Ellasandra:
Laying on the golden sands, my hand rested on my exposed bump. The white bikini top hugged my swollen tender breasts, the bottom hung underneath the basketball sized bump. Rubbing the smooth surface, last night was rough. So many souls had to be delivered, let alone the hatred pouring from the villagers didn't help that much either. Rolling to my side, my arm draped over it. Sand crunched behind me, Fireboy's scent filled the air. How did he know to find me? Wondering if he was bringing another job, I needed a hot second.
"Can't I have one day off?" I snapped hotly, his crooked grin meeting mine. "What are you smiling at? Your mother said that baby dragons need a lot of sun during the pregnancy." Sitting down next to me, he pulled me onto his lap. The material of his swim trunk tickled my cheek, his fingers playing with my hair. Kissing my forehead, sweat glistened on his muscular chest. How was he unable to disarm me in seconds?
"She isn't wrong. Pregnant women require at least an hour to feel okay. Are the berries helping?" He queried tenderly, a naughty smile lighting up his features. "You look so sexy in this little number. Flames sent me to tell you to have the day off. I could devour you right now but you need a bit more time in the sun." Rolling my eyes, my thighs rubbed together. Why did he have to be so handsome? Screw off if you are going to taunt me. Not being in the mood, the mixed emotions were yanking me mentally every which way.
"Did you want to go on an actual date today?" I asked with a nervous grin, pressing the tips of my finger together. "We kind of got married and got pregnant before that vital step. If I am being honest, I have never been on a date." Laughing softly to himself, his hand slid down to my bump. A tender blush rose to my cheeks, his loving gaze never leaving mine. What was he going to say?
"You mated with me first, Ellie." He joked with another warm chuckle, his palm rubbing the smooth surface. "Who wouldn't court a beautiful kitten like you? Of course, I will take you out on a date. Life blessed me with you which makes your wish my command. Relax for now." Listening to the waves crash onto the sand, every part of me wished this moment would never end. Struggling to relax, it was hard for me to sit still. Popping to my feet, he watched me run into the water. Dancing into the water, the salty waves cooled my hot skin. Standing waist deep, tears welled up in my eyes. This was my first time playing in the ocean, my fingers dipping into the water. This was as wondrous as everyone said, the coolness of the water contrasting with the hot sun. Something touched my foot, a small scream escaped my lips as I jumped ten feet into the air. Landing into deeper water, I popped my head back up. My ears pinned back at my husband laughing at me, a sly grin dancing across my lips. Marching out of the water, I marched up to him. Waiting with a crooked grin, I dragged him towards the water. If he was going to laugh then he was going to pay.
"If I am going swimming, you are." I laughed evilly, his heels digging into the sand. "Give it up, already." Pushing him in, water splashed all over my legs as he landed under the water. Popping his head up, his wicked grin caused me to grin nervously. Yanking me into his strong arms, his lips kissed mine feverishly. My heart skipped a beat the moment his fangs sank into my lips, a goofy grin dawned on my face the moment he let me go. Stop being so good at loving me, I begged internally. How could I not fall for him a thousand times a day?
"You're playing dirty, Ellie." He teased playfully, undoing my bikini top. "Now I have to punish you." Grasping my breasts roughly, short gasps escaped my lips. His hair floated in the water, his fang hung over his lips adorably. Someone called out for us, Fireboy covering me as I put my top back on. Vera ran into the water, his mother not far behind in a simple scarlet bikini. Her frilly emerald one piece made her all the cuter, my husband shot daggers from his eyes in his mother's direction. Shrugging her shoulders, she stuck out her tongue. Vera bounced up to me, water dripping off of her floppy ears. someone had killed his good time and he didn't want to have it.
"I wanted to go swimming with you." She chirped cheerfully, Fireboy sitting up. "Then Grandma wanted to come too." How could I say no to such cute puppy dog eyes? Throwing her in the air, she landed in my arms. Leaning forward, my hair fell off of my shoulders as I set her down. Pressing my palms together, a bright smile illuminated my face. Wanting to see her smile more, it was time for a show.
"Would you guys like to see a water show?" I offered sincerely, Vera nodding her head eagerly. "Sit back and enjoy the show." My hair floated up while I channeled my water powers, the show as set to begin. Moving my hands around, different animals formed in the waves. The dolphin I made swam around everyone, Fireboy's bitter attitude fading to look of wonder. Entertaining them with more animals, a crowd had gathered at the beach. Ending the show, I pressed my palms together. Cheers erupted from the crowd, embarrassment painting my cheeks. Did these people actually like me? Such a feeling was odd, not one slur coming from their lips. A wave of water crashed over me, an unimpressed expression dawning on my face. Moving my hair out of my face, Vera leapt into my arms. Spinning her around, her laughter twinkled in the air. Such a noise was magical, my heart skipping a beat. Catching my husband staring at me with a loving gaze, I still failed to see what he saw in me. Huffing from the use of so much magic, Vera wrapped her arms around my neck. Snuggling into my shoulder, it was all worth it to me. Storm clouds brewed, heavy rain causing us all to run back towards town. Standing on the golden sands, a rumble of thunder made me jump into the air. Shit! Did I need to be as jumpy as a cat! Vessel held my shoulder, our hair fluttering in the wind. Embarrassment colored my cheeks, his shifting expressions scaring me.
"We get storms like these all the time." He comforted me with a warm smile, his colorful shirt and khaki shorts were as soaked as I was getting. "Such is the life of living on an island. Let's get you back to the manor." Something seemed off, red eyes glinting in the waves. Sensing the energy of an angry god, I ran back into the water. This was all because I played with his realm, an apology needed to be met. Why did I do that without his permission? Diving deeper into the waves, Fireboy yelled at me to stop. Forming an air bubble around my head, a deep breath brought relief to my burning lungs. Following the tentacle deeper into the water, my fingers curled around it at the last minute. Success! Getting to his home was almost a guarantee. Whipping me into a castle made of hardened sand, I rolled to the stop of a seashell covered throne. Rubbing my head, Fireboy had found himself next to me. Seconds from reprimanding me, horror rounded his eyes as a light blue octopus god. Slimy tentacles with bright purple spots squirmed angrily around his face, his navy blue nautical captain suit making it hard for me to keep a straight face. Krakensmit had most certainly updated his wardrobe in a hilarious way. A fit of laughter burst from his lips, his deep violet eyes falling on me. What was his issue? He was in a garish outfit, my old friend hissing in my direction.
"Nice outfit, Krakensmit." I laughed uncontrollably, bewilderment building on my husband's face. "I am sorry for fucking with your ocean. I was giving my new family a show. I am sure we could come to an understanding." Clicking noises bounced off the castle's walls, his gloved hands landing on his hips. Pointing in my direction, a blob of ink painted my face. Fucking bastard! He knew how much I hated messes. Can't Krakensmit take a joke?
"I will let you know that I picked it out myself. Those captains on the sea always look so cool with them on. You're lucky that I like you, tiny reaper." He retorted with a low growl, passing me a towel. "Next time make your presence known so I don't send my pet after you. Wait, did you say family?" Popping to my feet, I helped Fireboy up. Beaming with pride, I wiped my face off. Yanking him closer to my hips, tears of joy stained my cheeks. He was my husband and I needed the world to know it.
"This is my husband, Phoenix. He is the Dragon Lord and I am carrying his baby." I babbled excitedly, pecking Fireboy's cheek. "I saved his mother and I am raising a dog demon and reaper hybrid." Kissing the top of my head, scarlet colored my cheeks. Stepping forward, he bowed in Krakensmit's direction. Always the gentleman, Fireboy had a way with words in the right moments. That must be the training he had growing up, my manners not matching his at all. When would I ever be ladylike enough for him?
"I am who she says." He introduced himself with a million dollar smile, water dripping onto the floor. An awkward silence hung in the air, the two of them were sizing each other up. Clearing his throat, his tentacles slowed to a stop. Snapping his fingers, a table with steaming tea appeared next to him. Motioning for us to sit at the ice blue metal table, we took our seats with anxiety ridden faces. What fresh hell was waiting for me? Was my friend going to yell at me? Was he going to hate my husband? His opinion had always mattered in my life, a quiet fear burning in my eyes.
"Am I hearing this right? You got married to the Dragon Lord when I thought he was going to be a bachelor for his eternal life." He teased with a sly smile, my husband stiffening in his seat. "I am simply happy to meet him. The Fire God doesn't shut up about the damn family who took on his powers. We all thought highly of you, Phoenix. Your respect for us is only bigger because you are married to the future living Goddess of Death." Spitting out his tea, Krakensmit wiped it off of his face. Confused by what he said, my mind flicked through the century of promises I made. Making faces while trying to trace back my connection with the Goddess of Death, it certainly seemed that I was a reaper could be the number one reason.
"You failed to tell me about that!" Fireboy barked viciously in my direction, my simple white teacup smashing on the ground. "Why would you keep such a thing from me? I think I would want to know that my wife is the future Goddess of Death." Clearing my throat, tea dripped from my leg and onto the floor. Leaning back in the chair, I had honestly forgotten about that promise I had made. Oops, I suppose I should be a bit more honest about my personal problem of making promises that I didn't intend to keep. Most of the time it was to calm them down, my situation at the time wouldn't have been made it truly viable.
"She asked me centuries ago so I kind of forgot about all that. Do I want to do it? Absolutely not but she insisted I take her place since I am the only royal reaper left." I explained with a shaky voice, hoping Fireboy wouldn't chew me out later. "Only an immortal can take the place and I guess that is it. The position isn't as hard as it sounds, I promise." Krakensmit rested his head on his hands, a fit of laughter burst from his lips. Confusion dawned on our faces, a long sigh flooded from his lips. Only he knew how forgetful I could be at times, a nervous smile twitching on my lips.
"That sounds like you." He mused playfully, my eyes falling on the broken glass littering the floor. "I heard she wants to retire soon and you know what that means." Heels clicked down the hall, an ivory haired woman stepped into view. Picking up a chair for herself, her thick black robes fluttered in the breeze. Taking off her top hat, a wicked grin danced across her inky lips. Pressing her ample breasts against my back, her hourglass figure seemed to be about my height. Draping her arms over me, an icy chill floated from her leather gloves. My face paled the moment she cupped my chin, clammy sweat drenching her skin. This moment couldn't be happening already, my sheer panic twisting my face.
"I am officially retiring from my post as the Goddess of Death." She wheezed, coughing a load of blood onto the table. "Your freaking brother stabbed me and I am afraid that he may have killed me. He wanted my powers but they belong to you. Where is your scythe? Oh never mind. I will summon it. While I do that, note this. You can touch all living things as such to the current rules you have with your unique race but if Heaven calls for mass death you have to obey without a protest. If you are to go against Heaven, expect angels to come after you. Yes, they are still real but they are the bad guys this time. They want to wipe this kingdom of all life and start over. They are your brother's bosses." My heart skipped a beat, all the breath leaving my body at her sudden wave of information. My scythe landed on the table, tears welling up in my eyes. True fear haunted my eyes, her leather gloves floating to the floor. Pressing her palms against my scythe and back, her power was coursing through me. Every cell in my body burned, tortured wails bursting from my lips. Images of wars and every battle flashed in my mind, my hands cupping the side of my head. Hating every moment of this pain, this job wasn't what I wanted.
"Make it stop!" I begged brokenly, the screams growing louder. "Make it st-" Dropping to the ground, all of her power merged with mine. Voices faded in and out, my only focus was making her final moments warmer. Crouching down to her level, she placed the top hat on my head. Pulling her onto my lap, my lips brushed against her forehead. Her body glitched, her soul not being allowed to enter Heaven or Hell. Instead she would join the other dead gods in the sky as one of our stars. Not understanding her train of thought, I needed answers. Dumping an unwanted job on somebody was a sin in my eyes, my whole body trembling in my spot.
"Why did you choose me!" I yelled through a wall of tears, Krakensmit holding Fireboy back. "Why me! I refuse to listen to him if unnecessary death is involved." Pulling my face inches from her, her hands cupped my face. Tears of joy flooded from her eyes, the corner of her lips quivered. Salty teardrops crashed onto her face, the words struggling to leave her lips. Of course a dying goddess had to find her way to me. My fate is doomed to have even more weight on my shoulders, every cell of my body settling down with the undeniable outcome.
"I chose you because of that sentiment. The angels are getting out of control." She sobbed gently, wiping away my tears. "You are so lucky that you can touch others. Oh, how much have I missed touch of any contact since my husband died. You can save your brother. You simply need to undo the curse they placed on him. Please do that and don't kill him. His death was never in the ca-" Dissolving into balls of light, only her cloak remained. Pressing my forehead to the floor, my fingers clutched her cloak to my chest. She didn't have to die this way, the castle trembling underneath me. Rising to my feet, I placed it over my shoulders. I would wear her cloak with honor, the top hat decaying to ash. Wondering why, a small glass vial fell into my palms. Taking a whiff, it was the last known bottle of curse remover. Clutching it in my palm, this would free my brother and we could be together once more. Glancing over at my scythe, the ancient vow of death lined the handle. Picking it up, the sheer weight of it brought me to my knees. This wouldn't do, my body slowly adjusting to the weight. The boys helped me to my feet, the scythe spinning freely in my palm. Fireboy's words began to fade in and out, a rough darkness stole me away.
Snapping awake, I was in our bedroom. Glancing over at the ax form of my scythe, the vow was still there. Swinging my feet over my bed, I tugged on my usual black dress with my bell sleeves. Sliding on my boots, I tucked my ax back into its case. Crashing downstairs, I ran into Fireboy's chest. Clutching me close to his chest, tears soaked the top of my head. Hurt dimmed his eyes, my mind not comprehending what he was upset about.
"If you wanted to become the Goddess of Death, I would have followed you regardless. Ellie, all I require is a little forewarning." He chastised me lightly, lifting up my chin with his finger. "I don't care about any of that shit. Did you honestly forget about that promise? That seems like a really big thing to forget." Chuckling nervously, I cleared my throat. I had actually forgotten about it entirely. It had happened way too long ago and I can't remember everything.
"I did forget but she asked me when I turned twenty which was quite a few centuries ago." I admitted sheepishly, his palm meeting his forehead. "Sorry. How many promises do you remember?" His lips parted to speak, my brow cocking at his lack of an answer. Choosing to press his lips against mine hungrily, my body arched towards him. Releasing me from his spell, his loving gaze fell on mine.
"I am going to have to get you an assistant or something so you can keep track of your shit." He joked tenderly, tracing my lips. "You taste so much sweeter now. I can't explain it but you have this bright glow about your aura and I want to drink it all up. I am so glad you picked me." Squirming out of his arms, I flashed him a bright grin. Shifting uncomfortably in my thought, a nervous chuckle escaped my lips.
"I was having special nightly dreams about you for at least six months. You would pin me down and dominate me." I blurted out oddly, the servants all looking our way. "Something was calling for me to mate with you. I am so sorry about that. This must sound so creepy to you. I am so sor-" Laughing into the palms of his hand, scarlet colored my cheeks. Why did he have to laugh in my face? Turning my back, he embraced me from behind. Kissing the top of my head, my real smile illuminated my features.
"Did I live up to your wet dreams?" He teased huskily, sliding his hand up my thigh. "How does this feel?" Walking his hand up my thigh, a throat clearing made him stand straight up. My jaw dropped to the floor, my brother Tiger fell to my feet. Blood poured from his wounds, his hand curling around my ankle. How in the hell did he get here?