Monster's Ball :Shadow In Time

by Rainwater, Priscilla Poole

  “Rena needed to see someone she knew she could trust, a grandmotherly figure. But since you seem to not like this image....” her voice trailed off as the air around her shimmered for a moment, then the image of herself one hundred and fifty years earlier appeared.

  Balling his hands at his sides to keep from reaching out and touching her beautiful face, his heart pounded an erratic rhythm. Only two women had ever made him feel weak, the one who had died at the hands of a jealous sorceress a millennia ago, and the woman standing before him now. This one he had managed to save, however, had made her immortal, and how had she repaid him? By running off and joining some pitiful illusionist side show, working for petty change.

  Becoming uncomfortable at his unwavering stare (especially since she seemed unable to ignore the tingle of excitement inside her), Lilith decided to get right to the point. “Rena will have to make a sacrifice. I hope.....” her voice trailed off as she seemed to reconsider her words. “Well, the choice is hers to make.” she said, then closed her eyes and opened the protective circle.

  Silent for a moment, Thoth felt the energy that had created the protective circle slowly dissipate. He was able to feel her majick, because he himself had been the one to teach her. In his bid to make her immortal, he had imparted a portion of himself inside her. “What about the choice you made?” he finally asked, the words fueled by anger and hurt. “And did you think you could come here so brazenly, without invitation?” he snapped as his eyes turned completely white, a dead giveaway that he was becoming infuriated.

  Staring right back at him, Lilith refused to be cowed. She was, she knew, one of only a handful of Demi-Gods/immortals who refused to back down to him. Did he intimidate her? Perhaps, on a deep inner level. While it was true she was an immortal, she knew he could make her suffer, if he chose to. Only the highest ranking Gods like Hades or Zeus would be impervious to his powers. But she'd seen this side of The Great Thoth many times before, and the truth was it turned her on more than it intimidated her. Tilting her head up defiantly, she replied in an icy voice, “To answer you first question, I chose to leave here because it's where my sister died, is that so difficult to comprehend? As for me not being invited, Rena, my ONLY remaining family is here, so that's all the invitation I need, OH GREAT THOTH!” she nearly spat. “ As soon as the witching hour strikes I'll collect Rena and leave your home, forever!”

  At a momentary loss for words, Thoth couldn't understand why his emotions were fluctuating so wildly, since he had always been known for his supreme self-assurance and self-control. Why did her rejection bother him so? Why had it always? After all, he had women, both human and immortal, who wanted him. But how dare she, a NOVICE, tell ME, a wizard of the highest rank, when she will leave my presence?! He thought indignantly, feeling his (rare) rage reach a boiling point. Speaking in a booming voice that made several nearby trees shake, he seemed to snap. “You will leave when I allow you to leave! Don't believe for one moment, Lilith, that the choice to leave here was ever yours to begin with. I allowed it because of....because of the feelings I have for you. And don't think for one moment that when you DID leave, I couldn't have found you, or that foolish side-show human you lived with, if I had chosen to.”

  Feeling a worm of fear snaking its way through her belly (for the first time ever), his words nevertheless stung and outraged her, overriding her common sense. “Allowed....ALLOWED?” she nearly screeched. “You don't own me, and don't you DARE try to stop me, wizard!” That said, she lifted her skirt several inches and stomped past him, her body language daring him to try. Although she knew she was no match for him, she wasn't about to back down. Stopping for a moment, she turned and looked him up and down with raw contempt. “I was a slave once, as you well know, but I would rather banish myself to the blackest abyss before I'll let you or any other man try to enslave me again!”

  “Now wait, that's not what I meant at....” his voice trailed off as she whirled back around and made an angry beeline for the nearby forest. Hearing the spirit jars tinkling louder than ever, Thoth glanced at them for a moment, knowing the spirits were cheering Lilith for her strength, her pride, and her courage. With a heavy heart and a pained look in his eyes, he watched as she disappeared into the dense wooded area. “I have to find a way to keep her here, with me. “ He sighed.

  *************************************

  Chapter 10

  Rena buried her face against the corded muscles of Gavin's bare chest, then ran her smooth, bare leg up and down his hard, long, muscular one. Struggling to keep her eyes open, she'd never been so sexually sedated before. Gavin had made love to her thoroughly, but she knew the Ball was winding down, and the special night would eventually come to an end. Feeling his calloused hands caressing her back gently, she thought, I want to spend every minute I can with him. Oh Lordy, I don't want this to end so soon!

  Sliding both hands over Rena's sleek, sweat dampened skin, Gavin's arms locked around the small of her back her as she rested on top of him. Kissing the top of her head, he reflected on the fact that simply being with her felt so right. Knowing he could never bear being without her, he knew what he had to do. He couldn't let Thoth erase her memories of him. Closing his eyes, he attempted to summon the amiable wizard. Thoth, my friend, I'm ready for the resurrection spell.....He thought, and felt an immediate happiness flowing through him, which he knew was coming from his friend. Touched that Thoth was so happy for him, he couldn't help but smile.

  “I'll come to you, old friend. I'm happy you've finally found what you've been longing for.” The wizard's voice echoed in the room, unheard by Rena, but crystal clear to Gavin.

  Thank you for giving me a second chance. You were right, all along. Gavin thought, then broke the mental link, sighing contentedly. Sensing Rena was drifting off to sleep, he gave her a little shake to keep her awake. “Rena, there are some things I must tell you.” he murmured.

  Trying to sit upright, she was halted as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.

  Whispering in a husky voice, he said, “If a man finds love in his short mortal life, he's truly blessed. But for an immortal to find his true mate, it means the Fates, for whatever reason, has given that person a rare glimmer of happiness. Some would think living...well, forever, would be wonderful. Yes, as an immortal, one can travel the world many times over, can witness all the amazing discoveries in science and other things. But imagine living forever, and seeing the people you love live and die, and there you still are. Just think, my love, how unbearable the suffering is, seeing that happen over and over and over again. The pain and loneliness can be maddening. It is said in the immortal community that we can fall in love in the blink of an eye. Well, tonight I found that love, the moment you walked through the door. I do love you. It may be hard for you to understand or believe, but it's true. And I beg of you, please help me end this century and a half of loneliness, I don't want to be a shadow anymore.”

  Looking at him in silence, Rena thought that if any other man had said that (before tonight), she would have laughed in his face and told him he needed to work on his pick-up lines. But after the things she had witnessed and experienced this evening, she couldn't deny the fact that nothing was impossible, even falling in love with a man who was a ghost. Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, every fiber of her being reveled in the fact she had sparked his desire to such a level he wanted to begin a new life with her. Reaching up and gently burying her hands in his thick hair, she replied in a silky voice, “I hope one day we get to meet the Fate's and thank them. I love you too, Gavin St Cloud, with all my heart.”

  Kissing the top of her head again, a beautiful smile brightened his face, then he chuckled as an expectant look came on her face as she looked around the room.

  Gazing around the room like a child in a candy store, Rena didn't quite know what to expect. Harps? An angelic choir appearing and singing perhaps? With all she'd witnessed so far, she expected... well, something. Clearing her throat nervously, sh
e looked back at him, licked her lips and asked in a quavering voice, “Well, isn't something supposed to happen?”

  Hearing that, Gavin's head fell back and a foreign sound erupted from him, the sound of his own laughter. “The pomp and circumstances will come after Thoth does the resurrection spell.” he sputtered as his laughter subsided into a series of chuckles. “That means I'll be immortal, and I'll be free of this place. Then we can go anywhere you wish.” The next part he was somewhat hesitant to mention, but he knew he had to tell her. “After the spells is done, the next time we make love and speak the words that will bind us, you will become an immortal too. We should dress and wait for Thoth.” he finished, then started to rise.

  Grabbing him by one arm, her eyes grew wider than ever. “Immortal? Wow.” she breathed, biting her lower lip, thinking about how drastically this love would change her. But it will be a good change....she amended silently. Not stopping to ponder the ramifications of such an act, she blurted, “Alright, let’s get dressed and wait for him.”

  Grabbing her outstretched hand, Gavin pulled her to her feet. Kissing her once more, they both dressed as quickly as they could. Helping her adjust the shoulder straps on her dress, he couldn't stop thinking how wonderful it felt to be with her, feeling the warmth of her chocolate skin, and how she made him feel, a deep, soul stirring love. I will love her until the end of time....he vowed to himself. Stepping in front of her, he wrapped both arms around her and pulled her close, planting a tantalizing kiss in the hollow of her neck.

  Feeling his stiffness pressing against her, Rena felt herself growing wet again. Moaning and rubbing his arms with both hands, she whispered, “Gavin, we can't, at least not right now. You said Thoth was coming.”

  On the verge of trying to talk her into some quick, pre-resurrection spell sex, a sudden, almost palpable heaviness in the air silenced him before he had a chance to speak. Somehow sensing it wasn't his friend's arrival, a sudden dread filled his entire being, knowing that whatever, or whoever it was, wasn't going to be pleasant. Grabbing her by both wrists, he thrust Rena behind him roughly, for her own protection.

  “Gavin, what the...” she yelped, shocked by his sudden attitude change. “Gavin, let me go, you're hurting my wrists! What the hell is wrong with you?” Trying to pull free from his grip, her stomach dropped, thinking he was going to tell her to leave. She had heard about guys transforming from Prince Charming to a frog after sex, and prayed this wouldn't be the case.

  “Stay behind me! Don't move.” he practically growled at her.

  Feeling his grip on her wrists tighten even more, she started to ask him what was wrong, but was too alarmed at the way his intense gaze was sweeping the room, as if expecting the unexpected. Feeling the temperature in the room suddenly plummet, her eyes grew as wide as saucers when she saw her own breath in the air.

  Releasing her wrists, Gavin took a step back, spreading both arms wide, centering himself in front of her protectively.

  What sounded like a loud clap of thunder suddenly echoed throughout the room, making Rena scream. Practically leaping forward and wrapping both arms around Gavin's waist, she pressed her face against his back fearfully.

  “Love, no matter what happens, stay behind me. And when I tell you to, I want you to make a run for it and find Thoth as quickly as you can.” Gavin said, bracing himself for a fight with what or who he did not yet know.

  “Gavin, who is it, or WHAT is it?” Rena quailed.

  Finally putting two-and-two together, a look of grim determination settled across his face. “Mariotte Whitman, show your black-hearted soul, I know it's you!” his voice thundered with self-righteous wrath.

  Opening her mouth to speak, Rena was on the verge of telling him there was no way she was leaving him alone with whatever or whoever was coming, but she gagged instead as an awful stench filled the room. Death, that's what it is! It smells like road kill in the summer! She thought.

  “YOU WILL NEVER LEAVE HERE!” an unearthly mixture of inhuman voices cried, seeming to come from every direction.

  Cursing in Gaelic, Gavin shouted, “Go hifreann leat!” (“To hell with you!”)

  Confused, Rena didn't know what he was saying, but her entire body began shaking with fear as a horrifying figure she guessed had once been a woman appeared before them in a cloud of yellow smoke.

  Peering at them through a curtain of oily black hair that was tangled and knotted with dead leaves and twigs, the apparition giggled with sadistic glee, sounding as mad as a hatter.

  Wanting to scream, Rena felt faint, but her horrified eyes refused to look away. Suddenly needing to go to the bathroom very badly, what frightened her the most was the fact the woman...or thing...or hag...had no eyes. Where the woman's eyes should have been was nothing but two dark pools of blackness. As the thing raised a twisted, knotted, disfigured hand and pointed a bony finger at them, Rena thought, She's nothing but skin and bone! And what's with the way her head is twisted at such an odd angle? Looks like her neck's broken. Or WAS broken! Still gagging on the overpowering stench that permeated the room, she closed her eyes for a moment, hoping against hope that it was all a bad dream.

  “Begone, demon from Hell!” Gavin commanded in a weak, hoarse voice that only served to terrify his new lover more than ever.

  “You escaped me once, Gavin St Cloud, but not this time!” Mariotte screeched as she wagged her outstretched finger admonishingly, spittle and foam flying from her mouth like a rabid dog. “ I have consorted with the lowest of demons for one hundred and fifty nine years, just so I could come back for you.” she giggled insanely. Turning her terrible, empty gaze on Rena, she was still speaking to Gavin as she hissed, “Like I killed your bitch more than a century and a half ago, I'll kill this one too. You'll love no one but me!”

  Hearing the threat, rage suddenly gripped his entire being, replacing every shred of fear that had been there before. His large frame seeming to expand with each breath, he thundered, “You evil hag, you will not harm her. I'll die, I'll welcome death for the dead before I let you. You can try to kill me, but believe this, I will gladly give up my life, my very soul, in order to save her!”

  Cackling gleefully, the witch mocked, “Your soul to save her. Now, where have I heard that before?”

  Ignoring the taunt, Gavin added, “And as I leave this realm, I promise you, you murdering bitch, I'll grab you around that scrawny neck of yours and pull you down to Hell with me! I'll gladly go there if it means I'll get to rip you limb from limb each and every day, for all of eternity! ”

  “How touching. You're still quite the charmer, but you still belong to me. You always will!” the insane apparition tittered, then seemed to solidify before their very eyes. Lowering her head briefly, the hideous old woman's mouth worked for a moment, flashing them what was supposed to be a smile. Baring her sharp teeth, they suddenly began clicking, sounding like a thousand piranhas ripping at human flesh. “Very well, Gavin St. Cloud, your life and soul for hers!” she laughed.

  “THOTH!!!!” Gavin cried desperately.

  “The wizard CANNOT and WILL NOT save you this time!” the hag screamed, thrusting both hands forward dramatically as two beams of black light shot from them, enveloping Gavin, pulling his life force apart.

  Levitating a full three feet off the floor, Gavin's entire body began to twitch and jerk violently, spasming as if electrical currents were being shot through him. Screaming as a soul-searing wave of agony washed over and through him, it took every resource at his command to keep from begging for mercy.

  Babbling for leniency on his behalf, Rena reacted without hesitation. In an act of bravery fueled by blind love, she bolted forward and into the path of the dark beams of destruction. Knowing she was sacrificing her own soul for his, she didn't care, then screamed louder than ever as the soul-searing agony her lover had been experiencing moments earlier ripped through her. “STOP...don't hurt him!” she begged.

  Falling to the floor as weak as a newborn, Gavin's body crumpled
as if boneless. Barely able to lift his head, his vision blurred with tears of impotent rage and fear at seeing his helpless lover in the clutches of the once-human devil. “Oh God no......RENA!!!!” he blubbered, clawing at the floor weakly. “THOTH!!!” he screamed desperately for the second time.

  “SILENCE!!! My consorts have blinded the wizard for the moment, and no one can stop me short of Hades himself!” the witch screeched.

  Feeling her life fading away, and her very soul being ripped to shreds, Rena's eyes misted as she heard the love, terror, and desperation in Gavin's sobs, more convinced than ever that she was, or could have been, his soul mate. “Gavin, I love y....” she cried hoarsely, her voice transforming into a scream of pure agony as a searing, unearthly wave of fire swept through her entire body. I must be in Hell! She thought numbly as her vision dimmed, and she slowly slipped into the merciful silence and darkness of nothing.

  *************************************

  Chapter 11