Just Checking Up! Part Forty: A Necessary Job!

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Nuit paced around behind me, Silks and Avery were off on a weekly visit with his honorary grandmothers. Glitching in and out, the poor guy seemed way too anxious without his dear friend around. Leaning against the kitchen counter, Cal would be by any minute to join me for a lead.

“Do you want to chase down a lead with me?” I offered sincerely, his head tilting to the left. “Don’t hate me for asking but can she split more of her soul?” Shaking his head no, his form solidified. Bowing his head in shame, his claws scratched at the back of his neck.

“If you are willing to keep your ears open, I am the compassionate part of her soul. Consider her attached to the dark side of herself.” He informed me kindly, his voice sounding a bit smoother today. “Then again, she was never attached to me. If you ever have time, my shadows can guide you through her childhood. Although, I prefer Silks to be around.” Contemplating his offer, a knock announced Cal entering my home. Fussing with his matching black designer suit, his striped gray and navy tie contrasted my jet black raven embroidered tie. Running his fingers through his hair, his eyes darted over to Nuit.

“Howdy, Nuit. You down for a fun lead. Well, not so fun.” He joked lightly, his tongue clicking with his gun fingers. “Mystery looks wicked epic on you!” Tossing me my keys, my dear old hearse was calling me. Sure, I could summon any door but driving really kept my soul happy. Hiking out to the hearse, Nuit walked through the back. Unlocking it to let ourselves in, our solid bodies wouldn’t permit such an act. Sinking into our seats, clicks secured our safety. Peeling onto the road, a couple of abandoned warehouses had our names on it. Nuit leaned against the back, his hair twirling towards the hearse’s roof. Cal pulled a black file out of nowhere, his fingers flipping it open. Reading off the key points, Nuit’s shattered aura kept distracting me. If anyone could heal it, Silks’ golden heart had the best shot.

“Did you hear anything I said?” Cal whispered loud enough for only me to pick up, his sharp eyes flitting over to Nuit. “I’ll let you read it upon arrival. Do you want me to be extra friendly or do I need to back off?” His lips pressed into a thin line, that thin line furrowing into a frown. Ever the gentle shadow, his fate wasn’t deserved.

“Stop fretting about my death.” He assured me honestly, his fingers drumming on his legs. “Haven’t we been brothers since day one? Drop that guilt and move on, damn it. Can you even fix his aura?” Glancing back at us, his broken expression threatened to shatter me all over again. Bookworth flipped into the front seat, both of us jumping ten feet into the air. Clinging onto the steering wheel, a steady stream of curse words escaped my lips. Must that page turner be so dramatic?

“Perhaps Silks could perform such an act but that would require you guys to gather a few ingredients for her today. Luck is your favor.” He mused gleefully, his one eye moving about wildly. “Tunnels run underneath your precious warehouses. Not only will you find your blasted clues, those rare treats are among the shadows.” Rolling my eyes, his attention shifted back to Nuit.

“How unfortunate to be unattached to your true master. Alas, Silks is a much better choice.” He continued freely, Nuit bringing his hood over his head. “Worry not, my dear friend. Magic can fix most things.” Huffing in defeat, his guilt rested in the condition of her hand. Losing all feeling had been the cost, Silks not minding in the slightest. Agreeing with nods, guilt continued to devour Nuit whole. Focusing on the road, a private conversation could be had with us later. Wishing I had Silks’ way with words, her compassion knew no bounds. Rescuing lost souls was her thing, my own skills falling flat in many ways.

“Doubting yourself isn’t going to get you anywhere.” Cal pointed out simply, his usual smirk doing little to ease that damn swelling anxiety. “Sure Silks could talk anyone out of a negative emotion but where is the state of her head generally?” Wanting to reprimand him, the point had been made. Silks had a nasty habit of burying every ounce of trauma to help others first. Hell, most people didn’t see her steadily increasing panic attacks.

“She has panic attacks in the shower and I am pretty sure she was sobbing about her mother being the main thorn in our sides.” I confessed honestly, relief crashing through me. “Then again, your observations are pretty spot on. On the plus side, she can’t wait until her first heat. That family goal is all she dreams about.” Cal smiles happily to himself, his fingers scratching at the back of his neck.

“My lady is saying the same thing. What can I say? Maybe my little demon needs a sibling.” He sang gleefully, his palms clasping together. “Avery would make a wonderful big brother all over again. Silks will always be a great mother in my eyes. Good luck on that mission.” Snapping on the radio, music drowned out the need for a further conversation. A quiet fear tainting every flashing mile, abandoned warehouses towering into view. Time to chase down the lead, I thought hesitantly to myself. Parking behind the biggest sign, loud thumps announced us hopping out. Tucking Bookworth under my arm, Cal and Nuit marched up to either side of me. Draping my leather bag over my shoulder, a tuck had Bookworth in his favorite nook. Checking the supplies over, a few potions had been added.

“Would you look at that? Someone has a caring wife.” Cal teased mercilessly, his eyes skipping over the thermos of her blood. “Best not to s0pill that.” Nuit swallowed the lump in his throat, his eyes darting towards the third warehouse in the distance. Narrowing his eyes, his claws brushed against my bare skin.

“Trouble lurks in those shadows.” He growled bitterly, old hatred dripping in his tone. “Maybe, they might be itching to battle me. Something is fishy about this. Who gave you this lead?” Staring at Cal at the same time, dread wrote itself onto his features. Shit, a trap had been set. Bad luck made sure to steer the plans elsewhere, a lump forming in my own throat. Stepping into the open a bit, they remained glued to me. Concrete cracked, shock rounding my eyes. Giving out, musty air lashed at me. Crashing onto the others, dark humor made it hard not to lighten the current situation. Rolling off of each other, Nuit pushed us into the darkest corner. Swallowing us whole, violet shadow demons crunched by us. Curious about the enemy, the obvious tremble in Nuit didn’t bode well.

“Best avoid those guys until we get to my favorite fellow.” He warned us sternly, his body shrinking down. “He may not be a part of her soul but he has claws in the game. Did you hear that?” Averting his attention to the end of the tunnel, a blast of energy smashed us into the concrete walls. Sliding down clumsily, large pieces tumbled into my lap. Groaning bitterly, a migraine threatened to throb to life. Nuit lay limply next to a passed out Cal, his cloak expanding over his. Hoisting myself to my feet, the battle had become mine. Dusting off my suit, a few cracks popped my joints back into place. Summoning all four elements, controlled rage kept them swirling around me. Bookworth chanted a boosting spell, letters and symbols glowing to life along the walls. Laying my bag by Cal, an awkward pause hung between us.

“Protect them as best you can.” I begged kindly, his single eye meeting my friendly smirk. “Make sure they inhale a potion or whatever.” Blinking in confirmation, water splashed with every footfall away from my team.

“Nothing but death awaits you!” A slimy male voice hissed venomously, a violet shadowy demon in an ornate golden cloak dashed past me. “Your friends will meet their ends after watching you perish. Please watch the show, dear Nuit.” Golden eyes popped up inches from mine, a fist slamming into my stomach had me doubling over. Organs burst in a delayed fashion, inky blood building in my throat. Painting his face in a coughing fit, vines whipping about granted me a small amount of space. Scanning his body for the gem in his body, a golden heart shaped one spun around his chest. Cracks lined the facets, Bookworth’s spell glowing stronger. Spitting out Silks’ blood, something told me not to drink it yet. Combining the four elements into a wall of spears, Nuit stepping out of my shadow frightened the shit out of me.

“May I deliver the punches?” He requested politely, a quiet fury simmering in his tone. “All I ask is for a series of distractions.” Shooting him a thumbs up, a sink to my knees would provide an amazing trap. An idea had me grinning ear to ear, a slice of my palm providing the ink. Opening the thermos, a pour combined her blood with mine. Drawing my own combination of symbols in a set of two circles, a rub of my hands further mixed our blood together. Slamming my palms onto the concrete, powerful energy hummed to life.

“Claim what once was, let nature grow! Bloom lilies from the heart of flames!” I chanted between a few wheezes, the circles beginning to spin. “Fuck, that is new.” Pouring all I had into it, black fire lilies bloomed in between rising dull gray trees. Roots prevented any fatal blows, gratitude showing in Nuit’s eyes. Sparks danced in the air, every violent clash illuminating the darkening shadows. Keeping his bare shadows at bay, everything began to triple. Cal skidded into view, his steady hands pouring a cup of blood. Dripping it into my mouth, enough healing had occurred to begin the repair on my organs. Unlocking my limits, inky drops splashed onto the back of my hands. Tracking the battle, a flash of gold woke up a bit of wonder in my eyes. Flying towards Cal, a simple catch had the freak paralyzed in his spot. Tossing it over to Nuit, hesitation haunted his glowing orange eyes. Curling his claws around the gem, dust floated to the floor with every squeeze. Crushing it with a single tear, the shadowy form disintegrated into a pile of ash. Collapsing forward, Cal’s words faded in and out. Nuit and Cal’s faces became the last thing I saw before sweet slumber swept me away.

Groaning awake, Silks’ gorgeous eyes shimmered over mine. Tears of relief splashed onto my face, her arms yanking me into a desperate embrace. Shattered concrete crumbled around her, any attempt to move failed. Laying me back down gingerly, her lips brushed against my forehead.

“How come you went past your limits?” She interrogated calmly, her newly injured hand pinning me down. “Magic paralysis is a real problem so give yourself a couple of hours. Don’t worry about the kids, Dade and Shal have control of them in Orchid’s district. In fact we can go there n-” Yanking her down by the collar of her black leather jacket dress, my lips smashed into hers roughly. Piercing her bottom lips, every gulp sank me deeper into a sense of euphoria. Releasing my bite, her loving gaze did little to hide the black bags hollowing out underneath her eyes. Fuck, how tired was she really? Rubbing her eyes, a single piece of her flaming candy hovered in her palm.

“All done, Mr. Nuit. Enjoy this treat and your aura is one again.” She chirped cheerfully, his shattered expression meeting her genuine smile. “Please don’t feel guilty about my hand. Having a functioning hand really helps me out. How was it taking out your enemy? I can’t help but to acknowledge your hint of regret at the very action.” Shifting uncomfortably, his boots dug at the robe. Accepting his gift coyly, one gulp repaired his aura. Lightening to one of a fiery orange, scarlet tones danced along the edge.

“Silks, you mustn't give pieces of your soul out so casually.” He grumbled graciously, his eyes averting to the closest root. “If you aren’t so bothered by your hand, then what the hell are you fuming about day in and out?” Folding his arms across his chest, a fit of laughter burst from Silks’ soft lips. The twinkle in her eyes returned, her kind deeds often bringing her back to her special sense of paradise.

“What is a bit of soul if it means a second shot at life for a dear friend?” She returned honestly, her finger resting on the corner of her lips. “People like you aren’t used to generosity. Hell, I understand it. Not too long ago, my own dumb ass was ditched in the pitch black hellscape of dark sorrow. Did you know that I had to kill my guardian as a kid? Innocence is hardly laced within my past, Mr. Nuit. Remember this! We can’t change the past but we can mold our future into what you want it to be.” Silence fell on the space, all of us taking in her wisdom. Shocked by her words, they finally sunk into his shadowy skull. Well, if he had one. Glancing up at a full fiery orange full moon, the world recognized her for the queen she was. Smiling for the first time in a while, Silks rose to her feet. Donning a new pair of boots, the leather came from Hell. Adjusting her matching burgundy gloves, a frilly burgundy gown poked out of the top.

“Silly me for thinking that I wouldn’t like being queen of hell. I am finding such joy in every aspect of it.” She admitted blithely, her palms clasping together. “Never before has life been so rewarding. Maybe helping everyone down there and fitting in aids my mood in the best way.” Cal leaned against the closet tree, his fingers drumming away. No clues were found but a new level of trust had been reached.

“You said it, Silks!” He effused joyously, his bright grin never leaving his features. “Never before have I felt so damn alive! Bonus, I get to hang out with my brother for all of eternity!” Silent tears stained my cheeks, all of it making sense. The panic attacks were part of the package, any amount of strife seeming rather tiny. Laying down next to me, her bad hand clenched a couple of times before she laid her head on my chest. Hating that I was useless, I hadn’t been in the moment for Nuit. Playing backup wasn’t so bad, the main players needing a boost every now and then.

“Thank you for taking care of my dear Nuit. He has been rather sad as of late. What a poor soul.” She spoke softly into my chest, a quake coming over her body. “I meant what I said. Nothing would make me change the way my life has gone, especially with you. Our romance means the world to me. Hell, that next heat better come soon.” Scarlet flushed my cheeks, her new outfit fitting her personality flawlessly.

“Do you like the new look? Orchid gifted me an entire wardrobe for helping her brother and her out. I think she nailed it. I can’t wait to meet the other Sins.” She sang happily, her energy reminding me of Avery’s. Getting lost in the story of her day, her real smile never left her features. How long had it been since she was able to relax?

“Nice to see you enjoying the fruits of your labor, my dear queen.” I teased playfully, her sparkling eyes meeting mine. “You look as ravishing as the moon. If I weren’t lame as a damn duck, our boots would be twirling across the dance floor.” Laughing into my chest, mixed emotions welled up in the corners of her eyes. Please don’t lose the bit of light you found.

“Still, I never know if it is good enough.” She uttered dejectedly, the light dying down. “When will everyone see me for the fraud I am? Sure you can change the costume and play the part. Meanwhile, I still feel like a freaking imposter.” Inky blackness danced down her cheeks, enough motion returning to my body for me to wipe away her doubts.

“Isn’t it kind of hard to be a fraud when you keep being your damn self?" I pointed out simply, confusion shutting down an approaching panic attack. “Think about it. Haven’t you always run into danger head first, then made a plan. You gave up a piece of your soul without a second thought, didn’t you?” Squeaking out a yes, my heart threatened to beat once more. Silks would give you the shirt off of her back if it meant you being warm on a winter night.

“Mom!” Avery called out, her attention shifting to an open door. Urging her to go, her boots clacked over to our son. His black kimono floated up, Silks spinning him in a flurry of orange lily petals. Falling in love with her more, Cal’s face wrecked the moment. Swiping my keys, his hand patted my shoulder.

“See you at home, brother.” He whispered loud enough for me to hear, his lips pressing into a thin line. “See you tomorrow.” Climbing a tree to get out, his wave provided the amount of comfort I required. Nuit hoisted me to my feet, his body keeping me up. Guiding me through the door, a welcome sight greeted me. Our two new friends waved, Orchid looking seconds from giving me an earful. Thank you God for such a fine present.