know how much danger you put yourself into?", he continued as he frustratedly ran his hand through his hair.

She looked at the boy in complete sarcasm. "I wouldn't help you if I didn't have the least idea!" It was her time to ask him. "What were those things? They looked scary!" She was hesitating to help him at first but the moment she saw blood, she had acted on instinct. She needed to help him.

"f**k!" The man cursed, punching the wall beside them and causing a few cracks in it. Briel quickly backed away. What the heck?! Did he just-

She was pulled out of her shock as the guy looked at her in complete disappointment. "Bloody hell! A mere girl like you is not supposed to be here!" The guy continued to throw curses in the air before he turned to her again.

Mere girl? Mere? Did he just insult her?

He glared at her. "This is your fault!"

"What?!" Briel couldn't believe that the guy was blaming her for saving his life. However a part of her dreads that she must've done something she shouldn't but another part of her was happy she did. He was in danger and if she didn't act, he might have ended up more hurt. "Do you expect me to just watch while they kill you?" She bit back.

They were harshly whispering to ear other to avoid being caught. She can't believe why someone would be this angry for being helped. Of course, she can just ignore them and mind her own business. Yet, she did not! She decided to help him out, doesn't he realize how terrified she was too?

"They can't kill me!" The boy insisted with more undeniable frustration. She couldn't believe the amount of expletives she was hearing from him. Not to mention, both of them are completely unaware of where their pursuers are. "Didn't your parents teach you not to interfere with others' business?"

Briel completely ran out of words to say. "This boy is just...ugh!" She grumbled. She was starting to get pissed at how impossible the guy is currently acting right now. They were in danger. They need to get out of there first. "How about you? Didn't your parents teach you how to show gratitude-"

She was quickly cut off by the guy when he swiftly covered her mouth with his hand. He also managed to lock her body between his own and the cold, bricked wall. "Ssh-" he whispered, his face was too close for comfort. "Quiet, they're close by." He says softly as he peeked at their pursuers from behind her.

It was just then that Briel had felt the gravity of their situation. She gulped as the anxiety of getting caught by those monsters filled her. She was trying to hold her breath, fearing that a single inhale or exhale will give away their location.

Apart from her own breathing, Briel can feel the sharp breathes of the guy beside her. He was clearly trying to block her out of harms way. It worried her because it was him who needed protection right now. She could smell the faint metallic scent of blood from him. He was wounded badly.

It was just now that she had the chance to have a clear view of his face. Her eyes had adjusted to the dark, and she was able to make out his face. It was the customer in the coffee shop earlier. He looked pale and was sweating a lot.

Briel instinctively reached out to touch his face. "Are you okay?" She asked beneath his covered hand. Something in her heartache at the sight of him.

The young man turned to her slowly as if he was calmed down by her touch.

"What-" He was about to tell her something when he suddenly hissed in pain. He grabbed his waist as he fell into the ground. He looked like he was suffering so much, and that was when she saw his wound. He was bleeding profusely.

"Oh, god." Briel immediately removed her cardigan and put it around the man's wound, suppressing the bleeding. "We need to take you to the hospital now!"

"N-no, we can't!" The man was adamant, yet he clearly does not look fine at all. "Your hospitals can't p-possible help me." He added on labored breathe. "Just stay out of my business. Go home!"

However, Briel has already decided. "Whatever." She dismissed him. "Either you work with me and escape here, or we end up getting caught by those psychos later." She gave him a stern look. She wasn't going anywhere without him. How could she when she knows he clearly needed help?

She scanned the area and found no signs that they were being pursued. However, just to be sure, she decided to stay hidden for a few more minutes. Maybe by then, those men had already given up the search. "Are you ready?" She asked as she put his arm over her back. Briel also had to pull him closer to her so she can assist him while they walk. She held his waist tightly while avoiding his wound.

"You are a stubborn woman, aren't you?" He clearly looked disgruntled but at least he allowed her to help him.

"Shut up! The hospital's only a few meters away. Save your complaints later."

*** __________________________________________________________________________________________________ ***

THEY HAD BARELY MANAGED TO GET TO THE HOSPITAL SAFELY. She had gotten herself fresh, clean clothes before she went to visit her other patient. "I'm just going to check if he's okay, mom." Briel kissed her mom and went out of their room.

When she arrived at his room, she was surprised to see a couple of nurses talking outside. They seem to be quite lively, considering the time.

"Did you see how handsome he is?" One nurse squealed. Her face was so red, it looked unnatural.

Another girl squealed delightfully. "He obviously looked like a foreigner!"

"Omg! Is this love?"

"I can feel it! He is calling out to me."

Briel had to roll her eyes as she went past the nurses then inside the room, completely ignoring the mumbles around her.

Hah! She thought. He's handsome, all right. However, that attitude of his is definitely a turn-off.

Turn-off? Are you attracted to him? Her mind teased.

Briel quickly dismissed her wayward thoughts before greeting the doctor in front of her. They were lucky he was still around when they call for an emergency. The man was her mom's doctor, that is why she felt closer to him rather than the other.

"How is he?" She asked, her voice trembling with worry. Briel was so scared that he immediately passed out a few meters before the hospital. Good thing they were helped by the guard stationed near the gate.

Dr. Carlo looked at Briel. His kind smile calmed her down. "No need to worry, young lady." The doctor assured her. "His condition seemed to be stable now. It's great that you immediately brought him to the hospital. I've already cleaned his wound and stitched it up. Good thing the cut did not damage any organs."

Briel let out a sigh of relief at the doctor's words.

"However, there's something strange about his wounds." Dr. Carlo mentioned as he seemed to ponder about something. "It looked like claw marks of an animal of some sort."

Briel also didn't have any idea of what those creatures were but she knew, she had to make something up. Whatever they are, those creatures can only be explained by the unconcious guy beside her. "Maybe it's a weird kind of knife?"

The doctor looked unconvinced. "Nevertheless, I give him shots to combat infections just in case." The doctor handed Briel his prescription. "Here. You can purchase some of this at our hospital's pharmacy." He even gave her additional instructions regarding the schedule of each medicine. Briel made sure to take note of each one.

"Thank you, doctor."

The old man smiled and gave her a gentle pat on the head. "You take care of your boyfriend now, okay?"

She blushed at the doctor's assumption. She was about to explain but the doctor looked too tired so she let it go. They can talk about it later. "Take care, Sir."

He waved at her and proceeded to the exit.

After the doctor had left, Briel walked beside the sleeping young man. She pulled a chair and sat close to him. "Look at you so peacefully sleeping now." She even poked his cheek to check if he's awake. Who knew he was the same frustrated man earlier? Well, considering how reserved and proper he was earlier morning. Maybe it was just the man's reaction to pressure. They really could've gotten hurt.

Briel looked outside hoping that those people chasing them had already given up the search. She looked back at the sleeping guy whom Briel had barely know. She smiled bitterly. "I don't even know your name." She poked his cheek again. When he didn't react, she let out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you're safe now."

Whatever those people wanted they shouldn't have hurt him. Briel pondered how more dangerous the world has become. They were lucky those bad people didn't find them. Briel wasn't sure how she'll react if those people had found them.

Briel instinctively touched his hair which looked very disheveled at that time. She smiled as she tried to fix some strands using her hands. She was surprised at how soft and silky it was. "Who knew this prickly guy has such soft hair?"

Briel heard the guy murmured. "Hmmm. Seven-" He looked as if he was in pain again.

"Huh?" Briel's brows furrowed.

Seven? Is he counting or something?

The guy seemed like he was having a bad dream. Briel reached out to touch his hand. Like how she used to when she was looking after her mom. When she felt him squeezed her hand Briel thought he was already awake. However, when she checked his face, his eyes were still closed. Good thing his face looked peaceful now.

Briel sighed.

She decided to stay with him for a while. With the way he held her hand, Briel didn't dare to move. She might wake him up. Something she couldn't risk considering how tired he looked.She settled at the right side of his bed and slumped her head. Briel looked at the clock above the hospital bed. It was passed two in the morning. She yawned.

"Just a quick nap." She told herself as exhaustion pulled her to sleep.

...

"HEY! LITTLE GIRL, WAKE UP!" A voice called out to her.

Little girl?

"Mom?" She mumbled, barely registering what was happening around her. She was still sleepy. "Wake me up later, mom."

"Who are you calling mom?" She felt her nose being pinched by someone. Briel opened her eyes after having trouble breathing.

She saw the guy looking at her with a frown. He was finally awake. Unfortunately, not in a very good mood. He seemed to be bothered about something. She was about to ask him how he was feeling when he suddenly covered her mouth with his hand.

"Hush!" The boy said. "They've found us." He said with a grimaced.

"You mean," She searched his eyes for any confirmation that her fears were not true. "Those guys who hurt you earlier? How?"

Her confusion was so obvious the guy sighed. "This is why I told you not to bring me here. I need you to stay quiet." He told her with a warning as he slowly pulled himself up.

"Hey, you shouldn't move." She whispered. "I'll call the police and ask for assistance."

The guy scoffed. "Trust me the police wouldn't be able to help us."

"What do you mean?" She asked. The guy was really confusing the hell out of her. Can he just give her proper answers?

The guy ignored her and went to get his small bag. Briel was a bit offended. How can the guy be so indifferent? Of course, she didn't expect to be praised but at least can he be a little bit nice to her?

Afterward, he swiftly removed his IV. Briel panicked when she saw blood gushed out of the punctured area. She quickly grabbed his hand and wrapped a handkerchief around it. "What are you doing you, i***t?!"

The guy was momentarily shocked at her reaction, but when he recovered he gently pushed her towards the bed. He rested both of his hands on each of her shoulders. "Listen to me. I'm fine." His eyes asured her that he was fine but a part of her was still worried. "You shouldn't concern yourself with me."

Briel almost forgot how his voice sounded. It calmed her down.

"But..."

The guy sighed. Hard. "Listen, girl. I am going to safely get you out of this place."

She looked at him with confused eyes. "What do you mean? What are you saying?" It was now her turn to panic. What did he meant by getting her out of there?

"This place is no longer safe." The young man stated. His green eyes were trying to tell her something more. However, he didn't trust her enough to share further information. "I need to get you out."

"Get me out?" She repeated. "What are-"

Briel's words were abruptly cut when they heard an ear-shattering scream. "What was that?" She looked at him in horror. The scream that was followed by countless more until the hallways were filled with a cacophony of fearsome outcries for help.

Then an ear-splitting roar echoed around the hallways. It sent chills throughout her body. "What was that?!" Briel looked outside in fear. "What is happening outside?" She asked in a panic.

The guy's grim expression told Briel that he has an idea of what was happening outside. He looked at her before speaking. "Those things that were after me earlier..." He said with a scowl. "They came here to hunt me down. And they are going to s*******r everyone inside this building."

What does he mean? Briel's mind was about to explode. The screams she was hearing outside and the things that the man in front of her was saying brought her sanity extreme jeopardy.

What did he mean by 'those things'? Briel knew inside of her mind that

Then the doctor's word echoed in her mind.

"There's something strange about his wounds. It looked like claw marks of an animal of some sort."

"What do you mean? Why are you being hunted?" She asked, her voice slightly trembling in fear.

"Demons are here, girl. They followed my scent all the way here!" The guy blurted out. He looked at her. His eyes were cold and distant. "Every person here is going to die." He declared with a voice colder than ice.

"I can't believe this." She muttered as he pushed the guy away from her. Whatever is happening outside, Briel had only one clear objective and it's to make sure her mother is safe. "I have to go to my mother." She announced.

Briel was about to open when she was quickly pulled back by the guy. Her body immediately reacted and she threw a punch only to have the guy stopped the attack mid-air. She threw another punch but the guy's other hand blocked it again. She tried to kick him but the guy was good. He was able to dodge it too. He pulled her close to him and swiftly locked her body between his and the hospital bed.

"I need to go to my mom!" Briel shouted. She tried to push him but he was too strong. Briel tried harder. She wasn't going to let anybody stop her.

What if something happens to her mom?

What if they hurt her?

What if she ends up losing her mom because of whatever was outside?

"No! Mom!" Briel shrieked.

"Stop this! Stay quiet!" He hissed at her. He pinned both of her hands right beside her head. He had also trapped her lower half using his thighs. Briel couldn't move. A cry of frustration left her mouth which was later stopped by the guy's mouth.

Did he just-

She froze at the sudden onslaught. When she didn't react, the guy withdrew his face and looked at her straight into the eyes. His eyes glowed unnaturally and Briel felt trapped in them. Like somehow, he had taken over a part of her.

"I said, calm down." He ordered. It was like all of her strength was being drained instantly.

Briel's eyes started to water with tears. "My mom's here." She croaked. "I n-need to see her. I can't lose my mother."

The guy's harsh face soften upon her words. He slowly loosened his grip on both of her hands and got off of her. Briel felt so weak at that time that she was not able to even sit straight. Like someone just drained the life out of her.

He saw the guy approach the door as he pulled up his sleeves. He peeped through the glass and looked back at her.

He sighed. "I will help you get to your mom, but only if you cooperate." He said with intense warning.

Briel slowly nodded. After another heavy sigh, the guy went to her. At a snap of his fingers, Briel suddenly felt like she was released from something. Her strength felt like it was coming back to her. "W-What did you do to me?" She asked.

"No more questions." He warned her. "All I need you to do is to follow my instructions, okay?"

"Y-yes, Sir." She answered.

"Good. Now, where are my clothes?" He asked her.

"Well, they were soaked with blood earlier. I think the nurses had thrown them already."

The guy frowned. "It's a bit humiliating to fight in something that resembles pajamas though. But I guess, this will do."

Warm air blew inside the room and as Briel looked for its source, her eyes brought her to guy meters in front of her. A violent light suddenly flashed and when everything was clear for her to see, she saw the guy holding a spear ending in two long blades on either side.

What? How did he?

The guy looked back at her. His eyes gleamed with something Briel couldn't quite name. "What...how?" Briel's eyes widened as he swiftly swung his weapon in front of her.

The man smirked. "What? Is this your first time meeting a Nephilim, little girl?"