The Soul Bounder

chapter four: decode

chapter four: decode

Serenity fell fast asleep during the long car ride, exhausted from the brooding sense of guilt that gnawed at her insides. Her eyes fluttered open, her irises meeting with the tar-filled road ahead. They appeared to be traveling on what seemed to be the interstate, yet she knew nothing of where her final destination would meet.

"You're finally awake." 

Serenity peered over to her left, now much more aware of her surroundings. Christian still lain his eyes up ahead, his large hands firmly gripped to the steering wheel. 

"How long was I asleep?" 

"About six hours."

Serenity gaped at his reply, a bit taken back at how long she stayed unconscious. "Really? Why didn't you wake me up?"

"You've already been through a lot within the last twelve hours. I figured you could've used the rest." He admitted.

This earned a sigh from Serenity, her rattled brain retracing the events that underwent through the day. Another lump formed in her throat, thinking about how cruel of a goodbye she gave to her best friend of over a decade. 

I actually didn't even say goodbye... Serenity thought with regret.

"Where are we?"

"We're about to cross the border of Washington." Christian answered.

"Washington? Why Washington?" The girl pondered.

"You're safest there. For now."

Serenity frowned, and crossed her arms. How many miles had they crossed to get here?

"Wait, shouldn't it take us longer to reach Washington? That's about 800 miles away from Salt Lake City."

"If you haven't noticed by now, my preference is to drive fast."

Serenity took a moment to recuperate and peered over at the glowing speedometer. Sitting just about atop the one hundred mile mark, she was shocked.

"Don't you realize we could get pulled over for this?" Serenity worried.

Christian gave her an egocentric chuckle, sounding almost insulted at her fretful chatter. "I know what I'm doing, Serenity."

If you say so.

Quietude became present, and Serenity began to absentmindedly fumble with her hands in her lap. She refused to stare into her phone, mostly because she knew the guilt would eventually cause her to do pointless things. 

It's too late now. There's no going back.

About thirty to forty minutes of uninterrupted silence remained, until the car zoomed past the green reflective Washington state welcome sign. Christian located a gas station, stopping long enough for fuel and the necessary bathroom break. Serenity purchased a few snacks for the road, however long she may be in the car. She reached out a bag of chips to Christian, but he politely declined the offering.

Once the car's gas tank reach full, it was once again set into motion to wherever they were going. 

"We're going to a safehouse. You should be fine there." Christian revealed.

"Wait, aren't you going to be there too?" Serenity pondered.

"Of course." Was all he said.

This reassured her, and she felt a sense of security. She still had so many questions to ask, yet she didn't know how to even begin to ask them.

The time read 10:56pm, and she felt the late night seep into her. There was a slight time change, Washington was one hour behind Serenity's brisker hometown. It felt like the next ten miles were an eternity's measure of  time, they now travelled along a narrow road. The road was similar to the one Serenity found herself lost on, where she discovered the injured dog. Now, her mind trailed to the dog. 

I wonder if it's okay. I bet it's happy to be back home. Serenity thought wistfully.

The car reached a new path, filled with bumps and rocks. Up ahead were a large collection of trees and shrubbery, and hidden within was a small house. Its structure resembled a cottage, and yet it seemed so much larger than that. It had a welcoming aura, at least from the distance they were at. 

Finally parking into the driveway, Serenity was able to get a better look at the lonesome building. It looked to be a newer model of home, yet it almost had a faked appearance to be weathered. Christian locked the doors of the Civic, and Serenity quietly trailed behind him. Walking upon three steep steps, Christian unlocked the door with a variation of keys, along with a hidden passkey. The code required a combination of numbers, and Christian quickly pressed the small black keys to open the door at last. With a twist of a knob, the home was welcomed to the two. 

Serenity stepped past the threshold, and Christian closed the door behind her. She was in awe at how beautiful the cottage was; its interior design seemed fitting for a home magazine or even a fairytale book.

"Make yourself at home. There's already been a room prepared for you, and it will have everything you need in the closet. It's upstairs, the first room on the right." Christian added nonchalantly, his back facing her. 

Serenity watched him walk into the another room, which probably belonged to him. She sighed, and found her way to the stairs. She wondered just how long ago these preparations had been made, and how Christian managed it all. 

She hadn't known him long, but she guessed he was a dependable man. Maybe.

Why are you so cold, though... 

Taking each step with care, Serenity located the bedroom she'd be occupying for who knows how long. She envisioned each detail, and was almost excited to be using the room. One half of the wall was covered in red brick, and the other half was painted a soft ivory. The center of the room was consumed by a generously sized bed, about a king size. The mattress was dressed with a rose-toned velvet duvet, with lumbar pillows to match. The bed was held together by a vintage canopy-styled frame, delicately crafted leaf-etchings patterned all over. Serenity's boot-covered feet met with a fluffy rug, the color matching the painted side of the wall. 

It seemed to be the bedroom of her dreams, and she was happy to be allowed to sleep in such a lavish room. Serenity walked across the room to the two doored closet, and a full rack appeared. Each item of clothing was freshly purchased, with price-tag attached. Serenity had to fixedly relook at the total cost of each piece, nearly appalled at how expensive they were.

How in the hell did he afford any of this?! Serenity thought.

Coincidentally, there was a loud knock at the door. Serenity answered, and there stood Christian. He stood casually in the doorway, and his eyes briefly met the girl's eyes, and she quickly averted her attention elsewhere.

"Well? Are you well suited?" Was all he could say.

"Y-yes! It's all too much, really. But thanks." Serenity answered with a stutter.

"Money isn't an issue. The issue is your safety." Christian said, while turning on his heels.

"If you need anything, I'll be downstairs." 

And with that being said, he vanished. Serenity exhaled in relief, as she couldn't help but squirm while in his presence. His eyes seemed to constantly bore into her soul, as if he saw something she couldn't.

 She removed her shoes, and neatly placed them in the closet. She threw herself across the bed, and briefly closed her eyes. It was nearly midnight, and Serenity was wide awake. She placed her phone on the nightstand that stood beside her, and sat herself up. 

Serenity felt a recollection of her mother's last words, and she knew what she was finally referencing. Perhaps, Christian wasn't what he appeared to be? 

What the hell does that even mean...

Curiosity crept unto her, practically screaming at her conscience to investigate. Serenity sauntered over to the bedroom door, and turned the handle. She tiptoed down the staircase, her eyes watching for him over the balcony. Before she could make it onto the main floor, Christian materialized before her.

"What are you doing?" Christian asked, suspension raising in his eyes.

His bluish-silver eyes burned into Serenity emerald ones, and she felt awkward. Yet, she couldn't back down. A crazed voice in the back of her head told her to continue, to find some hint of the truth.

"Who are you, Christian?"

Those four words resulted in him to shut his eyes, and she felt his anger roll off of his body. 

"Ms. Parker, you may think you are quite familiar with my face. But you haven't quite grasped the reality of your situation. Nor, what I could possibly be.

Serenity was confused, no mere thought of reason sparked to her bright mind, to give her any sort of hint to what this man was babbling on about. 

Why are we back to square one? And how did he know my last name? Not that it matters much anymore, since he already figured out my first name.

Story? What story? A story resembling the ones I grew up with, of fairy-tales? Or one that looks back upon his livelihood?

This pondered her, as Christian didn't seem the type of man to be keen on telling stories. She noticed his tone of voice changed, back into the taunting one he used while walking amongst her dreams.

"I'm afraid I don't understand. So I'll ask you once more. Who are you?" She calmly spoke.

The man took a step back, and quickly turned his face away. He seemed to be brooding in whatever made him angry, and Serenity felt a harsh sting of regret. Christian gained composure, and met gazes with the redhead once more. 

"Serenity, I'm not like any other human. In fact, that very simple term insults my whole entire being; existence, if you will. Because I'm not."

The expressionless poker-face blossomed into a full-on expression of surprise. "I'm sorry, but I still don't understand you. Do you... Do you mind elaborating, please?" She politely questioned him.

Inhuman. That term suits him too fine, and I'm scared of knowing why.

A sly quirk skidded across his lips, wondrous eyes hidden from the ever-so curious Serenity Parker. Christian quietly pushed his styled locks from his vision, with tightly shut eyes yet no creases appeared from squinting.

"Ms. Parker, I am not like you. Rushes of dark blood may course through my veins, but it is not the same. I may have a red and beating heart, but it too isn't the same."

Her own two eyelids lowered into a droop of a squint, she had not yet grasped the full meaning of his words. Instead, the few words produced many more intricate thoughts that she herself, could not even comprehend.

But the man in the monochrome clothing already knew this, as the thoughtful red-haired girl impatiently tapped her foot against the neutral imprinted carpeting. His thoughts became slightly blurred, as his eyes trailed longingly at her wild curls of fire and jade jewels of pupil. He scanned Serenity's face, and noted the change in her hair color. The bewitching red fading into a now darkened brown, with a few strands already black. 

Dammit. Her physical change is already in affect. Christian thought with spite.

However, he simply would not allow for this to stand, allowing a mere human being to slur his mind into a jumble. Now irritated at how distracting the young and intelligent girl was, he promptly cleared his throat; to project the fearsome voice he owned.

"How may I put this lightly, hm? Just so you may understand in simplest terms." He spat.

Serenity shuttered at his cruelty, yet didn't speak a word. She waited, as if she had all the time in the world. 

"I'm a complex being that was spawned from the very depths of hell, sprung from the fiery flames that attach to every damned soul, tainted with each and every deadly sin that mankind succeeds to replenish so kindly."

Serenity's curious gaze continued to narrow, what was with the confusing monologuing? What did he mean? How was this relevant to the tall and well-dressed man's true, unmistakable identity? His quiet, yet booming growl of a voice was disturbing, the crispness of his perfectly tailored looks was of no assistance.

Lines of distress formed in between Christian's brows. Then, bewilderment struck Serenity. His eyes flashed open, a vivid shade of red staring the girl down. The violent color stared back at her, her own reflection shielding. She never wanted to see red again. 

"I am a demon, Serenity. And I want to ruin you."

What. Serenity thought.

"So much so, that it's a natural impulse given my birthright nature." Christian continued.

Anxiety crept into her bones, filling her with fear, feeding her a newer definition of the word. A fear that sprouted out of practically nothing, but a scant of words. Words that crawled, slithered up and down her spine. This quenched the ego of the unnerving man, whose act of intimidation upon Serenity grew rapidly. In that very moment, the true frailty of Serenity's persona shone through to him, as one would look through a stain-glass window. 

"May I ask a question? Just to— "

He paused, keeping the suspense alive and well, the fresh heart palpitations drumming within her chest, as he searched for a correct form of terminology.

"— enlighten me, if you will, on how do you exactly feel towards me."

Was he actually freaking serious? How I feel? About him?

"Come now, don't keep me waiting. Or is this becoming too much for you already?" He smiled ominously.

Serenity gulped down a wad of saliva that caught in the middle of her throat, along with her distasteful qualm feeling. But then she thought to herself, he's joking. 

Isn't he? He has to be— right? 

No person has ever taken out the time of their day, only to ensnare her into a situation such as this one. Although, a statement he had bothered to mutter to her had her wondering, forcing her to believe in things. Her curious wonderment was something that had always scared Serenity; how natural it was from her to hunt for answers revolving around anything. 

Only because she was just so gullible.

Serenity's guard began to deteriorate, since she couldn't handle discussing things of this nature.

"Serenity Parker, I'm still waiting. And I usually do not wait on anyone, to be clear."

His voice was dark, and as hard as ice. Christian's cold stare made Serenity feel odd, alienated even. Did she dare think— does he seem intrigued?

But his previous statements continued to siren within her narrow-minded head, yet she couldn't decide if she felt encouraged to prove herself to uphold his desires or to simply make herself seem unworthy.

Pfff, that wouldn't be a chore at all. But he... Wants to ruin me? I'm already f*****g ruined, Christian. I've got no parents, my future is practically gone due to my paranoia. 

The moderate prospect of chills began their twisted symphony, leaving behind goosebumps onto the surface of her skin.

Alas, his last demand was ringing throughout her ear. I want to ruin you.

He doesn't like to wait on people. Especially pathetic little girls like you.  A voice whispered inside her head.

The redheaded girl shut her eyes, in attempts of clearing the negative thoughts, yet it was hard when a degrading being was so close to her.

Christian was somehow closer, somehow going unnoticing to Serenity. His rousing scent lingered, clinging onto Serenity's scent. He was such a dangerous person, and she couldn't believe how stupid she was to comply. Yet, Sera knew things too. They both failed to include Serenity on these brooding secrets.

"I don't even know you, Christian! So, how could I even answer this? We know nothing about each other and. Why are you making this sound so sensual?"

"So foolish to assume things of me, Serenity. I know much about you, and what you really are. That's why I want you so badly." Christian interrupted.

My, my, my. It really is about that time, Miss Serenity Parker. Time is of importance. Christian thought.

Serenity felt a strong pang of bashfulness. Her closed off personality caused her cheeks to blush, by his blunt choice of words.

"You don't mean... That." Serenity paused, waiting for him to catch on. 

Christian rolled his eyes, almost in disgust. "Don't be so vain, Ms. Parker."

Serenity couldn't deny how insulted she felt, but at the same time she felt stomach unclench with relief.

"Yes, of course. But, why. Why should I be held accountable to suffer in whatever you're plotting. Why are you doing this? And more importantly, what actually am I?"

"Serenity, you are a abomination of the natural order." 

She frowned hard, and stared even harder at Christian. He was teasing her, not allowing much to be revealed; at least not all at once.

"Excuse me? Are you trying to be funny? None of this is f*****g funny, so please stop toying with me!" Serenity demanded. 

Christian lunged forward, forcing Serenity against the wall. Her back fell hard, more than likely leaving a bruise for later. Christian's right arm flexed against the wall, scarily towering over the girl. 

"Go on— do tell." He softly spoke, so mockingly.

Serenity recognized the brooding ridicule in his tone, and didn't further herself deeper into his trap. And right in that very moment, he had begun to laugh. As maniacally as a villain would, the villain he's now painting himself as. Christian dropped his arm to his side, and spread space between the two of them. 

Serenity angrily watched Christian throw his fit of laughter, waiting for it all to cease. Yet, something deep inside her was tempted to ask the man, just what was so funny. But her careful inner conscience warned her, that curiosity at times, can be dangerous.

After all, curiosity did kill the cat...

A few stale moments passed, and his laughter was silenced by a deep grunt, clearing his throat.

"Oh, Serenity, you really do know how to create quite a fluster in a shortened amount of time, don't you?"

This was no casual meeting between lifelong friends, yet they conversed as if they were. Serenity was unnerved, building a backbone. She wanted, needed answers. And she needed them now.

"Christian, please. Instead of holding me captive, just tell me. Tell why I'm here. I'm begging you, to cut the psychological torment and just give me answers." She pleaded, her voice breaking.

"Captive? Don't make me laugh. You decided all on your own that you were going. I just gave you the extra push you needed." He said.

"It doesn't matter! You're spouting nonsense about being inhuman, and it doesn't make sense. You actually sound f*****g crazy, and it doesn't make me feel safe anymore. So why should I even believe you?" The fierce redheaded girl shouted at him.

Serenity's blood began to boil, the pale green and purple veins becoming obtrusive from her pale arms. She was angered by whatever this was, just who did he think he was?

The man's nostrils flared, becoming evident to Serenity. She wondered if she had possibly angered him with her sudden rant.

Go on, be angry. I want you to reveal everything you are to me. 

"Why are you staring at me like that?"

Christian blinked once, being forced out of his thoughtful desires and plans. Licking his upper lip before speaking, he parted his lips.

"You really are an interest, Ms. Parker."

Very much so, an interest of mine.

"But make no mistake, you're safe. And I don't lie, Serenity. I may be born from the depths of Hell itself, but I've never been known to lie."

He turned his back on her, tranquilly taking a few more steps away from Serenity, without another word spoken. Serenity was confused, the man's words left perplex thoughts within her consciousness, sending her mind on a renegade run for answers. Answers in which she probably didn't want to know. 

But to her surprise, he stopped in his tracks. In one fluid motion, he was suddenly facing Serenity, those brilliant eyes that stared down at her with disdain. His irises no longer contained the bright red, and went back to their original silver color.

"I have no reason to tell lies. Why else would I visit you in your dreams like that? Or was able to track you down the way I did?"

"If you aren't telling a lie, then prove it to me. Prove to me that you really are what you say you are."

"Why should I do that? What would be the purpose?" Christian quickly bantered in return.

Serenity ignored Christian, and began to walk up the stairs again. She reached her bedroom, and laced her black boots back onto her feet. She still had her heavy coat on, and she continued down the stairs once more. She hurriedly walked past Christian, fully intent on leaving. Within a flash, Christian appeared before her.

"And where do you think you are going?" 

"The hell away from you. You aren't real." Serenity spat.

"Like hell you are." Christian snarled, taking flight after her. 

Serenity somehow unlocked the several placed locks, and appeared outside. The polar air wafted through her long hair, and Christian went stiff.

My barrier didn't work?

Serenity sprinted into the cold, and Christian lost sight of her. Christian fell to his knees, and cursed under his breath. He knew he was too late, and his mistakes would cost him everything. Even Serenity's life.

They're here. Christian thought, bolting to his feet.

Serenity's hair ran free, as she wandered into the woods. The greenery surrounding her was fragrant, even in the night air. The moon took place where the sun would, and shone bright unto everything its light touched. Serenity took a moment to relish in the solitude she felt. After all she's experienced within the last few weeks, she longed for nothing more but to be alone. After everything that's happened, no one would ever leave her alone. 

Her thoughts were interrupted, as a loud clamor sounded behind a group of tall willow trees. Her vision must've been failing her, because she could almost see another body, one that didn't belong to Christian. Yet, she did see it. 

"Christian? Is that you?" Serenity spoke nearly inaudible.

The figure moved closer, and it now stood three meters away from the girl. Serenity's eyes widened, and held her hands up to her mouth to prevent herself from screaming in terror. What stared back, was a man that was cloaked in black clothing, and his skin dark yet pale like ash. His eyes burned with scarlet, the same terrible hue that Christian revealed to Serenity just minutes ago. 

Run.

Serenity turned and ran as fast as her body allowed. Her blood coursed with adrenaline, forcing her heart to pump harder. She didn't dare to look behind, as she already knew she was being chased. The darkened stranger grew closer, the wind whistling hard as his speed picked up. Finally stretching out an arm to close in on Serenity, he tackled her into the earth. The breath was knocked out of her diaphragm, as she was being straddled. Her arms were tacked to her sides, nails biting into her freckled skin. 

"Well, it seems Christian has failed to seize the opportunity to taint you." The chilling stranger laughed, enthralling Serenity with horror.

"No matter. I suppose I'll have to do it for him." 

This next prompted his mouth to widen, his teeth a disturbing shade of yellow, opposing Christian's unnatural white. His four canine teeth sharped, and altered in length. As swift as the wind, the man sank his teeth into Serenity's shoulder. Serenity screamed, tasting blood on the tip of her tongue, along with a new warmth seeping throughout her hair and beneath her. 

Blood. And it spewed everywhere. 

The stranger cackled in satisfaction, teeth stained with Serenity's dark blood. Serenity's neck burned, almost as if a rattlesnake had bit her. She felt herself go in and out of consciousness, fighting to cling to it. Her vision failed her, and her eyes went blurry. 

"You." 

The caused the man to stand on his feet, licking his lips with pleasure. "Well, well. If it isn't Christian." 

Christian's attention fell to the ground, watching Serenity's life essence stream out of her freshly made wound. He had to look away, the temptation luring him in to sneak a taste as his own villainous kind had.

"She tastes wonderful, you know. If you weren't so foolish, you could've had her for yourself." 

"My intentions weren't alike yours. I had plans for her." Christian spoke with fury.

But the temptation still sat in his mind. The feel of enveloping her into his grasp, plush skin tearing with his teeth. Her neck splattered with red, as he gorged himself with her taste. The thought was enough to drive him into madness.

This earned another laugh from the maniac, as if he knew what Christian was thinking. "Say what you will, boy. But you cannot escape your own kind, Christian. You were born into the demon race, and you will never belong anywhere else but there. Especially since your crimes have yet to be forgotten."

"Enough!" Christian roared.

The demon attacked Christian, but his attempt was made in vain. He countered his attack, which threw back his opponent. 

"Not bad, for a commoner. But you do forget that I am of higher blood of you, Christian. You dare to raise your hands to a noble?" 

"You nobles mean nothing to me. You and the whole lot of them are nothing but disgraceful f*****g trash."

The demon hissed in anger, and returned with another strike. This time, his attack landed, only marking an assortment of scratches upon his face. Christian muttered under his breath in pain, but it didn't damage him enough to surrender.

"What exactly did you mean to do with this girl? Keep her parentage from her, and keep her as a pet? You do realize she is going to mature into her true power soon, no matter what you do." The noble shouted with a cruel smile.

"I know this. But if I could get to her before you, then I could use her power to my advantage." Christian explained.

"Oh really? How ignorant of you, to think that a hybrid would ever side with something like you!"

This time, Christian swung with everything he had. He knew that his own strength could never match up to one of a noble's, but he could try. His anger boiled deep in his veins, giving him enough strength to fight. It was the only option there was. Kill or be killed.

It was the only thing he knew.

The noble spat venom as he felt the inflicted attack, Christian's speed began to pick up. He may've been stronger, but Christian was faster. 

"Why don't we end this game, hm? I take you back to the castle, you admit to your sins. Either way, you won't go unpunished."

"I'd rather die than return to that dreaded place!" Christian exclaimed.

"Then die!" The noble returned.

As the two demons ran at the other, another person appeared. Blinding light cut into the darkness, engulfing the noble into its beauty. The unnatural luminosity burned, displaying numerous deep gashes into his greyed skin. 

"You damn angels! Why don't you all just die already?" He bellowed in pain.

"Save your words, Elliot. You're unclean and your life must be extinguished from this realm." The mysterious figure said.

"Seraph, what are you doing here?" Christian blurted in disbelief.

She caught his gaze, and gave a disapproving look. "You allowed him to harm her, and you dare question me? I'm here to clean up your foolish mess." 

Finally, Seraph met with the eerie face of her natural-born enemy. A demon; A demon of nobility, which made matters worse.

"May you repent for your sins, and be reborn into one of purity. Begone demonic filth!" 

A ray of light beamed to the injured demon, who lay haggardly in the grass. He shrieked, cursing the name of the angel and Christian. The illumination dissipated, leaving a pile of ash where the demon once was.

Seraph turned and faced Christian. Her eyes read to be irritated, and then began to weep as she found Serenity's body.

Christian lifted the girl with ease, quickly returning to the cottage. Seraph followed, and ordered him to place her in the middle of the kitchen floor. A towel lay underneath her, but it was quickly engulfed with her thick blood. 

"She's been poisoned. And it looks like she's lost a lot of blood." 

"Of course she has. Elliot bit her, and now it seems like my power won't be enough."

A twinge knocked into Christian's brain, alerting him of the upcoming event. The death sense.

"I can sense it, Seraph. She's dying." Christian added.

Seraph shook her head in frustration, assuming the worst. If she didn't act quick, there would be another casualty.

"I need to be alone. We both know I can't heal her while a demon remains in my presence. I may be strong, but there are still minor restrictions to my power." 

Christian complied with her instructions, and vacated the kitchen. He decided to sit in his own quarters, and await for Serenity's status.

Seraph pushed her sleeves back, and removed Serenity's upper garments, leaving her revealed in her bra. That too was full of blood, but she wanted to try to save the girl from embarrassment.

Why are you so stubborn, 'rena....

The angel quickly casted her restoration spell, closely hovering over the gore that was her shoulder. It would take much time, but it's all she could do. The poison of a demon is lethal, especially to humans. Although, these few remaining days is all that remained of Serenity's fragile humanity. 

Note: 

The photo above is just what I imagined the cottage to look like, or at least a bit similar to that. The song is also perfect for that scene, where Serenity has a demon chasing her. ¯_(ツ)_/¯