by Kunz, C. A.
In the distance an eerie thunderous sound erupted, heralding a crowd of men holding drums. Every man wore a dark red robe with hoods that hid their eyes. They drummed in a hypnotic rhythm. Listening to the beat, Cat felt a strange connection to the group, especially when the drumming stopped and the men began to hum. They continued eerily humming as they passed by, resuming their drum beat several seconds later. “Wow, Julie, that was awesome!”
“I know! It was like they were talking to us through their drums. Does that sound odd?”
“No, I know what you mean. I couldn’t have described it any better,” Cat replied, turning her head back to the parade as the crowd cheered.
A long jet black hearse with ornate silver accents slowly made its way down the cobblestone street, driven by a skeleton dressed in a black top hat and tails. A couple sat in the seat attached to the roof. The woman had long white hair adorned with a crown of blood red roses, matching her dress. Her face was angelic. Her dark eyes and eyebrows looked strange against her white hair and the paleness of her skin. She smiled, and her angelic demeanor was ruined by two perfect fangs protruding from her mouth. Her partner wore a black tuxedo accompanied with a brilliant white shirt. The only splash of color on his outfit was the blood red rose attached to his lapel. A top hat and a black cane with a silver bird for the handle finished his look. His face was monstrous with huge red scars and disgusting black lumps. His yellow teeth, revealed when he smiled gruesomely at the crowd, matched his eerie yellow eyes. The sign on the hearse door read:
All Hail!
The King And Queen Of All Hallows Eve!
Please Stop By Later For A Bite!
A few people laughed as they read the sign, others just looked on in awe at the realistic monster couple. The hideous looking man suddenly stared directly at Cat. “I want you,” he mouthed, accompanied by a chilling smile, making her shiver.
“What a gruesome couple,” Julie stated rather loudly, making Cat jump.
“That’s an understatement,” Cat replied, rubbing her hands up and down her arms, trying to ease the goose bumps. To Cat’s relief, the hearse passed by and the chill she had felt began to dissipate.
“Too bad the others couldn’t have come with us. They would have really enjoyed this!” Julie remarked.
Cat bit her lip as she remembered the lie she had told them. Yeah, some friend I am, she thought.
“Well, that was interesting,” Julie said, interrupting Cat’s thoughts. “What’s next?”
“Come on Julie, follow me.” Cat grabbed Julie’s hand, pushing her way through the thickening crowd. Every step forward seemed like two steps back as the crowd seemed to carry them back toward the town square. Seeing a small opening, Cat lunged for it, pulling Julie through before it closed. Relieved, Cat saw The Purple door a few feet away, and trying to not step on anyone’s toes, continued to push her way through the sea of people. Standing in front of the store they saw huge cobwebs covering the front window, and rather large realistic-looking spiders making their way up and down them.
“Are those spiders real?” Julie asked.
“I don’t know. They look it, don’t they,” Cat answered as she pushed open the door. The melodic door chime announced their arrival.
“Cat, I’m so glad you were able to join us this fine evening!” piped Gretchen. The lovely store owner was beautifully dressed as a fairy godmother. Her long silver hair shimmered as if it was dusted with crystal iris glitter. She moved quickly through the crowd and enveloped Cat in a big hug. “Amaya mentioned you might be coming. And I see you brought your friend Julie. What a wonderful surprise,” she gushed turning to her. Gretchen smiled at the shocked look on their faces. “So ladies, help yourselves to a cup of pear cider and a pumpkin cookie or one of those ghost popcorn balls. I’ll be with you in a minute,” Gretchen said, pushing them gently toward a table filled with delicious treats.
“How did she know my name?” Julie whispered, watching Gretchen welcome more people into the store.
“You’d be amazed what she knows. First time I met her, I thought she was actually reading my mind. It kind of gave me the wiggins, I’m not gonna lie,” Cat replied, grabbing a pumpkin cookie. “Julie, you’ve got to try these! Mmmm, so good!” she continued, placing a cookie into Julie’s open palm.
Giving Cat a nudge with her elbow, “There’s a little person heading our way, waving at us. No, don’t look, but she’s dressed like the good witch from that movie,” Julie whispered and took a bite of the cookie.
“Hello Catherine, and Julie, welcome,” Annie said as another shocked look came across Julie’s face.
“Hi Annie, I just love your costume. You make such a good good witch,” Cat commented as Annie blushed.
“Thank you, I thought it might be a little over the top, but Gretchen said it was fine.”
“Hey, where’s Aylah?” Cat asked.
“She had to run an errand for Gretchen. She should be flying in soon though.” Annie put her hand over her mouth, realizing what she just said. “Uh, I’m going to go help Gretchen. You girls enjoy yourselves. Now, let’s see if I can make it through this mess without getting trampled,” she laughed, vanishing into the crowd.
“Okay, so this is getting really weird, Cat. Two people have known my name without me telling them. Creepy much?” Julie asked.
Before Cat could reply, she felt a hand grab her shoulder. Turning, she looked into the smiling eyes of Aylah. She was dressed as a harem girl. Her beautiful long brown hair was pulled up into a high ponytail, held in place by a jeweled clip. Aylah gave her a hearty hug.
“Catherine, I’m so happy to see you! And Julie, it’s wonderful that you could join us as well,” she laughed, noticing Julie’s expression as she moved forward to hug her too. “I’m Aylah, and yes, we know who you are. I’m sure Cat has told you of our special little village. And what a glorious night to visit. Everybody’s celebrating on this wonderful holiday. Samhain is one of my favorites.”
“Your village is truly fascinating,” Julie said, still a little awed.
“Now I know you’re here because you have questions you need answering, right?” Aylah asked and then Cat nodded. “Well, then I shall go relieve Gretchen so she may speak with you. Why don’t you two make yourselves at home? And don’t forget to say goodbye before you leave.” With a little wave, Aylah made her way into the crowd, which parted as if she was gently pushing them aside.
“Alright, I’m a pretty open-minded person, but now that’s three people who have known me. What is this place? How do they know my name?”
“They just do. I told you this place would be different.” Cat saw Gretchen pointing to the back of the store. “Sorry, Julie, but I need to leave you for a few minutes. Have a look around. This store’s really neat. I’ll be right back, promise.”
“You better be,” Julie replied, and then watched as Cat followed Gretchen through a door.
Violet candles illuminated the room they entered. Cat noticed as Gretchen closed the door the noise from the crowded store had completely diminished. There was only silence. “Have a seat, Cat,” said Gretchen, gesturing to a chair across the table. A deep purple cloth covered the table and a huge crystal sat in the middle of it. Gretchen sighed and placed her hands on the table.
“Before we begin, I’ll need to place a protection spell. This is Samhain after all. Anything can happen.” Gretchen reached for Cat’s hands. After Cat placed her hands in Gretchen’s, she murmured a few words which Cat couldn’t understand. “Now, open your hands, Cat.” Gretchen held up a smooth round blue stone and a rough jagged black stone, placing them in Cat’s left and right hands, respectively, and then closed them into fists. “I ask that you hold onto to them tightly. No matter what happens, do not let them go until I take them from you, okay? It’s very important you heed these words.”
“Okay, but what could happen?”
“Don’t worry about that. I just like to take precautions.”
“Ask her, ask her,
oh please ask her,” Spirit said in Gretchen’s ear.
Gretchen turned around looking behind her, acting as if arguing with someone. “Okay, okay, I’ll ask her. I told you I would! You’re such a pain sometimes, Spirit,” she muttered, and then focused her attention back to Cat. “Spirit would like to speak with you directly, if that’s fine with you of course?” Cat began to think it over. “Does he have your consent? You don’t have to if you don’t want to. Quiet, Spirit, I’m not trying to talk her out of it,” Gretchen said teasingly.
“I’d like to speak to, um, Spirit. It’s okay, really Gretchen,” Cat answered, not knowing what to expect.
“Well, here goes nothing,” Gretchen said as she closed her eyes and placed her hands on the large crystal. The crystal beamed with a brilliant light as Gretchen gasped, taking in a deep breath. The light from the crystal dimmed, and Gretchen’s body became limp, her head hung low, mimicking a marionette. Suddenly, Gretchen’s head and body sat straight up in her chair, her eyes wide, staring directly at Cat.
“I will behave,” A strange voice said through Gretchen, who was now looking to the side. Gretchen turned her head to look at Cat again, “Oh Catherine, it’s so nice to finally get a chance to chat. Do you mind if I call you Cat?” Cat nodded while biting her lip, trying not to giggle at the semi-masculine voice erupting from Gretchen’s mouth.
Did Spirit just take over Gretchen’s body? This is getting really bizarre! Cat thought.
“It’s great to finally see you clearly. In my spirit form, it’s like I have this ghastly haze over my eyes and everything looks fuzzy. And might I say you’re quite the looker, and that hair is to die for!” he said, as Cat blushed from the compliments. “Oh, and your complexion, peaches and cream for sure.” Spirit commented, and then Gretchen’s head cocked to the side again. “What? Hush, Gretchen! I’m just making small talk, give me a break. It’s boring just talking to you all the time. This is my show, and I’ll run it, thank you. Just butt out. Yeah, you heard me, butt out!” Spirit argued, looking behind him. “So, Cat, where were we, before we were rudely interrupted? Questions, right? Well, fire away.”
“Well, um,” Cat began, trying to compose herself while containing the laughter bubbling up.
“Since the cat’s got your tongue, I’ll begin. I see you found out you’re adopted. With love you find it’s not all that bad really, is it? Hmmm, you know you’re a Childe as well, pointy pearly whites and all. Special indeed. And now one of your best friends is hanging around with a pair of evil chicks, right?” Cat quickly closed her mouth when she realized it had been hanging open for a couple of seconds as the spirit had counted off each item with Gretchen’s fingers.
“Yes, you’re right. But how-”
“How do I know all this? Come on Cat. For real? Like I don’t know all? Shut it, Gretchen! Maybe not all, but enough to know why she’s here,” Spirit huffed. “So, you want to know about Linda and whether you can save her?” Spirit asked. Gretchen looked in deep thought with her hand about her face. “I’m told she’s salvageable, but you have to destroy the one whose blood made her. Strange…Linda hasn’t met this being, but how can that be?” Spirit asked confused. “I’m puzzled by this, and let me tell you, this doesn’t happen very often.” Gretchen’s head looked off to the side, “Hey! What are you doing? Who are yo-” Cat watched on, stunned as Gretchen’s eyes rolled back, and her head fell forward, slamming into the table.
“Gretchen? Gretchen?” Cat shook her, forgetting about the stone in her right hand, and dropped it on the table as reached out for her.
“Gretchen’s not here, try again,” A sinister female voice came from Gretchen’s mouth. Sitting up she raised her head. A trickle of blood ran down Gretchen’s forehead. Cat sank back in her seat scared by the look of hatred glaring at her from Gretchen’s eyes. They were dark red with just a hint of black surrounding them. Those aren’t Gretchen’s eyes, Cat thought. Her gaze was drawn to the smirk on her mouth. “Ms. Colvin, you silly little girl. It seems you’ve dropped something.” Cat looked down at the table and saw the jagged black stone sitting there. As Gretchen’s hand reached for it Cat snatched it up quickly and brought it close to her, clutching it tightly. Gretchen laughed evilly. “Stupid girl! Do you think a little stone will protect you?” Cat felt the stones had power and trusted in Gretchen that they would keep her safe. “Oh goodie, we have company, come to save your precious Childe.” Cat turned toward the door, surprised to see Aylah standing there. “Come in, Aylah, and join the party.”
“No, I think I will pass Quintance. I do not think your sister will approve of your actions here.”
“Like she has a choice! She was foolish enough to let that silly Spirit take over, giving me the chance to…visit. Oh how I miss our visits.” Gone was Gretchen’s face and in its place was a face similar, but ghastly in appearance. Cat cringed at the dark smile Quintance projected at her.
“Cat, I need for you to stand up and come to me,” Aylah said quietly. Cat tried to stand, but her legs became wobbly and she fell back in her chair.
“I think the poor child’s scared out of her wits, don’t you, Aylah? Ah, it would seem we have another eavesdropper. We are so popular today.” Quintance moved her hand sending the door flying wide open. “Come in, child. Julie is it? Don’t be shy, my dear. Ohhhh, you’re interesting now aren’t you?” Quintance asked, examining Julie who was framed in the doorway. “What can you be? Oh, you’re a-” Gretchen’s head fell on the table with a sickening thud. Aylah rushed over and gently helped Gretchen up.
“Aylah…could you…fetch me…a glass of water?” Gretchen’s weak voice asked.
“Certainly. Julie, come with me, everything is okay now.” Julie gave one last worried look to Cat and then followed Aylah out of the room.
“You can let go of the stones now, Cat, I’m back.” Gretchen tried to give a reassuring smile, but her pale face filled Cat with concern. Gretchen reached out and patted her hand. “Sorry I couldn’t formally introduce you to my sister…my twin to be exact. As you can tell, Quintance took a different road than I did, I’m afraid.” Gretchen paused as Aylah set a glass of water in front of her. After taking a sizable gulp, “Thank you, Aylah. Please go look after Julie, make sure she is okay,” Gretchen said with a smile. As Aylah left the room, Gretchen turned her focus back to Cat. “My sister was not always like this. No, there was a time when we were much alike. But something happened and she changed for the worse. I haven’t seen or heard from her for years now. I should’ve been more aware that this could happen, especially tonight.”
“Annie is making you some herbal tea to give you back your strength,” Aylah stated, poking her head back through the doorway.
“Thank you, Aylah.”
“Gretchen, are you sure you’re okay?” Cat asked.
“I am, my dear. A little weary, but I’m fine.” Gretchen’s eyes became serious as she looked at Cat. “I need to tell you something. Since my sister knows of you now, I fear she will only add to your ever growing number of issues. I will not lie to you, Cat, she is a very powerful dark witch, and you must be extra careful now that she knows what you are.” Gretchen stood, making her way over to an antique dark wooden cabinet. Opening one of the drawers she drew out a small vial that contained a pale purple liquid. “I’m going to give you this to keep on your person at all times. When you feel yourself in danger, open the vial and it shall dispel even the most powerful of dark magics. The stone Amaya gave you should also be worn constantly now, as it will add another layer of protection. Oh, and Miss Amaya forgot to tell you this, but your moonstone is also your entry item. It allows you access to our village. Just say these words, Revealius Indrogorum, at the forest entrance while holding your stone.”
Cat felt the moonstone that was resting on her chest with her hand.
“Yes, child, it was much more than just a present. Now I need to rest, I feel a little light headed. I will bid you farewell for now,” Gretchen said weakly and then disappeared, leaving b
ehind a purple smoky haze.
Cat rubbed her eyes and gave a startled look to Aylah who had returned with a tray that held two tea cups.
“Don’t worry, Cat, she’s fine. Gretchen would have never made it home the normal way.” Aylah helped Cat up from her chair and walked with her toward the door. Cat held up the small glass vial hanging from a thin leather band and stared at it.
“That is a very special item you hold in your hand, Cat. It will protect you and others around you. Don’t hesitate to use it.” Cat nodded and slid the vial into her pocket. “Hone your senses and listen to your intuitions, they will never steer you wrong,” Aylah explained, leading Cat out of the room. “I’m truly sorry your visit was not a pleasant one, but next time we shall more than make up for it. Peace and love go with you.”
Cat turned to look for Julie. After spotting Julie by one of the bookshelves, she turned back toward Aylah, “So what about-” Cat stopped when she saw that Aylah was no longer there. A single large white feather caught Cat’s eye as it drifted down in front of her. She placed her hand out as it slowly floated down, settling on her palm.
“Cat, you okay?” Julie asked, coming up behind her. Dazed, Cat turned to see her friend wringing her hands with worry.
“Yeah, I’m fine. You?”
“Okay, I guess. Hey, where did you get that?” Julie asked, pointing at the feather.
“It was just here.”
“Well, come on, I think we need to get going. I’ve had enough weird for the night, that’s for sure.” Julie glanced at the back room and saw it was empty. What’s with this place, she thought. Leaving the store, they made their way to Cat’s Jeep.
The drive home was quiet, and neither Cat nor Julie noticed the car following them. Duffie and Leif watched as Cat and Julie had flown by in the forest, and then followed them back to Nehalem Avenue, wondering what had transpired.
Spying their three friends standing by Cat’s front door, Julie and Cat groaned in unison. “This is not going to be good,” Cat muttered.
