Backstabber
I was lying on the floor. The grass tickled my skin. Above me, or more like over me, was a hooded figure. I was sure it was one of the judges. I was sure I'd be dead any second now. But to my shock, the figure got up and removed their hood.
It was a young woman. Her skin was pale, and her ears were–pointy? I didn’t know ears could even be pointy! “I’m so sorry!” She slurred out, as she shook her head. I watched the leaves fall out of her large mane.
“Wow, you’ve got quite the do.” I whispered as I pointed at her hair. “Do you store things in there?” I laughed.
“Yeah, actually. Though not always on purpose.” Her snort was adorable. When she laughed I couldn’t help but laugh back. “Again sorry about bumping into you.”
“I thought you tackled me.” I replied, quicker than I would’ve liked. “But don’t even worry! I do not mind. I mean- uh!” I could feel my face get strangely hot. “I’ve been talking for too long.”
“Humans are so cute.” She giggled, scooting closer to me. I swear our faces were almost touching. Was she just trying to tease me?
“That’s a weird thing to say.” I laughed back. The laugh was clearly full of desperation and awkwardness. Oh how I wish I could just be struck by lightning. “I mean, I guess humans like us are cute?”
“Us? Oh I am not human.” She said, backing up slightly. I could finally breathe again. Until I realized that what she said was extremely weird.
“Yes you are? If you are not human then…” I yelped, when the thought came to me. “Are you a demon? Here to take my soul!” This caused her to laugh so hard she fell over. Her legs flew up and swung back and forth. I was almost kicked, twice!
“No! I am–” She snorted so loud, it caused me to jump. “--I am a witch, silly!”
“A witch? But witches aren’t real.” I replied, blankly. “The church made them up to target innocent people. Those bastards say things like–they don’t follow god, now we must hang them–and I say, no!”
“Ah, yes, those witches aren’t real. But I am. Humans can’t be witches. Not like witches can be witches. We have different biology than you humans.”
“Oh.” I was stunned, floored even. “Oh okay. Yeah I am quite scared and confused. I feel as though you are lying.”
“Want me to prove to you that I’m a witch?” She asked, her smile was so large. But it was so beautiful. I couldn’t help but nod. It was like I was being put under a spell. But not in a bad way. Maybe she really is a witch! “Okay, stand back.”
I got up and walked backwards, till I hit a tree. It hurt quite a bit. I rubbed the spot, as I watched her. She got up as well, her eyes locked on mine, like she was a feral animal, and I was dinner. Though I wouldn’t mind that…ah! No, forget I said that.
She held her arm out in front of her, stretched out. Then she pointed her index finger towards my face. I was sure she was just crazy, and nothing would happen. The woman then made a circle motion with her hand, and a ball of light blasted towards me. I shot down, and held my head.
“See, I am a witch, silly.” The witch laughed. I could hear her footsteps approaching my shaking form. Then I felt her hand touch my back. “It wouldn’t hurt you. I would never hurt a cutie like you.” I looked up at her. “You are bright red.”
“I am?” I asked, as if I didn’t know. Of course I was red. Did she not realize how she was talking to me? “Ha, must be because it is so warm.”
“It’s freezing out here.” She retorted. “You are lying, hm? You are red because you think I am pretty.” My jaw dropped. But I tried to keep my composure. However, when I opened my mouth to deny these claims, no sound came out. “Ha! I knew it. It’s okay.” She sat down next to me. “I think you are pretty too.”
“You do?” Finally I could speak again.
“Yes, of course.” She said, as if it was obvious. “Would you like to join me?” Her voice was so sweet, I couldn’t resist. I nodded violently. She took my hand and guided me through the woods. It took a few minutes, but eventually we reached a river. It had a dirt path in the middle, leading to a large structure. She grabbed a bottle out of her pocket and opened it. The witch then tapped it gently, only one drop fell on the floor, but it was clearly enough. A large portal opened up. “Follow me.” She guided me through it. I closed my eyes and took a step.
When I opened them up again, I was standing in a strange land. “What is this place?” I asked in complete awe.
“My home. This is where witches and demons live.” She smiled, but I couldn’t help but freeze up at the mention of demons.
“Demons?” I stammered out. “Like from the bible?” I asked in a hush hush type of tone. She frowned, but not sadly just confused and concerned.
“I do not know what the bible is. But these demons aren’t harmful. They can be sweet or wild. They are just another species. Like you and I.” I was still trembling. Had I entered hell? Because I had fallen into sin. Lustful evil sin? Was this a punishment? “Here, why don’t I introduce you to a close friend of mine.” Before I could run away, we were off.
The demon she was referring to was a young girl with horns. Her skin color was purple and her eyes were yellow. I was shocked, but also amazed.
“Hello sir!” Her voice is so sweet. It reminds me of my little brother before he hit manhood. “My name is Elise! What is your name?”
“My name is Caleb.” I reply. My palms are so sweaty that I don’t get why the witch is still holding my hand. “I just realized, I never got your name.” I say as I turn to the witch.
“Oh, it’s Evelyn.” The witch shot me a charming smile. “I can’t believe I didn’t tell you any sooner.” She laughed, but I think it was a fake one. Like the kind you give to someone out of pity or in this case to give yourself out of pity.
“And I’m Caleb. Well you already knew that but…” I mumbled, feeling that burning in my face return. Why am I so awkward? “Oh my goodness!”
“Hm, what is it?” Evelyn asked, I think she was concerned. “Is something wrong?”
“Yes! I have to go home! My little brother. I was supposed to return home by now. He’ll be worried and probably angry. Oh gosh!” I felt my bottom lip wobble.
“Okay, I can take you home.” Evelyn smiled at me. “Come on.” She grabbed out a small creature. It looked like a Cardinal.
“What's that?” I asked, pointing. Suddenly the still bird began to spread its wings. It chirped and flapped its wings. Then it transformed into a long stick thing. Like a cane? Did she have trouble walking?
“It’s my palisman.” Evelyn replied as she got onto it. “Get on.” She said, and I listened even if I felt like this was oddly weird.
“What’s a palis-woah!” My words were cut off when we started to levitate. The stick made us fly! I held onto Evelyn’s waist, tightly. I was scared that I might fall off.
“A palismen is a magical creature made out of palistrom wood and lots of love!” Evelyn explained, as I continued to hold her. I eventually just decided to rest my head on her shoulder. She didn’t even try to stop me.
The fly was nice. Evelyn told me a lot about her world, which I now know is referred to as the demon realm. Then she took a suitcase out of her coat–cape. It opened all on its own! The suitcase transformed into a door right in front of my eyes. I had never seen anything like it. The door was weird looking. Or at least the eye on it was. I didn’t have time to ask questions about it, though, so I just continued on.
It seemed that time passed like it would in the…human…realm. So that was quite a relief. “We should do this again tomorrow.” Evelyn shot me a smile.
“Yes! Come find me at the market tomorrow. I will be there.” I replied. “Okay, I must be off now. Bye!” I yelled as I ran off back towards the town. Or at least what I hoped was the town. I hadn’t ever been out this far. Or at least, not in a while, and definitely not this way.
The sky was shrouded in darkness. I couldn’t help but stare at her as I ran through the forest. The trees gently swayed side to side, as my hair flew back.
I finally made it back into the town, my hair frizzy and my eyes heavy. I slowly started for my house. My brother was likely asleep by now. Or he was waiting for me with a pitchfork and torch.
I gently opened the door. There in the living room was my brother. He was sitting on a wooden chair next to the table. “Hello, brother.”
“Hi.” I said quickly. It was clear I was avoiding him. I tried to push past him and enter my room, but he stopped me. The way he grabbed my arm, his body filled with so much rage. I let out a yelp as he pulled me towards him.
“Where were you!?” He screamed. “I was worried sick. Did a witch get you?”
“Let me go!” I screamed back, pulling away from him. I rubbed my wrist, and stared at him. I was scared, scared of my own brother. The man standing in front of me was a stranger.
I think my brother had been taken by a monster. I think the person that’s been living with me isn’t my brother at all. I think it’s a monster, wearing his skin. The monster is mimicking his voice so that I’ll trust him. The worst part is that I had fallen for it, and now it was too late to escape.
—
Evelyn and I are engaged. I impregnated her, so I decided to finally pop the question. I would hate to live under sin. Or at least, for her to. Even if she’s not human, I see the way people look at her when they notice she has no ring on her finger.
I try to defend her. But the people here are strong. They can get violent. But with Evelyn, everything looks okay. I feel at peace.
My brother didn’t approve. Though I think things are improving between us. He seems more and more okay with me and Evelyn with each passing day. It makes me joyous! I can’t wait for him to be an uncle. I believe he will be a good one.
He knows he’s going to be an uncle. It’s quite obvious that Evelyn is pregnant. I think that’s why he’s trying to get along with her.
But something seems off. He seems, wrong, recently. Like he was planning something. Maybe it’s a celebration for me and Evelyn. Or maybe for the baby?
“What are you going to name the child?” Philip had asked me. I turned to him, and thought for a second. The question had been a hot subject between me and her for quite a bit.
“If the baby is a boy, I’d like to name him, Hunter.” I replied. The name had always piqued my interest.
“And if the baby is a girl?” Philip continued. “Even though that would be less than favorable, still.” I cringed at the mention of a girl. Not that I wouldn’t want a daughter, but I know that Philip would kill Evelyn for it. I think that would be the final straw.
“Lilian.” I said, without hesitation. Like I had been waiting for this moment. Though I had not, it was just a name that I liked.
“Hm.” Was all he replied with. I couldn’t tell if that was a good ‘hm’ or a bad ‘hm’ but still I didn’t pay it much thought. Maybe I should’ve.
Because before I knew it, my house had gone up in flames. Luckily Evelyn was out shopping. She, Flapjack, and the baby were safe. The unborn baby. I had no clue I’d never get to meet the baby.
I smelt smoke, then saw the flames consuming the wooden walls that surrounded me. I began to cough from the fumes that infected my lungs. Then I heard a familiar hum.
“Hm.” The sound sent a chill down my spine.
The monster was back. He was back and he wanted my blood. He was back and he was burning my house down.
“Such a shame that Evelyn wasn’t home. She’s who I was really after. Her and that dirty bird.” My brother's voice was calm.
“Philip!?” My head snapped around. “Did you do this?” Then my eyes moved down to his hand. “Why are you holding a knife?” I choked out.
“I need to help you. I need to save you.” He spoke, but I couldn’t hear him. I was focused on not suffocating. “I need to purify you. I promise to save you. I will fix everything.” The monster stepped towards me.
This was happening. My brother was going to kill me. “No! No stay away from me!” I screamed. It was a plea. A beg for mercy. “I am pure! I don’t need to be saved!”
“You’re so sick that you don’t even know that you need help.” He laughed, now walking towards me. I was backed into a fiery corner. I couldn’t run. But there was something else I could do.
On the counter was a shiny, freshly sharpened knife. I swiped it and held it firm. But would I even be able to use it? How could I ever kill my little brother. “Please, please don’t do this.” I begged. “I know you think I need to be saved, but this isn’t saving me.”
“This is the only way.” He said, hastily. Like this was taking up too much of his time. Like he had more important things to do. “Stop trying to fight it!” He screamed, before he lunged. I was slammed into the ground. I couldn’t feel anything for a good minute. But then the pain came rushing in. “The only way!” Spit hit my face.
“No!” I cried out. His hands pinned mine to the ground. “Please, no! No, don't do this! Please brother, please please plea-“ My begs were cut short.
It felt like my whole body was tingling. Then the worst pain imaginable. That’s when I realized I had been stabbed. After that I coughed up a lot of blood. It got all over Philip’s shirt. Then my body felt hot. So hot, I was burning. But then I felt cold.
I could feel Philip grab me and pull me into his lap. He was stroking my hair, as he mumbled to himself. I couldn’t hear anymore. My ears were just ringing. The fire slowly inched closer. Maybe that’s why I was so hot at first.
“I’m tired, Philip.” I slurred, the blood dripping out of my mouth like drool. I looked up at him. Suddenly all the fear I had melted away. I tried to grab his face and cup his cheek, but I just couldn’t move. “I’m going to rest my eyes for a minute.” The words didn’t come out clearly. “Don’t wait up…for me.” I stuttered, before closing my eyes.
—
Hunter grabbed my arm. “Please stop.” He begged. I couldn’t even stop myself from breaking down. I collapsed into the grass. The weirdly colored grass that I had grown to love. Because this was Evelyn’s home, and I loved her. “I’m so sorry.” He whispered to me. His hand rested on my shoulder.
I wanted to speak, but I just couldn’t form a thought that I could put into words. The English language didn’t have the vocabulary possible to describe how I was feeling. Though I think my sobs were enough to get some of my feelings at that moment.
Hunter moved closer to me, moving his hand off of my shoulder. “I didn't mean to upset you.” He said, remorsefully. “I'm so sorry.” He repeated.
“It’s not about you!” I finally screamed. “It’s never been about you! I don’t care that you’re sorry!” I balled up my fists, and screamed. I hadn’t ever been like this before. But new year new me. Or more like, new life new me.
“I-” He stammered, trying to recover.
“Shut up!” I growled, before pushing him away and getting up. “I didn’t want any of this! I was content with how things were before! I was okay with being dead. I was okay with…with my memories. But now!” I paused, looking down at him. “Now, I can’t even go five minutes without feeling a phantom knife in my back.” He didn’t reply. I didn’t really want him to. “I loved him. Even after I died, I continued to protect his name. I wasted so much time shielding that sick monster. So much time that I’ll never get back.”
Hunter frowned at me, but also gave me a nod of understanding. There was a long silence between us. The sun had fully risen, and I realized I was exhausted. Being alive was no joke. Or maybe it was due to all the emotions I had been feeling.
“I’m tired.” I finally spoke up. My eyes felt heavy, threatening to close on me. “Is there a place I can sleep?” I asked, turning to him.
The boy nodded, before speaking. “In the house.” The two of us began back towards the owl house. I walked slowly, my exhaustion catching up to me quickly.