Just Checking Up! Part Thirty-Two: The Itch of a Bad Family!

Rip:

Jerking awake in a room, reflections from a nearby pool flickered underneath a peeling red door. Long nails scraping along what had to be metal lockers sent me scurrying into the deepest shadows, a quick text to Cal would allow just him to track me. Violet scales glinted in the swinging yellow light, an angelic voice nearly meeting the beauty of Silks.

“Rip, your scent is heavenly.” A hungry female voice gasped desperately, a chill running up my spine. “How is my daughter doing?” Time stood still, my heart threatening to beat once more in a frightful manner. Keeping my breathing low and steady, long violet nails curled around the corner. Shoving my phone into my jean pocket, the blast of energy that shot me into this potential pocket of Hell wasn’t exactly the greatest of joys.

“Speak, you silly prince of Hell.” She sang beautifully, nothing compelling me. “Too bad I didn’t attend that wedding. Death will befall you both if you don’t fall in line with my love of utter chaos.” Peeling off my expensive watch, a toss in the opposite direction had her clacking away. Getting onto my knees, the hem of my simple long sleeve black shirt grazed the damp scarlet carpet. Finding a decent hiding spot behind another set of lockers, a new level of dread threatened my composure. Today was another day on the job, I thought poorly to myself. Who the fuck was I kidding? Elongated claws picked me up, malicious eyes met mine. Damn, Silks looked an awful lot like her mother. Don’t say something stupid, I warned myself.

“Too bad you will never sing as lovely as her.” I spat cruelly, praying it threw off her pride. Smashing me into the closest locker, any remaining color drained from my cheeks. Digging her claws into my tender flesh, orange water swirled around her. Loose drops dissolved the floor by my dangling toes, inky blood oozing down her hand. Let's not get melted today, I begged internally.

“Someone had a bit of a bite on their tongue. Go for a swim!” She barked sadistically, a fling tossing me through the door and into the pool. Sinking to the bottom, an obscene amount of pressure prevented me from swimming to the surface. Shimmering scales preceded rings spreading across the surface, fright joining the severe burning in my lungs. Shadows darted around me, claws tearing into my skin bringing me deeper into an agonizing lull. Please don’t die today, I pleaded between shrinking air bubbles. A loud splash shattered the chaos, three Silks dove towards me. Blasting something with flames, her strong arms curled around my waist. Dragging me to the surface, a throw landed me on a cracking gray pool deck. Yanking herself out, wet strands clung to her face. Throwing up way too much blood and water for my liking, her weakened body crawled towards me. Fretting over me, a splash of water had her rolling me underneath her.

“Darling, fighting with your mother isn’t very becoming for a young lady!” She taunted viciously, a ball of flames turning her water into a cloud of steam. “Musette, the future ruler of a demon run Earth won’t take no for an answer. Attack her, my minions!” Shooting me an apologetic smile, her hands guided my fangs to her neck. Forcing me to gulp down a bunch of blood, a wall of orange flames kept olive green sea beasts at bay. Releasing my bite, silent inky tears stained her cheeks. Fuck, her tears made this situation worse.

“Sorry for her being a mythic bitch. Who would expect anything else?” She joked meekly through a series of honest sobs, her eyes tracking my healing wounds. “What a family reunion. First thing first, we need to get out alive. Do you have a place for us to escape? No way in hell are we going to win today.” Orange water splashed through her fire, a graze searing her skin. Popping to her bare feet, her tattered soaked band t-shirt clung to her shivering body.

“What the hell is your problem! You drag my husband here for what reason! Your beef is with me and me alone!” She choked out through gritted teeth, inky blood pouring from the corner of her lips. “Not to mention, you kidnapped my ability to summon my usual weapon of choice? Are you afraid of Mr. Flamios? Did he torch you in the past?” Sauntering out of the shadows, a snap of her fingers sucked the life out of her minions. Collapsing into heap before drying into husks, horror had Silks blinking several times. Stumbling back, pure evil was the one way to describe that monster.

Snapping out of it, her fingers curled around mine. Yanking me to my feet, a smash of her heels into the floor destroyed it. Sliding deeper into an impossibly blacker darkness, her elbow hooked around my neck. Crashing into a pile of skeletons, her grip on me strengthened. Burying us deeper into the pile, a way out presented itself. Chewing on my bottom lip, one guard was blocking the way. Silks scooped up a couple of skulls, a flick of her wrists rolling them in the opposite direction. Dashing away, both of us waited with bated breath. Bursting from the pile with her on my back, a skid spit us onto a blood red cobblestone street. Thousands of doors lined the sides, her mother’s shrill shrieks paralyzed her. Scratching at her neck, her bare feet hit the pathway.

Pacing back and forth, jet black beaded underneath her fingernails. Meeting her mother this way proved this response to be reasonable, all parts of me wanting to make her stop. Mumbling under her breath, her wet eyes snapped in my direction. Averting her gaze to her blood soaked fingers, a long sigh drew from her lips.

“Your father requested I take over Hell for him or he will perish from an exploding heart.” She blurted out between heavy wheezes, her hand free hand clutching her chest. “Not to mention, my freaking mother is more of a monster than yours! What the fuck!” Creating a wall of flames, her mother bounced off aggressively. Bewilderment twisted my features, a scream exploding off of her tongue.

“Leave me the fuck alone, freaking monster!” She shrieked in pure frustration, her breathing returning to normal. “Don’t you know when to drop a simple disagreement or are you too dense for that! See you never!” Orange flames whisked us away, pure energy vomiting us into some sort of scarlet sandy badlands. Crunching echoed behind us, Musette, the monster of a mother stood tall. Her stained silky black robe swayed with every proud saunter. Attempting to activate her powers, bemusement curled my lips into a sick grin at the lack of water splashing to life.

“Humidity is a bitch, isn’t it?” I teased with a bitter chuckle, her fingers snapping. Leaving us be, relief could only last for so long. Staring numbly at the endless sea of despair, an abrupt bloody nose warned me of her rather strict limits. Holding her wrist up to her nostril, a new problem presented itself. Spinning on my heels, negative emotions began to bear down upon my shoulders.

“Accept the throne tomorrow, today even.” I suggested seriously, her jaw hitting the sand. “We have a place to rule from. Granted it needs a bit of work. Does it not grant you more power?” Too stunned to speak, those words threatened to break her in two. Placing my hand on my hip, fresh hope brightened my eyes. Why was I pushing this so fucking hard? Instinct screamed that she needed this, a greater sense of responsibility grounding her. Stepping back, twisted black metal floated into her open palms. Tracing the metal, orange gems filled in what reminded me of flames. Quivering in her spot, a whole new level of anxiety brewed to life. Lowering it onto my head, a wave of flames shifted the energy of Hell. Roars rattled rocks, Shal popping up behind me. Making his way over to her, his fatherly manner of fretting over was rather heartwarming. Waiting for a power up, his dress shoes left an aggressive circle of footprints. Dark gray velvet shimmered in a flaring sun, sweat glistening on my brow. Must it be so damn hot, Jesus Christ!

“Do you usually have this much flare?” He inquired casually, a weight having been lifted off of his shoulders. “As much as I appreciate the freedom, this has to be a nightmare for you, Miss Silks. Let’s finish the process, shall we?” Flipping her palms over, his claws extended from his scarred hands. Shame dimmed his eyes, equal understanding passing between them. Piercing her skin, a calm Shal carved angry symbols into her weakest scar tissue while humming. Chewing on my nails, a cut on his palm spread on its own. Slamming it onto hers, wild winds blew their hair up. Curious about the lack of jealousy on my end, his vision had a point. Not one part of me desired that responsibility.

“Silks, do you vow to serve Hell with a level head? Do you vow to punish those who deserve it?” He asked officially, a nervous grin twitching on Silks’ lips. “Lastly, do you desire to make this place your own kingdom?” Swallowing the lump in her throat, a pregnant pause hung between them. Breathing deeply a few times, resolution showed in her newly found genuine smile.

“How could I not accept these vows?” She returned gently, her hands cupping his. “Hell has a new sheriff in town. Count me in!” Orange flames devoured the wind, crackling flaming lilies blooming across the badlands. A blustery gust heated my cheeks, scarlet and oranges mesmerizing me. Stepping back into a bow, his royal glow had faded to nothing. Stiffening into a standing position, Silks began to sway. Catching her in his arms, an abrupt increase in energy darkened the sky.

“Fuck, they are pissed! I suggest we run unless you want to be torn to shreds. The council might be a bit peeved at my lack of informing them!” He chuckled anxiously, his voice squeaking higher with every word. “Could you picture a door? Consider me a little zapped at the moment.” Shooting him an irked expression, a wall of doors blocked off a rampaging group of protesting demons. Doorknobs rattled violently, a wave of my hand told him to pick a door. Choosing a big worn oak door, hinges squealed away. Jumping through, a blast of energy tossed us into a bustling village of Tudor homes. Swiping three black cloaks, a swift swing disguised our faces.

Placing her in my arms, a flash of scarlet flames blinded me. Wonder rounded my eyes, a chain necklace glistened with orange gems. Yanking her cloak over it, a matching tired smirk passed between us. Motioning for me to follow him, odd looks sent chills up my spine. Dodging questioning demons, a duck into a hole in the fence granted us a bit of sanctuary.

“Not so royal, Shal. Who is the new queen?” A shadowy figure interrogated sarcastically from the thin slot of a newspaper covered window. “Never mind that, go on through and try to stay alive. The back door to Purgatory should be at the very end of the steel tunnels. Watch out for those pesky hopeless souls. Bye, bye!” Yanking on a lever, cobblestone gave away. Crashing into a pile of muddy brown dust, a meek apology hitting my ears. Silks glanced up at me, inky blackness cascading from the corner of her eyes. Succumbing to her exhaustion, Shal cleared his throat over the chaos erupting above our heads.

“Sorry for not being more helpful. Why did you encourage her to take the cr-” He began to ask, a slow clap sending chills up my spine. Musette spun in, neither of us knowing how to respond. Clicking her claws together, her eyes flitted between Shal and I. Summoning a ball of orange water, wicked laughter rumbled in her throat. Not now, her fucking presence wasn’t needed.

“So close, yet so far!” She mused jovially, sick pleasure presenting itself in her twinkling eyes. “It appears we no longer wear a crown, Shal. Pass her over to me, or your thirst shall be quenched. Boy, do you fellows look like father and son. Killing you together will make such a pleasant mem-” Shock rounded her eyes, a fuming Silks popped up behind her head. Smashing her elbow into the back of her neck, a bold crack showed how protective she could be. Attempting to move, a wall of scarlet flames prevented us from aiding her. Collapsing into a heap, Silks’ graceful landing hid her distinct fear.

“Leave me alone, Musette!” She barked hotly, Musette yanking her down to her level. Seconds from banging on the wall, Shal stopped me. Nodding towards the fizzling ball of water, her strength wasn’t there. The opposite couldn’t be said about Silks, Flamios and her working through a plan. Digging her claws into the floor, a silent spell had her lips moving a mile a minute. Musette began the same, flames clashing with waves. Steam curled into the air, both of them giving it their all. Flames overrode the waves, her waves taking over.

“Purify, damn it!” Silks choked out, her flames devouring every inch of space. Disappearing in a ball of water, any sense of energy had been cooked into nothing. Coughing up way too much blood for my liking, anger seared within my veins. Lowering her walls, something told me not to yell at Shal. Pressing her forehead into the burnt floor, a scream burst from her lips. Hanging back, letting it out would be the best thing to do.

“When will life stop shitting on me! If it isn't one thing, it is another!” She cried out in earned frustration, my heart breaking for her. “Do you have a place to stay, Shal?” Resting on her haunches, a kind gaze met Shal’s. Bowing his head in shame, both of them chewed on their lips. An awkward moment hung in the air, her eyes rapidly blinking.

“Who the hell is this council? Have you ever worked with them?” She continued bluntly, her breathing steadying. “Should I ever work with them or do I keep running like you? No offense, that shit doesn’t work with me.” Pacing back and forth himself, a warning look from me didn’t slow her down. Understanding her side, his whole world had been flipped upside down in a matter of seconds. Please be fair, my dear queen.

“All I need to know is what the fuck I am working with, okay?” She spoke softer than before, her arms pulling her knees to her chest. “Please don’t take this interrogation the wrong way. How long do I have until they hunt me down? You know, along with everyone else. You have been awfully quiet over there.” Snapping her head in my direction, her pissed off smirk had me shaking in my boots.

“Yes and no. Right now, they are a touch corrupt. They love it when the kings and queens die from going too long. No, I don’t have a home. The council blew up my castle. Not cool on their end.” He explained in a single breath, a deep breath centering him. “Kill them if you want. As far I know, they have connections with your cult. Do with that you wish. He is probably quiet because instinct told him to do this and you don’t have a castle. Not the way I would have done it.” Mulling over everything, an irked grin twitched on my lips. How did he read me so well?

“Not totally true.” I mumbled under my breath, both of them glancing over at me. “Bookworth granted me a dimension of sorts. Maybe we could use that after we get back to him. Live with us. That way they can’t hunt you down, maybe? Sure, I didn’t think things through but I know this is the right move. Where would you be if I didn’t have her take the crown? Please be honest with that answer.” Stating the word dead as a response, an eerie quiet bit the air.

“Sounds fine to me.” Silks laughed sweetly, her chin resting on her knees. “Maybe you can help me get a hang of this shit, Shal. How about you become my second hand man? Well, at least until I clean up the town. Fun, fun, fun. Getting thrown into this isn’t what I had planned, so I am going to need a spot of help. First thing first, I have to hunt down that council. I hope you don’t mind a hostile takeover but I can’t have those monsters ruining what I have planned. Can you do that for me?” Agreeing with a polite nod, the two of them settled into a new normal level of stress.

Waving for me to follow her, her body melted into mine upon the first second of privacy. Sobbing into my shoulder, her fingers clung onto my back. Shit, how does one fix a terrible situation? Fuck, I forgot about Cal. Hopefully, he will forgive me. Then again did he even receive that message? Snapping back to the current situation, a tough task lay ahead. Cutting down one demon was difficult enough, however many would be a pain in the ass. Excusing herself to discuss their powers, her fingers lingered on mine until they couldn’t hold on. Zoning out to keep my sanity, life got real. What had I done? Belay that, Silks could lead Hell into a brighter future. Praying to whoever was listening, something had to give in whatever she did next.