Black Butler: The Lich's Compass

Chapter 6

As Marisol and Sebastian continued their investigation into the brujas and their nefarious plans, they took a break to speak with some of the local workers and villagers. The people of Vieques were no strangers to strange occurrences and whispered tales of the supernatural. While they worked hard to avoid the growing influence of Don Alberto and his mistresses, the locals knew that something dark had taken hold of the plantation and the land surrounding it.

Gathered around a small fire outside one of the humble houses, the workers shared stories of old legends, some of which caught Marisol's attention.

One of the older workers, an elder named Tío Felipe, leaned in closer, his voice raspy and thick with years of experience. "There's an old story, one our people used to tell when I was a boy. The legend of the Hupia."

Marisol's eyes flickered with recognition. The Hupia were the spirits of the dead in Taino folklore, often described as ghostly figures who could take human or animal form. They were feared but also respected, as they were said to return to the living world for revenge or unfinished business.

Tío Felipe continued, his voice full of gravitas. "In the old days, when people vanished in the night, we would say it was the Hupia—restless souls come to claim those who crossed them. They were feared by many, but also seen as protectors by some. Perhaps... we can bring that story back. Use the fear of the Hupia to turn the brujas' dark magic against them."

The group around the fire murmured in agreement. The brujas had used fear and manipulation to control the workers and the land, but perhaps it was time for them to taste their own medicine. The legend of the Hupia could be resurrected and twisted to Marisol's advantage.

Marisol's eyes gleamed with excitement. "I like that idea," she said, nodding thoughtfully. "If we play this right, we can make the brujas believe that the spirits of the dead are rising against them. It might throw them off balance, make them doubt their control."

She glanced at Sebastian, who stood quietly beside her, his eyes always observing, always calculating. "And I think we have the perfect person to embody the Hupia."

Sebastian's lips curled into a devilish smile. "Oh? You think I would make a convincing ghost, Captain?"

Marisol smirked, crossing her arms. "You're more than capable of scaring people out of their wits, Sebastian. With your... particular talents, we could make it look very real. The brujas may be powerful, but fear can make anyone vulnerable."

Sebastian's crimson eyes gleamed with interest. "The idea of posing as a vengeful spirit does sound rather appealing. And if it helps to disrupt the brujas' plans... I'm more than willing to oblige."

Tío Felipe nodded, pleased that his suggestion was being taken seriously. "The brujas are powerful, but they rely on fear and control. If they believe that the spirits of the dead have turned against them, they will panic. And in their panic, they will make mistakes."

Marisol's mind was already racing with ideas. The Hupia legend could be the perfect tool to sow doubt and fear among the brujas and their followers. She had seen firsthand how superstition could be a powerful force, and with Sebastian's abilities, they could make the legend seem terrifyingly real.

"We'll need to spread the story," Marisol said, standing up and looking around at the gathered workers. "Let the locals know that the Hupia are returning to protect them. We'll build the legend back up, and when the time is right... Sebastian will make his move."

Sebastian chuckled softly, his voice smooth as velvet. "Oh, I'll make sure it's a performance they'll never forget."

Marisol smiled, feeling a surge of confidence. With Sebastian as the Hupia, the brujas would never see it coming. They were about to turn the tide in this dark battle, using the very fears that the brujas had stoked to their own advantage.