The Bloodied Phantom [Chapter 19]

Phantom couldn’t believe it. He closed his eyes for a brief second to make sure what he was seeing was real. He thought he had been imaging things, but when he opened his eyes there he sat, calm as ever. As if nothing was out of the ordinary. How was it possible that he was here? Moreover, why?
“I don’t mean to sound rude,” replied Raiya, “but who are you?”
“Oh. Didn’t Phantom tell you?” he asked. He stood and approached Raiya, grabbing her hand, kissing it. “I’m his cousin, Cypress.”
Raiya turned her attention toward Phantom, with shock written on her face. “Why didn’t you tell me you had cousin?”
“Well…” he was at a loss for words. He couldn’t come up with an excuse as to why he hadn’t mentioned him, because in all actuality, he never was planning to do so. Now…
“It’s alright. My cousin can be a little forgetful at times. I’m so glad to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”
Raiya blushed. “You did?”
Cypress turned to Phantom, with an amused smile on his face. “Yeah. He talks about you all the time.”
Phantom was beginning to get angry with his cousin. He’d never told Cypress anything about Raiya. He couldn’t. What he was doing was forbidden, and if his father were to learn about their relationship, he’d be sure to be stripped of his guardian duties. He couldn’t let that happen. Now Cypress knew. What would he do? Would he tell his father or keep it secret? It was hard to tell with him.
He stood there as the three of them conversed, trying not to look worried.
“So. How did your date go?” asked Zia.
“It was wonderful. We had a great time. Didn’t we Phantom?”
Phantom couldn’t help but notice the amused expression on Cypress’ face as he replied. “Why, yes. We did.” Then, “Could you ladies please excuse us for a moment?”
“Of course.”
Phantom literally dragged Cypress by his collar. As soon as they entered the kitchen.
“What’s wrong with you?”
“What do you mean what’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with you? Dragging me like that. You’re going to wrinkle my collar.” He straightened his collar.
“I’m serious. Why are you here?”
“I was bored.”
He stood there in shock for a brief moment.
“You were bored?” he whispered harshly/
“Yes. I couldn’t take it anymore. All I did was lie around all day. Then I came up with a brilliant plan. I snuck into The Tower and used the portal. Big deal. What’s the worst that could happen? I can’t be stripped of my guardian duties because I wasn’t appointed as one, remember?”
That was true. He hadn’t been appointed guardian, because he was deemed too irresponsible by, not only his father, but also the entire kingdom. They couldn’t trust him with another persons’ life.
“Oh, I don’t know. How about you being exiled into The Soul Covenant? Have you forgotten that law? The law that states that a guardian has to be authorized to enter the mortal world. Moreover, the last time I checked you weren‘t even a guardian. So it‘s a shock to me as to why you‘re here. Do you want that to happen?”
Cypress didn’t seem to be interested in what he was saying.
“Are you listening to me?”
“What I don’t understand is how you dare lecture me, when you’re here seducing that mortal girl. The mortal girl you’re supposed to be protecting, no-less.”
“Seducing?” he asked, in total shock.
“What else would you call it? It seems like you’re interested in her, than protecting her. And the last time I checked, letting yourself be known to the mortal is forbidden. So that’s one law you’ve broken. Then there’s the fact that you are falling in love with her. This, the last time I checked, was forbidden. So that’s two laws you’ve broken so far. That’s already two strikes against you. One more and you’ll be stripped of your guardian duties.”
“I don’t need to listen to this.” he turned to leave, but stood frozen at his cousin’s next statement.
“Why are you wasting your time? What could possibly come of this?” When he didn’t get an answer, he continued. “Nothing. That’s what. Why waste your time on someone who doesn’t even believe that our kind exists? Why? Then there’s the fact that you’ll lose your privileges of being a guardian. Is that something you’re willing to give up? If you continue what you’re doing, you’ll be shunned by everyone in our kingdom. Even your parents. You’ve prided yourself on obeying the rules, and yet you’re breaking them. And why? All for some mortal girl.”
“Her name is Raiya.” he said, turning to face his cousin. “I know what kind of predicament I am in. I know that I’ve broken the rules. But…”
“But what? Do you think for one second that she’ll look at you the same way if she were to learn that you’re actually her guardian angel? Of course not. All she’ll see is the man from her dreams. The man who’s been lying to her about who he really is. You need to stop worrying about her feelings, and start worrying about her well-being. About finding out what those dreams mean so you can keep her safe.”
Phantom couldn’t take this anymore. The truth was too difficult to handle.
“Don’t you think I know that?” he ran his hand through his hair, in frustration. “Of course I know. I know the laws. I also know that they aren’t perfect, that they’re flawed. I know the punishments. I know that some are too cruel. I know that I cannot change them. But I also know that love only comes around once in a lifetime. And regardless of the laws and punishments, I’m not about to let her go.”
He turned around and began walking off, but stopped. “But I will not let harm befall her. That’s a promise that I vow to keep.”
He left his cousin standing there in the kitchen.
Cypress had no other choice, so he followed him.
“I’m sorry to end the night so early, but we really must say goodnight.” Raiya looked a little upset and at what he said, but she replied.
“That’s alright. I understand. I can’t keep you all night.” she smiled. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.
“Goodnight ladies.”
“Goodnight Zia.” Cypress replied, with an intense gaze. “Hope to see you again.”
“Yeah. Me too.”
Once they were both outside Phantom asked, “What was with that look you gave Zia?”
“Oh, that. Nothing. I just get a kick out of making her feel uncomfortable. It seems that its very easy to make mortal girls blush.”
“You shouldn’t play with her feelings like that. It may be fun for you, but she might misread your intense gazes as a sign that you like her.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. I don’t date outside my species. Though, she was beautiful.”
“Yes she is.” Phantom replied. But he wasn’t talking about Zia. He was referring to Raiya as she peered at him through the window. She was smiling. He couldn’t help but smile, too.
“So, are we leaving or what?” Cypress asked, a little annoyed.
“Yeah.”
They made their to the motorcycle and Cypress exclaimed, “Whoa! Awesome ride. But why use one of these when you could teleport?”
His cousin was so clueless. “Because, Einstein, we’re in the mortal world. And the last time I checked mortals don’t teleport.” He smiled, using his cousin’s earlier words. “And when in the mortal world you have to blend in. Come on. Let’s go. We have some things to discuss.”
“Whatever you say, oh mighty lord.”
Phantom hopped onto the motorcycle, and waited for Cypress to get on too, but he just stood there.
“What’s wrong?”
“Do I really have to ride with you? Don’t you know how close our bodies will be?”
Phantom let out a sigh. “Either you ride with me or you walk.”
“Fine.” Cypress hopped onto the back of the bike, and slowly wound his arms around Phantom’s waist.
“Oh man. This is too close for comfort.”
“Tell me about it.”
When they arrived at Phantom’s apartment, Cypress had to let out a smart comment.
“This is where you’re staying?”
“Yes. It is. What’s wrong with it?”
“What’s wrong with it? Where do I start? First of all, your room is so bland. Don’t you have any taste at all? I mean, sure you won’t be staying here for long, but you could at least do something with the place. It feels like a jail cell.”
“Sorry that I didn’t have the time to decorate Martha Stewart, but I don’t care so much about material as you do. All I need is a roof and four walls to survive.”
Cypress sat down on the bed and crossed his legs. “Who’s Martha Stewart?”
Phantom pondered this for a moment. “I haven’t the faintest clue. I picked it up from someone and this just seemed like the perfect moment to say it.”
“Humph.” cypress lied back against the headboard of the bed, propping his feet up on the bed.
“I do have to sleep there. So it would really help if you could remove your feet.” Cypress stared at Phantom for a moment, but then removed his feet.
Just then Phantom amulet began to glow.
“Uh oh.” replied Cypress.
“Where is he?” Revenant replied, as he appeared in the cool liquid blue surface. “Where is he?”
“Should I tell him, or do you?” Phantom asked jokingly, as he turned the amulet toward Cypress.
Cypress stared at his cousin grudgingly, but then turned his attention toward his uncle. Revenant looked frightening. It was easy to see that he was upset.
“What is the meaning of this? Did you truly think I wouldn’t know?”
He didn’t reply. His head was lowered. It was the first time he’d seen his cousin look so defeated. Not since his parents were killed.
“Did you not hear me? I asked you what the meaning of this is.”
“I.I was bored.”
“Bored? Bored?” he screamed. Phantom looked in shock, realizing that he had now had neighbors. Other tenants that would report the noise.
“I’m sorry to interrupt you father, but you have to remember that there are mortals that could hear you and report it.”
Revenant calmed down. But his angry stare never diminished. “Cypress. Don’t you understand the consequences for you being where you are unauthorized? Why would you risk taking a chance for something as simple as a sudden thrill?”
“I’m sorry uncle. I wasn’t thinking too clearly. Please forgive me. I shall form a portal and return immediately.”
“No.”
They both looked at him in shock. What was he planning on doing?
“I have to teach you a lesson. If not, then you’ll continue being reckless. It’s time I taught you some responsibility. I am appointing you as guardian of Zia.”
“What?” exclaimed Phantom. “Being appointed as a guardian is a very serious duty. You can’t seriously be implying that he’ll take this serious?”
“I know that he will. If not he will be sent into The Soul Covenant. I cannot always bend the rules just because he is my flesh and blood. If that was so then what kind of kingdom would I be upholding. I also know that you won’t let him slack.”
“But doesn’t she already have a guardian?” Cypress asked, hoping that he wouldn’t really have to go through with this.
“It’s no problem at all. I’ll simply appoint Lucifer to another mortal. Just know that this is now your duty and if you slip up you’ll be sent to The Soul Covenant. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes sir.” he replied.
“Phantom?” Revenant replied. “Have you found any clues as to what those dreams mean?”
“No sir. But something strange occurred tonight.” As soon as he uttered those words he wished he hadn’t. now he’d have to explain their date. And would Cypress have anything to say?
“What do you mean?”
After Phantom explained what had occurred earlier that night about the puppet his father seemed a little shaken.
“Saint. I’m sure that it is him.”
“What should we do?” Phantom asked.
“Nothing as of yet. Just make sure to protect Raiya. And Zia. They could be targeted so that he could easily come into contact with her.” he paused. “What I don’t understand is why he would want Raiya? I have an idea of why but I can’t be sure.”
“Tell me.”
“I think that he wants Raiya because he knows that you’ll come after her. And in doing so he’ll be able to defeat you. But for what reason I do not know. All I can tell you is be safe and don’t let any of them out of your sights.”
“Yes sir.” they both replied.
“Your mother and I will be watching over you. Just protect her.”
After his fathers’ face disappeared from the cool liquid surface they both stood there. Things were going to get ugly and they had to prepared for what lie ahead.