Black swirled my vision. Or was it just because my eyes were shut? I wasn't really sure. All I knew for a fact was that I had a pounding headache, my limbs felt nearly nonexistent and all I could hear was my shaky breaths and offbeat heart. My eyes flew back and forth as I tried to will myself out of the dark, or to simply open up my heavy eyes. One of the two options would be great right now. I could faintly hear someone calling my name, but it was so soft I couldn't decide whether I was really hearing it or not. In fact, it was kind of annoying me. I couldn't even tell who the voice belonged to! I want to wake up... What had happened to me anyway? I tried to focus, to remember what had happened to me today, or more like yesterday. I've been in the dark for a while.
I remembered the skeletal being. I remembered the chiseled bones that adorned its skull and long fingers. The aged, onyx cloak that nearly covered its entire form. The large scythe it fiercely gripped, my reflection staring back at me on the blade. I had met with death. The empty eyes, the sinister grin that pulled across its inhuman face. It had opened its mouth, a deep, demonic voice hissing through the air, sending chills up and down my spine. The memory was murky. But I do remember it saying something along the lines of taking my soul. So was that what happened? Had the Grim Reaper taken my soul? What happened to me? Where was I? I began to panic, my heart galloping a million miles per second within my chest as I tried to take control of myself once more. But then, it was as if I was breaking through water after holding my breath for an hour.
I sucked in a large gasp of air, my eyes snapping open as my head flew up. I gulped down air as if it were never to be offered to me again, my fingers tight as they grasped the bedsheets at my side. I heard someone next to me, quietly telling me it was okay and to calm down. Looking over, I felt relief flow within me at the sight of Masky. Smile laid at his feet, his head cocked as he stared up at me as if I'd lost my mind. I fell back against the pillows, allowing my heart to slow and my nerves to relax. I was alive. But how? My memories were foggy and disturbed, and I honestly had no clue what had happened. I heard the sound of Masky rise, walking over to shut the door to mine and Slender's room. Once I was sure my voice would come out normal, I spoke.
"What happened?" I nearly demanded. I did a once over, making sure that I wasn't dead or just a corpse. Nothing was making sense right now. "Was that... the Grim Reaper?" I breathed, staring into Masky's worried blue eyes.
"Yeah, it was," he whispered, sitting back in the chair at my side once more. "And you nearly died, that's what happened. If those three hadn't of acted when they did, you would have been dead. Worse, your soul would have been taken as well. The Grim Reaper isn't supposed to collect here," Masky replied.
"Wait, what three?" I questioned, as I noticed the room slightly spin. My coordination was most certainly off.
"The Puppeteer, Bloody Painter and... Kagekao. I'm not sure exactly what got into him to actually be helpful. Inconsiderate drunk doesn't seem to want-"
"Hey," I interrupted, holding up my hand, "Kagekao is great, don't talk shit," I chuckled, offering a small smile. I saw Masky's blue eyes widen at my response.
"Well, that wasn't at all what I expected you to say, but I suppose it's good that you two get along now," he snorted. "I actually saw most of it. I called Slender and he came right as the three stopped Grim. Kagekao was the first out. You were stunned where you stood, and the Reaper was beginning to suck your soul right out of you. Your memory is probably fuzzy because of it. Kagekao started to climb the wall like he does to scare or creep up on his victims, until he was right next to him. He bent his head under his arm in such a demented, grotesque way..." Masky shivered from the memory. "Then, held out of his wine glass and said something like, 'Wain?'" I smiled at that part, remembering Kagekao's lesson. "Anyway, that sight distracted the Reaper from you, and you fell to the ground. Bloody Painter caught you and pulled you away, then stood in front of you. Kagekao's mask then changed from the smile to the scowl. He yelled something in Japanese that I couldn't repeat if I tried. He tackled the Reaper to the ground, as the Puppeteer began to let his strings unravel. His strings wrapped around the Reaper's wrists and ankles, not allowing him to move. Then, Slender came."
I stared at Masky in shock, my mouth hanging open. I couldn't believe it. The three pastas I had just gotten to know yesterday saved me from the Angel of Death. I'd have to thank them as soon as I possibly could. But I couldn't help but wonder what the Grim Reaper wanted from me? Was it my time? The Reaper was supposed to collect lost souls, from my knowledge. If I'm not mistaken, my soul isn't really lost. I still feel very much alive, yet he still came for me? I shivered involuntarily, hoping Masky didn't notice. I couldn't help but wonder what Slender had done once he arrived. I'd imagine that sight was not a pretty one. That caused me to smile a bit. So many more questions tumbled into my brain, but I had to take this one at a time.
"Is the Grim Reaper still here?" I whispered, watching as Masky began to pace the room.
"Yes. He's in Slender's office right now being interrogated. Slender has the Puppeteer restraining him still. He can't dissipate and leave due to Slender's frequencies; the high pitch ring he gives off. It's annoying as hell, but rather convenient right now," Masky replied. "He told me not to let you near there, but I know good and well you aren't going to listen, are you?" he sighed, his icy eyes tired and not seeming too up for resisting.
"No, I wasn't really planning on it," I chuckled. "Come on, Masky," I murmured, sitting up once more.
I pushed myself up from the bed, the spinning world becoming harder to keep still. I squinted, grabbing hold of Masky's arm to help me. He pulled me up, as I focused on the door ahead, trying to get the world to freeze for just a moment so I wouldn't fall on my face. Stupid Reaper. Masky slowly helped me to the door, and I was personally glad we only had to go next door to his office. The wooden door was shut, loud voices echoing from the other side, along with the annoying high pitched ring Slender was emanating. Masky's gloved hand reached out, pushing it open, slightly, without anyone taking notice. I peeked in, first seeing Slender's angry form behind his desk. He was stiffly sitting upright, his hands clasped in front of him on the desk. Veins were popping out near his temples, his angered features set on the figure sitting across from him. At this angle, I could only see the back of the Reaper's black cloak. To the side, the Puppeteer patiently sat, all hints of his once peaceful smile gone. His hands were outstretched, the golden strings out and wrapped around the Reaper tightly.
"Tell me now!" Slender snarled, banging his fist on his desk, causing me to flinch. "Why did you come here! What do you want with her?" he snarled, his mouth ripping into place on his face. His serrated teeth looked as though they were about to tear the Reaper into pieces.
"My work is none of your concern," the deep, chilling voice of the Reaper replied, the raspy hiss sounding emotionless.
"When it involves her, it does," Slender replied, popping his knuckles in frustration. His tentacles were out and quivering, aching to wrap around the Reaper's throat.
There was a proceeded silence, the two immortal's gazes locked it seemed, until the Reaper finally made a move. The Puppeteer seemed to allow him small movements, yet could stop him instantly if wanted. The Grim Reaper reached into his cloak, before pulling something out. Then, he dropped it on Slender's desk in front of him, a loud clinking sound filling the air. Once he sat back, I saw the small pouch that Slender was now inspecting. Was it a pouch of coins? How was that an explanation? Was he trying to pay to not have to say anything?
"In Purgatory I was summoned by Zalgo," the creature spoke, folding its boney fingers. "He requested me to collect the soul of a human girl. No reason he gave, but he offered a heavy reward," the Reaper continued, nodding towards the coins. "I would not typically accept this kind of deal. But Zalgo was persistent," he sighed. "If it were not for the young Observer entering Zalgo's dwelling when he did, I do not think I would have accepted as easily. But it is not something I would like others to witness. Deals with the Grim Reaper," he scoffed, appearing to not like the situation just as much as we didn't.
Slender's jaw was tight, his form nearly frozen in his seat. Before he could reply, the Puppeteer noticed Masky and I peeking in the door. He smiled brightly, alerting the other two of our presence. Trying to retreat, I backed into Masky, causing me to fall forward into the doorway. I groaned, pushing myself up just as two arms pulled me up, smashing me into them. My eyes widened as Slender hugged me close, love pouring off of him.
"I am so glad to see you are alright," he breathed, tightening his arms. "Aribella, dear, I am so sorry. I should have been there when you awoke," he sighed, seeming to forget the Reaper's presence all together.
"It's alright," I replied, smiling up at him.
"So this is Zalgo's reasoning," the Grim Reaper chuckled, turning to face us. I avoided his chilling gaze, staring at the floor instead. "A human in the monster's realm. How interesting," he purred, his mouth inhumanly curving up into a wide smile.
Slender stiffened once more before he straightened up, staring at the Reaper while keeping one arm around me. "Yes... This is Aribella. She is staying here at my mansion. She does not plan on returning to the human realm, so there is no real concern. Zalgo does not seem to understand that," Slender replied, throwing Masky a look as he entered the room as well. I guess he wasn't all that happy I had arrived during this time.
"Well, it seems this is between you and Nezperdian Hivemind. I do not plan on returning to him, and I shall leave you and your human be. Just one favor I ask, is to drop this," the Reaper signaled to the coin bag, "back off to Zalgo once he arrives."
I swear I could see Slender's cheekbones raise as he smiled. "With pleasure."
Slender's loud ring died down enough for the Grim Reaper to disappear from sight, the Puppeteer's strings dropping to the ground before snapping back into place.
I could now relax, knowing that I had literally escaped death... for another day.
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