Earth-4088480
The entity, now fully manifested, hovered in the center of the circle, its ethereal body glowing a blue-green hue, a palpable energy enveloping everyone present.
Ben Rifkin, or what was left of him, stared at Jacob, his expression filled with hatred that had been building up for years.
The silence in the forest clearing was broken when the ghost finally spoke, his voice rough and laden with resentment -You… you left me there, you left me to die there alone-
Jacob took a step back, his face pale as a sheet, unable to form words. He stuttered, trying to say something, but his voice caught in his throat.
Trevor, unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, asked quietly, but urgently -What do we do now?- Tommy, with a firm but serious expression, answered without hesitation -For now, nothing… he must figure it out on his own-
Tommy's words weighed in the air, as if Jacob's fate was sealed by what was about to happen. The candle flames flickered, casting eerie shadows across Jacob's face as his breathing finally steadied enough to articulate a response.
Jacob said -There was nothing I could do… you were already gone- His voice barely a whisper, as if the words hurt as much as the truth they hid.
Ben's ghost didn't seem impressed, in fact, his expression grew even darker, his voice filled with hatred -You could have called for help… but you left me there, on the ground, for everyone to see- The words came out with a mix of rage and contempt -That was what you wanted, wasn't it? Part of your sick fantasies…-
Jacob stepped back again, his eyes filled with a mix of guilt and terror, the intensity of Ben's words hitting him like a torrent of ice-cold water, reminding him of a past he had never been able to escape.
Sarah watched from a distance, her hands still covering her mouth as tears began to pool in her eyes. She knew something about Jacob's story didn't add up, but she wasn't ready to hear the brutal truth that was now emerging.
Trevor clenched his fists, uncomfortable with the situation, wanting to intervene, but knowing he couldn't, meanwhile, Phoebe remained alert, watching the ghost's movements closely.
He knew this was an emotional showdown, but he also understood that ghosts could be unpredictable when fed off of negative emotions, his hand resting on the proton bracelet, ready for any eventuality.
Ben continued -You thought that if you kept it a secret, if you left me lying there like a dead dog, you could move on, but you'll never be able to escape what you did, Jacob-
The clearing filled with an oppressive energy, as if Ben's words were draining the air from the lungs of everyone present.
The air in the forest clearing grew even tighter with Ben's final words, his voice echoing with pain and fury.
Jacob, who had been staggering until now, stepped forward, his face flushed with repressed anger -I didn't do anything and you know it!- His voice was firm and full of frustration -When I found you, you were already like this…- His breathing became erratic, as if the words weighed more than he expected -I'm sick of being the bad guy just for passing by. I didn't do anything to you!-
For a moment, silence fell over the clearing. Ben's furious gaze was fixed on Jacob, while the candle flames continued to dance erratically, the spiritual energy that had been unleashed seemed to hold back the breathing of the entire forest.
Suddenly, Ben's ghost screamed, his voice louder and more heartbreaking than ever before -BUT YOU WOULD HAVE DONE IT!- The words were like a thunderclap that made everyone shudder -If you had had your precious new knife at that moment, and you had found me on the way... you would have done it!-
Jacob stepped back, his eyes now filled with shock and pain, but also with contained rage, Ben's accusation hit him like a sledgehammer, the knife... the damned devil's knife, could Ben be right? He didn't know, but the fury of seeing himself portrayed as a monster was getting the better of him.
Phoebe, watching the escalation of emotions, pressed her lips together. She knew that if this continued down this path, things could spiral out of control at any moment. She discreetly slipped her hand under her sleeve, brushing the proton bracelet she was wearing hidden. She turned to Trevor, who was looking at her expectantly.
The wind in the clearing continued to blow eerily, the air currents enveloping the circle, the candle flames flickering on and off in an almost rhythmic pattern, as if Ben's spirit was exerting control over the environment.
Tommy, still watching the scene, gestured to Danielle and Cooky to be ready. They knew that this ritual was not just about summoning a spirit, but about helping to resolve what kept the soul tied to this world, but with emotions running high, it was impossible to predict what would happen next.
Ben advanced on Jacob, his ghostly form shaking with a mixture of hate and pain and said -all I wanted was for you to help me... but you didn't- Ben's tone changed, becoming more torn -You left me to die alone... and you will pay for this-
Jacob, trembling, finally found the words he had been holding back for a long time -I am not the monster you think I am…- He clenched his fists, his body shaking from both anger and fear. But he knew that, at this point, he could not back down.
He had carried the weight of the accusations for too long, he had remained silent, silently enduring the stigma and the blame, but no longer and he continued -You are… You are the monster, Ben-
Those words fell like a curse upon the clearing, instantly, Ben's ghostly form began to distort, his face, which had initially been recognizable, slowly deformed, taking on a much more sinister appearance, its bright and ethereal outline now flickering with dark, almost black tones, and his body seemed to twist as if an internal force was tearing it apart.
Jacob continued -You were always bothering me and anyone who was near you- his voice firm, although his hands were still shaking -You weren't a poor victim, Ben... you never were-
Ben's ghost opened his mouth, but all that came out was a thick vapor, mixed with a guttural sound, like a growl of pure frustration.
The wind in the clearing intensified, and the candles, which until then had resisted, went out completely.
The circle of spiritual energy began to vibrate with a dangerous intensity, as if the forces summoned in the ritual were getting out of control.
Phoebe muttered to her brother - Get ready, this is about to explode - while she pulled her sleeve, finally revealing her bracelet to the world.
Trevor nodded quickly, looking at his sister with a frown, he knew what that meant, if Ben's spirit became uncontrollable, they would have to intervene immediately.
Sarah, who had been watching everything in a state of shock, stepped back, unable to look away from the grotesque transformation that Ben's ghost was undergoing, her cousin put a hand on her shoulder, as she watched the Spengler siblings begin to work.
Tommy and Danielle also looked at each other, worried that the ritual was getting out of hand, although Cooky, the youngest of the group, seemed more curious than scared, her eyes fixed on the ghost as if she was studying every detail.
Trevor asked -What do we do?- to Phoebe as he began to slowly take the equipment out of his backpack, to which she answers -wait- as they watched the situation.
Ben's ghost stepped forward a little further, his face twisted in fury and resentment, his eyes now empty and dark as he said -You let me die…- he growled, his voice almost unrecognizable now -You always wanted to see me on the ground, because you knew you'd never be better than me-
Jacob stepped forward, gritting his teeth and said -No, Ben…- and although his legs were shaking, his voice was clear -I didn't let you die… you asked for it-
The ectoplasm around Ben began to swirl violently, as if a storm was brewing inside him, Jacob's words seemed to rip the last of his humanity out of him, transforming him into an even more dangerous entity.
I threatened the specter -You're going to pay for this, Jacob- now a twisted figure of pure hatred -Everyone will…-
Just before the ghost could unleash his wrath, Phoebe squeezed her bracelet and whispered to Trevor -Now- pointing her bracelet at the ghost, while Trevor prepared the container.
But they were stopped by Danielle's firm voice -Stop right there...- raising a rod with a mysterious green light at the tip, her gaze was stern as she pointed directly at Phoebe -This is far from over... Let us work-
Phoebe frowned, surprised, but remained calm, that rod of Danielle's was shining with a power she didn't fully understand, and although her instinct told her that they should act before it was too late, she decided not to move immediately.
Tommy said -Danny, put that thing down- visibly irritated by his sister's action and then, turning to Trevor and Phoebe, he added -Please let us finish, there's no need to act yet... we can figure this out-
Trevor, with the proton pack still on, looked Tommy straight in the eyes. He could see the mix of confidence and desperation in his expression, as if Tommy knew what was at stake, but also firmly believed in the magical solution.
Then, his eyes met Jacob's, who was still standing inside the circle, with a look of pure determination, despite his fear, he was willing to face his past and the hatred of Ben's ghost.
Finally, Trevor exhaled sharply and, turning his gaze to Phoebe, gave the order -Okay... put the equipment down, we'll wait-
Phoebe, reluctant at first, slowly nodded, although she did not fully trust that the magic chants were enough to control the spirit, she decided to follow her brother's instructions.
He discreetly turned off the proton bracelet and lowered his hand. At the same time, Danielle relaxed her stance and lowered her rod, the light at its tip gradually dimming until it went out completely.
Tommy gratefully nodded to Trevor with a quick nod before returning his attention to the circle, with Jacob and the ghost of Ben.
The ectoplasm surrounding Ben continued to swirl furiously, and his figure had become even more grotesque, but the presence of the candles and the symbols etched into the earth kept the spirit contained within the circle, while the Valentine brothers resumed their chants, their voices echoing in Latin as they tried to stabilize the situation.
The wind shook the clearing again, but this time, it seemed that Ben's own spirit was losing strength, the determination in Jacob's eyes, though wavering, began to tip the scales.
Jacob, frustrated and on the verge of emotional collapse, raised his voice, finally confronting Ben Rifkin's dark past -And what you wanted to do to Sarah, THAT is disgusting! Not the fantasies I wrote about on my blog... you are not a victim, you are a sociopath, a bully... A RAPIST!-
The instant the last word left his mouth, a blast of energy exploded from Jacob, impacting directly against Ben's ghost, the ectoplasm that enveloped the spirit disintegrated like a torn cloak, revealing what was hidden underneath, deep red skin and a twisted horn on his forehead.
Alarmed, Podcast asked -Is it a demon?- as he held his camera, unable to look away from the grotesque figure.
Danielle, still in control of the situation, shook her head and said -No, but that's how they both see each other now... their hatred has transformed them- Then, turning to her brother, she said -Tommy, they won't solve it alone, we have to go to the next level-
Tommy looked at his sister for a moment, debating internally, he knew that crossing that line would take them into dangerous territory, but he also understood that Jacob and Ben could not resolve this emotional battle without outside help.
Finally, he took a breath and nodded, saying –Okay- and pulled out of his pocket a small leather notebook, already worn from use, opening its pages with firm hands, while his sisters intensified the chant, once again intoning the ancient Latin words, the candles around the circle shining brightly again, their flames moving to the rhythm of the magical whispers.
Tommy began to recite the powerful Latin words:
-"Pater Chronos, rompe tempus ac spatium... fac eos videre quae potuerunt fieri et non sunt facta"-
As the last word was spoken, a violet light enveloped both Jacob and Ben's spectre, the energy shining with a hypnotic intensity, covering them in a supernatural bubble that seemed to separate them from the physical world.
Sarah whispered -What's going on?- clearly frightened, but at the same time fascinated, Danielle explained -We're taking them to a point where they'll be able to see the possibilities that never happened, perhaps, by facing what could have been, they can find peace-
Inside the bubble, Jacob and Ben stood still, watching as the space around them began to change, the boundaries between the present and an alternate timeline blurred.
The past, what they both desired and feared, unfolded before them like a blurry projection, it was a place where there was no hate or violence, where decisions were made differently.
The visions began to unfold rapidly before Jacob and Ben, like a whirlwind of memories and possibilities that both of them never imagined, only they could see these scenes that revealed what could have been, what they both had wanted to avoid but that, somehow, had caught up with them.
The first vision showed Ben walking calmly along the forest path, suddenly, he stopped, finding Jacob lying on the ground, his body covered in blood, he turned him over, with horror on his face, and let out a heartbreaking scream before running away, desperately asking for help.
Another scene showed him at school, with his eyes full of tears, while the police arrived to arrest him, the officers arrested him in front of everyone, under the accusatory gazes of the other students, who pointed at him and whispered behind his back.
The vision shifted again, showing Jacob's mother lunging furiously at Ben's mother in the supermarket, both of them falling to the floor in a violent fight, slamming into each other's hands on the shelves as people surrounded them, too shocked to intervene, screams and accusations filling the air, the tragedy that connected both families unleashing an uncontrollable rage.
Then Sarah appeared in court, tears in her eyes, sobbing as she declared the threats Ben had made to her earlier, the jurors and lawyers listened intently, while Ben, sitting in the dock, seemed to sink into despair.
The last vision was the most devastating, Ben's parents, visibly defeated, were in their home, his mother with trembling hands, told him to close the window in his room because it might rain, Ben obediently did so.
Meanwhile, they closed the other windows in the house, finally his father, with tears in his eyes, walked to the stove, turning on the gas, while the house filled with the deadly gas, both of them cried silently, completely consumed by guilt and hopelessness.
The air inside the circle vibrated, and the violet light exploded with a silent but powerful bang, dissipating the energy field surrounding Jacob and Ben.
When the light faded, the clearing fell silent. Jacob stood, calmer, though his eyes still shone with a deep sadness. In front of him, Ben was no longer a demonic figure, his skin had lost that reddish tone, and now shone with a golden, serene and warm light.
Ben, freed from the hatred that had consumed him, no longer showed the bitterness in his eyes, his spirit, transformed by the truth and revelations of the ritual, looked at peace for the first time.
Jacob murmured -There is nothing more to say- his voice trembling slightly, but with a tone of acceptance.
Ben, in his ethereal form, simply nodded, without saying a word, the light that enveloped him seemed to be slowly fading, a sign that his time on this plane was coming to an end.
Trevor watched the scene, knowing he had done the right thing in trusting Tommy.
The clearing fell into a solemn silence, the gentle wind that had previously enveloped the ritual now disappearing.
The symbols on the ground began to glow brightly, as if all the energy built up during the ritual was reaching its climax, Ben's ghost began to dismantle, his ethereal form slowly disintegrating into particles of ectoplasm that rose into the sky, ever more dispersed.
Ben said - I'm sorry for what happened to you, Jacob... and I'm really sorry, Sarah - his voice now soft and full of regret, his last words, charged with emotion, echoed in the clearing.
Sarah replied -Just go now- in the most neutral tone she could muster. Ben nodded guiltily and said, -If you see my parents… tell them I'm sorry-
As she spoke, her figure became more and more ethereal, until finally, the particles in her body were completely released, rising into the infinity of space and the air felt lighter, as if an invisible burden had been removed.
Phoebe discreetly turned to Lucky, who had been holding the spectral energy meter the entire time. Lucky looked at the screen of the device, which now read zero, and nodded in confirmation.
She, relieved, returned the nod before her eyes fell on the Valentine book, which lay on the table in the middle of the circle, with renewed fascination.
The tension in the air disappeared, as the candles began to go out one by one and the clearing returned to the tranquility of the night, now free of spirits and supernatural disturbances.
Well, this is the longest chapter I've written so far, and look how GPT chat had extended it by 10 pages, I had to remove many paragraphs that were redundant.
.
Now that we've closed the chapter on Ben's ghost, we'll dive into what everyone came to see... the multiversal Byler.
.
Give me Follow and Favorite me.
Comments and criticisms are welcome.