#those hands can kill if need be but they’re always the gentlest when near me and he won’t let me forget that
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flesh and skin, chapter two.
you didn’t think it would happen,, you lacked faith.
cws for: a small anxiety attack regarding phantom pains on the part of genji. it’s not super detailed, but i think it’s best to warn.
chapter one | ao3 | writing commissions | art commissions | donations.
Genji and Jesse practice an exercise in discretion. Their relationship remains quite the secret to their coworkers, and quite the mystery to themselves.
In the days since the kiss there has been a lot of sneaking around, a lot of kissing, and a lot of nights spent in each other’s rooms. Usually Jesse’s. It’s nice, being there, enjoying time with him. Such a connection is something that Genji has been poignantly lacking in recent history. This closeness is something he has grown unfamiliar with, and so the effect it has on him is fairly noticeable, at least to himself.
Genji wonders if Jesse can see it.
He falls asleep in Jesse’s room, but the daylight barely shines through the window when Jesse wakes him up with a gentle shake.
He presses a quick kiss to Genji’s lips before he explains the abrupt awakening, “Practice today, sugar,” he says. He uses pet names, and Genji is quick to find it endearing when he is certain that his past self would find it embarrassing. Sugar, darling, honey, such words are easy on Jesse’s tongue and natural in his vocabulary.
Genji is so unused to this. To this closeness, to this gentleness, to these words of affirmation. He shouldn’t get too swept up in it—such things are fleeting in nature—but they do get to him, and he has no intention of rejecting these emotions, not when they are so uncommon these days.
“You should get back to your room,” says Jesse, “We don’t want anyone to think something’s going on.”
No, they don’t want that at all. Genji can hardly picture the reaction they’d get, but there is no itch to figure it out. Still, he falters. “Maybe I could stay just a little longer,” he says.
Jesse’s eyebrow arches, “Now, Genji, you know that’s testing a limit.” He’s sitting up, his shoulder leaning against the wall the bed is pushed up against. It’s hardly more than a mattress. Blackwatch members aren’t exactly outfitted in luxury.
“How so?” There is a grin waiting on Genji’s lips. The corners of his mouth twitch, “I only want to sleep in a little bit.”
“Just sleeping in?” Jesse asks.
Genji shifts, lifting his arms to pull Jesse towards him. He kisses his lips, and then the corner of his mouth, and then his jaw.
He says, “Just sleeping in.”
Jesse says, “For one, you have terrible morning breath,” and he laughs, and Genji really does enjoy hearing that laughter. That joy. “And secondly, you sure know how to tempt a guy, huh?”
“I specialize in it,” says Genji, and he kisses Jesse’s neck, “Besides, don’t you like testing limits, sharpshooter?” He feels Jesse’s hand on his hip.
“You’ve got me there,” Jesse says, and he kisses Genji’s lips again.
Jesse and Gabriel spend the afternoon in the practice range. Genji watches. They’re mainly focusing on Jesse’s shooting.
Gabriel says, “I have never known someone whose aim gets progressively worse as time goes on, you know that?” Genji can tell that he doesn’t mean it.
Jesse hits the center of the target twice. He hits the outer ring twice. Gabriel extends an olive branch. “If you manage to break the tie I’ll let you off early today.”
Jesse looks over at Genji, who raises his eyebrows and allows a smirk to cross his face. “I wish you luck, cowboy,” says Genji. Jesse’s expression is hard to read, but something flashes over him. He smiles at Genji and turns to the target.
“I’ll take that bet, Gabe,” he says, and he twirls the gun in his hand.
“Quit playing around,” says Gabriel. Jesse quits playing around. “Showing off will get you killed on the battlefield, McCree.”
Jesse shrugs good-naturedly. He shows his teeth when he smiles. “Watch and learn, Gabe.” He glances at Genji and meets his eyes.
Genji smiles. Jesse misses the target.
Moira holds up a clipboard with a set of checkboxes and statements from Genji. He spent about ten minutes filling it out earlier.
She says, “Your report of the last few weeks indicates an increase in phantom pain. Is this accurate?” She truly does fit the part of a doctor, careful and scrutinizing.
“I wouldn’t put it down if it wasn’t,” says Genji, and Moira raises a thin eyebrow at him. He usually doesn’t say much during their sessions.
“An affirmative grunt would have worked fine,” says Moira, “There is little I can do about it aside from arrange a meeting with Dr. Ziegler, if you’d like her to talk very softly at you.”
Dr. Ziegler is kind, or she is at least of a gentler ilk than O’Deorain. Moira is familiar, but she is jagged, harsh. She has a low opinion of Ziegler.
“Or, I suppose you’d call her Angela,” says Moira, “She’s very busy with the official Overwatch business, but I’m sure she wouldn’t mind making a business visit to her favorite pet project.”
Genji winces. Moira says, “Oh, don’t be like that. I’m not being rude, I’m telling the truth. She’s very fond of you,” she pauses, “I’m not. You shouldn’t prioritize any patient over another, you know. At the end of the day, they’re a responsibility.”
They are deadweight on Moira’s shoulders. They are a burden on her, and a price for the research she is allowed with Blackwatch. Genji looks at her with narrowed eyes.
“But you weren’t here to listen to me rant about the good doctor, were you?” she says, “We should get your vitals, and a blood test. We haven’t done one of those in a criminally long time.”
Genji is mostly quiet when she takes his vitals. He sucks in air through his teeth when she gives him the shot needed for his blood test.
Jesse’s room, on the bed. They listen to music and enjoy each other’s company. Jesse has an arm wrapped around Genji’s shoulders.
He asks, “What’s it like?” looking at Genji’s robotics—the space where his chest transitions from skin to metal. Genji knew this was coming.
“Painful,” he says, “I have yet to get used to it.”
Jesse nods. “You know, you aren’t different,” and he only seems to realize the curiousness of this statement—and the vagueness—after Genji gives him a look. He elaborates, “From anyone. You aren’t different from, y’know, me. Or Gabe. Or anyone.”
Genji doesn’t believe that. Genji will spend a lifetime not believing that. Still, he says, “Thank you.”
Jesse presses his lips to Genji’s temple.
Genji talks to Overwatch agents from the main division, sometimes. Today, particularly, as he has been sent to main headquarters for an appointment with Angela. Moira wasn’t lying when she said she’d set it up for him, at least.
He is unused to Overwatch, really. They’re different from Blackwatch. Less bleak, with a certain optimism that Genji has kept a certain distance from since his incident.
(Snakes. Sparrow. Song.)
Still, they are kind. They are unifying forces for good, and if Genji were not so knowledgeable of the actions behind it all—the black behind Overwatch’s white—and if he were living a different life, if he were allowed such menial pleasures, he might idolize their heroics. As it stands, he merely acknowledges them. He is fond of a few of them.
Lena is energetic and kind. Her brown eyes shine when she speaks of the latest Overwatch achievements or of her own personal life. She’s happy-go-lucky and there is this sense of hopefulness overflowing in her.
Genji appreciates that. She reflects the better parts of him, though they have faded in himself.
Reinhardt and Torbjorn are older, and they regard the world with different attitudes. Reinhardt views it with the same lens of optimism as any Overwatch operative. Heroism and glory are important to him, but they take a backseat to the safety of his team. They’re like a family to him.
(Genji is not sure if Blackwatch could ever be such a family. There is certainly a sense of camaraderie between them, but it is outlined with a knowledge of their purpose as an organisation. They are not the ones who are meant for heroism.
Still, some of them might be remembered.)
Torbjorn is objective. He takes great pride in his own creations—be they his mechanical work or his actual children—and he treats his teammates with a strict sense of friendliness. He cares for them, but he understands that this is a job. A job that they must be prepared for, should any danger come to them.
Angela is, safe to say, Genji’s favorite of the Overwatch operatives. She reminds him of better times and worse ones alike, but she is always a symbol of stability. She is kinder than his usual medic, and she regards him with such a sense of warmth that he can think of something other than the pain of his condition. He can feel like he matters for a moment.
She takes a look at his chart. She says, “Phantom pains, huh?” and there is certainly pity in her smile, which Genji doesn’t appreciate, but he understands. “We could work on exercises regarding them, if you like.”
They do.
Nearing the end of their session, Angela says, “I have to ask,” and she pauses, glancing at the chart again, “Despite this, you’ve stated that your overall mood has improved in daily life.”
Genji nods, “I’ve been getting to know my colleagues a bit more. It helps to have friends.”
Angela raises an eyebrow, and there is an inkling of suspicion on her face, but she lets a smile come to it. “It certainly does, Genji.”
Genji returns to Blackwatch HQ to discover little in the way of change. He meets Jesse in the mess hall, sitting with Gabriel.
Jesse says, “If you ever get another one of those doctor’s appointments, you have to set me up for one,” when Genji gets home. “No offense intended to O’Deorain, but she ain’t exactly the gentlest.”
Gabriel gives Jesse a warning look, much like an older brother would chastise his little sibling. Genji bristles at the familiarity.
(Bad comparison.)
“She doesn’t have to be. She’s a medic,” says Gabriel.
“All I’m saying is I’d be much more willing to get surgery from the angel than, you know,” Jesse says, “The opposite.”
“I’m not sure insinuating that one of our teammates is the devil is the best course of action,” Genji says, his tone playful. Gabriel chuckles, but he soon realizes the origin of the comment, turning to Genji curiously.
“Was that a joke?” he asks. Genji often forgets that people don’t know him for his humor here—or, well, people who aren’t Jesse.
“Oh yeah, Genji tells them all the time,” says Jesse, “A dry sense of humor, this one.”
“Huh,” says Gabriel, “I didn’t realize.”
Genji says, “That’s why the joke works. It’s unexpected.”
Jesse gives him a knowing look. Genji smiles at him.
Gabriel is changing. Gabriel is changing drastically. Gabriel is changing in a way no man ever should. Moira is orchestrating this change.
They demonstrate it during a small skirmish—a little squabble with a Talon-like company that should be easily wiped out. Gabriel becomes a shadow of a person. Gabriel steals the health of enemies. Gabriel changes.
Moira reaps some unknown benefit.
Genji sleeps in his own bed tonight—no Jesse to fool around with, unfortunately. He wakes in the middle of the night to the stinging in his arms and legs, and the pain like a heavy object on his chest.
The actual phantom pain feels bad—it feels like his whole body is on fire for a moment. It tenses and itches and eventually it trickles down, like rain filtering through the leaves of a tree—but it is followed by something worse.
The trigger for Genji’s anxiety is yet to be figured out. Angela and Moira alike are at a loss regarding it, and instead they have asked Genji to try and take notes. His surroundings during the incidents, the events preceding them. He never does. Genji cannot begin to make sense of his triggers, nor his pains.
He just feels so useless. So trapped in his own body, in his own flesh and skin. So alone in his own personal qualms, wallowing in this miserable affair he has made of himself. In this miserable affair that Overwatch has made of him. In this miserable affair that Hanzo has put upon him.
(Hanzo—Genji’s brother, a former protector, has now ascended to a point where he is neither. He is simply Hanzo Shimada, the newest heir to the empire.
And Genji is the dead sparrow on the ground beneath the nest, his body left to the soil. Genji has had his song kicked out of him, and the world has attested that it was the right decision.)
He is thinking too much.
So, like that first night, he stops thinking and he knocks on Jesse’s door. Jesse answers. He always does, he’s reliable that way.
Jesse is a shining light in bleak times such as these. He is messy and Genji’s affection for him is almost inexplicable, but it isn’t. It’s explained by every little thing—every little joke they share, every little smile Jesse brings to Genji’s face, every little bit of support he offers—it’s all very explicable. Genji almost wishes it wasn’t so, because he wouldn’t be so afraid if it weren’t.
Jesse answers, “You okay?” in his own tired voice. Genji blinks.
“I think,” he pauses, “I’d like to be near you, tonight.”
Genji rests his head on Jesse’s chest. He runs a hand over Jesse’s tattoo. A skull and chains and wings. Deadlock certainly had an aesthetic in mind.
“Tell me about you,” he says, “before Blackwatch. Before everything.”
Jesse threads his fingers through Genji’s black hair. He says, “Before everything? That’s a long time, honey,” he pauses, and there’s a certain fondness when he looks at Genji. He says, “You’re lucky I’m soft on you, you know that?”
Genji knows.
Jesse starts with, “Grew up in New Mexico, got involved in a couple of bad stunts,” and Genji can only imagine what those bad stunts consisted of. He tries to imagine a young Jesse getting caught with the wrong crowd. “I was, uh, seventeen, I think, when Gabe caught us.”
“That’s young,” says Genji.
“You know it,” says Jesse, “I was a rebel. Hopefully that’s your type.”
“It certainly is,” says Genji, “How could you ever think otherwise? Do you even know me?”
Jesse smiles, and there’s that fondness again. It seeps into his expression without warning. He returns to his story, “I guess Blackwatch made me a better kid, certainly better than I would have been with Deadlock, or on my own,” he stops, then, and he asks, “What about you?”
“Me? We were just talking about you, Jesse,” Genji says, “You aren’t the type to deflect. I am. It’s literally one of my best tactics.”
“I’m just curious,” he says. Genji indulges his curiosity.
He tries to find the best place to start. He says, “I was what you would call a playboy.”
“No,” says Jesse, with mock astonishment, “You’re telling me that Genji Shimada, heir to a million dollar crime empire, was a bit of a playboy? I can’t believe it.”
“It’s true,” Genji nods, “When I wasn’t combat training I was flirting with supermodels across the globe. It’s truly a lifestyle I had nailed down. I’m jealous of past me.” He really is, but he tries to say it in jest. Tries not to let that honesty reveal itself. Jesse mulls it over.
“I dunno,” he says, “I think I like this Genji a bit more.”
Genji raises an eyebrow, “And why is that?”
“Well,” says Jesse, “playboy Genji sounds interesting and all, but I’m not sure he’d ever give me the time of day, not with all those supermodels he’s flirting with.”
Genji laughs, “Of course he would,” he looks up at Jesse, lifting himself up and moving to be closer to his face. He presses a kiss to Jesse’s lips, “After all, rebels are his type.”
They’re tired in the morning, and they walk into practice together. They stand a convenient distance apart and act like strangers to ward away suspicion.
Gabriel says, “McCree, I need to speak to you outside,” and he leads Jesse into the hallway. Genji focuses on his practice. He manages to evade several attacks from an omnic practice bot. He has to up the simulation difficulty for it to provide any real challenge.
Practice passes without much interference. Occasionally, Genji thinks of Jesse.
While they are alone—in the dark of the hallway between their rooms, keeping cautious watch on the doors to make sure they aren’t interrupted—Jesse says, “Gabe’s picking a fight with Talon again.”
“Again?” asks Genji.
“Again,” Jesse answers, “I’m going with him to Roman facility to consult their team. Mainly Gérard.”
Gérard is an Overwatch member who remains quite the mystery to Genji. He seems nice—welcoming, even—but Genji has never had the opportunity to talk to the man for longer than a few minutes.
“Be safe,” he says.
Jesse says, “Of course I’ll be,” and he adds, “You don’t get yourself into any trouble here, okay?”
“Without you? I wouldn’t dare.”
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Roleplay Server Log #216
"Poppy, the Wendigo, Ring Leader, Masky and Potatoes for Notch”
[Splender] Arrives at Doc's place and hesitantly knocks at the door-
[Doc] Is showing items to Yaunfen, and trying to teach them some new words- Come in! It's unlocked.
[Splender] Teleports in- Doc...- Pinwheel is in his tendrils
[Doc] Hello Splender. Something on your mind?
[Splender] - It's time...
[Doc] Ah! Oh, I'm sorry, hang on. I presume you need to leave Pinwheel here?
[Splender] - I'll drop her off with brother when I go get Ring Leader
[Doc] I'll call Dawn... - digs out hir phone and starts typing with one hand on it and in the chat with the other hand - Deerheart, can you watch Yaunfen for a bit? I'd love it if you'd continue our lesson.
[Deer] - Sure
[Doc] She'll be ready. We can pick her up on the beach?
[Splender] - Yes, just let me go get Ring Leader- He teleports off with Pinwheel before quickly returning- Ready to go?
[Doc] Do I need to change?
[Splender] - No
[Deer] Comes up into the room- Off on an adventure?
[Doc] Then I'm ready. No, just seeing an old friend of Splender's off.
[Splender] Offers Doc a tendril, not trusting his own shaking hands-
[Doc] Takes it, it's slightly warm and smooth-
[Splender] Teleports them to Dawns beach-
[Dawn] Is waiting there with her staff slung across her back on a strap. She's dressed in simple black clothing and the only bit of jewelry is a small silver ankh on a chain around her neck. She makes a respectful nod to the doctor-
[Splender] - OH DEAR I FORGOT RING LEADER!
[Splender] Quickly teleports off and returns with a older teen, she's dressed much akin to how a ring leader would be and she carries a cane-
[Ring Leader] - Whoa Splendy! Not so fast!
[Dawn] Qurks an eyebrow at her outfit but doesn't say anything.
[Doc] Sorry to meet under such somber circumstances. I'm Doc and this is Dawn.
[Ring Leader] - Hi, I'm Ring Leader, Splendy's proxy
[Splender] Offers tendrils to the others while Ring Leader adjusts herself so she's sitting amongst the tendrils-
[Dawn] Takes one gingerly, avoiding the bell.
[Doc] Just takes hold of a coattail. - ready.
[Splender] Teleports them, the air is filled with static and they end up in front of a building hidden away in a forest. There's a sense of power in the air associated with the supernatural- We're here...
[Doc] Staggers for a moment and takes a swig from a bottle in hir inventory- there's a brief smell of alcohol.
[Dawn] Wait, why are you drinking?
[Doc] I'm digital. For some reason scrambling my senses with alcohol makes his EMP not hurt as much.
[Ring Leader] Pats Splendy gently before stepping down and taking her Master's hand- Come on Splendy, Poppy's waiting
[Splender] Follows his proxy-
[Dawn] This place is so... full....
[Doc] It's a hospital of sorts.
-As they enter there's a oddly beautiful woman behind a desk who bristles at the sight of Dawn but speaks quietly to Splender who simply ignores her as he heads down a hallway-
[Dawn] Bristles right back and makes an eye poking gesture at her-
-There's a slight hiss from the woman-
[Splender] Approaches a door, tall enough for him and pushes it open, the scent of flora wafts out as they enter a decently sized room. One wall is entirely glass which looks out into a garden and the glass doors are open just a smidge. A very elderly woman is laying in a bed and her head turns towards them-
[Poppy] - Splendy...
[Doc] Poppy? Is that your name miss? I'm Doc. This is Dawn, we're friends of Splenders.
[Poppy] Gives a weak laugh- I don't even remember my original name, the name Splendy gave me was Poppy
[Splender] Sits next to Poppy's bed and takes her hand-
[Doc] Then that shall be good enough.
[Dawn] Is obviously listening to something no one else can hear. She nods faintly-
[Splendy] - Poppy...
[Poppy] - Oh hush! Don't you start crying again! We had to call your brother last time that happened because you wouldn't let go of the bed!- Poppy then enters a bit of a coughing fit and it doesn't sound good
[Doc] Are you sure you don't want to...? There's still time.
[Dawn] Barely heard whisper - about 17 minutes...
[Poppy] - Not much I'm afraid, even though Splender doesn't cause much of it, he still causes slender sickness
[Ring Leader] - Oh Poppy
[Poppy] - You better keep a good eye on Splendy, you know how he can get, and don't forget what I taught you about his feedings, if he's really being stubborn, go get Slender
[Ring Leader] - Yes yes, I know
[Splender] - No Doc...
[Doc] I'm a doctor... my mein is to protect life. You know I have to ask. Even if I know the answer.
[Splender] - Yes, I know
[Poppy] Coughs a bit harder, a small dribble of blood coming from her eye-
[Dawn] For what it's worth, my father will take you where you need to be. There will be a journey, but the reward will be comeasurate.
[Poppy] - Well I guess you can't get away from being a proxy without one more adventure
[Dawn] Do you have a patron diety?
[Poppy] - I don't remember, if you survive as long as I have you really only remember your time as a proxy, not anything else
[Dawn] Then I guess your future is as fantastical as you wish to make it. One never knows what waits out there for those who go with an open heart and mind.
[Poppy] - I just hope to tend to my flowers once more
[Splender] Is now crying-
[Doc] Splender, can I open the window?
[Splender] - It doesn't open
[Doc] It will open for me. - Doc walks to the glass and puts both gloved hands on it, the glass bricks melt and flow down and away, breaking into pixels that vanish into sparkles near the floor. The room is filled all at once with the heady scent of the flowers outside. They're dewy from an afternoon shower and full of sweetness.
[Dawn] He's coming now.
[Splender] - POPPY!
[Ring Leader] Wiggles her finger in her ear because of the volume of Splender's voice-
[Dawn] Stands straight up and the shadow behind her darkens and crawls up the wall.
[Splender] Growls a little as he cradles Poppy close to himself-
[Poppy] - It's okay Splendy
[Azrael] Opens his wings with the gentlest whisper of air. His foot bones click softly against the floor and he moves next to Splender. -I'M SORRY.
[Splender] - She brought so much happiness...
[Azrael] MANY DO.
[Doc] Is flatly terrified.
[Splender] - I remember all of them...
[Azrael] I'M SURE THEY FEEL THE SAME. YOU ARE KINDER TO THEM THEN MOST.
[Splender] - Must you take her?
[Poppy] - Splendy...- More blood seeps from her orifices
[Azrael] YOU CAN SEE SHE IS SUFFERING.
[Dawn] two minutes....
[Splender] Growls again, his eyes showing a hint of red-
[Azrael] I WILL NOT TAKE HER SPLENDERMAN. YOU WILL GIVE HER TO ME. BECAUSE YOU KNOW IT IS THE KIND AND RIGHT THING TO DO.
[Splender] - But... But...
[Dawn] She'll suffer more if you keep her beyond her time....
[Splender] Sighs and lets his arms stretch out a little- If you let anything happen to her along the way...
[Azrael] I WOULD NEVER. I UNDERSTAND THE VALUE Of... a sINglE sOUl. -he reaches out a hand and draws it gently over her face, closing her eyes and gathering a ball of light from her last breath. He cradles it gently beside his chest. Sheltering the light under the curls of his wings.
[Dawn] Steps closer - she's listening intently-
[Splender] Starts bawling, but there's a slightly animalistic sound to it-
[Ring Leader] - Splendy? When was the last time you fed?
[Dawn] Splender. Caroline says to tell you goodbye. Thank you for everything. She'll be waiting for you if you ever decide to join her.
[Splender] Releases an animalistic howl and Ring Leader takes a step back- Oh no...
[Azreal] CAlm YoUrselF!
[Ring Leader] - He he... I'll be right back...- She darts out of the room
[Splender] Growls, his fingers elongating into claws and pressing into his former proxies flesh-
[Doc] Wait?! What the devil are you doing?
[Dawn] Glances at Azrael, who obviously isn't afraid but also is unsure as to what's happening. - She unslings the scythe handle staff from her back and swings it at Splender. The end connects with the side of his head like a baseball bat-
[Splender] Drops Poppy's body and stumbles back a little, still growling and dropping low, hunching over and tendrils erupt from his back-
[Azreal] Looks as unnerved as a skull can manage-
-There's a strong sense of static in the air as a black blur moves between the group and Splender as Slender appears, one of his proxies diving out of the way to avoid Splender's tendrils-
[Slender] - Enough brother, you need to hunt!- His own tendril move to intercept his brothers
[Doc] Is reeling from his EMP-
[Dawn] What's wrong with him?!
[Splender] Hisses-
[Slender] Sighs as he works on immobilizing his brother- He hasn't consumed human flesh in some time, if we do not, we become feral and unless caught early, we cannot recover from it. He needs to go hunting
[Doc] Dizzy and sick- Does he just need the food? Or is the hunt important?
[Slender] - The hunt is always important, although half the time I usually end up sharing one of my kills with him
[Splender] Snaps at his brother-
[Slender] - Masky...
[Masky] Starts digging in a backpack he brought of which the bottom is slowly turning darker-
[Doc] Don't... he's my friend. It's the least I can do. - With a grimace, the doctor phases a hand through hir own belly and copies hir liver- Xe steps up and holds it just within reach of a tendril-
[Slender] - Organs are different from flesh Doctor, there's a reason we remove them when we hunt
[Masky] Pulls out a severed human arm that's in a few chunks-
[Splender] Seems to become confused, not sure what to go after first-
[Slender] Reaches for the arm pieces with a tendril-
[Splender] Snaps at the liver, his large mouth closing on Doc's hands too-
[Doc] Panicks and manages to phase through the worst of his teeth, xe still gets bit though and hir gloves are shredded-
[Splender] Swallows the chunks and then goes after the arm pieces- The more he eats, the more aware he becomes until he's mostly just trembling- Brother...
[Slender] - It's alright, I'm here
[Dawn] Is a bit green from the sight-
[Doc] Pulls out the bottle they were drinking from and pours most of the alcohol onto hir hands, biting back a small scream of pain.
[Splender] Tastes the pain and sniffs at the air a little- Doc?
[Doc] Has sat down on the floor and begun stitching the wounds in hir hands.
[Dawn] Is trying to help
[Splender] - I'm so sorry!- He buries his face into Slender's jacket
[Azrael] makes a small slicing motion near the bloody backpack. The trauma was making the soul linger.
[Ring Leader] Comes back in- He still needs to hunt, doesn't he...
[Slender] - Yes, he does
[Doc] Such a terrible curse...
[Slender] - Have you ever heard of Wendigo's Doctor?
[Doc] No?
[Dawn] I know what that is. A human eats human flesh and the Wendigo takes hold. It turns them into a possessed monstrosity with a belly that can never be filled and a heart made of ice.
[Slender] - That is one type, the others are former slender beings, that is what happens when we go feral. It's why we must occasionally consume human flesh. It is almost the opposite of how it happens with humans
[Dawn] How bizzare, and unfortunate. It's a heavy burden to have to prey on creatures that can beg for their lives in a way you understand.
[Slender] - You learn to ignore it. The only reason I allow Splender to get this far along is because it's the only time he can bring himself to hunt
[Dawn] Humph, you mean you just close off the part of your soul that can care about the lives you take.
[Slender] - Not all humans, occasionally one does catch our interest and those usually become our proxies
[Ring Leader] - Masky I thought your ribs were broken...
[Masky] - They are
[Azrael] Looks at Splender- Have you anything more to say to her? She has a long journey ahead.
[Splender] - Be safe my pretty flower
[Azrael] Is holding the two souls gently, and gives him a nod, from one professional to another. His wings brush Slender and his brother ever so briefly as he turns and a shimmering hole opens in the wall. Beyond is a desert with sand like tiny grains of gold and a sky so full of stars that the ground is lit by them. In the distance are black mountains, only visible for the lights that twinkle on their foothills and peaks.
[Dawn] Locks eyes with Doc and the other nods for her to go ahead.
[Doc] I'll be fine. Let your father take you home. There's nothing more for you to do here.
[Dawn] Thank you. - She stands quickly and takes the angels hand. Both vanish into the portal and it dissolves behind them.
[Doc] Regards hir bare hands and the already healing scars a bit grimly. Hir sleeves are shredded and bloodstained as well.
[Slender] - My brother is in no condition to send you home, so what do you wish to do?
[Doc] I... I think I'll go for a walk in the garden. Just for now.
[Slender] - Masky, Ring Leader, stay with them
[Doc] Thanks... - Xe walks sadly outside.
[Ring Leader and Masky] Fall into pace a few feet behind Doc-
[Slender] Teleports off with his brother-
[Masky] Grunts a little as they walk-
[Doc] Looks back - Are either of you injured?
[Ring Leader] - Masky has some broken ribs
[Masky] - I've had worse, it's okay
[Doc] No. Slender left you to watch over me. I'll fix your ribs. It'll only take me a moment.
[Ring Leader] - Why did you come?
[Masky] - Toby and Anne were already out and Hoodie is worse off than me right now
[Doc] Approaches Masky and puts hir hands on his chest - just hold still.
[Masky] Starts tensing only for that to cause a wave of pain-
[Doc] Phases hir hands into him and resets his ribs gently - now don't move just yet.
[Doc] Puts out a potion bottle and presses it to his lips. - Just drink a little.
[Masky] - Oh no, I've had that before and it's nasty
[Doc] That's why I'm holding it to your lips instead of handing it to you. Sniff. Mine don't taste bad.
[Masky] Does sniff it and then tentatively takes a sip
[Doc] Tips a bit into his mouth and backs off. It's got a fruity taste and a bit of fizz.
[Masky] Makes a non committal head motion-
[Doc] Better? How's your chest?
[Masky] - Doesn't hurt anymore
[Doc] Good. What about you Ring Leader? Are you hurt?
[Ring Leader] - Oh no, I'm fine. Splendy's always really careful with proxies, we're only human after all
[Doc] I was afraid he might have smacked you while he was flailing around. I had no idea....
[Ring Leader] - No, I slipped out so I could contact Anne, she has the strongest mental connection with Slender, at least when it comes to his proxies
[Doc] Wait, you said you were just human? Do the Slenders protect you from the Insanity infection? I mean it would make sense since a human going on a murder spree likely wouldn't last long...
[Masky] - Insanity?
[Doc] I guess they didn't tell you... Most of the creepypastas are infected with a kind of group posession. An entity that both protects them and relentlessly drives them to kill.
[Masky] - Hmmm, that would make sense...
[Ring Leader] - I don't interact with the other pasta's much, so I'll just take your word on that Masky
[Doc] You've noticed there are less of them about the manor at least?
[Masky] - No shit
[Doc] Most of them came to live with me.
[Ring Leader] - Like a sleep over!?
[Doc] We actually did that once because a server update caused a snowstorm!
[Ring Leader] - Snow! I love snow!
[Masky] Groans-
[Doc] I'm not into it. I do like thunderstorms though. And it's no fun having a massive castle if you don't have friends over to fill it with noise now and again.
[Ring Leader] Giggles-
[Doc] I've been stripping their Insanity and replacing that protection by making them digital like me and Cp. Then I can just attach them to respawn. They die out here, they reappear back in whatever bed they last slept in on the server.
[ring Leader] - THAT'S SO COOL!
[Doc] Thank you! I still get excited about it myself, but not everyone shares my enthusiasm. And since some of the other pastas were also partly digital to begin; with they've brought in all kinds of interesting things and new ideas from other video games.
[Masky] - At least that stuff isn't creating such a mess in the manor anymore
[Doc] Pfft! Yeah, it is messy sometimes. But fun all the same. Cleaning is much easier at a lower resolution.
[Masky] - Whatever, not my problem
[Ring Leader] - I hope Splendy will be back soon...
[Doc] Yeah.. me too. I've never gotten back inside my game without a little bit of help. -sigh- I don't belong out here.
[Masky] - You know I could contact one of the digital pasta's...
[Doc] That would be helpful. BEN would likely give me a lift. If he's not too busy with his son.
[Masky] - Son?
[Doc] Yeah. Hyrule. He's pretty tiny.
[Masky] - How did he end up with a kid?
[Doc] The usual way. He's got a girlfriend. I think it's silly he didn't just come to me or one of the others asking for some protection. But it is what it is. Him and Aven love the kid, so it worked out for the best.
[Masky] - BEN... With a girlfriend...
[Doc] We think it's some kind of parallel universe thing. Aven is also part BEN drowned. But a different BEN. It's like a benign posession.
[Masky] - This is getting confusing...
[Ring Leader] - I think it's adorable!
[Doc] It is pretty cute. The baby even has their red on black eyes.
[Ring Leader] - I wanna see!
[Doc] Well I guess you can hitch a ride back with me when I go. Splender is there most of the time anyway.
[Ring Leader] - Yay!
[Masky] Starts fussing around on his phone-
[Doc] I just had a bad thought.... Splender left Pinwheel with Slender and he didn't have them when he showed up.... I really hope she hasn't bitten anyone at the manor!
[Masky] - Nah, Offender is looking after the biter, we should be going though, the fae are starting to take interest
[Doc] I can probably take her off his hands if I'm going home anyway. I've taken to just keeping four of the healing fruits on my person. Thank goodness they stack.
[Masky] - I've got Herobrine making an opening back in Poppy's room
[Doc] Visibly wilts - I'm suprised he didn't just reply that I have to find my way home on my own....
[Masky] - He knows not to mess around when it comes to this place, but we should hurry
[Doc] I'm right behind you.
[Masky] Leads them back to Poppy's room where a tv hidden in a corner is full of static- Go on through
[Doc] Hesitates - Are you coming Ring Leader?
[Ring Leader] - We both are, Herobrine can drop us off at the manor
[Doc] Good enough for me. Brace yourself, the change in resolution can disorient if you're not used to it. - Hops into the statick-
[CP] Is waiting on the other side a good four blocks above the desert-
[Doc] Falls into the sand - shiiiiit!-
[Ring Leader] Yelps as Masky just ducks and rolls into the fall having fallen from greater heights-
[CP] - Hm? Oh! Masky!
[Doc] just lays flat for a long moment before rolling hir head to the side to take a breath- RUDE
[Mb] happens to be close enough to see and points and laughs because he's an asshole
[Doc] Weakly- fuck both of you, honestly
[Mb] Comes a little closer and leers at Ring Leader- nice outfit
[Doc] Don't you have anything better to do?
[Mb] Nope
[Ring Leader] - Oh thank you! Splendy gave it to me!
[Masky] Offers Ring Leader a hand up-
[CP] At Mb- What are you doing here asshole?
[Doc] Being in the right place at the right time... It's such a Herobrine thing...
[Mb] Ha! What? I can't take my little dragon out for a walk without everyone getting suspicious?
[CP] - I see no dragon
[Mb] Turns around with a smirk. Celine is clinging to his back like a bat and sleeping peacefully-
[Doc] he has you there Cp..
[CP] Grumbles-
[Mb] incredibly smarmy - now don't yell or you'll wake the baby
[CP] - Oh shut up dick face!
[Doc] She's pretty cute when she's sleeping
[Mb] shut up! She's not cute, she's ferocious!
[CP] - I don't think I've ever seen her attack something...
[Mb] huffs - she eats meat, it'll happen.
[CP] - If you want vicious then you should have gotten pinwheel
[Doc] Masky, Ring Leader, meet one of our Herobrines. This is Mb
[Mb] pfff! Nobody asked me! And I like Celine, she's not all foo foo pastels.
[Masky] Nods-
[Ring Leader] Cheerfully- Hello!
[CP] - One bite from pinwheel now can kill several people
[Doc] She'll definitely be showy when she's bigger all that orange and green. That club tail is gonna be dangerous too.
[Mb] Halloween orange and zombie green thank you.
[Mb] So what? Venom isn't everything. A strong bite from a ripping beak can do a lot of damage too!
[CP] - I think you got a dud
[Mb] Hisses- How dare you call her a dud! At least she isn't a-a basic bitch like yours!
[Doc] Stands up and dusts hirself off. - Sorry, this is normal.
[CP] - Have you seen the size and intelligence of mine? She is most certainly not a basic bitch
[Masky] - No no, it's like this in the manor too
[Mb] Pfft! She's a vanilla model enderdragon. Laaaaame.
[Doc] Ah. My condolences to the furniture.
[CP] - She also sat on you like it was nothing
[Masky] - Yeah... Some things we just gave up on having
[Mb] Yeah cause she's got a fat ass!
[CP] - She is pure muscle and you know it dip shit
[Mb] She's got all the ass you're missing!
[CP] - And I care why?
[Mb] Cause maybe your wife would rather look at mine, string bean!
[CP] - I doubt that
[Doc] Can we not? We do have company.
[Mb] Fuck you too!
[Ring Leader] - Oh honestly, they're worse than the children
[Doc] They're griefers. Just two parts of the same coin really. [Mb] Eat my ass!
[CP] - I wouldn't suggest that, they'd probably like it
[Doc] You want a piece of me too Cp?
[Mb] I don't need your fucking advice.
[CP] Growls-.
[Doc] -sighs-
[Mb] Fuck this anyway. I don't need this shit.
[Celine] Tiny yawn that makes Mb freeze in the act of stalking away.
[Masky] - Doctor, is there someplace Ring Leader and I could stay?
[CP] - Ah yes, don't wake the baby
[Doc] Sure. You can stay with me if you want. - Xe points to the shrine and the castle beyond- I've got tons of space. And I need to let my mate know I'm home safe.
[Ring Leader] - Ooh! Does Splendy live there!?
[Mb] Gives Cp the finger while snarling softly and walks away carefully-
[Doc] No, his house is on the other side. We are neighbors though.
[Ring Leader] - Awww, I'd rather stay there...
[Doc] You can if you want. But I presume he's still with Slender. I'm sure once he knows you like being here, he'll probably have you over often.
[Ring Leader] - Okay!
[Doc] Come on, lets go through the shrine. There's a shortcut to the other part of the house underneath it.
[Masky] Follows with Ring Leader-
[Doc] Opens the door into the vast space of the shrine. The color from the stained glass windows paints the quartz floor with rainbows and dancing slivers of light from the trough of fire below the three story image of Herobrine. Xe heads back to the map and clops down the steps.
[Doc] Xe notes that Limewatch is now on the map and nods in approval at her friends keeping it updated. Xe calls out to Deerheart as the pass into the kitchen
[Ring Leader] Is looking at everything in awe-
[Deer] - We're still in the vine room love
[Doc] Creeps up the narrow staircase and out into the vine room.
[Yaunfen] Is sleeping in a patch of sunlight, hir head on Deer's lap as she reads-
[Doc] You are absolutely a sight for sore eyes. Masky, Ring Leader? This is my mate. Deerheart. She's the goddess of our little server. And this is our adopted child, Yaunfen.
[Ring Leader] - Hello!
[Masky] Nods in greeting-
[Deer] - Love... Your hands...
[Doc] Splender had an... episode... Thank goodness I can be intangible or he probably would have severed my hands.
[Deer] - Is he okay?
[Doc] Yes. Mostly. His brother is tending to him.
[Deer] - Well I suppose that's good
[Doc] Hopefully he'll be back soon.
[Masky] Stretches some-
[Ring Leader] Fiddles with her cane-
[Doc] Can I get you two anything? Or are you just tired?
[Masky] - I could probably do with some more rest
[Ring Leader] - I'm fine
[Doc] Points to a room at the bottom of the entryway stairs - Just go down there. There's a bed and it's nice and quiet. I find a lack of windows is good for a nap.
[Masky] - Thanks- He heads that direction
[Ring Leader] - Don't mind how little he talks, he's always been like that
[Doc] I'm pretty used to dealing with people who hold in their emotions.
[Lh] Prances into the room with a bitty jingle ball in his mouth-
[Ring Leader] - KITTY!
[Doc] Oh? Yeah that's our cat. Little Herobrine, he's slightly glitched. - points to the cats glowing eyes-
[Lh] mrr?
[Ring Leader] - He's adorable!
[Doc] Careful, you'll feed his ego- winks-
[Lh] Sneaks over to Yaunfen and shakes the jingle ball-
[Yaunfen] Shnuffles-
[Lh] Creeps a little closer and touches Yaunfen's tiny nose wrinkles with a paw-
[Yaunfen] Sneezes-
[Doc] Awww.. be nice Lh-
[Ring Leader] Taps her cane against the floor, a long spindly ribbon coming out of the end-
[Lh] Pupils get super wide and he's watching intently-
[Ring Leader] Starts twirling the ribbon around-
[Lh] Leaps and dances gracefully, trying to catch the ribbon.
[Ring Leader] Giggles as she plays with the cat-
[Doc] I've tried a toy on a string before, but he really likes that ribbon. Nicely done. Do you usually play with Grinny?
[Ring Leader] - Sometimes, but he's not as much fun
[Doc] He's rather bitter. I've even made a mouse mob for cats to play with that drops a treat. He just ignores them.
[Ring Leader] - He prefers watching things suffer, but I've caught him on a good day a couple of times when he's done nothing but play for hours
[Doc] It's just a mood thing? I've been trying to win him over, but... cats. They have to decide they like you.
[Ring Leader] - Yup!- Taps her cane on the floor again and several small toys erupt out
[Lh] Goes bonkers and leaps into the small pile of toys, batting them everywhere.
[Ring Leader] Smiles- Don't worry, they'll disappear in a few hours
[Doc] Aww, it's okay to give him toys.
[Lh] Goes prancing by-
[Ring Leader] - Oh no, it's just that's how long anything which comes out of this cane lasts
[Doc] So is it some kind of magick thing Splender gave you?
[Ring Leader] Nods- Oh yes, although us proxies are only human, our Master's give us an advantage over other human's, each ability depends on our Master though. Since I'm Splendy's proxy, my powers revolve around making others happy
[Doc] That's really nice.
[Lh] Suddenly scampers out of the room in a hurry.
[Ring Leader] - Huh, wonder where the kitty is going
[Lh] Comes back dragging Grinny by his sweater-
[Grinny] - You little fucker let me go!
[Lh] Gets behind Grinny and pushes him into a small pile of toys.
[Doc] That was nice, sort of...
[Grinny] - Stop it!
[Ring Leader] - Grinny!
[Lh] Looks proud of himself. -
[Grinny] - Oh joy, a proxy
[Doc] Hi Grinny. Having an okay day?
[Grinny] - FUCK OFF!
[Doc] Sits down on the floor with a bit of a defeated look. - It's just been one of those days
[Deer] - In good news Yaunfen learned another word
[Doc] Please tell me it's not a another cuss word...
[Deer] - I think they're trying to say pillow
[Doc] What's it sound like specifically?
[Deer] - Pliplo
[Doc] Yeah, probably. They do enjoy sleeping on our bed after all.
[Ring Leader] Is humming a bit-
[Lh] Hops over Grinny and bats a toy in his direction-
[Grinny] Hunker down- Stahp!
[Lh] Head butts Grinny- puuuuuurrrrr
[Grinny] Hisses and swats-
[Doc] So, pull up a block - Xe tosses Ring Leader a wool block - Just plop it on the floor anywhere- how long have you been working for Splender?
[Ring Leader] Puts the block down- Hmm, how long? I think three or four years now?
[Doc] So how did you guys meet?
[Ring Leader] - I was trying to run away from home, I had nothing. I may be on th slightly older spectrum of kids, but to Splendy I was still a child. He could feel my sadness and depression, he saved me in a way, making sure I was fed and warm, and he eventually made me a proxy to protect from the slender sickness
[Doc] He's in a class all by himself isn't he? I think that's why we get along. I love his compassion in the face of all the things that go on around him. If you can live a thousand years and small things still make you smile or move you to tears, that's an accomplishment.
[Ring Leader] - Yeah, I guess so
-Theres a bit of noise from outside-
[Doc] Looks up and sees the stars coming out through the skylight above. - Huh, time for all the monsters to come out and play.
[Ring Leader] - Monsters?
[Doc] Yeah. It may look cute and pixelly, but this is also a survival game. Night comes with giant spiders, archer skeletons, rogue witches, exploding creepers and zombies. It's okay though, they can't get inside.
[Ring Leader] - Oh, okay
[Grinny] Just starts walking away-
[Lh] Pounces Grinny's tail playfully-
[Grinny] Turns and attacks-
-There's a light tapping on the wall and Violet peeks around the corner-
[Lh] Rolls around with Grinny, bunny kicking at him-
[Grinny] Is going for the throat with deep growls-
[Violet] Makes a tsking sound and seperates the two cats. Since they have no flesh, it's safe to do so with hands.
[Grinny] Thrashes around-
[Ring Leader] - Um... I thought you said monsters couldn't get in...
[Doc] Hmm? Oh! That's Violet. My friend Steve is good at befriending people. It's almost a super power. His 'brothers' watch over the castle and village and keep it safe. - turns to the skeleton- Everything okay Violet?
[Violet] Shakes head no-
[Doc] What's wrong?
[Violet] Makes a super complex gesture that seems to involve a shovel and possibly a creeper.
[Ring Leader] Watches in interest-
[Violet] Points to their mouth-
[Doc] OH.
[Doc] Yeah, hang on, I'll get you something. -xe moves to a trunk and digs around a bit-
[Violet] Nods respectfully to Deerheart-
[Deer] - Hello Violet
[Doc] Something I've been working on. It's a bit messy. - Xe pulls out some carrots, potatoes, beets, a dirt block, and a water bucket.
[Ring Leader] - Need help?
[Violet] Coos over Yaunfen-
[Doc] Can you conjure up a big bowl?
[Ring Leader] - Absolutely!- She taps her cane and jerks it upwards, a bowl pops out of the end and she quickly grabs it
[Doc] Thank you. - Xe pulls the tips off some of the vines as well and starts crumbling the items into pixels
[Ring Leader] Is watching curiously-
[Doc] Adds a little water and quite a bit of dirt and mixes it up. - There you go Violet-
[Violet] Nods excitedly and takes the bowl with a thankful gesture.
[Doc] That should keep her quiet.
[Deer] Frowns- Are you talking about Karen?
[Doc] Yeah. Violet wanted some compost. It's nothing from the horse pen, but there's enough vegetable bits to calm her little creeper stomach.
[Deer] - We should talk to Lie about bringing over some of her extra compost
[Doc] Good idea. She must have a hellacious amount by now... I wonder if she's been composting it in a hole so it doesn't stink up her yard?
[Deer] - I'm not sure
[Doc] That's an unpleasant thought isn't it? A shit block? - Laughs- I think I've been up too long...
[Deer] - I think so to
-There's a bit of noise from the lab below, it's mostly Idolus sounding annoyed-
[TLOT] Sorry!
[Notch] Whoops!
[Doc] I'm staying right here with Yaunfen, you guys want to check on them, go ahead.
[Deer] - I think I will, I've been sitting here since you left
[Steve] He seems a tad.... Annoyed...
[Deer] Heads down the stairs- Steve? What's going on?
-Deerheart is just in time to see Steve chuck a potato at Markus.
[Notch] is distracted by Deerheart and the potato hits him on the cheek - dammit! Why are you aiming for my face!!!!
[Deer] - What is going on!?
[Steve] Because nothing happens if you think it's not gonna hurt!
[TLOT] Just a bit of practice. One of the potatoes landed in he fish tank though, sorry about that.
[Deer] - Why are we throwing potato's?
[Notch] Because a rock might knock me out?
[Steve] And we have lots of potatoes
[Deer] - I think I'm still missing something here...
[Steve] Think fast! - he chunks another potato at Markus. There's a momentary flash of light this time and the vegetable rebounds off an invisible barrier around a rather startled Markus
[TLOT] Much better!
[Deer] - A... Shield?
[TLOT] It seems like it, though he needs a lot of practice
[Notch] it's like it's just happening
[Deer] - I see... Somehow I think CP might enjoy helping with this
[TLOT] Thats why I specifically did not ask him
[Notch] no way! Cp would aim for my crotch just for the fun of it!
[Deer] - You have to admit that is a good incentive to make sure the shield works...
[Notch] Small voice- Please no...
[Deer] - I'm joking Notch, oh we also have two more guests for the time being
[Notch] Do I need to avoid them?
[TLOT] I have the same question.
[Deer] - I don't know, they aren't actual creepy pasta's, but proxies
[Steve] So they're like creepypasta secretaries? Like Winston?
[Deer] - Maybe? One of them I know is okay, because she's Splender's proxy, the other is Slender's...
[TLOT] That sounds bad.... why is Slender's proxy here?
[Deer] - They were with Doc and so CP dragged them in
[TLOT] Oh, so it was an accident.
[Steve] Then we should at least make them welcome. Where are they?
[Deer] - Ring Leader is upstairs with Doc and Masky went to one of the beds
[Notch] Okay, lets go up there then.
[TLOT] I'm game.
[Steve] Is picking up the potatoes on the floor.
[Deer] As they pass the fish tank- Idolus? Could you toss that potato back out?- The potato comes flying towards them- Thank you!- Leads them upstairs-
[Ring Leader] Is completely conked out on the carpet-
[Doc] Is curled up with Yaunfen
[Deer] - Guess everyone is tired...
[Notch] Anybody mind if I crash here? It looks like there's still plenty of night to be had.
[Deer] - Are you sure Flux won't miss you?
[Notch] I'd have to fight my way back over there. I think she'd probably prefer I was safe.
[Deer] - I can let her know you are here
[Notch] Please.
[TLOT] Just pick a room, you know where they all are.
[Notch] Thank you.
[Deer] Sends out a quick message and soon Flux is there, reforming from her mist-
[Notch] Is immediately smiling softly- Hi Flux.
[Steve] giggles-
[Flux] - Are you alright Notch? You were gone for some time...
[Notch] Just getting in some practice... - he still has a bit of a black eye.
[TLOT] He's trying to hone his new powers
[Flux] - Your eye...
[Notch] I got hit with a vegetable. It's nothing.
[Flux] - Are you sure?
[Notch] Yes, thank you for caring about me though. - blushes a little
[Deer] Yawns a little- Well, I'm going to see if I can't coax Doc and Yaunfen to bed
[Doc] Rolls over and puts a hand on one of Deerhearts hooves-
[TLOT] Maybe you should just join them
[Deer] Smiles- Maybe, could one of you take Ring Leader to the room Masky is in?
[Steve] Which room is it?
[Deer] - In the goth room- Points in the direction
[TLOT] There's only one bed in there. I know where there's another one close by that's empty. I'll take care of her - He whispers a bit of suggestion into Ring Leaders ear so she won't awaken and carries her down towards the kitchen with Steve following.
[Steve] This is a colorful room...
[TLOT] It was Lj's for a bit. It seems like something Splender's proxy would be into.
[Steve] You're probably right. - Helps tuck her into the bed.
[Ring Leader curls up, holding her cane tight to herself-
[TLOT] Tiptoes back out and he and Steve leave her to sleep.
[Notch] Thank you Deerheart. Flux and I will just go downstairs if that's okay.
[Deer] - Go right ahead
[Doc] Mumbles in hir sleep-
[Deer] Lays down next to her mate, smiling as she begins drifting off to sleep-
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Gold: Chapter 2
a/n: here’s the second chapter! it’s definitely shorter than the first one, but i hope you guys are still satisfied :)
tags: @dahladahlabills @sanguinewritings @cookiecuttercritter @velvetlighthouse @txintedsxint @storyteller-shealie @me-between-the-lines @ninalitediting @livingthelovelylife @wordsofpaintandsmoke
-
Chrys stared at the Guardian defiantly, silent.
“Answer me,” he growled.
Chrys shook his head. “You’re crazy,” he seethed. “I know my parents are gone, I haven’t seen them in nine years.”
The Guardian laughed harshly. “Yes, that seems right. Around nine years ago, the biggest group of Corrupted Salvil has ever seen charged at the Wall. Your parents and a group of others ran straight into them, trying to prevent them from passing the border. Although they succeeded, all of them were presumed dead.” He paused, a malicious grin growing on his face. “That is, until your parents rose from the ashes. Everyone thought it was a miracle until they started attacking the Wall themselves.”
“What?”
“It took nearly all of Nemux’s forces to force them back — they had to use every ounce of magic they had,” the Guardian continued, ignoring him. “By the time your parents decided to stop wasting their time, nearly half of the magicians had perished.”
Nemux was famous for its wizards and witches who could make someone vanish with the flick of their hand. The ones Chrys had met were by far the strongest people he had ever seen.
“Why would they attack their own home?” Chrys asked. “Both of them were born and raised in Regius.”
“It wasn’t their home anymore, boy. They may have tamed the Corrupted magic, but it still took over their minds.” He shrugged. “A small price to pay for immortality, really.”
Chrys glared at him. “You’re sick.”
Scoffing, the Guardian leaned closer to him. “Enough talk. If you really haven’t seen Bennet or Emelia, you’re no use to me.”
Just as he was about to speak, the door slammed open, revealing a disheveled Mavaren supporting Eren’s beaten figure with one arm and holding his bow in the other.
The Guardian unsheathed his sword. “What in the—” Before he could finish, Mav dropped Eren abruptly — who let out an annoyed yelp — and drew an arrow. It was smaller and thinner than his other ones, its wooden tip darkened.
Mav shot it at the Guardian’s stomach. He cried out before collapsing to the ground, eyes fluttering shut.
“That should keep him down for a while,” Mav said, voice rushed. “We have to go — now. Here.” He opened his retrieved bag and tossed Chrys his shortsword before handing Eren his armor, pulling him off the floor.
The three ran out of the building as fast as they could. Chrys tried his best to ignore the burning from his wound, letting Mav lead him to the exit.
They kept running until they were well into the forest trail once again, not knowing where it would lead. Chrys took the lead, sweat starting to dribble down his face. He stopped at a fork in the trail, panting heavily as he heard his brothers come up from behind him.
“What just happened?” Eren asked, clutching his side. Noticing Chrys’ concerned stare, he added, “I got a bit roughed up trying to get out, okay? I’m fine, but did you hear that stuff about—”
“Mom and Dad? Yeah,” Chrys finished, shaking his head. “How can that be true?”
“It’s not, it can’t be. There’s no way they survived, they wouldn’t just stay away. They’d come home.”
“But those guys seemed pretty serious, didn’t they?” Chrys felt his hand begin to shake but quickly balled it up into a fist, trying to calm himself down. “If they’re really out there—”
“They’re not, Chrys!” Eren insisted. “I mean, don’t you even remember what happened that day?”
Chrys hesitated. “Of course I do,” he responded quietly. “How could I forget?”
Mav had been fourteen at the time, Eren being eleven. Chrys had only been nine.
Their parents had gone to Nemux for business, hoping to sell some of their antique weapons. Nemux was only around thirty minutes from Regius on horseback, making it a popular place to visit. The sun had been shining brightly, no clouds in the sky as they waved goodbye to their sons, riding away on their horses. They had promised to bring back gifts for all of them, saying they’d be back before noon.
Chrys never saw them again.
He still remembered his mother’s kind smile and caring nature. He remembered his father’s hearty laugh and how he would always carry him around on his shoulders. He remembered having a bed to sleep in and a home to return to every night.
He remembered being so sweetly innocent, not thinking anything was wrong in the world as long as he had his family.
And now his parents were gone, and rain began to drizzle down on the three of them, thunder roaring seconds later.
“Mav was the one to tell us they were dead,” Eren said after a moment. Mav stood, not meeting either of their eyes. “He went out to look for them.” Chrys remembered that, too. Mavaren had taken the last horse and left, promising he’d be back.
When he did arrive home, he had been shaking and teary eyed, explaining to his younger brothers in the gentlest way he could that their parents wouldn’t be coming home.
Chrys cleared his throat. “We shouldn’t just stand here. Let’s go.”
“Where are we supposed to go?” Eren questioned. “Especially after all that?” He gestured behind them towards Regius.
“We can go to the next town and tell the Guardians what happened.”
“And what about us, Chrys? Are we just going to forget this ever happened?”
“You said it yourself, they were probably lying,” Chrys replied calmly, although something in his gut tugged at him. “We can talk more as we go—”
“Guys,” Mav said, breaking his silence, “I need to tell you something.”
Both Chrys and Eren turned back around to face their older brother.
His face was uncharacteristically pained and pale. He took in a shaky breath, swallowing thickly. “I haven’t been . . . completely honest with you two.”
Eren perked an eyebrow. “What is it, Mav? Are you sick? Both of us know you never tell us when you are.”
Mavaren shook his head. “I wish that was all I had to tell you.” He hesitated before finally glancing up at them, eyes uncertain. “The stuff about Mom and Dad those Guardians told you guys, it’s . . . it’s all true.”
“C’mon, don’t tell me you bought all that crap those guys said—”
“Eren, I know it’s true because I was there.”
Silence.
The rain began to pour down harder, plastering Chrys’ hair to his forehead. He couldn’t tell if the drops on Mav’s cheeks were from the rain or his tears.
“I got there right as the fight started,” he said, voice dripping with sadness and guilt. “I asked someone what was going on and they said everyone who knew how to fight was told to go defend the Wall. I rode over to see if I could reach them, but it was too late. I saw them charge out of the gate and into the group of Corrupted.
“When I saw them start attacking the Wall themselves, I knew it wasn’t them anymore — they were taking hits but not getting hurt at all, and I just—” He cut himself off, voice shaking. “I couldn’t bring myself to tell you two what actually happened,” he whispered. “You were so young, and—”
“And you lied to us,” Eren interrupted sharply. “For nine years, you lied to us.”
“Yes,” he admitted. “I did.”
For a moment, all Chrys and Eren could do was stare at Mav in disbelief.
This was their older brother, the man they had always looked up to. Mav had always been one of the most honest people Chrys had known.
Eren shook his head. “I can’t believe you, Mavaren!” he yelled. Mav flinched, looking away.
“How could you keep this from us?” Chrys asked. “We’re your brothers, your family, we’re supposed to tell each other everything!”
“I can’t believe this,” Eren repeated, voice filled with venom. “How could you hide something like this from us? How could let us think they were dead?”
“Because I’d rather have you two think they were dead and not monsters!” Mav shouted, still looking at the ground. “I’ve always just wanted to protect you,” he added quietly.
“Well, look where that’s gotten you.” Eren glared at him. “I don’t want to be anywhere near you,” he spat.
Mavaren looked at Eren with tears welling in his eyes. Chrys could practically see his heart shattering. “You don’t mean that,” he said quietly. “I know you don’t.”
“I do,” Eren spat. “I can barely even stand to look at you — how could you lie to us like this?” He scoffed harshly, turning away from Mav. “To think I ever trusted you sickens me.”
Mav looked at Chrys with desperate eyes, finally letting his tears slip. “Chrys,” he pleaded, “please.”
Chrys dropped his gaze, unable to look at his older brother.
“You should go, Mav.”
Mav looked down defeatedly. He shouldered off the bag full of supplies and dropped it in front of Chrys, taking only his bow and arrows. “Stay safe, you two,” he said softly. Neither of them responded.
Mavaren walked to the trail on the right, not looking back. Eren watched after him with narrowed eyes before moving towards the left trail.
“Come on, Chrys. Let’s go.” Chrys looked back at his older brother one last time as he walked away, feeling his heart ache.
Thunder roared above as Chrys and Eren trekked on. Night was beginning to fall once again, the sky growing even darker.
Chrys felt his own eyes begin to water, stopping in his tracks. Eren looked over his shoulder.
“You okay?”
“We shouldn’t have left him.”
Eren’s scowl deepened. “He’s been lying to us for years, Chrys. He told us Mom and Dad were dead.”
“Didn’t you hear the stuff those Guardians said?” Chrys objected. “They attacked Salvil, their own home — they killed people.”
“They’re still our parents!”
“How can you say that when we don’t even know if they’ll recognize us anymore?”
“Do you even care about them?!”
Lightning split the sky in half, thunder booming and shaking the ground right after.
Chrys felt the last of his strength drain out of him. Hot tears slowly fell from his cheeks as the rain finally slowed. Eren’s face softened.
“I miss them, too, you know,” Chrys said, looking at his brother.
“I know, I know — I’m sorry.” Eren walked over to him and hugged him tightly, letting Chrys bury his face into his shoulder. “I’ll always be your big brother, okay? I’ll always be here.” He hesitated. “Mavaren, too.”
Chrys shook his head, still not looking up. “We just left him,” he choked out, voice muffled. “He was just trying to do the right thing.”
“I’m sure we’ll see him again.” Eren pulled away to look at Chrys, his own eyes shiny with tears. He wiped them quickly before pulling a smile. “We always find each other in the end, right?” Chrys managed a small smile back, nodding slightly.
“Right.”
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