Just Checking Up! Part Forty-Five: Two Funerals and A New Team

Silks:

Hitting the chalkboard, Flamios’ form began to fizzle out. Shaking my head, his powers were reaching their limits. Sliding down the wall, fright rounding my eyes the second that bastard jammed his hand into his chest. Cupping his soul, claws crushed it to mere ash. Time stood still, inky sorrow cascaded from my eyes.

“Keep up the good work, kiddo. I bestow my remaining powers to Miss Silks.” He wheezed between coughing fits, my head shaking. “Maybe we can meet in another life. Many thanks for the fiery adv-” Exploding into a cloud of scarlet ash, grief crumbled any composure I had left. Charging at the jerk, something tickling my nose shattered this nightmare of a memory.

Sitting up with a broken sigh, Lapis bounced up to me. Linz hopped onto my lap, both of them snuggling into my chest. Basking in the moment, two funerals were scheduled today. Both funerals were bound to tear me apart, jet black drops painted the comforter a darker tone. Swinging my feet over the edge of the bed, wave after wave of immense loss kept the tears flowing. Stumbling over to the closet, my animal pals kept to my side. Selecting a lacy black gown and veil, a tug over my head replaced the dirty dress shirt I had been wearing. Yanking on the burgundy ribbon in the corset in the front, a couple of twists of the ribbon had it in a neat bow. The trimness of my waist shocked even me, a layer of clammy sweat beading on my brow upon Flamios’ death playing out in my mind like a damn movie. Clanging echoed in the hall, a couple of taps had boots on my tight covered feet. Investigating the noise, a random portal swirled in the center of the hallway. Avery’s stuffed toy bat sat on the floor, maternal instinct forcing me through. Crossing into a sea of faded tombstones, a steady stream of curse flooded from my lips upon the damn thing sealing shut behind me. Scanning the neon green fog for any signs of Avery, his energy was everywhere but nowhere at the same time. Hairs stood up on my arms, goose bumps dotting my skin upon a new demon entering the space. Beady glowing neon green eyes met mine, his sickly gray skin contrasting his thick ivory robe. Avery hung off of his shoulder, a vial of my mother’s water bouncing off of his neck. Dirt covering his skeleton pajamas increased the fear laced rage in my heart, a tremble claiming my hand.

“Give me back my son!” I commanded vehemently, a huff tracing my tone. “Face the consequences if you don’t comply!” Choosing to ignore me, pure fury replaced any sorrow. Snapping his fingers, the headstones shifted and grew into some sort of labyrinth. The mausoleum became the center tower, a marble statue of a turkey vulture taunting me.

“The clock ticks loud for you, your majesty. Avery is the prize and you must seek your way to him before it strikes the thirteenth time. If you fail, this water melts what you love the most.” A nasally voice chuckled maniacally, the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. “Good luck, Miss Silks." Rod iron gates squealed open in front of me, screeches bouncing off the carved marble walls. Summoning the carved wooden pieces, the inky pieces of wood broke me. The lighter tone had faded with Flamios, new symbols finding their way. Fighting another wave of tears, every cell in me wanted to talk to him. Pinning my ears back, a gust of wind stole my veil. Three ways to go taunted me, each inscription irking the fuck out of me. Cutting my palm on the closest edge, symbols glowed to life. Rich orange flames crackled into dual scythes, one riddle capturing my attention.

“Get lost in what stung the most, face the bite of words most harshly.” I whispered under my breath, the tomb door creaking open. Gathering what little composure I had left, one cross of the threshold thrust me into a therapist’s office with many simple black wooden doors. Soaking in the sterile walls, three strikes of a clock woke up a deep panic. A cool tone had me spinning on my heels, a faceless therapist approached me with a notebook. Anxiety had my flames flaring up to the point of searing my hands. Shouting the word shit, her dainty finger wagged in my direction. Shaking my head, her baby blue sweater and khaki pants sent chills up my spine.

“How about we talk about how harming your mother made you feel? Remember if you don’t speak, commitment is a real possibility.” She sang gleefully, a sick grin materializing on her features. “Come now, this office is a space space.” Cameras clicked in my direction, a quiet fear settling into my tired smile.

“No thank you!” I choked out between increasingly shorter breaths, the room shrinking and enlarging. Attempting each doorknob, the lack of opening directed me to the key hanging around her neck. Raising my scythes to the level of my eyes, she began to circle me. Her lips moved, the words not registering. Pausing an inch from my face, her finger traced my cheek. Ripping off the key, her form began to twitch as her bones cracked into a twenty foot skeletal beast. Sliding underneath her legs, every failed attempt to unlock a door sank the rock of dread deeper down my throat. One door remained, that damn scuttling getting closer. Jamming the key in, the hinges screamed in protest. Spinning out of that horrible place, the door tossed me into an awkward Thanksgiving dinner. Three more strikes dug into my soul, all of me praying that Avery was holding up okay.

Rotting corpses of my parents sipped at wine in their carved metal goblets, maggots splashing to the bottom. Foul scents curled from the bones of an eaten turkey, bugs crawling around the turkey carcass. Shifting my attention back to my female human guardian, wine cascaded from hundreds of wounds. The male guardian didn’t fare much better, both of them motioning for me to sit down. Hot vomit burned in my throat, the very crap coming from fright and deep nerves.

“Darling, you made it to Thanksgiving. With you running Hell, you think it would be a bit better. Do you like what we have done with the place?” She spoke cruelly, my back stiffening. Glancing around the room, peeling wallpaper and molding wooden furniture didn’t bode well. Folding my arms across my chest, a stern expression found its way onto my lips.

“Whether you're real or not, you don’t really deserve any more than this.” I pointed out stiffly, both chairs snapping as they rose to their feet. “Go on, turn into the monsters you probably are.” A key dangled in her chest, a pissed off groan lingering on my tongue. Pushing through the initial wall of natural fear, a flash of Avery’s smile brought me to a happy place. Jumping onto the table, their forms contorted into skeletal forms. Yellowing to match the age of the room, a trap door underneath the table. Planting that into my memory bank, claws narrowly swiped my cheeks. Kicking platters off the table, a stab from behind surprised me. Grinning maliciously, his creepy grin spread ear to ear. Jamming my elbow into his ribs, he crumbled to ash. The female companion cried out in grief, a flip landed me in front of her. Snatching the key from inside her hollow chest, a swift cut had her decaying to a pile of ash. Lowering myself underneath the table, not one ounce of me wanted to remember this shell of a nightmare. Fumbling with the lock for a moment, a click had me falling into what looked like the innards of a mausoleum. Hoisting myself to my feet, Avery wasn’t too far from me. Ignoring four more strikes, three remained before a reversible mistake. No more losses could plague me. No more! Inky blood cascaded in between my fingers, every climb of the ivory marble steps feeling like a death march. Leaning on the wall on the forth ending, the top expanded further. Spewing up more blood, his cry for help whipped me out of my injury induced daze.

“Avery, Mom is coming!” I shouted up the tower, an eerie silence washing over the space. “Flamios, where are you when I need you? Bookworth, where are you when I could use a clever little spell?” Bowing my head in shame, my failure to save them both threatened to cripple me. Sobbing softly through endless sets of steps, a riddle was in the problem. Climbing the golden ornate railing, a leap had me floating up. Watching ribbons of my blood swirl from my wound, a violent wind tossed me into a library full of ancient spell books. Gone was the creepy demon, his wave as he faded into his own pile of ash alarming more than the mess I was put through. The necklace of Musette’s water shattered where he once stood, Avery smashing into my legs. Sending his healing energy through his embrace, my wound sealed into an angry wound. Presenting me with an empty spell book, the leather was made out of phoenix feathers and dragon scales. A shadow of my real smile haunted my lips, the library assigning itself to me.

“Sorry about scaring you but you were about to give up.” He apologized sincerely, regret flashing in his eyes. “This kind demon wanted to guide you to that book you wanted to make for Dad. Trouble is that he could only run the library for a few months after the crown changed.” Biting back the fresh guilt, he had completed his job. Not to mention, he had completed it with a smile.

“How about we name the library after him?” I suggested between sniffles, Avery brightening immediately. “Sorry for Bookworth dying. Shall we activate this beautiful book together and get to that funeral?” Nodding his head vigorously, both of us wanted to cheer up Rip. Sinking to our knees, the ivory marble library with golden accents was something to marvel at. Extinguishing my flames, our palms hit the bright orange and scarlet feathers mixed with beautiful blue dragon scales. Closing our eyes, joyous memories and many spells poured into the pages.

Opening them up at the same time, a stunning violet dragon eyes stared up at us. Whipping around the space, a blast of words whisked me back into the bedroom. Crashing onto my bed, a relieved Rip clutched us close to his chest. Weeping openly into our ears, his tears slowed at the new spell book on the floor.

“Frice Heart is my name, my pages having been composed of their love.” She introduced herself in a calming tone, the pages fluttering with tenacity. “I am afraid I require a new master. Would you care to fill the role, Rip?” Releasing us from his embrace, his fingers curled around her unique binding. Mixed emotions dribbled off of his chin, the vow to serve happened without hesitation. Burying us in a bear hug, his thank yous never stopped. A knock ended that, Cal showing up on one his black suits with Bookworth’s ashes. Rising to our feet, our outfits didn’t matter. Making our way to the backyard, two glass fire lilies glistened in the moonlight. Their carved names woke up the sorrow in our souls, Avery and Rip clinging to me.

“Flamios became my friend in a time of need, his words guiding me.” I spluttered incoherently, my family clinging to me harder as Cal nodded. “Many a night, our conversations would squish the anxiety into a grain of dirt. Without him, my soul feels empty. Bookworth aided us all, his knowledge proving to be beyond, well, anything. His heart will be forever known across Hell and in our souls. Sure, he was a grumpy book with me but I loved the banter. Please take good care of them, God.” Rip cleared his throat, Cal rubbing his shoulders. Gathering his wits, a crumpled tissue stuck out of his fingers.

“Bookworth was my best friend who could make anything better. No one came close to him besides Cal. Hell, I wish that I could call him now.” He confessed freely, his wet eyes meeting mine. “How can I put it? He helped me raise Avery and make him the magical demon he is. Avery, do you have a few words?” Shaking his head, he burrowed his face into my leg. Cal recanted many funny tales of both gentlemen, laughter exploding from our lips. Finishing up by growing a few more lilies, a moment of silence confirmed our loss. Spinning our heels, Rip couldn’t let us go, a shadow of his smile meeting mine. His embroidered Gothic suit had been borrowed by his old man, an invitation to go hunting fluttering in his palm.

“Before I go hunting to blow off steam, I want to thank you for bringing me Frice. She seems to have the perfect mix of attitude.” He effused graciously between sniffles, his lips pecking the top of our head. “Go hang out with the Sins and have a spot of tea. Avery, did you want to go get changed and get in a little bit of fishing in?” Bouncing off to get ready, Cal excused himself to hang out with his family. Tucking a piece of hair behind my ear, his lips hovered over mine.

“Maybe next time, don’t disappear like that.” He requested adorably, his hand covering my mouth before I could respond. “How could I ask you to not be a mother? I love you, my queen.” His fathers pulled up, Avery running out with his fishing pole. Seeing them off, tea time would have to wait. Making my way into the art studio, Lapis and Linz bounced up to me. Petting them, the Seven Sins entered the living room with sympathetic smiles. Greeting them with a shy wave, Orchid began to make her tea, her black and blue kimono floating up after each motion. Chastising me for my slight wounds, my genuine smile returned. Several hands ruffled the top of my head, everything feeling perfect.

“We can’t have our queen grieving alone.” Harebell sang magically, her brother agreeing aggressively. Gier clung onto my side, her cheek meeting mine. Scarlet flushed my cheeks,Orchid’s look of jealousy further bemusing me. Did I deserve this world? Dark emotions returned, all eyes noticing. Fanty flicked my forehead, his toothy smirk not taking away from his armor.

“Who pulled us out of our asses?” He laughed in a big brother mannerism, his palm remaining on my head. “Flamios fought hard to protect you because he believed in you the way we do. Hell, we all think of you as a sister. If you find yourself in a pickle, lean on us.” Seconds from blubbering, fits of laughter burst from their lips. Uncertain with how to react, Orchid clinging to my other arm ripped me from a potential mental downward spiral.

“You guys are the best.” I effused blissfully, Rip seeming to know when I needed a break. “Please keep caring about me, even if I fight you about that. Tell me the updates of your territories and your workload.” Dragging me to the couch, the ladies sticking close to my side for the long list of updates. Basking in the warmth of their friendship, nothing besides Rip, Avery, and this could heal my heart. Watching them leave upon nightfall, loneliness plagued me. Sinking onto the couch, Harebell remained behind. Hovering awkwardly in the center of the living room, her ears pinned back. Noticing her white band t-shirt and navy fishnet tights for the first time, her request stole me from a session of sulking in my pool of misery.

“Since the boys are camping in the woods tonight, I was hoping to spend the night with you. My brother is fine and all but he isn’t a lady. Maybe we could watch a couple of horror movies and chill.” She queried while shifting uncomfortably, my fingers curling around a couple of romantic comedies. “What are those?” Flinging them in her direction, curiosity had her ears bouncing up and down.

“I can do you one better, comedies bring the medicine of laughter. Just say that you want to be alone with me. You don’t need to beat around the bush around me.” I comforted her honestly, every ounce of me happy to have her company. “The boys are probably having the time of their life, so let’s have a laugh ourselves. I am going to get a bl-” Crashing into my side, her level of loneliness matched mine.

“No need.” She giggled sweetly, her energy reminding me of Avery. “Your soul burns like the fire pit at a campfire.” Weird analogy, but okay. Selecting the older one, a few pushes of buttons had us cuddling on the couch. Watching her get absorbed in the story line pleased me, childlike wonder bringing the light back to her eyes. Resting her head on my lap, snores soon echoed in my ears. Smiling softly to myself, serenity spread across her aura. Life had handed her a shitty gift basket, my job as queen falling on making it better for her. Gladly, I would do it for all seven Sins. Staring numbly at the screen, her hand snatched mine. Life had a way of rolling the dice for me, a small prayer coming to mind. Please protect all those underneath my wings, all those souls deserving bliss not the grief haunting me.