Disclaimer: I do not own American Horror Story. I only own my OC.
A/N: Guys, I would have updated this story a lot sooner but my brother and I went to go see Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. And OMG I loved it. If you haven't seen it, go watch it. Then again I think my love for it just comes naturally for me. I've always been a huge Spider-Man fan. Still, one has to agree that the animation was amazing. It's given more motivation on updating Blue And Red or Infinite next. So keep an eye out on those stories. I'm seriously thinking about having a Spider-Man movie marathon after I finish writing this chapter. Watching the original Sam Raimi Trilogy, then the Amazing Spider-Man ones, and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
I actually got a lot of reviews on the last chapter. Thanks for that! Made me more motivated to update this chapter a lot faster. Now, for all my Portuguese speakers out there...shout out to all of you ;P I mainly wanted to include that Layla is half Portuguese and also knows the language in my story because I had sudden spark of inspiration. This would have to do with the Anthropology Linguistic class I took this semester. Not kidding that class was hard. I don't know how I did it but I managed to get a passing grade on the final. I hope that with the extra credit and video project my group and I did, I will get a overall passing grade in that class. I think it was even harder than the Theory class I took a while ago. Anyways, the language I had been focusing on in that class was Estonian but I wanted Layla to know Portuguese because it's such a beautiful, challenging, and intriguing language. I love to hear people speak in Portuguese. I'm gonna try to learn more Portuguese during my Winter Break.
I am beyond happy that people are liking Orion. However, if you've visited my Tumblr then you guys know that Orion isn't just some ordinary cat ;p I really can't wait to write more about him and his origins the further we get into the story. Needless to say he is a very complex being who doesn't particularly like anyone...except for Layla (: She of course is the exception and that much we already know but his protectiveness and affection for her grow as the story continues. Orion's like her guardian angel...only he's the complete opposite from being angelic LOL This will especially come into play once we head into Season 8 with the whole Michael story-line. It's also important to note though that Orion will always choose Layla over anyone else. That's how much he's going to end up caring for her. Not that he doesn't already...because he does. The endearment he has for her will just continue to grow the more he's with her.
Also, I wrote a one-shot/alternate ending for episode 10 of Season 8 for when this story gets there. It's called A New Kind Of Hell. Be warned it is very triggering. Read it with caution. :/
"The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out
You left me in the dark
No dawn, no day, I'm always in this twilight
In the shadow of your heart"
― Florence and The Machine, Cosmic Love
Chapter 10: Love never truly dies
Needless to say both Layla and Zoe were beyond puzzled when Madison parked her car in front of an old looking building. The sign on the fence they passed had read, City Of New Orleans's Morgue.
Layla frowned as she got out of the car with Zoe and Madison. What the hell were they doing here?
She and Zoe were right behind Madison as she started walking up the short steps that lead to a door. Layla was about to ask her question right then and there having enough of the mystery that surrounded them, when Madison turned around.
The Hollywood starlet stepped to the side and gestured to the door that was beside them. "Alright, use your powers."' She announced, but her gaze was aimed at Layla.
The Bradshaw girl raised her eyebrows. "Excuse me?" Zoe who was standing next to her also had on a perplexed expression.
"Transmutation." Madison clarified with a bit of attitude. "Do it. Transport yourself inside."
Layla looked at her as if she lost her mind. "You want me to break into the morgue?"
Instead rolling her eyes (like she wanted to), Madison gave her a look of superiority. "Are you saying you can't? Because I can break in easily. I was once almost going to play a cat burglar for this movie, so I know how to pick a lock." She boasted. "I just figured I'd see what you can do. I thought you had a handle on your Transmutation skills, but clearly you don't."
"I never said I couldn't do it." Layla replied, now beginning to feel annoyed. "You've seen me do it before."
"Well, I'm asking you to do it now." Madison simply told her. "Prove me wrong...again. If you can that is."
Things between all three of them became quiet, with only Layla staring intently at Madison. She knew Madison was only acting this way to get her to follow along with her command. Despite knowing this, Layla decided to go along with it. Call it peer pressure or whatever, but a part of Layla did indeed want to prove her wrong. She let out a sigh. "Fine." She took a step forward towards the locked door.
"Layla..." Zoe softly called out, causing the dark haired girl to glance her way. "You don't have to do it if you don't want to." The last thing Zoe wanted was for Layla to get hurt for using magic just because Madison had egged her on. She had yet to learn more about Transmutation but what she had been able to learn about that specific power was that if done wrong the repercussions could be deadly.
Layla right away sensed the worried waves of emotions coming off of Zoe. Layla had to stop the blush that wanted to cover her cheeks. It was a battle though. She's really worried about me...that's sweet. She mentally shook away her thoughts, and got a hold of herself. "Don't worry." Layla reassuringly told the darker blonde haired girl. "I got this." She said rather firmly, facing the locked door again.
Layla closed her eyes and focused on being on the other side of the door. There was a low swoosh sound and when she opened her eyes again she noticed she was no longer outside with Zoe and Madison. She was now inside the dark morgue. It was definitely creepy, she had to admit that. However, she quickly found the light switch and turned it on. The lights above her blinked a few times before they focused enough to light the whole inside. Layla felt slightly better now that it wasn't completely dark inside. When she unlocked the door and opened it she was rewarded with a pleased looking Madison and a relieved looking Zoe.
Madison gave her a smirk as she walked inside. Her dark green eyes gleamed when passing her. "See, I knew you could do it all along. You just needed a push."
Layla lightly scoffed but in reality she enjoyed showing them she was able to use Transmutation without a hitch. Especially to Madison. She still had difficultly accepting her status as a witch, but that didn't mean she wanted others to think she was a complete imbecile when it came to her powers. Everyone already knew she struggled with her Pathokinesis. The least she could do was show them she had Transmutation under control...somewhat.
Zoe closing the door behind her caused Layla to look at her. The darker blonde haired girl gave her a smile. It wasn't tensed or anything letting Layla know it was completely genuine. However, before either girl could continue to bask in that moment they noticed how Madison was walking further inside the morgue. The two of them quickly followed her path. It was then that Zoe asked the question that had been running along Layla's head since arriving.
"Madison, what are we even doing here?" Zoe inquired.
Madison stopped her walking and turned around to face them. The other two girls had faltered with their movements, and looked at her with questionable expressions. "I'm paying you back." She answered, her gazing shifting onto Layla. "I'm paying the both of you back." She earnestly corrected.
"The both of us?" Layla asked, furrowed her eyebrows. "What do you mean?"
Madison sighed, getting ready to sound all serious and shit. She normally wasn't one for moments like these, but she owed it to them. "Well, Zoe dealt with that asshole at the hospital for me and you..." Madison trailed off, her gaze softening the slightest as she continued to stare at Layla. "You offered me help. I'll admit I was pretty bitchy to you at first but consider this as my way of saying thank you...for you know...giving a shit."
"Well, like I said, you needed a friend." Layla softly told her.
Madison took in her words and felt a weird sensation in her stomach. It became harder to ignore the longer Layla stared at her with that soft expression. Her staring just made Madison notice more things about her. Like how her eyes were a lighter green than hers, and how her hair had some lighter shades of brown to it if one were to really study it. Tiny details that Madison wished would leave her mind. She mentally kicked herself. Turning soft now was really messing with her. "Anyways..." She spoke again, returning to her usual act of casualness. "Here." She reached into the bag she was carrying and handed Layla the piece of paper that she had inside. A smirk appeared on her face as she saw the puzzled looks Layla and Zoe got. "Stole it out of Foxxy's stash." She told them mischievously.
Layla looked at the paper she was holding and frowned. Zoe was just as confused.
"What is this?" Zoe asked, looking up at Madison again.
"It's a Resurrection Spell." Madison clarified, excitedly. "The three of us are going to bring back your guys boy-toy."
Layla's eyes left the paper she was holding and looked at Madison. Her eyes hardened a bit hearing Madison say that. The grip of the paper tightened ever the slightest. "He's not a toy Madison."
"Fine, then boyfriend, or whatever." The actress waved off her anger. "The point is we're bringing him back to life."
"This spell is in Latin." Layla pointed out.
Madison quirked an eyebrow. "And?" She questioned, and then swiftly snatched the paper that had the spell from Layla. This caused the dark haired girl to huff, slightly agitated that she wasn't taking what she was trying to say seriously.
"I'm smart enough to know now that a spell in Latin, and a old one like this one, can't end well." Layla warned her. "Plus, do any of us actually know how to speak Latin?"
"Not all of the spell is in Latin." Madison lightly scoffed, finding nothing wrong with what she just told her. "Besides, I'm an actress. I don't actually need to know the language. Just as long as it sound good." Madison then became quiet before giving her a quizzical expression. "Wait, if you don't know Latin then what's that language you're always saying to yourself?"
Layla looked at her in disbelief. "Are you for real?" She asked, incredulously. "That's Portuguese!" The dark haired girl exclaimed. She was beyond ruffled by the teen celebrity's lack of knowledge regarding this topic. Layla huffed. "That's a completely different language, and I don't always say it to myself." She mumbled the last part, sheepish.
Layla knew Portuguese fairly well. She sometimes spoke the language when trying to get a hold of herself when close to having a panic attack. Another coping technique. Except her breathing and counting techniques were more used. She tended to speak Portuguese though when extremely frustrated. Which was rare but it had happened before in the past.
However, the reason Layla even knew the language to begin with was because of her father. He knew Portuguese because it was his native language. Which in return made her half Portuguese. When she had been younger and more naive, Layla, on a slim chance thought that learning his native language would allow them to grow closer with one another. It hadn't. Her father didn't even give a damn that she had learned the language all on her own. Despite that though, Layla still liked the language. Actually, she loved it a lot. So, she wasn't going to hold a grudge against an entire language just because her father had been an abusive monster to her and her mother. Portuguese was a very beautiful language. Which just exasperated her even more that Madison didn't even know how to tell a part Portuguese and Latin. Two entirely different languages.
"Whatever, let's just go in already." Madison replied carelessly, and then made her way towards another door that was in front of them. Layla right away knew what that door led to and was not at all happy to go in there. However, she knew staying behind was not a smart option, especially if it meant leaving Madison behind with a bunch of corpses that were the guys that had violated her...with the exception of Kyle. She gave a side glance at Zoe, and saw how she too was debating about going in. So with a sigh, Layla took the first step out of the two.
"This is not going to end well." Layla insisted shaking her head.
Zoe nodded her head, silently thinking the same thing. Her steps were more cautious than Layla's, worried that something bad would happen if she moved the wrong way. She made sure though to stay behind the dark haired girl, never straying far from her. When they reached the room it was the exact moment Madison had turned on the lights. They flickered on and off again for a few seconds but all three of didn't need bright lights to see the various body parts that were in there.
Zoe let out a low gasp, while Madison and Layla remained quiet surveying everything. On the inside though, Layla was anything but cool. She did her best to contain her shock and nausea. After all, she knew that dealing with dead bodies came with being a Forensic Anthropologist. Which was exactly what she wanted to be before discovering she was a witch. Well, technically it wouldn't be the fresh bodies she were to focus on but the bones of them instead. Nonetheless, being around dead bodies was a given. This really shouldn't have affected her...but yet it was.
"Oh shit, guess that bus crash was worst than I thought." Madison finally spoke, not at all bothered by the dismembered body parts she was seeing. Her eyes then landed on a specific bag. She read the name that was on the tag and then went onto open it. Zoe saw this and immediately voiced out her thoughts. Without even reading the tag she just knew who was inside it.
"No, Madison don't!" Zoe shouted.
Layla was about to protest as well but it was to late. Madison had already unzipped the bag where Kyle's remains were in. The dark haired girl felt her stomach drop once seeing the broken body that was now Kyle Spencer. The boy she had fallen hard for. "Oh, God." She said, eyes going wide. It was such a terrible sight that she had to turn away to get a hold of herself.
Zoe was just as affected and had to look away as well. She felt tears start to form in her eyes.
Madison on the other hand had tilted her head a bit as she took in what she saw. "He's still kind of cute, though."
"Madison!" Zoe exclaimed, sorrowfully. Layla just shook her head with what Madison had just said.
Unlike, Zoe and Layla, Madison wasn't the least bit disturbed.
"Guess we should figure out where everything goes." She said almost thoughtfully. Her voice then picked up with what she said next. "Good thing Layla's here. Her being the Human Anatomy expert."
That caused Layla to compose herself, somewhat. She glanced Madison's way. Although she made sure not to look where Kyle's body was when doing this. "I did not sign up for this." She said, her voice shaking a little.
"Can we please just get out of here?" Zoe begged, tears ready to fall down her cheeks any second now.
Madison stopped the urge to roll her eyes. "Take a look around. What do you see?"
Zoe sniffled. "A tragedy." She replied, replaying the bus crash and thinking of poor innocent Kyle dying over and over again.
Madison shifted her gaze onto the dark haired girl. "Layla?"
The Bradshaw girl though didn't say anything. She instead kept a calm expression but on the inside she was having an emotional breakdown.
"I see potential." Madison finally said when neither of them answered her. "Look, nice legs over here, a great set of guns." She told them as she walked passed various body parts. She then made her way towards another body bag. She unzipped it and lifted the bag. She smirked when she saw what was inside. "I wonder if he's a shower, or a grower." She glanced over her shoulder and laughed.
"What's your point, Madison?" Zoe questioned heatedly. Her need to cry had faltered by now. She was beyond peeved off at this point. So was Layla. The dark haired girl was beginning to wonder what Madison was intending with what she was saying. She quickly got her answer...and she was left feeling aggravation.
Madison grinned as she walked towards them. "We take the best boy parts, we attach them to Kyle's head and we build the perfect boyfriend."
The fury behind Layla's eyes increased. She took a step forward. "Is this just some kind of sick joke to you? This isn't a game!" She heatedly told her.
Her anger didn't annoy, or unnerve Madison as much as it should have. Perhaps it was just the determination of doing the spell that had her not backing away. "No, I know it's not a game, it's a challenge." Madison sternly replied. "All we have to do is follow this recipe." She took out the spell from her bag and handed it to Zoe this time. The light brown eyed girl took a hold of it. Madison then walked over to a body bag. She then glanced their way. "One of you hand me a saw."
Layla shook her head. "This isn't right." She said, her voice shaking. "Even if we were to really do this, I wouldn't want to bring back Kyle using other guys body parts. Especially not guys that ra―" However, Layla stopped talking before she was able to finish that sentence. She didn't want to bring Madison anymore pain by having her mention what happened to her.
"Well, this is all we have to work with, Lay's." Madison answered nonchalantly, acting as if she had no idea how she was about to end that sentence. The blonde actress did her best to push away the recollection of what happened to her. Madison then decided to focus her attention onto Zoe who had been quiet. "Do you want Kyle back or not?"
Zoe shifted her weight between her feet from the sudden attention thrown her way. "Of course I do, but―"
"It's a simple yes or no question." Madison impatiently told her.
Zoe let out a shaky breath. "Yes."
Pleased with her answer, Madison then turned to Layla. "See, she said yes. Now, your turn. Yes or no."
Layla sighed, still not one hundred percent on board with this plan. "Madison..."
"Just answer the damn question, Layla." Madison snapped at her.
Layla lowered her gaze. It wasn't long though before it shifted onto the body bag that had Kyle's dismembered remains. Instead of feeling just sadness this time, she also felt guilt. Layla felt immense guilt. Kyle had been a good person. He had plans on finishing college and becoming an Engineer. He wanted to help people. Now, Layla really had no idea if the Resurrection Spell would actually work, or what the consequences would be. Those two things should have driven her away, but now the act of not bringing back this kind guy who she had met with Zoe, and helped her through a panic attack, seemed wrong to Layla. She had to do something to make things right. And besides just like Zoe, Layla did want him back. She really did.
Without saying anything to Madison, Layla grabbed the saw that was on a nearby table and handed it to her.
That action alone was the yes Madison had been wanting to get out of Layla.
Despite how messed up and disturbing the whole thing was with picking out different body parts for Kyle's new body, Layla was glad she had come. If she hadn't then who knows how Kyle would have come out. The body parts Madison had chosen were all wrong. A shorter arm than the other, two left legs, and also how Madison wanted use another guy's downstairs part for Kyle. Madison had made a comment on how this was his chance to "improve" himself in that department. That didn't fly well with Layla and Zoe. The two of them gave her a strong no. They were already using other guys body parts on him. The least they could do was give Kyle something that was completely his, other than his head.
After figuring out which body parts to use, Madison started taking out the things that would be needed for the spell. She had been able to stuff everything into her bag before they had left the academy. Madison told Layla and Zoe they needed to write specific symbols on the table before laying Kyle on it. Afterwards, they had to do the most messiest and stomach turning part. Which was stitching Kyle together. It wasn't easy, nor was it fun, but it had to be done. Once finishing that they continued on with what else needed to be done.
"I need a bowl and some hair from his head." Madison instructed. Zoe went onto do this, cutting a piece of Kyle's blonde curly hair with the pair of scissors Madison had brought along. As Zoe did this, Layla finished lighting the remaining candles and then closed the salt circle that she formed around Kyle's body that was now laying on the table.
Madison then went on to put Kyle's piece of hair on the bowl she had been working on. Both girls had noticed she had put various things in the bowl, like herbs. Though they didn't question what else she had put. They honestly were too anxious to even ask. She told Layla to light a match and the dark haired girl did so and then threw it in the bowl after Madison told her to. All three of them jumped in place when a small spark of fire came from the bowl. It quickly died down, allowing Madison to place a cloth over the bowl. She then brought the bowl closer to all three of them.
"Breathe in the smoke." Madison lowly told them. Her voice taking a serious turn again. Both Layla and Zoe nodded their heads, despite feeling anxious about not really knowing with what was about to happen.
They each breathed in the smoke when Madison took the cloth off. Layla immediately felt dazed, and giddy. It almost felt as if she were floating. She'd never taken drugs before in her life (and she never wanted to) but she was pretty sure getting high felt sort of like what she was going through at the moment.
But then, not shortly afterwards came the pain.
Layla had no idea if the the lights flickering rapidly, or the sounds of thunder were real. Except she couldn't really focus on either of those things at the moment on account of the massive headache that she was currently experiencing. By the looks of it though, she wasn't the only one feeling this way. Both Madison and Zoe were releasing their own sounds of pain as they held their heads for support. Thankfully, the pain they were all feeling didn't last long.
"Holy shit." Layla breathed, finally returning to her old self, somewhat. The dazed feeling from before was still there but the pain wasn't.
"Give me your hand." Madison said and pulled the closest hand she could grab. That being Layla's. Without warning her she used a knife she had to cut Layla's left palm. "Blood is our sacrament."
"Ow!" Layla gasped as she pulled back her now injured hand.
Madison then used the blood she had managed to snag from Layla and started to form a inverted pentagram on Kyle's chest. That sight alone caused Layla's stomach to drop. She, however, didn't get a chance to voice this thought as Madison continued on with the spell. "Calpriziana, offina altra nestra, fuero menut." Madison fervidly chanted."Azazel, we submit to you body and soul, the lord of the underworld, we offer you our obedience and everlasting devotion until death sanctifies this unholy union."
Literally, all that was going through Layla's mind was: What the hell?
"Did we just marry the Devil?" Zoe nervously asked. "Cause' I don't know if I'm down with that."
"I second that." Layla rapidly added, shaking her head. "That's not cool at all."
Madison let out a gasp as she straightened her posture. "Berald, Beroald, Balbin, Gab, Gabor, Agaba." Layla and Zoe soon started to chant the same thing. Madison, however, took the lead with the line she delivered next. "Return to the mortal coil!" She shouted as she raised both of her arms. "Arise!"
There was another sound of thunder causing Layla to jump in place again. Her previous thoughts of imaging the sound were proven wrong. The lights also stop flickering the moment Madison had said the last line. The three girls then waited in silence and anticipation. They had taken a step back, expecting for Kyle to come back to life. However, that didn't happen. Layla stared intently, as if that were would to do anything. Zoe remained quiet as she discreetly moved closer to Layla. Madison though was beginning to grow impatient. She walked forward and then lifted one of his hands only to then drop it.
Nothing happened.
Madison huffed, disappointed. "Well, that was a bust."
Layla got closer to quickly check to feel if Kyle had a pulse. She grew more despondent when she couldn't find one. "No pulse." She stated, solemnly. Zoe by this point had also gotten closer. She gently shook Kyle. Her heart clenched when no reaction came from him.
"Are you sure you said the spell correctly?" Zoe meekly asked the blonde actress.
Madison looked at her, offended. "Hey, I've been acting since I was five. I know my lines."
Zoe lowered her gaze back onto Kyle. "I guess we're not powerful enough." She then began gathering the things she had brought, stuffing them into her bag.
Layla thought over what Madison had said. That could be true but Layla now had a feeling there was more to it than that. She felt something extremely off. Like something or maybe even someone was preventing Kyle from coming back...and it wasn't because of their lack of power concerning their magic. That thought left her once really thinking it over. There was no one else there to do that. She just had to accept the sad reality that the spell simply didn't work. Layla looked at Kyle, feeling even more worse than before. She sniffled.
I am so sorry, Kyle.
Layla thought as a tear went down her cheek. Zoe saw this and quickly got in front of her, shielding her from Madison. The actress had now unhappily finished gathering all her things, ready to just leave.
"Hey, we'll meet you in the car." Zoe told her as she was starting to walk away. "I left my phone in here somewhere. Layla's gonna help me find it."
Madison response was snappy, clearly not content on waiting for them. She felt defeat and disappointment that she couldn't have accomplished this spell even with Layla and Zoe. "Hurry up." She answered, and then sauntered outside.
Once Madison was gone, Zoe turned back to look at Layla. She saw right away how Layla was holding onto one of Kyle's hand. When she got closer, Zoe also saw how she was full on crying now. The sight alone tugged at Zoe's heart and she felt her own eyes start to well up with tears again.
"I just wanted to give him another chance at life. Even though he never should have had one because he didn't deserve to die in the first place." Layla tearfully said. She looked at Zoe, her voice wavering with what she said next. "If we just hadn't gone to that damn party..."
Zoe gently put one of her own hands on top of Layla's hand. The same one that was holding Kyle's hand. Much to her surprise and relief, Layla didn't pull away. The dark haired girl just gave her another tearful look before focusing on Kyle again. Zoe's attention also went onto Kyle. Her own crying hadn't ceased. "I am sorry, Kyle." She quietly said. Layla though heard loud and clear causing another round of tears to escape her.
Both of the girls' tears slid down their faces and landed onto Kyle's face at the exact same time. Suddenly something warm and soothing went through Layla. She felt a little lightheaded, but not to the point where she wanted to pass out.
"Do you feel that?" Layla asked Zoe. When she looked at Zoe though she knew right away that she had based on how her eyes were slightly narrowed. Zoe had to control her breathing because of how strong that feeling was. There was no ounce of darkness, just light and warmth. It was something neither of the girls had truly felt before.
The connection, however, broke when they heard the door up front open. At first they thought it was Madison coming back to tell them to hurry up, but that assumption went away when they caught sight of a shadow. A shadow that didn't at all match Madison's. Not only that, but this person's footsteps sounded heavier, more male like. Layla and Zoe broke contact with Kyle and each other. The two girls had no choice but to hide. They hurriedly got behind one of the morgue tables, with Layla managing to blow out the last candle that was lit.
Once they were hiding, Layla's thoughts went onto Madison. The blonde actress probably ditched them the moment she saw this person coming into the morgue. Not surprising at all. Although it still left a sting that she had left them. Layla tried pushing the hurt feeling away as her thoughts took another turn. Layla tried thinking of ways for Zoe and her to get out without getting caught.
Of course the first solution was for her to use Transmutation. However, that would have meant leaving behind Zoe. To to mention, Kyle's body. Layla didn't want to leave either of them behind. Even if the spell hadn't worked, it felt extremely wrong to leave Kyle behind in that kind of state. She wanted to take Zoe, and even Kyle, but the truth was she had never Transmuted with another person before. Cordelia had warned her of the dangers when explaining the power. Apparently in the past there have been incidents when witches had tried Transmutating with others and it ended horribly. One of them either got stuck in a wall, impaled themselves somehow, or they'd lost limbs along the way, and in which case all resulted in death. Layla wasn't about to risk that. Especially not with Zoe.
"Layla, just go. Leave me." Zoe whispered to her.
Layla glanced at her. Her green eyes firm. "I'm not leaving without you." Layla quietly told Zoe and then took hold of her hand again. This caused Zoe to feel a swirling sensation in her belly she would associate with affection. Despite wanting to analyze this feeling further, she had other things to focus on at the moment.
"Who's there?" They heard a man's voice say. Layla took a quick, discreet peek and saw how it was a morgue employee. She duct down without being detected. Zoe and her then heard the heavy footsteps grow louder, until they came to a stop. A few seconds later they heard the man speak again. "What the hell?" He muttered. "Oh, Jesus Christ."
Zoe and Layla knew right away that he had to have seen Kyle's body on the table where he was laying. Out of nervousness, Zoe accidentally moved causing her head to bump on the table they were hiding underneath. Not long afterwards a bright light was aimed on them. There eyes needed a moment to adjust to the light. They then realized it was flashlight and they saw the morgue employee who was holding said item. He looked at them with puzzlement and wariness. "What the hell are you two doing here?"
Layla stood up first, raising her hands as if surrendering. "Um..." She said, unable to figure out what to tell him. Zoe was trying to say something as well, but her words dried up in throat with what happened next.
Both girls watched in great shock as Kyle woke up behind the man. With odd stiff like movements, Kyle turned around and grabbed the man from behind his throat. A move that Layla knew was called a choke hold. Something her father had done several times to her mother and even to her. This is was what caused Layla to remain even more shocked to the point where she couldn't even move. Both her and Zoe then watched in complete disbelief as Kyle started to brutally beat the man on his chest.
It was Zoe who was the first to finally get a hold of herself. "Kyle, no!" She yelled as she managed to get the man out of his hands. Unfortunately, from the feel of his body and looks of it the man was already dead. Zoe managed to put the man down without getting caught in the thrashing that Kyle kept doing.
As he moved his body in such an unwell way, both Zoe and Layla heard him release intelligible sounds. To better yet put it, they were grunts because no actual words were being said. After laying the employee's body on the floor, Zoe tried to approach Kyle as a way to calm him down. Her doing this just caused him to lash out even more.
Layla could see the struggle Zoe was going through and now managed to overpower her shock from before. She ran to where they were and got a hold of Kyle''s hands. His movements got to her but she tried her best not to let him overpower her. "Kyle, stop please!" She shouted.
Hearing that soft but firm voice got Kyle to stop his actions. He stopped his frantic movements and looked towards where he heard that voice. Kyle grunted before leaning his entire body weight fall onto Layla.
Layla gasped but remained still. If she weren't in such an adrenalized state from her panic she would have been blushing like crazy with having a naked Kyle on her. But she needed to remain composed. However, when she started to shift, Kyle put more of his weight on her. Layla knew she wouldn't be able to last long with him doing that. She wasn't that strong. Layla glanced at Zoe who was watching the scene with wide doe like eyes.
"Uh, Zoe...a little help here." Layla gasped feeling her strength slipping even more.
Zoe got out of her daze and quickly made her way towards them. Some part of her expected Kyle to lash out again for getting closer but to her surprise and relief, he didn't do that. Zoe gently took hold of one of his arms and got some of his body weight off of Layla. Layla ended up doing this same thing with his other arm. Zoe and Layla then looked at each other and then at Kyle...who was still putting more of his eight onto Layla as if she was his lifeline. He grunted again and hid his face within Layla's dark locks. Her side braid started to loosen a little due to his proximity. The sweet smell of her hair though somewhat calmed him down. Both girls knew that this moment of composure wouldn't last long.
Layla and Zoe looked at each other, nervous and unsure.
What the hell were they going to do now?
The first thing Layla and Zoe did was try to get rid of any evidence that suggested they were there. After doing that, the next thing they did was wipe off the blood that was on Kyle's chest. Layla was more than glad to get rid of that inverted pentagram. That symbol gave her the major chills and she did not want it on Kyle any longer. Wiping the blood off his body hadn't been that much of a challenge...but changing him was a different story.
They couldn't just leave him naked the way he was. Unfortunately, the only clothing option for him was the morgue employee's clothes. Which consisted of a navy blue jacket, tan jeans, and a white t-shirt. Luckily enough the shoes the employee had fit Kyle as well. Layla felt extremely bad with the fate the morgue employee was given. And she wanted more than anything than to do the right thing and call the police for his body to be found, but she needed to think bigger, and smarter. What would she tell the police if they came and saw Kyle with the way he was? With the stitches that covered his body? The last thing Layla wanted was for the police to come sniffing around again. That would anger Fiona and she didn't want to be on their Supreme's bad side anymore than she already was.
The only good thing that happened to them was finding car keys in the morgue employee's jeans when dressing Kyle. Layla handed the keys to Zoe, telling her she should be the one drive. This mainly had to do with the fact that Kyle seemed more bent on leaning on her than Zoe. This continued to happen as both girls started to carry a now dressed Kyle outside the morgue.
It was dark by the time the three of them step foot outside. Kyle's thrashing had somewhat stopped, thanks to Layla's using her powers on him. It was quite the challenge though because Kyle's own emotions were all over the place. Anger, fear, and the biggest one that kept popping up was confusion. Although Layla could understand why that one stood out the most.
The hold she had on Kyle (magic wise and the actual hold she had on him) faltered when she missed a step outside. Zoe, who had one of Kyle's arms watched with a worried expression as Layla landed right on her face. Not being strong enough to carry Kyle on her own, she then watched as he slipped from her hands. He too hit the dirt covered ground, landing next to Layla. Due to Layla not calming him down with her powers, Kyle began spazzing out on the ground. It appeared as if he were having some kind of seizure.
"Shit." Layla cursed, getting her face off the dirt. "Damn my clumsiness."
"You okay?" Zoe asked, already getting ready to help her up.
Layla let out a huff, annoyed at herself. "Yeah." She said getting up by herself. She briefly touched her nose and felt relief when she felt no blood. She then looked at Zoe who was standing next to her now. "Just help me lift him up again."
Zoe did as she said and got a hold of Kyle's arm. Layla did the same thing with the other, managing just fine as she once again tried calming Kyle down. His rapid movements settled down somewhat but Layla could still feel them within him. They were ready to resurface again any second now. She really needed to stay focused otherwise her concentration would slip and Kyle would start acting all frenzied.
Zoe had reached for the keys the Layla gave her with her free hand. Once close to the car, she made sure Layla had a good handle on Kyle as she went to the drivers seat. Layla carefully without dropping Kyle opened the back door. Except once doing that, she froze in place. Zoe became puzzled when she saw that Layla wasn't helping Kyle get into the car. She walked over to them and then gasped when she saw what Layla was staring at.
There in the back seat was a blonde woman. She looked to be somewhere in her twenties. Her hair was wavy-like, and her clothing style was very ethereal. Though it was her over all appearance that shocked Zoe and Layla. Despite this woman being in the morgue employee's car, they had a feeling she wasn't associated with him. That still didn't explain why she was in the back seat in the first place.
"Um..." Zoe muttered, unable to form an actual sentence out of surprise. Could this day get anymore strange? Finally after a few more seconds she was able to find her voice. "Who are you?"
It was then after she asked this question that Layla's eyes widened in recollection. "Oh, you're Misty Day."
Misty looked at the dark haired girl and gave her a small smile. "You know me?" It wasn't often someone right away knew who she was. It felt nice being recognized. It made her feel important...special.
"You were on the news." Layla told her.
"This is Misty Day?" Zoe questioned. She remembered the name because it had been the one that Cordelia had mentioned during the Midday Gathering when she first arrived to the academy.
Kyle grunting made all three of them look his way. Layla carefully shifted her hold on him, as well as continuing her concentration on keeping him calm. She, however, was able to notice how Misty was looking at Kyle. It wasn't in a scared or even grossed kind of way...more like she was curious. She tilted her head at all three of them.
"You guys drew me out, ya know." Misty told said in an dream like way.
Layla blinked several times. Drew her out? What did that mean? Before either Layla or Zoe were able to ask this question, Misty spoke again.
"Look, I know where we could go. I can help him. " Misty said, gaining their attention. "My swamp."
"Swamp?" Layla asked, extremely bemused. Everything was just happening to quickly. She felt like she was going to get whiplash or something.
Misty smiled. It was soft and caring. This made Layla less wary. "I'll tell you the directions."
Layla and Zoe looked at each. They were both thinking the same thing. Even though they had just officially met Misty Day there was something about the older blonde that telling them that she could be trusted. Besides, it wasn't like they had any better ideas with where they were going to take Kyle. And if Misty said he could help him that was a major plus.
"Come one we need to go before anyone else comes." Zoe said to Layla as she made her way into the drivers seat. Misty stayed in the back, while Layla got in the front with Kyle.
The whole car ride was...something else.
Layla was glad she sat up front with Kyle. She knew if she lost the physical contact she had with him during the car ride that the emotional hold she had with her powers on him would have broken. And remembering how he acted in the morgue before would have not been good in a small enclosed space like a car. To her and Zoe's surprise though, once inside Misty's small swamp cabin, Kyle had somewhat calmed down without the use of her powers. He actually kept still as he now sat in the chair Misty had offered him. There was the occasional twitch and heavy grunt, but for the most part he was tame.
"Do you really think that's going to work?" Zoe softly asked as she and Layla watched Misty smear some weird looking green stuff on Kyle's stitches.
Misty answered without any doubts. "I know it will." She smiled brightly. "This stuff is the shit...literally. Louisiana swamp is full of Spanish moss and alligator dung, which have amazing healing properties. Mother Nature has an answer for everything. Healed me when I was burned alive."
Zoe's light brown eyes widened a bit, awed. "Of course you have the power of Resurgence."
Misty got a proud look on her face. "The power of Resurgence." She repeated, giddy. "I like the sound of that." She looked at both girls, relieved to no longer be alone. "The three of us have a lot to teach each other."
"Maybe we do." Zoe said, nodding her head slightly.
"I always knew there were others like me." Misty happily continued speaking again. "But I had no idea where to find you. And then today, I was meditating in the woods when my heart started racing, and my teeth started vibrating." She enthusiastically told the two girls. "Something was calling to me. I had no idea what it was, but...I knew I had to follow. And it was you two. Your magic called me there."
Layla put two and two together. She now looked at Misty in wonderstruck. "That's why Kyle came back to life. Because your magic connected with ours. The spell was a failure but your power of Resurgence helped us, Misty." The Bradshaw girl did something out of character and put a hand on her shoulder. "Thank you." She said giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. Normally she would have never touched a person she had just met. Even if it was a simple, no type of skin contact like this one. Except Layla wanted to let Misty know how appreciative she was. Unlike when she held Zoe's hand back in the morgue (a totally different type of physical contact, but it was contact nonetheless), Layla didn't get those butterfly feelings in her stomach. This type of physical contact between Misty and her was totally platonic. "You have no idea how grateful we are." She softly told her before letting go of her shoulder.
Misty smiled that bright smile of hers. Never had anyone thanked her before, much less because her so called power of Resurgence. It felt nice to have someone finally actually do that. "I'm the one who should be grateful." She responded, somewhat bashful despite the contentment she had felt. Her light blue eyes lit up with what she said next. "Now I'm not alone anymore."
Layla smiled. "No, you're not."
Misty stepped away from Kyle and went to sit on her bed. After wiping her hands with a spare towel, she reached for the small radio that was on her nightstand and put up the volume. Layla spared Kyle a glance. Once making sure that he was okay she turned around. She then released a small smile when she recognized the song that was playing.
She rings like a bell through the night
And wouldn't you love to love her?
She rules her life like a bird in flight
And who will be her lover?
"Who sings this?" Zoe asked. Layla had to hold in the sigh that wanted to escape her.
A look of disbelief appeared on Misty's face. "Who sings this?" She repeated, shocked. Had she really asked that question? "Fleetwood Mac!" She exclaimed excitedly. Layla smiled at how animated she sounded appeared when talking about that.
"Stevie Nicks is my hero." Misty continued to joyfully speak. She walked over to where she had her Steve Nicks poster up on her wall. Misty for one always liked talking about her idol. Not that she really had the chance to talk to anyone about her...she was mainly on her own. But not anymore. She smiled as she thought about that.
"That Stevie Nicks like from American Idol?" Zoe questioned with uncertainty. Misty's smile faltered a little at hearing Zoe say that.
"I really need to educate you on music." Layla told Zoe, glancing at her. "Stevie Nicks is an amazing singer and songwriter as well." She finished saying causing Misty to smile once more. The Swamp Witch was happy to know at least one of them knew about her idol.
"It's Stevie Nicks." Misty said saying her idol's name again. "The White Witch." She happily informed them. Though really this was more for Zoe since Layla knew well enough who Stevie Nicks was. "The only witch I ever known before the two of you."
Zoe now gazed at the poster with even more intrigue. "She's an actual witch?"
"Listen to the lyrics." Misty earnestly said to her. She then quickly told hold of Layla and Zoe's hands as she moved over to sit on her bed. Neither girl minded the witch's touch, feeling no ounce of annoyance from being touched.
Layla had no difficulty believing what Misty said. Cordelia had once briefly mentioned to her how in the past there had been celebrities who were witches. They, however, decided on not letting their status as being a witch publicly known. Layla could understand why. She knew also that there was still a high possibility that there were more celebrities who were witches nowadays. Not as many as before of course. Madison was one example of them.
Layla could totally see Stevie Nicks as a witch. Stevie Nicks had such a positive energy to her whenever Layla saw her on screen or just listened to her music. It was the same energy she got whenever around Cordelia, but more ethereal. And it was because of this feeling that Layla also assumed that singer Florence Welch was a witch too. If only PJ Harvey was a witch as well. Layla though didn't get that warm feeling when listening to her music or watching her on TV as she did with Stevie Nicks or Florence Welch. Just how amazing would it have that been if she were one? With a small smile, Layla listened to the lyrics of Stevie Nicks'.
She rules her life like a bird in flight
And who will be her lover?
"This song was her anthem." Misty told them, entranced by the songs lyrics. Her blue eyes were filled with liveliness as she spoke. "Doesn't it just penetrate your soul and tell the truth about everything you ever felt in your whole life?"
Zoe thought about what she said and nodded her head. "Yeah, totally."
"Its's a beautiful song." Layla said causing Misty to look at her again. "Definitely one of my top favorites by her."
Happy by her response, Misty was about to ask her which one was her fave song, when Zoe got to her feet.
"Um, we should really be going?" Zoe said sheepishly. Layla did the same thing and shook her head for failing to realize just how dark it was now. If Cordelia already figured out they were gone, they were going to be in big trouble.
Misty stood up again. A nervous expression set on her face now. "Going? What do you mean?" She had just found them and now they were leaving? She didn't want to be alone anymore. Not when she found others out there who were like her.
"Our school." Zoe told her. "I'm sure they're wondering where Layla and I are at."
"Yeah, and the last thing we need is them to get mad or even more worried about us." Layla added, solemnly. They then turned to look at Kyle who was still sitting down.
Zoe took slow, careful steps towards where he was. Layla without any ounce of wariness walked to where he was. Not at all worried about him spazzing out and hurting her. "We just have to figure out where to take him."
Misty quickly jumped at the opportunity. "He can stay here with me." She offered, a smile graced her face.
Layla looked at her, hopeful. "Really?"
Misty nodded her head. "I'll continue to heal him for you guys."
Kyle reached out for Layla who was standing closest to him. She made no protest when he took a hold of her hand. Misty saw this and couldn't help but find the scene to be romantic somehow. She smiled at the both of them.
"And then, when you two come back, he'll be good as new." Misty then grew quiet when Layla and Zoe said nothing in return. She looked at them, solemn. "You guys will come back, right?"
Layla didn't hesitate nodding her head. Zoe then did the same afterwards.
"Yeah." Layla answered softly as Kyle leaned his head against her stomach. He let out a whimper causing her to look down at him. Her heart clenched with heavy emotion. She gently ran her fingers through his blonde messy curls. "We'll come back. I can promise you that."
A/N: I just want to clarify something to you guys. The reason why Kyle came back to life wasn't because of the spell Madison, Layla, and Zoe did. Rather it was because of Misty and her magic connecting with Layla and Zoe's. Without Misty's power of Resurgence, Kyle would have never came back to life. There's a reason why the spell they did didn't work on Kyle. And it's not just because the girls weren't strong enough yet. It had more to do with the Layla's connection to Michael. Or rather the reason why he's going to be drawn to her. Therefore, it makes sense for why the spell wouldn't have worked. It's just as Layla said, she felt something was preventing the spell from working. Luckily, Misty was there though so everything worked out for the best...for now xD.