Just Checking Up! Part Thirty-Eight: The Fright of a King and Many Left Turns!

Rip:

Pulling into an abandoned town of A-frames, the lack of snow woke up a serious concern. Parking behind a bunch of giant rocks, the rest of the team would descend upon the sight within a couple of hours. Not that I would see that, our dumb asses tearing through Hell to capture the summoned demon. Gathering our packed leather bags, Linz staying home was Silks’ decision. Tying on our collected cloaks, the idiots wouldn’t know any better. Tugging at the hem of her cotton black and white spiderweb sweater dress, our simple black business suits paled in comparison in the creativity department. Locking the doors behind us, her sharp eyes tracked the sea of cloaked figures marching towards a decently impaired black marble A-frame. Cal grinned ear to ear, his head cocking to the left.

“Ready to crash a party?” He asked jokingly, his fingers drumming on his thighs. “That crime won’t solve itself.” Sneaking into the back of the line, chanting sent chills up my spine. Picturing my mother at the front, a clammy sweat drenched my paling skin. Why was facing her sins becoming my worst fears? Zoning out, a nudge snapped me out of it.

“What is eating you alive?” Cal whispered just loud enough for me to hear, Silks scanning the land for any signs of dark magic. That damn glint frightened the Hell out of me, a familiar dark energy sharpening a nagging prick. Crossing into the A-frame of Doom, they took a seat next to me. All breath escaped my chest at the sight of my mother’s favorite mint sweater and pearls, all heads bowing. Could they bring back a killed demon? Silks motioned for us to hang back, her loving gaze lingering on my rounded eyes.

“Today we wish to raise the demonic version of our Holy Cult Queen! Bullets took her out and we wish to bring her back to the surface!” An old gravelly male voice boomed proudly, everyone clapping like seals. “Life isn’t for just the living. Demons deserve to own the Earth, our Musette saying as much. First we must summon her favorite worshipper! Shall we begin?” Chanting an intense spell, a crack split the beat up stage. Intense flames and screams swallowed the space, glass shattering. Dark peeling ash gray skin filled in the sweater, a pair of silky ivory pants molding to her scaly body. Milky eyes flitted in our direction, her knobby fingers tugging at her weakening hair. The spell wouldn’t be strong enough to hold, Silks popping to her feet. Inky blood pooled around her boots, her dual scythes casting deeper shadows across her features. Lowering her hood, the beat up pews creaked as they rose to their feet. Orange fire lilies blossomed up every exit, the shadow of my mother screeching with raw fury.

“Seems I can’t get rid of you, eh?” She mused playfully, alarm stealing her thunder. Sinking into the crack, Cal jumped onto the other side before facing her fate. Cloaked figures drooped forward, their bodies stiffening into scaly statues. Soaking in their life forces, her form solidified. Cal stumbled back, pure terror breaking frightening him into a demonic statue himself.

“How’s my boy doing? Mommy had to see you again. Did you enjoy all of my little murder escapades or are you getting tortured at night?” She taunted me cruelly, pure evil swirling around her as she swung her feet over the edge of the slab of ceremonial rock. Heels clacked up to me, a tremble coming over my hands. Reaching the edge of the crack, her fingers snatching my throat prevented me from slipping into wherever Silks went. Throwing me onto the closest pews, a jam of her elbow shattered my ribs. What was this power she had over me?

“Wake up! She isn’t a king like you!” Cal shouted over her steady insults, a kick to her chest cracking her scales severely. “Get her down that crack and seal it shut! I will talk to the team and search for the evidence! Go!” Nodding my head once, a flip underneath me changed the power dynamic. Tossing her into the crack, a leap had me floating down after her. Mouthing a silent spell, Cal’s comforting smirk was the last thing I saw. Crashing into a colorful pile of ash, my mother twitched a few feet from me. Gone was her composure, a bit of my own returning. Pushing through intense waves of pain, every element swirled around me. Combining them into a wall of arrows, her head began to shake wildly.

“Enough! The world doesn’t need someone like you!” I thundered bitterly, my heart threatening to come back to life. “Time to end our little twisted tale. Sure those memories may come but you will always be the monster!” Struggling to her feet, a snap of my fingers pierced her a million ways to Hell. Limping towards me, her body began to crumble away.

“Yet, you did nothing to save them.” She choked out before dying for hopefully the last time, an eerie silence coming over the strange space. A flash of orange waves woke up an entirely new fear, orange waves whistling by my head. Ducking behind what looked like a giant rock, Silks crawled up to me. Apologizing to me silently, her finger met her lip.

“Stop invading my territories!” Musette screeched impatiently, tears dripping in her voice. “You killed one of my favorite people. How could you?” Did they both actually care for each other? I suppose weirder things had occurred in my life. Offering her wrist, a nod towards my shattered ribs reminded me of what bullshit I had been put through. Piercing her main vein, a few gulps clicked them back into place. Finishing up my last meal, a few new bruises and burns came into light. Swallowing the guilt, a frown furrowed my brows for a second. Poking her head over the rock, her scythes bounced off of her legs.

“Must you always come to the rescue?” I flirted in a hushed tone in an attempt to settle down her fraying nerves. “Together we are stronger, my queen.” Sinking down next to me, her head rested on my shoulder. Mulling through the fresh level of anxiety, steam might be able to provide us a way out. Forming a big ball of flames, a splash of my water consumed her realm in obscenely thick steam. Moving along the shadows, a fair bit of distance granted me a bit of safety. Picturing a wall of doors, Silks glued herself to my side. Pecking the top of her head, a distinct look of numbness returned. A random one opened, Orchid yanking us through. Tumbling into a bamboo room, a table about floor level caught us. Shutting down my wall of doors, I left one into a realm of nothing. Have fun in there, I thought gleefully to myself. Hell, that place was no fun to be trapped in myself.

“Nice of you guys to summon me!” Orchid chirped cheerfully, her black and white kimono showcasing her brilliant pigtails. “That door trick is so whimsical, Rip.” Dabbing a cream onto her burns, her tail wagged blissfully. Letting her fuss over was a new side of her, Silks’ ability to let people in getting stronger. Grinning ear to ear, her cool eyes met mine.

“Let me finish up here and I will get my fantastic tea going.” She continued in a sing-song tone, her tail curling around Silks’ torso. “How about a tour after a couple of sips? I would love to show you my territory! Don’t worry! I keep the bedroom activities behind closed doors. Maybe I can squeeze you into one of my many sp-” Raising her hand into the air, Silks shot her an odd expression.

“Listen, I appreciate the offer but I have to cleanse the space first. There is no way that I am relaxing with that crazy bitch entering at any second.” She pointed out simply, her expression softening into her genuine smile. “Are there any issues I can take care of?” Waiting patiently, a rare frown found its way onto Orchid’s lips, her fingers pointing to a circled spot on the corner of a map behind us.

“This gang keeps eluding us. Granted they are big supporters of that damn Musette.” She huffed in the most defeated manner, her head bowing in shame. “My father let them fester and rot past what I could fix.” Peeling her off of her torso, Silks bore a grin full of determination. Adjusting her scythes, nothing was going to stop her from protecting her new pal.

“You owe me free spa days for this.” She joked blithely, Orchid exhaling a deep sigh. “Rip, are you coming along? Don’t think of aiding, Miss Orchid. I need you to act as you normally to keep our cover. Understand?” Nodding once, a silent agreement passed between them. Approaching the window gingerly, hope surged in Orchid’s aura. A leap had her hair floating up, a sprint over to the ledge relieving a swelling dread. Waving at me to come on down, Orchid assured me that tea would be ready when we came back. Seeing her smile softly, all of Silks’ actions made sense. Pushing off the ledge, hot air lashed at my cheeks. Landing next to Silks, her mind seemed racing a mile a minute. Curling her fingers around mine, that devilish grin stole my heart away. Dragging me towards a complicated confrontation, something good had to come from this.

Japanese style homes flashed by us, the unique tiles crumbling into decay the further we ventured from the music and lights. Coming upon a desecrated shrine, murky purple smoke curled into the air. Tapping her scythes twice on a crack, roots of fire lilies began to blossom.

“Can’t have the show begin too early!” She sang ominously, her freshly blood covered palms splashing together. “Let’s see if they will switch sides first. If not, death will come their way.” Pirouetting through the open door, water symbols didn’t bode well for our chances. Stumbling to a stop in front of a filled bamboo table, about thirty tiger demons glanced up at with intense ocean blue cat eyes. Rising to their feet, Silks folded her arms across her chest, fire lilies locking us into a potential battlefield.

“Think wisely before attacking me. Musette can’t have that much of a hold on you.” She warned them icily, not one demon moving. “Considering my place in Hell, you would do well to heed my words. Switch teams or die by my scythes.” Extended claws answered her offer, their jet black kimonos floating up. Bright orange fur bristled, Silks and I exchanged glances before she raised her weapons. Evil shadows darkened what couldn’t be repaired, my heart sinking at what had to occur next.

“Miss Musette deserves what you bare!” The tallest one growled intensely, his knuckles cracking. “Dinner walked their ass through the door. Maybe you can roast yourself, that act being a decent solid alone.” Wicked laughter rumbled in Silks’ throat, a sly grin dancing across her lips. Leaning forward, my warning look did nothing to shut her down.

“Funny! Didn’t know you were a comedian! Wait, you’re not!” She taunted him cruelly between snorts, the laughter dying down to a serious snarl. “Betraying the lead sin is an atrocity alone. Why live in fear, knowing one mistake could do you in? Time to show these kitties a new trick.” Snapping her fingers, orange vines laced with thorns impaled them violently. Sadness destroyed her fury, terror widening their eyes. Nobody wanted this, not one damn soul.

“Sorry for doing this but you have destroyed far too much and refuse to blossom into something better. Killing is something I despise so listen up.” She paused dejectedly, fire lilies blooming within their bodies. “God is going to reincarnate your souls. Follow a brighter path. Let’s not meet ever again. May God have mercy on your souls,” Massaging his cheeks, a burst of flames decimated the shrines, giant petals shielding us. Sinking to her knees, gentle weeps wracked her body.

“Forgive me for going too soft on them.” She sniffled brokenly, her punch to her petal decaying it to golden ash. “Her siren calls draw them in, sins becoming the freaking side effect. God said that he would give anyone under her reign a second chance if they didn’t side with me. How could he be so nice to me when I have fallen so far?” Plopping down behind her, a yank of her warm body onto my lap secured my damn composure. Mumbling a cleansing spell under her breath, fire lilies blossomed as far as the eye could see. Slapping a couple, petals fluttered into the sky to create a crackling orange dome. Spinning her around to face me, stains of negative emotions lined her cheeks.

“Too soft doesn’t exist with you. Their deaths proved swift and painless. Although, was it death? The very concept of reincarnation desecrates the foundation of death itself.” I comforted her affectionately, my thumbs wiping away her emotional strife. “God has faith in your plans. Take pride in that, my queen. Stay still until you feel safe to walk out of this chaos. Forever, I shall be your lantern in the shadows.” Pressing our foreheads together, our breaths became one. Basking in the stolen moment, our scents swirled in the air. A shadow of her smile returned, our fingers intertwined. Scarlet flushed our cheeks, her brows furrowing. Shit! What do I do now?

“Do you think that they can turn their life around?” She whispered hopefully, her hands dropping to her lap. “Sorry for always being a mental tsunami. If the demons saw me like this, they would never back me up.” Doubting that would be the case, history often wrote about leaders like her. Kissing her lips tenderly, any stress melted off her features. Donning that shadow of a smile once more, her head cocked to the left. Orchid approached us cautiously, a steady stream of apologies hitting our ears. Silks hopped to her feet, each footfall echoing louder and louder. Embracing her first, wild sobs soaked Silks’ shoulders. Years of pent up emotions burst from the dam, the sight winning my heart over that much more. Stepping back, Orchid wiped away her tears in slight shame.

“Shall we have that tea?” Silks requested calmly, her full genuine smile illuminating features. “Maybe we can soak in the spas after. Does that sound lovely to you, my dear friend?” Dragging Silks away from me, the silent apology was all I required. Popping to my feet, a healthy jog kept me at pace. Skidding into her ornate baby blue oriental palace, a slam of the door blew my hair back. Spinning along with Orchid up to her tea space, Orchid seemed happier than ever. Sitting her down at the head of the table, she motioned to the spot next to her. Sniffing the air, a cozy cinnamon smell drifted about. Plopping down, her steadying hands poured us a couple of cups in her usual tea set. Sitting on the other side of Silks, a pleasant conversation began between the two ladies. Sipping the tea, any wounds began to reverse themselves. The taste went beyond anything I had experienced, my old man knowing what he was talking about. Adding to the conversation strategically, both ladies appreciated my input. Excusing themselves to hit the spa, a bright light blinded me, Avery and my father sneaking in. Smashing into my arms, Avery began to brag about the spells he learned. Noticing the tea, a clean cup appeared. Plucking the note off the table, permission had been granted to my father for him to enjoy his favorite treat. Pouring himself a cup in the progress of sitting down, his simple black dress shirt and dark jeans spoke of another easy day.

“Have some tea, Avery.” He requested jovially, Avery accepting the cup happily, his hands curling around the cup. “Power up that magic you expelled. What a genius you are, my little bat!” Happy with his nickname, his attention shifted to me. A lump formed in my throat, the damn thing dissolving at the pride glowing in his eyes.

“The energy shifted in the Lust district and curiosity dragged me down here. Avery wanted to see his mother. How could I say no?” He explained serenely between sips, Avery running off after gulping down his tea. “Must sense his mother like a baby bird. What a sweet boy. The poor guy was so worried about her, his connection driving him bonkers. No, I am not yelling at her for that. Such a fine young man chooses to keep that line open.” Smiling softly at my reflection in the dark liquid in my cup, his throat clearing whipped me out of my zoning out session.

“Avery could never shut that down. I swear he loves her more than me.” I confessed earnestly, every cell in me hoping that would never change. “Let’s enjoy this moment and talk about anything pleasant.” Basking in our casual conversation, good luck had to grace our side of the war. Please, please do so.

Raising his finger, curiosity shimmered in my eyes. Pulling an empty spell book from his pocket, matching smirks dawned on our lips. Understanding right away, this could be Avery’s special gift from the two of us. Drumming his fingers on the cover, his lips parted several times.

“Crafting your own spell book is something I would have done for you so I was wondering if we could do this one together. You know, like a bonding experience.” He suggested cautiously, his shoulders drooping forward. Shooting him a hell yeah, his features brightened immediately, his plans spilling of his tongue. Happy to be a part of this, hope surged stronger in my soul. Life sure had a way of rewarding you at the worst moments.