BLACK ANGEL

From the depths of the earth's core, an immense power tore through the ground, splitting 7th Avenue with a gaping, ominous fissure. A noxious blend of decay, sewage, and sulfuric odors billowed forth, heralding the impending arrival of an otherworldly tempest. Rising from the depths, a colossal figure emerged from the crevice, its grotesque form a macabre fusion of vulture and man. With a chilling elegance, it unfurled vast ebony wings from its sinewy frame, casting a spectral shadow that stretched across the pavement. For aeons, beings such as this have traversed the earthly realm, concealed from mortal eyes. Lurking in the shadows, they remain an enigmatic evil to humankind, relegated to the realms of folklore, conspiracy, and horror. Yet, their malevolent and destructive deeds defy disbelief, even among the most skeptical. These creatures, and their ilk, prey upon human ignorance, utilizing their formidable powers to wreak havoc, plunder, and obliterate with impunity. They stand as harbingers of malevolence, fueled by a hatred passed down through generations. At their core burns a sinister flame, kindled by an unquenchable contempt for humanity—a loathing that seeks to devour all in its path. The creature surveyed a gathering of teenagers outside the Elks Lodge, where a lively party was in full swing. Youths mingled and laughed, immersed in the festivities. Dogs barked in the distance, and cars arrived blaring music, lending a festive air to the scene. It was a flawless summer night, with clear skies framing the full moon overhead. Unbeknownst to the revelers, the vulture-like entity lurked amidst them, its form cloaked in an invisibility as profound as the darkness it embodied. Its scarlet eyes glimmered with predatory focus as they swept over the scene. Beneath its hooked, yellow beak, sinister slits opened and closed upon the ashen, blistered skin veiling its skull. With each breath, it drew in the essence it sought, following a trail of scent to its chosen quarry. Then, as if guided by some malevolent force, the creature's senses ignited with recognition. "Prepare yourselves! He approaches!" As the call to arms echoed through the unseen ether, a horde of grotesque entities burst forth from the gaping crevice. They scattered throughout the vicinity, each aware of their appointed role in this nefarious scheme. The anticipation of centuries weighed heavily upon them, and now, at last, the moment had arrived In the dim recesses of the alley behind the Elks Lodge, two figures cast ominous silhouettes, clutching handguns in their grip. The younger of the pair, a teenager known as Slick, was on the brink of completing his initiation into the merciless ranks of the Viper gang. Beside him stood the formidable figure of Big D, the gang's leader. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, heavy with the gravity of the choices that had led them to this moment. You only get one shot at this, so don't miss!" Big D's voice cut through the tense air. "That fool's trying to muscle in on our turf. You know what you've got to do." Slick gripped the handgun tightly, feeling his heart racing in his chest. This was the path he had chosen, one fraught with crime, bloodshed, and betrayal. He couldn't back down now. Unseen by mortal eyes, malevolent creatures lurked in the shadows of the alley, their intentions aligned with Slick and Big D's. They thrived on the darkness that permeated this world, feeding off fear. As Slick hesitated, their voices echoed in his mind, urging him on: "DO IT! DO IT!"