A Barginned Heart
In the morning Jade’s dogs chase Cal away and the group of you spilt up. You decide its best to keep families together, although you notice John and Dave are reluctant to part. They do though and you, Janey, Rosey, and Johnny begin the walk to Calliope’s apartment with the white hellhound, PM you think she’s called, walking by Janey’s side.
“So Johnny, what’s the dealio with you and Davey?” You ask as you walk, your eyes on everything and everyone. The boy stutters and chokes in response. “You two still crushing on each other or are you finally datin’?”
“He uh, he was with someone else until recently.” Johnny eventually mumbles his response. You’re glad he still knows he can’t get out of answering questions with you.
“Oh?” You ask, grinning. Rosey sighs and you turn your attention to her.
“They were not quite together. Unfortunately there is little chance we’ll see him again.” She explains.
“Karkat.” Jane says before the pieces fall into place in your head.
“Yeah.” John sighs. You’re all quiet for a good moment.
“To answer your question however,” Rose eventually adds. “Dave told John he kissed Karkat because he saw John kissing someone at the fair and Dave wanted to kiss the crush he knew would kiss him back and John told him he’d have kissed Dave back so Dave kissed him. David is very emotional, you see, and apparently requires his heart to be broken to kiss somebody he likes.”
“You weren’t supposed to know about that.” John mumbles, face red.
“He’s not toying with your emotions, is he?” Jane frowns, her nose scrunching up at the thought of anything distasteful.
“No, I promise he’s not.” John quickly says. “He likes me, he just also likes Karkat.” The boy sighs. “I don’t even think we’re dating though. I don’t think Dave really wants to take that step yet. The last time he almost took that step we all almost died so, you know.”
“What are your thoughts on this ‘Karkat’?” You ask.
“What does it matter?” He mumbles in response. “Karkat’s gone Roxy. Vanished. Poof. Kanaya says we don’t want to know where he is it’s that bad. So what does it matter if I also kinda liked him? We’ve never going to see him again.” Jane rubs his back comfortingly and you decide to drop the topic.
You arrive at Calliopes apartment soon anyway, and the five of you take the elevator to her floor.
“You guys are gonna love Callie.” You tell them, smiling, when you reach her door. PM is growling behind you and you’re glad you got there when you did. You knock.
“Coming!” The response is instant and she soon opens the door for the group of you. “Roxy!” She smiles and hugs you tightly, you grin and hug her back.
“Hey Callie.” You greet. “Meet Rosey and Johnny.” You gesture to your sister and your best friend’s brother. Rose smiles, John waves a little awkwardly.
“It’s wonderful to meet you both.” She’s smiling but you know she’s nervous. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Hello Calliope.” Jane greets.
“Good morning Jane.” Callie lets you all in and you lead the group towards her bench were she’s set up tea bags and coffee. You’d told her you were coming over text yesterday. PM stays by the door, growling. You make a cup of green tea, Janey akes a cup of coffee and adds 5 sugars and milk making her brother, who has his without any, cringe, Rose makes a cup of black tea.
“Roxy, you know it’s risking for you to be outside.” Callie fusses once you all have drinks. “I can see you have a hellhound but that won’t stop him forever.”
“I know Callie, but we came to you looking for a way to stop him.” You tell her.
“You could have called.” Callie sighs.
“But what if you have things we need? Also I’ve been missing you!” You defend, smiling. Callie blushes and smiles.
“Well, I suppose in that case I will let it slide. As long as you make it home safely.” She mumbles.
“Of course!” You grin.
“So you, wanted to know how to stop him?” Callie asks.
“Permanently.” Jane clarifies.
“You can’t kill him.” Callie sighs. “He’s much too powerful and he wouldn’t stay dead.” You deflate hearing her say that. “But,” You perk up. “You might be able to trap him.”
“How?” John asks.
“Well…” Callie hesitates. “Demons can be cursed and held inside items if you know how to trap him, and if you leave him somewhere no one will be able to break it then he would be able to go after you.”
“Do you know how we do that?” Rose asks and Callie shakes her head.
“The items you can use are always different depending on the type of demon you’re trapping.” She sighs. “Cal is a Time demon, that’s my brothers type not mine.”
“That’s alright! Dirk’s talking to Caliborn right now!” You say cheerfully, though Jane and Calliope give you looks that you think mean they aren’t as optimistic as you are about that. “Is there anything universal we’ll need?”
“A vessel, a chant, and a way to trick him into going into the doll so that you can trap him.” Callie explains and you nod, making a mental note of every item.
“In that case, how’ve you been Callie?”
“We should have left earlier.” John stresses as he speed walks towards your shared house again.
“John, there’s no point in worrying about that anymore.” Rose says, watching him. PM is growling from her spot next to Jane.
“Still.” He sighs. “Callie was nice.” He comments.
“She’s wonderful.” Roxy grins.
“Roxy, you’re slightly bias on that.” Jane giggles. It’s nice, this moment. There’s no worry, even with an angry demon no doubt just out of sight behind you. You’re just on a nice walk with people you care about.
And then PM barks and runs off.
“PM?” Jane frowns as the hell hound vanishes into the vanishing light.
You hear giggling.
John gulps.
“Jade really shouldn’t’ve given you the bad one.” Cal chuckles. “She’s so distractible.” You step between the voice and your friends and family as the little boy takes form. It’s suddenly a lot darker than it a moment ago. “I’m done playing games with you 8. I’m going to kill you all.” He’s grinning.
“You can’t touch John and Rose.” Jane says; voice firm and sure.
“I can kill you in front of them through.” He laughs and it makes you gulp. You take Jane’s hand and pull her away when a black tendril goes after her. John grabs your hand and he starts running. Cal follows.
You hear Jane wince as she runs behind you; you turn back and watch her step on a tendril that had wrapped around her ankle. “Shit.” She mutters. They’re catching up and you don’t have much time. You take a deep breath and pull John and Jane as close to you as possible, the tendrils draw back, you shut your eyes and focus, the tendrils strike.
They go right through you all.