Just Checking Up! Part Thirty-Nine: Subverting What is Celebrated!

Silks:

Staring at the violet invitation on my kitchen counter, Shal clicked up to me in an ornate bat black embroidered suit. Taking in his dress boots, my own simple black t-shirt dress felt under dressed. Scratching at my fishnet tights with my worn black boots, that curious expression frightened the shit out of me. Avery and our spirit guides were learning a few feet away with Dade hovering over them, my mother figures teaching them with brilliant smiles. Locking the sweet memory away, life’s game of dodgeball had a way of screwing me over as of late. Then again, had it ever stopped?

Opening the envelope cautiously, the sentence please help me tossed us into a world of cracked mirrored homes. Rolling across a pile of violet ash, Shal covered me with his body. Knocking down a panel of mirrors, orange water melted them down to nothing. Pushing him off of me, frightened demons shivered behind shattered mirrors. Noticing the blow had left me on my own, growing shadows woke up a new level of dread. Popping to my feet, a hoist had a limp Shal resting with the others. Please stay alive for everyone’s sake, his presence in our lives making it that much better. God, Avery clung onto his three grandfathers with every ounce of his love. Such a sight was one to treasure, my brain storing it away for an eternity.

“Get your ass out of my damn Birth of Vanity Festival, Musette!” A shaky male voice demanded, broken glass crunching as I spun on my heel. A slender but muscular fellow in a black Gothic t-shirt and ripped black jeans trembled away, black and white stripes extending over his wrists. Bringing his inky fingernails to his equally dark lips, his other hand ran through his half shaven head. Heavy violet waves hung over his right violet eyes, the shaven left side speaking to his creativity. An upside cross earring glittered on his right pointed ear, his eyes narrowing before wetting at the sight of me. Bowing his head in shame, his fangs pierced his bottom lips. Snapping out of our painfully awkward moment, shadows hands traveled towards his spiked covered black boots. Sprinting towards him, ash and glass shards flew up behind every footfall. Tackling him to the ground, the guy had almost a foot on me. Take away a solid three or four inches, his scent hinting towards Orchid’s. Cutting my palms on the closest shards of glass, a slam of my palms had orange flaming vines creaking to life.

“Got your message. Sorry for being late.” I apologized sincerely, picking up on his head Sin energy. “Since your hair is violet, you must be the fellow in charge of Pride. The funny thing is you don’t seem so vain.” Rolling his eyes, his slender fingers shoved me off gently. Summoning my carved pieces of wood, a groggy Flamios uttered one of his apologies before passing out into a much needed rest. The training has been draining him, a loud bark announcing Linz. Bounding up to our sides, his immense form didn’t even phase my new potential friend. Clearing his throat, his kind eyes flitted back to mine.

“Forgive me for not having manners in front of the queen. My name is Amaryllis Proud, your lead officer in the Pride district. That nasty duo decided to crash this archaic festival and I can’t be any madder.” He huffed impatiently, blooming fire lilies preventing the shadows from getting closer to us. Rubbing the carved wood in my blood, my dual scythes crackled to life. Watching the shadowy form a bit closer, no weaknesses could be spotted. Shadows couldn’t be cut down, water perhaps diluting them.

“Don’t worry about it!” I chirped cheerfully, Musette’s energy fast approaching. “We need to deal with this shadowy fellow before Musette arrives or the battle won’t be fun. Do you have experience with him? If you don’t know, my name is Silks. Shall we fight side by side?” Grinning deviously as me, ash blew into the air the moment we jumped to our feet. Scraping our boots, his brows furrowed. The flutter of a violet cloak captured my attention, Amaryllis glancing over at me with undeserved guilt.

“Shall we figure out how to stop him together? Two heads are better than one.” I comforted him hopefully, a determined smirk meeting mine. Wonder rounded my eyes at water flower petals floating to life around him, the violet tint shimmering in the lilac moonlight. Twirling into dual straight blades, a bang together solidified them into ice.

“Just like fire, water can be molded into anything.” He mused freely, pride shining in his eyes. “Pride often gets looked down upon but it isn’t always the worst. When it is directed towards others, it really is something of ethereal beauty to watch. Vanity is utter bullshit, my mother being the epitome of it. Perhaps you can help me change this festival into one of pride. You know, of anything like your friends or your family.” Touched by his morals, his father had been the better parent.

“Count on me to aid you in such a request. Surely your survivors will follow you.” I assured him honestly, his eyes twinkling stronger. “Hold your head up high and smile when you desire to. Change this place into what you want it to be. Most of the mirrors are gone anyway.” A fit of laughter burst from his lips, a bit of stress melting away. Happy to see it, his movements could potentially crash much like the waves in a stormy ocean. Insanity was contagious after all. Charging forward, ash shot into the air, shadowy hands whistled past us. Cutting them down with ease, a couple of flips prevented a serious injury. Summoning a wave of petals, water splashed up with every jump while I sought the main problem. Skidding down the last on, the heel of my boot slipped deep into his shadowy body. Falling through, my observation had proved correct. Tumbling to a clumsy stop, sparks and ash danced in the air with every violent clash of his claws. How could something so difficult have something so damn scary? Sliding back a couple of feet, a kick released a cloud of ash and tiny glass crystals. Pirouetting out of the way, violet ice announced Amaryllis' failing blow upon him. Preventing him from falling flat on his face, a silent thank slipped out of his lips. Orange water crept closer to our boots, Musette sauntering into view in a slinky golden gown with dual slits. Bare feet splashed louder and louder with every step, every breath threatening to shorten. No fight had landed me in such hot water, a clammy sweat glistening on my skin. Silent tears stained my cheeks, fear beginning to show in my features.

“Like my new toy?” She gloated gleefully, her orange water scythes clasping together in between her palms. “He is more invincible than anything. I can’t stay long but play away, my dear.” Limping away in a thick cast, water stole her away. Shaking off her warning, his lack of a voice box alarmed me. Perhaps I could get him to join my side.

“Before you attempt to murder us, maybe one offer to join my side could be extended?” I choked out painfully, a claw nicking my cheek answering my question. “Maybe not. She literally ditched you here, damn it. How is that fair!” Talking my way out wouldn’t suffice in this situation, ice joined the flurry of ash and sparks. Cursing under my breath, a tiny glowing gem in his chest captured my sharp eyes. Spinning underneath my scythes, a powerful kick knocked that gem out of his chest. Paralyzed in his spot, a devilish grin probably made me look insanely evil. Brushing past him, the weak point seemed rather obvious. Tripping over rumble, glass pierced me a million ways to Hell. Snatching the gem, orange water spikes stabbed my left palm. Pushing through the raw agony, his body could be saved from her harsh rule.

“Of fucking course not!” I screamed into the lilac cobblestone, steam curled into the air as orange flames began to cook the spikes. “Cleanse what she once tainted.” Pouring all I had left into the gem, a couple of organs bursting from the struggle. Coughing up blood, inky black pooled around me. Tripling in front of me, a fire lily bloomed around it. The dark surface lightened to a bright orange, scarlet lacing the facets. Tossing it behind me, my new friend held it in the palm of his hand. Exhaustion weighed down my eyelids, sweet slumber stealing me away.

Groaning awake gruffly, a throbbing headache pestered the hell out of me. Rolling onto my side, shadowy hands hovered over my body. Glowing orange eyes bore into mine, the cloak fluttering in the most annoying manner. Attempting to sit up, a jolt of pain forced me to lay back down.

“No, I couldn’t heal you.” A scratchy male voice uttered dejectedly, his shadowy head bowing in shame. “That monster stole away my ability to speak and planted shadows in my heart. Thank you for being the light at the end of my tunnel.” A glitch claimed his form, my hands cupping his. Redemption would always be possible, a shadow looking darker in the light.

“Worry not about anything. I would be honored to have you fight by my side. Taking someone’s voice is irredeemable. Sorry for my mother’s actions.” I coughed wildly, blood splattering my palm. “Relax and find friendship or family among gentle hearts. Sure people will find you scary but I don’t.” Music rang out, his shadow hair curling into the air. A loud knock on a dark wooden door frame prevented him from responding, Orchid hopping in with a tray of her tea. Setting it to the side, her gentle smile brightened at the sight of our new shadow friend.

“Nuit Shadows, it’s been a while. Are you holding up okay?” She queried softly, her polite smile dropping at my hole covered palm. “Did Miss Musette get to you? The most my tea will do is fill that muscle back up. As for the nerves, they are probably shot. Sorry, my dear friend.” Shrugging my shoulders, losing the hand could have been the worst outcome.

“That’s okay.” I assured her with a shadow of my genuine smile, the numbness throwing me off a tiny bit while guilt caused his form to glitch uncontrollably. “Please stop, Mr. Nuit. I would rather you have freedom associated with every aspect of your life. Besides, my hand will still function at the end of the day.” Gulping down her poured cup of tea, tissue and tendons weaved itself together. Sealing into rough scars, Orchid's frets went in one ear and out the other. Shutting and closing my hand, the lack of feeling still puzzled me. Glancing over at Nuit, his eyes refused to meet mine.

“Is slumber going to plague you or are you going to enjoy the festival I composed at the last minute?” Amaryllis teased playfully as he spun into the room, Orchid rolling her eyes. “Hey, Little Sis! Did you bring her the outfit and her family?” Dusting off his deep violet kimono, confidence in his tone confirmed my suspicions. Presenting me with a burgundy kimono, tears welled up in my eyes. Such kindness wasn’t deserved. Avery’s voice echoed down the hall, Rip calling for him threatening to wake up my heart.

Switching into the kimono, Orchid’s dainty fingers tied a simple gold sash into a bow. Helping me to my feet, Nuit slid on my boots. Twisting my hair into a big bun like hers, Avery and Rip running in donning matching black kimonos stole my soul away. Noting my new scars, Rip knew better than to interrogate me at such a time. Burying Avery in a bear hug, Dade and Shal shuffled in awkwardly. Nodding to our spirit guides, they began to chatter with Nuit comfortably. Releasing Avery, wails had the twins being laid in the crook of my elbows. Asking everyone but Rip to leave, they shuffled out with kind words.

Feeding the twins calmly, Rip poked at my injured hand. The lack of a response pushed further investigation, a frown found its way onto his lips. Flipping through what to say, his fingers ran through his hair. Chewing on his bottom lip, stress and frustration flashed in his eyes. Guilt ate at me, a tremble washing over me. Where did this come from?

“Is it safe to inquire about your hand?” He queried affectionately, my silence not answering him in the slightest. “Sorry for not being there.” Shaking my head, my king had nothing to concern himself with. Struggling with my own words, a quiet fear lingered underneath my genuine smile.

“Musette’s spikes damaged it beyond repair.” I returned softly, the twins finishing up. “At least it still functions.” Scooping up the twins, his loving gaze tracked me adjusting my heavy breasts. Walking over to the window, violet paper lanterns bounced on fine silk ribbons. Dade and Shal danced with Avery, their silver kimonos floating up with every step. His laughter twinkled in the air, a warmth heating up my soul.

“I love it when you smile like that.” Rip flirted playfully, his lips brushing the top of my head. “My old man could use a moment with you. Please kill his guilt for me?” Pecking his cheek before the jump off the ledge, Shal’s tired grin met my apologetic smirk. Offering to wander about with him, Rip mouthed the words thank you from the window as we strolled away from the joyous chaos. Pausing underneath violet cherry blossoms, his arms folded across his chest. Dark bags hollowed out underneath his eyes, an apology seconds from flying off the tip of his tongue. No, no, no! Let’s not go down the endless round of guilt tennis, I thought pensively to myself.

“Thank goodness you’re alright.” I effused graciously, surprise rounding his eyes. “If you hadn’t thought on your feet, we would have disintegrated into piles of ash. Also, thank you for being an awesome grandfather. Avery adores with all of his heart.” Smiling that matching smile, an older Rip was looking back at me.

“Must you be this much of a sweetheart. Thank you for taking over so death doesn’t swipe me off the face of Earth.” He commented in a fatherly tone, his hand patting my shoulder. “Avery loves you the most if you must know. Hell is lucky to have you, my dear. Amaryllis always had a shy personality and you had him blossom into this fine leader of the Pride district. Not to mention, you tamed a piece of Musette’s soul. No wonder you lost feeling in that hand. Sorry about that. Keep chipping away at it, kiddo!” Was taming a piece of a soul that hard?

“Maybe pouring good intentions into it had reversed the malice she poured into it. To be honest, leaving him trapped under her claws seemed like a bad choice. Who would want that bullshit anyways?” I thought out loud, a hearty chuckle tumbling off of his tongue. “Nuit lost his voice. Can’t stand by that.” A throat clearing interrupted our conversion, Nuit approaching us cautiously. Bowing in our direction, his eyes flitted between the two of us. Amaryllis spun into view, Nuit’s anxiety building to the point of him glitching away.

“Many apologies for destroying, well, everything.” He choked out awkwardly, his form solidifying after a comforting smile. “Thank you for severing me from her, your majesty. That was bloody torture. So much hatred brews within her. Well, for you specifically. Shit, sorry for saying that.” Hurt pierced my heart, all of me knowing how much she despised me.

“Please stop raising that damn anxiety within your own tiny soul. You do have one, right?” I pleaded warmly, a bit of laughter escaping his face. “No offense, I don’t know how you are set up. She makes that abundantly clear. In fact, it couldn’t slap me in the face any harder. Fun, fun, fun! Anyway, you can stick by my side. More protection seems to be what I need. Those shadows can come in handy. Splitting up is a possibility, correct? If that’s the case, ears can be where I cannot be on a battlefield. Besides that, have fun. Live life, I don’t care. You seemed pretty into my spirit guide. Go on a date or something.” Orange flushed his cheeks, a fit of laughter rumbling in my throat.

“There we go, humanity can be found in the shadows. I am going to find the rest of my family. As should you, Mr. Amaryllis. Enjoy what you threw together.” I continued blithely, Avery calling out the word mother. “It appears that I am being called by a very darling prince. Boys, I mean you both, live life or the afterlife. Before any of this, shadows devoured me whole. A defensive action froze my heart, only a few people melting their way in. Don’t be like that. No bliss will find you that way. Amaryllis, compassion over fear. Remember that with all of your heart. Fear only lasts until one person wakes up. Compassion lasts a lifetime. Call me if you have any gang problems. Off I go. Avery!” Sprinting towards the bigger trophy in this all, family and friends kept my head on straight. Praying to God, good fortune had to follow my every footfall in these long battles. Please keep your heart open for a little old queen of Hell.