Raven Nevermourn Ep. 008: Sigilante

"Fuck I needed that!"

Detective Heather Choi rolled off of her one night stand Coroner Keith Bryson. His dick an amazing ride for the last three hours she was wired and needed to get back home to shower and change before heading to work.

"Heather hold up?" Keith panted, a ball of sweat after non stop activity. Looking at him with a pathetic look she shook her head and collapsed into his arms for a cuddle session. "That's not what I was stopping you for, but I'm cool with it." He chuckled. "Not gonna lie I've dreamt of this more than just yesterday. Almost a year now."

"Don't get too sappy you might not have a job if I don't get to the precinct. I don't date unemployed perverts."

"Thanks for helping me out."

"Thanks for helping me out." She giggled, "Yes I said it! Look Keith I like you but I'm not into any relationship stuff. I like keeping it..."

"I'm making love to you again so don't argue." He got bold.

"Look at you Mister Dominant! You know I normally carry hand cuffs right?"

"Bring 'em on Babe!"

"I can do that. But once I lock you in I'm leaving." She razzed him, "Listen...we have a demon problem we need to solve. You're the only other person that has seen what I have."

"Felt! I'm remembering slowly him being in me. I couldn't resist him...it."

"Sounds horrible! That thing told me about a girl I met yesterday at Crowley Manson. Right after Hector Alonzo was found dead, then hours later Cynthia Drewbeck. She's connected to this somehow. I need to stop by the Girl's home and find out...wait...she introduced herself to me...I remember now...Raven Moore...I joked with her about Shakespeare. Raven Nevermore!" She peeled away from Keith's warm body and sat up. "I need to get on this Keith."

"This?" He whipped the sheet aside to show his massive erection.

"Don't..." She frowned staring at how sturdy he was, "...tempt me." Grumbling she caved and straddled his big boy for another five minutes. She blamed him if he lost his job. Showering together shortly after she got dressed and raced out.

Keith Bryson smiled and told himself, "Way we fucked this morning...I think we were both possessed." Swallowing at the thought he added, "Bad choice of words. Let's go with obsessed. Shit! What if he possesses me again?"

One night stand even for Noigel!

But, Keith didn't know that!

********

"Oh my God! My feet are killing me."

Gwen Alonzo had only walked three miles thus far and had another fifty to go if forced to walk the entire way back to Boston. Out on the country roads not much traffic was evident, not even fishermen up at the crack of dawn hoping to catch the local bass feeding in shallower water. With only the birds singing it was peaceful for the most part, with the exception of a horrendous worry that another big bird might try attacking her like the great snowy owl did earlier in the morning. An owl that was inhabited by a certain demonic nomad called Noigel out to torment Gwen just to make young Raven Mourn come out of hiding. The more drama he caused the more his chances were of feeding on the girls life force, oh even Noigel had an agenda. That being grab her when she was just learning how to adapt to her newfound hereditary traits and having not completely mastered them. He was not having as good luck in luring her out as he had hoped. Somehow...this baby Succubus was...different.

"I'm trying to figure out how to boost up your energy levels like I did when we sank Brandon's car." The soul of Hector Alonzo, Gwen's ex now residing within her offered, "If I can do that it might relax your muscles and make the walk less tiresome."

"How are you even attempting that Hector?"

"Honestly I have no idea. What I do know is this...since switching from Raven to Jody, then Jody to you, my soul is recuperating. I think Raven was simply feeding on my soul too heavily without knowing that she was the cause. Jumping into loved ones who truly cared about me has increased my own energy levels."

"Wait! You still love Hector?" Brandon Wilkes, her late fiancée whom was burnt to ashes was now also sharing her body, three souls in a cluster. An unexpected reunion with Brandon as Gwen attempted to spread his ashes only to inhale a portion of them in a tug of war between she and the owl over the bag of expired masculinity. With only a guess on Hector's part it seemed that a residue left within Brandon's ashes sent his own soul into Gwen when she inhaled him. Best cocaine high ever!

"He was my first love Brandon. As much as I love you he will always be a part of me...us now. Stop being a baby and accept that we're stuck with one another."

"Soulmates?" Brandon asked.

"It seems so." Hector chuckled, "Sorry to crash the party."

"Hey Gwen always did want a threesome." Brandon laughed.

"OH MY GOD! Tell the world!" She rolled her eyes, "When I suggested that I never meant the three of us and you know it."

"She wanted her fitness trainer Gustave." Brandon had to get it out there.

"Gus is sexy! At least I never cheated on you Brandon."

"Only on me." Hector sighed.

"LOOK! I can't handle this right now. You both need to shut up."

"She's right!" Brandon admitted, "Gus was a sexy dude!"

"Are you...bi? Were you that is?" Hector questioned.

"Don't worry I never looked at your ass. Only on rare occasions!"

"And, you knew this Gwen?"

"When we get back to your house I'm finding where you hid your gun and I'm ending it."

"Somehow I don't think shooting yourself will do any good anymore." Hector pointed out the obvious, "Unless the invincible barrier you share with Jody ceases function. Our luck all three of our souls will move over to my cat Theodore."

"Lovely! Can I just walk in peace here? It's a beautiful day. At least I'm not getting rained on."

The parade was on it's way. Behind her at a distance Gwen reacted to an oncoming truck. "Oh my God! My savior!" She began waving, in doing so her white shirt lifted a bit too much at her hips and her inner thighs were a show for the world to see. She didn't even care at the moment. "PLEASE STOP!"

Distance closing the gap the large truck slowed down, the sun reflecting on the windshield prevented Gwen from seeing the driver. All she knew was it had to be a guy driving such a big truck up on a lift kit. Camo paintjob told a tale as well. Coming to a stop next to her Gwen opened the passenger door and struggled to climb up to view the driver. As if being goosed from within she yelped and flew up as if a burst of strength in her grip. "Who did that?" She asked her thoughts.

"Joint effort!" Brandon laughed, "Looked like you needed a little goose in our gander."

"Stop talking about birds."

"Bees?"

"Shut up Brandon." She wanted to laugh but needed to acquaint with the driver. Reaching a level to peer over the seat Gwen got the shock of her life. It was a little old woman with red hair but covered in gray.

"G'mornin'!" She smiled with a missing tooth.

"Oh goodness! I didn't expect a woman driver." Gwen grinned. "How do you even climb up into this truck?"

"Stronger than I look. I swig Geritol like it's goin' out of style. Witches brew I say!" She cackled tipping her camo colored hat up on her forehead to see better through her dark sunglasses. "Where you headed Sweetie?"

"Boston. As far as you can get me is fine. I'm just grateful you came to my rescue."

"Rough night?" The old gal eyed Gwen as she sat down struggling to hide her thighs with her shirt, especially when reaching to close her door. "Missin' some britches?"

"Sorry! Long story not as fun as it might appear!"

"Don't reveal your identity." Hector warned her.

"Hi, I'm...Ashley." Gwen offered a handshake. The woman started to reach then noticed Gwen's halo covered wrists and refrained.

"Sorry! Germaphobe! Call me...Granny!"

"I understand! Nice to meet you Granny."

"Likewise!" She says just as the roar of a big cat shocked Gwen making her jump and look toward the back of the truck.

"That's just Sabastian. Don't pay him no mind he's pissed because I'm makin' him ride in the bed. He's usually a front seat kind of kitty."

"What...kind of...cat?"

"Don't sound familiar?" She cackled! "Witch joke, buckle up...it's the law."

"Right!" Gwen connected her seatbelt, "What did I just walk into guys?"

"We are in Witch country." Hector sighed, "With everything we've witnessed nothing would surprise me."

"Think she can wiggle her nose like Samantha from Bewitched?" Brandon jested.

"As long as it isn't her ass." Hector laughed back.

"You two are ate up." Gwen grumbled.

Almost! Raven Moore aka Mourn might have digested Hector at least.

There is a God!

********

"How do we get that guy out of the tree without people seeing us?"

Jody Alonzo now wearing a t-shirt borrowed from her Father's dresser joined Raven Moore in one of her spare outfits from her luggage. Raven peering out the opened front door noticed early morning traffic in the neighborhood. "At least there's other trees blocking his dangling. Strong branches!"

"I'm swimming in Dad's t-shirt. I just don't want to ruin my dress."

"Your body is not that far from my size. You can wear a pair of my jeans if you want."

"We can't get locked up in Dad's house Raven. We should go to my house and get what we need."

"Or..." Raven wiggled her brows, "We can go clothes shopping. Your dad left you money out the wazoo!"

"He did didn't he? Thing is can I access it until his Will is read?"

"Well...I also have birthday money but I intended to save that to find a place to live."

"You have a place to live. I own this house now. Share it with me."

"Roommates?"

"More if you want."

"I...need to know me before any form of relationship. I told you that."

"I know you did. But, I'm your bodyguard now so let me guard your sexy ass." She teased her with a flirty grin, "Roomies is fine as long as I can sleep with you some more."

Raven pondered her out of body experience that could have gone terribly wrong should she not have returned to her mortal shell. It looked to her that without her own spirit in her body a dark version of herself emerged that animated her physical body. Regardless of Jody's inexplicable continuing skin barrier it was obvious her interior might not be as indestructible. In fingering Jody it was almost as if Raven's body aimed to hurt the girl. Until she knew for certain how to tame her own soul, if she even had one of her own, it was safer avoiding sex with Jody. Of course, Raven could just never leave her body again and enjoy herself. Shaking off the temptation Raven pointed at Jody with a mischievous finger.

"I'll think about it. Just be my buddyguard for now...please?"

"Always! Thought...I wonder if I can create one of my sigils to just knock that neighbor out of our tree. Save us getting a ladder out and looking obvious."

"Maybe! But, it's still going to be obvious us carrying his body out of our yard so there's no questions."

"What about his son? He might come back."

"I think Noigel can only inhabit someone once. So he's probably safe."

"Do you think Noigel was making it up about that kid Jeff being a future serial killer? Or, about your Mom for that matter?"

"I don't know if I can even handle knowing my Mom after all this time. I don't even know me right now."

"But, maybe she can help you understand."

"I'm not taking the word on some demonic entity that raped me and your Mother, and killed your Dad and Brandon."

"Technically I think you killed Brandon."

"Shit! Don't make me feel crappy. You know I was trying to save you and Gwen. I didn't know what I was capable of."

"I get it! I'm sure Brandon if he was in there still was begging to stop hurting Mom."

"Can we not talk about this? Bad enough the neighbor and his dog were murdered by Noigel just to draw me out."

"How many more people are going to die like this?"

"Do I have to duct tape your mouth shut?"

"No, you can just kiss me a really long time."

"Too much to do. Go get a bucket of water and a brush. Clean up this blood as best you can."

"What about you?"

"Burying his dog Tiny. Poor lil guy is reeking."

"And the owner in the tree isn't?"

"One thing at a time. Divide and conquer first, then team up on the big picture." She casts a thumb at the tree. "I'm going to take Tiny to the backyard under that shade tree."

"Fine! I'll get all sweaty and bloody."

"Sorry to bring you into my world Jody."

"I'm not! As insane as it is I can't resist liking you."

"I'm a Succubus bitch! It might just be me making you fall in love."

"If so...be my valentine!"

"Take care of his hearts blood first."

"Okay! Say a prayer over Tiny...oh and give him a tombstone."

"Tombstone? Really? Do we have any big rocks?"

"I doubt it." Jody looks around, "I have an idea! Put Dad's silly garden gnome on Tiny's grave as a marker."

"Not a bad idea!" Raven steps out into the yard and plucks up the gnome wearing a funky green cap. "I have a mission for you Mr. Keykeeper. Let's take a walk." Carrying the stone gnome with her around the house to where she had stashed the dearly departed Chihuahua she sat the gnome aside. She had to place the pup outside to prevent stinking up Hector's house. Moving the gnome under the tree she then went to grab the dog which the girls had placed in a garbage bag to not look obvious. Carrying Tiny to join the gnome she lay him down. "Shovel...be right back guys." As if they could react to her.

Finding a shovel in Hector's gardening shed she set about digging a hole three feet deep, a first for her, hopefully the last. Placing Tiny in the hole she began refilling it until the grave was patted solid. "Whew! Remind me not to apply for any ditch digging jobs once my life gets normal again. If that's even possible."

Shovel handle leaned against a Cherry tree she picks up the gnome and plants him right over Tiny. "There! You keep Tiny safe out here Mr. Keykeeper. Prayer time..." She looks to the blue sky above and puts her palms together. "Lord? If you're out there...look after Tiny here...and my friends. Please don't let me hurt them. I don't know what I am...or how it's possible I deserved to end up this way...but know I believe in you. I know you are watching over me or...you wouldn't have sent an angel to guard over me in my time of need. At least I hope that's the case. Did I really see wings on Jody? Did I create her? Do I...is Noigel telling me any truth at all about...my Mom? I'm terrified to know the truth." She shivers, "Anyway, this shouldn't be about me right now. This should be able Tiny here, can you please keep him in your good graces? Oh, and Mr. Keykeeper here...let him protect Tiny's soul from harm. All of us for that matter. Ummm? Amen I guess! Thanks for listening!"

Sighing she bent over and patted the gnome atop his head, "You and Tiny stand guard out here okay! Don't let that Noigel creep get to me or Jody, or Gwen. Neighborhood watch Boys!" A sweet salute Raven took her shovel back to the shed and shut the doors. Venturing back to the front she found Jody using a garden hose to spray down where she had scrubbed the sidewalk of the neighbors blood.

"You do good work." Raven stood with her hands in her back pockets.

"More blood in the grass and tree trunk. Once we figure out how to get him down I'll mow the yard and water it good."

"Any more thoughts on getting him out of the tree? Looks like people are waking up. Joggers even."

"As long as that Noigel doesn't jump into a jogger and create more problems I'll be happy."

"I need a drink."

"Dad has a liquor cabinet."

"I meant water or tea. I've never...been drunk...not even a single beer."

"Then once things get better we get drunk and lick each other senseless."

"Sounds like a plan. Be right back. Want a bottled water?"

"Sure!" Jody smiled then returned to rinsing the concrete better.

Once alone she stared up at the treetop neighbor and fidgeted. "I wonder...let's try bringing him down with...I did create a so-called sigil to mimic Raven's halo effect...maybe I can use one to drag him free and just let his body fall to the ground." Dropping her hose she stepped out into the yard barefoot and looked straight up at the dead body. Rubbing her palms together Jody Alonzo closed her eyes and attempted to conjure up a halo sigil.

"Come on out and make our lives simpler." She whispered. As if zoning out her eyes turned white and sure enough a pair of halos of light whipped up at a swirl of her fingertips. Not even aware they existed she stood affixed looking up at his corpse. The circles of light gravitated upward and encircled the man's wrists and tugged him free of the branches. A loud thud and a cracking of limbs both his and the trees, he lay gnarled up on the grass.

Eyes returning to normal her light halos retreated to her hands becoming a single ball that shrank and faded away. Stunned that it had worked Jody jumped up and down in step giggling. "I DID IT!" She then gnashed her teeth, "Sorry I had to get rough with you." He didn't mind...his brain was dead.

Returning from the house Raven saw the body and Jody, even more she spotted those funky wings on her back. It didn't seem that Jody was aware of them though, not even her t-shirt was shredded where the wings attached to her shoulders. Eyes bulging Raven walked out to Jody and touched her wings, her fingers passing right through them. "You...fly up there and bring him down?"

"Noooo!" Jody faced her scowling and claiming her bottled water, "I can't fly silly."

"You sure about that?"

"Why are you looking at my back?"

"Cute behind!" Raven covered her tracks. If Jody knew she had wings, even if she herself couldn't see them, she might freak out. Worse yet fly around the neighborhood drawing attention to her. That would be all they needed.

"Awww! I like yours too."

"Even when I get a devil sign?"

"None right this minute. Only a circle and...an arrow pointing toward the house."

"No idea what that means but I'll take it as long as I'm not going all nuclear looking. I'm just glad I haven't grown a pointy tail."

"I'd tug on it if you did."

"Good! Then I'll pluck a feather off..." Raven stopped cold, better to not make Jody second guess those wings. "Shoo!" She instead waved at the girls wings. In response the flowing white wings faded as if sucking up inside her back. Only a single white feather lay at Jody's heel. Bending over Raven found it real and flared her eyes. Upright with it in her hand she used it to tickle Jody's nose. "Was there a birds nest up there with the high wire act?"

"I don't think so. I never noticed that when I walked out here."

"Ironic considering I asked if you flew up there to get him." Raven giggled and simply let it flutter back to the grass. "Okay! Next step...where do we take him? Obviously joggers and cars going by would have noticed him just laying in the street. He deserves better than just abandoning him somewhere."

"I wonder what house he lived in?" They take a stroll to the curb and look around. As if a blessing they spotted the man's son walking from a house down the street and get into a car. Driving off as if no knowledge of his Father missing seemed odd. In driving by them he smiled and checked them out. Waving without expression they turned to one another and stared. "There's your address."

"That was sooo weird. He didn't even look stressed out." Jody winced. "Didn't he miss his Dad?"

"Might have presumed he was asleep."

"Didn't that kid even remember knocking on our door?"

"Noigel had control over him. If he's like Hector he barely remembered anything."

"Wheel barrel in Dad's shed?"

"Yep!"

It took the girls thirty minutes to load up their passenger, cover him with a tarp and race him to the man's home and drop him off in his backyard. At least they didn't go breaking and entering.