CHAPTER 9 : Hunting NightMares

Carl was shocked by what he just heard. ‘So that’s why Cassian acted strangely after I told him about the marking.’ He thought.
“So the demon hunters found out that I’ve the marking of the arch demon, and decided to capture me. But is it natural for people around to suddenly die, during an awakening?” Kelvin asked remembering the cruel death of his parents.
“I can’t say for sure. Every demonic awakening has a particular similarity and that is the feeling of immense pain. You said you killed everyone during your awakening. Including your parents; tell me, how exactly did you kill them?” George asked Kelvin.
“I don’t really know. I wasn’t aware of my surroundings; but after a while I started to hear the voice of my mother calling out to me. So I opened my eyes to answer her, only to see her explode from the inside out, and the entire living room was covered in blood. To be honest, I’m scared out of my mind right now. So please can you explain to me what happened.”
After listening to what Kelvin said, George was thinking deeply. And after some time, he said “according to the records and information we have on the arch demon of blood, it is said that the demon has the ability to control and manipulate blood. So if I’m to take a guess I would say that when you awakened, this power went out of control and expanded their blood cells thereby causing them to explode.”
“So it really was my fault.” Kelvin said in a sad tone. The feeling of sorrow was once again bearing down on him.
“I’m really sorry for your loss.” George said. “But we have to move on. I’m going to harbor you on one condition.”
“What’s the condition?” Carl asked.
“Don’t worry. I can see you are both tired so I’m going to explain the condition tomorrow. In the mean time we have to do something about the demon inside you.” George said while turning to look at Kelvin. “We can’t let it take full control over you; that would only cause more trouble and problem for us.” Standing up, George walked towards an old wooden box that rested on top of a small cupboard. He searched for a while and finally came back holding a silver chain bracelet with the design of a two headed dragon. The neatly designed two heads of the dragon were each biting a circular red ruby, holding it firmly in place at the center of the bracelet.
“This is a divine artifact. An object infused with divine powers and has the ability to repel demons. This belonged to me back in my hunting days, and now I would like you to have it. Hopefully it would keep the demon in check. At least long enough for us to find a way to separate the demon from you.” George said while giving Kelvin the bracelet.
Kelvin could feel the energy radiating out of the bracelet; and without a second thought, he put on the bracelet. The bracelet reacted immediately and glowed before it tightened around his wrist. After that Kelvin’s left eye gradually went back to normal.
“Since that has been taken care of, Carl I would suggest you go home. The demon hunters will probably ask you about Kelvin’s where about, since the both of you are friends. So try as much as possible to lead them off his trail.
“I understand. I will do as you just said; so please take care of him.” Carl said as he left the room, leaving only Kelvin and George.
“It’s getting quite late. Come on; let me show you the room you’ll be staying in.
George walked to the book shelves and slightly pulled out a book, which caused the book shelves to separate in two, revealing the entrance to a corridor. The corridor was illuminated by yellow light bulbs and also lead to four rooms; two at each side. George led Kelvin to the first room on the right and opening the door, he said “You’ll be staying in this room. There is a bathroom if you need to freshen up.” George turned to leave but was stopped by Kelvin.
“Hey, what if I need to go out how do I contact you?” Kelvin asked.
“If you need to leave, just go to the entrance of the corridor; you will see a book shelf with a book similar to the one I pulled before. Pull it and you can find your way back to the main antique shop.” George said leaving Kelvin alone in front of the room.
“So this is my home for the next few days.” Kelvin said, entering the room.
Inside the room was neatly arranged, but had a dusty smell like it hadn’t been used for a long time. Due to fatigue, Kelvin didn’t check out the room; instead he headed straight for the bed that was stationed opposite to the bathroom and laid down. Not long after that, Kelvin drifted off to sleep.
*******
Screams of pain and sorrow, resounded from every corner around me. I looked around and saw that I was in a cemetery. Why I was there, I didn’t know. The chill breeze caressed my bare skin and the night sky felt like it would consume me at any given moment. Looking up I saw two tombstones which were close to each other. Written on one of the tombstone were these words “in loving memory of Alan Peterson.” And on the other tomb stone was also the exact same words but name was changed and was written as “Nathalie Peterson.”
‘Those were the names of my parents. But why are they written down on tomb stones.’ I thought.
The ground began to shake and the tombstones in front of me started to crack. Sprouting out of the ground beneath the tombstones were two skeletons with parts of rotten flesh sticking to them.
“YOU ARE THE SPAWN OF THE DEVIL. YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE BEEN BORN. YOU WILL BRING DEATH UPON THE WORLD AND EVERYONE AROUND YOU. DEATH IS THE ONLY PUNISHMENT BEFITTING FOR AN EVIL ENTITY LIKE YOU. SO JUST DIE!! DIE!!!”
The skeletons said those words repeatedly while crawling towards me. And I was sure without a doubt, that those were the voice of my parents.
‘What did I do to deserve such malice from them?’ I thought while backing away slowly.
Lightning flashed through the dark clouds and with it brought down the rain; only it wasn’t rain but blood. Multiple skeleton hands erupted from the ground around me, holding and dragging me down. They grabbed my head and started pulling me into the ground. I screamed for help to the extent that I felt my throat hurt. No one came to my aid. I had no savior. I was alone in this dark world of iniquity.

Chapter end