Hey everyone how's it going, it's been about 3 weeks since my last update and in truth it was a little longer than I would like, I prefer to get my updates done by two weeks, but what's done can't be undone and I'm ready to post the next chapters in my revision of Don Bluth's original film. When we last left our characters each had began nearing their darkest hour. Charlie had rejected whatever good he had while Itchy has lost all faith in saving Charlie. Now that their darkest hour has neared both must decide where their fate will lead, just what it will be read on to find out.
: Chapter 13:
The taint of Hell
Charlie continued to listen to Anna Marie's sobs they were starting to die down finally though he doubted she was feeling much better about everything. Charlie wasn't certain what to do he was considering going to see her but didn't really see the point in doing that anything he told her would be an empty lie nothing more nothing less, It wouldn't actually help her in any meaningful way at all. Charlie considered his options before making his choice he needed to seem like he cared or Anna Marie would just leave which would then ruin everything he planned. Charlie made his way upstairs slowly he found himself hesitating with each and every step but ultimately forced himself to move onwards; soon he was standing outside Anna Marie's room, he let out a sigh and entered it there wasn't an actual door only a blanket they put over the door. Charlie walked slowly inside and saw Anna Marie sitting alone on the floor her head was sagging low.
"Everything alright squeaker?" Charlie asked her softly, he was surprised how genuine he sounded.
"I'm not" Anna Marie said in a sad whisper.
Charlie moved closer and sat next to her.
"I know this was a very hard day for you; to learn what you did especially after how much you hoped for all this" Charlie told her gently brushing his head against her softly, a sweet hug of sorts.
"I thought they were the ones who would be my family" Anna Marie replied very quietly.
Yeah they actually would've been but Charlie couldn't have any of that, no way could he let Anna Marie have the life she always hoped for so he would make certain she didn't; that's who Charlie Barkin was and now he would lie once more and exploit her once more, this was the life he gave her, what more could anyone expect from someone like him?
"So did I but we were foolish to believe that anyone was as kind as you." Charlie said with disgust it was partially true he was foolish to believe he was anything but the monster from his dreams.
"I don't think that" Anna Marie stated.
"What, what do you mean by that?" Charlie asked her.
"Just because they didn't adopt me doesn't mean they aren't kind people, they forgave me for having their wallet and even fed me" Anna Marie reasoned.
"Anna Marie they rejected you and gave you false hope!" Charlie said in revulsion it was partially true her family did give her false hope.
Anna Marie didn't agree with that; she was so young but now she felt older more mature this was a change in her life and it could be one of two things; the first she revels in her sadness and judges the entire world based off of her few experiences or she could understand why she was rejected and understand others believing in the good she knew they had. That family was kind and compassionate and good heartened rather they rejected her or not. She gave herself false hope they never promised her anything she just expected it of them and in a way that was selfish.
"I gave myself false hope they never promised to adopt me I just expected it of them in fact I think that was why I returned their wallet because I hoped it would convince them to adopt me, I expected it from them, I expected these people to adopt me despite not knowing me, I was selfish Charlie" Anna Marie said softly though her voice didn't sound as sad in fact there was a hint of understanding.
Selfish, was Charlie really hearing this? Anna Marie was anything but selfish she just had wants hopes and dreams that she longed for; she didn't force anything or expect anything how was returning their wallet a selfish deed revealing she had it at all could've torpedoed her chances of being adopted, this was insane how could Anna Marie believe anything she just said?
"Selfish, Anna Marie revealing you had that wallet at all may of very well cost you your chances returning it was selfless and you were hurt because of it" Charlie reasoned.
"It might've but after I did it they fed me, talked to me showed concern for me, I was trying to make a good impression, I was rejected because well maybe they aren't ready to raise a child or just aren't prepared to give up their life as it is" Anna Marie said.
"That's selfish Anna Marie" Charlie replied.
"And asking them to give up the life they have now for me isn't?" Anna Marie retorted.
Charlie was at a loss for words who was this in front of him, Anna Marie had changed. This whole scenario effected her yet it didn't effect her negatively that was impossible how could she take all this and still feel compassion for the people in her mind that rejected her, how could she have her dreams crushed and still reject cynicism? Charlie tried to speak but couldn't find the words.
"There's no reason to hate them, they didn't do anything wrong Charlie and even if they did that doesn't mean the good they do should be ignored, you stole that wallet Charlie and you gamble and even hurt some people but you saved me and you've been there for me, that's the side of you someone should support and I do" Anna Marie told him.
Charlie felt more conflicted than he ever had, that was very painful to hear. Anna Marie just told him she saw him as a good person yet she didn't realize he was the one responsible for her pain him no one else and if she found out she would likely reject the good she believed he had which in truth wasn't there it was never there, Anna Marie was seeing an illusion.
"You would forgive someone even if they hurt you, betrayed you" Charlie asked.
"I would at least believe I would, I know that couple are good people and I know you and Itchy are good people and even if that was challenged I would hope I would stick to that belief" Anna Marie replied she wasn't a hundred percent certain that was how she would react but she would believe in the best of herself.
Charlie stared at Anna Marie and hugged her closely he then turned away from her and moved towards the door he turned back towards Anna Marie thinking about what she just told him and didn't really know how to respond to it in any meaningful way.
"Good night Anna Marie" Charlie told her.
"Good night Charlie" Anna Marie replied.
Charlie left the room and moved slowly down the stairs trying to ignore what Anna Marie told him, it was empty the moment she found out he was using her all love and care she had would surely fade away it was the only thing that made any sense. Charlie sat at the entrance feeling as the Church burned through his body he ignored the pain and continued focusing on what he was told. He thought back to her tears and the faith she showed in him, so few had shown that kind of faith in him and all of them he let down including her, no stop it she doesn't mean anything to him not truly he crushed her dreams for his own selfish needs that's how much he cares about her, it was a fraud nothing more, he didn't care about the girl, Anna Marie meant nothing to him.
Carface was sitting in his chair rocking back and forth in it listening for any sign he could hear, anything at all, the slightest nose or gesture from anyone in the room it could mean anything literally anything and it could be the only thing separating Carface from life and death. Carface held a gun in his paw listening for any sound he pointed it in nearly every direction moving towards the door waiting to see if anyone entered it likely to kill him as Charlie requested. All of them were against him every single one of them were his enemies and he had to be prepared or he wouldn't survive. Carface saw the door open and one of his men enter they were carrying a pool cue, that could be a weapon. Before they could react Carface shot up and in blind paranoia shot the dog in the head letting his body fall down, he then began spinning his gun in all directions pointing it at pretty much everyone.
"You think you can surprise me with an unexpected weapon I won't just sit back and let you kill me, Carface Caruther doesn't die!" Carface said deranged.
"I know the truth all of you, every single one of you are just waiting for your precious moment well I won't give it to you I'll take down every one of you, you want to fulfill Charlie's agreement then I'll send you to hell, as many as I need to!" Carface said in complete madness while pointing his gun at everyone many of which slowly backed out of the room dropping their weapons first. Carface shot a dart out of ones paw causing him to bolt from the room.
Killer was sitting in the room with Carface watching as his boss continued to unravel more and more. He was losing it ever since Charlie arrived and showed what Killer could only call the power of the devil Carface was completely descending into a paranoid insanity and nothing seemed able to persuade him or make him see any form of reason. Killer was considering leaving his boss it was probably the best bet to preserving his life but he didn't want to leave him even if he wasn't comfortable with all this stuff they were doing even if his boss threatened to kill him regularly Killer still didn't want to actually abandon him.
"Boss calm down, none of those guys were going ice you" Killer tried to reason.
"I can't trust any of them soon fear will drive them to betray me, fear of Charlie" Carface stuttered out.
"Actually boss if anything your constant killing of them is what will drive them to kill you because you're quickly making it clear they're not safe around you" Killer tried to explain.
"Are you afraid Killer are you going to betray me too like everyone else has as well? Carface said his eyes twitching.
"No one has betrayed you boss snap out of it, you're losing it!" Killer shouted.
Carface pointed his gun at Killer who stood his ground though was definitely scared.
"I've been with you this whole time if I was going to betray you I would've done it; come on boss get a hold of yourself!" Killer pleaded.
Carface considered shooting Killer when his eyes caught sight of something far more disturbing; the dog he shot was slowly getting up his limbs remained motionless his back snapped as he slowly rose from the ground his neck popping and cracking as he rose up dangling like some puppet hanging on strings, he then lowered to the ground and his eyes opened a orange pool of molten lava reflected in them. It slowly moved towards Carface who immediately began firing his gun endlessly.
"Get away from me you monster!" Carface said in terror.
The bullets tore through the corpse which stopped walking it then raised it's paw and snatched Carface's gun away which then melted in it's paw.
"Do not strike me again" The dog's corpse said though it wasn't his voice it was a different voice dark, impossibly deep and with a monstrous growl to it, there was a hint of anger and contempt.
Killer began backing away very fearful of what this thing was; what was happening to this world currently first Charlie now this!?
"Oh great father whatever or wherever you are please oh god deliver me from this unholy" Killer began to pray when the corpse raised it's paw silencing his prayer.
"Do not pray in my presence" It demanded.
Carface was trembling but found himself for a moment unable to move; why was this happening what was going on and what did this creature want from him, he wasn't going to sit around and find out. Carface threw himself from his chair and bolted for the door only for the corpse to appear right in front of me.
"Please don't hurt me I'm sorry for what I have done, please show mercy!" Carface pleaded.
"Silence, I am not here to deliver justice or punishment, I am here for you" It told Carface.
"What do you want from me?" Carface said trembling.
"Nothing for the moment except your aid in helping me maintain something that is mine" It answered.
"What is that?" Carface asked.
"I believe you are familiar with Charlie Barkin" It stated.
"Yeah what do you want from him and what are you?" Carface asked trying to control himself.
It growled and then a fire rose from the corpse reforming itself into a form; a massive dragon like creature with bat like wings a long snout, horns protruding from it's forehead and the same molten lava pit like eyes, the Hellhound hovered before Carface.
"Oh my, oh my, oh my goooooooddddd!" Killer screamed in terror.
"I said don't say that name in my presence" The Hellhound commanded.
"What are you?" Carface finally managed to say.
"You know what I am, where I hail from; the inferno of torment, the path of everlasting pain, the place from which all hope is abandoned" The Hellhound stated.
Carface and Killer both knew exactly what that meant somehow they were standing in the presence of a demon of hell.
"You mean hell?" Carface choked out.
"Yes the pathway that awaits you as well the eternal torment of sorrow and agony" The Hellhound answered.
"However that brings me to my proposition" The Hellhound stated.
"What do you want?" Carface asked trying to keep himself under control.
"Charlie he's mine, once he died Charlie stole the source of his life and used it to return now he cannot die and his soul is mine unless he embraces his own goodness and pureness and though he doesn't see it yet he is on that path; if I do not act I will lose his soul, Charlie must die before he redeems himself" The Hellhound explained.
Carface was confused The Hellhound wanted Charlie to die but it flat out said that he couldn't so how was Carface supposed to help in any way if it was impossible to kill Charlie?
"How can I kill Charlie you said it yourself he's immortal, and believe me that's true" Carface stated.
The Hellhound smiled and let out a dark chuckle that sent chills down Carface's spine and left Killer consumed with terror, was the boss seriously considering striking a deal with hell how far would he go?
"He has a weakness surely you noticed something about him he stole the source of his life, anything Charlie have that he didn't have before?" The Hellhound said.
Carface thought about it for a moment there was a watch Charlie had around his neck when they arrived at his home though he dropped it once he was bombed, wait Charlie never had that watch before only recently was that the source of his life and if so if Carface destroyed it then that would mean, yes Charlie wasn't invincible.
"A watch nothing special but he didn't have it before" Carface answered.
"Destroy the watch Carface and you kill Charlie" The Hellhound stated.
"And if I do this for you what's in it for me?" Carface asked his confidence was returning.
"Boss are you insane you can't really be considering this!?" Killer said in disbelief.
"Shut up" Carface told him while smiling smugly.
"If you deliver Charlie's soul to me I will spare you hell even grant you immortality here to live however long you wish in eternal luxury" The Hellhound.
Sounded like a pretty good deal to Carface that much was certain my my how the tides had turned now Carface had all the cards and very soon he would get back his price and see Charlie from this world once and for all, it seemed he still had some friends, powerful friends at that.
"Sounds fair to me, you got yourself a deal" Carface stated he then reached out and shook the hellhound's paw as he did so there was a dark inferno that swirled around them and Carface's eyes glowed a molten orange he felt something powerful within him and he wanted more. Carface felt the darkness within himself the brutality and viciousness of his soul and he welcomed it, he would soon have it all. The Hellhound smiled darkly and then allowed itself to fade away leaving Carface and killer alone.
"Boss this is insane that thing was pure evil how can we actually strike a deal with it?" Killer questioned.
"A business partner, you work with unexpected people" Carface stated while smoking his cigar.
"This isn't business boss! This is full on selling your soul!" Killer shouted.
"There are always trade offs" Carface said with a smirk.
"Boss come on you gotta think this through this is insane, dangerous" Killer tried to reason.
"Shut up" Carface told him before pushing him aside.
"Now I want to send a little message to Charlie and I know just how to do that" Carface said his lips curled up and he smiled a truly wicked smile.
Killer could tell his boss wasn't all there anymore he wasn't paranoid but now he was full on megalomaniacal he touched the hand of the devil and it tainted his soul. Killer didn't want to leave his boss but he didn't like where this was going and was beginning to realize just where his path in life was going to lead him and if he stayed the course there was very little hope of escaping that fate, but could he at all, if he tried to walk away the boss would kill him and he would face the same fate anyway. There was nothing Killer could do, Carface was due for hell and he was going to drag Killer directly into the inferno with him, they were both damned one way or another.
Itchy was sitting at a mostly empty bar everyone else was just enjoying themselves at the slot machines but Itchy wasn't really feeling it at the moment nor was he feeling much of anything else either. He still couldn't accept what fate awaited Charlie or the idea that it was in a way his fault, his failure to save him when he very well could've but he was too much of a coward to try and now Charlie was damned all because of his foolish choice. Itchy slammed a mug down and lowered his head, he couldn't deal with all of it seeing what Charlie would naturally become, hearing Flo's prayers of forgiveness or Anna Marie's optimism. Itchy didn't believe any of it not even remotely and then he had their faith in him their belief that he was stronger, that he was anything but a coward, it was a false faith much like everything else Flo believed and Itchy would not accept it. He belonged here drunk and empty like all the other worthless piles of manure. Itchy sat at the counter for who knows how long, when he heard people acting in surprise someone was here who they didn't expect, Itchy really didn't care who it was, he felt someone behind him.
"Well well look at what we have here, how unexpected I was hoping to just send a minor message to Charlie and yet here's his best friend all alone in the casino, what are the odds?" Carface said darkly placing his paw on Itchy's shoulder.
Itchy felt the blood draining from his face Carface was actually here right now at this very instant. Itchy turned around and saw Carface staring at him with a truly wicked smile on his face; Itchy also saw his gang surrounding the entire casino some were pushing machines over while Killer was from the looks of it trying to guide others out, one tried to resist only for Killer to hit him with pool cue across the back he then began dragging him out.
Killer turned to others, "get out while you still can" Killer warned them though he sounded genuine concerned for their survival.
"Killer it seems is trying to be the nice dog, fine by me I have what I want right here" Carface said with a dark smirk.
"Carface I don't know what you want with me or why you're here but I can assure you I don't have what you seek" Itchy said his voice shaking.
"But you do Itchy, the means to send a message" Carface said with a cruel smile.
Carface grabbed Itchy and slammed his face into the counter. He then grabbed him and threw him off the stool sending him crashing to the ground. Itchy tried to crawl across the ground only for Carface to kick him in the ribs. Itchy winced from the blow as Carface began kicking him again this time it was hard enough to cause Itchy to slide across the floor. Itchy tried to move only for Carface to pick him up he grabbed a mug and smashed it over Itchy's head whose vision began to blur; Carface lifted him up and threw his body into a table which cracked and shattered with the force smashing Itchy's body through it completely. Itchy let out a painful cough and puked up blood in the process; Itchy tried to move to crawl to do anything but his body was in too much pain. Carface walked over carrying a pool cue he then smashed it on his spine before smashing him across the face with it so hard it knocked him across the room. Itchy spit up more blood and his body twitched on the ground, Carface walked over to him and stepped on his ribs slowly and painfully pushing down on them causing Itchy to choke and gag.
Killer approached Itchy and Carface watching as his boss brutalized Itchy for really no reason, why was he doing this what purpose did any of this serve?
"Boss that's enough we got we need and the message is clear" Killer tried to reason."
"Yeah well I suppose you're right" Carface said he then picked up Itchy and carried him to the exit before slamming him into the wall and chucking him outside his body crashed into a car and smashed into the windshield.
Killer watched as Itchy twitched on the car his body was broken, bloody and battered, this was disgusting. They were here to send a message to force Charlie to come to them so they could finish him off and take the girl but this wasn't sending a message it was brutal sadism not unlike what Charlie did to them. Killer couldn't help but wonder was that what hell did to people did it just make them cruel and savage was his boss tainted with the same darkness that Charlie had? Killer wanted to help Itchy but knew that would be unwise his boss would likely kill him. Killer was pretty sure the only reason he was sticking with Carface was because of how scared he was of him, he only wished he could leave but he couldn't.
Carface approached Itchy's twitching form and picked him up placing his cigar on his shoulder slowly burning it causing Itchy to cry out in pain.
"That looked like it really hurt and this doesn't look too pleasant either" Carface said mockingly.
Carface let Itchy go and turned away letting him get back up he was done brutalizing him physically it was time to cut deeper.
"Those your loving customers in there well Killer got most out he's still trying to won't get all of them so I'm going to offer you a choice" Carface said leaning towards Itchy.
"I'm sending a message to Charlie either way so right now we're going to burn this place to the ground whoever is still in there well wrong place wrong time, however if you come charging back in I'll leave this place standing and instead I'll just beat you to death and leave your corpse at the entrance Charlie will get the message, well that's it make whatever choice you want, I got business to take care of" Carface told Itchy before going back inside the casino.
Itchy knew what the right choice it was painfully obvious he needed to get up and enter that casino and accept his fate, it only made sense to do and was even what he deserved. So just get up, walk in there and die. Itchy forced himself up and moved towards the casino. He was standing right outside the entrance, his paws shaking. Come on do it just do it you know you have to, it's the only way, he didn't matter, his life was worthless, so just give it up. Itchy tried to force himself to enter the casino but once again like always the coward took over. Itchy felt tears fill his eyes he also felt an overwhelming self loathing consume him, then he turned in the opposite direction and took off running back towards the Church. He let whoever was in there die all because he was too cowardly to make the hard choice and save them instead choosing to run, he failed Charlie again and failed everyone else, he really was just a cowardly worm who others died for.
Carface watched Itchy leave and signaled his men to burn the whole casino down he wasn't certain if anyone was still in there or if Killer got all of them out and to be frank he didn't really care, this was just step one the next one would lure Charlie and the girl out.
"Killer get the men ready we're making our next stop" Carface said.
"What where?" Killer asked dreading the answer.
"The abandoned church, Charlie's old girlfriend lives there he almost married the girl, she'll bring him and the girl out of hiding" Carface stated.
"We haven't done enough?" Killer asked in disgust.
"Not even close" Carface answered with an evil smile.
Charlie was resting outside the church though his thoughts were not on it instead he was focusing on a vision in his mind. He was standing between two sides one was heaven the other was hell, there was a pool of water between him though it seemed to be a mixture of water and from the looks of it blood. Charlie stared down at it and could hear a voice speaking to him once more, it was Annabelle.
"Charles, you can't give up on yourself now, you have to see more" Annabelle told him.
"It's already over, it was over the moment I was born, I'm not a pure soul" Charlie replied to her.
"You can't give in she sees the good in you so do others you must believe in it as well" Annabelle stated.
Charlie ignored her staring at the pool in front of him a face staring back at him.
"Or is this what you will decide to be" Annabelle finished.
A monstrous paw shot from the pool grabbing Charlie around the neck; it rose from the pool a monstrous german sheppard with dark brown fur with jagged spikes coming out of his elbow and running into his spine his ribs wrapped around him, sharp teeth and horns ripped right through his head and ran down through his skull down his neck attached to his spine and connected to his ribs, eyes blood red. It held Charlie and pulled him in close it then roared in his face the monstrous sound of it echoing across his mind and soul.
Charlie's eyes shot awake and he pulled himself up slowly, the nightmares didn't effect him as much though he wasn't certain if that was because he was getting used to them or because his emotions were fading. Charlie looked up and saw Anna Marie still in her room, he wondered what she was feeling before dismissing it that didn't matter. Charlie stared at the sky before looking down at a small pond he could almost see the reflection of his demon half staring at him. Charlie turned and saw Flo staring at him she seemed truly worried about something.
"What?" Charlie said lifelessly.
"It's Itchy he's coming back he looks really injured Charlie" Flo said her voice was one of worry.
Charlie got up and walked back inside the Church, Flo watched as his body began to burn and blister and Charlie didn't react to it at all, they were running out of time, it wouldn't be long before Charlie was lost to them forever.
Charlie moved to the front entrance of the church and saw Itchy painfully limping his way towards him, Charlie felt a thing of concern grip him but something was telling him to forget about it and it was coming very close to winning. Charlie approached Itchy who stopped and grabbed a wall to support himself.
"Itchy what happened?" Charlie asked trying to sound concerned though he couldn't really do it all that well.
"Carface happened that's not all take a look over here" Itchy said in pain.
Charlie followed Itchy and stared out over the area there was a massive smoke cloud rising from area surrounding the junk yard and a faint explosion coming from it.
"That's our place, Carface burned the whole thing down I'm not even certain if our customers got out" Itchy said in pained whisper.
"It's all gone" Charlie said quietly his emotion was barely visible.
"Everything I knew eventually this would come back and bite us and now it has, he wants that girl Charlie and the truth is I don't know what to do" Itchy stated.
"I wasn't expecting this" Charlie said rather uncaringly.
"You weren't expecting it come on Charlie you're not stupid, you knew he would come he attacked you in your house and you just dismissed it!" Itchy shouted.
Charlie was surprised by Carface's recent actions in fact he was surprised Carface was still breathing; he would've thought his men would've killed him by now but it seems that didn't happen now Carface attacks his home again, Charlie should've just killed him and everyone in his rotten casino.
"I thought fear would do the trick I see now I should've just gutted him along with the rest of his gang" Charlie said with only a hint of anger.
"Gutted him, Charlie you're casually suggesting you should go murder countless dozens of people, that's not you!" Itchy said in disgust.
"Slow on the uptake, creature of hell I would say I'm acting perfectly in character" Charlie replied coldly.
"You don't care, you don't care what he did to me nor do you care about our customers who likely died!" Itchy said with horror.
"I don't care about anything or anyone Itchy, I never did" Charlie said harshly.
What a liar that was not true at all Charlie wasn't a saint but he did love Flo and he was always there for Itchy even if he was late he would always have his back, even Anna Marie; Itchy knew Charlie cared about her he saw the days they spent together all those hours playing and shopping, Charlie wouldn't waste his time doing something he didn't want to. Charlie was trying to convince himself he was heartless and Itchy would not let him.
"You're full of it, you loved Flo just because it didn't work doesn't mean your feelings mean nothing!" Itchy spat.
"Are you trying to make a statement of sorts, stay here I'm going to go rip out Carface's heart and maybe skin a few of his men before I do" Charlie said without a hint of care.
"No Charlie you have to fight this, you have to at least try besides I need you and Anna Marie needs you!" Itchy tried to plead.
"You're point" Charlie said coldly.
No, Itchy couldn't do this he couldn't stare this in the face and see it staring back at him the creature he let Charlie become the thing he let consume him all because of his cowardly choice, he always wanted to stay with Charlie to remain with his friend but he couldn't do it anymore his friend was dying and Itchy couldn't watch him die least of all knowing it was his fault.
"Charlie, how could you reach this point, how could I let you, you think you don't care fine, I'm done with you" Itchy said in sadness.
These words actually did reach Charlie and he felt something he hadn't since he discovered what he was, pain, Itchy's words caused Charlie pain.
"What?" Charlie said confused.
"I have stayed beside you all these years because I'm your friend, I have risked my life more times than I can count for whatever it is you need; I told you we should forget about this whole revenge thing get out of town but you couldn't let go and I stayed beside you because I'm your friend. When you took the girl I said this is crazy he's going to get us killed but I stuck with you because I'm your friend." Itchy said in near tears.
Charlie saw the tears falling from Itchy's eyes and reached out to wipe them away but something was trying to stop him from doing so and Charlie was fighting against it, he was fighting it with everything he could, he couldn't ignore this, he just couldn't ignore seeing Itchy cry like this.
"But this time dang it Charlie he tried to kill me, he killed others and you don't care; you are allowing yourself to die and I can't stick with you and help you destroy everything you were, I'm turning my back on you I'm leaving the person I love most because I'm your friend, I can't let you do this to yourself and this is the only way you'll realize you actually do care about something" Itchy said tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Itch, I can't fight it this is what I am it's what I always was you should leave and take everyone with you" Charlie replied trying desperately to cry but he couldn't.
"You do care, you care about us that's why you want us gone; you care about that little girl she means something to you" Itchy tried to plead.
Enough, Charlie may care about Itchy but he cared nothing for Anna Marie she was merely a means to an end nothing more. Was Itchy blind did he miss how Charlie took advantage of her how he wanted Flo to leave her faith for him how he ignored every single need Itchy had. Charlie was a monster it's why he was just giving up, there was no purpose fighting it anymore. He didn't care he couldn't care because if he actually did that would mean he was losing his love for everyone and his soul was so corrupted it didn't matter to him. It would mean he was too weak to fight this and hold onto everything he loved which meant none of it was real anyway. He was a monster and he didn't love anything, nothing held any value to him if it did he could beat this!
"You think I care about the girl or Flo or any of this, I tried to force Flo to leave her faith behind and I couldn't even tell when I hurt her; you're limping and on the verge of collapsing and I can't even bring myself to care! If I cared Itchy I could beat this but I can't so whatever love I have is obviously not very genuine!" Charlie roared.
"Charlie you can't believe that, you and Anna Marie" Itchy tried to say.
"You want to know how much I care about her, alright how about this I willingly and happily crushed her dreams to dust; I took away the only chance she had of having a family! I broke her into pieces still think I care, I don't she means nothing to me and when she's no longer relevant I'll dump her in the orphanage if I'm feeling generous, if not I'll just throw her on the street!" Charlie screamed his voice echoing all across the church.
Itchy stared at Charlie with a feeling of great sadness he knew that kind of self loathing, he knew it very well and he knew Charlie didn't mean that he was desperate to let go of everything so his damnation would be easier but he couldn't, he didn't want to believe in the better of himself and Itchy could tell that he wasn't going to. Charlie was going to lose, the better part of this world always does. Itchy looked down but he could hear the sound of someone sobbing.
Charlie heard sobbing coming from behind him he turned around and saw Anna Marie on the stairs she was looking at Charlie with a look of pain and betrayal there were tears in her eyes, she heard him though that wasn't shocking everything in the surrounding area heard him.
"Anna Marie" Charlie said once again feeling that small bit of humanity inside him Anna Marie's tears and sadness seemed to force it out.
"You're not my friend" Anna Marie said in tears.
"Anna Marie listen I, I" Charlie tried to say.
"You're a bad dog" Anna Marie sobbed.
"Anna Marie listen you don't understand" Charlie tried to say.
"Get away from me" Anna Marie said tears streaming down her cheeks before pushing Charlie aside she then took her cross necklace and dropped it to the ground before running off.
Charlie remained frozen for but a moment then something changed he couldn't explain it but it was so strong he couldn't let her go he had to go find her, he had go after her. Charlie raced out the church and entrance and chased after Anna Marie. Itchy watched as Charlie left and felt what little remained of his spirit breaking, Anna Marie was the last hope for Charlie's soul and now she knew the truth in the worst way, she wouldn't forgive him and Charlie would let go of his humanity. Itchy let his tears fall from his eyes and began to turn away, it was over the better part of this world never won.
Flo slowly approached the church entrance and saw Anna Marie's necklace on the floor she slowly reached down and picked it up before turning to Itchy, who looked completely defeated.
"Itchy you can't give up now" Flo told him watching as he moved towards the back of the church.
"The best of this world never wins in the end" Itchy said completely broken, he then walked to the back of the church closing the door behind him.