Six; Open Mind

It was early morning, in a small coffee shop in Tokyo. It was mostly empty, except for a few students who had class early. The man working behind the counter was busy when a new man walked in.

He was tall, and his golden hair flowed past his waist. He was dressed in a pair of long, brown-gold pants, and wore a yellow, button up shirt, which was left unbuttoned at the top and bottom to expose the edges of the darker shirt he had on underneath it. Over it all he wore a short yellow coat, which had its cuffs folded back. Each piece of clothing he wore was tattered and ripped in several places. His face was concealed beneath a mask made of solid gold, with lines engraved around the eye holes and down the center.

As soon as the worker saw the masked man enter, he made to press the alarm button under the counter to call the police. He didn’t want a suspicious masked man causing trouble in his store. But before he could reach the button, his arm froze. He couldn’t get it to move, as if it was bound by an invisible shackle.

The masked man sat down in front of the counter and locked eyes with the man. His eyes had deep yellow irises and slitted pupils.

“I wouldn’t alert anyone if I were you,” he said.

“Who do you think you-?” the worker started to ask, but he stopped mid-sentence. He couldn’t speak English. Why was he speaking English?

“I’m looking for this woman,” the masked man said, ignoring the worker’s question and sliding a photograph of a young Japanese girl in a schoolgirl outfit toward the man.

“I don’t know who that is,” the man admitted.

“Then coming here was a waste of time,” the masked man said, getting up and walking to the door.

“Who are you!?” the man behind the counter demanded, as he realized his arm was suddenly free again.

“I am the Gold King,” the masked man said, closing the door behind him.

*Meanwhile, at the hospital*

Alan stood by the open window, talking to Akro Tirio. It was still early, so no one else was up. He was using the opportunity to learn Japanese slang from Akro. He had been given a room on the second floor, and his broken foot was now bound in a splint. He could walk, but it wasn't easy for him.

"Okay, what else did you learn?" Alan asked.

Akro grumbled something.

"Watashi wa kamingu yo?" Alan asked. "The hell does that one mean?"

Akro replied with a short growl.

"Oh," Alan said. "I... um... I don't think I'll be using that one anytime soon."

Alan turned away from the window for a moment and reached into his satchel. He withdrew Eston and began flipping through its pages. Akro let out a concerned noised.

"I need to check something," Alan said. "Yeah, here it is. The next spell in this book. It's Bierto Malus."

Akro gave alan a questioning growl.

"The Malice Lightning spell," Alan explained. "The one that guy used on us."

Akro growled again.

"Yeah," Alan agreed. "It's powerful, but there's a couple catches. One, I need a focus."

Akro nodded, urging Alan to continue.

"The second is a lot darker," Alan said. "The spell is fueled by hatred. It won't work properly unless I really want someone dead."

Akro made a noise that sounded almost like a gasp.

"I know," Alan said. "I've never killed anyone. Anyone human, at least... I really don't wanna have to use this spell..."

The door behind Alan creaked open, and Akro immediately ducked out of sight. A man a little taller than Alan entered. He had deep blue hair pulled into a pony tail, and he was extremely muscular.

"So you're the kid who help my wife and daughters out, huh?" he asked.

"I guess so," Alan said, turning to him. "Are you Kiku's husband?"

"Name's Yuuma," the man said, approaching Alan and extending his hand.

"Alan Peredur," Alan said, shaking it.

"I never expected that Nightgaunts were actually real," Yuuma said. "Or that a human could take one down. I'm impressed."

"So you already know about Nightgaunts?" Alan asked.

"My son was a huge Lovecraft nerd," Yuuma said. "He left all his cosmic horror stuff behind when he moved to America to become a law student."

"He sounds cool," Alan said. "So what happened to the body, anyway?"

"It's in the basement," Yuuma said. "We're gonna have the boys do an autopsy on it."

"Okay," Alan said. "You might wanna make it quick though. Nightgaunt bodies disappear a couple days after they die."

"I never new that," Yuuma said. Then, deciding to change the subject, he asked "So, how's your foot?"

"Doing better," Alan said. "You guys are some pretty good doctors."

"Nah, Kiku's the doctor," Yuuma said. "I'm no good with the medical stuff."

"So what do you do?" Alan asked.

"I'm a martial arts instructor," Yuuma said.

"Cool," Alan said.

*Meanwhile, at a hotel*

"Hey man, wake up!" Jaxson said. "We've got a busy day of band stalking ahead of us."

Artur got up and stared at Jaxson with bloodshot eyes.

"Well, excuse me for not getting used to the timezone shift as fast as you," he said.

"I've never understood why humans need so much sleep," Jaxson muttered. "So where's Jarmil, anyway?"

"He called last night and said he's spying on Alan," Artur said.

"Oh, so he found him, huh?" Jaxson asked. "What does he mean 'spying'?"

"Knowing Jarmil, probably standing at a distance and watching him in a very creepy manner," Artur replied.

*Later that night*

"So what's left on the list?" Ayako asked.

Alan glanced at the slip of paper he was holding.

"Looks like all we have left is thyme and ground cumin," he said. He then chuckled and said "Heh, cumin."

"What was that?" Ayako asked.

"Nothing," he said. "So, why did you want me to come shopping with you two?"

"Just because," Ayako replied. "Asuka, can you hold the basket for a sec?"

"Sure," Asuka said, taking the grocery basket while Ayako knelt down to grab some spices off the self.

"So Alan, how's it going with that dictionary?" she asked.

"I've finished the A and B section," he said. "About halfway through the Cs."

"That's cool," Ayako said, dropping the seasonings into the basket. "Come on, let's go."

They payed for the groceries and left the store.

"So, who wants coffee?" Ayako asked.

"Sure," Asuka said.

Alan was about to answer, but he stopped when he noticed Jarmil standing across the street, watching him in a very creepy manner. Jarmil gave him a one sided smile, then beckoned for him to follow before darting down an alley.

"Um, actually, I have something I need to take care of," Alan said. "I'll meet you two back at the hospital."

"Okay," Asuka said.

"Have fun with your mystery stuff!" Ayako added brightly.

Alan gripped the walking stick Kiku had lent him and made his way across the street, going down the alleyway Jarmil had gone.

*Meanwhile*

Takumi winced as a back-alley doctor examined his battered ribcage.

"What the hell were you doing?" the street doctor asked.

"I ran into some punk who got in my way," Takumi replied. "So how's it look?"

"Three broken, two fractured," the man said. "You should take it easy for a while, maybe get some proper medical atention."

"No," Takumi said, getting to his feet and walking away.

"But those are some serious wounds!" the man said. "You shouldn't be walking around at all!"

"That Alan guy fought me for ten minutes with a broken foot," Takumi hissed, barely audible. "If he can take that kind of pain, then so can I."

*Meanwhile*

Jarmil stopped in the middle of an empty street and turned to face Alan.

“So who are you?” Alan asked.

“My name is Jarmil Horak,” Jarmil said. “It’s nice to meet you, Alan Peredur.”

“How do you know my name?” Alan asked.

“I can understand the name a person holds closest to them upon meeting them,” Jarmil said.

“Weird,” Alan muttered. “So what’s the deal?”

“I wish to fight with you,” Jarmil said.

“Is that why you led me to the middle of this conveniently empty street?” Alan asked.

“Yeah, pretty much,” Jarmil said.

“Why?” Alan asked.

“I find the best way to understand a person is to square off with them,” Jarmil said. “What did you learn through your fight with Takumi the other night?”

“So that’s his name,” Alan said. “Were you there?”

“As a cultist, I’m pretty good at staying hidden,” Jarmil said.

“A cultist, huh?” Alan said. “I beat up people like you.”

“Oh, I’m sure you do,” Jarmil said. “So tell me; what did you learn about Takumi?”

“He’s tough,” Alan said. “Merciless. He used a spell with the intent to kill me.”

“Yes he did,” Jarmil said. “You learned about him, and now I wish to learn about you.”

“Fine then,” Alan said, raising his walking stick as if it were a sword. “Let’s begin.”

Jarmil closd the distance between them quickly and threw a hook punch. Alan blocked it with his free hand and jabbed his cane into Jarmil’s solar plexus, pushing him back. Alan swung his cane through the air at Jarmil’s head, but he grabbed it and yanked it forward, pulling Alan off balance. As Alan fell forward, Jarmil hit him with a palm heel strike to his chest, knocking him onto his back. Jarmil took a step back and ran his hand along the cane, where the hospital’s logo was printed in English.

“Minami Medical Center,” Jarmil said, keeping his eyes locked shut. “So that’s the hospital’s name.”

“I have a question for you,” Alan said, getting shakily to his feet. “Why are your eyes closed?”

“Come again?” Jarmil asked, smiling. He handed the cane back to Alan, who took it gratefully.

“You’ve kept your eyes closed this entire time,” Alan said. “What’s the deal with that?”

“Oh that’s simple,” Jarmil chuckled. “You see, the reason I keep I eyes closed is because I’m blind.”

“What?” Alan asked. “Then… how could you read the words on the cane?”

“There’s more to me than you realize,” Jarmil said. “My eyes may be closed, but my mind is wide open.”
"Okay," Alan said. "I'm nt sure I understand, but whatever. Let's keep going."
"Yes," Jarmil said, raising his fists. "Let's."
The two of them continued fighting, dodging and blocking each others attacks. Alan used his cane like a sword, swinging it from various angles to try and hit Jarmil, who kept stopping the attacks easily with his forearms.
"You're fast," Jarmil commented, while dodging one one of Alan's attacks. "But why are you still holding back?"
"Funny," Alan said. "I was about to ask you the same question."
"So you've noticed?" Jarmil said, chuckling. "Fine, I'll go all out if you insist."
Jarmil got a hit in, pushing Alan back a few feet. He then untied his robe, allowing it to fall to the ground. Before Alan could react, Jarmil's body began glowing with a bright white light. He charged toward Alan with incredible speed. Alan barely got out of the way in time, and Jarmil sped past him. Jarmil skidded to a halt and turned back to Alan. He charged again, and Alan sidestepped him and caught his leg with his cane. Jarmil tripped and fell over, but managed to get back up quickly and threw several lightning fast punches at Alan, who did his best to block them. One of Jarmil's punches managed to connect, hitting Alan in the forehead and throwing him off balance. Jarmil grabbed Alan by the shirt and swung him around, using the momentum to fling Alan into the sir.
"Shit!" Alan exclaimed, as he flew up into the air. 
He pulled his mask from his coat and slipped his arms through its sleeves, putting on his steel knuckles as he did so. He allowed the coat to fall from him before he began falling as well.
"Akro Tirio!" he called, as the ground sped up toward him.
Akro Tirio flew in from between some buildings and caught Alan before he could hit the ground. The two of them touched gently to the ground as Alan stuck his mask on.
"Finally calling your Shoggoth, are you?" Jarmil asked, as his body stopped glowing. "Good. Now I can get serious."
Jarmil raised a hand, and a ball of silver flames appeared in his palm. He swung his hand in a wide arc, and the flames spread quickly. Akro lifted Alan into the air before they could touch them. Alan looked back down at the fire, but it was all gone. And the ground where the fire hand touched was coated in a layer of frost.
"No way," Alan said, as they touched back down. "Those are Aphoom-Zhah's flames! How can tyou use them?"
"I can use the powers of many Old Ones," Jarmil said. "I hope you're ready. Because I've got plenty more where that came from."

*Meanwhile, in front of the hospital*

A young girl walked down the sidewalk carrying a bag full of books. She stopped when she felt a sudden presence behind her. She turned to see Drahoslav watching her intently.

“Hello, little girl,” he said. “What are you up to?”

“I was just bringing some books down to the orphanage,” she said. “I'm Sally. What’s your name?”

“Oh, that’s not important,” Drahoslav said calmly, looking up at the hospital. “This is a nice place, isn’t it?”

“I don’t know,” Sally said. “I’ve never been inside.”

“Oh, you haven’t?” Drahoslav said, walking around her in a wide circle as she looked up at the building. “It’s a nice place. Patients there are treated exceptionally well. The foods great, and the owner’s a real sweet lady.”

“Wow,” Sally said. “It sounds nice.”

Drahoslav was standing behind her now, and a sick smile twisted across his face as he drew a handgun from his waistband. He took aim, narrowing his eyes down at her.

“How would you like to spend some time there?”

Before she could answer, he had pulled the trigger, and the loud sound of the gunshot resounded through the air. The bullet tore into Sally’s spine, and she screamed as she fell to the ground. She couldn’t feel her legs at all anymore, and her ears were ringing from the noise the gunshot had made. But even so, she could still hear the sound of Drahoslav’s malicious laughter, a sound which burned itself into her memory.

Kzed report 23

I’ve decided to begin research into Shoggoths. They are peculiar beings, formed from the thoughts of their creators.

In order to create one, a person must complete a complex ritual, while praying to the fertility goddess, Shub-Niggurath. It’s important for the creator to envision how they wish their Shoggoth to look, and what it’s functions will be.
A Shoggoth normally appears as a hulking, gelatinous monster, but if a person is focused enough during the creation process, they can create a Shoggoth with virtually any form imaginable. They could even give it multiple forms. Legend speaks of one Shoggoth that can perfectly shapeshift into a human.
Shoggoth’s are not only created by humans, but by the Great Old Ones as well. It’s also supposedly possible for Shoggoth’s to breed with each other. I’m not entirely sure on how this works, but I intend to look into it.
My latest colleague had volunteered to create a Shoggoth. This will help with my research, but it does worry me. If a Shoggoth is created through the ritual, it will inevitable turn on its master. My colleague says he will take his chances, but still…

Five; Paths Crossing

Takumi stepped forward. All around him where the charred bodies of the Silver Wolves. Only one was left, looking up at Takumi with fear in his eyes. He was sprawled out on the ground with his leg broken at the knee.
"Saigo no chansu," Takumi said. "Doko ni Necronomicon."
Last chance. Where is the Necronomicon.
"Watashi wa kangaete iru!" the man said desperately.
I have no idea.
"Then you're useless to me," Takumi said, raising his staff. "Bierto Malus!"
A flash of blackness swept in front of the red lightning bolt before it hit its target. Takumi turned sharply and saw Alan, dressed in his mask with Akro Tirio on his back standing several yards away, holding the injured man over one shoulder. Alan let the man fall to the ground.
"That was a close one," Alan sighed, before turning back to face Takumi. "What the hell do you think you're doing!?"
"I could ask you the same question," Takumi said. "Who do you think you are, standing in my way?"
"Name's Alan," Alan said. "Now why don't you explain why you're murdering innocent people?"
Takumi laughed.
"Innocent?" he asked. "These are the Silver Wolves. A crime syndicate. there's nothing innocent about them."
"Whatever," Alan said. He turned and stomped down on the man's good leg, who was trying to crawl away. "You stay here. The police can have you once I'm through here." He then turned back to Takumi and added "They may be thugs, but they don't deserve this."
"Don't they?" Takumi asked. "Get out of my way. Vilnerago!"
A large ball of flames erupted from Takumi's Staff, shooting strait toward Alan. Akro quickly moved in front of Alan to take the blow. The ball of fire exploded, and Takumi took a few step toward the smoke. But he stopped in his tracks when the smoke cleared, showing that Alan was perfectly fine. Akro had taken the shape of a large, circular shield, covered in spikes with a razor like edge, to protect him. Alan shifted his grip on the shields handle and threw it like a Frisbee at Takumi.
"Gierze!" Takumi shouted, swinging the staff upwards as it shifted form. He deflected the spinning shield and knocked it into the sky.
Alan was instantly upon him, having quickly closed the distance between them. Alan slammed one of his steel knuckles into Takumi's chest. Takumi could hear one of his ribs cracking from the force, and he immediately sidestepped Alan to avoid his next punch. He raised his sword, preparing to cleave Alan with it. Akro Tirio quickly switched to his winged form and flew to Alan's hand before shifting into his sword form. Alan parried Takumi's attack and swung his sword. The two of them deflected each other's blows, but Takumi failed to notice Alan's free hand swinging through the air until it was too late. The steel knuckles collided with his solar plexus, and he began to fall over backwards. Refusing to go down alone, Takumi raised both his legs as he fell and slammed them into Alan's chest.
They both fell over. Takumi quickly rolled backwards and got to his feet. His broken ribs protested against the movement, and he dropped to a knee, clutching his chest.
Akro shifted into his cloak form, and used his wings to pull Alan back a bit. Alan gently set his broken foot on the ground as Akro landed him a few feet away from Takumi.
"That's...," Takumi said, pausing as pain throbbed in his chest. "...An interesting Shoggoth."
"The best," Alan said, smiling.
Takumi winced as he stood up straight and raised his sword again.
"We'll see about that," he hissed.

*Meanwhile*

Asuka stood on the sidewalk, with a bag of groceries in her hand. She waited there for a few minutes before a car pulled up beside her, and Ayako jumped out of the passenger side door.
"Hey Nee-chan!" she said, throwing her arms around Asuka.
"Hi, Ayako," Asuka said softly.
"What happened to your vest?" Ayako asked, noticing the torn coat that Asuka was wearing.
"It's a long story," Asuka said, looking away.
The woman in the drivers seat leaned over to look at them. She was dressed in a white medical coat, and her long, orange hair was pulled into a ponytail.
"All right you two, let's go," she said. "We have some more things to do."
"Okay, Mom," Ayako said.
"Yes, Mrs. Minami," Asuka replied.
"Call me Mom," the woman insisted. "Now get in the car."

*Meanwhile*

"Pyssintro!" Takumi yelled.
A bolt of yellow lightning shot from the tip of his sword. Alan and Akro dodged it by flying slightly to the left.
"Vesercho! Gazalos! Pyssantro!" Takumi yelled, firing consecutive blasts of fire, ice, and lightning at Alan.
Alan managed to dodge all of them ad flew up close to Takumi. Akro shifted into his sword form, and Alan swung. Takumi parried with his own sword, multiple times.
"Your shirt is stupid," Takumi said, catching sight of the symbol on the left side of Alan's chest. It resembled a heart with an eyeball in the center.
"Well your robe is stupid!" Alan countered, slamming the palm of his free hand into Takumi's chest. "Kazmararra!"
Takumi slashed his sword at Alan one last time before being propelled backwards by the fore of the spell. Alan clutched the deep gash which was now on his left forearm. Akro quickly switched to gun form, and Alan fired a shot at Takumi's flying body. Takumi regained his balance just as the bullet hit his arm. He casually plucked it from his robe ad turned it over in his hand.
"It may be stupid, but it's also bullet proof," Takumi said. "Nine millimeter? Does your Shoggoth make these himself?"
"Yeah, he does," Alan said.
"Gierze," Takumi said, tossing the bullet aside as his sword returned to its staff form. "Bierto Malus!"
A bolt of red lightning fired at Alan, and Akro managed to shift into shield form just in time.
"Shit!" Alan said. "This guy can use Malice Lightning? He must really want me dead!"
Takumi dropped to one knee. Focal magic was powerful, but it was also draining. He was beginning to grow tired.
"You look a little out of it" Alan said.
"Shut up!" Takumi shouted.
Before Alan could reply, he was hit by another vertigo attack. His broken foot slipped from underneath him and he fell flat on his stomach. He shook his head to try and clear his vision before looking up. Takumi was back on his feet, holding a container of salt. There was now a circle of salt on the ground around him. He had taken advantage of Alan's vertigo attack to set it up.
"Oh shit," Alan said. "Not this spell!"
Takumi began chanting softly, and the circle around him glowed. Cosmic energy acculmulated in the air above him, and solidified into a large red crystal, at least as large as Takumi himself was.
"An Endstar Crystal," Alan said. "Not good."
Takumi raised his staff, then swung it forward. The crystal followed its movements, flying toward Alan. Alan raised his shield, blocking the attack. The crystal continued to push against the shield,driving Alan backwards. Alan drew some cosmic energy into his body, concentrating it in his muscles.
"Herzhio," He said. His body became stronger, but it was still a challenge for him to resist the force of the crystal that was pushing him back.
Blood dripped from the wound on Alan's arm, and he couldn't stop himself from looking at the ground where it was falling. An idea suddenly came to him. A very, very painful idea. Alan dragged his foot through the blood, using it to draw a symbol on the ground.
"Nifelsion!" Alan shouted, stomping on the symbol with his broken foot.
Suddenly, twin orbs of energy erupted from the ground on either side of him. They sped through the air, colliding with Takumi's chest. He could feel even more of his ribs breaking, and he was knocked backward. As soon as he left the circle, the crystal he had summoned vanished. He fell to the ground, on his back. Alan began limping toward him, as Akro shifted into his sword form.
"That spell," Takumi said, looking up. "That can only be performed by inflicting pain on yourself. How..."
He stopped when he saw that Alan was favoring his left foot.
"Your foot," Takumi said, rising on his elbows and crawling backwards a bit. "It's been broken this whole time!"
"Yeah," Alan said.
"Why the hell would you fight me like that?" Takumi said.
"Because I can't just sit back and let you keep doing what you were doing," Alan said. "That's not how I roll!"
Alan charged forward, ignoring his wounded foot. Before he could reach Takumi, he crashed into something he couldn't see and fell on his back. He looked up, but  there was nothing there. But as he looked, the colors around him began to swirl, and Jierge came into sight, shedding his camouflage. The horse-like Shoggoth approached Takumi, who weakly got up on his back.
"This isn't over, Alan," Takumi hissed, before allowing Jierge to carry him off.
"Well, that was weird," Alan said.
A short distance away, Jarmil stood, hidden in the shadows of some trees.
"So, this is Alan Peredur, is it?" he thought to himself. "What and interesting character. Let's see what happens from here."

*Meanwhile*

Drahoslav stood at the top of a building, with his eyes shut.
"So, Alan has defeated Takumi Tachibana?" he said. "Just as I expected."
He turned his head slightly and opened his eyes. In the distance, he could see a small hospital.
"Let's have a bit more fun," he said, raising a hand.
A portal of darkness appeared above him, and a hideous creature flew out of it. It had pitch black skin, and a muscular build. A pair of membranous wings sprouted from its back, and a barbed tail grew from the base of its spinal cord. There was no face underneath its horned forehead, and sharp claws tipped each of its fingers.
"Go," Drahoslav told it. "And cause some svár."

*Later, in front of the hospital*

Ayako got out of the parked car and stretched out her arms.
“Nice to be back!” she said, as Asuka and her mom stepped out of the car as well.
“So, how was work, Ayako?” her mom asked her.
“It was interesting,” Ayako said. “I met this American guy today.”
“American?” Asuka asked, remember her encounter earlier that day.
“Yeah,” Ayako said. “His name was Alan. He needed help finding a dictionary. He had no idea how to speak Japanese.”
“Then what was he doing in here in Japan?” her mom asked.
“No idea,” Ayako said. “Now come on, let’s get ins-“
Before she could finish her sentence, the creature Drahoslav had summoned landed on top of the car, crushing the hood beneath its weight.
“Whet the hell!?” her mother exclaimed.
The creature swung its clawed hand, barely missing the woman.
“You son of a bitch!” Ayako’s mom shouted, swinging her purse at the creature.
It caught the purse and lifted her up into the air by it. It pulled her up to face level, and if it had and eyes, they would be making contact with hers.
“Let her go!” Ayako shouted, picking a rock up off the ground and throwing it at the monster.
The rock hit it in the head, but it didn’t seem to hurt much. The creature let Ayako’s mom fall to the ground as it turned its attention to Ayako. It spread its wings and flew at her. Ayako jumped out of the way before it reached her. It turned around, and saw Asuka, standing a few feet from it. It could smell the fear coming from her. It approached her slowly, soaking up the terror she was feeling. Asuka stumbled backwards and fell to the ground. Ayako charged at the monster to try and stop it, but its tail wrapped around her leg before she reached it and flung her away. The monster continued to approach Asuka. She looked up into the creature’s blank face. It raised a clawed hand, ready to attack, but before it could, Alan dropped from the sky and slammed one of his steel knuckles into its chest. Startled, the monster stumbled backwards, clutching the spot where the attack had hit.
“I thought I smelled Nightgaunt,” Alan said casually.
He was dressed back up in his jacket, with his shirt untucked and his mask hidden away safely. He glanced up briefly to see Akro Tirio fly away, hiding amongst the tall buildings. No one else had seen him. Good.
“Hey Asuka,” Alan said calmly. “And Ayako, you’re here too. You two know each other?”
“We’re sisters,” Ayako said.
“Sort of,” Asuka said, keeping her eyes on the Nightgaunt, which was now hanging back, confused. “I’m adopted.
“Oh,” Alan said. “I see.”
The Nightgaunt hovered there, focuses on Alan. This wasn’t right. Humans were supposed to fear its kind. But this one... this one wasn’t scared at all. No fear was coming off of him. The Nightgaunt extended its claws angrily. If this human wasn’t scared, then it would make him scared. The Nightgaunt flew forward and swung its claws. Alan raised an arm, blocking the attack with his forearm.
“Do you mind!” Alan snapped angrily. “I’m trying to talk to the girls!”
The Nightgaunt swung its other arm, which Alan blocked as well. Alan then slammed one of his fists into the Nightgaunt’s empty face, throwing it back.
“Ha!” Alan laughed. “Right in the facelessness!”
Alan charged forwards, wincing briefly from the pain in his foot. He struck the Nightgaunt in the chest. It lashed out with one of its arms, but Alan dodged to the side and struck it in the temple, and again in the ribs. The Nightgaunt’s wings spread out, and it flew backwards. Its head split open sideways, revealing a gaping chasm, filled with fags and eyes where there shouldn’t be any. A massive amount of power built up in the opening, and it fired a blast of dark energy straight in Alan’s direction. Alan jumped forward, rolling underneath the blast. He stayed down and charged quickly between its legs. Before it had a chance to turn around, Alan had climbed up on its back.
“Hey,” Alan said, grabbing the back of its head with one hand and its jaw in the other. “What’s up?”
Before the Nightgaunt had a chance to throw him off, Alan jerked his arms out, snapping the creature’s neck. It fell to the ground, no longer moving, and Alan got up shakily to his feet.
“You guys okay?” he asked.
“Yeah,” Ayako said. “What the hell is that thing?”
“A Nightgaunt,” Alan said. “No clue what it’s doing here in Tokyo though.”
“So you’re the American that my daughter met earlier, aren’t you?” Ayako’s mom asked.
“Oh, this is my mom, Kiku Minami,” Ayako said.
“Oh, hey there,” Alan said.
Without another word, Kiku shoved Alan over and caught his left foot as he went down. She examined it for a moment.
“How long have you been walking around on this?” she demanded.
“I don’t know,” Alan said. “Most of the day.”
“It’s broken!” Kiku snapped. “You need medical attention.”
"Just a sprain, huh?" Ayako said, mockingly.
“I'm fine!” Alan said, jerking away from her and getting back to his feet. "I don't need any medical crap."
“What, are you afraid of hospitals or something?” she asked.
“Hospitals, no,” Alan said. “Hospital bills, yes.”
“Come on, let's get you inside," Kiku sighed. "Follow me."
"Wait, this place is a hospital?" Alan asked. "That's oddly convenient..."
"Yeah, my mom owns this place," Ayako said.
"Come on," Kiku said, grabbing Alan by the arm and pulling him forward.
"But I can't afford this right now!" Alan protested.
"I'll give you a discount," Kiku said. "I owe you that much."
Kiku continued pulling him, until he eventually gave up and reluctantly let her escort him inside. After they had all gone inside, Jarmil stepped out from behind a street lamp and approached the dead Nightgaunt. He knelt down and placed a hand on its body.
"Drahoslav," he whispered. "How did you do this?"

Kzed Report 6
 
Nightgaunts. Creatures of darkness. A race of humanoid beings that live in the shadows where humans dare not venture.
They are like us in form. Usually about seven feet tall, with long arms and legs. They possess a tail and wings, and lack any sensory organs on their face. However, they are still able to perceive their surroundings. I'm not sure how.
They feed on fear. And their appearance makes it easy for them. They strike terror into people, then they consume that fear to make themselves stronger.
There is still much I don't understand about them. If only I could get my hands on a specimen to dissect.