#springerthedemon

[the-smallest-star]

“So THIS is the hotel... huh. Didn’t know it looked so swanky.”

“Well, good luck to you both on your redemption shit!”

“Hey Springer, Me and Dave were wondering; why don’t you stick around? Charlie might be able to redeem you too.”

“... nah, ain’t bothered about it. Had that chance while I was alive, and wouldn’t change what happened. If you’re at the theater though feel free to say hi while you’re around.”

[the-smallest-star]

24 hours earlier

Bloodshed, screams and sounds of fighting filled the air and smeared the streets. Tanya and Dave were running as fast as their legs would carry them, their hands never leaving each other. The buildings they tried to enter were locked up tight, no way of getting in and seeking shelter. Tanya stopped suddenly and pushed her brother into the wall with a single arm, holding her breath as a creature she’d never seen passed by. It was tall, spindly with wings and a spear... terrifying and beautiful in every way. It’s head snapped in another direction as screams filled their air and it ran off to join the slaughter.

“T-Tanya, what do we do?” Dave whispered, “Its too far to the hotel, w-we won’t make it.” “I’m thinking.” Tanya hushed, the wheels in her brain turning. Dave was right, it was too far too get to the hotel, but it wasn’t too far to hide... but where?

“Pssst!” Both children jumped out of their skin, head’s turning to look at at a basement hatch neatly hidden under a stack of crates, “Down here! If you stay out there you’re dead!” Hissed an unfamiliar voice, a fluffy hand waving them over. Tanya’s natural instinct was to snap and shove the offer where the sun don’t shine... but now was not the time. Grabbing her brother’s arm she hurried over and helped Dave down the ladder, following soon after. The hatch was locked up again and bolted, helping the stranger push anything heavy they could in front of it.

Now they had an opportunity to look at their ‘savior’. He was s strange looking fellow, couldn’t be anything but 5 foot tall with a fluffy tail and rosy cheeks. His fur was white except for his arms which were a warm orange. 

“I’m gonna guess you kids are new here.” He hummed, hands resting on his hips. “We are, who are you? Why’d you help us?” Tanya asked, feet subtly moving into a boxing stance. “Name’s Springer, lets just say I draw the line at screwing over kids. This is my place so don’t muck it up.” With that Springer began to rummage in one of the many boxes in his somewhat cluttered home. It was shabby and cold, candles keeping the place lit.

“Don’t you use electricity?” Dave asked quietly, in which Springer shook his head, “Nah, don’t have the cash for it kid. You two got names?” “I’m Dave, this is Tanya.” the youngest of the Harvest siblings introduced. “Must be nice having your sister here, she’s seems like a tough nut.” He grinned at the pair. When it didn’t bring a smile to the kids faces he gave a small sigh, “Well A for effort Springer.” he muttered to himself.

He tugged out a couple of blankets and tossed them over to the kids before settling on a thin pile in one of the few clean corners, “Extermination will be over in a few hours. When it stops I’ll open the door and you two can head out Just don’t make too much noise and don’t mess with my things... except for that box over there.” He pointed to an old box with a set of books, many of which looked like had been thrown out.

Wrapping themselves in the blankets Dave and Tanya sat in silence, huddled together as they heard the faint sounds of carnage above them, “Um... so... do you always wear make up?” Dave asked their host, who gave them a funny look for a second before shaking his head. “Only for shows, didn’t have much time to clean it off before the purge started Red cheeks are a fan favourite would you believe. These weird contacts too.” He huffed, “I’m a dancer in case you’re wondering.”

“No more questions for now kiddies, I’m tired. Just have a read if you’re bored.” He closed his eyes but kept alert, leaving Tanya and Dave to wait it out in his cold small cellar.