Deadly Kisses

Twenty-Two





My legs fell from under me, and I collapsed from the power of my scythe. It was the first time I had fully yielded to its power and the knowledge to use it to full capacity seeped into my brain like water on dry dirt.

“Aiden, are you okay? The first time you get the scythe’s full effect is always a bitch, but that too will fade. And congrats, you’re finally acting like a Grim Reaper.” Reina held out her hand and I put mine in hers.

I stood and brushed off my clothes. “I should have listened to you and learned these things. That was awesome.”

I told Reina everything that happened with Sabrina and how I bargained to save, Bee. She was convinced I would have ascended if I hadn’t latched on to new regret. I knew she was right because I no longer had to relive my death flashback. Refusing the Golden Gates a second time would probably have repercussions though.

“You should be able to materialize now. Lose the cops black kit and let’s practice. You can thank me later by actually having fun the next time we go out.”

“About that.”

Reina put her finger to my lips. “Just because your boss isn’t allowed to help you do your test doesn’t mean Reaperlings can’t. I can get you through your personal test and keep you a Grim Reaper. Now, let’s learn to materialize, so you can sneak anywhere undetected. Don’t you want that?”

“Reina, one. Me, zero. Fine, teach me and don’t make me regret this.”

She giggled. “Your forte may be sucking up souls quick and reading auras, but this is mine.”

Reina disappeared and appeared behind me, on the side of me, and then in front of me. I turned because I couldn’t sense her soul in a dissipated state. She appeared again on the opposite side, and I whipped my head around.

“Come out, you’re making me dizzy.” I snapped my head to the hairspray smell on my right.

“All you need to do is yield the scythe’s power and concentrate on a specific place, or someone’s face. Stay still and give yourself to the power, feel the power. Trust your scythe. It knows you, and you it. Simple, yes?”

I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Yeah, simple.”

Reina took out her phone and scrolled down on the screen. “I want you to materialize into Grim City. Look at this picture.”

I looked at the picture on the screen, focusing on the couch. “Got it. Is that your place?”

“Yup. I’ll be right behind you. Close your eyes and go.”

I closed my eyes and concentrated on the torn blue couch and dull gray walls. I concentrated on the mica that sparkled on the floor. There was static as if I was getting interference.

Reina had already left. When my brain began to throb, I opened my eyes. I was still at the cemetery.

Reina reappeared next to me confused. “What happened? This should be like driving.”

“I tried, I really did. I saw the place. I felt myself give in, but there was something in the way. Like another person stood blocking the path.”

“Huh, that’s odd. Try again, but this time, bring me with you, so I can see what’s going on.”

If I learned this, I could get around faster. I clutched her hand. My eyes closed and I pictured Grim City and her place. I could feel her soul trying to probe mine. I didn’t like it.

The path was blocked again, but Reina showed me how to go around it. When I opened my eyes again, I was standing in front of her blue couch.

Reina jumped and hugged me. “You did it. See, not so hard.” Her wet lips squished against my cheek and tried to make their way to my lips. I turned my head.

“What was in the path?” I asked, wiping my face.

“I’ll tell you, but only if you make a pact with me. I can’t stand the thought of losing you and being alone with Abe again.” Reina paced, looking at her nails.

“No way. I’ve already done enough damage for one assignment.”

“You might want to reconsider since you’ve already made a bargain with Ivar to save her because you also need to do one other thing to free her. If it were my personal test I would want to know, but hey to each his own.” She started to walk away and I growled.

“What about Bee? You can’t say that and just not tell me.” I held her arm.

“I just want a pact saying you’ll remain a Reaper and will help me if I get into any trouble. It’s not much to ask.”

I put my hand on my forehead. “And if I do this, you’ll tell me what it has to do with Bee?” Reina was the only friend I had. She wasn’t like Sabrina, but I would help her. I was becoming the patron Reaper of good deeds.

“Cross my heart and hope to die.” She crossed her heart.

I lowered my scythe’s powers to almost nothing and clanked it together with Reina’s, sending white and blue sparks into the air. It wasn’t as binding as a contract, more like a hand shake.

Her smile reached from one ear to another. “I think Bee can use your scythe. You need to find out, because if it’s true, you could easily take your soul back from her. The problem is, it’s risky.”

“Am I going to turn her to crispy chicken risky, or just give her a little jolt risky?”

She grabbed my arm and her confidence leaked out. “Crispy chicken, but I know I’m right. I’ve been researching night and day for you, seeing how you despise history lessons. Make her touch your scythe to see what happens.”

“Grim Reapers fry when they touch someone else’s scythe, but someone alive . . . she could get electrocuted!”

“But I know I’m right.” Reina winked, picking up a can of pink hair spray, shaking it. “I saw it in a book.”

“Did the book say if there were others who got their souls entangled together? Can you tell me how this happened?”

“Most of the pages were torn out and the juicy info went with it. The only chapters left were what I read about. Just think, if it’s true, you can undo what she has done, get your soul back and send her packing. You in?” She frowned, picking up a can of green spray.

“Obviously I don’t have much of a choice. You better be right about this.”

“Trust me. Let’s get your soul back. First, help me pick a new hair color. Green or pink?”

“Green.”

Green reminded me of Bee and her vitality, so alive.