Heaven and Hell: Chapter 2

-chapter 2-

As the priestess opened the door, it revealed one of the shrines that Yasashii worked at.
“How did you do that?” Yasashii asked as the group went through the door.
“It’s an old trick.” Julia shrugged. “Is this the right place?”
“If my retainers are here, it is.” Yasashii approached the main shrine and lit a candle. As the little priestess tapped a little mallet to a metal bowl and began mumbling prayers in Sanskrit, two spirits started to emerge from the floor, one an armor-clad samurai, and the other a Heian-era nobleman, both larger than life. Yasashii clapped her hands at the end of her prayer, the two large forms popped, revealing a pair of simply dressed shrine attendants, one male, and one female.
“Yasashii-sama! You’re back!*” The red robed spirit clapped her hands and hugged the priestess.
The blue robed spirit nodded to Yasashii and turned his attention to the newcomers. “Oi. What’s with the new meat?*”
“They’ve come to help look for Toshi. Be respectful, or you’re going back in the jar.*” Yasashii flicked the spirit’s ear.
The spirit glowered at the heroes for a moment, then crossed his arms, looking away. “Fine.*”

“What’s up with the ghosts?” Beast Boy turned to Maigo.
“They’re guardian spirits, not ghosts.” Maigo corrected. “They watch over Yasashii to make sure she doesn’t get hurt. Kaikatsu is the one hanging off of Ya-chan, and Seikatsu is the one that’s giving us the dirty looks.”
“So, we’re in the right place?” Julia asked.
“Definitely. Yasashii bound them here before we left so they wouldn’t make trouble.” Maigo nodded. “If you wish, you can send out your associates to perform some reconnaissance and get a feel for the area.”
“So, are you going to answer my question, or what?” Blade came up to Maigo.
“The answer you seek is right out that door.” Maigo motioned to the main entrance of the temple.
Blade raised an eyebrow and approached the doors, opening them to reveal a pile of massacred and blood-drained bodies.
“As of late, there has been a steep increase of missing villagers and desecrated graves, human, demon and otherwise. We’ve also noticed a lot of vampiric-style slayings in the area, so that’s where you, Beast, Wolverine, Beast Boy, and Spawn come in.” Maigo explained. “You’ll all stay here and head up an investigation into it.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Beast Boy looked at Maigo as if the demoness had lost it. “You dragged us all the way from New York for that?”
“Yeah…” Maigo nodded. “As mistrusting and paranoid as humans are, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind answering questions from you five. And I’m almost positive the local spirits that are left wouldn’t attack.”
“Almost positive?” Spawn asked.
“Well… you do carry the scent of human civilization, and it is pretty hard to disguise it.” Maigo shrugged. “I’ll come with you when you guys head into the demon villages.”

“I’m going to head out for a bit and get my bearings.” Julia shrugged on a trench coat and headed towards the doors. “Is there anything I should worry about?”
“No.” Maigo shook her head. “I don’t anyone would attack someone that has such a strong aroma of blessed artifacts about them.”
“Gee, thanks.” Julia raised an eyebrow and headed out the door.
Maigo turned to Yasashii, who just shrugged.
“When would you like to begin the investigation?” Beast asked.
“Well, I did promise you all a good night’s sleep, so I might as well make good on that. We can start tomorrow morning.” Maigo motioned for everyone to follow her towards the back of the temple.
“This part of the temple is most sacred, so you’re all guaranteed to sleep well.” Maigo parted some curtains to reveal a large sleeping area.

Spawn and Ghost Rider exchanged a slightly nervous glance, both looking over when a stifled giggle from Maigo caught their attention.
“If you were not meant to be here, then you would not be.” Maigo approached the pair. “Think about it. You’re looking for a half fox-demon priest. This is her temple, therefore all are welcome here, regardless of spiritual inclination.”
“...Maigo and I will leave you to your rest. We’ll see you all bright and early tomorrow.” Yasashii smiled.
“What if we don’t sleep?” Spawn asked, smiling slightly at the little priestess.
“Do whatever you need to to refresh and prepare for tomorrow. If you need something, we’ll be in the main room.” Maigo bowed to the group and left with Yasashii.

Out in the village, Julia was rounding a corner in the marketplace when she slammed into a large red figure.
An oversized stone hand shot out to catch the catgirl before she hit the pavement, latching onto her arm, but not tightly enough to hurt her.
“Are you okay?” The voice attached to the figure asked, helping Julia find her balance.
“Yeah, I think so.” Julia nodded. As the catgirl looked up, she raised an eyebrow. “Do I know you?”
“Don’t think so.” The red figure stepped into the light and offered his normal left hand to the catgirl. “Name’s Hellboy.”
“Julia Carmichael.” The catgirl shook Hellboy’s hand. “Hey, aren’t you with the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense?”
Hellboy looked a bit shocked. “How’d you know that?”
Julia nonchalantly pointed to the patch on Hellboy’s jacket.
“Oh.” Hellboy chuckled and put a hand on the back of his head. “...How do you know about the B.P.R.D.?”
“I’m in a similar line of work.” Julia half-smiled. “I’m part of Mayhem, Incorporated.”
“…What do assassins have to do with paranormal research?” Hellboy asked.

“We’re mercenaries, for one…” Julia looked up at Hellboy. “And we’re currently investigating the disappearance of Toshi Ayame.”
“The world famous demon hunter?” Hellboy looked a little puzzled. “I’d heard she died a few years ago.”
“Rumors like that have been floating around for the last hundred years.” Julia shook her head. “Toshi is unique. She’s been killed more times than anyone can count, and yet she never manages to stay down.”
“Creepy.” Hellboy raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah.” Julia nodded. “So, what brings you to Hokkaido?”
“We’ve been dispatched to investigate a rash of strange disappearances. The locals are fine, but protective spirits and friendly demons have been going missing left, right, and center. When the local shamans noticed that the tree spirits were fleeing the area, they contacted us.” Hellboy explained. “It’s freakishly hard trying to convince a nurikabe to answer a couple of questions without crushing you.”
“You should come hook up with our group.” Julia started. “We’ve got something like that going on.”
“You know, I honestly wouldn’t mind… but I told my group I’d meet them fifteen minutes ago on the other side of town.” Hellboy shrugged.
“By the temple?” Julia asked.
“Yeah.” Hellboy nodded. “We were going to interview the occupants and ask them what was with the pile of bodies on their front steps. … Why?”
“Our group is staying there with a couple of Toshi’s retainers.” Julia grinned. “One of them said something about increased demonic and vampiric activity in the area. I’m sure they’d be happy to talk to you.”
“I hope you’re right. No one else has been too informative.” Hellboy shook his head.

As Julia and Hellboy headed back towards the temple, Julia noticed a familiar looking heavily armored military truck on the side of the road.
“Come with me for a sec.” Julia jerked her head towards the truck.
“You’re explaining this to my partners.” Hellboy shook his head and followed the catgirl.

Julia ran up to the truck and pounded on the side door.
“Can I help you?” The door opened slightly and Walter Dornez stuck his head out.
“Hey, Shinigami… long time no see.” Julia waved.
“Miss Julia!” Walter threw open the door and stepped out. “How are you doing?”
“All things considered, I’m okay.” Julia shrugged. “Say, aren’t you a little far from home?”
“The Hellsing organization was contacted a few weeks ago to investigate some very strange vampire activity here. It’s nothing like the freaks we encounter in London.” Walter shook his head.
“Well, that’s to be expected. This place is rife with demonic activity of all kinds lately.” Julia started. The catgirl stopped for a few seconds, realizing that Hellboy was leaning on the wall behind her, and automatically turned to introduce the demon. “Walter, this is Hellboy. He belongs to a paranormal research firm based in America.”
“Walter C. Dornez, at your service.” Walter bowed slightly and shook Hellboy’s hand.
“Walter, I’m bored… is it all right if I go on recon for a while?” Seras stuck her head out of the truck.
“I suppose.” Walter nodded. “Has Alucard found anything yet?”
“No, I have not.” Alucard stepped out from behind Seras and onto the pavement. “Except for a sudden rise in demonic activity at the temple.”
“We should go.” Julia turned to Hellboy. “I don’t want to be the odd one out if there’s a fight.”

Hellboy looked down at the little cat. “We’re at least a mile from the temple. By the time we get there, it could be over. …I don’t think we can all fit in that truck… and I’m betting you can’t run as fast as I can.”
“You run. Alucard and I can fly there, and Walter and Seras can meet us there as soon as they can.” Julia started.
“I’ll meet you there.” Alucard bowed his head slightly and disappeared into the shadows.
“Since when can you fly?” Walter gave the catgirl a strange look.
“Since forever… but I’ve always had a car, so it really defeated the purpose.” Julia rolled her shoulders, stretching her back, and removing her coat as a pair of large white wings started coming out of her back. “You and I should have a chat later.”
“We should.” Walter nodded, half-awed, watching Julia take off as he got back into the truck. Turning to the demon, he continued. “Are you sure you wouldn’t care for a ride, Mr. Hellboy?”
“It’s just Hellboy. And, no, I’m good… thanks.” Hellboy started to run off towards the temple.

-end of chapter 2-