Chapter Thirty-Four: A New Eye and Deal
Hudson:
Her red eye was twitching wildly, the dagger floating into her hand. The sheer look of terror on her face frightening the wits out of me, her collapsing into my arms as she fainted. Fanning her face, Grappy and Theros stood over us. The two of them stopped their pathetic little jealousy filled spat, my eyes rolling. Worry plagued their eyes, deep frowns plastering themselves onto their lips. Her chest rose up and down, quiet rage seethed in Theros' eyes. A growl thundered in his throat, his fist slamming into the back of my head.
"Do you know how dangerous a reaper's eye can be?" He demanded hotly, my hand rubbing the back of my head. "It can kill the user if that blade isn't on their person. Hell, she probably just saw a reaper. That shit is scary. If she dies because of that, I will rip out your throat myself." Taking his threat seriously, a chill ran up my spine. His love for her knew no bounds, the rest of stepping back cautiously. Snapping awake, she jumped to her feet. Slamming her foot into Theros' groin, he crumbled into a heap. A pathetic whine escaped his lips, the whine of a balloon a couple octaves higher. Pressing the heel of her boot into his chest, a snarl curled on her lips.
"I used that dagger upon my own volition, Theros! He didn't even know that I had it." She retorted sarcastically, ripping off her dress. "I am so sick of everything. Pick whatever tuxedo you fucking want, I am out! It'd be good to leave me the fuck alone. I am going to fix the damage I caused." Pulling her other dress over her head, the two of them hung back with me. Slamming the door behind her, a warm gust of air blew our hair back. A dark cloud hung over our heads, knowing that we all screwed up. Theros struggled to his feet, cupping his balls. Clearing his throat, we all turned to each other.
"Maybe we should give her some space?" Theros suggested cautiously, Grappy already gone. "Well, he's gone. Did you cut his hair because of me?" Bloodsworth narrowed his eyes, the tension building once more. Waving my hands around, this wasn't going to do. The fucking Testorone could just die down now, my eyebrow twitching. Now I understood why she was steamed, but at the same time I was rather pleased that Grappy was watching her from a distance. Twisting his gray hair into a bun, Bloodsworth cleared his throat. Folding his arms across his chest, a displeased look dimmed his usually twinkling eyes.
"I don't know her that well, but something else is eating at her." Bloodsworth pointed out calmly, picking out our tuxedos. "You know what. Make her something that is her favorite. Oh wait, my future husband destroyed the kitchen. Don't get me wrong, I am fine that they destroyed them all without disturbing the party. That really is a feat within itself. I can't say the same about my guests though. Whatever you do, could you just keep the damage to a minimum? I can't afford much more damage." Placing the tuxedos and dress on the yes rack, he shoved us out of the room. Meandering around, we came to the set of shops in the resort. Turning back around, the destroyed halls led to the similarly destroyed kitchen. Peaking our head around the corner, her dainty hands were laying white tile down with the construction workers. Smiling warmly at them, the quiet look threw us off. She really was a hard worker, not even complaining at all. Looking up, the three of us hid behind the wall. Theros and Grappy turned towards me, eager eyes boring into my skull. Shifting uncomfortably, the look on their faces told me that they wanted answers.
"You grew up with her." Grappy pointed out simply, Theros nodding behind him. "What made her feel better when she was upset?" Shrugging my shoulders, I really didn't know. Her whole life she just hid her emotions away except for that time before prom. Grayson had broken up with her and her broken body ended up in my arms. My girlfriend at the time had been pissed when I canceled on her to help Evie instead, the two of us watching a horror movie in the dark. An idea flashed in my head, the two boys staring at me with confusion.
"How do you boys feel about a horror movie marathon?" I suggested cautiously, the two of them furrowing their brows. "If you two can get along, I think that she will feel a lot better. So is there a movie theater around here or what?" Pulling out their phones, the local movie theater was playing the most recent horror movie. Sensing a familiar energy, an irritated Evie towered over us. Her eyebrow twitched, the corner of her lips twitching.
"If you are going to spy on someone, do it a bit better." She chastised cruelly, placing her finger on her chin. "I am simply fixing Grappy's mistake of blowing up an entire room. I would love to go to the movies with you. Perhaps you could help me out, and be a pal. Especially you, Grappy! I didn't blow up my future husband's kitchen, now did I?" Bowing his head in shame, we all piled into the kitchen. Hiding our goofy grins behind our hands, her narrowed eyes silenced us. Poking her head into the professional oven, she fiddled with the components.
"Please ask the construction guys what to do." She continued tiredly, rubbing a bit of black grease on her forehead. "I expect this kitchen to be in one piece by the afternoon. I am off to help Bloodsworth pick out the new dishes for the restaurant." Clutching her close to my chest, a tender blush rose to her cheeks. Wiping the grease off of her forehead, she skipped down the hall. Clearly her mood had been lifted, the state of the kitchen a terrifying prospect. Rolling up our sleeves, endless hours of work resulted in a completely reconstructed kitchen. Going back to our room to take a shower, shock rounded my eyes. Evie slumbered on the bed, her body curled into a tiny ball. Covering her up, the bright light of the bathroom blinded me. Taking a quick shower, it felt so nice to be clean. Drying myself off, Evie walked in to use the toilet. Brushing past me, her ears drooped with sadness. Silent tears slid down her cheeks, her right hand covering up her red eye.
"What's wrong?" I queried urgently, her head shaking. "Did you see something?" Looking up at me, a wet panicked look met mine. Wrapping her arms around my neck, sobs wracked her body. She tried to speak, a jolt of electricity shocked her.
"Bloodsworth is going to die today if I don't do anything." She blurted out desperately, her voice cracking. "I need to save him, but the cause of death was so freaking fuzzy. I have to go!" Catching her by the wrists, she fell to her knees. Ripping her arm away, she pounded down the hall to the main suite. A huge commotion erupted behind the door, the heel of her boot knocking the black doors down. A bloody Bloodsworth crawled out of the room, several blades sticking out of his back. Calling for help, his black blood pooled underneath my boots. Feeling for his pulse, tears welled up in my eyes. There was no pulse, several vampires dragging him to the medical wing. Sprinting into the room, tears of rage poured from her eyes as she stabbed his assailant over and over again. Terror widened my eyes, a reaper hovering above her. Snatching the bony wrist, she slammed him onto the blood stained carpet.
"Fix it now!" She demanded venomously, an invisible force knocking him back. "He deserves to live. How could you kill him!" The reaper struggled to his feet, his hand wrapping around her neck. Tilting his head slowly, a row of fangs gnashed in her face. Pinning her to the wall, she clawed at his yellowed bony fingers. Unable to move, cold black hands held me in place. Growls rumbled in my throat, a wail of loss shaking the walls.
"You can't kill death, you fucking idiot." He retorted bitterly, slamming her into the wall repeatedly. "I want to kill you too, but I can't! You are so annoying." Gasping for air, her body grew limp. Dropping her to the ground, even more blood splattered all over the moment she landed in a growing pool of the thick black liquid. Launching to her feet, she slammed the dagger into her chest. Slamming into my body, a black cloud of energy destroyed the room. Sliding the dagger into her boot, her bloody boots pounded down the hall. Huffing and puffing into the medical wing, she collapsed to her knees. The machines beeped, his pulse weak but still going. Crawling to the bed, she rested her head on the edge. Bloodsworth patted the top of her head, a weak smile dimming her tired face.
"You do know that you just pissed off the reapers." He wheezed, coughing up blood. "They are formidable enemies. But it looks like they already got to you." Feeling the hand print around her neck, black painted the sheets. Sobs wracked her body, her fingers gripping the sheets.
"I don't care!" She shouted furiously, banging her fists on the bed. "They were going to take you the day of your wedding, and that just isn't fair! You were bad, but I didn't put you on the good path for it all to fail now! Also, I couldn't see Grappy broken again. He used to look so sad until he met you. He found love for the first time, and that should never be taken away. I am s-" Struggling to sit up, he pulled her into his arms.
"I am giving up my post to be by his side forever. Tonight I was going to appoint the new king of my people. I can't do it anymore." He exclaimed jovially, embracing her tighter. "I just want to be an old married man. If anyone can make a deal with the reapers, you can. Now go get cleaned up for the ceremony. Blood isn't as fashionable as you think, my dear." Tossing her over my shoulder, she hung limply with defeat in her eyes. Dread bubbled in my stomach, my muscles not feeling like they were strong enough to protect her. Stripping off her dress and bra, she walked into the shower. Warm water cascaded over her perfect finger, the blood muddying the water. The distant look frightened me, her slender fingers working the shampoo in her hair. Washing herself up, she turned off the water. Drying off, she barely had her black lace rockabilly dress on her when Grappy burst into the room. Smashing into her, she winced at him touching her clearly bruised ribs.
"Thank you so much for saving him. I thought I lost him, but then he came back to life. I don't know what you did but thank you so much. I owe my life to you." He blubbered happily, her real smile flashing in his direction. Wrapping her bruised arms around his shoulders, his tears soaked her shoulder. Nothing needed to be said between the two, their connection growing stronger by the second.
"Go to your lover." She whispered sweetly, lifting his chin with her finger. "I want you to cuddle with him until the wedding. It is your day after all, and I shouldn't be tainting it. I have something that I have to do. Have fun with him, and please take the day off." Grappy disappeared with the snap of his fingers, her expression darkening. Locking the door behind her, she slammed her dagger into her palm.
"Come out now!" She ordered sharply, placing her hand in the air. "I know you can smell my blood now. I want to talk." Ice crept up the walls, several reapers hovering in front of us. Scythes of all kinds hung over their shoulders, their ragged black robes fluttered in the blustery gust of wind. Yellowed skulls peered out from underneath their hoods, the largest one floating forward.
"What do you want, criminal?' She hissed icily, raising her hand into the air. "You shall p-" Her dagger pressed to her neck stopped her, Evie's red eye pouring blood. Clenching her fist, ice crawled up her legs. Pressing it deeper into her neck, Evie shook the ice off of her legs.
"Why must you make death so icy!" She barked with hatred burning in her voice. "I called you to make a deal. I will become one of your reapers when I die, but you have to leave Bloodsworth alone. Along with that, I will be able to join my family up in Heaven at the end of the day. I have no need to start a war with you idiots. Do you agree?" Knocking Evie back, she swung her scythe towards her neck. Her dagger dodged the attack, the two of them shooting daggers at each other. Shivering in my spot, I knew better than to help her. Death itself stood in front of me, the lead reaper rolling her red eyes.
"We don't want you to be a reaper, so no deal there. If you help us when we ask you, then we can reach an agreement." She refuted with disgust in her tone, her skeletal hand placing her scythe back on her shoulder. "I won't bother you or your friend Bloodsworth. I am giving you two more chances before we execute you. You need to collect all of the death stones. Upon collecting them all, consider your debt paid. The hunters have them all, and you want to take them down anyway. Can you manage that?" Offering the leader her hand, they shook each other's hand. Stepping back, the ice began to melt.
"I will find them for you, but I don't know what they look like." She promised earnestly, the two of them smiling warmly at each other. "I respect your decision, and you will have those stones in no time. I like you. Maybe smile at your soul when you take them away, perhaps things would go a bit easier." Bowing towards each other, she tucked her blade back into her boot. Fading back into the wall, she collapsed to her knees. Scooping her up, she rested her head on my chest. Sitting her down on the bed, the tissue in my hand soaking up the blood still pouring from her red eyes.
"What am I going to do with you?" I teased playfully, her real smile melting my heart. "You really do get away with a lot of things, don't you?" Shrugging her shoulders, she leapt to her feet. Spinning around, the raw joy on her face pleased me. Resting my head on my hands, her delicate hand ripped me off of the bed. Dancing around the room with me, her eyes twinkled with a sense of adventure.
"I saved a friend." She squealed happily, looking like a girly girl for the first time. "For once my stupid antics amounted to something. Now if only I knew what they looked like?" Placing her finger on her luscious lips, my eyebrow twitched. Of course, she didn't think about that first. Her laughter twinkled in my ears, her sweet lips brushing the nape of my neck. Such a magical touch, I told myself. Wrapping her legs around my waist, her tail began to wag. Round two, yes please. A knock on the door interrupted us, Theros popping his head in. His long black hair cascaded like a curtain to the floor, Ruby reaching for Evie. Fantastic, yet another person obsessed with my Evie. Her red eyes watered when Evie didn't grab her fast enough, her giggle sounding like bells the moment Evie placed her on her shoulders. Playing with her ears, her tiny fingers reached for Evie's thumb. Offering her thumb to her, she snatched it away before Ruby could sink her tiny fangs into it.
"No biting, Ruby." Evie warned patiently, taking her off of her shoulders. "Let's go see amazing things, Miss Ruby. I will be borrowing your child for a minute." Ruby pointed to her ears, her tiny fingers grabbing the air. Cooing sweetly, her lips parted to speak.
"Aunty Ears." She spoke clearly, tears welling up in Theros, and Evie's eyes. "Aunty Ears." A tender blush rose to her cheeks, Evie waving her hands around. A tiny pair of matching ears sat in her palms, Ruby's smile growing wider as she placed the headband on her head, a tail now spinning in her palm. Laying her down on the bed, she tied the tail around her waist. The white fur danced in the breeze, her black lace dress contrasting it beautifully. Bouncing around on the bed, Ruby howled gleefully.
"Don't tell your wife that she said my name first." Evie whispered softly, Theros nodding in a silent agreement. "Ruby, let's play wolf. Bare your fangs, cup your hands." Crashing onto the bed behind Ruby, she bared her tiny fangs while making tiny paws with her hands. Theros leaned onto my shoulders, poking me in my cheek. Narrowing my eyes, he backed up a bit. Rolling my eyes, watching her play with Ruby made my heart flutter.
"She's in a good mood today. I can't wait to see her play with your baby." He chirped cheerfully, Ruby chewing on her tail. "I am so excited for you two." Little did he know that she just made a deal with reapers, and saved Bloodsworth all in a matter of a couple of hours. If she wanted to take a nap, it would be understandable. Hiding the pain from Ruby biting her tail, Evie twisted her hair into a simple side bun. Singing Ruby a gentle lullaby, it wasn't long before sweet slumber took her to dreamland. Scooping her up, silent tears streamed down her cheeks while she held Ruby in her arms. Rocking her back and forth, something was eating at her. Passing Ruby to Theros, her head resting on my chest. Theros waved goodbye, leaving just the two of us. Pressing her palms against my sweaty chest, her body trembled.
"I am going to be an awful mother." She wept softly, hitting my chest repeatedly. "I am never going to be any good at it. I just need you to tell me that everything is going to be okay. Holding her freaked me out. I am honestly so unsure of what to do." Lifting up her chin with my fingers, she needed the confidence boost. The corner of her lips quivered, my lips pressing against hers sweetly. Melting into my arms, her arms wrapped around my neck. Gazing lovingly up at me, her hand cupped my face. Tenderly kissing my lips, she pulled me onto the bed. Another knock interrupted us, a maid in a simple black uniform poking her head in.
"It is time to get ready for the ceremony." She mumbled shyly, a deep red rising to her cheeks. "These are your outfits. The makeup artist and hair person will be coming in shortly." Smiling warmly at the maid, she leapt to her feet. Taking the two black garment bags, she shoved the poor maid out.
"Thank you very much! Have a nice day." Evie sang nervously, turning back towards me. "I am going to need some help." Grinning crookedly at her, her beauty always stunned me. Wrapping my arms around my neck, she rested her chin on my head. Thank goodness that she was mine and always will be mine.