Chapter V:

A Match Made In Hell

At first it was a glimpse in that corridor, a sample of its power. Then it became one big hallucination following me, and I had to wonder if a ME metamorphosis began to manifest into a vivid reality. In welcoming my flaws, did I invite dangerous minds to corrupt my sanity? I hadn't experienced this shift in realism since the first night after the Engine therapy. Since women were removed, no horrors returned and I figured my body had rid itself of the toxins implanted by Murkoff. Why did the Walrider decide to appear before me now? Was it Murkoff's intentions for me to become a weapon of mass murderous intent in hopes to embody it? Perhaps they didn't expect their projects to turn on them but at least they got to witness the results firsthand, possibly before their last breath of existence, mortally and professionally. It seems no matter what I did: deep breaths, positive thoughts, imagining superb sex, nothing shook the uncomfortable feeling of something I couldn't see hovering above my shoulder.

Abruptly again my forearms lifted grasped by a pair of hands invisible to the eye, the pressure of an apparition against my rear. And now, I didn't feel safe. Through a blurred vision, I fought it as much as I could. I almost felt like its toy; it was playing with its food, ribbing in wildness as warmth passed over my chest and I lost all ability to breathe. Was the Walrider feeling me up!?

The more I resisted, the more aggressive it became, the grip evolving to stronger proportions. Then I understood why women were eliminated from the program; this strength granted coercion endowment and it had ability to reproduce. Was it to be achieved through sex? And if so, how in the hell – was that possible? Though tempted to find out, it wasn't the best time and I was in desperate need of a bed in a quiet place; my cell, the perfect candidate was on the opposite side of the building and not an option. One last effort and I landed on the floor, catching my balance on my toes and fingertips and pained, I regained stability. As I scampered away, I wondered if it still stalked beyond awaiting to pester thrice.

I staggered out of the male ward, slamming the steel door behind me looking back to observe any activity. Satisfied, my attention fell upon the double doors of the gym ahead. My body swelled with exasperation, relieved as I approached them extending an eager hand for the knob. A reconstruction of the gym made a hall of horrors, dozens of bodies hung to the ceiling with more than enough room to spare for more. Lights placed in the middle of the room illuminated them, the person responsible obviously proud of the work. A horde of men, naked and mutilated in the midsection, some hanging by the neck and others by the feet, the sight was enough to reconsider advancing inside. I shook my head, making the kitchen and other rooms pending areas of investigation prior to visiting Eddie's "house."

Every room was dark, intentionally devoid of light by whomever claimed this as residence. I tried the light switch to a room full of bookcases and books but with no success, I'd depend on senses. Somewhere close by, a lock clicked; one foot in vast darkness and the other still in the hallway, my head swiveled at alert and amazed, I lowered my defenses. "Eddie?" In front of me stood the same gentleman I previously met, dressed in a homemade tuxedo vest and matching bowtie, his shirt disheveled with one part untucked hanging past black slacks. His hands bore fingerless gloves and on his once handsome profile, his blue eyes were no longer clear but blood-red and surrounded by hives on the right side. From where I stood, I knew he no longer seized a gentleman disposition but a stained blade of his own in his left hand. "Darling." A slow smile spread over his lip as the blade disappeared behind his back. "I'm so relieved to find you alive and well."

He still spoke in fine manner, as if time hadn't passed between us and both held the threat of a lethal weapons in possession. Still I perceived the same killer instinct from him as everyone else I'd encountered including myself and casually, I backed up waiting to find one of the two doorknobs to hell's double doors. I returned a gratuitous grin, bringing my edge to my side. "I see my words were actually of use." I replied, tossing my free hand lightly in reference to the given situation. I watched Eddie slip a brass object into his pocket, observing the matching latch on the very door I came through.

Great, now I have to go through the gym.

"I'm actually on my way somewhere. I'd ask you to join me but I'd hate to interrupt whatever it is you're doing…." I explained, the knob sliding into my hand and turned it as eager as before only to find it locked as well.

Okay. Don't panic.

"Is there a way I can go to get out of here? I really have somewhere to be, Eddie."

Eddie inched closer, the bridge between them closing with each step as he finally spoke. "Darling, you're just in time. I knew you would come back to me."

My brows furrowed and I contemplated in confusion. "Yes, I'm back. But really, can this wait? Look at me." I glanced at myself in complete exhaustion, my gown contaminated with blood, sweat and asylum grime and a sloppy bed of curls strayed around my eyes - I, the female representation in an overthrown Mount Massive demographic in anarchy.

"Oh my god, of course. I'm so sorry." Our hands linked as Eddie bridged the space to take hold of my unoccupied left and abashed fervor filled my spirit. The cloth of his gloves contained a warmth I found enticing as I drowsily reminisced nights in bed cuddled with another in a sleeping embrace. Another key pulled from his pocket opened the double doors and quietly with no resistance, I stepped inside with him. I closed my eyes, walking blindly aligned subsequently. "You've no idea…" I started and without warning, Eddie leaned over sweeping me up to carry the remaining way. The surprise woke me but perception quickly dissipated and collapsed; our eyes met as I ceased speaking. "You get your rest now darling. I'll wake you soon." A wave of concern flushed over, causing it to show in my face. "No one here is right, Eddie. There's no such thing as sleep anymore." Eddie frowned, displeased with the reply. "If I say you can rest, then let that be the end of it." He was quick but blunt and I decided to let it go. Already sapped of energy, let alone to argue, I laid my head on his shoulder and warily slipped into slumber.

Eddie beamed, from floor to floor as he carried her towards the room where they first met. "I'd almost given up on you, Chloe." He thought in observance of his brave and lovely yet exhausted companion, so light and almost fragile in his arms yet strong enough to hold her own amongst other assassins. Upon securing an actual woman in the midst of mutilating and killing fellow men as women, he believed one Chloe Wahl earned the opportunity to become Mrs. Eddie Gluskin. Positively one in a kind, Eddie intended to wed this woman, make an honest woman of her before sending her to eternal rest in pieces. An expanse near the sewing machine room provided a mattress that would serve as her temporary bed, while he put the finishing touches on decorations he'd prepared for this very moment. Kneeled, Eddie carefully laid his bride-to-be on the lightly dusted springs. His fingers brushed the fair skin of her cheeks as he spoke, pressing his lips against the nape of her neck softly; sitting away to admire, he took her blade from her unconscious hands raising it above her midsection in imitation of anticipation. "You're going to be so beautiful."

I awoke to a stingy, rotten smell and in attire unlike what I had been wearing before; a long dress of soft white fabric was now the latest in wardrobe and instantly, I remembered Eddie. In that tux. Just what did the man have in mind? Bare feet met the wood and as I stood, I carefully lifted the tad-long dress from the floor sans my blade. The dark area lit only by a light in the hall revealed nothing spectacular or exciting and I unwillingly proceeded to leave the room without it. As I inspected the floor in search of Eddie or anything helpful, I recognized the surroundings. Chipped paint assisted as the canvas of a congenial message discovered written on the wall near the sew machine room as I approached and half astonished, half dastardly, I smiled: WELCOME HOME. The sounds of a classic tune pedaled from my destination and once in, I found the source of my objective. "Hey, you." I greeted, hoping the dress flattered in more ways than one. Instead, I was met with infuriated surprised.

"What are you doing here, you stupid bitch? After I told you.."

My eyes widened. "Excuse me?"

"I TOLD YOU, I'D WAKE YOU. YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE YET."

"Did you call me a bitch?" I asked ignoring the latter statement. Being disrespectful was always a quick way to end up on my shit list, and though I tried not to take it personal given the integrity of Mount Massive, Eddie tip-toed the line.

Deeply inhaling, he paused and his head shook left to right dismissively. "No, no." Eddie replied as he rushed her to my side and on the inside, I danced at the rapid change in attitude.

I love having control.

"Let me make this up to you, darling. I'd hate for our ceremony to begin on such an awful note."

"Ceremony?" I looked at the dress for a third time and back at him, a glimmer of elation and hope in his eye. Rather than upset him again, I played along. "But who..?"

"It's private. Come."

"Technically, it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding." I joked, taking his hand in mine and with the other, lifting the fabric again.

"Were you looking for a traditional setting?"

I giggled under my breath. "Ha. We're so non-traditional, we should consummate beforehand."

Eddie, enthused by her involvement, turned so the two stood face to face. "Not until we've exchanged vows." Like a wolf in sheep's clothing, he committed to a lovey-dovey perfect gentleman act, bringing the back of her hand to his lips. "I have everything set. In five minutes, go back to the double doors of the gym, towards the locker rooms. I'll be waiting."

As I counted down to thirty seconds of the remaining minute, my feet tapped the grey cement of each step down in my descent. My stomach twisted into knots closer to the ground floor and my ears tuned in on a baritone voice singing casually in the distance. Eddie, singing; who knew? I ignored the bodies overhead as I crossed the destroyed gym floor following his triumphant chorus to a light at the end of the hall. The path of lights directed me to Eddie awaiting at the end of man-made aisle tempestuously; having never experienced love or anything outside of lust, I never thought this would happen, let alone a simulation, a practice, whatever you want to call it. However, the prize at the end of dress up would prompt the two of us in a romp that I'd been wanting since first meeting.

"Wait darling!" My bare feet stopped on contact with the white paper as my arms fell to their respective sides and Eddie hummed his best rendition of "Here Comes the Bride," implying my actions could resume.

Our hands joined together, he instructed I repeat every word after him. I promised to love, honor, and obey. To cherish through sickness and health.

For richer or poorer (or crazier.) Until we were to part in death.

Expecting a kiss, I was greeted instead with another extended hand. I complied, following my newfound spouse back home puzzled by his lack of pure physical contact. The entire time we spoke before, the man act as if he couldn't wait to tear into me and now it like a switch flipped, Eddie preferred distance.

In mentally preparing for her fatal end.

Author's note:
I'm really excited to write the next few chapters. Might make the whole "battle" into one but these two are definitely heading for a showdown.

Thank you for the reviews! It's what keeps me going. :)

As always, new chapter soon. xo

- FLCN