The Bloodied Phantom [Chapter 18]

Meanwhile at the house…

Zia had just watched her best friend being escorted on a super cool motorcycle. To tell the truth, she was kind of jealous. Her best friend was going on a date with a majorly hot guy, and she was struck at the house to watch re-runs and O.D on ice cream.

Zia sat down on the comfortable leather recliner with a large a tub of chocolate ice cream. She pulled a small blanket over her legs, and began surfing through the channels. Out of all eight hundred fifty channels there wasn’t anything on worth watching. She finally settled on a sappy love flick.

Ten minutes into the movie, the doorbell rang. Zia groaned.

“Who is it?” she asked, as she got up to answer the door.

“Cypress.”

She peered through the peep hole and gasped at the person who stood before her.

______

Cypress smiled towards the beautiful creature, as she opened the door. Her long curly blond hair hung gown her shoulders like rivulets. She had big beautiful ocean blue eyes that sparkled like sapphires, and her peach complexioned skin held a hint of pink. She was blushing. How was it possible for a mortal to be this beautiful? None of the fair maidens in his world could compare. And that was saying a lot. He could not seem to break his gaze from her eyes. He was lost in their blue depths.

Her soft voice broke him from his trance. “May I help you?’

Collecting his equilibrium, he replied. “Yes. I was wondering if you’ve seen my cousin, Phantom. I’ve been looking for him.”

“You’re Phantom’s cousin?” she asked, a little shocked.

“Why do you say it like that?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. It’s just that I didn’t know Phantom had a cousin.”

“Well here I am. In the flesh. So have you seen him? I really need to see him.”

“You just missed him. He left not too long ago on a date with my friend, Raiya.”

But he instantly banished the thought of ratting out his cousin. He would give away his whereabouts in doing so. He had snuck into The Tower, and had gone through the portal without his uncle’s permission. He wasn’t supposed to be here. If he was caught, there would be dire consequences, and he wasn’t intending on getting caught. Not just yet, anyways. There was no way he was going to that dreary, monotonous place just yet. Not until he had his fun.

“Oh. Well, thank you for your help.” He was beginning to walk away, when she said, “Wait.”

He turned around, wondering what she wanted.

“You know, you could wait here until he comes back. I have a movie going and three flavors of ice cream. Wanna join me?”

Cypress considered this for a moment. Should he really be in the presence of a mortal, especially when it was unauthorized? Phantom had a reason to be here, though he highly doubted dating her was part of his guardian duties.

“Sure.” he heard himself reply. “Three flavors, you say?”

She giggles. “Yep. Chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. By the way, I’m Zia.” she says extending her hand to him. He gladly took it in his.

“It’s nice to meet you Zia. Very nice.” he said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

“Um. Well, come on in.” she said, a little flustered.

He followed her into the house, and was impressed by its décor. There was a light lavender sectional resting against the far left wall with a matching leather recliner. Two ottomans were seated before a glass coffee table that sat in the middle of the room. The lights were off, the only light coming from the plasma television screen positioned against the wall. Some guy was calling out, to what he suspected to be, his beloved.

Works of art adorned the soft cream colored walls, and chrysanthemums were placed in vases throughout the room.

She directed him to the sectional, and took a seat.

“So. What flavor do you prefer?” she asked. He was feeling a little devious, and instead of telling her which flavor, he stood in front of her. He stared down at her, a deep penetrating gaze that was sure to have her weak in the knees. And he was right. He could see her chest rising and falling faster and faster.

He leaned down towards her, and inhaled her scent. She smelled of something sweet, and delicious, like candy.

“What are you doing?” she asked. He leaned closer to her, his face inches from hers. He could feel her breath on his face. He inched closer and closer to her face, until his lips were almost touching hers. He smiled and replied, “I prefer chocolate.”, then sat back down on the sectional, leaving her dumbfounded.

He crossed his legs, and turned his attention to the television.

“Um…Sure. Chocolate it is.” She could say nothing more, and turned to enter the kitchen.

He chuckled to himself.

_______

There was no way that mechanical device could have come up with that prediction. He didn’t know much about mechanical devices, but he was sure they weren’t programmed to say such things as, ‘Evil forces are at work’. Especially since the prediction had no connection, whatsoever, with their palm readings. There was only one possible explanation, and even that possibility was sketchy. Someone had to have been possessing it, and there was only one person who could have done it.

Saint.

But that was impossible. Those who resided in the Soul Covenant could not enter the Spirit Sanctuary nor the mortal world. So how was it that he was possessing the puppet? This was a bit of a mystery to him, and he had to figure it out. He couldn’t be sure what his brother might do.

The sky, which was once filled with stars, was now gloomy. Pale clouds shrouded the sky, but the temperature remained warm. The voices of people entering and exiting the theatre consumed the night. Everyone was in high spirits. The night just seemed to call for it. And yet, he felt out of place. This was not his world. These were not his people. Raiya was not to be his girl. In the end he knew that they would have to be separated from one another; when he would have to go back to his own world. He didn’t want to think about that. Not now.

Neither of them spoke a word. They were both still shaken up from that puppets’ prediction. But he needn’t worry about that. They had all night to talk.

He grabbed her hand and helped her onto the motorcycle. As she wrapped her arms around his waist, he looked back to make sure she was seated properly. He then revved the engine, and pealed out of the parking lot, catching the attention of several passers-by. They drove away from the crowded, noisy downtown area, and entered the quiet, suburban neighborhood. There were only a few people walking under the ominous yellowish glow of street lights. So they were guaranteed to have privacy. Something they had been deprived of.

The vow he’d made with his father was still in effect. He could not and would not let harm befall Raiya. He knew that, even now, being with her the way that he was, was pushing it. His father had specifically told him to form a not-too-close relationship with her, so that he could carry out both his duty of protecting her and deciphering the meaning of her dreams.

The only information he knew was that Saint had used his identity to play a cruel and deadly trick on her. He did not possess the power to peer into one’s dreams. Only his father had that ability. It looked like he had yet another mystery to solve.

The park looked a lot different without the stage, he noticed, as they both hopped off the motorcycle and began walking, hand in hand. In its place was a gazebo. It was a pretty little domed building with its open gingerbread framework, painted a bright summer white. Silver light from a gibbous moon lit the gazebo, tracing it with silver. He decided that it was perfect for their picnic. Right before he led her into the gazebo, he snapped his fingers behind his back. He scarcely used his powers. This would be his third time-conjuring up the two purple roses, and now this. There appeared a picnic basket, along with hunter green plates, napkin rings, and a soft ivory sheet bedecking the wooden floors. There were lavender silk flowers on the stem of the glasses and lavender linen napkins, place settings, and pillar candles. She was sure to love it. He was correct.

“Oh my God. This is beautiful. You didn’t have to go through all the trouble.”

“It was no trouble. And even if it were I wouldn’t care because you’re worth it.”

Her face flushed a bright pink. He smiled.

“I love you in pink.” he said, with a smile on his face.

She looked a little confused. “But I’m not wearing pink.”

“Yes you are. It’s written all over your face.” he brushed her cheek with the tips of his fingers. This caused her to turn a deeper shade of pink. She sank away from his touch, and sat on the soft ivory sheet, crossing her legs.

“Umm. Something smells great. What did you prepare?”

He sat down beside her, and opened the basket, to reveal neatly stacked containers of food. He set them out in front of them, and removed the tops releasing the amazing aroma of garlic and paprika. He also removed a bottle of sparkling wine, and poured a small amount into both of their glasses.

“I have prepared for you one of my favorite dishes.”

He slowly began spooning portions of the stew into the bowls he had stowed away in the basket. Steam rose into air, and the aroma was irresistible.

“What exactly is it?”

“Goulash. Goulash, of course, comes from Hungary and is probably the Hungarians' most famous dish. The most important ingredient is the paprika, which gives it an almost roasted taste, and of course a little spiciness. I’ve also prepared spaetzle-a hot dish of tiny dumplings that are often eaten with goulash. And for dessert black forest mousse.”

“That’s impressive. You made all of this by yourself?”

“As a matter of fact I did.”

“Well, I hope it tastes as good as it smells.”

He watched her as she brought the stew to her lips, and then swallowed. Her eyes became enlarged, and she began fanning her hand in front of her mouth. She hurriedly brought the glass of wine to her lips and took a generous gulp.

“Everything alright?” he asked.

“Of course. I thought you said the paprika gave it a little spiciness.” She was laughing now.

“Sorry. I got a little carried away with the paprika.”

She rested her hand on his knee. “That’s alright. It’s delicious. I just wasn’t expecting it be so spicy.”

He smiled, and rested his hand on hers. It was so warm. He slowly began tracing her arm with the tips of his fingers. Her skin was soft and smooth as silk. He took her hands in his and kissed them both. He then looked into her eyes-eyes the color of melted chocolate. Her lips looked a lot more appetizing than any of the food placed in front of them. He took a strand of her hair into his hands and inhaled. Just like before, she smelled of vanilla. Everything about her was just so alluring, he could barely control himself. He leaned in closer to her, and whispered in her ear.

“Did I tell you I love the scent of you?” He didn’t wait for a reply. Just began tracing kisses along her neck. Her eyes lowered in seduction, and her breathing sped up. He smiled. He enjoyed the fact that he could render someone breathless. He continued doing this, softly nibbling and nipping until her flesh was hot. He felt her body shivering in ecstasy.

“Are…are we going to have dessert?” she asked, in between breaths.

“I’d much rather have you for dessert.” he replied, taking her face in his hands and kissing her. Her lips were sweet. Like coconut. He released the kiss, and licked his lips. They did indeed taste like coconut. He looked at her in puzzlement.

“Oh, sorry. I forgot I had on lip gloss.” she said, wiping the clear gloss from her lips. They both erupted into laughter. They continued to laugh the rest of the night, as Raiya told him stories of when she was younger. They talked and ate. He was amazed at how much she consumed, but when he thought about it, he hadn’t actually seen her eat her anything since he’d been in the mortal world. He could understand, what with all that’d been happening to her. The dreams, the incident at the mall, and the absence of her mother being home. Though all of these things had happened to her, she never once let it show. A smile was always present on her face.

“Do you hear that?” he asked her.

“Yeah. It sounds like Zia. But who could she possibly be arguing with?”

She pulled out her keys, and began unlocking the door. As they stepped into the house, he couldn’t see whom it was sitting on the sectional. Raiya flipped on the light switch. He couldn’t believe whom he saw.

They both stopped talking, and looked towards them both.

Cypress raised two fingers, and replied. “What’s up?”