After spending the past several minutes explaining her experience inside the cave to her grandparents and Adrian, Victoria was mentally drained by this point. Everyone's reactions were generally shared; complete shock. Adrian gently rubbed her back to keep her comforted. Henry and Evelyn meanwhile had to take a moment to comprehend what they had just heard come from the mouth of their own granddaughter, considering that Evelyn was mentioned amongst the lineage. Henry rubbed his eyes and shook his head.
"Jesus Christ almighty..." Was all he could say.
"Sweetheart you look so pale. I...I can't even begin to imagine what that was like for you. Like some horrible nightmare. Are you going to be okay?" Evelyn spoke softly. Victoria just quietly nodded. "So...this history of unusual mental health our family has always dealt with growing up and the tragedies that seem to plague us...all stems from Edward and Mary the day they made that pact. Even I wasn't free from it. Having to watch my own mother and father suffer and pass away from a horrible illness that their immune systems just couldn't fight against...was the worst experience of my life."
Victoria's mind kept replaying flashes of the experience back in the cave. Having to watch members of her own family come and go, hearing how their lives would suffer tragedy, was all plaguing her psyche. But seeing her parents was what broke her.
"I-I don't mean to pry babe but...what was it like seeing...your parents?" Adrian asked.
Victoria couldn't even shed any more tears, not after letting her emotions loose earlier. Evelyn and Henry remained quiet to hear what she would say. Victoria took a deep breath and fought against whatever was holding her back from saying anything to help ease the pain.
"Th-they looked so real. They smiled at me. They...embraced me. I haven't cried that much since they day I found out they died. Whatever was speaking to me, it didn't feel ominous despite the tragedy that befell each of us in the Wintercroft lineage. It was educating me and, in a strange way...comforting me. It let me feel the warmth of my parents once more. As painful as the entire experience was...I think it gave me most of the answers I was looking for all this time. I know what the pact Edward and Mary made was. I know the entity that was speaking was benevolent in nature but also brought some kind of curse along with it. Each of us have been vessels and now I am the current one. Yet one lingering mystery remains that it did not answer...and that is why I am going through so much mental torment. It said we would meet again soon and reveal the answer. For now I-I guess I'm just to remain in the dark and carry on with my life..."
Adrian, Evelyn and Henry all remained silent for a brief moment. Adrian pulled her close and wrapped an arm around her, she rested her head on his shoulder. Henry then stood up and walked over to Victoria, placing a hand on her other shoulder. She looked up at him.
"I'm not sure what all is going on but...hang in there darling. We love you and only want you to feel better. That snowstorm is coming so take these next few days and relax okay? You've been through a lot." Henry said in a calming tone.
"Thanks grandpa. I'll do that. My mind needs some rest."
Victoria stood up and left for the guest bedroom. Adrian decided to give her some space and remained with Evelyn and Mary for the time being.
The night began to close in over Washington DC. With a light patch of snow coating her black coupe, Natalia was letting the car warm up while she stood in place rubbing her gloved hands together. She looked up into the sky, watching the snow fall and seeing her own breath in the freezing cold air. From out of nowhere a voice called out;
"Hey!"
It was the voice of Madison. Her ears perked up and she looked behind her shoulder to see Madison approaching her wearing a black buttoned-up winter coat. Her surprise appearance brought a smile to Natalia's face.
"Well hello there." She greeted her. Madison approached her and handed her a file.
"I meant to give this to you earlier but I got caught up in my own paperwork. Someone from the CIA handed it to me and told me to give it to you. Didn't say what it was but that it was for your eyes only." Madison explained.
"Hmm I see. Was this all you needed to do?"
"Well also, I just wanted to see you before you left. How was your day?"
"Mundane as usual. How about you dear?"
"Tiring of course. With the new bill enacted there's a lot of work that's going to need to be done. Congress is going to be speaking to the Department of the Treasury so we can start redistributing funds from the military into reparations for the new bill. Start getting those poorer and underfunded areas fixed you know?"
"Yes I'm aware. It's going to be quite the...lengthy and strenuous project considering the lack of proper care many of those areas were not receiving from prior leaders and their cabinets. Should the calamity be stopped or not come true...at least things for the country and it's people will be looking brighter..."
Natalia and Madison were silent for a moment.
"Y-yeah, right...if everything turns out to be okay. Um, hey do you..." Madison stammered. Natalia raised an eyebrow.
"Hm? What is it?" She said.
"...are you, just going straight home for the night?"
"That was my plan yes. Before you ask, no I am not speaking to the voice tonight. After our last 'talk' I'm giving my mind some rest. Why do you ask?"
"Care to share some company for a little while? With me? It's been awhile since you've been to my home so I assumed maybe we could go there."
Natalia gave Madison a smirk and nodded. Madison's eyes lit up and she smiled back.
"Sure why not? We've got a few hours before it's time to sleep. I'll meet you there." Natalia said.
"Great! See you there!"
Madison headed for her car while Natalia just watched and got inside hers.
Shortly after Madison arrived home she stepped outside and walked up the stairs leading to the front door. She waited on the top step as Natalia pulled up and parked in front of the garage. She got out and joined Madison to head inside the house. The interior was spacious and clean with a living room directly in front of them, a closet to the left, kitchen and dining room off to the right side and several more rooms ahead. On the floor over by a window in the living room away from the furniture and television setup was a set of cat toys, a cat condo and a scratching post where a small white kitten was scratching at.
"Come to think of it, I've only been here a few other times since the housewarming party three years ago." Natalia chuckled. As she spoke a gray cat jumped off the couch and approached Madison, rubbing up against her leg. Madison bent down to pet his head, hearing a light purring.
"Well our social time was cut shorter since the election and we became even busier then ever. Plus, your house is so much more extravagant then my home." Madison replied.
She lead Natalia into the kitchen, turning the light on and started brewing tea. Natalia took a seat on one of the island stools. The kitchen was also spacious and lead right to the dining room.
"Your home may be smaller but it's very cozy and inviting. I sometimes think I have too much space for my own good and do nothing with it. But you've always been this way. You went from a studio apartment to a small country home, then upgraded to this much larger home. Never was one for two-story homes I know that. I grew up in a wealthy family so I grew accustomed to large homes, hence why I chose where I live now and have been there ever since finishing college. Staying on campus was enjoyable but was not fond of those dorm rooms."
"Yeah I feel you there. I was always introverted and never one for company aside from the occasional visit from family or friends so I never wanted a big house or anything. I earned this home myself and wanted the space for my little companions to run around in."
"You always were a cat person. The day you first got the gray one you were ecstatic. Then when you got the tiny white one and you were beyond excited." Natalia noticed Madison blushing lightly after pointing out her love for cats.
"A-and there is nothing wrong with that! I couldn't have any in the apartment and the country house was fine for one. I only caved in and got another once I moved here. They're just so adorable and give me comfort whenever I'm alone."
The teapot started whistling. Madison grabbed two cups and poured tea, handing one to Natalia. The two shifted over to the dining room and sat down. They both sipped on their tea with pinkies out.
"Delicious. Oh and I do apologize for mocking your love of those furry little fellows all those years ago. Yours have grown on me the few visits I've had." Natalia spoke.
"It's okay. That was all in the past." Madison replied blowing on her hot tea.
"But let's set that aside for now. Can I ask you a personal question my dear?"
"Of course. Go right ahead."
"Knowing that I...have been harboring some weird, cryptic cosmic deity inside of me who's power I seem to somewhat possess, I wish to know... How do you truly feel about me? I am in some way, not the same person that you came to know back in the day. I'm still me, but only mostly..."
Madison had to think for a moment what to say being suddenly hit with a question like this. She gripped the teacup with both hands and shyly looked away. She chuckled but it sounded nervous, and yet she was still smiling.
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"I knew this was coming. Natalia I...I don't mind that you've become this...'vessel' as you said. Yes you have changed in some ways. You manipulated a man by breaking his psyche. You performed a ritual just to make contact with said cosmic deity. You delivered this divine message of a coming apocalypse to not only a group of the most important people on the planet but also myself. And yet, you continue to be an...incredible person, despite having this knowledge of humanity being destroyed. And you..you are always so nice to me even during the hassle and stress of work. My feelings towards you have never changed. While I may worry for you and your own mental health...I'm still always by your side no matter what. Even if we have to witness the end of the world together... at least it will be with you."
Natalia felt a wave of pure joy pulsating through her body. She didn't respond with any words. Instead she stood up and walked over to Madison, grabbing her arm and yanking her out of her seat. Despite the initial shock, Madison remained on her feet and followed as Natalia led her away from the kitchen. She gently kicked the bedroom door open all the way and went in, tossing Madison down onto her bed.
"H-hey what are you-?!"
Before Madison could finish Natalia fell onto the bed arms first and was now hovering over Madison, her face now beat red as Natalia went right for a kiss. They joined hands together with their lips locked together in a deep kissing state. Natalia broke the kiss off and brought a hand up to gently stroke a finger down Madison's cheek, her hypnotic red eyes meeting Madison's. She felt entranced by the crimson in her pupils and started undoing her dress shirt.
"You know just what I want from you...and our time on this planet has been cut short now. Last time was more spur-of-the-moment and sudden so...let's take it slowly this time, shall we?" Natalia murmured in a seductive tone.
"Y-yes of course...be gentle with your nails though please..." Madison replied sheepishly, her dress shirt now fully undone.
Natalia lowered her hand down to press her hands down on Madison's petite breasts, covered up with a deep purple bra. She let out a little yelp. Natalia just snickered, bending her head down and licking Madison's neck upwards. Her face was flushed at this point, leaving her arms down on the bed and letting Natalia take control of the situation. After a few minutes of gently grasping Madison's chest, Natalia sat up and undid her own dress shirt. Madison's eyes were instantly drawn to her bust and felt her heart racing, compelling her to start undressing the rest of herself. Natalia stripped down with her, both of them tossing their expensive business attire aside onto the floor. Natalia grabbed Madison's legs, giving them a slow stroke before lifting them up and pressing her now fully nude body against Madison's.
"Th-this is a..a new position..." Madison snickered before letting out a loud moan of pleasure as Natalia started to grind herself up against Madison, gaze fixated on her best friend's thin, hourglass figure. Inside of her, the lust for Madison was stronger then before, digging her nails into Madison's thighs and not letting herself hold back any longer. As if caught in a trance, Madison had surrendered herself to Natalia's advances. The two eloped vigorously long into the night...
Outside the snowstorm raged on like a tornado, coating the surrounding area in a blanket of white fluff. Sitting in a chair with her legs up on the chair, knees up to her chin, Victoria sat just watching the snow flurry from the bedroom window. Adrian laid on the bed with his face buried in his phone reading conspiracy theories. Their time in Maine was coming to a close. For the past two days they've been holed up inside with little to do but banter with her grandparents and look at their phones which still had service to their surprise. Most of the questions Victoria had were answered during their time here, yet a few still lingered on that bothered her.
"Hey Adrian. When do you think I'll finally know everything?" She asked out of the blue. Adrian cocked his head sideways and looked over to her.
"I uh. I'm not sure. Hopefully you will. You said that the creature that took you into that void...dimension or whatever it was, told you the answers would come in due time, right? So we just have to be patient is all." He answered.
"I guess you're right. I'll have to wait until it decides to speak to me again."
Downstairs Henry came into the kitchen and sat at the table where Evelyn was sitting. She had a concerned look on her face that worried him. He adjusted his glasses and took a puff from his pipe. He was unsure what she wanted to talk about.
"Alright. What is it hon?" Henry asked.
"Our granddaughter and her boyfriend are leaving the day after tomorrow. I...was thinking of giving her one more memento to take home with her." Evelyn said.
"Hm? You already gave her the journal. What else is there?"
Evelyn, with her hands under the table. brought them up. In her right hand was a wooden cross with a bronze crucified Jesus embedded on the front and a red gemstone right underneath. Henry raised his eyebrows.
"This crucifix belonged to her father, my dear son. He always kept it with him wherever he went. The day of the accident...it turns out he had left it at home in the nightstand. I held onto it, waiting to pass it along to Victoria if she was ever at her most vulnerable. And right now, that seems to be where she's at. When the house was given to her aunt and uncle, they sold quite a lot of things but also kept any family mementos. Well, we gave Victoria that locket with the photo of her parents together in it years ago as a keepsake, but held onto this cross to give to her later on in life. I think now is a proper time to gift this to her." As Evelyn spoke she looked down at the cross, running a finger down the bottom part and over the gemstone. Henry nodded.
"I agree. Let's wait until her last day here before giving that to her."
"Of course. And while we're both here something has bothered me regarding her story about their trip to the cave."
"You mean when she was talking about seeing all of those past family members? That was...quite bizarre to hear about. She must've been overwhelmed going through that. Like something out of a dream."
"Yes. What bothers me most is what she said she saw in that experience...a creature that appeared otherworldly. Saying that it had traveled through our bloodline from Edward and Mary. That means at one time even I had that thing inside of my subconscious. And Victoria's father did too...and now it's a part of her. I'm worried what this means for the state of her mental stability as of late. Will she be okay?"
"Darling I understand. I'm worried too. But she's a grown woman. I'm sure she will figure everything out, and that she will overcome this and have a bright future ahead. I hope..."
After nearly two days of a ravaging snowstorm and a calmer day with no snow at all, the last day of the Maine trip was here. Victoria and Adrian had packed up everything into the truck and were just about ready to depart for their long drive back to New York. After grabbing their phones and making the bed, Victoria and Adrian headed downstairs to get ready to say goodbye. Henry was in his chair as usual watching television when he noticed the two of them. He smiled at them, taking a puff from his pipe.
"So you two are heading back, eh? I know you've been through a lot Victoria, but you've been strong and keeping it together. It's been wonderful getting to see you again. And it was nice meeting you, young man." Henry said, extending his hand out. Adrian shook it then let Victoria give him a big hug.
"Pleasure's been mine sir. And uh, thanks for letting me smoke out on your back porch by the way." Adrian said with a chuckle.
"It's nothing. Life's stressful for you young folks so any legal way to take a load off is fine by me." Henry chuckled. "Well Evelyn is waiting near the front door to see you two out. Love you Victoria. You stay safe out there okay? And you young man, before you go I have one more thing to tell you... Thank you for taking care of my granddaughter."
Adrian nodded. Victoria broke the hug and stepped back.
"Thanks grandpa. I love you too. I'll be sure to come back at some point and see you and grandma again. Promise." Victoria said.
"Looking forward to it. You should get going now. Careful on your drive back."
"Of course. Bye grandpa!"
Victoria and Adrian waved as they left the living room. Henry puffed on his pipe again and gestured the sign of the cross to himself.
Evelyn had her hands behind her back as she smiled warmly to Victoria and Adrian. She motioned for Victoria to come closer so she did. She then grabbed her wrist and revealed the crucifix from behind her back, placing it in Victoria's palm.
"Grandma? What's this?" Victoria studied the crucifix. The gemstone in particular caught her attention.
"This belonged to your father dearie. I wanted to give it to you before you left. He...forgot it at home on the day of the accident and I've held onto it all these years later just for you to have. He kept it for good luck and good faith that he would always be safe no matter where he would go. He may have been taken from us too soon...but you're still here. And he would be proud of the woman you've become. Keep it with you. Him and your mother are always watching over you and don't you ever forget that." Evelyn said her usual comforting tone.
With a tear in her eye, Victoria hugged Evelyn tightly. Adrian only watched in silence.
"Thank you...for this. I love you grandma."
"I love you too sweetheart. Please be safe out there. I only wish the best for you and your lovely partner."
Adrian smiled from hearing that. Victoria broke off of her and held tightly onto the crucifix.
"It was a pleasure meeting you ma'am. You've been so kind to us and I really appreciate that. You and Henry both have helped us a lot." Adrian said. "Sadly we need to get going though."
"Of course of course. Take care you two!"
Victoria and Adrian headed out to the truck. And with that, they took off and began their long drive back home. Victoria could feel an almost holy presence emanating from the crucifix. She somehow felt safer clutching it in her grasp. She only hoped that the visions and headaches would start to cease from this point onward, but knew deep down she would need to confront the being inside of her again soon.
Inside of his solitary confinement cell within ADX Florence in Colorado, Al-Shamar's brain was wracked with trauma after his interrogation with Natalia. On the walls inside his cell were etchings made with a piece of chalk he found hidden behind the toilet. Days marked since his imprisonment with numerals, as well as various odd sketches of the terrors he witnessed peering into Natalia's eyes. He could not sleep, nor could he have any other thoughts try to shove what he saw out of his mind. Alone only with his thoughts, he felt himself going mad. A loud pounding came from behind the cell door.
"Hey asshole! Time for your weekly checkup!" An angry voice shouted, making Al jump in fear and scurry over to a corner. The door was unlocked and creaked open. Two prison guards entered the cell with flashlights on as they looked around. They started to see all of the drawings on the walls. Various alien-like creatures with many eyes, mouths, tentacles protruding from their hideous forms, and random words along with sentences stringed together.
'I am the weakest of man.' 'He is coming!' 'Take my life.' 'End my suffering.' 'The fall is upon us!' 'Woman of crimson.' 'No sleep. Can't sleep.' 'No escape.'
The guards were gravely concerned reading these words and seeing these strange sketches. They looked at Al-Shamar, cowering in the corner of the room, hands clasped onto his head, muttering under his breath.
"Jesus Christ what is all of this? This man was a fearless, illusive snake that lead armies of insurgents against his own government from the shadows for years. Not even a month locked up and he's already losing his mind?" One of the guards stated scratching his head.
"The guys that brought him here said he looked like a completely different person after the President spoke to him alone. Eyes read like he'd seen the devil himself. And this man didn't break after several methods of torture under the commander-in-chief's jurisdiction." The other guard noted.
"The fuck happened to him...?"
"Don't know. Almost feel sorry for the poor bastard. Just look at him. Looks like a lost child in an orphanage."
"Yeah. Shit I wonder what she did to break him? Don't fuck with Emerson I guess. Kinda' scary trying to imagine what she may have said or did to him. Anyway let's get this fucking inspection over with. This room feels creepy and I don't like it."
After the guards finished looking around they took one last look at Al-Shamar in the corner, shaking their heads. The last thing he sees is the door to his cell close shut. He was once again all alone with his thoughts. Getting the visits from the guards was almost comforting to him, while only temporary. He then went over to the toilet and grabbed the chalk to continue scribbling on the walls, muttering gibberish under his breath. The madness had already settled in and his sanity only continued to diminish with each passing day...