Chapter 29 / part 1
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29: Invocation / Part 1
interlude i || part 1 || part 2
Warnings: coarse language, violence, more violence, blood, horror, bad special effects, cartoon villainry
With sims by amochan8878, leaths, simsinthecity
This chapter is in two parts.
Meadow always checked obsessively to make sure the doors and windows were locked. There had been break-ins in the building, and luckily enough her home had been overlooked. She didn't really care about her meagre belongings which mostly consisted of her ancient computer, her pawn shop guitar and thrift shop furniture. She really didn't have many possessions that was worth worrying over.
There were other far more important reasons that she did her best to keep her home safe and secure.
And she'd defend him to the death if she had to.
Samantha Cordial wasn't sure when she had fallen asleep. She knew she was stressed out, both physically and mentally. Wanda had advised her to rest and stay off her mission for now. It was only advice, and Samantha wouldn't take it. She spent the past few days instead continuing her investigation by going through her sister's belongings, packing them away one by one if they were of no help to her. Kimberly had made a bit of a life for herself in this little city. What was so worth it that she had to move here? And die here?
Her sister kept her secrets fairly well. When the police said that they found no files of any of her "clients", they meant it. She kept no paperwork, had written down no names save one. Kimberly was able to record that in a manner that ordinary sims wouldn't be able to perceive. And maybe she knew sometime down the line that someone other than herself would need that information. It was how Samantha knew of Willow Marlen.
There was a gentle note of perfume in the air... some expensive name brand that Kimberly was always fond of.
She didn't know how she knew to open her eyes just then. Nothing made a sound and the couch didn't shift.
"For all the work you do, you certainly don't give yourself enough time to rest. Over-exhaustion could be pretty fatal in your line of work."
"Then again, so can exsanguination."
Samantha: It took you this long to make an appearance finally.
Kimberly: You know me. Fashionably late as always.
Samantha: Well at least you didn't keep that atrocious school counsellor look you died in. I've missed you looking this way.
Kimberly: The fun thing about being dead... no expectations on how I should appear anymore. And I can't imagine you missing me too much. It's always been like looking into a mirror when we see at eachother, hasn't it.
Samantha: I'm not sure if I'm awake or if I'm dreaming.
Kimberly: Can't it be both? But let's not get into a discussion about metaphysics and spiritualism. I've only got a few things to say before I have to go. Just remember who we are. And remember that you and I are bound by blood and spirit . With that in mind you'll be able to find what you're looking for.
Samantha: Do you need to be so cryptic, Kim?
Kimberly: I can't give away all of the Coven's secrets, Sam. I'm still pledged to them, even in death.
Samantha: That's why you took Willow as your protege. Because the Coven wanted you to. What is it that you've gotten yourself into this time?
Kimberly: I have a lot of regrets. Take care of her for me, she doesn't deserve what they will do to her.
Kimberly: And just one more thing. I know you miss me, but at least for tonight, stay away from mirrors.
"You owe me one, Sam."
Slowly Samantha wiped the sleep from her eyes and got up again. She didn't know what she was expecting but she was alone. Not even a trace of that familiar perfume. The dream seemed so real. It was almost as if she could reach out and touch her. It had to be Kimberly.
She walked upstairs to the spare bedroom that Kimberly kept as her study. Samantha had dragged out all her objects of magic from where she had hidden them and arranged them here; Her spell book, riddled with secret notes only witches could read, and her scrying crystal.
Bound by blood and spirit, Kimberly told her. These objects were locked to the soul of it's user. Did Kimberly mean to imply that Samantha would be able to use them too?
Cautiously she spoke a word. The crystal ball did nothing, but she could feel a hum of energy emanating from it. She said the spell again, with a little more reverence, thinking of her sister, bringing her to the forefront of her mind.
The energy seemed to expand, getting brighter as Samantha moved closer to it, invoking more memories of Kimberly. She could see faint images forming in the mist inside. Random images that seemed to be pulled from everywhere swirled within. Samantha looked intently into the crystal, waiting for the right images to make themselves known. Patiently she waited until three items flashed in front of her... a book, a mirror and a chair. What did all those have to do with one another?
As more images appeared in the crystal, Samantha was suddenly aware what her sister might have meant... and what the Coven might want to do.
Samantha: The Sorceress...??? Are they even serious?
She was waiting for him when he left. She stood against the arch, as cold and still as any of the marble statues that kept their vigil over the cemetary.
Wesley: The pact is done with, Countess.
Sibyll: Can you be sure of that?
Wesley didn't respond.
Sibyll: I didn't think so. Witches can't be trusted. Even your dear little friend.
Wesley: You don't know her.
Sibyll: I know what she is and what she is capable of.
Sibyll: If you want to keep her safe and save her soul, keep her away from the Coven. And them from her. Any connection between them and we're all doomed. I promise you that.
He thought of the key that the Coven's Construct had given him for Willow. He had given it to her before he fell unconscious, unsure if he would live. Sibyll's scarlet eyes burned into his.
Sibyll: Do what you need to do, Wesley. As will I.
Jasmine: Did we get 'em?
Adrian: ...
It was later than Willow would have liked when they finally reached the entrance of the Landgrabb Society mansion. Cecilia had tried to tip the subdued driver, who simply grunted without accepting the simoleons. Annoyed by what she considered ungratefulness, she stepped out of the limo only to forget about the slight. She stared up at the old mansion in wonder.
Cecilia: Who builds a mansion like this in the middle of nowhere?
Gabriel: Some insane, eccentric billionaire trying to hide a crapload of weird shit? Who knows.
Cecilia: Well they spelled the Landgraab's name wrong.
Gabriel: You hang around here enough you'll figure out that these guys really aren't that bright.
As Willow and Gabriel walked on ahead, Cecilia noticed something behind a fenced area. It was large, oddly shaped and covered with snow.
Cecilia: What's that?
The laganophyllis simnovorii suddenly reared up sensing the presence of something warm, blood filled and living.
Cecilia let loose a shriek of surprise and horror as the thing moved it's head towards her.
Gabriel: Don't...
Gabriel: ... go near that thing. Ever.
Cecilia: What the hell is that?
Gabriel: You don't want to know.
Cecilia: It looks dangerous.
Gabriel: That's 'cause it is.
Cecilia: Why would anyone keep that out in front like that?
Gabriel: Would you want to move it?
The plant thing's large head followed Cecilia as Gabriel pulled her past it. She couldn't help but to look back.
Inside, Willow had already encountered an obstacle.
Carl: I'm sorry, I just can't let any stranger in. We don't conduct tours of this mansion. It's for our exclusive members only.
Willow: Carl, we're not going to be all that long. And why does it matter anyway, it's not like you're hiding anything here... are you?
Carl: I don't think we should be discussing this in front of the non-members. And anyway, you should also be wearing the uniform we sent you.
Willow: I actually didn't get a uniform...
Willow: To be honest, I wasn't sure if I should accept your invitation to join your ... club. I'm flattered you guys asked, but I wasn't too happy with the kidnapping thing...
Carl: It's how all of us were inducted Willow. It's tradition. No harm done, right?
Willow: No, you'd be surprised how wrong you are about that.
Carl: But I knew you'd be back, Willow... maybe after you send your little friend home, we can finish that conversation we had that night and
you and I can finally spend time with one another...
Gabriel: Ah.. haha... here's where I'm gonna interrupt.
Gabriel: Listen. Dude. This here is my cousin. Cecilia Baird. I don't know if you recognize the name... her dad's like the richest dude in Simtopi? Her grandfather's the Mayor. The fucking Mayor.
Carl: Now cussing isn't necessary...
Gabriel: Think of all the donations this place will be getting...
Carl: But none of the Bairds are alumni. Her or her family name hasn't been endorsed...
Gabriel: Big deal. I'm endorsing her now. Think of what you can do with a sizeable grant. You can finally get this place redecorated. Renovated and upgraded even. Everyone likes upgrades.
Carl: I don't know. This house hasn't really changed much since the Society took it over.
Gabriel: That means this house is older than the Society itself. It's a good time for a change, you think? You know what this place could really use... a new wallpaper. Maybe add another floor. A pool table would be awesome...
While Gabriel had Carl distracted, Willow immediately picked up on the queue. She tugged at Cecilia's coat and both shuffled quickly away.
As they managed to escape past Carl, Cecilia hesitated slightly, feeling the sudden urge to look to the empty lounge area next to them. There was something there...
Jasmine: I knew it. I fucking knew it. I was thinking I'd have enough of supernatural fun times after this past weekend but no, fucking zombies have to ruin my night...
Adrian: I still don't know what you're talking about.
Jasmine: You just won't get it. I don't even understand half of it. But I know that they're after Willow. Probably.
Adrian: Jasmine stop... for all I know you just ran over three drunk but innocent frat kids. I don't know where you're getting all this undead stuff.
Jasmine: Frat kids don't maul you into the pavement, and try to bite your face off, Adrian. Or have you already forgotten that.
Jasmine: Shit... Adrian!!!
She turned around in time to see the zombie jump up behind Adrian.
Surprised, he acted on pure instinct.
Jasmine: Right. I hit it with my truck and it still manages to get up and attempt to tear your throat out. You think that's normal drunk frat kid behaviour?
Adrian: Christ, Jasmine. He's all messed up...
Jasmine: It, Adrian. It.
Jasmine walked over to the back of her truck, reached into it and pulled out a wooden bat.
Adrian: Wait what are you doing with that?
Jasmine: I'm getting it autographed. What do you think?
Adrian: You're not...
Jasmine: Yes I am. I mean, I hoped that last time was the only time I had to deal with this shit.
Jasmine: I never thought I'd actually be underprepared for a zombie invasion.
Adrian turned away as Jasmine brought the bat down as hard as she could across the creature's skull.
Adrian: How... how do you know about all this stuff?
Jasmine: That accident I was in... the one you visited me in the hospital for.
Adrian: Don't tell me...
Jasmine: Yeah. Zombie night.
Adrian: And they're after Willow?
Jasmine: I think so. I don't know why there are so many of them...
Jasmine: Where are you going???
Adrian: If Willow's in danger, we need to get her out.
Jasmine: Wait...!!!
Adrian stopped in his tracks as soon as he reached the front steps. The body of one of Willow's dormmates was lying there in the red snow. He couldn't process everything Jasmine just told him about whatever these creatures were but it all of a sudden the reality of it hit him when he found the dead student.
He wasn't able to contemplate it further. In the next few seconds, one of the undead creatures burst through the mansion's heavy door and ran at him without stopping.
He barely had time to dodge as it pushed him down violently.
Trying to pull all his strength he had together, he vaulted up and kicked the creature back.
It was the second time today that one of those managed to pull him down and he was beginning to start hating it. The creature rolled over and jumped to it's feet right as Adrian pulled himself up.
He didn't have a chance to do anything else as Jasmine swung the bat around striking the creature full across his face.
In the same, almost trained motion, she pulled the bat over her head to bash it back down onto the creature. It twitched a few times before it lay still in the snow.
Jasmine: What's the matter with you? You can't just go running off like that.
Adrian: Jasmine...
Jasmine: You don't even know what's going on, but whatever you really just need to save the love of your life before you can even figure out a decent plan.
Jasmine: Like she'd appreciate your head being torn off or worse. I know you think I'm nuts but there's some serious shit going on right now Adrian. What if more than one of those jumped out at you? Fuck... I don't need your head torn off.
Adrian: Jasmine...
Jasmine: God, I just don't get you guys. You just gotta be the macho big freaking hero, don't you?
Adrian: Jasmine!!!!
She didn't notice the creature rear up unnaturally fast behind her, it's limbs dragging behind him like an insane rag doll.
"Heads up!"
Adrian pulled Jasmine back as Rowan seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. In a blink of an eye the corpse dropped limply into the snow. Adrian didn't want to look to see what Rowan had done.
Rowan: Fuck. I think I sprained something. Ow.
Jasmine: Rowan??!
Jasmine was suddenly aware that Adrian was still holding on to her.
Adrian: Are you alright?
Jasmine: I'm fine, it just surprised me, that's all.
Adrian: You're still shaking.
Jasmine: Yeah, well, contrary to what you may think I don't deal with this nightly.
Rowan: Goddam, aren't you two ever so adorable together.
Jasmine: Okay I gotta ask. What the fuck are you doing walking around with a fucking sword.
Rowan: You like it? I collect a lot of shit. Some of it comes in handy from time to time.
Jasmine: A sword, Rowan? Are you insane?
Rowan: Hey saved your life, didn't it? And it's pretty stylish too. If there's one thing I am, is all about style. Now you two lovebirds gonna help me figure out if my sister's in there or what?
Adrian: How are you all calm about this?
Rowan: Well I'll admit, she's probably not. I called ahead. But that was like an hour ago. Still I have a feeling she isn't here.
Adrian: I'm not gonna go with just a feeling, Rowan.
Rowan: Yeah yeah. I don't know about you but I'm just gonna go in there and let the powers that be sort it all out.
Adrian: Jasmine, can you stay out here? Someone needs to call the cops.
Rowan: And a fire truck.
Jasmine: Wait, so you get to play Captain Hero while I sit out here by myself with god knows how many of these things hanging around.
Rowan: Yeah I saw your work with your truck. Nice job by the way. Come on Captain, let's do this thing.
Jasmine watched as Adrian and Rowan rushed into the building. She could see the growing fire blazing inside.
Jasmine: Fucking men.
Rowan: Jesus Christ it's hot in here.
He ducked to avoid the smoke the heat from the flames. As he turned, he noticed something move in the smoke.
It seemed oblivious to the fire and the smoke. It glared at Rowan and growled.
Rowan: Fuck.
Adrian ran through the smoke down the hall way towards Willow's room. Without hesitating, he checked every room he came across. It was still early enough for a lot of the students to have been out at least. No one was in their rooms.
He quickly made it to Willow's room. Someone had obviously already been in here. It was torn apart and her things were strewn all over the place. But he breathed a sigh of relief that she wasn't anywhere to be found.
Rowan: Come on dude, this place is getting kinda uncomfortable.
Adrian didn't want to even think of the new corpse that Rowan was practically standing on.
Adrian: Willow's not here. Go on ahead, I just gotta check the other wing.
Rowan: Not your responsibility, son. Let's go.
Adrian: I'll be a second.
Rowan: Somehow I don't think you're going to find anyone alive in this place.
In the next few minutes, Adrian bolted down the stairs and both ran out of the mansion just as the flames grew higher.
Adrian: She isn't in there.
Rowan: I could have told you that.
Jasmine didn't turn to look at Rowan or Adrian. She seemed fixated on something far off into the distance.
Something was in the sky.
Adrian: What is that?
Jasmine: I don't know. It just showed up. Rowan was right about her not being in there. But I don't think Willow's out of trouble...
Samantha wasn't quite sure where she was going but she did need to do something. The images in the scrying crystal were hazy and confusing at best, but everything connected to that old legend. It was an insane idea, even for the Coven...
As she walked further down the complex a bright flash to the south distracted her. A strange feeling overwhelmed her for an instance as she looked in disbelief up towards the sky.
Was this why Kimberly came to visit tonight of all nights? Something was happening and the sense of urgency she had was growing stronger.
She barely acknowledged as the vampire she knew as Wesley Vaughn appeared suddenly in front of her.
Samantha: You're either insane or suicidal or both to be here.
Wesley: I need to speak with you.
Samantha: You're not here to turn yourself in, are you.
Wesley: Not before we make an agreement about a few things. Namely about my friend, Willow.
Samantha: I'm actually not going to discuss any of that tonight. And we're not getting into another fight. I'm thinking from that thing in the sky that there's more pressing matters to deal with.
Her sister's voice resonated in her head. "At least for tonight, stay away from mirrors."
Samantha: Though I'd rather like to see you dead right now, I may need your help. For your friend's sake as well as everyone else's.
Wesley looked upwards briefly but didn't turn away from Samantha too long.
Wesley: What does that have to do with Willow?
Samantha: I don't know yet but I have a feeling it can lead us to her. Can you trust me?
» continue on to Part 2