A Game of Shadow and Blood
Disclaimer: I own nothing (unfortunately). All rights and characters in this fic belong to Clive Barker, and other respective owners and creators. I gain no profit from this; it's purely for fun.
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Chapter Two
Kirsty's sleepy head shifted over the comfy pillow. She clung to the warm blanket that draped over her warm body, protecting her from the cool morning air that blew through the open window. Dreams became a distant, fading memory as consciousness swept over her. A smile slowly formed on her face when she felt a tender hand stroke her cheek.
Pinhead sat on the edge of the bed, leaning over to caress Kirsty's body. He treated her like a work of art, though he knew she was so much more. The feel of her warm skin was intoxicating, especially when he knew that the reason heat radiated off her body was because of him and his actions unto her the previous night. Gently, he pulled down the blanket to reveal more of her flesh, and he took this opportunity to bow down and feather a string of kisses across her neck.
Instinctively, Kirsty rolled onto her back, closer to him so that he had a better angle to press his lips on her. The light of the rising sun outside shone through the edge of the curtains, warming her face and irritated her eyes until they finally opened. It took a moment or two for her to get used to the blinding light. A shadow loomed over her face, shielding her from the vivid glow. ''I would imagine you're quite exhausted.'' He said to her before kissing her gently.
She moaned against his lips and spoke groggily when they parted. ''You could say that. Yesterday was intense for many reasons.''
''But you handled it beautifully.''
''Then why do I…'' Kirsty started before pausing mid-sentence, trying to find the right words to describe how she felt. She gazed into his diamond-black eyes, almost getting lost in them. As her mind wandered, she trailed her finger down the centre of his strong, muscular chest. Faint drops of sweat still coated his body.
''Why do you what?'' Pinhead inquired.
After another moment to think of an answer, only to draw a blank, she sighed and shrugged her shoulders. ''I don't even know what I was going to ask.''
''How do you feel?''
''I'm not sure,'' Kirsty stated blankly. ''It feels like…it feels like…'' She hesitated and stuttered over and over, unable to get the right words out of her mouth.
''Draining?'' He offered an answer while cupping her rosy-red cheek. ''As if a part of you crumbles away at the end of each day?''
She nodded her head and slowly lifted her body up until she was sitting on her bed to directly face him at eye-level. He shifted away from her a little to give some space. ''Something like that.''
''You are making a valiant endeavour! Though as a Cenobite, morality shouldn't become a part of my way of exploring the limits of pain and pleasure, I admire your tenacity to punish the dark souls you bring to us. Why would you crumble inside if what you do is good?''
''That's the part I'm trying to figure out,'' She stressed before shifting the blanket off of her. Pinhead sat and watched as she got up off the mattress and walked out of the room, strutting over the discarded red dress that still lay on the wooden floor. Though she sounded calm and patient, he could tell by the way she marched past the door and into the bathroom that her mind was plagued by doubt and worry. ''It's like I can feel a piece of me breaking with every soul that I help you and the Cenobites take.'' She called out from the other room.
Once she reached the sink, she turned on the hot water tap and waited patiently for the water to fill the bowl. Warm steam emitted and thawed her cool hands and body that had been chilled by the morning breeze drifting through the window. She splashed the water against her face, wiping away the sweat and refreshing herself.
Rubbing her wet hands firmly to clean herself, Pinhead approached and stood by the doorway. Though she knew he was there to talk, she continued to wash. He waited patiently for her, able to tell that she was under some tension and needed time and space to gather her thoughts. As he waited, his eyes gazed upon her glorious naked figure from head to toe, marvelling at every curve, wrinkle and mark. A sly smirk appeared on his face, recounting the enticing sounds she would make whenever he touched or kissed certain weak spots of hers. By this point in their relationship, he could picture her body better than his own. He loved and cherished it that much.
While washing up, Kirsty couldn't help but steal a look towards Pinhead's own nude form. Despite being imprisoned in a desolate and cold realm of pain most of the time, he had the body of a lean, muscular athlete. With hard biceps, chiselled ab muscles, and not to mention a rather large appendage between his legs…that seemed to be growing as he stared at her, she couldn't deny the physical attraction.
She quietly laughed. ''I'm trying to have a serious conversation.''
''I'm listening.'' He teased.
''Listening and watching,'' She turned around slightly to grab a towel and pat her face. ''Enjoying the show over there?''
''What do you think?''
Kirsty grinned as she finishing drying her face and turned to face him, finding him eyeing down at her behind. ''Judging by that…'' She gestured towards his hardening member. ''I'd say you are.''
A chuckle escaped Pinhead before he approached her, and the confident smirk that dotted his pin-studded face disappeared. ''Going back to your query, over how you feel, perhaps the duties of being a Guardian to the box is straining on you.''
She nodded. ''That much I know. But it's why? Like you said, morally, I know I'm in the…'' She froze and considered her next words carefully, debating with herself in her own mind. ''I think it's morally right, what we do.''
''Morals have no concerns with me, other than your own safety and well-being.''
''Because I'm your box's guardian?''
''That is one reason, but the most important reason is that you are the fire to my existence. The reason my cold heart continues to beat.''
Kirsty allowed for time to let those words sink in. During her middle-aged life, she rarely received genuine words of praise or compliments. So whenever Pinhead would take the time to shower her with words of affection and admiration, she gratefully accepted them and felt her heart flutter. ''A simple 'because I love you' would have been easier!'' She said jokingly.
''I prefer to do much more than simply utter three words.''
Her lips curled upwards, realising he was now close enough for her to wrap her hands around him. So she did exactly that, pressing her body close against his and allowing them to rest their foreheads together. His hands tenderly stroked up and down her body, not in an attempt to entice her or show any kind of lust, but to comfort and console.
Complete peace and serenity filled the room. Pinhead titled his head to the side a little and leaned down to kiss her hard and passionately, almost lifting her off her feet from the force. She gasped, surprised but pleased with this action. Eventually, he reluctantly forced his lips away. ''It is human nature to question one's self. But know this, if you ever find yourself lost or unsure of yourself, I will always be a mere door away from you, to remind you of the powerful woman you are.''
''I know,'' She whispered back. ''I'm probably just feeling stressed-out. I will feel better later, I promise.''
It was now her turn to shock him by initiating the next heated kiss. She practically flung herself against him, lifting her leg up onto his hip. In sync with her movements, he ducked a hand underneath to hoist up her thigh, allowing his manhood to rub against her hot, soaked centre. Their gasps and moans grew louder, as Pinhead pushed her up against the wall, thrusting himself forward onto her.
However, before things could go too far, Pinhead's head turned sharply until he was looking at the puzzle box that sat on the bedroom cabinet. Kirsty followed his gaze, and sighed with disappointment, knowing what was happening. Although she couldn't feel it, she knew that there was something drawing Pinhead to the box, compelling him to come back within the realms of the Labyrinth. His God, Leviathan, was calling him home.
Pinhead exhaled frustratingly. ''I must return. I can't delay, otherwise, it would arouse suspicion.''
''I know,'' Kirsty mumbled. She felt like punching a wall right now after being teased and excited like this, only for the built-up anticipation to come to a complete halt. The chills that ran throughout still sizzled, and begged for some kind of passionate affair before he left. Just before he adversely started to leave, a cheeky idea formed in her head, and she grabbed Pinhead's arm to stop him. ''I'm sure five minutes wouldn't be too much of a bother.''
Pinhead stared at her in a perplexed, but very intrigued manner. ''And what exactly do you have in mind that would last five minutes. Because teasing me, and not finishing is a painful experience.''
She didn't answer him at first; instead, all she offered was a sly smirk before spinning him around so that now he was the one pinned to the wall. To keep him in place, she pressed her hands against his chest. ''Do you remember what you did to me last night? That thing that really made me scream?'' She winked.
Pinhead grinned widely. ''Oh yes, your taste was so sweet.''
''Well, I was thinking,'' She said huskily as her hands trailed down his body, raking her nails against his hard skin, feeling every bump and muscle on the way to his most precious area. Upon contact, curling her fist around it, Pinhead hissed in pleasure. Kirsty closed the distance until her lips were inches away from his. ''I wanted to return the favour.''
Before he could say anything else, Kirsty dropped to her knees and what she did next, earning a low growl of approval from the Lead Cenobite.
Pinhead strolled through the hallways of the Labyrinth. The slow rhythm of a booming bell echoed in the distant background, beyond the walls of the many corridors of this Hellish place. Dark shadows danced crossed barbed and bloody hooks and chains littered all around, while the cries of a thousand souls weeping for mercy were like a raging Symphony for the pin-studded Cenobite. However, the noise of pain failed to keep his attention for long, as his mind drifted back once again to thoughts of Kirsty. With each passing second as he walked on to meet with Leviathan, the memories of the night with Kirsty became more heated and erotic. What she had done to him just prior to passing through the Lament Configuration's door didn't help matters. The aura of lust and desire still dripped from him like blood from a fresh wound. Luckily for him, in a place like this, that wasn't unusual.
No, what Pinhead did fear, however, was Leviathan looking into his thoughts. Long ago had he gained the sickening notion of Leviathan or other members of the Gash finding out about how far his secret relationship with Kirsty went, and it plagued him to this day. His feelings towards the woman may have started off in a form of curiosity and lust, but over the years, it had turned into something much more, something he still couldn't fully comprehend himself. Love? The idea of love was not a foreign concept to a Cenobite, more...a futile concept. What would a Cenobite need with love? It was something that cleared the line between pain and pleasure brought on the souls that are damned to the Labyrinth.
For now, he couldn't cloud his mind with those thoughts, because he was about to meet his lord and master. The stone bridge stretched out until he reached the gigantic, diamond-shaped behemoth form of Leviathan. A black beam of light shone on either side of his figure and circled around. His sight was everywhere, nothing alluded him...or so he believed. ''COME FORWARD, MY FAVOURITE SON!''
Pinhead did as instructed, taking a few steps forward before bowing. His fist planted on the ground and resting on his knee, he lowered his head and stared at the ground beneath him. ''You requested me? Leviathan?''
''YOU SPENT MORE TIME WITH THE HUMAN THAN USUAL!''
''Forgive me, we were discussing a new possible soul for the guardian to bring us,'' Pinhead stated, trying to sound as convincing as possible. Though he appeared calm and in command to any other, it was not so easy to fool a near-omnipotent being such as Leviathan.
''THAT MATTER WILL WAIT FOR NOW! I HAVE A NEW MISSION FOR YOU AND THE GASH!''
Pinhead finally lifted his head to gaze upon Leviathan. ''A mission?''
''YES!''There was a pause before Leviathan continued. ''A ROGUE CENOBITE HAS ESCAPED FROM MY CLUTCHES!''
It was at that moment Pinhead's curiosity turned into full-blown confusion. ''A rogue Cenobite? Who? How?''
''THOSE ARE NOT CONCERNS FOR THE TIME BEING! WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE IS THAT THIS CENOBITE IS AN ENEMY TO OUR ORDER AND MUST BE STOPPED! THIS...TRAITOROUS RAT...''Leviathan snarled with earth-shaking ferocity. ''MUST BE BROUGHT BACK! I AM TRUSTING YOU AND THE GASH TO ACCOMPLISH THIS TASK!''
''Forgive me for prodding on, but what danger could this Cenobite possibly pose for you?''
The bell in the distant fell silent as if the Labyrinth was alive and listening carefully to this conversation. ''HE IS ENSNARING SOULS OF HIS OWN, AND BECOMING MORE POWERFUL AS WE SPEAK.''
''What? That is impossible!'' Pinhead said defiantly. His head lowered once again and his brain racked away at any scenario as to how this Cenobite was becoming such a threat that Leviathan would demand a hunt, and claim souls for his own independent purpose. ''Unless...'' He muttered when something came to mind.
A theory that Leviathan had clearly considered too. ''HE HAS SOMEHOW CONSTRUCTED HIS OWN LAMENT CONFIGURATION!''
''No Cenobite could do that alone! This rogue must have assistance, possibly from those who helped him escaped.'' His fingers pressed gently against his cold lips as he was deep in thought. ''This would cause utter chaos for our order.''
''WHICH IS WHY IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU FIND THIS ROGUE AND BRING HIM TO ME!''
Pinhead rose to his feet, pounding his hand hard against his chest as a sign of respect. ''I shape capture him, Leviathan. You have my word.''
''GOOD!''Leviathan proclaimed proudly. ''I ALSO WISH FOR YOUR BOX'S GUARDIAN TO ASSIST WITH THE HUNT!''
Pinhead froze once those booming words fell upon his listening ears. ''With all respect, if our guardian was to be injured or worse, it would...''
''IS THIS HESITATION AND DISOBIEDENCE FROM YOU? MY FAVOURITE SON?''
Pinhead knew it was useless to argue. Once Leviathan ordered for something, it was meant to be, and nothing could sway the God's mind. Pinhead may mask his true reason for keeping Kirsty safe and well behind other reasonable excuses, but to Leviathan, excuses were still excuses and something he didn't tolerate. The Cenobite couldn't allow any heartfelt emotion of Kirsty fill him for even a second, otherwise, Leviathan would tear him apart and put him back together before he could blink. He stared at his God was a determined expression. ''I will never hesitate or disobey an order from you, great Leviathan.''
Kirsty took one last sip of her warm coffee as she gazed outside the café window onto the street. People passed by without a care in the world, while cars struggled to move under the heavy traffic and constant change in the signal lights. Thankfully, the interior of her favourite morning spot was not as chaotic as the madness going on outside.
It was a cold, foggy day. The morning sun, which greeted Kirsty earlier, was now hidden behind clouds that stretched across the sky. Though, she had found a way to make her start to the day very hot with her lover. The memory caused a sly grin to form on her face. She figured that Pinhead would still be busy conversing with Leviathan, and so she went about her day hoping to pass as a woman without the burden she faced.
Over the years, travelling around England, Kirsty found herself altering between jobs. She had to find some way to put food on the table, and being Guardian of the Lament Configuration didn't come with a cheque at the end of the month. Her most recent venture was that of a retail worker which ended on bad terms a few weeks ago.
A fellow operative, a crude and slimy person to put it mildly, and an utter shit-head in Kirsty's own words, stepped over the line by trying to put the moves on her and had the balls to slap her behind quite roughly. She returned the favour by punching him in the face so hard he lost a few teeth. Unfortunately, he was a relative to one of the higher-ups, and so, Kirsty found herself on the unemployment front soon afterwards.
Wanting to take her mind off of things, she gazed around the café until she found a small TV playing up in the corner. Old-fashioned and clearly in rough shape, playing footage in black and white, and the sound a second or two late, with a dirty, little crucifix hanging from the aerial. Kirsty watched intently, as news footage was broadcast of the town mayor, whom the news banner named as Frederick Chapman III, giving a speech within the town square.
''Things are tough right now. But as mayor of this beautiful town, I intend to combat the problems we face. Employment rates are rising, with better and more equal pay for all. The drugs and violence on our streets have almost completely disappeared and will vanish altogether with my help. We will not have to worry about our children being indoctrinated by the whores who plague every corner. I am a family man. I have a wife that I adore and have adored for 20 years, and three beautiful children who will grow up in a safe environment. I will personally see it, that I fix this great town. That is the Mayor Chapman promise.''
''Yeah, right.'' Kirsty sarcastically mumbled and rolled her eyes.
Hearing enough empty words from an empty politician, Kirsty got up from her chair, threw her empty cup into the bin and left the café. She shuffled her coat to keep as warm as possible as the wind howled and whipped against her skin.
Even with the extra padding of her coat and jumper underneath, she was forced to rub her arms as she walked down the path along the line of derelict buildings. Either shut down due to low business or raided of stock, Kirsty was surprised the streets were lined up with people with nothing to see or do here.
Saying that though, Kirsty remembered what the main attraction for many would be in this town. She caught sight of a man chatting away with a scantily dressed woman on the other side of the road. It's the age-old myth that turned out to be true…sex sells. Kirsty couldn't help but smirk when she saw the woman slap the man and stomp away, clearly indicating that he said something to her out of tone.
She didn't want to say anything bad about the sex workers of this town. After all, she didn't know them personally. Perhaps some had fallen on rough times and needed the extra money? Or maybe others enjoyed sex with others? People's interests and pleasures varied, it didn't take being in a relationship with a Cenobite to learn that. Kirsty enjoyed sex as much as the next woman, who was she to say anything against anyone else? However, something she could admit to was how poorly she felt for them, being dressed in next to nothing while standing out in the freezing cold.
After rounding a corner, Kirsty nearly walked right into a rather tall red-haired woman, dressed in black leather, corset and stockings. The woman towered over Kirsty, aided by the fact she also wore very high-heels. Behind the tall woman, looking in the other direction was a woman in similar gear though coated in luscious red, and with bright blond hair.
Before she had a chance to walk around them, the taller woman gazed at Kirsty with seductive eyes and an inviting smile, with her body pushed forward slightly to show off a bit of cleavage. ''Hey sexy, you got nice legs…'' She eyed her up and down. ''What time do they open?''
Kirsty giggled awkwardly, because of the situation she found herself in and the cheesiness of that pick-up line. Although she turned to face the flirty woman, she didn't stop walking around her and the silent one next to them. ''Thanks, but no thanks, I'm already taken.''
The flirty woman merely shrugged her shoulders and turned to look the other way, though her playful smirk never left, perhaps hoping to cause some kind of excitement in Kirsty. Either way, no interest hooked Kirsty in, and she was already continuing down the street. She was at least pleased that the woman didn't take the rejection too personally, nor continued to pursue her. She'd had enough of dealing with lingering eyes or sharp-witted, vulgar remarks that were meant to be flirting.
''Kirsty?'' A timid voice was heard, causing her to stop in her tracks.
A feeling of nostalgia washed over Kirsty instantly upon hearing the quiet, but familiar voice. She quickly turned back towards the two women and come to a shock realisation after staring at the quieter one. It was as if the face was once a blur and now fully formed to reveal a face from the past. ''Tiffany?'' Kirsty gasped in disbelief.
A wide smile grew across Tiffany's face. Hundreds of memories flooded the minds of the two friends. Though Kirsty wished to return the smile to her friend, she found it difficult under the circumstances of their reunion. Without thinking before making her actions noticeable, her eyes seemed to burn through Tiffany and her attire, making the blond feel extremely self-conscious. ''It's been so long.''
''Yeah, it has,'' Tiffany replied simply.
Realising that she was staring, Kirsty diverted her eyes away and cleared her throat. ''I…uh…it's good to see you. What's it been? Ten years?''
''More like Thirteen,'' Tiffany mumbled. ''But it is good to see you…''
''Hey!'' Their moment was interrupted as the other woman snapped at Tiffany, who immediately lowered herself to make the other woman seem taller. ''We don't get paid to chit-chat.''
Quick to defend her old friend, Kirsty stepped forward. ''It's okay, we know each other.''
''So? I know a lot of people too, but I can't afford to stand around and talk with them all-day.''
The woman's tone infuriated Kirsty. It seemed that the pleasantries and flattery she displayed a few moments before were equal to her impatience. Before Kirsty to could say anymore Tiffany held up a hand to stop her before turning to her colleague. ''Amy, please.''
Amy's mouth opened as if more fiery words would come out, but all that emerged was a long, drawn-out sigh. She waved her hands carelessly before marching off. ''Whatever, do what you want. But you know he's not going to be happy.''
Now that Kirsty and Tiffany were alone, things should have gone easier. However, neither found it easy to speak. Kirsty was silent from confusion, and Tiffany mute out of something akin to shame. ''A lot's changed since we last saw each other.''
Picking up on Tiffany's uneasiness, Kirsty carefully placed a supportive hand on her friend's shoulder. ''There's nothing to be ashamed about with what you do.''
''It's just…this isn't exactly what I thought I'd be doing.''
''Why don't we grab some coffee? I already had some, but I don't mind if you haven't had any, we can find a place and catch up. If you want?''
Finding the courage to look Kirsty in the eye, Tiffany grinned shyly. ''That sounds nice, yeah, okay.''
''Great!'' Kirsty remarked happily. ''There's so much to catch up on. And…I have to warn of it, some of the things I'm going to tell you are going to be a little bit…surprising.'' She rambled nervously.
Tiffany stared at her with curious eyes and a teasing little grin. ''I'm sure I can handle it. I doubt anything can be more strange than running away from mutilated creatures of Hell.''
Kirsty took a moment to consider her next words, as she threw an awkward smile and rubbed the back of her neck. ''Like you said, a lot's changed since we last saw each other.''
To Be Continued…
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