ā Ā¶ Lost Child Seeks Police Help
Deep within the gloomy , dimly lit woodland of Limbo , a thick mist quietly roams across the land , once a forest , echoing with the hushed whispers of wandering lost souls . The transformation has rendered Limbo a quieted , desolate place Rotten black trees with molded burls standing at angles in a grove , arching downwards as if peering towards the blackened ground below .
Sprouting from the trunk of the moldering trees are thick roots , unearthed and exposed . Coated in mist and murky dew , a hooded figure approaches the grove and kneels before the exposed roots . The mysterious cloaked presence thrusts its fist into the hardened dirt , firmly grasping the roots , and pulls at their stems , inching them out of the ground .
It looks up at the hazy sky above as the hood falls away , revealing its hideous , demonic visage . The fiend closes its eyes , moans and sways back and forth in the dirt and rot . A sudden flash trembles across its horrifying brow and the demon's eyes open again . It gasps and growls and a half-grin appears on its malformed face .
Mommy ? Yes , honey , why aren't you sleeping ? Baby , it's the middle of the night . There is someone in my room . What , where's your father ? That's who is in my room . What , where's your father ? That's who is in my room , but someone is pretending to be him . What do you mean , honey ? It looks like him , but he doesn't move .
Like Daddy , he smiles all the time Come here , honey , you stay right here , I'll go to your room and check it out .
Please don't go , mommy Theo it will be okay .
I promise Just stay right here and I'll be right back . Just gonna go check on Daddy I love you .
East of the Mississippi River in St Charles County , in the township of Darden , an eight-year-old boy , theo Banks , leaves his home at first light wearing only his pyjamas and a backpack . His bare feet hurry down the doorstep at the front of his house and then the young boy makes haste towards refuge behind a parked sedan in the front yard .
Theo pauses for a moment , catching his breath as he examines the front door of his house . Once he feels he is safe and that no one is coming for him , he opens his backpack and fetches a military-style compass .
The antique brass World War II pocket compass passed down from his grandfather is discolored due to corrosion , but the floating dial still works perfectly . Theo turns the compass and observes as the dial travels slowly around the bevel ring until it points east . Compass and observes as the dial travels slowly around the bevel ring until it points east .
He couldn't remember how he obtained the information but , being an observant child , he knew the nearest police station was in Cottleville and that Cottleville was east of Camino Trail , the street in which he lives . His dad had always said if he ever needed to get help if his parents weren't able to call Officer Tuttle Top in Cottleville .
Unfortunately Theo couldn't make a phone call right now . The phone line wasn't dead , but he was frightened by the voices on the other end of the line . The compass points east , so Theo points east , so Theo heads east . Theo uses the Darden Creek as his guide . The young boy travels through harsh wind and rain .
The ankles of his pajama bottoms become stained with mud . He crosses an intersecting creek holding his backpack over his head as he traverses through the neck-deep water . He loses his footing in the muck during his journey and tumbles down a small hill . The contents of his backpack spill out in all directions .
Later , after retrieving his belongings , he looks towards the sky and observes as sunlight peeks through the weakening storm clouds . Further into his trip , theo can hear the low hum of large power lines overhead , aside from the occasional interesting landmark or flyby from a blue jay or white-crowned sparrow .
Theo keeps his head lowered , his eyes to the ground , so as not to make eye contact in the rare chance he is spotted and could attract attention . The rural landscape in this sparsely populated township has made this secretive hike all the more covert .
But he doesn't want to take any chances or spark the interest of someone wanting to help a soiled and desperate eight-year-old boy , theo , attempts to stay on task only occasionally allowing his imagination to take over that he is the only child on Earth traveling a post-apocalyptic landscape with the help of his trusty robot Spark .
Reality returns as soon as his feet touch pavement . Theo looks up and realizes he's reached the Cottleville Police Department parking lot . By the time Theo Banks enters the police department , he is grimy , thirsty and exhausted . Theo attempts to gain the desk officer's attention , but his throat is too dry to speak .
Excuse me , officer .
I'm just saying it's not the same . Give me an old-fashioned percolator Hell , I'll spring for it . What are they called ? K-cups Pods ? That ain't coffee . Get me a bag of whole beans , windmill black , a coffee grinder Now , that's a cup of joe , by God . Oh , I'm sorry there , little fella . I was on one of my rants . How can I help you ?
Um my dad , Do you mind coming a little closer I can on one of my rants . How can I help you ? Um , my dad .
Do you mind coming a little closer ? I can barely make out what you're saying .
Theo sets his backpack aside and approaches the desk . The desk officer is taken aback by the young boy's appearance .
My dad . He said if there was trouble to contact Officer , officer Turtletaub .
Sure son , hey , are you hungry ? You like PB&J and some hot cocoa .
Yes , sir .
I'll be right back , okay .
The desk officer steps away . A little while later , Theo is met by Officer Turtletaub .
Hey you , hugh Banks boy right .
Yes , sir .
Can you tell me what happened son ?
Someone is pretending to be my dad and mommy went to check on him , but she never came back .
Never came back . Is she missing ?
No , she went into my room where dad was and she never came out .
Okay , son , I understand . Listen , I need to ask you some things that may be hard to think about , hard to say , you might not like telling me , but I'll need to know so I can help you . Is that alright , son ?
Yes , I think so .
Were your mom and dad having a fight .
No , sir . We were all sleeping until I heard my dad talking . He was in my room and it was like he was talking to someone that wasn't there , and then I saw his face and I knew that it wasn't really him .
ā Ā¶ Caught in Possession's Peril
As Theo explains the strange circumstances that took place the night before , Officer Turtletaub takes note of the boy's condition .
Where'd you get those scratches ? I fell on the way here down a hill and that mark on your sleeve there . How'd that happen ? Was that mark on your sleeve from falling down the hill ?
Theo trembles as he shakes his head .
Can you tell me how you got that mark on your sleeve , Theo ?
I tried to peek under my door to see if Mommy was okay , but I placed my hand there .
Was it something wet ?
Yes , sir , I think it was blood .
Two police crews race through St Charles Street . Officer Turtletaub operates the patrol car in front with Theo as his passenger . The police cruisers decrease in speed as they arrive at the Banks residence on Camino Trail . Nothing out of the ordinary can be discerned from the outside .
Officer Turtletaub turns to face Theo , who is sitting in the back seat eating a sandwich and sipping on some hot cocoa .
Now , theo , I'm going to take a look inside to see if I can talk to your parents . Okay , can you tell me ? Do you have any pets inside ?
No , sir . Well there's a goldfish .
Now that goldfish isn't gonna leap out of his aquarium and try to attack me with his little flippers , will he ?
Fish are fins , not flippers .
Well , that's a relief . Now , listen , you stay in the car , no matter what . Okay , once I've had a good look-see inside , I'll come right back and let you know if everything is fine . Deputy McGuire , he's the one with that funny mustache standing right outside . He'll keep an eye on you while I'm gone . Sound good ?
Yes , sir .
Good . Officer Turtledore exits the vehicle , turns to the deputy and they both nod at one another . He turns to the deputy and they both nod at one another .
Officer Turtledorp begins to approach the bank's residents unfastening his holster and resting his hand against the butt of his service pistol . This is the police .
The initial response to the announcement of his presence is met with silence , but soon after Officer Turtledorp can hear a commotion inside , as if someone is descending the stairs , mr Banks . The front door abruptly swings open wide , officer Turtledaub backs away from the entrance , his service weapon drawn .
Deputy McGuire also has his revolver aimed at Hugh Banks , who is wide-eyed and panic-stricken .
Holy Mary , mother of .
God . Hugh Banks is pale , shaking and completely covered in blood . He looks skyward and shrieks a blood-curdling scream . New String TV presents Leo Braun , episode 10 . Limbo At daybreak , leo stands in his bathroom bracing himself against the porcelain sink .
The water from the faucet is running , but Leo seems not to notice that his pager is summoning him back to the ORA . Finally , he runs his hands through the flowing water , splashes some of it on his great stricken face . His hands through the flowing water , splashes some of it on his grief-stricken face .
Afterwards , he finishes off a glass of whiskey and stares at his own reflection . He grimaces and begins to tremble , gnashing his teeth . Leo erupts into an uncontrollable rage and launches his fist towards his reflection , shattering the mirror . His fist towards his reflection , shattering the mirror . Someone wraps on Leo's door .
He opens it to find Jillian on the other side .
I got your message . What happened to your hand ? It's bleeding .
Mirror Got in the way . What happened to yours ?
I ordered scrambled eggs , not sunny side up Understood .
You have the yeah one sec .
Back in St Charles County , Missouri , Hugh Banks remains prone on the front porch as both officer and deputy keep their weapons drawn . Theo looks on in horror from the backseat of the patrol car .
He , he has my life .
Deputy McGuire , stay with the boy . Keep your eyes trained on him . Sir Mr Banks , how many are inside ?
I don't know , Just one . I think he has her .
Has who ? My wife . I'm going in Deputy . You don't lose sight of that boy and keep your weapon right where it is .
Deputy McGuire affirms the order . Officer Turtledorf enters the Banks residence with his gun drawn . Hugh Banks then stands his arms at his side . He turns to his son , Theo , who is still sitting in the backseat of the patrol car , and teases a gingerly wave Mr Banks , what are you doing ? Hugh Banks leaps backwards into the house and the door slams shut .
Theo can hear on the radio as Deputy McGuire calls for backup . In a panic , Leo enters the devil's den of the ORA . He's met with Captain Mangut , Willie Topaz and Laurie Stryker .
Okay , the gang's all here . I'll get down to it . We have a Stage 4 possession occurring east of the Mississippi River in St Charles County , missouri , located in the Darden Township . The subject is Hugh Banks , 37 , husband of Beatrice Banks , 29 , and father of Theo Banks , who is eight years of age . Where's the boy ? Now ?
In the custody of the Cuddleville Police Department , safe and sound for the time being , and the wife , beatrice , unknown , but all reports lead us to believe that she is deceased . Hugh , while under the influence of a demonic spirit , has also taken a police officer hostage . Nasty business .
Leo begins heading to the briefing room to obtain his briefcase .
Leo , not so fast . Striker Topaz , you're up . Transmigration subjects were pre-selected and loaded onto the slab .
We're on it , Cap .
Before you go , keep this in mind there is heavy police presence , so be cautious . Dispatch has gone through great lengths to set up a temporary cover for you both in most departmental databases in case anyone gets suspicious . But like in all things in our line of work , it's a short-term stopgap at best . Stay vigilant and as low-profile as you can .
The cover won't last long . You'll both be posing as police officers , with Miss Stryker having the added specialty of crisis negotiator .
Wait hold on . Shouldn't I be the crisis negotiator ? I mean , I am the trained actor here .
Miss Stryker will be posing as Lieutenant Becky Salt , who just so happens to actually be a crisis negotiator . So , unless you want to wear a wig , a bra and some high heels , we'll leave the acting for another day . Now listen up . Priority one is to get in that house and acquire the subject for some face time .
Keep all other civilians and in this case that includes the other officers as far away as possible from that house . Okay , you have your orders Dismissed . Leo , come with me .
A large garage door slowly raises , ultimately revealing a blacked-out military model Humvee .
You wanted to know how we capture actual demons causing all this fuss . Today you'll be Tracker , not Hunter , and I'll be joining you .
Demon Tracker .
So I can see the wheels turning in that big brain of yours already . But hold your questions . We have to get moving . I'll explain on the way . Hop in .
A behemoth of a man enters the driver's side of the Humvee . He's clearly a foot taller than Leo , with a broad and muscular frame and adorned with a lion's mane of long and blonde hair . He hops into the driver's seat , starts the ignition . As the engine roars , he steps on the gas and they race out of the garage . Now on the road .
The driver of the Humvee makes quick work of the city streets and shortly they are off-roading in more rough and weathered terrain .
Who's the driver , that's Gorm , of Nordic descent . A former pro wrestler from the Norwegian Wrestling Federation Went by the name Grendel . He's also the best goddamn tracker we've ever had .
Hi , gorm , I'm Leo , nice to meet you .
Ah , he must like you . Usually he's not so chatty .
Gorm flips a switch on the center console and a display panel emits a faint green glow within the dashboard . Leo stares at the display with great interest .
You want to know how .
You read my mind .
Think of the possession as a two-way call , a signal with two endpoints , the possessed subject being the destination and the demon as the source of the signal . As you can imagine , it would have to be pretty strong signal to travel through time and space , not to mention parallel universes in multiple states of existence .
And being such an intense signal , it is equally wide ranging and therefore bouncing off material and immaterial . For bouncing off material and immaterial , think spiritual Obstacles which provide us with enough geographical and topographical information to pinpoint a location .
So it's like GPS .
Actually think sonar . You know how that works .
Well , if being a fan of the Hunt for Red October counts , then yeah .
Uh-huh , yeah , okay . So sonar uses sound waves to detect objects in the water or , in this case , on land . When the sound bounces back , the echo measures the strength and time it took for the sound to travel to and from an object . That's just basic sonar 101 . From an object that's just basic sonar 101 .
The echoes we receive are amplified and we receive a readout of the location on the display panel . It also maps out terrain and helps us avoid smashing into the side of a mountain .
Gorm taps on the screen as the sonar begins emitting a pulse .
Hey , he's got something . I'd advise you to buckle up at this point .
Leo straps in as the Humvee accelerates , racing off into the distance . Meanwhile , back in the capital city of Dante , jillian anxiously enters the jumping Jehoshaphat's coffee shop with the express intention of finding Sebastian . But to her dismay she discovers the mysterious man who met her on the street yesterday , sitting alone at a booth .
She approaches the booth and sits down .
Where is he ?
Ah , miss Burkett , you came .
ā Ā¶ In the Shadows of Limbo
I apologize for being so curt yesterday . I neglected to give you my name , I'm Howard .
You said I'd be meeting Sebastian here . Howard , when is he ? Is that curt enough for you ?
Not here .
I can see that .
No , I'm sorry , I'm not cut out for this . We shouldn't speak here . You said . I know what I said , but I'm pretty sure I've been followed all morning , followed , but I'm pretty sure I've been followed all morning .
Followed . Okay , howard , you see that napkin . Drop it on the floor under the table and then pick it up . What you heard me Do it .
Now Howard reluctantly follows Jillian's instructions . He slides the napkin off the table , but it just falls on the bench seat he's sitting on Shit . He looks around the coffee shop and then proceeds to push the napkin off the edge of the seat until it falls on the floor .
Howard takes in a deep breath and then leans down to pick up the napkin and , to his trepidation , comes face to face with the working end of a 9mm handgun .
So we understand each other .
Yes .
Sit the fuck up .
Where'd you get a gun ?
Demon hunter friend of mine . Now I have no idea what would happen if I pulled the trigger . Would your head just pop open like a melon , or would the bullet just bounce off of you like a caped crusader ? But I have a feeling it wouldn't feel too good either way and I'm starting to get very fucking curious .
If you know where Sebastian is , take me to him Now . Nod , if you understand .
Howard nods . They leave the coffee shop and Howard directs Jillian to his car , which is parked behind it . Howard steers his pale green 1976 AMC Gremlin through the streets of Dante towards Sebastian's location . Jillian sits in the passenger seat with her gun still trained on him .
Can this thing go any faster ? From what I can tell , there aren't any speed limits .
Although they were much maligned , the AMC Gremlin is considered a classic in my book and therefore must be handled with care .
How much will a depreciating value with a couple of bullet holes in it speed up ?
Unbeknownst to Jillian and Howard , a dark maroon 1987 Oldsmobile 442 pulls in behind them . Jillian notices two shadowy figures inside .
Howard . Well , I'll give you this . You weren't lying about being followed .
You thought I was oh shit .
Without warning , the Oldsmobile accelerates , swerving into the opposite lane and pulls alongside the Gremlin . Then the car rams into the gremlin's driver's side door . Howard's hand slips off the steering wheel and he loses control . Jillian braces herself for impact as the car careens into a newspaper stand .
The vehicle is upended and the roof slams hard against the pavement , grinding metal as it slides to a stop , leaving Jillian unconscious in the aftermath . Back in Missouri , Officer Turtledove is bound and gagged in an office chair in the attic of Hugh Banks' home . Attempting to maintain his composure , he inspects the loft .
Hugh Banks is standing at the far side of the attic in a corner talking to himself as he converses with no one . He furiously tugs at his hair , pulling out tufts of it as he gets increasingly agitated . Then Hugh drops his trousers and proceeds to urinate in the corner .
The officer looks away and notices something in the reflection of a mirror secured by a chest of drawers . A woman , Most likely Beatrice Banks , is lying frustrated on the floor of the attic . She is bloodied and battered and if she is alive , her breathing is too shallow to tell .
Officer Turtledorp suddenly gets the feeling he's being watched and turns to see Hugh Bank standing right in front of him . Officer Turtledorp motions with his eyes as if to indicate he can't speak . While gagged , the demonic spirit instructs Hugh to examine the embroidered emblem bearing his name that is pinned to his uniform .
Officer Officer Turtle , turtle . Tub . So , officer Turtle , let us make some music .
In limbo . A cloaked demon casting a hold over Hugh Banks instantly jerks his head as if something has caught his immediate attention . In the attic of the Banks residence , hugh Banks mimics the demon's movements , allowing the evil spirit to see through Hugh's eyes .
I hear something .
The possessed man walks over to the large floor-to-ceiling attic window and peers out of it . From his vantage point he can see about a half-mile stretch of St Charles Street . He can also see a string of patrol cars heading his way , sirens lit up and blaring . The demon is witness to it as well .
Oh , officer turtle , I see your friends .
Hugh banks burst through his front door , ignoring his son , theo , who still remains in the back seat of the patrol car . Hugh walks out into the middle of St Charles Street , facing the line of police cruisers that are bearing down on him .
I'm ready .
The demon in the foggy forest smiles balefully as it snaps one of the roots and watches a black syrupy liquid seeping out of the wound . The street under the three impending police cars erupts into flames and the pavement underneath them begins to liquefy , turning into boiling molten sludge . The intense heat melts the tires of the patrol cars .
At these high speeds , the police officers struggle to maintain control until the tires disintegrate , exploding into fiery balls of flames . Two of the cruisers collide into each other , catapulting both off the road and into a withered corn crop . The cars furiously roll through the damaged crop , sending glass , metal and rubber sprawled in all directions .
The one remaining police car still approaches as it grinds its metal rims against the burning road . The police officer presses the gas pedal to the floor , but the high temperature is too powerful as it causes a breach within the undercarriage . Flames shoot upwards using the officer's police uniform as kindling .
The flames rapidly travel across the officer's body as he screams in agony . The car rudderless and broken , the Humvee slows to a stop . The massive former wrestler Gorm steps out of the vehicle . Igor Gorm runs with purpose and disappears into the gloom .
What did he say ? He's caught a scent .
What did he say ? He's caught a scent . You'll never convince me that even the most advanced technology , of which we are in extremely short supply here , will ever replace the skills of an experienced tracker . His nose has never been wrong In the meantime we wait .
I'm surprised he can track anything weather as dense as the fog is out here . Speaking of out here , where are we ? What part of hell is this , it feels .
Like you're in a dream .
Yes , exactly , I can't think of a better way to put it . It's like that feeling you get when you wake from a dream , but you can't figure out if you're truly awake or still sleeping .
Leo , welcome to Limbo .
Wait , the actual Limbo .
More accurately , formerly known as no longer the borderland between heaven and hell , like it used to be . Since the transformation , the replacement location of Limbo hasn't been disclosed , but this place , it's been all but abandoned , just like so many other parts around here .
But , I swear , when it's quiet enough , you can still hear the whispers of the condemned souls crying out like leftovers .
I try not to linger here any longer than I have to . Yeah , I hear that a lot , you know , since the transformation . But what was it like ?
before , before the transformation , were you here ? Oh yeah , I was here . All right , nothing I can say will give you the full appreciation of just how awful it really was . Whatever you've read about it . Dante's Inferno , paradise Lost , it was infinitely worse . Paradise Lost , it was infinitely worse . You have to remember Allegory Milton .
They were just authors and poets who happened to be very much alive , so they had no fucking clue At first . It was just darkness . I don't know for how long . There was no sense of time . But you're surrounded by constant cries , screaming and torture . When the darkness would fade , however temporarily , you were made to bear witness to whatever .
The very worst depraved , painful thing that could be dreamt up played out right in front of you your innermost insecurities and fears laid bare , vulnerable , defenseless , naked . The suffering and torment , all in service for the amusement of some malicious entity . You never see .
If I'm being intentionally vague here , leo , it is only because I'm not ready to say the words . Most of us are still coping .
Look , I won't say I understand , because that just feels wrong to say . But I hear you . When did things you know change ?
At first there was just darkness like any other day , but then it was as if the early morning began to unfold right before our eyes . It was our first dawn we could move freely and to our astonishment there were blue skies overhead and vast empty fields . Many of us huddled around a campfire that night , struggling to believe it .
A few days later , there were a smattering of buildings as if they had just been erected with the snap of a finger . Suddenly , pangs of hunger returned and we were fed . Within a month's time , a city had formed . There was happiness . We rejoiced , if that was even possible .
You know , in all that time before I never once saw Satan , wasn't even sure he actually existed until the day of the announcement . It was similar to a town meeting . We all gathered around and then Satan emerged and announced the assignment program . 72 hours later , I was captain of the ORA .
Oh Jesus , did you ever ask why , why , why , what ? Why the transformation , the assignments ? Why are demonic possessions suddenly illegal ? I know there's the mandate , but possessing humans , isn't that , like the whole point ?
Spiritual attacks on the weak , the morally vacant , those who have lost faith , the corrupt , those most susceptible to being physically or psychologically broken down , to make them question the existence of a higher power , all part of some holy battle between heaven and hell . And now , suddenly all just stops . Why ?
It's a good question , a question that should be asked , but for those of us here before everything changed , we're just thankful we don't have to exist in that god-awful place . I'm not naive , I'm not walking around with blinders on , but I don't think any of us that were here before are ready to question it .
Quite frankly , Mr Braun , I'm not afraid of much , but I'm scared to death to hear what the answer might be .
What because it could mean something even more sinister is coming down the road .
Because I'm afraid there was never any reason at all , that it was just decided on a whim to create Hell 2.0 . And if that's the case , then it can all change again in an instant . I see your point , but that doesn't satisfy your curiosity . I can see the wheels are still turning .
Oh , I just have one more question . Go ahead . What the hell do your initials stand for ?
FJ , oh well now , that is the most closely guarded secret in all of Dante .
Well , now , that is the most closely guarded secret in all of .
Dante oh , he's smiling . This means we're getting close . Leo , keep your eyes peeled on that tree line . Be ready for anything , Gorm let's go .
ā Ā¶ The Demon Hunters' Pursuit of Evil
Meanwhile , jillian emerges from her blackout . She's sitting upside down , still buckled into the passenger seat . Her head is throbbing . She turns towards the driver , howard , and discovers he's missing .
She can hear a crowd forming around the overturned vehicle as she witnesses , through a cracked windshield , howard limping down the street attempting to escape , she unbuckles the seatbelt and lowers herself until she's upright again . She kicks the windshield forcefully until the sheet of glass crashes against the pavement .
Wasting no time , she crawls out of the upturned gremlin , stands to her feet and heads towards Howard , who has disappeared into an alley . Jillian reaches for her gun but suddenly realizes she is no longer in possession of it .
Reaches for her gun , but suddenly realizes she is no longer in possession of it .
Excuse me miss , Are you okay ? Yep , Peachy hey .
I don't suppose any of you have a gun . No , sorry , oh , but I do have a nail file That'll have to do .
As she retrieves the nail file , Jillian notices the Oldsmobile rounding a corner and heading in her direction . She dashes towards the alley where Howard is hidden . The dark maroon car speeds up , intending to run Jillian over . Only a foot away from the alleyway's entrance , Jillian leaps just as the Oldsmobile is about to bear down on her .
She lands hard , tumbling into the alleyway , immediately rising to her feet and dusting herself off until the 9mm is pressed against her temple .
How curious are you now , Miss Burkett ?
Howard shoves himself behind Jillian , restraining her arms . He presses the barrel of the gun against the base of Jillian's neck . In the commotion she notices Howard's leg is bleeding .
Eyes forward . You're bleeding , I'll be fine .
You said you weren't cut out for this .
I said I'll be fine .
At the entrance of the alleyway , the engine of the Oldsmobile shuts off and two large men dressed in black overcoats , black slacks and black loafers exit the vehicle .
You sure about that ?
As they move closer , jillian realizes that they are not just dressed identically , their faces are also exactly alike .
Ah , twins Wonderful .
The Burley twins move slowly without ever exhibiting any hint of emotion . They wear blank , expressionless faces , deep-set lifeless eyes , pale skin with crudely pronounced jowls . Their mouths remain open .
Give me the gun . What ? Why Twins really creep me out .
No , you're just going to shoot me .
Not my highest priority at the moment . How can I trust you , Howard ? Do you see the two giant men in black that have us cornered in an alleyway ? I don't think Hefty and Brawny over there are just planning to yell at us for not using the crosswalk .
If I give you the gun . Oh , fuck this .
In a swift motion , jalene disarms Howardard . He yelps as she shoves him out of the way . Jillian aims the handgun at the twins straight away and fires two rounds , hit each of the twins square in the chest . She fires one more shot that appears to miss them both . The twins fall to the ground , face down on the hard concrete below .
Howard views the chaotic scene as an opportunity to flee . Sensing his movement , jillian turns and lunges for Howard , but he escapes her clutches . He trips over a trash can as he hightails it out of the alleyway , turning to face the twins once more . Jillian's blood turns cold as she witnesses both lumbering men attempt to return to their feet .
Okay , so no guns . Guess that settles it .
Jillian conceals the handgun in the small of her back and makes haste out of the alleyway , escaping before the giants fully recover . Once she's cleared a safe distance , Jillian resumes pursuing Howard Back in the alley . The two identical hulks slowly make their way back to the car .
One of the twins swiftly moves to the passenger side of the Oldsm , make their way back to the car . One of the twins swiftly moves to the passenger side of the Oldsmobile and forcefully shuts the door . Meanwhile , as the other twin approaches the driver's side , he inadvertently steps into a puddle .
Upon closer inspection , he notices a bullet hole that has pierced the gas tank , resulting in fuel spilling all over the street . Willie and Lori arrive at the scene of the bank's residence and immediately notice the fiery wreckage nearby .
What the hell happened here ?
Has to be some of our baddies' handiwork .
In the distance , the demon hunters posing as police officers hear cries for help . They make their way to the corncrop where they find two police cruisers billowing with smoke and uniformed police officers leaning against the wreckage of one of the patrol cars . He's badly injured and burned .
What's your name , officer ?
Shepard Officer Shepard .
Okay , Officer Shepard , I'm Lieutenant Becky Salt and that is Sergeant Dwayne Tipton . We're going to get you some help .
I can't call it in the radio's busted . What happened here , officer ? Well , we were responding to a 1038 . We knew one of ours was taken hostage , but the wife hasn't been seen possibly killed . What about his son , Theo ? Deputy McGuire called in the code . He said he had custody of the boy .
Where is the deputy ?
We never even made it to the house . Before the road , everything was covered in fire .
Officer Shepard , where's the deputy ?
I'm trying to say we never made it , Never canvassed the scene , never spoke to McGuire . It's like something was keeping us from approaching the house . I can't explain it .
Sergeant , can I speak with you for a moment ?
Laurie and Willie distance themselves from the injured officer .
What is it ?
So much for going undercover the fucking evil bastard barely left anyone for us to convince .
We need to get these guys to a hospital , but if we call it in we risk putting more lives at risk .
Before they can determine their next course of action , lori and Willie are alerted to the sound of a police siren , the patrol car parked on the Banks property intermittently signaling out .
Stay put , officer Shepherd , we're going to get you the help you need .
Let's check it out . The demon hunters approach the patrol car . Theo Banks is in the front passenger seat pressing the button to activate the sirens . The young boy turns the siren off as Willie approaches the driver's side door and opens it .
Hi , there Are you , theo Banks .
Yes , sir .
Are you okay , Theo ?
Yes , but I'm scared .
I know I can understand that , but we're here now . We won't let anything happen to you .
Sergeant Tipton a word .
That's my partner . Stay put , theo , I'll be right back .
Are you going away ?
No , I'm just going to see what my partner wants , but I'm staying right here .
Okay , thank you .
Willie closes the car door and then walks to the other side of the vehicle . Before he reaches Lori , he sees it Deputy McGuire's body is leaning against the patrol car , pale as a sheet and frozen in fear . His service revolver lays in his left hand .
Damn it . It looks like he shot himself .
Or the demon forced his hand . Either way , I hope Theo didn't see it .
Willie looks at the little boy sitting quietly in the patrol car . The young boy is doing his best to fight back tears .
Do we know anything about the demon in question ? This is next level shit we're seeing here . I'm going in Wait .
Lori , let's talk about this . Of the two of us , I have more experience .
I know that , willie , but you are clearly much better with kids , and someone has to stay with him . If what we've just witnessed is just the beginning , I can't think of anyone that would do a better job of keeping him safe .
Okay , okay , well , let's at least weevil up so we can keep in touch with each other .
What the fuck Shit .
Okay , no weevils .
That's it . Enough dicking around .
Get that son of a bitch .
Keep the boys safe .
ā Ā¶ Demon Trackers Confront Beleth
Mr Banks . Gorm pulls the Humvee to a stop when the demon trackers reach a clearing , just as the pulse emitter rapidly increases in succession . He jumps out of the vehicle and climbs in the back . He pulls the top off a large object which stands at the center of the rear hatch opening . It's revealed to be a large net launcher that is mounted to a turret .
Gorm sits in a chair attached to the net launcher and pulls the charging handle , loading the first net canister . He grabs the handle , grips and adjusts the aim . Then he powers up a dashboard affixed to the side of the launcher and flips open a panel .
Gorm pulls a device resembling a joystick upward until it locks in place and begins to manipulate the apparatus pushing it forward . The Humvee begins crawling across the terrain .
Okay , leo , be ready . We're getting close .
The pulse increases even further , he said .
Okay , leo , be ready , we're getting close .
He said Pretty sure . He said we're getting close .
You catch on fast . Oh , cap watch out .
Large , thick roots spring forth from the ground , sending dirt flying into the air . The roots flank the Humvee and violently stab at its armoured shell , attempting to penetrate it . Gorm manoeuvres the Humvee just in time to dodge a striking blow from the menacing roots .
He pushes the control column forward and the vehicle accelerates , pinning one of the offending roots beneath it . The restrained root squirms in an attempt to break free . A second root rises up , preparing to strike . Gorm fires the net launcher .
As the root advances towards the Humvee , the net spreads wide in the air , collides with the incoming root and swarms it with its thick webbing . The neutralized root plummets to the earth below .
We dunker what we dump Earmuffs .
Leo , what Cover your ears ?
Something underneath the Humvee is activated and a sonic burst pounds the ground . The root goes limp and begins to decay . The second root entrapped in the heavy net breaks loose and retracts back into the ground like a deadly dagger returning to its sheath .
It pulls back to the grove , causing the ground to ripple , providing a clear path back to where the cloaked demon kneels its robed back facing the demon trackers . Gorm sees the fiend and adjusts the aim of the launcher . The pulse no longer releases a staggering pulse and instead issues an almost constant high-pitched hum .
The console beeps and soon another notification appears on the waterfall display panel staggering pulse and instead issues an almost constant high-pitched hum . The console beeps and soon another notification appears on the waterfall display panel . The captain exits the rear seat and leans into the front of the military vehicle .
She disables the pulse emitter and inspects the new readout .
Oh my god , gorm , we need to fall back , leo , Leo .
Captain Manga turns to face Leo , but the back of the Humvee is empty . To her dismay , leo is walking towards the demon with his briefcase in hand , gorm loads up the next canister and aims the launcher at the demon .
Wait , gorm , stand down , you'll hit Leo . Leo , get back to the Humvee . That's an order , demon Hunter .
Leo ignores the order .
He places his briefcase on the ground and steps a few feet closer to the demon . Leo , that's a Class A demon , yeah , and what does that mean ? It means it's not a descendant . It's one of the First Hierarchy , that is Beleth himself former king of hell .
Oh , former king . And now what you got ? A bit of a green thumb there , beleth .
Leo , god damn , it Be ready , gorm .
Class A . I'm a class A asshole myself . I'm the type who will tell you where to put it if I don't like where you got it . And it just so happens you caught me on a really bad day .
The demon Beleth stands and turns to face Leo , revealing a frightening countenance . He is cat-like in appearance , with pale yellow skin , A low , furrowed brow with small but pronounced horns protruding upwards , Piercing yellow eyes , severed in half by black slits for pupils and ears , narrow and triangular that point upwards at an angle as he begins to speak .
His open mouth hints at rows of serrated fangs .
I was once a king , the mighty , the terrible , they called me . Once summoned , I would make my ingress accompanied by such grand orchestral arrangements , but , alas , now it's gone . He's taken my music . He that reprobate the defector Satan .
Well , guess what ? No one cares . I'm not just going to stand here and watch you make some poor young kid an orphan because you're butt hurt over losing your VIP status .
Ah , yes , this Mr Banks wastrel . Yes , slaughtered his betrothed and no doubt he will do the same to his youngling once given the push . But haven't we all lost something ? I lost my music . The young lad , theo , will soon lose his parents . And then there is you . You've lost something too .
Not another word .
Don't listen to him , Leo . He personifies deception .
Both of them Such a tragedy .
Leo is trembling with uncontrollable rage . His briefcase vibrates behind him . He opens it up and pulls out a large wooden bat from its interior .
You want to hear music ? Let's see if I can sing you a tune .
Shit , he's going to get himself killed .
This is for Louise and Harry .
Laurie Stryker cautiously sidles her way through the living room of the Banks household until she reaches the stairs .
Mr Banks . This is Lieutenant Becky Salt . Can you hear me ?
Lori makes her way to the second floor , she discovers the attic stairs remain extended and she proceeds to climb them . The attic is musty and smells of mildew and moisture . There's also the sour smell of perspiration . She notices Officer Turtledore bound and gagged in the chair in the center of the room . He's slumped over . Laurie checks his vitals .
He's alive but unconscious . Between an antique bed frame and the far side wall under the windowsill lies Beatrice Banks . Laurie rushes over to her limp body . Both her eyes are swollen shut and her head and face are covered in her own blood . Laurie places her middle and index finger to the side of Beatrice's windpipe to feel for a pulse when suddenly Is .
Is she dead ?
Mr Banks .
There is .
There is something happening to me I don't feel it , the presence right now .
You should come with me , Mr Banks . We should get you out of here right now .
Back in limbo . Leo continues pummeling Bella , the demon , with the bat .
Why can't you leave us all alone ?
Leo tosses the bat and begins punching the demon with his bare fists . Gorm and Captain Manget can do little more than watch the former wrestler begins to exit the Humvee .
Yas gulhelpa .
No , no , you'd never survive it . Leo shouldn't be able to do this . I can't explain it .
Leo grabs Beleth by the horns and hauls back for another punch . Before he strikes , leo notices something unsettling happening Unfolding underneath the demon's robe . Two tattered but intact wings slowly emerge from either side of the demon's body . Baileth's eyes widen as he prepares to take flight .
Gorm .
Fire . Gorm wastes no time firing the net launcher instantly . Bailiff is only a few feet off the ground when he is overpowered by the net . His wings become tangled and he crashes to the ground below . Gorm leaps off the rear hatch and rushes over to the Demon to secure the ensnarement . Leo walks over to the Captain , who looks a little bewildered .
Hey Cap , sorry , I would never be intentionally insubordinate , Holy shit Leo , what was that ? I won't lie , I didn't really have a plan , At least not right away . The news of my family and I , you needed some payback .
Leo nods looking towards the ground in disappointment .
How did you know it was him ?
I didn't , not at first , but that cat-like facial feature . And then , when he spoke of music , I knew it was Beleth and I knew how to defeat him the bat . There's a quote I remember from my training . Then let the exorcist or conjurer take heed to himself . Let him hold a hazel bat in his hand .
You took it quite literally . I think it's actually supposed to be a wand . Well , I improvised .
As Leo and the captain talk through the harrowing events , gorm quickly stands and smells the air . Then he kneels down and places an ear to the ground . It's faint at first , but there is a deep tremor that turns into a rumbling heading right for the trio .
What is it Gorm ?
Lori places her arm around Hugh , who needed some time to recuperate .
Mr Banks , I'm sorry , but we really need to go .
She helps guide him towards the attic door . When he suddenly stops slapping Lori's hand away , hugh's palms begin to shake and he looks towards the attic window .
Mr Banks .
Gorm races towards the Humvee , pulls the driver's side open and enables the pulse emitter again . It immediately begins to pulse rapidly . The rumbling sound gets closer .
It sounds like galloping .
Wait a minute . And before whom go trumpets and all kinds of melodious music . And he rode upon a magnificent pale horse , shit Cap .
Get , get the Humvee . Captain Mangut and Leo rush into the cabin of the Humvee just as a massive pale horse appears , even from the vantage point within the vehicle . The horse towers above the Humvee . The pale horse speeds past Bailiff , who remains on the ground ensnared in the net .
He's not slowing down .
Everyone hold on to something .
The pale horse exposes its teeth and lowers its head , running at full tilt towards the Humvee . It rams the side of the Humvee with full force , venting the armor and overturning the vehicle . The sudden impact bursts open , sending Gorm and Captain Mangut flying .
Gorm hits the ground and is immediately unconscious , while the captain lands on her back , slamming her head against the hard forest floor . Leah remains in the vehicle , battered and pinned between the seats . In that same moment , back in Missouri , hugh Banks is being infiltrated by Bailiff once again , who is regaining consciousness In limbo .
The pale horse reappears , its ears flattened backwards and its lips retracted . It paws the ground , shrieks and then launches itself towards the capsized Humvee . Hugh Banks turns towards Laurie , kisses and springs forth , leaping across the attic floor . The pale horse closes in on the Humvee , lowering its head to prepare for another battering .
The possessed man tackles Laurie , sending them both flying through the attic window . The horse slams into the overturned Humvee with all its might , lifting it off the ground as it teeters in midair , hugh Banks and Laurie Stryker crash land on the parked patrol cruiser underneath them as they are showered with jagged shards of glass .
As the Humvee arcs downwards back towards the ground , the captain witnesses in terror as the military vehicle bears down on her .
No To be continued . What are you waiting for ? For only $5 a month , you'll gain early access to each episode , early access to bonus clips , concept art and so much more . So look for us at patreoncom slash shoestringtv . You'll be glad you did . You can also join and follow Leo Braun on our official Facebook fan page .
You can find the link in our podcast show notes . As always , you can listen to Leo Braun anywhere you listen to podcasts . Leo Braun is written and produced by me , jason Beard . And now the amazing cast of Leo Braun , episode 10 . Stitch Mainville as Leo Braun , andy Parkin as Narrator 2 .
Tabitha Mixon as Jillian Burkett , gary Briscoe as Willie Topaz , emily Fry as Laurie Stryker Miller , rose Johnson as Captain FJ Minkett , jim Franck as Alec .
Eric Carlino as Captain FJ Minkett , jim Franck as Elliot , eric Carlino as Hugh Banks , hogan Beard as Theo Banks , samantha D'Souza as Beatrice Banks , mitch Lashinsky as Gorm , nick Mars as Officer Shepard , rob Smith as Officer Turtletaub , robert Lloyd as Howard and the desk officer , jason Beard as Deputy McGuire and Aleana Rivera as Onlooker .
Stay tuned for Leo Braun Episode 11, . Mr Nice Guy . Thanks again for listening .