Just Checking Up! Part Twenty-Eight: An Empty Plate and Broken Emotions!

Rip:

Silks poked at her full plate, my empty plate feeling out of place. Shoving her plate away, trembling hands tugged on black leather gloves to hide the fresh burn scars. Dealing with Mary Allen had proved to be a task, her dark side consuming her good intentions. Wincing through every movement, her exhausted eyes met mine. Shame averted her eyes to the floor, her fingers drumming on the table.

“Seems my appetite has simply gotten up and walked away, again.” She mumbled under her breath, her fingers tracing an angry new scar. “Time to tame an impossible lion, if I ever can.” Brushing past me, a bit of gauntness showed on her cheeks, a frown planting itself on her lips. Depression won, that bastard bringing her to a new low. No longer was she scratching away, the light in her eyes had turned off. Any sense of drive disappeared, Avery beginning to pick up on it. Bouncing after her, her bright smile didn’t shine that strong anymore. Shrinking back, August requested that she cheer up. Mary Allen popped up in front of me, her palms clasping together. Jumping ten feet into the air, her movements proved to be silent as the damn wind.

“I need your help. This thing inside me is draining her dry. I think that if we take off to this special records building, his name can be found.” She pleaded desperately, a long what slipping out of my lips. “So the separation ceremony can happen, right? Anything to help out my dear friend, no family member.” Summoning a map out of nowhere, Bookworth thudded to the toes of my dress boots. Flitting my eyes between the napping Silks and my old man, a wave urged me to go on whatever mission plagued me. Ending my day off with a huff, the abrupt embrace from Mary Allen stiffened my back. Swiping my phone upon releasing me, a few taps had an odd address sending chills up my spine. Pinning my ears back, the very place was the one that Bookworth told me not to venture into.

“I don’t want to squander this dream of yours but what the hell? Bookworth says that danger haunts these fucking halls. Do you know how many demons lurk in those dark corners?” I whispered harshly, hoping not to wake up Silks. “She isn’t in good shape. One wrong move and good night to the life I have with her. Why would I risk that?” Golden tears dribbled off her chin, dark bags hollowing out her eyes. Pacing back and forth, her fingers snapped in my direction.

“That is why I request it of you, Mr. I can open up Hell! You have all the spells of the world! Did Bookworth tell you that he is the oldest book on the shelf?” She pointed out coldly, Bookworth beginning to flip away. Kicking him into my eager palm, his one eye was inches from mine. Waving him around to silence his protest, a low growl rumbled in my throat. Secrets lay buried in that frightened expression.

“Really, prickhole.” I hissed coolly, a long sigh drawing from his pages. “Maybe spill that sooner or was I not good enough for that? Fuck you very much! Guess what. A field trip is due. Buckle up and let’s face a few demons. Let me get ready.” Tugging on the closest pair of nice gloves, a long sigh drew from my lips upon slipping on the nearest sweatshirt. Wiping my hands on my ripped jeans, a clammy sweat drenched my skin. Where did this rush of frustration come from? What did I think that I was going to accomplish with gloves on my hands?

“Next time, tell the truth. You, Mary Allen, don’t use his lies to make yourself seem better. The only reason I am doing this is so you stop harming Silks, understood?” I pointed out briskly, her head nodding vibrantly. “What the hell is wrong with you? Time to not die, right?” Trudging out to the hearse, the first signs of February were being observed. Sinking into the driver’s seat, a click secured my safety. Typing in the address, heavy metal blasting to life kept me sane as I peeled onto the cracked pavement. Speeding through the dwindling afternoon sunlight, moonlight would paint the scene scarlet. Focusing on driving, Bookworth and Mary Allen quivered away next to me. Please don't be fearful, I begged internally.

Zoning out until a Gothic Victorian mansion loomed over us, dread bubbled to life in my gut. Brass spiderweb accents lined the jet black wooden porch, a bold scoop had Bookworth underneath my arms on my way out. Locking the hearse behind me, magic and wits would have to carry me through this fresh hell. Watching the door creak open, a trap awaited us. Laughing sadistically to myself, little to no help existed. A throat cleared behind me, an exhausted and fuming Silks approached us cautiously. Wondering when she arrived, a natural response was for me to rip off my gloves. Tucking them into my pocket, Mary Allen's look of pure fright matched mine.

“Mary Allen, you have to shut off the connection before you go sneaking off. Such things rip me from my damn naps.” She complained bitterly, a new scar bleeding to life. “Fuck that transition.” Holding the sleeve of her emerald green sweater dress to her nostrils, fresh scarlet stained the fabric. Swaying slightly, guilt devoured Mary whole. Showing signs of an aggressive migraine, their bond throbbed to life. Dragging her to her side, Silks dug her heels into the thin layer of snow. Giving up, golden chains bound them within a five foot range. Looking a green around the gills, morning sickness seemed to be haunting her. Hot vomit flew up her throat, a sickly sheen glowing on her features. Stepping over bright yellow foam, a quiet fear lingered in her eyes. Leaning on the nearest tree, a tremble claimed her muscles.

“Time to devour you!” A male voice shouted alongside Mary’s, inky blackness dominating her eyes. Rolling her eyes, a press of Silk’s heel into Mary’s chest granted her enough space. Donning an unimpressed expression, horror rounded our eyes at the salted beads cracking around her wrists. Cursing under her breath, a weakened Flamios succumbed to the shadows of Mary’s aura. Loosening the golden chains desperately, snow crunched with every footfall towards the mansion. Skidding into the shadows, her scream shattered my heart. Tilting her head in my direction slowly, a low growl rumbled in Mary’s throat.

“No one gets my prey!” The two voices screeched together, her form darting in after her. Not wasting any precious seconds, wood threatened shattered the second that damn door slammed shut. Understanding that an ensnarement had occurred, defeating the main demon was the sole way out. The evil version of Mary glued herself to my side, muddy green sludge dripping off her claws. Glitching out next to me, thousands of surface wounds covered her exposed skin. Sniffing the air, not one demon remained. Well, except for the big boss and the one residing within her.

“Help me.” She pleaded through gritted fangs, her claws reaching for the golden chain. “I don’t want to hurt her anymore.” Golden tears splashed to my feet, a dark violet dying her veins. Giggling maniacally, chills shot up spine repeatedly. Too paralyzed with fear, the color drained from my cheeks. Pinning me against the wall, her long claws walked down my torso. Bringing her hand back, a cut up Silks popped up behind her. Dragging her down to the beat up wooden floor by the chain, her slender hands worked fast to bind her into some sort of cocoon. Plopping onto her, a torn up chest heaved up and down.

“Sorry about getting kidnapped by the big guy!” She sang gleefully, her head cocking back. “I am afraid I cooked him into a pile of ash. These damn burns hurt like a bitch. Time to separate all that tortures my dear pal. Wigostos, time for you to hit the road. Isn’t that your damn name?” Flipping over to face her, inky eyes shot back an intense death glare.

“What of it?” He barked hotly, Mary no longer able to speak. “How dare you call me by my name!” Leaning down close enough to hover centimeters from his face, a ball of orange flames crackled to life upon her palm. Wincing in pain, fresh burns traveled along her fingers. Hating to see her in such a struggle, a bluster blew a wave of different colored ash into my face. Remembering the main goal, a cleansing was due. Flinging himself into Silks’ arms, confusion twisted my features. Flipping open to a spell, the feeling of uselessness threatened to drown me alive. Cutting her palms, a sharp tone whipped me back to reality.

“Your job is to send the bastard back to Hell, Rip!” Silk shouted while drawing symbols around her, a shadow of my smile returning. “No one else can do what you do. Besides, who else is going to carry me home?” Crashing to my knees, a nearby letter opener served me well to slice open my palm. Ruby pooled up, the usual symbols flashing in my mind. Getting to work, the circle basically completed itself. Glancing up, a wave of energy entranced me. Never before had ever seen her hit this level of cleansing, her hands sinking deeper into the chains. Ruby cascaded from the corner of her eyes, lights flickering around her. Mumbling the spell under her breath, her lips moved a mile a minute. Snapping her fingers once, Mary’s chest opened up. Untangling them while avoiding swipes, her patience wore thin. Sucking in a deep breath, concentration returned to her expression, determination showed in her grin.

“Almost done. One last string!” She hummed cheerfully, her glazed over eyes flitting over to me. “Your turn, Rip.” Tearing out Wigostos, her flames worked hard to weave her chest back together. Crying through another wave of raw agony, her body hit the floor upon the last stitch. Mary rolled her body over hers, Wigostos crawling towards them ominously. Not one chance in hell would he ever make it to her, his shadowy form glitching away. Someone wasn’t strong enough to survive on his own, a cock of my brow capturing his attention.

“End the years of torture! Shower him with shameful judgement! Open up the portal to Hell!” I commanded boldly, a slam of my palm bringing the symbols to life. “Return the vermin back to his home. No one wants him! End the nightmare haunting my wife!” Wooden boards crumbled away to open up a circle into Hell, screams piercing my eardrums. Clawed hands snatched onto his ankles, his claws digging into the wood.

“Time for you to pay for your sins!” I growled through gritted teeth, another pour of power sending him rolling into the center. Closing up before I could say anything, Silks sat up across from a weeping Mary. Collapsing into each other’s arms, wild sobs wracked their bodies. Comforting each other, a wave of orange flames cleansed Mary’s aura. Curling into a ball on Mary’s lap, snores echoed in the air. Flitting her gaze in my direction, the corner of her lip quivered.

“You guys freed me and yet I don’t want to move on. How could I after you cleansed my soul?” Mary wept openly, her fingers playing with her hair. “Time to heal her with my brand new purified soul.” Hovering her hands over her body, a golden glow blinded me. Dying down to reveal a mostly healed Silks, angry burn scars reminded me of how I could never protect her. Bowing my head in shame, tears splashed onto the tops of my hand.

“Rip, you could never do what she does. Forgive me for forcing her to burn herself so badly.” Mary requested dejectedly, her brows furrowing. “As a team, the strength lies within you guys. Who else can open up a portal to hell? Too bad her parents are a mystery. I know not of that nasty fellow that wants her.” Hating myself to my core, an assurance to never leave settled my fraying nerves enough for me to function. Wiping away my tears, everything hit me at once.

“How can I protect her! How can I be the ever loving husband that swoops in and saves her!” I panicked freely, the weight of the world coming off of my chest. “All this work and I can’t even separate a damn soul! Who the hell am I! My fucking mother was a serial killer and I let it happen! What kind of a monster am I!” Smiling softly to herself, her arms folded across her chest. Unsure of what to say next, any strength had faded away in my mental health.

“Jesus Christ! How about you look at what Silks sees? She sees a gentle father who loves Avery, not a monster. You never killed your mother, did you?” She pointed out simply, this spirit guide connection proving to make flawless sense. “Silks did at the end to spare you. This stunning woman spoke of as much, her heart only beating for you. The strife of killing the one who raised you is a burden on one should never carry on their shoulders. Yet, I made her fight tooth and nail with me. What kind of a monster am I!” Shaking my head, Mary didn’t see it either. Both of us stumbled upon a common problem, Silks stepped up to aid us no matter the cost. Years of her bright smiles played out in my mind, a tender kiss waking me up. Wet eyes met mine, years of sorrow hiding underneath the true love in her eyes. How do I fix this?

“Stop fretting, my dear husband.” She whispered sweetly into my ear, our foreheads pressing together. “Burdens become one with the couple if they must while my actions become mine alone. Killing your mother was done without a second thought, so no sins could stain your hands. Hell calls to me, even if my old pal says it does not say as such.” Clutching her necklace close to her chest, a broken wail burst from her lips. Burying her face into my shoulder, pent up emotions soaked into the soft material hugging me. Screaming away the frustration, screaming away the sorrow was all she wanted to do. Mary shot me a thumbs up, freedom looking good on her. Rubbing Silks’ back, the release brought her aura back to its stunning white and gold self. Sensing a better level of control, a peck to the nape of my neck stole my attention. Please don’t say anything that would break my damn heart.

“Why are you with me?” She choked out hoarsely, broken emotions dripping off of her chin. “Nothing is redeemable about me.” Too late for my worst fears, her sins weren’t shadows in my eyes. Lifting up her chin with my finger, time slowed down for a sweet moment. Melting in my touch, stress became a second thought. Clinging to my waist, a rough slumber swept her away. Laying back, her head landed on my chest. Snow danced outside the window, Mary starting a lovely fire in the fine brick fireplace.

“Let’s camp here until she wakes up. Cherish this moment. Considering my dark side cleansed the shit out of this place, she took down the big guy.” She mused playfully, her fingers playing with the dancing flames. “Promise me that you will always have me. Heaven sounds boring as all get out.” Chuckling heartily, curiosity twinkled in our eyes. How could one say no to that?

“Please, I wouldn’t expect anything else.” I returned jovially, all of me happy to see her remaining glued to her side. “Do one thing for us, enjoy your new freedom. No longer is that bastard in control of you. Count on the team to back you up as you discover how to fight from now on.” Floating upside down, her legs crossed one another.

“Count on me to figure it out!” She chirped proudly, her hands landing on her hips. “Without you fellows, my brother and I wouldn’t be reunited. Thank you for that. With a clear head, life seems so much brighter. Let’s march on, knocking down every obstacle. One more thing on my end. I vow to stay on her side until the day she dies. Not one day sooner or later. Is that fair?” Nodding my head once, a true partner had been found for Silks. Speaking of Silks, her slumbering form stole my breath away. Half the stress had melted away, scarlet flushed my cheeks as she curled into a ball on top of me. Feeling her bump rub against me, a rare moment of serenity washed over me. Guiding my palm to the smooth surface in her sleep, a flutter of kicks woke up immense pride. Basking in the moment, life really bore down via the most comic timing.

“How about that? Such wild things are vibrant in her womb.” Mary commented happily, her big old grin feeling rather genuine. “Maybe we can get her to eat now that I am not sending her through an endless cycle. What do you think?” Chewing on my bottom lip, the observation might not be entirely incorrect. Hell, we could all use a bit of a better diet as of late. Mulling over what occurred today, Mary knew my worst side and I knew hers. Then again, Bookworth and Silks were barreling down the same path. What kind of a team would we be if not one of could interchange each other’s main team partners? Time to place a request, a deep hope for a couple of important ears to listen. Praying to the big guy upstairs, grant Silks and the team the freaking good fortune we could really use.