Chapter 13 - Old Flames
Vic
Right so, Cassie had decided to accompany me on a nightly patrol a few days after Nightwolf helped me actually speak with my mom. Y'all, when I heard her voice…I almost lost it again. The main takeaway from that whole conversation was that my mom reassured me that I wasn't a monster. Not that I didn't believe Cassie…but hearing it from my mom, the woman who raised me, was what I really needed to hear. Nightwolf herself had since taken up residence on Uncle Fujin's property in the hills. She even helped Fujin and Raiden speak to my mom the other day. I remember that conversation.
"Hikari," Uncle Fujin had said after Nightwolf instructed him to call her. In an instant, my mom appeared again.
"Hi little brothers," she said. Both Raiden and Fujin gasped.
"Hikari…I miss you," Uncle Raiden admitted. "I miss your guidance. Please forgive us."
"I have already done so, Raiden. You and Fujin were right in the end. Jarek was scum. I should have listened to you," my mom responded.
"It…it is my fault you died…" Uncle Fujin admitted after sniffing. My mom shook her head.
"No it was not Fujin. You need to stop blaming yourself. I've watched you do it for ten years," she said.
"But…I," Uncle Fujin began but my mom cut him off.
"You listened to my instructions and watched over my children. You turned my sweet boy into the proud defender of the city you occupy. Kimi has always come to you for guidance and protection whenever she needs it. You didn't fail me. I am proud of the warriors you have both become." my mom responded. That was pretty much the gist of the conversation. Plus I found out why I found Uncle Fujin staring at the wall every so often back in the day. Actually speaking of Kimi, Nightwolf had helped her speak to our father the following night. Kimi called him.
"Daddy," she said. Like clockwork, my dad appeared.
"Hey Cupcake," he said to Kimi in the low baritone voice I remembered. Kimi lost it. She missed our dad almost as much as I missed our mom. She was a big daddy's girl. Kimi still loved our mom, but our dad was her favorite man in the whole world.
"Daddy…I miss you," she said to his spirit.
"I know you do Cupcake. But your mother and I are always with you," he responded.
"Why…why did he do it…" Kimi asked.
"Because Jarek believed if he couldn't have your mom, no one should," our dad responded. "Jarek wanted the whereabouts of you and your brother to use as leverage but your mother, uncle and I would rather fight to the death than reveal that." He glided over and ran his hand along Kimi's face.
"Kurt can marry you by the way," he said and smiled. Kimi did too. So did I. Again, those were the main highlights of the last few days, let's get back to what's happening in the present.
Cassie and I were perched on a rooftop near downtown. Cassie was dressed pretty similarly to me at her insistence. Leather jacket, jeans, glasses and her own face mask. Her's was more like say a ninja's cloth mask rather than my skull designed one.
"How the hell are you able to see at night with sunglasses on," Cassie asked me after a few minutes of silence.
"When I'm in brightly lit areas it helps. Plus you know, I can do this," I said and pulled some blue neon from a nearby sign and shaped it into a mini version of Cassie where I instructed it to mimic her fighting stance. I could tell she was smiling under the mask.
"What am I calling you by the way?" I asked.
"Like you don't know," Cassie responded seductively.
"Yes Cass, because I'm using the name I call you when we're alone when we're out fighting the cult. Fantastic idea," I said sarcastically. Cassie giggled and then became lost in thought. Thought I smelled something burning after a few seconds.
"Since you're Thrash…how about I keep with the theme and go with Painkiller," Cassie suggested. Not bad…but it could be better.
"How about Iron Maiden?" I suggested instead. I saw Cassie's eyebrow's raise.
"Thrash and Iron Maiden?" she said. "You know what, I like it!" Cassie then summoned two of her clones and a Shadow Ball and then proceeded to play hacky sack with them while we waited for something to happen.
After about ten minutes of nothing, I felt something on the winds. It was something I haven't felt in a while. Not since the cult made its appearance in my life. I frowned under the mask.
"Netherrealm…" I muttered. Cassie stopped playing hacky sack and looked over.
"What?" she asked.
"I feel something…from the Netherrealm in origin…but at the same time…I feel Raiden's influence on it…Plus both entities seem to have good intentions," I said, still struggling to figure out what the shit I'm sensing.
"So, like…a friendly demon? Should we check it out?" Cassie asked. "Where are they?" I pointed off to the right. Near the woods of a nearby park.
"Yep, definitely two of them," I said. "One…seems familiar…but I can't place it. Whatever, let's go."
Later. In the wooded area of St. Vincent's Park.
Cassie and I arrived at our destination within about fifteen minutes. As we got closer and closer, my Netherrealm sense was getting stronger. But again, I felt a little of my Uncle Raiden's presence on at least one of them…and mine on the other one for some reason. I kept that to myself which I know is a bad idea to do but I really wanted to confirm. Within seconds of arriving, we came upon two women taking on a small horde of undead cultists mixed with demons. Cassie looked at me for instructions. I quickly deduced that the women in the area weren't malicious and informed Cassie.
"The two women are friendly. Assist the one with the sickles," I said and lept into action. Cassie ran in the other direction with a shadow clone in hot pursuit. The woman I was running towards was dressed in white robes with gold accents. There was a white hat strapped to her back. Must've fallen off while she was fighting. Her hair was black and tied into a single bun. Her head turned to face me and I saw that she had black eyes but a friendly looking face with what I thought were demonic markings. The winds were insisting that this woman was friendly and I heeded their "words." In one hand, the woman was holding a sword with a wavy blade. She wielded it expertly. It was as if she and the sword were one. The woman kept her eyes on me a little too long and failed to notice that there was a demon about to take a slice at her. I quickly threw a neon infused dagger at it. My aim was true and the "blade" lodged itself in the demon's eye. The woman's head turned to follow my thrown dagger and right when her head stopped, I snapped my fingers making the dagger explode. From the distance I was at, I could see the woman let out a slight gasp and turn to face me again with a kind smile on her face. I nodded and held up one finger. The woman glanced around at all the dead cultists and demons around her…and then held up seven fingers. Friendly competition I see! Challenge accepted! I formed my own green colored sword and got to work helping the woman cut down the demonic horde. At one point, I was disarmed by a lucky slash and the woman used her sword to slash a yellow projectile at the guy who disarmed me.
"Thanks," I said and rammed my fist through an undead cultist's stomach.
"You are most welcome," the woman said and decapitated a demon. Over her shoulder I saw Cassie fighting alongside someone I couldn't quite make out. Again the winds were telling me that she was familiar.
"Are you perchance related to Raiden?" the woman asked, still stabbing and slashing with ease. I raised my eyebrows. Huh… didn't expect that question.
"Yeah," I answered. "He's my uncle. My mom was his sister."
"Was?" the woman inquired.
"She…she died…" I said and viciously headbutted a cultist causing their head to explode into red goo. "Because of this fucking cult."
"Another reason I am angry at myself for not killing Quan Chi when I had the chance," the woman growled.
"I assume you have a history with this Quan Chi person?" I asked. I too was still punching, kicking, slashing and ripping while speaking.
"Yes, he was my former master," the woman said. "I am Ashrah. Former Demon of the Netherrealm."
"Former demon?" I asked.
"Yes, I have since cleansed my soul of evil and fight alongside my sister in Earthrealm's Order of Light," Ashrah said. "I have also trained for many hours with Raiden."
"Name's Vic," I answered, deciding that Ashrah was allowed to hear my real name. "My friend over there is Cassie."
"Well, it is an honor to meet you Vic, nephew of Raiden," Ashrah responded and gave me another friendly smile.
After a few more minutes of fighting, the four of us managed to completely eradicate the demonic horde. Ashrah wiped excess blood from her sword and stowed it in its scabbard.
"I thank you for the assistance," Ashrah said and gave me a small bow. I returned it.
"Are you tracking the cult too," I asked. Ashrah nodded.
"My former master Quan Chi is a devilish and cunning sorcerer. He will not rest until the realms are at his feet. I believe he is the one that revived the Black Dragon Cult and its leader, intending to use them to help find the Dragon King Onaga," Ashra explained. Yep, that tracked. Except now I had the name of the asshole that revived another asshole.
"From what my sister and I have gathered, the cult's leader betrayed Quan Chi and learned the secrets of raising the dead," Ashrah explained. My heart froze. If this man Jarek revived my mom…But Ashrah kept speaking.
"The cult leader initially tried to revive his old lover but was unsuccessful as he had been the cause of her death, albeit indirectly. The sorcery does not work quite the same if the caster was the one that caused the death of the person they intend to revive. That poor woman's soul can rest knowing she is safe…Vic…are you ok?" Ashrah noticed I was shaking with anger. Thankfully, she was able to deduce why.
"Oh my…the woman…was your mother wasn't she," Ashrah asked. I managed to nod. Ashrah's face soured.
"Another family ripped apart thanks to Quan Chi," she muttered angrily.
"Actually…my mom sacrificed herself to save her brother and indirectly me and my sister. I know Jarek wanted to kill us too. Just because my mom married someone else," I explained. At this point, Cassie and the other woman arrived. If I wasn't wearing sunglasses, Cassie would have been able to see my eyes turn into the size of dinner plates. Oh yeah. I knew exactly who this woman was now. From the white streak in her hair, down to her red and black color scheme on her clothes. I saw her narrow her red and black colored eyes at me for a second before she fucking smiled. I thanked every deity I knew and every single one of the Elder Gods that Cassie didn't see her do that. I even knew her name. It was Sareena. She and I harbored a secret that if Cassie found out, she would absolutely murder me.
Later. Outside a supposed BDC Stronghold.
The four of us came upon what Ashrah and Sareena had been searching for. A stronghold belonging to the Black Dragon Cult. I could see a few sentries stationed around the base from our higher elevation. Cassie was conversing with Ashrah a few yards ahead of me and…Sareena. Fuck man. This is so so bad. Because Sareena remembered me too. And we were alone!
"I know who you are Victor," she said in that British sounding accent of her's. "It's been a while hasn't it." Man, I hate this ENTIRE situation right now!
"Yes," I answered quickly. "I uh…hope you are well." Sareena smiled at me. Now if I was the same Vic Harris I was about…seven years ago, that smile would have made me lose control. Like it did originally.
"Oh yes," Sareena said. "I hear that Raiden is your uncle. Fascinating as you have aeromancer abilities. Why is that?"
"Other uncle. Fujin," I answered, keeping my eyes on Cassie's back. "Plus my mom had light manipulation powers. Sort of combined the two of them to create my moveset."
"Yes, the explosive glowing blade was new. If I recall, you saved me without those explosive weapons," Sareena said and placed her hand on my shoulder. I jumped in fright. Thankfully, Ashrah summoned the two of us forward. Sareena and I walked down the small hill to join them.
"The stronghold seems less guarded than I thought," Ashrah said. "This is apparently where the cult is harboring the secrets of their sorcery."
"So what's the plan?" I asked. "Barge in and steal it?" Ashrah, Cassie and Sareena smiled at me. Oh boy…I've seen a movie like this before…except it doesn't end so well for the dude.
"What exactly are we looking for?" I asked before anyone could capitalize on my uncomfort.
"Either a spell book or amulet," Sareena answered. "Ashrah and I have deduced that most of the cult is made up of undead corpses reanimated to do Jarek's bidding. Only he and a handful of others are the original members."
"Trust me," Cassie said and clenched her fist. "We know."
"Did they attack someone close to you?" Ashrah asked. Cassie nodded.
"My best friend lost her arms to one of them. They even tried to attack my dad's house twice. Vic's uncle managed to kill someone named Kira," Cassie explained. Ashrah raised her non-existent eyebrows.
"Is your father by chance Johnny Cage?" Ashrah asked. Cassie nodded.
"I inherited the looks from my mom and his twin sister more than from just him," Cassie explained.
"Johnny Cage has a twin sister?" Sareena asked. Cassie nodded. That I already knew. There was an embarrassing story between myself and Cassie's aunt too. Not as bad as me and Sareena but still. Plus I have been told that Johnny's older brother is kind of a douche. Don't even think I met him.
"Kira has been revived thanks to the cult's sorcery," Ashrah explained. "If we do not act, the cult will never truly be silenced." Don't have to fuckin tell me twice. Ashrah and Sareena took point while Cassie and I took up the rear.
Cassie pulled down her mask as well as mine and kissed me on the cheek.
"For luck," she said. I gulped. Right…luck. I need so much of it right now.
Inside the Stronghold.
There was absolutely no need for stealth. The four of us charged through the building like a freight train. Cutting down anyone in our path. This place was just a big empty warehouse essentially with one main feature. Corpses were rising out of the ground every so often, donning robes of the Black Dragon Cult and joining in on the assault against us. I pointed it out to Ashrah.
"There!" I shouted and parried a strike and countered with my own. Ashrah followed my gesture and motioned to Sareena. The two of them ran off in that direction, cutting down anyone that crossed their path.
"Well well well!" a new voice boomed over the fighting. It was one I didn't recognize but it had that kind of inflection that screamed "I FUCKING LIKE LIGHTING SHIT ON FIRE!" I turned around to see that woman, Tasia, that wounded Jacqui at the Knight's game standing next to…quite the crazy looking man. His face was bizarre. It had a pale complexion without a nose, ears or hair. He was wearing a brown shirt and pants with dynamite strapped to his chest and the fuel canisters for a flamethrower strapped to his back. He had been the one who spoke. Cassie and I exchanged a look.
"Which one do you want, Iron Maiden," I said in the most menacing Thrash voice I could muster. Cassie, who I knew was smirking under her mask, formed two shadow clones and all three of them pointed at Tasia. Tasia sneered and leapt down off the balcony along with…you know what, I'm calling him No-Face alright? Cause he has no fuckin face! Homeslice came charging at me with his flamethrower aimed and ready to fire. Really? Does this guy read the papers? Alright then. No-Face stopped a few feet in front of me and laughed maniacally. He unleashed a stream of fire…at the guy who can control wind. I held up my hand and caused the stream of fire to split into two.
"Ouch," I said sarcastically. "Oh man. That burns. Please, make it stop." Over my shoulder, I heard Cassie laugh. A quick glance in her direction and I saw that she was easily overpowering Tasia and her twin swords thanks to Uncle Fujin's training. Hold on…Uncle Raiden had been teaching me to control my rage. What if I tapped into it? No-Face stopped his stream of fire in order to reload and I took my chance to tap into my inner rage. The winds around me responded to my fury. They became more vicious, more violent and ready to kill. Still thinking about Jarek and what he had done to my family, I concentrated the winds in between my hands. I could feel the pressure start to build up and how it wanted to be unleashed. At this point, No-Face had finished reloading and smiled at what he assumed was me doing some Tai Chi or something. I watched his finger pull the trigger…and that's when I blasted the winds forward. What felt like a tornado force blast erupted from my hands and toward No-Face. I watched as his fire was immediately extinguished by my wind blast…and then I watched as No-Face's skin was ripped clean off. He was screaming in agony but I wasn't able to fully hear it over the roaring of the winds. The wall behind him now had a huge hole in it with bits of his skin and blood coating the edges. After a few more seconds of powerful winds, No-Face became No-Skin. His screaming continued for a few more minutes as he clawed helplessly at his skinless body. I ended his agony by tossing a dagger into his head and making it explode. At that same moment, I heard Tasia scream behind me. I turned just in time to see Cassie kick one of her shadow balls at Tasia's head where it exploded in a mess of red and pink goo. Tasia's corpse fell to the ground in a heap and Cassie said, "That's for Jacqui. Bitch."
Ashrah and Sareena joined us soon after. Both of them were carrying items.
"Turns out it was both," Ashrah said and brandished the book in her arms. "This is one of Quan Chi's spell books on necromancy. It was powering this amulet." Sareena held out the amulet.
"This is what was being used to raise corpses of long dead people and convert them into loyal minions to the cult," Sareena explained. "We have stopped this." Ashrah nodded.
"Without your help, this achievement could not have been possible," she said. Cassie nodded.
"Glad we could help," she said in a shaky voice. Oh…I know why. Must be because of the fact that she just…well, she killed someone. Like a human. Not a demon. Ashrah noticed.
"Cassie Cage, daughter of Johnny. I know what you are feeling. Killing someone of your kind. I did it for many years. My first two were my former sisters Kia and Jataaka who I had served alongside for most of my life," Ashrah said calmly. "Tasia was a relentless assassin for the Black Dragon both in the past and present. She avoided capture initially or so I have been informed. You did the world a favor. She did not care who Jarek told her to kill." Cassie nodded but still looked incredibly shaken.
"The Black Dragon will spare nobody," Sareena said and placed a hand on Cassie's shoulder. "We should do the same to them."
"Can…Can we go home," Cassie asked me.
"Sure," I said. "You two can come, run it by my uncles. They are the de-facto leaders of the assault on this cult anyway."
Back at Fujin's
We arrived at Uncle Fujin's in a timely manner where I saw that Raiden was outside tending the grass and bushes…in the middle of the night but whatever. He must be bored. He looked up at our approach and smiled.
"Ashrah!" Uncle Raiden said and bowed to her. "Oh and Sareena! What a pleasant surprise!"
"Hello Raiden," Ashrah said pleasantly. "Vic mentioned you might be here." Uncle Raiden just noticed that Cassie and I were standing there.
"Did you catch them doing something stupid?" Uncle Raiden asked. Gee thanks.
"Quite the contrary," Ashrah said and pulled out the items they had retrieved from the stronghold. "We found out how the Black Dragon was 'recruiting' so many members." Uncle Raiden frowned at the items.
"Those look like…the makings of Quan Chi…hold on…yes, that tracks. Let me get my brother, he is in the middle of making cookies," Uncle Raiden said and retreated into the house. It took me about five seconds to realize that getting Uncle Fujin right now would be a terrible idea. Because Sareena. He also knew about the secret she and I shared. Before I could do anything like formulate a plan, Uncle Fujin was walking outside with Uncle Raiden. As expected, he was wearing his apron that had several images of his own face on it. Uncle Fujin saw Ashrah and the items in her hands. Ashrah quickly explained everything that happened…but the moment I thought I was in the clear…Uncle Fujin noticed Sareena. His eyes narrowed and then got wide. He rounded on me.
"It was her, wasn't it Vic," he said. "She's the one you saw that one night I caught you coming back at five in the morning?" Most unfortunately…Cassie heard…AND SAREENA WAVED AT UNCLE FUJIN!
"What?" she asked. "What does he mean?"
"Oh no, you never told her about that night did you," Uncle Fujin said solemnly. It was my turn to round on him.
"That's. Not. Helping." I said through gritted teeth. I then felt Cassie's hand grasp my shoulder.
"Victor. Explain. Now," Cassie ordered…but it was Sareena who spoke.
"Victor and I spent a passionate evening together many years ago," she said. Both Ashrah and Raiden gasped. Sareena looked confused…Cassie however…had surpassed fuming with anger and instead jumped to apoplectic with rage.
"YOU WHAT?!" she shouted at me.
"I don't see how that's bad, he was very gentle," Sareena said unhelpfully.
"Uh Sareena…I believe Cassie is Vic's girlfriend. Like how I am Syzoth's. I don't believe Earthrealmers particularly like it when they find out about their partner's previous partners and how intimate they were," Ashrah said.
"Oh dear," Sareena muttered. Cassie's rage however was not about to be silenced. Might as well try something.
"Look Cass, it was a long time ago, I was a younger man," I said and tried to grab her shoulder. She wretched it away from my grip.
"GET AWAY FROM ME! I CAN'T EVEN LOOK AT YOU RIGHT NOW!" she yelled and stormed off. She slammed the front door behind her and it even splintered in half.
"Dammit, now I have to replace that," Uncle Fujin muttered.
"You fucking had to say something didn't you?!" I said angrily at him.
"Right yeah…that one was my bad. But still, why did you not tell her," Uncle Fujin asked.
"Because I honestly forgot it even happened with everything going on in the past few months," I said. Sareena didn't look too disappointed but her feelings weren't my main concern right now. What I did now could make or break the relationship and if we broke up again, it would be my fault this time.
Moments Later. Inside Uncle Fujin's.
I followed the sounds of sobbing to my bedroom and tried the door. Locked. Of course. I tried knocking.
"FUCK OFF!" Cassie's voice shouted.
"Cassie, open the door. I want to talk about this," I said calmly. Y'all, I'm so fucking ashamed of myself right now. This is something I should have told her like on the first day of rekindling our relationship. She had told me about her dates…and I lied about mine. Granted, I did legitimately forget about this whole thing. The door swung open after a few seconds of hurried footsteps and I was staring at Cassie's sopping wet but incredibly angry face.
"Ok! How was she?!" Cassie demanded. I didn't answer at first because that was not the response I was expecting.
"What?" I asked.
"You just said you wanted to talk about it so let's talk about it!" Cassie snapped angrily. "Tell me, did she do everything that you like?! HMM?!"
"Not what I meant…" I muttered. Cassie snarled and went to slam the door in my face but I was too fast. I held the door open with one hand and used my other to use the wind to gently push Cassie out of the way. She objected to this, calling me a "pig" and "scumbag" and other names I never thought I would hear her call me.
"Look," I said after closing the door behind me. "At the time, I thought our relationship was over. You said you never wanted to see me again."
"DON'T YOU GET IT YOU MORON! I DUMPED YOU BECAUSE I THOUGHT YOU WERE SEEING SOMEONE ELSE! AND NOW I FOUND OUT MY WORST FEAR WAS ACTUALLY TRUE?!" Cassie shouted. "HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME!"
"Uh huh, yes. Sareena and Lacey from high school are the same person," I said stupidly. From the open window, I heard Uncle Fujin go "oooh bad move Vic" from outside.
"DON'T YOU EVER. EVERSAY THAT BITCH'S NAME IN MY PRESENCE! I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS! I STILL LOVED YOU WHEN THAT HAPPENED BACK IN HIGH SCHOOL YOU IDIOT! Oh my God…YOU SENT ME TO FIGHT ALONGSIDE HER EARLIER! WHAT, DID YOU THINK WE'D BECOME BESTIES OR SOMETHING?! DID YOU DO IT IN THIS BED?!" Cassie continued to shout.
"First off, no. Second off, I understand that Cass," I said, not raising my voice. "I didn't know that was her when we got to the park. I figured it was a good idea to split up and help each of them. You know, I wasn't really supposed to leave the house at that time when we first met. Funny thing was that Uncle Fujin found out and…" I was cut off by two things. One of them being Uncle Fujin going "YOU ABSOLUTE CLASS CLOWN!" and the other being Cassie.
"I DON'T FUCKING CARE WHAT YOUR UNCLE DID! I CARE WHAT YOU DID!" she shouted. Alright, fight fire with fire I guess.
"So all those guys you dated before we reunited? Should I be mad at you for kissing them while you supposedly still loved me?!" I said, raising my voice a little bit. That's when I noticed why Cassie was actually upset. Her doubting the fact that I was attracted to her. Y'all…have you seen me? I'm a doofus! What the hell was a motorcycle riding stunt woman doing with some musician guy that lives with his uncle because he never finished school?! It should be the other way around! Why was she with me when she could have anyone else?
"I…I shouldn't have said that," I said quickly.
"Vic…" Cassie said though renewed tears. "That was different. I thought you were dead…but you knew I wasn't." Aww man…she had a point. And it was a really good one. To be frank, I did think she moved away after graduation.
"Vic…I used to cry myself to sleep every night over what I did to you after the funeral," Cassie said, still crying. "Just imagining your face…and how I hurt you…and I thought you died hating me. I never thought you would actually do it." I walked over to Cassie and lifted her head to face me as she had been staring at the ground. Instead of shoving me away, she allowed me to touch her. I put my other hand on her shoulder. The same one she had wrenched away from me a few minutes ago.
"Cassie, it was a long time ago. It didn't happen within the last few months. I was like twenty years old. I had just lost you and my parents. I was so angry at everyone and everything. I was weak. I stupidly gave into the urges. I honestly forgot it even happened until we saw her tonight. I know I should have told you much earlier. It was one night we spent together. I saw her maybe one more time before tonight. Keyword 'saw'. Like with my eyes," I said, choosing my words as best as I could. This was it…this would make or break everything right now. Cassie remained silent but still allowed me to touch her face and shoulders. I heard her let out a few small sobs before she finally spoke.
"Vic…do you love me? Really?" she asked. I put both of my hands on her face and caressed her cheeks with my thumbs.
"Cassie, I loved you the moment you walked over to me on that movie set. That has never changed. I fucked up real bad like this one time in almost twenty years of knowing you. I thought I was never going to see you again. I'm so sorry I made you feel this way right now but just know that I will never, never do something like that again. Ever since we reunited, I felt that the world finally wasn't against me after ten years of misery. I have never once thought about anyone else since getting back together. Listen to me, look into my eyes. I love you Cassandra Cage. I never meant to hurt you willingly. I'm so sorry I did. Everything that has happened between us has been some of the best memories of my life. I remember the day I gave that necklace you're wearing to you and how we became even closer afterwards. I remember how you held me after you fell asleep. I made a promise to myself right there that I wouldn't do anything to hurt you. I know finding out about my one night with Sareena must be devastating and hurtful to you but it was one night. Before I saved you. Before you took me back. Before I remembered how much I loved you. I don't want any more nights with her, I want every single one for the rest of my life to be with you," I said. Again Cassie remained silent before she put her own hands on my face. Oh man…don't do this…please.
"...Kiss me," Cassie said softly. It took me a second to realize what she said.
"What?" I asked.
"Kiss me," Cassie repeated. "I have to know for sure." I obeyed her orders. She and I kissed for almost a solid minute straight. I tried to make Cassie feel how sorry I was with this kiss. I didn't do anything raunchy, all I did was tenderly kiss the woman I loved. I pressed her against me as hard as I could trying to tell her that she was the only woman I loved in my life that wasn't platonically. Cassie ran her hands through my hair at one point and I knew that she had forgiven me. Cassie never did that when she was mad at me. Cassie pulled away first.
"I believe you Icky Vicky," she whispered but pressed her body into me. "This is what you'd be losing if you do that again alright?" I pulled her into a hug and I heard her moan in happiness.
"I promise I won't hurt you like that again," I whispered back.
"Double promise?" Cassie asked and kissed my cheek.
"As you wish," I said in a Cajun accent inadvertently. Side bar, I remember going to some haunt show in or around Essex, Vermont (called like Nightmare or something) one year with my family while on vacation at the end of October. There was this guy that spoke in a Cajun accent as one of the characters and that voice sort of stuck with me and I used it from time to time. Meanwhile, Cassie released herself from my arms and sat down on my bed. She quickly changed into pajamas and then sat down on her side. She looked over at me with…the kitty cat eyes. Man…why did that work every time. Before I walked over to join her, I went to the open window. I looked down to see that both my uncles, Ashrah, Sareena and even Nightwolf were standing there looking up at me. I gave them a thumbs up and shut the window before joining Cassie in my bed. Immediately she wrapped her arms around me when I got in range. I heard her say "Mine! Mine mine mine!" as she hugged me.
"Cass," I said again. "Really, I am sorry." She cupped my face.
"I know sweetie," she said. "I believe you. You didn't kiss her like you just kissed me. I can tell." I smiled. She was right. Cassie was far more my type than Sareena.
As I hugged Cassie…I saw my parents yet again. Standing right at the foot of my bed. I focused on my dad this time. He had taught me how to treat women when I was growing up. I remember watching him spoil my mom on her birthday and their anniversary (my mom did the same to him, don't get the wrong idea) and seeing how happy she was upon receiving those tokens of affection. I wanted to see if I had done him proud in how I handled the situation this evening. I couldn't speak to either of them at the moment…but the smile he was giving me through his red beard told me that yes, I had done him proud. He gave me a thumbs up. Cassie eventually followed my gaze and saw my parents.
"He may make mistakes from time to time, but I do love him. So much," Cassie said to my mom. My mom placed her hands over her heart and smiled at us.
"I love you too Mom," I said. "I won't make Cassie feel like that again. I know better now." My dad pointed at me with a face I took to mean "you better not doofus" before he and my mom faded away. Cassie still had her arms around me.
"Cassie…thanks," I said and laid back on the pillows.
"For?" Cassie asked.
"Being the best girlfriend ever," I finished. Cassie smiled.
"I know, I just wanted to hear you say it," she said. Cassie then assumed her favorite sleeping position of resting her head under my arm with her own arm across my chest.
Wow. Nice one me. I managed to talk my way out of a very dangerous situation. You know what you have to do now. I think…I think I really want to marry Cassie. So she knows how much I do love her.
