Chapter 6 - The Merciless Tales of Temptation
. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . .. .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . .. . .. . . . . . .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . ..
That Friday after school Craig sat on the curb outside his school, hitting rocks with his notebook to pass the time. "Ugh!"
Binx frowned. "What's wrong?"
He turned to him, "Well my dad's really big on punctuality. Especially when it comes to going to some business dinner or a Saturday golf game." He hit another rock with his notebook. "But when my schedules on the line, I dunno it's like his watch stopped or something."
He hit another rock as his dad's car pulled in. Craig opened the door and turned to Binx, "Oh, now get ready for the big song and dance."
Binx hopped in after him, and sat by his feet.
Craig's dad looked at Binx. "They uh ... they allow cats at this drug center?" He teased a bit.
"Uh ..." Craig looked at his feet. "Yeah … Yeah dad it's fine …"
For the first few minutes of the drive it was quiet. Craig looked out the window while Binx laid at his feet. His dad glanced slightly at him before speaking, "Now what is this, uh so called drug treatment center all about?"
"I dunno." Craig replied, still looking out the window.
"Well what kind of a school sends kids to a drug center for a .. a school report?" He asked.
Ones who get in trouble with their teacher. Binx thought.
"How should I know?" Craig lied. "Ask my teacher, she's the one who set it up!"
"What ever happened to basic education?" Mr Binx turned back to the road until he had something else to say and looked back at his son. "Are you sure this little field trip is really for a school paper?"
Annoyed Craig shot back , "No dad, I'm really a drug addict!"
"Don't get smart with me, mister!" His dad snapped back. "I … I went to school too you know!"
Ugh . do we really need an argument now of all times … Binx put his paws over his eyes and shook his head slightly.
Mr Binx paused for a moment. "Bill told me he found some pot in Jeff's room, y ... you using that stuff too?"
Pot? Crack? Are these drugs or are they nouns?
"What is this, an FBI investigation!?" Craig shouted.
"I just wanna know what's going on!" His father demanded.
"Nothin'!" Craig shot back.
"Why does it feel like I'm pulling teeth every time I try to talk to you?" Mr Binx demanded again.
"Oh, I'm the one who's hard to talk to, that's interesting. That's real interesting!" Craig said. The car got closer to the treatment center. "There it is … Thanks a whole lot for the ride ..." He unbuckled hoping to get out of the car faster.
His dad pulled up to the front of the treatment center and stopped. As Craig and Binx stepped out, he spoke again, "I wouldn't be at all surprised if you hadn't gone off and tried some of those crazy drugs!"
He wouldn't be surprised if he hadn't? Perhaps he misspoke … but I doubt Craig would do such a thing …
He has spoken of it has he not?
Well yes but … I still doubt he lacks the moral willpower to partake in such a thing.
"What if I have?"
What was that about "moral willpower" again?
Binx felt the heat return in his back. Wh ... what? No ... no …
"I'll be here at five, make sure you're ready." His dad said, managing to get even more annoyed.
But ... but what his teacher said and I …
Craig slammed the door shut. "I'm taking the bus!"
I thought I could s … stop him before he … . before …
"Fine!" His dad yelled back. He kicked above the brakes and grumbled, "Bus …"
Doesn't it hurt to have your heart crushed?
The swirling colors formed into a man, his blond hair pushed back, and his blue eyes shining.
My lovely fiancee Ursula ran off to be with ape boy and it hurt so bad ...Your pain obviously doesn't compare to mine, but you feel it too. You remember all our pain because well … it's your pain now …. If you just let us in ….
No! I'll never let you in! I'm staying with Craig and keeping you … all of you, inside!
The apparition smirked. Well, I guess I'll see you when that uh … black … candle thingy or whatever it is, is lit … Then he faded away.
He was brought back to reality when he felt a touch on his back. "Hey Binx, you okay?"
He glanced over to see Craig, looking at him in worry.
"Y … yes I am fine." Binx lied.
"Sorry you had to hear that argument between me and dad." He pet Binx a bit more.
"Trust me, my father and I have had worse arguments." Binx reassured. He looked at the entrance then back to Craig. "Shall we go in?"
"Oh uh yeah. We're kinda early but uh we …we can wait inside."
The two headed in and sat down on one of the plush couches. Binx looked up at Craig. "Wh .. .. .. what you said to your father about drugs … did you … I .. I mean have you ..."
"Have I taken drugs?" Craig finished.
"Y … yes ... h … have you?" Binx managed to choke out.
Craig sighed. "I already told you I don't need this from you ..."
N .. no … I … I'm simply curious … I … promise I w …. won't preach to you about it ..." Binx sputtered out.
"Okay …Craig took a deep breath before answering. "... No I haven't …."
A huge wave of relief flushed over Binx.
" ... This party's going to be the first time I try it."
And the worry came back …. but this time Binx was unsure of what to say. Not only of his promise not to preach to him about it but if his teachers and even his own father couldn't convince him, what hope did he, a distant family member he just met the other day, have?
"O .. .. oh." Was all Binx managed to say.
Craig looked at the clock on the wall and grinned. "Six hours and counting till party time …"
Oh … good …
The door opened and a receptionist came out. "Mr Binx?"
Binx almost replied out of habit, but luckily for him Craig spoke up first. "Yeah, that's me."
"You can come in now." she said.
Binx and Craig headed in.
Binx heard many terrifying stories the five and a half hours they were there. Many of the words spoken sent shivers and flames simultaneously down his spine. Horrifying words, these people hurt so badly by crack. Binx had never heard such chilling stories before, and he knew they wouldn't leave his head any time soon ….
.. … .. . . . . .. ….. . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . .. . . .. . .. . .. . .. .. . . . . … . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. .. … .. .. .. .. . .
When they left Binx was relieved.
The two sat on the bench at the bus stop in silence. A few minutes later a red bus pulled up. On it's side were the words Salem Bus Lines with two fancy arrows pointing either way.
The bus opened its doors. "Looks like you're the only ones riding this late."
Craig nodded and showed the man his bus pass.
"Cute cat, can I pet him?" The bus driver asked
Craig glanced at Binx who nodded.
"Yeah, sure, go ahead." He said
Binx purred as the bus driver pet him, then he headed to the back with Craig, knowing it would be the most out of earshot of the driver. They didn't talk for a few minutes until Craig finally broke the silence, "Hey Binx?"
"Yes?"
"Did you .. .. ... Did you ever try opium?"
"N .. … … no of course not. I didn't want my life ruined like many others had theirs … .. .. Besides I had to look out for … .. .. Emily … .. … ." He sighed. "I don't even dare to think how worse thing could have gotten if I was high on opium that day … .. … the thought that could have even been a possibility hadn't occurred to me until fairly recently …. … .. I couldn't even possibly fathom such a thing … … ... But despite that I .. I still wasn't there for her .. …. .. ..."
Craig frowned and gently pet his back. "It's okay Binx … …. ..."
"I wasn't high, but I still wasn't there for her! I was too late and … .. and they got her."
"Binx, you did everything you could." Craig said. "You tried to save her."
"But I failed!" He sniffled. "I could have done so much more if .. ..."
"Binx, please .. ... It's not your fault, it's theirs. They were wicked, horrible witches, and you were brave to even stand up against them, hell you still are! Binx, you're probably the only defense we have if The Sanderson Sisters return!"
When they return, we will too. We will be right beside them once the Black Flame Candle is lit, ushering in a new era of The Sanderson Sisters. They will take over, taking the souls of all the children, gaining eternal youth. They are our queens of sin , and we are their servants. Although youth is taken, Craig shall be the first to go, we're sure they'll make an exception for such a terrible boy … .. .. perhaps the same curse placed upon you will be placed upon him … … .. However he will not be as lucky as you, unable to serve our queens … … …. Isn't it wonderful Thackery Binx?
Binx shook his head and looked Craig in the eyes, smiling a bit. "You're right. I'll never let them return , but if they do … .. I'll do whatever I can to stop them … .. for Emily " He paused for a moment. "And for you … .. and for all of Salem! I won't let The Sanderson Sisters return!"
The bus arrived at the next stop and they got off. "Thanks for the ride."
The bus driver tipped his hat , "No problem!" He closed the doors and pulled away.
"The party's just a few blocks away." Craig said. "Come on."
The two walked down the sidewalk until they reached a house with all it's lights on. Even from the outside they could hear the beating of music and the loud chatter of the partygoers.
"I suppose there are no moms at this party." Binx joked.
Craig laughed a bit. "Yeah, I guess it is a little bit loud."
They went up to the sliding glass door. Binx put his paw on it and eyed it curiously. Inside he could see a few students he recognized from the high school huddled together with drinks in their hands. Binx looked back to Craig. "Won't this break when you knock it?"
"Hardly. Besides it's a party, we can just go in." Craig explained
"I see … .." Binx said as he eyed the other students again.
Craig opened the door and walked into the kitchen, Binx by his feet. Teens about Craig's age were gathered around, drinking beer out of clear, plastic cups. Craig greeted some of his classmates with handshakes and hugs, and eventually was handed a cup.
The familiar smell of barley filled Binx's nose as he shuddered in disgust. As Craig walked into the foyer he took a sip, but underage drinking was something of up with which Binx would not put. He felt Nuka's power rush through him as he extended one lion claw and poked Craig's leg slightly. Getting the picture he passed his cup off to a guy in the laundry room, sitting on top of the washer.
"Sorry about that Binx." Craig whispered in apology.
"It's fine." Binx said, quiet enough so no one could hear him, which was aided heavily by the loud music and chatter. "But I don't want you taking ill at this party."
"Thanks for looking out for me, buddy." Craig said as he leaned down to pet him.
…. … …. ….. ….. … … ….. … … … …. ….. …. … . … …. … ….. ….. …. …. …. ….
When they got to an empty room Craig looked down at Binx and sighed heavily. "They said they're doing it upstairs."
"Craig … .. " Binx frowned.
"I … .. I'm gonna try to talk them out of it." Craig explained.
"Do you need any assistance?" Binx offered, now relieved.
"No I … .. I think I'll be fine. You just go enjoy the party and we'll catch up later, all right?" Craig said.
Binx paused for a moment before nodding. "All right. I'll see you later."
Binx went to the kitchen, while Craig headed upstairs.
There were a few kids circled around the door, and some even in the nearby bathroom, drinking beer , hoping to be good enough to be let in and join the "special event". Craig went over , gripped the handle, and knocked loudly over the music.
A few moments later Jocko opened the door. "Where you been Crank, we told you nine o' clock." He started pushing Craig in through the doorway.
"Crowds make me nervous .. .. ." Craig said, knowing full well that's not where this nervousness was stemming from, or why he was late. He wasn't going to tell him he just had a heart to heart with the town legend about drugs.
Before he closed the door Jocko glared down the crowd huddled in front of the door. "Uh hey little ones, uh milk and cookies are downstairs." Then he closed the door.
"Come on!" Protested the boy.
"So rude!" Said a girl wearing a blue dress.
"I can't believe him!" Said the other girl.
… … .. … . . ….. … … … …. … …. ….. ….. … ….. ….. … ….. …. …. .. .. .. .
Inside the room they exchanged pleasantries and sat in a circle on the floor. A small radio was playing music in the corner, no doubt to "enhance" the trip. The bong was handed to Jocko.
"Okay, I'm gonna let my best bud take the first crack!" He started handing the bong to Craig.
"Uh, listen Jeff." Craig said as he put the bong down. "I really don't think we should smoke this stuff."
Jocko scoffed a bit. "I love it. You're a comedian! What should we do, eat it?"
"No joke, really." Craig said, trying to muster up all the seriousness he could. "I met some kids at the treatment center today," And one of our town's biggest legends, "that were so ..."
"Man forget those losers!" Jocko interrupted.
"Hey Jocko, just believe me it's not worth it. This stuff is crazy …" Craig continued.
"Crank, spare me the lecture, I hear all that garbage at school!" He sighed. "Look, if you don't wanna get high, if you don't wanna party … just say so!"
"I …. don't wanna get high … " Craig mustered out.
Jocko paused for a second before he exhaled deeply. "Fine …. .. Like I said, milk and cookies downstairs."
Craig stared at him for a moment before getting off his knee and heading to the door.
Jocko shook his head. "You're a major disappointment dude."
"Later Jocko." He spat back.
"Yeah, much later punk." Jocko picked up the bong and handed it to the girl on his left.
Craig stopped in the doorway and turned back to them. Maybe I was a bit rough on him. He's still my friend, right? "Hey .. .… I'll see you on Monday." Jocko didn't acknowledge him and just lit the bong for the girl. Craig closed the door. He stood there for a moment. I did it Binx , I did it
…. … .. …. …. …. …. …. … … … … … . … .. .. …. … … … … … … …. … …. …. …. …. … …
Inside the room one of the girls sighed as she stood up.
"Brandy? Where are you going?" Jocko asked.
"He's right ... I .. … I can't do this … .. ..."
Jocko glared. "Fine … .. .. Like I said … .. ..."
"Yeah , yeah , milk and cookies downstairs , I know, I know .. …" She sighed as she left the room. She saw Craig still standing there and tapped his shoulder. "You like dancing?"
Craig smiled. "I … .. I'd like to." He grabbed her hand and headed to the living room to dance with her.
Well we're dancing with the house on fire!
The walls melting down, making it hotter!
Dancing with the house on fire!
Burning down!
They danced a while until Craig caught a glance of the time on the big grandfather clock in the corner of the room : Twelve o' Clock.
"Ugh, it's midnight! I .. ,.. ... I gotta go."
Brandy giggled. "Okay Cinderella. You wanna come over tomorrow?"
A blush formed on Craig's cheeks. "Y .. ... yeah I'd like that … ..."
"All right." Brandy leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "I'll see you then."
…. … . .. .. …. .. .. . .. . … …. ….. … ….. … … ….. .. ….. ….. .. …. .. ….. …. .. .. .. …. .. … … .. .
If Binx learned anything else that night, other than the obvious "coke is bad", it was that people loved cats. People kept feeding him snacks like chips, meat from meat and cheese platters, pretzels, someone even got a bowl of milk for him.
"Hey cutie!" One of the girls giggled, leaning down to pet him.
Binx purred and relaxed a bit. I do say, I quite enjoy this.
Full and content, Binx hopped onto the couch and settled down for a nap.
…. …. … … … .. ….. … .. . .. … . . .. . . … .. … .. . . .. . .. . . . …. .. .. . . …. .. . . . … . . .. … . . .. . .
As soon as his eyes closed the visions returned.
The man who his subconscious was telling him was named Lyle Van de Groot approached. He leaned down and tried to pat Binx on the head, but he hissed and pulled away.
"Oh come on, I thought we had a good conversation earlier." He pouted
"You were wrong!" Binx hissed. "You were wrong about Craig! I'm proud of what he chose to do!"
"How do you know he actually followed through on what he promised?" Asked a voice from the shadows.
Binx looked over as a tan lioness with a missing ear chunk approached.
"Zira .. …" Binx hissed. How did I know her name?
"Because .. … we … ... are one.' She sneered as she approached. She gripped Binx's chin under her paw. "And because of that, we both know we can easily be betrayed."
Even more visions suddenly filled Binx's head. Ones of a brown lion and a golden lioness ending a war during a rainy dawn. Separating Zira's army from her, including her own very loyal daughter, and forming one peaceful Pride.
"No!" Binx pulled back. "Kovu did what was right and you know it wretch!" What am I talking about? How do I know this? It feels as if I were … there myself …
Zira snarled. "How dare you speak to me that way!"
She was about to lunge forward, but an orange lion with a black mane and a scar over his eye put his leg out in front of her. "Zira, my love, fighting with yourself isn't going to solve anything."
"O … .. of course my king!" Zira closed her eyes and bowed to him.
The lion approached Binx.
"G … .. get away from me Scar!" Binx pleaded as he took a shaky step back. He bumped into someone else and turned around quickly.
The evil queen, endorned in purple and black gave him an icy glare. "Why are you even trying to deny this? Someone you loved dearly can hurt you … .. trust me … ... He probably lied and didn't actually listen to you."
"I know he did! I trust him!" Binx hissed
"But why should you?" Another voice spoke up. Binx looked over to see a frail , older woman who looked like a dinosaur mixed with a cat. From behind her purple dress was a silvery white cat tail. "Why … .. trust anyone?"
"Hey Yzma!" An overly excited voice called.
The dinosaur woman looked over to see a well built man wearing a chef hat, come out holding a plate of something that seemed to resemble a pastry, but they sure didn't smell like one.
"Hey Yzma! You gotta try my fresh batch of spinach puffs!" He stepped on the dinosaur lady's tail , and she let out a sound akin to that of a hiss.
She pulled away and ran off into a corner , striking her long , sharp nails in the air like claws and "hissing" again. She looked back at Binx. "I made the mistake of trusting the oaf multiple times and he's let me down many times .. … both intentionally and not .. …"
She pounced over to Binx and looked him straight in the eyes, her tail twitching back and forth. "But … .. if you really do trust him .. … why don't you go check just in case?"
Binx sighed. "Fine I will … and I will prove you all wrong ..."