Chapter 1, Episode 11

Transcript: Chapter 1, Episode 11

Blaze holds his lighter high above his head and says, “On this side of the veil, you’re bound to the place you lived and the place you died. Until you can find the light, these are the only beacons you’ll see in the endless void.”

He moves the lighter in a circular motion as wisps, swirls, and sparks of energy rise around him. While the ghost charges away, Blaze continues, “This church witnessed your death and became your home.”

He draws a star-shaped sigil with the firelight and says, “But with my ritual, I give you a new beacon to follow.”

Light radiates from the flame, and Blaze says, “Your new home…”

He grabs the flame within his fist, extinguishing the light.

He holds out his hands, spiritual fire rising from both of his palms, and cries, “IS ME!” A blinding, sparkling starburst of light surrounds him.

The view goes pitch black. In the darkness, only Blaze glows bright. He stands behind the ghost and thinks, “Yes, that’s better. Now I’m the only one you can see.”

The ghost looks threateningly over his shoulder.

Blaze, wearing a cocky smirk, beckons with his finger and thinks, “Come and get it.”

The ghost charges at Blaze, fist raised, as Blaze stands ready. The tattered bottom hem of his trench coat billows.

Blaze catches the ghost by the shoulder and head.

Blaze pulls the ghost in so close that their lips almost touch.

Blaze releases a breath into the ghost’s mouth.

The ghost’s black pupils pin within white irises.

The ghost lunges forward, clamping his mouth over Blaze’s as Blaze lets out a grunt. A faint glow emanates from the union of their lips.

Blaze’s fingertips dig into the ghost’s shoulder.

In a flashback, Blaze lounges on his sofa. He wears a long-sleeved T-shirt with text partially obscured by his scarf. The top row of visible text reads “G-H-O-S,” and the bottom row reads, “W-H-O-R.” Below the text is a cartoon ghost with a wide, gaping, drippy mouth. The ghost a of a tuxedo cat lounges on the sofa’s back cushions. Blaze flippantly holds out a hand and asks Evie, “But what’s so bad about letting a spirit inhale your breath?”

Evie wears a serious expression as she replies, “Living breath is addictive. Irresistible fuel for a starved soul. And the smokier the ghost, the more compelling the lure.”

In present time, the ghost holds Blaze’s head in place while continuing to suck in his breath. His white irises are wide and intense. The memory of Evie’s warning continues, “Many a medium has tried using their breath to calm and control a spirit…”

Blaze squints up at the ghost in distress, his body beginning to weaken. His fingers dig into the ghost’s smoky form. Evie’s voice continues, “But they are playing with fire… hoping the spirit will fall still before their breath runs out.”

Blaze squeezes his eyes shut. Evie continues, “Miscalculate, and it’s all over.”

The ghost lowers Blaze onto the floor, still inhaling his breath. Evie says, “Because if a spirit wants more of your breath, they will take it.”

As Blaze’s hand slips from the ghost’s shoulder and falls limp, Evie warns, “And if you don’t have the strength left to stop them…”

Blaze’s hand lies still on the floor as Evie’s warning concludes, “Then you will become one of them.”

Fade to black.

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Text reads: This episode is brought to you by my awesome patrons! An image shows a collection of signatures in various colors, sizes, and handwriting styles, alongside Otto the cat with a roughly sketched pointy hat. After the signatures, more text reads: plus additional anonymous supporters! patreon.com/bob_artist.