#[ this is all your faaault. ]

[pink-key]

@beelaboola He probably eats raw meat and fish, if he is lucky, mixed with nuts and berries and whatever he finds, so anything you make him, he will eat it with delight

Huh, huh how does it feel to be weak for a hobo killer, huh?!-

[italianexotiicbeauty]

@copiious ( for joe ! )

It's been an entire year and a half now since Mary agreed to sign the contract, to be Joe's manager on the west coast only. Her contract had to have that particular stipulation because unlike everyone else that worked solely for the company? She had another job, her main job – this?.Was quite the side hustle. Mary wasn't a fool though, she has a dummy account on most of the social media platforms to see what the fans are saying, because the only personal account she has is Instagram. The tattoo parlor had a separate account for artists to display their work, there was a site linked in the bio as well as an email to contact the management. You know — a typical business account. 

Both rosters were on the road four days a week – and since the schedule literally changed every single week ? She's a bit grateful there's times where she's not needed at all, where it's the old wiseman having to be there and she can be at work or sitting on her surfboard watching the sunset. Did it at all weigh on her subconscious? Yes, it did — because Joe lived all the way on the other coast — 4, 649 miles if anyone needed the numbers. And there were very few who knew the truth — six people to be exact, other than themselves ( Joelle, his mom, Paul, Sefa, Jon & Josh ). It sat on her ring finger the whole time she was back in Hawai'i, she slept with it on and only ever removed it to shower — but they agreed to not wear them when working.

Fans were insanely ruthless, so it was a matter of safety. 

— — —

Today was going to be a tiring travel day for Thursday  — she had to fly to Los Angeles and stay there for four hours until her flight to Portland. Which was where the show was going to be and she had rented herself a cozy little AIRBNB for the night. So she could hang up her outfits and steam iron them all again for good measure, get her nails done and just have … quiet before all the chaos. ( yes, she's flying out a day early. )

She had just left her condominium, the dark green suitcase rolling along the hallway floor of the 30+ condo building. Dressed in a mauve colored loungewear set, flip flops on her feet and a matching dark green backpack with an empty yeti in a mesh side pocket. Her keys and wristlet clutch dangled from a lanyard around her neck, her android phone was neatly tucked inside of the clutch. While in the elevator and on her way down to the lobby, Mary removed a folded yellow slip of paper from the wristlet clutch to put in her mailbox. It was one of those request to hold mail forms for the post office, she had a whole stack of them on her desk for this reason alone — a downside of living alone. No one to get the mail and let it pile up on the coffee table for you, she didn't exactly trust her neighbors … because she was recognized a little more these days due to being on television. 

With the yellow piece of paper now safely within the confines of her mailbox, Mary exited the building and began walking towards the back of it. Where the parking lot was and only briefly stopped to remove the keys from the lanyard. Unaware that in those few seconds, the rolling suitcase had been taken — not in a nefarious manner, but was she in for a surprise when she turned around and squeaked!  “ — !!!” Uncertain of what to say — because standing before her were both Joe and Paul, who had his hand wrapped around the luggage handle. “ …. I …. hello to the both of you, I'm sure you'll explain to me why you're here but I also … kind of need coffee and a breakfast sandwich before going to the airport.”

[phaerlax]

Eiden/Everyone quintuple drabble

For @nuflashfic's new Drabbles for the Birthday Boy event

Rei takes Eiden's pulse, expert fingers pressed at the Grand Sorcerer's neck. Something in the man's suddenly grave expression casts a pall of silence upon the otherwise noisy, chaotic gathering. A silence quickly broken by Rei's somber muttering– 

"I'm sorry. I know this is shocking, but… he's dead."

There's a cacophony of intakes of breath and distressed cries; most immediate is Yakumo's, who currently has his arms and legs coiled around the 'corpse' and constricts it further with a choked, disbelieving sob. Gasping, Morvay holds back a fully credulous Garu from leaping atop them in a burst of speed, and Blade's 'huuuh?' serves as backdrop to Aster's squeaky cursing—as the vampire hurls a dildo at Rei with what little strength he has. 

Rei just chuckles grimly as the rubbery phallus bounces off his pale back.

"What a time to start your comedy career! If Yakumo flies off the handle with Master out cold, who's gonna rein him in, huh? You? Birdbrain!"

(Meanwhile, still asleep after his contribution, Quincy turns away from the loud-ass group.)

"It's, it's okay Mr Aster– I can feel Mr Eiden's heartbeat, and he's– not cold!" The serpent hisses a sigh of relief by Eiden's neck.

"Riiight!~ I'm always monitoring darling's vitals. He's just suffering from 'essence depletion' now! From showing us his cutest face too much and too hard!"

"Hmph, it's just like this dumbass incubus' victims… I knew I shouldn't have let you have your way!"

"Yeow– as if you did! I was tied up and gagged almost the whole time, how is it my faaault–" Morvay shrieks and lets go of Garu as his tail is twisted. "You drunk his damn blood, shitty vampire, how am I the– and remember how rough Olivine was riding him last, that's what did iiit!"

At this point in their relationship, the priest simply smiles at that, a beacon of serenity amid chaos. "Lord Aster, do you have an Essence Vial for Eiden? I believe I can replenish him…"

"Tch, those don't come cheap… buut, of course! It's Master's birthday after all~ I'm sparing no expense! Be useful and fetch it for Father Olivine, Morvay!"

Olivine chants a soothing incantation after uncorking the Vial, unleashing a glittering nimbus of magic that happens to react with the many gemstones present—drawing Rei's curious eye to each. The whole clan is gathered, save for Dante (who'd made up some excuse about having to return to Solaria), Edmond (who'd been all too eager to escort him), and Kuya (who loathes a crowd he can't control, but had doubtlessly stuck around nearby). 

Now everyone (except Quincy) watches as the Grand Sorcerer takes in a deep breath, inhaling all that magic and shuddering back to consciousness with a drawn-out moan–

"Wah, Master woke up down there too–"

"Heey, Garu, dibs–!"

There are assorted chuckles as yokai and incubus spat over who gets to slobber over Eiden's rapidly re-swelling cock—including from the man himself, who wakes from a pleasant dream into another.

[betabiograft33]

![CRITICAL BATTERY FAILURE]: [BATTERY IS RAPIDLY DEPLETING.]

![ABNORMAL BATTERY STATUS MAY EFFECT PERFORMANCE. SEEK MAINTENANCE IMMEDIATELY.]

[BATTERY: 25%]

[the biograft pushes the warnings away and quickly crouches on the ground to get a closer look at Screens, who stares back with a mortified face.]

SCREENS? ARE YOU OKAY?

(the demon trembles, still shaken up from everything. Blood from her wounds drips a little on the floor.)

a-a-am I OKAY? WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU? What just... Shattered?

DO NOT WORRY ABOUT ME. LET ME SEE YOUR WOUNDS.

[33 checks her wounds, and while they are bleeding they aren't anything to worry about right now. It's not like they have access to supplies anyway.]

[LED ERROR.]

I-i think I will worry. 33... I think your lights are fading.

[BATTERY: 20%]

![CRITICAL BATTERY FAILURE.]

[VOICE MODULATION ERROR.]

...

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-SAID DONT WORRY ABOUT IT. WE NEED TO GET OOOOUUUT OF HEEERE.

Yeah, but first let's- (the demon stops, as a drop of lavender liquid coming from 33's wound drips on her, she covers her mouth.) ...O-H MY SWORDS.

WHAT? I SAID DDDDDDONT WORRRRY.

....S-something's wrong. 33... that's your battery's acid.

(Screen's eyes dart to the small shards of crystal littering the floor around B-33, as they reflect the little light in the room.)

...How bad were you hurt?

...

MY BATTERY ISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS-DAMAGED. CRITICAL FAILURE.

[BATTERY: 10%]

[33 sits down, realizing that standing is going to drain their battery faster.]

Shit... Ok let's get you a charger-

No.

(Screens turns to the sound. It's Bodyswap standing in the doorway across the room. She hasn't seen him in years... and now he just looks and sounds so different...)

Battery will explode. Do not charge them.

[B-33 does not meet Bodyswap's gaze. They feel... guilty. They've never felt this way before... They've also never actually had to stare into the very alive eyes of someone they thought they murdered...]

(the man approaches, all of his face besides his glowing eyes covered by a roughly smashed together scrap metal mask. He looks at the shards on the floor and the wound in 33's chest and shakes his head.)

Not good. I will be right back.

(the room goes silent as Bodyswap leaves.)

(and tears begin to well up in Screen's eyes again.)

33...Why did you stay...? I tried to save you... why didn't you just leave me? Why does everyone ALWAYS get hurt when they try to save ME!?

PLEASEEEEE-CALM DOWN.

[BATTERY 8%]

[33 begins to finally feel the dread set in.]

...THISSSS ISNT YYYYYYYOUR FAAAULT. I ALREADYYYY LOST ONE FRIEND, MAAAAYBE EVEN TWOOOO. I CANTTT LOOSE YOU TOOOOO.

IF I MUST DIE FFFOR YOUUU, THEN SO BE IT.

[BATTERY 5%]

(Screens just stares back at them. She's crying uncontrollably.)

No...

SHAME IIIIII-NEVER FFFFFFOUND FRIIIEND. IF YOU EEEEVER SEE THEM. TELL THEMMM-I TRIED MY BESTTTT.

Why are you talking like you're g-gonna die? I-I'll fix you! Well I can't... but I-I will find a way to fix you! I'm not letting you die... not after e-everything you've been through...

[33 starts to get hysterical. It's an overwhelming feeling that they have barely felt before and it's coming all out at full force.]

WHO. WHOOOOOO WILL FIX ME!? I WILL BE DISMAAAAAAAAAAANTLED ON SIGHT BY ANY BLACKROCK SCIENTIST! W

[BATTERY 3%]

[the just stare at eachother. Screens doesn't have an answer for that question.)

[As Screens grabs 33 by the hand, 33 thinks back on everything they've done, everyone they've met... Blaster... The Subspace from another timeline... 77... Tablet... What would they all think of them now? Lying on the floor in defeat like this? Where are they all now? 33's been gone for so long...]

[But their mind refuses to stop thinking about their friend.]

[they never even got to know their name.........]

[they recall hearing them sing a specific song often... ever since, whenever days got dark... 33 would try too. It wasn't good singing and they barely remembered the song, but it calmed them down... Maybe it would help them in this situation... and Screens too...]

...

...

[BATTERY 2%]

~LOOKING FOR A SIIIIIIIGNAL IN THE NOISEEEEE...

A SIGNAL TOOOOOOOOOO SING ALOOONG WITH MY DIIGITAL VOOOICE...~

[BATTERY 1%]

(Screens looks up at their suddenly noise making. She doesn't seem that comforted as her face is still stained with tears.)

...This isn't the end for you, 33. I promise... I PROMISE I WILL FIND A WAY TO FIX YOU.

[33 begins to relax slightly after singing, they've accepted their fate by now. They want so badly to be fixed after all of this... but they just couldn't see it happening.]

...I HOOOOPE SO. SENTIENCE IS HAAARD, ITS A CUUUUURSE SOMETIMES. BUT NOW I WANTTTT-TTTTOO LIIIVE.

AAAND I WAAAANT YOU TO LIVE TOO. PLEASE, GETTTTT- OUT OF HEREEE- ALIVE.

[BATTERY 0%]

[SYSTEM SHUTDOWN.]

[33's hand releases from Screens'. Their entire body just goes as limp as deactivated CROSS nearby.]

(Screens taps them a couple times. No response. She is now audibly sobbing.)

(Bodyswap stands in the doorway behind Screens, clutching something in his hands. He's shocked. He didn't expect all of that to happen so quickly... He isn't sure what to do now...)

(He knew Screens back when he had a more normal life, and now his heart breaks for her.)

(His entire body aches, but he manages to put the object down and drag himself over to her. She's his honorary niece anyway, he isn't going to let her suffer alone like this...)

...

(Bodyswap hugs Hologram Screens tightly, just like he did all the way back when he was a normal demon... And she hugs back, sobbing into his shoulder.)

[hopeaterart]

Sad Kirby HC: Kirby was legitimately distraught over how the adventure in Return to Dream Land ended. Because before this, he’d always been able to save the day in its entirety, no matter how bad things got. No matter what he had to deal with, he always managed to save everyone.

But Return to Dream Land? Someone he thought was his friend betrayed him, got possessed by an artifact of doom…and he could do NOTHING about it. He couldn’t free Magolor from the crown, even with the help of his friends, and all he could do was watch the guy tumble into Another Dimension, probably never to be seen again. He’d failed to save someone, and it kinda messed the poor baby up for some time.

(Of course, it turned out they HAD saved Magolor from the crown, and they were probably very happy to see him alive and well, but this HC has made me sad and so I need to share it so we can all be sad together :’) )

AAAAUGH BABY NOOOO THIS ISN'T YOUR FAAAULT

I don't know if I've talked about it before, but it ties neatly into how I believe Kirby's emotions work? What's with him being hope and joy incarnated, it comes with the drawback that, when they do feel negative emotions, it's... very intense. Add that to the fact that he's a baby, and every bad thing thag happens to him (that he doesn't immediately bounce back from) is the worst thing that's ever happened to him.

The whole thing with Magolor's disappearance would.. definitely be up there.

[a-student-out-of-time]

Iroha....

Chiebukuro-san?

Yes? Is everything alright?

It’s nothing serious, I’d just like to ask your...friend some questions?

My sister, actually. And that’s fine, but she needs a minute.

*Sniff* I...I-I....

Chiebukuro Iroha, is it?

Nyegh! P-Police Officer...

It’s alright. You’re not in trouble, I promise. I’d just like to ask you a few questions about what happened, okay?

O-okay...

Were you the one who called 110? 

Y-yes.

When it was raining out, I was going home, a-and I saw th-that...D-Daimon-kun was in trouble.

Raining? But it stopped raining hours ago.

...

I...I’m s-sorry...

I’M SORRY! IT’S ALL MY FAAAULT!!

[writeawayjake]

Dawnbringer update!!! 2 CHAPTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chapter 32 By all accounts 

            There are few accounts of the now infamous "Battle of Barrowdale", as it has come to be called, even fewer that do not conflict with one another. Even sources that were there cannot seem to agree on certain facts, but one thing remains certain, the people of Barrowdale fought tooth and nail to protect their homes and dignity from the wretch known as the "Thief King".

             Some accounts claim it rained all day, some say it snowed, some reports claim the Thief King had hundreds of men others claim it was merely dozens. There are accounts that say the townsfolk were reduced to throwing roof tiles and rocks, some that they threw bombs and filled the skies with arrows. 

             The singular remaining fact that stays consistent in all accounts is the valor of the Dawnbringer and his companions. It is said his mage sister hurled bolts of fury from the heavens and when those were spent she fought like a warrior queen. The Sheriff of Barrowdale was said to be stout, resolute, and tireless in his efforts to keep pace with the legend fighting alongside him. The famous Dawnbringer is described as he had been for years; fearless, implacable, and relentless - fighting unlike any knight or legionnaire, instead showing his true nature; not a warrior, a killer, or back alley scrapper, but as a true soldier, a defender of his fellow man.

              No doubt he looked the part, for tales told of a man wielding a glowing sword whilst clad in a legionnaire's armor. It's unclear how he had attained such finery seeing as how his own had been destroyed before his desertion, that and the fact that this particular suit carried a quite conspicuous crest on it's helmet, denoting it's wearer as a distinguished officer.

No doubt the Dawnbringer earned his armor that day. They all did.

              Despite all their heroism and bravery however, by the battles end, the Thief King had played one final unscrupulous trick.

Chapter 33

Muck

              Amidst the muck churned up by the rain, one could hardly find any solid footing. Sinking in up to his ankles Jared trudged toward the thief king and his rabble. All of them with blades drawn - weapons at the ready. He had stopped counting by the seventh brigand. A week ago he wouldn’t have taken those odds, or maybe he would have depending on the amount of mead.

              What kind of man are you going to be? His father's voice asked, echoing in his mind.

              With every step, the answer became more and more clear. Sometimes being a hero wasn't enough - sometimes you needed to let the monsters out. That’s exactly what he would have done. He would have visited every kind of hell imaginable on them. Torn them apart. Cut, gouged, and smashed until there were just red stains. But that wasn’t the case today. The acid in his blood, the fire in his bones, it simply wasn’t there. Now there was only peace. 

             For the first time in he didn't know how long his sword hand was steady. Slowly it gripped the hilt, fingers wrapping tightly around the dark and supple leather. For the first time in he didn't know how long, he wasn't afraid.

             He couldn't afford to be. They needed him to be brave so he would be. He'd forgotten the feeling. The feeling that came with being “heroic”.

             It's not about you. Lyra's voice croaked.

             Warrior or soldier? The old man asked. 

             You were always taking the hits for someone else. His sister sighed.

             "Let her go." The Dawnbringer said, almost in a whisper, yet somehow all could hear it over the pattering rain.

             “I can’t do that.” the dead eyed youth replied. His knife at the young girls throat. “I’m responsible for them… I gotta keep them fed.” Those words rang through Jared’s head. They were words he’d said many times in another life.

             Lowering the point of his sword Jared’s resolve faltered for a moment. There was something familiar about this boy king. Something that tugged at his memory. It reminded him of a scrawny underfoot pickpocket that used to pester him all day.

             “Finn?” Jared asked, hoping he was wrong.  

             Something in the boys eyes changed, They went soft for half a heartbeat. 

            “Boss?” They boy asked in a hoarse whisper.

            "Wh - what are you doing?" Jared asked in disbelief.

            "I'm doing my job…" the young king replied. "They rely on me. You would've done the same."

            "Finn… you're hurting people. That's not what I taught you."

            "You taught me how to survive. Came in handy after you abandoned us." The boy paused, a sense of pain in his voice. "After you left, it went back to the way it used to be. The beatings, the abuse, the hunger… We needed someone to protect us and where were you?"

            The cracking of the boys voice as he held back tears - it broke his heart. But what truly shattered it was that he was right. 

            It'sssssss your faaault. The voice whispered. Coward. False hero...Failure.

           Tears began to flow from Jared's eyes, hiding in the rain that was drenching them all. The slab of guilt slowly sliding down his throat. Swallowing it, he replied to his former ward.

           "You're right… I should have been there." Jared said solemnly. "I was supposed to protect you and I failed." 

           A confused look spread across the thief king's face, as if he hadn't expected that reply from Jared. 

          "You were Red Jared!" Finn shouted.

          A murmur spread throughout the rabble. Some voiced disbelief others too young to have been there, confusion.

          "No one in the burrough crossed you… you were a beast. They said a whole generation walked with a limp because of you - and now?"

          Jared lowered his head, not knowing the words that could explain what he had been. That a lion doesn't roar for the pleasure of it, but to keep the other, worse, beasts at bay. He tried with all his might to speak like a father, like a good father.

          "I know you're angry. And I know you think what you're doing is right. But this isn't you… you're a good boy Finn."

          "Angry?" He asked incredulously, as if he were offended by the notion. "This has nothing to do with anger, this is business." 

          "Finn. Don't. Don't make me do this." Jared begged, his voice cracking.

          "I gotta keep them fed." He replied coldly. As the two kept their gazes fixed on one another Skye began slowly lifting the crystal, the knife still at her throat, her eyes screaming what she needed Jared to do. 

          With a sigh Jared simply repeated his plea, "Finn…"

          "Another word - and I cut her throat." The king snarled. 

          Skye clenched her jaw struggling against his grip.

          With a horrible sense of purpose, he clenched his eyes and slowly drew the sword, his sword from its sheath - its light shining like the moon. Its runes and wards once again seeing the light of day after having been stifled in darkness for so long. Its edge, keen and hard, unchipped and unmarked - beautiful and deadly as the day it was made.

         In its day that sword had been swung with every intention the human heart can know save one. It had known hate, anger, and bloodlust. It had been used to protect the innocent and punish the wicked. To kill and to save. But today it had to do something terrible.

         All across the throng of bandits as well as the townsfolk prepared to battle them, gasps could be heard as well as hushed voices whispering, 

         "The Dawnbringer… It's him, The Dawnbringer?...He's The sword… Gods... The arm… I thought he'd be taller."

         "So that's why you left." Finn said almost defeated. As if he'd been robbed of his moral victory.

         "No." Jared replied solemnly. "I left to kill the son of a bitch that took her from me. I fought armies and monsters, crossed half the world, and bled in the mud. I lost one family after another, all to get to him…I can't let you hurt her." Pausing to raise the point of the sword at the thief king Jared continued. "I'm only gonna ask one more time Finn. Let. Her. Go."

         A grim resolve had taken hold of him now. Words had failed him, of course they had he wasn't a diplomat, steel however, that was far more reliable. He'd given them a chance. He'd given Finn a chance. A choice. Whatever happened next, was their decision. 

        After a long silence the thief King made his reply, his heart poisoned with years of hate. "Fuck you." He spat.

        With tears in his eyes Jared swung the ancient blade.

@emdop @create-and-procrastinate just so ya’ll know I’m not dead lol

[dazaiapologism]

kekkai sensen? 😲

haven’t heard of it | absolutely never watching | might watch | currently watching | dropped | hated it | meh | a positive okay | liked it | liked it a lot! | loved it | a favorite

don’t watch period | drop if not interested within 2-3 episodes | give it a go, could be your thing | 5 star recommendation

fav characters: zapp and chain no question hands fucking dooooowwn least fav characters: starphase but its not his faaault i dont actually dislike his character but he sounds like mori and it makes me want to kill him fav relationship: dog and brody because they are like essentially just anime venom and eddie brock fav moment: i got so emotional at the s1 finale like it really almost made me cry and i had not been emotionally invested at all before then headcanons/theories: ZAPP HAS SUCH CHAOTIC BISEXUAL ENERGY ALSO LESBIAN CHAIN OR DEATH unpopular opinion: i cant imagine theres many strongly held opinions at all with this but i hated the way they tried to hint at chain having a crush on starphase when she is OBVIOUSLY a lesbian how’d you find it: one of my irl friends showed me the first couple eps! random thoughts: its very fun the anime goes really fast but like despite that it is still relatively easy to pick up on the kinds of characters they are and the animation is fucking fun as hell and ugh the ENDING! i dont feel deeply invested in the characters but i still really enjoyed it

[omnipointmuses]

"I think you mean in them. I know what you get up toooo~" She teased. And let's be real here, they're barely getting any gym stuff done. They're just eating, talking about weights and gains before probably fucking in the showers and eating some buff cuties. Coco and Kana have it made. "Mmhmmm~ Nice ass~ Can't wait to eat it later~" Coco added , kissing at the neck of her bbgf.

“Heyyy it’s not my faaault~ I always tell ‘em not to go too deep between my crack or mess with my sack....They just can’t resist I guess~” Kana hummed as she leaned back into Coco’s kisses while rolling her hips, causing her wide ass to rub and grind down against Coco’s lap. “Hey just name the time and place babe, wouldn’t mind seein’ ya stuff all this butt into your mouth~”

[writeawayjake]

Ya’ll!!! I somehow wrote two chapters at once?!?!?!???

CHAPTER 20 A pick me up

   Jared sat at the bar once more, while Skye worked on some kind of concoction at a nearby table. He was having trouble remembering the last time he didn’t have a splitting headache.

   All the revelations and struggles of the last few days had left him drained. Physically, emotionally, and who knows what else. Demons, ghosts, bandits, magic, hangovers, it was just too much. How could he do what was needed when he couldn’t even think?

   Skye not explaining what the hell she’d figured out or what she was working on certainly didn’t help relieve any of the stress. All he knew was the brigands would be back and that he couldn’t stop them. Even at his best he could never beat that many and she had made it very clear that the townsfolk weren’t the fighting sort. They’d do little more than get in the way.

   He had been sitting there, wracking his brain trying to come up with some idea or strategy that might save the day but his mind kept drifting to thoughts of Nyah. Of how all he wanted to do right now was bury his face in her orange curls, to hold her and forget the world around them.

   It was yourrrrr faaault… a familiar voice whispered in his ear.

   You didn’t save her…

   His eyes went wide and his skin went cold, how could it be possible. They’d sealed it away. It was beaten. Wasn’t it?

   Closing his eyes he tried to shake it off. It had to simply be his fatigued mind messing with him. A lack of sleep maybe, or food, or mead… The only monster left in the room was him and that was that.

   Taking a deep breath he meant to open his eyes and get back to the matter at hand. Maybe he could find an answer in Skye’s mixings and scribbles.

   With a sigh he asked, “The hell are you working on?”

   “Uuuuuh, let’s call it a pick me up. Gotta get you back in shape.” She replied, not looking up from her bowl and mortar.

   “Skye.” He replied, in no mood for anything vague.

   “I think I figured out what’s been keeping that thing restrained.”

  “Restrained?” He scoffed. “It almost killed us.”

   “Believe me it would’ve been worse without that around.” She said, pointing toward the sword. “Can’t believe I didn’t think of it sooner.  Stupid! That thing’s so holy it literally fucking glows.”

   “Wait you’re saying the sword weakens it?”

   “Jared! It’s literally made to destroy evil.”

   “So the sword can kill it?” He asked, still fairly confused.

   “Maybe.” She replied, not looking up from her work. “If it even can be killed.”

   “You give me a headache.”

   “Yeah well the feeling’s mutual.”

   Pinching the bridge of his nose and letting out a grumbling sigh he informed her,

   “On a different note. Even with a ‘pick me up’ I can’t handle that many on my own.”

   “That’s why ya got me.” She replied matter of factly, still measuring and mixing her ingredients.

   “Skye, I love you and you’re an amazing fighter but even the two of us can’t do it. The last time I fought a crowd that big I only survived 'cause of my armor, aaaaaaaand all the other legionnaires lightened the load a but before they died.”

   And Nyah saved your sorry ass, he thought to himself.

   “We’ll figure something out. In the meantime you should talk to Whick and the Sheriff - see how we can help.”

   “Stubborn ass..” he grumbled, making his way to the door.

   “Love you too!” She replied.

CHAPTER 21 Wraiths

   Screaming, screaming in the mist. All about her darkness and mist. Alone she sat there, huddled and cowering, covering her ears, hoping to block it out. An empty hope. The screams slowly became louder and louder as wraiths began to emerge from the mist. Wearing the faces of her family they shrieked and wailed, reaching out for her. Among them her brothers and father. Tighter she pressed her hand against her ears, slamming her eyes shut trying to wish it all away but the voices kept screaming.

   “NYAAAAH! NYAH HELP US! NYAH! PLEASE!!!” Burning tears filled her eyes as she felt as if her mind were going to break.

   “Please!” She shouted. “Please stop!”

   “NYAH! NYah! Nyah. Nyah?”

   The screams turned to a soft and far more earthly voice. One that was so much softer and warmer. One that made her feel safe. Opening her eyes his face came into focus. Her Legionnaire. His fierce green eyes showing a softness and concern.

   “Are you alright? You were screaming…” She could feel his strong hands gently clasping her shoulders.  

   “Just a bad dream.” She said panting. “Everything’s alright.” A dismissive smile crossing her face.

   Jared’s face showed such worry and concern, she felt awful for scaring him so badly. Placing a hand on his cheek she assured him, “I’m fine. Go back to sleep.”

   His mouth twisted with doubt but nonetheless he placed a soft kiss on her forehead before laying back down beside her. Placing his arm gently around her waist he pulled her close to his chest. He was always so warm.

   Laying her head back down on their pack she lay there, fingers tracing his hand with her fingertips, eyes wide open staring off into the dark. At the smoldering campfire, long extinguished, the dark trees barely lit by the waning moon.

   She was hearing them again. It had been ages, part of her had begun to worry she’d forgotten. Forgotten her family - her brothers. Sometimes she could still smell the smoke, the charred wood and cracked flesh. The worst of it though was the feeling of helplessness. That black pit in her chest that made everything hollow and cold, that paralyzed and destroyed from the inside out - never again would she not know what to do.

   A soft whisper snapped her out of her lamentations,

   “It’s alright. I’m here.” The strong arm wrapped around her waist tightened its grip ever so gently.

   Tears began to well up in her eyes as the dam began to give way. Slamming her eyes shut she tried to force them away, to not let the demons win. Firmly grasping her loving idiot’s hand she tried to control her breath.

   He didn’t say anything, no hollow attempts to console or reassure her, no half hearted promises, nothing but his presence. It was all he had, all she had, all she needed.

@themerrywriter