The Known/Unknown Quantity

Chapter 60: Ninja Demon

Chapter 60: Ninja Demon

The days ahead were a dream compared to the nightmares of the past. Gone were the pent-up tensions and hunted hours that plagued the angel and his demon, and their "framily," for so long. A small time was spent visiting for the witch's American Thanksgiving, with all parties invited, and all outcomes coming to past. In other words, Aziraphale had more than his fill for once, Crowley did in fact get into a good-hearted brawl with Shadwell, and the kids ran wild until called home. Their parents wondered afterwards why they all fell sound asleep, and why Wensleydale never finished his proper lunch, actually.

                Turkey and stuffing work wonders on taming hyperactivity.

                But it still left Madame Tracy with a wary eye to the future, and during the holidays she called upon the angel on a regular basis. Soon he and Crowley would be globe trekking once more, with the demon subjected to the worst of Aziraphale's exuberant celebration of the season, with one somber remembrance on Dec 1st that left them both very quiet and thoughtful for one solid week.

                Aside from that, nothing seemed out of sorts between them, and yet a nagging feeling kept urging Tracy to, well, just check on the dears, every so often-like.

Somewhere, which was nowhere, a lump formed on the floor in a room full of mirrors.

                What began as a sticky stain glopped thickly with bubbles, and congealed, and gurgled up a small spine into disgusting existence. At this point, please refer to the first Hellraiser Movie, then add reflections.

                And, more screaming.

                "Jinny" was dawning on the fact she could see nothing more than her gory visage in the mirrors. She had lost sight of the demon and angel.

                Fury erupted from her bloody throat again. Claws extending, she swore an oath so vile and evil the very air boiled around her. The mirrors trembled with her cries, and continued long after she drew quiet, and began her plotting anew.

"My goodness, how are you, dearie!" Tracy cupped her hand over the receiver of their borrowed phone. "It's the angel, dear!"

                "Back already, are they?" Shadwell grunted, tweaking his back as he dropped yet another stack of boxes in the living room floor. "Thought that poof'ed be blazing trails across the States by now. Oooo-ha!" He leaned back and moaned, then pulled out a rag to wipe his forehead.

                "Oh, no, they're still on this side of the pond. Just out and about."

                "Well na, so is I. Out and about, that is." With a grunt, he came over and kissed her cheek. "Off to the office then. Give the rest my greetings." By the rest he meant Crowley. Crowley felt like 'the rest.' Crowley felt like a whole crowd of people, at times.

                Tracy watched him go with a thoughtful sigh. "No, I'm back, dear," she returned, then frowned. "No, he didn't call you that. He called you a poof this time."

                "Well, at least his vocabulary is expanding," Aziraphale quipped, regarding Crowley prostrate on the couch. "No, we are excellent! Crowley had a rough night, but he's...recovering. How are you faring?"

                "Mmmm, mine's just going out for his libations."

                "Ah."

                "So where are you at now?"

                "Scotland! Just came back from Trinity College and their wonderful library."