Demon Slayer

He turned the key and the truck shut off. He clicked a button in the center console and the garage door quickly closed. He leaned against the steering wheel and began to think, what have I done? Sure they had it coming but at what price? “Ever since he began his new journey he struggled with keeping a low profile.”Who am I,” he thought “and how did I get here and more importantly what am I exactly?” He had a vague idea what he was and he knew what he was capable of doing. “Was Jess ok? Why do pretty girls in distress always get to me I’m no hero, this ain’t a fucking movie? “Can anyone find me here? I’m sure this location is quite safe and I’ve never been tailed. That blonde cop had been busy with Jess so she should be fine and the cops should be leaving me alone for the time being. Why can’t I just mind my own business? Why do people constantly push my fucking button? They fucking deserved it though, I was outnumbered but not out done, never once have I been out done.” Just then his phone rang. “Yes Padre, I’m still here, the location you found is good. What’s that? Really? Great! See you in a few days my friend” Then he hung up his phone and got out of the truck. “Padre will help me sort this out. He seems to have a knack for straightening me out.”
He awoke drenched in sweat. “Basically the same dream again,” he thought. “What does it mean?” It sure is annoying but despite this I feel pretty good. Maybe some fresh air will help clear my head I need to get a few things anyways.” He quickly got dressed and opened the door to the outside world where he was the stranger. The gentle breeze hit his face and it felt wonderful. He smiled slightly as he began his walk into town. The old factory had been abandoned for decades. It was a perfect location for the operation. It was just outside of town and the road towards it was seldom traveled, at least that’s what Padre told him and it appears he was right. He was almost always right, except for that one time he was mistaken. Stone chuckled to himself as he remembered Padre’s one mistake and his words. It had taken him little time and effort to make the place work for him. He continued down the road, thinking and kicking at stones when he wasn’t thinking.
The door to the diner swung open and all eyes turned. Stone eyed the scene and then saw a vacated table. It wasn’t cleaned off yet but the diner had just finished with a breakfast rush and he only saw one waitress. Everyone’s eyes still locked on him, he took a seat. He heard people whispering but he couldn’t quite make out all the words. He made out enough to know that just about everyone was talking about him. Having only been around for a few weeks and with all the moving from small town to small town he was used to the treatment. One table of six older gentlemen were talking about the incident at the bar last night. They were not whispering at all though. The other 15 people in the place were talking about him, except for the waitress; she was busy busing tables and pouring coffee. After about ten minutes she made her way to his table and quickly apologized for the wait. “The new girl didn’t come in this morning,” she said as she handed Stone a menu and poured him a cup of coffee. “Sorry but I don’t drink coffee. I will take a cranberry juice and keep them coming, “Stone replied as he winked and grinned at the waitress.”I’ll be back in a few minutes I hope,” she said as she smiled and winked back at Stone. “Thanks Amanda,” Stone replied as he read her name tag on her black shirt. Amanda returned a few minutes later quickly wiped the table and put down the tall glass of juice that Stone had ordered. “You clean up quick,” Stone said. He paused a bit waiting for a response. She sat down on the chair across from him. “Hope you don’t mind if I sit here,” she said. “Not at all,” was Stone’s response, “you probably earned a little rest. I’ll have the four way breakfast after you drink this coffee you poured for me” He slid the cup towards he and she took a sip. “So you new in town?” I’m just passing through, “replied Stone.”Did you hear about what happened at the bar last night? Story is some drifter waltzed right in there and beat George, Leonard, Hank and Ralph up pretty bad. They are in the hospital. Won’t get out for a week or five days. Hey didn’t you say you were new in town?” There was a slight pause as Stone sipped his juice. “I’m just bugging you, I have to bug the newbies. You are too small to handle George anyways let alone all four of them. How do you want your bacon?” “Soft,”" replied Stone. “Your eggs, “asked Amanda.”Sunnyside and rye toast please.” Coming right up sir, just don’t beat up all the old fellows in here,” she chuckled as she took her last sip of coffee and walked away.
“You new in town here?” Stone heard and he looked up to see an old man standing over him. “People around here call me Gus, I’m the oldest man here in Williamston,” Gus said. Stone motioned for Gus to sit and he slowly slinked down across the booth from him. “Mike is what some people call me,” Stone says as Gus sits in. “I helped Britain fend off the Invasions back in those days but I ain’t never seen anything like what you did last night…. Mike,” whispered Gus. “Don’t worry I won’t tell a soul, George and the boys had it coming.” Thank you Gus,” replied Stone. I don’t like talking much about my past though. I hope you understand Gus.” “I sure do. The war and fighting across our skies has affected everyone. I think it is getting worse not better too,” Gus whispered. “What brings you to Williamston though Mike?” “I’m not sure, just looking I guess,” replied Stone. “I hope she’s worth the trouble,” Gus answered after a long pause and a few sips of his coffee. Stone just smiled. “George is my only son and I feel so terrible for how he turned out. He has no dreams, no aspirations, nothing. Sure we all cause trouble when we are growing and learning to deal with life but that boy just continues to cause trouble.” “Sorry to hear that,” Stone replies. “Martha and myself couldn’t control that boy and we tried, lord did we try. We tried nurturing him; we respected him and his ways. Didn’t work. We disciplined him. Lord did we discipline him. That didn’t work. We loved him nonetheless. We even prayed but I guess the Lord had more important things to deal with with. He eventually was taken out of our hands. He moved out and never moved back. He didn’t move far mind you but his ways just got worse. We ignored him, but he always knew he could come back. Leopards don’t change their spots, ever. That man only cares about one person. Always has, always will.” Stone just looked at Gus as his story continued. “Then a miracle happened, at least that’s what Martha and I called it. We were blessed with a granddaughter and she was beautiful. Jessica was her name. I’m surprised at how well she turned out considering the man that attempted to raise her was. Well I’ve told you and no a daughter didn’t change anything about him. Jessica is really raised by the people of Williamston. She is our daughter not his. Despite the fact that she resides with him. She can’t leave either, there is some force keeping her here I guess. We all want her to leave and get a better life.” “Maybe she doesn’t want a better life,” Stone says. “I’ve seen…” Listen here Mike, don’t interrupt an old man when he’s telling a story, he might forget,” Gus cut Mike off and a sternness in his voice was heard throughout the cafe. The customers started to giggle and Amanda’s laughter could be heard over the giggles. Stone just leaned back with a shocked expression on his face as Gus continued on. “Jessica is only 17; she is still learning what she wants. She also needs somewhere to go, somewhere far away from this little corner. Moving her to Dugan, or Evans or Lithe won’t help her. The forest here holds mysteries that can not be solved. People come can go after hearing the legends and myths. Some have even disappeared. Nothing can be explained. Only the people here know. There are creatures here, big creatures. So I’ve heard. No one has survived after seeing one is how it goes. Surely someone has though but no one tells a tale about it,” Gus’s voice got eerie as his story continued. “This is the safest of the towns as the forest doesn’t run through it but Dugan, Evans and Lithe are surrounded by it.”What can you tell me about the creatures?” asked Stone. “Well this is all just rumor but they can walk on all fours or on their hind legs. They are the size of a bear, with its strength, but are no bear. They come in all colors. White, grey, black, and some are brown. They are aggressive and hunt for sport more than to feed. That is what I remember best of the myths at least.” “That is quite the legend Gus,” Stone responds. “They sound like bears.” “You ever seen a grey bear, Mike?” Gus replies. Stone leaned back and thought. His hand ran through the stubble on his chin. He took a sip from his juice and Gus took one from his coffee. Amanda came around and refilled Gus’s cup. “Don’t let legends scare you away,” Amanda stated. “If no one has seen one, does it exist? And besides, it’s just bears.” Here’s your breakfast and I’ll bring you another juice.” Thank you Amanda,” replied Stone.
After a few bites of his breakfast, Stone asked Gus a question. “So how is Jess after last night, you heard anything from her?” “Not yet but I was going to go drive by her place after my coffee. You want to tag along?” Gus responded. “I’m not sure if I should,” Stone stated. “I’m sure George won’t be poking around, I heard he was pretty beat up. Broken bones and everything, “Gus says.”Hopefully this will teach him a lesson and his boys. It’s been years since anyone has taken them down, even alone George can’t be handled. The police even leave him alone, well except for that new lady cop. She hasn’t learnt, yet. That boy has only done one good thing in this life, and he’s treated her like shit for years and years and probably still will.” “Well I would like to hear more about the legend. Can I finish my breakfast?” Stone asked. “Sure can, Mike. I’ll come get you after I’m done visiting with the boys and don’t worry, I won’t tell them about last night. Got more war stories to share with my gang.”

The door to the bar opened. The clicking of boots on the hard floor was all that could be heard. The patrons got even quieter as she approached the bar. All eyes were on her now. She examined the room as she made her way to the bar. Most of the people had a look of shock on their face She also noticed four bodies laying motionless on the floor. They appeared to be dead but as she got closer to them she could tell that they were not. She reached for her radio. “Home base, home base to you copy. This is Sergeant Chaud badge number 11, over,” she spoke with a calmness and respect into the radio. A few seconds passed and a man’s voice was heard over the radio. “Copy, this is home base, over.” “I need paramedics at the old pub. There are four down and unconscious, over, ” Sergeant Chaud explained. “Copy, over,” replied the radio voice.

Sergeant Chaud’s boots were once again heard clicking across the hard floor. She sat down at a stool on the bar. There was a glass with some blood on it. She reached into her bag and pulled out a glove and a small plastic bag. She put the glove on and it snapped. The girl behind the bar was startled as the glove snapped. Sergeant Chaud then carefully placed the glass in the small bag and then placed both everything back in her bag. She pulled a pad of paper and pen out of her bag. “Jessica,” she said to the girl behind the bar, “are you ok?” “I’m fine,” Jessica answered, “it’s just a small cut.” “Would you like a ride somewhere?” Sergeant Chaud asked. “That would be nice but I don’t know where to,” replied Jessica. A look of sadness and sudden awareness was in her eyes. Sergeant Chaud leaned in closer and whispered to Jessica “I’ll find somewhere safe for you to stay and you can stay as long as you need. I’ll just take you straight home then as soon as I am done here. Shouldn’t be too much longer Jessica.” Sergeant Chaud grabbed her pen and pad and stood up. She walked around the bar and wrote in her pad. She talked to the patrons and they all gave pretty much the same response. The four men who were still laying motionless on the floor were attacked by a man. No one knew the man’s name. A few of them described the truck he drove but that was all. Sergeant Chaud had a suspicion that this was not the case.

The paramedics arrived as she was headed back towards the bar. She turned and approached them and told them what they needed to know. The bodies had not moved since she arrived. She estimated that they have been motionless for half an hour. She then led the paramedics to Jessica. They examined her. Used a q tip to further clean the cut on her head. Told her she was fine and then proceeded to the men on the floor. “We can go now Jessica,” Sergeant Chaud said. The clicking of boots were all that was heard as the two girls left the bar.

The air outside was slightly humid but it was a nice night. Sergeant Chaud led Jessica towards her squad car and opened the passenger door for her. She helped her in and then shut the door. Sergeant Chaud walked around to the other side of the car when she heard a man yell “Sergeant, Sergeant! You didn’t ask me for my statement,” the man said as he approached her. The man looked to be in his forties but was fit. “Four men were attatacked by a stranger. I already have that written down enough times. I really need to get this poor girl home.” The man answered “That is not what happened. Not even close. The attacker was minding his business at the bar, talking to her,” he pointed towards Jessica,”drinking his drink when the other men attacked him. He just defended himself. Now he might be an over achiever but that is how it all started,” he smirked as he said his last thought. “That is what I was hoping someone would say. I finally have some truth to this whole mess,” she stated. “If you want my expert opinion, I’d say this man is military, and pretty deep in it,” the man said. “Do you have any credentials to back up this opinion, Mr. Mr.,” Sergeant Chaud said. “I used to be military. I also used to be Captain Barrack,” the man replied. Sergeant Chaud was busily writing in her pad. “So are you retired than Mr. Barrack?” “Yes, yes I am. “I’m staying in town here, needed some peace and quiet this weekend. You should get that poor girl home. I’ll be in town for a few more days if you need any more information from me.” “One more question before you go, do you know this man. I’d really like a name to go with this report?” “Can’t say I’ve ever seen him before, sergeant. I’ll do some thinking and maybe I can come up with a location for you as to where he was trained to, over achieve.” “Thank you for the statement and extra help Mr. Barrack. I’m sure we will be in touch.”

Sergeant Chaud got into her squad car and shut the door. Mr. Barrack was also getting into his vehicle. The squad car drove away. Sergeant Chaud and Jessica started talking. “Would you be ok if I asked you to confirm something, Jessica?” Sergeant Chaud asked. “I think I can talk about tonight,” Jessica replied. “Do you recognize who I was just talking too?” “No, he didn’t drink allot though tonight, and this is the first time I remember seeing him Charlene.” “Alright Jessica, did you hear what he was telling me?” “Yes I did, and he was right, George and the others started it.” “Do you know who he is?” “No, I’m sorry Charlene, I remember his face though, and I could spot him though. “Thank you Jessica, would you be ok with coming back with the station with me, or did you want to go home now?” “No, I don’t want to go back there.” “Well you can stay with me for as long as you need Jessica.” “Thank you Charlene,” Jessica said “I don’t know what else to do. I know I can’t go home Charlene. Not until he cools off anyways. Will he be ok?” Charlene pats Jessica on the leg and says “George will be fine Jess, he will be alright.” Jessica sank back in her seat. “Maybe now he will have second thoughts about hurting others now,” Charlene thought.

Back at the bar Mr. Barrack was still in his car. “Yes, it’s him. I’m certain colonel.”

The tires on the truck scraped across the gravel as the brakes were applied. The truck came to a complete stop. The door creaked open as the stranger stepped out onto the dusty gravel and slammed the door. His face was slightly dirty and his five o’clock shadow was well past the stroke of midnight. His eyes could not be seen but by the way he walked you could just tell he had a helluva story to tell, one of those long ones that involved allot of pain and agony involved.
The door to the tavern swung open and he headed straight for the bar. He ordered the bar tender to serve him a scotch on the rocks as he perched himself upon the stool. She gave him his scotch and he put a hundred dollar bill on the bar and said “Keep them coming, I don’t want to see this glass empty!” “Right away,” she said and quickly snatched up the bill. She looked young and vaguely familiar. Way to young to be working in a scum hole like this. She looked to young to be working in any bar. He sipped his scotch as he eyed his surroundings. Everyone looked as though they were well into that grey area of life and crime topped up with a good helping of pain and misery. Sketchy souled, the kinda place where you should watch your back and front and likely end up with a knife in your side.
After a long night and a busy day the scotch was really hitting the spot. “Here you go,” she said as she smiled an innocent looking smile. “Thank you, Angel!” he answered as he swallowed down the last bit of scotch and started on the next one. “Is there anything else I can get for you?” she asked as she flashed a flirty smile across her face. “I don’t want to bother you, I’m just passing through,” he stated. “I don’t mean to stereotype but the people that usual sit at the bar are either looking to talk or power drinkers, she smirked as she said the last part. Your eyes are telling me you have allot to say” “These old eyes?” he says. “You aren’t that old, I’d bet you ain’t over twenty five,” she proclaims. “If she only knew the truth, he thought. Sometimes even he forgot that he looked allot younger then he really was. He had witnessed so many things. “You have an eye for numbers for such a young thing, he says, “I bet you are…” “nineteen,” she interrupted. “I am nineteen!” “I’m no pig, don’t worry little ma’am your age is of no concern of mine. Just keep bringing me my drinks and I promise not to report,” he said as he smirked at her. She winked back and said, “Deal!”
As he continued to sip on his scotch he could hear the sounds of the people in the bar. “Whose that blabbering at Jess!” one said. “Did you see the way he looked at your daughter?” another said. “He is looking to wet allot more than his whistle!” a third said. “Jess had better not fall for a bum like that!” yet another said quite loudly so that he could be heard by everyone in the bar. “Another one,” Jess said with a slightly raised tone. “Just ignore those bums over there,” she quietly said to him. “This ones on the house,” she yelled. “We take care of our new customers,” she had a big smirk on her face and made an obvious wink placed directly at him. She pours him another drink and had another big smile for him as she handed it to him. Her tone was louder now as she spoke. “So what brings a handsome fellow like you into a dirty, dark, dingy bar like this?” “No freebies!” was yelled from the crowd of men. “This dirty, dark dingy bar has enough trouble keeping up with payments” “Fine then!” Jess yelled. “This drink is on MEE then!” she exclaimed to the bar patrons.
Mumbles from the table farthest from the bar were heard but nothing could be made out by Jess or the stranger. He continued to sip on his new glass of scotch as Jess went back to wiping tables and getting drink orders. One of the patrons grabbed her and whispered something to her. His words were only heard by the other men at the table. All of them were quite drunk and becoming restless. They all had the look in their eyes that trouble needed to be stirred up to ease the pain of the weak pathetic excuses for lives. Jess hurried back to the bar, reached into her apron and pulled out four twenty dollar bills. She passed them across the bar to the scotch drinking stranger. “You better finish your drink and get out of here, “she told him. “I am not a fortune teller but I can see your future and within five minutes something bad is going to happen to you!” He finished his drink, “Do I get a last call fortune teller?” he replied, “I promise it will be quick and you can keep the money if you bring me three more.” She looked into his eyes for a few moments then brought him his three drinks. She put the money back in her apron and muttered quietly “Thank you, but you better slam those three and leave. I’m just looking out for you.” “Thank you, Doll,” he replied. Mumbling was heard from the table in the back. “Sit back down George!” Jess yelled. “He is leaving after he slams these three drinks, ain’t that right Mister!” She looked at him as she said Mister. “That is right, Jess ? Right?” he replied as he pretended to forget her name. “Just as soon as I am done I will walk out that door I came and fade away into the night and you will never ever see my face in your bar again.” George continued to approach the bar and the others four men from the table stood up and watched. The stranger grabbed one of his drinks and spun around on his stool. “Look, George, I don’t want any trouble. I just had a rough night last night and a not too pleasant evening today and I stumbled upon this place. I just need a few more and then I can carry on my merry way.” “You’ve been here long enough!” George says as he raises his voice. “I own this place and my friends and I don’t like you.” He looked George in the eyes as he kept stepping closer. “Now George, just calm down. You are only slowing down my progressive drinking,” he answered. “The sooner you sit down, the sooner I can finish and leave.” George stopped in his tracks and the stranger brought the glass to his lips and quickly it was empty. Jess stood between the stranger and George. “He hasn’t done anything except tip well, “she explained to George. “Jess, the stranger explained there is no reason to defend me.” I have two more drinks to go and then I will leave. No harm. No foul.” Move!” George yelled at Jess. He pushed her out of the way and she fell, her head hitting a chair on the way down. The stranger hopped off his perch and scurried towards the fallen waitress. George stepped in his way. “She’s fine! Finish your drinks and leave!” The stranger attempted to get to Jess but George would not allow him. He kept pointing towards the door repeatedly. “Leave! Last chance!” George yelled. He tried getting passed George again and George pushed him towards the door. “Get out, Now!” George yelled. “You will not lay a hand on my daughter!” George pushed him again but this time his arms were grabbed and he spun around as his feet left the floor. George skidded across the bar and knocked over a table and a few chairs. The stranger went to Jess and helped her up. She had a slight gash on her forehead and there was some blood trickling from it. He helped her to the bar where he reached around and found some ice. “Hold this right here,” he said as he put the ice in her hand and guided her hand to the gash.
Shortly after George had made his way into some unsuspecting table and chairs, his friends had gotten up and were approaching the stranger. The stranger headed back towards his drinks and was met by the faster of the other four. The stranger looked into his eyes and decided that reasoning was not a valid solution at this time. The man swung at the stranger. He connected solidly with his open hand. The stranger closed his hand and squeezed. The man was brought to a knee. Now was the time for reasoning. “Let me finish my drinks so I can leave this hole!” he explained and with his free hand he reached across and slammed another drink. The stranger hadn’t even put the glass down when his leg shot straight out and connected solidly with the chest of one of the other men. The force of the kick sent the man rolling over a table. The man collapsed onto a few chairs and lay motionless. The stranger released his grip on the man’s fist as he put down his glass. The stranger then stepped forward as the next guy swung at him. He narrowly dodged it but as he approached, he grabbed the man’s arm, twisted it behind his back and then kicked him in the back of the leg which caused the man to collapse to the floor. The stranger then spun around and planted his fist into the throat of another man. The man grasped for air as he slowly fell to his knees. The last man, after seeing what happened to the first of his friends, went to George and helped him up. This was while the other two men were being taken down. Now the stranger made his way back to his last drink of scotch. George and the last man were coming at him each carrying a chair. The stranger raised a knee to the skull of a man as he was slowly getting up after receiving a chop to his throat. This was all done in one fluid motion as the stranger continued towards his scotch. The knee connected right in the temple of the man and he was unconscious before his body fell to the floor. He then caught the man’s fist in his hand yet again. The stranger squeezed tightly against the man’s fist and pulled him towards him. The strangers elbow caught the man in the jaw. The blow sent him backwards, he bounced off the floor and was left unconscious. The stranger was now a few steps away from his precious scotch. He ducked as a chair was swung just above his head. He spun and chopped the side of his hand into the throat of the chair swinger. The chair swinger was on his way down when he felt some hands on the back of his head pushing it down faster. Then a knee met his nose and he went back up. A fist then connected with his jaw and his backward fall was sped because of it. He was unconscious when the knee hit his nose but the fist made certain of it. The stranger then placed a hand on his drink and brought it to his lips. He dodged another chair as he took a sip of his scotch. His free hand grabbed George by the throat. George dropped the chair and grasped for air. “Now, can I finish my drink in peace?” he says to George. George could not speak or even mumble. He then lifted George up so his feet were just above the floor as he continued to sip his scotch. “How are you feeling Jess?” he asked. She just stared as she nodded her head as she put down the phone.”I am fine, just a little cut. Thanks.” “Good,” he said. He finished his drink and put the glass back on the bar with the other three. Then he released George and he fell to the floor. The stranger headed toward the exit. He turned towards Jess “Seems your prediction had a major flaw.” he then smirked and said “Good thing you are not a fortune teller.” He chuckled slightly and she smiled at him as he left the bar.
He had just put his truck into gear when there was a tap on his window. He pushed the clutch, put the truck back in neutral and rolled down his window. “Good evening Sergeant Chaud. Did you miss me?” “She ignored his question and replied “I received a phone call not too long ago. Someone called claiming there was an altercation here. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that would you Mr., Mr., “Stone he interrupted. “You can just call me Stone.”That must have been Jess. She is a good girl. She has a cut on her head; you might want to call the paramedics.” “Why, she seemed alright on the phone,” she says. “Oh she is fine, I’d call them though anyways, just in case,” Stone stated as he smirked and put his truck back into gear. “See you around Sergeant” he said as he waved out the window while backing away.

Stone awakened to the screams of a young man. “Help, help, get me out of here,” the man yelled. ” Stone replied, “SHUT UP! Don’t you know any better then to disturb a sleeping man, let alone one in my position, when you are in yours! If you had any kind of memory you’d know who put you in that fucking kennel. Now pipe down you lil’ fucker!” Stone fumbled along the floor and found something hard to throw at the man. It made a rattling noise as it hit the steel. “Let me outta here man, “he pleaded. “That’s enough shit from your pie hole. Close it or next time I won’t miss, Dude” answered Stone. “What do you want, Who are you?” “I want you to shut up so I can get some fucking sleep, now you can either do that, or not. Your call!” “If you were going to kill me you would have done it by now, now let me out, ” he begged. Stone got up from his bed and staggered over to the cage. He proceeded to fumble with the lock on the door. The young man inside got up and wandered over to the cage. Stone unlocked the cage as the man arose. Stone opened the door and the young man walked towards the opening. He was almost out when Stone slammed the door on the young man. He fell back and was stunned. Stone walked through the cage door and picked the young man up. “Who says I’m going to let you live! Stone explained to the young man. Then Stone gave the young man a quick elbow to the side of the head and let him fall back to the cement floor. “Hopefully that will allow me to get a few more hours of sleep,” Stone thought as he locked the cage door and crawled back into bed.
The young man awoke to with quite a headache and he smelled something, something good. “Bacon, eggs and toast. Where am I?”, he mumbled. “Oh good, you are awake, are you hungry?” Stone said with a smirk on his face somewhat resembling of a smile. “No, I am not. I wouldn’t mind something for this headache tho” All in due time princess, I’ll get right on top of that as soon as I am done my breakfast.” “What time is it?” Well let’s see, I am eating bacon, eggs and toast. I’m enjoying a glass of milk and you are locked in a cage so I’d guess it’s almost shut the fuck up o’clock and wait for me to finish my goddamn breakfast!” Stone took a bite and washed it down with some milk. “Also, just a thought, it’s only you and me here, you are locked in a cage and have a bad ass lump right above your right eye, probably caused by my right elbow so I’d suggest listening to the man eating his breakfast” The young man leaned against the cage and kept quiet as Stone finished his breakfast. “Now ask me again what time is, shit stain,” Stone demanded. “Wh- what time is it kind sir,”the young man hesitantly responded. “It’s time to play my favoritest game of all.” There was a long pause as Stone finished his milk. “Well aren’t you gonna ask me about my favoritest game, I swear kid, I couldn’t set the pins up any better for you.” Wh- what what is your favorite game?” “Glad you asked there Sport, and it’s favoritest. Where did you gradumawate? Nevermind that, the game we are going to play is called answer the man with the big ass knife’s questions or it cuts the skin and bleeds. Sound like fun, Sport?” The young man was silent as Stone walked over to his wall of weapons. “Where is my knife of truth now?” Stone asked. “There it is” Stone picked up a small knife that maybe was 1 inch in diameter. He then walked over to the cage, unlocked the door and stepped inside. The young man let out a chuckle as he saw the knife Stone had. “That’s your knife of truth,” he said as he was finishing his little giggle. “That is correct, “Stone responded as he stabbed the tiny blade into the young man’s leg. The man yelled and screamed in pain as Stone asked “What do you remember about last night?” “Nnnnoothththing,” the man feebly answered. Stone started to twist the knife. The man yelled and screamed louder. Stone asked “Do you know what you are?” “You are crazy,”he answered. “Of course I know who I am, I am David Ba OWW!” “Wrong answer David Baow. I asked what you are, not who and you are a werewolf. Does that meaning anything to you Daave?” “A what now, like the creatures in the book. They aren’t real you fucking nut” “Now Dave it is not wise to piss off a man when he has a knife stuck in your leg” Stone twisted the knife and pressed it harder into Dave’s leg. “Are you remembering anything now, Dave. Who turned you into a werewolf. If you are doubting me, look at your leg, there is smoke coming out of it. This blade is pure silver. So if you are not a werewolf, Dave, I ask you this, where is the fire?” Dave continued to scream and holler in pain as Stone continued to twist and press the knife deeper into his leg. Smoke continued to rise from the wound. “You’re not giving me any answers Dave. Why are you so quiet? Two hours ago I had to come in here and shut you the fuck up. Problems, Dave?” Stone continued to work the knife as Dave continued his screams. “I don’t know anything man, just stop this and let me got, If I am a werewolf why are you not afraid of me?” “There are far worse things in this world then werewolves Dave and when you are done thinking of them, combine them and you get me” Stone quickly withdrew the knife from Dave’s leg and dangled it right between his eyes. “If you don’t have the answers I am looking for, then you are of no use to me at all, Dave.” Stone then ran the blade of the knife across Dave’s throat. As the blood poured out Dave collapsed to the floor, holding his throat. He was growing weaker and weaker. The last thing Dave saw was Stone opening his mouth and then he felt the knife enter the roof of his mouth.
Dave’s body twitched for a few seconds. Then it fell to the floor with a thud. The floor in the cage was starting to cover in blood. Stone starting feeling hungry. “No, No, No,” he thought. He stumbled out of the cage and grabbed his chain. He placed it around his neck. He then vomitted a little in his mouth. He walked over to the sink and spit. He then ran the water and rinsed his mouth out. Then he proceeded to drink. He drank and drank. “I need to regain my strength,” he mumbled to himself. Stone collapsed to the floor.
He awoke a few moments later. His head was pounding and he could smell blood. He slowly rose to his feet. His strength was quickly returning. He grabbed a small handful of black garbage bags and went towards the cage. He placed the body inside the bag and then stuffed the bags inside each other for strength. “Don’t want this falling out,” he thought. Stone then carried the body out to his garage and tossed it into the back of his truck. He then opened the door and drove off. The sun was just starting to set. Stone put on his sun glasses as he steered his truck towards the sun.
It was getting dark now. Stone stopped his truck on the bottom of a hill. There was nothing here but sand and gravel. Not a living thing present. Stone dropped the body onto the ground. It made a thud and then bounced slightly. He then went back to the box of the truck and got a small container. He unscrewed the lid and dumped the contents onto the body and surrounding ground. He then lit a match and dropped it. He hopped back into his truck and speed away. He adjusted his rearview mirror to see the flames light up the sky.
The truck came up a hill and at the last second Stone spotted it. A police car. Sure enough, the car turned around and flicked on its lights. Stone slowed down as the car followed. He pulled the truck
over to the side of the road and the office pulled right behind him. The woman slowly walked out of her car and towards the truck. Stone started rolling down his window. “We got reports of a small fire out
this way, do you happen to know anything about it?” she stated. “I do see some smoke to the northeast, I’m assuming that’s the fire you are speaking of?” muttered Stone. “That’s your idea of small I want to stay the hell away from big” “You’re new in town aren’t you?” asked the police woman. “I’m just passing through,”Stone answered. “Was I speeding or something officer… sorry Sargent Chaud?” “No you were not, just seeing if you knew anything about the fire,” answered Sargent Chaud. “You can go now,
I didn’t catch your name tho” Stone pressed the clutch and put the truck into gear and crept away before answering the officer.

All that Jessica could here was the sound of footsteps running. Branches whipped and leaves flew as she ran through the woods. Faster and faster she ran, as fast as she had ever run before. What was chasing her? She couldn’t see it, couldn’t quite make it out, all she knew was that it was big, and right behind her. Getting closer and closer with every step she took “Why had I went out tonight? My mother was right. Oh god that’s not good. I just had to see him tonight huh.” She was running as fast as she could, breath straining, her lungs were about to explode. It sounded like it was getting closer, and closer. She kept running. She saw a light and turned towards it. It was almost upon her. She ran into the barn and shut the door. It had stopped. Where was it? She heard a noise. Was it here in the barn? She backed into the door. Then she saw it. A shadow flew towards her. She closed her eyes, turned towards the door and screamed. “Nothing, am I dead” she thought. She opened her eyes and looked around. She was alive? How could this be? She turned around and saw what had been chasing her. It was laying a few feet from her. It’s gruesome and massive body headless. What had happened? Who killed the creature? Before she could comprehend anymore of the situation she fainted.

He was watching the chase from the distance. He was running in front. Was he being chased? No, he hadn’t been spotted yet. He ran to the farmyard and headed towards the barn. He opened the door, and climbed on top of a nearby stall. He saw the young woman run in and shut the door. He reached behind his back and grabbed his blade. Patiently he waited. He heard the side door open to the barn. He quickly lunged towards the girl. His blade caught the werewolf. He spun around as he heard the loud thud of its heavy frame hitting the hard dirt floor. Then he saw the head roll towards the wall. He went to the head and looked. He didn’t think it looked familiar. He wiped the blood of his sword on the fur. The girl just stood there, not looking, just shaking. It appeared like she was just waiting to die. He quickly left. No one should see him. He was alone and always will be alone.

He got in his truck and turned the key. It rumbled. Pure American muscle. He put it in gear and hit the gas, the engine roared as it spun away. All the hard work he’d done to her had paid off. There weren’t a lot of cars that could keep up with this engine and if anyone had the thought, the supercharger and nitrous tanks would make them regret their choice. The truck was a complete package. Its looks could kill. It was black, darker then night itself. Under the hood was the famous Mopar 440. There was nothing not done to this engine. It was cranking out over 650 horses. A supercharger had been added to it, to make it even quicker. For high speeds the nitrous tanks would get it moving up around 200 mph. WOW doesn’t describe this truck.

His mind was thinking now. He always thought after his hunt. Was that my father? How will I ever find my father? How will I be rid of this curse? He kept driving towards home. He was tired and needed his rest. It was a long night and he found no clues tonight, one less of them to worry about though. Slowly but surely he would find his parents. The curse would be lifted. One day he will no longer fear his inner beast. One day he would finally live in inner peace. One day he could share his thoughts, with the world. One day he would finally fit in somewhere.

The heat from his warehouse told him it was time to get up, that and the sweat running down his body. It was hot, too damn hot. It must be past 2pm. He peeled himself out of bed and turned on the exhaust fans. “That should help,” he thought. He went over to the wall and grabbed his sword. He sat down and began polishing it with a soft cloth till it was glistening. He went over to the shelf and grabbed his knives and shined them to. All the weapons he had were made by himself or stolen by collectors. The guns and explosives and other were all stolen from military bases. When he served in the wars he borrowed quite a few items that were not exchangeable. He walked over to his exercise equipment and began his daily routine. Treadmill, weights, bike, bench, punching bag. He worked out hard and long everyday. He was always soaked with sweat and slime when he was done. It was now almost 5:00pm. He strolled into the shower. After washing he went over to the fridge and pulled out his meal for the day. Chicken and vegetables were on the menu tonight. How to cook it? Does it matter it’s only him. He’s not fussy.

It was Friday night. The dark clubs in the small corners of the city would have creatures to slay. He turned the key to his truck and sped off towards the night. Turning down back alleys to avoid the main streets as much as possible. Looking for creatures of the night was never easy. It seemed that he could sense them and if he got close enough, smell them even. Hopefully tonight, questions could be answered. Though the hardest part about that was not in the killing of them, but there was no time for those thoughts now.

What was that? He sensed something. It was near. He then heard a monstrous howl. His truck screeched to a halt. He grabbed his bag from behind the seat and slung it over his shoulder. He had a slow running pace towards the howl. It was coming from the pier. He heard the screams of people. They were coming from that old cruise ship. His pace quickened. He ran up the ramp as a few people were screaming on their way down. He reached the top and saw it. Not one but four creatures. “They don’t usually hunt in packs”, he mumbled. “Something must be up” He had never faced more then one at a time. His hands quickly reached for his knives. He grabbed two in each hand and hurled them towards the creatures. One was hit in the shoulder and chest and quickly dropped to a knee. The other managed to avoid them and leapt towards him. Stone thrust his blade at the creature. It fell into the water. “FUCK YOU,” Stone yelled. “The Slayer,” Shrieked one of them as he pointed its claw towards Stone. “I can smell your fear and soon shall taste your blood” Stone replied, “You don’t wanna do that I had some spicy chicken today!” Stone jumped high in the air, and stabbed his blade into the skull of another one of them. The last one quickly tackled him, to floor they both fell. There was a loud thud upon impact. Stone landed flat on his back. Its claws dug into Stone’s arm as his blade left his grasp. Quickly Stone was able to counter. Stone had his hand around the creature’s throat as the claws withdrew from his arm. Stone bobbed his head as the werewolf’s hands slammed into the ship’s deck. Stone was able to push it back far enough now. His feet gripped around its neck as his hand released and he flung it to the ship’s deck. Stone quickly rolled backwards as the creature stood up, his shoulder went into its ribcage; his arms around its waist and down they both went. Stone landed on top and immediately started throwing fists. Connecting with every single one of them. He was good. His blows were quick, powerful, and right on the money. It was stunned. Stone was stronger and faster them him. How? Stone then stood up and jumped in the air. Both knees came crashing down into its chest. The snap was loud. Stone stood and knew what he had done. It lay lifeless on the deck, blood trickling from its mouth. Stone reached into his bag and grabbed a rope, a silver rope. He went to the edge of the ship and peered into the water. The water was rippling. He was still alive. Stone grabbed his blade and ran down the ramp of the ship. He stopped and listened. He heard breathing. He saw a trail of blood leading to the mechanical shed. He wrapped the rope around his hand and with his blade in the other. He quickly kicked open the door. The creature lunged out at him but Stone was too quick. He quickly tied it up and after a few minutes, it stopped fighting. It was out.

Stone dragged the creature back to his truck. It was heavy but he managed to load it into the box without too much effort and no struggle, which always seemed to make things easier. He tied it to the box so it would not fall out; He hopped into his truck, turned the key, and listened as the engine rumbled. He pushed on the clutch, slammed it into first and screeched away. The tires were still spinning as he shifted to second. He shifted into third and let off the gas a bit, too stop from spinning. Perhaps he was a bit too anxious to get back home. It’s not like the creature was going to go anywhere, it was out cold, and tied in. Questions would be answered soon enough. He knew how to get his information. The longest one had ever withheld the truth was twenty-two minutes. His thought was interrupted. He heard a siren and looked in his rearview mirror. “There was one of the world’s clueless, ” he thought to himself. “If only they knew what was really going on. If only they could comprehend his life. They would understand.” Should he pull over or should he lose this cop with a flick of a button. His truck slowed down as he was thinking of what to say to the officer. He quickly looked in the truck bed. It was in human form. Stone watched in the mirror as the officer got out of his vehicle. As soon as the cruiser door shut Stone popped the clutch and was off. Stone looked in his rearview. All he saw was dust and smoke from his tires. He raced back towards the city. He knew the officer would be on his trail. As soon as he shifted into fourth he flicked the switch for the nitrous. “That’ll take care of that” I don’t need to be answering any question tonight. I’ve got my own for the asking. Answers will be had. The truth will be told.” Stone knew how to make people talk. No he didn’t drug them. That was not nearly enough fun. He needed to satisfy his inner beast. Stone used the old fashioned method. It was a bit messy but much more gratifying. Worked also, and it is fun. Twenty-two minutes is the longest anyone, or thing, had ever lasted.

Demon Slayer: The Hunt For Blood was originally created by myself in the beginning of 2007. The 1st chapter was originally poster in March of 2007. I am putting this here for copyright purposes. I somehow had to recreate this blog the old one is still working it just does not let anyone, including myself, view the posts.