Mystical : The Hunt Begins

It was 5:00 in the evening when a classic 1980s Montessa rolled up to the university gate. A tall, muscular man, about six feet in height with black hair and a fair complexion, stepped out of the car. He was strikingly handsome and exuded confidence. Approaching the watchman, he inquired about an 18-year-old. The watchman directed him to Room No. 2001.

The man proceeded to the room and knocked on the door. Moments later, an 18-year-old stepped out—a smart, slightly skinny guy with wavy hair. Recognizing him, the man greeted, "Hey, Cherry!" Surprised, the younger man exclaimed, "Bharath!" Before they could say much more, a pretty girl interrupted their reunion. Charan began to speak to her, but Bharath brusquely interjected.FEC151

Curious, the girl turned to Charan and asked, "Who is this?" Charan explained, "This is my brother, Bharath." Turning back to his brother, Charan asked with some reluctance, "Why are you here, Bharath?"

Bharath's expression grew serious as he replied, "Our parents are on their regular trip."

"Regular trip?" the girl asked, puzzled.

"Yes," Bharath explained, "pilgrim trips. But they tried to cover something."

Charan shrugged. "What’s different? They’ll be back as usual."

Bharath's tone sharpened. "No, Charan. It’s been three weeks without any word from them. They’ve never done this before."

Charan's skepticism was clear. "So, what are you trying to say?"

Bharath’s eyes narrowed. "I think they’re in danger. I need you to come with me, Cherry."

Charan crossed his arms. "Dean, you know the answer."

Bharath’s voice softened, almost pleading. "They are our parents."

"So what? They sent me away," Charan retorted, bitterness lacing his words. "Shut the door right in my face."

Bharath countered, his frustration evident. "You chose this life, leaving what we’re meant to do. But now you’re coming with me."

Charan scoffed. "Do you remember how we were raised, Bharath? How we were taught to use weapons, to melt silver into bullets? We were raised like warriors. While other kids heard bedtime stories, we were told tales of lore and cults. We learned to hunt ghosts while they feared them. I left that life for a reason. I don’t want to be dragged back into it."

Bharath pressed on. "I get it, Cherry. But this is different. It’s our duty to find them. I can’t do it without you." His voice cracked with emotion.

Charan hesitated before finally relenting. "Fine. But only for one day. After that, you’ll drop me right back here at this gate."

Bharath grinned. "Deal." Then, with a teasing tone, he added, "Is that your girlfriend?"

Charan rolled his eyes. "She’s just a classmate. You’re still a knucklehead, Bharath."

Both brothers climbed into the Montessa and hit the road. The national highway stretched before them, the headlights cutting through the growing darkness. It was around 8:00 PM when Charan received a call from the university. Something urgent had happened, and the brothers turned back.

When they arrived, a crowd had gathered. Charan’s room was the focal point, and a stream of blood was flowing out from under the door. Police led them inside, and the brothers were met with a grisly sight: the girl Charan had been speaking to earlier was dead, her body drained of blood, leaving only bones covered in skin. It was a death unlike anything anyone had seen—except Bharath.

Bharath’s face darkened as he pulled Charan away. Charan, however, wasn’t so easily deterred. He knew his brother had expected this. Angrily, he demanded answers.

"You knew this would happen, didn’t you?" Charan shouted.

Bharath tried to deflect, but Charan pressed harder, his voice rising. "Tell me, Bharath!"

Finally, Bharath admitted, "Yes, I knew. That’s why I came for you. But I didn’t think it would happen here, in your room."

Charan’s anger burned. "How did you know?"

Bharath hesitated, then confessed, "Father told me. He said you’d be targeted while they were gone. He asked me to protect you."

"Why me?" Charan demanded.

Bharath’s voice was grim. "It’s a demon. Mom and Dad knew it would come for you. That’s why they sent me. But now, we need to leave."9D3517

The brothers mourned the girl’s death before retreating to the car. As they prepared to leave, Bharath turned to Charan. "This is why we were trained. Not just to protect ourselves, but to fight this kind of evil."

Charan was quiet for a moment before asking, "Do you still use those fake badges for investigations?"

Bharath nodded. "Of course."

"Make one for me," Charan said, his voice resolute. "And prepare another set of weapons."

A small smile played on Bharath’s lips as he realized his brother was back in the fight. The two exchanged a knowing look, their bond stronger than ever.

The hunt had begun.