Hello everyone. I can't believe that school is just around the corner *gasp*. While I'm going to miss my free time and lazy afternoons I'm also looking forward to being productive and back on a schedule. Until then I'm going to spend my time being lazy and trying to beat Legend of Dragoon (10 years and I've never beat it). Wait, I'm suppose to be talking about this story... Oh well, I hope you enjoy and thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far!
Beta Reader: bitbyboth
"My name is Dante, and this is my partner Nero." Dante gestured to the young hunter. "We would like to talk to you about the people that have gone missing lately. A friend said that you may have insight on what this could be that we are dealing with."
Marie got the hint and opened the door wider for the two to come inside. The pair entered the cottage as Marie closed the door behind them. She walked over to the table and asked them to have a seat.
Nero immediately began taking in his surroundings. The room they were in was fairly large and open. A fireplace was on one wall with brick surrounding it. The three of them were seated at an old kitchen table in the left corner of the room near the kitchen items. Overall the abode had a very old and almost tribal feel. There didn't seem to be electricity and all the lighting came from the fire and assorted candles in the room. Despite the old and dark nature of the house it was quite warm and cozy.
"So Dante and Nero, what would you like to know?"
Marie had poured two extra mugs of tea and slid them to her two guests.
"We've caught wind that the disappearances are unusual and might not be the work of humans," Dante explained before taking a drink from the steaming mug in his hand.
"I see. I take it that the two of you are hunters then."
Marie eyed both Dante and Nero for a moment. Nero glanced to Dante who nodded in response before she continued on again.
"Yes, I heard of the disappearances as well, even out here in the marshes. They seem to go missing without a trace and no clues to help solve the mystery. I don't know what is causing it, but I'm happy to help in any way that I can."
Dante's heart sank a bit at hearing this information. He was sure that she would have some inkling on what the cause was. But alas, she was as in the dark as the rest of them were. Every new lead had led to a dead end so far.
"I see; maybe we can use your help though. The few people that I talked to in town seemed to think highly of you. Your ties to the city could be useful in helping us gather more information and intel."
Marie nodded her head and ran a hand through her long dark hair. The glow of the fire cast a flattering light on her caramel skin.
"I love the people of this town. I began my practice here over a decade ago. They trust me and I care for them, and in turn I am willing to help you any way that I can."
"I'm curious, what exactly do you do?" Nero questioned with a puzzled look on his face. Ever since he heard Dante call her a 'witch doctor' he had been extremely enticed as to what that meant.
"I take care of people mostly. Sometimes I go into people's homes and heal the sick when they are physically ill. Other times I am called upon to take care of those who are spiritually sick. I have a connection with the spirits and can help those with darkness in them."
Nero glanced around the room as she continued speaking. There was a wide assortment of relics and strange items adorning the walls in the cottage. Above the fireplace was a strand of garlic, on the kitchen counter was a large clear jar of either salt or sugar, and dangling above the doorframe was a set of animal bones.
"The soul sometimes wanders, it happens to all types of people. I have also been known to go into people's homes and ward away unwelcome spirits."
Marie kept eye contact on Nero as she spoke. The younger slayer brought his attention back to her before nodding and taking another drink from his mug. Interesting.
"Do you like cast spells or sacrifice things?"
Dante snorted at hearing this. "You've been watching too many movies kid."
Marie giggled coyly before clearing the air. "I'm afraid not. I do however know some 'tricks' when it comes to changing ones fortunes or making things happen. Did you know that if a woman sprinkles some salt from her house to yours, it will give you bad luck until you clean the salt away and put pepper over your door sill? Also, you can give someone a headache by taking and turning their picture upside down."
"What? That just sounds like old rubbish that old people believe in." Nero seemed skeptical in all of this 'voodoo' stuff.
The witch doctor tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled at Nero. "You think so huh? In a world where demons take people in the dead of night and half-devils take on slaying their own kind you don't believe in a little voodoo?"
"Oh it's real kid and you'd be surprised at what a witch doctor can do." Dante leaned back a bit in his chair and gave Nero a condescending look.
"Hmm, it does sound interesting; maybe I should find out more about it later."
"I'm pleased that you find it interesting." Marie pursed her lips and drank from her steaming drink. "It is quite amazing what the right know-how and some energy can do."
Dante stood up from the table and spoke. "Sorry we can't stay longer but we should head out before it gets too late. Whatever this is won't catch itself."
Marie and Nero also stood from their seats.
"If you are headed back to the city then allow me to join you. I have business that I need to attend to later this evening." Marie took the three mugs and deposited them into the sink.
"Yeah, you're more than welcome to join us; you can probably lead us out of these swamps faster than we can ourselves." Dante headed towards the front door with Nero close behind.
Marie walked into a room in the back. She grabbed a bag and threw a few things in before coming back into the main room. After extinguishing all of the candles and the fire in the fireplace the trio headed out into the foggy swampland.
As expected she led them back into Creola swiftly and without any conflict along the way. They arrived in the small village as the sun was setting beyond the horizon. A few people were out and about taking care of their business before night fell.
"Thanks for showing us the way." Dante gave her a small wave.
"It was my pleasure."
She turned to leave but halted and spun back to face the two slayers once again.
"Actually I am headed to someone's house now for a cleansing, would the two of you care to join?" Marie extended the invitation and awaited a response from the hunters.
"I have to meet up with Robert and ask him a few things, but kid if you are interested you don't have to tag along with me."
Nero pondered this for a moment trying to decide if he wanted to go with Dante and talk to the spicy food guy or watch some possibly badass witchcraft. He didn't think on it too long.
"I think I'll go with Marie and keep her company for a bit."
Marie gave a smile in response at hearing Nero's plans.
"Okay, call me when you are done and I'll take us back to the hotel, okay kid?"
Despite hearing it numerous times a day Nero still slightly cringed when Dante called him 'kid' He was always more aware of it when in the presence of other people- especially a woman.
"Yeah yeah, I got it old man."
Nero rolled his eyes and turned to walk towards Marie.
"Take good care of him," Dante laughed before turning and heading towards the parked black car.
"Don't worry, I will."
*gasp* Doesn't Nero know to never go with strangers!? He is always getting into shenanigans lol. You can expect some 'voodoo' magic to happen in the next chapter!