Demonic Neutralizer

Back From School

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the bustling streets of Dim City, Kevin and James hurried home, their footsteps echoing on the pavement. The news of another mysterious murder hung heavy in the air, a grim reminder of the city's dark underbelly.

"Woah... That's close to our place," Kevin muttered, his voice tinged with concern.

James nodded, quickening his pace. "Yeah, we should hurry up and get home. It's getting late anyway. I bet you'd be kidnapped before you knew it, Kevin," he added with a nervous chuckle.

As they rounded a corner, a familiar voice called out, "Hey guys, going home so soon?"

They turned to see Nick, their classmate who had been conspicuously absent from school lately. Kevin's eyes widened in surprise. "Nick! Where have you been? You've been missing school a lot lately."

James smirked, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Let me guess, it's some new lady friend of yours?"

Nick shuffled his feet, looking uncomfortable. "What? I wish. It's just a lot of work."

"You get paid a lot?" James pressed, his curiosity piqued.

Kevin chimed in, "What's your job anyway?"

Nick hesitated, then quickly changed the subject. "Umm... did you guys hear about what happened in Vance City? A group of people attacked the city in super suits, and some other guy around our age stopped them."

"Oh yeah, I heard about that," Kevin replied, his interest momentarily diverted from Nick's evasiveness.

James glanced at the darkening sky, a hint of urgency in his voice. "Damn, the sun's going down. We should get going before it gets dark."

Kevin nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Mom would ground us if we're late."

As they parted ways, Nick called out, "Alright guys, see ya tomorrow then."

"Adios," James replied, already walking away.

"Later," Kevin added, casting one last curious glance at Nick before hurrying after James.

An hour later, as the street lights flickered to life, casting a warm glow over the quiet neighborhood, James suddenly stopped in his tracks.

"Wait! Let's go to the store real quick," he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with sudden enthusiasm.

Kevin's face fell, his brow furrowing with concern. "What!? But we can get in trouble if we're late."

James waved off his brother's worries with a casual gesture. "The house is just down the block and it will be real quick."

Kevin let out a resigned sigh, knowing there was no point in arguing. "Fine," he muttered.

A triumphant grin spread across James' face. "Good, let's go."

The brothers ducked into the small convenience store, the bell above the door chiming softly as they entered. They quickly grabbed their snacks and made their way towards the cashier. As they approached the counter, James nudged Kevin with his elbow.

"Hey, you see her?" James whispered, nodding towards the cashier.

Kevin glanced at the girl behind the counter. "Yeah, what about her?"

A mischievous glint appeared in James' eyes. "She's cute, right?"

"Huh? Keep it down!" Kevin hissed, his cheeks flushing. "And stop staring at her."

James squinted, studying the cashier's face. "Wait a minute, she goes to our school."

"Shut up!" Kevin pleaded, mortified.