ã€ŠGaribay&#x2019;s Perfectoã€‹


 Prologue

    Nov. 1999

    Before Rafa was born, his mother, Catalina, resided in Veracruz, Mexico.

    She had lived with her elderly grandparents in a bright orange and red house in the enchanting town of Catemaco. It was a place more commonly known within the country as "la tierra de los brujos".

    The realms of Catholicism and magic intertwined there, creating a captivating and enigmatic religion known as Brujeria.

    Homes were adorned with intricate pentagrams, entwined with the devotion of revered Catholic saints.

    It was a realm of mysticism and wonder, where ancient secrets whispered in the wind.

    Fueled by an insatiable curiosity, the locals sought guidance from skilled brujos to unravel the mysteries that eluded conventional wisdom.

    Catalina was no different.

    At the young age of 23, she stood 5 feet 3 inches and was a sight to behold.

    Her thick, ebony hair cascaded down to her lower back. Her bangs were elegantly curved and she adorned herself with oversized hoop earrings.

    Catalina had a stunningly sharp bone structure. Her facial features were elegantly defined, beautifully sculpted, and radiant. Her hazel eyes, slightly elongated, were framed by lush lashes.

    Her voluptuous figure would have caused any sensible man to turn his head, and she was well aware of her allure.

    However, beneath her radiant smile, she carried the weight of profound sorrow. Catalina''s deepest longing was to experience the intoxicating embrace of true love.

    Her eagerness for a lover grew insatiable. With every step she took, she magnetically drew the attention of men. However, they were worn-out, desperate souls who lacked the charm of a fairytale prince.

    Fueled by her determination to find a love like the ones depicted in movies, she ventured into the enchanting world of Brujeria, acquiring enchanted artifacts from her local magic shop.

    Alone in her room, she began delving into the mystical arts, seeking to conjure a spell that would manifest the flawless man of her fantasies.

    She attempted night after night to summon even a hint of magic, but her efforts proved futile.

    However, one fateful evening, she decided to try a new incantation from an ancient book she had discovered.

    As the cursed words spilled from her trembling lips, a bone-chilling presence slithered through the room, suffocating the air with a sinister aura.

    In an instant, a grotesque figure emerged, its 3 heads contorted into a horrifying fusion of man, goat, and bull. Its towering blood-red horns pierced the veil of darkness, captivating Catalina''s gaze with sheer terror. It was a Demon, a nightmarish being from the deepest pits of damnation.

    The room quivered with an unsettling tremor as Catalina''s desperate pleas for help reverberated throughout the house. Yet, it seemed as though her cries fell upon deaf ears.

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    Caught in the grip of a terrifying nightmare that she never could have foreseen, fear gripped Catalina''s heart. Nevertheless, she still summoned the courage to implore, "Will you grant me a lover?"

    In response, the demon''s lips curled into a sinister smile. "A lover, you say? Ah, but of course. Shall we strike a deal?"

    "I''m willing to do anything!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with desperation.

    The Demon''s malevolent grin widened, stretching to the point where it seemed as though his face might fracture at the edges of his mouth. "I have an insatiable craving," he declared, his mouth oozing with ravenous hunger. "A soul is what I desire."

    "I''ll do it," she answered eagerly, her heart brimming with anticipation for her long-awaited wishes to come true.

    "After all,¡± she mused to herself, ¡°After all, my grandmother is already very old.¡±

    The Demon''s eyes gleamed with delight as he heard her wicked thoughts. "Your darkness is truly captivating," he admitted. "But your firstborn child shall satiate my desires."

    "My firstborn?" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with pure relief.

    Catalina''s heart, burdened by the weight of her desires, held no attachment to the idea of having children. Little did she know the consequences that awaited her in this unholy bargain.

    With a nod of agreement, the Demon vanished into thin air.

    Days turned into weeks, and Catalina anxiously awaited the arrival of her soulmate. But as time wore on without a trace of him, doubt crept into her heart.

    In the depths of a moonlit night, while her grandparents slept soundly, she found herself uttering the incantation once more in the living room, hoping to confront the Demon.

    As Catalina recited the encantation, a chilling knock suddenly reverberated through the front door, sending shivers down her spine.

    She froze, her mind racing with a whirlwind of thoughts. This late at night? she wondered. Her neighborhood wasn''t the safest, and the urge to hide was strong, especially since she was barely dressed. She had on a thin, silk gown that barely reached her thighs, and yet still, an inexplicable force drew her towards the door. Her burning desire to meet her perfect lover overpowered her fear, compelling her to swing it open.

    And there he stood... a tall man with broad shoulders and a jaw that looked like it had been carved from stone. His short, jet-black hair was slicked back, not a strand out of place, and a light stubble covered his face, adding a touch of ruggedness.

    He wore a fitted black button-up shirt, the top few buttons undone to reveal a hint of chest hair, and the fabric clung to his toned physique. His sleeves were rolled up, and a stylish Rolex gleamed on his wrist, adding a layer of sophistication. The fitted jeans he wore showcased his well-defined figure, and Catalina couldn''t help but be drawn to every detail.

    Although intrigued, Catalina still had a hint of fear as her voice trembled, asking him, "Who are you?"

    The man smiled, his pearly white teeth gleaming in the dim light. His voice was like velvet, smooth and seductive, causing goosebumps to rise all over her skin. ¡°I¡¯ve been called many names. But none of them have ever felt right to me.¡±

    Catalina¡¯s initial fear was quickly overshadowed by her curiosity. "Is this really him? The love that I was promised?" She wondered, her thoughts racing.

    The man took a step closer, his muscular frame exuding an otherworldly allure. "You, my dear Catalina, are a very captivating creature. And yes, what you''re thinking is true."

    As he spoke, Catalina felt a warmth spreading through her body, a desire she couldn''t ignore. There was something irresistible about this man, and she found herself drawn to his every breath.

    Without waiting for a response, The man closed the distance between them, his strong hands gently grasping her waist. Catalina''s breath caught in her throat as she felt his hot breath on her neck. His touch was electric, sending jolts of pleasure through her body.

    "Oh, yes..." she whispered, surrendering to the sensation.

    The man''s lips trailed kisses along her neck, his teeth gently nipping at her sensitive skin. He slowly turned her around, his hands exploring her body with expert precision.

    Catalina''s gown was soon discarded, falling to the floor, leaving her naked and exposed to his gaze.

    That night, love took hold of her heart for the very first moment. And she surrendered herself completely to the stranger, sharing an intimate and passionate encounter in the living room of her grandparent''s home.

    The following day, the man vanished into thin air, leaving Catalina longing for his return.

    Desperate for any sign of the demon, she repeatedly called upon its presence, hoping for at least a knock at the door. But only silence greeted her.

    As weeks turned into months, the absence of the demon persisted. However, a wave of nausea washed over Catalina, and soon enough, a baby bump began to form. This unexpected development left her in a state of turmoil, as she had never desired children, especially after the pact she had made with the demon.

    Despite her efforts to rid herself of the child, it remained unharmed, defying all her attempts.

    After Rafa''s birth, he experienced the occasional encounter with spirits, but overall, he had a typical childhood in Mexico. At the age of 7, they enlisted the help of a man known as "El Coyote" to guide them across the Mexico/USA border.

    They eventually settled in New Orleans, Louisiana, where they stayed with a relative for three years, before they found their own cozy spot to call home.

    Catalina decided to leave behind her involvement in witchcraft and found a full-time job at Casa Victoria, a Mexican restaurant and jazz Bar.

    Life seemed relatively ordinary, except for the constant unease of anticipating the demon''s arrival for Rafa.

    As Rafa grew older, his encounters with the supernatural became more frequent. In his dreams, he could sense an ominous presence watching over him, which he confided in his mother. It was during one of these moments that she revealed the truth about his soul belonging to a demon.

    At first, Rafa found it hard to believe, but over time, he learned to accept it. He even started feeling a strange sense of anticipation for the demon''s arrival.

    Deep down, Rafa had always yearned to meet his father.

 Chapter 1

    October 2017

    New Orleans, LA, USA.

    The moon''s pale light seeped through the broken windows of an abandoned apartment building as if the restless souls of its former residents still clung to the shadows.

    Rafa Flores, a curious and imaginative high school senior, found himself standing at the building''s entrance, his heart torn between the urgency of getting home for dinner and the irresistible pull emanating from within, to go inside.

    With headphones nonchalantly hanging from his neck, softly playing hip-hop music in the background, Rafa stood 6''2, his lean frame emanating an air of quiet strength.

    Rafa''s defined jawline and captivating cheekbones carved shadows and light in all the right places. His caramel skin, combined with his jet-black hair, expertly styled with a faded touch beautifully showcased his Mexican heritage.

    With an effortlessly cool vibe, Rafa rocked a backpack, a black hoody, and a pair of perfectly fitted jeans.

    The moon''s eerie glow highlighted his nervous expression as he glanced at his phone, aware of his strict mother''s expectations. He had been on his way home from school when a chilling whisper pierced through his headphones. It was a ghostly plea, a spine-tingling voice murmuring, "Help me..."

    Unable to resist the mysterious allure of the building, Rafa took a hesitant step forward and pushed open the door, its rotten wood groaning in agony as if warning him of the horrors that lay within.

    The interior was a macabre tableau, with cobwebs stretching like sinister veils and the floorboards creaking beneath his weight. Shadows writhed and contorted on the walls, their grotesque dance captivating his gaze.

    Rafa whipped out his phone and silenced the music, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Man, this place is kind''ve freaking me out," he exclaimed, a sense of unease washing over him.

    Determined to uncover the origin of the hair-raising plea, he ventured deeper into its shadowy recesses, unaware of the malevolent force that awaited him.

    The decaying walls seemed to hold secrets as their peeling paint and cracked plaster revealed glimpses of the building''s haunting past.

    Time seemed to stand still, the minutes slipping away unnoticed as he ventured deeper into the building''s dark corridors.

    The air was thick with an eerie sense of foreboding, as if unseen spirits were watching his every move. He ventured deeper into the abandoned apartment building, feeling their invisible gaze upon him.

    A chilling breeze swept through the hallways, causing his skin to prickle with an inexplicable dread. And while most people would be gripped by fear, Rafa felt only a thrill of excitement, hoping that this time, it might be his father reaching out to him.

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    Every step he took echoed ominously as if the building itself whispered warnings of an ancient evil that lurked just beyond his line of sight. The presence of malevolence was palpable, its icy grip tightening with each passing moment.

    Rafa''s heart pounded in his chest. ¡°Could this really be him?¡± he wondered, his senses heightened to the point where even the slightest sound made him flinch.

    "HELP MEEE..." The bone-chilling cry for help intensified, sending shivers down Rafa''s spine. His body froze, paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. Thoughts raced through his mind, questioning if he should keep going. But the desperate plea, now filled with a sense of urgency, echoed through the corridors, refusing to be ignored.

    "PLEASE!" The cry reverberated through Rafa''s being, shaking him to his core. "I''m begging you!" it persisted.

    Every instinct screamed at him to run, to escape the haunting sound. Yet, a flicker of bravery ignited within him. He couldn¡¯t abandon whoever was in need. And what if his dad was there too? So he pressed on, determined to find the source of the cry.

    As Rafa turned a corner, he was greeted by another dimly lit corridor, its emptiness engulfed in an eerie silence. A flickering light at the end drew his attention, casting eerie shadows on the walls. To the left, a room awaited, emanating the sorrowful voice that tugged at his heartstrings.

    "Plea... ee, ease..." The voice, now filled with an almost lifeless sadness, pleaded for help. Rafa''s heart ached with empathy, compelling him to keep going, every step accompanied by the creaking of the floorboards.

    "C''mon, for the love of all things good, let it be him this time," he pleaded.

    He braced himself, feeling the weight of an evil presence lurking within the room.

    It was always a Demon, but never the one that he was waiting for.

    The air grew heavy with grief and animosity, causing Rafa to smile in anticipation.

    As Rafa cautiously stepped into the room, his eyes widened at the scene before him.

    A man knelt on the floor, his face etched with desperation, clutching a weathered book that crackled with dark energy.

    Rafa could hear the tormented soul trapped within the book''s ancient bindings, pleading, "Please, let me go, Alan!"

    The man''s voice quivered as he responded, his voice tinged with sorrow, "I can''t... I need you, Mary. Our children need you. I''m so damn tired and I can''t do this alone anymore," he sobbed. "Please stay with me, Mary. Please!"

    A shiver coursed down Rafa''s spine as he sensed the sinister aura emanating from the book, an almost palpable darkness seeping into the room. He could feel an evil presence lurking within its ancient pages.

    With his heart pounding, he urgently warned, ¡°Hey, man! That book you''re holding? It ain''t a good read. Trust me, its got demons and bad voodoo written all over it.¡±

    The man''s eyes snapped towards Rafa, a wild desperation burning within them. "Stay away from me!" he cried, clutching the book tight with a vice-like grip. "She''s mine!"

    "I don''t think you understand, Alan, that book isn''t going to bring her back." Rafa empathized.

    "What the hell do you know?!" Alan exclaimed in frustration.

    "C''mon man, don''t you hear her crying?!" Rafa insisted. "Just listen to her, it''s eating her soul!" he pleaded.

    At that moment, Mary unleashed a scream so chilling it sent a shiver down Alan''s spine. Causing him to panic.

    Alan''s face contorted in shock as he released his grip on the book, taking a step back before collapsing to his knees. "All I wanted was to hold her one more time," he whispered, his voice trembling with sorrow.

    The book shook violently as Mary''s desperate pleas for help reverberated from within its pages, filling the room with an unsettling sense of urgency. Alan, overwhelmed by the unfolding chaos, found himself at a loss for what to do. Guilt weighed heavily on his heart as he realized the dire situation Mary was trapped in.

    At that moment, Rafa approached the book, brandishing a knife. With a swift motion, he sliced his palm and let his blood cascade onto its surface, instantly halting its movements.

    "You like that, huh?" Rafa taunted the book. "Let''s make a deal then. Release that soul, and you can have mine instead."

    "What?!" Alan''s voice reverberated with shock and disbelief, his eyes widening in astonishment.

    Suddenly, in a bone-chilling spectacle, the book violently shook, its pages flapping wildly, and from its depths emerged the ethereal form of a woman''s soul.

    She turned towards Alan, her gaze brimming with sorrow and compassion, and uttered with heartfelt sincerity, "Alan, you''re doing an exceptional job caring for our children. They need you now more than ever, my love."

    "Mary?" Alan gasped, his hand reaching out desperately towards her. But within seconds, she vanished into the ceiling, leaving Alan overcome with a profound sense of loss, as the book abruptly closed, ceasing its tumultuous movements.

    Rafa casually scooped up the book, placed it into his backpack, and then turned around to leave.

    "Wait!" the man exclaimed. "What about your deal?"

    Rafa spun around, his expression puzzled. "Huh?"

    "You offered your soul in exchange for Mary''s. I''m extremely grateful, but won''t it come for you?"

    "It can try," Rafa boasted confidently. "But someone else already has a claim on my soul," he declared, turning to leave once more.

    The man was taken aback, his disbelief evident. "Who?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

    "Asmodeus," Rafa replied, walking away.

 Chapter 2

    Rafa walked along a narrow street, passing balconies that hung over the sidewalk. The untamed weeds on the cracked pavement danced in the breeze, and a crooked street sign on the corner read Jermaine and Royal.

    The tightly packed houses stood adorned with weathered chairs on their inviting porches, creating a maze-like path to navigate. The air was filled with the joyful sounds of laughter and playful games from the children, while each store serenaded the passersby with its own unique jazz melody.

    As Rafa neared his mother''s house, he caught a glimpse of her engaged in an animated conversation with the neighbor. His heart raced as he walked up behind her, knowing that he was terribly late.

    His mother whirled around, "Bueno tu, te cres rey o que?" She asked, arms crossed in anger. "Que pinches ora''s son estas de llegar, Rafael?" She demanded.

    "Sorry, mom, for a moment there I guess I did think of myself as the King. Just trying to make you proud by staying consistent is all," he replied, playfully ducking his head as he entered the house, anticipating a firm smack.

    "O, si?" She took off her sandal as he sneaked inside.

    Catalina turned to her neighbor Sandra. "Deja voy a darle de comer a este cabezon."

    "Handale, pues, Yo tambien, ta ni me ba?o, y ya van hacer las siete," Sandra replied, turning to go home.

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    As Catalina walked inside, she could hear the booming music coming from Rafa''s room. "Bajale a tu ruidazo Rafael!" she shouted. "Rafael!" She persisted, but the music didn''t quiet down.

    Catalina then stormed into Rafa''s room, demanding that he lower the volume of his obnoxious music. However, when she entered his room, she was taken aback.

    Rafa was bringing out the cursed book he had taken from the man in the abandoned apartment building.

    Rafa panicked, hastily shoving the book back into his backpack and kicking it under his bed, while quickly reducing the music. Catalina released the doorknob and asked in a demanding tone, "Y eso que?"

    "Que de que?" Rafa replied, his nervousness evident.

    "Take it out and show me, Rafael," she ordered.

    Rafa retrieved the bag and pulled out the book, revealing its sinister appearance. Catalina whispered a prayer under her breath and made protective gestures around her face and body. "Otra ves Rafael?" she asked, disappointed in him. "How many times have I told you to stop searching for that damn demon?"

    "But it''s not even about you, mom" he responded, his voice tinged with frustration.

    Catalina shot back, "You really think it doesn''t hurt me to know you''re out there, wandering the streets, getting into who knows what? Just to meet that conniving monster that caused me so much pain? Every single thing you do is about me."

    Rafa''s disappointment consumed him as he hung his head low, the weight of his emotions pulling him down onto the bed. He stretched out, letting out a heavy sigh that echoed with his longing. "All I want is to meet him," he expressed calmly.

    "For what? So he can take you from me? Catalina said, plopping down next to him. "Is that what you want?" she persisted. "Accept it, you don''t have a father."

    "But I know in my heart that''s not true," Rafa said. "My dad is out there somewhere, and I keep getting these creepy calls from another dimension. It''s like the other side keeps knocking, you know? And how can I ignore a plea for help? Like today, I got this book from a guy who accidentally trapped his dead wife''s soul in its pages. Mom, she was begging to be set free. Was I supposed to turn my back on her cries?"

    "Yes!" Catalina exclaimed, her voice filled with urgency. "You gotta do what any normal kid would do and book it. Or act like you don''t hear ''em at all."

    "But I do hear them. And if I don''t, then who will?" Rafa responded, his tone filled with determination.

    "It''s not your job to be a hero, Rafa," she said, sounding worried. "I just want you safe and attending school like you''re supposed to."

    Catalina got up and headed for the door, calling back, "The principal called again."

    Rafa sat up, remembering that he skipped 6th period.

    "Did you think I wouldn''t find out? Ven a tragar algo. You''re grounded."

 Chapter 3

    Later that night, Rafa lay restless in his bed, the weight of the day¡¯s events still lingering in his mind. He closed his eyes, trying to will himself to rest until, finally his eyelids grew heavy. The gentle hum of the night lulled him further into its embrace, and he slowly began to succumb to sleep.

    His breathing slowed, and the edges of his consciousness began to blur. His body sank deeper into the softness of his bed, and just as he thought he might find comfort in the stillness, something shifted. The darkness around him thickened, its presence slowly creeping in, pulling him under. He could no longer tell where his dreams ended and reality began.

    A chill swept over him, and the familiar warmth of his room faded into an oppressive cold. The air grew dense, almost suffocating. His heart began to race as shadows twisted and lengthened, stretching across the room like creeping tendrils.

    Before he could react, the world around him dissolved, and Rafa found himself standing in an endless void¡ªa place where time and space no longer seemed to exist. The oppressive silence pressed against his ears, muffling even his breath. Panic surged through him, but his limbs felt heavy, sluggish as if the very air weighed him down.

    The darkness closed in around him, suffocating him, rendering his eyes useless, and as he reached out in desperation, he was left questioning the very essence of his being. The air grew colder with each passing second, sending an uncomfortable chill through his skin. Silence, deafening and absolute, consumed the space, leaving him disoriented and unsure of where he stood.

    Then, a faint flicker of light appeared on the horizon, its glow barely breaking through the overwhelming gloom. Shadows twisted and danced like sinister figures across the floor, and the light, though small, promised something more. As it grew brighter, Rafa¡¯s breath caught in his throat¡ªthe very sky seemed to split apart. The clouds twisted into shades of deep purple and fiery red, and from within, monstrous figures slowly took shape.

    Countless demons emerged from the long shadows, their bodies stretching across a barren, desolate landscape. The air grew thick with despair, pressing down on him with a force so suffocating that Rafa¡¯s mind reeled with confusion¡ªwas this a dream? Or something worse? He thought.

    The demons turned their gaze toward the light, their eyes burning with hunger as they erupted into a frenzy. Some of them crawled on all fours like wild beasts, while others flapped their leathery wings, shrieking in a chorus that echoed through the desolation. They charged toward the light, trampling one another in a mad scramble, crushing anything in their path.

    As they drew closer, a thunderous roar reverberated through the air. The clouds above trembled, and the demons that had once soared through the skies fell to the earth like shattered glass, crashing into the ground with bone-rattling force. Rafa felt a crushing weight in his chest as if his very soul was bound by invisible chains. Yet, the light remained, growing brighter, its presence more powerful with each passing moment.

    Then, a figure descended from above, a massive silhouette that blotted out the faint glow. It landed with a force that shook the ground beneath Rafa¡¯s feet. The impact sent shockwaves through the air, and as the figure rose to its full height, the light revealed its true form¡ªa towering demon with cruel, menacing horns and a tail that lashed with malicious intent.

    The air thickened, suffocating, and oppressive, as the demon¡¯s presence bore down on Rafa like an invisible weight. A cruel smile twisted across the demon''s face, eyes gleaming with malice as he fixed his gaze on the horde of demons before him. His voice, smooth and dripping with venom, slithered into Rafa¡¯s ears, sending a chill deep into his bones.

    ¡°It¡¯s been far too long,¡± the demon purred, his tone drenched in dark amusement. ¡°I am Belial. The sovereign ruler¡­ over all of you.¡±

    The grin that spread across his face was like a predator toying with its prey. His tail lashed the ground with a force that made the very earth tremble, each movement a reminder of the destruction he could unleash. He reveled in the fear that rippled through the air, his power palpable as he savored every moment of his dominance.

    The demons shrieked in abject terror, their knees buckling as they were crushed under the weight of Belial¡¯s presence. They cowered, trembling, unable to even lift their heads, their minds consumed by the sheer terror radiating from their ruler. But one, foolish and brimming with arrogance, dared to defy him.

    With a defiant roar that echoed through the desolate landscape, the creature rose from the ground. Its form was a grotesque mockery of nature¡ªan ox¡¯s head, a bear¡¯s massive body, and the rippling arms of a tiger, each part twisted into a nightmarish whole.

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    Belial¡¯s eyes narrowed, a cruel amusement dancing in them. ¡°How precious,¡± he whispered, his voice dripping with disdain, as he looked upon the challenger with barely contained malice. He beckoned the demon closer, his finger curling as if to invite it to compete for power.

    The challenger roared, unleashing a ferocious blast of fiery breath from its nostrils, the flames licking at the air with a violent, consuming heat. Its nose ring glowed, an eerie light pulsing from it, signaling the creature¡¯s full intent to strike. With the speed of a predator, it lunged at Belial, its massive form cutting through the air like a living weapon.

    But Belial, with a bored flick of his wrist, summoned the earth itself to obey him. The ground beneath them cracked open with a sickening groan, and from the fissure, a massive demonic hand shot forth, blackened fingers curling around the challenger like chains forged in hell. The earth trembled violently as the demon was yanked downward, its shrill cries drowned in the sound of bones breaking. Blood erupted in all directions, splattering against the earth like a grotesque rain.

    Belial¡¯s lips curled into a satisfied smile as he let out a deep, almost leisurely burp, relishing the chaos. ¡°So delicious,¡± he purred, his voice smooth with dark satisfaction. His smile then twisted into something darker, his eyes scanning the seemingly endless horde of demons. ¡°Anyone else?¡± he sneered.

    While the majority of the Demons remained sprawled on the ground, unable to rise, a few defied the odds. They staggered to their feet, their numbers gradually multiplying, first into the tens, then swelling rapidly into the hundreds. And in a heartbeat, as if moved by an unseen force, they all sank to their knees in unison, their heads bowed in absolute reverence before Belial.

    ¡°Excellent,¡± he purred, pleased. His hand lifted again, and with a flick of his fingers, the remaining demons who couldn''t stand at all, were crushed under an invisible weight. Bones cracked and screams echoed as the pressure mounted, snapping them like fragile twigs.

    Rafa could scarcely believe what he was witnessing. Was this hell? His thoughts churned in a whirl of disbelief. The question lingered in his mind¡ªif he hadn¡¯t stood up, would he have been crushed as well?

    His heart thundered in his chest, and his every instinct screamed for him to run. But fear held him rooted to the spot, paralyzed by the weight of the nightmare unfolding before him. He dared not make a sound, praying that Belial¡¯s attention would remain elsewhere.

    As if on cue, Belial turned toward the light that had begun to pulse and flicker with an unnatural intensity. His gaze fixed on the shimmering portal, and through it, he saw a laboratory¡ªone where a scientist toiled away, seemingly performing intricate procedures on a patient.

    "Okay, it''s time to close you up now." Spoke the scientist as he loomed over the light from the other side.

    Belial¡¯s grin turned sinister as he reached out and, with a swift motion, seized the scientist by the throat. ¡°You will do no such thing!¡± Belial roared, yanking him through the light¡¯s portal.

    The scientist¡¯s eyes widened in horror as he found himself in a landscape of nightmares, the reality of his situation sinking in. But in that fleeting moment of chaos, he caught sight of Rafa¡ªa shadowy figure in the distance, a flicker of confusion on his face. Before the scientist could process what was happening, Belial hurled him back through the portal, and in the chaos of the moment, he slammed the back of his head against a nearby wall with a sickening thud, instantly knocking him unconscious.

    Turning back to his demons, Belial¡¯s grin grew wider. ¡°This is my realm, and no one will escape before me! Understood?¡±

    No one questioned him. But as he confidently stepped toward the portal, reaching out to touch it once more, a sudden force materialized, engulfing him in a surge of energy. A powerful zap then propelled him forcefully backward, staggering him in astonishment. "What¡­ is this?!" he hissed, his voice laced with disbelief and growing rage. ¡°Who dares to challenge me like this?!¡±

    As Belial''s body crackled with burns, he regained his composure. The thought of someone casting a spell crossed his mind. "But who?!" he demanded, striding purposefully towards the portal.

    Peering inside once more, Belial felt an unexpected surge of energy ripple through him as the light source pulsed, flickering wildly with an intensity that almost burned his senses. The soft glow, once steady and controlled, now trembled in erratic patterns. To his amazement, the man at the center of the light stirred, his form shifting in the shadows as if coming to life from the very essence of illumination.

    From Belial¡¯s vantage point, a strange connection formed¡ªan unnatural bond¡ªas if he were no longer just observing, but experiencing the world through the man¡¯s eyes. Every detail became sharply defined: the cold, metallic scent of the room, the faintest hum of electricity in the air, the frantic beat of the man¡¯s heart echoing in Belial¡¯s chest.

    With an almost primal force, the man thrust himself off the table, his body trembling with the raw urgency of something far beyond mere survival. His muscles strained, and his breath came in shallow gasps as if every movement cost him everything. Belial could feel the man¡¯s fear¡ªno, not just fear, but a desperate will to live, to resist the oppressive darkness that threatened to consume him.

    In an instant, the man turned. His feet slammed against the floor as he sprinted toward the door, each stride filled with frantic determination. Panic ignited in Belial¡¯s chest, cold and sharp. This was no mere vessel of light; the man was alive¡ªalive and fighting with every ounce of his being against the darkness that sought to claim him. The very air seemed to pulse with his struggle as if the room itself knew this was a battle for something more than life¡ªit was a battle for freedom.

    As the man barreled through the door, Belial¡¯s mind screamed in silence. Stop him! Every instinct screamed that this could be his only chance, that the fragile thread of escape was slipping away with every passing second. He had no time to question why or how, only that the moment was slipping through his grasp, and he might never have a chance like this again.

    Enraged, Belial let out a deafening roar that sent Rafa cowering in fear. Rafa stumbled backward, a cloud of dust swirling around him.

    Belial swiftly turned his head towards Rafa, his eyes filled with fury.

    In a state of sheer terror, Rafa desperately scrabbled backward, his heart pounding in his chest. "Oh shit, c''mon Rafa! Snap out of it!" he pleaded with himself, his voice trembling.

    As Belial pointed in his direction, commanding the other demons to attack, Rafa felt a cold wave of dread wash over him. His heart hammered in his chest, a primal urge rising within him to escape. Frantically, he turned around, his fingers scraping the ground as he struggled to find traction. But it was too late. A powerful grip seized his leg and yanked him forcefully.

    His eyes squeezed shut, overwhelmed by a wave of dread. Then suddenly, he snapped awake in his bed, gasping for breath as his mother tugged at his leg, urging him to wake up.

 Chapter 4

    Rafa was well-acquainted with the realm of lucid dreaming. Having explored it countless times before, he knew all too well of the dangers that lurked within. He clung to hope, thinking that if he were to open every single door in his mind, maybe he could discover fragments of his father and get one step closer to finally meeting him. However, despite his greatest efforts, he could never find solace or the closure he so desperately searched for.

    As Rafa lay awake in bed, too fearful to fall asleep, he couldn''t help but wonder why this time it felt different. This time he was stripped of any semblance of control, thrust into a nightmarish realm plagued by malicious demons.

    Rafa was familiar with Belial''s name too. Having came across it once before during his intense internet research about his father. Back then, he hadn''t given much thought to Belial, but after the nightmarish ordeal that he went through, he wasted no time diving back into his phone in search of answers.

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    However, every page he found echoed the same tale - That Belial was the King of evil, the Prince of darkness. It said that his name could mean lacking or without value and that he commanded 80 legions of demons in hell.

    Rafa wondered how true any of that was as he kept browsing the web. He found an online hub that was bustling with countless voices and decided to post his nightmare, seeking alternate perspectives. However, instead of finding solace, he encountered fervent devotees glorifying Belial''s transformative influence. They urged him to fully embrace the demon and embrace the blessings it bestowed. Yet, Rafa couldn''t find peace in their words. He yearned for an understanding of why he had encountered that monstrous entity in the first place and wondered if it held any connection to his father''s impending arrival.

 Chapter 5

    The sun peeked over the horizon, casting its gentle light upon a new day. Rafa, preparing for school on a Thursday, couldn''t shake off the lingering remnants of his haunting nightmare. He never did go back to sleep and as he stood with a toothbrush in hand, he continued to question the very nature of his experience. "Was it all just a dream?" he wondered, his eyes heavy with sleep. After rinsing his mouth, his gaze met his reflection in the mirror, and a tremor of unease washed over him. "Belial," he whispered repeatedly, mulling over the unsettling realism of his night terror.

    His mind brimmed with a multitude of unanswered questions as he splashed water across his face. Just then as he opened his eyes, Catalina peeked into the bathroom, causing him to jump and almost lose his balance. "Aah!" he exclaimed, clutching his hands tight to his chest. "What the heck, mom?" he asked, his heart still racing. "Que trais?" she asked, holding her purse and car keys. "You scared the hell out of me!" he replied, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and annoyance. "How about knocking next time?" he added.

    "Miedoso," she taunted. "I left your lunch in the microwave. Heat it up and pack it. I''m running super late."

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    Rafa knew that if he asked for more privacy, she would go on about how she used to wipe his ass as a child. And if he said, "That was a long time ago," she might retort, "not too long ago," adding to his embarrassment. Not that it was true, but Rafa simply mumbled, "Okay," and closed the door behind her.

    Moments later, Rafa emerged from the bathroom, clad in a white tank top and black loose-fitted jeans. He felt a sense of renewal from the shower as he took a right to his room where he swiftly retrieved his rosary and slipped into his Nike Cortez sneakers.

    Rafa''s room had pictures of pin-up girls from low-rider magazines plastered on the walls. In one corner, there was a tall piece of furniture with a 32-inch TV perched on top and a few colognes stored behind it. He grabbed one and gave himself a spritz. He then turned his attention to the bed, where he had neatly laid out the rest of his clothes before hopping in the shower. Behind him, against the wall, a long mirror leaned, which had fallen off a while ago. Rafa had tried sticking it back with duct tape once, but it eventually fell again, earning him a scolding from his mother for peeling off the paint.

    After he donned his white t-shirt, brown plaid flannel, and black denim jacket, Rafa adjusted his snapback in reverse and nodded approvingly at his reflection in the mirror.

    With his backpack in hand, he was ready to seize the day. However, lost in his thoughts about Belial, he accidentally left his lunch behind as he hurried out the door, his mind consumed by the sinister Demon. Determined to unearth the truth, he resolved to take a slight detour and visit the nearby bookstore before heading to school.

 Chapter 6

    The Arcadian books and prints store sat nestled between a cigar shop and an old rundown laundromat, just a few blocks away from Rafa''s home. The building had a pale cream shade, almost resembling white, with peeling, wooden double doors at the front stained a dark brown.

    As Rafa reached to turn the worn and rustic doorknob to enter, his gaze fell upon a fresh sign hanging on the door that boldly declared, "No Returns."

    "That''s new," he thought, scanning the rest of the store for any other changes. Everything else appeared the same. The shopkeeper''s worn recliner still sat by the entrance, its surface scattered with autumn leaves, and the chubby cat that often lounged on it remained as plump as ever, making its way over from across the street.

    With no windows to peer through, the store retained its forlorn atmosphere, instilling Rafa with a subtle sense of unease each time he stopped by. The sign affixed to the door only heightened his discomfort.

    Stepping into the dimly lit bookstore, his eyes widened, exploring the cramped aisles in search of a section that could unravel his nightmare''s enigma. It felt like a labyrinth. The shelves, stacked with weathered books, spoke of ancient secrets as his fingers brushed against their faded spines. With every step, the old floors whispered, their voices echoing through the building.

    The place was known for having old textbooks and rare manuscripts that couldn''t be found anywhere else on the planet. They had your usual books by your favorite authors, but there were also whispers about soul sacrifices and cookbooks with human flesh as the main ingredient.

    Those were just rumors though. Rafa''s buddy Joel came up with that last one during gym class to try and scare a girl that he liked. He wasn''t exactly smooth with the ladies. But even though he was making it all up, with so many books stacked inside the Arcadian, it was hard to tell if a certain book was actually there or not.

    The shopkeeper, who was known in the area as a brujo, knew exactly where everything was hiding within the vast maze of scriptures. But he always claimed ignorance when someone asked for anything out of the ordinary.

    Rafa didn''t quite know what he was looking for, but he knew that if he mentioned Belial to the brujo, he might point him in the right direction. However, the brujo was nowhere to be seen, and the more Rafa searched, the more it became apparent that he was completely alone in the building. He was beginning to wonder why the place was so deserted until suddenly a dark figure darted behind him, making him tremble with fear.

    "What the hell was that?" he wondered, carefully returning a book to its shelf. Rafa''s heart began to race as he sensed an unsettling presence lurking nearby, watching his every move. As he stepped out of the aisle, driven by his discomfort, it began to feel like someone was hovering over him, trying to make him feel miniscule. Yet, there was no one in sight, and an oppressive weight began to settle upon his shoulders.

    Rafa, ever so wary, ventured into the nearby aisles, his curiosity piqued as he sought to unveil the origin of his unrest. Then, at the end of an aisle, he saw a pretty girl sitting at a wooden table engrossed in a weathered textbook. A dim lightbulb hung above her casting peculiar shadows across the bookshelves, and Rafa knew that the unnerving sensation was emanating from her very essence. "Looks like I have company," he thought.

    Rafa couldn''t help but wonder why it felt like she was piercing through him with her gaze, even though she wasn''t looking in his direction.

    As he approached her, the eerie sensation grew stronger. The weight on his shoulders intensified, and a sinister presence crept closer behind him. In an instant, a bone-chilling breath brushed against his neck, causing the tiny hairs to stand on end.

    Feeling an overwhelming sense of trepidation, Rafa swiftly turned around, only to be met by an abyss of emptiness. As the weight on his shoulders lifted, a grotesque shadow receded, retreating from the corner at the end of the aisle, leaving him bewildered and on edge. He turned back, his heart pounding, only to find the girl still absorbed in her book.

    Her presence was cloaked in a somber aura, making him ponder why it mirrored the sinister entity that was hidden in the shadows behind him. Intrigued, he cautiously pressed forward, determined to uncover the mystery.

    "That''s not your typical book you''ve got there," he commented, settling into the seat across from her. The book''s title read, "The Book of Aquarius," and Rafa couldn''t help but wonder what had drawn her to such an intriguing read.

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    Their eyes locked, and her gaze widened in pure astonishment. Clutching the book tightly against her chest, she guarded it as if it held a precious secret. "Yeah, it''s... kind of unique, I suppose," she nervously replied. "Do I... do I know you?"

    Rafa gazed into her puzzled brown eyes, and an indescribable warmth washed over him. It was like a flame had ignited deep within him, and his heart raced like a wild horse.

    He found himself captivated by a magical and enchanting spell, where excitement and vulnerability danced together in perfect harmony. It was a blissful state he had never known, and in that moment, he struggled to find the right words as he noticed a shift in her aura.

    He saw the energy swirling and untangling itself from the girl''s form, gracefully ascending into the vastness of the open air. "Uh oh, this can''t be good," Rafa worried to himself. Suddenly, time froze, locking Rafa in a state of petrifying terror, allowing him only to scan his surroundings with fearful eyes. Gradually, the swirling energy merged behind him, and before he knew it, a powerful grip clenched tightly onto his shoulders.

    The sensation of icy coldness seeped through his thick clothing and something slimy and gooey brushed against his cheek. Slowly, a monstrous face appeared, turning to meet his eyes. A chill ran down his spine as he felt a warm breath whisper into his ear followed by a lick of its sticky cold tongue. Then, in a bone-chilling scream, it ordered him to "GET OOOOOUUUT!" As its piercing cry echoed, the very fabric of time shattered, jolting Rafa back to reality.

    Rafa grimaced in pain, his hand involuntarily reaching for his ear to alleviate the discomfort.

    "Hey, everything alright?" the girl asked, her brows furrowed with concern.

    Despite the whirlwind of emotions inside him, Rafa summoned his inner strength and straightened his posture, determination shining through his eyes. "Yeah, sorry about that. I barely caught any Z''s last night, and now I''m stuck with this pesky headache," he shared, his voice laced with weariness.

    Holding onto her book tightly, the girl leaned in, curiosity dancing in her eyes. "So, what were you up to? Or what?"

    Rafa let out a sigh, rubbing his temple. "Well, it''s nothing major, just a really intense nightmare I had," he confessed.

    The girl paused, studying Rafa''s captivating features. "What''s he after?" she wondered. "And why hasn''t he made a run for it?" Intrigued by his mention of a nightmare, her fascination grew. "So, What was it about?" she asked.

    "Huh?"

    "Your nightmare," she clarified.

    Rafa hesitated, "I''m not sure if you really want to know all the gory details," he replied. "But hey, I''ll share if you open up about that book of yours," he suggested, gesturing towards her hands.

    As her eyes shifted towards the book, a fleeting sadness crossed her face, prompting Rafa to change the subject. "By the way, have you seen the brujo around? It''s not like him to abandon his post in a place that''s usually bustling with people."

    The girl kept her head down, "I''ve noticed something strange," she confessed. "Ever since the other night, people either avoid me or they keep their distance. So if I seem defensive, I''m just a little shocked to see someone sit in front of me, is all."

    "Don''t worry about it," Rafa reassured her. He had a feeling that the strange reactions from people had something to do with the presence of the demon that yelled at him. "I thought I was all alone in this place until I caught sight of that pretty face of yours reading that book," he admitted with a playful tone. "I couldn''t resist finding out who it was."

    A faint rosy hue spread across the girl''s cheeks, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Since I walked into this shop," she admitted, "people began fleeing, calling me the devil as they hurried out. And the brujo?" she went on. "He vanished into the labyrinth of books and I haven''t seen him since."

    "That''s really strange," Rafa replied, his hand resting on his chin. Then, a firm hold enveloped his shoulders once again, nudging him forward with a subtle force. He wondered if the girl could see or sense the presence of the demon that had taken hold of him. However, she seemed completely oblivious to the supernatural force at play.

    All of a sudden, the demon''s voice sliced through the air, "Ah, Rafael Flores," it hissed, "the very offspring of Asmodeus," it divulged, its words dripping with a sinister curiosity.

    Rafa''s eyes widened in disbelief, his voice filled with shock as he demanded, "How do you know my name, Demon?"

    The demon let out a laugh as the girl glanced at Rafa, a perplexed expression on her face. "Uh, I don''t," she responded, "But hey, now you''re calling me a demon too? What''s the deal?" she asked.

    Rafa quickly realized his mistake and shook his head apologetically. "Sorry, sorry," he said. "As I said before, I''m just really tired is all."

    "No worries," she reassured him, checking her phone.

    Rafa regained his composure and spoke with a sense of intrigue. "You know, there''s something really mystical happening here," he mused. "We should team up and unravel this mystery together," he proposed, secretly hoping to spend more time with her.

    The girl''s face brightened with a timid smile as she replied, "I actually have to go now. My mom''s waiting for me," she added while tucking her phone away.

    "Yeah, yeah, no, Absolutely," Rafa replied, his voice slightly distracted as he tried to process what the Demon had said to him. "I''ll be here," he added, placing his hands on the table as the weight of the demon pressed him down. "Just stay away from her," the demon told him, caressing his face. "Focus on the task at hand Rafael and come to hell," it said. Rafa''s face tensed up as the demon licked the side of his cheek. "We are waiting patiently for you, child." Rafa ignored its words.

    "By the way, my name''s Rafa," he blurted out, wanting to establish a connection before the girl could leave. "Nice to meet you, Rafa. I''m Marisol," she replied with a warm smile, her eyes filled with genuine kindness. "Again, sorry if I was a little defensive. It''s just you''re the only person, aside from my parents, who hasn''t run away from me in the past few days. Well, there''s my neighbor too. But he''s a little odd," she joked.

    Rafa nodded, understanding her hesitation. "Yeah, it''s definitely strange," he agreed.

    "Maybe I''ll see you around?" Marisol asked, her voice hopeful.

    Rafa tried his best to appear composed, despite the whirlwind of emotions inside him. "That would be great," he replied, his heart racing.

    Marisol tore a piece of paper from her binder and quickly scribbled down her number. With a smile, she handed it to Rafa who eagerly took it, "I''ll text you," he grinned.

    "I hope so," Marisol replied, her voice fading as she walked away.

    As Marisol unknowingly dragged the demon with her, Rafa felt a sense of relief as the grip on his shoulders loosened. The demon''s voice gradually faded into the distance, shouting, "Quit fucking around Rafael! And come to hellllll!"

    Conflicting emotions swirled within Rafa. He knew he should be afraid of what had just transpired, but his overwhelming desire to see Marisol again drowned out the nagging feeling of caution.

    Just then, a man cautiously poked his head out from around the corner, his curiosity evident in his voice. "Is she gone?" he asked, his eyes searching for answers.

 Chapter 7

    Rafa turned to face the brujo, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. "Yeah, she just left," he replied, his voice filled with uncertainty. "Do you know her? She seemed... different."

    The brujo let out a sigh, his weary eyes scanning the room. "No," he grumbled, a hint of irritation in his voice. "But she''s been coming here for the past couple of days, driving away my customers," he said, carefully moving Marisol''s seat aside. "I saw the demon on your shoulder," he confessed, taking a seat next to Rafa.

    "You did? Alright then, who was it? And how do I get rid of him so that I can swoop in, save the day, and get the girl?"

    "Well, first of all, how are you, Rafa?" he asked genuinely. "And how''s your mother doing?"

    "Meh, my mom''s doing fine, she started seeing this new guy from work," he said, knowing it would tug at the brujo''s heartstrings. And it did. His expression saddened and Rafa quickly reassured him, "I''m kidding," he chuckled."

    The brujo had caught a glimpse of Rafa''s mother once before at the bookstore. He pulled a similar move back then as he did with Marisol, only he hid from Rafa''s mother out of shyness.

    The brujo adjusted his glasses and a tiny bead of sweat trickled down his cheek. "Don''t do that to me, Rafa," he said, coughing to clear his throat. "So, how''s the search for your father going?" he asked, trying to change the topic.

    "Not too good," he admitted. "Honestly, I''m starting to think my old man might''ve walked out on me."

    "Maybe you''re not supposed to look for him." the brujo replied.

    "Yeah, maybe. But the girl''s demon said something that''s got me thinking otherwise," he said.

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    "I''d stay away from that girl Rafa, that demon is not to be messed with."

    "Yeah, you say that about every ghost and demon. But this one didn''t look so tough if you ask me. Besides, don''t you want her to stop coming here and scaring away your customers?"

    The brujo was at a loss for words, but the look on his face spoke volumes, silently concurring with Rafa.

    "By the way," Rafa continued, "she was reading the book of Aquarius, and if I''m not mistaken, that''s a recipe for a philosopher''s stone, isn''t it?"

    "Yes, it is. But I don''t think she''ll be too eager when she discovers the process and the amount of time that it takes to create a philosopher''s stone."

    "Oh, and why is that?" Rafa asked, his curiosity peaked.

    The brujo smirked," "Because it only requires one ingredient," he revealed, "Urine."

    Rafa''s face twisted in utter disgust.

    "It''s a whole process," the brujo went on. "What I''m more upset about is that she didn''t pay for it. That was my only copy," he said.

    "Well, you shouldn''t have been hiding," Rafa playfully teased.

    The brujo sighed a breath of defeat, "So what brings you here Rafa? I assume you''re here to do more research on your father."

    "No. This time I need info on someone that I saw in a nightmare last night named, Belial," Rafa admitted.

    The brujo''s expression grew fearful, as his heart sank, "Belial," he repeated with a whisper, his mind racing.

    "Everything good, brujo?" Rafa inquired, gesturing his hand in front of the brujo''s motionless expression.

    "Yes, sorry I just... I''ve heard of that Demon before. Although I don''t know much about him. I do have a book that mentions him," he explained, getting up to look for it. "Come with me," he invited.

    Rafa walked behind him. It was the first time today that he didn''t feel followed inside the Arcadian. Although he could still feel the energy of the resting spirits that lay dormant throughout the bookstore.

    "Ah, here it is," said the brujo.

    He took out a book from one of the shelves and it read "The Lesser Key of Solomon."

    "In here you will find what you''re looking for," he said, handing it to Rafa.

    "Sweet," Rafa replied, cracking open the book to take a peek. "But can''t you just give me the lowdown on him? This book is massive," he grumbled, wearing an irritated expression.

    "I''m sorry Rafa, but I think the less I know about Belial, the better."

    "Fine," Rafa said, "How much do I owe you?"

    "Take it, it''s yours. But don''t forget to read the sign on the front door."

    "Oh yeah, I did see that. So you''ve finally spruced up the joint, huh? Personally, I would''ve gone for a window or something, you know, to lighten up the place. What''s the deal with that sign, anyway?"

    "Oh, it''s nothing. Just some lady who claimed one of my books released a demon in her home. Something about her husband getting possessed or what not and she threatened to sue me."

    "So you just let her take it back home?"

    "Of course not," he exclaimed. "I put the sign up after she left. After her, no more returns."

 Chapter 8

    A crisp autumn breeze filled the air and Henry Garibay was outside his house, raking the leaves along the chain link fence. With each passing gust, the leaves clinging to the fence trembled and rustled, as if they were engaged in a lively dance.

    Henry knew that Marisol, his neighbor on the other side, would be arriving soon, and he didn''t want to miss the chance to say, ''hello.'' So he waited patiently until he saw her mother''s car turning the corner.

    Henry adjusted his glasses, "She''s going to be so thrilled when she hears what I''m working on," he thought to himself, his heart filled with excitement.

    Marisol stepped out of the car, and Henry tried to look cool by leaning on his rake. But unfortunately, the plastic at the bottom bent, causing him to awkwardly lose his balance and slip against the fence. His glasses fell through to the other side, and Marisol picked them up. "Are you okay, Henry?" she asked, handing them back with a smile.

    Love had a way of captivating him whenever he laid eyes on her. It had been that way since day one when she moved in next door. He never dared to say anything though. How could he? She was so beautiful. She was smart too, a brilliant mind. But Henry didn''t have the look that every girl desired. He saw the type of guys that would throw themselves at her and wondered how he could ever compete. They were all masculine men who didn''t wear glasses or spend their nights alone in their lab. Sure, she loved science like him, but Henry wasn''t sure if she even saw him like that.

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    Henry couldn''t help but notice the vibrant glow on her face. A stark contrast to the defeated expression she had worn in the past few days. He thought she looked a lot prettier this way. But still, he felt an urge to know the reason behind the sudden change. So he made a mental note of it for later. He stared at her for a second too long making Marisol feel uncomfortable. "Okay, I''ll uh, catch you later," she said, her eyebrows furrowing slightly as she turned to head home.

    "Hey wait!" Henry called out. Marisol turned around waiting to see what he wanted.

    "Will you, will you be entering the science fair?" he asked, nervously.

    "You know I am, Henry, so you better come up with something good or it''ll be a repeat of last year," she responded.

    As Marisol disappeared inside, Henry''s smile lingered, his words caught in his throat. He never did know what to say to her when it was actually time to speak. "This time, things will be different," he whispered, determination fueling his grin. "I won''t hold back anymore. Not just in the science fair, but in capturing your heart, Marisol Medina"

    Henry walked towards his house, placing the rake against a plastic chair on the front porch. As he glanced at Marisol''s house, he couldn''t help but wonder why she seemed so joyful today. "I should go see how she''s doing," he thought, going inside his home.

    As he entered, he hurried past his mother, who was in the living room, her eyes beaming with hope when she saw him. "Henry!" she called out from her wheelchair, rolling towards him.

    "Not now, Mother, I''m busy," he said, opening the door to the basement.

    "But I''m hungry," she tried to say before he forcefully shut the door in her face. The faint sound of several locks clicking shut reached her ears, followed by the fading echo of his footsteps descending the stairs.

    Henry flicked a switch, and suddenly the entire basement illuminated, revealing a scientific laboratory. Making his way to a screen, Henry pressed a series of buttons and then hit play. A live video started playing, showing Marisol conversing with her mother in the kitchen at home. After taking a seat, Henry settled in to watch.

 Chapter 9

    Marisol put away the milk, closing the fridge. She grabbed her drink and cookies from the counter, took a sip, and observed her mother, Gloria, chopping veggies for a broth.

    The pot simmered on the stove beside Gloria, and the delicious aroma of slowly cooking beef permeated the entire kitchen. Marisol wrinkled her nose, finding that the scent didn''t quite align with her afternoon snack.

    As Gloria dropped the potatoes into the pot, the broth splashed, narrowly missing her face. She dodged it, anticipating the burn. "So, what are we gonna do, Mija? I''m telling you, someone has cursed you. We need to go see a brujo to cure you," Gloria insisted.

    Marisol smiled and replied, "I met someone today at the Arcadian, and he didn''t run away from me."

    "Really? Who?" Gloria asked, curious to know more.

    "His name was Rafa," Marisol said, unable to hide her smile. Gloria noticed her daughter''s glow and couldn''t help but smile too.

    Meanwhile, Henry, who had been watching closely, was taken aback. "Who the hell is Rafa?!" he wondered.

    Gloria added a little bit of cumin and cilantro to the pot, "Well, I''m glad things are looking up, Mijita," she said, stirring the broth. "Maybe now you can go back to school."

    "No, everyone at the bookstore still ran away. It was just Rafa who stayed," Marisol admitted.

    "And this Rafa, do you like him?" Gloria asked.

    Marisol blushed, took a sip of milk, and replied, "Um, I don''t know yet. I only just met him."

    "Well, your face seems to be sure of it," Gloria teased, smiling at her.

    Henry''s anger intensified, causing him to seethe with frustration. "That blasted demon let me down," he fumed. He took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. "Calm yourself, Henry," he muttered to himself. "You can still impress her with your invention."

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    Marisol walked away awkwardly from the kitchen, her mind still pondering about the boy she met at the Arcadian. She leaned against the opening of the living room, where she could see her dad, Carlos, reclining and watching the soccer game.

    Suddenly, Carlos jumped up and cheered as his team scored a goal. Marisol''s smile faded as she observed how happy he was at that moment. The broth was for him.

    Caldo de Res was her dad''s absolute favorite dish. Whenever he dug into it, Marisol couldn''t resist taking a bite. Yet, no matter how enticing the aroma and her dad''s persuasive words were, she always ended up spitting out the beef. It was too ''soft and mushy'' she would say. She did, however, enjoy the veggies, potatoes, and the flavorful broth. The elote was her favorite part.

    She walked over and sat next to him, wanting to share in his joy.

    Henry switched cameras.

    "Hey, Dad, how you doing?" Marisol asked, her voice filled with concern.

    "I''m doing just fine, kiddo," he replied, grabbing the bowl of popcorn from the coffee table. He kicked his feet up on the table and popped a few kernels in his mouth. He glanced over at Marisol, who still seemed bothered. "What''s the matter, baby?" he asked, turning down the TV.

    Marisol''s voice trembled as she spoke, "It just feels like you don''t care is all."

    Confused, he asked, "About what?"

    Marisol''s frustration welled up inside her, "How can you be so unfazed? If it were me with cancer, I-I wouldn''t even know how to handle it. All the dreams and plans I''ve tirelessly built would suddenly lose their meaning. Don''t you care that you''ll never witness another soccer game? That you won''t be able to see Mom anymore? Don''t you care about leaving me?" Her voice quivered as tears streamed down her face.

    Carlos looked at his daughter with love and concern, his voice gentle, "Marisol, were you not listening to the doctor? They found it early enough to treat it. It''s not like I have a death date or something. C''mon, I''m still here, ain''t I?"

    "But for how long?" she asked, already aware that he didn''t have the answer. "Dad, treatment is not a cure," she said wiping away her tears.

    "Don''t worry too much about me," he reassured her. "You can''t let me stop you from achieving your goals in life. Because when you succeed, I succeed. Every time you win that science fair, it makes me the happiest man alive."

    Henry smiled in his laboratory, feeling confident. "Sorry to break it to you, Mr. Medina. But she won''t be winning this year," he declared. "Thanks to my new invention, there''s no way I can lose. But don''t you worry, my dear Marisol," he continued, leaning forward and gently putting his hand on the screen. He caressed Marisol''s face, "If my invention works, which it will. I''ll be able to save your dear old father and win your heart in the process," he proudly declared.

    "Hey guys come taste this!" Gloria called out, her voice echoing through the house.

    "Coming!" Carlos eagerly replied. He had been home for a while, and when Gloria texted him to start the broth because she was running late, he jumped right into action without a second thought.

    "I''ll go change real quick," Marisol declared, striding away. "Hold on," Carlos interjected, extending his arms for a hug. Marisol paused, then rushed into his embrace, squeezing him tightly.

    Carlos held his daughter close, assuring her, "I''ll always be by your side, Marisol. I''m not going anywhere." "You better stick to that," she retorted playfully. Carlos chuckled, loosening his grip. "Why don''t you handle your business and then come back down for dinner?" Marisol nodded, "I''ll serve myself though." With that, she turned on her heel and made her way upstairs.

    Henry quickly flipped the channel to her bedroom.

 Chapter 10

    Marisol entered her room, discarding her sweater and casually tossing it onto the bed.

    Henry''s anticipation grew, and he began to reach into his pants.

    "Henry?" his mother''s voice faintly echoed from upstairs. Despite her plea for help, he attempted to ignore it as he continued to pleasure himself discreetly. "Henry, please. The pain is unbearable. I can''t take it anymore," she sobbed.

    "God damn it!" He withdrew his hand and turned off the screen, hastily making his way upstairs.

    Deborah, his mother, pressed her ear against the door until she heard footsteps approaching. She retreated from the door as Henry unlocked it and forcefully swung it open.

    "What the hell do you want?! I''m tired of you constantly begging me for food! I''m busy," he snapped.

    Deborah sat frozen in her chair, trembling with fear. Her hand shook as she weakly raised it towards Henry. "Hen..." "Move!" he demanded, forcefully pushing her aside and heading into the kitchen.

    He grabbed a box of oatmeal and slammed it on the table. Then he took the milk out and combined them in a bowl. He grabbed a spoon and tossed it into the oatmeal. "There! Ya happy now?" he asked an overflow of irritation in his voice.

    "Mmhm," she nodded, reaching for the spoon.

    Henry''s stomach growled. "Great, now I''m hungry too," he complained opening the fridge.

    Aside from the milk, all he saw were eggs and some condiments. So he shut the fridge in frustration and picked up his phone. "I guess I''ll order out then."

    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    His mother''s face beamed with excitement, only to have her happiness crushed by Henry as he placed an order for a personal pizza and a Coke.

    "H-how was school, Henry?" Deborah asked, her voice trembling slightly as he hung up. "I don''t know, Mother. I didn''t go, because I''m not an idiot," he emphasized as he took a seat across from her. "Oh," she stammered, her voice filled with fear. "I have better things to do with my time than to just sit there and get lectured by overly dense people," he added, his tone sending shivers down her spine. "Like... what?" she asked, her voice quivering.

    As a psychologist, Deborah learned that people often felt better when they talked about themselves. And she thought that if she could get her son to vent a little, he might calm down and be less cruel to her. After all, she could feel that something was simmering in his twisted mind. And she was spot on.

    Henry hadn''t told anyone about his new invention yet and he was dying to talk about it. Even though he knew his mother wouldn''t understand, he took the opportunity to let it all out.

    "Well, since you asked, Mother. I''ve been working on a way to transfer a person''s consciousness to another body," he said, with a mischievous grin. "You see, the next-door neighbor is dying," he told her.

    Deborah''s eyes widened in surprise and she stammered, "Henry, you mean... Your girlfriend?"

    "She''s not my girlfriend, mother. But she will be soon enough," he stressed. "And It''s her dad that''s dying, not her."

    "Oh dear," she said, struggling to keep the oatmeal on the spoon, as she paused her eating. "What are you going to do to that poor man, Henry?"

    Henry gave his mother a bothered look, "Why do you always assume the worst of me?"

    Deborah wanted to scream, "Look at me!" Her legs were useless, and she looked so frail. But instead, she responded, "I''m sorry, Henry. I just thought that..." "I''m going to save him, Mother." "Huh?" Deborah was taken aback by his words. "You are?" she asked, her voice brimming with curiosity.

    Henry nodded, "Ever heard the tale of a man from the 1900s who woke up 2000 years later in someone else''s body?" "No," she replied.

    "That''s what they call a consciousness trip," he continued. "The guy from the future was clinically dead for about 15 minutes, and the doctors cooled down his brain, managing to restart his heart. That''s when the guy from the past entered a comatose state and his mind got transferred into the future guy''s body."

    "I''m not following, Henry."

    "You see, Mother. Time isn''t linear. Everyone''s consciousness exists everywhere, all the time, simultaneously. There are people out there who feel like they''re in the wrong body, and most of the time, they''re right. In Mr. Medina''s case, his body can''t sustain him anymore. So I''m going to help him out. I''ve figured out how to shift consciousness on command," he said, with a proud expression. "All I need is a volunteer," he mused, rubbing his chin in deep thought.

    Deborah carefully began to piece it all together and spoke up, "But in the story, the gentleman had to die first for that to work. How would you ever convince someone to make such a grave decision?" she inquired with a concerned tone.

    "That''s a valid question, Mother. But fret not, for I might just have the perfect solution" he responded, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

 Chapter 11

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    you

 Chapter 12

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

 Chapter 13

    The following morning, Rafa stumbled through a dimly lit alleyway, his torn shirt fluttering like a flag of defeat in the brisk morning air. His jeans hung in tatters, remnants of his transformation clinging to him like a haunting memory. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, exhaling a heavy sigh as he scanned the shadows around him, half-expecting a stray cat or a trash can to leer at his misfortune. ¡°Great start to a Saturday,¡± he muttered, sarcasm oozing from his voice. ¡°Nothing screams ¡®normal¡¯ quite like waking up in an alley, looking like I just escaped a horror film.¡±

    He fished his phone out of his pocket, a flicker of hope igniting in his chest. Maybe Marisol had come to her senses and sent him a message.

    But the screen remained stubbornly blank, offering no comfort. "Come on, Marisol," he grumbled, rolling his eyes. ¡°Sure, I turned into a half-demon monster in front of you, but I mean, who hasn¡¯t had a rough day before?¡±

    Instead, another missed call from his mom flashed ominously, her name glowing on the screen like a beacon of impending doom. With a resigned sigh, he felt the weight of responsibility settle heavily on his shoulders. ¡°I¡¯m okay. I¡¯ll be home later,¡± he texted, hoping to soothe her worries, though the truth felt like a boulder lodged in his gut.

    His thoughts spiraled into a dark corner of uncertainty. Knowing how she felt about his father, what would she think of him now that he transformed into a demon himself? Would she see him as a reflection of the man she despised, a reminder of the darkness that had haunted their family? The thought twisted in his gut like a vice. He didn¡¯t want to dwell on it too much, not now, not when he was still reeling from the night¡¯s chaos. The last thing he needed was to face her wrath on top of everything else.

    He began to pace, the cold concrete beneath his feet feeling unforgiving and hard. The shadows of the alley seemed to close in, a stark reminder that he was alone, in more ways than one.

    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he shot a desperate text to Marisol, his fingers trembling as they danced over the screen. ¡°Sorry! Please, let me explain: I really like you. Ice cream?¡±

    As he waited, the chill of the morning gnawed at him, and he shoved his phone back into his pocket, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in his stomach.

    Just as he was about to plummet deeper into self-pity, his phone vibrated again, excitement surging through him. But when he looked at the screen, it was just his mom again. ¡°Where the hell are you?! I¡¯ve been worried sick! I¡¯m coming to get you. Tell me where you are.¡±

    Rafa rolled his eyes, exasperated. ¡°Um, I¡¯m in the ¡®I-just-turned-into-a-demon¡¯ phase of my life. So I think I¡¯ll have to pass on that one.¡± He mused aloud, disregarding the text as he shoved the phone back into his pocket.

    ¡°Just my luck,¡± he muttered, leaning against the cool brick wall, ¡°I save the day, and the girl runs off screaming. Guess I¡¯ll have to add ¡®demon¡¯ to my dating profile.¡±

    The alley loomed around him, shadows twisting like old fears. All he wanted was to explain¡ªto show her that beneath the monster she saw, there was still the person she liked. But for now, he was just a guy in a ragged shirt, standing in a dark alley, waiting for a text that might never come.

    ¡­

    Meanwhile, Marisol was buried in beakers and textbooks at home, working on her project with a friend. Her parent''s living room had gradually transformed into a makeshift lab, thanks to the demon keeping her away from public facilities. Marisol and her friend were deep in discussion about their plans for the upcoming fair, but her mind kept wandering back to the bizarre encounter with Rafa and the demon.

    She glanced at her phone briefly, and there it was¡ªRafa''s name lighting up the screen like a neon sign in a horror movie. She hesitated, a wave of fear and confusion washing over her. Finally, she opened the message, shaking her head as if to dispel the tension. ¡°Sorry! Please, let me explain: I really like you. Ice cream?¡±

    Marisol couldn¡¯t help but smile, her heart fluttering like a captive butterfly. The image of Rafa as a monster loomed in the corners of her mind, yet the thought of him sent a warm thrill coursing through her. Was it really safe to see him again? How could they even enjoy ice cream with that terrifying demon lurking just out of sight?

    With a quick tap on her phone, she sent a text. ¡°You already know I can''t go to public places.¡± Just as her finger lifted from the screen, her friend nudged her gently. ¡°You good?¡±

    Marisol blinked, a mix of excitement and nerves washing over her. ¡°Yeah, sorry, I just¡­¡± She felt an unfamiliar thrill of anticipation as she got a text back. ¡°Don''t worry about it, I got rid of him. Meet me at Sweet Treats Parlor.¡±

    Marisol suddenly felt as if an unseen burden had been lifted from her shoulders. It had been so long since she felt so light, and an instinct deep within her urged her to trust Rafa.

    She sprang to her feet, excitement bubbling over. ¡°Sorry, Maya. Can we continue this in the morning?¡±

    Maya shot her a quizzical look. ¡°Marisol, the fair is tomorrow!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but we¡¯re pretty much done, right? Just gotta calibrate the¡ª¡±

    ¡°The what?¡± Maya raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. She sighed and said, ¡°I mean, I guess so, but you¡¯ve been acting a little strange lately. Are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡± she asked, concern etched on her face.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine! Actually, could you drop me off somewhere, please? I promise to tell you everything on the way.¡±

    ¡°Oh, definitely,¡± Maya replied, her curiosity piqued as she gathered her things.

    ¡­

    As the day wound down, Marisol was dropped off at the ice cream shop, where Rafa waited just outside the entrance. She waved goodbye to Maya as the car pulled away, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Rafa greeted, his voice warm and inviting.

    ¡°Hi,¡± Marisol replied, a vibrant smile breaking across her face despite the lingering fear from their last encounter.

    As they stepped inside, the cheerful jingle of the bell above the door echoed around them. The rich aroma of freshly made waffle cones filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of chocolate. The shop was cozy, with a few patrons scattered around, their laughter blending into the relaxed atmosphere.

    ¡°What¡¯s your go-to flavor?¡± Rafa asked, scanning the colorful options displayed in the glass case.

    ¡°Definitely mint chocolate chip,¡± Marisol said, her eyes lighting up.

    Rafa chuckled, his expression playful. ¡°I¡¯ll stick with good old vanilla. Can¡¯t go wrong with the classics, right?¡±

    They placed their orders, and the scooper behind the counter shot them a knowing smile, likely sensing the chemistry between the two. With their ice cream in hand, they found a corner table by the window, the moonlight spilling in and illuminating their faces like a soft spotlight.

    ¡°Cheers!¡± Rafa laughed, raising his cup toward hers.

    ¡°Cheers!¡± Marisol echoed, clinking her cup against his before taking a big scoop of her ice cream. ¡°Mmm,¡± she savored, the cool treat melting away some of her nerves.

    They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying their ice cream and the shared warmth of the moment.

    Marisol glanced at Rafa, who was busy wiping a bit of ice cream off his nose, and couldn¡¯t help but smile. He was so handsome yet endearingly goofy. ¡°You¡¯re not gonna turn into a monster again, are you?¡± she asked, half-joking but with a hint of concern.

    ¡°Of course not! I mean, unless you''re into that sort of thing,¡± he replied, a teasing grin spreading across his face.

    ¡°Oh god, no,¡± she laughed, shaking her head.

    ¡°C''mon, I¡¯d never scare you like that, Marisol. I didn¡¯t even know I could do that. It was that thing that was choking me, and then¡­ everything just went black.¡± His tone shifted, a flicker of vulnerability seeping through.

    ¡°What was that thing?¡± she asked, her curiosity piqued. ¡°Is that what people saw when they looked at me?¡±

    Rafa nodded solemnly. ¡°It was a demon that someone cursed you with.¡±

    Marisol frowned, her heart racing at the thought. ¡°Now it all makes sense. I mean, I ran away just like everyone else did.¡±

    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s okay,¡± Rafa said softly, reaching across the table to give her hand a reassuring squeeze. The warmth of his touch sent a flutter through her, and she felt her cheeks heat up as she met his gaze. ¡°It¡¯s gone now,¡± he assured her.

    ¡°Yeah, I can tell,¡± she replied, her voice slightly breathless, the tension in her shoulders easing. ¡°But what if it comes back?¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t,¡± Rafa promised, his tone steady.

    ¡°But how can you be so sure?¡± she pressed, her eyes wide with worry. ¡°And you? Why did you turn into that¡­ that thing?¡±

    Rafa turned his head slightly, drew in a steady breath, and finally met her gaze again. ¡°Okay, here it goes then: my dad¡­ he¡¯s the demon known as Asmodeus.¡±

    Marisol''s gaze sharpened as she fought to make sense of what he said. ¡°Wait, what? I don''t understand.¡±

    ¡°C¡¯mon, you have to believe me, right?¡± he said, looking earnest.

    ¡°I guess after yesterday, I have no choice,¡± she replied, her voice wavering. ¡°But I mean, how?¡±

    Rafa smiled, unable to suppress his amusement. ¡°My mom was into witchcraft when she was younger and ended up sleeping with one of the big demons. She claims she didn''t know, but come on¡ªdid she just slip and fall on his... you know?¡±

    ¡°Rafa! Don¡¯t say that. That¡¯s your mother,¡± she laughed softly, breaking through her confusion. ¡°Although, she does sound like a scary woman if that¡¯s what she¡¯s into.¡±

    ¡°Oh, trust me, I¡¯m not afraid of many things. But my mom is something else. I¡¯m actually grounded right now for not coming home last night.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t go home?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you remember what I looked like? I couldn¡¯t show up like that¡ªI didn¡¯t know how to turn it off.¡±

    He gestured to his dirty clothes. ¡°I found these in an alleyway! You might not smell it because of all the fancy aromas in here, but¡ª¡±

    ¡°Oh trust me,¡± she said scrunching her nose playfully and letting out a laugh at Rafa''s unamused expression. ¡°But doesn¡¯t your mom know what you are already?¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah, but she doesn¡¯t like it when I get involved in anything paranormal or demon-related. She has this deep-seated hatred for my dad and wants to keep me away from anything connected to him. But that doesn¡¯t stop me. The deal she made says he¡¯ll come for me one day.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s pretty terrifying,¡± Marisol said, her brow furrowing. ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Nah,¡± Rafa shrugged, his eyes sparkling with the thrill of his adventures. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe the stuff I¡¯ve run into. Ever since she spilled the beans about him, I¡¯ve been on this wild hunt for any signs of demon activity. It¡¯s so fascinating that it¡¯s messing with my other priorities, which is why my mom¡¯s always riding my back about school.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked, her curiosity shining through as she tilted her head slightly.

    ¡°She thinks I¡¯m going to flunk out because I prioritize demons over homework. But honestly, what¡¯s the point? Why do I need school if my father is supposed to come for me one day? I don¡¯t think Hell cares about a little high school diploma, right?¡±

    Marisol raised an eyebrow, intrigued. ¡°But what if he never comes for you? Or what if he shows up when you¡¯re 80?¡±

    Leaning in with a playful smile, she added, ¡°It¡¯s always good to have a plan B, just in case you find yourself face-to-face with a half-demon-loving girl. Unless you plan on playing more with the ghosts than with me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve got a point there,¡± he admitted, warmth blooming in his chest. ¡°Maybe for our next date, I could use your help to catch up on some of this work?¡±

    ¡°Sure, why not?¡± she replied, her eyes twinkling with excitement. ¡°I¡¯m practically finished with my science project anyway. You should come see it.¡±

    ¡°Yeah? What is it?¡± he asked, genuinely curious.

    ¡°Well, if you come to the big science fair at the Institute tomorrow, I¡¯ll be presenting it there. I¡¯m the defending champion,¡± she said, confidence radiating from her.

    ¡°That¡¯s awesome!¡± Rafa exclaimed. ¡°You gonna take the crown again, or what?¡±

    ¡°I hope so. It would make my dad really proud.¡±

    Rafa noticed her expression shift to one of deep thought and asked, ¡°You okay?¡±

    Marisol hesitated, looking away for a moment. ¡°Yeah, I guess. It¡¯s just¡­ there¡¯s been a lot on my mind lately.¡±

    Rafa leaned in, his concern evident. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Marisol sighed, her defenses crumbling. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ my dad has cancer. He was diagnosed not too long ago, and it¡¯s been really tough on my family.¡±

    Rafa¡¯s heart sank, a heavy feeling settling in his chest. ¡°Wow, that¡¯s a lot to take in.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, it¡¯s just¡­ I remember how happy he was when I won last year, and I want to see that joy again,¡± she said, her voice tinged with longing.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll do great, Marisol. And hey, I¡¯ll be there to cheer you on,¡± Rafa reassured her, his gaze steady.

    After finishing their ice creams¡ªRafa making a theatrical show of slurping the last drops as if savoring the final moments of a grand feast¡ªthey strolled toward Marisol¡¯s house. The crisp morning air was invigorating, and as they held hands, a warm connection blossomed between them, making the day feel even more special.

    As they approached her front door, he glanced around, a hint of unease creeping into his expression. Marisol offered him a warm smile, her voice softening. ¡°Hey, I had a great time today. Thanks for being you.¡±

    Rafa¡¯s heart raced, and a goofy smile spread across his face. ¡°You too. I really like spending time with you, Marisol. I gotta say, it¡¯s a little more fun than chasing down my dad.¡±

    ¡°A little?¡± she teased, her expression playful.

    ¡°A LOT more fun,¡± he corrected, his tone earnest. ¡°I¡¯m really glad I found you back at that bookstore.¡±

    Marisol¡¯s cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and Rafa felt a rush of satisfaction.

    Just then, his gaze caught a shadow moving behind a nearby window. A chill danced down his spine as he noticed Marisol¡¯s neighbor peeking through the blinds, his face twisted in a mask of jealousy and obsession. Then he remembered what Marisol¡¯s demon had said to him, and the blinds snapped shut.

    ¡°Hey, is everything okay?¡± Marisol asked, her brow furrowing as she noticed Rafa¡¯s sudden change in demeanor.

    ¡°Uh, yeah! Just thought I saw something,¡± he replied with a half-hearted grin. ¡°You know how it is¡ªprobably a raccoon plotting world domination or something.¡±

    ¡°Raccoons can be fierce,¡± she giggled, but her concern lingered. ¡°But seriously, what¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°Nothing! Just my imagination running wild,¡± Rafa said, trying to sound nonchalant, though the weight of Henry¡¯s gaze still pressed on him, even with the blinds now closed.

    As Rafa was distracted by the unsettling vibe emanating from her neighbor, Marisol leaned in and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. ¡°See you at the fair tomorrow,¡± she said, turning to go inside. Rafa felt his cheeks heat up, and for a moment, the unease that had gripped him lifted, replaced by a fluttering sensation in his chest.

    As Marisol stepped inside her house, Rafa turned to leave, but an inexplicable urge compelled him to look back. He felt drawn to Henry''s house once more before ultimately walking away, the sense of foreboding lingering in the air.

 Chapter 14

    The day of the Science Fair dawned, and the Institute of Science and Innovation thrummed with energy. Students proudly showcased their projects, transforming the hall into a vibrant tapestry of creativity and intellect, while judges meandered through the aisles, jotting down notes and posing inquisitive questions.

    Rafa felt a whirlwind of nerves and determination as he walked beside Marisol, weaving through the sea of colorful exhibits. The atmosphere crackled with excitement, punctuated by the lively chatter of students and bursts of laughter that echoed off the walls. Yet, a nagging sense of unease lingered in Rafa¡¯s mind, an instinctual feeling that something ominous lurked just beneath the surface.

    ¡°Ready for this?¡± Marisol asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as they approached her booth. Two figures stood nearby, their proud expressions unmistakable. ¡°These are my parents,¡± she introduced, her voice filled with warmth. ¡°Mom, Dad, this is Rafa.¡±

    ¡°Hey there!¡± her father boomed, extending a sturdy hand. Rafa shook it enthusiastically, his grip firm and confident.

    Before he could fully take in the moment, Marisol¡¯s mother clasped his hand warmly with both of hers, her excitement practically radiating. ¡°Rafa! I¡¯ve heard so much about you!¡±

    ¡°Oh really?¡± Rafa replied, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°All good things, I hope.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely! Marisol can¡¯t seem to stop talking about you back home,¡± her mother replied, beaming.

    Marisol rolled her eyes, a teasing smile dancing on her face. ¡°Okay, Mom, that¡¯s enough. Let¡¯s not exaggerate,¡± she said, blushing.

    Rafa¡¯s expression softened, his eyes burning with affection as he looked at her.

    ¡°Mijita, we¡¯re just introducing ourselves!¡± her mother exclaimed, laughter in her voice. ¡°I¡¯m Gloria, and this is my husband, Carlos.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Medina,¡± Rafa said, his tone sincere. ¡°Your daughter is amazing, and I hear she¡¯s the queen of science around these parts.¡±

    Mr. Medina puffed out his chest with pride, a grin stretching across his face. ¡°Yes, Marisol is exceptionally smart. I just know she¡¯s going to win again.¡±

    Marisol glanced at the schedule, her excitement bubbling over. ¡°Guys, I think I¡¯m up next,¡± she said, winking at Rafa.

    Rafa¡¯s gaze drifted across the room, landing on a stranger who stood by his exhibit¡ªa massive, shrouded structure that had already drawn a crowd of intrigued onlookers. A knot twisted in Rafa¡¯s stomach at the sight; he could feel it in his bones¡ªreminiscent of the discomfort he felt with Marisol¡¯s neighbor the day before.

    ¡°Rafa, over here!¡± Marisol¡¯s voice cut through his thoughts, pulling him back to her side just as the judges approached. She quickly adjusted her project display, a complex model that showcased her scientific hypothesis with precision and care.

    The judges greeted her, their faces lighting up as they congratulated her again on last year¡¯s triumph.

    With renewed enthusiasm, she began to explain her project, her passion radiating through every word. Rafa watched, mesmerized by how her whole demeanor transformed when she spoke about her work¡ªthe way her eyes sparkled, and her smile widened as she shared her insights.

    The judges nodded, clearly impressed, peppering her with questions about her methods and findings. Yet, despite her brilliance, Rafa found it hard to concentrate fully; his gaze kept drifting back to the stranger, who seemed to watch them with a predatory glint in his eye, a silent storm brewing just beneath the surface.

    Time flew by, and Marisol¡¯s presentation concluded with enthusiastic applause from the judges, who praised her innovative approach. ¡°You have a bright future ahead, Miss Medina,¡± one judge remarked, a warm smile spreading across his face. ¡°We can¡¯t wait to see where you go from here.¡±

    ¡°Thank you so much!¡± Marisol beamed. ¡°I really hope to make a difference with my work.¡±

    As the judges scribbled notes and exchanged excited murmurs about Marisol¡¯s impressive ideas, one of them glanced at the schedule and announced, ¡°Up next is Henry Garibay!¡± They looked up, scanning the crowd for him. ¡°Henry?¡± one of them called out, a hint of curiosity in their voice. But no one answered.

    A subtle shift occurred among the judges, their expressions turning from admiration to mild confusion as they glanced at each other, eyebrows raised.

    At that moment, the voice of the stranger that Rafa had been observing sliced through the buzzing atmosphere, laced with a menacing edge. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen!¡± he boomed, his tone dripping with unsettling authority. ¡°Prepare yourselves for a demonstration of true science¡ªone where magic¡­ collides with reality!¡±

    The room fell silent, a palpable tension hanging in the air as all eyes shifted to him, a collective breath held in anticipation. ¡°For those who don¡¯t know me, my name is Henry Garibay,¡± he announced, his voice echoing slightly in the stillness. He paused, scanning the audience for a reaction, but was met with an awkward silence that stretched uncomfortably.

    ¡°Very well then,¡± he said, his words carrying a trace of impatience. With a dramatic flourish, he yanked the cover off his exhibit, revealing a large glass capsule filled with a glowing liquid that pulsed ominously. Inside, suspended in the eerie glow, was Professor Nicanor¡ªhis head grotesquely split open, eyes closed as if he were trapped in a deep, unnatural slumber.

    Gasps rippled through the crowd, their expressions shifting from confusion to horror as the reality of Henry¡¯s twisted display settled in. ¡°What is the meaning of this?!¡± demanded one of the judges, stepping forward, clearly disturbed.

    ¡°Do not panic!¡± Henry said, his voice dripping with mock sincerity. ¡°This is simply a demonstration of what I¡¯ve been working on all year. As you can see, Professor Nicanor here has volunteered for a revolutionary experiment. Like me, he believed in the potential of consciousness transfer, and now he¡¯s the first living subject of my groundbreaking research!¡±

    Marisol¡¯s eyes widened in shock, disbelief washing over her. She could almost hear Professor Nicanor¡¯s warm laughter, remembering the way he would excitedly discuss his latest theories with her after class, his passion for science igniting a spark in her own heart. He had so much to live for¡ªhis family, his groundbreaking work, and the countless students he inspired. The thought of him willingly agreeing to this horrific experiment was unfathomable.

    ¡°There¡¯s no way he agreed to this!¡± she cried out, her voice rising above the murmurs of the crowd, the warmth of her memory quickly fading into a storm of anger.

    ¡°Oh, but he did,¡± Henry retorted, waving a letter in the air like a trophy. ¡°Here¡¯s a signed document from Professor Nicanor himself, permitting me to conduct this experiment. A true hero willing to sacrifice his body for the advancement of science!¡±

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    The judge skimmed over the document a few times before looking up, his expression grim. ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± he confirmed, disbelief etched across his features.

    Whispers spread through the room like wildfire, and Henry clapped his hands once in celebration. ¡°Perfecto!¡± he announced, his voice booming with triumph.

    ¡°Look alive, folks! Today, we are going to save a life, I promise,¡± he added, glancing pointedly at Marisol.

    With a dramatic flair, he leaned against the glass chamber, a wide grin plastered across his face. ¡°This machine can preserve a person¡¯s body, halting diseases such as cancer¡ªfrozen in time, if you will.¡±

    Marisol, although still in shock, found her curiosity piqued, and Henry seized the moment to fuel her intrigue. ¡°Once the body is in the pod, the person¡¯s consciousness is extracted and stored inside a computer. Now, normally, we would have to wait for a cure before transferring consciousness back into a healthy body. But today, we don¡¯t have to wait at all! We have a perfectly healthy body right here, thanks to Professor Nicanor. His consciousness has already been stored, and his body is ready for a new mind,¡± he said, casting a glance at Mr. Medina.

    Marisol¡¯s expression shifted, her face a storm of anger and confusion. ¡°What are you saying, Henry?¡± she demanded, her voice rising.

    ¡°Oh, come on! Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± Henry replied, his tone almost playful. ¡°Mr. Medina, I¡¯m well aware of your condition, and I invite you to take part in my experiment. If you step into the pod adjacent to Professor Nicanor, I can extract your consciousness and place it into his cancer-free body.¡±

    Gasps filled the room once again, and Marisol¡¯s blood began to boil. ¡°How dare you!?¡± she shouted, her voice cutting through the tension. ¡°My dad is not some lab rat for you to experiment on! I don¡¯t care what documentation you have. Professor Nicanor would never agree to something so inhumane!¡±

    Henry¡¯s expression hardened as he felt his frustration simmer just beneath the surface. ¡°Look, understand that I have worked tirelessly on this, Marisol,¡± he said, his voice low and tense.

    Marisol¡¯s eyes flashed with anger, her disbelief evident. ¡°Understand?! You¡¯re crossing a line, Henry! This isn¡¯t science; it¡¯s a perversion of everything we believe in!¡±

    As the atmosphere thickened with tension, Henry fought to maintain his composure. He could feel the anger welling up inside of him, but he forced himself to keep his voice steady. ¡°I did this for you, Marisol. I thought that-¡±

    ¡°That what? That I¡¯d fall for you?¡± Marisol shot back, incredulous, her tone laced with disbelief. ¡°Please, Henry. I¡¯m nice to you because we¡¯re neighbors. There¡¯s nothing more to it. Besides,¡± she added firmly, grabbing onto Rafa''s arm, ¡°I¡¯m with Rafa.¡±

    Henry felt the fury boiling within him, his control slipping as her words struck like daggers. He opened his mouth to respond, his anger threatening to erupt, but just as he was about to unleash his frustration, Mr. Medina stepped in, his voice calm yet authoritative.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Marisol,¡± he said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s go home, everyone. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll hear the results of the show later.¡± His presence filled the air with a sense of finality, diffusing the tension that crackled between Henry and Marisol.

    Rafa stepped forward, his face hardening with determination as he moved closer to Henry. ¡°Stay away from my girlfriend,¡± he said, his voice quiet yet brimming with authority. His posture was tense, a blend of simmering anger and unwavering confidence. ¡°You had no right to do this,¡± he added, taking another step closer and locking eyes with Henry, his gaze daring him to respond.

    Henry¡¯s lips twitched, his face reddening with a mixture of fury and frustration, but before he could speak, Rafa turned. He reached for Marisol¡¯s hand, his grip firm, and without a second glance, he uttered, ¡°Just take the hint and leave us alone.¡± With that, he led her and her family away, leaving Henry behind, the weight of Rafa¡¯s words hanging in the air.

    Henry watched as the crowd murmured, some jurors already on their phones. He overheard one say, ¡°Hi, I¡¯m at the Institute of Science and Innovation. There¡¯s a guy here with a body in a tube.¡±

    Panic surged through him, and he realized he had to act fast. ¡°This will not end like this, Rafa,¡± he muttered, determination hardening his resolve. He made his way out the back, pushing his experiment with urgency. Upon reaching the van, a few helpers awaited him, shifting nervously as they caught sight of his grim expression.

    ¡°Okay, boys! Let¡¯s get her inside. It¡¯s time to go,¡± he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

    They hurriedly loaded the machine into the van, the sound of metal clanking against metal echoing in the alleyway as they slammed the doors shut. Henry, already in the driver¡¯s seat, twisted the key in the ignition with a jarring click, the engine roaring to life with a growl that vibrated through the van. Just as one of them stepped forward to collect payment, his patience snapped. He revved the engine, the tires screeching against the pavement as he slammed on the gas, leaving them behind in a blinding cloud of dust and confusion.

    ¡°Hey, wait!¡± they shouted, but their voices faded into the distance as Henry¡¯s thoughts consumed him, a storm of anger and determination swirling in his mind.

    As Henry sped out of the alleyway, he caught a glimpse of Rafa sharing a tender moment with Marisol and her family, her parents climbing into their car. A deep rage twisted inside of him at the sight of Rafa confidently holding Marisol¡¯s hands, their connection radiating warmth.

    Henry slowed the van, pulling over to the side of the road, his heart pounding with a mix of adrenaline and frustration. He watched as they shared a laugh, the sound slicing through him like a knife. Were they laughing at him? Rafa exchanged lighthearted words with Marisol, a smile playing on his lips that only fueled Henry¡¯s fury. The heat rose in his cheeks, emotions crashing over him like a tidal wave, each heartbeat echoing in his ears like the relentless beat of a war drum.

    With every passing second, his frustration boiled over, an insatiable desire to confront Rafa clawing at him. Henry¡¯s fists clenched tightly at his sides, the urge to shout, to threaten, to reclaim what he believed was rightfully his nearly overwhelming. But he held back¡ªfor now.

    Then, as if time had slowed, Marisol leaned in and planted a kiss on Rafa¡¯s cheek. The world around Henry faded into a blur; the sounds of people leaving the institute became mere background noise. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, frustration coursing through him.

    Rafa waved goodbye as Marisol and her parents drove off, his eyes sparkling with affection. He then pulled out his phone and turned to leave, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing behind him.

    A flicker of movement caught Henry¡¯s eye, his expression darkening as he narrowed his gaze. Jealousy ignited within him like a smoldering ember suddenly fanned into a raging blaze. His thoughts raced as he trailed him, fixated on the image of Marisol¡¯s horrified face. Her voice echoed in his mind, repeatedly reminding him that she was with Rafa. Each thought propelled him forward, blinding him to reason.

    Then, in a sudden move, Rafa veered sharply into an alleyway, the shadows swallowing him whole. A thrill of panic mixed with excitement coursed through Henry¡¯s veins; this was it¡ªhis chance. He took a deep breath, the air inside the van heavy with the scent of worn upholstery and a hint of gasoline. With anticipation coursing through him, he followed Rafa into the narrowing passage between the buildings.

    As he pulled into the alley, the walls loomed around him, closing in like prison bars, and adrenaline surged within him, heightening every sense. He felt alive, almost electric, as he navigated the tight space, each heartbeat echoing with determination.

    Rafa held his phone to his ear, casually making a call as he walked. ¡°Hey, I¡¯ll be home soon. You know what I¡¯m craving?¡± he said, his tone light and carefree, completely oblivious to the danger lurking just behind him.

    But before Rafa could finish his sentence, Henry slammed on the gas, the engine roaring to life as he struck him with the van.

    The impact reverberated through the vehicle, and Henry felt a jolt as his tires rolled over Rafa¡¯s body. Shock coursed through him, an icy realization settling into the pit of his stomach. He had done it¡ªhe had crossed a line he could never uncross.

    For a moment, time stood still. Henry¡¯s heart raced as he processed what had just happened, a mix of adrenaline and disbelief coursing through his veins. He had gone from an ambitious scientist to a monster in an instant.

    As he gripped the steering wheel, his breath quickened, and he fought to regain control over his spiraling thoughts. The weight of his actions pressed down on him like a heavy shroud, but he pushed it aside, focusing instead on the present moment¡ªwhat his next move was.

    Henry stepped out of the van, a mix of shock and disbelief flooding over him as he approached Rafa¡¯s crumpled form. The sight was grotesque; Rafa¡¯s face was barely recognizable, crushed by the weight of the vehicle. A chill ran through Henry as he noticed the faint rise and fall of Rafa¡¯s chest. ¡°How the hell are you still alive?¡± he muttered, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

    For a fleeting moment, a pang of guilt washed over him. Perhaps he had gone too far. The thought of saving Rafa flickered in his mind, but it was quickly quelled by a darker resolve. ¡°No, I have to finish this. Not after how they made me look,¡± he thought, his anger rekindling. He turned back toward the van, ready to reverse over Rafa again, but paused mid-motion. ¡°No. You won¡¯t get off that easy, Rafael.¡±

    Instead, he knelt and grabbed Rafa by the shoulders, dragging him into the van with a rough urgency. The weight of his body felt heavy in Henry¡¯s grip, but he didn¡¯t hesitate. He slammed the doors shut, the sound echoing ominously in the stillness of the alley. Climbing into the driver¡¯s seat, his heart raced as he started the engine, the roar filling the confined space and drowning out the chaos of his thoughts.

    As he glanced in the rearview mirror, Henry ensured no one had witnessed his actions. The weight of what he had just done pressed heavily on him. ¡°Get a grip, Henry,¡± he muttered under his breath, his hands tightening around the steering wheel. ¡°She didn¡¯t believe me; nobody did! He deserves what¡¯s coming to him. And so does Marisol!¡±

    Navigating the van out of the alley and onto the main street, the city lights blurred past him like fleeting memories of a life he no longer wanted. The weight of Rafa¡¯s unconscious body in the back felt like both a victory and a burden. With every turn, his resolve hardened; he was determined to follow through with his twisted plan.

    As he drove, he couldn¡¯t shake the image of Marisol¡¯s horrified face from his mind. Her disbelief and anger had pierced through him, igniting a fire of defiance. He was tired of being overlooked, tired of being the neighbor who was just ¡°nice.¡± This was his moment to shine, to show everyone the potential of his work. ¡°Rafa might not look the same after this. But he¡¯ll be alive,¡± he chuckled darkly.

    ¡°Just wait until they see what I can do,¡± he murmured, a manic grin spreading across his face. ¡°I can see it now: ¡®Man is struck by a random car, and local scientist saves his life.¡¯ I¡¯ll be hailed as a hero.¡± His laughter erupted, a chilling sound that echoed through the van, filled with a mixture of glee and madness. ¡°They¡¯ll finally see that I could have saved Mr. Medina and that I was right all along. And the best part? Marisol won¡¯t want Rafa anymore once she sees what he looks like.¡± His laughter continued to spill from him, bordering on hysterical, as he reveled in his dark fantasies.

    Henry made a sharp turn onto a secluded road that led to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town¡ªhis makeshift laboratory. He had chosen this location for its isolation, the perfect backdrop for conducting experiments without prying eyes.

    As he parked the van and hopped out, adrenaline surged through him like fire. He opened the back doors, revealing Rafa lying there, still unconscious but breathing. The sight filled him with a twisted sense of triumph, a macabre satisfaction at having taken control of the situation.

    ¡°Time to make history,¡± he declared.

 Chapter 15

    who

    ¡°Stop running,¡±¡°A King does not cower in fear.¡±

    ¡°Do not feign ignorance, child!¡±¡°My arrival was but a matter of destiny. Or did your mother fail to inform you?¡±

    ¡°Hmph, that is but a mere shell. Go ahead, reveal to me your true form,¡±

    ¡°You should never harbor shame for who you are, Rafael. Particularly one such as yourself, who is destined to be King soon.¡±

    ¡°Of course! It is precisely why I am here. I understand how it may sound, notably with the way humans have depicted it, but come with me to Hell, Rafael. You shall be a King, ruling by my side. Our Kingdom will grow ever more powerful, and together, we shall conquer the other realms. Imagine the legions we will command, the women, the riches, the feasts! And with your aid, we may even open a portal to your Earth and claim it as our own. What do you say, my son?¡±

    ¡°Hmm, do you not fear me?¡±

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    ¡°Tell me, Rafael,¡±¡°what hope do you have left?¡±¡°What did you see when you gazed into that simple puddle? You said it yourself¡ªyou are no longer the man you once were. Do you honestly believe Marisol will welcome you back after witnessing you in this state? The frail body of an old man, your skull cracked open, a man who looks as though he¡¯s been dead for ages. I doubt even your mother would wish to see you again,¡±¡°Why? After all, she never wanted you in the first place.¡±

    ¡°So be it, Rafael!¡±¡°But mark my words¡ªthose demons shall not rest until they tear themselves free from the wretched corpse you now inhabit! This vessel does not belong to you, and if I know Belial, he is no doubt striving with all his might to break free. I would wish you good fortune, but I am certain you shall choose the path most fitting¡­ son.¡±

    ¡°Aah!¡±

    nothing

    off

    ¡°If you will not wield this body¡­ then I shall take it as my own,¡±

    ¡°This is what you deserve,¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s the cost of defiance,¡±

    ¡°So just how astute is this Marisol? Hmm,¡±