CHAPTER TWELVE

REVELATIONS

Carol Martinez got out of the green van and looked over the decrepit house before her. So this was where that freak Jason and his mom lived. She thought. What a dump.

It had been difficult finding the place. That dumb hick Cord had forgotten to put on his map that the road leading to the Voorhees house was unmarked and was actually nothing more than a dirt path. They would have passed it if it hadn't been for Shawn, who'd caught sight of it.

“I have to say, Chief, though I don't believe in ghosts, this place is the spookiest place I've seen.” Shawn said, slamming the drivers side door behind him.

“I second yea on dat, man.” Jamal said, crossing himself as he crawled out the opened sliding door. “Dare's definitely some nasty mojo here, man.”

Carol shook her head. “You two are such children.”

“Da say dat guy Jason, got sucked into Hell in dis very spot.” Jamal reminded her.

“Yeah, and they also said Jason came back from the dead. So what?” She said. “How do you know all that stuff isn't just a bunch of bullshit.”

“But that doesn't make sense.” Shawn said. “Those stories where on the news and in the newspapers.”

“Yeah, Darlin, we know for da fact dat dat guy from dat TV show died because of dis shit. Da said he was possessed by Jason.”

“The thing is, Einstein, all we know is Robert Campbell died.” She reminded them. “For all we know the sheriff shot him. I mean look a how he rousted us. Maybe he was about to leak it to the world that all that supernatural stuff about Jason was crap. Think about how much money that legend of Jason stuff brings to this town. Imagine what would happen if it was all proved to be bogus.”

Shawn looked over at Jamal. “The lady has a point.”

“I still say dis place has bad mojo.” Jamal said, looking uncomfortable. Then he pulled a joint out of his blue jean jacket's pocket. “If I'm gonna have ta spend anymore in dis place I'm gonna need a bit of comfort.” Then he lit the joint and took a deep drag. “Dat's better.” He said, coughing, noticeably more relaxed.

“Hey, Boss, look at this.” Shawn said.

To Carol's surprise she hadn't noticed that Shawn had left them and moved over to a hole that was near a rusty knocked over jungle jim that was laying over in the corner of the yard.

Heading over to him with Jamal in tow, Carol said, “What'd you find? The entrance to Hell or something.”

But, when she looked inside the hole a look of shock crossed her face. “Holy shit!”

Jamal looked in and crossed himself.

The inside of the hole was alive with hissing and snapping giant white worms. Carol had heard about these creatures the locals had named Hell Worms, but this was the first time she'd actually seen the menacing beasts first hand.

“Are you so sure that all this supernatural stuff is bull now?” Shawn said, looking over at her. “The locals said these things showed up six months after Freeman sent Jason to Hell.”

“What I'm sure of is that we need to get a shot of this.” She said. Then she turned to Jamal, who seemed transfixed by the slithering apparition before him. “Get the camera, Pothead. We got a documentary to do.”

This seemed to break Jamal out of his trance-like state. He headed back to the van in a sprint.

“You never answered my question.” Shawn said.

“It'll take more than a hole full of freaky mutant worms to convince me that a killer can come back from the dead and later be sent to Hell with the help of an overblown store clerk.” She told him. “To convince me I'd have to see Jason for myself. And, from what the locals say he's not around anymore.”

Shawn shook his head. “The thing is, Chief, knowing you, if Jason was around, you'd probably get in his face and try to get an interview.”

Carol giggled at this. “You know me too well.” then she and Shawn headed to the van to help Jamal with the equipment.

Phil watched from the bushes as Steven Freeman's truck arrived back at Freeman's home. The voice had been pissed at him because of instead of actually following Freeman he'd passed Freeman on the way back and managed to hide his car and get back to his hiding spot well before Freeman had gotten home.

You're very lucky, my young friend, that you were right in your assumption about Freeman's destination. The voice said. It would have been very unfortunate for you if

you'd been wrong.

Phil ignored the threat and watched as Freeman got out of his truck and headed inside. “I wish I could be a fly on the wall.” Phil said.

I do as well. The voice agreed. It would make our job that much more simpler.

“Yeah, but aren't you some sort of ghost?” Phil asked. “What's keeping you from having a look?”

The problem is that you are my portal into this world, so I have no mobility at this time except for that given to me by you. The voice informed him. Hopefully this will be remedied once we have the mask. So until then I guess I'm stuck having to experience the world through your eyes.

“That sucks.” Phil admitted. “Then how the fuck are we supposed to know when we're supposed to do something?”

I have faith that the Old Ones will find a way to make us aware. The voice said.

Phil was less than enthusiastic about the voice's answer.

Then Phil heard heard the sound of another vehicle coming down the dirt road. As the car cleared the trees, he saw that it was a rather beaten up looking yellow classic VW Bug. It was obvious, given the clanking and sputtering sound coming from the engine that this car was desperately in need of a tune up.

Well, it appears our Mr. Freeman and his cousin are about to have a guest. The voice said, stating the obvious. Though the question is is this guest expected or is this a surprise?

The Bug stopped in front of the house with a loud shotgun-like backfire and a stream of smoke coming from the exhaust.

“Boy, that thing is fucked.” Phil commented.

Then when the occupant revealed himself Phil's reaction was, “You must be kidding me.”

It appears our little game has become more complicated. The voice said in a less than enthusiastic tone.

“Micki!” Ryan yelled from inside the entry hall.

“Where were you?” He heard Micki call back from somewhere upstairs. “You said you'd be back in a couple hours.”

“Sorry about that.” He said. “I came up with a lead and had to check it out.”

“Really?” Micki said from the top of the stairs. It was obvious she'd taken his advice and got some sleep. She was coming down the stairs wearing her white nightgown and a baby blue robe.

“Oh, and by the way I also got you a date.” He said, looking up at her with amusement. She gave him a less than amused look as she tried to smooth out her hair, which was sticking out in all directions.

“My partner thinks you're really hot,” He said, though he had to hold himself back from breaking into laughter, “and he wanted me to extend an invitation to the Winter Festival. Though, if I were you, I'd wear something a little less riske.”

Micki gave him a dirty look. “We have more important things to worry about....” But she was cut off by a loud banging sound from outside the house.

“What the hell.” Ryan said, startled. “That sounded close by.”

“Well, shouldn't you go check that out?” She asked.

Ryan had started for the door when he heard someone knock.

“You expecting anyone?” Micki asked.

“No.” he said, as he got to the door and put the chain on it. Then he partially opened the door and was surprised to see a familiar face on the other side. “Rashid?”

The older gentleman in the fez smiled at him. “Ryan. It is very pleasant to know you remember me. May I have the honor of entering your abode?”

Ryan closed the door and took off the chain. Then he opened the door again and let the immaculately dressed foreigner in.

Beside a bit of gray in his hair and beard, Rashid looked exactly the way Ryan remembered him, right down to the gray suite and red tie he wore.

“Weren't you supposed to look after the store for me?” Micki said, as she came up beside Ryan.

“A thousand apologies for that, Micki.” Rashid said, looking down uncomfortably. “But after you left I had a vision and knew my help would be required.”

Ryan noticed Rashid's discomfort and realized it was Micki's state of dress that was disturbing him.

“Micki, why don't we finish this after you go upstairs and get dressed.” Ryan suggested.

Realizing her condition she agreed and went upstairs to get changed.

“And why don't I get you some tea, if I have it.” Ryan said, looking over at the now relieved looking Rashid.

“That would be most pleasant and welcome.” Rashid said. “That drive was most fatiguing.”

Within ten minutes later Micki rejoined them wearing a baby blue sweater and a pair of blue jeans, with blue and white tennis shoes.

Ryan had set out Jessica's Rose china tea set and put out a plate of pizza bites and mini quiches.

Rashid, who was sitting in the recliner across from the couch, poured himself a cup of tea and took a couple mini quiches. Taking a sip of his tea, Rashid visibly relaxed. “Ah, Earl Grey, an excellent choice.” he complimented.

“The only choice.” Ryan said, pouring himself a cup. “Jessica and I aren't much into tea. I usually have it for when my mom comes to visit.”

“And how is your mother?” Rashid asked, taking a small bite of one of his quiches.

“Fine. She moved to Boston about seven years ago.” Ryan said.

“So, Rashid, what was so important that you left my business unattended?” Micki asked pointedly.

Rashid put down his plate on the coffee table between them. He looked tense again. “Actually, Curious Goods is being well taken care of. Before leaving I asked Mr. Johnny Ventura to take my place. He was more than happy to assist.”

“You called Johnny.” Micki said, clearly insensed.

“I didn't realize that would be a problem.” Rashid said, noticing her reaction.

“It's not a problem.” She stated, though it didn't sound sincere. “So, what about your vision?”

Rashid looked down at his quiches in the plate on the table with a wave of nausea. “I saw a great pustule form in the earth. Then I saw a powerful hand holding a large knife, like a short sword, burst from inside. Then I saw a dark and powerful being emerge.”

“What did this being look like?” Ryan asked.

“It was hard to see because it was covered from head to foot with puss.” Rashid admitted. “But I could tell it was powerful and strong and incredibly evil.”

“Do you think it was Jason?” Micki asked.

“That is my fear.” Rashid said, lifting his cup with shaking hands and taking a sip of his tea. This time, though, it didn't seem to calm him.

“Did you get any sense of when this will happen?” Micki asked.

“It was a powerful vision so I can only guess that it will be very soon.” Rashid said. “That was the reason I came down here so hurriedly.”

“So now we have some idea of what we're facing.” Micki said. “Now the question is what can we do?”

“Did Pamela or Duke give you anything to go on?” Ryan asked.

“Pamela and Duke?” Rashid asked. “Are you talking about Mrs. Voorhees and Creighton Duke? Have you been communicating with the dead?”

“Actually, they've been doing all the talking and have been giving me quite a show.” Micki told him.

“I don't understand.” Rashid said. “Please explain.”

“They've been giving me a guided tour of the past.” Micki said.

“Interesting, tell me more.” Rashid said, intrigued.

So for the next hour Micki recounted her experiences at the Voorhees house as well as her experiences when she was studying Pamela Voorhees' diaries.

“I will need to study those diaries.” Rashid said, as Micki finished telling him and Ryan about the vision she saw of Pamela and Lewis resurrecting Jason from the lake. “From your account of what you read, as well as the actual ritual you described, I can tell you that Lewis had purposely deceived Mrs. Voorhees.” Rashid told her. “The ritual Lewis performed was not a standard resurrection ritual. If what you saw was a true and accurate of what happened then what Lewis did was not only to bring the child back from the dead, but also infused his body with the life force of the Ancient Ones.”

“Who or what are the Ancient Ones?” Ryan asked.

“That is a difficult question to answer.” Rashid said. “To answer it I will have to put it in terms that you can understand, and even then it will be like explaining higher mathematics to a child of four.”

“Well, I'll try to keep my ignorance from showing.” Ryan said, slightly annoyed by Rashid's implication.

“The Ancient Ones are an ancient evil that is older than Satan himself. They were present long before your God established Heaven. They have been known by different names throughout time. To the Babylonians they were known as the Djin, which you are possible aware of were the origin of the myth of the Genies. To those of us who practice The Art they are known as the Iad.

You see, when the elder gods established this and other realities they intruded on the Ancient Ones territory and relegated them to a dark domain outside their realm.”

“That must've pissed them off.” Ryan commented

“Correct.” Rashid agreed. “The Ancient Ones have an intense hatred of all that the gods have created. It is their wish to undo their work and regain what they believe is theirs. To do this they have over the ages found ways to enter the gods realities.When they manage to get a foothold in a reality they open the floodgates, so to speak, and devour it. One of the ways they've found to enter our reality is in the form of a book, known as Al Azif or better known as The Necronomicon, that was created by a mad man named Abdul Alhazred.”

“Excuse me?” Ryan said, surprised. “Wasn't that just something H.P. Lovecraft created for his books?”

“And, thus most of the world believes in their ignorance.” Rashid said. “It is better for the world in general that they are unaware of the danger they face.”

“And you believe this is the book Lewis used to resurrect Jason?” Ryan asked.

“I'm sure it is a copy of the Necronomicon, but I cannot be sure if it is the original book.”

“What you mean there's more than one of them?” Ryan asked.

“Unfortunately, correct.” Rashid admitted. “Over the years other corrupt individuals have either created their own copies or did translations of the original. But these other additions though powerful in their own rights are not even close to being as powerful as the original book.”

“Is it because he was given the life force of the Ancient Ones that Jason is so disfigured?” Micki asked.

“Unfortunately, so.” Rashid admitted. “You see, one way the Ancient Ones invade our reality is by bonding one of their kind to a human body. There are many levels to this bonding. It can be a simple bonding of life essences, like what I believe happened in Jason's case, to a near full possession of the body. Either way the human body is corrupted by their foul energies.”

“Does that also account for his ability to heal so fast?” Ryan asked, downing another pizza bite.

“Yes it is.” Rashid said.

“Which is very interesting.” Ryan said. “Then why would something as simple as a dagger be able to really hurt him?”

“Unfortunately, even for we who know the ways of The Art there are still things that us as mere mortals are not able to understand.” Rashid admitted.

“Well, there's one mystery we will need to solve if we're gonna have any hope of ending this curse.” Ryan told him.

“And what is that?” Rashid asked, intrigued.

“Actually, I was going to bring this up with Micki before you arrived.”

“Does this have to do with that lead you mentioned earlier?” Micki asked.

“Yeah, it does.” Ryan said. “When I was helping Will with the store we started talking about Elias Voorhees' death. He told me some crazy story about Elias being impaled by a tree when it fell on top of him while he was hunting. I went to Betty and she told me that Elias was killed by Jason when he, Pamela, and Ralph Loomis went into the woods to track Jason down and kill him.”

“I saw it all for myself.” Micki told him. “It was one of things Pamela and Creighton Duke showed me.”

“I figured that.” Ryan said. “The thing is that Pamela supposedly had the dagger Jessica used to send Jason to Hell with her.What I need to know, Micki, was if she actually used it on Jason.”

“Yes she did.” Micki admitted. “And it was because she stabbed him that Jason freaked and tried to kill her.”

“But the dagger had no affect on him?” Ryan asked pointedly.

“Except for royally pissing him off.” Micki said.

“And how can you be sure the dagger was the same one?” Rashid asked.

“Believe me when I say that that dagger was one of a kind.” Micki told him.

“Unfortunately, since the dagger went with Jason we will never be sure of the answer to this.” Rashid admitted. “So, we are limited in our ways to solve this situation. The only solution I can see to this is that we need to find and study the book Lewis and Pamela used.”

“The finding part is easy.” Ryan told him. “I already know where it is. The real problem will be getting access to it.”

“Why is that?” Rashid asked.

“Because the book as well as anything that was thought pertinent to the case were hauled over to the evidence lockup in the sheriff's office.”

“Then we must go and talk to the sheriff and get permission to view the book.” Rashid said.

“That's easier said than done.” Ryan pointed out. “The sheriff hasn't been too cooperative since the latest sets of murders began.”

And the best way to get the door slammed in our faces is to mention anything about the supernatural. The sheriff has definitely closed his mind on that subject.” Micki added.

“This is intolerable.” Rashid said, frustrated.

“Wait a minute.” Ryan said after a few moments. “There just might be a way.”

“Excuse me?” Micki said.

“One of the advantages of living in a small town is that you know everyone,” Ryan said, “and I happen to know someone who has the ear of someone who is good buddies with the sheriff. I just hope he's feeling up to this.”

Phil felt his cell phone vibrate in his jeans pocket It had gone off several times in the past two day but he'd ignored it. More than likely it was Doctor Bob trying to get in touch with him to find out why he hadn't come to work. Fuck him. He thought. Nothing mattered to him except getting the mask.

Answer the phone. The voice told him.

“What?” Phil said, confused by the voice's order.

Don't question me, fool. The voice said, angrily. The Ancient Ones sent me a message. Now answer the damned thing!

Phil could hear the urgency in the voice so he quickly took the phone out of his pocket and answered it. “Raman here.”

“Hey Phil.” He heard Steven Freeman say on the other end of the phone. “You feeling any better?”

“Uh...Yeah.” He said, surprised by the question.

“Good.” Freeman said. “You planning to see Bob later on today?”

“Well....I...” Phil began to say, but the voice cut him off.

Tell him you will. The voice said pointedly.

“Yeah...yeah I will later on.” Phil answered.

“Good.” Freeman said. “I need a favor. Could you ask Doctor Bob if he could pull a few strings with the sheriff and get me and a couple associates access to the items that were taken from the Voorhees house, specifically an odd looking book that was taken from the living room.”

“I remember that book.” Phil said. “Doctor Bob had me take samples of the binding and pages and we sent them to Boston. The results were that both the binding and the pages were made of human flesh.”

Stop babbling about that damned book and agree to help him. The voice said.

“Yeah, sure, whatever.” Phil said. “Why you so interested in that creepy thing?”

“My cousin is planning to write a book on Pamela Voorhees. Somebody told us that the book belonged to her.” Freeman said.

Stop asking stupid questions. The voice said, annoyed.

Then Phil felt a short sharp pain in his skull, and knew that this was a warning.

“Sure, no problem.” Phil said. “I'll be seeing the Doc in a bit and I'll talk to him about it. I'm sure he'll agree to help.”

“Thanks, Buddy, I owe you one.” Freeman said enthusiastically.

“And I'll make sure you pay me back.” Phil said as he hung up.

Excellent. The voice said. Now all we have to do is figure out how to convince the doctor to help.

Phil smiled sadistically. “Don't worry about it. I know just what to do about it.”

RETURN