Just Checking Up! Part Twenty-Two: Darkness Let the Cat Out of the Bag

Rip:

Silks tugged at her bandaging dejectedly, a quiet fear haunting her eyes. Fresh stitches poked out of the lines, her last adventure still hiding as a damn secret. Avery bounded up to her, his black and white skull sweater floating with each step. Reminding me of my younger self, a soft smile curled on my lips. Fussing with her simple black silk dress, our team arriving with all the files had her snapping to her feet. Sliding her feet into a pair of worn boots, Avery yanked her downstairs. The boys shouted like uncles, joy sprinkled the air. Operations had moved to our house for safety reasons, Silks refusing to leave unless it was to my father’s house. Such behavior was the opposite of her usual vibrancy, the light having died in her eyes. Avery and I brought a dull twinkle back, her insomnia leaving her with no sleep. Instead, her head had been bent over old books, that determination returning every time.

“I think I know who is bothering Silks.” Cal uttered with comfort as I tugged on my simple black suit out of habit, his navy suit catching my eyes. “How about we get a coffee and go investigate by ourselves?” Kicking on my dress boots, the weight of my long Gothic jacket on my arms answered his question. Flipping my hearse keys over his fingers, his sympathetic grin was all I needed. Pausing in the dining room area, Silks blew me a kiss while I clacked out the door. Meeting my old man at the door, Avery clung to his hand with an earned desperation. Climbing into his own, worry wrote itself into his new wrinkles. Thanking him silently, a long sigh drew from lips as the doors clicked. Crashing into the passenger seat, Cal had driven her many times. Clicking myself into safety, crunches had us zooming onto the salted pavement.

“His name is Deathos, the king of demons. He must have found her in the memory of that damn cabin.” He explained in an annoyed huff, his eyes flicking over to mine for a fleeting second. “According to my research, the intention of her birth was for her to be his bride at the end of the world.” Rage boiled in my eyes, Silks belonging to no one. A low growl rumbled in my throat, every cell in me ready to nuke the bastard. Noting my reaction, his brow cocked in pure bemusement.

“Calm down, killer. Only she can murder the idiot.” He pointed out simply, the blood in my veins beginning to simmer. “Look, you don’t have the flames to cook him. As powerful as you are, sending him to Hell won’t do shit. Today’s fun ventures include a trip to his birthplace. Are you up to that?” Stewing in my hatred soup, a yes could be farmed from my lack of response.

“Guess the cat got let out of the bag.” He continued in an attempt to cheer me up, his fingers tapping on the wheel. “Do you think you could teach me a couple of spells? Being useless isn’t my damn style.” Softening my hard expression, a chuckle escaped my lips. Magic should come easy to his genius ass, a playful okay bouncing off my tongue. Pumping his fist, a bit of joy sprinkled the air. Cal would always be my ride or die.

“Thank you for telling me. Let her tell me on her own terms. She has been doing her own research. Someday sleep will find her.” I returned finally, his features brightening at me speaking up. “Yes, I speak. No wonder she has been brewing in her own strife. How can I be a better husband?” Waiting with bated breath for his advice, his marriage was one to dream of.

“Don’t do a darn thing differently, idiot. Nobody knows her better than you. If it means anything, I can nudge her to tell you. Work on your shitty acting skills for the safety of my ass.” He suggested alongside his trademark smirk, his fingers drumming faster. “Did I tell you that I have another kid on the way? Maybe our kiddos can be the best of friends. She is due in November and my heart couldn’t be any happier.” Congratulating him honestly, the image of Silks screaming underneath an elbow of a fancy suit shut down any bliss. Ruby stained my pants, something feeling off. Touching my nose, shining scarlet glittered on the tip of my finger. Digging around my glove box, a thick napkin went from ivory to a deep crimson. Tilting my head back slightly, nothing would slow it down. Horror rounded my eyes, long black claws curling around my throat. Yanking me back into the seat, air became a hot commodity. Gasping away, clawing away did nothing to free me. Throwing salt in my face, any side of an attack faded away into a wisp of gray smoke. Wheezing away, dark energy hovered in the air. A soft pop brought us into a bubble of darkness, an abandoned New England town rotting away stole what little breath I had. Embers of Hell’s flames drifted aimlessly into the air, Cal seeing it as well.

“People call this Deathos’ Ending.” He explained between parking attempts, a bit of amusement returning to my eyes. “Sorry, not all of us drive a damn hearse everyday. Protect us before we get exploring, dumb ass. No way in hell am I dying and nor are you. Our kids will see us at their damn births.” Nodding in agreement, a couple of tugs had my emergency spiritual bag on my lap. Plucking out a few salt dough bracelets, Cal slid them on without complaint. Pulling out my personal necklace, the amount of energy created by Silks was enough to drown any amount of shadows. Dropping it over my head, orange energy glowed to life around my aura. Darting my eyes over to Cal, a similar glow illuminated his bright purple aura. Passing him a modified pistol loaded and a box of salt and black iron bullets, a sharpened dagger made of the same material providing him a spot of relief. Packing my own gun, the genius of those bullets really showed the brilliance of Silks. Hopping out, snow crunched underneath our feet. Locking the hearse behind us, the color drained from our cheeks at the immense sea of crumbling homes.

“Howdy!” Liz’s cheerful voice chirped behind us, both of us leaping into the air. “Silks sent me to support you on this suicide mission. Bonus, a delivery is within my palms. Do your shit and soak this with your blood, dear Rip. At least that is what she relayed to me.” Pressing a carved wooden ball into my quivering hand, her words mixed oddly at the best of times. Thanking her briskly, a tuck into my pocket pleased Miss Liz. Happy to make her day, Liz had done more than enough for the team. Cal waved at her, both of them breaking into a pleasant conversation of catch up. Scanning each home, nothing stood out at first. Lights flickered in what had to be the cursed church, storm clouds brewing to life. Thunder boomed overhead, a strange noise seeming to lock us into this Hell. Grimacing to myself, Cal’s expression matched mine. Playtime had begun, the rule book being in Deathos’ hands. Liz whacked the back of our heads, a disquieting fear brewing in her eyes. Shadows danced in the windows, a quiver coming her hand.

“I wish Silks was here.” She whispered under her breath, each one of us desiring the same thing. Shaking my head, growth had to occur without her. Spinning on my heels, neither of them looked up to the task of running into the fray. Hell, was I? Silks charged into danger without second thought, her courage causing me to fall for her from day one. Checking my phone, the screen cracked before flames devoured the damn thing. Someone didn’t want us here, I thought bitterly to myself. Cal stomped out his phone, low growls rumbling in our throats. Loading up our guns, anger replaced the fright. Cutting off communication would be his death sentence if he showed up. Motioning for us to go ahead, snow crunching announced our presence. Skidding into the flapping doors, every breath shortened at the doors slamming shut behind us. Reversing the clock, perfect pews lined a fluffy scarlet runner. Dark marble walls towered me, a dull throb aching in my chest with every racing heartbeat. Clammy sweat beaded on my brow, hooded figures coming out of a heavy gray stone door. Flames waved in a gust of wind, the torches exposing a freshly made spell book. Shock ripped me from my panic attack, the leather not proving to be what it seemed. Fresh human skin glared back at me, the binding creaking open. Chanting began, a scream had me spinning on my heels. A golden haired woman cried on an upside down cross, a gnarly looking dagger made of human bones glinted in the flames. Stabbing her in the heart, the ground rumbled underneath my boots. Hell opened up inches from, searing heat blew my hair back. Clawed hands dug into the thick marble floor, ruby painting my face shattered my heart into million pieces. Fighting a wave of tears, a corpse confirmed my worst fears. Screeches slowed to halt, a hot breeze snuffed out the flames. Ruby eyes glowed inches from mine, slicked back hair tickled my cheek.

“So you are my rival.” A cruel male voice hissed sadistically into my ear, his hand curling around my gun. “Such weapons are trivial. Try harder or your girl will be mine with ease, my dear Rip.” Crushing my gun, dread boiled to life in my veins. Smashing me into the wall, a crack sickened me. Several ribs felt broken, a quick feel confirmed my suspicions. Moving them back into place, Silks’ story of silence broke into the realm of clarity. Liz blocked me, her soul taking a hit. Dark liquid oozed from the corner of her lips, an apology slipping out of her glitching form. Don’t go! Liz, you matter to us all.

“Tell Silks that I love her.” She choked out through several sniffles, her hands snatching the sleeves of his stained velvet suit. “Good luck with the kiddos.” Stabbing him with silver spikes, her form decayed to silver sparrows before fluttering into the sky. Shivering in my spot, the very action hurt like hell. A tortured wail echoed in my head, the scene glitched out. Cupping the sides of her head, a connection had been permanently severed. Silks’ broken expression flashed in my mind, her emotions mixing poorly with mine. Cal tapped my shoulder, the connection snapping.

“Sorry.” I wept openly, a tissue fluttering in between his fingers. “Let’s find the book and get out of here.” Wiping away his own tears, a cut on a piece of wood activated her spell. Symbols glowed to life, a toss into the air released several waves of gorgeous flames. Gone was the draining energy, jolts of rib pain threatening to keep me on the floor. Hoisting me to my feet, footfall after footfall felt like Hell. Making our way into a side room, a tattered book composed of human skin nauseated me. Tucking it under his arm, Cal struggled to speak. Swallowing the lumps in his throat, words rarely failed to make their way out. Wet noises ended the silence, a milky eyeball squishing over to mine.

“Master Rip, how can I serve you? One who can open up Hell can bring back the one who has been lost. Question is do you wish to wander purgatory to find this Liz?” The book offered sincerely, his soft British accent throwing me off. “Cal can’t go. Someone does have to mind me after all. Shall you make your wife’s day?” Wincing through a thumbs up, his binding creaked as he flipped open. Pages ruffled to an odd page, the corner of the parchment cutting deeper into my palm. Staining the yellowed page red, orange greeted me before a blast of energy knocked me into a land of eerie fog. A milky cord hovered around my waist, a beat up lantern swinging in between my fingers. Shadows of buildings cast themselves upon the floor, hundreds of cloaked figures wandering about aimlessly.

“Liz! It is time to go home!” I shouted over the endless grumbling bouncing off of their tongue, hope dying by the second, a bell ringing clearing everyone out. Silks’ skidded up to me. Sorrow cascaded off her chin, her head shaking. Collapsing into my arms, the corner of her lips quivered. How could I help such a broken heart?

“Heaven can have her.” She sobbed between sniffles, a kind look lingering in her eyes. “Shall we name one of the kids after her?” Pressing my forehead into hers, her lips hovered over mine, any ounce of agony became background noise. Kissing her lips tenderly, time slowed to a stop. The fog did the same. Stunned by her powers, her wet eyes met mine. Drawing a couple of symbols in the air, a clasp of bloody palms released an ocean of flames. Cleansing the space, orange roses claimed the buildings. Examining them closer, flames were the petals. Childlike wonder brightened my features, a shadow of her smile haunting her lips.

“Liz adored roses, so I decided to honor her in this dimension.” She laughed through a wall of exhaustion, her fingers playing with a couple of the petals. “Her friendship may not have been forever but it was worth it. Whenever I miss her, you can find me here. The question is how the fuck did you get here?” Befuddled by her subtle mood shift, her arms clung to my waist. Feeling her bump rub against my abs, a sense of serenity washed over me.

“Maybe an evil spell book adopted me.” I joked blithely, a slight twinkle returned to her eyes. “No, his name is unknown to me. Hopefully a skin covered book doesn’t bother you.” A laughing fit burst from her lips, Silks stepping back. Placing her hips on her hips, her genuine smile stealing my heart away.

“Gosh darn it! Use the help you get. If I understand magic, the base of it is neutral.” She returned gently, her palms grazing my cheeks. “Intention should change the outcomes of the spells. Trust yourself.” Getting lost in her eyes, fiery orange flared for a second. Sorrow dimmed the passion, a quiet fear replacing what once was.

“Assuming that you know about Deathos, he wants to marry me. Nobody is going to take me away from you guys.” She assured me firmly, her smile growing sweeter by the second. “Your heart is mine and mine alone. Worry not my king.” Struggling to not cry, her wide grin warned me of an approaching panic attack. Burying her into a bear hug, furious rib pain radiated through my body.

“Murder is going to happen before he gets to you. No one hurts my family and lives to tell the tale.” I promised between wheezes, Silks squirming out of my arms. Fretting over my ribs, profuse apologies hit my ears. Placing my palm on her head, the most adorable frustrated expression flushed my cheeks a deep scarlet. Chuckling until she visibly relaxed, mixed emotions haunted her sarcastic smirk.

“Quit worrying about me, my dear queen. Your king will ride in to save you. Injuries come with the territory.” I comforted her lovingly, her hands cupping mine. Kissing the back of her hands, a tender blush flushed her cheeks. A silver swallow fluttered down, a couple circles around my ribs reversing the damage. Landing on her finger, a peck on the cheek granted Silks the closure she needed. Throwing the swallow into the air, true bliss shimmered in her eyes upon the swallow getting smaller. Holding onto her composure until it was out of sight, uncontrollable sobs wracked her body. Sinking to her knees, her fingers dug into her knees. Engulfing her small body with mine, fragile would be the only word to describe her. Burrowing deeper into my embrace, her wails bounced off of my chest. Resting my chin on her head, my own sadness soaked the top of her head. Happy to be physically healed, intact ribs weren’t worth a lost family member. The edges of her world began to fray, her grip on me loosening. Pecking my cheek, one shove tossed me back into that blasted church. Cal rushed over to my side, the book’s eyes rolling shut alongside the book. Searing pain had me hissing, the mark of an eye on my palm caused me to shrink back. Darting my eyes around the space, Cal spun his keys around his fingers, an offer of going home sounding like Heaven. Sprinting out to the hearse, time ticked by agonizingly slow. Spacing out to keep my sanity, the sight of my cabin proved to be all I needed. Thanking him, the clink of my keys barely registered as I locked the hearse on the way in. Hollering good luck on the way out of the driveway, an eager Silks opened the front door with the most busted expression. Avery clung to her leg, his presence keeping her mental health together.

“Just in time for dinner.” She chirped cheerfully, Avery noticing her immense depression. “Can you set the table, Avy?” Twirling off to do as she requested, her arms opened up. Crashing into her arms, the house seemed empty without our resident spirit. Emptying another wave of loss into my shoulders, her fingers clung to my jacket. Avery called for us, Silks returning to her false cheerful self as she dragged me in. Please grant us good fortune in the future, the darkness dying out in our light.