A red wooden door stood amongst jutting black rocks and a black fog. The door stood frameless amongst the protruding spikes of rock. The javelin of rocks jammed their points against the door, jamming the crimson door closed. The dense spears of rock surrounded the door, their tips pressing against the door with a seemingly endless force.
The fog was still and thick while it enclosed the area. The door being in the epicenter, the spears got larger in waves as if the door was a stone dropped into a lake.
As still as the air had been, it became just as powerful in return. Wind began to howl around the door as the fog became a hurricane, and the door the eye of the storm. The thorn-like stones vibrated as they gained a life of their own and heaved themselves even more relentlessly into the door, beginning to penetrate the scarlet door.
To the same degree the storm had come, the air became still once again. The fog began to fall away without the aid of the wind, as if afraid. An unsettling feeling advanced in the atmosphere.
There was then a knock on the door.
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Jack awoke with the feeling of spring surrounding his senses. A smile spread across Jack's lips as he inhaled the sweet scent of spring air. He went to stretch his arms out and discovered one was stick underneath a warm heavy object. Confused, Jack opened his eyes slowly. A feeling of elation swarmed his senses as he took in the sight next to him.
Aster's mouth was agape, drool threatened to drop onto his mattress. Jack laughed lightly at the amusing man. Jack tugged his arm lightly to get it out from underneath Aster. Aster grumbled something and turned away from Jack, allowing him to free his arm. Jack quickly retracted his arm and held it close. He sat up slowly, and rubbed his now free arm that had gone numb. He waited until his arm was no longer numb and stood out of bed. As he made his way out of his bedroom he took one final look towards Aster. I can imagine mornings like this for a long time.
He smiled as he walked down the hall towards the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. He stopped in the living room when he noticed Eathan laying on the floor, fast asleep.
"Huh, okay." He gave a quizzical look before continuing to the kitchen. "Shit." He looked around his empty kitchen. "Better call some movers." He looked to the counter, "After I buy a coffee pot." He startled when another voice entered his own conversation.
"I wouldn't expect to live in this very long, prey." The creature was leaning up against the counter next to Jack.
Jack rolled his eyes to mask his fear, "Oh, quite contrary."
The Beast pushed itself away from the counter, its black flesh was torn, revealing its muscles beneath, "It's almost time."
Jack gave a confused look, "I thought I had a few more months?" His tone full of worry.
The monstrosity shook its head, "Unfortunately for you, it's been moved up. The end of your month."
Jack threw his head back, "Fuck."
The beast grabbed Jack's shoulder, "It could be today."
Jack let the pain seep into his bones as he spoke, "Who was the woman?"
The beast's blackened eyes went wide, "She's found you has she?"
Jack titled his head with a smile, "She worries you does she?"
The beast tightened its grip, "She of no concern!" The beast shoved Jack to the ground.
Jack winced at the pain of hitting the tile floor, "She sure seems like a concern." He smirked at the monster looming over him.
The creature zoomed into Jack's face, its body mere inches from his, "She will be-" the beast cut off its words and its eyes went distant for a moment. It gritted its jagged, needle-like teeth, snarling as it spoke, "dealt with." With its final words it was gone as quickly as Jack could blink his eyes.
Jack sat up on his elbows and looked around the kitchen. He sighed, not the best way to start the day. He stood and made his way to the front door. He grunted as he remembered he left his cellphone in his room.
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The Elder stood tall as he watched the javelin of rocks shatter with the force of a avalanche. The Elder didn't flinch as the shards of rock sliced against its skin. He took a step forward, awaiting for the powerful force on the other side to come through.
There was another knock at the door. The Elder didn't move as the knocking continued. He knew whatever was knocking was going to open the door eventually.
As if on cue to its thoughts, the door burst open, splintering as it blew away. The slivers of door stuck into his skin like tiny daggers. He took a deep breath and prepared himself for what was about to step through the now open gateway.
He took in the sight before him; a solidly built woman, wearing a red dress, it cut off at her mid-thigh, her hear was chestnut, and her face held a stern expression.
"Hello Elder." Her voice was firm.
"Hello Amari." His voice unyielding in her head.
"Straight to business?" She asked flatly.
"Why don't we come to that later. First things first, how did you find this door?" His tone demanding.
She shook her head, "I don't think you need to know. Well, business is next." Her tone uncompromising.
The Elder took a step forward, trying to be threatening, "I know what you want! You cannot save this one, Amari!" His voice full of rage.
Amari took a step forward, unfazed by the Elder's tactic to scare her, "So furious, as usual." She took another step forward, "I will save this one."
The Elder took a step back, "You haven't come to save one for many centuries, why this one?" His tone trying to be intimidating.
She looked to the black sky, "This one is different."
The Elder didn't move, "What makes him so important to you?!" His voice curious and angry.
She shrugged her shoulders, "I'm not sure, but I know he's important to you." She took several steps toward the Elder, "I mean you've been preparing for him for decades."
The Elder watched her closely, "How would you know what we've been up to here?" His tone placid.
"Oh, I'm always watching. Watching you in particular." She stated with a wicked smile, revealing sharp teeth.
The Elder took a step away from her, "Let me shed some light on that for you then, my lovely wife. If you would like that is?" he put emphasis on 'wife'.
She stopped stepping toward the Elder, "Please, dear husband, tell me why he is so special to you." adding the same emphasis on 'husband'.
"This prey is special because, unlike the others, he is not food."
She scoffed, "And why isn't this one food?" her tone mocked the Elder.
His expression turned to anger, "He is my replacement!" He threw his long tentacle arm toward Amari.
She simply swatted it away with the simplicity of swatting a fly away. She smiled at his weak attempt at an attack, "You know I'll win if you wish to fight me in your anger."
He retracted his arm, "It infuriates me that you want to save this one. My replacement! Why do you want to keep me trapped here!?" His voice held an angry wrath and sorrow.
She stepped up and reached her hand towards his face. The Elder leaned his head down into her hand as she spoke, "Because my love, we both know what would happen if you were to be replaced."
The Elder opened his mouth to speak, "Not one of my charges knows of why he's so important. I just want to be with you again." his voice deep and singular as he spoke to her.
She smiled sadly, "I know love. I know you do. But the destruction of this world is not a price I'm willing to live with."
He nodded into her hand, "I love you. And I will live with the price. I do not care what happens to this world if I get to be with you."
She pulled her hand away, her face forbidding, "I will save that boy." She kissed her hand pressed it to the Elder's malformed cheek, "I love you, but not at the cost of this world. This world is too important for both of us to destroy."
The Elder closed his mouth, "I know. And I'll do all I can to bring us together. And you'll do all you can to save this wretched world."
She smiled as she turned back to where the door had been, "That's right my love, we'll fight in an invisible war and the outcome, be what it may when it comes, know that I love you." With those words she raised her arms and reassembled the door, pulling the wooden fragments from the Elder's skin. As it came back to its whole self, she opened the door. She turned to look one last time at her husband before walking through and closing the door behind herself.
The Elder huffed out a sigh and raised both his arms, sealing the door with the spears of stone once again. A mourning expression at the thought of knowing a knock would not be heard upon that door for a very long time.
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Eathan awoke with a start, sitting up too fast made him light headed. He grabbed his head until it subsided. He looked around the bare room he was in. This room could use some brightening up. He stood and made his way to the kitchen. Oh, this room devoid of things too. I wonder where Aster went to… He made his way down the hallway, looking in each room as he went. He finally made his way to the last bedroom, and there Aster was, sleeping like a rock.
He walked up to Aster and shook him, "Hey Aster, the sun is up, why aren't you?" Aster grunted in response, "C'mon Aster, wake up. I'm bored."
Aster stirred, "Bummer." His voice was rough.
Eathan snorted, "You're a bummer."
Aster swatted his arm feebly around him, "Go away, I'm sleeping."
Eathan shook Aster once his arm went back down, "No you're not. C'mon, I want coffee, and Jack doesn't have a coffee pot."
Aster's eyes opened, "No coffee pot?" Aster sat up, "Let's go get some."
"That's the spirit. C'mon." Eathan pulled Aster's arm to get him out of bed.
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Jack browsed around the coffee pots at the local super-center, wondering how much he really wanted to spend on one. When he felt a tap on his shoulder he quickly turned around to see who had touched him. A perplexed look crossed his face as no one was around. When he turned back towards the coffee pots he jumped back when he saw the woman from the elevator leaning against the shelf with a smile on her face.
"Uhh…hi?" Jack said confused.
"Yes, hello Jack. How have you been?" The smile seem plastered to her face.
"Uhh…Fine? Who are you?" He asked stepping away from her.
She made no move to take a step forward, "Oh I never introduced myself did I? My name is Amari." She held her hand out for Jack to take.
Jack hesitantly shook it, "Well, uhh…I don't know what you want, but I'm gonna get going." He turned around and took a step forward, only to stop when she was there.
"Jack, I have a proposition for you." She stated, her smile never faltering as she eyed Jack.
Jack took a few steps back, "What kind of proposition?"
She continued to grin at Jack, "How would you like to be free of the Elder?"
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Aster and Eathan sat across from each other in the small coffee shop, conveniently located a few blocks away from Jack's house. They sat in a comfortable silence as they sipped their coffee. Aster watched the line at the counter get longer as people paraded in.
Eathan broke Aster out of his trance, "Did Jack come home last night?"
Aster stared as he processed the words that broke his daze, "What? Oh, yeah."
Eathan hummed, "I wonder where he went…" He let his voice trail off, thinking of where Jack would go.
"'E's prolly at work." Aster stated as he saw Eathan try to figure it out.
"Oh right, he has that." Eathan stated slightly embarrassed, "I wasn't thinking I guess." Eathan shrugged his shoulders.
Aster smirked, "We could go ta visit him?"
Eathan shrugged again, "Meh, I have a feeling that if he's at work, he's gonna be too busy for visitors."
Aster nodded, "True, the larrikin works too much."
"Won't disagree with that." A thought popped into Eathan's head, "How is your work comin' along?"
Aster leaned back in his chair, "Good, got a few commissions, so that'll keep me busy." Aster leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, "What about ya? What's goin' on with ya work?"
Eathan face palmed, "Shit. I haven't called them." He groaned and slid down his chair.
Aster laughed, "Ya bettah' call then, mate. See if ya still got your job."
"I'll be honest," He sighed, "I hate my job."
Aster scoffed, "So? It pays don't it?"
Eathan shrugged, "I guess so. I don't even want to give them a courtesy of calling. They're all assholes anyway."
Aster scoffed again, "Ya gotta call. Don't be an asshole like them."
Eathan sighed, defeated, "Yeah, I suppose you're right."
Eathan reached into his pocket to grab his phone, "Shit." He muttered as he felt the absence of his phone around his pockets, "I don't have my phone."
Aster grabbed his phone from his pocket and handed it to Eathan, "'Ere ya go."
Eathan waited as it rang on the other end, "Hello?" Aster couldn't hear what the other person was saying, "Yes, this is Eathan James, I would to talk to Mr. Quinn. Yeah, I'll wait." Eathan looked to Aster as he waited for his boss to come to the phone. Aster smirked as Eathan looked frustrated at the wait. Finally after several minutes, "Hello, Mr. Quinn? This is Eathan James? I work the night shift in the art supplies department, I am calling to inform you that I can no longer work there as of late, as I am actually in…" He looked to Aster hoping for the name of the city. Aster got what he meant and mouthed the name, "I'm in Cheshire City. I got here a couple days ago." Eathan waited as the man talked, "Oh, I see. Okay. Sounds good. Bye." Eathan hung up the phone and handed it back to Aster.
"What they have to say?" Aster inquired.
"Well, they had already planned on firing me. And that my last paycheck is already in my account." Eathan said nonchalantly.
"Well, that sucks." Aster said coolly.
"Nah, I mean, They cut my hours back and it was bound to happen anyway." Eathan shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, should we get headed back? Or are ya just gonna find another job here?" Aster asked, curious.
Eathan stood, "Let's walk around the city, and I can fill out a couple applications while we're already out."
Aster nodded, "Sounds good ta me, mate."
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Jack stood, dumbfounded at Amari's explanation of her proposition. Jack really didn't have to do anything. She had told Jack that she would be helping him along the way. And that she knew his time was shortened. Amari hadn't said what she was going to do to help him, just that Jack had to ignore the creatures as much as he could. He was surprised when she said that he even had to ignore the ones that had helped him. Jack really didn't have to do much. She said she would handle most of the problems. Amari failed to elaborate on what problems she would handle, which made Jack question her motives and wondered if she had an ulterior. She had left a while ago, leaving Jack in the coffee pot isle to think it over. Before she left though, she said that she would be knocking on his door very soon. Lost in thought, Jack absentmindedly grabbed a coffee pot off the shelf and made his way to register.
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Aster and Eathan were halfway home when Eathan spoke, "Hey, Aster?" Aster hummed in response, "Are we even headed in the right direction?" After taking so many turns through the city, Eathan had become disoriented.
Aster glanced around, " yeah this like the right direction."
"Okay, as long as you know where we're headed." Eathan looked around, trying to remember if they had passed these buildings. "Are you sure? I mean we walked an awfully long way away from the coffee shop to get to the city."
Aster nodded, "Yeah, up around this corner should be the café. And then it's basically a straight shot to the house."
"Okay." Eathan's tone was very unsure.
They turned the corner where Aster had said the coffee shop should be. And low-and-behold, there it was.
"See, I told ya."
Eathan nodded, "Thankfully one of us knows where we're going."
"Is that Jack?" Aster pointed ahead of them to a white haired man stepping out of the coffee shop with a few bags.
"I think so." Eathan squinted his eyes, "Let's see." Eathan cleared his throat, "Jack!" He yelled very loudly, hurting Aster's ears.
The man turned and looked around. Spotting the two he waved and waiting for them to approach. As they two men got closer Jack walked to the curb and put the bags inside a taxi. It looked like he said something to the driver and then walked toward them.
"Hey, guys, what are you doin' out?" Jack asked in a quizzical tone.
Eathan spoke first, "Filled out some applications for places and got coffee."
Jack nodded, "I see. Well, I just grabbed some coffee and filters. Picked up a new pot today when I realized I had been lacking one."
Aster laughed lightly, "Well, good. It's a bit late for coffee though ain't it?"
Jack looked to the sky, "No, the sun is still out."
They laughed as Jack offered them a ride home which they gladly accepted.
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As Jack closed the door behind them, allowing Aster and Eathan to walk onto the house, there was a knock on his door. Confused he turned quickly and opened it just a crack.
Peeking through the slight crack, "Hello?" Jack said as he got a better look at who was there.]
"Jack, it's me, Amari." The woman stated as Jack opened the door all the way.
Jack gave her a slight wave, "Hi, C'mon in." Jack gestured her to enter his home.
"I'd rather not." She stated flatly. " I came to ask what is your final decision?"
Jack smiled, "Isn't obvious? I'm already ignoring the one standing in my living room, watching us have this conversation." He shrugged, "I mean, I'd rather not be…" He trailed off trying to remember what he was told, "Well, I don't exactly remember what I was told was going to happen to me, but I know I wasn't scared after hearing it." He said as he looked into the distance, the escaped memory frustrating his thoughts.
"Hey, Jack, who's at the door?" Eathan strolled up behind Jack and looked at the woman. HE gave her a strange look, "Have we met before?" The woman was silent as she struggled to remain calm as she stared at Eathan. "You look really familiar." He pointed at her and gave a look as if he was trying to remember who this woman was.
She regained her internal composure before speaking, "I don't think so." She stated flatly. She looked to Jack, "Okay, so now that you've lied to me, I'm not sure I'm going to continue this matter with you today. I'll be by tomorrow. To see if you've re-evaluated you're choice today." She stated before she turned and began to walk away.
Jack held out a hand to her, "Wait!" He half-heartedly shouted to her.
She turned sharply, "Yes, Jack?" Her eyes on Eathan until he felt too uncomfortable and turned and walked away from Jack.
"Is there anywhere private we could meet-up and talk?" He asked her, the hope in his voice dimming.
She was quiet in thought for a moment, "Yes. Meet me where Aster was shot." She stated before she was gone in a blink.
Jack stood befuddled in his doorway for a moment before a shout from Aster stirred him from his confusion and he turned quickly, shut the door, and went to go investigate what had made Aster shout.
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-A Few Hours Later-
The three men were sitting on the floor in Jack's living room, staring at the wall. Each lost in their own thought.
Jack and Aster each startled from their thoughts at Eathan voice, "Jack, you need to get some furniture."
Jack hummed, "Yeah. You guys wanna go with me?" Both men in question groaned in response, "I'll hire movers so we don't have to do anything?"
At that Eathan stood up quickly, "Okay! Lets go!" Jack laughed at Eathan lightly and stood up with Aster.
Jack smiled, "I'll call a cab. And then we can get headed."
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"How 'bout this one?" Aster pointed to a rather outdated looking couch.
Jack gave him a critical look, "Aster, that looks like it belongs in my grandmother's house."
Aster huffed, "It's cheap though."
Jack smiled and grabbed his hand, "Money isn't an issue. Insurance is paying for my furniture."
Aster gave Jack an unsure look, "If you say so, mate."
Jack gave Aster's hand a light squeeze, "I do." He stood on his toes and gave Aster a kiss on the cheek, "How about that one?" Jack pointed to a dark fabric one near the back of the store.
"I don'know. Let's go check it out." Aster followed Jack as he lead him through the store.
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After what had felt like only an hour, Jack strolled the store looking for a sales rep. He found one just exiting the back.
"Excuse me, I'd like to make a purchase." The sales rep. jumped at the suddenness of Jack.
He composed himself, "Very well, what item would you be purchasing today, Mr. Frost?" The man smiled.
"Items, actually." Jack smiled back, "Also, I'd like to know if you guys have movers I could hire, or at least know of some I could call?"
"Yes, we have a company we use. So no need for you to make that call today. Why don't you show me what you'll be purchasing so I can ring you up?"
Jack beamed at the employee, "Cool, follow me!
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-Several Hours Later-
Jack fell back into his new deep couch. He smiled as he looked around his finally furnished living room.
Two dark wood side tables on each side of his blue-gray, very deep couch he was beginning to sink into. A large oak-wood entertainment center in against the opposite wall. A cream, suede recliner to the right of the couch, angled to face the entertainment center. Several long city and landscape photos and paintings hung on the surrounding walls. A few plants sat on the side shelves of the entertainment center. The large picture window behind his couch lit the room up as he smiled in satisfaction at his choices in furniture. He sighed contently.
"'Ey, Jack." Aster smiled at Jack as he settled himself next to Jack, "Whoa. This thing is really deep." Aster said surprised, "Could sleep on this thing without a problem."
Jack laughed, "Well, you can sleep out here, I'm gonna sleep in my bed."
Aster nudged, "'Ey now, Imma sleep in there with ya."
Jack gave a grin, "Good."
Eathan walked in the living room from the hallway and sat himself in the recliner, "Thanks again, Jack." Eathan paused when he got a confused look from Jack, "I mean for getting a second bed for me."
Jack waved dismissedly, "Not a problem, Eathan."
Eathan smiled, "Still." Eathan took a look out the window behind Jack and Aster, "I forget, did you get outdoor stuff?"
Jack groaned and fell to his side in Aster's lap, "No…I forgot to pick it up."
Eathan laughed, "No matter. Anyway, It's getting late. So, I'm going to bed." Eathan stood and walked into the hallway, "Night guys." he half-shouted down the hallway.
"Night!" Jack shouted back as he heard Eathan's door close.
Aster began to pet Jack's arm when he spoke, "What time is it anyway?"
"Dark out." Jack retorted sarcastically.
"No shit." Aster said with a smile, "I was hopin' for an actual time."
Jack shrugged as Aster's hand rubbed his arm, "All I know is I gotta work tomorrow."
Aster laughed, "I forgot ya even had a job ya haven't been there in'a'while."
Jack chuckled, "Yeah, it's been a couple weeks." Jack moved and sat up into Aster's lap so he was straddling him.
Aster smiled, "I should prolly warn ya, you stay like this much longer," Aster grabbed Jack's thighs firmly, "Ya won't be gettin' any sleep before work."
Jack smirked mischievously, "Is that so?" Jack rolled his hips into Aster, "I have a feeling I wouldn't mind you keeping me up."
"Is that so?" Jack pressed a passionate kiss to Jack's soft lips.
Jack pulled away, much to Aster's chagrin, "That is, if you can keep up." Jack said challengingly playful.
"Is that a challenge?" Aster smiled lustfully.
Jack kissed Aster quickly, "You're damn right it is." With those words, Jack swiftly got off Aster and ran down the hall, Aster chasing right behind.
/-_-\\
tHIS IS SO HARD TO DO WHEN MY COMPUTER WON'T EVEN LET ME FINISH A SENTENCE BEFORE IT FREEZES. OKAY WELL I COULDN'T FIND THE BUTTON OBVIOUSLY AND I'M SORRY. ANYWAY. THE FIRST PARAGRAPH FOCUSES ON THE DOOR SO M,UCH IS BECUASE YEAH, ITS WAS FUN TO WRITE AND I LIKE DETAIL. SORRY I MADE YOU SUFFER THROUGH IT. I REALLY KNOW IT DIDN'T HAVE TO BE SO LONG BUT YEAH. ANYWAY, YEAH, I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE LONGESU ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER! THERE WERE ANSWERS!YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYA! REVIEW PLEASE!