FILE 10: THE HAUNTED HOUSE PART 5

Our fight lasted for hours. For some reason, Aoibheann no longer had her heart in the battle. When I punched her chest she didn't even defend herself.

I leaned against the pedestal as I observed the Sith. She looked haggard and no longer radiant. Her body was full of bruises, and her hair was oily. 

After a few hours of fighting, she looked like she had aged for decades. "I'm going to destroy the grimoire. That will kill you, right?" I announced. She remained quiet. So to muster the remaining energy I had, I used CLAW.

The book was shattered, and pieces of paper flew everywhere.

I heard a shriek behind me and turned. Aoibheann held her head, blood streaming from her eyes and mouth. She moaned while writhing in agony on the floor. I couldn't feel any pity for her, though.

Many died for her, so it was only right that she died as well. A moment later, she sighed and stopped moving. Her body shrank as if all the blood were drained from her. Ugh, I can't believe I thought she was beautiful. 

Well, mission accomplished as I left the dark room, leaving the dead corpse behind. After climbing the stairs, I heard the voices of the dark cloud commenting;

[Can you feel it?]

[No way!]

[See? I told you he could do it.]

[But he looks so stupid.]

[What now?]

[Let's show him where we are.]

[Mister! Mister! Follow us, follow us!]

I was dead tired and wanted to go to the shower, but the ghosts kept pushing me. They showed me a door that was barely visible to the eye, and if they hadn't shown me the way, I would never have known it was there.

[It used to be the attic, but they use it for something else.]

[Yes, yes. Before they come back.]

[This will help you and, in turn, help us.]

The smoke waited on one side as I opened the small door. On the other side was an old, mouldy staircase. I steadily climbed until I reached the hidden attic. Slamming open the dusty door, I peered inside. My SENSE were activated, so I could see and smell everything.

EVERYTHING. I wish I didn't. I coughed at the stench. It was a total graveyard. Instead of the usual things like boxes or storage, I perceived skeletons and a decomposing corpse. Flies and maggots crawled on the corpses. Yuck, I've had enough. I'm leaving.

I called the police immediately after discovering the graveyard. I also called Min and told her to cut off her friendship with the Chos. "Why?" she wondered.

"Watch the news tonight," was all I said.

The disgust on the cops' faces as they came out of the attic was interesting. I would have laughed at the twisted expressions if the atmosphere wasn't so serious.

"You say the owners are at this hotel?" the officer asked me. I gave the affirmative. He waved at the other detectives. "Go to this address and arrest them on suspicion of kidnapping and homicide." He turned back to me. 

"We need you to come down to the station to provide a statement. Thank you for your hard work," he bowed as he left to give more orders.

No problem. I just wish I could see their faces when they get caught. Oh, wait, what about my money? Officer? Hey, officer?

Min called me back that night, crying after Chos arrest made the news. "I'll never trust anyone again!" I shrugged. She'll get over it. I was busy recording the case, so I had no time for her. In addition, I was eager to practise on my Suzuki. 

When the couple was thrust into a police vehicle, their dead victims celebrated overhead without them knowing. When Jin Ae and Jun were taken away, cussing me, the dark cloud faded, leaving behind the soft whisper of [Thanks, kid.]

Still, after all this, where on earth is Mars?