A/N: Hello, guys. I hope you all are doing well and staying safe during this pandemic. For anyone who is affected by the virus, I pray for healing and hope you recover fully. It's a scary situation the world is facing right now, but we'll fight through it together.
I won't say much, but I do wish you enjoy the new chapter to escape reality even if it is only for a bit.
Take care, everyone!
Ruth was singing to herself in the dark when she heard a sound, or maybe a voice.
"Ruth?"
She gasps and snaps her head up from the ledge to stare into the darkness. Ruth strained her eyes to see who had spoken, but she already knew who it was. There is an exciting flip in her stomach, and heart burst alive from the sound of their voice.
She shuddered a sigh, lightly smiling. "Pen."
Ruth quickly stood, ecstatic when she saw his golden-orange eyes appear in the inky black.
"Ruth," he breathes shakily.
She can see it in his gaze, Pennywise is glad to see her, but there is also disbelief. It's as if he is unsure Ruth is really there with him.
"It's me, Pen."
It was silent between them for a moment before Pennywise started forwards with a snarl.
"What are you doing here?" Pennywise growls, stopping several feet from her.
Ruth stares at him, frowning sadly from the hostility in his voice.
"I was looking everywhere for you. Where did you go?"
His growl deepens then towers over her, intimidating Ruth, where she stepped back.
"Why would you care to know, you irritating brat?"
She felt a dagger run through her heart from the name. Her frown deepens, tears brimming her eyes.
"I needed to talk with you," Ruth goes to say his name only to be interrupted.
"Oh, now you want to talk and on New Year's Even no less," he snaps viciously.
"I've wanted to talk since the day we scared Victor!" She yells.
Ruth immediately regretted it. Pennywise stepped closer, forcing her back further and against the crumbling wall. If she goes any further, Ruth will inevitably fall through and get seriously hurt or worse. She glances over her shoulder to stare into the maw of the well, watching the inky black shadows fade into a navy black color like night.
Ruth sighs heavily as she fought a tremble.
"Eight months," Ruth started in a whisper. "Has it really been that long?"
The memory from when she and Pennywise reunited on New Year's Eve replayed in her mind as she strolled down the street. It breaks her heart how affected Ruth is by his absence. Ruth never thought she would be so dependent on someone who could calm the storm within her soul. For the longest time, she and he were inseparable. Once things got complicated for her, their dynamic shifted drastically that it caused this separation.
Despite everything that has happened between them now, Ruth misses him dearly. She knows he does, too. Pennywise won't admit that he does, but Ruth can always tell due to her constant visits. He hasn't stopped her from coming inside or scared Ruth to keep her away. Besides, he knows Neibolt is the only place that provides her with some sort of comfort and safety.
A sudden chill overwhelmed her as a southern wind howled in the night. The air is already damp since the hairs on her arms and legs stood on end from the cool moisture of summer. Typically, Ruth doesn't let the cold wind bother her, except this time around, it's causing her to shiver. Her shorts and tank are not helping since Ruth did leave the Hanlon house like this. She should have remembered it gets chilly after the sunsets.
She heaves a sigh and wraps her arms around herself, hoping to keep warm then picks up the pace. Ruth is not very far from the house anyway, which she is glad. Of course, as she traveled in the night to her favorite place on earth, Ruth kept herself busy by singing out loud in a slow voice and tempo.
"All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places, worn out faces
Bright and early for their daily races
Going nowhere, going nowhere
Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression, no expression
Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow
No tomorrow, no tomorrow
And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had,"
Ruth paused for a brief second, "Except for getting murdered."
She comments before continuing her own version of the Tears for Fears song.
"I find it hard to tell you 'cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles, it's a very, very,
Mad world, mad world."
When she finally arrived at the house and pushed through the front door, Ruth automatically started for the basement. She goes there for a reason, but tonight it's for a whole different reason. Her nightmare from earlier frightened her still. She desperately craves Pennywise's presence and hopes he can calm her. Upon turning the corner, her eyes land on the absent doorknob. Her lips tremble into a deep grimace, saddened by his instance in keeping her out. With a sob, Ruth reluctantly turned away and towards the room where it all started.
Her feet lightly padded in the house, filling the silence with some sort of sound. As Ruth wades towards the Christmas room, her eyes scanned the walls. She noticed some of her things covered with tarp and blankets to preserve the furniture Ruth and Pennywise used. Ruth doesn't remember ever doing this. She can only assume Belch came here to cover her belongings when and if Ruth ever decided to return here full time.
Strangely enough, her relationship with The Bower's Gang is going strong still.
Ruth and Belch basically act like siblings, more so than her and Richie. Of course, Richie doesn't need to know that. The Losers don't know about her and Reggie, or with Henry and Victor. Henry kept his promise in keeping their involvement a secret, even Victor. Well, he had to because of Ruth's supposed threat. When Victor was around the guys, he acted as if everything was alright between her and him. When alone, though, Victor is a terrifying mess.
She was confused about his behavior towards her. Ruth felt she needed an explanation and sought Victor at his home. He was reluctant to see Ruth, but his parents threatened him into talking with her. Something Ruth didn't care for in the least. She felt a burning hatred towards Victor's parents and wanted to punish them relentlessly. Thankfully, Victor listened and spoke with her, preventing Ruth from doing anything onto the adults. It was for the better anyway.
Victor was frightened of her. He barely looked at her and stayed by the front door while she stood at the steps of his porch. He rambled, of course, and could barely get a sentence out without stuttering. Ruth was saddened by how badly she affected him for what happened after Christmas. The story Victor told her gave Ruth goosebumps and a harsh realization. She was not in control of her body or mind, and that scares her more than anything.
It was just like the time with Beverly. Ruth talked with Beverly about why she hated her. Beverly made it bluntly clear that Ruth threatened to kill her. Something of which Ruth vaguely remembers. It is the exact same thing with Victor. She remembers scaring him to a degree, but everything else is a freaking blur. Ruth doesn't remember carving an "R" on Victor's stomach or threatening him with her bloody switchblade.
The only thing Ruth does remember is her and Robert having a misunderstanding. Well, more so Pennywise attacking her and Ruth accusing him of betraying his promise to her. Ruth still doesn't understand how she could have forgotten.
When Ruth finally opened and confided in him about the events, Victor became quite disturbed at Ruth's memory loss. At first, he didn't believe her. Except, when Ruth broke down crying in front of him of how sorry she was and frightened of herself for doing something so horrible to him, Victor knew she was telling the truth.
"Shh, we'll figure this out," she remembers Victor telling her.
Victor comforted Ruth the best he could, which he made it clear to Ruth that something is wrong with her. He pleaded for her to talk with someone other than her circle of friends. It sounds pretty bizarre to hear something so surreal.
Ruth has friends who care about her now. She's glad, too, but Ruth fears it won't last long. Nothing ever does, anyway.
She sighs upon approaching the darkened room. Her eyes scan the walls and floor, missing the Christmas lights. She had hoped by a stroke of luck Pennywise was lurking in the shadows in here. He wasn't, of course. Usually, Ruth would sense his presence if he were around, but she hasn't had the cold prickle feeling for over eight months now. Well, since New Year's and maybe that one time when Pennywise demanded an explanation of why she's staying with the Hanlon's.
Other than that, Ruth hasn't seen, heard, or felt him near.
With a heavy sigh, Ruth drags herself to the mattress, which is tucked against the wall still. Ruth plops onto the bed with a saddened grunt, whimpering. She curls into a deep fetal position, weeping as silence surrounded her. Ruth hates it, too. She developed a deep resentment towards quietness now. When it's like this, Ruth hears her chaotic storm and the day she pushed Pennywise away.
"Ruth! Wait, please!"
His voice boomed in her mind.
"Pen," she mumbles with a sniffle.
"You stay the hell away from me!"
Ruth shudders a cry, remembering the night they first kissed. It was surreal, but god help her, Pennywise made Ruth feel cherished and wanted. She was happy with him but blew it big time. That was the final push, and he finally decided enough was enough.
"I'm sorry," Ruth whimpered, sobbing uncontrollably. "I'm so sorry. Please come back."
Except she knew he won't. Pennywise will never come back even if she pleaded with him.
She tries to control herself but found it difficult when Ruth can smell him on the mattress. Ruth shakily sighs, turned on her back to stare at the ceiling. Heaving a couple of breaths, Ruth was able to sing a little something she hadn't sung in a long time.
"Hello darkness, my old friend," Ruth struggled, whimpering again. Her fingers circled and twisted, creating patterns on the floorboard while she sang to herself to fill the silence.
"I've come to talk with you again."
Of course, Ruth couldn't get herself to continue. Instead, she laid in the darkened room, crying to the world.
"I just want my friend back," she wished out loud.
Unbeknownst to her, in the atrium of the sewers, Pennywise can feel her anguish. He laid amongst the many trinkets, trash, and belongings with a saddened frown. His eyes stared past the decayed bodies, envisioning Ruth crying again.
He hates doing this to her, truly hates it. Pennywise, more so despises himself for getting close to a human child and a female no less. What's worse is that Pennywise has grown so attached to the point of falling in love with Ruth.
He desperately wants to go up there and comfort her. Unfortunately, Pennywise can't trust himself to do that. He fears the monster in him will lay harm on her again. It would break his heart if he killed her without realizing it. Although there is another reason why he's keeping her away. The moment at the well, Pennywise felt a sudden desire for her. He can't have Ruth, period. She's young, has a whole life ahead of her, and destined for a human male. They will love her and give his all to her more than Pennywise can. Ruth will eventually die, hopefully from old age and not by horrific means.
Pennywise violently shook his head from the thought. He doesn't like the idea of the girl dying. They may have "broken up," but Pennywise still adores the darling child. With a sad huff, Pennywise crossed his arms then turned onto his side. He stares at the many trinkets, yet his eyes zeroed on the clown doll Ruth found a year ago. Her excited gasp sounds in his ears.
Clarabelle!
He sighs heavily and frowns. The clown doll only reminds him of how things used to be before they got close. It was simple and easy then. Pennywise liked it that way. After Halloween, things got complicated rather quickly. Things between them and her changed. At the same time, though, those were times when Ruth was at her happiest, even him. He never felt anything like it before, and Pennywise craves her spark of life.
As Pennywise thought about her more and a little deeper, he's beginning to think he helped mold Ruth into the person she became before their separation. He liked that sadistic side of her. Ruth was different, a whole other person. Usually, Ruth is not like that. Yes, she can be crafty, but Ruth is a charming, intelligent, and friendly young lady. He saw her bubbly side more than anything else.
It wasn't until recently Ruth became this person he doesn't recognize. It all started after Ruth snapped. No, wait… maybe not. His brows furrow when he remembers Ruth not being herself after the fall. Well, no, before that. She started acting differently when Ruth began to hang around him more often than her own peers. There was a reason for that, of course. Her public status had changed and wasn't exactly pleased.
Ruth was overjoyed in his presence but had her moments of darkness. Sometimes her anger, which he already knew she had, was out of control but would feel depressed later and forget it had happened. Pennywise is now shifting his believes from him molding her personality to a more logical explanation.
What if there is something wrong with Ruth? When she killed her mother, Ruth never spoke to him about it. She never really opened up about the trauma Ruth gone through either. The young girl was hysterical from almost dying and murdering the whore. Ruth's view of life quickly changed that night, too. What if all this emotional and physical trauma is causing a mental imbalance that no one is aware of? The day he and Ruth frightened Victor, she was most certainly not herself.
Why, though? What has happened to you?
"I just want my friend back," he hears Ruth cry out in his mind.
For some reason, her wish struck a chord. Pennywise remembers Ruth's birthday wish of wanting their relationship to last forever. Pennywise couldn't give her that timeframe, but he did promise a year. He ended up breaking his pledge to Ruth after Pennywise nearly killed her. He tore them apart because of this fact, along with him suddenly desiring and falling in love with the child. Well, she's not a child anymore. Ruth is a blossoming teenager of fifteen now with a mature yet unstable mindset. And damn him to the Microverse and back, Deadlights is attracted to the fiery, irritating, yet fearless and tenacious teenager's life force.
Pennywise huffs, pursing his lips as he stared at the Clarabelle doll. He caught something else, a folded piece of paper sitting right next to the clown. Curious, he reached for it. Pennywise quickly realized he discovered the note Ruth had left for him eight months ago.
When did this get here? He thought to himself, opening the flap.
He frowns, and heart dropped. The sight of Ruth's fine and elegant handwriting made something in him desperately long for her presence. Even when they are apart, the tenacious girl still finds a way to break his heart.
Grimacing sadly, Pennywise read the short note Ruth left him.
Pen,
Please, don't get angry, but I reluctantly went for a walk with Mike. He wouldn't take no for an answer or let me be. Maybe a brief moment away would give me clarity of what transpired.
Despite it, I still very much care about you. If it's not too late for me, we need to talk when I get back.
I'm so sorry, Penny.
Vivi
Ruth even drew a heart around the nickname he had given her.
Pennywise frowns and sighs heavily as guilt settled on his shoulders, and stomach flips unpleasantly. He wished he had seen it a lot earlier than now. Maybe then this separation wouldn't have happened. Pennywise misses her terribly.
"As do I," he whispers to himself.
With a soft huff, he gently takes the Clarabelle doll.
Morning dawned as a slither of marmalade orange light seeping through the windows. Dust lightly fluttered and settled on the darkened floorboards.
A faint sound of moaning and a gasp fills the silence, along with a deep snore.
Ruth tiredly woke from a restless night of sleep with a stretch of her arms. It's not ordinary for her to have a bad night. At Mike's place, Ruth has a terrible time falling and staying asleep, mostly because of nightmares and visions of her dead mother. But when she sneaks out to come here, no problems whatsoever. So, why would Ruth have a horrible night now? It could have been from the bizarre dreams she had. Most were nightmares of Ruth losing Pennywise, which Ruth cried herself awake. There were a few pretty intimate fantasies, too. Those left her feeling hot and bothered.
Oh, god, now I'm dreaming about him in that fashion. Well, he is relatively handsome in his human form, Ruth's thought instantly stops to direct it somewhere else.
Despite her intimate fantasies, only one dream left her confused.
There was an eerie and magical landscape with grotesque trees and humanoid creatures with rat-like features. There were even a few with heads of birds and mammals. They intrigued Ruth. She also saw a figure in a long red cloak and hidden with shadows from under their hood. Ruth remembered seeing bright orange lights and spiders crawling around. Well, what she believed were spiders. Ruth even heard a voice but couldn't understand them. Why did she see this place? And what is the significance?
Ruth heaves a sigh then stared at the ceiling, suddenly feeling empty, detached, worthless, and abandoned.
Why am I still alive?
She reached into her front pocket and pulled out her switchblade Henry gifted her. Ruth eyed the object, contemplating. She could end the inner turmoil and anguish, along with the sense of worthlessness that plagued her mind. Oppositely, Ruth desperately needs to see Pennywise one last time. She wants to see his face and goofy smile again.
"Just slit your throat already," a voice encouraged with disdain dripping from their tone.
Ruth gasps sharply, flicking the blade open.
"No, shut up," she whispers, trembling. "Go away."
"It's going to be okay, VG. You're okay. You'll see. Besides, Penny will figure it out real soon, love. So, don't fret," a sweet and carefree voice reassured.
Ruth sighs and gently smiles.
"He will, won't he?"
"The clown will never harbor any feelings for some worthless nuisance of a child like you, Amber?"
Ruth groans, slapping her temple and clawed at her hair.
"Shut the fuck up," Ruth growls. "I don't want to deal with you."
"Too bad, so sad, you stupid little girl."
She slapped herself again, hoping this would stop the dark voice from speaking. "Shut up, shut up!"
"That won't do you any good, remember? Rather you slap or talk over yourself. It's still you who is talking. You worthless, hopeless child."
"Don't listen to them, VG! Keep that one away!"
Having enough, Ruth slices her forearm with a cry.
"Gah, argh, shut… the fuck… up! Fuck!" Ruth screeched.
It grew quiet, no more voices except Ruth's heavy pants.
It's getting worse. Ruth has been dealing with these voices since she murdered Jordan to survive. Well, at least the darker one. The sweet and carefree one surfaced the day she met Pennywise. Ruth sighs heavily, pondering what she should do. She doesn't want to deal with it much longer, especially with the dark voice telling her negative and untrue things. They hurt at times because it is the truth, the harsh truth. And Ruth hates facing that grim, harsh reality. If her dear friend Pennywise was around, Ruth wouldn't have to deal with it. He vanquishes that darkness.
Ruth shudders a heavy sigh, about on the verge of crying again when she hears the snore, a loud one at that. She thought maybe Pennywise came up here and slept near her last night. It would explain the dreams Ruth had. Except, if he were, Ruth would feel the cold prickle of his presence. She hears the sound again, startling her. Ruth tries moving her legs and sit up but found it difficult to do for some reason. She glances down to discover the growing puppy Copper sprawled on his belly and on her legs.
Ruth smiles brightly, chuckles, then sat upwards with slight difficulty, especially with a slash on her forearm. She winces from the pain but ignores covering the wound.
"Copper," she whispers with a smirk. "There's my little Copper."
She leans forward to ruffle his ears and rub the back of his neck. Copper groans happily, his tail wagging upon waking and laying his big gorgeous brown eyes on Ruth.
"He's a good boy," she coos happily and grins. "He's such a good boy."
Copper barks and stepped over Ruth to lick at her face, making Ruth giggle. She hugs her four-legged companion, enjoying the puppy love. Despite the separation, both her and Pennywise still take good care of their third addition. Other than the intricate gold ring on her left pinky, Copper is a symbol of their togetherness. They didn't want the sweet and innocent animal to die because of them.
Ruth glances sideways to let Copper slobber on her cheek and neck, chuckling happily. She then caught sight of a familiar clown doll, causing her to gasp and bolt up.
"Clarabelle," she gushes with a childlike beam then snatches the sad yet cute clown.
Ruth hugs it close to her chest, grinning wildly. Her smile slowly fades when she realized something. This wasn't here last night. Someone put it here, and Ruth knows who that person is.
Pen, he-he was here?
Her brows furrow when she held the doll out and saw a small note-tag around its neck.
Happy Belated Birthday, Vivi. Forgive me? It read.
Ruth smiles softly, tears beginning to brim her tears.
"Oh, Pen, thank you. Of course, I forgive you," she whispers. "It's actually quite hard not to be mad at you for too long."
She glances at Copper, smiling fondly at the puppy. "Why do you think that is, Copper? Why do I find it hard to not stay mad at him?"
Copper just groans and rolled onto his back, grinning with his tongue hanging out. Ruth chuckles.
"Apparently, you don't know either."
There is then another sound, a light thud.
Startled from the sudden noise, Ruth lightly gasps. She glances up at the ceiling, acting as if she could see past the darkened and decaying wood. Actually, Ruth, in a way, can. She envisioned her bedroom from above to see emptiness.
What in the world? How can I see my room?
Copper, who was acting like a chill and happy puppy, suddenly growls. He snarls at the ceiling, barking, and growling.
"What's up there, Copper?"
Ruth then hears footsteps walking above her.
Someone is inside the house.
The pup barks then dash out of the room and towards the stairwell.
Ruth instantly follows, crying out to her and Pennywise's pet. "Copper, no!"
When she came around the corner, Copper is climbing up the stairs with difficulty. Ruth rushed over and scooped the growing puppy in her arms. He growls still while staring in the direction of her main sleeping quarters.
"Who's up there?" Ruth questioned.
No answer.
"Hey! You better answer me! Who are you, and what the fuck do you want?"
Still no answer.
Growing furious, Ruth started up the steps to kick someone's ass only to stop within the same beat. She stares ahead when Ruth suddenly felt a wave of déjà vu while standing on the steps with Copper. Ruth observed her surroundings, searching for something. Her eyes then land on the spot where she has stumbled over multiple times in the past year.
"Hmm," Ruth hums then started up the steps again.
She gently sets Copper down, who stayed by her side growling.
"Curious," Ruth mumbled and gripped the board.
Her eyes narrowed from an odd tingle rippling through her core.
Something is inside.
With a frown, she lightly heaved the board up and peered in.
In her mind, Ruth became the eyes of an individual looking down at the hollow space. She then sees a male hand come into view, settling an object wrapped in canvas with a sage leaf inside the rotting step. They spoke but in a different language. Ruth believes it might be Swedish.
"Thank you, old friend. Protect and watch over my little star."
Confused, maybe even a little disturbed from this strange vision, Ruth reaches inside. She gently scoops a bundle wrapped in canvas with a crumbled bow and the dried sage leaf. Ruth then faintly smelled death emanating from within. Ruth stares at the small object, growing even more bothered.
Copper growls and barks furiously at the bundle.
Ruth knows what this is, and she is honestly very much frightened by it, maybe more so astonished. She quickly stuffs it back where it belonged then rushed up the steps with Copper following right behind.
She quickly enters her bedroom then over to a closet where a lot of her father's belongings sat. There is some sort of clue on what is really happening here and why Ruth had that strange vision. Ruth found what she was looking for within seconds, plopping down on the floor with apprehension. Her nimble fingers unfastened a small, aged envelope and snatched the contents within. It's another letter from her father.
My darling, Vivian,
There will be a point in your life where you will doubt your existence. You must know you were born with a purpose. You are destined to bring balance for an old "acquaintance" when I was young of thirteen. I saw mine and your future when I was in a catatonic state. I would have died if a friend of mine, who was raised pagan, hadn't aided me in escaping its deadly lights. She gave me this amulet to provide me protection and guide me through life. It did just that for me, and I hope it will do the same for you. I feel you are going to need it.
Give Pennywise my regards. If he doesn't remember me, which I'm pretty sure he has forgotten by now, just call him Silver Monkey. :)
I love you, Vivian, so very much.
Papa
Ruth stares at the letter, mouth gaping, and eyes widened. Her hands apparently trembled since the paper shook. With a hard gasp, she glances at the dresser. She stood then rushed over, snatching the box she has yet to open. The letter gave away what laid within, and apparently, it's a pagan heirloom. Ruth then had to wonder if her father practiced the dark art. Come to think of it, Rutherford must have if he left behind a small offering to Pennywise. She can only assume it was human remains since Pennywise does eat children.
Ruth then had to wonder if she is by chance, a pagan. It would make some sense to a degree with Ruth drawing strange symbols whenever she is under extreme stress. It's not hereditary, but Ruth might have been brought up into the religion as well and undergone a ritual of some sort. Ruth believes her father done it to protect her when she was just a baby. Ruth would have to dig real deep into this outlandish theory, though, to know for sure. Except why does she realize this now?
Maybe, there is more to it than what she believes. Ruth did survive the deadlights. Like her father, when he was young, Ruth saw something as well. She remembers now. When Ruth was in a catatonic state, she envisioned her future, along with Pennywise's origins. Ruth saw how he came here, how he crash-landed here of what became Derry. Deadlights painfully awoke here and was alone. She saw how he slaughtered children to survive. He thrived on their fear. He even destroyed men who done barbaric acts, which Ruth honestly didn't mind his actions. She would have done the same if Ruth were him. Ruth also saw the red-cloaked figure she saw in her dream. He's the Crimson King, and he wants something of her, but what?
"Ugh, stop thinking about it. Jesus Christ, this is all so confusing. I'll figure it all out later," she tells herself.
"Yippie! A research project," the sweet voice sounds with excitement.
Ruth smiles gently at them, giggling then flips the jewelry box open to reveal an ornate pendant-like amulet. It's a bloodstone the size of a ping pong ball with brass wires forming an intricate spider with eyes of amber and ruby in the center. She gawked at the pendant, mesmerized at the amount of detail in the piece of jewelry.
"Wow," she whispered.
She blinked when Ruth noticed the small latch. With a gentle press, the cover pops open. Ruth gazes inside the locket, finding a picture of her father dated 1975, the year Ruth was born, along with an inscription.
"Protect your light, accept your darkness, and love your demons. There is only one you."
Ruth gaped then smiled proudly. She snaps it closed, then gently removed the heavy pendant from the box and drew the brass chain around her neck. It felt heavy laying on her person but is oddly warm to the touch. Ruth can feel the energy within the pendant give her strength and power.
Her father may have been long gone, but Ruth can somehow feel his presence. It's quite suddenly, too. It's as if the pendant opened or awakened something deep within her soul. She feels an ice-cold band around her arms, and something press against her back.
She shudders a sob, and eyes began to water, "Papa?"
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine," his voice suddenly whispered in her ear, singing.
"You make me happy when skies are grey," Ruth sang with him.
"You'll never know dear how much I love you."
"Please don't take my sunshine."
"Away," he finished.
Ruth's features contort into a sadden grimace, tears falling from her eyes.\
"Papa," she whimpered.
I am so proud of you, Vivian.
Ruth cries when she slowly felt his presence dissipate, leaving her in chilly silence.
Even across different planes, Rutherford's undying love for his daughter knows no bounds.
She sighs heavily, trying to get herself together. "What should I do then?"
You can fix this child. It's not too late, a different voice sounds in the silence.
The voice she heard this time doesn't belong to her father but someone else. It's the hooded figure, the Crimson King. Except, how could that be possible? He was just a vision, right?
Although he spoke the truth. Ruth can fix this, and she is determined to do just that, maybe even do a little more.
"Ooh, let's go have ourselves a little fun."
August is usually warm but never this boiling. Average temps range in the high seventies or low eighties. Today, it's an uncomfortable ninety-three freaking degree!
Why is it so fucking hot today? Fuck, Richie complained in his head as he peddled down the street.
With him is Bill, Ben, Richie, and Mike, who are all panting like dogs and sweating profusely.
"Phew! Damnit, it's hot! Where's the rain when you need it most?"
He glances over his shoulder towards his friends, watching their panic shift from frightened to determination. Bill went to Beverly's place and discovered Mr. Marsh unconscious, or maybe dead. He couldn't tell for sure since Bill didn't want to disturb anything considering the last time they uncovered something. Bill told Richie and the others that Beverly was abducted. They were also informed Pennywise left a bloody message on the wall.
"You'll Die If You Try."
Richie knew what that meant, and it scared him only a little. He likes Beverly like Richie does for Ruth.
They also believe the clown got a hold of Ruth as well. Mike told the group he discovered Ruth was missing this morning. He couldn't find her in the house or on the farm. So, initially, Mike believed his soon-to-be-girlfriend was abducted, too. Richie doesn't think that is the case. He knows Ruth loves clowns and would easily overpower the evil being for not believing such hokum.
Oh, whoa, now I'm starting to sound like her. Jeez, I need to hang out with the guys more often, Richie says to himself.
"Richie, watch out!"
Someone called out to him, disturbing his train of thought.
Confused, he turns his attention away from the guys to look ahead of him. Richie yelps, squeals to a halt, which he topples over, then lands on the ground in a heap, crying out.
Someone else makes a shrill of a yelp and jumps back.
"Holy Shinola, watch you're going, will you!"
The guys squealed to a stop as well, gapping at the person in front of them.
"Holy shit… Ruth?" Eddie gawked.
He stares at her with widened eyes while checking her out. Ruth is not wearing his favorite lime green blouse, but something entirely different from her usual wardrobe. She wore a flowy white cropped top with a bold embroidered floral design in shades of magenta, gold, and green at the v-neckline. The faded jeans Ruth wore sat right at the hips and showed off her flat, toned stomach. He zeros in on her cute, deep, and round navel, which Eddie notices the gold belly ring and blushes.
Holy, WOW! When did she get that? And is that a ruby she's wearing?
"You're, you're okay," Stan breathes, relieved.
Ruth's head twitches sideways, her shoulder-length wavy hair swooping sideways to expose her flesh.
"Of course, I'm alright, Stanley Bee. Why, wouldn't I be?" She questions him rather strangely and sickeningly sweet.
His mouth went dry, and palms sweated. Stan stares like Eddie is, suddenly growing hot in the cheeks at the sight of her toned stomach.
"Hmm, what? Oh, um uh blah."
Ruth lightly scuffs, smirking. "Did I break you, cutie pie?"
Stan fell silent and fidgets.
"Hubba, um, uh well," Eddie fumbles, directing Ruth's attention on him. He clears his throat before continuing. "W-we all thought that maybe you were captured. Mike didn't see you at home, Ruth."
"Oh, I woke up early and grabbed my camera to take some photos of the sunrise. Now, where are you cuties off to in such a rush?"
They were silent for a moment, really just trying to wrap their minds around Ruth's sudden appearance and peculiar behavior. Yet they are also quite stunned at how different Ruth seemed. There is this strange glow about her, especially the way Ruth smiled. It's not the same smile the group is used to seeing. Usually, Ruth forces herself to smile. This, however, is genuine. It's as if something or someone brought her new life.
"Boys?"
Stan, along with the others, snapped themselves out of their stupor to regard Ruth.
"Oh, um, we were just uh," Eddie started, stumbling over the rest of his words again.
"Um, you look really… pretty today, Ruth," Bill replies, without stuttering, then smiles fondly and growing pink in the cheeks.
The corner's of Ruth's mouth pull back even further into a toothy grin from the compliment.
"Well, thank you, Billy. You still didn't answer my question, though. Where are you all going?"
"Oh, we are just on our way to the Neibolt House," Ben answers casually with a smirk.
He misses the darkened gaze she had when Ben mentioned the house on Neibolt. It was there for a split second, though.
"That's a really cool necklace, by the way. Where did you get it?" Richie asked since he is the closest and stood straight.
He suppressed a grin but still grew pink in the cheeks and nods. Wow. I can probably swing both ways 'cause damn Ruth. You're looking good.
Ruth glances down at it, grinning wildly. "Oh, this is a gift from my father. It's a …family heirloom."
"Neat."
"Hey, wait a minute, I thought you were sick." Mike finally responds after a few short minutes.
They all curiously stared at her now.
"Wait, you are sick? Why are you out of bed then? Are you okay?" Richie bombarded with concern.
"Oh, calm down, Gray Water. I was sick, but I'm feeling so much better now."
He blinks, suddenly perturbed at her behavior.
"Um, are you sure you're okay? You seem," Richie paused to consider his words.
"Different. You seem different, Ruth." Stan responds.
She stares at them, her gaze shifting cautiously. Ruth doesn't say anything for about a minute, leaving the guys in uncomfortable silence as Ruth's grin spreads wider into a Pennywise-like smile.
"Different how? Is it not a good thing?" Ruth wonders, almost pouting.
"Oh, um, maybe. Are you sure you're okay? Maybe you should head home and get some more rest." Mike instructed, eyeing Ruth with a mixture of alarm and concern.
"I am perfectly fine, Mike," Ruth responds tightly. "Now, why are you going to the Neibolt House?"
Eddie cleared his throat when he noticed the sudden shift in Ruth's voice.
"Bill says the clown captured Beverly. We are on our way to rescue her. We could use your help."
Ruth's demeanor changed rather quickly at the mention of the clown.
"Oh, for Christ's sake! You nimrods still believe in this fucking imaginary clown of yours?" Ruth barks with fists on her hips.
Richie stared at her, confused.
What the hell?
"It's true, Ruth," Ben defends. "This creepy ass clown is for real. He_."
"Oh, come on, Benny Ben. I don't believe in fairy tails, and I certainly do not believe in murderous clowns. I swear, you kids need to get a grip on reality here. There is a whole lot worse in our world than something that is purely fictional. Why don't you all just go on to your clubhouse? I'm pretty sure that little slut is there waiting for you."
Ruth moves, slipping past Richie, Mike, and Stan.
"Whoa, hey, Beverly is not a slut. You should know that." Ben quickly defends as he turned on his bike seat.
"What's with you all the sudden? Why are you so defensive?" Stan asked her, observing Ruth.
Stan noticed something while Ruth spoke, and he is not exactly fond of his findings. Ruth is different but in a terrible way. It's like there's a switch going on and off.
Ruth glances at him or maybe sizing him up since her darkened gaze analyzed him critically.
"Why are you so concerned about me?" Ruth whispered.
He wanted to answer but feared Ruth would only do something to hurt him. The expression she has speaks volumes, it's vicious and threatening. So, Stan opted to remain quiet before forcing himself to look away and started pedaling down the street again. They don't see this, but Stan lightly wept. Whatever is different about Ruth made him afraid for her. Something is terribly wrong.
"Um, Ruth," someone called to her while she watched Stan leave in complete confusion.
Ruth glances over her shoulder at Mike, Bill, and Ben, then at Richie and Eddie.
"We really could use your help, Ruth. You're about the only one who hasn't encountered the clown yet. Just come with us and see him for yourself." Eddie pleads.
She sighs heavily, and gaze softens. "Why do you want my help? What could I even possibly do?"
"You're the strongest and probably the smartest person in the whole group. Well, other than Bill and Ben. You can help us defeat the clown. If you don't do it for Beverly, then do it for yourself."
"Why, though?"
"Do you not want to see him for yourself? I mean, come on, you freaking love clowns, Ruth."
Ruth heaves a breath, then glances past their shoulders. She watches as cars and the environment slowly grind to a halt. Ruth then has a vision, something that perturbed her more than anything.
Something is going to happen fairly soon.
"It would be interesting to see this supposed clown for myself, but I'm afraid I can't."
"Why not?"
"I have my reasons. Besides, there is something I need to do. Good luck, and ta-ta, lovelies."
Ruth swiftly turns, strutting away while humming and grinning wildly.
"Gay go up, and gay go down, to ring the bells of London town. Oranges and lemons say the bells of St. Clements," Ruth sing-songs.
The boys watched her leave, gapping at her strange behavior.
Richie's eye twitches and is the first to speak.
"Um, is it just me, or is Ruth acting weird today?"
"Uh, it's not just you. Ruth defiantly seems strange." Eddie answers, watching her still.
He then noticed the bandage on her left arm, even the way Ruth's fingers twirled and swooped as she continued to sing.
"You owe me five farthings," Eddie heard her sing.
"Well, whatever is going on with her, there must be some sort of explanation. We'll figure it later, though. Come on, let's go save, Beverly."
Ben forced himself to move, trying his best not to let Ruth get to him.
Bill and Eddie quickly follow after him. Mike trailed behind them while Richie watched Ruth a moment longer. He turns his concerned gaze off of her to catch up with his friends.
Without their knowledge, Ruth watched them retreat while she mumbled under her breath.
"Our lives are but specks of dust falling through the fingers of time. Like sands of the hourglass, so are the days of our lives. Three are about to run out."
Her prediction was correct. Ruth envisioned the bodies of Butch Bowers, Belch, and Victor slain by Henry's blade.
It saddened her to the point of crying. Ruth cared for both Reggie and Victor like true brothers. However, she felt no remorse towards Butch Bowers. He was an awful man.
Ruth then foresaw Henry falling into the well inside Neibolt and washing up in the Barrens. He was arrested for the murder of his father, along with the dozens of children that were missing. She also saw him spending the rest of his years in a psychiatric institution before Pennywise bailed him out twenty-seven years later. Ruth saw his death, which made her grin wildly and hums in satisfaction.
A forty-year-old Richie impaled him with an ax and in the library here in Derry.
"His death will surely be long overdue."
Ruth then headed in the direction of the Barrens, humming still.
An hour or so later
Well, this is embarrassing.
The seven youngsters gained up on Pennywise and are beating him to the ground. They are a lot stronger than he initially thought. Kidnapping the Marsh girl is a mistake as the boys came to her rescue. He didn't think they would since they disbanded. Apparently, he was wrong. Pennywise tried everything to strike back, even vomiting on Twitchy Eddie didn't help. He's actually having a hard time keeping up. He didn't think they would have this kind of drive.
As he fought with them, Pennywise couldn't help but think about Ruth. He wonders if she is alright. Earlier, Pennywise felt something off about Ruth and wanted to check on her. Except, Beverly captured his attention when Alvin Marsh attacked his daughter. He felt a compulsion to save the girl when Ruth was in a similar position. Except, Pennywise had to remind himself that the Marsh girl caused a lot of hardship on his precious and dear friend. Beverly deserved it anyway. He was going to take her out, along with the others.
Pennywise wants to kill them all and all for Ruth.
If they are eliminated, then he and Ruth, his Vivian Gray, could happily reunite and without being suspected. That's what he wants anyway. Pennywise desires Ruth back, especially after what had happened eight months ago.
He remembers the encounter as if it were yesterday. Ruth was afraid, but not of him. It was the situation they were in and how it was breaking her heart. Pennywise caused a lot of heartache on Ruth, hoping it would keep the growing girl away. Except, Ruth saw through him. She saw past the hurt and embraced him from behind. Ruth understood where he was coming from and what Pennywise was trying to fight.
Despite the confrontation between him and the Losers, an image of Ruth popped into his mind. Her beautiful, infectious smile beamed at him, and fiery hair like his own flowed behind her like flames. The natural glamour of the human teenager is a weakness yet a strength.
Vivi.
If Pennywise wants her back, then he must fight to see his precious Ruth again.
When they struck, Pennywise answered tenfold. He is not going to let a bunch of children beat him.
Except the Losers are much more resilient than him, determined, and are not afraid of him anymore. They advanced forward, forcing Pennywise to crawl backward after getting beat to the ground. He doesn't like cowering, or the fact Pennywise felt fear for the first time. He is afraid but for himself. Or maybe, Pennywise is more so frightened he will not be able to see his dear friend Ruth again. Pennywise loves Ruth. He doesn't want to leave her alone in this world.
Sadly, he must retreat defeated and all alone. Pennywise just hopes twenty-seven years from now they will meet again.
"He thrust his fist against the post," he mumbles under his breath, struggling to get away.
"Welcome to the Losers Club, asshole," Richie fumes.
He advances forward, hell-bent in killing the clown, and rose his bat.
Pennywise lashes out, nearly striking Richie but failed. The bat collides onto his shoulder, causing him to shout and growl in pain.
Vivi.
Richie swung at him again, but his actions were stopped short.
There is a vicious battle cry, and a whistling sound filled their ears. A hard plastic object collides into his jaw, along with the others, who yelped in pain and fell upon the dirty ground of the sewers, groaning.
"You stay the fuck away from him, you son of a bitch!" Someone shouts with hostility.
It took them a moment, but after getting their bearings, the Losers searched for whoever interfered.
Eddie is the first to find them. His jaw immediately drops, and eyes widened to dollars.
"What-what the fuck? Ruth?" Eddie stuttered.
Ruth stood before them with a Skip-It tied to a jump rope and has a battle stance, ready to strike again. She breathes raggedly as if she had run a marathon. The vicious glare Ruth has frightened the seven, which they cowered and failed to notice the darkening of her eyes.
"Harm one more hair on his head, I will kill you all!"
Dumfounded yet relieved and thankful, Pennywise stares at Ruth's back. He gapped at the vicious tone and the taught muscles of her arms and shoulders. The white gauge pad on her arm worried him as he can smell fresh blood. Yet something else stood out, which concerned him even more, is Ruth's tone of voice.
It's not hers.