Kyle sat on the edge of his small apartment window, the city lights below flickering like distant stars trapped in concrete cages. He stared at his reflection in the glass, the pale halo of streetlamps cutting across his face. Sometimes, he wondered if he even existed beyond the blur of days and half-remembered dreams.

"Another day… another burden." he muttered to himself, voice barely audible over the hum of the city. He hugged his knees closer, a weak attempt at comfort. The orphanage had taught him resilience but not how to make life feel worth it. He had learned to survive, not to live.

The alarm on his phone buzzed. Harsh and unrelenting. Kyle let it slide across the table before going to snooze it. Work didn't wait for self-pity morning feelings and neither did life, though it often felt like it should. Coffee shops were the sort of places that demanded smiles, small talk and the constant illusion of cheerfulness. And Kyle was good at it or at least, decent enough to avoid complaints.

By the time he arrived at Brew Haven the morning rush was already fading. He tied his apron with the precision of someone who had done this ritual a thousand times and tried to shake the gloom that still clung to him like a wet coat.

Hours passed into the afternoon. The rhythmic clatter of espresso machines, the hiss of steam, the murmur of customers… it was a dull symphony he moved through almost automatically. He offered smiles to strangers, refilled cups and wiped tables but inside, his thoughts kept drifting to the hollow feeling that had become his constant companion.

"Hey, Kyle!" A bright voice cut through the monotony.

He looked up from wiping down the counter and saw Mira, a small figure with an oversized backpack slung over one shoulder, beaming at him. Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of pride and relief. Kyle's chest lifted slightly with a warm flicker of something like hope.

"You're here early." he said, trying to match her energy.

"I wanted to see you as soon as possible." she said, practically bouncing on her heels. "I passed! My math exam! I..." She paused to catch her breath, excitement making her words tumble out like a waterfall. "I studied like you told me, Kyle! I… I actually did it!"

Kyle felt an unfamiliar tug of pride, softening the edges of his gloom. Mira had always struggled with school, resenting the rules and structure that seemed to cage her creativity. He had encouraged her relentlessly... sometimes harshly, always insistently. And now, here she was, proof that at least some guidance had not fallen on deaf ears.

"That's… really good, Mira." he said, forcing a smile that felt natural for once. "I'm proud of you. You actually did it."

She grinned, her dimples deepening. "I couldn't have done it without you. Seriously. You… you made me believe I could, even when I didn't."

Kyle chuckled, a sound that surprised even him. "Well, I only believe in the impossible sometimes." He shook his head, returning to the task of clearing a nearby table. "Come on. Let's celebrate, yeah? Just… a little... nothing fancy. I can ask my manager for a little advance. We can go grab dinner."

Her eyes lit up like fireworks. "Really? You'd do that?"

Kyle nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You earned it."

He found his manager behind the counter, busy organizing inventory. "Hey, can I… uh, get a small advance on my pay? I need it for… a little dinner."

"For that little girl?" The manager raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Fine, but don't turn this into a habit."

Kyle thanked him and handed Mira a playful wink. "See? We're set."

The two of them were walked out and went into a small, cozy diner with warm lights and the rich smell of frying bacon. They were led to a corner booth, away from most of the other patrons and sat down. Kyle ordered a variety of dishes: fries, sandwiches, pasta and a dessert to finish... enough to feel like a feast but not overly extravagant.

Mira watched him place the plates on the table, her eyes wide. "Wow… you really did this."

Kyle shrugged, a small, awkward smile. "You passed. That deserves more than just a high-five."

The two of them dug in, laughter mixing with conversation. Mira recounted funny stories from school, exaggerated problems she had with her classmates and moments she had tried to hide from teachers. Kyle found himself genuinely laughing, letting go of the weight that had been pressing on him all day.

"You know." Kyle said between bites, "I always knew you could do it. You just… didn't believe it yourself. But I did."

Mira blushed lightly, looking down at her plate, then back at him. "Thanks, Kyle… really. I don't think I'd have done it without you pushing me."

Evening came in a warm bubble of shared joy. Kyle realized how rare it was to feel this… light. He watched Mira laugh at some silly joke she'd made and a small, protective part of him felt determined to keep that smile in the world, no matter what.

When they finally stepped outside, the city was bathed in the golden-red hues of the setting sun. Mira tucked her hands into her jacket pockets, looking up at the sky.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" she said softly.

Kyle nodded, his gaze on the deepening sunset. "Yeah… it is."

They walked side by side in silence for a moment, letting the last light of the day wash over them.

"You ever wonder..." Kyle said, glancing at the dimming sky. "why it feels like the world is always… just a little too heavy? Like it's waiting for something terrible to happen but you don't know what?"

Mira frowned, tilting her head. "I… I guess. But isn't it better to keep walking, anyway? Keep moving? Even if it's heavy, even if it's dark?"

Kyle paused, considering her words.

Then he glanced at her. "Hey… it's getting dark. I should take you home."

Mira crossed her arms, mock-annoyed. "I'm not a little girl, you know?"

Kyle smirked. "You're still in school. So technically… you are a little girl."

Mira rolled her eyes but her lips tugged into a grin. "Alright, Dad. Take me home then."

Kyle chuckled, shaking his head as they fell into step together...

The Night Before - Clyck Squad's Pov

Liam led his squad to the Colrado Streets, eyes scanning every shadow. Beside him was Trent, fumbled with the strap of his weapon pack, muttering under his breath about whether this demon was even real. At the rear, Cassie adjusted her armor plates, gripping the edge of her blade and muttering curses at the deserted streets.

The squad had been sent by Captain Dylan Garrett. They had orders to investigate reports of a demon sighting in this streets.

They moved carefully down the cracked sidewalks, dodging broken glass and puddles of old, oily rainwater. A group of huddled figures lurked under a flickering streetlamp, Liam waved them over.

"Have you seen anything… strange?"

The figures glanced at each other nervously. "Yeah… there's a thing… in the abandoned flat." one said, voice trembling. "Big... big fly… smells like rot. Don't go there…"

Liam nodded curtly. "Thank you. That's all we need." He motioned for the squad to continue.

"Are we seriously doing this?" Trent muttered. "Crackheads said they saw it. Maybe they just..."

"Maybe they didn't..." Liam interrupted, voice low and steady. "Maybe we don't want to find out if they did but the Captain said we should check it out. And that's exactly what we're doing."

The abandoned flat loomed in the near corner, a decrepit building where the plaster fell in sheets and the windows were shattered or boarded over. Faint smells of decay wafted through the broken doorway.

Cassie's hand went to her blade instinctively. "This place… it reeks fresh blood, I can smell it."

Inside, the stench hit them like a physical blow. The room was dark, lit only by the faint moonlight seeping through the shattered windows. On the floor lay a body, mangled beyond recognition, blood still wet and thick. The victim's torso had been torn open, the organs exposed and strewn across the room.

Trent gagged. "Jesus… a Nakamore?"

Liam crouched, inspecting the remains."No, those things hunt in the woods. This… is something else, stay sharp."

A sudden movement in the shadows made all three freeze. With a wet, guttural snarl, the demon revealed itself. Six spindly, insect-like legs carried its gaunt, bloated body, covered in slick, glistening skin that seemed almost translucent. Its face… or what passed for a face was a gaping maw of jagged teeth, with flaps of skin hanging like rotten curtains. Wings, thin and veined, stretched out from its back.

Cassie's stomach twisted. "Damn it guys... it's a Grinker."

Trent swallowed hard. "An A-rank? Do we… call backup?"

Liam shook his head. "No we don't. It looks weak… we can kill it."

Cassie nodded, her grip tightening. "Alright... let's kill this ugly thing quickly."

The demon hissed, advancing... the room vibrating with its wet, unnatural movements. Its wings beat in short, rapid bursts, creating an oppressive wind that smelled of rot and decay.

"Demon dog." Liam summoned his demon, a massive, dog-like creature with fur black as midnight and eyes glowing faint red. Its growl echoed through the broken room.

Cassie and Trent moved into position. Trent fired a short burst from his gun, silver bullets meant to harm demons. The shots bounced harmlessly off the creature's slimy hide.

The Grinker lunged at Trent, six legs snapping. He dove to the side but one leg caught his shoulder, tearing through his jacket and leaving a long, bloody gash.

Cassie slashed, her blade cutting through one of the demon's legs. A wet screech reverberated through the abandoned flat. The Grinker recoiled slightly, then lashed its wings, creating a gust that knocked the two agents backward.

The demon dog bounded forward, teeth bared, snapping at the demon. The creature hissed, whipping its clawed legs, slicing the dog's fur and skin with ease. Liam cursed, dodging a swipe aimed at his chest. "Stay focused! Hit its wings first!"

The fight was a blur of motion. The Grinker's legs moved faster than human eyes could follow, striking out with brutal precision. Trent tried to block another swipe and was thrown across the room, his body hitting the wall with a sickening crack. He didn't move.

"Trent!" Cassie screamed, charging at the creature but her blade barely grazed the slime-covered hide. The Grinker pivoted, striking her with a wingtip, knocking her to the floor. She rolled, blade ready, cutting at a leg again but it wasn't enough.

Liam barked orders, his own heart pounding. "Demon dog, get it from behind!"

The demon dog lunged, biting and tearing. The Grinker shrieked in pain, stumbling slightly but it was still deadly, swinging its limbs wildly. Liam threw himself at the beast, driving a stake meant for demons straight into its chest. The creature screeched, blood oozing from multiple wounds. It flailed, thrashing, tearing apart the floorboards beneath it.

Cassie rose, bleeding and limping... and together with Liam, they pressed the attack. But the Grinker, made a sudden leap toward the broken window. Its six legs hit the ground, claws scratching the walls as it bounded upward, wings opening for flight.

Liam cursed. "It's getting out... demon dog, hold it!"

The demon dog leaped, biting into the Grinker but the creature snapped its wings, knocking the dog back. The Grinker burst through the shattered window, landing on the street below with a wet thud... it ran building up speed to fly until took off.

In the abandoned flat Trent lay motionless on the floor, a red pool expanding beneath him.

"Damn it…" Liam muttered, his chest heaving. "We lost one… we barely held it."

Cassie, kneeling beside Trent's body, cursed under her breath, tears mingling with blood. "Trent's gone."

Liam clenched his fists. The demon dog returned to his side, panting, bloodied but still loyal. "Shit! We couldn't even kill that thing. And it won't stay down forever. If it heals…" His voice trailed off.

Cassie wiped her blade, grim and silent. "We have to report back."

Liam nodded. "Let's go, the support team will come get Trent's body."

Both Agents went out of the abandoned flat and back into the night covering the Colrado Street.

West Division Headquarters Pov

Morning light seeped through the grime-streaked windows of POA West Headquarters, painting the lobby in shades of gold and gray.

Liam and Cassie walked up the stone steps side by side. Neither had slept. Their movements were stiff, mechanical because moving kept them from thinking too much about Trent.

The door to the captain's office swung open before they could knock. Captain Dylan Garrett leaned against the frame, a towering man with an untidy beard and his usual slouch. On any other day he might have cracked a joke, something dumb about missing coffee or demons being glorified pigeons.

"About time." Dylan said, folding his arms. "Let me guess... Trent overslept again?"

Cassie's lips parted first. Her voice cracked but held steady enough. "No, sir. Trent is… dead."

Dylan's expression changed instantly, the humor draining from his face like water down a drain. He straightened, arms crossing tightly. "What happened?"

Liam forced himself forward. "We encountered a Grinker in the abandoned flats off Colrado Street."

The captain's eyes widened, then narrowed into a glare sharp enough to cut. "A Grinker? Are you kidding me?" His voice rose, heavy with anger. "You're a C-rank squad! Why in hell would you even breathe near an A-rank demon... let alone fight it?"

Cassie dropped her gaze. Liam didn't.

"You should've called it in." Dylan barked, his fist slamming against his desk, rattling a stack of files. "But instead, you charge in and now Trent's in the ground. All for what pride?"

Liam's jaw clenched. "It wasn't pride. We just thought calling backup would make us look weak." He inhaled deeply. "I take full responsibility. But we managed to injure it, badly. It won't have gone far."

Cassie's voice followed, soft, almost broken. "We're sorry, sir."

Dylan stared at them for a long, tense moment, his breath heavy in the silence. Then he muttered a curse under his breath and spun toward the console on the far wall. He slammed a button and growled into the comm.

"This is Captain Garrett. Send in the Voklov Squad to my office."

Minutes later, boots echoed down the hall. The door opened and Aaron entered first... tall, broad-shouldered, with short-cropped hair and a gaze that carried command without words. His very presence shifted the air, steady and immovable like iron.

Behind him came Ezra, moving with deliberate ease. His eyes slid across the room, pausing on Liam and Cassie, and though his face hardly moved.

"So these are the loosers who thought they could wrestle a Grinker?"

Nia entered last. She said nothing but the silence that followed Ezra's words felt heavier with her there.

Aaron ignored Ezra's jab, stepping forward. His voice was low, steady, all business. "Captain. You called us?"

Dylan didn't waste time. "We've got a Grinker problem that I want your squad to handle."

Cassie stiffened, but it was Liam who spoke. "It's been reported to have killed four people so far and our friend, Trent."

Nia's lips parted just slightly, a rare flicker of empathy. "...I'm sorry."

Ezra only shrugged. "You guys picked a fight with a superior... what'd you think was going to happen?"

Dylan's voice snapped like a whip. "Quiet, Ezra!."

Aaron ignored the exchange. His eyes stayed on Dylan. "Where was it last seen?"

"Colrado Street." Dylan replied. "Liam says they wounded it before it got away."

Liam stepped forward. "Yes, sir. It fled south and it was bleeding heavily... you'll be able to track it within a few blocks."

Ezra tilted his head. "Oh? And since when are we taking orders from this guy?"

Liam's fists clenched at his sides but he didn't reply.

Aaron's voice cut the tension. "We'll handle it."

Dylan nodded once, firmly. "Good. I want that thing dead before it tears through more civilians. Do whatever you have to, just get it done."

Ezra muttered something under his breath but Nia silenced him with a glance. The three of them turned for the door.

Before leaving, Aaron looked back at Dylan. "We'll bring its head."

And then they were gone, the sound of their boots fading down the hall.

Dylan turned back to Liam and Cassie, his voice softer now, though still edged with steel. "You two are benched. Get yourselves patched up. I don't want to see you on another mission until I say otherwise."

Cassie nodded quickly, murmuring, "Yes, sir."

Liam's eyes, however met Dylan's. For the first time, the weight of guilt wasn't the only thing burning there... something else flickered, quiet but dangerous.

"Next time, Captain." Liam said, steady, "we won't fail to kill a demon."

Dylan studied him for a long moment before sighing and shaking his head. "Next time, you'd better report when faced with an upper demon."

Liam and Cassie nodded, then they turned to leave.