Chapter 66

“Can’t believe she said that about me.” JJ said as they drove away from the movie theater. The Greater Rift had closed, and the Demon Hunter had assured Henry they needed to leave quickly. Apparently, the plan was to try and draw The Consumer to a pretty empty, vacant area, for JJ to deal with him. JJ apparently was taking them to their old high school, figuring the football field should be extremely empty at this time, and no one went around at dark in that area anyways.

“Oh come on, you’re used to it.”

“Why must people just see height and automatically assume it’s a no go.”

“That’s rich, coming from you.” Henry retorted. His best friend had a, somewhat shallow mentality when it came after chasing after women. Meaning, first and foremost, he went based off of looks.

“Oy. I’ll give them a shot if they’ve a great personality.” JJ replied, feigning hurt. “I just, have a type I like, ya know.”

“Your type is anyone out of your league.” Henry said with a laugh.

“Asshole. Keep it up, and I might let The Consumer take you down a peg or two before I help out.”

“Hey, I did my part. I did one better. I didn’t just get you her number. But now she’s willing to hangout with you. Best. Wingman. Ever.”

“You told her I would just power level her.” JJ’s tone betrayed his feelings though. His best friend was happy about the situation. “That’s totally different from a date.”

“Better date than just sitting around at home watching Netflix while you try to make a move on her.” Henry said with a laugh. “I’m onto you and your Netflix and Chill shenanigans.”

The two laughed for a good moment, the tension lifting again, even as they made their way towards something that could very well be Henry’s last moments. Judging by what he’d been able to glean of the situation, The Consumer was a massive threat, and Henry was terrified about facing that creature once again. Even the brief encounter with him had been nightmare fuel, and Henry hadn’t fully recovered.

Hell, the only reason he was going along with this plan, was because the thought of running into The Consumer again, while he was alone, scared him more than this possible encounter. At least with JJ by his side…there was a safety net of sorts, right?

They made small talk as they continued navigating the streets. The movie theater was roughly 15 minutes away from their old High School, and before long, they were pulling up on it, the giant, metal gladiator outside making it instantly recognizable. The Gladiator, made from sheet metal, was apparently a gift to the school from one of the old graduating classes, and provided quite the depiction of the mascot.

“A few things, as we get ready to do this.” JJ said as he parked in the Senior parking lot, giving them a straight walking shot towards the massive football stadium.

“What’s up?”

“First, do not tell anyone what my D.E.D. look like, what they do, nothing. I’m not sure what I’ll need to do to fight this guy, and I can’t have any of my secrets getting spilled.”

“Says the guy who randomly tells Exorcists he thinks are hot he’s a Demon Hunter.” Henry’s comment earned him a stern look. “Right, I know. Secret is safe with me.” Henry was trying to keep the tone light, but his stress was building.

“Second. No matter what happens, do not interfere. Last thing I need is you getting yourself killed while I’m trying to keep you alive. In fact, once The Consumer shows up, make sure you put your D.E.D. away. I need you as bait, but once the target is here, you’re just a liability.”

“Screw you too.” Henry responded, but he nodded.

“Third,” JJ flashed a weary smile. “If I fall in battle here, make sure you tell everyone I died doing something epic.”

“Got it. I’m sure I can come up with something epic.”

“Thanks. And don’t worry, if you die, I’ve got your story lined up. You died from heartbreak after learning Santa Claus wasn’t real.”

“Dick.”

“You love me.” JJ laughed. “But real talk. Don’t let me die. If I’m about to die, break rule number 2, sacrifice all your D.E.D., and get me the hell outta there.”

“Not a fan of that.” Henry replied. “So, uh, maybe just don’t lose?”

“Figured as much.” JJ said with a sigh, “but yeah, I’m sure I would trade your life if it meant keeping some of my D.E.D. alive. But, personally, I’m not a fan of such thoughts. Hell, there are some D.E.D. the Demon Hunters are actually straight up told are worth losing their lives over keeping safe. What’s a human life compared to a creature of magical power, right?”

“I mean, they’re not just tools either. It’s part of what I don’t like about the way the Exorcists work.” Henry commented.

“Exactly. Glad you understand that much at least. Sooner or later, maybe we can turn you into a proper Demon Hunter.” JJ cracked his neck. “But first, we’ve got to deal with all these lame exorcists shit you’ve brought me into. Plus, ya know, save the world and such.”

“Just a few minor things, yeah?” They chuckled again as they reached the stadium and made their way onto the field. It was practically pitch black, save for the light of the full moon above them. While the stadium obviously had lighting, turning those own, would defeat the purpose of choosing this as a viable location.

“Oh yeah, one last thing.” JJ commented as he motioned for Henry to begin. According to JJ, The Consumer sought out powerful Essence, and those with extremely powerful resonations. Meaning, to act as bait, JJ wanted Henry to summon all five of his D.E.D. in the Stadium. Which should be more than enough to bring out The Consumer.

“What’s that?” Henry asked as he brought out his Naiad first, followed by the ever-temperamental Chimera. Which, immediately growled towards the Blade Drake, before it bowed its head slightly under the baleful gaze of the stronger D.E.D.

“Trust me, yeah?”

Even as Henry began to respond, every hair on his body stood on end as a wave of fear rushed over him. A moment later, darkness erupted all around them, sapping everything towards a singular focal point.

“It’s been a while,” JJ’s voice said towards the darkness. From it, the same, terrifying figure from before appeared.

The pale fleshed figure, its eyes dark pools of hunger, grinned. Blood red lips parted, revealing the dangerous, twisted fang-like teeth. It nodded in JJ’s direction.

“Jeremiah.” A voice like rustling parchment said aloud. “My dear Grandson. You’ve grown.”