Fall From Grace Part 18

"From what we gathered last night, word is out that he pa.s.sed the border after midnight which would mean that he could be here already," Ash answered.

"Well from what I've read on him, I think he'll wait a bit before seeking you out Stells." Gabs jumps up from the couch and grabs some of her papers from the table, deciphering her notes.

"Apparently they are a bit like a human with OCD. They are quite meticulous in their planning and don't like to jump into things blindly," she reads, "which is interesting considering where they actually live." Gabs trails off reading through the rest of the page in silence until she gets to the part she was searching for.

"The Ubiquatar demon requires a certain standard while performing their rituals and will sometimes spend days in planning before execution." She looks up from her paper. "My hunch is that he'll check into a hotel in town and start his preparations."

"G.o.d Gabby, that is great. Ok let's get on the horn to the local hot spots seeing as they have higher then normal standards and see if we can find out where he's staying. It could work to our advantage to impede his planning, dropping hints that you've been taken by another demon thereby encouraging him to act a little off the cuff. It might just ruffle his feathers enough to get him to make a mistake," Ash states, getting up to grab a mug from the cupboard.

"The Willow would have to be the best place in town. They have giant suites that he'd probably be drawn to for privacy?" Gabby adds.

"Thanks, I'll give them a call." Ash grabs his phone and heads into the bedroom. Seeing those two jump into action makes me feel guilty and useless. These people are laying their life on the line because of me, and I'm just sitting here doing nothing.

"So Gabby, tell me how would a properly chaste girl like you would know all about big s.e.x suites at the local hotel? Got a secret fetish I would love to meet?" Hunter raises his eyebrows and kicks his boots up onto the couch to spread out. Gabby flips him the bird without looking over, continuing to gather her papers together.

I guess I'm not the only useless one.

A few hours later we are gearing up to leave. It's early afternoon but might as well get this moving as fast as we can, the sitting around is killing me. Gabby's hunch was right, a guy matching his description checked into The Willow this morning. Hunter just left, eager to get in on the action. He'll play our decoy and get this a.s.s to come search for us in the woods. Ash is getting his backpack of weapons together, checking and double checking until it makes me insane. Gabby is standing nervously behind him, peering over his shoulder and making him irritated as she asks a zillion questions. He doesn't retaliate though, knowing we are all under a lot of pressure and we certainly don't need any arguments right now. For that I am so grateful. My head is swimming with questions, scary scenarios and curiosity on whether we'll all make it out alive. I'm not too optimistic.

I haven't had a moment alone with Ash since last night. I want to be able to say good-bye but I know he's been avoiding that conversation like the plague.

"Ok so promise me you will be careful and no one is going to die today." Gabby is standing in front of me, nervously running her fingers through her hair, worry etched all over her face. It must be pretty bad to be the one stuck behind too. She'll have no idea how it ends until someone comes back to tell her. IF there is someone to come back at all.

"I promise Gabriella." I lean forward and give her a strong hug that lasts a little too long. I breathe in her familiar shampoo scent which comforts me. It makes me remember the simpler times between us and reminds me of the dumb things we used to stress about, like mid-terms and prom dresses. G.o.d I'd give anything to give a c.r.a.p about that again.

Pulling away, I see Ash standing behind her ready to go. He fakes a smile that never reaches his eyes.

"Ready to kick some demon a.s.s team Grey? I say with attempted enthusiasm.

"Born ready."

Hiking through the woods in silence, neither of us have the words to articulate the feeling between us. Funny where life takes you. Last time we were here together it was my 18th birthday. Good times seem to surround us.

I chose a particular clearing I was familiar with because of the advantage the forest would give. Ample hiding spots for Ash and a large area for him to cause a sinkhole big enough to take the demon out.

Basically the plan is to get the earth to swallow him up, disorienting him enough so that Ash could come out and take him by surprise. The only known kill method is to chop off his head. Yup, killing him couldn't have been easy right - the only thing that would do the trick is decapitation. Nice.

Once we reach the clearing, Ash paces around the spot figuring out the best place for him to be. He's talking aloud but I can't hear a thing he's saying.

"Ash can you stop for a second?"

"What?" Not stopping at all, he's still circling like mad. "Yes I think this place would be the best spot for me to get into. Lots of ways to keep and eye on you and also close enough for me to get to him once the ground opens... "

"STOP!" I impatiently yell.

"What?" This gets him to pay attention at least.

"Can we just take a second and talk about what's going to happen here Ash?"

"Uh Stella, I think that was what I was doing." And he continues pacing about. I turn to grab his arm and force him to stop and listen to me.

"That isn't what I meant and you know it."

He's breaking I can tell. "Look Stella, what do you want me to say, everything is going to be ok? My G.o.d I WISH I could say that and believe it. I wish so many things right now. But what I wish most is that you don't actually make me say good-bye to you right now cause I don't think I could take it." Stepping back from my grasp to regain control, he runs his hands through his hair and stares everywhere but at my face.

"You know, that was what I first loved about you." Changing the subject I continue. "You running your hands through your hair like that. It made me crazy for you." I smile at him as he looks back at me with a confused look on his face.

"I remember you did it that first day at school when we met. You came up behind me at the vending machines, completely in control and knowing what effect you were having on me. Then you ran your fingers through your hair and the deal was done, I was smitten."

He finally smiles back. "Smitten eh? What time dimension are you from anyways?"

"Well I was Ash. I still am, I always will be, you know." My body is aching for his touch, for him to hold me and never let go. We stare into each others eyes, letting this last peaceful moment envelop us. As he slowly moves towards me, my breath catches in my throat, the effect he has on me never lessening.

Grabbing me gently, he holds my face in his hands and slowly leans in to kiss me. A soft kiss but one with meaning that perhaps this is the last real moment we will share together. This thought makes me shiver and want more. I entwine my arms up his neck and through his hair pulling him closer to me, annoyed by the layers separating us. Unable to hold back anymore he pushes me against the large rock behind me, running his hands through my hair, down my neck and back, pulling me closer and lifting me up onto the hard stone. Wrapping my legs around him he pulls his hands from my waist and down my thighs, pulling me closer as he breaks from my lips and travels his kisses down my throat and neck. Heaving a sigh, I pull back and look deep into his eyes. I can see the pa.s.sion ready to take control of him, or both of us.

"I love you," I whisper.

Breathless he responds. "There are no words to describe what I feel for you Stella." He buries his face in my neck and holds me so tight I can't breathe. That's exactly what we needed.

"I wonder when we'll actually be able to get past second base?" I joke to break the tension.

Ash pulls back and looks me square in the face. "If we get out of this alive, believe me, it won't be long. Not long at ALL." He smiles a big real smile as I go red in the face at the thought.

"Ok, well, let's get this show on the road shall we. There is some b.u.t.t to be kicked and I refuse to die today."

"That's my girl." Ash says as he turns to unpack his weapons.

Chapter 34.

The Big Bad HUNTER.

Thank h.e.l.l it's a Sunday night; not much happening in old Alessa. Not that I think it would be more hopin' on a Friday, but the less humans the better. I've been hanging here at The Willow and Gabby wasn't lying, it's a pretty nice spot. My job is to wait for old Ubi, so I've made a nice dent in a very pricey Hennessy. I 'borrowed' Ash's credit card, knowing he owes me at least this much. I have no idea what has gone off in his little brain here but he has definitely fallen off his rocker. He's different, and I'm not sure I like it. We've had our scuffles in the past but I've never seen him so hung up on a chick.

I owe him enough to help him out here, but I can't say that it's going to turn out alright. In fact, I am pretty sure s.h.i.t's going to go down in a handbag. My confidence in this escalates as I spot my target entering the dining room around six. It isn't hard for me to tell him apart from the humans. In fact I'm shocked that even they can't see the difference. Or perhaps they can as the hostess places him in a corner booth, away from most of the patrons. I'm sure the temperature in the room has dropped at least five degrees with his presence. Gabby's mention of the bitter cold in his dimension must be ingrained in his genetic make-up.

He senses me after a few seconds, glancing up from his table with a slow and seemingly disinterested gaze. It isn't helping my prediction on the outcome of tonight with the understanding that he isn't the least bit concerned with another demon in his presence. He sets his eyes on mine with a blank curiosity, lingering for only a few seconds as he returns to his slow but meticulous task of inspecting his cutlery and re-organizing his table. OCD - no kidding.

He's a pretty average looking guy, short brown hair, slicked to perfection with some sort of grooming product. He's tall and slim and sporting a very well pressed light grey suit and black tie. It doesn't exactly fit him perfectly and makes me wonder from what poor sucker it used to belong.

I watch him for a few minutes, until I finish my gla.s.s, but I don't want to p.i.s.s him off yet or I'll end up mind f.u.c.ked into a killing spree. I nod to him as I leave the room, receiving a sickly half smile raising the hairs on the back of my neck. Bile builds in my throat and my whole body goes cold in fear from this brief moment of interaction. How could a little una.s.suming guy have that much power? It's evident though, the evil is permeating through his pores and it's making me panic. Now that's something that doesn't happen every day.

He knows I'm here, now all I can do is wait for him to come to me. And he will. I head outside and down the street, parking myself on a bench until he's ready to make nice. After about an hour, The Willow's front door opens and he walks out sporting an oversized trench coat to match the suit. Immediately turning in my direction, he spots me and starts his slow walk over. I've been reading the paper so I fold it in half and place it on the bench as he approaches and I stand up.

It had been a nice evening, quiet with a warm breeze, but since he's come outside, clouds have rolled in and a brisk wind has picked up considerably. Another tip Gabs was able to uncover about this demon; they can also control the weather - this just keeps getting better and better.

I'm about a few inches taller then him, but it doesn't make me feel more powerful. In fact I feel quite the opposite.

"Obviously you are looking for me demon. To what do I owe the pleasure?" His voice drips with sarcasm and I can tell he's more then a little p.i.s.sed off.

"I, uh, heard it through the grapevine that you were looking for a particular young girl."

"Is that so." His lips curve up into a terrifying grin as he b.u.t.tons up his coat to the neck.

"Well I happen to know where she's hiding."

"Bravo for you," he replies, carefully smoothing out the few wrinkles in the fabric. "But what, might I ask, would you know about my particular affairs?" Finished his task he sets his eyes back on mine, sending a bolt of fear through my veins.

"I know more than you think."

A flicker of something flashes in his eyes, I'm definitely p.i.s.sing him off, time to switch gears. "I was in the area when I heard about you coming to town and I thought perhaps you could use my help," I lie.

He laughs out loud at his. A terrifying sound that I know will give me the w.i.l.l.i.e.s for weeks to come as he opens his mouth and leans back into the gesture. His teeth seem normal upon first glance but staring into his mouth I can see they are slightly more pointed then regular teeth and there seem to be way more of them. Little tiny daggers lining the perimeter of his lips; all the better eat your abdomen, I suppose.

"I doubt that. Now please do not follow me anymore." He turns around to leave. s.h.i.t.

"Someone else got to her already you know." I call after him as he stops mid stride. Turning to face me, I can feel my whole body go numb, unable to move a muscle. Suddenly it's his voice I hear in my head, not my own. His lips aren't moving but I can hear his thoughts.

Do you know what I can do to you demon? If you are lying to me, do you have any idea what will happen? He steps closer, leaning into me, his hot breath on my face. This feeling is worst then anything I could imagine; I am literally paralyzed and unable to even speak unless he allows it. He can see the fear in my eyes which answers his question quite definitely.

"I don't play games and I certainly don't appreciate threats from a fool like you," he says this out loud and releases my mouth in order to speak.

"I'm sorry sir, I just thought you'd want to know and perhaps reward me for the information." Beads of sweat are trickling down my temples as I struggle to move anything from the neck down.

"Reward? What makes you think that I would reward you for anything when I could control you to walk in front of a bus the moment you told me what I needed?" A slimy smile spreads across his pink wet lips as trickles of panic go shooting down my spine. Still able to speak, I blurt out.

"I have friends who work at The Register. I could get them to stop looking for you."

"And what would you want in return?" he snaps.

"I would tell you where they took the girl, you would let me tag along." This part makes me almost gag. "You could give me a part of her. Just a small part, but, I've heard her power is great. Greater than I've ever seen. Just a small piece would be all I'd ask for."

"You dare to bargain with me?" He leans into me so close I can smell his hot, fetid breath. Evidently he had a very rare steak for dinner - big surprise.

"Do we have a deal or not?" I say with more confidence then I feel.

He leans back a little bit, thinking my offer through.

"We have a deal," he answers with a sick lop sided grin. "Now where is the demon girl? Who has taken what is mine?"

"I don't know his name, but I followed them to the old conservation area this afternoon. I think he's going to prepare the ritual out there, where it's desolate and they're alone."

I think I've done it, he's definitely ruffled at this change of plans. I can see it's almost physically painful for him to handle. For him to show any sign of weakness is not something he is familiar with. Hopefully it's enough for him to make a mistake. The question now is whether he'll just kill me or not care enough about me and let me go.

Stepping back from me he straightens his jacket and tie, trying to regain his composure. He uses the palm of his hand to smooth back the grease in his hair.

"If you happen to be lying to me demon, then h.e.l.l help you because nothing that Satan could do would be the slightest in comparison to what I can do to you myself." He mentions this like he's talking about the weather. Once again calm and collected.

"I don't have any more use of you. The Register is ineffectual to me as are you. I will let you live. But don't ever try and bargain with me again demon, or I will make you eat your own t.e.s.t.i.c.l.es," he hisses and turns and walks away.

I am still unable to move, his power is all consuming and the last thing that goes through my mind is what evil Asher and Stella have coming for them. Everything goes black as my own hand swings up and punches myself square in the face with a force I had no idea I possessed. He actually made me knock myself out. It'd be funny if I could laugh.

Standing supposedly alone in these woods, waiting - just waiting is worse torture then I imagined. Ash has made himself scarce, not telling me where he's hiding for fear I will give him away. I've situated myself up on top of a big rock, pulling my knees into my chest. The air was warm earlier, but night is settling in and the chill has crept into my bones. I feel Ash near which is about the only comfort I have right now. I worry that he is too close, that HE will sense Ash as well. We have no choice, we have only one chance. A million thoughts ring through my brain but only one stays in the forefront. Control. Stay in control.

I look to the sky to see the clouds rolling in, dark and ominous, hmmm, how telling of the situation. Getting up from the rock, I feel numb and unsure of why I just did that. I can't move my arms anymore and my lips won't move an inch to scream. I'm standing rigid in the middle of the clearing, waiting. He's here.

Involuntarily my head swivels to the right to see a very una.s.suming man standing beside a large spruce.

"So either I was tricked or you are extremely stupid. Or both. Which do you think it is?" his nauseating voice piercing the silent air, sending thrums of panic throughout my body.

"Oh right. You can't answer me. Well let me speak for you. I think you are extremely stupid." He tsked a few times shaking his head back and forth but not losing eye contact with me as he crept closer. "Doesn't bode very well to your circ.u.mstance I'm afraid. Certainly not to that b.u.mbling cretan from town. Interesting how some of you earth demons think you are much smarter then the rest of us. When will you ever learn?"

Standing before me, he looks very normal, but I can tell that he is anything but. Sinister, wicked, sick, twisted - anything but average I'm afraid. Lifting his hand, he moves his fingers to the side of my cheek, careful not to touch my skin, and shifts my chin from side to side, as if sizing up his prize. What a strange sensation it is to be unable to punch him in the face, which is exactly what my body is screaming to do. I feel as if my whole insides are on fire, willing myself to move and yet I remain still as a statue.

"I think a nice treat you will make; pretty young thing like yourself. Such incredible power too, I can't wait to taste you." Licking his lips he comes close, about an inch from my face, closing his eyes, inhaling my smell, savouring the aroma. If I could manage to retch right now, I would.

"You can come out now too," speaking a little louder, "come and join your friend," he says, still keeping his eyes on me. Ash comes walking out from behind a group of pines, still holding a broad sword but definitely under his mind control as well.

"You seriously didn't think you were going to be able to out smart me, did you?" Turning his gaze to Ash he smiles a sick and twisted grin that fuels the rage burning inside of me. I'm not sure how I could have antic.i.p.ated this feeling, but nothing has prepared me for the awful, helpless, self loathing that has accompanied it.

Forcing Ash to stand right next to me, he looks back and forth, dissecting us with his beady little eyes. "Interesting little faction you got going here. Tall, dark and handsome imbecile in town. Beautiful, young girl right here," he says gesturing to me with fingers that are long and thin. Way too long to be human if you were paying attention. His nails are narrow and slightly pointed but manicured to perfection with a hint or pink staining the tips. Moving over to stand right in front of Ash, "And perhaps you are the boyfriend?" Leaning in, he closes his eyes and deeply breathes his scent. A sick smile forms on his lips like he's sampling a fine wine, "Yes, I think this is turning out better than I expected." He turns to pace around us, knowing he has won and desiring the gloat like it's an aphrodisiac.

"You know though. I have already eaten a lovely meal down at the local Hotel tonight, so perhaps we have a little bit of fun before we head off on our way, shall we?" The sun has dropped behind the hills as twilight descends, transforming the once pretty clearing into deathly purple shadows. We were so dumb to have come here, secluded, all alone. We've basically handed ourselves over to him on a silver platter, pardon the pun.

Smiling back at us he orchestrates the show. Under his control, Ash turns towards me and I to him. He has us facing each other so close that I can see the incredible fear in Ash's eyes. A small trickle of a tear races down my face, as my mind frantically runs through all the things he could make us do to each other. Ash lifts up the sword in his right hand as I lift my left arm out towards him. Slicing a huge gash through my sweatshirt and down the length of my arm, blood begins to pour out and drip onto the fallen pine needles. It looks black in the recent darkness and forms a small pool between us. A jolt of pain that I have never before experienced rips through my arm. It feels like I'm in one of my nightmares, unable to cry out, my feet planted firmly like cement. More tears run down my face even though I try to will them to stop. I know Ash would be dying inside for what he's doing, and my blatting isn't going to help anyone. It doesn't stop even as the pain subsides to a dull numbness; my body retreating into shock. I can still feel the blood running down my forearm and fingers though. It feels hot on my skin, like snakes coiling down my fingers.

"Isn't this fun!" He boysihly claps his hands together as if he's at some sort of circus show. "However, I think it's so much better to see flesh opening in front of your eyes, then through stifling clothes, don't you? Please my dear, do the honours will you?"

My hands move up towards my hoodie and slowly slide the zipper down to the bottom. The pain in my arm has returned and it is unbearable, like a hot poker digging itself in my flesh. My eyes are still trained on Ash and to be honest, I have no interest in looking down at what is to happen. Peeling back the sweater, I pull the long sleeved tee and tank top over my head and drop it to my feet. I am now only wearing my bra. Ash then holds up the sword and slides the blade left to right across my abdomen, pain exploding in my stomach. This time he has forced both my hands up to catch the flow of blood as I rub it into my flesh like lotion. A sauce for him to savour.

A sigh exits his mouth in eagerness, mixed with a sick excitement that he's getting from this game. I can only stare back at Ash, begging with my eyes for him to forgive himself. I can only pray it will be over soon. The Ubiquatar walks closer and forces Ash to reach up and run his fingers in my blood, soaking his palms as well. If I happen to live through this, which I very much doubt at this point, the look in Ash's eyes will haunt me until the day I die.

With a shaking hand, the demon takes Ash's bloodied hands and rubs them over his own cheeks and neck, soiling his freshly pressed coat and licking his fingers one by one, relishing the chaos it brings him. I automatically turn my eyes to look for a second, feeling even more detached and frozen. I don't think I will last much longer without pa.s.sing out and for that I am grateful. He's getting off on a sick s.e.xual level. It's consuming his whole being. I can feel his excitement over my mutilation building in him like an inferno. I don't think he will be able to wait much longer.

"Yes, I do like the taste of you very much. Let's see some more, shall we?" he says with a shake to his voice, a giddy antic.i.p.ation. Moving to position himself behind me, he places a much smaller knife into my hands and forces my grip to clasp around it. He is still careful not to touch me.

"Let's see where this will take us... " He trails off as I take the dagger and plunge it forcefully into Ash's stomach. Although the pain must be excruciating, Ash stands perfectly still, tears spilling down both our faces now. A deep red stain begins to spread from the wound and fills Ash's shirt in seconds, pouring so much blood I am sure it is fatal. The colour has instantly drained from Ash's face and I know it will only be a matter of time before he dies right in front of me, by my own hand.

"Yes, I think you will be enough for me my dear. No sense being glutinous. However, it is time for him to leave us, and for us to leave from here." The blood is pouring out faster and faster as Ash's eyelids start to flicker. At least one of my prayers have been answered. His death has been fairly quick and he won't have to suffer much longer. Dropping my hold on the knife as it remains pierced in his stomach, I turn around to walk behind the demon although I know he will have to carry me soon, the life is draining out of my body and soon I will collapse. After a few steps he stops me and hesitates; turning back, as if pondering a question.

"Oh yes, by the way, can you recommend a lovely place where we can go to be alone. I'm thinking The Willow wouldn't be quite appropriate now would it with the state you are in right now. Might draw a small bit of attention?" His mouth spread up into a huge grin, thinking he's the most clever and funniest a-hole ever. Before he can begin his maniacal laugh which I know he is going to do, I feel a immense spray of hot liquid splashing against my face. Before I am able to move I see the sick b.a.s.t.a.r.ds head fall forward, detached from his neck and to the ground, followed by his limp body.

Behind him stands Hunter, brandishing a large sword and an even larger black eye, split lip and huge gash down his cheek.