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ladylamrian · 1 year

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Welcome to the World of Night

Nightbound is a visual story from the @playchoices App created by Pixelberry Studios. The characters and places are owned by Pixelberry except of those which I created myself to give the story a special touch.

Main Character: "Female" (not going to appear). It also can be canoned as a Male Main Character too, but then the plot with the hunting outfit wouldn't make sense.

Characters: Garrus, Krom, Ivy, Luc, ... and more

Summary: A child gets plunged into the World of Night after a tragic incident.

Mystery ● Angst ● Drama ● Friendship

Word counting: 4.9K words (Whooopsie)

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Angst, Death, Language, Blood

Taglist: @choicesficwriterscreations ; @peonierose ; @secretaryunpaid ; @lilyoffandoms ; @lawrencebarkley ; @blackcatkita ; @infactnoimmasitinthemiddle ; @jdstar88 ; @mxdanni ; @tessa-liam ; @hopelessromantic1352

Reblogs/feedback/reactions appreciated !!! <3

Who knew that after a tragic event, the death of a child's parents would turn the world for Elijah Ryder upside down.

As an old, gray-haired man with a beard entered a bar, called the Graveyard Shift. He was carrying a young child over his shoulder who couldn't stop crying. Two familiar faces inside the building greeted him as he entered... but, they weren't ordinary people.

"Elijah, what happened and who's...?", a very young fae paid his attention to the old man and the sad child.

"It's not good to bring a child into a bar.", Krom, the stone troll added.

Elijah Ryder was a nighthunter who lived alone and often visited the Graveyard Shift for a drink, but this time it was something else. He had a tiny companion, a young toddler, about 5 years old who's been crying for a long time.

"Shhh, stop crying. It's alright, you're safe now. Calm down, child."

"Mom!! Dad!!", it cried. Tears covered his face, his sobs getting louder and everyone around him getting now restless.

"Garrus, my child, do you have anything from the fae realm to make this child calm down?", the old man asked who took a seat as he tried to calm the little boy down.

"I am not sure if we should...", Garrus couldn't even finish his sentence as suddenly Krom took the boy from Elijah away and placed it on his lap. His heavy arms wrapped around the toddler as he calmly whispered to calm it down.

"Hey, hey, brave boys don't cry. If you continue crying, you're going to make me sad too.", the stone troll got emotional, wrapped his heavy arms carefully around him and pulled him closer for a hug.

Several minutes passed until the little boy calmed himself down, but still couldn't hold back his tears. Elijah already filled Garrus and Krom in about what happened to the child. The boy and his parents were having a picnic for his mom's birthday. There, his parents were attacked by a mysterious monster. His mother even shoved him towards the bush and told him to run, but when he saw them being killed, he screamed and caught the monster's attention. But before the monster could do anything to him, Elijah Ryder came to the rescue. He picked up the boy and ran, the monster howling behind them. Elijah covered the eyes of the child from the sight of his parents' bodies as he passed. He sang quietly to it, all the way out of the bayou, and let the young boy cry all over him...

"Yes, and that's what happened."

"Oh dear, this is terrible. I wish..."

Suddenly the kid pulled away from Krom, ran towards the Graveyard Shift's door until Elijah caught him to prevent the child's escape.

"Stop, you're not goin' anywhere. It's too dangerous as a child alone in such a big city."

"And Mom and Dad? I want to go to Mom and Dad. I want them back."

"They're gone, my boy. Forever."

"Don't you have other family members you know? They can help you.", Krom asked.

"No, I don't. I am alone."

"You won't and you don't have to be scared anymore because I will adopt you, take care of you now. You don't deserve to live alone in this horrible world. Tomorrow morning, I will take care of the adoption papers."

"Sir, you can't be serious? It's such a huge responsibility and..."

"I know, Garrus.", Elijah looked at him in a serious expression and then turned his attention to the boy again. He went to his knees, placed his hand on the child's shoulder and smiled warmly.

"Now, tell me... What's your name, my boy?"

"Nik.", he sniffed and wiped his tears away.

"What a great name for a such strong boy, Nik. Damn, you have nice hair and cool clothes you're wearing... Wow!", he praised the boy who gave a shy smile back at him.

"May I present myself? I'm Garrus. You are now my little, cute brother, so welcome to the family. And may I present Krom, we both just met a few days ago."

"Yes, I'm Krom. And no need to be afraid, Elijah and Garrus are my friends and will take good of you."

"Yes, fear not. Oh,... Elijah, I still have an apartment upstairs left empty... Well, except for that nighthunter outfit which was left upstairs. Do you want to take it for yourself and the child? I'm afraid that living in a house in the woods could scare Nik.", Garrus recommends.

Suddenly Elijah's calm face turned into a thundery look filled with anger. He took a step towards, grabbed Nik and pulled him closer into his protective embrace, away from Garrus.

"Garrus, my child, you're recommending me to rent the apartment she lived in?! Her apartment? Haven't you forgotten the way she betrayed me??!!"

"Elijah, she doesn't live in New Orleans anymore. She's gone and took most of her things with her... well, except for her hunting outfit with the red leather jacket. The one you gifted her..."

"No, I don't want to know anything about this. I don't want to rent the apartment where she stayed and I never will."

"Who's she?", small Nik asked the angry man.

But instead of giving an answer, Elijah went on his knees to come face to face with the boy. Looking deep into the innocent eyes, the man told him. With clenched jaws and in an angry tone which made the little one shiver.

"No one, she's no one. And Nik, one thing you should know. Never, never, never, trust anyone."

"What? Why?"

"I will show you. I will teach you why and then you will understand, my boy."

And with that, Elijah grabbed his wrist and led him outside of the building without looking back at Garrus and Krom. Only Nik turned his head back to meet the eyes of his newly made friends again before leaving the Graveyard Shift. The small boy wondered what would happen next in his life.

Elijah dragged the little toddler into a souvenir shop near the French Quarter, not far away from the Graveyard Shift. Colorful masks and costumes greeted them, as they entered. A very old woman bent over and waited behind the counter.

"Elijah, good to see you.", she answered and coughed.

"You're getting old, let someone else handle this shop."

"You're old too and you still hunt. And tell me, who's this tiny and weak companion of yours?", she laughed loudly and scared the child. It quickly hid behind Elijah and looked away from the old, scary lady.

But before the man could answer, another child appeared from behind the counter rushing towards the shop doors. The shouting of the old woman stopped him.

"Luc, come back! Where do you think you're headin'?! Stay in the shop and help me. Have you already finished the potion I told you to create for a customer?"

"Non, momie. Can I do it later? I want to head outside."

"Pourqoui?"

"To play with pretty girl."

Luc's mother got angry and pulled him back without even touching him. The tiny Nik couldn't believe his eyes and hugged Elijah's legs even tighter. She used magic which made little Luc fly across the room, back to her. It looked like being pulled by a real magnet.

"You will not meet pretty girl, she's dangerous and not even pretty."

"I think she's pretty, momie. And friendly."

"Go and play with Brie instead!"

"No, not Brie. Brie is sometimes mean and thinks she's a better witch child than me. I want to play with the pretty girl, she never made fun of me. She's so friendly and pretty."

"You won't meet her, son. She's a Reimonenq and Tonya's child. She can kill you by just touching you with her bare hands", she explained to Luc which made him sad while Nik, the other child brought by Elijah listened carefully and got even more frightened. Monsters, magic shop, potions, killing hands,... What in the world had he gotten into?

"I wanna go home...", Nik whispered who couldn't stop his tears and pulled on Elijah's clothes.

"I'll take you, little fella.", he answered to him and turned his attention back towards the old lady and Luc.

"Okay, you bitchy witch, I'm waitin'. Fresh holy light arrows, please. And a charm too.", he asked her and already placed the total amount of money on the counter in front of her.

She collected the money while Luc excitedly began gathering the needed items. Proudly he handed over the right arrows in the right amount. He was sure good in mathematics. Then the tiny boy turned around, climbed on a stool and reached for the other item which Elijah ordered too. It was a brown necklace with a silver ring hung on, a magical charm. Luc gave it to Elijah who smiled warmly at him.

"Good work, little Luc-ster! You were so quick, I bet you can take better care of the shop than your old mother. But she's right, you better stay away from the Reimonenqs'. And study hard your magic.", he gave him advice, patted on his shoulder and left the shop with Nik.

Outside he offered Nik to wear the pendant he just bought. After the young child wore it, his eyes began to glow and sparkle lightly. He closed them and then, after a few seconds, he finally opened them.

"What was that?", he carefully rubbed his innocent little eyes and blinked a few times.

Now everything looked much clearer to him when he found out that the walking humans on the streets of the city weren't all ordinary humans. No, some of them weren't human at all. Strange figures crossed by, ones he had never met before or only knew from fairytales and other stories.

"Nik, welcome to the World of Night. Now you'll see the true forms and identities of all beings who used to hide it with the help of a spell. You need to know that there's more than what it seems. You cannot trust anyone blindly in this cruel world. I promise to take care of you, make you understand, and teach you everything you need to survive and live in our world."

Several months have passed since that tragic incident, where a little boy lost his parents. Elijah Ryder became officially Nik's adoptive father. Now his name was officially Nik Ryder, Elijah Ryder's child. The old man took good care of the little boy and made sure to keep him happy and no longer mourn or cry over his dead parents. Father and son quickly became good friends.

They spend much time together in nature and Elijah taught him a lot about nature, animals, plants and even hunting so that Nik can protect himself when he's alone. One night the man even left the child alone in the graveyard, when both of them were hunting down a dangerous creature. Nik was left alone, so that he could learn not to blindly trust anyone, and that he should handle things on his own too. That lesson frightened Nik the most, but he understood that and what's best for him.

"Dad! Daaad!!", the little boy screamed and rushed to their little house in the woods, searching for his adoptive father. It was early morning when Nik decided to go for a walk alone into the woods but ended up discovering something frightening.

As he finally arrived home to quickly get his adoptive father, Elijah outside the house, he was greeted by an unfamiliar woman who's car was parked infront of their little house with a driver sitting inside it. The woman wore a light blouse and a short, black skirt which made her look like a real businesswoman. Earrings were hidden behind her black, shoulder-length hair. Her fair skin was shining in the sunlight and her heart-shaped face was covered with makeup. Elijah was there too and was having a heated argument with her.

"I absolutely do not care, I only came here back to collect a few things of mine which I left behind. Immediately let me inside the house, Elijah.", she demanded and took a step forward. A snake appeared out of her left sleeve which nastily hissed at Elijah. It was her pet snake, named Slitter.

"Ahh, a snake!!", Nik got frightened and took a few steps backwards.

"Don't worry, child. My little Slitter won't hurt anyone, he's not poisonous. Slitter just... doesn't like it if I get treated unfairly, right Elijah?", she said with a meaningful tone.

"I gave all your belongings to Garrus, so go to him. Besides, I won't let a traitor like you inside my house, Jacqueline."

"I'm no traitor. How dare you insult me like this?! I will make sure that..."

"Hey, stop!! Don't talk to my dad like this!!", the child angrily intervened.

"Son, let us adults talk."

"Elijah, did you call him your son? You have a child?", the woman surprisingly asked. For a short moment, she just silently stared at the child before coming out of her thoughts and facing the man in front of her again.

"You know what, Elijah? I don't want my things back anymore. You, me and Tonya are no longer a team and no longer The Guardians of the Night anymore. Have you understood? And neither will there be a next generation who will protect the worlds. I am happy with my new life. You can burn my hunting licence if you'd like, because leaving New Orleans and the nighthunters was the best thing that ever happened to me. Tonya was right, I should have done it earlier.", she confessed while Elijah only kept glaring at her with clenched teeth.

"If y'a done now, then I suggest y'a to leave."

"Well, gladly. Was nice to meet you... not. Such an unwelcoming and grumpy man you still are. I'll be going then, can't let my company, my caring boyfriend and my dearest child wait.", she curled her cherry-red lips, turned away from him and headed towards her car.

Elijah stood still and kept looking until she finally left. The old man's silence was worrying the little boy, so Nik stepped closer to give him a soft hug and tried to make eye contact. And when the eye contact finally happened, Nik was greeted back with a smile on his father's face. He gently ruffled the hair of the child which made it giggle.

"Don't worry, kid. Annoying people come and go in life, don't lose heart. By the way, where were ya' before?"

Quickly Nik's smile faded away and sadness was written all over his face.

"Dad, the... the wolves. The werewolves did something terrible.", he whispered and led his adoptive father deeper into the woods. The boy was looking around to remember and then pointed at a lonely tree. Marks of claws were carved onto it, werewolf claws. Blood, flesh, feathers, and some pieces of one or two birds were scattered on the ground which made the boy shed tears.

"Dad, they killed two innocent animals."

"The werewolves killed a falcon. No, two falcons.", the man analyzed. "But Nik, that's the way of life and the cycle of mother nature. Predators have to hunt to survive."

"And we nighthunters hunt monsters to save humans. Isn't that something else, Dad? And what will happen to the baby falcon?", he sniffed and pointed above to a bird's nest where a tiny chick was sitting waiting to be fed by the adult birds. Carefully Elijah reached for the young, helpless bird and held it in his palms.

"Squeak. Squeak. Squeak."

"Poor baby bird lost its parents like I did, Dad. We can't let it live outside alone without food and care. Can we keep it?", Nik requested and stared with his sad eyes to Elijah.

"Nik, it's a wild animal that lives free outside in nature. We can't keep it forever or treat it as a pet.", he explained which broke Nik's hope. But then he said more.

"How about we take good care of it for now till it gets older, and then we'll let the bird free? It's currently very young and could need help, or else it could easily become another prey."

"Yes, that's a good idea. I will take care of little birdy, I promise.", Nik excitedly said and began happily jumping up and down. Carefully Elijah handed the tiny bird to his son, who softly carried it in his palms and kissed it. "You're not alone now, birdy. Like I have Elijah, you have me now."

From that day on, little Nik took care of its very first pet which became a close friend of his. The boy named the falcon "Arrow", because he believes that one day it'll accompany him on his hunts and be flying fast like a shooting holy light arrow in the sky.

About 15 years later...

It's evening, and the young fae served drinks to his fellow customers, including his two best friends, Krom and Ivy. The bar wasn't very crowded tonight, but he was still busy.

"Mmmh, the Seasalt Slurry you make is definitely my favorite now. Thanks, Garrus.", Ivy praised him and enjoyed the magical drink.

But Garrus didn't answer, he went from table to table, picking orders and served his magical drinks to everyone inside his bar which was called The Graveyard Shift.

"So that's the famous Graveyard Shift...", a young teenager talked to himself as he entered the building. He began walking slowly towards the bar counter while his silvery-gray eyes shifted around, not to overlook any important detail. Garrus quickly rushed to the counter to take his order.

"Welcome to the Graveyard Shift, how may I help you?"

"What do we have here, a fae? No wonder that the drinks are famous for the Graveyard Shift.", he answered and smiled at him.

"Don't worry, I'm telling you that our friend Garrus won't disappoint you. Oh, I... by the way... You do look so young. Very young actually.", Krom noticed. To his defense, Nik showed the three of them his identity card and hunting license before putting them back in his pockets.

"Really, me and young? Thanks for the nice compliment. But don't worry, I'm over 18. Just reached my 20s if that happened to concern you, troll guy. Hmm, do you happen to serve a drink called Snake Tequila?"

"What's that? It sounds scary.", Krom answered.

"A drink I just discovered while I was on an undercover mission in Arizona to save a pegasi herd. The Blight Brothers challenged me to drink it, so I had to. It was the only way to impress them and to get inside their gang. I didn't like it at first, but later I got used to the taste of the drink. Not bad actually."

"Oh, I heard of that drink. It's not one of own my recipes, but I could make one if you like. I personally wouldn't drink it, dear.", Garrus laughed and began to create it in the backroom where the correct ingredients were safely stored. In the meantime, the man took a seat next to Krom and Ivy. He began to analyze them.

Krom was a stone troll with tiny fangs, who wore a regular red shirt. His skin was made of stone, but his heart was gentle and warm. Ivy was a so-called "zombie girl" who had long purple and pink ombre hair with bangs. She had red glowing eyes and gray skin and wore a short black Victorian goth-style blouse and black leather trousers.

As she discovered being watched, she didn't look away like Krom did. No, Ivy was a strong woman who wasn't afraid and stared back at him with her deep red eyes. He wore a gray shirt, black pants underneath, and a long brown leather jacket with a brown necklace with a silver ring hanging on it.

"Hmm, you're the hunter with the Cajun accent who sometimes visits my library, right?"

"Correctly said, creaturelogist. Nice to meet you outside the library too sometimes. It's been a while."

"Yeah, it's been a while. Besides, how could I forget the young hunter who never forgets my payment?", Ivy giggled.

"He's a nighthunter? But isn't he too young for...", Krom asked out of interest.

"A person has to be ready for anything.", he answered in a sad tone.

"Well, whatever, that's Krom. He might look like a dangerous and mean stone-troll but in real, he's such a fluffy and friendly teddy bear person. And the fae who makes your drink right now, that's Garrus. Both are my friends.", Ivy informed which washed away the sadness, written on the man's face.

"I see that you're scaring my customers again, Ivy", Garrus joked as he quickly appeared from the backroom and placed the ordered drink in front of the man on the counter. "Here you go!"

"Ewww, what is that?!!!! Eww, a dead snake?!! Is the snake even real?", Ivy felt disgusted and so did Krom, but he stayed silent.

"Now enjoy this drink, I guess. By the way, I have never seen you before... First time in the Graveyard Shift here?"

"Yeah, I guess so.", he answered a took a sip of the drink. Ivy and Krom were shocked as they saw him drinking the greenly colored liquid with something long swimming inside.

"Not bad.", he praised Garrus and his mixology skills. A sly smile on his face.

"Thank you, sir."

"Oh, don't call me sir. Nik, just Nik is fine. My name's Nik Ryder.", he introduced himself and shook hands with the fae.

"I am Garrus and it's a pleasure to meet you, you're always welcome in the Graveyard Shift, Nik. It's also such a coincidence... You have the same surname as a hunter friend of ours, right Krom-darling?", he mentioned and Krom nodded for approval.

A soft pink washed over his stony cheeks after Garrus called him darling. Ivy noticed and began to understand that Krom had a secret crush on Garrus, so she silently grinned by herself.

"Your hunter friend? The only hunter who shared the same surname as mine, was my dad, Elijah.", Nik sadly confessed and looked away.

"Waaait, you're Elijah Ryder's son?!! The Elijah Ryder?!! But how and when did this happen? I mean... he's not someone who had a great relationship with women and...?"

"Wooaah, woah, slow down... The hell, no, I'm not his real son. He adopted me, but he's still my dad.", Nik angrily intervened before anything wrong came out of Krom's innocent mouth. "Don't you all dare to say anything wrong about my dad, guys. Not only the troll, I'm warning everyone here in this room."

"I apologize on behalf of Krom, very sorry. But I remember that we have met before too.", Garrus answered.

"Nah, I don't think so. Been livin' in the woods with my dad for years and haven't seen a lot of New Orleans. It's my first time here in the Graveyard Shift, so..."

"No, we really met before. Garrus, I remember now too. Nik, you were a small toddler, that's why you don't remember. Elijah told us that he saved you from a monster that attacked your parents.", Krom added which made Nik finally realize that they were telling the truth. He did meet Garrus and Krom before. It's not the first time he visited the Graveyard Shift, he was here too before. Just about 15 years ago.

"Hmmm... Maybe, I'm not sure. Sorry, I don't remember.", Nik answered after thinking hard, but he didn't remember. He was too young, but he knew that they weren't lying. He believed them.

"Awww, such a sweet reunion with our little baby brother after many years. You got so big and strong, darling.", Garrus got excited and softly pinched Nik's cheek while Krom gave him a strong and welcoming hug.

"Ouch."

"Yes, we love you too. Now tell us where grumpy, old Elijah is? Haven't seen him for so long, right?"

"He... he..."

His beautiful eyes sparkled with tears and he hid his face behind his palms. Silent sobs appeared. Krom gently patted his back and the three of them shared sad glances to each other. After a few seconds, he calmed himself down on his own, wiped his tears away, and apologized embarrassingly to them.

"So... sorry, I didn't mean to. Sorry, it just happened. I... I need to be strong. Sorry, it's just... he's dead. My dad, Elijah died just a few years ago when I was 17. He's no longer in our world, he left. He's gone. I lost my dad, the only person I had in this damn world left. I don't want to talk about this topic now.", he looked away and began to analyze the building.

"Nik, we're sorry. We didn't..."

"It's okay, I'm... I'm fine. Need to move on with life."

"Is he the reason you became a nighthunter too at such a young age?", Krom carefully asked.

"Yes, to honor him and everything he ever has done for me. I lost my parents and him to the claws of supernatural monsters. That ugly and horrible side of this world ruined my entire life. I... I could have turned evil, I could have destroyed that part of the world with all its supernatural beings, but I can't. My birthparents taught me to respect, and love nature with its living beings while Elijah taught me to understand, learn, and protect the world from evil. Later, I learned that not everything in this world is horrible. Guys, I even met a friendly werewolf guy, and you know how mean they can be and what kind of bastards these creatures are. I hate werewolves. I hate werewolves as much as vampires. But, he's different. Mister Lowell is so different from the other wolves. I think he also has two sons. Whatever. The main thing is that in the World of Night, there still is the World of Light with its many beautiful and fantastic creatures. Fae, pegasi, dragons, hippogriffs, and more. And what kind of person am I who decides another's fate? So my only mission will be from now on to save the human world and the supernatural world from evil. To protect children, families, and each being because I don't want anyone to suffer as much as I did.", Nik explained which made Garrus, Krom, and Ivy a bit emotional too.

"Oh, Nik..."

"Hey, it's okay. I'm fine. Now let's change the topic, okay? Hmm, do you happen to have a free apartment for rent? I've been searching for one. I just wanted to move closer into the city and... and... Elijah's house in the woods... I can't face it, old memories with him and... I... I miss him. I miss him very much.", he confessed. Garrus gently squeezed his shoulder for support.

"No fear, my mortal friend, I happen to have an empty apartment upstairs left for you in good condition and fair price. Well, there is one hunting outfit left upstairs. The person who lived there before must have forgotten it."

"Or abandoned it on purpouse.", Ivy giggled.

"Okaaay, well, I want to see it. If the apartment is good for me, then I will take it. One outfit won't stop me, okay.", he answered and followed Garrus, the owner of the building upstairs.

A few minutes later the two of them returned and joined Ivy and Krom who were ready to hear Nik's decision.

"I... I think I'm taking it. It's a deal."

"Hear, hear, my fellow friends, may I announce Sir Nik Ryder as the new renter of the apartment, our new neighbor and friend.", Garrus triumphantly introduced which embarrassed Nik. Krom and Ivy enjoyed and both clapped as Garrus elegantly bowed at the end.

"Are you royalty or what, Garrus?", Nik smirked.

"Hihihi, I think this was fun. Welcome to the Graveyard Shift!!!", Ivy excitedly squeaked.

"Merci, merci, mademoiselle Ivy. Nice bar here.", a happy voice greeted them. It was Luc who just entered the bar and appeared to the group with some arrows to deliver to Nik.

"I didn't welcome you, Luc. I welcomed... Oh, whatever, forget it. Long time not seen actually."

"Oui, I hope you're doing fantastique. Nik, here are the arrows you wanted.", he said and handed them to him.

"Thanks, Luc, I'll pay the money tomorrow morning. I promise."

"No problem, I trust you. Hey, have you heard about that new huntress in town? She's a real hottie and her wild magenta-colored hair... just wow.", Luc whispered to Nik who raised an eyebrow.

"Better hunter than me? Well, every new hunter colleague who will help us to defeat the evil guys is heartily welcome. But I hunt alone, like always. Hmmm, by the way, you kinda seem happy about her."

"I think Luc's always like that when he's meeting good-looking people, especially women. Am I right?", Ivy giggled.

"Mademoiselle Ivy, what do you mean with always? I haven't met a lot of women in my life. The only women I know are my mother, Bri, the other witches Ivy, and no other. And I feel attracted towards women and men equally.", he explained.

"Oh Luc, I was just kidding. Don't feel attacked like that. Join us for a drink! Welcome to the Graveyard Shift too.", she laughed and lightly punched his shoulder which made him laugh too.

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