Do the Hellpark creators know that they're still on time like if you want to continue it I'll be there to support you and follow up what do you have to lose now
I’ve stared at the fic for too long! I’m just going to post it and hope y’all like it. The ending feels rushed eehhh
Kiwi is scared and haunted by past memories during a storm, and Miriam tries to help.
The sky looked dark and overcast, on the verge of a downpour. Kiwi stared out the window and tried to will the rolling storm clouds away, but so far it was proving fruitless. It had been a few months since they'd saved the world, but it left mental scars that were hard to fight off.
Currently, they were at Miriam’s for dinner.
The witch noticed the bard had gone quiet. She approached them from behind.
“What are you doing?” She asked with a tap of her foot. What she didn’t expect was Kiwi jumping with a little ‘eep!’. Turning around they faced Miriam, hand on their chest. They didn’t reply, only gave a little sigh of relief. Miriam raised an eyebrow, but she decided not to press the issue.
“What I was going to ask,” Miriam continued like nothing happened, “was if you wanted to stay over tonight?”
“It looks like a horrible storm is blowing in,” Saphy added. “It’d be safer for you both if Miriam didn’t try to fly in it.”
Kiwi thought about it. They didn’t want to intrude. Maybe they could walk? But, they weren’t sure if they could outrun this storm. Finally, their usual smile graced their face. “I’d love to, Grandma Saphy! Thank you!”
---
Soon night had fallen. The rain was starting to pick up, and the wind blew through with a ghostly howl. It was decided Kiwi would be sleeping in Miriam’s room. They had pulled out a cot and some extra blankets. Soon the two were cozy in the room and just chatting away, well mostly Kiwi.
Then, a boom of thunder that caused the house to shake.
Kiwi sat up on the cot, covering their ears. Their eyes squeezed shut. They started to sing a soft song. A lullaby their mom used to sing to them when Kiwi couldn’t sleep.
“-wi”
Everything was going to be okay! They weren’t scared of a storm. No way! They had saved the world! Been through terrifying things! A little thunder wasn’t going to-
Another boom! Kiwi tried to cover their ears tighter. All they could remember was the pain of being shot with lightning, falling, and the faded spidering scar it left on their side.
“Kiwi!” Miriam grabbed a hold of the bard’s shoulder trying to get through.
Kiwi jumped and looked over at the disturbance. Seeing Miriam’s concerned eyes they removed their hands from over their ears and stopped their song.
“Are you… okay?” Miriam spoke soft and slow. She wasn’t used to being the one on the side of comfort, but right now there was something wrong with her friend and she was going to try for them. Kiwi had listened to her so many times, she could at least do the same in return.
Kiwi looked down. “I’m… I’m scared, Miriam.”
“Of the storm?” Duh, Miriam. She was trying her best.
Kiwi nodded their head. “It reminds me of… well, you probably know.”
Miriam did know. Even she couldn’t help but think of Audrey on nights like these.
Miriam sat on the edge of her bed facing Kiwi. “We’re alright now. We’re safe.”
Another boom of thunder.
Kiwi jumped but didn’t cover their ears this time. Instead, Miriam could see the glint of tears in the dark. Oh no.
“Hey, come up here.” She patted the part of the bed next to her. Kiwi nodded and joined her.
“I…” Kiwi started without being prompted. “I couldn’t help you, Miriam. When Audrey shot you out of the sky. I should’ve been able to do more than just carry you. I should’ve noticed Audrey there.” They sniffled as tears started to roll down their cheeks.
“You’re ridiculous sometimes, y’know that?” Miriam spoke. “You were hurt by her too, and… and I still made you move around and get the piece of the Earthsong.” Miriam clenched her fist. “I didn’t realize how much you were hurt, and I… I can’t forgive myself for it.”
“Miriam!” Kiwi exclaimed as best as they could through tears. “You did nothing wrong!”
The room went silent for a few seconds, with only the sound of the rain outside.
“Heh…” Miriam softly laughed. “Here I was trying to comfort you, and I started talking about myself again.” She sighed. “I think we both have a lot of regrets. We just have to learn to move past them.”
Another roll of thunder rattled the windows. They both jumped. Kiwi let out a small sob they had been holding in.
Miriam placed a hand on Kiwi’s shoulder. “Just don’t beat yourself up over it too much, okay? Audrey is, who knows where. I’m fine, and we’re safe. I promise. Besides, if she shows up I’ll show her what my magic can do!”
Kiwi gasped. “Miriam! Don’t hurt anyone! It’s not nice!”
“That’s the Kiwi I know.” Miriam leaned over to her night stand and grabbed a couple tissues and handed them to Kiwi. “Here, wipe away your tears.”
Kiwi nodded and started to wipe at their eyes.
“You’re….” Miriam thought about what she wanted to say. It wasn’t like her to be all emotional. “You’re strong, and brave, and kind of stubborn. You saved the world. You really are a hero, and…. And...” Miriam looked away. “I’m glad you’re my friend.” She said quietly.
She was then being squeezed.
“Thank you, Miriam.” Kiwi hugged tighter before letting go.
The storm outside seemed to be passing as the thunder was nothing but a low rumble in the distance.
“Let’s go to sleep now. I’m done being feely feely.” Miriam crossed her arms.
“But I like feely feely Miriam.” Kiwi finally smiled as they made their way back to the cot.
i’m not sure if this is rapid switching or what’s going on but i feel like i’m everywhere all at once and all over the place today my mind is in a thousand different spots and we’re doing a thousand different things and i can’t keep up
