(A/n: I'm glad you liked the previous chapter, jeremiahkelley93. Also, Happy Belated New Year to those that read and have been reading this story. It's slowly gaining a little traction, but just a reminder: this is a slow-burn Stenny fic and there will be other gay and straight pairings. I appreciate the third fave!)
Chapter 38: The State Plagued With Perpetual Rain Pt. 1
Kyle
It happened in a split second. One moment they were cold and dry, and now, they're still cold, however no longer dry. As the near blinding glow swiftly dims, Kyle and everyone else become drenched under a heavy rainfall.
"Aw, c'mon! Seriously?!" A few of his friends start whining, the loudest being Bebe. No surprise there. Thanks to the rain, the dark clouds make is seem as if it is nighttime. Then again, it might actually be nighttime since Kyle doesn't know where they were sent to. They could be on the other side of the world for all he knows. With a glance, he notices Stan's silent and rigid posture, his expression shadowed by the darkness. Kenny perceives his stillness too, it seems, based on his slight frown.
"Maybe a Transportation Barrier would've been better, after all," Kyle hears Cloud mutter under his breath.
"How does a Warping Zone work exactly?" Kyle asks him as he sweeps the fringes of his hair back.
"It depends on the caster's choice of location," Cloud answers, his darkened bangs glued to his eyebrows. "It doesn't require a detailed imagination or description, just a concrete motive. If someone wants to transfer themself to an island to be away from civilization, then it can be any island on the planet, and they'll be there in an instant."
"I see. So that's why you said it was practical for this situation, because the destination didn't matter," Kyle says, astute.
"That's correct." Cloud scans the vicinity. "Hm, it appears we're standing in the streets of what used to be a city. There are a few tall buildings in the distance that haven't been reduced to ruins like the rest of the smaller ones. Even the lamp posts have been destroyed."
Squinting his eyes, Clyde tries to discern any of the constructions Cloud just mentioned. "Spirits must have amazing eyesight cuz I can't see shit."
A vibrant white light shines into the darkness, extending far and wide, like a light bulb in the center of a room. Visibility is excellent now, but being able to see creates an eerie ambience. Cloud's body is alight with his sparkly aura. Only Yuna is enamored.
"Oh, this is disgusting," Bebe grouses, looking at herself. The rain is discoloring their entire bodies like ink would if splashed on a colorfully painted canvas.
Kyle observes Stan's reaction throughout the corner of his eye, concerned about his super best friend more than the black raindrops. He is now relaxed, but then makes a face of disgust and horror when he sees the rain tarnishing not just his clothes, but also his skin.
"I-isn't it dangerous ta be under the rain any longer?" Leopold asks, getting a bad feeling.
Raven's face furrows into a rare, uneasy frown. "We'd best hurry to find shelter."
Wendy points at a monumental tower-like structure in the distance. "What about going there?"
Cloud narrows his eyes. "Let's check it out." He transports them all to the building, however he's forced to stop halfway.
"A Nullification Barrier," Kenny mutters with distaste.
"And it's a large one at that," Cloud chips in.
"What, does that mean we can't go any further?" Bebe asks.
"Yeah," Kenny says, turning to face everyone. He begins to explain what a Nullification Barrier is.
Kyle looks around, he already obtained prior knowledge about the advanced spell from his Inner Guardian a few years ago. The nearby shops and stores all appear disfigured and/or barren like the ones in South Park, except for those Mrs. Marsh preserved. He spots what used to be a sign off to his right a little more than several meters behind them, it's missing some letters, but the last word is missing two, the remaining three spell 'tel'. "Whether it's a hotel or a motel, we can't take refuge in it," he thinks, frowning at their lack of luck. Just when he's about to inquire for a solution that can resolve their predicament from Luke, he hears Bebe speak in a worried tone.
"What are we gonna do now?"
No one is able to provide an answer. Leopold widens his eyes in sudden realization and looks at Raven. "Can't you create a house like last time?" Kyle catches a glimpse of a barely perceivable hint of jealousy cross Cloud's face.
Raven knits her eyebrows. "Hmm...Instead of creating a dwelling this time..." She glances around briefly, then advances in a black flash of light towards the building Kyle previously detected. Seems she used Teleportation Dash. She sticks out a hand and it becomes shrouded in a black aura, preparing to perform a spell. "I'll restore this establishment to its former glory."
The shambly building slowly begins to reconstruct itself. The debris, the fallen letters, the scattered glass shards, everything that once belonged to the structure returns to their original, rightful place. The restoration process impresses the teens, though Tweek isn't expressing it.
"Just As I Thought," Kyle hears Luke murmur. "She's No Ordinary Low-Ranked Spirit...No, Perhaps Her Status Is Much Higher Than That."
Kyle kind of figured that when he first saw and was introduced to her. She's a very mysterious individual, even more so than Chris. "Didn't you mention seeing her once before?" Kyle asks.
"Yes, However That Was When She Was In Spirit Form, During the Time The Lower-Ranked Spirits Were Dispatched To Earth. Their Nonphysical Forms Are Very Diverse And Not Many Are Capable Of Attaining Physical Bodies Like The Celestial Deities That Rule The Realms And Us Inner Guardians, Which We Were Granted With Upon Our Creation."
Kyle was already immersed in Luke's explanation the second he answered him, though not all of the information is new to him. He long since knew about the different ranks—there being a total of four—that the Dark Realm has, and the five celestial beings that reign over said realm. "So what did Raven's spirit form look like?"
"...An Eyeless Phantom," Luke says quietly, unnerved, much to Kyle's bewilderment. He always thought it was normal for spirits to not have any eyes, he never expected it to be the other way round. Stripe is no longer the only intriguing spirit within the group.
Raven's spell lasts for another minute, then the dark aura disappears from her hand. She lowers her arm down. "Let's hurry inside."
Everyone rushes inside of the lightless hotel through the automated sliding doors. They begin to search the foyer for a light switch. Raven steps under the roof. She turns her head to look over her shoulder, getting the sneaking feeling that they're being watched. She doesn't see anyone or anything but senses a very faint energy close by. It's almost giving off the same kind of energy as the Nullification Barrier. "..." Still skeptical, she looks away and saunters into the building.
Elsewhere, from on top of a ramshackle shop not too far away from the hotel, a small disturbance in the space-time continuum occurs on top of the roof, near the broken ledge. An indiscernible silhouette manifests from the distorted patch like an illusion, then the spatial disruption stabilizes completely. The black rain droplets appear as if they're pelting right through the person's body. They stand completely still. When yellow light shines within the hotel's lobby, they hop down.
Inside of the illumined hotel, Cloud's aura swiftly vanishes. They all look like they're doused in tar. Kyle admits the sight of it all is revolting, however it's not worse than being covered in monster blood. Which reminds him that they haven't came across not a single monster while outside. How strange.
"We're gonna need a super long shower to get all this off," Bebe bemoans.
"The darkness won't come off that way," Raven says, stopping in front of the group. "We need to be Purified."
Craig frowns. "I won't be able to help with that."
Despite being proficient at healing, Craig cannot use Purification. It's not a matter of inexperience, he literally can't initiate the spell. The reason is unknown, not even his Inner Guardian knows.
"Don't worry," Wendy says. "Cloud and I can handle it." She looks at the silver-haired spirit with eyes full of determination.
Cloud grins. "That we can." He and Wendy start Purifying the darkness off of everyone one by one, Cloud getting the job done more efficiency than Wendy.
Kyle knows Wendy has to rely on her Inner Guardian to do the rest, but he guesses this is good practice nonetheless.
A few minutes later, Wendy and Cloud are the last ones that need to be Purified. While they're performing the cleansing conjuration on each other, Kyle notices something odd about himself and the others.
"Wait, how come we're dry?" Asks Bebe, patting every part of her body, which was the exact same question that developed in Kyle's mind.
"Because the darkness isn't a tangible substance," says a deep voice.
Everybody shifts their attention towards the entrance. The doors never opened. They see a person, a man that could've easily been mistaken for a Being of Darkness had it not been for his piercing forest green eyes that are virtually glowing from under the hood of his long leather raincoat, covering a small portion of his black combat boots. Gloves that are a similar color and comprised of the same material as his raincoat are on his hands. He is as dry as dust.
Kyle tries to locate the man's Inner Aura, but doesn't detect it anywhere within him. What's even more suspicious is that he's not emitting any hostility, until his eyes meet Kyle's with an icy gaze. They're not glaring, they appear innately slanted, instead they seem as if they're staring straight into the depths of Kyle's soul. He tenses, almost breaking out into a cold sweat as a raw chill slithers down his spine. He's never felt this kind of fear before, being locked up in a dark room doesn't even compare to this. Just who is this guy and why the sudden malice?
"Finally decided to show yourself," Raven says, narrowing her eyes.
The air around Kyle becomes breathable again as the deep green eyes look at Raven. "It would be rude not to since you discovered my presence a minute ago."
"She wasn't the only one," Cloud says, he and Wendy now cleansed like the rest.
"I would be hurt if you didn't, my dear Cloud," the man says softly, sincere even.
The silver-haired spirit copies Raven's glare. "Since you somehow know my name, be straightforward and identify yourself."
The intensity of the man's eyes soften. "I'll be happy to show you instead." He raises his hands up to his hood and pulls it back.
Bebe quickly covers her nose and mouth with both hands, suppressing a gasp Cloud couldn't contain, his eyes quivering with mixed emotions. Leopold looks at him, worried.
The beautiful looking man has slick, white hair that rested comfortably on his shoulders and pale skin, his lips in a friendly smile Kyle doesn't believe is authentic.
"So he's someone you know," Raven says as a fact to the confounded silverette.
Cloud blinks at the sound her voice, snapping out of his daze to nod his head. "Y-yes. His name is Ingrum Isamu, he's a Light Inner Guardian."
Bebe removes her hands from her face, revealing a faint blush. "I knew he had to be a spirit cuz there's no way a human can look that gorgeous!" Wendy slowly shakes her head, although she does agree.
"Thank you for the compliment," Ingrum responds kindly. Then he crosses his arms, his smile taking on a sophisticated quality. "Is that all you're going to tell them?" He asks Cloud.
Cloud narrows his eyes again, though nervously. "Yes, and you better keep it at that."
Ingrum's smile drops into a frown. "Fine, but in return," he fixes his eyes on Kyle once again, outright scowling at him this time. "Tell me why this Bringer of Evil is with you all."
That's a spiteful title that doesn't sit well with neither Kyle nor Stan and Kenny. Kyle stares angrily back at Ingrum, knowing the reason behind the Light spirit's hatred towards him now. He speaks before either Stan or Kenny can come to his defense. "I am not the enemy. I never was nor will I ever be," he retorts, a fierce glint in his eyes.
"That's right." Kyle widens his eyes slightly when he sees Stan and Kenny step in front of him. Their protective stances evoke a familiar yet altered memory in Kyle's mind. It was when Kyle was being picked on by three children in preschool, a small black-haired boy and another boy in an orange parka stood protectively in between his young self and the three bullies, Kenny's short frame being a new and comforting addition. "And if you're thinking about killing him, you're gonna have to get through us first." Kenny nods resolutely in agreement.
Ingrum's glare hardens challengingly. "Do you seriously think the two of you will be enough to stop me?"
"Then what if I assist them?" Cloud steps in front of the three teens.
Ingrum falters, taken aback by his intervention, but then lets out a short, amused laugh as he unfolds his arms. "Relax, I was merely joking. The last thing I want to do is upset my host and you, Cloud."
"Don't provoke any of my comrades ever again," Cloud warns.
Ingrum presses his lips into a tight line, looking like he wants to argue, but sighs in defeat instead. "I understand. But what brings you all here?"
"Wouldn't it be wise to discuss this with your host present?" Raven asks, crossing her arms.
"I would say it depends on your intentions, but seeing as how not all of you are a potential threat, I suppose we can go with your suggestion." Ingrum pulls the hood back over his head, it doesn't conceal his face in total darkness like before. "Wait here for a moment." He turns and walks out of the hotel.
A seemingly unbreakable silence falls.
"...Is he someone we can trust?" Leopold asks his Inner Guardian.
Cloud gives him a small smile. "He is. I'll apologize on his behalf for..." He frowns. "Making a discourteous impression on you all." He turns around, looking past Stan and Kenny. "You especially, Kyle."
Kyle shakes his head, thinking Cloud is mostly ashamed of himself, not Ingrum. Kyle knows this is just wishful thinking, but he hopes to come across people that won't judge him based on their Superior's orders like Cloud and Raven did. "It's okay. I don't blame him for heeding what he was told. Thanks to him, it made me realize that I'll have to prepare myself to always receive the same kind of animosity wherever we go."
"And we'll always be there to have your back," Stan says, turning around with a grin.
"As Will I, Naturally," Luke affirms.
Kenny turns to face Kyle, shooting a thumbs-up.
"And we'll be the extra backup," Clyde quips, though he was earnest, earning nods from everyone else.
Kyle is moved mightily by everyone's generosity and thoughtfulness. He feels tears welling in his eyes, but he keeps them from leaking out. He doesn't want to appear too sentimental, would be really embarrassing. He smiles. "Thank you all so much."
The doors split apart, then close. Ingrum has returned and he is still free from the contaminated moisture that's pouring outside. "We can go to where my host is now. I'll transport us there."
A subtle wave of magic flows to each person, outlining their bodies in a pinkish glow. They're instantly teleported to an unspecified destination, leaving behind pink petals that fade away in midair.
/
Stan
"Not again..." To Stan's dismay, they're standing in an unlit area, however there is a sweet scent drifting to his nose. He can hardly see anyone, even Kenny, who he knows is still next to him, unaware that he's being inconspicuously stared at by the teen.
"When Will You Overcome That Trivial Fear Of Yours?" Chris gibes indifferently.
Stan ignores him, mentally incapable of riposting. He wants to grasp his necklace for additional comfort, but knows that doing so will giveaway his perturbation once there's light. No one else must know about his nyctophobia. He focuses on the presences near him and the fragrant aroma to keep his anxiety from worsening. He hears footsteps thudding somewhere, a second later, light floods their surroundings. Finally. Some hiss and swear at the bright intrusion. Stan closes his eyes, making it seem as if the illumination agitated his eyes while relaxing. He opens his eyes to see where they are.
Based on most of the fancy, stygian décor, the big flat screen television that's mounted on the wall, and a spiral staircase, it appears they're in the living room of the host's home. It's quite spacious—there are two sofas and one armchair encompassing a circular wooden coffee table, on its surface is the source of the pleasant aroma: a bouquet of white peonies inside of a vase. Stan can't tell if they're real or not. Underneath the furnitures is a black and white rug. The wooden floor is perfectly clean. Looking up, he has to squint his eyes a bit when he sees a chandelier instead of a ceiling fan. He didn't expect something like that to be up there. He looks away and notices an open kitchen where the chandelier lights penetrate halfway in. The left side consists of a long, marble countertop with nothing on top of it, black cabinets above it, a metallic dishwasher, and a stainless steel refrigerator at the end of the counter. Behind a round table that's draped in a seamless black tablecloth with only one chair tucked at the end facing the living room is an oak cabinet with two glass doors and ten shelves within. Stored neatly on the shelves are numerous wine bottles of distinctive sizes and colors. That's the second most surprising thing he's seen in this house. He also sees a row of three lights suspending from the ceiling over a white table with four black stools by it in the middle of the kitchen. That's all he can perceive from his position.
"You all may have a seat while I go retrieve my host." Removing his hood from over his head, Ingrum wanders up the stairs.
Raven sits down in the armchair as if she didn't need to be told. Stan and the rest sit on the two sofas, but neither have enough space to fit all eleven of them. Cloud, Yuna, Tweek, and Leopold willingly remain standing, placing themselves in the middle of the sofas.
"Did anybody else think we were gonna go to the tower?" Bebe asks.
"Yeah," Clyde responds. "I bet it's like a secret base or somethin'."
"It must have some significant importance since it was guarded in a Nullification Barrier," Raven says.
"Right," Cloud nods. He crosses his arms. "But the main question is why the Nullification Barrier expanded so far out."
"Ugh, it's too early for all these questions."
Everyone looks towards the stairs. Ingrum is descending them behind a slightly tall and chubby woman, who appears to have just woken up, her topaz-colored eyes droopy with sleep. Her dark, spiky hair with dyed hot pink tips is disheveled, and her long fingernails are painted in jet black nail polish. She's wearing a silk, black nightgown and bedroom slippers of the same color on her feet. She and Ingrum step into the living room.
"It's almost the afternoon, actually," Ingrum points out.
"I didn't ask," the woman grumbles. She gives everyone a once-over before going to the kitchen.
Ingrum smiles sheepishly. "Pardon her indiscretion, she's not a morning person."
Stan watches the black-haired woman head to where the wine bottles are contained in. She pulls back one of the glass doors and seizes a random bottle. Instead of getting a glass, she plucks the cork out easily and drinks straight from the bottle. With a dumbfounded blink, Stan looks away just as she lets out a long and loud sigh of content, taking some of his friends aback.
Ingrum puts a hand over his face as he shakes his head, embarrassed by his host's forthright nonchalance.
"Wow," Clyde says, speechless.
"Alright." The woman comes back with a little pep in her step, bringing the wine bottle with her. "Let's get this over with."