Disclaimer: Crimson Peak is Guillermo Del Toro's property, Supernatural belongs to Eric Kripke, The Lodgers to Brian O'Malley. Emma, Constance and I are self-inserts. The old lady from Camden Market belongs to Chibimelodee.
Summary: Ghosts are real and everything happens for a reason. Is this why Marina and her friends find themselves trapped in Allerdale Hall a few days away from Christmas?
Author's note: This story was written for me by « Emma » and « Constance » from Chibimelodee as an Advent Calendar two years ago. Please note that all three of us are french and while we do know our way around English, we might still make some mistakes. Feel free to let us know! As the three girls are french and start to speak from this chapter, I'll put the translations of their sentences right next to them so you know what they say.
At the Candlelight
Chapter 13 :For what feels like an eternity
Damnit ! I have forgotten how much time a woman can spend in a bathroom – the dead owner of this humble house had had the courtesy to write the girls a lovely note specifying the water may turn red at first but it would be normal in a matter of minutes… And with three, it's just… never-ending! Luckily, we don't have a girl with us during our hunts, even if the dear brother of mine often compares me to one. It's not my fault if he envies my hair…
Anyway, when they finally get out, I find myself speechless in front of Constance, all dressed in a steampunk outfit, making her look like a skag from one of my many novels. I must have stared at her a little too long 'cause Dean throws me a violent elbow in the ribs. Fuck, that hurts ! I grunt and he just laughs.
The pairs are quickly done, Marina going straight near our new Angel and Dean putting a protective arm over Emma's shoulder. I think I will always remember her in her rabbit attire. She is clearly meant to be with my brother… Note to me : don't waste a single opportunity to embarrass him about his current behavior with the French tiny girl. I do know he will do the same with what I feel about her sister so… Except mine doesn't dress like an animal !
Speaking of her, she stands awkwardly in front of me, looking anywhere but at me. She is clearly uncomfortable and I don't know what to do to ease her mood. Maybe if she sees the real me – not the hunter version of me – she might forget the damn English ghost.
« Don't worry » I whisper slowly to her, speaking very slowly she can understand everything I say. « I'm not gonna let anything happen to you. You're too precious for this world ».
She stares at me with wide eyes, furiously blushing, her mouth slightly open. Well, maybe I went too far this time. Unease, I clear my throat and look pleadingly at Dean who, apparently, finds the situation very comical.
« Okay » he declares, trying to hide his amusement. « So, Lucky Charms and… Marina, right ? Go check the first floor and the basement. Sammy and the bride of Frankenstein, search the attic. Emma and I will stay to check out the bedrooms ».
I feel Constance tense next to me and see the discomfort in her sister's eyes. Really Dean ? Oh, how I wish he could read my fucking mind at this instant. He dares wink at me before turning his heels, dragging the poor girl with him while the Angel and Marina are heading downstairs in complete silence. I seriously wish for Dean to not do something stupid. Hell, Lucifer is about to be free again and all he thinks about is shagging ! Well, I'm not innocent either but my main concern is to drag Constance against this Thomas' spell !
Am I the strongest? No, I'm not
Am I the smartest? No, I'm not
Am I the hottest? No, I'm not
But am I the greatest? No, I'm not!
Am I the hero? No, I'm not
Am I the one who steals the show? No, I'm not
Am I the one that you should know? No, I'm not
But am I the one who takes you home? Definitely not!
Am I the chosen one? No, I'm not
Am I the prodigal son? No, I'm not
Am I almost done? No, I'm not
But I'm the one who's gonna love you with all his heart
Because that's what I've got
« Il ne va pas… Enfin, je veux dire… Elle est en sécurité, n'est-ce pas ? » she asks me, twisting nervously her hands, her eyes fixed on the ground.
(He isn't going to... Well, I mean... She's safe, right?)
Great, I've completely forgotten this detail ! I can't fucking understand what she is saying !
« I'm sorry, but I don't understand French » I confessed sheepishly.
Her bright eyes dive into mine and I completely lose myself in their various colors. I have never seen such eyes before, a touch of blue mixing with green with some sparks of brown. Fascinating !
She sighs and clears her throat :
« My sister is safe with your brother, right ? ».
Her accent is so lovely but I can clearly see she hates speaking English.
« Yeah, don't worry… He's not that kind of guy… Well, he's not a saint either but he would never… I mean.. » I'm slowly digging my own grave right now, as well as Deans and I have seriously no idea of how the hell I'm going to get out. Fuck ! « We should start searching » I finally say before heading to the stairs with tall steps.
How the hell…
Shit ! Don't tell me...
No ! No ! It happened again. I freeze on the stairs and slowly turn away. Constance is staring at me, her face blank.
« I lost my shoe » I explain quickly, going down a few steps to retrieve my damn shoe.
« Génial, je dois faire équipe avec Cendrillon… » I hear her mumble.
(Great, I have to team up with Cinderella...)
Great, now she thinks I'm an idiot ! Or a fucking princess ! She stays silent for the entire ascension. Shit ! How can I do to make her like me now ? She's right to think I'm an idiot. I am a complete fool.
The attic is unbelievingly dusty and filled with random objects. Great… I'll be covered with specks and filth. Again. Why is it always Dean who has to inspect the nicest things? I walk carefully, taking cautious steps, the light of my torch offering a faint idea of our surroundings. Boldly, I see Constance take in her hands a little automaton. She stays still, lost in her thoughts as she studies the pale-faced gentleman, a red harlequin-diamond painted under his left eyes, two small golden cups in each hand. Shit ! Why does it have to be a clown ?
« I hate clowns » I say hesitantly, hoping my confession to be enough for her to open up.
She shivers and looks at me.
« Je ne les aime pas non plus mais j'ai l'impression de l'avoir déjà vu… » she whispers, her delicate fingers lingering on the ugly toy.
(I don't like them either but I feel I've already seen this one...)
As soon as she touches the place of its heart, a cold wind fills the room and I quickly unsheathe my gun. In a blink of an eye, Thomas is behind her, his long arms wrapped at her waist, his eyes sending a murderous glare at me. Then, they just disappear before I have the slightest chance of firing at the damn ghost. Shit !
My heart is currently hammering so strongly in my chest I think it might get through my ribcage ! No way I'm letting him know I'm nervous to be alone with him… This morning, in the kitchen, it has been so romantic, so charming. Like we were out of this horrible place. But now, I'm kinda uneasy. He is clearly a player. A womanizer. A chick magnet. A heartbreaker. I just can't help my thoughts to wander as we walk in complete silence.
« As long as I'm around, nothing bad is gonna happen to you ! » he suddenly whispers, making me jump.
Geez ! He almost gave me a heart attack ! He laughs adorably at my reaction.
« Easy, tiger ! » he chuckles. « You were so quiet… What's on that pretty little head of yours ? »
« Nothing » I lie as I feel my cheek blush furiously « I just have this Hank William's song stuck in my head ».
I don't find anything better than sticking my tongue out. Great ! He is certainly thinking I'm stupid right now… But he just laughs and smiles. God, how I love his smile… I could admire him forever if giving the chance. He is so…
I hear him scream in pain as he opens a door and I shake my head, trying to regain composure. I have to stop staring at him… I have to…
« Son of a bitch, that hurts ! » he mumbles, cradling his injured hand.
I wince at the sight of blood on his bandage. Shit ! I don't feel well. He let himself fall on the nearby bed, his face twisted with pain.
« You know » Dean says, gesturing with his uninjured hand for me to sit next to him. « If we were in an action movie, this would be the scene where you tenderly dress my wounds. Then the wailing guitar ballad would kick in and we'd end up rolling around on the bed in a slow-motion montage. »
I laugh awkwardly and my legs begin to walk on their own in the bathroom. Breathe… In… Out… In… Out… All is going to be fine. Seconds later, I find myself in the bedroom, a bucket of water and cloth in my hands. Wait! How did I get this? My heart is pounding fast. I can feel the sweat rolling down my spine. God, I hate blood. And wounds… And when the wound is bleeding, well… Let's just say I would normally run as far as possible from it ! Bright sparks keep appearing in the corner of my eyes and I have to take a deep breath to keep myself from passing out. Well, in fact, it's… too late. Sweet unconsciousness is already taking me away from all that blood. The wind is blowing on my face and I keep my eyes firmly shut. Where could it come from ? Someone is talking to me. Saying my name. It must be an angel. I must be dead… The voice keeps repeating my name and adds : « Hey, I'm the one that's bleeding ! ». Wait, what ? I snap my eyes open and finds Dean bending over me, shaking the hem of his shirt near my face. Don't look at his abs… Don't look at his abs… Too late… Yummy ! I must look like a complete fool with a wide smile on my face but he still helps me to get up slowly.
He is sitting at the end of the bed as I walk awkwardly to the bucket, soaking the cloth in the water.
« What's that ? » he asks, a point of fear in his velvety voice. I look at him, confused, before answering, frowning :
« Water… »
He quickly hides his wound with his other hand and whimpers :
« Will it hurt ? »
« Very much » I answer before laughing. « For a hunter, you're not very brave, are you ? »
« It's the first time I get attacked by a bloody cup » he retorts. « And I didn't even get to eat my sandwich ! »
I come closer to him, wet close in my trembling hand :
« Take your hand away so I can put this stuff on… » He reluctantly does and, before I even touch his wounds, screams loudly.
« That hurt » he grinned slyly, his eyes full of mischief, like to excuse his very manly behavior.
« Don't be such a baby » I scold gently, an amusing smile on my face. « It's only a flesh wound. »
Oh, he's such an adorable baby… I was sure he was delicate…
« It happens to be my flesh… » he whispered, seeming hurt ?
Then, it's like all his courage suddenly shows up.
« So, time to explore the bedrooms… See if we can find something useful… But how can I stand ? I feel weak, for shock and loss of blood… »
My bad, his courage is gone as fast as it has appeared…
He must have seen my amusement as he winks playfully and, go to slam me against the hard mattress. He laughs adorably and begins to tickle me. Tears are rolling down my cheeks while I struggle to breathe, my whole body shaking with laughter. Then, he abruptly stops and watches me carefully. He seems to hesitate, his eyes fixed on my arms. Damn ! Fear is written in his beautiful eyes. He is afraid of hurting me.
Suis-je un bel objet trop fragile
Qu'un seul geste malhabile
Met en péril?
Ne sois pas si fébrile
Bouscule-moi un peu, étouffe-moi de baisers
J'veux qu'tu m'fasses voir des étoiles
Bouscule-moi un peu, arrête de t'excuser
C'est quand tu m'laches que j'ai mal
Bouscule-moi un peu, chavire-moi de bonheur
Fais-moi manquer d'oxygène
Bouscule-moi un peu, chahute-moi sur ton coeur
N'aie pas peur, c'est quand tu m'serres à peine
Que tu me malmènes
I sigh and sit down, taking his face in my hands. Gods, why are my hands so tiny ? I gulp while his eyes drift to my lips. His hands snake to my waist and he pulls me closer, his warmth making me shiver. Oh, how I want to end this dreadful space between us and finally drink from his lips ! I feel his soft breath on my face and I close my eyes, waiting for his lips on mine. My heart has never beaten so fast.
« I've lost her ! » a shaking voice resounds near us and I snap my eyes wide open as I feel Dean get away from me. I immediately feel colder without his warmth. I turn my head and next to the bed stands Sam, his breath shaky. Wait, who did he lose ? Don't tell me it's…
« Really Sammy ! Couldn't you have knock or… » Dean sigh and I glare hard at him, making him stop.
« Where is my sister ? » I ask, my voice cold as I get up.
« I… I don't know ! She… He… I mean, the ghost from breakfast… He took her and… » Sam mumbles, ruffling his hair, clearly unease.
The hell with this bloody « petit baron » ! Why, oh why should he have to take her just when… I shake my head and go to the door, my eyes sending a murderous glare to Dean's idiot brother. « I know where she is » I grumble as I head to our bedroom.
« She wasn't the only thing I lost » I hear Sam confess to his sibling before I open the door. « I lost my shoe… again… »
My palms are sweaty and my heart beats abnormally fast. It's weird, I don't sweat under any circumstances. Well, not since I became an angel… So why the mere idea of being alone with her makes my head dizzy ? What is happening to me ?
Out of the corner of my eyes, I study her. She is silent, deep in her thoughts. Her bright brown eyes stare at nothing in particular, her short hair moving softly at every step she takes. She is nervously biting her lower lips and I quickly imagine the taste of her pulpy lips.
Wait ! I shouldn't ! An angel should not be attracted to a human. It's just… against nature ! But I just can't shake this warm feeling I feel in my belly. A feeling I had almost forget… Is this what I once felt for Rachel ? I can't really remember how loving someone feels like but…
There's just something in Marina that draws me to her. Her soul is so pure. I can see its bright halo reaching for me. I can see her beauty sparkling. She's just perfect… Not for everyone. Perfect for me…
You've got wonderful legs
They're just what legs should be
Just the other day I saw you walk down the street on them
You know it's true, you know it's true
You've got lovely lips
They're just what lips should be
They're absolutely perfect for eating a sandwich with
You know it's true, you know it's true
When we talk it's completely understandable
When we touch it's completely consensual
Nothing about our relationship is illegal
You know it's true, you know it's true
You've got a marvellous brain
It thinks just like I do
And when the words come out you know I agree with everyone
You know it's true, you know it's true
She is staring at me, her head cocked on the side.
« What's wrong ? » she asks and I shiver. It's not how it should be.
I should be the one who protects her and here she is, caring about how I feel. I just can't believe she is true. Why oh why haven't I met her when I was alive ?
« We should take the elevator to go to the cave » I say abruptly. She takes a step back, taken aback by my roughness. « Pardon me » I whisper, bending my head « My 'people skills' are 'rusty'. »
She laughs heartily.
« Don't worry about me… Let's get down… I just hope we'll not bump on a ghost ! I hate ghosts ! »
« And I hate caves » I confess while we go in the small elevator, her wonderful scent surrounding me. « Did I tell you I died in a basement ? I was drowned by ghosts… And I'm not particularly fond of ghosts either… »
« That's horrible » Marina gasps, putting her hand on her lips. « How… When… You died ? »
« It's a long story » I shrug and silently bless the machine which stops, having reached its destination.
I am not ready for this… I can't tell her about my past. I was so weak… She'll believe…
I step down the lift and cautiously scan our surroundings. I can't believe snow is falling even here ! God, I just hate basements ! The cold and damp in a place like this would seep right into Marina's bones. I shudder and take of my jacket, putting it lightly on her shoulders. Clay is impermeable around us. Being inside the cavern is like being inside the body of a wounded thing, seeing it capillaries, tendons and skinless flesh.
The sound of dripping water echoes in the blackness and I fell Marina shiver. I summon all my courage, trying hard to not let the memories of my past resurface. There is no water here. No cold pale hands to drown me. No ghosts looking like the woman I once loved. The shadows move, unnerving me. Nothing is quiet in this uneasy mansion.
A huge splash from the red clay cisterns makes us jump. Chill runs down my spine and I brace myself for a terrifying apparition. I quickly shove Marina behind me, ready to do everything to protect her. An unnerving tapping sound is coming from the final vat. As with the other, the lid is padlocked shut. Looking around, I find a large stone. I slam it as hard as I can down on the padlock. It breaks.
The vat is filled with clay, fresh and malleable, thick as custard. Before our eyes, a weird form, moaning in pain, covered entirely by the clay, is trying to make its way out of the tank ! I lean over the vat, hoping to help whatever is inside.
A loud cracking sound of metal against bones resounds and everything goes dark… The back of my head hurts… What did just… I feel myself fall into unconsciousness, faintly hearing Marina's scream.
My screams echo on the wrecked walls. There she is. The woman in black. Her body seems to be made with black smoke, smoke that appears to be glowing as it floats upward. She stands tall, holding her shovel hight, ready to strike again at dear poor Sean. He is unconscious, his body sinking slowly on the thick crimson clay.
I have to do something. Anything ! I can't let him drown in this deadly substance. Not my Angel ! My scream of surprise turns into a shriek of wrath as I run toward the thin ghostly apparition, the large stone Sean had used previously in my hand. I grip it so tightly my hand starts to bleed but I don't care. She has to disappear ! She's only inches of me and I close my eyes as I continue to run, ready to strike. But at my greatest surprise, I just go through her, an awkward cold feeling seizing my whole body.
The woman in black is gone. I made it ! Fear is slowly taking over me – a little too late for that, right ? – as I take no time to take my breath. A loud agonizing moan resounds and I turn quickly, remembering Sean.
He is crying out in pain and tries to crawl out of the vat. I run to help him, hoping my strength would be enough to pull him out. He struggles to keep his grip on my hand and I silently thank all my years of judo when he finally makes it out, falling on the hard floor. Even if his voice is weak, Sean still cries out, between his coughs for air.
« Sean ? » I ask softly, stroking his hair away from his eyes. « Look at me… You're fine ! I've got you… » His eyes look at me, and it seems to me he sees right in my soul. I let myself dive into the ocean of his eyes.
So many years, you faced the world alone
Frightened that life might pass you by
Then he appears
Someone who smiles at you
This is no time to question why
Love can find you when you least expect
Funny how two lives connect
That's how it starts
Two unsuspecting hearts
Let yourself go, give someone half-a-chance
Maybe he's waiting just for you
You never know, this could be paradise
Maybe your dreams just might come true
Coughing a little, he raises his hand and gently fondles my cheek, certainly leaving a red trail of clay behind his touch. He smiles faintly and places a small thing in the crook of my hand. Looking at him questionably, my eyes drop on the small item he has deposited. A pendant. A pendant with no trace whatsoever of clay. A gorgeous golden pendant. At its centre, a shining ruby. I fell my cheek blush furiously as my thoughts go wild. Why the hell would Sean give me an antique pendant? Does he expect me to say something ? This is going way too fast !
« I found this in the clay vat » his Irish voice puts me out of my thoughts. « I don't know how this pendant went in it but I can sense it means something about the prophecy… You should keep it… Always… »
I nod furiously and he puts the jewellery on my finger. My hands keep shaking while I look at his red hands. He gently brushes his thin lips on my cheek. If it's possible, I blush even harder as I look into his beautiful ocean eyes.
« Marina ! Oh mon Dieu ! Marina, tu vas bien ? » I hear distantly Emma's voice.
(Marina! Oh my God! Marina, are you okay?)
I reluctantly turn my head and see her running at me, Sam and Dean not far behind her. Throwing herself at me, she hugs me close then looks closely at me, searching for any injuries.
« Je vais bien… » I reassure her then I say to the brothers « We're fine… There was a ghost… A dark ghost of a woman… She was terrifying… She had hit Sean with a shovel… He had fallen in a clay vat… Nearly drown… But he's fine now. I helped him to crawl out… »
(I'm fine!)
I see Sam release a relieved breath while Dean looked mockingly at my sweet Sean.
« Well, then… The mighty Lucky Charms Angel needs a lady in shining armor to save him from the big bad ghost ? »
« That's not funny ! » I yell, putting a recomforting hand on Sean's shoulder. « He nearly died… Again ! »
I saw Dean shrug nonchalantly before a question pops on my mind.
« Wait… If Sam's here, where is Constance ? »
Emma sighs and strokes gently my hair.
« Le petit baron l'a kidnappée mais je suis presque sûre de pouvoir la retrouver très vite… »
(The little baron kidnapped her but I'm almost certain I can find her very quickly...)
Sam slowly walks to us, offering his hand to Sean. « Are you alright ? Can you step up ? »
Sean nods and takes Sam's hand. I smile when I see him helping poor Sean to walk. I get up too, Emma near me. She is looking at me with mischief in her eyes. She clearly has something in her mind and I don't like it… What can she possibly be concocting again ? No way I'm dressing up as a ghost again !
We go on the first floor slowly, the elevator only able to fit two people at a time. Once out, I breathe deeply, the sharp and cold air filling up my lungs, hunting away from the bitter scent of the basement. Free at last ! This is definitively the last time I've put a single foot down there !
The small sound of Bettlejuice's steps echoes and the fury white and brown pet comes running to us. Before I have the chance to take it in my arm, the papillon dog bites furiously the hem of Dean's trousers, growling and tugging. With a sharp reflex, the hunter takes his gun out and aims at the innocent ball of fur.
« Non ! » My voice and Emma's cut him short.
(No!)
I run to carry Beetlejuice in my arms, petting it gently. Emma is screaming at him, threateningly pointing her finger at him. I bit my cheek to stop a laugh when I see Dean's face pale, clearly scared by my best friend. Sam's abrupt clear of throat interrupts Emma's monologue about how immoral it is to kill such an innocent dog.
« We still need to find Constance… God only knows what the Baronet ghost must have done to her… »