C13: Make a Plan

The stable was a good place to sleep for homeless people. The sun shone on dear old goblin Kimbly's stable for horses in 'Hesmot Street,' right down the alley from Holly's Bar.

It was morning and the radio on the stable was loud and clear. Even though Eric was trying to keep his eyes closed, he couldn't simply do that, because his sharp ears caught the sharpest news he had heard in a while.

"Jef…. What do you think about this grand news spreading throughout the outskirts of Downwood? Do you really think that the shadows returning once again is true? Or do you say these gossip and rumors are…. Fabricated?"

Eric was sleeping on the bag of things he owned. Yes, he only owned that much.

His eyes narrowed as he listened to the new 'Demon King' Rising' news. Even he as a Vampire hadn't lived back in the day when Demon Hordes came to battle them. Though, he did remember that his great great grandfather fought in one, which was centuries ago.

"Hmmm… Demon Hordes? I wonder who made the uproar about this crap. Last time… the Demon King was struck down perfectly by the Angel, he couldn't have been reborn… ain't that right Rib?"

His horse, who was tied up in the stable, neighed in response.

The Vampire was a loner. Though, after traveling so many places without an acquaintance even, he had gotten used to this lifestyle he was leading. Just… talking to Rib at times and doing quests and whatever was 'paying' as his day job.

However, if the so-called Shadows were truly moving on the outskirts of Downwood, the king would pay handsomely to anyone who stops them.

But it wasn't confirmed yet, so Eric didn't get his hopes up for killing demons!

////

Jamie exited the library, still wondering what to do about the situation. But as the book said, these wandering demons called 'Shadows' rode towards the Demon King to guide him to world domination. So, for a brief explanation of his destiny… he had to wait for these demons to find him.

But what if any of the villagers found out who he was? And… like the book suggested, World Domination doesn't happen in a couple of months. It takes years. '3 or 4 maybe...?'

But what the hell was he supposed to do now…?

However, Jamie couldn't help but feel that he had lost something on his way here. What was it that he forgot? Jamie touched his back.

"Oh shit! I forgot the damn sword…"

And it was back at Holly's house, which meant he had to go meet Holly once again. Besides, he only knew Holly and a handful of people in this new town. Who else should he possibly meet?

But before he went to her house again, he had something else to do.

Buying a goddamn phone… cause Wikipedia probably had more things about the Demon King than a goddamn book!

////

He gazed at the new Blueberry S6 he had bought.

[14:00]

Finally… he can actually check the time.

Holly hasn't opened the bar yet, which meant she was probably back at her home. If she isn't, that's just bad luck.

*Knock! Knock!*

The rapid knocking sound disturbed Holly's peaceful time with Netflix. She doesn't usually have guests, but she was expecting one guy's arrival.

"Coming!"

Wearing her loose t-shirt and those tight shorts, she hurried to the door and opened it.

A familiar face… ah.... the face she was expecting to see. "Jamie? You…."

"Yeah – Hi, Holly. I forgot something and left it at your place… so –"

"Of course… stupid. I was expecting you," she kept her hand at the side of the door and stopped the troubled man for a moment. "And I kept your legendary sword safe…" the woman quickly hurried into the house and bought back his [Old Eden Sword].

"So, Jamie… Did you find anything, or remember anything about your past? A family member… or at least a friend or an acquaintance?"

Jamie shook his head with a tiresome expression.

"Hmm… You look tired, Jamie? Why not come in and have a seat? Also… I told you earlier. If you need a house or a place to sleep, mine is always available…"

Jamie smiled at her. "Nope… I won't like to disturb you… trust me. You won't like it either."

'I hope I could say it to you, trust me, Holly. But I can't. If I stay here, the Demons would come here and ruin your life. So trust me… you don't want me to stay at your place,' Jamie thought inwardly, looking at the woman's eyes.

"Jamie… then, just come in for a tea."

////

Holly handed him a cup of tea and sat cross-legged on the couch, fixing her gaze on him.

Jamie loved the generosity of the girl. She was loving and caring, real good for a wife. Though, he highly doubted that she'd accept a demon King if she doesn't even accept Eric who was a Vampire.

"Jamie, what is bothering you? You know… even though I haven't met you before, you feel like someone I can trust and honor. I felt that last night too… though I was drunk, and I went too far with my feelings for you."

Jamie blinked. "Eh? Feelings…" he chuckled. "I'm just a new guy in town. Don't trust everyone you think is good in just over a single day."

Holly sat on the other chair, feeling down after hearing him say that. She didn't want him to say that to her, but it was inevitable.

"I guess… you're right."

She gazed at Jamie once again.

"Jamie… There is this Demon Hunters Guild in Sapphire St. I don't think the people there hunt demons anymore, but they might know you since you're a demon hunter too. If you want to work, that place might be good. Everyone there is a professional, at 30 or some even higher than Level 30. They work once a month or once a week, in teams or alone. Join their guild since you too are a Demon Hunter. There must be a chance there."

Jamie smiled and thanked her for the tea and the information.

However, there was still a place he hadn't checked out yet.

The place that 'Lorkey' Witch offered him.

He reached into his pockets and pulled out two cards. One from her sister, Claire, and the other from the older sister.

He gazed at Holly. "I think I have another place to visit. I'll meet you at the bar again, hopefully!" Jamie stood up and hurried out. Holly instantly shot up from her chair and followed him to the doorstep.

"But… Jamie…" she said, worryingly. "What do you mean by 'hopefully'?"

Jamie went out of the door and turned around. "Again… you don't know me, babe. And I'm still looking for myself… so –"

Holly pulled Jamie from his collar and kissed him on the lips. Then, she looked into his eyes and said, "Come back to me!"

Jamie smiled at her. "I'll try my best!"