Legacy of Dolyn

by Amelia Guillem

  "Is there a reason why you called me here? Did I do something wrong? Seems you didn't call me to chat..." Agnes asked, gripping to her chair.

  Alejandro laughed. "Ha-ha! No, no! Please don't misunderstand. You didn't do anything wrong. I didn't call to discipline you. In fact, I called you as a family member who wanted to know how you're feeling right now."

  "Oh! I'm happy I've gotten this promotion, and I get the chance to live on campus with the other professors. I've heard only ten can live here. They're very selective."

  "Yes, nine of them lived here for over 30 years. You, being the youngest, make it ten. You have truly earned the privilege."

  "Father lived here too until he married...”

  "You do realize by living here, 'he' gets to live here as well. You haven't forgotten, correct?"

  "There's no need to worry. I'll make sure none of the professors see his face; even by accident. My job is on the line, after all."

  Agnes stands from her chair, taking steps towards Alejandro. She holds like a school girl about to confess her feelings to her crush. "I can never thank you enough for all you did for me. You believed in me when no one else couldn't."

  Alejandro touches her shoulder with one hand and strokes her cheek with another. He brushes her hair, feeling the soft strands on his fingers. She gets closer, hugs him, and lays her head on his chest. He draws her gently and drops a kiss. She takes the kiss with her eyes half-open.

  Then a trickle leaks from her lips.

  Is it saliva?

  No, blood!

  Strings of black hair bind Agnes all over. They came from the floor.

  "Alejandro, what is this?!"

  He stands with a smirk, watching his prey suffer.

  Date: September 6

  Time: Afternoon, Full Moon

  Aster is sitting at the library, waiting for a text response. He knows he cannot call, so he sends a text instead. She always responds. But now, he’s seeing Agnes is not returning his messages.

  “Maybe she’s teaching?” He knows Agnes can’t answer while she’s working. Yet, her class ended an hour ago. He’s also under her order (and of the college) to remain in the library until closing. The part he’s sitting at is empty, but few students and staff are walking around. He decides to continue waiting.

  The reason is he forgot his laptop. It still sits inside Agnes’ car. He was busy reading student papers that he didn’t notice the device isn’t there. He continues to wait for her response. Since then, 30 minutes have passed.

  .............

  Aster is getting worried. He remains seated but his leg shiver. “How busy can she be? I know today is the first day of classes but still...”

  He remembered asking for details about her plans after class. She mentioned it was personal. He knew she was going to see the president because he marked it on the calendar. He didn’t find it unusual given it’s the first day of classes. Perhaps he thinks they want to meet to go over semester objectives.

  Aster is also aware Alejandro is Agnes’ cousin. It’s possible they wanted to talk as a family. Nothing wrong with that.

  “Something about Alejandro doesn’t seem right. He looks too young to be the university president.” Aster is pondering. He wants to look up something. But since he doesn’t have his laptop, he has no choice but to wander the library for a computer.

  “I’m sorry, Agnes, but I must disobey.” He pulled his scarf up, leaving his eyes as his only exposure. He prays no one sees his face accidentally. Lucky for him, he finds one quick.

  He types Alejandro’s name into the search engine. Typical results include his website, resume, and profile. He stumbles upon a blog post with details of him and a car crash.

  He finds it strange the first pages didn’t reveal anything. He found it after over ten pages of scrolling. The blog post, written by anonymous, shows a picture of Alejandro who looks exactly like him. The post states Alejandro died in a car crash, and his body was charred. But he can be seen walking around leaving many to wonder if he is a ghost. The incident happened 50 years ago! Alejandro should be a senior by now.

  “I knew it!” Aster figured that Alejandro shouldn’t keep his youthful appearance. Thus, he concludes that Alejandro isn’t human. He also thought Agnes could be in danger, so he risks by dashing against the students. The students and staff are amazed at a black figure running across them at high speed.

  But at least they didn’t see his face.

  ***

  Meanwhile, Agnes remains trapped. Strings of hair render her immobile. The unexpected horror leads her to tear up. “Alejandro, tell me why?!” She hears a vibration of her smartphone coming from her purse, knowing Aster is texting her.

  “It’s your savior I presume. Fine! Before I kill you, you need to know the truth of your job. The reason you got hired. No! The reason you got promoted. And it’s not because you’re the ex-president’s daughter.” Alejandro takes a step towards her. She trembles in fear as he passes his finger under her chin like a feather.

  “Do you remember? Years ago, when I found you crying in your room? You have taken down all the posters with the image of a certain someone because you were bullied. I’ve told you to never lose heart. To ignore the haters and to come here to achieve your dreams of fulfilling your obsession!”

  “Y-Yes, I remember,” she said. “You told me so. I came here because you’re the one who believed me, who understood me. I figured I could get my degree and become a professor to preach my students so they can experience what I felt.”

  “Correct. I fulfilled my promise by giving you employment. Before then, it happened. Three years ago. I saw with my own eyes how the witch possessed you. Took over you!”

  “How?” Her eyes widened.

  “The memorial you always sat! You’re lucky I’m the only one who knows this. It would’ve been a scandal should the entire campus know. A professor possessed by a ghost... of that witch no less.”

  “How can you say that? You’re a descendant!”

  “Bah! I am one of the many members of the branch family. This campus is managed by direct descendants. Members of the branch family have no business in running this place!” He gazes at Agnes’ confused look. “You didn’t know? The entire committee is held by them. That’s why they’re so nice to you. Because you’re family!”

  “But you gave me a job...”

  “I’m the president, and I can do whatever I want! This is what happens when a brat by the witch ends up with too many children outside of wedlock. The descendants must pay the price for his stupidity. But I can still take it back! I must kill you, then the committee. Later, I’ll do every direct descendant and set up my own monarchy. This will show who’s the worthless branch now!” Alejandro gives out a maniacal laugh.

  “Why, Alejandro? My father entrusted you when he retired...” she whimpered.

  “Yes, because I had the looks! Your father figured that I would further relate to students. Why? Because I am an idol! A celebrity! Your father is a brilliant educator, but he’s also a businessman. And he did whatever he could to bring profit like every businessman ever.”

  “Father...” she murmured.

  “Business is a nasty yet necessary thing. For a business to survive, the competition must be eliminated, starting with you. The witch is a threat. If I could end you, I’ll do the rest. Farewell, my dearest cousin...” he hissed, preparing his palm for a beam attack. Then stops when he sees Agnes not moving, thinking she died.

  THUMP!

  Beating!

  Let me out! This man is not human! He fused with a demon! A contract! He is not real!

  “Liz...”

  Agnes hears the voice in her head.

  “I see how it works. The witch takes over when you’re about to die. Alright, let her do it! I’ve been waiting all these years for a good fight!!”

  She gasps in agony.

  This man is not who you think he is! He used you! Getting you promoted is a means to trap you. This was his plan
from the very beginning!!

  “Liz, don’t do this...”

  Sweat drops from her face as her conscious fights Liz’s possession. Alejandro gets hysterical.

  “YES! YES! LET THE WITCH OUT!!”

  Please, let me out! I’ll set you free!!

  “No!!” she wailed, tears begin to stream.

  “I’ll kill you and your savior! That’s right! I arranged the housing, so I can watch you at all times and kill you if I see fit.”

  Don’t you see? He’s using you for blackmail!

  “Alejandro, you believed in me...”

  No! He never meant anything. Ever!

  “The witch is correct. Do you think I cared for you? You’re just a sad princess who would cling to anyone who listens. I knew you were suffering, so I had my lines prepared to say exactly what you want to hear. You fell for it like the loser you are,” he snickered.

  “Alejandro...”

  Come, take me! Let us defeat this monster!!

  “No! I won’t allow it!! NOOOO!”

  Silence follows. Stalls. Still streaming tears.

  His brows furrowed in anger.

  “What?! Why you didn’t let her out?!”

  “You’re my cousin. I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “You fool! DIE!!” Alejandro strikes a beam attack from his palm, ripping her clothes, and knocking her to the floor. Her sweater and long skirt blown to shreds. Her eyeglasses shattered. Strings of hair withdraw, and the only things intact are her purse, underwear, and shoes.

  “Now let me blast you off so the witch won’t possess again...” Alejandro opened his palm for another attack. Suddenly, he heard a sound coming towards the door.

  “Agnes! Agnes!” Aster finally made it. He tried opening the door and found it locked as expected. He blasts it open with magic.

  “How did you get here?!”

  “I tracked her smartphone.”

  “You’re quite versed in technology for a monster. Agnes trained you well.”

  “Where’s Agnes?”

  “Right there,” he said, gesturing at the floor.

  Aster rushes towards her. “Agnes! Agnes, please wake up!! No... You bastard!”

  “Don’t worry. Agnes isn’t dead. Not when she’s protected by that witch...” His eyes shift towards Aster. “I don’t know how you made it here by yourself without causing scandal. But it doesn’t matter. I’ll fire her on the spot. Better than that, I’ll kill you all. Of course, you can return to the library and do your work like nothing happened.”

  “I don’t have to listen to you, monster!”

  “Say what?!”

  “Don’t play dumb! You fused with a demon. If you still deny, then tell me about the car crash. The real Alejandro is dead, is he not?”

  “You’re starting to get on my nerves. Of course, I AM Alejandro! I AM the president! I don’t know anything about a car crash! Let me guess: you found some random information on the Internet, and you decide to use it against me. Not a problem. I’ll sue you and the one who posted it. But I’m not going to let my name take a hit. I’ll kill you instead. I have these powers, after all.”

  “The real Alejandro died in a car accident when he was 20. If he were still alive, he'd be 70. A man his age should not be like you!!”

  “I have enough money for plastic surgery. I could show you my bills. In fact, I’ll call my surgeons right now, and they’ll tell you the truth.”

  “And they’ll tell you about your demon fusion, right?” Aster said, mocking Alejandro’s words. His comment made Alejandro furious, who posed for an attack. Aster draws his sword. Both begin their battle. Blows are exchanged back and forth.

  As for Agnes, she wakes up. She sits, realizing the horror of her clothes ripped apart. Bruises and injuries are visible. She tries to stand, but the pain forces her to remain on the floor.

  Aster and Alejandro continue the fighting. Alejandro shoots his strings of hair towards Aster, who managed to cut them off.

  “You’re such an incompetent fighter. I can see your attacks, and I know when the next one’s coming. Since you won’t listen to the truth, I’ll finish you right now.”

  “Wait! Aster! Alejandro!” Agnes cried.

  Aster takes notice and rushes towards her. “Agnes, you’re alright! Thank goodness! I’ll heal you, but I must finish him first.”

  “Is it true? That you’re dead? Does anyone in the family knows about this?” she asked, raising her gaze towards Alejandro.

  “So, you believe in this monster...”

  “Just tell me. I need to know...”

  “Tell her the truth, demon!” Aster stands, pointing his sword towards Alejandro’s throat. Alejandro begins to mumble as he clenches his head in distress, hearing the voices.

  “Your son is dead... your son died in a car accident... your son is dead... No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, NOOO! My son cannot be dead!!!!”

  “What are you saying? You never married!” Agnes said, calling out to Alejandro’s trauma. He moves across the table, tumbling everything over.

  “Shut up! SHUT UP!! My son is NOT dead!!”

  “But Alejandro didn’t die. It was Uncle Juan...”

  “I see now. You’re the father who took the image of his son because he couldn’t get over the grief of his son’s death. You made a pact with the demon to do this, am I right?” Aster said.

  The room is silent as they wait for his answer.

  “Alejandro was my only son.” The demon gave a voice that is different from Alejandro’s. It’s the voice of an elderly man. “I made a pact as soon as I heard the news. I exchanged my life so that my son would still be here. I didn’t want to make my wife suffer. After all, we waited years to have our first child. It wouldn’t be fair...”

  “You lied to our family, Uncle Juan.”

  “Unfortunately, yes. I was selfish. I should have told the truth many years ago. Argh!!” Then Alejandro, or Juan rather, gets a heart attack. He takes it as a sign of violating the contract with the demon for exposing the truth. “The demon will use my body to harm everyone. I must destroy it. I’m sorry, Agnes. Take care...”

  Juan begins chanting an unfamiliar spell. Aster snatches a tablecloth to wrap Agnes and carries her to jump out of the window. They flee far from the mansion to witness the explosion inflicted by Juan’s spell. The mansion blows up, leaving fire and smoke. Firefighters and police appear forcing Aster and Agnes to escape into the woods.

  ***

  “Search all areas for evidence. Report anything suspicious,” demanded the detective. Hordes of policemen and their dogs walk the woods for evidence. Aster and Agnes hide underneath a thick bush. She tries to speak, but Aster hushes her not to because he senses a police officer and his dog close by. They decide to remain still.

  The dog sniffs the bushes for clues. Dogs have an excellent sense of smell so it won’t take long to discover them. Thus, Aster had to resort to the Dark Mist spell to cut visibility.

  “Hey! I can’t see!” shouted the officer.

  “I can’t see either!” shouted another.

  “Let’s retreat!” shouted yet another.

  The officers retreat, but Aster and Agnes stay until nighttime. Firefighters put out the fire, but the police will remain looking for clues.

  Date: September 6

  Time: Late Night, Full Moon

  Aster wakes to realize it’s past midnight. Both fell asleep after the police retired. “Hey! Agnes, get up!” He nudges her. Agnes is deep in her sleep. “You need to wake.” He nudged again. Aster used his healing spell hours ago.

  He heard a groan. Agnes has woken up. “Aster...” she muttered. Agnes was asleep in his arms. The wounds she had healed, but her state of mind hasn’t. A family member died just now.

  “It looks like the police left for the day. We need to leave now.” Aster carries her to the parking lot where her car is located. “I know you don’t feel like driving, but you have to do this. Hold on...” He removes his black hood and places it
on her as he takes the tablecloth off.

  “Wait!” she called out. Removing Aster's hood leaves him vulnerable to onlookers. Thus, she gathers energy to push him to the back seat. He lies on the floor with the tablecloth covering him. Then she enters the car, starts the engine, and drives far away from campus.

  They arrive at his shack in the middle of the forest. Aster escorts her to his bed. “There’s only one bed,” she said. “You’ll sleep on it,” he said, removing his hood from her.

  “You’ll sleep on the floor?”

  “Don’t mind me.”

  Agnes lies down and covers with the tablecloth he gave her. She closes her eyes. Aster watches a little and gently strokes her cheek. Sadly sighing, he falls asleep afterward.

  Date: September 7

  Time: Morning

  Aster left the shack to find food and clothes for Agnes. He arrived at a convenience store. No worries, he’s fully covered. Anyway, he gathers as much food and clothes he can carry. The seller gives him a curious look. “It’s for my friend... She’s suffering,” he muffled. Fortunately for him, the store accepts credit cards.

  Date: September 7

  Time: Afternoon

  “I need to bathe,” Agnes said. With that in mind, Aster takes her to a water hole. “Is it safe?” she asked. “Yes, I bathe here myself. But I don’t swim. Obvious reasons,” he replied. Agnes starts to remove the T-shirt he bought for her. This reminds him to retreat up north.

  Before long, she removes all her clothes and dips into the water. “Ah! I never did this. It’s embarrassing, but I feel good,” she said, blushing.

  In the meantime, Aster watches from afar without her noticing. His face is also red as he watches her frolic in the water. He tries to contain himself without losing it. Such a scene will repeat day after day as they stay hidden.

  Date: September 20

  Time: Morning, New Moon

  Yes, I’m finally back! Did you miss me? Hehe!

  Maury, Gwen, and I finished eating our breakfast. We woke up late because we were drinking and telling each other dirty jokes.

  Anyway, I hear the doorbell ring as soon as I get up to do the dishes. I assume it’s the mailman, but I peek and figure it’s Aster with the professor. Talk about a surprise!