Bookview Valley 4

Chapter Twenty-Six: Hi, Hoe

June 17th, Monday

"That won't work now."

"Please, give me more time. A chance. Anything, let me save him," I beg the Crimson Skeleton. I can't lose Nick.

The Crimson Skeleton laughs again, but this time it's bitter, "Why should I do that?"

"Because...because..." I trail off, there's no reason the Crimson Skeleton would give me more time. There's no reason they would let me save Nick.

"How about this," The Crimson Skeleton begins to walk over to me, "If you can defeat all of the dwarves, I'll let him live."

"The dwarves?" They're toying with me, I know it.

"Mhm," The skull mask grins at me, "Do we have a deal?"

"Bring it on," I say and the Crimson Skeleton nods. The antler knife appears in my hand, "At least I'll have a chance."

"We shall see," The Crimson Skeleton fades away as a thundering noise begins to seep from downstairs. Many footfalls carry up the stairs, and the door to the room is thrown open. Twelve dwarves march in, their eyes glowing an eerie red.

"I have to fight you guys?" I mutter, they really do look just like the dwarves from the movie. This might be a little difficult, there's so many of them. I get into a fighting stance and wait. One by one they begin to rush me. This will all be worth it if I can just save Nick.

Moments pass of me swiping left and right with my antler knife. I've knocked down two or three, but they just keep coming. Part of me feels like this is impossible, but I keep trying. I stab, parry, and slash. I've already got cuts up and down my arms and legs. They're pretty good for weird zombie-dwarf creatures. They haven't spoken, nor have they let out any noises. When I cut one down, they fall without noise. It's very creepy.

One of them rushes my right, another one on my left. I jump as they reach me, and they collide together. Stabbing them both, I prepare for the next dwarves. It's getting more exhausting as time goes on, but I keep it up.

Eventually, I manage to stab the last one and he falls to the ground. Panting, hands on my knees, I look around for the Crimson Skeleton. I swear if they send more dwarves I will be pissed. The sound of slow clapping causes me to straighten up.

"Wow, that was...amazing," The Crimson Skeleton grins at me, coming out of the shadows, "Who knew you could take down twelve, short men."

I glare at them, "I did it, please release Nick."

The Crimson Skeleton barely glances at Nick's sleeping body, "Hmm, yes, you're right. That was our deal."

"Wait, actually?" I furrow my brow, "You're sticking to your word? You'll let him go?"

"Yes, I am a person of my own word," The skull mask grins, "and that is what you want, isn't it? For me to release Nick."

"Yes, of course," I huff.

"Or I could...you know..." The Crimson Skeleton trails off with a flourish before grinning an even wider grin at me, "Bring Dean back."

The breath catches in my throat, "What?"

"I can save Nick...or I can bring Dean back," The Crimson Skeleton repeats like I'm a child, "So, which will it be? Nick or Dean?"

A second passes, but it feels like an eternity. My eyes trail over to Nick, who's sleeping peacefully on the multiple beds. One of his sandy blonde curls has fallen over his face. He looks so sweet and angelic as he sleeps there.

"Nick," I mutter.

"What was that?"

"As amazing as it would be to have Dean back, please just save Nick," I shake my head, turning back to the Crimson Skeleton, their mask hiding any true emotion, "Yes, I miss Dean, but he's already long gone thanks to you. I still have Nick, and I'm not willing to trade him for anything or anyone."

The Crimson Skeleton stares at me silently. After a second I feel uncomfortable and shuffle where I stand. After a few seconds the Crimson Skeleton nods, "So be it."

With a wave of their hand, Nick yawns and sits up. He looks over at us with a confused gaze, but before either of us can say anything he fades away. I can only hope that the Crimson Skeleton sent him back to the others. I also hope they can find a way to save me.

"We played your game," I get back on track, "I saved...most...of my friends. What now?"

"Now, you die."

"Is Lillith here yet?" I take a seat on the edge of one of the beds, this one has a blue comforter.

The Crimson Skeleton eyes me, "Almost."

"So, I don't die. Not yet, anyway," I roll my eyes. I just want to sleep.

"I guess you're right..." The Crimson Skeleton says, taking their own seat on the bed across from mine, "Shall we play another game?"

"No thanks," I shake my head, "I'm exhausted. I need to save my strength for when I have to fight you and Lillith off."

The Crimson Skeleton lets out a laugh, "You think you can fight us off? Lillith is a very powerful demon, and I own a very small bit of her power. You have nothing against us."

"I have a knife," I hold the antler knife up, it sparkles in the round light of the cottage, "I can try."

The Crimson Skeleton laughs again, but then they turn very serious, "You will not try to stab the demoness Lillith."

Groaning, I stand up, "Then we better get this over with now."

"What?"

I motion the Crimson Skeleton to stand up, "Come on. I'm not going down with a fight. You should know this by now."

With a low growl, the Crimson Skeleton stands to their feet, "Fine, I'll just have to knock you out."

I grin, "Because you definitely can't kill me, but I can kill you."

"Touching." Without another second, the Crimson Skeleton lurches forwards.