Outside Vanera Coffee shop.
Karen workplace seemed to be open, not for work but to welcome the awaited visitor, the wooden door was unlocked and even if the windows were veilled, one could see streams of interior light indicating that there was someone inside.
« I’ll stay here, if anything unexpected happen get out fast, and stay cautious, he’s still a full fledged strong demon, it would be good if he keeps his word and let the blondie out when you’re done. » Gill told Luke in a serious tone.
« i’m still curious about what you discussed with him, but since you’re obviously avoiding telling me i won’t probe further, and don’t worry much, i’ll bring the gloves with me, you can join if things get chaotic. »replied Luke with a hint of nervousness in his voice, even with Gill reassuring him, he wasn’t able to stay totally calm.
With sound steps and heavy breaths, Luke approached the wooden door, turned the golden knob and pushed it to enter.
«At last, welcome young one, it’s been a time since we last met,close that door behind you and take a seat, we have a lot to talk about and share.» said a deep but calming voice from the inside.
The old man was sitting beside a round table near the glass windows, the same spot Luke and the old demon chatted the first time, to Luke’s surprise, the appearance of the aged gentleman didn’t change much excluding one thing, his skin was scaly and red, other than that, he still wore the same classy brown suit, and had the same warm gaze and inviting demeanor.
The second surprising thing is, the table wasn’t empty, on the demon’s side was a warm creamy cappuccino cup and some treats, a chocolate full brownie and a bird shaped strawberry shortcake, on the supposed Luke’s side there was a cup of Verbena flavored tea, still hot and freshly made.
« Sir, can i ask you first, who made those ? »
« Sit first, you’ll get your treats soon too. » said the demon while grinning.
Not wanting to make him mad or upset, Luke sat, put the gloves he brought on his side of the table and even took a sip of the tea, the thought of it being tamperd with flashed in his mind for a second, but he fastly ignored such an idea, why would a strong entity capable of cutting the coffee shop in half do a pity thing as poisonning his drink.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
« All good now young one ? » asked the old man.
« All good sir. »
« You seem to have matured, i’m even not sure if i should call you young kid or young man, you look more alive than the past gloomy kid i knew. »
‘The irony, a dead person telling me i look more alive.’ thought Luke.
« Now, for the reason i called you here, i’ll be honest with you, i’m just bored, while i was a lonely ghost roaming in the surroundings my departing didn’t happen, i wasn’t aware of the reason at first until a scary looking guy visited this place some days ago, talking about how ghosts who are stuck in the living realm have a strong will and obsession that tie them here. »
« Excuse my interruption but, the scary guy you mentioned, did he have pale skin, white hair, a scarred face and black as abyss eyes ? »
« He wore a black hoodie and his lower face was hidden with a grey scarf, yes he quite fit this description to a certain degree, is it a friend of yours ? »
« You could say i know him, how did he manage to turn you into a demon ? »
The old man drank some of his cappuccino first,then he was all smiling and enjoying some bites of his sweet treats before answering Luke.
« About that part, after his attempts at convincing me that living as a demon who could interact with the physical realm is better for me if i wanted to fulfill my will and live a long life by draining lifespan from other living creatures, which were funny cause the kid seemed desperate to persuade me, he shoved some red paper in my ghostly transparent body, and i felt an immense agony as my body started solidifying and turning into the red monstrosity you see now, the coffee shop at that time was nearly empty since it was late at night, only Karen was here doing some cleaning chores, the scarred guy apparently stealthly entered while she was busy with her work. He said then something about how demons he can’t fully convince will not have a totally insane mindset and unsatiable bloodthirst, and that it was worth the try at least, then he quitted the shop. »
Luke listened carefully to every word, a lot of the informations were new and important in order to fully comprehend the last incidents, also he highly doubted that he was the first to hear all of this, Gill came before him so he probably got the same explanation.
But one thing bugged him ‘He called Karen by her name like he was all familiar with her, why ?’
« Treats are readyyyyy !!! Hi Luke !» a female cheery voice from behind Luke startled him, and when he turned to see, he found Karen grinning, standing in her work attire and apron with the coffee shop Logo, holding two treat plates , one cinnamon roll and another strawberry shortcake.
Luke was at a loss of words, his jaw dropped, he was glad his friend was all safe and sound, but he couldn’t process why she was in such a good mood like she wasn’t held hostage by a demon.
«Hahaha, Thank you Karen, sweet as always, you never lost even a bit of your energetic spirit, which make me really happy » Said the demon.
« Oh it’s nothing Grandpa, it’s nice to see you after all those years since you died, i don’t still get what’s happening despite all the stuff you told me, but i’m satisfied with meeting you again at least. » Replied Karen with a joy that the lost in thoughts still shocked Luke still couldn’t assimilate.
‘Grandpa ? Is she saying he is her grandfather ?! Oh man, you can’t get a damn thing nowadays, life is really weird.’