Chapter 12

Zemar backs away as his eyes change color to glowing crimson and allows Marty to stand as she rubbed her sore neck.

"I didn't kill your fucking father, I only kill bad guys," he grumbles, keeping his voice no louder than a harsh whisper.

"That's what all serial killers say!" Marty barks loudly, ignoring the change in his voice.

"I'm not a fucking serial killer!… You called me a monster and to most people, I am but, really I'm not. I never fucking wanted to hurt or kill anyone. I was used like a fucking weapon for fuck sakes. Would you call a gun a murderer?" He snarls, Marty's expression changed. He does have a point and this brought a somewhat different light to the situation,

"That doesn't change the fucking fact of how many lives you took. You're conscious, you're not some inanimate fucking object that can't make a choice," Marty risked a step towards her counter. Zemar's eyes glowed Azura and the second voice was back,

"That's fucking rich! You think he had a choice?" Chuckling inwards,

"If I didn't take the lives on the fucking list for him, he would've been tortured more brutally than the normal days. He's only a fucking kid! Do you know what it's like to grow up in that kind of situation?" He paced the kitchen, eyes switching between glowing Azure and glowing crimson, he was scared. Scared that nobody would save him. Afraid that they'll hunt him down and drag him back,

"Those… T-Those people that I called my family were the real fucking murderers! I got out… I got out… And you! You want to take away that freedom!" he cries and stomps towards Marty, eyes blazing red.

"You take another step and I'll scream," she threatens as she quickly bounced to rest her back against the kitchen counter, he growls with frustration.

"You know all about that kind of trauma… don't you?" A smirk appears in the corner of his mouth, Azure eyes taking over. Marty took a shaky breath,

"Don't talk like you know me and especially in that condescending tone!… Remember Nathan Campbell. Remember murdering him?" Marty asked hostilely under the menacing glow. She could hardly see him in the dark, it was as if a black panther is stalking it's prey. His eyes switch to red with a quick flicker of blue as details of a memory arose,

"Nathan Campbell, age 45, owned a bookstore. Borrowed money from the Grimm Reaper gang to gamble. Was sent to retrieve what was owed, store smelt old. Was quiet day, blue birds singing… Found he beat his wife for pleasure… against protocol, smashed face in with book from the store, fiction, The Day the River Ran Red. Ironic... Second victim," he was apathetic, sounding almost robot like when reciting the murder. Marty's jaw clenched,

"H-How did you know that?" she stumble over her tongue in shock.

He shook his head slightly as his eyes go back to normal icy blue and turns away with a sigh in the dark room. No more glow, no more anger after realizing he really did kill Marty's dad. Even though he was a wife beater, and gambled, he gave all his guests a smile. He was still a person. Moments like these happen often, where he didn't remember any of the murders until it was asked and the memory would appear out of nowhere. Antonio never usually asks the how, just asks if it's done.

"He deserved to die… You of all people should've wanted him dead… He hurt your mom," he was so distraught. Why would Marty be upset over someone like that? Why is she so afraid of him? He didn't hurt her. Marty stayed silent, the traffic down below sounded muted to the thick aura around them.

"Why'd you ask Rick to turn me in?" He stayed ridged, waiting for the answer that everyone gave.

"You're fucking dangerous!" She blurts,

"Even after I saved you? You still think I'm dangerous! I don't kill for the hell of it… I kill to survive," he met Marty's gaze with heartbroken icy blue eyes. She submits first with a scowl,

"Oh and that makes it okay?"

"I was 12 for fuck sake's! And I had no control! It was like my body moved on its own, besides, nobody deserves to be beaten for no god damn fucking reason!" he snaps. Marty quickly reacts without thinking and found a chef knife plunged deep into his chest,

"Feel better?" he scornfully asks. Marty backed away, trembling in terror of the consequences. Teeth rattling in her skull as small plips of liquid echo in the silence. Marty leans against the counter, white knuckling the edge as she waited for him to strike. Unintentionally letting out small whimpers with every exhale, squeezing her eyes shut, she heard a voice.

"Marty? Is everything okay hon?" Sarah calls from the bedroom, Marty quickly opened her eyes and stares at the bedroom door that she left ajar. The light flicked on before Sarah wanders out, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes while holding her silk housecoat closed.

"Quick! Call the cops! Zemar is trying to kill…" Marty bolts to Sarah's side and points towards the kitchen only to find that it was empty,

"Me…?" Marty stood perplexed. Sarah tenderly rubs Marty's shivering shoulders,

"It was just a nightmare honey, come back to bed," Sarah calmly directs Marty towards their bedroom.

"No! I saw him! He was fucking right here… I swear he was right here, and his eyes… There was something wrong with his eyes," Marty threw Sarah's arms away and ran to where Zemar was just standing. There was no evidence. There wasn't even a speck of blood and the knife was sitting on the counter, spotless.

"I didn't make it up…" Marty mumbles, sounding defeated as Sarah guides her towards the room, her pink bunny slippers clicking on the laminate floor with each shuffle.

"I believe you but, maybe you were seeing things. You've been on edge ever since meeting him, babe," Sarah coos. Marty shrugs Sarah off and crawls into bed, ignoring her attempts of comfort as she rolls away, only to stare at their digital clock on the nightstand, counting the hours.

Andy knocks on Zemar's door,

"Hey buddy? Wanna hang out at the mall today? Mom and Dad are gonna be busy all day and I wanna do something fun," Andy asks in a calm and polite tone. Zemar woke with a big stretch, feeling a pounding sensation in his head.

"Will it be super busy?" He inquires when opening the door with a yawn,

"It shouldn't be. It's a weekday and I only want to go to the arcade in there. They have the better VR games… You look exhausted, you don't have to come if you're tired," Andy noticed his slump.

"Ah… I-I had a bad dream last night, no biggie. I'll come," he smiles and gave his eyes a quick rub before following Andy outside,

"How do you suppose we're getting there? No vehicle," he points out the obvious as they see the empty driveway. The hard black pavement was partly shaded by a large oak tree just beside the two-story home. It's bright green leaves beginning to change to shades of red as acorns scattered the ground.

"You can fly us there," Andy blurts with a giant grin, he takes a step away,

"Nuh uh! Not a chance in hell!"

"Aw come on… Why not? It'll take us half the time than taking the city bus," Andy begs.

"Listen Andy, there's a really big reason I don't go flying around all Willy-Nilly. I'm trying to start a new life and if some pig recognizes me, I'm done for. I don't want that to happen," he grumbles, Andy does his best to give him big, puppy dog eyes, complete with a little lip quiver,

"No!" he barks.

They sat quietly across from each other on the large city bus. It smelt musty and sweet from spilt drinks with a hint of lingering dust. Andy glared at him with a pout the whole ride. It's not like he didn't get rude glares or scoffs of disgust whenever he walked by, but he felt bad cause it was from his friend. He also secretly hated being grounded, it was his one stress reliever. Being a wanted criminal sucked. He loathed the idea of being judged just cause he's a Demon, and being called a monster before even taking the chance to know him. He may be a little fucked up but, it wasn't entirely his fault. What could he have done? What could he do different? Thinking about last night, he was remorseful. He could've handle that situation more delicately. He was just so fearful and angry that he got confused. Should he apologize? Try and make amends and show he's not just some angry Demon that lashes out all the time. Thoughts ran through his head like a race track, they'd just go around in circles. The squeal of brakes that needed oil slows to a halt at a bus stop and he noticed Andy move. They thanked the driver as they got off,

"Where are we?" He was so focused on other things that he wasn't paying attention.

"Seriously Dude? Dad's bar is just around the corner," Andy rolled his eyes like he was annoyed,

"Sorry… I had a lot on my mind during the ride," he apologized as they came up to the familiar building. Strolling right in you could tell that it was slow today as there were only a few people sitting at the tables.

"You're dad is just in the office with Sarah, he'll be out in a minute bud," they look to see Rob waiting tables, seemed like he was the only one working.

"Where's Marty? Isn't she supposed to be doing that?" Andy questions as he sat at the bar,

"She called in sick this morning, don't know why. Sarah is discussing that with Rick," Rob shrugs as he pours another lager.

"How long you think they'll be? We're heading to the arcade and I need my credit card," Andy explained,

"Beats me, but if Sarah doesn't come out soon I'm gonna have a fit! I hate serving, I can't even make a good martini," Rob groaned as he dumped a glass down the sink. Another failed mix.

Zemar glanced around the room once more before turning to Rob,

"Need help? I can make a few cocktails,"

"I'll take it. Anything to get out of the bar and back to my sweet darling kitchen," Rob sighs with relief just as a young lady walks up.

"Excuse me, could we get a couple cosmopolitans please," Rob let's out an annoyed sigh and that was his cue. Good thing it's an easy drink, four ingredients and he liked any drink he could shake. It was another kind of stress reliever as he could shake the crap out of ice and alcohol. Not like flying, but pretty close. His old acquaintance from The Beach Hut, was even nice enough to teach him a few tricks and let off some steam every now and then.

"Relax Rob, I got this," he reassures and gathered the ingredients, Rob and Andy couldn't believe their eyes as they watch him pour like a professional. Smacking the side of the shaker to hold the glass in place he twirls it in hand, shaking it in his left hand then throwing it up behind his back. Catching it with his right hand as he simultaneously sets up the delicate martini glass. The whole performance took about a minute and a half as he poured the beautiful, sunset pink drink with a orange peel garnish. Carefully handing them to the young lady with a shy smile,

"Oh my goodness," she giggles as a blush ran across her cheeks.

"That was quite something. Do you work here?" She flirts as she bit her bottom lip,

"Um… No. Our dad owns the place and we're just here to visit," he rubs the back of his head in embarrassment. Did he just call Rick his dad?

The young lady quickly gave him a look up and down as her flirtatious grin made her cheeks brighter,

"Awe that's too bad, cause if ya did, you'd be seeing me around here more often," she had a cute smile. Leaning over the bar her breasts were nearly falling out of her skimpy tank-top as she slowly took her drinks and left.

"What the fuck man!" Andy blurts,

"D-Did I just see that? Y'all saw that, right?" Rob was baffled by what just happened as he half points to the woman while switching looks between them.

"What?" He shrugged his shoulders in confusion, it wasn't that great of a trick.

"Where did you learn to do something like that?" Andy demands,

"That's not what I was referring to…" Rob mumbles to himself.

"Oh that! I hung around a bar in San Francisco and watched the half breed bartender do that a couple of times. He even taught me a few other tricks," he chuckles,

"What's going on here?" Rick came around the corner with Sarah following, startling the group. He promptly removed himself from behind the counter, hoping to avoid a scolding.

"Dad! Dad! You gotta see what Zemar can do! Do it again," Andy ran up to Rick and shoved him towards the bar, before Andy pushed Zemar behind the bar again.

"What are you going on about? What are you doing here anyways?" Rick crossed his arms expecting an answer from this confusing moment. Zemar gulps before grabbing another glass and doing the same motion as he made another cosmopolitan. Rick gaped at the spectacle and instantly tasted the drink,

"Perfectly mixed… Where the hell did you learn to do that?" Rick questioned with wide eyes, twinkling in excitement.

"When I uh… Lived in San Francisco, I use to hang out at a bar all the time. The tender was a cool guy and to entertain my depression he'd teach me a few tricks like that," he rubbed the back of his head nervously, like he confessed something bad and good at the same time.

"That was pretty neat. You should do more of them," Sarah applaud,

"I uh… I-I'm not good with c-crowds,"

"Hey, we heard Marty wasn't feeling good. Is everything okay?" Andy interrupts, concerned for the employee.

Sarah turns sideways while biting her thumbnail,

"Marty hasn't been feeling well mentally. It seems like Zemar has awaken some old, traumatic memories. She won't be coming in for a few days," she explained bleakly.

"Oh… I'm sorry to hear that. I didn't realize it was that bad, I hope she feels better soon," he apologized. He must've opened up some blocked memories, he wasn't trying to, he just wanted her to give him a chance. Despite the now obvious past murder. He should've approached it differently, but it felt like he didn't really have complete control over himself. He was just lucky the knife missed his heart, cause if it didn't, he'd be unconscious for weeks on their floor. How'd he explain that to his family?

"Zemar, would you like to take over Marty's position? Just until she can get back on her feet?" Rick offers with a grin, hoping that he'll take it.

"If it'll help repay your kindness, I'll do whatever you ask of me… To an extent," he bowed to acknowledge the contract,

"Oh thank the lord! No more busting tables," Rob praised as he scurried towards his kitchen like a little mouse.

"Not today though, dad. I wanna take Zemar to the arcade. He's never been and we've come to ask for some money… Or at least the credit card. Please spare some change for a poor, poor soul," Andy held out his hands in a comedic way as he begged for cash. Rick laughs and pulls out his white plastic credit card,

"No more than $300, deal?"

"Deal! Thanks dad!" Andy thanked and quickly took the card before heading out, dragging Zemar with him.

At the mall, Andy was right, there was hardly any people inside. Its definitely not the same environment when he first visited.

"The arcade is just this way… I know I told dad that you haven't, but have you ever played any video games before?" Andy asks with a small head tilt as they strolled down the tiled walkway,

"Not really… Actually, not at all. I was too busy um… Working, that I didn't have a chance to be a kid," he confessed with a hesitant tone. He was too busy killing people to take any part in playing games or eating BBQ. Normal, fun kid stuff.

"Oh… Well this place has so many to choose from, I'm sure you'll have tons of fun," Andy grins as he bounced towards the flashing neon lights, the noise of electronic music and sound effects ring in the large area as they enter the dimly lit store.

"Wow! So colourful," he gaped at all the flashing lights,

"It's amazing right? I'll show you around and we can play whatever you'd like first," Andy snickers and grabbed his wrist, pulling him deeper into the sounds.

It was hours before they resurfaced from the darkness, giant grins across their tired face.

"Man I feel exhausted. I'm totally gonna take a snooze on the bus ride home," Andy yawns with a big stretch,

"How can you sleep after something like that? So many lights and music, so much activity going on, my brain is wired to the gillies," he hopped around. Video games were now his favourite thing to do, he just wanted to sit and play games for the rest of his days.

"Ah, the joys of first timers. They'll get boring soon enough buddy. If you play too much you're eyes will dry out and get sore also, the lack of sleep will affect your life. And, you can't forget to eat and drink and use the bathroom…," Andy paused,

"Wait, I don't think I've ever seen you use our bathroom," Andy tapped his chin in thought as he recalls never seeing Zemar even enter the washroom at home.

"Oh, Demon and Angels don't go to the bathroom. Whatever we eat or drink is converted to natural energy. Being immortal has its downsides, we need to eat something to heal the smallest of wounds, otherwise we heal as quickly as you mortals," he explained,

"Wait, wait, wait… So you don't have an ass?" Andy blurts with no regard of other people.

"Oh my god…" he sighs and face palms from the stupid question,

"Yes Andy, we have an ass. We just don't use it. We don't have that part of our digestive system,"

"Then why the fuck do you have one?"

"You really don't want to know,"

"That's a weird conversation to have in public," they turn quickly to see Tatiana standing with a giggle. His eyes go wide and he turned beet red in embarrassment,

"I uh… I-It wasn't m-my fault…. Andy started it!" He trips over his words before blaming his friend. Tatiana giggles again and his heart skipped a beat, she was so cute.

Another woman walks up beside Tatiana with a grin,

"Are these your friends," she asks,

"Oh mom, you remember Andy right? Well, this is Zemar, he's been staying with Andy and his family," Tatiana introduced. He shivers as Tatiana's mother gave him a good examine with her eyes, it was like she was interrogating him without speaking.

"It's n-nice to meet you ma'am," he stumbles and held out his large, furry hand in greetings, trying to make a good impression.

"This is the Demon you're dating? He seems like a lovely guy," she clasps her hands together with his in delight as his jaw drops,

"What?!"