Chapter Twenty-Three: The Pumpkin Meets the Swallow

Alice:

Tugging the black and white striped gown over my head, the resemblance to Katrina's dress in Sleepy Hollow was rather uncanny. Tying the black silk ribbon in the front into a neat bow, the top struggled to hold my bosom in. The massive skirt disguised my bump, a shimmering raven mask waited for me. Pulling it over my face, only my black lips could be seen. Sy came in with a concerned expression on his face, my eyes catching the bit of stubble on his face. A beard would turn me on, the way the hair would tickle my cheek sent me to a different place for a quick moment.

"Don't shave." I squeaked out, embarrassment coloring my cheeks. "I have never seen you with a beard. It would also act like a good disguise." Curling his arms around the small of my back, his lips brushed against the top of my head. Refusing to let me go, he buried his head into my neck. Tears soaked my shoulder, his shaky voice sending chills up my spine.

"I will try." He sobbed brokenly, his touch seeming just as shattered. "I am so happy you are alive. Don't you ever get trapped there again. I thought I was going to lose you by your father's hands. Don't let his darkness take you over. I don't know what I would do without you." The fear was ripe in his voice, the guilt dimming my eyes. All of this was my fault, his wet eyes met mine. How could I be so burdensome to my husband?

"Oh, silly me. Now I am making you feel guilty." He joked tenderly, my fingers wiping away his tears. "I love you, Pumpkin." Biting my tongue, a marriage and pregnancy paled in the whole battle I had dragged him into. Bowing my head in shame, it was my idea to start a war in Hell. The fault always seemed to be mine, chaos now erupting across Hell.

"I should be saying that I am sorry. I dragged you into a battle that you never wanted." I apologized sincerely, following him to the bathroom. Peeling off his clothes, he stepped into the shower. Watching him scrub his hair, my thighs rubbed together. No, now wasn't the time. Scrubbing his body, the thoughts of his fingers tracing my skin caused a lustful moan to escape my lips. Curse this giant gown, my fingers scratching the top of my hands. The water turned off, his slender hands dried himself off. A hungry twinkle glinted in his eyes, his hand purposely dropping the towel. A sly grin spread cheek to cheek, disappointment dimmed my eyes as he tugged on a pair of tan wool pants, and white button up shirt. Pulling on a matching jacket, he reminded of Johnny Depp's character in Sleepy Hollow. Refusing to look at him, he clutched me close to his chest.

"Dessert will come later, my dear Pumpkin." He teased huskily, running his hand up my skirt. "Good things come to those who wait." Sliding his hand up further, he winked in my direction. A throat clearing ended our session, a fully dressed Renkin hovered in the doorway. His simple wool shirt and black dress pants contrasted our ornate outfits, his foot tapped incessantly.

"Playtime later. I have to discuss many things with you over tea and delectable snacks that I made." He ordered sternly, Sy flipping him off. "Take your mask. I have been wearing one around so they are all the rage because of my influence." Catching an ivory fox mask, he slid it over his face. Guiding us to a different room, the rosy champagne tones screamed of a woman's touch. The light green wallpaper complimented the furniture while several portraits of Renkin's mother lined the room. A clear crystal teapot steamed, the dark liquid smelling rather enticing. Furthermore, the cookies all contained the alluring smell of peppermint.

"What are those lovely smells?" I inquired curiously, my stomach growling. "I apologize sincerely." Chuckling warmly to himself, he poured a cup for me. Confusion dawned on Sy's face, the maid coming in with cups of red wine for them. Pouring a splash of cream into my tea, he dropped a cube of sugar in. Sliding the cup over, he graciously accepted the glasses of wine. Seeing the way he treated his staff assured me of his kind heart, the maid blushing a red as deep as the wine.

"The tea is made with the five spices known to make every pregnancy healthy and I just felt like making peppermint butter cookies. It seems you have a craving for anything peppermint. That is not why I brought you here. There is a witch doctor that they call the Swallow who can craft a necklace for you to keep the curse of his evil from spreading. It will stop the damage but once you kill him on the final day of the revolution, the necklace will break. The rest is up to you. However, you will have bouts of darkness taking over. Is that fine? I think I have her card somewhere." Shifting through the contacts next to him, he flicked Sy a card. Hatred flickered in his eyes, the curiosity beginning to get the better of me.

"This is Demetros' territory." He snapped hotly, the city New Orleans caught my eyes. "Do you really want us to go in there? I heard he is messing with his assistant. I know that isn't how th-" Wasn't he messing around with me? He was calling the kettle black while not knowing it.

A solemn look shut him down, Renkin leaning forward. The evil grin on his face made me shrink back, Sy holding his ground. Brotherly love certainly knew no bounds, Renkin proving to go out of the way for me.

"This is the only way for you to help her out right now." He growled through gritted teeth, the tension in the air building. "I happen to be great friends with him. Simply say I sent you." Shifting uncomfortably in my seat, Sy's expression softened. Both of them turned towards me, a quiet what poured from my lips. Renkin plopped down on the other side of me. Twisting my hair into a simple side bun, his eyes narrowed in Sy's direction. Taking a deep breath, the tension escaped the room. I suppose the decision was mine, Sy's reluctance unsettled me.

"I'll go." I sighed with defeat, taking a sip of the tea. "I would like to get this under control. I fail to see how they could be that bad. I mean it isn't like they were assassins or anything." Both of them refused to look at me, the result of this conversation was Sy downing the whole glass of wine. This guy couldn't be that bad, my mind wondering why everyone else would be scared. Then again we did have a bounty on our heads, and he could be eager to collect. Jumping to my feet, I needed one thing and one thing only. Ripping Sy off of the couch, Renkin said nothing as I bowed in his direction. Imagining our home, a portal swirled to life, the two of us stepping through. The castle faded to our bedroom, the portal sealing shut. Setting my mask down, my trembling fingers untied the front. My bountiful breasts bounced out as the dress fluttered to the floor, his clothes landing with a soft thud. Stroking his stiffened cock, my sweet lips wrapped around it. Taking him all in, a groan of ecstasy escaped his lips. Licking his length, he shuddered with pleasure. Focusing on the tip, his body twitched.

"Pumpkin, you need to slow down." He groaned huskily, moving my head faster. "Why are you so great at this?" Shooting him a devilish grin, he flipped me underneath him. Brushing his lips against my skin, he paused at my bump. Resting his chin on my bump, his loving gaze never left mine. His tail wagged, his ears pinned back with embarrassment. A tender blush rose to my cheeks, his goofy grin threw me off. Lowering himself in between my legs, his long tongue flickered against my swollen clit. Sucking on it, my toes curled as my fingers gripped the sheet. His name burst from my lips, pride glittered in his eyes. Sliding his fingers in, the rhythm synced. Losing myself in the moment, my screams shattered the peaceful air. Crawling on top of me, a wicked grin spread cheek to cheek. Flipping me over, he lined himself up. Shoving himself, a long moan poured from my lips. Each wild buck sent my nerves into a frenzy, his hand slid down to my breast. The other one held my bump, my hips ground against his.Tender gasps echoed in the room, howls burst out from his throat. Glancing back, surprise rounded his eyes the moment I flipped him underneath me. Hooking the restraint around his wrists, his ears flattened.

"I am going to punish you, Sy." I teased playfully, cupping his thick girth in my breasts. "Tell me how this feels." Rubbing my breasts against his stiff cock, he moaned under his breath. Scarlet colored his cheeks, his claws extended from his fingernails. Digging them into the leather, no words could escape his lips. Chewing his lips, another howl echoed in the air. Crawling on top of him, my fangs brushed against his bare skin. Each love bite made him twitch with pleasure, a claw extending from my fingernail. Tracing his skin, pure euphoria glittered in his eyes with every slow deliberate scratch. The wicked grin never left my face, my walls hugged him as I sank down on top of them.

"More." He pleaded adorably, licking his lips. "Take control, master. No whipping though. I do have my limits." Bouncing up and down, his claws tore the restraints. His hands cupped my breasts, the way his claws grazed the tender tissue caused the corner of my lips to twitch. Why did this turn me on? Pulling me close to him, his love bites sent chills up my spine. The bed squeaked, his raw strength rolling me underneath. Grazing his tongue against the bite marks, his hand ran up my thighs. Kissing my leg, he placed my feet onto his shoulders. Excitement burned in me, this was my favorite position. Perhaps it was the fact he was in total control. Lining himself up, anticipation swelled within me. His name bounced off the wall the moment he slid into me. Gripping the sheet, each thrust made me scream his name louder. The front door opened, the two of us were seconds from climaxing. Long sighs flooded from our lips, his hot seed filling me up. Collapsing next to me, we both needed to catch our breath. Kissing the top of my head, his tail seemed to be wagging a mile a minute. A knock on the door interrupted the moment, my feet swinging over the edge of the bed. Throwing on a light white summer dress, Sy chose to remain in bed for a second. Who was this Demetros and Swallow character? Sliding on my boots, an eager Felix waited on the other side. Leaning on the wall, a mischievous grin told a wild tale.

"I did it!" He announced proudly, his chest puffing out. Furrowing my brows, my arms folded across my chest. My eyes examined his wrinkled t-shirt and disheveled hair, my mind placing two and two together. Yanking him into our room, the wall quaked the moment I pinned him down. A snarl curled on my lips, a half dressed Sy watched on with a quick shrug. Keep your cool, I warned myself.

"Did you have sex with Bladeworth!" I demanded hotly, his eyes refusing to meet mine. "Shit! I am sorry for yelling at you. Just be careful for your big sister, 'kay!" Embracing him warmly, his tears soaked my shoulder. Why had I been so quick to reprimand him? Stepping back cautiously, they both yelled at me to stop. Thinking about New Orleans, a red door popped up. Not quite wanting to face the consequences of my actions, the door swung open. Stepping through, our home faded to the bustling streets of New Orleans. The noise seemed to be too much, the muzzle of a gun pressed into the back of my head. Putting my hands up, clammy sweat drenched my skin.

"'Who the fuck are you!" A deep voice thundered, another gentle female voice calming him down. Spinning on my heels, a slender man a foot taller than me towered over me. His top hat stole my attention, his pinstripe suit was certainly a fashion choice. Swallowing the lump in my throat, the words seemed stuck on my tongue.

"I am Alice from Halloween Street." I stammered nervously, his gun still remaining on my forehead. "My father is Beezleb-" The safety clicked, my face paling in response. A quiet fury seethed in my eyes, my fingers curling around the muzzle of his gun. No way in hell was my death planned for today. Rolling my eyes, the heel of my wrist smashed his gun out of his hand. Random fireworks disguised the pop of his gun, his heel kicking my jaw. Crouching underneath his next punch, a swift kick aimed for his ankles knocked him on his ass. Crossing my arms into an x, his fists pounded into my arms. The creaking in my bones concerned me, my palm bruising upon the impact of his next punch the moment I caught it.

"Cut the shit!" I shouted venomously, flipping him over me. "I just need a necklace made to slow the curse that I bestowed upon myself. Can I get some help or should I head home?" Moving my foot, my hand hovered in front of his fuming face. Accepting it cautiously, his eyes refused to meet mine as I yanked him to his feet. A woman about my height skipped up to me, a scarlet swallow mask obscured her face.

"You must be the one Renkin sent. " She chirped cheerfully, plucking out a piece of my hair. "You have to forgive me. Demy can have a bit of an attitude. I am his wife, Scarlet. Please relax and have a go-" The streets rumbled, an army of white masked demons stood ready to fight and waited patiently. Smirking sarcastically in his direction, my blade slid into my eager palms. Time to show him what I could do!

"It seems you have your problems as well." I mused playfully, flipping him off. "I will help you out but you have to respect me. Do I have permission to kill or do I have to keep a few alive?" Rolling his eyes, he bent down to look me in the eyes. The steely coldness in his eyes shook my confidence a bit, his attitude agitating at the same time.

"If you can take that whole army out yourself, then by all means. They keep coming back." He uttered simply, picking up his gun. "That is one of Riot's many army. I thought you were one of them." Chuckling sarcastically to myself, this couldn't be happening. Rubbing my eyes, he certainly was a character. No wonder he didn't get along with Sy, Demetros proved to be the male version of me.

"I bet most of them come through red doors." I retorted sarcastically, his eyes rolling. "Let me clean up your mess after you kicked my ass for surrendering." Raising my blade in the air, the black energy curled up my blade. Landing in the center of his army, they all charged at me once. Slamming the tip of my blade into the ground, a blast of energy shot them all up into the sky. Not really wanting to kill them, my fingers snapping. A single black chain snaked around them, a single yank tying them up into a neat pile.

"I want answers." I boldly demanded, all of them refusing to speak. "I see, no one can speak for some reason." Crouching down to their level, a crowd began to gather around us. Knocking the mask of the tallest one, a muddy face of tentacles nauseated me. Wicked laughter rumbled in my throat, Demetros shifted uncomfortably behind me. The image of a woman in a golden lion's mask flashed in my mind, the woman bringing home how our stories matched up. Shivering with disgust, the plot reeked of revenge and an insatiable hunger for power.

"Why are you here? Does she hate her that much?" I interrogated him with a simmering rage. "This story is too much like mine." His inky eyes narrowed in my direction, a strange language flooding from his lips. Massaging my forehead, this wasn't working out. Taking a whiff of his scent, the overwhelming stench of death threatened my breakfast once more.

"Your problem is that they are merely dead puppets. You are looking for a necromancer." I informed him briskly, pressing my palms together. "Fog of forgetfulness, claim these poor humans' memories. You may want to cover up your mouth. I need you awake for our hunt." Covering up his mouth, his wife danced away. Parting my palms, a good blow spread the powder about. The poor humans collapsed into a heap including the dead demons, my eyes scanning for the necromancer. He couldn't be that far from here. I have way too much reading lately. What I learned about them is that they have to be in close range." Pressing my palm on the street, the chains formed a dome over them.

"What is your plan?" He growled through gritted teeth, his gun dangling by his side. "I can't stand you at all. Like I have a fucking choice. My wife will be working on your necklace while we deal with this." Ripping my blade from the ground, the hot metal nearly singed my skin. His death glare met mine, my fingers wrapping around his top hat. Jumping back, black curled off of my skin as I pulled out his scythe.

"Part reaper are we?" I joked lightly, ignoring my burning palms. "I am just going to borrow this for a moment." Whistling the death song, a green ribbon danced down the street. Tucking it back into his hat, confusion dawned on his face. Chasing the ribbon, his feet echoed behind me. So many questions rested on the tip of his tongue, his hand gripped my shoulder. Slapping it away, a voice captured my attention. Who the hell did he think he was?

"Pumpkin! Where are you?" Sy called out, the scent of Felix wasn't far behind him. A distraught Sy ran up to me, spinning me around. Examining my burnt palms, his fist slammed into Demetros' palm. The height difference was almost comical, the hatred brewing between the two of them. Hiding my smile underneath my hand, a pissing contest played out in front of me.

"Syphron, how are things on your side of Hell?" He taunted cruelly, throwing his fist aside. "Your wife is as insufferable as you are. She stole my scythe for a couple of seconds. Who does that?" Rolling my eyes, Felix rushed up to my side. Embracing me warmly, he ruffled the top of my head. Tears welled up in my eyes, the guilt ate at me. His whole life had been rotten as mine, he had looked up at me for every rough moment. No matter how rough our fights were, the silence between fights had been short.

"You aren't turning into our parents." He assured me gently, nudging for me to go ahead while the boys argued. "You just want the best for me. Let me be your hero for once." Peeling off his clothes, the cracks of his bones echoed in the humid air. His muscles groaned, fur poked through his skin. A loud howl rang out in the air, his fur danced in the stiff breeze. Scooping me up, his paws splashed through the puddles. A green ball floated over the cemetery, a long groan flooded from my lips. Of course, the guy who plays with dead things would be in the cemetery. Burnt grass crunched underneath his paws, Scarlet appeared next to me. Our husbands cried out for us to stop, a terrifying image greeted us.