Just Checking Up! Part Forty-Nine: The Agony of Letting Go!

Silks:

Images of Harebell and Flamios’ death played out in my mind like a damn movie, the glass I was cleaning shattering inches from my feet. Fresh burn scars on my hands blurred in my tears, not one ounce of me feeling okay. A bubble of overwhelming sensations threatened to drown me internally, the background noise reverberating in the worst manner. Ignoring the encroaching migraine, dark bags spoke of sleepless nights. Nightmares of their deaths jolted me awake each time, guilt digging the dagger of insomnia deeper into my damn soul.

Hiking out to Flamios’ grave, hot air blew my hair up as I crashed onto my knees. Early morning dew soaked into my jet black tights, the hem of my silky Victorian style burgundy dress darkening a bit. Fighting a wave of sorrow, my claws extended from my fingernails. Parting my lips several times, a dark energy and a splash in the lake had me sprinting towards the dock. Diving off the edge, a rush of water tossed me onto a rough black sand. Coughing up gross lake water, my mother’s voice sent chills up my spine. Trapped elementals cried out in orange cages, the bars rattled away. Picking up on a green, light blue, and a translucent form, the elementals seemed to be suffering from some sort of draining spell. Clutching my chest, Flamios would want me to save them. Shutting down my fear by numbing out, a scramble had me behind a black crystal.

“Why did dragon magic wake up!” She interrogated them intensely, her extended claws getting caught in golden fishnet dress. “I bet it was that blasted Rip. Those souls were mine to be devoured! Time to eat yours and become more powerful than my daughter.” Circling the cages, sand crunched underneath her shimmering thigh high golden boots. Fright paralyzed me, the lack of control with my powers would murder me. Working through what to do, her head poked over the top of my hiding spot. A lump formed in my throat, a cut to my palms bringing carved wooden stakes to life. Jet black blood cascaded into the symbols, orange flames crackling into dual scythes. Rolling out of gleeful swipe, sand found its way into my mouth. Popping to my feet, sick delight contorted her features. Not good, Musette had the clear advantage here.

“Welcome to my realm!” She chirped cheerfully, her palms clasping together. “Too bad your emotions are taking their toll! Your poor daddy had the same issue until I taught him a few tricks to shut those things out. Now lay down and die!” Charging at me with increased speed, panic shortened my breath. Kicking up a cloud of sand, a jingle captured my attention. A single key floated up from around her neck as she flipped behind me. So killing her wasn’t an option but freeing the others and jetting would have to suffice. Despising myself for such a plan, my patience wore thin with her. A severe cut would have to occur, time slowing down as she sliced my arm. Snatching the key from around her neck, a jam via my knee to her stomach sent her flying into the ocean. Sprinting over to the cages, a waterfall of inky blackness made it hard to slide the keys into the locks. Clicks had the doors swinging open, the waves receding a bit too far for my liking. Shit, this bitch was going to hit us with a tsunami. Attempting to control my flaring flames, searing scar tissue threatened to break me. Three hands touched my shoulder, vines and water whisking me away.

Stumbling into a sea of eerie fog, a slender green hand cupped my cheek. The sleeve of a dark green leaf robe brushed my cheek, gentle golden eyes shimmered with sorrow. A gust of wind blew up his fluffy leaf hair, a translucent form spinning into view. Pink eyes scanned me over for further wounds, her pink cloud robes swaying with every breath. Fluffing her pink cloud bun, her lips curled into a sympathetic smile. A light blue wave splashed onto my arm, another gentle soul attempting to fix the damage of the last battle. Dark blue waves crashed around in some form of a robe, her silver eyes lingering on mine. The fog cleared to reveal a tropical paradise, all three elements working together as one. Stepping back, the sole male elemental stepped forward. Bowing in my direction, his hair bounced as he cleared his throat.

“My name is Elowen, the elemental of the Earth. The water elemental is Cascade and clouds over there is Notus.” He introduced them casually, the cut from my mother causing my scythes to fizzle out. “Will that heal or do you need time? Right! As a result of rescuing us, you can come and go on the island of retired elementals. Well, what you would call the passed on ones. Bonus, you gained three new friends. Granted, visits are rather brief for all of us. Then you must guide us back home through Hell. Beyond that, we can reside in your forest. That is if you will have us.” Shifting uncomfortably next to each other, my protection on its border would provide them the sanctuary they craved.

“Go ahead but I want to speak to Flamios.” I answered bluntly, all heads nodding. Fading away, my arms folded across my chest. Plopping onto the sand, a huff escaped my lips. Curling into a ball, wild sobs wracked my body, grief slapping me in the face once more.

“Not holding up well, Kiddo?” Flamios’ voice spoke shakily over me, a roll over revealing his glitching orange form. “Nice to see that you are struggling as hard as me. Saw the funeral from here. I may not be able to contain the flames but I need you to take care of these young elementals. They are the kids of my friends. Can you do that for me? Don’t forget that I love you, Kiddo.” Sitting up with a rough groan, his form plopped down across from me.

“Thank you for being my lantern in the rough times. What I realized is that you were a band-aid. Now I have to figure out how to tame the flames.” I laughed through a wall of tears, hoping he was still there. “Hey, are you being treated great here or am I going to have to kick some ass? On the matter of those kiddos, you can count on me to house them safely and do my best. That I can do.” Flashing him my brightest smile, his glitching thumbs wiped away my endless streams of grief.

“Good lord, Kiddo. You gave me a hell of a ride. Elementals strive for this slice of paradise. They are treating me well but it isn’t as fun as running around with you.” He joked dejectedly, his hand fading away. “I have to say this again, I love you. Thank you for getting them out of Hell.” The edges of the paradise frayed, panic mixing poorly with fresh sorrow. Tossing me onto a crumbling cobblestone, orange water dripped off of long destroyed buildings. Someone had been through here, I mumbled under my breath. Three familiar elementals landed on top of me, a flurry of apologies hitting my ears. Shoving them off of me, ash crunched as I struggled to my feet. A familiar church in the distance shattered my soul, images of Harebell’s death threatened to cripple me. Face your fears without falling apart, damn it!

Slapping my cheeks to sober up emotionally, inky black painted my features. A wave of water splashed over me, three pairs of eyes meeting my stressed out expression. Mumbling out a brisk thank you, not one of them knew how to repair my mood. Right, elementals didn’t have many human interactions under their belts. Massaging my forehead, a panic attack wouldn’t suffice at the moment.

“We need to get to the church. The tunnels should get us home.” I chirped cheerfully, none of my stress melting away. “Onward we go!” Hiking over piles of rubble, dread bubbling in my gut. Painful silence tainted the air, every footfall felt like walking through wet cement. Oppressive heaviness choked me, the worn doors feeling like a damn omen. Hovering in front of the destroyed doors, the corners of my lips quivered. Crossing over the threshold, emotional scars began to split open. Rushing up to the open trapdoor, snarls and screeches had me wincing. Summoning my carved pieces of wood, dripping blood crafted orange flames into dual scythes. Time to fight the storm within me, all of me wanting to run back to Flamios.

“Kindly back me up, please.” I politely requested, all three heads nodding. Leaping into lit up hallways, a long sigh drew from my lips. Time to burn some of this frustration, purgatory waiting for me on the other side. Curse this wound for draining the magic I had, a solid day’s rest usually proving to be the sole solution. Imagining Harebell’s smiles, a fuzziness heating up my soul. Jet black rivers stained my cheeks, a barrage of demons were heading our way. Shit, I couldn’t focus on the fight with them around. Spinning on my heels, a flurry of orange lily petals whisked them to my home. Panic rounded my eyes upon my scythes crumbling to ash, a steady stream of curse flooding from my lips.

Wild nausea wracked my body, magic over usage taking its toll. Spluttering up too much blood, Musette’s voice sent chills up my spine. Scurrying onto the ceiling, orange water splashed into the tunnel. Poking her head into the hole, her crazed eyes met mine. Waving cruelly in my direction, the rising waters woke up a deeper level of fear.

“Good luck surviving this one! See you never!” She gloated sickly, the trapdoor slamming shut. Ignoring the dissolving demons, a loud fuck burst from my lips. Kicking off my tights, a tiny squeak slipped off my tongue upon them dissolving. Expanding my claws, severe cracks spread into the water. Scrambling haphazardly into the tunnels, no aid could get to me. Reaching a dead end, a swing down and a full strength kick landed me in the edges of purgatory. The flood dried up before it narrowly grazed my skin, meandering souls glanced up from what had to be their usual paths. Catching my breath, Harebell had to be somewhere around here. Fighting a wave of tears, a roll onto my back proved to be my last movement. Pale faces with hollow bags under sad eyes bore into my frightened expression. Faces tripled, a rough darkness whisking me away.

Groaning awake, dishes clattered a couple of feet behind me. Sitting up with a gruff breath, shabby black embroidered walls greeted me. Dark wooden cabinets shut, Harebell floating over to me with a steaming cup of Orchid’s tea. Hugging her form desperately, every negative emotion dripped onto the worn wooden floor. Embarrassment flushed my cheeks, that cup of tea ending up in my trembling hands.

“Please drink up. Just to let you know, a couple of days have passed.” She comforted me in a sisterly tone, her palm rubbing my back to prevent an oncoming panic attack. “Don’t worry! The others will pick you up at the exit, Rip asking me to care for you. How could I not? Hell, I took a page from you and I rule this place with compassion. So many souls have passed onto the next step.” Sipping at my tea, our bells jingled together. Playing with her gift, a bemused grin illuminated her features.

“Love the new accessory. It looks spooktacular on your ear.” She giggled freely, my hand curling around hers. Smiling softly to myself, our hands dropped to the worn emerald Victorian style couch. Pulling my knees to my chest, she balanced on the back of her couch.

“Many thanks! Why wouldn’t I wear a gift from my closest friend?”I confessed warmly, mixed emotions flashed in our eyes. “Everytime I require your hug, my fingers hold it until I feel strong enough to face the day. This bell will never leave my ear. You can count on that. I love you like the sister I never had. Don’t forget that. Shame I didn’t br-” Her palm plopping onto my head gave me pause, her ears pinning back.

“Someone like you has an eternity for such small matters. Luck graced herself with my spirit patrol coming upon you. Musette must have done a number on you.” She pondered out loud, her ears popping up. “Is that little demon not the cutest? I figured she would thrive under your care. I hope you don’t mind that added responsibility.” Shaking my head, Rosy stole my heart from day one.

“Not a chance in that department. Pictures will accompany me on the next visit.” I assured her honestly, her aura stifling a bit of my grief. “You won’t forget me, right? Sometimes spirits forget who they are.” The color drained from her cheeks, her lips wiggled with unnecessary anxiety. Seconds from panicking, her slender finger flicked the bell on my ear.

“Sweeetie, that heart of gold isn’t going to permit me to ever forget you. My door is always open to my big sister. Shall we get you back?” She laughed softly, her palms clasping together. “Besides, I am merely one step from being dead. Purgatory is treating me well. The new door is this way.” Hopping to my feet, a dull ache throbbed in my muscles. Gulping down my tea, her fingers twisted my hair into a fancy braid. Hopping onto my back, tainted bliss stained my cheeks. Unable to hold back my genuine smile, my reflection threw me off. Dried blood coated my fangs, shame dimming my eyes. The rough stitch job was a result of Harebell doing what Orchid was a professional at, a sadness haunting her features. Hopping off, her hand motioned towards a solid black marble door.

“See you later alligator!” She chirped dejectedly, our bodies smashing into each other. “Seriously, get on home. Your family needs you.” Ruffling my hair as she floated back, a playful jingle of my bell returned a bit of light into her eyes. Groans announced the door opening, a couple of steps backward brought me into my living room. Not one soul was within the space, a few jumps reminded me of how injured I was. Landing clumsily on the couch, my dear little sister wasn’t that far away.

“So don’t be mad but I may have created a door to connect us to our dear friend.” Rip announced proudly, his simple band t-shirt and black jeans almost waking up my heart. “So how about you get cleaned up and we can watch a movie or something? The kiddos went to b-” Sensing Avery’s and Rosy’s energy, their bodies jumping into my open arms. Smothering them with feverish kisses, their cute matching black and white bat pajamas rubbing against my cheeks. Sitting up on their haunches, their stories from the last couple of days woke up pure joy. Asking questions every now and then, both of them plopped down next to me. Rip shrugged his shoulders, his butt hitting the couch cushion. Pulling me into his arms, Avery and Rosy snuggled up next to us. Throwing a fuzzy pumpkin covered blanket over all of us, a few pushes of buttons had a kids’ movie playing. Drawing them in, something felt so sweet about this moment. Rip rested his chin on top of my head, a familiar and needed warmth melting away half of the stress.

“My soul is yours, my Queen.” He whispered soft enough for only me to hear, his lips brushing against the nape of my neck. “Sorry for not being able to get to you. Musette left her water in that tunnel system. Lord knows how relieved I was when Harebell found you. The elementals are having a heyday in our forest. Our garden and lake have never looked better. How you keep making friends is a wonder to me.” Glancing up at him, his affectionate gaze matching mine. Pressing my lips against his tenderly, his fingers traced the stitching on my arm.

“Don’t worry about it. She must know that I survived. Thank you for creating that door.” I returned jovially, my tone growing watery. “What would this queen do without her king?” Meeting the other elementals was a gift from Flamios, Harebell being a few feet from made letting go of her death a little bit easier. Rosy shouted while laughing, Avery giggling in his usual sweet manner. Returning my attention back to the screen, the images didn’t register. Soaking in the rewards of our hard work, such moments were meant to be cherished. Dade and Rip’s father made their way down with the twins, both of them wearing some sort of black pajamas. Joking around with Avery, his laughter and big grin made the moment that much better. Staring out the window, an orange hue claimed the moon. One of these days, my changing of the moon would give me away. Dade mouthed a few questions of concern in my direction, my short answers not sufficing in settling his fraying nerves. Promising to talk to him later, a long sigh drew from his lips. Focusing on the twins, his vibrancy brightened his features. So much had been taken away from him, seeing him thrive in his family role made it equally worth it in my eyes. No matter the cost, any friend or family member of mine would be able to run free and joyfully in what I would call a tainted happy ending. Rosy played with my bell earring, her goofy grin winning my soul again. Snuggling on my lap next to Avery, a drape of our arms completed the sweet embrace. Praying to the one in charge, please grant us the luck and grace needed to win.