[CombTheAshes]

 A cloud of dust billows in the desert as a wide screen shot opens up the scene. A large black Dodge Hemi 1500 zooms across the vast open space. Its wheels kicking gravel and sand high into the air as it goes. As it gets closer the driver comes into focus with her black and blue hair under a cowboy hat. Kira Phoenix is at the helm. She turns quickly headed up a long driveway not slowing down for one sec. The trucks bed drifts sideways from the momentum. She whips it right back in line and continues on. Up ahead a large ranch house sits quiet and desolate.

A big German shepherd comes bounding across the yard wagging its tail and barking wildly, happy to see it's master pulling in. The pup bounces up and down in sheer excitement as Kira opens the door of the truck and hops to the pebbles below. “Hey old girl! You missed mommy didn't ya!” She speaks to her loving pet as she is showered with kisses.  The door to the house opens and a tall man steps outside onto the porch. “Hello Miss K. I've been watching over the place like you asked.” The man speaks to her as she walks across the timbers towards him. “Thank you Rick,I appreciate everything you have done for me and my critters. Now how much do I owe you?”

“Nothing ma'am, there's no money in the world that can help me now boss lady. Nothing at all….do you want to see your horses? There is a surprise waiting for you in the paddock.” Kira's eyes light up with curiosity and she says back to Rick, “ I'm still gonna pay you for all your hard work and efforts my friend. Don't try to argue with a lady, we will always win.” She smiles at the old rancher softly. “I can sense the sorrow around your heart and soul Rick. Let's talk as we walk down to the barn. What seems to be troubling you?” placing her hat back onto her head as she steps down into the yard him right along side.

“I don't wish to burden you with my problems though…” Rick says looking at his old dusty boots as they walk along the dirt road to the barn. Kira stops and turns to the man taking him by the shoulder making him look at her odd eyes. “Enough, of that talk. Tell me what is wrong so I may help you. You are a long time  friend and a part of this family. You're the one who taught me how to start wrestling it's the least I can do to listen.” The two continue to walk to the big building.

As they reach the outside paddock attached to the barn Phoenix steps up onto the side of the fence and leans across with her arms folded. The old farm hand stands and leans through the lower rails and points across the lot. A friesian mare stands swishing her tail batting flies away chewing on some hay. “There is your surprise Miss K. Ain't he a handsome devil?” Under the horse stands a new set of feathered feet but they are different from the mother's own black coat. As he peeks around the prettiest sight comes into motion. A young colt steps around it's mom to show it's glory. He is dappled all over in white snowflake patterns to his white feathered hooves. “Wow what a stunner. The gods put in extra work on this little fella didn't they.” She smiles at the little foal as he looks in their direction and sneezes. “Thank you for the surprise. It means a lot to me that you have taken such good care of things here. Now,...are you gonna quit avoiding the obvious and tell me what is on your mind old man? Or do I have to make a truth spell take action?” she inquires to Rick.

A heavy sigh leaves the man's lips as he begins. “It’s my wife, over 50 years of marriage and now cancer is going to take her away from me. She is in Nevada at the best cancer center and now our insurance is moot because we can't afford it. So they are going to kick her out of it to a second rate cutthroat bunch who doesn't have a good record of success, except in body count…” he tries not to let the tears run down his face but it's useless to try to hide his heart ache.

Kira stares ahead for a moment a look of pain across her face and jumps down to the ground. The old man straightens himself and wipes his eyes with a handkerchief from his pocket. “ I..Im sorry ma'am. I didn't want to worry you. I don't know what to do…but I have to sell our ranch to keep her treatments going and…”

Kira holds up her hand and cuts the man off mid sentence. “Don't you worry any longer. I'll make sure you don't lose your ranch or your wife old friend. Money don't mean shit to me except to help those who need it most. I will take care of that business when we go visit your wife in Vegas tomorrow..and Another thing. She won't be having to deal with all those treatments soon enough and all that money saved you both can enjoy retirement the way you have worked so hard to do. However, I need something of hers and yours to do my work. You think you can get them for me?” She awaits his response as his mouth has hit the dirt from her hospitality.

“Yes boss, I'll do whatever you need me to do especially for Maria. She is my desert rose and the only thing that keeps me going.” Rick speaks his throat tight with emotion before he coughs and clears it up. “Whatever you need I'll get it.”
Phoenix looks at the broken soul as she pats him on his back then speaks again soothingly. “Don't fret it's not hard to find the items you have to get me, just two things from your home. They are personal and I understand you may not want to part with them, just know to make this work, sacrifice is required…” Rick nods his head yes then speaks to his boss. “What do you want me to get Miss K? Material things don't matter to us as long as we have been together.”

“Good, I don't want to do what I must, but it has to be this way. I will write the items down when we get back to my house for you to locate tonight. By the way one is under the stairs and the other in the attic, gives you an idea where to look. Don't worry they will make everything come together and right again. I promise you my skill is real and no doubt must be in your heart for it to work. I will call 10 min before 3 am and let you know when to bring them out here. I'll watch for you. Delilah will escort you to me when you pull in.” She tells the hand the instructions for the ritual to be set.

They turn and walk back up to the ranch house stopping at the front door. Rick turns towards Phoenix and gives her a huge hug, squeezing her In a grandfather fashion. She gives one back and prys away both hands on his worn shoulders and smiles. “Trust in me and my gifts friend okay?” she says to him reassuringly. He opens the door for her and they proceed inside the home. Rick asks as he removes his hat by old country manners.

Kira takes her own hat off and hangs it by the door on a coat rack. He keeps his in his hands. “Come and sit for a while and drink some with me before you leave Rick. I'll make my famousfix just for you and your nerves to relax.” As she heads into the newly remodeled kitchen. “Looks like my husband put in a work order I take it?” she asks Rick running her hand over the granite countertop. “Yes ma'am, he hired a crew that came all the way from Ireland to do all the woodwork, and another outfit from Colorado. They just showed up one day scared the daylights outta me. Almost shot one of their fellas by accident. He's  lucky the safety was on I'll tell ya that much.” Rick recalls the day. “Didn't hear them pull up over the noise of the tractor, I caught one inside and had him piss down his leg. A shotgun can get the truth real quick. I am sorry ma'am I didn't know anything about it, but they did a really good job and really quick too.” He looks around at the carvings on the exposed beams.

“It's alright Rick I don't blame you for pulling a gun, I would have too...problem is the safety would be off Hahaha!” She says jokingly. He laughs nervously then relaxes a bit as he sits down at the table. Taking his hat he sets it down on the smooth oak wood, admiring the detailed carving running around the edge. Still smiling bemused by the notion, Kira hunts for some things to make their coffee. Opening one cabinet she finds a folded card with an arrow pointing to another cabinet. She opens the second door to find another card done the same fashion. She looks at Rick holding one up in her fingers a quizzical look across her face. He shakes his head in response and shrugs his shoulders, “I don't know Miss K. Your honey came for a brief visit after they got finished and he was on here for a bit before him and that camera crew of his left.” he says looking at her.

“Hmmmmm, well let's see what he has in store shall we?” giggling she opens another door then another walking around the island in the center of the kitchen. Finally she stops at a corner cabinet that opens with a lazy Susan inside. Three shelves all loaded with fresh herbs in jars and oils of all sorts. Mortars and pestles of stone, glass, and wood all await her to use them in her remedies. One last card hangs suspended on a crimson red ribbon. Kira traces the ribbon with her fingers and plucks the card from its hanger of sorts.

Kira my Dollface Killah,

  Hope you enjoy your new kitchen. Had to make my bride happy. The crew messed your “special cabinet” up during construction. I killed an animal behind the house and made you a gift. See you in Vegas.

                            Your Fury,
                                   Tommy

A bracelet made of small intestines falls out on the counter.Carefully she places all the cards together and taking the ribbon down smiling to herself. Kira then puts the bracelet on her wrist admiring it lovingly and says to herself, “He is so sweet, awe”. She then starts reaching into the cabinet looking over each spice and jar, her fingers carefully picking each one until she finds what she is after. “Ah he knows me so well...my darling devil. Here we are…”

Pulling three ball mason jars down and a small bottle she redirects her attention back to Rick. “I'm sorry Rick I didn't forget about that coffee I promise ha ha.” She smiles at him with fond kindness only reserved for those close to her. He chuckles along with her. “It's alright Miss K. I was just watching how happy you get when you know he has been around. Reminds me of Maria...I love her so much. Like you and Tommy. You can be miles apart and still together...me I'm not so sure I'm strong enough anymore. Old age has come on mighty strong these last few years. I just want to be with her… take her pain so she don't have too…” He goes silent and rubs his temples with a arthritic hand down the bridge of his nose. Tired and weary he sits deeper into the chair and sighs then tries to wholeheartedly smile towards Kira.

She nods in understanding. A lot of people don't understand her or Tommy Crimson, That's what makes them work. Both focused on their careers, but enjoying the small moments make it hotter than the depths of hell itself when together. “I understand. I respect and admire your adoration for one another. Fifty years is quite a feat for most anymore pops.”, her nickname for the man shoots out with a grin. “Let me take care of that and get our coffee on!” Phoenix then sets to work on the joe.

Her hands start unhinging the lids on the different colored jars, each one has a different label. A light purple ball jar reads Lavender in cursive script. Carefully she pulls a sprig out and places it on the counter. Next she retrieves the deep green ball jar, one of the rarest colors of green ever produced before they quit making them. Tommy showers her with oddities he knows she loves. Inside reads a slip of parchment, White Sage it reads. Kira pulls some leaves from it. The last container is royal blue written on the front is the word Chamomile. Gingerly she takes a little spoon inside the jar and scoops some out also.

Reaching the cabinet above she grabs two tall coffee mugs. Taking the fresh herbs she puts half a scoop of the chamomile in along with half a sprig of lavender. Then grabbing the little vile she adds a single drop of mystery liquid into each ome. Kira then pours hot coffee into both of the cups. The smell is pleasant and floral when she brings the hot brew to the table. She hands one to Rick and proceeds to finish another little task. The cards that Tommy had written upon  all stacked neatly with the ribbon she walks back towards. Picking up the sage leaves she bundles them together in a nice little red bow and places them into a drawer. Kira them returns to the table and sits on the opposite side across from her hired help.

Rick takes a sip of coffee his old fingers around the mug, almost instantly he starts to relax more. Kira watches him over the top of her own cup as she takes a drink. They both ease back into the chairs and look at each other then start to softly laugh. “You was knee high to a grasshopper when you came here little Miss K.” The old cowboy says looking fondly back at the memory. “Your momma was a kind soul, such a shame what happened when he….Im sorry ma'am, I didn't mean too bring it up.” He falls silent staring into the coffee mug.

“You are okay, it don't bother me anymore. I know that bastard got his comeuppance, I made sure of it…” Kira says solemnly. Her mind goes back to that fateful day, the memory burned permanently in her brain.

Blood, blood all in the hall where her mother tried to escape him. Nails broken into the wood planks as she was dragged to the bedroom and raped repeatedly. She fought valiantly until the end. He used a sawed off ten gage shotgun to put her down, leaving nothing of her beautiful face that her daughter remembers. Only photos help keep her whole now. Kira shakes her head quickly side to side to snap out of the past horror.

“She's in a better place now, no pain can ever touch her again.” She slowly speaks. “Now to bigger things old friend, mmmm..” She sips some coffee as she stands to retrieve a piece of paper and pen. “Here we go. These are the two items needed for tonight. Understand, I must have these two specific things to save you both. I don't do this usually without a fee, but as seeing you as my family I require none of that old man. No extra work here on the ranch either… got it.” Kira shakes her finger at Rick who smiles and nods chuckling at the young lady in front of him. She slides the paper to him for him to read. He does and shakes his head and speaks, “Yes, I do know where these are and I will bring them tonight. I..I..can't ever thank you enough..I can do some extra..” He is stopped short by Phoenix's hand held up like a stop sign. “I said no extra work required my friend.” Then she pats his old knuckles gently. “How's that java?”

He smiles and says, “Id say the best I've had in awhile. I feel a lot better now. Thank you Miss K...for everything, but I guess I best be gettin' to the house. Got to find those things and do some chores around my farm too.” The old farm hand stands and places his cowboy hat on his head. Tipping the front to Kira he heads for the door, her close behind as he goes. “See you tonight, blessed be my old friend!”, she hollers at him as he gets into his truck and heads down the driveway. He yells back at her, “Blessed Be!!!” with a wave of his hand as dust boils under his tires.

Standing on the porch, Delilah, the german shepherd comes for some love and attention. Kira kneels on one knee petting her pooch then starts to talk to the animal. “Your going to be a major big helper tonight old girl. Now, listen close. Our old friend can't see to well at night and I don't want him to get lost. Do you know what your job is?” Delilah then responds barking and yipping happy to serve her master. Then stands directly to Phoenix's side on all fours looking straight ahead panting happily.

“Lets see how well you listened”, Kira says and takes a step towards the door then stops, Delilah does the same move. She then takes a step back holding her foot in the air, the dog is her mirror image. Kira sets her foot back down so does Delilah. The dog looks up at her master wagging her tail for approval. “Alright *chuckle* You pass pup”. The duo proceed to the door again and head inside.

Kira stands for a moment taking in the vast ranch home. Every timber had ornate runes and Celtic artwork carved in every inch of exposed wood. She walks to the den running her fingertips across each carving, feeling the craftsman's essence with each swirl and groove. In the center of the room a package sits in the middle of a large round knotty pine coffee table. Kira steps up to the box and inspects it. A familiar scent of pine and moss hit her nostrils. Delilah sits looking at the package then back to Kira inquisitively tilting her head as if asking, “Who's it from?”. Her master looks back at her then to the parcel. “I'm pretty sure I've got an idea old girl. No return address but I know my nose don't lie.”

Tenderly she pulls at the brown paper popping the taped seams exposing a beautifully decoupage hat box. On the lid a large ornate “Thank You”, embossed on the top.
“Hmm...let's take a peek inside here…” Kira talks to her pet at her side. The dog stands on its back feet with the front on the table sniffing the box. As she removes the lid a bunch of tissue paper with glitter spills out. A letter addresses her as high priestess Kira Phoenix written with a crayon in pink sits inside along with a 8x10 photo in a macaroni frame of different colors and glitter all over.

“Never thought I would be getting Glitter bombs as a thank you,did you?” Kira asks her furry familiar as she walks towards the mantle piece above the fireplace. Gently she puts the photo up on display. The couple James and Cindy along with a blonde little girl smile brightly full of happiness in the picture. The little girl is missing a tooth but smiles as big as she can in the shot, blue eyes sparkling. “I believe we found our glitter bomber Delilah hahaha!” Kira laughs and heads back into the kitchen grabbing her coffee off the table. Heading to the couch letter in one hand mug in the other she sets it down and flops on the plush cushions. “You wanna hear this D?” Kira beckons her four legged companion. The pooch runs over and jumps up, laying down with ears perked forward listening intently.

She opens the envelope and pulls out the letter, more glitter and sequins spill over her chest where she lays. Phoenix's eyes roll a little as she smiles. “Just what I always wanted...a shower of pixie dust to look like a fairy from Disneyland...Lets see..okay here we go..ahhem.” Kira clears her throat.

“Dear Miss Kira,
My name is Amelia. I am 4 years old. I like Kats and Dogs. I am a princess because I fell sleep, no one culd wake me up. Till you did. In my dreme you woke me up. Just like a story I read in scool. Your a good witch rite? Mommy and Daddee say you are and I knoe you are cuz you helped me. I love U MIss Phenix! Will you rite me back plese??? Thank YOU!!!

                              LoveAways+4ever,
                  Amelia
P.S. I KNOE MAGIC TOO AND I SENT YOU SOME EXTRA TO USE IN THIS CARD. ”

Kira smiles and looks at the sparkling ‘magic’ all across her chest. Smiling ear to ear she tries not to laugh to disturb the fine fairy soot. Taking the card she carefully moves her body to try and catch most of the glitter back into the card. Delilah moves outta the way avoiding being coated in the sparkly stuff. After catching what was possible Kira goes back to the kitchen retrieving a tiny jar to put the little girls gift safely inside. Taking a marker she writes upon the jar, ‘EXTRA Magic’ placing it on the mantel next to the picture with the card. “How's that for a success story heh?” she says looking down at her pet. Then to the bracelet beloved Tommy made for her. Her eyes dance with a devilish gleam.


“Time to get to work”, a disembodied tone takes over her own.
“I know…” Kira sighs in response.

Down a long hallway she turns and walks gracefully barefoot, her head held proudly looking straight.
The oddly toned voice speaks again from her lips, “You are aware of your gifts child, that is good...very good. However you are wasting them on these other...peasant matters instead of the bigger picture!” it hisses in frustration.

Kira's voice comes back loud and clear. “I am well aware of what I am doing and what I'M capable of crone! DO NOT TRY MY PATIENCE! Banishment is a full time gig...do you understand?” she growls through her breath to the other one in her head.

The crones voice comes back after a moment of silence snottily like a spoiled child, “ Yes…”

“Good. But I guess I need to explain it to you all now don't I?,” Kira admits to no soul close by just an empty house. She continues walking down the hall, coming to a stop at one door. It is mahogany, carved with the Gods and Goddesses of history. Her hand grips the crystal door knob and opens the heavy door.

Inside the room are mirrors of every shape and every size. Pieces of glass hang suspended from invisible thread along with gemstones of various colors and types of stone. On the floor a huge pentacle covers the wood in white chalk, different zodiac signs around its outer perimeter. A large altar sits at the window covered with various items and offerings to the Gods.

Three crescent moons are a centerpiece for the mother goddess herself. Kira walks over to the altar and grabs a box of matches. She begins to light all of them one by one. Her voice is soothing and steady as she begins to explain things to the others who reside inside her mind.

“As you well know I have another match with my tag partner Mr. Jon Dough. He is a real go getter, I like his style. It's the quarter finals and I have no intention of losing now. Especially after going toe to toe with Vargas.” As Kira speaks a sneer crosses her lips and different voice resounds around the room.

“We whooped ass!!! Yeah!! It felt so good to be free to fly!” it cries out in excitement, unable to restrain it's enthusiasm. Giggling and spinning, Kira dances like a possessed marionette puppet. Faster and faster her feet keep up the pace. suddenly she stops dead and drops cross legged in the circle on the floor. “Wow! By the Goddess it was bliss!!!...I'm dizzy whew...” The shrill voice squeaks out.

Kira slumps over then breathes in deeply as she returns to sitting upright. Her palms are together, as she exhales a soft mothering sound comes forth. “Shhhhh….shhhh now little one. Our Phoenix is spreading her wings to take us all to new heights. Helping those along the way is our duty to make sure we are successful in the goddesses eye. Calm yourself and be content for now, you will fly again in the ring wicked one. Trust in her as do I.”

The childish voice comes back pouting a little in response, “Okay...Just don't forget me again...I hate the dark. I know I can beat that Aussie Evie Baaaaaanger wanger anytime. Who does she think she is against us? I will sma…” “CRASH!!!” a crystal breaking a mirror cuts the entity off mid word.

“ENOUGH!!!!” Kira screams aloud. Her tone is deadly with intent to harm. “You will do nothing...NOTHING!!! I WILL SHOW ALL OF YOU WHO IS THE TRUE WITCH ALONE!” She seethes with anger clutching her fist so tightly her long nails begging to cut into her palms. Tiny rivulettes of her blood seep to the floor under her legs, tiny pools at her side's begging to puddle.  

The next voice emitted is unlike any other before it is Kira but a different version. The malevolence drips from every syllable as she speaks. “If you don't trust me then get out and don't come back...ever. My time is wasted on your notions and whims of power when all I want is to wrestle and prove how bad a witch I can be, when push comes to shove. The little kangaroo prude won't make it through my snare nor will her partner bald “shorty” Devin. Unless they grease his head to promote a floor cleaner, I see no use in the guy. Jon will take care of that newbie no problem for a former tag champ like himself.”

Phoenix stands and looks at her cut palms and rubs the sticky blood between her fingers. Her voice returns to normal as she continues to talk to the invisible spectres in her mind's eye. “How many times must I have to go to this level with you all? When will you leave me in peace to do what I need to do? How many ways must I break it down to you to gel in your skulls? I WILL NOT STOP! I WILL RISE FROM THE ASHES OVER AND OVER. AGAIN AND AGAIN UNTIL I GET MY TITLE SHOT MATCH! And I sure don't need your interference again like last time...now go for now. Merry meet, and merry part..blessed be.” She finishes and stretches both hands up into the air. The three voices come together as one in response from her lips. “Blessed Be…”

The room dances with a multitude of colors as the sunlight bounces across their crystalline surfaces. Kira looks around the room a calm expression of resolve is across her face. A relaxed sigh escapes her plump lips and she blows out the candles on the altar. Reaching over the offerings she opens the window. The sweet scent of flowers wafts in, sweeping away the smoke of the burning embers.

Leaving the room, Delilah greets her at the mahogany door where she had stayed the whole time. Pulling it shut they continue out to the vast garden that is Kira’s back yard. A gazebo sits in the middle with a stone table inside. Carousel parts were used in it's creation. Two proud horses with poles through their back stand at it's entrance pawing the ground they are fused to.
Her hands touch each one as she climbs the small steps approaching the slab. Upon the stone a young squirrel lays stretched apart. It's bowels and guts laying to the side,like an biology project gone wrong. She looks at the gruesome scene and instead of screaming like any other normal woman she smiles sweetly. “Oh my Crimson devil, you are indeed my soulmate. I know you are watching me my darling. Here's you an extra show…” Taking the dead body she rips the poor animals tail off in one pull. Dipping it into the blood on the table she begins to paint on the stone.

When she is done, Kira throws the remains of the woodland creature to Delilah. Who snatches it in mid air crushing its body in her jaws. The dog begins to shred and devour it piece by piece, the bones crunching in between her teeth. The wrestler watches on leaning against the post head resting only momentarily as her pet finishes her snack. She whistles at her mutt and they both walk back inside the house shutting the door.

On the table a quote has been written. “ Life is Short, Death is Certain” the scene fades to black and blue flames then nothing.