Just Checking Up! Part Twenty-Six: To Find a Sister

Rip:

Sitting in the hearse, Silks and I watched the snow dance in this old abandoned village. Checking the coordinates on the napkin in her hand, she chewed on her bottom lip. Playing with scars on her neck, the scratching had slowed down considerably the moment Avery stumbled into her life.

“One would think that these places wouldn’t be abandoned but luck wouldn’t ever go our way.” She joked sarcastically, her slender fingers tucking the napkin back into the pocket of her thick gray winter peacoat. “Can you sense the evil or what?” Staring past the snow, dark energy lingered in the crumbling brick homes. Happy to see her back to the usual level of depression, work kept her at bay. Undoing her seat belt, her door thudded open. Black snow boots hit the snow, a swelling dread rolled around in my stomach. Hopping out in my own Gothic Victorian style winter coat, the simple black contrasted the fine silver fox buttons. Dusting off my dark gray jeans, ankle length snow met my expensive snow boots. Fussing with her straight ruby red tights and stretchy heather gray sweater dress, her gloved hands adjusted her bright red winter hat. Brandishing a couple of wooden stakes, quiet fear found her place in my eyes.

“Calm down. My mind is in the right place today.” She snapped hotly, my brow cocking at how it clearly wasn’t. “Maybe not. I promised a couple of kids that I was going to bring home a sister. Believe me when I say that nothing is going to prevent me from achieving that damn goal.” Remembering her passing out from uncontrollable flames, part of me wished she wouldn’t dare use her powers. Fire proved to be as temperamental as the bearer of the flames, not completely safe to the skin of the user.

“Not that I don’t trust you but you can only be burned so many times.” I pointed out stiffly, her eyes rolling. “I love you but we can’t go in recklessly. Avery needs you to stick around. Thank you for rescuing me from that horrid memory.” Refusing to meet my eyes, that silver bell locket glinted in the early morning sunlight. Mumbling out a brisk right, grief stole the light from her eyes.

“Liz did the work, not me.” She sighed dejectedly, her eyes moving towards the sky. “At least she gave me this in our last meeting. Avery being in danger made the decision for me. I fought like hell but broke in a second at the mention of her. The moment our connection broke, a bit of my soul left. I don’t know how to fix that. She knows that. Yet, I forgave her in a heartbeat. Seeing her so happy made my day at the same time. Maybe my job is to move spirit guides to Heaven and never find joy.” Burying her into my strong arms, my chin rested on her head. No wonder the mental torture had been haunting her, every bit of it bringing her to her knees. Clinging to my waist, dark emotions soaked my chest. Allowing her to break down would help her out, Avery often prevented her from doing that. Squirming out of my arms, red streaks matched her running nose. Embarrassment hid the trail of tears, a dig around my pocket had a tissue wiping at her nose.

“How do you not think that I am not pathetic?” She choked out brokenly, her fingers reaching for her neck. “Sorry for scaring you all the time.” Sniffling while scanning the area, part of her craved for Linz to be there. Linz cuddled and stood strong by her side, all of me being proud to have the good little pup as a member of the family. Leaving him behind to protect Avery was her choice, something brewing away on the cult’s side. Bookworth struggled in the leather bag over my shoulder, Silks yanking him out.

“What are you doing here!” He panicked audibly, her shoulders slumping forward. “The gravest ceremony occurred here. I can’t stand for you to die, Miss Silks!” Flipping between being impressed and confused, her head cocked to the left before she covered his one eyeball.

“Okay and?” She returned with a nervous laugh, her gloved fingers rubbing at her nose. “Nice to see that you are warming up to me. How about that? Danger will always follow my every footfall, so I can’t hide for the rest of my life. Keep searching for those spells to keep my dumb ass alive, okay.” Rubbing his book spine, his pages fluttered with pleasure. Smiling softly to myself, her kindness knew no bounds.

“Fine.” He sputtered out awkwardly, the poor guy not grasping how to handle this side of her. “The main ceremony occurred in the mansion on the hill. That sweet spirit should be hovering about in there. Fair warning, evil ghosts float about to devour your soul.” Noticing the brick mansion on the hill, broken windows had to have forced the snow to scatter across the floor. A fit of laughter burst from her lips, her breaths reminding me of a dragon.

“Oh no! Evil ghosts over demons!” She mocked playfully, a wink winning him over. “Dude demons burned me to Hell, man. Time to release some of this frustration.” Dropping him into my hands, a couple of cracks brought her joints back into place. Placing the spikes into her mouth, a swift peel of her gloves revealed healed burn scars. Guilt ate at me, failure to protect her from the damages of battle taunting me every time I looked them over. Cutting her palm on a nearby shard of wood, ruby beaded on her palm. Rubbing them together, a spit dropped the spikes into her eager palm. Rolling them around, symbols glowed to life. Orange flames crackled to life, shadows casting themselves across her face. Heating up her palm enough to cauterize the wound, bleeding slowed to a stop. Tucking her gloves into her jacket pocket, a tired grin haunted her quivering lips. Crunching towards the mansion on the hill, Eerie silence dominated the small town, shadows poking their heads out. Choosing not to approach her, her swift wit picked up on the odd nature of it all. Blinking a couple of times, patience wore thin on her features. Cloaked figures trudged past us, chanting sending chills up my spine.

“What a treat. A trap awaits us.” She grumbled under her breath, her eyebrow twitching with pure irritation. “Fun, fun, fun!” Worried by her reaction, Bookworth shot me an equally concerned expression. Bouncing her spikes off her spikes, chains rattled next to us. A woman screamed at the front, her expression softening. Sprinting to the front, snow flew up in clouds behind her. Skidding to a stop, the decay of the mansion reversed itself. Candles flickered in the windows, horror rounding her eyes. A translucent form glistened in the moonlight, long hair flowing over the edge of the silver upside down cross. Kind glowing eyes met hers, her cries for help grew more constant. Towering over Silks by a couple of inches, the tattered nightgown fluttered in the blustery winter air. Tracking them into the mansion, warm hair flushed our skin. Shrinking back into the shadows, the cloaked forms glitched out. Narrowing her eyes, a cracked brass pocket watch rolled to her feet. Groaning to herself bitterly, bright purple claws ran along the exposed brick. Sparks danced in the air, a snakelike demon coming into view. Vibrant electric purple scales shimmered on a nine foot muscular body, golden snake eyes darting in our direction. Golden robes cascaded after him, Silks pressing it into my palm.

“Time, right? Is that what you need?” She inquired brightly, Flamios shifting uncomfortably in her soul. “Count on your beautiful distraction. Don’t worry if I get burned, okay?” Laughing adorably, flames shaped themselves into dual scythes. Big fright hid underneath her bright smile, her hands trembling. Flames seared her skin, burning flesh tickling my nose. Don’t do something stupid, I pleaded internally. Bookworth cleared his throat, the pages landing on another difficult spell. Pulling off my gloves on my way down to my knees, Silks’ voice paralyzed me.

“Hey, Snakes! How about you pick on someone your own size?” She teased him mercilessly, his eyes glowing with pure malice. “Capture your attention! Too bad no one is your size. How pathetic are you to require a special woman’s soul to feed you? Come get me!” Taking off in the opposite direction, a throw of one of her scythes waking up a circle around me. Expanding her miniature scythe into a normal one, his robes rustled after her. Ignoring me, time slowed down as he narrowly missed her with his claws. Spinning on her heels, ashes fluttered like snow after every violet clash. Flipping her scythe underneath her, a jam of a flaming scythe handle tossed him through the stained glass window. Cloaked spirits charged at her, precise swings decayed them to ash.

“Rip! Perform the spell or all her sacrifice will be for naught!” Bookworth roared viciously, his tone feeling equivalent to a slap to my face. “Cut your palm! Say the words as they are written!” Cutting my palm, scarlet threatened to freeze upon contact with the icy air. Worn wood quaked underneath me, longer claws digging into what had to carpeted wood. A wet splash convinced me to move faster, a dip into the rising pool of scarlet painted the tip of my finger. Drawing the symbols as swiftly as I could, a rub of my palms increased the surface area of blood. Slamming my palms onto the closest symbols, holy magic symbols glowed to life. Ignoring the ruby dripping onto the back of my hand, Silks’ work couldn’t go to waste. Laying the pocket watch in the center gingerly, his energy popped up over me. Orange burned in the corner of my eyes, Silks throwing herself into his chest. Claws dug into her burn scars, a brutal scream exploding from her lips. Pushing through the mental struggle of seeing her get harmed, one spell would end it all.

“Holy power of the Divine! I call upon you to destroy what ticks. Shatter the facade of where we are!” I chanted boldly, the panic in my expression betraying my tone. “End the movie! Don’t be kind and don’t rewind!” Making up the last bit, blinding light blinded me. Glass shattered, the ticking picking up before crumbling to a pile of violet ash. Landing in a heap, her flames fizzled out. Clutching gushing bloody hands to her chest, the corner of her lips shook in shock. Perfection dissolved, violet ash floating along the ivory snow. Popping to her feet, her legs shook wildly.

“Mary Allen Short, I call out to you without the aid of magic!” She cried out hoarsely, desperation showing in her eyes. “Please! I understand your pain. Your sorrow matches mine! People tr-” Flying through the floor, the female spirit pinned her to the wall. Inky eyes bore the hate of one hundred women, stringy hair floating up. Attempting to move failed, Bookworth slamming shut as desperation set into my every fall forward. God damn it!

“How the hell do you know my name, you freaking witch!” She screeched shrilly into her face, her fingers digging into the holes in her hand. “Spill it before I kill you via this nasty ass wound.” Grinning ear to ear, Silks’ dark expression did little to ease the tension between them. Leaning down until the spirit squirmed under her heel, the position looked uncomfortable for both of them.

“Cool story! It’s going to take a lot more to kill me. Fuck off with that. Your little brother, August, requested that I make you my spirit guide. You know, a freaking family reunion.” She growled through gritted teeth, Bookworth flopping into his bag to hide from my queen. “Anyone could have taken your place! No, I promised him you! Quit giving me lip!” Rolling Silks underneath her, distrust lingered in her deep frown. Laughing in her face, golden claws extended from her fingertips. Scratching her cheeks, furious words after words fell on an unimpressed face. Running her mouth until realizing that nothing worked, slender fingers intertwined. Sorrow and anger splashed onto Silks’ face, her claws receding. A pregnant pause hung in the air, neither of them speaking for a moment.

“Are you done? Somebody stole my spirit guide and I haven’t been the same since. Hell, I left my Linz to not scare you.” Silks confessed honestly, dejected sobs wracking her body. “She fucking told me that the two of us would be perfect together. Truth always lies in her words. Although she did lie about not seeing me again. It wasn’t a bad one in my opinion. Let me help you by helping me.” Offering her hand, the two waited in baited breath for the first one to make the first move. Curling her translucent hand around hers, one firm shake sent golden chains twirling around their bodies. Expanding before exploding into golden fireworks, a long sigh burst from Silks’ lips. Passing out, Mary Allen sulked over her, one touch reversing the damage to her hands. Golden tears danced down her cheeks, her fingers tracing the fresh scratches. Switching her attention to me, a flurry of apologies escaped her lips. Attempting to heal the scratches, panic widened her eyes at the obvious failure.

“Shit! August deserves a better sister. You know one that doesn’t hurt others when they get offered a way out of a replayed memory.” She wept openly, snow crunching as I popped to my feet. Approaching her cautiously, her bloodied fingers trembled much like Silks. Scratching at her neck, curiosity raced through my mind. Obvious scars spoke of a tumultuous life, her kind eyes flickering back to what little life they could bear. Scooping up Silks, Mary kept on my heels. A wave of orange flames cleansed the land, Flamios finishing up the job for her.

“Did she not forgive you?” I pointed out simply, bewilderment twisting her features. “Today was for you and Avery. August wouldn’t become his spirit guide without you becoming hers. Do you desire to go to Heaven?” Disgust melted into the heavy silence between us, shame dimming her eyes. Patience may not be my pal if she desires to keep going this way.

“I ask again and this is for her mental state. Do you desire to go to Heaven?” I queried a bit brisker, the corner of my lip curling into a snarl. “If you do, break her heart now. Don’t get close to her and slaughter what little hope she has left.” Folding her arms across her chest, a blink revealed inky black eyes. Shrinking back slightly, her head cocked to the right. Pride glittered in her eyes, the normal gentleness returning.

“Couldn’t if I tried, Rip.” She answered in a calmer manner, her fingers tapping her chin. “My heart gave out mid-ceremony, half of my soul getting possessed. Fun, fun, fun! Not if I wanted to go to Hell. My dumb ass will always be there!” Shooting me a thumbs up, her language matched Silks’ to a tee, my lips parting several times.

“Cool, nice to know that I can count on you.” I uttered jovially, her features perking up. “Do control that temper of yours around my wife, dumb ass. Another thing, she is carrying the next generation. Ice the level of bullshit you put her through. Okay. Only go supernova when you need to. Do you have a complete understanding of that rule?” Nodding her head once, the two really were two peas in a pod. Hiking back in a fuming mood, life sure had a way of throwing a wrench into it. Coming upon the hearse, Mary took one last look back. Hesitation dimmed her triumphant grin, a few words of encouragement were required.

“Welcome to the family. Our halls are yours.” I offered sincerely, her sad smile returning. “Maybe you can fill the emptiness that haunts us all. No pressure, by the way. Be the friend she needs. Be the words of wisdom. I don’t care. Bookworth stays glued to my side. Lead by his example except for those evening activities. Stop the nightmares, please. Sleep evades her and I can’t help her.” Floating into the back of my hearse, a whispered promise hit my ears. Climbing in, a click secured Silks’ safety. Laying her head on my lap, hope’s flames roared to life in my soul. The engine rumbling to life caused Mary to crash into the left door, a sincere apology leaving my lips. Climbing up to the small space in the front, her fingers scratched at the clear thighs.

“Please don’t do that. God, you two are birds of a feather. That being said, you did heal her.” I requested serenely, her fraying nerves refusing to settle down. Staring at the scratches on her cheeks, Silks would never care about any of that. Bowing her head in shame, her eyes darted to the trees flashing outside the window. Clearing my throat, wet eyes met mine. What does one say to a broken spirit?

“Silks will never mind you scratching her. Did you know she used to lash out at me all the time? If anything, you landed the jackpot. Silks can manage to help you harness that side of you.” I comforted her with my real smile. “Look, you can’t beat yourself up over a mistake. They tortured her. Hell, her guardian tried to murder her. If anyone gets you, she does. Keep that in mind.” Saying nothing, Silks could finish what I started. Praying to God, this bond had to work out. Please!