summery: It has been 12 years since Beverly was last in Derry. now 26 years old and returning with her boyfriend she strives for a life of normalcy in the small town. Unaware that a certain stalking creature has awakened much earlier than expected. Looking for a challenge to cure its boredom ,in the now crumbling town, IT aims to uproot her life as much as possible. Yet, is that really such a bad thing given her dark situation hidden from all but the eyes of a world eater?
status: complete and on A03
rated: M - fowl language and gore
prev chap: Between two Voids ch 9
next chap: Between two Voids ch 11
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Beverly stared up at the bedroom ceiling. Watching it's color change with the rising sun light blaring through the nearby window. Breathing as quietly as she could to not wake Erik sleeping next to her. Sleeping next to him after so long felt out of place. Like someone would when sharing a sleeping bag at camp with a stranger. Last night went in Beverly's favor with Erik heading straight to bed. Talking about how he needed to get up early tomorrow to set up the rave by the next night.
She got a few hours of sleep before waking incredibly early. Mostly going over her chores for the day in her thoughts. Mentally preparing herself to be Eriks babysitter later for his rave. Which he still hadn't confirmed the location to her yet. Only that it was “ outside Derry”. Knowing she wasn't going to get anymore sleep she sat up from her resting spot.
“ need to get used to an actual mattress again, geeze.” rubbing her back of a sore spot. “ this is a pretty shitty mattress though.” Feeling one particular spot with a spring popping through the top.
She stretched on her feet. Following her normal morning routine. Only going about it incredibly quiet this time to not wake Erik. The shower filled with fancy guy shampoos. A shelf holding a line of cologne in bottles worth at least 30 bucks each. She stuck with her scentless bar soap grabbed from her bag. After her shower she went to start breakfast stopping herself at the fridge. Remembering she wasn't allowed to make breakfast without Erik. He always ate first along with deciding what they both ate.
“ I'll just get started on chores then.” whispering to herself with a turning around into something solid. Having her back up with surprise in looking up at Pennywise standing there with his usual smile.
“ what are you doing here?!” whispering to avoid waking Erik.
“ why wouldn't i?” the clowns head tilting to one side.
“ the bets over!” her talking a little fast to learn why he was there and how to get rid of him.
“ yes, but my courting is not.” head returning back to its straightened position. Taking his time to reply to her.
“ it should!” returning to start work on chores. First was dishes then after Erik woke she could turn on the noisy laundry machine.
His face scrunched up after smelling the air around her as she passed by. Displeased by that ratty males scent staining her delicate one. Thoughts souring on why that could be. She didn't have any scent of arousal, but that didn't crop up all the time. Some humans were just incredibly lousy in the category of performance.
“What?” she asked over his change of expression.
“ you reek of that male now.” His tone heavy with displeasure.
“ we did sleep together last night.” Seeing the immediate shift in his mood at what she said. Watching his teeth going sharp, eyes burning redder, shoulders rising from there relaxed position, and a crackling noise she was sure was coming off his hands growing claws.
“Not like that. Regular sleeping.” sure that if she didn't specify Erik wouldn't last long. That shift drawing back in shoulders dropping, teeth retracting just as fast when they grew. Most of his body remaining on edge.
“ do you plan on it?” A low growl barely escaping his throat.
“ what business is it of yours who i fuck?” words blunt as she crossed her arms readying to squash this issue.
“ arrrre you?” frustration leaking.
“ we've been doing it for quite a while before returning here.” Amused that her answer caused his reaction of aggressively tensing again. She never experienced someone so jealous of her and Erik being together. “But not for the past two years. It died off pretty quickly.” She added.
“And thank god for that.” She thought.
“ and whys that? Wouldn't you both want to try for offspring?” raising a brow at her.
“ … Do you want kids?” feeling the question a bit awkward to ask. Aside from the terrifying thought of multiple Pennywise's infesting a town. - or towns? - Asking the question made it seem like she wanted ITs children, which she did not.
“ is it not the ultimate goal of any creature?” the answer leaving Beverly feeling more awkward. Did IT expect her to bare its children? She was too afraid to ask the question.
“ you'd be out of luck with me then. Can't have kids.” walking by to turn on the faucet for hot water. Standing by in making sure none of the rising water overflowed.
“ infertile, why so?” tone sounding curious over disappointed. Opposite to what she expected him to sound at the news.
“ scarring … From trauma in childhood.” Remembering the small window where her and Erik really tried for a kid. Making that discovery after finding nothing seemed to be working. A blessing in disguise after Eriks personality shift.
“scarring would not stop the urging. Felt no temptation for the action?” standing by as she began washing dishes.
“no.” fidgeting with one plate a little longer than needed.
“why not? Do you hate it?” knowing her past involving the forced action could sour it for her. Yet, her answer of continuing by choice later in life meant it wasn't.
“no, its like- I don't feel- … it's sort of a chore. I don't hate it or like it. Its something I do to get along in life, like laundry.” her tone unenthusiastic over the topic. Being honest that she saw the action of sex as unexciting. She wanted to like it, but it never felt as good as everyone said it was.
“a shame. Can the male perform at all? Or do you do all the work like with everything else? I would understand if he lays there almost dead. No wonder you would see it a chore.” letting out a snicker with confidence that he was correct.
“why does it sound like you're experienced with this? aren't humans disgusting?” roughly scrubbing a plate free of old food. Wanting the conversation to end already.
“yes, but that does not make committing the action any less fun. Even if I do, do the most.” by how he boasted, Beverly really didn't want to know any further details. Scrubbing quietly over the next plate from a pile.
“ are you talking to yourself?” with a turn toward the voice she saw Erik standing half awake in the hallway entrance.
“Uh, yes. I was praying.” She made up an excuse.
“ praying while washing dishes?” He stared at her like she was insane.
“Yeah, it skips the middle man of blessing food.” giving a wavering smile to seem sincere. He stared at her even more confused.
“Superstitious freak.” Erik muttered with a turn back toward the bathroom.
“ make the bacon and eggs. I want them on the table by the time i get out.” He shouted, shutting the bathroom door behind him.
“Yes sir.” Beverly spoke as loud as she could without irritating him.
“Yes sir.” Pennywise mimicked. Beverly waving a hand at him to try shooing him away. Drying her hands off on a small rag to start breakfast.
Halfway through cooking she realized an important detail.
“Shit, i didn't spread out the cooking.” She whispered. Looking over her shoulder toward the bathroom. Quickly scooping a small bit of food onto a plate. Hiding it away in a cupboard.
“What are you doing?” Pennywise was confused by what she was doing. Never having seen a human put fresh hot food in a cupboard before it was to be eaten.
“ Erik likes to take a lot.” dropping the rest onto a large platter to serve on the table. Pouring a glass of orange juice to set aside in a careful presentation.
“Okay, i think I've got everything.” quickly going over the finished dining set up. “Silverware, empty plate, drink and the food. Nothing burnt, sunny side up.” mumbling through some checklist worriedly.
“ no food taster for his royal highness?” his joking shushed by Beverly with her nervously sitting down by her own lone empty plate. Waiting silently for Erik to come to the table.
Watching him indirectly from the corner of her vision. Seeing him sit down with an immediate pouring of 95% of the food onto his own plate. Leaving Beverly hardly a cup worth of food to take. This was why she hid some in the cupboard. Otherwise she'd have to sneak more food other ways.
He took a sip of the orange juice, only to immediately spit it back into the cup in a hacking fit.
“Are you okay?” Beverly flinched down in her chair. Questioning herself on if she did something wrong.
“Did you look over the juice bottle?! Shits gotta be expired by a few months!” speaking through his heavy hacking.
“sorry.” she passively apologized. Seeing a snickering clown from the corner of her vision. She was sure the juice expired much quicker than that.
“whatever, I'll drink later at the rave set up. Have to be there all day for it.” Erik grumbled with a shoveling of food in his mouth. Pennywise nabbing his chance while his attention was off Beverly.
“can I walk pen?” the clown mimicked her voice. Hearing Beverly suck in a nervous breath.
“hes fine tied up outside.” Erik looked up at her.
“yeah, he is.” Beverly spoke softly. This clown was going to get her hurt if he kept doing this. Right when Eriks attention turned away, Pennywise spoke up again.
“i can walk him on the way to get groceries.” speaking quickly in mimicked voice.
“why do you want to go out?!” Eriks patience being lost, Beverly was now snagged in making up excuses to dig herself out of a hole.
“i thought I should get fresh air.” there was nothing else she could really say. Body shivering under Eriks pinning glare. Chest restricting the further Erik went on in silence.
“we'll talk later about it when Trey gets here.” returning back to his food. Scraping the fork heavily against the plate. A show of his unhappiness to her asking all these questions he knew, that she knew he didn't like.
Beverly felt incredible unease at the answer he gave. Last time this happened she was punished by being dropped in a sketchy part of the city with a jacket stuffed full of drugs to sell for the day. The clown did not push any further with his mimicry. She assumed he was momentarily satisfied into quieting down. Questioning what he would do later if Erik pressed back that she still couldn't go anywhere.
There was no more talking between them until Erik heard a knock at the door. Motioning toward it for Beverly to go open while he stayed eating. Watching her the entire time she did the task of opening the door as quiet as she could. When Trey saw her answer the door he stepped back. Him being unable to hear the clown chuckling not too far at seeing the reaction.
“someone's not a fan.” the clown spoke behind her. Unable to be replied too in the presence of others.
Beverly stepped aside when Erik approached. Standing off to the side without a word in waiting for Erik to tell her what would happen.
“Beverly's wants to walk around.” he gestured to Beverly then toward Trey. “You have to babysit her.”
“what,why?! Don't I have to help set up today?!” Trey exclaimed, looking back and forth between the two.
“we just need your van. Consider this taking the day off.” Erik ignored Trey's stress over the given task.
“why tho? and why me? Get Victoria to babysit!” Trey argued. A pause followed between the two. Erik faced Beverly with a cold look.
“go wait in the back.” Erik commanded. Beverly nodding with a quick walk to the bedroom. Even if Beverly was sent away there was still one standing by spying for her.
“she's cheating and your the one to keep her out of trouble. I trust you'll kick the douchebags ass if you figure out who it is too.” Erik bringing out a cigarette to light his anger away. “now be a pal and babysit while I set the party. Don't let her too far from the main town center. I have a feeling who ever she knows is somewhere around the town edge.” smacking a wad of money into Trey's hand.
“yeah, yeah, keep a short leash.” Trey pocketed the money. Pennywise laughed over the conversation. Him being beaten by a little human afraid of black cats crossing his path. He'd like to see him try, it would make more entertainment for him if he did. The other pathetic male had right to worry on Beverly ditching him.
“today's going to be fun.” the clown spoke to himself. First thing on his list was breaking that restriction of distance. Walking around the open public in the main town was not going to work for him. Now that he couldn't be around Beverly so openly anymore without her whispering every word. Ignoring him most the time because someone else was around. He had to start being more aggressive on stealing her away.
Hearing her say all the excuses. Watching her be commanded around like a dog. Hearing her defend this rats every action like he's the god of this town. His tolerance had reached its limit on this silly charade. What kind of male would he be, allowing his mate to be harmed or pushed around by another male. That was stopping right now.
“Beverly!” Erik called her back to the front door. She swallowed down her pills for the day in a rush back to Eriks side. Pocketing the rattling bottle in her side pant pocket.
“what are those?” she froze in place at Erik asking her something.
“these? Antibiotics, for my pneumonia.” answering softly with her hand bringing them out to show him. Swallowing when he snatched the bottle from her hand with a quick read over the bottle label.
“your fine, you don't need these anymore. You'll want to sell these.” shoving answers into her mouth to questions he didint bother to ask. Pocketing her meds into his jacket. “do whatever, but stay around town. Trey will be going with you. Don't do anything stupid, babe.” he told her. Walking out to drive off in Trey's van.
“we going somewhere or what?” Trey impatiently asked her.
“yes, a short walk.” she answered. Not really wanting to go anywhere, but Pennywise seemed obsessed with getting her outside for any reason. Staying in doors she knew would be bringing trouble on her head. Looking down at the approaching wolf dog bearing a sly looking grin.
“wait here, I need to get something.” not entirely directed toward Trey, left standing there tapping his foot impatiently on the cement porch.
She looked around the place with carefully handling of everything. Reminding herself that she wasn't allowed to mess up Eriks organization. Second guessing herself when she did find something useful. Taking something without permission wasn't allowed. If Erik found out he would be pissed. Going to the back bedroom instead to try searching her bag for something. Taking one of her old beaten down belts to use for a makeshift leash.
Returning to the front she stepped past Trey to loop on the “leash” over pens neck. Taking in a breath of fresh air before starting their walk. Planning to only head around a couple blocks in a loop back. The task harder then expected with pen yanking her around where he wanted to go. Almost dragging her along with the strength of a moose tugging at his end.
“stop yanking!” speaking through bared teeth down at the wolf. Pen doing so only after they reached the canal to follow. Slowly getting further and further away from the center of town.
“are you really so merry to be stuck as the maid?” receiving no response from Beverly to his question.
“is life really so easy with him? I at least can care for myself.” … “i can give you anything. No one could touch you. You'd almost be a god. Able to watch everyone like ants with all the control. You can make the hecklers suffer. Imagine it.” … “you know he thinks your cheating. That's why that idiot's following us.” he talked on, continuing to go without any response.
“why won't she talk?” he looked from her back at the male following. “he is a bit close. She does not like answering when a rats near.” Irritated that he has not received any sort of verbal communication from Beverly. Not even some sound of annoyance by his usual offerings.
His walking slowed with head turning to glare at the spying follower. Letting out a low growl turning into a lunge of teeth that had Beverly yanked back by the arm. Turning around to yank pen back before he could do whatever he was trying.
“what are you doing?!” Choking pen with a yank of the leash to keep him back. Trey being a few feet farther away then before.
Walking around to be on the side furthest from pen. “can you control that damned thing?!” the startled male shouted at her. The wolf hiding a grin at his success of gaining distance between the two.
Beverly calming down from the mini heart attack she had. Knowing pen was only stopped because he allowed it. He would have easily reached Trey despite her yanking with all her might. Maybe ignoring him wasn't the best, yet she was out of other ideas. She thought by ignoring him long enough he would leave from boredom.
“you have to head back.” Trey told her.
“it'd be better to avoid the public while walking him.” Beverly gestured toward the wolf, ignoring Trey's command.
“Erik doesn't want you leaving the center.” she was warned. Her stopping with a pause to shut her eyes in frustration.
“Trey, it'll be fine. There's nobody out here. If he thinks i am cheating it won't matter where I go anyway.” Not willing to be nagged by Trey who was too afraid to do anything to her. Opening her eyes to walk further down along the river. Surprised when Trey did do something by grabbing her arm.
Beverly didn't have anytime to react as she turned to face him. Catching only a glimpse of wolfed pen opening his jaws full of hooked canine teeth. Biting down into Trey's arm by the time she was fully able to look over her shoulder.
A loud snap of bone followed by Trey's screams of agony ringing out.
Beverly grabbed pen in a headlock on reflex to stop the attack. Feeling him let go she pulled him off Trey. Looking back to check on the man, who was screaming over his broken arm. The limb hanging limply in a 90 degree angle at the break in the middle. Blood flowing off from the shredded skin torn in long rows.
She dragged pen a little farther, still in the headlock. Letting go for them to run when a bit of distance was made. Following the river far from being able to see Trey in her view. Catching her breath after stopping. Looking around for anyone coming after her.
“why did you do that?!” she shouted down at the wolf. Seeing more clearly the smeared blood drying across his muzzle.
“why not? You wouldn't have handled him.” he spoke indifferently up at her.
“he wouldn't have done anything! You didn't have to break his arm!” gesturing angrily back toward the direction they came.
“i would have torn it off, had you not grabbed me so. I won't be tolerating this passive behavior towards your own safety. It is idiotic.” the wolf bared his teeth at being yelled at. As if he was the one who did something wrong by having that male back off from grabbing Beverly.
“i didn't ask you to tolerate anything! I never asked you to get involved at all! Now I am going to be in serious trouble for what you did! What am I going to say to Erik?!” she shouted. “i can't bring you back home! … like I should at all!” yanking the belt off him. “go away and don't follow me!” she walked off in following the river to get away. Hearing multiple crackling sounds from behind her.
“that's the thanks I get for helping?” Pennywise the clown spoke. His smile waving crookedly in a mixed frowning smile. Twitching back and forth between the two expressions.
“you never helped! All you do is cause me problems! Go away!” she shouted over her shoulder toward the clown.
“i have become the sole reason you live! You cannot even rely on yourself for care!” snarling with few steps following her.
“that's my problem. One that I'll fix with Erik over time. Go back to the sewers before something else happens!” Quickening her steps to get further away.
Looking back now and again to see if he was still following. Breathing in a breath of fresh air seeing that he wasn't. admiring her surroundings as the afternoon drew closer. The overhead sun melting the layer of ice off the river to float away in chunks. Sunlight falling between the treetops. The thin layer of snow across the dirt melting in the light. She remembered the little trail she was on now. One that her and the guys followed. It all felt so long ago. Now if only she could keep her life as peaceful as this trail.
“if I avoid Erik long enough so that he gets drunk he won't be nearly as mad.” thinking on how to deal with Erik later.
Rounding a corner with the main bridge coming into view. Beverly was surprised by Victoria being down by the river shore. Lorna and Darius up by Trey's van on the bridge. Fear hitting her that maybe Erik was inside waiting to deal with her.
“there's the little witch!” she heard Victoria shout.
“Victoria get back in the car. Were only supposed to bring her back to Erik!” Darius shouted from atop the bridge. Sounding unhappy at how he had to deal with Victoria down by the river.
“no, shes gonna pay. We can't let her get away with breaking his arm!” Victoria shouted back toward Darius. Beverly rolling her eyes as she approached. Not afraid of facing Victoria in a fight.
“got anything to say?!” she faced back toward Beverly walking up to her.
“i didn't break his arm, pen did.” Beverly was not in the mood at all to shout with Victoria.
“it was your mutt! You must have told it to do it!” Victoria Trudged up to Beverly's space to give her a shove into the river. Unsatisfied by Beverly catching her balance to not fully fall. Only stumbling back to get her feet wet in the shallow water.
“even if I did break his arm like you say. Is it really smart to start a fight?” Beverly stood in the water with no moves to start the fight first. Willing to let it all go, get in the car, and face what Erik would have to say.
“like you would really do anything to me! You were always some quiet freak who moped around like Erik isn't good enough for you! Everybody's tired of your attitude and now you've gone to far!” Victoria stepped forward back into Beverly's space. The two standing in the river separated by only 2 feet between them.
“who knows what you'll do next! Maybe you'll sleep with Trey to not have him snitch on you after this. Or maybe you'll go psycho and threaten us all with a knife! I really don't see what Erik likes about you!”
“i don't have time for this high school petty bull shit! Have him call the cops! I don't care!” Beverly snapped. “stop obsessing over Erik like he was ever yours at all! You're not a love struck teen! Trust me, he's not the popular boy to fight for!” she shouted. Freezing into a flinch at a fist hitting her square into the face. Knocking her back into the slow flowing river. Feeling hot pain pulsing around the middle of her face. Something warm slowly dripping down into the water.
Beverly felt her face, moving her hand to look down at it covered in blood. Her nose dripping the liquid down to flow away with the water. Taking a deep breath of anger to rise up with closed fists. A part of her mind saying it wasn't worth it, but the other roaring that she wasn't going to take it anymore.
Taking a firm hold of Victoria's collar for the start of a punching match. Fists flying back and forth with Beverly quickly gaining the upper hand. Shed been in worser fights before while Victoria on the other hand got only involved with little scraps. Her inexperience showing in the weak punches to the shoulder to desperate kicks that missed most the time. Forced into being pinned against a large boulder resting by a deeper part of the river.
Beverly stopped her attack while keeping a screeching Victoria pinned against the rock. Waiting out the struggling until Victoria would eventually exhaust herself before she would let her go.
Forced away suddenly with a slam to her head. The world spinning around Beverly making it hard to figure out what had happened. Looking slowly back over to see Victoria standing next to Lorna holding a large branch in hand. Muffled yelling in the far distance she barely recognized as from Darius. Unable to realize Lorna was getting closer to her as she was distracted by the yelling.
Feeling another heavy hit against her side. Hitting the ribs that had freshly healed from the last beating they took days ago. Her body falling back into the water entirely to be soaked. Sitting up for only a moment when she was shoved back down under the water. Struggling against someone stepping down on her throat to force her under.
Someone else pinning her chest and arms down to prevent her from twisting free. Her body panicking now for air. Gripping whatever she could for some help to free her. Hearing lots of indistinguishable shouting from Darius arguing with Victoria. The world made up of only blurred shapes distorted by the rippling water.
A large shadow filling her vision, one not caused by lack of air. A low rumble like thunder was heard with the pressure of being held down lifted altogether. Sitting up for a deep gasp of needed air once free. Choking on the air her lungs desperately inhaled. Vision clearing enough to see what was going on.
Victoria and Lorna fleeing back into Trey's van with Darius. Standing next to Beverly was a large crocodile seeming ancient with all the moss hanging off its body. Teeth long and sharp sticking out in all directions being more like tusks. The large scales upon its back being like sections of tree bark forming into half a log looking long fallen into the water.
Her breath catching up to her abling her to get up. Leaning against the large boulder she had Victoria pinned to earlier. Nose still dripping a small amount of blood staining the rock where it landed. A gloved hand taking a hold of her face to turn her for a better look.
yanking her head away from the grip. “don't touch me!” she snapped.
“stop fussing!” he grabbed a hold of her jaw to turn her again for a look. Only having a quick glance when Beverly broke free with a smack of his arm.
“i told you to go away!” she shouted. Fighting to keep her emotions in check. Not wanting to break down in tears in the middle of the river with him nearby.
“and if I did you'd be face down in the river.” his hand pointed down at the spot she was drowning in.
“i would have been fine!” she trudged out of the river to the dry shore. Wringing out the water as best she could from her clothes. Uncontrollable shivering in the cold air completely soaked in freezing water. Leaning against a tree so she wouldn't collapse under pain. Skull pulsing along with her aching ribs after a beating from that heavy branch.
“liar! You crumpled after being hit by those cowards. You should have taken your chance and kill the one you had alone.” stepping over to her side.
“yeah, and then what?! I get arrested for murder! I don't want to fight with anybody! I want a normal life!” her shouting broken by heavy coughing.
“i can sweep it away when you're done. Same as when I swept away your hospital bills. Or how that idiot with broken arm called police. Better yet, I can handle them all for you.” he offered.
“you don't get it.” Beverly wheezed against the tree.
“apparently not or maybe you're lacking self preservation. Your making it a chore to keep you alive. Nature itself is practically ready to pull you down under the roots for the worms.” he complained.
“if i am such a chore why do you bother? Step out of my life or just kill me already!” she spat bitterly. Her coughing starting up again.
“i should put your pathetic little life out of its misery.” frown showing rows of sharp teeth bared over her. “save that pathetic male his time of doing so. Save your own species from useless offspring by you coupling with some pathetic suitor.”
“then get it over with already!” wheezing out the sentence as tears built up in her eyes.
“ha! I could, but you can barely stand! Not much of a game heh heh.” laughing as he pushed Beverly down with a shove. Her failing to catch herself from falling onto the leaf littered dirt. trying to sit up was stopped by a hand shoving her back down. Knocking the wind out of her when pinned down under the full weight of the clown leaning over her body.
“i want a challenge. I want you to fight. So that when you do I can laugh at your pathetic struggle. While you won't be able to do anything, but beg me to make it all stop.” grinning wickedly down at her.
“you'll have to get me first clown! I've already dealt with your shit once! If you plan to do something you better do it before i am out of Derry tonight!” Beverly kicked his chest. A hiss released between his gritted teeth, but nothing more then that.
“I'll think of something. In the meantime you should be careful little Beverly.” letting out a guttural growl as he moved off her. Disappearing in the short time out of Beverly's view between her sitting up and standing.
“I am sure you will.” She whispered to the empty air. Sure that he was still listening in case she muttered an insult.
With a bit of a struggle she made it back to the apartment. Opening the door slowly to not make a sound. Fearing Erik may be waiting there for her to come back. Stepping in with a look around for him. Going in further as Erik appeared to be absent. Heading straight to the bathroom for a full look at her injuries.
In the mirror she saw the full brunt of what Victorias punch did. Her nose only bruised instead of broken like she thought. Blood left in a trail down over mouth to drip off her chin. A scrub of warm soap water clearing it up. Revealing little cuts marking around her face. A larger bruise marking her neck where it was stepped on. Feeling around the back of her head she felt the bump forming at the base.
Looking more around her body she saw further marks. Decorating around her knuckles to down along her arms.
“More scars to add onto the pile.” She sighed. Going out to gather new clothes for another shower. Erik wouldn't like her showing up a literal bloody mess. It would throw off the whole party. “ how will i even get to the party?” She thought. “Trey was suppose to take me. Then i guess Darius was suppose to? I doubt any else will now after that river beating. Maybe they're hoping i was ate by that crocodile. I wasn't, but it might not stay that way.” She sat on the edge of the tub. Staring momentarily at the faucet knobs.
Turning them on a little hesitantly. Imagination running wild on what the clown could be planning. No way he'd leave her be before she left for the party. Escaping Derry where he was never able to reach any of the losers. She breathed in the hot rising steam to sooth her. Feeling along the ribs that were hit for anything out of place. Touching over a weird fabric.
Glaring at the spot she remembered being covered in that spider threading. Used to stitch her side together in the diner. Her gaze going up to look at the sink nearby. Stomping over to it to shout down the piping.
“ forgot to take the threading off, asshole!” Stepping back over to the shower. Not sure what to do about it herself. Would it eventually rot off like normal webbing would? Or is it now just a permanent part of her skin?
“Can't ask to get it off now.” getting into the shower.
After being fully clean in new clothes she had went on to do chores. Aiming to get as much done as possible to appease Eriks anger to a more manageable level. A voice in the back of her mind telling her it wouldn't matter. She was better off buying cover up for the bruises later.
It was getting late with no calls from Erik about the party. Maybe she would end up skipping the party. Erik may have made the mistake of tasking Victoria to grab her.
“I did mess up by leaving the center. If i hadn't, Trey would have gotten me to the party. Erik also wouldn't be twice as mad.” She sat anxiously on the couch. A knock on the door having her jump to her feet. Racing over to calmly open the door.
“Wow you’re actually here.” Darius surprised at Beverly answering the door.
“ yeah.” Beverly spoke quietly with a nod.
“I thought you might be in the hospital after Victoria tried to drown you. … And then that croc showing up. … Erik wanted me to get you. I could drive you to the hospital first if you want?” sounding like he did regret what happened earlier.
“No. I am sure Erik must be pretty worried.” She gave a smile to cover her anxiety. Stepping out to get into the van with Darius.
The car ride was awkwardly silent. Beverly clawing into her leg with the approaching Derry town line. Looking out for any glowing eyes watching from the forest. Or something suddenly appearing in the middle of the road to force them into a car wreck. None of it came, crossing the bridge out past the Derry town sign. Beverly's body released all the building tension it had been gathering. Relaxing into the front seat for the rest of the drive.
Stomach twisting itself back into knots as they parked outside the party. Readying herself to meet an angry Erik if he wasn't drunk yet. Following Darius the entire way through navigation of the party goers.
Huge burning bonfires, a makeshift bar set up, a table of a keg pyramid. Huge crowds dancing all over the place near multi colored mini strobes. Some DJ blasting out music from an amateur set up.
“Beevy your heere.” She heard Eriks cheerful voice before spotting him. pulled into a friendly tight hug. “So happy to seesha.” He slurred.
“ definitely wasted.” She thought.
“Happy to see you too Erik” She patted his back in the awkwardly returning hug.
“You drink? Havin drinkin yet? Illllgo get you drink.” He slurred on his way to the bar before Beverly could answer any of that.
“Erik i-” she stopped, not bothering to finish that she didn't drink. She could just pour it out. He didn't take long to return with a cup of beer.
“Heeere go babe.” He clumsily held it out.
“ thanks Erik” She thanked him with a careful taking of the cup. Surprised he didn't spill half of it along the way back. Erik didn't answer, going off to hang out with some random drinking strangers. Beverly went the opposite way toward a spot away from everything. Leaning against a tree to be some look out for trouble makers.
Looking from the crowd down at her beer. She didn't like drinking, but was getting pretty thirsty. This party was going to be going on for quite a while and she doubted they were serving water. Taking small sips at a time as she looked over the crowd.
Wondering why the clown didn't take his chance earlier.
“ he knows I'll come back with Erik is why. Doesn't take much to figure that out. Tomorrow's gonna be filled with BS i am sure.” She thought to herself. “All the more reason i shouldn't be drinking this cheap junk. Dealing with the clown and a migraine. Now there's a true nightmare.” boredly swirling the cup in hand. Taking another sip from the cup. Watching Erik happily chug beer with a group of idiots.
Attention turning to the crowds dancing. Sensing something strange as if being watched. A heaviness settling at the bottom of her stomach. On edge she stopped leaning against the tree. Searching more thoroughly across the crowds for something wrong. Seeing somebody out of the corner of her eye.
A man staring directly at her from behind a tree he poorly hid behind.
Far away from everybody else. She Stared back at him, eyes locking to let him know he was spotted. He stepped further away from the tree at the disclosure of each other. Seeing more of his face had Beverly recognizing the man.
“The clowns pulling the same trick twice? Sending Henry to deal with what he can't? I can take care of Henry no problem.” She grumbled, heading right over to tackle the problem head on.
“Henry what are you doing here?” asking outright.
“Pennywise told me to watch you.” He answered.
“Right, did he tell you anything else?” her tone filled with skepticism that, that is all Pennywise told.
“did he ask you to drag me back to Derry?” watching Henry shake his head again. “what did he say exactly?” continuing her interrogation.
“he said that he was a old friend in need of a favor.” fidgeting a little.
“that's right, he went to the asylum after that big fight ages ago.” Beverly remembered. Searching over Henry made it obvious he left the place maybe only hours earlier. Still wearing that overly white sterile looking uniform all the patients wear. Hair cut incredibly short, showing off a massive scar across his skull. The last time they all saw him was after that fall down the well. Or ,in her case, the newspaper article the next morning if that could count. Marking him as the child murderer that the losers knew was not true.
“... did you walk here?” she asked, the clown certainly would be unable to transport him out here.
“yes. He took me to the Derry town line to have me walk the rest of the way. Not too hard to find the only place with a party going on.” he answered. Beverly on guard still despite him being overly passive. He was much different from the last time they all met.
“seems like your not very mad after all that happened.” she said.
“no, I haven't been very mad since joining the hospital. I don't fully remember what happened though. Doctors tell me it's because of the hit my head took at the bottom of the fall.” he said.
“what is the last thing you remember?” she asked, sipping her drink. Waiting for an answer that Henry looked to be having trouble with. His eyes looking all over the place with fidgeting around the end of his sleeves.
“i remember … fighting with rocks. … me coming home and checking the mailbox … the run down house.” he got out with some difficulty.
“... you remember what you did?” she asked. Him shaking his head in return. “remember what you did to me and the guys?” Another head shake from him. “ … you remember me at all?”
“Beverly marsh, from school.” he answered quicker then the other times.
“anything else about me?” Henry having difficulty again on answering the question.
“... i-i don't. I am sorry. Should I? Did I do something really bad? the doctors keep telling me I did bad things. I am sorry if I did. I don't do bad things anymore.” he apologized, despite not remembering any of his past actions.
“he must have hit his head hard. The guys did tell me it was a huge fall. They were surprised to read he lived without a broken spine. Maybe Pennywise made sure of that.” she thought.
“it's fine Henry. Is that scar part the reason for your memory loss?” she asked.
“mhmm. Doctors say they found me in the river barely conscious with my skull cracked open. They had a little trouble getting my name I couldn't even remember that.” he answered.
“hmm.” she hummed. Despite all the answers he gave her something still felt gravely wrong. Was he just a good actor following some script the clown gave? Feeling sicker than before she talked to Henry. Swallowing down her sickness to carefully lean against a nearby tree. Wanting to avoid tipping Henry off that something was wrong with her.
“you alright? You look really sick.” Henry asked.
“a lot of stress lately. Not helped by you staring.” she spoke as clearly as she could without sounding sick. Seeing her vision blurring back and forth out of focus. The clear crowd of dancers turning into one blob covered in spotted colored lights.
“sorry. Must of been weird to see heh.” Henry gave a light laugh. “that other guy has been watching you a lot since you got here. Do you know him to?” he asked.
“the happy drunk guy? That's Erik, he's my boyfriend.” she answered, swirling her drink to focus on something other then her worsening condition.
“no, the bartender. The one that made your drink.” he pointed. Beverly's eyes following the direction he gave. Having to take a moment for her vision to focus back on the person.
Heart rocketing up into her throat at seeing Charles staring intently from behind the bar. She looked back down at her drink in linking up with why she was feeling so sick.
Tossing it aside to spill onto the forest floor. Praying she didn't drink too much of the drugged liquid to pass out.
“how could I be so stupid. I didn't watch it get made. Relied on wasted Erik giving me a drink.” she thought. Thinking fast on how she could get out of this situation.
No car, no phone, Erik was too wasted to realize what was going on. Nobody else would help her, the only other person possibly reliable was Henry. That meant she had to rely on someone who could be just as dangerous. She was going to pass out, she knew that, with little time to decide where. Should it happen randomly out in the woods? Or head back to Derry and gamble with Pennywise being in a better mood.
“Henry, I need you to get me back to Derry. Don't let that guy near me!” her tone dead serious. Heading in the direction of Derry before Henry could give a nod.
Not getting very far from the party as her walk stiffened. Legs becoming numb, vision completely out of focus and unable to walk on the uneven forest terrain. She stumbled over to roughly lean against a tree. Taking a knee to stay up against the trunk. Henry rushed to her side to help her back up. hurrying to get her moving forward again.
“we cant stop, that guys been following.” Henry warned her as they moved. Beverly fighting to keep herself moving. The run getting harder with the sloping terrain covered in blockages turning into an obstacle course. Going over fallen logs, around boulders, Beverly hoped this was slowing up Charles just as much. Would it matter in the end if Pennywise forced her to be abandoned. Would she need to beg him in order to be saved? Would she even be able to if she passed out before meeting up? What should she even say?
Her legs were giving out under her. Needing to now lean fully on Henry with an arm over his shoulder. Body turning more numb against her will as the drug took hold. Clinging on as best she could as her grip loosened.
“i-i can't walk.” Beverly admitted to Henry. holding back her fearful whimpers. Forced to accept her body was no longer cooperating with her.
“Derry is not far, I'll get you to Pennywise, okay?” he spoke softly to comfort her. carefully picking her up into his arms for carrying the rest of the way. The pace drastically slowing enough for Charles to catch up to the two of them. Beverly would see his silhouette passing over hills right behind them. Hearing him shout something indistinguishable at them.
“don't leave me.” Beverly begged Henry. The approaching Derry line meant the meeting of Pennywise was soon to be as well. Fearing that despite all the work Henry did to get her here he would be forced away by the clown.
Fighting to stay conscious she could feel Henry stumbling over the earth. Saying something she was unable to understand at this point. Hearing Charles still off in the background shouting. Then she felt Henry took a stumble. Staying still where he kneeled in the dirt to pass her off to another pair of arms. the recognizable feel of the smooth old fabric of Pennywise's suit. Latching onto his collar with one hand and the other grabbing the fabric at his shoulder. Gathering strength to at least do that if she wasn't able to speak.
Shivering in fear against him as he held her. Burying her face into his chest, desperate for him to give protection.
She got the reaction she didn't want him to give. Being pushed away from him. Her grip tightened on the fabric as she sobbed into his chest.
“please don't, please don't, I'm sorry!” she begged repeatedly. Apologizing all she could to not be forced away from him. A rumble in his chest made into an angry growl. He worked harder to pry her hands free of him. Her fastened heart rate having the drug hit harder on her then before. The last thing she experienced before her blackout was being pushed off.
Hours earlier, under the Derry roads, IT smashed a piece of wood against the stone walls of his lair. The chunks falling down into a pile of other things broken in rage.
“stupid girl! That stupid girl!” he snarled, grabbing another random object nearby to toss at the wall. “no thanks, can't save her own skin! Pathetic creature that deserves to suffer! Cant get away, because of what?!” he roared at the air. Thinking of how stupid Beverly's actions were. Frustrated he couldn't figure out why she followed such a harmful way of living. Any animal would run away it was an obvious answer. She could at least fight back to free herself, but she didn't.
He thought of so many times when he was going to move on. Leave Beverly to her stupid little existence, maybe even kill her eventually. However, again, and again she showed she had some fight in her. He saw a little spark of the flame she used to have that made her worthy of courting in the first place. He felt some excitement when she fought against that female rat in the river. Stepping in when Beverly was ganged up on by the cowards. Could her fire be brought back? Not with that pathetic male owning her.
Why was he feeling this? A want to see her free, a sickness that won't go away that he first thought was due to what he ate. A warmth in the core of his chest. It was hotter than the dead lights forming his body. An alarming sensation he never had before. It was on the level of the pain he first felt, only it was more pleasant then a sharp aggressiveness. It burned more warmly around Beverly and cooled down when she was away. The pleasantly warm void collapsing to an annoying aching.
“is this what humans call an infection?” he thought. Would it kill him? He'd never been sick, ever. He couldn't get sick, leaving the sensation a mystery to him.
He first felt this way around the time he saved her in the meat locker. A deep desire to keep her safe, and not just in a way to keep her from other males in general. Becoming stronger the longer he spent with her from then on. Right now he wanted to see her again. Even if she did yell at him for showing up. That party the male was throwing was tonight. His cowardly friends would be there willing to cause more trouble with Beverly.
“i will need something that can reach outside Derry.” he muttered to himself. “or someone, a puppet, I can send off without needing to manage.” he paused, standing in thought. Turning to pace around his pile with arms crossed over each other.
“not much to work with. All these prey too weak. I'll need someone that can at least defend themselves. … that boy Henry is still around. Not doing much but rotting away in that asylum up on that hill.” his fingers tapped along his arms. Turning toward the many large pipes branching from off his inner sanctum. Passing by the ones he knew did not lead to where he wanted. Walking down the correct one he reached. Reaching the asylum quickly on the little time he had between now and the party.
Slinking out of a sink was a large grey rat. Crawling up to sit upon the porcelain edge for any other humans walking about. Seeing only a nurse working on the other half of the room. The creature crawling down the side to squeeze under the nearby door. Following the walls around in searching for his goal. Stopping by a door edging next to two doctors talking in the entrance.
“josh was stubborn as always. Nothing other then that.”
the rat started up at one of the doctors. Sending an uncontrollable urge to ask about Henry.
“where's Henry?” one of the doctor asked, out of place of the conversation.
“outside, why do you ask?”
“... I don't know...” the other answered, confused over himself on why he asked. The rat going out past the door down the hall to a vent. Squeezing through an impossibly small space between the vent face. Following the fresh air passing through to pop out another vent face into the outside. Climbing up along the gutter to the roof. Peering out over the fenced in yards of the hospital. Searching over every human, finding Henry alone by a table.
Jumping from the roof to appear out from behind a tree past the fencing. Catching Henry's attention enough to pull him over for a conversation with the appearing clown.
“hi-ya Henry!” the clown greeted cheerfully.
“who are you?” Henry asked. Pennywise's grin dropping a little to seem sad at Henry's guardedness.
“aww, don'tcha recognize your old friend?” the clown said sadly.
“uh- who are you?” Henry asked, his guardedness sinking down to a bit of guilt.
“Pennywise, the dancing clown. Don't you remember me? Oh, I forgot, your condition.” Pennywise gestured to the scar on Henry head.
“yes, i-i am sorry I can't remember.” Henry's words full of honest guilt that he couldn't.
“don't worry bout that. you can pay me back with a little favor.” Pennywise's smile returned.
“i can't leave.” Henry gestured to the fenced in yard.
“course you can. I asked the doctors if you could. You're out early on good behavior. All you have to do now is step out the door.” the clown pointed toward a gate in the fenced wall. One that Henry swore was never there before, but its not like doors suddenly appeared out of thin air. The clown smiled the entire time Henry tentatively opened the gate. Peering back at all the security wandering the yard without so much as a look in his direction. Passing through the gate with expectations that alarms would suddenly blare out around him.
“see, you're free!” the clown waved a hand at the open forest before the both of them.
“w-what favor did you want me to do?” Henry asked, worried what task he was going to be asked.
“i need you to watch someone for me.” the clown answered. “but first I need you to close your eyes for a second.”
“close my eyes?” Henry raised a brow at the strange clown. Questioning if he should trust this “old friend”.
“only for a second. Something small to help you focus.” the clown spoke softly in the friendliest of manner. The spike of suspicion dying down in Henry. Closing his eyes like he was told.
“now for a bit of tinkering.” the clown thought. Using a lot of energy to switch around some wiring in Henry mind. Fixing his sense of direction while shoving down any aggression toward Beverly out of existence. Negative memory's remaining shoved down as well. New feelings of Henry and himself being good pals replacing the empty space.
“feel a little better?” the clown asked. Henry opening his eyes to feeling different then before. Most noticeable was the more friendly feeling toward the clown standing by him.
“yeah, it really did help.” Henry smiled at the clown. The smile dropping at realizing they were no longer by the fenced in yard. Standing out in some area of forest away from the sight of others.
“good, very good, now I need you to walk a bit to a party.” Henry was directed by Pennywise.
“how'd we get here, and what party?” Henry questioned.
“we walked here, remember. I need you to watch someone, they're heading to a party that I won't be able to go to. I need you to go for me.” Pennywise spoke, his tone not sounding like anything amiss was happening. Henry trusting his old friend wasn't planning anything bad.
“who do I need to watch?” he asked.
“Beverly marsh, remember her, from school?” Pennywise asked.
“sort of?” Henry looked hard through the few memories he had. Blurred visions of a redheaded girl always shooting glares at him.
“good boy. Now hurry off. She'll be there for a while, but it's a long walk there.” the clown told Henry with a small send off in the direction he knew the party was happening.
Pennywise forced to stay back at the very edge of the Derry town line. Impatiently pacing to the thoughts questioning whether he did enough rewiring in Henrys mind. Past Derry he had absolutely no control of Henry's actions. Nor the ability to sense him after getting far enough from the town limit.
“the idiot better not get lost!” Pennywise growled. The sky darkening enough to reveal the party's location. Large flashing colored lights timed to pulsing music vibrations felt for miles. He saw Beverly leave in a car some time ago, so he knew full well she was there now. Waiting and waiting under the light of the rising full moon.
Sensing that Henry was suddenly returning with Beverly he perked up from his bored slouching. Something was wrong, he knew from the odd pacing they were going at. Repeatedly stopping then going with travel speed changing.
“is that idiot fighting with her? … Is she fighting him?” he wondered. Their energy's were constantly close to one another. Yet he did not understand why they were stumbling so much. Guessing that Beverly spotted his spy, getting angry enough to drag him back to Derry. He wouldn't mind her coming back to shout at him. It took her away from that rat infestation of a party. His core warming to the thought of her return.
The warmth exploding into rage as Henry came over the hilltop with Beverly in his arms. Panting as he struggled down the steep slope over to Pennywise. Falling onto his knees in exhaustion past the Derry border.
“what happened?!” Pennywise growled, taking Beverley up into his own arms. Smelling the scent of chemicals on her mixing with fear. Her body limp against his besides the shivering death grip she had on him.
“a guy spiked her drink. He's been chasing us through the woods.” Henry answered, shrinking away when Pennywise let out an animalistic growl.
Pennywise kept Beverly close, wanting to calm her down. Trying to convey to her that everything would be alright
“hey! What are you freaks doing to my girl!” Pennywise heard the voice of that rotten male on top the hill shouting.
“that's the guy!” Henry whispered.
The fire in ITs core raging like the sun with a need to harm this walking rot of a creature. For that to begin he had to separate Beverly from his body. At first he carefully pushed her away to move her. Stiffening at the exploding scent of fear off her desperate panicking. Listening to her frantic sobbing begging only made him more protective. Wanting to hold her close, but he had a matter to deal with first.
He let out a deep growl as that strange male came closer to the three of them. Having to skip the gentleness to pry off Beverly. Her grip turning loose on the last push of her off. Questioning for a moment if her passing out in that moment was a good thing or not.
“take her to the Neibolt house! No where else!” he spoke through sharp long teeth. Scaring Henry into listening closely while being handed Beverly. Running off the moment Pennywise pointed for him a direction to head.
He looked back at the disgusting male continuing to shout. Walking off, in the same direction of Henry, while ignoring the shouting. Stepping far enough to hide out of the males view. He wanted to make sure this pathetic rot wouldn't have the luck of stumbling free from his fate in Derry. He wanted to create a buffer between the edge of Derry and the rat.
All the anger IT was holding had made it hard to focus on one form. He wanted something that would cause pain and a lot of it. Something with many teeth for ripping and sharp claws for tearing. Skin turning an oily black shining under the moonlight. The dark form collapsing to the ground into a crawling shadow. Stalking its prey from under the lowest brush. Careful with ITs steps on where he wanted to lead its prey.
“didn't think id be working this hard for a fun night.” Charles spoke through his out of breath panting. “didn't expect my date to be stolen either.” he mumbled. Striking a heated nerve in the stalking predator listening in.
“think you're a charmer?” IT mimicked Beverly's voice. Tone leaking disgusted anger in the sarcasm spoken.
“still awake, should have used 2 pills.” IT heard Charles whisper. “Why don't you come here? I promise to take care of you.” Charles spoke overly nice as he followed the false voice, unaware that he was no longer the hunter.
“i wouldn't get close if I were you.” IT continued with the false voice. Freely mocking in full confidence that the overly confident Charles would ignore his honest warnings. Leading Charles deeper into the forest for the hunt to begin.
“or else what? I ran after you this far not to head back without a round or two. Erik sure won't notice you missing. I am not afraid of him finding out either!” he boasted while searching for the missing Beverly.
“don't say I didn't warn you. Heh heh.” the false voice took a shift. Charles stopping his search at the new voices reveal. Someone male, but voice a higher pitch hiding something sinister. IT could smell the fresh fear off the male. Drool dripping from the many mouths adorning the oily black body. Crouching back readying to lunge from its perch.
Charles looked around himself. Fear growing when he did not recognize where he was. Head turning up toward the moon lit tree line for a possible glance of building lights. Swallowing down his fear under the many pine tree branches reaching out over him in the shape of clawed hands. Head turning up toward one specific tree moving more in the wind then the others. A flash of yellow eyes, multiple jaws of varying teeth lunging down on top of him.
He didn't have a chance to scream before the wind was knocked out of him. An arm brought up to block bitten into. Hooked teeth shredding right through the thick jacket he thought would provide some protection. Struggling under the body of a heavy monster covered in thrashing chomping jaws. Thick drool flying off the rows of teeth to coat anything nearby.
Fighting the beast he got back onto his feet to bolt. Ripping his arm away to free himself. A horrible mistake with the curved teeth pulling the skin back for peeling off the muscle.
Standing there as Charles ran, IT laughed deep and guttural with a spitting out of the shredded skin. Not intending to eat the filthy rot IT had no idea what Charles would do to his stomach. Sprinting after to the sound of ITs own loud roar piercing the air. Thrilled to have a hunt with prey worth killing, even if it meant no meal. Laughing at how surprisingly fast Charles could run when terrified. Dodging ITs snapping jaws around trees, over logs, up steep slopes.
Charles reaching a short clearing when he disappeared from ITs vision. Short silence broken by a thud then a loud scream of pain.
“should have watched where he was going.” IT spoke to himself in laughter. He expected that with the help of the moonlight Charles would have seen the edging. Humans had such poor vision in the dark it was a wonder how they survived any animals hunting before houses were made.
Charles was laying at the bottom of a deep crevice, sitting in a small stream barely an inch deep. When he landed his hip hit the ground first, then a snap, followed by the rest of him. The base of his spine in excruciating pain preventing him from moving. He thought he had some luck in that his legs were not paralyzed after his spine snapping.
“oooh my, what happened?” a voice above spoke in a fake tone of concern.
He looked up at the beast, who was now looking over the edging of the drop. Seeing ITs form more clearly against the moon shining behind its back. Multiple arms sprouting from its sides, heads ending in various jaws, covered in multiple eyes staring down in hunger. The monster leaning forward in arms stretching out against the rocky wall edge. Crawling down the wall closer to where Charles laid.
His mind raced on how to get the monster away. Screaming at IT to try scaring it off like IT was a dumb animal intimidated by useless noise. When that didn't work he resorted to grabbing various objects to chuck at IT. The beast wincing at rocks hitting close to a few eyes, but not slowing its pace toward the injured man.
Charles fate was sealed as the beast took its final step onto the leveled earth. Clawed into by a strong grip literally yanking the muscle off the bone. Piece by piece tearing away at his body. Going slow with careful work around important arteries. Making the suffering torture last as long as possible. His screams going unheard out in the far woods. Even if they were heard, no one would come. He was another death joining under the dark old roots of Derrys soil.
IT biting deeply to snap his limbs like toothpicks. Thrashing him around to create a loud snap like a gunshot from each limb. Dropping him harshly to bite at the ribs for more crackling for IT to enjoy. IT being even more satisfied at hearing Charles whining screams cease at a popping of ribs. Yanking strips of shredded skin from the bones.
The torture stopped with Charles coated in his own blood. Keeping himself from looking at the damage his body was suffering through. Legs baring their bones, cleaned of meat, to the open air. Pounds of flesh removed all the way up to his shoulders. Seeing chunks of his own body hanging off tree branches as if they were decorations. Charles doing one last trick to try surviving, playing dead. Head laying down in the stream, still with eyes tightly shut.
Opening his eyes at a warm orange glow appearing over him. He looked toward it in excited relief that it was someone with a flashlight coming to his rescue.
The happy feeling of freedom being in sight dying to what it truly was.
All the mouths forming one large jaw of an insect. Opening wide for a deep tunnel of rowed teeth bringing forth swirling lights as blinding as the sun. the next breath Charles took felt like he inhaled a blistering flame.
IT had felt death was far too easy an escape for Charles.
