Chapter 2

     It was quiet in the San Antonio Central Library, as twenty-four year-old Paige Krasiński was finishing up placing returned books back where they belonged. The beautiful young woman was wearing a women’s button-up shirt with a black office skirt, and had her hair well brushed. It was strange to see a twenty-four year old woman like her be a librarian, but she did not care for the stigma the job gave her. After all, books, both reading and writing, were her passion.

     However, she was not taking her time today. She was by no means a slacker, but she was also not one to rush in her tasks. But she had an agenda before she closed up, and she needed to do some important reading.

     The previous night, someone had broken into her and her friend’s apartment. They had gone to her friend’s room and appeared set to do something horrible to her. But Paige had basically scared them off.

     What was most shocking though was that the intruder had jumped from the balcony, and appeared to suddenly grow bat-like wings, flying off into the night sky. Being a devout Catholic, Paige only had a solid hunch of the intruder’s identity.

     A demon. Or an incubus. Or a gargoyle. Or something like those!

     She was not sure which.

     But she knew it was one of those!

     Regardless, she had some research and practice to get done, so she was finishing up quickly.

     The second she did, she went straight for a reading table she had at one of the back corner’s of the library. This corner was special because it was out of line of sight, and in a blind spot for the security cameras. Something her friend teased her about, saying Paige should bring a boy here to do naughty things with.

     Paige carried a small collection of books with her back to the table, setting them all down. Among the books was a Bible, a holy magic spell book, a guide to various infernal creatures, and a published journal of demonologists.

     Paige started to read the guide, adjusting her glasses as she did so. It was only 12:07pm, so she had several hours to research the issue. She was going to be prepared if whatever broke in last night decided to come back.

     She did not account though for the coming interruption.

     As Paige was reading the guide, out of nowhere, she felt two hands grab her shoulders. Paige jumped in her seat and almost screamed, until she turned around and saw the grinning face of her friend, Stella Moreau.

     “Figured I would find you back here again,” Stella said, her mischievous grin not leaving her face, even as she let go of Paige’s shoulders and stood up straight. The twenty-six year old woman was wearing skin-tight jeans and a sequin halter top that exposed her stomach just above the waistline. It also allowed both of her tribal tattoos, one of her upper left arm and another on the small of her back, to be visible.

     Paige sighed in both relief and annoyance.

     “I told you to not do that to me when I’m trying to read. Especially when it’s important,” Paige told her before returning her attention to her book. Stella playfully rolled her eyes before pulling up a chair next to Paige.

     “I thought you were supposed to be at work right now anyway Stel,” Paige said to her as she kept reading.

     “We did. But we finished our current game before schedule, because your’s truly was able to finish all the coding correctly, and in record time,” Stella said with a prideful tone, “Then again though, standard shooters like Doki Doki Sniper Girl aren’t that complicated when you know what you’re doing.”

     Paige seemed partially tuned out to what Stella was saying, still deep into the book. Stella could not help but pout slightly at this. But that is also when she noticed the book she was reading.

     “The Beginner’s Guide to Infernal Creatures?” Stella read the title out loud.

     “Yes. I found it while I was working today,” Paige said as she read.

     “Don’t tell me: this is about what happened last night, isn’t it?” Stella asked in a deadpan manner. This caused Paige to finally look at her again with an almost baffled look.

     “Of course it’s about last night! Are you seriously not concerned at all?” Paige asked, dumbfounded. Stella shrugged.

     “Yeah, it was creepy, but you scared the thing off. I doubt it would come back,” Stella responses nonchalantly, which annoyed Paige.

     “Stella, that thing was a demon!”

     “How can you be sure about that though exactly, Paige?”

     Paige removed her glasses with her free hand and pinched the bridge of her nose.

     “Stella, just what else could it have been? You saw its shadow, and the wings when it flew away. How could you think it wasn’t a demon?” Paige asked, “And besides: even if you aren’t a practicing member of your faith, I know you believe. So shouldn’t you still have a drive to make sure this thing doesn’t hurt anyone?”

     Paige put her glasses back on. Stella playfully rolled her eyes.

     “I was a Jehovah’s Witness. And in case you didn’t notice, Witnesses aren’t as big on demon hunting as you Catholics are,” she teased a little.

     “So you’re saying you’re okay with-” Paige began.

     “Uh uh uh, I never said I don’t think we should do anything about it, if it is a demon,” Stella said as she leaned back in her chair a bit, a smug smile on her face. Paige could not help but smile slightly herself, realizing that Stella was just messing with her about doubts of what it was they saw last night. She really should have expected that, having known this girl for most of he life.

     “So, what exactly do you have planned for when this freak shows back up? Zap him with your little gift?” Stella said. Paige shook her head.

     “I honestly think it would be a better idea to try to capture it. See exactly why it was stalking our apartment,” Paige said before looking back at her book, “But I’m not really sure what kind of demon it was. Nor do I know any subduing spells.”

     “Do you think that there is some kind of capture spell in holy magic?” Stella asked as she noticed the spellbook on the table with the others.

     “Oh, I’m very sure. Remember, demon hunting is as old as the Catholic Church itself. And I know some famous ones used such spells,” Paige said, finally reaching a section of the guide that discussed demons with wings.

     “Remember? You say that like we talk about this kind of shit all the time,” Stella said.

     “Language, Stel,” Paige said before she finally found a lead, “I think I found it!”

     Paige leaned over to Stella slightly and angled the book in a way both of them could see the page she was on.

     Incubus.

     Upon the page was a picture of a demonic looking creature that had the same kind of build and wings as what they saw the night before. Though the incubus in the picture also had cloven hooves, and large horns that resembled a goat’s.

     “Inkubus? The metal band?” Stella said. Paige groaned and rolled her eyes.

     “No, a demon of lust. It draws life force from having sex with sleeping women, often times impregnating them,” Paige said.

     “Ooooh, a sex demon you say?” Stella said in a playfully sensual tone.

     “Yes. A sex demon,” Paige said flatly and with a hint of annoyance, “And it probably thought you were easy prey.”

     “Ian wouldn’t like that at all,” Stella said.

     “Ian? I thought you broke up with him?”

     “I did. But he still thinks he wants to be friends with benefits,” Stella added with a chuckle, “But to be fair, I never told him no. Just that I’ll think about it.”

     “Ugh. You and your libido,” Paige said as she returned her attention to the text on the page.

     “Hey, you aren’t one to talk, closet kinky,” Stella teased. Paige blushed and tried to hide her face into the book.

     “Sh-Shut up you idiot! I’m trying to learn here!” She said, flustered. It took every ounce of Stella’s willpower not to burst out laughing just then. However, during the time Stella fought to control herself, Paige found something.

     “Look! It says here, that once an incubus has its sights set on its prey, it will not give up until it has claimed its mark,” Paige said, her tone dead serious, “I don’t know about you… but that almost confirms it’ll be back tonight.”

     Stella got a bit more serious now.

     “I think you’re right. But out of curiosity, who made this book? Not that I don’t trust it a little, but how can we be completely sure?” Stella asked.

     “Because it was written by Raphael Vargas,” Paige answered.

     “Um… who?” Paige rolled end eyes again.

     “He was a demon hunter who is famous in certain parts of the church for his numerous encounters with and timed hunted demons.”

     “So, someone whose dealt with these before?”

     “Yes. Many times,” Paige said with a smirk.

     Stella smiled as well, knowing full well just what that smirk of hers meant.

     “What plan do you have cooking up there?” Stella asked. Paige’s smirk immediately disappeared and she blushed, realizing that she made that face again.

     “Well… do you know what a stakeout is?” Paige asked.

     “When you cook steaks outside, yes,” Stella said, playing dumb, which made Paige groan, “I know what they really are.”

     “Well, if the incubus decides to show up again to get at you, he will get a nasty surprise. You and I will be wide awake, with me in your closet, ready to cast a capture spell at him. One that once he is hit with, he won’t be able to do anything without me allowing it.”

     “Damn. If only I could use magic. I could use that spell thing on the men I constantly bring home,” she said with an obnoxious tone. Paige said nothing and merely closed her eyes with a heavy sigh at her comment.

     “No, you would not. Because these kinds of spells don’t work on humans. Only blessings, enchantments and some basic attack and defense ones,” Paige told her blandly. Stella faux pouted again.

     “Hmph. That’s no fun.”

     After a while longer, Paige finally started to read the small spellbook she had found. The entire text, not just the spells themselves, were in Latin. But luckily for Paige, she knew how to speak and read Latin just as well as she did English and Polish.

     Paige unfortunately would not be able to test the one she ultimately decided to go with, as there were targets for her to do so on. When she tested the phrase though of the spell, she did feel holy light surge gently through her, making her feel warm and peaceful. In the end, she of course kept the Bible because it was her own, but did return the demonologist journal to its place, as it dealt with the kind of demons she was not worried about at the moment. Though she did make sure to remember its title for future reading, as it had accounts of Ed and Lorain Warren, whom Paige adored.

     Paige spent the next couple of hours at the front desk reading up more on the spells and incubi as cataloged by Raphael Vargas. while Stella, bored out of her mind just sat next to her and played one of the many mobile games she and her team made on her phone: a fan game of an anime that she and Paige both loved called Record of Grancrest War. It featured open world exploration mixed with turn-based role-playing game combat and quests.

     Eventually though, the few hours Paige had before her shift at the library today had run out. So it was time to leave. Something Stella was all too happy to hear.

     “Ugh! Finally! We’ve been sitting here for…” she checked the time on her phone, “Holy shit, the passed five hours?!”

     “Stella, language! And keep your voice down. We’re still in the library,” she said as she retrieved her purse from a locked drawer, putting the books into it.

     “Well, whatever. I’m hungry. Want to get something to eat before we get started on our demon slaying adventure?” Stella asked. As if on cue though, Paige’s stomach very audibly growled, making her blush and Stella smirk. Instead of answering though, Paige just closed her eyes and vigorously nodded her head.

     “Then how about we try that new seafood joint around the corner? The Kraken’s Nest, I think is what it’s called? I heard they have really good crab leeeeegs,” Stella said as she wrapped an arm around her friend’s shoulder. And hearing the mention of crab legs, Paige started drooling. Stella need no additional words. With a giggle, she grabbed her friend’s hand and pulled her out with her.

     Dinner was quick, but amazing. Something that Paige wished she could savor, but did not have the time to. It was now 9pm, and her and Stella had just finished taking a shower. As strange as it may seem to an outsider to shower with your best friend and roommate, the two of them agreed that this was a great way to lessen their water bill. Plus, their shower was big enough to fit around five people in it, so there was really no excuse.

     Regardless, Paige was busy trying to make sure she had the spells she needed memorized, while Stella was sat on their couch playing video games. Both were now clad in their night clothes, which were similar every night. Paige in a large and loose shirt with silk shorts, and Stella in a sleeveless tank top and her panties.

     “So, when should we assume positions?” Stella said, putting emphasis on her last two words to imply she meant sexual positions.

     “Well, do you remember when the demon showed up last night?” Paige asked.

     “Specifically, no. But I do remember it was after midnight.”

     “So, around midnight, you get into bed, and I’ll take cover in your closet. But we have to remember not to fall asleep,” Paige said, taking a sip from a glass of sweet tea she had made for the sole purpose of helping keep her awake. Stella herself had a bottle of Coke nearby that she had already consumed half of.

     “Geez. Be thankful neither of us have work tomorrow,” Stella said as she refocused her attention to the game she was playing.

     “Stel, I’m actually curious about something…” Paige said meekly, closing the spellbook but still looking down at her lap, “Why don’t you seem more, worried, about this? I mean, you’re being used as bait after all…”

     Stella scoffed and paused her game, looking to Paige.

     “I’ll tell you why,” she said, smiling widely to Paige, “Because not only am I sure that we are prepared, but I know my sister from another mister has my back.”

     Stella put her hand on Paige’s shoulder, causing the other girl to look at her.

     “I know you’ll get it done, and won’t let anything happen to me. Just like I wouldn’t let anything happen to you,” Stella added. Paige smiled softly.

     “Thank you Stella,” she said before hugging her friend, the two of them embracing on the couch, with Paige adding on, “We’ll show this demon how wrong he was trying to mess with the Two Musketeers.”

     The next three hours were more relaxing and prepping for their planned visit. When the time came, the two of them made sure all the lights in the apartment were turned off, and Paige was set in Stella’s closet as she pretended to be asleep. Both women were wide awake right now, but Stella had a real knack for faking being asleep.

     The two of them got into position at 11:51pm. And now it was 12:18am, and the demon had returned. From her hidden location in the closet, Paige could see the monster as it approached Stella. It said something about being sorry before reaching to remove hat little clothing it was wearing. If you could call the cloth covering its manhood clothing at all.

     Whatever the case, when the de on was about to get naked, that was when Stella sprang into action. Moving into a sitting position, Stella called out.

     “Now Paige!” Upon hearing that, Paige burst from Stella’s closet. Her spellbook side open, and a steely resolve in her eyes. Without a second of hesitation, Paige said the spell in graceful and proud words.

     “Sanctus Deus, da mihi virtutem capere hic foedus cum bestia!”

     The point of this spell was to trap the demon but creating a collar and chain imbued with holy light. Not only would this collar and chain make it impossible for the demon to escape, but allow Paige to have limited control of it.

     When the blinding Holy light emitted from Paige’s book, the demon froze in what looked like pure terror as the silver collar began to form around his neck.

     As the collar finally finished forming and the light died down, Stella held out her hand towards the demon and said “Tradite!”, bringing it to its hands and knee, right before Stella turned on her lamp. Now, they had a far better look at the demon. As the two of them approached him.

     “We got you this time, hellspawn,” Paige said to him as she and Stella stood over him as he kneeled. He looked at them with terrified eyes, and almost looked to be on the verge of tears.

     “H-Hellspawn?! This time?! What?!?” The demon said, panicking. His voice was rather unexpected from the two women. They were expecting a deep, sinister voice that would send chills down their spines. But instead, this demon’s voice was normal. It actually sounded very similar to about any male in their early twenties.

     Something else that surprised the two of them was how frightened he seemed. Both of them expected him to violently resist, thrash about, and yell all sorts of vulgar things at them.

     “Um… you sure we got the right kind of demon?” Stella asked Paige, who looked just as equally confused.

     “I am… but,” Paige began. She was interrupted though when their captured intruder looked at them with wide eyes.

     “Demon?! Oh no no! You have it all wrong! I am not a demon!” The creatures cried out. Paige put her hands on her hips, her expression becoming one of annoyance, while Stella started to look… guilty?

     “Oh really then?” Paige asked sarcastically, “Then what exactly are you?”

     “I’m an Incubus! I swear!” His tone, though one of desperation, carried no deception with it. Stella and Paige both looked at each other again before Stella spoke this time.

     “Uh, yeah. Nice try honey, but an Incubus is a kind of demon,” she said to him.

     “No no no! We are not!” The creature almost begged. Paige started to look angry again at its continued denial.

     “You must think we are stupid! Giving us a cheap lie like that!” Paige almost yelled. But then something happened that the both of them never would have expected. Some thing that would have probably been laughed off if it was suggested to them as a possible outcome earlier. Nevertheless of what they though of it though, it started happening.

     The creature began to cry.

     He was not bawling to wailing at all, and at that second he was looking down at the ground while on all four limbs. But a collection of tears started to puddle beneath where he was looking down. Then he looked up, his cheeks currently had a streak of liquid traveling down it, looking so scared.

     “Please… don’t hurt me…” he said so skittishly, that both Stella and Paige, though with Paige it was not to as extreme an agree, both felt an immense ping of guilt well up in their chests when they saw his stained face.

     Seeing this, both women felt pity for him. Especially Stella, who felt a degree of heartbreak at seeing him beg like that. Paige also felt pity for the creature, but was more concerned with whether not he was trying to trick them. In the end though, after viciously shaking her head, she scowled at him again.

     “Let’s say for a second that we believed you when you say you aren’t a demon. You still broke into our home, and were planning to do vile things to my friend,” she said to him. Stella remained silent, but stared intently at him. Almost as if she was scanning him like a machine. The creature’s expression took a hint of guilt in addition to his fear.

     “Y-Yes I was. But I did not want to! I was forced to,” he tried to argue.

     “Hmph! Yeah right,” Paige said, opening her spellbook again, “Save your lies for the Church, Hellspa-“

     “Paige, wait!” Stella said, causing both her and the creature to look at her in surprise, “I think he’s telling us the truth.”

     Paige’s eyes widened behind her glasses while the creature was stunned to silence.

     “What!- How?!- Wha-“ Paige stumbled for words at what her friend just said to her. Stella rolled her eyes again and pulled Paige a few steps away from the creature. The creature himself finally got off his hands and knees, not sitting in a kneeling position. He no longer looked terrified, but still nervous and guilty.

     “Stella, have you lost your mind?” Paige asked.

     “Paige, I got a good look at his body language. I don’t think he’s lying to us about this. Plus, right before we sprung our trap, I heard him say he was sorry about this. His tone was genuine remorse. Kinda weird for a demon to have, isn’t it?” Stella said.

     “Stella, he was going to rape you!” Paige said, still flabbergasted, and even looking a little angry about this. Stella crossed her arms under her chest again and gave a smirk. “But we stopped him. And like I said, I can tell he really didn’t want to.”

     Despite her current feelings, Paige knew that Stella had a gift for reading people. It was actually near impossible to lie to her because of this. Even Paige herself could not avoid Stella’s keen eye for deception and social cues, and she knew everything about it. But before she could offer a rebuttal, Stella pulled Paige closer and whispered to her.

     “And besides, look at him. He’s just so cute.”

     After Stella said that, both of them looked over to him. And indeed, to the two of them he was cute. And not just in the same vein of a little puppy. He had many of the attributes the two young women found attractive in a man. A well sculpted and even sort of gentle face, a tone chest with nicely defined abs, muscular arms and legs that were not grotesquely so… and the color of his skin as well as his tail and horns just added a sort of exotic appeal to his over all attractiveness to them.

     “Well… you, um, you got me there,” Paige blushed slightly, making Stella’s smirk widen a bit more, “But this is still something we should report to the Church.”

     “But the Church deals with demons. This guy isn’t a demon. He said so, and wouldn’t your holy magic caused more harm to him?”

     Paige looked back at the creature a bit closer, and she did notice that there was no burn marks from the Holy light on his skin. Nor was the collar around his neck looking like it was causing any continual discomfort. Granted, she did remember that he did look to be in pain when the color was materializing onto him.

     “I… think you might be right, Stel,” Paige admits. Stella’s smirk now transformed into a full smile as she pulled her friend with her so that they were standing right in front of the creature. The creature looked up to them, nervousness and guilt still written on his face, but now a hint a curiosity was present.

     Still smiling down at him, Stella offered him one of her hands. Paige, though reluctantly, also extended her hand to him.

     The creature stared at both their hands that they had offered him, looking like he was in a state of disbelief. Eventually though, he slowly and cautiously moved his own hands to theirs, flinching a bit right before his skin made contact with their own. His touch was slightly warmer than the average person.

     Simultaneously, and with a slight grunt from each, both women helped the creature to his feet. He was taller than them by about a foot, but he was not imposing at all. In fact, he actually felt like the small one at the moment.

     “So, Mr. Incubus,” Stella said, placing her hands on her hips while Paige crossed her own hands in front of her, still holding her now closed spellbook, “What is your name?”

     Paige thought this was another test to see if he was a demon or not. Given the power knowing a demon’s name gave over it, surely if this thing was a demon he would not so willingly tell them! But, he passed this test too.

     “M-My name? Kyleroth. Kyleroth Larnil,” he answered shyly.