🖤 The Blog I literally didn't think would amount to anything. I write, doodle pictures, and generally just make a fool of myself. So, if you want take a seat, read a few things, send in a request, or ask me a question. Request are a little odd right now. I am taking them and I won't delete anything, but it may take a little it for them to be written because... Reasons. That is all. Love you all!🖤
You’ve been gifted with the extraordinary ability to fool others, to even fool yourself at times. Like an actress sliding into her role flawlessly, you do so as well.
Never more so than now.
“If that’s what you want, Henrik, I can’t hold you back.” You say softly; your tone not yielding to the torrential downpour of pain and heartache throbbing in your chest.
Henrik’s eyes grow wide in shock. “But, zis would meant zhe end of us.” He responds, his tone showing his emotions.
You can’t make him stay; you know this. Fighting his choice will only end in more tears than you’ll already shed once he’s long gone. And, as much as it hurts, you want him happy.
Even if it’s not with you.
Forcing a small convincing smile at him you nod. “I want you happy, Henny, that’s all. With or without me, I can’t be the intsrament of your unhappiness. Just,” pausing momentarily your heart squeezes in your chest. “Please, tell me you didn’t cheat on me.”
You watch Henrik’s face for any shift in expression, any tell all sign he’s lying or try to down play his actions.
His head shifts, shaking back and forth twice. “Never. I would never do that to you.” He promises earnestly.
Nothing he does or expresses indicate deception. That alone gives you some resemblance of peace. Closing your eyes in relief you whisper. “Thank goodness. I don’t know if I could have ever forgiven you that.”
It’s a lie. You’d forgive him instantly if he asked for it. You’d give him your beating heart if he asked for it, despite loving another woman. All because you love him so much.
Saying goodbye now is better than later and all the happiness you shared is tained by bitterness and longing. Yes, you lie to yourself, saying goodbye now is to protect yourself.
“Do I know her?”
Henrik hesitates. “Dr. O’Maley.” He responds quietly.
Your heart skips painfully in your chest. “Of course.” Your eyes drop to the ground. She’s beautiful in a way you can’t compete with and a doctor like Henrik. She’ll understand him on a level you could never.
“When did you...” It hurts to ask. “When did you realize you didn’t love me anymore?” Your emotions begin to betray you. Tear gloss over your eyes. You can’t meet Henrik’s gaze.
“Don’t do zhis.” He pleads.
“Please.”
Henrik sighs heavily in defeat. “Four monthz ago.”
Your eyes close against his answer. Four months. Four long months of living together. Four month of blissful ignorance. Four months of lies.
All you want right now is to leave, but to where? You live together. You have no where else to go. Maybe you can take a train into the city, rent a hotel room for a few days?
Tears drip off your eyelashes to the ground, some landing on your shoes. You always imagined raising a family in this house. Grow old listening to Henrik muttering notations to himself as you brew his favorite tea.
His promise for forever is just a lie.
“I’m going to pack.” You whisper, clearing your throat. Blinking rapidly to dispel the tears it doesn’t work. So, you keep your head down.
“Pack? Pack vhat? Stay here. I vill go, I cannot let you leave.” Henrik urges.
Shaking your head, you finally look at him. “I can’t say in a home of broken promises.”
Henrik freezes. His expression falling to rock bottom. He’s never seen you so raw and honest. He never imagined just how broke and lost you really are.
Only the sound of your heels clicking against the marble accompanies you to your shared room. You find your traveling case and carefully, methodically pack your clothing and few necessities.
Henrik keeps his distance, watch from the doorway, just out of your sight. He can’t seem to bring himself to stop you.
Unable to bring yourself to take anything Henrik bought you, you see the engagement ring on your finger and slip it off. Bitting your lip, you set it on the dresser before exiting the room.
Henrik is no where to be seen as you make your way to the front door. You thank him for that. With your travel case rolling behind you, you leave the house. The door closing on the happiness you thought would never end.
Its always been an issue with you; sleep talking and walking, that is. You’ve gone on many adventures in the midnight hours while asleep. Never harmed, just wandering around the streets, talking to people not grounded in reality.
As a child it scared your parents into locking your bedroom door, and when that didn’t stop you, they put locks on just about everything. Still, you’d manage to get out.
Thankfully it wasn’t like they didn’t know where to find you. You always managed to go to the same location each time. It was an abandoned house left to decay and to their prayers, you never went inside.
They’d find you sleeping soundly on a small blanket under a large willow tree or swinging happily on the old wooden swing percriously attached to a long thick branch.
Your frequent visits lead your father to replace the old rickety swing with a sturdier, newer one and even go as far as to add a small shelter for you with a sleeping bag. It wasn’t was if your parents condoned your midnight exploits, they just had no other choice. Waking you during your episode would leave you confused and fearful.
Sometimes you’d have violent out bursts of fear, nearly causing you to run into oncoming traffic. No, they felt it better to allow you to continue on without trying to wake you. The community around you grew to understand and look out for you between late night shifts and earlier risers.
Until, that is, your episodes stopped suddenly around the gate of fifteen. No one understood it, least of all you, but things slowly settled into the average life. No one seemed to notice how upset this had made you.
You’d always enjoyed your midnight walkabouts, the adventures and conversations you’d have with the boy in your dreams. You’d always loved the swing set at the old abandoned house, loved the way the house looked, so he’d always take you there.
At one point you tried to tell your family about the boy, but no one listened to your words. They assumed it was a fantasy but you knew he was real. His name was Jack, but he loved to go by Anti, and he loved to play tricks and show off his magic.
He’s been fun, lots of it too. He was smart, snarky, and genuine. He’s been alone for a long time before he found you. He told you a lot of his travels, even taking you to some through your dreams.
It’s been magical, wonderful, and exciting. Then, it just stopped. He left you, alone. You felt as if everything you’d done and see and spoke about didn’t matter to him like it did to you.
Even now, years later the thought of his disappearance brings tears to your eyes. You never truly understood why he left. Was it your confession? Did your love for him scare him away? If that was the case, you’d take it back. Tell him that you’re okay with being friends, after all he was stuck in your dreams.
Trapped forever in the twilight hours. Alone.
Sitting with your head in your hand, elbow propped up on the small table in a low key coffee shop, you stare out the window to the street. People watching amuses you, but not by much. You miss the excitement and adventures of your childhood.
Watching the crowd while sipping your drink a face catches your eye. Nearly choking on the liquid in your mouth, you forgo your items and rush outside, trying to catch the fleeting image of an old friend. However, when you finally make it out the doors, he’s disappeared again.
Standing, mesmerized and confused in the middle of the crowded sidewalk, you wonder if you actually saw Anti. Was your head tricking you? Had he been there at all? People push past you, shooting dirty looks and snarky comments your way.
Ignoring them all, you look around again. He looked older, thinner than before, but that smile of his never changed. You know that smile like you know your name, but in this moment you wonder if you even know your name.
Going back inside the building you gather up your stuff and head home. You have classes to study for and a masters degree to achieve. If only you knew what you wanted to master in.
Arriving home you unlock the door and drop your bag inside before closing and locking the door once more. Looking at the side of your home you still feel in awe of your parent’s generousity. After hitting the Lotto, they secretly had the house you’d spend so many nights at rebuilt.
They said it was thei gift to your future family. You didn’t have the strength to tell them your heart had been stolen by a dream demon long ago. 
With a heavy sigh, you sit down at your coffee table and begin to work on your studies. Despite not knowing what you want to specialize in, you’re at least taking the needed prerequisites for just about any field.
Before you realize it, you’d fallen asleep almost two hours into studying even with coffee. A familiar feeling takes over you as your rise from the small table to your feet. You know this feeling all to well.
Sleep talking, only you feel very much aware of what is happening. Is it because you’re an adult down? Or is it because you’ve gone over your adventures with Anti so much you know what to looke for?
Perhaps it’s a lucid dream, and your really just laying on your coffee table. The possibilities swirl around in your head as your feet begin to take you through the house and out the kitchen door to the mud rooms then outside.
Walking down the mason laid path, you see a figure standing just under the large willow tree. It appears to be a male, but his face is blocked by the branches. In that me one time you both love and hate the tree.
“It’s been a long time,” his voice seems older now, but still has hints of that high notes from your past.
Tears well up in your eyes. Hope blossomed like hanaki flowers in your chest. “Jack.” You whisper. You knew how much he hated the name, but you’d always like it. It matched him. A jack of all trades.
“I thought we’d gone over that before.” He teases.
Whether you broke free or he released you, you don’t know, not do you care in the moment. Rushing forward, shedding tears as you go, you run into his arms. Burying your face into his chest you clutch your hands around him tightly.
“Please don’t leave me again!” You sob, pleading.
His arms settle around you, holding you nearly as tightly as you are him. “I didn’t realize you missed me.” He’s trying not to sound touched, but you hear through it.
Lifting your head to view his face, you smile wearily at him. “Of course I missed you.”
Anti smiles. Small lines appear at the corner of his eyes at the honesty in your voice. He’s always like that about you; always so transparent.
“How could I not miss the man I love?”
Anti stills. “You still...”
You smile at him. Your head nods slowly. “How could I not? You stole my heart a long time ago.”
Anti’s expression softens. “Is that still your stance?”
You nod, face pressed into his chest. “It always will be.
Anti chuckles. “That’s a relief. Otherwise all the work I’ve been doing would be for nothing.” He adds, his hands lifting your face to his. “Give yourself to me, wholly.”
Staring into his baby blue eyes you nod almost too eagerly. “Forever.” You whisper.
Smirking, Anti leans down to you, his lips pressing into yours hungrily. His large slender hands hold you right where he wants you, making through work of melting you from the inside out. Your knees feel weak against the feel of his touch.
Pulling away, watching you panting against his chest, Anti leans into your ear. “You’re mine.” He whispered, then disappears.
Waking up back in your living room you quickly jump to your feet. You don’t understand what that was all about. You know it wasn’t a dream, it just couldn’t be. Moving to the kitchen you feel a sting on your left breast.
Pausing you look under your shirt, scared by what you see. A heeling mark, almost a brand of a Celtic triangle marred your skin. Your heart jumps in your chest.
Was that even Anti? If it was, what the hell is he and what does this mean for you? Did you promise your heart to a vicious demon?
What happened to the Anti of your childhood?
Pulling out a chair to your kitchen table you drop your head into your hands and weep. What I’m the literal hell did you get yourself into??
Does he know? Does he understand how important he is to you? Does it sink in how desperate you are to see his smile? Is it obvious enough to him how utterly weak you are to his requests? To the way he says your name late at night when the world has finally drifted into sleep?
No; you doubt he truly understand just how easily he can break your very soul. One word, one look and you’d fall to pieces.
Your heart is his. Your body, soul, mind, your very existence belongs to this man that barely acknowledges your feelings. It’s bittersweet and freeing all at once.
“Hey, you look deep in thought.” His voice is like brandy to your ears; Smooth, dark, and lingering.
Looking up into his dark black-brown eyes your knees grow weak. He’s so closed off, so dejected from others, but with you there is a warmth in his normally cold eyes. If only that meant he loved you too.
“Kind of. More or less lost in thought.” You respond calmly. Your eyes bounce around his angular face. He’s all angles and hard edges, and yet, there is a softness to his features. Smooth and touchable.
His eyes flash concern momentarily. An emotion only you seem to see. “What has you so enamored?”
The subtleties in his tone, the way his octave changes makes your heart flip in your chest. How can he be so stoic and closed off and yet seem so warm and open?
Could it be a unique charm known only to him? Or is it just your imagination? Whatever it is, it has you enraptured and so invested that you never care to find the answer if it means being beside him.
Lying you respond, “Your hair is getting so long. I’m wondering what it’d look like braided.” Reaching out with a normal speed, your fingers dive into his long lucious locks. Touching the tops of his shoulders, your hand runs from root to ends a few times.
“Is that all?” His voice could be seen as harsh to an outsider, but you taste the warmth there.
You shake your head but don’t answer. He smirks. You continue to run your fingers in his hair. It’s so soft and smooth and everything glossy, well loved hair should be.
“Dark,” you whisper softly. His face turns to you in attention.
“Y/n.”
You know if you’d been standing your knees would have given out. Without thought, or Intention, or even reservation you say, “I love you.”
Time stands still for a moment. His eyes stare into yours. What emotion you’d been before is gone, as if he is simply a living statue.
“You don’t have to love me back.” You tell him honestly.
When he doesn’t respond your heart speeds up. The thought you’ve ruined what peace and tranquillity you’d grown with him haunts you within seconds.
“You can’t say you love me.” He finally responds. You blame your anxiety for not letting you hear his true tone of voice.
Letting you hand drop away, you respond, “I know, but my heart and head don’t like agreeing.”
His dark eyes stare into yours. “No,” he responds harshly. His tone startling you. “That is not my meaning.”
The feeling fades, replaced by confusion and worry. “I don’t understand, Dark. What do you mean?” You ask, raising a brow.
“I was to be the first to say such things.” His smile is a thing of beauty.
Shocked and dumbfounded you stare at him. “What?”
He moves faster than you comprehend. His hands wrapping around your face, holding you so gently before pressing his lips against yours.
Without coaxing you lean into him, hands grabbing at his expensive black suit, pulling him closer to your chest. His kiss is magic—more amazing that’s a thing you’d ever dreamed about.
No sooner did he kiss you does he pull away. His dad eyes seemingly getting darker than ever. A now expression beams from him: Lust.
“Dark,” you whisper, needing him to kiss you again. You know you’re drunk off one kiss. Your face flushed, body hot and needy, and yet, you don’t want to go much further.
Dark groans deep in his throat. The noise sends sharp shivers of anticipation down your spine.
“You can’t say my name like that.” He warns, pulling you into his lap. He kissed you again, the kiss feverish and desperate. It lasts much longer, the primal urgent and desires coursing through you both.
One of his large hands wraps around your neck, massaging and gently squeezing. You haven’t thought about how large his hands are, nor what they would feel like touching you so provocatively.
Without warning he pulls away. His hands holding you in place. “Minx.” He accuses softly.
Both of you are breathing loudly; your hearts thunderin in your chests. Looking into each other’s eyes, you both see the raw lust and need for more.
“I love you, Y/n.” He says seriously.
“Then kiss me again, and let’s watch Friday the 13th.” You respond smiling.
He smiles. Kisses you gently, then shifts you in his arms to face the TV.
“Later we can screw.” You add before the movie starts.
Shocked it takes him a moment, then he simply laughs. “Monkeys screw.” He says chuckling a moment longer before adding in a lost seductive tone, “I’m going to fuck you until you can think.”
Teacher I have a question 🙋♀️(I'm sorry that was a bad joke🤭) any who😅. How tall do you think the septic and iplier egos are. Do you think they're the same hight as mark and jack or taller🤔. I like to think that some of them are taller by like a few inches. I was just wondering what you think on this extremely important topic. Ps. Hope you have a great Halloween 🎃😋.
Thank you for this very important message question. I have the idea that they range from same to just a few inches taller or shorter. Egos like Chase, Anti, Google, and Dr. Iplier, I think would be about 5’ 7” or 5’ 8”. Just a smidge shorter, and then egos like Dark, Wilford, Henrik, and Marvin would be 6’ even or 6’ 1”. The others I think would be around the same height.
Hiding underneath your blankets in your bedroom of your parent’s house, you dread getting out of bed. It’s been three days since Dark pinned you down and somehow convinced you to entertain the idea of an open relationship with him and Anti, and now you’re scared to see either demons.
When Anti had come back home later that evening you’d become a complete and utter mess. Dark had explained the whole thing and Anti seemed to accept once it was clear you hadn’t immediately vetoed the idea, but it did nothing to ease your heart.
You ran into Anti’s arms and refused to leave them until you’d passed out and he put you to bed.
Sighing, a timid knock at your door brings you out of your comforter cocoon. “Yes?”
“Emily, I’ve made breakfast; are you hungry?” Your mother calls.
“Coming.” You respond. You hear her retreat to the stairs, and slowly emerge from your bedding. Changing into a pair of jogging sweats and fleece lined hoodie, you head down stairs to meet your mother.
The moment your mother lays eyes on you, her face brightens. You love your mother and she loves you dearly. Smiling back, you take a seat at the table and load up your plate with scrambled eggs with a light sprinkling of pepper, waffle squares, hash browns, and three slices of bacon.
“My, are you hungry this morning?” Your mother coos happily.
Smiling sheepishly in response, you shovel eggs into you mouth followed by some bacon.
“Emi, I wanted to talk to you about something…”
Pausing, you stare at your mother in question. It’s never been good when she starts a conversation like this. Last time it was to tell you about your grandmother’s hospitalization. She waits for you to set down your utensils.
“Emi, I… I know it’s not my place to question your relationships; but I’ve been wondering if you are,” Her voice drops as if someone could come into the kitchen any moment. “Are you cheating on your punk rock boyfriend?”
Laughter bubbles in your chest at her question. “Jack?” You ask softly. “No, no mom. I am not cheating on him. He goes by Anti.”
“Anti, that’s right! You kids go by such odd names these days.” SHe mutters.
“No, you’re seeing one of his friends. He’s kind of punkish too. He goes by Dark.” You tell her, partially lying. Dropping your gaze to the plate before you, you debate talking to your mother…
“You look troubled. Did this boy do anything to you?” Your mother asks in a serious tone.
Shaking your head, you tell her, “No. No, nothing like that. I just… What do you think about open relationships?”
“Open? What does that mean?”
Biting your lower lip for a second you tell her, “In a context you can grasp; I’m dating Anti, but I also want to date Dark. Instead of cheating or sneaking around, Anti and I have a deal that we can date one, or more people and be truthful about it.”
Your mother gasps at the explanation. “There are people that do that?” She asks, her age showing clearly.
Her expression makes it hard to keep from giggling softly.
“Does Anti want another girlfriend?” Your mother asks angrily.
Quickly you shake your head. “No, it wasn't Anti. I promise.” You assure her. “I just… I think I might be developing feelings for Dark, and I don’t know what to do.”
Your mother coos at your obvious discomfort. “Has this Dark, has he indicated he’d be okay with you cheating on Anti with him?”
“Yes… No… I can’t tell. I’ve only ever been interested in Anti. It’s hard to read other people, especially when it comes to romantic notions.” You explain as best as you can.
Your mother hums to herself, mulling over your words. “How do you feel about it? Even if Anti and Dark are okay with this kind of relationship; would you be happy? When it comes down to it, Emily, you have to be comfortable with the state of your relationship.Some times being in love with two people means you have to make a hard choice and hope it’s the right now.”
Nodding, you slowly pick at your food, eating bits and pieces here and there as your mother moves about the kitchen. When you finally finished breakfast, you thank your mother, wash your dishes, then take your car into town. You need to do some retail therapy to mull something more productive over in your head.
“Can I help you find anything?” A tall, leggy brunette asks walking up to you.
Shaking your head you respond, “No, I’m doing alright.” She nods.
“If you need anything, my name is Tiffany.” she adds before walking away with a painted smile.
Watching the woman move on to another person, you continue your browsing through summer clearance before deciding to move on to fall fashion.
“Did you see that hot guy out front? He looked like he was searching for someone.” A young woman, probaby twenty two squeals happily.
“You should totally go talk to him. I mean, he probably has a girlfriend, but you’re so much hotter.” Her equally aged friend responds.
Rolling your eyes, you try to ignore their squealing, but a part of you has an urge to see who’s standing outside the store. You wonder if it’s a poor soul shopping with his wife or girlfriend and she moved on without telling him.
“Look at him. Go talk to him; go.” The friend urges again.
Unable to hold back, you walk to the windows and peek outside beyond the mannequins. Jaw dropping you realize the two girls are talking about Anti. His head turns, finding you, smiles and heads into the store. The girls cheer upon seeing him enter the shop.
Smiling meekly, you wave to Anti. “Hey.” You greet as he passes the two young women,
“Your mother said you went shopping.”
You nod. “You could have called me.”
He shrugs. “But then it wouldn’t be a surprise.” His smile is all the reward you need.
“Are you hungry?”
“Always.” He teases looking you up and down.
“Food, Anti.” you correct laughing.
He smirks. “That’ll do for now.” He teases again, wrapping his arms around your, holding you tight against his chest.
“Come on, Romeo. Let’s get some food.” You chuckle happily.
“Whatever makes you happy, Emi.” He whispers softly. His lips press into your hair. “I just want you happy.”
His words hit your hard. “I am happy, Anti. I’m happy with you.” You assure him, resting your head against his chest. “We need to sit down and talk about Dark when we get home.” You add quietly.
“I know. For now, let’s enjoy ourselves.” He agrees. Leading out of the shop, Anti shows you down the mall to an upscale restaurant.
With a quick wave of Dark’s hand you fall from the ceiling. Crying out at the unexpected pull of gravity, you silently wonder just how badly the contact with the floor will feel. Before you have a chance to see just how bad it would feel, you are caught by Dark.
His strong arms easily shoulder your weight and carry you to the couch. Unceremoniously he lets you drop onto the couch. Your body hitting hard enough to knock against the under beams.
“Don’t flatter yourself, human. I simply put up with you because of my partnership with Anti. Once you prove to be a hindrance, I will kill you for both our sakes.” Dark responds coldly. Without another word Dark disappears from your cabin.
Frowning and feeling a little abused by his less than gentle approach to helping you, you swing your legs over the edge of the cough and sit up. Sighing, you stand and gather up the bag Dark left behind. Looking inside the package, you take it into the kitchen and put away the various treats.
You try to not let his cold words linger too long in your mind, but it’s hard when he says them with such a dead tone and straight face? After these long months, you’d thought of Dark as a friend. You suppose, you were wrong to assume.
Pacing back and forth in his lounge Dark can’t get your words to stop running over and over in his head. Your assumption is laughable; if only he could laugh at it. Instead he mulls over your words, the way you spoke to him, even the look on your face.
Moreover, how dare you assume he’s so petty to be jealous of Anti of all creatures! If anything he pittys Anti for being so infatuated by such a frail and weak creature such as you…
Yet, as he thinks the cruel harsh thoughts in his head they don’t seem to truly feel… true. That knowledge alone irritates Dark most of all. The thought that your assumption could be the honest truth enrages and engulfs him.
Looking up at the sound of the door open and close, you see Dark enter the cabin once more. Nothing seemed out of place at first glance, but then, as he stepped into the soft living room glow, you see blood. Jumping up you hurry over to Dark, taking him by the hand to the couch.
“What the hell happened to you?” You ask in a rush. Practically stripping his jacket and shirt off, you see a large number of cuts, scraps, and bruise marks all over his body. “Dark! What did you get into a fight with?”
Leaving him briefly you grab a first aid kit from your bathroom and hurry back. Dark still hasn’t moved more than you’ve made him. Leaving him again you wet a small towel, ring it out, and sit back down next to Dark.
“Dark! I’m talking to you!” You shout, angry he hasn’t even acknowledged your presence.
He continues to ignore you. Biting your inner cheek, you continue cleaning Dark. The towel slowly being dyed red. Cleaning and patching Dark’s skin takes nearly an hour and half. Your hands cramping from holding the towel for so long.
Sighing and rinsing out the towel with warm water, you glance at Dark. He hasn’t moved at all since he sat down. His cold demeanor is really starting to get to you more than just irritation. Moving the coffee table closer to Dark’s knees, you settle yourself between his legs and gently clean off his face. Most of his wounds have stopped bleeding, some bubbling a little after a pass of the washcloth. With each pass of the cloth you look up to Dark’s eyes.
For a moment, as you apply antibacterial cream to a large slash along Dark’s cheek bone, you have a feeling of familiarity. Without meaning to a small smile slips across your face. Perhaps being the team medic isn’t as back as you once thought. Seeing blood isn’t as traumatizing to you as it had been.
“Why are you laughing?” Dark asks, his voice startling you from your thoughts.
Looking up into his eyes you smile at him. “It’s really not something funny.” You start softly. “I was just thinking about how I’ve been patching the pair of you up, and that blood doesn’t seem to bother me anymore.” You finish.
Dark remains silent, his watchful eyes staring directly at you.
“I want you.”
Stilling you look up to Dark. His eyes meet yours. “What?”
“You are right. I am jealous of Anti.” Dark clarifies.
Opening your mouth to speak nothing comes out. Swallowing the forming lump in your throat you try to speak again. “Are you sure?” Internally you yell at yourself for such a stupid question.
“How would I not be?”
“Sorry, I said that wrong. I meant:In what way?”
Moving faster than you can comprehend, Dark pins you down on the coffee table. Dark blue and red lights flicker in his black-brown eyes. Your eyes meet. “I want you, like Anti wants you.” He confesses, one hand running down your jaw on the left side.
“I’m Anti’s girlfriend… does that mean you..”
A gentle smile graces Dark’s face. The image of this leaves you breathless momentarily. “You are something we demons give up on finding: love.”
Your heart speeds up at his words. He wants to love you and have your love in return? “But, Dark, I love..” A large finger presses against your lips.
Dark quietly hushes you. Your eyes stare into his. You don’t understand. Sure, Dark is very obvious with his attempts to flirt and hit on you when Anti is around, but when alone he never even seems to look at you in that way.
“You can love more than one person. Many humans have ‘open’ relationships. I do not mind sharing with Anti.” Dark whispers, his lips hovering just above your own. It's not often Dark gets so close to you.
Swallowing another lump, you feel your gaze drawn down to his lips, then back up again. “What if that’s not what I want?” You ask softly.
Anti helps curb your nightmares with herbs provided by Ra and his kinsmen. For a few weeks following your break down, Anti and Dark had discussed among themselves who could be haunting your dreams. Even in their hushed tones you could hear them clearly from across the room.
At one point, you’d groused at them to stop acting like you’re a child that needs to be left in the dark. Neither seemed to mind your outburst but Anti didn’t try to leave you out. Dark never cared either way.
Looking outside, curled up in a large fleece lined blanket with a cup of steaming tea in your hand, you watch the rain drip from the roof overhang. Anti and Dark had been gone for nearly a week and a half, as Anti had informed you beforehand. The isolation had slowly seeped into your bones.
At first you hadn’t noticed it; then slowly you’d find yourself perking up at any slight noise at the front door. Many times you’d find yourself walking hopefully near the windows for any sign of movement. Then, the disappointment of emptiness would settle in.
Sipping the cup of tea every few minutes, you try to think of something to occupy your time. You’ve spent many weeks without another soul in your haven, so why was this any different?
It’s different because things aren’t the same. You finally conclude bitterly. Setting down your cup you see a brief moment of shimmering wings outside the window across the room.
For a quick moment a fleeting smile graces your features before it leaves again. Abandoning your fleece blanket and its warmth, you walk into the kitchen for a snack from the cupboard. Feeling adventurous you searched around the cabinets for a special kind of oatmeal cookie Anti had bought you when he was in England.
After searching for a few minutes you notice a glimmer of the box high above your reach.
Puffing out your cheeks in frustration you wish you could float high enough to get the cookies. Drumming your fingers on the counter you turn to get a chair from the table when you feel yourself slowly raise off the floor. Stunned and confused you don’t immediately react until you get eye to eye with your pale grey microwave.
Floundering in mid air you grab at the cupboard as you float higher and higher. Your fingers slid along the door before you got smart and grip the opening of the actual cupboard. Hooking your fingers around the lip of the opening fear snakes through you. Your stomach lurches at the increased distance between you and floor.
Feeling sick and dizzy from being upside down, you relax your hands and float up to the ceiling using your hands to help shift yourself upright. Pressing one hand to your mouth and one against your abdomen, you close your eyes and try to get the nausea and headache to subside.
Minutes press on and soon an hour has passed since you found yourself floating on the ceiling. In that hour you tried everything you could think of to get yourself down. Willing yourself to the ground, climbing down the walls like some sort of B-rated horror show; to pleading with your powers to let you down. Nothing seemed to help in the slightest.
Sitting with your back against the well cross legged you come to a realization; you have to use the bathroom. Feeling frustrated you scream loudly, the sound a little off because of your position. Smacking your hands on the ceiling, you scream again.
In no way are you going to soil yourself glued to the ceiling. “ANTI! DARK! ONE OF YOU ASSHOLES APPEAR! I want down from here.”
“Well, that’s no way to get what you want.” Dark’s voice echoes from the front door.
Swinging your head over, you see him standing with a package under his right arm. “Dark! I’ve never been so happy to see you!” You shout ecstatic to see him.
Slowly Dark looks around the room before glancing up when you move towards him. “What the hell? How did you get up there?” He asks, walking closer to you.
Glaring at him you respond, “Not on purpose! Can you just help me get down?”
Smirking, Dark sets down the package and simply stares up at you. Instantly you realize this is not going to work out in your favor easily. “What do I get if I help you?”
“What? Are you joking? Now? Of all times for you to be self-serving, you choose now?” You shout angrily.
Dark shrugs at your screeching. “What can I say? I’m an opportunist.”
Glaring at Dark you try to think of some way to get around asking Dark for help, however like before nothing comes to mind for a solution. Gritting your teeth to the point of pain, you ask, “What do you want, Dark?”
The smile he gives in return does little to comfort you. “To know why Anti is so infatuated by you.”
Relaxing your jaw you respond, “What do you mean? Whether you choose to believe it or not isn’t my problem, but Anti loves me. He’s not “infatuated”.” Dark’s smile fails. “If it was simply infatuation, he would have left the moment things got complicated. It’s not infatuation or even mild interest that binds a person like Anti to anything. If you’ve known him as long as you claim, you would know this better than anyone.”
Dark doesn’t smile again, his mind seemingly mulling over your response. You don’t understand where Dark gets off questioning your relationship with Ant. A part of you chooses to believe his question comes from a place of friendly concern.
“Perhaps I do not know him as well as you think, or rather as well as you seem to think. Anti is a recluse. He never held the same place for too long; choosing to keep his secrecy. Until, that is, he met you.” Dark explains stopping just under your position.
“I’m a little confused, are you concerned for Anti, or just jealous?” You ask without any hint of malice or ill intent.
Dark stares blankly up at you. “Why would I be jealous of that green bastard?”
Without missing a beat you respond, “Because he has me.”
They didn’t notice it at first. You’d been hiding it fairly well. Sitting on the couch you stare out the windows. The season seems to be passing by without a second glance. Everything seemed to happen so fast and there had been no chance of hitting the pause button.
Anti has taken you to the hidden realm a few times, trying to acclimate your changing body. It’s not that there is much difference in ways of atmosphere or looks, but the lack of warmth was something that took you by surprise. He assured you that your body would get used to the change in temperature and you would be able to control your body temperature to match the temperature around you.
Sighing, your eyes watch droplets of rain run down the glass window. You don’t want to leave this little haven of yours. It’s been your dream to stay in the woods, surrounded by the fairy folk and mystic creatures living there.
Closing your eyes you rest your forehead against the window. You haven’t been open with Anti or Dark, for that matter, over the past three weeks. The pair seemed to be under a lot of stress dealing with things they don’t want to go into detail over, and you didn’t want to worry them.
Even now Anti and Dark sit at the far end of the cabin talking in hushed tones. You know you could make out their conversation if you really wanted to, but as of lately you’ve just been tired. Sleep has become a thing of discomfort.
“We should take her back and test out her abilities. It’s clear they are getting stronger. Her abilities are going to be quite amazing, Anti. She will be sought after.” You hear Dark say as if he’s right next to you.
“I understand that, Dark.” Anti responds tight lipped. He hates the idea of forcing you to test out your powers before you’re ready mentally. “I won’t force her to explore her abilities before she is ready. As it is I have forced her into a corner just by staying around her.” Anti adds, his tone breaking your heart. You hate how much self loathing Anti holds over this predicament.
Attempting to lift yourself from the couch to comfort him, you find yourself held motionless on the couch. No part of your body responds to your commands. Even your eyes refuse to lift. Feeling your heart pound in your chest you realize this feeling. Sleep paralysis.
Worse than feeling helpless is what happens next. The darkness gives way to light, a field of beautiful flowers of all colors greets you. Everything looks so cheerful and peaceful. It always does when you first arrive.
Off to your left you see Ra bouncing from flower to flower in sprite bliss. Your lips curve into a small at his obvious joy. Ra is bigger than before, almost the size of an adolescent child. His hair is pulled back in a high ponytail as he wanders through the field.
Calling out to him, you can’t hear your own voice, and yet he turns. His smile is warm and welcoming. Lifting from the ground his wings carry him to you, their colors shimmering brilliantly in the sun. His body shrinks the closer he comes until he’s back to his normal size, a little bigger if you’re thinking correctly. Holding your hands out he lands there, sitting down in your palms positively glowing with happiness.
He talks to you, his voice seeming to be muted by some mystical power. You respond, and again you can’t hear your own voice. He lifts from your palm his body language changing, and you know it’s happening.
Both your heads look up to the sky as a black cloud rolls across the soft blue, blocking out the sun and casting the field into darkness. You shiver at the feeling of dread run up your spine. In front of you Ra grows to that of Anti’s height, his body paced protectively in front of you.
From the black cloud a man with dark tribal like marking across his face and torso descends from the sky. Dream you recognize him, but to you he’s nothing more than a stranger. Your eyes meet and he smiles.
You shiver again. His smile is hollow and filled with malice. Ra turns to you, shouting something you disagree to. His face is contorted in fear and in need to protect you. He pleads, his eyes trying to convince you to flee, to let him protect you. Again you stay still.
The man across from you does something you don’t catch, but Ra is bleeding. Your hands wrap around him, pulling him with you, trying to protect him. Blood coats your hands as you try to stop the bleeding. Tears blur your vision as the ground next to you explodes, pelting you both with debris.
Looking at the man you shout something, probably pleading him to leave Ra along, that you’ll do anything to save the sprite you love so dearly. The man does not agree. His cold smile widens to show sharp teeth. Before you can say anything more he rushes you, his intent to kill.
Raising your arms instinctually you create a barrier that knocks him back. Tears burn against your cheek as you stand to your feet to protect Ra.
Roaring with anger the man rams your barrier, cracks appearing with each attack he sends your way. Two more hits to the barrier and it breaks. Feeling the blow against your chest you’re knocked backwards, spinning in the air before tumbling head over heels. Everything hurts, you feel dizzy and weak, yet you get to your feet. You can’t leave Ra alone, you won’t let the man hurt Ra without giving him one hell of a fight.
Closing your eyes, you feel a surge of power engulf your body. Opening your eyes you run forward, your left arm wipping out unleashing a huge wave of black and purple energy at the man. He tries to block, but the wave knocks him back, blood oozing from the area your wave hit. Over and over you send wave after wave against him, forcing him back from Ra’s weakened form.
Sprinting forward you get in close to him. Barely missing a strong punch, you counter with a right hook of your own. The power behind your blow sends him flying back. Knowing that you can’t let up, you chase after him, jumping high into the sky. Angling yourself to land on top of him, you bring down your left fist into his stomach.
You can’t follow up with another blow. The man’s hand grabs you by the neck, squeezing your throat tightly as he slowly gets to his feet. You can see he’s straining to maintain his stance, putting all his power into holding you off the ground.
His teeth are bared as he says something you believe is filled with hate and malice. Using the last of his strength he throws you into the ground, your breath leaving your body and for a moment everything turns black.
The moment you draw a breath back into your body you’re greeted with a large spear aim directly at your heart. Fear runs through your body as it inches closer to you in slow motion. You can’t move, your body still trying to recover from the slam.
Before it reaches you a familiar body appears above you. At first you can’t comprehend what happened, but as the warm sticky red liquid soaks through your clothing the full picture comes together.
Your mouth opens in horror at the sight of Ra standing over you with a spear pierced through his gut. Above him the man’s eyes roll into the back of his head. Ra’s hand buried in his chest. Heart racing you scramble to your feet. Shoving your attacker away from Ra before wrapping your arms around Ra you easing him to the ground.
Fat droplets of your tears fall against his face. Your heart breaking at the knowledge he is dying in your arms. Looking at the spear, you grab the staff and burn it down to the tip. Pulling Ra towards your stomach you pull the remainder of the spear free. Blood rushes out, pooling around his back, soaking the ground a deep black red.
Laying him down again you brush his hair from his face before pressing your hand against his abdomen. You can’t heal him perfectly, but you can try to repair some of his body to slow the bleeding. Looking to the sky you scream, calling for someone to help you save Ra.
Tears block your vision as his hand cups your cheek, guiding your face back to his. He’s smiling at you, and it hurts even more. Holding his hand against your cheek you feel his warmth slowly fade from his hand.
Shaking him you call his name. Doubling over you wrap your arms around Ra’s body holding him tightly to your chest. Tears fall without abandon as your heart wails in pain. Rocking back and forth you sob holding Ra’s head to your chest until his body slowly shrinks back to his sprite form.
Gingerly you hold his tiny body to your heart again, If only you could have protected him. If only he had never met you. If only he’d stayed in the woods, safe and far away from you.
“RA!!!” You scream finally hearing your voice. Opening your eyes you feel lost for a moment. Weren’t you just in a field of flowers? “Ra? Ra!” You shout looking down at your hands. No blood.
“Emi, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” Anti asks wrapping his arms around you, comforting you.
Looking at him you feel…. Empty. Ra died. He was in your hands. It was so real… but how… Turning in Anti’s arm, you cling to him and sob.
It was a dream. Another horrible nightmare of Ra’s death. It’s not always Ra that dies; sometimes it’s Anti or Dark, other times it’s your mother. There is never any pattern, and it’s always the same scenario each time, yet still, when you wake it feels so real you can’t help but cry for sometime afterwards.
“Emi, what did you dream about?” Dark asks once you’ve calmed down.
Your tried eyes look to Dark, then to Anti. “I want to see Ra first, before I tell you.” You respond standing from the couch. Anti follow you to the door.
Once outside you call for Ra. He comes almost instantly, his smile bright and filled with life. Fighting against your tears once more, you let him land in your palm. “Ra, this won’t make sense to you; but I’m glad you are alive.” You tell him.
His head tilts to the side, confused by your words before his smile returns again. “I am glad you are alive too.” He says brightly.
Leaning down, you press your cheek gently against his head. “I love you, Ra.” You whisper meaning it.
Getting any time alone with Dark around proved to be difficult. Despite your very obvious dismissal of his continuous presence, he refused to let you out of his sight without Anti around. Under other circumstances, it may have been adorable, but with everything going on, you just feel drained.
“Stay inside, I’m going out to see the sprites.” You order with your hand on the door knob.
Dark’s arm shoots out, stopping you from pulling the door open fully. You hate it when he does this to you.
“I’m not a prisoner in my own home.” You tell him, gritting your teeth as you speak.
Dark chuckles, “Of course not, but you are under my supervision.”
“And I’m not a child.” You add quickly. “I am going outside the cabin to see the sprites that live around the cabin. You scare them.” You tell him, needing time alone from Dark and Anti for that matter.
“If you run, I will catch you.”
Looking over your shoulder at him, you roll your eyes. “Please, as if I’d need too. My family lives just down the path.” You tell him motioning to the stone path leading to your parent’s house. Well, it’s your house too; technically you still live at home because the cabin is not yet suitable for year round living.
Dark steps away, his hand dropping to his side. Irritated you jerk the door open and exit the cabin. The sun is bright and high in the afternoon sky, warming your aching bones. You’ve started to go stir crazy, which has never happened before, even when you were alone in the cabin.
You blame the feeling on the fact things are changing so drastically. It had always been a possibility, just not something you’d think would happen at all. Humans don’t just become demons or creatures of the frey randomly; there has to be more to it than just that.
Walking into the grove of hybrid flowers you find a small bald spot and sit down among the flowers. Exhausted, you lay down, eyes closed soaking in the sun. A light breeze tickles the fine hairs on your arms and face.
“Miss bride, are you alright?”
Peeking from under your eyelashes you see a few of the sprites flutter closer to you, their wings like that of a humming bird’s.
“Just tired. I’m sorry I haven’t been out alone or with Anti lately. Things have… become complicated.” You explain slowly sitting up. The sprites back away to give you space.
“Who is the new man? He scares us.” A sprite you’ve come to enjoy with vivid green eyes and long auburn hair.
“His name is Dark. He’s here to watch over me.”
“Is it because of the magic growing within you?”
You nod. “I’m changing and we don’t know what’ll happen at the end of my change.” You explain further. It scares you, truly scared you over what you could become.
Tiny hands, however much larger than you’re used to, touch your arm gently. Lifting your head you see the youngling sprite with the large yellow eyes. It’s very much taken on male characteristics. His eyes still large, but slanted ever so slightly. Still very much gender fluid, he definitely looks more on the musculine side.
“Miss Bride, do you recognize me?” The sprite asks.
Nodding you smile at him. “The youngling from a few weeks ago. Wow, you’ve grown so much.” You marvel looking at the young sprite over. “So, you’re a male sprite now?” You ask for clarification.
“Yes, this form felt right.” he says looking down at his physique. You smile at him, happy he’s happy with his new features.
“It suits you well.” You tell him, meaning it.
HIs tiny cheeks flush red. “Thank you, Miss Bride.” He responds bashfully.
You can’t help a small giggle. “You’re very welcome. Have you been given a name?” You ask.
He shakes his head no. “We thought you would be the best to name me.”
Instantly your jaw drops. “Me? Are you sure? I’m horrible with names.” You tell him, not wanting to give such a wonderful your sprite a horrible name for the rest of his existence.
The young sprite floats to your knee and settles there. “I trust you. Because of you, I have grown to a size no other sprite has ever been before.”
Your face burns at the sigh of his complete trust in you. Cooing softly you hold your hand out to the sprite, only retracting it back to your body once he’s settled in your palm. Smiling, you look him over. You know he’s going to be a fine sprite.
“What are your talents?” You ask. needing to keep yourself busy with other things.
Thinking, the sprite moves his hands in a pattern through the air. The wind picks up as lights of various colors begin to emanate from his hands. In aw, you watch as the lights grow larger, lifting into the air in a kaleidoscope like fashion. As they reach high above your head the lights explode with firework flare.
“That’s beautiful.” Sitting in awe you look to the sprite. His chest puffs a little at your praise. “You’re really something special, aren’t you?”
“Miss Bride, because of you, he is the strongest of us. We are very thankful for your blessing.” A young female sprite says.
Looking to the owner of the tiny voice you ask, “Could I do this for everyone?”
Heads shake. “Only the younglings would be affected in this way. We could store the power and become stronger, but our bodies have reached maturity. We cannot grow anymore than we are now.” The elder sprite answers, stepping forward. Quickly you bow your head out of respect for the elder.
“Understood.” You respond softly.
“You have done us a great honor by sharing your energy with even just one of our kind. Your heart truly is generous and pure.” The elder floats closer to you.
This is the closest you’ve ever been to the elder. “I… thank you. You’ve all been so kind to me, even before now. I could never begin to repay you for this feeling of happiness I have.”
The elder nods his head. “Such a gentle soul. You will be a good addition to this world.” He says floating close enough you touch your cheek.
Warmth spreads through his touch into your body, seeping deep within your bones. Closing your eyes you bask in the warmth. “Elder,” You whisper, opening your eyes to look at the aged sprite. “What is going to happen to me?”
The elder smiles gently at you, the wrinkles along his mouth and under his eyes deepening. There is comfort in his smile. It reminds you of your own grandfather. “It will be difficult, but know; you are always welcome among us. We will always welcome you with open arms and a warm place to rest. Our magic can halt the process for a short time, if it is needed we can provide for you. This is not something we offer lightly.”
Nodding you feel a small amount of comfort in his offer. “Thank you, Elder. Your words have calmed some of the fears in my heart.” You whisper, smiling softly. Tears line your eyes. He said if needed. Careful of the youngling, you cover your eyes with one hand. “I’m sorry, I’m not ungrateful, I just… I’m so scared of becoming something horrible. I don’t want to hurt anyone.” You sob, drawing your knees closer to your chest.
The sprites look between each other before gathering closer around you. A soft melody slowly raises on the wind, bringing your attention back to the sprites. Their voices blend flawlessly as they sing in an ancient language of their people you don’t understand. Regardless, you feel comforted by their song.
Your little youngling sprite sings along with the others, his eyes closed just as their eyes were. Smiling contently, your eyes slowly begin to drift down. Your muscles relax and you slowly lay down in the flowers. Opening your eyes enough to see the sprites you lock eyes with a pair of yellow eyes.
His eyes remind you of sunshine and warmth. “Ra.” You whisper softly. “Egyptian God of the Sun. That’ll be your name… Ra.” You manage to get out just before you slip into a well needed deep sleep.
Ra rolls his name over on his tongue. The others try it out as well, looking at the former nameless sprite. “I am Ra.” He announces to his family. He likes the name, like the power it gives him to have such a strong connection to the sun and to you. Floating over to your face, Ra leans down and kisses your cheek. “I will wear this name with pride.”
Dark wanders out into the grove. His eyes falling on your sleeping frame. Standing eerily still, he waits as the Elder few up to him.
“Elder.” He greets calmly.
“Lord Demon, we understand you are not her chosen mate; however you are working to keep her safe. We of the North Wood sprites have placed this young woman under our protection, and as such we are placing one of our own at her disposal. Ra,” He says, indicating to the sprite still hovering close to your body. “Will be at her side when she is no longer in the forest. He is our strongest, and has an amazing connection to the young woman. Should she need us, we will be there through Ra.”
Dark simply nods. “Understand, were she my mate; I would not allow such a thing. However, she has rebuffed my attempts. So, do as you wish, but know; I will not hesitate to remove anyone that becomes a hindrance in my task.”
The Elder nods once then leaves back to his people.Dark watches the elder speak with Ra before he and the rest of the clan leave. Ra is last to leave, waiting with your body until you are taken inside to rest on the bed.
Hey auntie mangled. Haven't heard from you in a while! How are you doing? Sending love your way! 💕❤💛💜💗💖🧡💛💖💕❤💛🧡💖💜💖💛💕❤🧡💛💖💜
💖💕❤ Getting better, glad to see you’re still in this journey with me. lol. It’s been a hard year, and I just recently found my creativity again. Thank you for all the love, it really warms my cold bones. I hope you are well and safe during these odd and trying times. 💖💕❤
Sitting, very uncomfortably you will add, midway between the two males currently in your home, you try to keep your cool. It doesn’t help how utterly unpleasant Anti is being in comparison to his…. Acquaintance.
There had been a heated argument outside the cabin once you’d been patched up, in which Anti threw a few punches. You didn’t condone his actions, but it did make you feel better watching a few of the blows connect with Dark’s skin.
However, it did little to calm Anti’s mood. You’d taken the time to change your clothes feeling like your previous ones had been soiled by Dark’s cruel act. When you entered the large living area the pair was already seated at the table.
Staring at your phone, you wish you could do or say something to ease the tension. Glancing from one to the other, you try to figure out their relationship. You get an enemy to friends kind of vibe, but you can’t know for sure. Maybe, you should ask?
Looking to Dark, you ask, “Why did you kiss me?” Welp, that wasn’t exactly what you had meant to ask, yet there it is.
Dark’s gaze falls on your face, his smile making your face burn with embarrassment. Instantly you want to take the question back. Dark doesn’t give you the chance to change the subject. “You looked devilishly delectable.”
Dropping your head, you try to hide just how his words affected you. No one’s said such things to you. Sure you’ve been hit on and a few guys have attempted to woo you, but to be so blunt is different. Even Anti doesn’t say such things to you.
“Watch it, Dark.” Anti growls pulling your chair closer to him. “Why are you here?”
“Like I told you bride, to pay my respects.”
“So, kissing someone else’s girl is called respect in your world? No thanks.” You mutter turning your nose at Dark.
Anti feels a moment of pride in you. He knew he shouldn’t worry about you falling for the smooth talking man across from him. Standing in a flash, Anti has you swept around his back, poised to defend you. The movements are too quick for you to follow or understand immediately.
Dark stands opposite of Anti, the table thrown across the room lying in broken pieces against the wall. Spotting the table you shriek.
“My grandfather made that for me! You better fix that this instant!!” You shriek trying to get around Anti to wringe Dark’s neck for destroying something your grandfather put so much effort into. Anti’s arm snakes around your waist, holding you off the ground as your legs kick out towards Dark. “Let me down, Anti! I’m going to kill that bastard!” You hiss reaching an arm out as far as you can towards Dark.
Without warning a dark purple streak of light lashes out, cutting a long slender line along Dark’s cheek bone. Gasping you stop struggling in Anti’s arms. Your heart pounding in your chest at the sudden injury.
“Oh. My. God!” Looking to Anti for answers you ask, “Was that you?”
He shakes his head, setting you down in the process, and then sits down in his chair. Dark doesn’t retaliate, merely stands rooted to his position staring at his blood coated fingers.
“Anti, what just happened?” You ask, trying to get answers once more.
He doesn’t respond, his head in his hands for a few seconds before lifting his gaze to yours. “I had prayed this wouldn’t happen.”
“What?” You press nervously.
He exchanges a look with Dark. “You cannot live among humans for much longer.” Dark announces for Anti. Spinning on your heel you look to Dark, the wound already healing.
“What? Me? Do you mean me?” You ask, feeling more and more on edge.
“Emi,” Anti takes your hands into his, bringing your attention back to him. “That was not my doing. That was yours. I told you spending prolonged time around me could cause changes in you; changes I could not predict.” Anti says reminding you of a conversation many years ago.
“So, so what? I have demon power now?” You ask.
“Not quite.” He whispers squeezing your hands tightly.
Dark takes the reins from Anti within seconds. “You are becoming a demon. Eighty percent of demons were humans at one point. Through either bloodletting, a pact, or consistent contact with a demon they’ve become one themselves. In rare cases a human is possessed by a demon and consumed.”
“So… I’m going to be a demon?”
“You already are.”
Staring at Anit you feel a little weak. “I don’t feel good.” You manage as your eyes flutter close and your muscles give out. Moving quickly Anti catches you calling out your name.
“She’s passed out. It was just too much at once.” Dark says checking your pulse.
Anti grouses at Dark for touching you again, but doesn’t do anything else. Lifting you up, Anti takes you to the bed and lies you down. Brushing hair from your face, he watches over you for a half hour before leaving you to rest. Dark follows him back to the living area.
“You sped up the process!” Anti hisses in a low tone to keep from waking you.
“You should have warned her more appropriately before you started having sex. That’s what sped up the process, Anti!” Dark hisses back in the same low tone.
Anti growls, his hands bunching in his hair. He knows Dark isn’t wrong, but he sure as hell wasn’t about to admit that. “I told you about her to keep her safe when I was gone, not to attack her!”
Dark shrugs his shoulders. “I can’t help it. She’s interesting and very beautiful. I understand why you stick around.” Dark remarks nonchalauntly. Anti shoots him a heated glare but doesn’t dismiss Dark’s assessment.
Sighing, he sinks into the couch. Head in his hands Anti tries to think of how best to protect you now. Living among humans takes years of training, not because you’d look any different, but because of your powers. Your emotions will make your powers stronger and even more unpredictable.
“If you were not prepared for this outcome, why did you stay here?” Dark asks, curious as to what the answer will be.
Anti looks to Dark. “Being without her hurt more.” Resting his chin on the back of his hand, Anti looks around your cabin. He can replicate the details in their realm, but he knows it wouldn’t be the same to you. It’s the people behind the details that you hold onto, not the items themselves. Looking at the table he weaves his magic, putting the table back the way it was before Dark broke it. Setting it down in it’s proper spot, Anti goes back to the task at hand.
“It takes time for her body to accept her new abilities, right?”
Dark nods. “Yes, but the more demonic energy she is exposed to, the more it will feed into her powers. Her demonic features will eventually manifest on her body and I doubt she will be able to handle that well.” He offers, trying to remain impartial to the situation.
Anti nods. He knows Dark is right, but still, part of him wants to believe it won’t happen. Sighing, he hangs his head. “I need your help on this, Dark. I have to take care of a few more things before I can shift her over to our world. In the meantime I need you to help her.” His gaze hardens on Dark’s face. “Do not attack her again. We may have come to a truce, but if you touch her without her consent like that again; I promise I will kill you.”
Dark smiles, his eyes lifeless. “Of course, however, if I have her complete consent, it is okay?”
Anti sighs. “I won’t hold her down to me, Dark. No matter what you’d do in my position, I never want her to feel as if she has no choice. I have already forced this change on her because of my own selfishness.”
Dark’s brows raise in shock. “What has come over you, old friend? This is oddly placid of you.” Even as he speaks, Dark understands Anti’s feelings. He’d once been a foolish demon youngling and ended up killing a woman he’d been in love with. Holding onto the silence for a moment, Dark says, “I will do this for you. For her. You have my word.”
Yawning loudly, you stretch in your bed, trying to loosen out your stiff muscles. Sitting up, you push your bedding off your body and stand. Grabbing a change of clothes you go into the bathroom and turn on the shower. Testing the water a few times you finally have it at the peak temperature and strip down.
Taking your time in the warmth of the water, you wash your hair and body, relaxing as much as you can. Looking at your hands, all you see his Anti’s large, slender fingers tracing the lines there. The touch of his hands over your body.
Nothing could be more euphoric than the feeling of his touch.
After nearly twenty minutes you turn off the water and dry off. Dressing in a pair of floral printed yoga pants and a loose tank top, you comb and dry your hair before leaving the bathroom. Steam plooms out of the bathroom once you open the door.
Walking to the kitchen you reach into the mini fridge for a chilled bottle of juice. Turning you see a figure sitting in at the small table. Paying the man no mind, you grab a glass from the cabinet.
Pausing the glass falls from your hand. Spinning around the man is no longer sitting at the table, instead he’s right in front of you, his pale face inches from yours.
“What are you doing in here?” You ask trying to back away. He matches you step for step, pinning you against the counter. Two long arms block your only exit path. “Wh--Who are you?”
His lips curl into a smile, but there is no comfort to his grin. “So, it is you.” His voice is deep. Rumbling through your frame, frightening you.
“I… I don’t know what you’re…”
“Don’t try to fool me. You’re the only Anti’s been trying so hard to hide from me.” The man smirks looking into your eyes.
You refuse to respond to his words. He could very well be an enemy to Anti. “Get out of my home.” You hiss trying to find your fire to get this man away from you.
He smirks as if he finds you amusing. “Such a funny girl. I see why he finds you interesting.”
Angry, you shove your hands against his chest, forcing him back. “Get out of my house!” You shout, shoving him again.
The man laughs, actually laughs at you. “Fiery, I like it.” He adds, his hand grabbing your chin. You try to turn, but his grip is iron tight. It's then you realize he was letting you push him away. His lips curl again at the look of fear in your eyes. “Are you beginning to understand?” He asks in a mocking tone.
“Who are you?” You whisper, wishing now more than ever Anti was here.
He chuckles. “I’m known by many things; but you may call me Dark.” He answers, squeezing your face a few times before letting you go.
Rubbing your face, you back away from him, shifting so you can make a dash to the door and into the woods.”Why are you in my home?” You ask, stalling for time. Anti had said he’d be gone a few hours. You hope that means he’ll be home soon.
“Why? To meet you, of course.” He responds crossing the floor to sit back down in the chair he’d been in originally. “Anti had been so careful to keep you hidden in this little utopia of yours.”
“That’s not the answer I wanted. I get it, you came to see me; but why?”
Dark smiles. It seems genuine, but you know better. “My dear, you’ve snagged yourself one of the strongest. It is customary to greet you during such a joyful occasion.”
You don’t like the way he talks. Everything feels underhanded in a way. “You came, we met, now you can leave.”
He shakes his head. “No, no, no, that would be rude of me to simply leave without giving my respects to Anti.”
“He’s not here. As you can tell.” You shoot back quickly.
“I shall wait.”
“No. You shall leave.”
Dark’s smile falls ever so slightly. “That’s quite rude of you.”
“I never invited you in.”
Neither of you speak. Exchanging heated glares, you try to figure a way to survive this encounter. Minutes tick by before the need arises to ask an important question.
“Are you going to kill me?”
Dark raises a brow at the question. “No, but don’t tempt me.”
You don’t like his response. “Are you a friend of Anti’s?”
He shrugs. “More or less. We have an understanding.”
You frown. You hate his answers. Sighing you look at the glass on the ground. It was one of your favorites. “How can I avoid getting hurt?” You ask, needing to have something solid to go off.
“Remain silent until Anti arrives. He should be here soon.” Dark responds honestly.
Keeping your frown, you collect your broom and dust pan. Sweeping up the broken glass you toss it into the trashcan before setting your things away again. Moving about the cabin, you feel Dark’s eyes following your every movement.
Anti likes to watch you, but you like Anti; you don’t like Dark. Looking up from your cloudy thoughts, you see the sun break through the clouds. Eyes closed you enjoy the feeling of the sun’s rays on your skin.
“I’m going outside.” You announce. Dark nods and stands from the table. Biting your tongue, literally, you grab a light jacket and leave the cabin. Dark follows you out keeping a few feet between you.
Sitting down at your bench, you wait for the sprites to come out. Well, if they do with Dark looming around like a depressing shadow. Watching the flowers you catch a small glimpse of the sprites keeping hidden.
Glaring at Dark you say, “Can you go back inside? The sprites won’t come out with you around.” Is rude and pissy, but you don’t care. You want to check on the sprite you gave energy too.
“No.” He responds.
Rolling your eyes, you walk further into a grove of flowers. Dark stays by the cabin, his eyes ever watching as you find a small bald spot and sit down. Thankfully the ground isn’t as wet as you’d feared. Sitting among the flowers, three sprites peek up at you in question.
“It’s okay. He won’t hurt you.” You promise. They seem to take your word and slowly appear in bigger numbers. “How is the youngling?” You ask quietly.
“You know Sprite?” Dark asks, the sprites scattering at the sound of his voice.
Spinning around, you glare at Dark. “Yes, and could you not scare my friends?” You shout angrily. Dark’s eyes flare red, then blue for a moment, before appearing over you, pinning your to the ground. Wide eyed, you stare up into his eyes.
“Don’t think you can speak to me like I’m Anti.” He hisses.
“I’d never speak to Anti like that, you big idiot! I respect him more than a stranger that creeks on women.” You bark back just as angrily.
Dark glares at you. “You think I creeped on you?” He asks, spitting the word back at you.
“Yes! I do. What kind of self respecting person just sits in a woman’s home without being invited in before she’s even woken?”
Dark bares his teeth at you. “You think I follow your petty human ideals?”
“Obviously you don’t!” You snap back.
Dark doesn’t respond immediately. Instead his lips curl into a lopsided smile. For a moment even his eyes twinkle playfully. The sudden switch confuses you, throwing you for a loop.
“Wha---” You don’t get to finish your question. Without warning Dark claims your lips for his own. Screeching internally, you try to push against Dark, trying to make him get off you. Nothing you try gets the much stronger, much heavier man off your frame. Your skin crawls the moment his teeth nip at your bottom lip, demanding access to your mouth. Pressing your lips even harder together Dark suddenly is ripped off your body. His nails cut into your skin as he flies away from you.
Gasping you feel a pair of arms grab under your arms and lift you up. Gasping you turn, wrapping your arms around Anti’s neck. “ANTI!! Thank you! Thank you!” You shout burying your face into his chest. Tears fall from your eyes. “Thank you.” You sob accepting his comforting present.
“DARK! How dare you touch her?” Anti barks holding you tight to his chest. You feel his heart thundering inside his ribcage.
“It was only a greeting.” Dark chuckles from his spot several yards away.
“Greeting my ass. I told you she is off limits.” Anti growls, hating how you shake in his arms. Pausing he smells blood. “Emi, are you okay? Are you bleeding?” He asks, shifting you away enough to look you over.
Hesitantly you lift your arms up, showing him the cuts on your forearms. “His nails cut me when you threw him.” You tell him honestly. You watch the guilt blossom in his eyes as he looks at the trinkles of blood. Grabbing his face, you force him to look you in the eye. “It’s not your fault.” You assure him. “I know you’d never hurt me.” You whisper, pressing your lips to his.
Anti wraps his arms around you again. “Let’s get those cleaned up.” He offers lifting you into his arms. Glaring at Dark, Anti carries you into the cabin to clean your wounds.
“What do you want to eat tonight?” You ask walking alongside Anti through the busy streets.
He hums, unsure how to respond. “Hmm, I’m kind of wanting pizza.” He says catching a whiff of fresh pizza.
Chuckling behind your hand you agree to pizza. “Do you want to order out, eat in, or make some at home?”
“Take out. I want one of those deep dished ones with the cheese in the crust.” He tells you. Nodding you both head over to the local pizzeria; Donny Joe’s: Home Style Pizza.
Entering the building you wait with Anti, looking over the menu as the four people in front of you order or pick up their order. Stepping up to the counter you place your order with the young man behind the computer. Two medium pizzas, on meat lover, the other hawaiian.
Anti pays the total without prompting from you. When the young man tries to hand Anti the change, you quickly step in. Anti has a thing about being handed things. It’s odd, but it’s something you’re used to.
“Thank you.” You tell him, taking the receipt as well. Together you wait around playing some of the arcade games and pinball before picking up your order and head out. Anti carries the pizzas on the way back to the cabin.
The sun has set when you make it back home, the solar powered path lights are lit brightly, illuminating your way to the cabin door. Nights like these make you feel so content and happy. You hold these times close to your heart; feeling as if you’re a married couple returning home.
Unlocking the door you hold it open for Anti, closing it after he enters the house. While he’s setting the pizza boxes down you unpack your groceries into the cupboards and mini fridge.
“Come eat.” Anti says close to your ear.
Jumping, you turn to look into Anti’s blue eyes. “I was just finishing up.” You tell him, trying to maintain a calm tone. Every time he gets this close all you want is to kiss him until he admits he loves you too.
“Good. It’s getting cold.” He adds pulling away with two plates in his hand. Nodding you look down at the last few items in your bag.
Shoving them into the fridge you close the door, put the reusable bag away, wash your hands, before sitting down across from Anti.
For the next ten minutes mindless chatter and delicious pizza is shared. You try not to make things complicated, fearing Anti would one day get tired of your longing and leave. Yet, you wish you could tell him of your true feelings.
“When are you going this time?” You ask hating the question and the waiting answer.
“Two weeks.” he answers. You nod.
Munching on your pizza for a moment you look at Anti, watching him lounge so effortlessly in the chair. “Anti, is there any way I can go with you?” You ask quietly.
For a moment Anti doesn’t quite register your question. Then, it dawns over him. Staring back at you he firmly shakes his head. “No.” His tone leaves no room for negotiations.
Frowning, you drop your gaze, quietly biting your pizza once again. He doesn’t follow up with any kind of explanation or excuse, and you know better than to expect one.
Sighing, Anti sets his food down. “Listen, you know I can’t take you with me. There is only death and pain in that dimension.”
Staring at him blankly you know this is the most he’s explained in a long time, but it still doesn’t ease the pain. “Then stay here. We can live here, together.” You offer.
Anti shakes his head. “I can’t. Emi, it’s not that I don’t want to. Being here, it’s the happiest I’ve been in a long time, but I can’t forget my duties. If I stay here, it will put you in danger.” He knows he shouldn’t elaborate too much, and what he’s said already is too much; but the pain in your eyes pulls him to tell you the truth.
“Anti, I’ve been learning. I can fight. Don’t take away my options just because there could be problems.” You rebut quickly.
Shaking his head again, Anti raises to his feet. He can’t have this argument with you. In no way will he put you in any more danger. “Emi, no. This isn’t something I will sit and discuss with you over. You stay here, and I go. Do you think I’d do this for just anyone?” He asks. His anger at your need to argue with him getting the better of him. If it were over something trivial, he could let it go. He’d let you have your way, but not about this. Not when it concerns your life.
Standing up as well you step closer to him. “Why can’t I have a say in my own safety? Anti, I can take care of myself, mostly. I won’t say I’d never be a hindrance on you, but at least let me see for myself.”
Quickly Anti spins on you in a blur of green and black. Gasping in fear, you feel Anti’s hands grab your upper arms, his fingers digging into your skin. Inky black takes over the whites of his eyes as his left eye blazes bright green.
“No, Emi. I will not allow you to defy me in this. You are to stay here, with the humans and your sprites! I will not let you put a target on your back!” He shouts towering over you dripping with anger.
Suddenly you can’t speak, your mouth running dry at the sight of Anti truly angry with you. Never have you pushed him to this point. There is a healthy dose of fear, but also a twinge of happiness. You matter to him.
He’d never get this upset unless he really cared about you deeply. “Anti,” It’s the only thing you can manage to get out under the circumstances.
“I’m not joking about this, Emi. This is for your safety.” His tone has softened, but still you feel the intensity in his words.
Slowly, you raise your right hand to cup his cheek. “Anti, why am I so important to you? I need to hear your reason.” You whisper keeping eye contact with him. Instantly his attitude changes. The black fades back to white, the green returning to blue. He looks so lost and innocent it breaks your heart.
“I can’t.” He whispers.
“Why?”
Closing his eyes, Anti pulls you against this chest, trapping you there in his arms. “If I say these words out loud, I can’t take them back. If anyone knew how much you mean to me…” You feel his whole body shudder at the thought he can’t verbalize. “I could never forgive anyone that hurt you, Emi.”
“I feel the same way about you, Anti.” You whisper, hugging him back just as tightly.
Running a hand through your hair, he lifts his head far enough to press a kiss against your skin. Blushing, you bury your face in his chest. He’s never kissed you. His lips feel chapped, but still so soft against your forehead.
“You shouldn’t. I’m not a nice person; I have enemies. Creatures that would kill you without a thought.” He whispers, resting his chin on the top of your head.
“I know.” You say. “I know some of the things you’ve done, Anti.” Lifting your head, Anti pulls away to look into your eyes. “I still love you, Anti.”
The honesty in your voice and the way your eyes seem to sparkle in the dim lighting breaks Anti’s resolve to remain aloof. Releasing you from his hug, Anti takes your face into his hands, and kisses you. Reacting quickly you wrap your hands around his neck, holding him to you.
Parting your lips, Anti quickly deepens the kiss. His tongue tangling with yours. His hands releasing your face in favor of running down your frame.
Panting when you finally part, Anti makes quick work pressing kisses down your neck to your collarbone. Breathless and dizzy you cling to Anti, drunk off his touches.
Jumping in his arms, Anti bites your tender skin, his mouth suckling at the spot he bit before moving on down your chest to the swell of your breast.
“Anit.” You moan softly as his hand palms your left breast.
“Tell me to stop.” His response sends a flash of need aching throughout your body.
“Don’t.” You plead breathlessly. Anti lifts you off the ground, your legs wrapping around his waist. He carries you effortlessly to the bed, laying you down gently. His eyes travel over your flushed face and the fresh love bites along your soft creamy skin.
Seeing the flash of hesitation in his eyes, you arch your back, pulling your shirt over your head in one smooth motion. Never before have you managed to pull that off so flawlessly, but now more than ever, are you happy you had. Unclipping your bra, you toss it to the right not caring where it fell.
Anti’s eyes fall to your exposed breasts. His hands itching to touch them.
“Please, Anti. I want this.” You whisper. It’s all he needs. Laying over you, he kisses you until you can’t breath, before turning his attention to your exposed skin...
Smirking, Anti crouches next to your sleeping form. Gently he brushes hair from your face, letting him see your angelic features easily. Silently he thanks the sprites for their protection against the weathers, but quickly brushes it off. You don’t need that stuff now that he’s around.
He loves to look at you when you’re sleeping. To see such innocence is one of the sweetest things he can think of. If only he could keep that innocence for himself.
“Anti.” You whisper softly. Your voice startles Anti into backing away a few inches. His eyes jump to yours, relieved to see them still closed.
Sighing, he looks to the sky. Dark rain clouds are rolling in, and he knows you’d most likely sleep until you’re drenched. Lifting you from the bench, Anti gingerly carries you into the fort and to the small bed your grandfather made you. Laying you down he tucks the blankets around your frame.
Sitting down next to the bed in a hand made wooden chair, Anti looks out the windows. Over the years you’ve turned the old fort into a proper cabin, but more so, into a home for him.
With the help of your uncles and grandfather, the fort had been expanded, electricity and water both added by hand and hard work. He remembered you telling him that eventually you plan to make this into a proper house and live out of it.
Glass windows, proper insulation and lighting all gave way to the little haven he calls home. And you, the one human he could never leave behind. He blames your innocent smile and big heart, now more than ever.
If only he hadn’t come back when he had the chance to change everything. He could have spared the both of you from the painful fate that’s destined to happen, but then, he would have missed out on such a beautiful soul.
Letting you sleep, Anti entertains himself with your phone. He likes to read through your messages and see what you’ve been doing in the year he’s away. Smiling at the messages and various pictures you’ve created and sent, he happily muses himself.
Until, that is, he sees a few messages from a young man, about a year older than you, from your own account, of the lewd nature. You rebuffed his messages, claiming to be uninterested in his affections, but still remain in contact under the premise of friendship. The audacity of the boy trying to woo you irritates Anti to no end.
He doesn’t pretend, or try to fool himself into believing his affection for you is missguided good nature. He loves you. A love that developed without consent, but nonetheless leaves his heart fluttering with anticipation when he sees your face.
However, despite his love for you, he could never utter the words out loud. To do so would damn you to a less that full existence. He knows you love him in return. He doesn’t know to what extent, to what degree you love him, but you’ve admitted it to him many times throughout your life that you love him dearly.
He prays your love is maternal; like a sister to her older brother.
Running his hands over his face, Anti can’t help but feel as if he’s dooming you with each stolen moment. Sighing, he leans back in the chair, his eyes on the ceiling and the stars painted there.
Things he’d never do for another demon, much less a human, he does for you. He became even more cruel and ruthless for those that cross him because of you, because he could never live with himself if anyone were to ever find you out and hurt you.
He’d rather stain his hand black and red with the blood of his enemies before he’d see you hurt by them.
“Anti! Look, the sprites are making a new flower!” You call crouching next to a hybrid flower of a lily and iris. “It’s so pretty.” You say looking at the flower. You love watching the sprites make new flowers and new colors for flowers already in existence. Smiling you notice a small sprite that seemed to be the most interested in you.
A youngling that has yet to take on it’s male or female attributes. Smiling at it, the little sprite with bright yellow eyes and soft pale orange hair travels closer to you. It’s bright yellow eyes are kind and curious.
Anti watches you from his spot a few feet away. The sprites never come close to him. He knows they can sense evil in creatures and humans. The fact they appear around you in such big numbers and even see fit to protect you in his absence is proof enough how good of a person you are.
“Hi, little one.” You greet, your hands stay on your knees simply happy to have a sprite so close to you.
“Are you the demon’s bride?” It asks blushing at its own bold question.
Your face burns at the question. “You speak english?” You ask, trying to avoid the question.
“No, I am speaking a Sprite language. You are too.” The small sprite explains, confused by your question.
Staring at the sprite you give yourself a few seconds to think over it’s words. Turning to Anti, you ask, “Was I speaking sprite?” Anti nods, his lips curled at the corners.
“It was flawless.” He tells you.
Your smile widens. You’ve been practicing for so long, but there are few sprites that will communicate with you. Looking back to the youngling you say, “Thank you for talking to me, youngling. It’s made me so very happy.”
Carefully you hold your hand out to the youngling. “If you’d like, you can have some of my energy. If it’s good for you, I mean. As a thank you.” You tell it, knowing this is a very serious thing for sprites.
The youngling’s eyes grow wide at your offer. The others gather around at a safe distance.
“Are you sure, bride of the demon?” Another asks from the crowd. “It is a very high honor to share your energy with a creature like us.”
You nod your head. The youngling creeps forward, its little hands gently touching your index finger. Bending it’s head forward, the youngling presses it’s lips against your skin. You feel a small chill as your energy is consumed.
Behind you, Anti is keeping his eyes on the youngling, ensuring the small sprite does not deplete you of all your energy.
When the sprite releases your finger, you feel a little drained but nothing a good nap won’t fix.
“Thank you, miss bride.”
Smiling back at the sprite you say, “You’re welcome.”
“Let’s get going, Emi.” Anti says spotting rain clouds. Nodding, you stand, wave to the sprites, and hurry over to Anti’s side.
“Goodbye everyone.” You bid, walking along with Anti back to the cabin. “That youngling was really cute. Did you see it’s bright yellow eyes? They look like daisies.” You say happily.
Anti nods. “If you think that’s cute.” he responds dryly. You smile at him, nudging him with your elbow playfully.
Chatting lightly on the walk back to the cabin, the sky opens up drenching you both instantly in cold fat droplets Taking Anti’s hand, the pair of you run the last few yards to the cabin. The door slams shut against the heavy rainfall.
Giggling to yourself, you hurry over to the small closet and pull out two towels, tossing one over to Anti before unfolding your towel and start to dry yourself off. Sighing you realize you’ll have to undress to fully dry off.
Looking to Anti you tell him, “Turn away. I have to change clothes.”
He nods, his expression never seeming to change. Turning on his heel he walks over to the small table and sits down facing the window.
Smiling you slowly unbutton your dress from chest to knees. Peeling the fabric off your skin, you take off your bra and leggings, followed by your undies. Shifting through a small dresser you fish out a fresh pair of panties and a shirt Anti had left at the cabin a long while ago.
Wrapping your hair up in the towel, you place your items in the bathroom on a string to dry. “Anti, my underwear and bra are drying in the bathroom along with my clothes, so enter with care.” You warn him, not needing him to be shocked at the sight of your undergarments handing mid air.
Looking over his shoulder, Anti nods. “No worries. How has school been going?” He asks, watching you walk over in his shirt to the table. He’ll never say how much it makes him happy to see you wearing his clothes.
“It’s going good. Nathan is changing his major to astrophysics and biomechanical engineering.” You say sitting down across from Anti. “I’m finishing up my third year of online art school, and taking some classes at the community college for business management. Next year I’m going to take on digital media and design along with more computer programming.” You tell him proudly.
Anti nods. “Sounds like you have a plan in order.” He remarks smiling back.
Nodding you tell him, “Yeah, I plan to make a game loosely based on the stories you’ve told me and with the knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years.” It’d been your idea to make a comic out of the very same material, but changed your mind. You like the idea of intractable story better.
Even in the downpour you still managed to slip out of your house and into the woods lining your home. Huddled under a large umbrella with a plastic bag tucked under your arm, you scurry down a well worn path to your “secret” base. Built when you were five by your father, the old tree house has stood the test of time.
Pushing the door open with your shoulder, the umbrella catches on the door frame, falling from your grip. Pausing, you turn and lift the umbrella up, collapsing it down, and then proceed into the fort. Closing the door you shake yourself off before turning to look at the man huddled on a bed of comforters and camping sleeping bags.
“Mister, are you warm enough? I bought you some food.” You say taking the bag of food over to the man in the corner. His face lifts up from the book in his hands, one you’d taken from your mother’s library.
“Why did you come here? It’s pouring outside. That’s dangerous for someone so small.” He responds in a higher tone with an accent you don’t rightly know. His bright blue eyes pierce into yours. He looks mad, upset even, but still you can see kindness there.
“I thought you’d be hungry and cold still.” You respond holding out the bag of food. “I didn’t know what you like, so I grabbed a bunch of stuff. I even made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!” You tell him proudly.
His eyes flicker to the bag, then back to your face before holding his hands out for the bag. Moving closer you let him take the bag then sit down on a small, faded orange lawn chair you dad bought for the fort. Getting comfortable in the chair you watch the man shift through the bag.
“What’s your name?” You ask. It’s not the first time you’ve asked the man his name, but he has yet to tell you it.
“Anti.” He responds idly. He pulls the messy looking sandwich wrapped in cling wrap. Normally he doesn’t go for sandwiches, a personal preference, but you’d put so much effort into it. He could see in your smile how proud you are of your handiwork.
Giggling at his name, you smile at him. “That’s a funny name. Is it a nickname?” You ask, happy the man chose to eat your sandwich first.
“Kind of.” He tells you, taking huge bites of the sandwich. “Why are you helping me?” He asks looking into your eyes.
You smile at him. “My daddy was a firefighter. He taught me it is a good thing to help others in need.”
“Was?” He asks. You nod your head letting your eyes drop.
“Daddy died in a fire two years ago.” You tell him sadly.
Swallowing the food in his mouth, Anti regards you curiously. “Not everyone is worthy of kindness.” He tells you seriously.
You don’t know how to respond to his words. “Are you one of those people?” You ask after a few minutes to silence. Sure, he was scary when you first found him hiding in your fort, but he didn’t do anything to you. He reminded you of a scared or hurt kitty hissing at everyone to keep away.
Anti doesn’t respond immediately. His eyes falling from your face with an expression you know all too well. Your mother makes that face when you bring up your dad. “You should go back to the house. The rain is getting worse.” He tells you, avoiding your question.
Nodding you zip your jacket up again, heading to the umbrella next to the door. “Will you be okay out here all night?” You ask looking back at Anti.
He nods. “I’ll be fine. Worry about yourself.”
Looking at the umbrella in your hands, you turn to Anti once more. “Good night, Anti. I’ll leave the back door unlocked if you get too cold out here.” You offer innocently.
Anti shakes his head. “Don’t do that. Bad people can come into your house if the door is unlocked.” He warns you. He’s not the first. Your mother says things like that all the time.
Nodding you open the door. The rain is deafeningly loud with the door open. “I’ll come back in the morning to check on you, okay? Stay warm.” You add quietly. Opening the umbrella, you close the door and hurry off to your house. It’s not a long distance, but still in the middle of the night during a rain storm it seems like a long trek.
When you return back to the fort in the morning you find the fort empty and clean. The fort itself looks better than brand new. The weathering that wood took over time seemed to be completely erased. Inside that same could be said. Everything has a glossy shine that leaves you in awe.
Stacked neatly on a small table is your blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows.
Despite not seeing him in the fort you call out to the mysterious man you’d been helping. “Anit?” You call. “Anti!”
Only the sounds of the woods respond. Letting your disappointment and hurt show on your face you walk over to the blankets and pillows. Setting the thermos of hot chocolate on the table you spot a small note of paper hidden under the stack of blankets.
Sliding it out, you open the paper and read the words written there. “Emi, thank you for your help. I had to leave before you came back. I wish you all the best. Anti.” With teary eyes you hold the note close to your chest and smile.
He’s not a bad guy after all.
During the first rainfall each spring from that year on, you’d meet with the man you’d helped. His appearance never changed, but over time his eyes grew warmer. He watched you grow into a young woman, taking on some aspects of his personality as time wore on.
Most notably is your Irish accent. It’s not noticeable at first, but as you get angry it pops out, confusing your parents and close friends of where you’d pick up such a thing. Thanks to Anti, you are better at maintaining your emotions and capable of thinking long term.
You parents asked about your odd behaviours, but no one wanted to believe your “forest friend” was actually real. They’d rather believe you picked up these behaviours and speech patterns from family and the television.
It was during your teenage years that you learned of Anti’s true nature. At sixteen, you’d come across a scene that still gives you nightmares; however, not because of blood or the fighting specifically, but of the thought that Anti nearly died in your arms.
You’d been out wandering around, waiting for Anti to come to your old fort after the first really rain of spring. Vocalizing melodies as you traversed the lush greenery around your property, you’d heard a loud crash. The sound shook you to the core. After living basically in the woods, you knew the sound of large, thick trees cracking and falling. The vibrations along the ground had lent even more proof of the size of the tree.
You’d held still, listened to the sounds of the woods before you took off towards the sounds. Fearing that someone may have crashed a car, or an ATV you looked for any sign of wreckage. You’d stumbled through the foliage to see not the wreckage of metal, but a desolation of a large patch of woods and Anti in the center with a creature you’d never seen before.
Anti didn’t look like the man you’d come to know. He looked demonic. The whites of his eyes had turned pitch black, with one eye and eerie vivid blue and the other a neon green. A large slit ran across his neck, blood seeming to leak from the gash. He hadn’t seen you immediately, only after he’d taken the creature that had attacked him down, did he spot you rooted to your spot.
It had been when he’d turned his back that the creature had risen up and got Anti from behind. The spray of blood that came from Anti’s body had propelled you to him, catching him before he fell to his knees. Before the creature could attack again, Anti was out of your arms ripping the creature’s head from its body.
When you had asked what had just happened, he told you the honest truth. He is a demon, and he takes out others that would hurt the people he cares about.
Just thinking about the incident sends a shiver running through your back. Still, since that day, you learned all you could from Anti. You know he chalks it up to fear of the unknown, but in reality, you have been using it to develop a library of knowledge about the hidden world.
You’ve even found that from your prolonged period of time with Anti, you’ve developed secret abilities of your own. Able to see the creatures of the hidden realm, you have been communicating with them, learning from them when Anti is gone.
He never tells you where he goes off to, not that you’ve pressed him for the information, but in the years you’ve known him he’s never divulged the information. You assume it’s to keep you safe, but you cannot know for sure.
Sitting down on a small bench overlooking a small babbling brook, you admire the flowers in mid bloom growing along the stream of quiet water. Small flower sprites, fairies, flutter from flower to flower feeding from their beauty. You like watching the sprites.
Shimmers of glitter like pollen trail behind them, pollinating the soon to bloom flowers and fruits in the area. Shoeless, with small dainty feet, you watch a few sprites twirl around each other, dancing in air among the flowers. Their clothing is simplistic and made from the foliage.
Watching them makes you long to be like them, small, without human worries, and dancing among the flowers. They travel close to you, never close enough to touch, but they’ve grown to know you. Smiling at the few closest to you, you wave at them, careful not to create too much wind with your movement. They wave back, this becoming a normal occurrence. Even without Anti, you’ve grown close to the creatures living in the woods.
Raising your hands high above your head, you stretch out popping your back in a few places before resting your arm over your thighs. You lose hours like this; listening to the wind gently blow through the trees and foliage. With the sun above providing just the right amount of warmth, you close your eyes and lean back against the fort.
I’m going to take a quick nap. You think, positioning yourself to lay on the bench. The sun feels so nice and comfortable right now. Laying your head on your arms, you find a comfortable position and slip into a light sleep.
The sprites cautiously drift closer to you, watching you sleep. They smile at each other, laying a light dusting of protection over your sleeping form before leaving for their homes. They know to leave before Anti arrives. Not because he’d hurt them, but just out of respect for the demon.
