A long twisting dirt road emerges deep in the heart of the Appalachian mountains. Not many vehicles can access it easily, however an old beat up four wheel drive comes into focus. The tires kick up rocks and dust as it meanders over the rough terrain. A Mic picks up on two people conversing in the cab.
“ Are you sure you're going the right way?” a female voice asks in frustration. “ Google stopped working a while ago ya know…”
A man replies in equal frustration, “ You can easily get out and hike your ass back to the highway if you want Cindy….Or you can button your lip and enjoy the damn scenery, I know she is close.”
“Whatever...but how do you know she is close?” the female named Cindy retorts.
“I may have been drunk with the guys but I remember, oh yeah, I'll always remember..” The man hauntingly sighs. “There it is!” he suddenly slams on the breaks.
Cindy's hands stop her forehead from connecting to the dash.
“ WHAT THE FUCK JAMES!!! ARE YOU CRACKED OUT!” She yells in sheer hatred. He grabs her by the face and forces his hand over her mouth to silence her. “Shut up goddamnit! He hisses into her ear. “You piss her off she won't help you...but hurt you instead.” Her eyes are wide with fright and she nods to be quiet. James removes his hand and grips the steering wheel tight.
Staring ahead he gulps the spit that has collected in his mouth. “Here we go.”
In front of the couple an old ornate rod iron gate stands in the road. The flowers that have grown around both brick pillars intertwine between the bars of rusted metal. Moss and lichen reclaim the bricks back to the clay which made them. A sign hangs to the right that reads. “ Ring Bell”.
“What bell?” Cindy whispers to her lover.
“I guess we get out and look? He responds quizzical to the notion.
The couple then bail out of the truck and set foot down to the dirt path.
They search the brickwork to find said bell finding nothing. That is until James notices a shining object suspended on a string. It is a skeleton key hanging above them. Puzzled the pair then try to reach it by jumping upwards missing by meer inches. “Give me a boost will ya,” Cindy speaks to James curtly. He rolls his eyes and does as she asks putting his hands out to cradle her foot. She places her shoe in his fingers and reaches up grasping the key tight and pulls.
The woods suddenly awakens with millions of different bells and chimes. The key is attached to a huge network of pulleys and rigging. Hundreds if not thousands of bells and little metal trinkets dance and resonate throughout the sunlit forest. The couple smile at each other from the sweet music it makes. The old iron gate creaks and opens the road once closed. “Shall we proceed my dear?” James looks at Cindy. “ That's one hell of a doorbell…” She says a little weary. “ She's our last chance babe” he answers her.
Hand in hand they cross the threshold to the gypsy road.
The path is old and seldom used as they walk along. An open field lush with fresh clover smells sweet in the air. The argumentative pair take it all in. Sunlight sparkles above in the leaves in the treetops. A rainbow of colors fill the forest floor due to all the broken glass hanging like an enormous chandelier in amongst the twigs and branches. “ I've never seen such a place like this”, Cindy stares in wonder at the scenery.
“ It's like a fairy tale from one of those books we use to read to...oh god what are we doing James?!” She starts to sob uncontrollably shaking all over. James holds her close to his chest and let's her cry. Tears slide down his cheeks as well as he grips Cindy by the shoulders and gently shakes her back to look him in the face. “ You know why we are here sweetheart. You know we have to at least try and of all others she has never failed. C'mon I know you are scared, but look at this place! Does it not seem like someone or something was leading us to her?” He waves his hands at the immense property. “ We have tried everything else it's our only option. I brought what she asked of me and that payment you have in your pocket too.” James pleads to Cindy with his eyes. “We have come so far baby, don't give up yet okay?”
“Okay…” she relents with a heavy sigh holding a locket around her neck close to her heart.
Along the lane a neat and tidy stone wall emerges, peat moss and little purple flowers cascade in different shades like saddles over the top. James stops abruptly and points with his free hand ahead of the two. A beautiful woven plaid blanket and a picnic basket sit as if it was placed just for them. “ This is getting weird James…” Cindy says nervously. “Hello!....HEEELLLLOOO!” He shouts into the air. “ Is anyone there?!” They wait for a response, still nothing but the birds and the odd music gently emitted by the bells and ornaments about.
Cindy steps up to the basket and cautiously opens the lid. “ Oh! Look at this honey.” James walks over still looking around for any signs of a person being close. A letter addressed to the couple is pinned to the lid. It is written in old quill pen and closed with a wax seal, no longer done nowadays. The initials on the wax read K.P. “It's from her.” He says under his breath he takes the envelope from the basket. Slowly he opens it and reads aloud.
“ Dear Cindy and James,
I am happy that you came, but understand there are rules that must be followed to the letter.
Number one. I have left you a nice picnic to fuel your efforts please bring the basket along you will need it. Number two. The Gypsy Road is a long one and no shortcuts permitted. You stray from the path I have given you and suffer the consequences. Number three and final rule. Under no exceptions do you harm my land or my pets. Doing such would hinder your outcome on your quest for peace.
Kira Phoenix
The pair look at one another in slight confusion, however keep the rules running through their minds. “ Well, we shouldn't be rude to our host now should we?” Cindy hesitantly murmurs while tracing her fingers across the parchment paper.
“No we should be thankful for this, she doesn't offer this to just anyone at random from what I have heard.”
James recalls as he drapes the blanket over his arm and takes the basket in the other. Under a nice large oak tree they enjoy a brief moment of tranquility between themselves.
James leans against the tree with his arm behind his head eating an apple from the delicious meal that was given. He stares at his wife until she notices him. “What?” she inquires. Taking a bite out of the fruit he replies, “The most beautiful sight in the world.”
Her eyes narrow playfully, “ You are so full of shit ”. She snatches the apple out of his hand and jumps to her feet out of his reach. He lunges at her ankle as she prances out of fingers grasp laughing. “ Too slow buddy!” Cindy bites into the apple smiling as she chews. James props up on one elbow looking at her taunting him on. Slowly she walks back over to the blanket and lowers herself to her knees in front of him. Her demeanor has changed back to worry as has her husbands. He looks blankly across the land as if in some other world of thought. Somewhere far away unknown place dark and desolate of all hope. “Should we be doing this Cindy? Are we just doing this to satisfy some dream that will never bring us closure?”
Her gaze has fallen to the great oak above them, it's majestic branches swaying slightly in the cool breeze. “ The police can't do anything or should we say won't. It's our last and only shot of knowing something! Anything as to what happened! I have to know James! One way or another I have to fucking know if there is any hope at all!” She stands again on her feet as does James. “ We should get going then” he says dusting off his jeans. The two gather up the basket and blanket and step back onto the dirt trail.
They walk in silence for quite some time as the road cuts through the ridges and hills surrounding them. Stopping periodically for a drink of water from the picnic. A loud noise makes them halt in place. Cindy gets closer to James and holds onto his arm. Rustling leaves pinpoint the location of where the sound comes. The shadows in the dense woods makes the thing hard to see at first. Squinting through the light they see the outline of a big animal. “ Oh my God James!” Cindy squeaks barely above a whisper in high frightened tone, digging her fingernails into his bicep. He tenses up and balls his fists ready to fight and protect them.
The animal hears the couple and raises its head in their direction. Neither can move, nor speak in sheer panic frozen in place. James takes a slow step backward and gently nudges Cindy to do the same. She looks with terror in her eyes pleading to not move. Suddenly the shadow moves closer at a steady step. It's body moving brush with each this of its feet. The sun brightens as the animal makes its way to the startled pair. Cindy yelps then almost collapses at the sight before them.
A beautiful majestic black gypsy friesian stallion stands. It's long flowing mane and tail are every little girls fantasy horse. Chewing it curiously observes them closer with each step of its feathered feet. James and the misses relax and chuckle as the horse perks it's ears towards them. His nose flares as their scent hits his nostrils and he comes even closer.
“This place cannot be real, can it? Hey there big guy...you are a handsome fella.” Cindy walks towards the creature talking tentatively to it. Instead of bolting the horse places it's smooth muzzle in her hand and allows her to scratch and pet his head and neck. James begins to be skeptical of the situation looking all around watching every movement. He scratches his head in frustration and speaks aloud to his wife. “ Is this for real?!” He places the basket on the ground and clasps his hands behind his head. The horse and Cindy look towards him as he rants. “What kind of fucked up Alice in Wonderland, Hetzel and Gretel bullshit is this?!” Shaking his arms outward before slapping his thighs as he stands. “I mean c'mon!!! This horse alone is as rare as they get and you mean to fucking tell me that this witch just so happens to own one!!! YEAH DAMN RIGHT!!!” He screams out loud in rage. The big animal just stares at the outburst still enjoying the pets it is receiving from the guest.
“Calm down James, you brought us here to find out the truth. We need this for our future if there even is one anymore…” Cindy keeps admiring the huge beast in all it's glory. The animal starts shaking its head up and down flipping his mane over his shoulder. “ James….Come see this, there's another letter” She says to her man. “ You're joking right?” He growls in response as he strides over to the horse. Sure enough another kettle hangs from a ribbon braided into it's main. Cindy gently unties the note from the stallions hair. The noble creature nudges her one last time then lifts its head back towards the woods from which it came. The animal then starts walking back into the forest to disappear once again into the shadows.
The envelope is embroidered with satin flowers and tiny details along the edges. “To Cindy and James”
Is embossed across the front. The pair look at each other as Cindy holds the letter in her fingers. He takes it and opens it gently to not tear the paper or beautiful flowers. A card is revealed as he opens it he reads aloud.
Blessed be and Merry Meet,
You are almost to where your quest must end and peace restored to your tortured souls. How did you like my familiar? He is a beautiful creature isn't he. A life long friend of my family for decades and faithful messenger. I must warn you I left out one rule before in the other note. It is by far the most important and last one that I assure you. DO NOT TAKE ONE STEP MORE IF ANY MORE DOUBT IN ME OR MY ABILITIES COMES ACROSS YOUR MIND….James this goes for you in particular. What a fit you can throw bravo! bravo! However... do that one more time and I have no problem in making your ass beg for mercy before I throw your broken body in the back of that heap. Cindy here will get to drive you to a hospital bed, right next to the one you both came to find out if there is any point in trying any longer. DO NOT BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU! This is my home and you will respect it and trust in me faithfully or two words will be all you hear before you both get the fuck off my property. Now, that we have that as an understanding. Tread lightly and do not think I know not of what goes on in these hills and hallowed grounds.
Sincerely, Kira Phoenix
P.S. to perform what you tasked me with I need you to collect 6 things along your route.
One snail, not a slug. One robin's egg, sometimes they fight so beware. Two red ripe cherries attached to one another's stems. DO NOT break them apart. The spell will fail if you aren't careful. One male swallowtail butterfly, which is the yellow tiger striped ones. They are not so easy to catch. And finally the certain item that asked you to bring from home.
Cindy stares at her husbands stern face for a moment waiting for him to talk. She finally breaks the silence, “James? Hun? Are you alright?”. Hesitantly she reaches for his shoulder, he quickly avoids her touch. He glares at her eyes narrowed like a snake and begins to speak in low tone. “ This is all fucked up..how...where would she...fuck!!!” He shuts his eyes tight fists clenching the paper to his forehead as his anger turns to sadness and he falls to the ground at his wife's feet.
She rushes to his level and pulls him back up to look at her eyes. They cry together for a moment before she speaks to her husband. “ Let go James. Let all that doubt and fear clouding your mind to stay with the truck. We can't mess this up now. We know what we must do and we have to get going on the road again. It's not much further and I trust in her. I have to just like you do now.”
James blinks and wipes his eyes drawing a ragged breath before he stands. “Let's go..” He replies. They start again on the twisting road cutting deeper into the mountains of Virginia. The air gets cooler as the afternoon stretches on into evening. The old stone fence stays straight and true for the most part of what nature has not reclaimed in wild roses. They step cautiously over big rocks and streams that have cut the road into pieces along the way. They collect the snail from a crack in the stone wall and place it into the basket. Through a holly bush James retrieves value robin egg from its fortress of sharp nettles. They scratch angrily into his hide leaving little razor marks across it. He gently folds a cloth napkin inside for a little nest to cradle it in safely for the journey. The cherry tree stuck out like a sore thumb it's luscious fruits perfect for the picking. Oddly enough way before normal season. James hoists Cindy on his shoulders to teach the right ones. “I got them!” She exclaims in glee as he lowers her back down to the ground.
The splendor before the couple is almost overwhelming to behold. They trudge on with achy feet and bodies onward to the destination unknown. In the distance down the forgotten path sunlight exposes a rain puddle. Butterflies all flitting and swooping down to drink the pool of water. Their wings dance with vivid colors as the two approach as quietly as possible to catch the right one needed. “ There, that one!” James signals to his beloved to move just close enough to snatch the nervous bug. Just as her fingers are around the critter, it flutters out of her hands reach! “NOOOO!!! GET IT HONEY!” She cries out to him. He jumps into action as do the rest of the other butterflies now in frantic flight. His hands cup around the big bug and he pulls it close to his chest. The tiny creature flaps in defiance of its cage.
“THE MASON JAR! GET THE JAR BABE! IT'S KILLING ITSELF TO BE FREE! HURRY!!!” He yells panicked at breaking one of the rules. She runs to the basket and grabs it pouring the remaining water out to make space. She holds the jar as he pushes the yellow male swallowtail into the glass prison. Quickly they screw on the lid to prevent it's escape. “WE DID IT!!!” The duo jump giddy as kids that they accomplished obtaining all the requested items.
As Cindy goes to place the little insect into the basket she realizes the bug won't be able to survive without air. Looking into the basket she finds a lace square of fabric. Taking her scrunchie out of her own hair she puts it in place of the old metal lid over the lace. “That should hold you little guy.” She speaks kindly to the butterfly. Gently to not shake him she places the jar inside the basket and buttons the latch.
Arm in arm they continue the long hike up into the mountains. After some time a clearing starts to be exposed from the large dense trees. What comes into view makes the team stop dead with awe. A large cabin with a giant deck sits half in and out of the mountainside itself. The roof is huge slate tiles cut from the surrounding stone covered in the most lush green peat moss. Little patches of creeping phlox in different shades of white, purple and pink cascade like a living waterfall off of the edges. They walk towards the structure it's timbers standing proud and solid. Cindy speaks awestruck, “ It looks just like a Thomas Kinkade painting, but real life...wow.” James looks around in sheer amazement at the architecture.
Before he can respond to his wife another female voice speaks soft and slow to the pair from above. “ You would be right on the money on Mr. Kinkade sweetie.” The two jump back and peer up to the roof. Kira Phoenix and her black and blue tipped hair sits crouched. She's picking snowdrop flowers from the moss carpet under her bare toes paying them no mind. She glances down at the shocked couple and smiles sweetly as she turns her head directly towards them. “ HE was a long family friend of our coven. A fellow brother unbeknownst to millions. How else do you think you become that successful. I was wondering if you all was serious or just some other little shits wasting my time, but here you all are making me eat my own words now aren't ya ha ha ha!” She stands up with her layers of bohemian skirts adjusting her crocheted shawl around her shoulders. Her odd eyes never leaving their faces. “C'mon in, your time and mine are a precious thing to waste if this is to work. Did you get everything I asked for?”
“Yes, yes of course!” Cindy stammers immediately at Kira. “ All of it is here in the basket like you told us too.” She hold the basket up into the air from below. Phoenix looks sternly at her and asks abruptly, “All Of It…?” raising her eyebrow slightly towards the desperate woman. Cindy's hand trembled as it reaches towards her throat then grasps the gold locket around it. Kira keeps her eyes on every motion as Cindy breaks the necklace and places it into the basket.
The broken woman let's tears roll down her cheeks as she closes the lid as Kira speaks,”That's what I thought. It's all in or get out now while you still can. Understand this can go two ways got it?” She reminds Cindy curtly. “ Next line of business...James I believe you have something in your pants pocket nice and folded neatly for my services now don't you?” The wrestler inquires of the man. “ Yeah it's all we have left..so..is there..”
Before the next word escapes his lips Kira runs and jumps straight down to the deck below with agility of a cat. Springing to her feet she grabs the rail nails digging into the wood making it crack on impact she screams at James full force in another demonic fury. “DO NOT TRY TO BARTER HERE FOR MY WILL BE DONE! YOU COME HERE FOR MY HELP AND INSULT ME BY THIS BULLSHIT!!!” Kira is livid with rage the air around them begins to stir and kick up dust. Causing the couple to shield their eyes from the dirt swirling through the air. James yells up to her, “Okay! Okay! We are sorry!!! Please take it! It's all worth it!!!” as suddenly as it began the wind dies down and everything settles back into place.
Kira straightens her spine and fixes her hair from her brow. Her odd eyes still flickering with anger until the madness subside and she sighs a long breath before addressing the pair again. “ Place it in the basket James.” She directs the man to fulfill his oath which he does without any hesitation like a moment earlier.
“ Now you both get inside, we have some work to do.” Kira then points to the staircase for them to ascend. She then disappears into the cabin to get ready for a night's work.
The couple come inside the cabin, nervous and tense they stand looking around the home. A large fire pit takes up the center of the floor. Many rituals have been performed under this roof. The ancient rune writing across the walls and ceiling are artwork in themselves. Many different witches handwriting decorate every inch in spells and incantations, so few can read any longer.
“Sit..It is time to begin.” Kira instructs the duo into place pointing to either side of her outside the pit. “Give me the basket please.” Cindy gently places the basket in the Phoenix's hands. Carefully she places each item on the brim of the pits fire wall. The snail hides in its shell for the moment. The butterfly flaps its gossamer wings slowly as the fire light flickers around the room. The last item from the basket is the locket, Kira dangles it in her fingers letting it sway with its own momentum. Cindy's forehead furrows as she locks on the pendant glistening in the warm light.
With her free hand Kira places it below the necklace palm upwards. It begins to move slightly back and forth, back and forth. Then it changes directions going the opposite then finally circles gaining speed. Her eyes are closed as it continues to spin tight little coils her lips are all that move. Cindy and James look across to one another shrugging their shoulders but watching intensely at Kira.
They jerk back as the mountain witches eyes snapback open. Her odd eyes are sharp and piercing staring at the necklace in her extended hand. Violently she twists the chain over her hand three times whipping the locket over and under it tightens. Her fist clenched tight she smashes the poor little snail, who just got brave enough to peek out it's now demolished shell. She raises her fist again and slams down on the egg smearing the yolk across the stone. The cherries are no match as one of the pits fly into the coals and hisses as it burns away from her fist. The butterfly is flailing wild in the glass container, trying desperately to escape it's sealed fate. Kira arm straightens above the lace covered opening and defends rapidly. “SMASH!!!” The jar is no match for the destructive force of Kira Phoenix at the helm. The glass and butterflies wings stab and cut into her hand now dripping with blood. The locket is dented and coated in its stick warmth. Tears fall from the couples eyes as the watch the priestess work her spell. With her unharmed hand she takes the precious heirloom and cracks it open. Inside a small curl of blonde hair tied with a tiny little bow sits unharmed. The picture shows James and Cindy along with a beautiful blonde baby girl nestled in their loving arms. Cindy supresses a sob as she watches Kira bloody fingers pluck the hair from the locket. Phoenix looks at James and speaks in a completely solemn tone. You may want to hold her back for what's to come next. It is completely necessary or all this was pointless.” He nods and goes to his wife wrapping his arms around her tight. Holding the hair and locket she moves her lips rapidly in Latin just under her breath. The flame grows brighter and hotter than before and begins to morph colors. The light casts rainbows across the room like a prism. “ So Mote it be..” She places her hand directly into the flames and let's the two items go. Cindy wails like an animal and tries to escape her husbands hold, only to fall back and cry in outrage. The hair and ribbon burn rapidly as the locket melts into a pool of liquid metal in the ashes. Kira pulls back her arm from the fire unscathed. She stands slowly and walks over the couple.
“ It is done. Now you must follow what is next strictly to the letter. Get your wife together dude.” Kira directs James as she lights a rolled cigarette with a match and takes a long drag. Cindy finally stands as her man pulls her to her feet. “I have business in Vegas to attend to and I don't want to be late” taking a few more puffs she tosses it in the fire.
“What is it you want us to do now Miss Phoenix?” James's voice concerned as he speaks.
“ I have a message for you to deliver before my arrival in the desert. Don't worry I'll pay your way there and back. Call it a small favor of gratitude for my efforts to give you what you wanted. I don't think it's too much too ask of you now is it?” Kira looks at the pair as she gathers a suitcase covered in all different stickers from far off places.
Cindy finally comes out of her shock. “Anything for her...anything.” She leans into her lovers arms hugging him close muffling her speech.
“let Mercedes Vargas and Kain know that me and my new tag partner will be coming for victory. No matter where they have been or how many belts comfort them alone in their beds each night. I am coming for them along with Jon Dough for a punishment like no other for Blast from the past. Together me and him will rise from the ashes of the former SCW to rise above and conquer over its death with a new beginning! Now go I have a call coming in.”
Just as the couple look at each other in disbelief as Kiras cell phone starts buzzing across a China cabinet top. Her hands grabs the device and she points towards the door. “I said to leave and deliver my message. Don't worry there are lights down the trail and my friend will lead the way back to your vehicle. GO!” The pair hurry to the door and abruptly exit, their steps can be heard scurrying down the stairs of the deck.
Kira places the phone to her ear and a long lost familiar voice comes through.
“ Hello, Dollface Killah..What are you conjuring my wicked witch? Did you scare that couple away? Tsk, tsk, tsk, your always playing with fire aren't you…” Tommy Crimson. The fury himself and Kira's actual husband, they got hitched in their Furyland in Jupiter, Florida almost a year ago.
Her eyes twinkle at the sound of his cool velvet voice making her hair raise on end. She speaks softly to her love, “ Oh just playing with some new toys handsome, nothing to much to handle. I have noticed your eyes in the sky watching me as of late and I hope you have been enjoying the show darling. Will you be there? You promised me…” She pouts a little waiting for his response.
A moment of silence then his voice is whispers low in the way he only does to her and her alone. “ Oh yes, I'm going to be there.”
Kira smiles wickedly in sheer glee.
“ I love it when you smile like that..,” Tommy says into the phone.
“ I know baby,.. time to come home.
Come home.” She speaks gently now.
“ See you soon..” Crimsons end goes dead. Phoenix places the phone in her pocket, grabs her keys and heads out the door.
