Chapter 7

Lena felt like if a bucket of ice cold water was splashed on her. Did he just say he wanted her to film another murder scene? Why?

"Excuse me?" she asked half-surprised, half-irritated. "Why do you want me to do that? Isn't it so that the chosen children do the filming?"

"Yes, it is so," the demon replied. "But now it's time for a change. And I know you can do it, so refusing is not an option. I think there is no need to remind that you are out of choices."

"Yeah, yeah, so much I knew…" Lena huffed. "Have you already chosen the family?"

"Not yet. I will let you know when it happens. And believe my word, that will be very soon."

The woman sighed heavily, but there wasn't much she could do. Disobeying the demon would cause very unpleasant consequences.

"One more question. Do I have to carry the box again to the house where this "ritual" of yours is going to take place?"

"No. As you will be filming this time, you will bring the box with you on the day of the ritual. And you will need only the camera, so the projector and the tapes can stay at your home," Bughuul explained to her. "Till then, keep it safe and hidden in your house. See you around."

At this moment the demon disappeared. Lena still sat on the chair, trying to digest all that has just happened. First, he made her watch the murder scenes of whole families, including the most recent one. She had to admit that the last killings were the fastest and most painless, comparing to the rest. And now he wanted her to be present at the next killing scene and film it. If it was going to be something similar to the last scene, it would me more or less bearable. But she wasn't sure. All that Lena knew is that Bughuul was definitely preparing her for something. But for what? The demon will not leave her ignorant, that she was sure about. She will get her answer.

In time.

***

Six days passed in peace, no sign of the demon or anything connected to him. Lena couldn't complain about anything in general, but her soul couldn't find peace, considering what she was going to go through. Bughuul could appear any day, any moment, and announce that he made his choice of the next victims. She was prepared for this though. Lena began to realize that Bughuul's appearance at her house was becoming usual, like going to work or having breakfast, not mentioning the absence of fear of him.

***

One more week, and still nothing. Lena has already begun to wonder about what could have happened. Did it really take him so long to search for the victims or was there something else. She could only presume that he probably wanted to take a break between the murders, for any case. Otherwise it would raise suspicions at once.

On the fifteenth day, things changed at last. After her return home from work and having supper, Lena stumbled on the demon again, and once more in her own bedroom.

"Oh, hello again," she said, crossing arms on her chest. "How are things going? I presume you have finally found what you wanted?"

"Yes, I have," Bughuul said. "Are you ready to go?"

"I think so," the woman replied. "But where now?"

"I will lead the way, just like the last time. Now take the box and prepare to leave. Soon is midnight, and then you can go."

Bughuul vanished again, and Lena slowly began to dress up in her black "uniform". She wondered how far he would make her go this time, but no matter where the goal is, she had to be maximally careful. She still hasn't abandoned the thought about police patrol, even at night. After all, no one can be sure of that.

Lena waited till midnight, and right after the clock showed twelve, she opened the front door quietly, peeking outside for the signs of any people. For now, the streets seemed deserted. Lena thanked God that there were not many street lanterns in the street she lived on, so it would be easier to hide in the shadows. Holding the "Home movies" box with the camera inside, she locked her house and looked around, not knowing where to go.

"The place you have to reach is 10 Harbour Road, by the railways. Everything is ready for you," Bughuul's voice suddenly echoed in her head.

Harbour Road? Oh yeah, I know where it is, - Lena thought to herself. But what did he mean by saying that everything was ready? She didn't dare to speak out loud, in case if someone might hear her. But it was no problem for Bughuul though, as he could hear her thoughts.

Lena carefully moved to the left, trying to stick to the darkness, hiding behind the trees and bushes if necessary. The demon warned her if there were any threats, like somebody stepping out of the house to smoke or a car passing by. She had to hide many times, but safety was the main priority.

She reached the chosen house in around thirty minutes, as her own house wasn't located too far from the railways. It was also a relatively small house that had only one floor, and the windows were dark. Lena wondered what she was to do now until suddenly someone grabbed her wrist. Lena felt blood in her veins getting cold, thinking that she might be caught. But when she turned around, there was just a little girl standing beside her and holding her hand. She looked around eleven years old. And while holding Lena's wrist, the girl always stared into the woman's eyes, without saying a single word.

"Don't worry, Lena." Bughuul suddenly appeared behind her back. "She is the chosen one."

"Oh…" Lena sighed in relief. "Damn, when she grabbed my hand, I thought I'm done for."

"Don't worry, no one shall catch you. I will not allow it to happen. Now, she will lead you to the place of the ritual."

Still holding Lena's hand, the girl led her away from the house, and right to the railways. There a horrible sight opened to her eyes: four people with their mouths taped up, tied to the railway, and all were still alive. Lena knew that this girl has drugged her family and tied them to the railway after she made sure they were unable to resist. The plan was now more than clear – they were going to wait until the train comes, and the unfortunate victims will severed into pieces by it. She shuddered from a single thought about filming this scene.

"Now, take out the camera and switch it on," Bughuul commanded. Lena did what he told and then asked quietly:

"But how do you know when the train comes? We can wait like that for hours, especially at night."

"The train is going to pass this spot in five minutes. It's a night train." the demon explained. "When I said that everything is ready, I meant it."

The last words he spoke with a hint of a snicker. This uncertainty of hers entertained him, but it will go away in time. He knew she would become similar to him, and murder scenes will not affect her in any way, shape, or form. But everything comes in its own time.

Lena and the girl stood in the shadow where no one could see them. Five minutes have passed, and the sounds of the train were becoming louder with every second. Holding the camera in one hand, the young woman felt the girl squeezing her palm lightly. And right at that moment the train passed by in full speed, cutting the victims into pieces. Lena sighed heavily and sadly when that happened, but, on the other hand, she was surprised that she didn't turn away or the strong feel of disgust didn't take over her. Now all that was left of those unfortunate ones was a bloody mess. Lena continued filming, as Bughuul didn't give the order to stop, and when all was silent again, the girl came out in front of the camera and put her index finger to her mouth, just like the other kids did after murdering their families. And after that Bughuul came into the frame, took the girl into his arms and carried her away into the darkness.

For minute or two, Lena just stood in her spot with the camera, not knowing what to do. Finally she decided to switch off the camera, as the "ritual" was over, and there was nothing more to film. Before she managed to put the camera back into the box, the demon's voice echoed in her mind again.

"Your work is done for today, Lena, you may go home. Keep the box safely hidden until our next meeting. I'll see you after a while."

And that was it, no more sounds or any other signs of his or the girl's presence. Lena packed the camera into the box and left the crime spot as fast as she could. Reaching her house without any incidents, the first thing she did was putting the other things from the box back where they belonged and hid them under her bed. Taking a quick shower, Lena went to bed, but couldn't fall asleep for a few hours. No wonder, as the death scene she had witnessed and filmed still stood before her eyes. This is something she would be unable to forget for a while. All Lena could now do is wonder about how many times this merciless demon would make her film the grisly crimes. This sure is one hard mental experience. But she would get used to it later or soon, if she has to repeat this process again and again. After all, Lena just had to hold the camera, and as long as things were bearable, she was alright with that.

Unless…

Unless one fine day he makes her commit the murder with her own hands.