Demon Hunter 5

Jeff tugged down on the bat across the small of his back to make sure it was secure and then pulled the small brown leather diary from his vest. "It says in here that all you have to do is think of where you want to be while stepping through a portal, and you'll be there."

"And where can we find a portal?" asked Alex.

Jeff smiled, fitting the diary back into his vest. "Follow me."

They had been walking for five minutes when the police car pulled up.

A police officer stepped out and leaned on the hood of his car across from the five.

"A bit late for a walk, eh? And a little too early for Halloween?" He noticed the weapons they carried, and his eyes flashed a shining gold for just a second. He pulled his gun and grabbed the mic at his shoulder. "I need backup, we have a problem-Hunters!"

Jeff was suddenly at the shifters side. He yanked the cord out of the mic and grabbed the wrist of the arm holding the gun at the same time. He twisted the demon's arm and heard the elbow and shoulder snap in tandem. The demon screamed in agony. He twisted the demon around so he turned around, the demons back pressed against Jeff's front. Jeff kicked the demon towards the car and pulled the bat on his lower back into his right hand. He picked the demon up by the back of his collar and grabbed hold of a tuft of hair. Jeff yanked back and slammed the demon's face through the window of the car. The demon fell and got up on his knees facing Jeff. His face bloody and mangled, his hands pleading for mercy because his mouth was too messed up to.

Jeff raised the bat high and brought it down like a guillotine blade. The demon and what was left its head toppled to the ground. Souls lifted towards Heaven, and as with every demon, the shifter disintegrated so there was no trace of him.

Jeff's burning hatred subsided as they kept walking.

Bob whispered to his brother at the back. "I'd hate to be on the side against him."

They stood at the almost-but-not-quite-dead tree back out in the meadow where Jeff had been earlier that night.

It had been an easy walk there, however long. None of the Chosen were sweating; the materials of their weapons were so light.

Jeff spotted the portal and pointed to it. "Be careful, guys and girls. I was here earlier tonight and killed three guards. They're probably missing from wherever they came from, so be careful. They may have sent new guards-better guards." Jeff made the last part sound ominous. "Dillon, Bob, and Alex go through the portal, make sure it's safe. Ashley and I will follow in fifteen seconds. If we're not there, go without us. Remember, think Vaardock Castle. Go!"

Bob sheathed the broadsword and pulled the shotgun. Setting it on his shoulder, he muttered, "Yeah, step out into the street and tell me if it's safe." He smiled and led the three into the portal.

Jeff watched them go and turned to Ashley. "If the fighting gets heavy, I want you to blow. Leave ASAP, and I'm serious. I lost my mom and dad to these bastards, and I don't want to lose you."

Ashley nodded and pulled him into a hug.

"Oh, how cute. A couple of lovers soon to be dead lovers!" A black blur sped towards them, but Ashley and Jeff pushed each other away fast enough for the thing to blast between them.

Each pulled their weapon and waited for the thing to come back.

They stood back-to-back, Ashley slowly swinging her chain, Jeff standing stock-still with the steel bat in both hands.

There was an ear-splitting roar as three Blackwings floated up out of the grass. It wasn't as painfully loud as a Screecher's, but it was still loud enough to hurt. Their heads were tilted back, screaming at the moon. Their teeth glowed white against the red background of their gums and tongue and thin black fur covered their bodies. They stayed true to their name-black wings protruded from their shoulder blades. Each held a sharp sword in one hand. The base of the sword was straight and had emblems etched in for good luck. Around the middle, the blade curved sharply out and rounded back again to a dangerous tip.

Finally, the screaming stopped. Their mouths closed, and they all stared at the pair of Chosen.

"You made the mistake of fighting for good, and you have also made the mistake of killing our brothers. Now... prepare to die."

Jeff spun to glare at the Blackwing that made the comment. "And now, you three have made the mistake of really pissing me off!"

Jeff charged at the demon, but dropped quite suddenly before he reached it. Sliding on the ground on his back, Jeff gripped the Blackwing's ankle and swung back up, throwing the demon to the ground. "Gotta be quicker than that to fight me!" Another Blackwing swooped in from behind him, sword raised high over its head. The sword came whistling down, but never reached its target.

Ashley's chain rose up from below and wrapped around the blade. She yanked, and the blade shot towards the ground, immediately followed by the Blackwing. The sword was embedded into the ground down to its guard.