505

By Aaron Abilene

A demon hunter, a witch and a con artist save a town from a demon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aaron Abilene
• Release date: May 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223431206

Book preview

505

Aaron Abilene

Published by Aaron Abilene, 2023.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

505

First edition. May 10, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 Aaron Abilene.

ISBN: 979-8223431206

Written by Aaron Abilene.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

505

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505

Written By Aaron Abilene

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The fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow across the cozy living room while shadows danced upon the walls. Those walls were lined with towering bookshelves, each crammed full of volumes on the supernatural – from demonology to necromancy – as well as a bizarre collection of artifacts: a cursed monkey's paw, a Ouija board with suspicious scorch marks, and even a vampire's toothpick. As if that wasn't enough, there was an antique rug on the floor depicting the Battle of the Underworld.

Justin, demon hunter extraordinaire, lounged on a plush armchair, one leg crossed over the other, tapping his fingers on the armrest impatiently. He glanced at his girlfriend Helga, who was hunched over a bubbling cauldron in the corner of the room. Her long, frizzy hair obscured her face, making it impossible to tell what kind of witchy magic she was concocting.

Helga, dear, Justin called out, trying not to sound too eager, is my super-duper demon-banishing potion ready yet? You know I have a tight schedule of saving the world and all.

Helga rolled her eyes but didn't look up from her work. Patience, Justin. Brewing a potion is like baking a cake. If you rush it, it might explode or turn into a giant mutant spider. And we both remember how that went last time, don't we?

Ah, yes, Justin sighed, thinking back to the eight-legged debacle that had ensued when he'd dared to disturb Helga's potion-making process. It had taken two weeks to get rid of the last spiderling. Fair point. I'll just be over here, twiddling my thumbs then.

He watched her movements with fascination as she waved her hands over the cauldron, her fingers weaving intricate patterns in the air while she whispered incantations under her breath. The potion inside bubbled and hissed, changing colors like a kaleidoscope – from brilliant blue to vivid green, then to a shade of purple so dark it almost seemed black.

Alright, Helga finally announced with a triumphant flourish, it's done! She dipped a ladle into the cauldron and carefully filled a small vial with the shimmering liquid.

Fantastic! Justin exclaimed, springing up from his seat and snatching the vial from her hand. He held it up to the light, watching as the potion swirled and sparkled like a tiny galaxy trapped within the glass. This will surely give me an edge against those dastardly demons!

Of course it will, Helga replied, smiling as she wiped her hands on her apron. I wouldn't have spent hours slaving over a hot cauldron for anything less than the best. Just remember not to drink it all at once, or you might end up growing horns.

Thanks for the tip, Justin said, grinning back at her. And thank you for always supporting my demon-hunting endeavors, even when they lead to spider infestations.

Anything for you, my love, Helga replied, wrapping her arms around him, the warmth of her embrace far more comforting than any fire.

––––––––

With Helga's embrace still lingering like the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies, Justin ambled over to a nearby bookcase, his fingers waltzing along the spines of various arcane tomes. He selected one so dusty it looked as if it were fashioned from cobwebs and sneezed, sending a cloud of ancient grime billowing through the air. The musty smell of forgotten knowledge tickled his nostrils as he cracked open the tome, its pages whispering secrets long kept hidden.

Ah, this should do the trick, he mused aloud, leafing through the yellowed parchment with the excited fervor of a child unwrapping a birthday present. The Complete Compendium of Curious Curses and Peculiar Poltergeists in Poughkeepsie; precisely what we need!

Really? Helga queried, her eyes twinkling with intrigue as she peered over his shoulder. What have you found?

Interesting tidbits, my dear! Apparently, our quaint little town has played host to a veritable parade of paranormal phenomena, Justin explained, his excitement bubbling up like newly uncorked champagne. For instance, there was once an entire flock of sheep that mysteriously vanished without a trace, only to reappear on the roof of the local church!

Goodness gracious! Helga gasped, her hand flying to her chest in mock horror. And I thought losing a single sock in the laundry was baffling!

Indeed! Justin guffawed, flipping to another page. And it doesn't stop there! As recently as last month, old Mrs. Thompson claimed to have seen the ghost of her late husband, who apparently now resides in her kitchen pantry.

Perhaps he's just hungry for some of her famous cherry pie, Helga suggested with a mischievous grin, causing Justin to chuckle heartily.

Quite possibly! he agreed, his laughter tapering off as he turned another page. But in all seriousness, these strange occurrences seem to be increasing in both frequency and intensity.

Indeed, Helga mused, her brow furrowing with concern. With you being a demon hunter, I suppose it's no mere coincidence that we've come to settle in such a supernaturally charged town.

True, we may have our work cut out for us, Justin conceded, setting the tome down on a nearby table. But fear not, my love! Together, we shall investigate these mysterious happenings and restore peace and tranquility to this charming hamlet!

Absolutely! Helga declared, her eyes shining with determination. After all, there's nothing like a good old-fashioned ghost hunt to spice up a quiet evening at home!

Then it's settled! Justin said, clapping his hands together resolutely. Let us prepare ourselves, for it seems we have quite the adventure ahead of us!

––––––––

The fire crackled in the cozy living room as Justin slammed the ancient, dust-coated tome shut, a cloud of grime billowing from its pages. He rubbed his eyes with frustration, leaving charcoal smudges on his cheeks.

Helga, I've been through every book in our collection, and I still can't find anything useful about this town's supernatural history, he huffed, his eyebrows knitting together like two disgruntled caterpillars. We're supposed to be the experts on all things spooky, and yet we're being outwitted by a series of local urban legends!

Helga glanced up from her bubbling cauldron, where she was brewing a potion that smelled suspiciously like a mixture of garlic, lavender, and old gym socks. Fear not, my brave demon hunter! We have faced far more formidable foes than a few unexplained disappearances and eerie sightings.

Indeed, Justin mused, scratching his chin thoughtfully, but it's hard not to feel a sense of irony when we, of all people, are struggling to uncover the truth behind these strange events.

Ah, but remember, my love, Helga said soothingly, stirring her potion counter-clockwise to add an extra dash of enchantment. Our strength lies not only in our extensive knowledge of the supernatural, but also in our unyielding determination and unwavering partnership. Together, we shall leave no stone unturned, no shadow unexplored, and no spectral mystery unsolved!

Your words warm my heart like the embers of a thousand phoenixes, Helga! Justin exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with renewed determination. With you by my side, I am confident that we will dig up the long-buried secrets of this town and banish the darkness that has taken root here!

Then let us begin our quest for answers, my intrepid demon hunter! Helga declared, theatrically raising her wooden spoon like a scepter. We shall embark on this journey hand in hand, armed with the unbreakable bond that is our love!

Indeed! Justin agreed, leaping to his feet and striking a heroic pose. Together, we shall venture into the unknown, vanquishing the forces of evil and mastering the arcane knowledge buried deep within the bowels of this very town!

Such poetic determination! Helga marveled, gazing at Justin with adoration. Now come, let us prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead, for I have no doubt that our supernatural adversaries will not surrender their secrets without a fight!

Very well, my enchanting witch, Justin said, returning her loving gaze. Lead the way, and together, we shall emerge victorious!

––––––––

By the way, Helga, Justin mused, stroking the chin of his chiseled jawline as a sudden thought occurred to him. At my humble occupation in the local grocery store, where I am often disguised as a mere mortal stocking shelves, I have overheard whispers among the townsfolk of bizarre occurrences and eerie phenomena.

Ah, Justin, you sly eavesdropper! Helga exclaimed, clapping her hands together in delight. What fortuitous intelligence! Do tell, what did these unsuspecting mortals reveal?

Strange sightings, they were, Justin replied, scratching his impeccably styled hair with one hand while flexing his biceps with the other. Like the spectral figure that emerges from the old mill at midnight, or the chilling wails echoing through the abandoned asylum on the hill.

Ooh, how delectably creepy! Helga cooed, shivering in excitement while stirring her potion with renewed vigor. These tales seem like perfect fodder for our supernatural investigations!

Indeed, my bewitching beloved, Justin concurred, nodding solemnly. Yet, I must confess, I cannot shake the feeling that these peculiar incidents are but the tip of the proverbial iceberg. A mere taste of the dark secrets hidden beneath the mundane façade of this seemingly ordinary town.

Justin, you cunning linguist! Helga cried, her eyes flashing with excitement. Your instincts serve you well, as always. We must journey to these haunted locales and unravel the mysteries lurking within. Who knows what we might uncover?

Your enthusiasm is infectious, my darling sorceress, Justin responded, his heart swelling with pride for his brilliant partner. I shall accompany you to the very ends of the earth if need be, braving unimaginable horrors and unspeakable terrors in pursuit of the truth!

Then let us go forth, my dashing demon hunter! Helga declared, her voice ringing with determination. Together, we shall delve into the shadowy recesses of this town's history, unearthing long-forgotten secrets and vanquishing the lurking evil that plagues our new home!

––––––––

Indeed, my enchanting enchantress! Justin agreed, slapping his palm on the table with such enthusiasm that it sent a cloud of dust swirling into the air. Let us commence our meticulous planning posthaste!

Helga cackled delightfully and unfurled an ancient map of the town, its edges frayed and discolored from years of use. With great care, she spread the parchment across the table, smoothing out the creases with her long, slender fingers. Justin leaned in, feeling the tickle of her raven locks as they brushed against his cheek.

Ooh, look at this map, Justin! Helga exclaimed, her eyes scanning the intricate