“…ugh…what did I do last night to get such a headache?”
Ah, it would seem Con is coming around. I had been waiting, unsure what he might know, or how he might be involved. A few tests showed he was most certainly not human. Not entirely, at the very least. But at the same time, I don’t know enough to really threaten him. As far as I can tell, he’s a supernaturally strong young man.
Time for a little performance.
“Hello again, Con.”
“Oh. It’s you again… What the hell is the matter with you? I said I didn’ do nothing!”
“Yes, you did. But how can I take your words at face value? The phenomena perpetrating this house is most dangerous, and all leads must be investigated. Your presence is not only odd, but highly suspicious. Based on your level of education, I do doubt you’re the reason behind all this. Nevertheless, I need to officially rule you out of my list of possible causes.”
He stares at me rather intently. His eyebrows furrow, as his eyes search my face, looking for something. I must admit, I feel a little intimidated. Earlier, he demonstrated strength far beyond what your average human could muster. While I’m confident these ropes can hold him, I felt the same about that binding spell. I must not be taken by surprise again.
Finally he speaks.
“Could ya say that again? I didn’t understand anything you said.”
My mouth drops. I spent a good five minutes crafting my explanation as to why I needed to interrogate this young boy, and he threw it all out the window. I felt useless. Foolish even. Which is a little odd considering it was the boy’s own inability to understand that put me in this predicament.
“I-“
No time to try again. Let us move forward.
“Er, please, tell me what you know about the… haunting… of this residence.”
“Well, sir, from the sounds of it, ya got a few screws loose in your head.”
This boy is trying my patience. I know he’s not entirely human, but what is he? If I knew that, I could apply some sort of pressure to get him to talk.
“So then, you are unaware of the mysterious instances plaguing this household?”
“Look, I only ever come here when my stomach gets rumbly. Anything ‘sides from a few missin’ pieces of silver ain’t my fault.”
Rather quick to admit he’s a thief. It’s a good cover, though. Claim innocence to one crime by declaring guilt to another. Even so, I don’t think he’s the one who summoned our demon. That said, he is hiding something.
“Fair enough. You are merely a street boy who steals. Nothing out of the ordinary there. Though we both know you are not quite ordinary. Isn’t that right?”
“…I dunno what yer talkin’ ’bout.”
He hesitated. He wants to keep whatever aspect of himself that makes him not entirely human a secret. Which means, it’s shameful. That narrows it down. He’s a little on the scrawny side to have ogre blood.
“Really? Pity. And here I was going to ask for your help with a bit of demon trouble I appear to be having.”
His eyes go wide at the sound of the word ‘demon.’ That was a little unexpected. Someone like him would normally keep his emotions in check and attempt to milk whatever he could get from me before eventually giving me useless information. But he most definitely gave something away here.
Wait. No. He gave it all away.
I say it out loud, I cannot help myself.
“You are a demon, aren’t you?! Well, not entirely. You have a human part to yourself. But you wanted to keep the demonic aspect of your persona secret. My word, this explains everything! Well, nothing to do with the house, but I knew a normal boy could not break the sealing spell I initially placed upon you, no matter how strong. And you most certainly are strong! The blood coursing through your veins must be potent indeed for such a young man, even demonic, to have put myself on the defensive side of that fight. And your aura-“
“SHUT UP!”
I hadn’t noticed the boy seething with anger as I went about explaining the oddity of a demon-human hybrid sitting in front of me. His violet eyes had shifted further into a red color and his barred teeth showed extending canine fangs.
“You’re not stable…”
“I SAID SHUT UP!”
This won’t do. He broke the magic seal upon him before through anger. Obviously, I must keep him calm.
“I’m sorry.”
“You will not tell nobody ’bout this! Got it?!”
“Of course not. I understand the need for privacy on such a matter.”
He stops and eyes me suspiciously. His irises shift back to their purple hue, and his canines shorten a little bit. If he were to smile, they’d still be noticeable, but not quite as intimidating as they were.
“Wait, what?”
“I’ve no intent on revealing your secret to anyone.”
I didn’t expect this response. His eyes are wide, like he’s horrified; he can’t understand what I’m saying.
“Why?”
“I told you, I do not think you’re the source of our demonic possession.”
“But… but you know I’m a demon?”
“Part demon. And considering how demons feel about half-breeds, I doubt you’d summon one yourself.”
I kneel next to him, examining his skin and hair. It was dirty, absolutely filthy, actually. Miniscule scars litter his arms and neck. I would imagine more extend over the rest of his body. His face is absolutely untouched though. I can’t be certain, but I think it has to do with his shifting features. His eyes and teeth adjust when he’s angry. Perhaps more does as well.
“You’ve had a hard life. I doubt you’d have had time for the kind of training it takes to create a demonic summoning altar when you’re too busy trying to find your next meal.”
He looks down a little ashamed.
“It ain’t my fault.”
“I’m aware. So, how would you like to help me stop the demon here?”
