What a journey it’s been, watching Doomblade terrorize the police force and citizens of Sima Hills. Sure, his story is sad, but that’s no excuse; he deserved his end. Now, let’s end the story…

The weekend in Sima Hills was one of the most breezy and joyous weekends its locals had ever experienced. News anchors broke the news with glee, and the atmosphere in the streets was considerably lighter. Everywhere one passed, they were bound to hear someone give thanks for Doomblade’s fall.

As for Denar, he had been given the weekend off to rest and recuperate from what was undoubtedly a harrowing experience. Between visits from his colleagues and calls from his family back home in Gamma, he continued to reflect on his experience.

To think that he had stood before a relentless killer like Doomblade, used his tactics to lure him into a false sense of security, and helped defeat him still boggled his mind. It really should not have worked out that way. But it did, and he was grateful.

He thought about Doomblade’s haunting words on the fateful night: about the corruption that had driven a man once on the side of justice to descend into depravity. He thought about Esi, the poor girl whose death had sparked this dark chapter, and how her tragedy had been exploited and silenced by those in power. Most of the officers who heard it through his wire dismissed it as nonsense and hogwash, but he felt there was some truth to it.

It was truly sad, and it cast the IGP and the Mayor in a different light for him now. They were villains in their own right, and the thought of them pontificating on Monday about justice winning left a bit of a bitter taste in his mouth. It slightly made sense why he went after Isaac.

But then, he thought about the path Doomblade had chosen afterwards. One soaked in blood and terror, a path that had claimed the lives of many innocent souls along with the guilty Isaac. It didn’t have to be that way. Doomblade’s anger, no matter how justified, could never excuse the monstrous choices he had made, and his arrogance and twisted morals.

As reasonable as his grievances were, he had let darkness consume him, turning him into a symbol of fear and evil instead of change and good.

And deep down, he probably knew the Esi lady would not have wanted things to turn out that way. Which was the reason he reacted so violently to that question.

There’s a better way to deal with the rot in the justice system, he thought to himself on Sunday evening as he prepared for what would be a major day the next day. I don’t know what exactly it is, but it’s definitely not destroying it entirely and thinking you’re the only one who understands justice. No way. That’s just ignorant arrogance. There’s a better way, and I’ll dedicate my life to find it…

***

The joy in the Sima Hills Police Headquarters on Monday morning was unlike anything anyone had ever witnessed before. The knowledge that Doomblade, the mysterious human being who once worked for them before turning into a heartless monster, was now dead, filled them with joy. He had downed too many of their own, and was slowly turning the city into a silent, fear-filled one.

Now everyone could celebrate the well-deserved burst of freedom.

On the sprawling lawn outside Police Headquarters, cameras flashed and reporters jostled for position. A large banner reading “Justice Served: Doomblade Neutralized” hung prominently behind the podium.

The Operations Shadowfall team, including Denar, stood beside the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Mayor of Sima Hills, their polished uniforms gleaming in the sunlight.

The IGP stepped forward to the podium, a triumphant smile on his face.

“Ladies and gentlemen of Sima Hills,” he began, his voice resonant and commanding, “it is with immense pride that I stand here today to announce that the terror known as Doomblade has finally been extinguished. This was a mission fraught with danger, but thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Operation Shadowfall, the people of our great city can now sleep peacefully once more.”

Applause and cheers erupted from the gathered crowd, and reporters scribbled furiously.

The IGP continued. “Every member of this team displayed exemplary courage and commitment. Without their hard work, we would not be celebrating. I want to personally commend the leaders of this operation. Captain Adjei, whose strategic foresight was pivotal; Detective Alima Mohamad, whose relentless pursuit of justice never wavered; Lieutenant Mensah and Sergeant Nii Odoi, whose bravery was nothing short of legendary. Each of you, along with every single officer involved, has shown what it means to serve with honor and courage. Your dedication has succeeded in neutralizing a significant threat to this city’s well-being.”

The crowd cheered louder, their appreciation palpable as the IGP took a moment to acknowledge the applause, nodding towards the team members standing by his side.

“I also wish to single out one individual: Constable Denar Teye, whose bravery and quick thinking were instrumental in bringing this mission to a successful conclusion. Constable, your role greatly helped in taking down the monster Doomblade, and Sima Hills is forever indebted to you.”

The applause continued, and Denar felt dozens of eyes on him. He managed a faint smile, nodding stiffly.

The IGP made a few more remarks before the Mayor stepped forward to address the crowd.

“Today is a day of victory,” the Mayor declared, his voice tinged with solemnity. “Doomblade’s reign of terror has cost us dearly. Ten brave officers lost their lives, including my own son, Isaac. His loss will forever haunt me. But we have turned the tide. Justice has prevailed. And in recognition of this team’s exceptional work, I am pleased to announce that there will be a major reward for every member of Operation Shadowfall.”

The crowd roared its approval, and the team exchanged proud glances. Denar slightly grimaced at the mayor’s words.

Just as he had anticipated; the mayor would declare justice had prevailed. If only he had actually allowed justice to be done when Isaac killed that poor young lady…

He sighed. Well, there’s no point in crying over spilled milk now. The one who did it was killed, anyway. Not the best showing of justice, but it’s happened. What matters now is that I do my part. Learn from Doomblade’s horrendous mistakes and fight injustice the right way. It won’t be easy, but I know I can do it…

As the Mayor wrapped up his speech, Denar straightened his posture. When the applause came again, this time, he felt that quiet sense of purpose deeply lodged within him. He had faced fear and come out the other side. Now, it was time to fight for something bigger than himself.

The cameras continued to flash, and the applause thundered on, but Denar’s mind was already elsewhere, thinking of the future and the role he would play in it.

***

Denar pushed open the door to the briefing room, already exhausted from the hullabaloo of the press conference. Inside, Awo and a bandaged up Nadine were lounging at their workspace as usual, chatting animatedly while they waited for him to begin the day’s patrol. They looked up and broke into wide grins as he stepped in.

“Eishh!! Look who it is ooo,” Awo cheered, standing up and giving him an exaggerated salute. “The man of the hour! The instant legend, Constable Denar Teye.”

“Should we call him The “Doom Slayer” now?” Nadine quipped, smirking as she leaned against the desk. “Chale, the way you’ve set the bar high for us, eh…”

Denar chuckled, shaking his head. “Abeg, abeg, please. I barely survived in there. Nadine, you literally went toe-to-toe with him. He almost beat me up at a point.”

“Still, you helped bring him down,” Nadine insisted. “Now you’re going to get a major reward! Instant impact!”

Denar rolled his eyes. “Coming from someone who’s already going to have a street named after her for fighting Doomblade while injured. Please, your impact is bigger than mine.”

“Whatever. We have a visitor, by the way.”

Denar turned, and Shadrach stepped into the room, his expression soft. He smiled and extended a hand toward Denar.

“Officer, I just wanted to say thank you,” he said softly, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “I can’t tell you what a relief it is to know Doomblade is gone. Adepa’s killer is no longer a threat to this city. We can all rest easy now.”

Denar felt a lump in his throat as he shook Shadrach’s hand. “You’re welcome,  Shadrach. I’m glad we could put an end to it,” he responded sincerely. “I know how much this means to you.”

“Oh yeah, it means more than I can put into words,” Shadrach replied, his gratitude clear in his eyes. “And that’s not just for you. I’ve spoken to Officers Awo and Nadine. They’ve played their role amazingly as well. Thanks to you and the entire team, we can all sleep easier. We’ll never have to worry about this monster destroying our lives ever again. He’s done enough.”

Denar smiled, feeling a surge of resolve. Hearing Shadrach’s heartfelt thanks only reaffirmed his convictions over the weekend. One only needed to look at Shadrach to see how horrible Doomblade had been to Sima Hills. As glad as the man looked, the sadness behind his eyes was too evident. He was still emotionally destroyed by the loss of his potential lover.

Adepa deserved better. Mawuli deserved better. All the fallen police officers who were simply carrying out their duties deserved better. Their loved ones deserved better. None of them had anything to do with the Isaac-Esi matter; they were simply doing their jobs. They didn’t deserve a ninja star in them.

His resolve to make good on his newfound mission to address the flaws in the system was certainly worth it. Starting with the two colleagues he trusted the most.

He glanced at Awo and Nadine, who were still beaming at him. They’ll understand, he thought. I just need to get them on board.

“Well, I just passed by to thank you all,” Shadrach stated. “I’ll be heading out now; Sabrina’s waiting for me downstairs. I’ll see you later. And Officer Nadine, expect that glowing tribute on this week’s episode of City Watch. Kwami has said the praises he’s going to shower on you, eh, it won’t be small.”

Nadine laughed. “I’ve heard, wai. See you later, Shadrach. And send my regards to Sabrina.”

“All the best, Shadrach.”

He smiled, waved at them, and exited the room. The trio stood around for a moment in silence, each pondering on the scars Doomblade had left on that show. The previous week’s episode had been suspended, and while they would return this week, it would no doubt serve as a glaring reminder of the terror that had been rained upon them. Kwami, Diana and Shadrach would forever be scarred by that monster’s acts.

It would be a very difficult period of healing, but hopefully, with the right people around them, they would make it.

“He’ll be fine,” Denar murmured. “It’ll be painful, but… I’m sure he’ll move on from her.”

“Yeah,” Awo agreed quietly. “It won’t be easy, but… he’ll move on.”

More silence followed.

“All right,” Nadine announced, breaking the moment of sentimentality. “Enough standing around. Patrol day awaits!”

Awo perked up and grinned. “Oh yes, yes, true. Teye, are you ready? Let’s see how the city reacts to their new hero. I’m sure you’ll be getting free food and marriage proposals.”

Denar snickered. “I won’t be shocked. But for the proposals, you ladies have to help me ooo, coz I’m not exactly familiar with the ways of Sima Hills ladies.”

Awo and Nadine exchanged amused glances before Nadine responded, “Oh, we’re typical Sima Hills ladies. Once you know us, you know what SH girls are like.”

Denar put on a mock thoughtful face. “Mmmm, so that means Sima Hills ladies are super cute and tough-skinned, eh? Sounds like a good combo to me. Then I’m single and very ready to mingle.”

“You’re a funny guy!”

The three of them shared a laugh.

As they grabbed their gear and prepared to head out, he felt a sense of peace. The dark cloud that had loomed over Sima Hills was finally gone. Life without Doomblade was truly starting now, and he was going to make the most of it. Together with Awo and Nadine, he would face whatever challenges came next—not just for the safety of Sima Hills, but for its integrity.

They walked out of their office, down the stairs, and out into the bright afternoon, ready for another patrol through the lovely and ever-busy streets of Sima Hills.

THE END

All is well that ends well, right? Sima Hills is free from the monster, and will be happier. Hopefully, something can be done about the injustices within the system; the last thing they’d need is another aggrieved monster going off the bend.

Thank you for reading, and as always, continue to enjoy yourself around the State!