"Good afternoon, what can I get you both?" the female shop assistant smiled at two Siblings from behind a booth.
Aletta silently fished out a strange azure colored card. When the female shop assistant saw this card, a mixture of surprise and shock flashed in her face as she bowed her head respectfully.
"I had no idea. My boss had been expecting you" she said while standing up.
"Don't bother. We know our way around" Stephen coldly said as he began to walk deeper into the convinence store.
Moments later, the siblings arrived at a wall; a dead end. However, Stephen suddenly slit his thumb with a pocket knife, rubbing his bleeding finger across the surface of the wall.
Click. Clack.
The sound of mechanical gears whirling, echoed like a groaning nagging old hag as the wall split open, revealing the elevator door behind it.
"Tch. I don't get why she has to go through all this security protocol. She's just a pawn shop runner" Stephen rolled his eyes as he slid the azure card into a small slit. With a mechanical beep, the elevator door part open.
"Brother, what are your thoughts about Jason's earlier words?" Aletta turned towards Jason after they boarded the elevator.
"You mean how he wants to be a Hunter like us? don't tell me you took those words serious?" Stephen snorted.
"He was just raving because he was mourning the death of his dear daddy. Once he encounters a ghost or two, he would have no choice but to piss off his pants. I have spent time with Jason and I know what he's capable of. He's a selfish and narcissistic rich brat who plays naughty tricks and hides behind his dear daddy for protecting. He don't have the stomach to face what we face.. the world of the paranormal "
Aletta fell silent for a bit as she gave her brother a deep look.
"Wow. I wonder how Jason would feel hearing just how low his friend thinks of him "
"It's because I am his friend that's why I don't want his life to be as messed up as ours " Stephen retorted.
"If it isn't messed up already " Aletta shook her head.
"Don't forget brother.. Jason's current situation reminds me of what --" Aletta's words was cut short when the elevator door parted open, revealing a spacious hall.
The hall was strangely a mixture of a bar, restaurant and pawn shop. Lining the walls were strange talisman, weapons, rosaries and other items each encased in a see through glass. There was also a bar section, filled with shelves of exotic kind of drinks.
There was also a large booth where various delicacies and junk food were served. The whole hall appeared to be in a bustling mood, with several people either checking out the show glasses, chatting amongst themselves while they drink or eating their food calmly.
The siblings arrival instantly made them the center of attention.
"Wassup kiddos. You both aren't dead yet?" a fattie with worn out sun glasses hanging across his forehead guaffed as he chugged down on a large bottle of bear.
"Hmpfh. If an old bastard like you isn't dead yet, what monster would be blind to strike the killing blow?" Stephen grinned, causing the Hunters gathered in the hall to burst into a fit of amused laughter.
"We heard you siblings took out a Siren last two weeks.. did you manage to steal some mermaid tears of riches before you sent her to hell?" a middle aged Hunter whose bushy beard was stained with alcohol, chuckled as he wrapped his thick arms around Stephen's shoulder, appearing merry.
"Sly bastard. Keep your hands off my pocket!" Stephen snarled as he pushed the other party away, drawing another fit of laughter from the Hunters in the hall.
"It's rare to see you kids drop by, come, I'll buy you lunch" a female Hunter who was dining on three cheeseburgers and coke, patted at the empty chair besides her.
"Thanks. But we'll take a rain check. We are currently on an assignment and we came here to refill our supply" Aletta declined with a small smile as she led her brother deeper into the hall.
Passing through a dimly lit hallway , they arrived before a door. Pushing it open, they walked into an office.
The office was well arranged and a slender lady in black office suit and a pair of specs hanging lazily atop her nose seemed to be reading an old looking book from behind her well arranged desk.
"Aletta.. Stephen.. you kids made it" the office lady smiled in relief when she saw the Siblings.
Amy Wormwood.. she was the owner of the AW Pawn Shop and also the Siblings paternal aunt.
"Why does everyone think we should be dead?!" Stephen groaned in frustration.
"Why you said? you went against against a Red Witch. You should be lucky you came out alive.. have a seat" Amy pointed at the two seats facing her desk.
"So, how is the boy?" she asked after the siblings had made themselves comfortable.
"He's with us.. safe"
"And.. Simone?" Amy's voice shook a bit.
"Dead.. we are really sorry but the Red Witch acted ahead of schedule.." Aletta apologized when she saw a hint of pain flash past her Aunt face before disappearing.
"Did she bring her entire coven along?" Amy asked.
"We're not sure" Stephen shook his head.
"She didn't?" Amy appeared puzzled.
"Although the Red Witch is powerful, Simone was one of the most powerful hunters in the Hunters database.. although he was forced to retire, I don't think he would go so rusty that a single Red Witch would be able to take him down"
"Well..." Stephen trailed off as he seemed to be hesitating.
"Spit it out!" Amy scowled at him.
"The Red Witch didn't make a move. When we arrived, it was Ben who made the move.." Aletta confessed.
"He must've held back. We all know just what kind of relationship he shares with his younger brother. I mean he chose to abandon you because of.."
"You brat! nobody abandoned me!" Amy angrily cut her niece up with a frustrated expression. Gradually calming down, she bit her lower lips as she seemed to be suppressing her rage.
"That b*tch! how did she know Ben was an Hell spawn? only a few Hunters know about that! damnit! that crafty bi*ch. To think she would pit both brothers against each other.. that's a new low even for her "
Sucking in a deep breath, Amy managed to calm down her raging emotions.
"Can I see him?" she suddenly asked meekly.
"Are..Are you sure? I mean he's that WOMAN'S son.. " Aletta asked with a complicated expression, emphasizing heavily on the 'Woman' part.
"What? you think I am going to kill him? although he's the son of that b*tch, he's still Simone's son " Amy huffed, sounding offended.
"Alright. I'll go get him " Stephen stood up, exiting the office.
.
.
Arck!!
Jason vomited a mouthful of blood as an invisible force raised him high up in the air before viciously slamming him against the wall.
Although his back bones didn't break, Jason knew it was only matter of time before it did.
Whisk!
The Malevolent appeared besides Jason, stomping heavily towards his belly. Fortunately, Jason quickly rolled away.
"I have to use it or I'm going to die" Jason bit his lower lips anxiously.
Due to the headache the Sprite Pupils brought him, Jason had been forced to put them away. Without them, his ordinary eyes couldn't track the invisible movement of the Malevolent.
However now that his life was in critical danger, he figured whatever headache came along, was far better than suffering death at the hands of a ghost.
Hurriedly putting the Pupils on, Jason's vision instantly changed.