Shemihaza, Artaqof, and Him had become gods to men. In the wars, they helped those who paid them homage, while many others worshiped demonic leaders such as Baal, Belial, and Beelzebub, crafting stone images in their honor. These practices triggered great battles and countless deaths—from which the demons fed.
To the Watchers, however, this posed no problem. They believed they had total control… or so they thought. The gods of war also had human followers. Asael and Matrael taught them to forge the finest weapons, with the ultimate purpose of having humans destroy one another. Everyone knew it was just a matter of time.
Asael discovered two small neighboring cities in a remote location and decided to use them as a food source, for he could not control his thirst for blood. This act provoked a new outbreak of the plague that turned humans into nocturnal walkers. Soon, those infected began committing horrific crimes—even against animals. Sodom and Gomorrah became ghost towns by day and hell by night. The cries of the innocent echoed through the streets. There were hardly any uncontaminated humans left, except for one man who had hidden with his family since the start of the catastrophe.
This man would leave during the day to gather supplies, but by nightfall they hid in a basement beneath their home. However, they would not be safe for long—their bodies emitted a scent that attracted the nocturnal walkers, who searched for them without rest.
Sensing the fear and despair of these people, Raphael alerted Uriel and Gabriel. They immediately flew to the cities. From above, they could sense the stench of death and the rapid decomposition of bodies due to the heat. Upon descending, they found only corpses.
—What happened here? —they wondered.
—Perhaps they were attacked by other humans… or hybrids —Gabriel suggested.
—I don’t think so —Uriel replied—. These bodies look like they were devoured by some wild creature… maybe…
—Maybe it was that bastard Asael —Raphael interrupted—. He’s contaminated humans again. Those damn creatures we struggled so hard to eliminate are back!
Gabriel remembered that these creatures could not survive during the day, so they were likely hiding, waiting for nightfall.
—We must destroy this place before they find a way to reach another town —he declared.
Raphael felt something.
—Wait! I sense a presence… in that house. Someone may still be alive. Let’s go.
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Inside, they found a family in terrible condition. They looked at them in terror, thinking they were going to be attacked, but were surprised by the appearance of the Archangels. Uriel explained that they had to flee, as the place would be destroyed. Although they insisted there might be other survivors, the Archangels sensed no other life. They warned the family that only a few hours remained before sunset and directed them to flee eastward, where there would be a peaceful city.
Once evacuated, the Archangels waited for nightfall in front of the house. As soon as the sun set, the walkers began to emerge from underground hideouts. Seeing the warriors, they attacked—but Gabriel blinded them with a powerful flash of light. Rising into the sky, the three Archangels unleashed a devastating attack that erased Sodom and Gomorrah—and their nocturnal inhabitants—from the map.
Furious at what Asael had done, Raphael swore to find him and end him.
Years later, rumors began to spread about a lone man wandering the desert. He was a powerful mage who had eliminated many sorcerers. No one knew what god or kingdom he served. They called him “the witch hunter.” This man believed in a being greater than all others, and for that reason, he fought against the false gods. His name was Elias.
Elias helped the weak, and his fame grew. Many supported him, while others wanted him dead. Kings sent their sorcerers to kill him, but none ever returned. He was so feared that the rulers authorized their armies to hunt him down. Elias began to flee.
One cold, dark night, hungry, he sensed someone nearby.
—Who’s there? If you’ve come to kill me, do it now…
—I haven’t come to kill you, but to give you food and fire to survive the night. My name is Raphael. I am an Archangel, and I’ve been watching you, Elias.
—An Archangel? And how do you know my name? Well, never mind. I’m interested in what you’re saying.
As he lit the fire, Elias was able to partially see Raphael, and they talked for hours. Elias was astonished by all he heard.
—That’s why I’m here —Raphael told him—. You must come with us to a place where time will not affect you. What’s coming is worse than anything you’ve ever seen. We may need you.
Elias believed his words and accepted the call. Suddenly, Raphael sensed two very powerful presences approaching.
—Listen to me carefully. Head toward those mountains and hide. We’ll come for you soon. Now hurry!
Elias obeyed. Raphael rose into the air. He knew who was coming. Asael and Matrael arrived, exchanging defiant glares with him. The energy between them caused thunderous booms in the sky.
—Well, look who we have here… Hard to kill, huh? —Asael mocked.
—I can’t die just yet —Raphael replied—. Not until I completely destroy you both.
—That’s not going to happen —Matrael responded—. Today, you die… and after you, your friends.
Uriel, from afar, felt their presence.
—It can’t be! Raphael is going to face those bastards alone. I must help him!
As the Watchers prepared to fight, a voice interrupted:
—Don’t you think it’s a bit cowardly to go two against one?
It was Gabriel. He had arrived.
—My friend! I’m glad you came —Raphael said.
—That’s right, I’m Gabriel! Raphael, I’ll take care of this one. You settle the score with that scumbag.
—You can count on it —Raphael replied.
The battle began. Raphael against Asael. Gabriel against Matrael. The energy they unleashed shook the Earth. Uriel, flying toward them, felt the explosion of power.
—That fool beat me to it and is going to get all the fun! —she grumbled mid-flight.
The other Watchers also knew what was happening, but none intervened.
—Now we’ll see how this turns out… —Shemihaza thought from his kingdom above.
To be continued…
The storm has only just begun. With old enemies returning and new alliances forming, the fate of Earth teeters on the edge.
What did you think of Elias, the witch hunter?
— K.R. Whitmore