Just Checking Up! Part Twenty-Nine: Don't Go In the Woods!

Silks:

Standing at the edge of a sea of black twisted trees, eerie silver fog swirled into the air. A soft female voice breathed into my ear, an icy hand cupping shoulder. Seconds from slapping it away, her despair sank into my soul. Hating my compassion, dried brown blood remained on the borrowed band t-shirt from Rip.

“Don’t go in there!” That same voice pleaded desperately, fresh ruby pooling around my bare feet. “Shit, he is coming!” Wondering who he was, the ghost faded away before any questions were answered. Sniffing the air, a familiar scent threatened to paralyzed me. Deathos woke up from his long vacation, a quick scan confirming my worst fear. No Mary or Linz to protect me, Flamios grumbling in sort of a groggy state. Cursing under my breath, injuring him enough was the sole way out. Tracing my scars out of a nervous habit, dead grass crunched with every uncomfortable shift.

“Little Pet! Your scent is so alluring!” He shouted with vigor, depression planting me in place. “Come now! Playtime is the one way out! A bride of mine must be brave as they come!” Icy rotten air blew my hair up, his words striking a nerve. Massaging my forehead, the drive in me fizzled a long while ago. Then again, I needed to get home. Silent tears danced down my cheeks, a deep sorrow piercing my heart.

“What’s the point?” I sighed in defeat, orange flames refusing to crackle life. “Success is rather a low possibility. Whatever. Try not to die and move on.” Trudging deeper into his trap, trapped souls hovered behind trees. A shadowy form darted towards me, orange flames roaring to life. Gritting my teeth through the searing pain, burned flesh sickened me. Sensing my heart rate slowing down, raspy wheezes replaced my steady breaths. Sinking to my knees, ruby eyes stared back up at me in the puddle underneath my trembling palms. Rising up behind me, his claws curled around the top of my head. Fiery orange waves poked out of his black gloved fingers, true horror widening my eyes. A couple of teeth clattered to my fingertips, true fear rounding my eyes. What the hell was going on?

“Time to reveal the true nature of your parents!” He sang with a gleeful twirl, an abrupt bite to my neck shocking me into a sculpture. Collapsing into a heap, hungry shadows swallowed me whole.

Snapping awake, black iron chains bound me to the bottom of a black iron cage. A mirror revealed my worst nightmare. Fiery orange waves floated to my waist, ruby eyes quivering away. A fine ombre silk silver gown hugged my round bump, the deep v-neck exposing the canyon of cleavage. Bringing a jet black fingernail to my matching black lips, a pair of fangs had me whimpering in pure fright. Why was I like this?

“Did nobody tell you that your parents are demons? Would your little human husband love you now?” Deathos laughed maniacally, his glowing eyes meeting mine. “So much prettier! Too bad you aren’t mine. I can make that happen, dearie!” Shooting him a death glare, his clawed hand snatched my chin. Switching between fear and hatred, attempts to scratch at his hand failed miserably. Throwing me into the back of the cage, the sheer force knocked the breath out of my diaphragm. Crashing to my knees, inky blood dripped with every violent coughing fit. Flipping him off, scarlet rage painted his features.

“Fuck you! My king will love me no matter what!" I wheezed hoarsely, his brow cocking in disbelief, the key spinning on his finger. Preparing myself to run, a click and a metallic sent me brushing past his fine crushed dark violet suit. Dodging his grab clumsily, an elbow to the back of his neck knocked him out. Swiping his ring of keys, a kick sent him rolling into his lovely cage. Locking the door behind me, the bastard had to have a way out. Maybe he would learn from his little time out. Laughing to myself, a small whine announced the sheer agony of even trying to freaking breath. Crashing up his silver marble stairs, the number of keys threatened to break what little composure I had. A transparent hand pointed to a carved wooden one, the form fading away. Guilt ate at me, the trapped souls needing freedom. Sucking in a deep breath, his power source had to be somewhere around the hellhole. Jamming the key in, a dull thud had the thick silver door swinging open.

“I am calling out to those trapped in this horrid silver marble prison!” I shouted between long breaths in and out, orbs floating into view. “Help me find the main thing keeping him strong.” Forming a solid line, every footfall towards my new goal felt warm. Having a purpose served me well. Skidding to a stop outside of a big silver ceremony room, a glitching ball of muddy emerald energy spun in a thick glass case. Pounding up to it, a couple of taps confirmed its thickness. Flamios gasped to life within my mind, his questions bouncing around in the black abyss of my mind.

“What the hell happened to you?” He demanded hotly after settling down, shame dimming my eyes. “Your parents were demons, weren’t they? I can’t complain. Nothing has changed about your personality. Our connection is strong as it can be. Let’s keep trucking on.” Staring down at my hands, the burn scars remained. Grimacing visibly, dismay dimmed my eyes. Gone was my humanity, its scars slapping me in the face. Flamios calling out my name whipped me back into reality, the quiet fear of Rip throwing me away eating me alive. A blast of energy knocked me out, a wall catching me. A dull silver door swung in front of me, dread mixing poorly with a new sense of grief. Popping to my feet, determination overshadowed both for a quick second.

“Sorry for disappointing you, buddy.” I choked out awkwardly, time slowing down as I crossed the threshold. “Seems life couldn’t let me enter Heaven. Suppose that means you as well.” Fighting another wave of tears, the corner of my lips quivered. Swaying at the end of an extending hallway, too many doors annoying the hell out of me. Orbs hovering over the one at the end, a long sigh drew from my lips. Catching my breath, endless footfalls lead me nowhere. Every breath grew shorter, frustration threatening to wake up my dead heart. Tracing my cold skin, panic rounded my eyes. A click sent chills up my spine, dress shoes clacking in the far distance. Centering myself, the aftermath would have to be dealt with later. Snapping my fingers, orange flames crackled to life. Waiting for the rotten scent of burnt flesh, it never came. Hot air blew up my waves, a devilish grin spread ear to ear. Flamios pleas for restraint fell on deaf ears, something wicked brewing in my mind. If he wanted this fire, the bastard was going to get burned. Silver ice crept up to my toes, a slam of palm released an immense wave of flames. Torching everything in my wake, silver water tickled my toes. Yanking down an exposed wire, one touch lit up the sea of silver. Stepping back, time had been bought. A steady stream of curse words bounced off the walls. Sprinting towards the ceremony room, a fire had been lit underneath my ass. Running until I couldn’t, something struck me. Anxiety seemed to extend it, confidence returning the light in my eyes. Bringing the door to me, a sigh of relief tumbling off of my tongue upon entering his space. Locking the door before staring at the damn ball of energy, something had to give. Tapping the glass a couple of times, burned fabric had me smiling softly to myself.

“Flamios, can you detect any weak points?” I asked politely, his mood brightening visibly. “These souls need out and I need to get back home. People do love me after all.” Flashing him a bright smile, a light had to be at the end of this damn tunnel. Pointing out a couple of cracks, time sped up as I heated up the glass around those areas. Chatting away pleasantly, the distraction proved to be a lovely gift. Melting into a pile of hot liquid, frost air curled off of the energy. Snatching it, steam curled into the air. Melting into nothing, his dimension began to crumble away.

“How dare you!” Deathos roared venomously, the door smashing by my head. “No one destroys my home!” Leaning forward with a sadistic grin, his irked smirk pleased me further. A fit of laughter exploded from my lips, befuddlement twisting his features.

“Like you took my life!” I scoffed in disbelief, my hands bouncing an especially hot ball of flames around. “An eye for an eye, right? Besides, I can’t have you keeping souls as pets or whatever you call them. Those who play with fire get burned, so you might want to get your ice ready. Do you think I want a heart that doesn’t beat anymore! Tough shit, Buttercup! Ignite!” Throwing the ball into the air, flames devoured everything in sight. Imagining bright orange flames whisking me away, his world became a snowy beach.

“What a peaceful place.” I breathed deeply, the sharp salty air relaxing me to my core. Wiggling my black toenails in the frigid sand, the lack of pain proved to be alarming for all of two seconds. Remembering that I was basically dead, silent tears danced down my cheeks. Staring up at the cloudy sky, snowflakes fluttered aimlessly. Kicks snapped me back to reality, the half demon children becoming Irish dancers. Smiling dejectedly to myself, a bit of hope returned to my eyes. Inky blood joined my tears, my fangs piercing my bottom lip. Licking up the black beads, a new fear settled in. Would Avery still love me or fear me? Waves crashed onto the sand, Rip calling my name unsettled me. Spinning on my heels, his form in a long winter jacket stealing my breath away. Shrinking into the shadows of the moonlight, his kind eyes soaking in my glowing ruby eyes. Approaching me cautiously, his loving gaze never flickered upon my new appearance. Tucking a long piece of hair behind my ear, his lips brushed against the icy flesh of my forehead. Scarlet flushed my ghostly pale cheeks, his lips hovering over mine.

“Mary mumbled something about you being different but this is damn near sexy. I removed the salt dough ornaments so you can enter home.” He whispered adorably into my ear, my body melting into his arms. “Thank god you are okay. Life without you would be utter misery.” Glancing up at him, wet eyes met my bloody tears. No fear dimmed his features, his real smile almost waking up my heart.

“Must you be so perfect.” I grumbled under my breath, his usual smirk returning after a couple of bangs on his chest. “How do I tell Av-” Smaller crunches gave me pause, August and Mary hovering a few feet back. Releasing me, Avery smashed into me. Snuggling into my shoulders, gentle relief soaked into the horrible silver hugging my body. Burying him in a desperate bear hug, the damn dark tears cascaded faster. Holding him by his shoulders, another look of pure love warmed my soul. Playing with my vibrant orange waves, his finger slid down to my fangs.

“Demon or not, you saved me from a horrible fate.” He confessed honestly, his adorable grin causing me to sob harder. “Mother, you will always be my mother. Fangs, nor horns will never change that. Please love me back.” Clutching him close to my chest, pure bliss soaked his hair. Choking out the words I love you, his fingers dug into my unkempt waves. Warming him up a bit, the bite of the winter told me that it was time to get back into some form of a shelter. Placing him on my back, Flamios flashed me a thumbs up in my mind. Hiking back to the hearse, a familiar burgundy sweater dress and nice Victorian style boots waited for me. Setting him down in the front, a blast of heat kept him from shivering in his skeleton covered winter coat. Climbing into the back to get changed, a bark informed me that Linz and the others would protect him for me. Peeling off this horrible thing called a dress, the soft wool felt soft against my skin. Rip stumbled up to me with a pair of thick gray wool tights, my bell sleeves dropping over my trembling hands. Averting my gaze, shame turned off the initial joy of reuniting.

“Stop doing that.” He begged tiredly, his finger lifting up my chin. “My queen may have fiery orange hair and a demonic origin but that makes you cooler to me. Don’t be ashamed. You survived that bastard’s trap. My heart beats for you and only you.” Kissing my lips tenderly, a slight demonic scent floated around his heart. Curiosity shimmered to life in my eyes, his brow cocking. Arching my body towards him, his arm draped around my waist. Releasing me from his spell, his fingers waltz down to my bump. Kicks pounded away, bemusement leading to several different smirks. Putting his finger into the air, too many jokes were bouncing around in his head.

“What little warriors are you growing in there?” He queried playfully, his head resting against my bump. “Does this speed up the timeline?” Shrugging my shoulders, another wave of fear silenced me into a dull numbness. Pecking my cheek, his hot breath bathing my features woke me up.

“Will the rest of the family accept me? Who will aid in the birthing process?” I panicked audibly, his hands cupping my cheeks. “What are you doing? Can’t I panic in peace?” Shaking his head, our lips smashed together roughly. Guiding my mouth to the base of his neck, goosebumps popped up. Every breath hitched, hunger burned with a vengeance. Refusing to chomp down, something felt so wrong about it.

“Eat up and make me your mate.” He begged gently, a clammy sweat drenching my skin. “If you can’t eat food, have a bit of my blood.” Popping his flesh, euphoria raced through my muscles upon every gulp. Something tasted rich about it, his magic replacing what was lost. Releasing the bite with a satisfied sigh, his goofy grin spoke of a new way to play later. Kissing the blood off of my lips, his eyes flashed ruby for a moment. Blinking a couple of times, the source of his magic might be from somewhere else.

“Feel better?” He asked huskily, his chin resting on my head while he pulled on my tights. “What kind of a king would I be if you weren’t taken care of? Where are those boots?” The image of his eyes going ruby for a moment haunted me, a bit of research needing to be done. Avery crawled up behind us, our heads smashing into the roof. Laying down to catch him, his hair sprawled out with mine. Rip collapsed down next to us, the sleeve of his fine Gothic suit poking out of his suit. Catching matching phoenix tattoos on the nape of Rip’s and my neck, a big old smile lingered on my lips. Whatever mystery lay behind Rip’s ability would reveal itself, maybe the king himself joining in on the clue hunting. Such things could wait, a prime memory waiting to be cherished. Basking in the rare happy memory with him acting out his day via his hands, a small bit of Heaven could be found. Finding his way in between us, family time had a way of grounding you. Rolling over to cuddle with him, Rip maneuvered himself behind me. Draping his arm over the swell of my womb, a rare moment of serenity washed over him. Linz bounded in, that cute tail wagging a mile a minute. Mary and August floated into the back, a sweet slumber stealing Avery away.

“Nice to see that you are okay. Sorry you suffered my fate.” She apologized sincerely, golden tears dripping off of her chin. Waving away her concerns, our fates came from different places. Hell, my health has never been better. No longer did I feel the weird heart problems, or the weird mental fluctuations.

“Mary, being a demon was my birthright. Don’t worry about it.” I assured her between groggy yawns, her eyes zeroing in on my fangs. “If my family accepts me, then that is all I will ever need. Do you accept me?” Clasping her palms together, her vigorous nod of affirmation strengthened our bond. Words didn’t need to pass between us, a few moments of silence relaxing the vibe further. Leaning back, August and her began to chatter about the new potential adventures. Zoning in and out of the conversation, exhaustion weighed down on my eyelids. Hugging Avery like my life depended on it, a light heat ended his shivering. Snoring echoed behind me, too many questions blocking me from sinking into the calls of sleep. Why did his eyes go ruby when I drank his blood? More importantly, who the hell do I ask to deliver these little demons? Anxiety slashed what exhaustion I had, Mary shifting her attention to me. Playing with my hair, there was no one to pray to for the first time in my life. Please help me to whomever is listening.