Chapter 6: Graveyard In Your Memory THATWARD HO: Baka the Bakeneko chapter 6 by JollyJoe

The drive itself was uneventful. Bettie rumbled unhappily, but that was the just about the only sound there were. Car held together well enough. Strong enough to run errands. Still weren't ready to hit the road quite yet. 

 

JJ drove with one hand one the wheel. His left hand. As always, he kept a cigarette between his lips. It wasn't lit. Might pass out if it was. Finger sat on the wheel where the witch’s missing middle finger would be. 

 

Baka rode shotgun. She wore her dainty lady skin with a kimono. Fell asleep as soon as she got in the car. Head against the window, mouth wide and drooling. An odd sight to see something look so proper look so normal. Every few minutes she'd purr shortly. Whenever it happened, JJ was hit with a wave of lethargy.

 

It wasn't a long trip. Maybe ten miles with almost zero traffic. There was a gas station at the halfway point. Town had a population around five thousand. Bunch of mom and pop shops with two franchise stores for groceries. And a K-Mart.

 

After scavenging dumpsters in an apartment complex and trailer park, they pulled up at the pawn shop. The brujo's usual haunt. JJ had scored a smashed Gretsch guitar earlier in the week, and had taken it home to repair. Today he found a box of toys. Vintage Masters of the Universe shit. 

 

Prick, the broker, would buy both. JJ expected maybe $75 for the guitar (which would sell for a few hundred), and $5 for the lot of toys. 

 

Finger slipped inside a pocket before they went in.

 

Prick scratched his beard, red and grizzled. “New friend?” he asked, looking at the odd, exotic woman trailing JJ. The brujo leaned the guitar against the counter and set the box on top.

 

“Roommate.” JJ muttered. 

 

Baka hit him playfully on the shoulder. “Wife.” She corrected.

 

“Married, huh? When did that happen? Hey, you washed up.”

 

“We're not married, she's just joking.”

 

“Master!!” Baka said, pulling JJ close and giving him a kiss. “That's not funny!”

 

JJ didn't look pleased. She held him close for a couple seconds before pushing herself away suddenly to look at the jewelry. Her eyes were wide with wonder. Every time her hand touched glass, a large paw print would bloom and fade. She cooed at a small bell-charm.

 

“Don't mind her.” JJ said, waving a hand. “Buncha dolls and the guitar”

 

Prick shrugged. “No one round here comes for toys.” He picked one up, looked it over. “But I know some place that will. Hundred bucks sound good?”

 

“I was hoping I could get a hundred for the Gretsch, amigo. That's a honey dipper. They is real nice.” 

 

“They're alright.” Prick said. Right. He knew guitars. Guitars, guns, and power gear. Like most pawnbrokers, especially in small towns. JJ didn't know much of any. Worth a shot.

 

“Hundred bucks is fair.” agreed the brujo.

It was split into five twenties. They shook hands. 

 

“Hey, you got a record player? Someone just sold me some vinyls. Looked like your kinda thing.”

 

“Eh. Most music I hear is through Bettie's 8-track.” 

 

“I mean, I could sell you–”

 

“No thanks. Concert and 8-tracks do me just fine. I'll look around. See if there's something I can get my….roommate.”

 

Prick nudged JJ before lowering his voice. “Hey man. I won't judge you for getting one of them mail-order brides.”

 

“She's just my roommate.”

 

“Wife!” Baka chirped from the other end of the counter. 

 

Prick continued. “But you better treat her right. That ain't trailer trash you can beat around.”

 

Baka glowed. She didn't understand what exactly the pawnbroker was trying to say, but she was sure it was a compliment.

 

The brujo growled, but said nothing. He left the counter to look around. Prick started filling out papers.

 

****

 

No. No. No. No new comics. Whatever. Wasn't what he was here for. Antiques.

 

There it was. A comb. A crest on it matched the crest on Baka's kimono. This meant something.

 

“Well well well. Look what the cat dragged in.” 

 

Was it a woman's voice? JJ recognized it, though he didn’t remember who it belonged to. He turned slowly. “Hey. You.”

 

Long red hair. Freckles. Arms folded over an Argyle Goolsby tee. Jersey shorts. Woman? Woman enough. “I haven't seen you since you let the police find me naked in a cemetery. Asshole.”

 

Oh shit. He didn't remember that. Sounded plausible. Was this going to be trouble?

 

“It's okay. I'm over it.” she said flatly, looking at her nails. Then she sang. “Fin-ger, where are you~~” 

 

His pocket buzzed excitedly. He gripped the homunculus. “Not in public.” JJ told the ginger.

 

She looked him over. “You look better than the last time I saw you. Less like a depressed greaser working in a coal mine. More like a depressed greaser who just took a bath. Since when do you take baths?”

 

“Thanks.” JJ mumbled. He squeezed Finger tightly. She squeaked. Still buzzing. Whoever this was, the pixie liked her.

 

Baka was drifting closer. Walking slowly. Hands brushing shelves. She wasn't looking. Her eyes were closed. She was listening.

 

The ginger picked up a paperback. Clive Barker’s In the Flesh. She set it down. “So. Married, huh? I don't see a ring.”

 

“You eavesdropping? I said she's my roommate.”

 

Baka closed the distance. She was slightly taller than before. Slightly thicker. She pressed herself against the brujo. Her hands grabbed JJ’s free hand. She dropped the bell-charm in his palm. “Wife.” 

 

Before she could do more, the lady drew back reflexively. After touching the comb he'd picked up, also in his palm. JJ looked at it. “Hm.”

 

The ginger stared at the both of them. “Mhm. Well, whatever she is, you guys have some sort of spiritual entanglement. Oh. My. God. Holy shit. Are you her familiar?!” she cackled. “How did that even happen?! Same old JJ. Never change.” 

 

What? The hell was she talking about? “Look, can we talk about this somewhere else?”

 

“Oh yeah. I need to grab a bouquet at the greenhouse near the theater. You know where that is? You can take me, and we can talk. It's the least you can do for me, after all I've done for you, and how much you've screwed me over.”

 

Baka growled deeply. Finger buzzed. 

 

“Yeah. Sure. Whatever. Just let me check out first.”

 

“Here. I'll get them for you. I'm sure you're still broke.”

 

No need to rub it in. Whoever the ginger was, JJ didn't like her. But it was what it was. He wasn't going to say no to the free items. He had a feeling he'd need both. And he might've had to steal them if they were too expensive.

 

****

 

Baka was forced to sit in the back. She was not happy about it. Her form changed. She was just small enough to fit. Her tail flicked angrily. Baka folded her arms under her breasts and flattened her ears. Her face scrunched and frowning.

 

“Casey!” Finger exclaimed when they got in the car, zipping to kiss the ginger on the lips. 

 

“Hey sweetie, I've missed you. How are you? Is everything okay? JJ's not treating you too terribly, I hope.”

 

Finger rolled her eyes. “Don't get me started. If I cut off a finger to craft a conscience, I'd listen to it. But that's just me. But what about you? What have you been up to?”

 

“Oh, you know. Getting arrested thanks to the asshole trashman. Going through rehab. Working at a local dive bar. God, I didn't think I'd ever see you again.”

 

“Small world.” JJ muttered, still no recollection of who Casey was.

 

“So who's the china doll? Well. Guess she's not much of one anymore. Are you, fat cat?”

 

Baka kicked the back of Casey's seat. Such force should have broken it. It did nothing. 

 

JJ started the ignition. Bettie squawked and spat. 

 

Finger spoke for him. “That’s Baka. JJ anchored a house caught between Assiah and Assiah Gashmi.”

 

Casey stopped her. “The Higashibōjō house? The hell did he anchor it for? It's unlike him to just go around exorcising. Wait wait wait. Let me guess. Free rent?”

 

Finger nodded. Casey laughed and caressed the pixie's chin. “So, what? There was a bakaneko there that he just decided to bind in his trademarked half-assed way?” Finger nodded again. Casey clapped her hands. “And now he's the sub in their relationship! That's so fitting!”

 

“Shut up. I'm not the sub.” said JJ. He was starting to get annoyed.

 

“You kinda are.” replied Finger.

 

“Her resonance is overpowering yours, hon.” Said Casey.

 

“Master is Baka's baka.” Baka agreed. “Baka is master’s mistress.”

 

Casey held up a finger. “One second. JJ. Do you even know what baka means?”

 

“It's short for bakeneko. Why?”

 

Casey and Finger shared a knowing smile. 

 

“Master is Baka's baka.” Baka repeated, still frowning. “Baka is good wife. Baka doesn't like red-hair.” 

 

JJ grunted. “Master doesn't think he likes red-hair either.”

 

Finger and Casey giggled.

 

****

 

They arrived at the nursery. 

 

“Hold on for just a minute babe. Don't drive away just yet.” The ginger told JJ as she got out of the car.

 

Baka watched Casey walk away with locked eyes. And hissed when she returned with a bouquet of flowers and a potted plant.

 

Casey didn't get back in the car. Instead, she handed the plant to JJ through the driver's seat window. “Here you go. Get some litter. You only need a handful. And a collar. I'm sure Finger has already gathered the rest of the ingredients. Then of course, the bell and that comb you bought. If you want to do it properly, find the grave.”

 

“Grave? Do what properly? Listen. Lady?” He still wasn't sure Casey was a woman. “I don't have to listen to you.” he was looking ahead.

 

Casey grabbed JJ’s hair and pulled so his eyes met hers. “No you don't. But you will if you know what's good for you. So you'll do it?” She made the brujo nod. “And be nice. Finger will let me know if you don't. Oh shoot, you probably don't have my number.” 

 

She set her bouquet on the ground and pulled out a pen and paper. After scribbling her number, she tore off the paper. “Call me if you need anything.”

 

Casey leaned in and gave JJ a kiss on the cheek. Baka hissed and screeched. Finger zipped up and got another kiss on the lips. Finally, Casey tore a leaf from the plant she'd given to JJ and held it out to Baka. 

 

The cat growled. She lowered her head to the hand and sniffed. Her eyes widened. For the first time since they pulled up at the pawn shop, she purred. Louder than Bettie. Baka rubbed her head against Casey’s hand. Casey reached in with her other and scratched Baka's ear. 

 

“Uh. Your–uh–shirt is in my face.”

 

“Shut up shawty. I don't even have tits.” 

 

“Hm.” the purring made him weak. Just as she suspected.

 

Baka continued to receive affection. When Casey was ready to pull away, she encouraged the cat to bite the leaf. Baka's pupils dilated immediately.

 

“Yeah, putty tatt? Dat good? That's the good stuff, huh.” Casey gave Baka one last scratch on the chin. Then she pulled herself out of the window and picked up her flowers. 

 

“Behave. All of you.” She pointed at everyone. “Now get going.”

 

JJ didn't need to be told twice. He cranked up his music and took off.

 

****

 

Chewing. Obnoxious chewing. Chewing nothing in particular. Baka's leaf was long gone. She was content just chewing. Making loud, snapping sounds with her jaw. Wet flapping sounds with her tongue.

 

JJ clench the wheel.

 

“Baka likes red-hair.” She announced. Chewing.

 

It went unacknowledged.

 

“Baka lies red-hair.” She said again, a few minutes later.

 

Still, unacknowledged.

 

Bettie shook. It wasn't just under her hood. Baka's large hands reached from the back and grabbed each of the front seats. Her face poked between. 

 

Finger zipped up. “Baka, we need you to stay still while JJ drives.”

 

There was nothing in her eyes but pupil. “Baka want more.” She was looking at the plant.

 

“Okay Baka, if you be a good girl, then I'll let you have another leaf later.” Finger told her.

 

If the words registered, Baka didn't acknowledge them. She started to climb up front. The car swerved in response to her shifting weight. 

 

JJ bit the filter of his unlit cigarette. stepped on and off the brake pedal, correcting their course with the steering wheel. It took several corrections with every shift. 

 

“Ay! Mierda! Baka. Sit your fatass down.”

 

One giant paw on the dash. The other on the passenger seat. Her ass, half the width of JJ’s height, was in the brujo's face.

 

One hand fought to keep Bettie stable. The other tried to push Baka away. She wedged herself between the seats, trying to turn herself around. She wanted the plant in his lap, but her head was at the passenger window.

 

“Gata. Baka. Sit.” said JJ.

 

Finger tried to warn him. “No, wait!”

 

Baka slammed her butt down. 

 

The brewster green Trans Am lurched hard to the right. JJ's cigarette flew out of his mouth as he wrestled with the wheel around Baka's fluffy tail and ass.

 

Bettie's tires screeched. A horn blared. They dodged the incoming vehicle, if only barely. 

 

“Get your fucking ass off my fucking shifter!”

 

Off road. Dirt. Tall dry weeds. Bump after bump. Stop. JJ put the car in park. “Everyone. Out. Now.” 

 

Finger opened the passenger door and fluttered out. Baka flopped out like the last item in a stuffed pantry. JJ put the plant by the pedals on the floor, before stepping out himself.

 

He stepped around the car. Baka looked high in the sky. Watching the endless blue as if she could drink the depths of heaven.

 

JJ flicked his nose. He looked around. Something was off. The place was off. Something itched. 

 

Dry brush. Weeds. Dirt. That was all normal. But there was something else.

 

The ground crunched beneath his leather loafers. He kicked brush over here and there. He was looking for something, but he wasn't sure what.

 

“Finger. You feel it.”

 

“Yes, JJ, I feel it. Casey brought us here. She wanted us to find this place. This is where Baka, or whoever Baka was before, was buried.”

 

Baka scratched her back on the ground, her face sinking into her neck. She purred. JJ fell over. He landed on his hands and knees.

 

“JJ!”

 

“I'm…alright…”

 

Baka flipped over, pupils waned, but still very much dilated. At their edge was the familiar glow of her green eyes. Her white hair was a mess. There was a twig stuck in an ear. She slowly crawled towards the brujo, then pounced. 

 

“Ack…Baka…please….tired….”

 

But she insisted. “Master let red-hair kiss him.” She said, almost sad. “Master doesn't love Baka. Baka is good wife. Why does master love others and not Baka?”

 

She started to lick him. On his cheek. Where Casey had kissed him.

 

“Baka. I don't love anyone.” 

 

She kept licking. Then she stopped. She stopped purring. Baka shrank. She was the waif, her hands and head on the brujo's chest.

 

“I don't want to be alone. Please don't leave me.”

 

She spoke differently. JJ didn't want to think about what that meant.

 

“Get off me. Let's go home.”