Chapter 2: May the Game Begin
Jake and Sarah stared at the man. He had said his name was Chester C., the cat in the hat. Both knew what was said of such a creature, the cat in the hat. It had been told to them by fretful parents, angry adults, and kids they know. All seemed to be a bit different, due to current going-ons. But each had the same distinct message; the cat in the hat coming to your door was a horrid thing to have happen. You would disappear. That was really all that was known. No one ever really knows what happens, no one has ever been seen from again.
This crossed both their minds-Sarah's and Jake's-at the same time, but with different effects.
Jake thought of this as a joke. A joke that some obviously stupid adult had decided to play. He never really believed the stories of such a being. One that feeds off evil and sin; attacks and manipulates. No, it was not a real thing. Parents and childless adults would make up such a thing to make kids obey them. To make them perfect Christians, Buddhists, whatever. Just so they wouldn't commit bad. It worked on most kids. Would believe it and shit their pants if they ever saw a grey and black striped hat. It was stupid. All those kids that "disappear" were probably sent to some correctional camp or something. There was no threat in a mad man who calls himself the cat in the hat.
Jake didn't believe it at all. His sister however, believed it; just a bit, just a bit so that the more her mind lingered on the subject, the more it became obvious of what would happen.
Sarah thought instantly of Kyla Simmons. A friend she used to know in the seventh grade. She was one of those beautiful girls, the ones who, despite all said; you knew would become some exotic dancer or a plain out hooker. Soft, bronzed skin that was told to be natural by her, but known to be tanning bed made, dark, brown eyes that looked like black holes that could sweep any unsuspecting man or woman in, long, wavy brown hair with blonde streaks in it, and a slender body with breasts to draw attention from her face to them in the instant she would unzip her coat. Always under that coat, was an outfit that proved ones dancer theory. It was always some skimpy, barely covering shirt and shorts that would cover her ass but show her g-string. The total opposite of Sarah really. It had been an odd sight to see when you would look. Two girls, one with bronzed skin, dark eyes and hair, and clothes that revealed most of her body, standing next to a pale girl with light eyes and hair dressed in old styled Victorian dresses. The two who would walk the hallways with undying confidence in their eyes. Sometimes they would carry books in one hand, and hold each others in their free hands. It was quite an odd sight to behold. But Kyla was gone. She had "disappeared" that summer. It had been on a terribly warm day, a little less hot than today had been. She remembers leaving Kyla's house for the very last time. She had noticed a man in a suit had gone past her. A man with an extremely tall hat. At the time, she had thought it was one of Kyla's usual gentlemen that visited her house. It wasn't very well known, but Kyla usually did have sex with older men. Sometimes for money, sometimes for kicks. So, it hadn't struck Sarah that something was wrong. She just walked by smiling. It was two days later that it had been noticed that Kyla was gone. A quick investigation had gone by. Police question the family and herself. After hearing the description of the man, it was ended quickly. The cat in the hat had struck again, taking Kyla to her death. It was a little hard on Sarah, but she had gotten over it. Until she saw that man again. Chester C. looked up at Sarah grinning. He stood up as straight as he could, giving her a malicious smile. Instinctively, Jake put his arm out, coving his sister's eyes. "I wouldn't stare at her if I were you cat man. I don't like it when..." "When there seems to be better competition for your dear lover? You know, it isn't wise to make a lover out of your sister, people will talk." He smiled, then turned back to Sarah, whose face had become visible. Jake had lowered his arm, staring wide eyed at the man in the suit and large hat. "Dear Sarah, this is the... Second time we have met I believe. The first time however, you seemed pure. A brilliant light caught up in the oddest of darkness." He grinned maliciously. Sarah felt her body go cold. The grin sent shivers down her spine. The eyes, those horrid, piercing, yellow-orange eyes, narrowed at a light slant, dove deep into her own icy blue eyes, which were wide with a sense of thrill and terror. The thrill had shocked her, since it seemed to come out of no where, but was surprisingly strong. The horror quickly numbed, subdued by the odd thrill that rose from her chest and began to warm her body. This caused a shock to her. She felt odd feelings shoot through her body; fear, shock, horror, thrill, and then numbness. She gulped it all down, trying to keep her calm, serene state. Knowing this cold strong nature could keep her alive. She felt an easiness sweep through her at the thought that she could maintain herself. She looked about her house for strength to this. It was a very old styled room; eighteenth century beauty stilled for hundreds of years. The painted walls were a light crème colour in the background with thin lines of a brilliant, gold dancing vertically on the paint in the light of a diamond chandelier that made, not just the walls, but the entire room glitter with radiance. Beautiful and seductive burgundy carpet, slightly textured at the tips where feet would be cushioned once laid upon. Since it was merely the entry way; which branched out into many rooms including the living room, kitchen, dining room, study, and the large, marble staircase with gold etched into the railing, which led up into the bathrooms and bedrooms; it was the less furnished room in the entire house, which would tell whomever entered it, that the house and family had come together with several belongings each. The entry was furnished with large antique, cherry wood chairs with burgundy velvet cushions, two to be exact, surrounding a medium sized, cherry table. The table was smooth surfaced and rounded. On top of it, sat a golden candle holder; slightly tarnished in some spots with slightly orange-bronze rust; with a partially melted, crème coloured candle. There was no flame lit at the moment. Briefly she shut her eyes and inhaled a soft amount of air. She felt calm again; a large amount of confidence and coolness swelled inside of her. She felt renewed strength. At the same moment, she felt her brother's grip on her shoulder. She opened her eyes and saw that he had taken a step backwards, eyeing the cat, the man, Chester C., in a cold stare. Her eyes softened for a moment, staring at him, admiring his ability to keep his deep eyes so obviously calm, when she could tell by the increasing tightness of his grip that he was not as calm as his eyes showed. She thought of that man, Chester C., who made her brother act in such a manner. She set her eyes at a cold stare and gracefully turned her head back to him; making her blonde hair fly beautifully in the air, sparkling from the light the chandelier gave off. Chester C. raised his eyebrow, thoroughly enjoying every second that passed between himself and the two. He began to grin as he saw the intense coldness set off from Sarah. Rather than become nervous or even offended as Sarah had hoped, he became intrigued and wished to know more of her new thoughts, however, he only gave a grin, one that told of no emotion whatsoever. "Dear Chester... Yes, it does happen to be the second time we have met. You say then I gleamed with a light, as if caught only in darkness, shining and forever shining; but now, I am that very darkness that had once surrounded me." She let her eye lashes fall slightly, covering her eyes partially. "But you see, my dear cat..., I have always been as I am..." She opened her mouth to continue, but felt her brother wrap his arms around her, and lay his head on her soft blonde hair and pink bow. Jake sighed momentarily. His gaze moving from the top of his sister's head, her beautiful, blonde head with the innocent and elegant pink bow, back to Chester C. "Sarah has always been a beautiful darkness. A temptress in her own way; her way of showing innocence with every light step she takes, then the full blow of her true self under the silky, velvety garments, laced with frills and strung with bows of soft, light colours." He closed his eyes and grinned into his sister's hair and wrapping his arms tightly around her so that she let out a small, but body shaking moan. He continued. "You say she had light, full of innocence. That's what must have made you say it, demon cat of adult prayer. Her innocence." Chester C. spoke before allowing Jake continue. As Jake had talked, he had begun to question the boy's sense of judgment. He didn't question Sarah's, he happened to like the thrill she gave him. It was almost alluring, a temptation to take her in his arms, whether she kick and scream or not made no real difference, but to have her for himself. Her brother, Jake, was a different story. As Jake had interrupted her, he then began to frown. When he had managed to make her moan, it almost angered him. It was almost an attempt to show how much he could withstand from he, Chester C. the tormenting darkness, and show dominance. How irritable. "Her innocence you say? Yes, her innocence gave her a gleaming light, so very untainted by many things. Untainted by death, sickness, violence, and drugs. Virgin in all areas besides friendly kisses and hugs of family affection. She was indeed innocent." Jake grinned, and began to open his mouth, but was again cutoff. "However... She was also in the area of a, Kyla Simmons. A girl so deep in her own particular darkness that even a virgin sow covered in mud would emit a brilliant and radiant light." Chester grinned at once when seeing the reaction of Jake. His face went from a slight irritation to anger. He was even more delighted to see Sarah's reaction. She was able to maintain the same cold look she had earlier; totally unaffected by the fact that she had just been compared to a sow, covered in mud. Jake glared hard at the man. Many thoughts were going through his mind. A sow of all things to call such a beauty as the girl he held... It was monstrously wrong and calling for a strong, beating. He began to lift his arms from around his sister, slipping them from around her waist when she suddenly walked out of them herself. Softly and gracefully, she took each step past her spot and walking more into the entry way of her home. Her hair and dress swayed silently and lightly with each step she took. Chester C. looked at her, a bit of surprise in his eyes as well as a grin that told of his increasing interest. He thought of her, how she filled the room with a definite shadow. She emitted darkness with every little breath she took. He watched her mouth with interest, tiny bits of air going in and out. His eyes, Chester's, were not normal. He saw things in colour; saw an item's beautiful shape, texture, and radiance. But, he also saw things, mainly living things and atmospheres, with a sense of light and dark. The room he was in, beautiful in every aspect of colour, texture, and radiance, was light in ever corner by itself. Not a hint of darkness, besides occasional shadows made by the diamond chandelier. Sarah on the other hand, she poured darkness from every breath, every sweat, every beat of her heart. Her appearance, in his eyes, was not a lovely, fair girl. No. In his eyes, he saw a girl with white, alabaster- like skin, almost white, blonde hair staring at him with almost white, ice blue eyes. Her dress, which was a Victorian white, frill dress, to him, was a gothic black dress. Where laces were, were areas connected only by a material almost like panty hose, but much thinner. The ends of the dress and of the shoulders were jagged looking pieces of fabric that flowed. Her black, shinning, dress shoes were bondage boots that disappeared under her long dress. The bow in her hair, was torn in places, and jaggedly finished. A picture perfect dark child. Jake was almost the complete opposite. In the world without judgment of light and dark, his appearance consisted of sleek, black leather and many spiked wristbands, chokers, and even his green hair. In Chester's eyes, he was a boy with medium length blonde hair, prep surfer cut, with an almost almond coloured skin. Instead of the sleek leather wrapped around his waist, there were equal in length, yet baggy, khaki colour cargo jeans. Red chucks barely visible from the pants, were on his feet. Instead of a white tank top and a leather jacket, there was a black t-shirt with a green skull dying, with bits of skin melting off of it. Around his neck was a loose silver chain. Around his left wrist was a black wristband with a skull on it. On his other wrist was an assortment of black, red, white, and green bands. Jake was but a small purveyor of darkness. Probably gaining most of it from the girl, still inching toward him. It was time. Chester C. held out his hand to motion for Sarah to stop. She held her foot in the air, staring at him, blinking once, then set it back upon the floor. Chester grinned. He took two steps backwards and then put his fingertips on the brim of his hat. Almost as if lust compelled him, he traced it with his fingers, ever so lightly. He began to speak softly and sensuously. "Dear, dear children... You've piqued the lust in me. With your overwhelming darkness and attitude. You have sent shivers of cold and heat through my body. Every bit of me tingles with this delight. Such a challenge it will be for me to not just snatch you up..." His gaze lingered on Sarah, who returned his gaze coldly. "... And eat you. If I do that before I let you play however, I may not last as much as I'd like. I wouldn't make even a half an hour of hearing you scream." He shivered and let out what seemed a moan and sigh mixed within the same breath. He closed his eyes for a moment. Jake walked behind his sister and set a hand on her shoulder, then pulling her to him. Sarah showed no acknowledgment. She only stared at Chester C., taking in every movement he made, breathing harder from the face he had made and speech that had followed. Chester C. opened his eyes and laughed. Laughed at the new position the two had taken. It was hilarious to see them come together, right when he was unveiling the spectacular beginning to his day. He swiftly took the hat in his hand and swirling it behind his back, letting his other hand grab a hold of it. His light, sandy brown hair fell from where it was when in the hat. It now went completely down to his shoulders. Parts gleamed with sweat from the light coming from the chandelier. "Now, come one, come all! Boys, girls, men, and women! I invite you all to a show!" He grinned wider. "Ho! None wish to come, but two lowly children? Well then..." He pulled the hat from behind his back. Jake and Sarah both gasped. What was to be the inside of the hat, was a dark vortex. Purple, blue, and black lights swirled inside of it. A loud sucking noise emitted from it. "Now... Sarah, Jake... Come inside, to my Wonderland, the beautiful Erinyes, the last place you shall ever see!"
Jake and Sarah stared at the man. He had said his name was Chester C., the cat in the hat. Both knew what was said of such a creature, the cat in the hat. It had been told to them by fretful parents, angry adults, and kids they know. All seemed to be a bit different, due to current going-ons. But each had the same distinct message; the cat in the hat coming to your door was a horrid thing to have happen. You would disappear. That was really all that was known. No one ever really knows what happens, no one has ever been seen from again.
This crossed both their minds-Sarah's and Jake's-at the same time, but with different effects.
Jake thought of this as a joke. A joke that some obviously stupid adult had decided to play. He never really believed the stories of such a being. One that feeds off evil and sin; attacks and manipulates. No, it was not a real thing. Parents and childless adults would make up such a thing to make kids obey them. To make them perfect Christians, Buddhists, whatever. Just so they wouldn't commit bad. It worked on most kids. Would believe it and shit their pants if they ever saw a grey and black striped hat. It was stupid. All those kids that "disappear" were probably sent to some correctional camp or something. There was no threat in a mad man who calls himself the cat in the hat.
Jake didn't believe it at all. His sister however, believed it; just a bit, just a bit so that the more her mind lingered on the subject, the more it became obvious of what would happen.
Sarah thought instantly of Kyla Simmons. A friend she used to know in the seventh grade. She was one of those beautiful girls, the ones who, despite all said; you knew would become some exotic dancer or a plain out hooker. Soft, bronzed skin that was told to be natural by her, but known to be tanning bed made, dark, brown eyes that looked like black holes that could sweep any unsuspecting man or woman in, long, wavy brown hair with blonde streaks in it, and a slender body with breasts to draw attention from her face to them in the instant she would unzip her coat. Always under that coat, was an outfit that proved ones dancer theory. It was always some skimpy, barely covering shirt and shorts that would cover her ass but show her g-string. The total opposite of Sarah really. It had been an odd sight to see when you would look. Two girls, one with bronzed skin, dark eyes and hair, and clothes that revealed most of her body, standing next to a pale girl with light eyes and hair dressed in old styled Victorian dresses. The two who would walk the hallways with undying confidence in their eyes. Sometimes they would carry books in one hand, and hold each others in their free hands. It was quite an odd sight to behold. But Kyla was gone. She had "disappeared" that summer. It had been on a terribly warm day, a little less hot than today had been. She remembers leaving Kyla's house for the very last time. She had noticed a man in a suit had gone past her. A man with an extremely tall hat. At the time, she had thought it was one of Kyla's usual gentlemen that visited her house. It wasn't very well known, but Kyla usually did have sex with older men. Sometimes for money, sometimes for kicks. So, it hadn't struck Sarah that something was wrong. She just walked by smiling. It was two days later that it had been noticed that Kyla was gone. A quick investigation had gone by. Police question the family and herself. After hearing the description of the man, it was ended quickly. The cat in the hat had struck again, taking Kyla to her death. It was a little hard on Sarah, but she had gotten over it. Until she saw that man again. Chester C. looked up at Sarah grinning. He stood up as straight as he could, giving her a malicious smile. Instinctively, Jake put his arm out, coving his sister's eyes. "I wouldn't stare at her if I were you cat man. I don't like it when..." "When there seems to be better competition for your dear lover? You know, it isn't wise to make a lover out of your sister, people will talk." He smiled, then turned back to Sarah, whose face had become visible. Jake had lowered his arm, staring wide eyed at the man in the suit and large hat. "Dear Sarah, this is the... Second time we have met I believe. The first time however, you seemed pure. A brilliant light caught up in the oddest of darkness." He grinned maliciously. Sarah felt her body go cold. The grin sent shivers down her spine. The eyes, those horrid, piercing, yellow-orange eyes, narrowed at a light slant, dove deep into her own icy blue eyes, which were wide with a sense of thrill and terror. The thrill had shocked her, since it seemed to come out of no where, but was surprisingly strong. The horror quickly numbed, subdued by the odd thrill that rose from her chest and began to warm her body. This caused a shock to her. She felt odd feelings shoot through her body; fear, shock, horror, thrill, and then numbness. She gulped it all down, trying to keep her calm, serene state. Knowing this cold strong nature could keep her alive. She felt an easiness sweep through her at the thought that she could maintain herself. She looked about her house for strength to this. It was a very old styled room; eighteenth century beauty stilled for hundreds of years. The painted walls were a light crème colour in the background with thin lines of a brilliant, gold dancing vertically on the paint in the light of a diamond chandelier that made, not just the walls, but the entire room glitter with radiance. Beautiful and seductive burgundy carpet, slightly textured at the tips where feet would be cushioned once laid upon. Since it was merely the entry way; which branched out into many rooms including the living room, kitchen, dining room, study, and the large, marble staircase with gold etched into the railing, which led up into the bathrooms and bedrooms; it was the less furnished room in the entire house, which would tell whomever entered it, that the house and family had come together with several belongings each. The entry was furnished with large antique, cherry wood chairs with burgundy velvet cushions, two to be exact, surrounding a medium sized, cherry table. The table was smooth surfaced and rounded. On top of it, sat a golden candle holder; slightly tarnished in some spots with slightly orange-bronze rust; with a partially melted, crème coloured candle. There was no flame lit at the moment. Briefly she shut her eyes and inhaled a soft amount of air. She felt calm again; a large amount of confidence and coolness swelled inside of her. She felt renewed strength. At the same moment, she felt her brother's grip on her shoulder. She opened her eyes and saw that he had taken a step backwards, eyeing the cat, the man, Chester C., in a cold stare. Her eyes softened for a moment, staring at him, admiring his ability to keep his deep eyes so obviously calm, when she could tell by the increasing tightness of his grip that he was not as calm as his eyes showed. She thought of that man, Chester C., who made her brother act in such a manner. She set her eyes at a cold stare and gracefully turned her head back to him; making her blonde hair fly beautifully in the air, sparkling from the light the chandelier gave off. Chester C. raised his eyebrow, thoroughly enjoying every second that passed between himself and the two. He began to grin as he saw the intense coldness set off from Sarah. Rather than become nervous or even offended as Sarah had hoped, he became intrigued and wished to know more of her new thoughts, however, he only gave a grin, one that told of no emotion whatsoever. "Dear Chester... Yes, it does happen to be the second time we have met. You say then I gleamed with a light, as if caught only in darkness, shining and forever shining; but now, I am that very darkness that had once surrounded me." She let her eye lashes fall slightly, covering her eyes partially. "But you see, my dear cat..., I have always been as I am..." She opened her mouth to continue, but felt her brother wrap his arms around her, and lay his head on her soft blonde hair and pink bow. Jake sighed momentarily. His gaze moving from the top of his sister's head, her beautiful, blonde head with the innocent and elegant pink bow, back to Chester C. "Sarah has always been a beautiful darkness. A temptress in her own way; her way of showing innocence with every light step she takes, then the full blow of her true self under the silky, velvety garments, laced with frills and strung with bows of soft, light colours." He closed his eyes and grinned into his sister's hair and wrapping his arms tightly around her so that she let out a small, but body shaking moan. He continued. "You say she had light, full of innocence. That's what must have made you say it, demon cat of adult prayer. Her innocence." Chester C. spoke before allowing Jake continue. As Jake had talked, he had begun to question the boy's sense of judgment. He didn't question Sarah's, he happened to like the thrill she gave him. It was almost alluring, a temptation to take her in his arms, whether she kick and scream or not made no real difference, but to have her for himself. Her brother, Jake, was a different story. As Jake had interrupted her, he then began to frown. When he had managed to make her moan, it almost angered him. It was almost an attempt to show how much he could withstand from he, Chester C. the tormenting darkness, and show dominance. How irritable. "Her innocence you say? Yes, her innocence gave her a gleaming light, so very untainted by many things. Untainted by death, sickness, violence, and drugs. Virgin in all areas besides friendly kisses and hugs of family affection. She was indeed innocent." Jake grinned, and began to open his mouth, but was again cutoff. "However... She was also in the area of a, Kyla Simmons. A girl so deep in her own particular darkness that even a virgin sow covered in mud would emit a brilliant and radiant light." Chester grinned at once when seeing the reaction of Jake. His face went from a slight irritation to anger. He was even more delighted to see Sarah's reaction. She was able to maintain the same cold look she had earlier; totally unaffected by the fact that she had just been compared to a sow, covered in mud. Jake glared hard at the man. Many thoughts were going through his mind. A sow of all things to call such a beauty as the girl he held... It was monstrously wrong and calling for a strong, beating. He began to lift his arms from around his sister, slipping them from around her waist when she suddenly walked out of them herself. Softly and gracefully, she took each step past her spot and walking more into the entry way of her home. Her hair and dress swayed silently and lightly with each step she took. Chester C. looked at her, a bit of surprise in his eyes as well as a grin that told of his increasing interest. He thought of her, how she filled the room with a definite shadow. She emitted darkness with every little breath she took. He watched her mouth with interest, tiny bits of air going in and out. His eyes, Chester's, were not normal. He saw things in colour; saw an item's beautiful shape, texture, and radiance. But, he also saw things, mainly living things and atmospheres, with a sense of light and dark. The room he was in, beautiful in every aspect of colour, texture, and radiance, was light in ever corner by itself. Not a hint of darkness, besides occasional shadows made by the diamond chandelier. Sarah on the other hand, she poured darkness from every breath, every sweat, every beat of her heart. Her appearance, in his eyes, was not a lovely, fair girl. No. In his eyes, he saw a girl with white, alabaster- like skin, almost white, blonde hair staring at him with almost white, ice blue eyes. Her dress, which was a Victorian white, frill dress, to him, was a gothic black dress. Where laces were, were areas connected only by a material almost like panty hose, but much thinner. The ends of the dress and of the shoulders were jagged looking pieces of fabric that flowed. Her black, shinning, dress shoes were bondage boots that disappeared under her long dress. The bow in her hair, was torn in places, and jaggedly finished. A picture perfect dark child. Jake was almost the complete opposite. In the world without judgment of light and dark, his appearance consisted of sleek, black leather and many spiked wristbands, chokers, and even his green hair. In Chester's eyes, he was a boy with medium length blonde hair, prep surfer cut, with an almost almond coloured skin. Instead of the sleek leather wrapped around his waist, there were equal in length, yet baggy, khaki colour cargo jeans. Red chucks barely visible from the pants, were on his feet. Instead of a white tank top and a leather jacket, there was a black t-shirt with a green skull dying, with bits of skin melting off of it. Around his neck was a loose silver chain. Around his left wrist was a black wristband with a skull on it. On his other wrist was an assortment of black, red, white, and green bands. Jake was but a small purveyor of darkness. Probably gaining most of it from the girl, still inching toward him. It was time. Chester C. held out his hand to motion for Sarah to stop. She held her foot in the air, staring at him, blinking once, then set it back upon the floor. Chester grinned. He took two steps backwards and then put his fingertips on the brim of his hat. Almost as if lust compelled him, he traced it with his fingers, ever so lightly. He began to speak softly and sensuously. "Dear, dear children... You've piqued the lust in me. With your overwhelming darkness and attitude. You have sent shivers of cold and heat through my body. Every bit of me tingles with this delight. Such a challenge it will be for me to not just snatch you up..." His gaze lingered on Sarah, who returned his gaze coldly. "... And eat you. If I do that before I let you play however, I may not last as much as I'd like. I wouldn't make even a half an hour of hearing you scream." He shivered and let out what seemed a moan and sigh mixed within the same breath. He closed his eyes for a moment. Jake walked behind his sister and set a hand on her shoulder, then pulling her to him. Sarah showed no acknowledgment. She only stared at Chester C., taking in every movement he made, breathing harder from the face he had made and speech that had followed. Chester C. opened his eyes and laughed. Laughed at the new position the two had taken. It was hilarious to see them come together, right when he was unveiling the spectacular beginning to his day. He swiftly took the hat in his hand and swirling it behind his back, letting his other hand grab a hold of it. His light, sandy brown hair fell from where it was when in the hat. It now went completely down to his shoulders. Parts gleamed with sweat from the light coming from the chandelier. "Now, come one, come all! Boys, girls, men, and women! I invite you all to a show!" He grinned wider. "Ho! None wish to come, but two lowly children? Well then..." He pulled the hat from behind his back. Jake and Sarah both gasped. What was to be the inside of the hat, was a dark vortex. Purple, blue, and black lights swirled inside of it. A loud sucking noise emitted from it. "Now... Sarah, Jake... Come inside, to my Wonderland, the beautiful Erinyes, the last place you shall ever see!"