Phoenix:
Holding the blade of her ax to his throat, he quivered underneath her. A snarl twitched on her lips, silent tears staining her cheeks. Putting her ax away, she collapsed to her knees. Pulling him onto her lap, fat teardrops plopped onto his face. Every ounce of pent up sadness poured from her eyes, her shaking hands struggling to figure out what to do next.
"Why did you have to be so stupid? I looked up to you, you freaking idiot!" She sobbed brokenly, flashing him her real smile. "I am simply overjoyed that you are alive and okay. Open up." Pouring the gift from the Goddess of Death down his throat, black smoke curled out of his mouth as his wounds sealed shut. Lowering her arm in front of his mouth, she cleared her throat. Always the saint, Ellie was instantly ready to help her big brother.
"Drink my blood and become my disciple." She offered sincerely, his fangs sinking into her tender flesh. A rush of air blew her hair back, a solid stripe of black appearing in his hair while an inky bony hand tattooed itself around his neck. Thanking her profusely, she set his head on the ground gingerly. Wiping away her tears, a sad smile met our concerned expression. An overwhelmed sensation dawned on her face, her composure slipping by the second. All of it was understandable, her brother having attacked her not long ago being a valid reason.
"I am going for a walk on my own and I will be back when I have worked through everything. Don't murder each other while I am gone." She uttered dejectedly, Flames marching up to her. "Save it! I don't care about your lecture. It is my turn. Apologize to your son because you did a shitty job with him. Fuck you for that!" An icy breeze blasted us, her footfalls echoing out of the house. Struggling to his feet, Flames refused to acknowledge him, my boot stepping on his tail. Snapping at my worn leather boots, he attempted to claw at my worn leather jacket. He wasn't running away from his problems again, a rich determination burning in my eyes.
"You heard the boss. Talk it out." I growled through a crooked grin, tossing him towards his son. "Cage of flames." Orange flames roared to life around them, Tiger sitting up with a look of disdain. Turning his back towards his father, my brow cocked at this reaction. Hurt dimmed his eyes, the sight of this big guy crumbling to pieces broke my heart to pieces. Fathers had a way of being major idiots in this realm, his reaction as typical as the rest of them.
"You never gave me a chance to explain." He sobbed with bitter resentment, his claws digging into the floor. "I was chasing the angel who started the fucking fire and I got cursed because of it! Darkness dug its fingers into my veins and when I didn't want to do what they wanted they would shift into me. I spent the last two years in a fucking cell. She wasn't fighting me but somebody pretending to be me. I asked for her to become my personal servant so that I could give her a good childhood in secret but the lord in charge of her wouldn't let me. I didn't know about the abuse until it was too late. Everything I did was for her. Screw you." Guilt dimmed Flames' face, his paw tapping his back. Why did he have to be so awkward? Cringing from the secondhand embarrassment, an apology was always a good start.
"I am sorry that I screwed up that bad." He apologized sincerely, his tail tucking in between his legs. "Let's start over. I shouldn't have judged you so fast." Turning around, he allowed his father to climb onto his lap. Petting him gingerly, Tiger's eyes fell on me, a seriousness taking me back. It was a little tedious but at least they were kind of talking. God, I wish I could talk to my father at least once.
"I brought her around you about a year ago to capture your mating bond. I did it from my cell of course but I did it all to make her happy." He uttered with a look of pure exhaustion, still petting his father. "Promise me one thing. Could you give the life that I never could? I tried and I tried but I couldn't do it." Letting my cage down, his words left me stunned. So he wasn't the bad guy after all. Flames ran off in the opposite direction, an oppressive silence hung between us. Rolling his eyes, he had a scar the other one didn't have. Resting his hands on his knees, his real smile matched Ellie's to a tee. This proved for sure that they were related, my million dollar smile brightening my features.
"I am so glad she is happy as she can be. I remember when she was three and would follow me everywhere. I yelled at her at the time as all twelve years do. She always made sure to help others first and would always bring me a loaf of bread that she made that day." He cried with tears of joy streaming down his face. "No matter how much my father yelled at me, she would bounce onto my lap and wipe my tears away. I hated life without her in it. Her bright smile carried me through the dark times. I would always have dreams where she was calling out my name. Big brother! She would always shout that to me in the streets." Offering him my hand, he clutched his own to his chest, hesitancy burned away in his eyes. Why didn't they think that they didn't deserve any happiness?
"I have to thank you for everything then." I urged him kindly, his fingers curling around mine. Yanking him to his feet, I couldn't help but to feel short. Looking up at him, he placed his hands on his hips. Glancing around the room, he dusted off his golden armor. Taking it off, a white wool blouse clung to his enormous muscles, an unfamiliar insecurity coming over me This guy made me feel tiny, his shyness not matching the muscular body. His eyes fell on the corner, Vessel was flirting with my mother, her body arching towards him. Attempting not to throw up in my mouth, we needed to get out of this room. Clearing my throat, not a single word needed to be said. Following me into the bustling city, his wool pants fluttered in the breeze. Wearing the same pensive expression, the two were of the same flesh and blood for sure.
"Shall we go find your sister?" I suggested lightly, praying that he would take the excuse to get out of that disgusting mess of a scene. Vera leapt onto his shoulders, confusion dawning on his face. Leaning on his head, his brow cocked in response. Grinning up at her, he high fived her. Like his sister, he had a habit of attempting to make others comfortable first.
"Who is this little reaper pup on my shoulders?" He thundered playfully, spinning her into his arms. "You hold the infamous shadow dog. Do you know the best places to eat, little pup? We could get ice cream if you want." Seeing him playing with her proved his point, their love for making children happy must be a family trait. Shifting through his pockets, he pulled out a couple of silver coins. Stopping at a ice cream stand, he bought a single strawberry ice cone. Topping it with fresh strawberries, he paid the man. Passing Vera the cone while setting her down, his real smile illuminated his features. Giving his legs a bear hug, she went on to eat her ice cream. Glancing around, the silhouette of Ellie sat on the cliff not far from us. Playing in the dirt, her tail twitched irritably. Her ears pinned back, her eyes falling on us. Leaping onto to the nearest roof, all of us jumped back the moment she landed in front of us. Dropping her ice cream, Ellie caught it for her. Ruffling the top of her head, she gave her ice cream cone back. Dusting off her dress, she began to scratch the top of her hands.
"Did you happen across a group of children in the dungeon?" She asked quietly, Tiger shaking his head. "I smell despair on you but I can't quite place it. Was there a camp or something where they are keeping the orphans?" His face paled at the last question, his face falling. When did she pick up that scent before I could?
"I was going to go back there by myself to save them." He caved with a long sigh, folding his arms across his chest. "I didn't want you to come because you are with child." Anticipating her fists, he held back a couple of feet with her hands. A steady stream of curse flooded from her lips, her hands fell to her side. What was going on in her mind?
"You need to be more careful, little sis." He teased playfully, her hands curling around his wrist. "Don't even think about throwing me over your head. If you come, I will be your personal bodyguard. How about that for a compromise?" Turning her back on him, a snarl curled on her lips. I couldn't get her to behave so fast, a secret kind of gaze met his for a second. Just like that the siblings were back together to save the world.
"Fine, if that is how it must be." She caved with a bitter tone, both of us letting out a sigh of relief. "You owe me a date night and haven't mentioned it once." Was that what she was upset about? An oppressive tension hung between us, Tiger clearing his throat while her tail flicked faster. A bright smile flashed in our direction, his arms scooping up Vera. Was that what she was irritated about? Letting out a long sigh, the fury in her eyes was all my fault.
"Go now while I have an eye on this little puppy." He offered sincerely, winking in my direction. "This would be your first one, right? Are you cool with hanging out with me, little puppy?" Nodding with a toothy grin, Vera had been won over. Pushing me forward a lump formed in my throat, my hand reaching for hers. Bowing in her direction, a tender blush rose to her cheeks.
"Would you like to go on a date with me, Ellie?" I queried with my million dollar smile, her tail beginning to wag. Her eyes flitted between her brother and me, her hands crossing. Fixing her hair, her ears pinned back at the loud rumbling in her stomach. Tiger fought hard not to laugh, his crooked grin doing little to hide it.
"Tomorrow, we will make a plan to save those children and bring them here." She chirped cheerfully, dancing around. "As for you, let's go on a date." Waiting for me patiently, she leaned forward. Her hair fell off of her shoulder, her loving gaze not leaving mine. Stunned by the way the ocean air blew her hair about, her face fell. Did I screw up again?
"Did I do something wrong?" She queried apprehensively, tears welling up in eyes. "I am so-" Clutching her close to my chest, her arms dangled by her side. Hearing her apologize so much shattered my heart, the years of physical and mental abuse having taken a toll on her. Kissing the top of her head, she had to know that she was safe with me. Lifting up her chin with my finger, her wet eyes met mine.
"I want you to know that you are safe with me." I assured her lovingly, a small smile dawning on her lips. "I have to wonder though if a lot of this has to do with your brother and father being back in your life." Pressing my lips against hers gently, her body arched towards mine. A soft purr echoed in my ear, a sense of pride burned in my eyes. If she was purring around me, then she felt safe around me. Placing her on my back, her chin rested on my head. Walking through the streets, my eyes watched her reaction to the different foods. Lighting up the most at the noodle bar, I set her down. Walking up to the bar on the outside, her tail began to wag. Taking my seat, I yanked her onto my lap. Tonight she was mine.
"What does my Ellie desire?" I grinned blithely, her eyes scanning the menu. "You can get anything you want." Pointing to the pork and veggie noodle dish, I asked for the chicken one as well. Humming to herself, her fingers drummed on the table. Brushing my lips against the nape of her neck, I took pride in her squirming in my lap. Sliding my hands down to her bump, it seemed slightly bigger than this morning. My child was growing big and strong, her hands cupping mine. A quiet pride burned in her eyes, her happiness at carrying my child making me blush a deep scarlet.
"Can I ask you something?" She commented with a nervous laugh, her mesmerizing eyes meeting mine. "Why do you stick around with me? Surely you could have found someone else in a heartbeat." Stunned silent by her question, how could she not see it! Her kindness was enough for me to love her with everything I had, let alone the way she would tuck her hair behind her ear when she was flirting with me. Little did she know that every morning the rays would paint her dainty features in the most magical way. How does one put that all into words?
"I love the way you shoved yourself into my life. You bounced right up to me and claimed me as yours. You called me, remember? Then you helped that innkeeper without a second thought. I love waking up next to you everyday. You brought the warmth back into my life." I gushed vividly, kissing the nape of her neck. "Then you kept hanging onto me like a good little kitten. I can't imagine life without you. What else can I say? Let's see, I simply adore everything little thing about you. Right down to your little fits of anger, my fiery kitten. Your turn." Smiling warmly to herself, my heart fluttered at her gorgeous eyes
"It is so hard to describe. I love how passionate and nice you are. I love the little moments where you think that I am not looking. You always pin your ears when you get mad and always have a book in your hands in your free time. I admire your spirit when it comes to protecting me. I can't believe you chose me." She admitted sheepishly, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. "You accepted me after I sliced a man in half and chose to marry me to save me. You are my hero and always will be my hero." A deep crimson colored my cheeks, the last words sending chills up my spine. The chef placed our bowls in front of us, his hands scooping up my payment. Picking up her chopsticks, she nibbled on the pork resting in the sleek metal sticks. Letting out a satisfied sigh, she slurped down what was left of the meat. An adorable squeal escaped her lips, Ellie devoured it in seconds. Eating mine slowly, she looked content with people watching. Stealing a piece of chicken, it stuck out of the corner of her mouth. Slurping it down, a fit of laughter burst from my lips. Scrunching up her nose, my breath hitched. Finishing up my meal, I placed her on my back as I rose to my feet. Leaping off my back, she hooked her elbow in mine. Walking through the streets, she stopped at the pet stand. Shifting through the collars, she pulled out a simple black leather collar with a bow tie. Paying the kind man, her eyes fell on a couple of scarlet ribbons with bells. Walking over to the stand, her protests fell on deaf ears as I bought them. Thanking the woman, her cheeks burned bright the moment I tied them around her ears.
"They could never be as beautiful as you, Ellasandra." I exhaled serenely, my hand cupped her cheek. Snuggling into my palm, her lips brushed against my palm. Spinning around, the way her tail and hair twirled around made my heart flutter. Leaning forward, she moved her ears around to jingle the bells.
"How do they look?" She chirped cheerfully, noticing the band playing in the distance. "Do you want to dance? I love dancing." Dragging me to the square where other couples were spinning in every direction, she moved my hand to the right spots. Not familiar with the reaper style of dance, it took a few minutes to catch up. Her real smile never left her face, a crowd gathering around us. Dragging her around me, one flick of my wrist had her up in the air. Catching in the air, the cheering snapped her out of her happy trance. Bowing to them, her slender hand guided me to the beach. Laying down on the flattest rock, her hand yanked me down. Crawling onto my chest, her ears tickled my chin. Explaining the different stars, her intelligence stunned me. Snores echoed in my ears, her smile told me that everything was going to be alright. A warm breeze jingled her bells, Flames landing gracefully next to her, his eyes falling on the collar coming out of her pocket. Sliding it on, he adjusted the collar with his paws. Grinning ear to ear, her father was definitely feeling it.
"She knows me too well." He purred jovially, playing with the bell. "Thank you for leading the whole situation earlier. I suppose I can be a bit stubborn. Have a nice evening." Turning to leave, my hand grabbed his tail. A small hiss left his lips, his tail flicking with annoyance.
"I meant what I said earlier." I lectured him boldly, his death glare meeting mine. "I don't like my father for being an asshole to my mother so don't be like that to your son. If you want your kids to stay in your life, then you need to listen to them." His lips parted to speak, a busted body crashed onto the golden sands. The busted remains of a boat crashed over him, the man struggling to his feet. Laying Ellie back down, I leapt onto the beach. Fear paralyzed me, my old man stood in front of me. His ivory waves cascaded down his back, his scarlet dragon eyes fell on me. Hatred mixed with fear, his worn scarlet leather coat clinging to his muscular build. The sand crunched behind me, my mother stepping in front of me. All the breath left our bodies, the ivory scales lining his jawline shimmered in the moonlight.
"Leave us alone!" She roared thunderously, her orange floral robes dancing in the ocean breeze. "I had our bond broken. You can't expect to come back and have me in your arms ag-" Placing his gloved hand in the air, scars covered his body. Rolling his eyes, he folded his arms across his chest. Something was different about him, the hatred not existing anymore.
"I didn't come back for you. I came to see it through with making it up to my son so we can have a relationship again. I wouldn't mind becoming friends with you, Teina. I realize I was a dick for which I apologize. I ended up almost dying when I came across a village that helped me with my anger." He stammered nervously, ringing out his coat. "If I didn't care, I wouldn't have sailed from the frozen wastelands. Again I am sorry. I can go if you w-" A fluffy tail touched my back, Ellie stepping out in front of us. Shaking behind her, curiosity twinkled in her eyes. Reading him with her reaper eye, she had all the information she needed.
"Ivan is your name, right?" She interrogated him sternly, marching up to him. "Your aura is tainted but it smells like you do want to make amends. I wouldn't hold my breath. You beat on your wife and child. I won't ever leave you alone with your grandchild until you prove yourself. Regardless, we need to get you washed up and fed. Would you mind following us back to the manor." Confusion dawned on his face, none of us quite getting it. Following us up to the manor, a chunk of ice built around his fist from his nerves building. Cupping his fist, a stunned expression met hers. The ice melted away, silent tears streaming down his cheeks. What did she just learn from holding his hand? Letting it go, we continued to the kitchen.
"Come to the kitchen. I will make you a nice meat sandwich." She promised with a warm smile, knowing full well that the dragon kingdom had fallen just like hers. "I can't leave a broken soul starving and cold. I have to believe that you have a good heart if you made it past the barrier." All of us wandered into the kitchen, the stool creaking underneath him as he sat down. Pulling out the ingredients, she hummed away as she prepared his meal. How could she be kinder than us? Tiger wandered in with a wide grin, Ellie's left brow cocking. Plopping down next to him, she pulled two sandwiches out from underneath the counter. Sliding them to the boys, her bells jingled from the icy breeze coming from my father.
"Eat up!" She sang gleefully, dropping a piece of beef into her mouth. "Reaper's cooking is the best. Tomorrow we can hash everything out with a full stomach and some good rest." Swinging onto the counter, Tiger couldn't stop gushing about how good it was. My mother yanked me into the hall, her wet eyes meeting mine.
"I think he has changed. He is just like when we first met before the curse overtook him." She smiled softly to herself, her hands holding my shoulders. "I don't want to be with him like that again but I feel compelled to try. Please try with me." Sighing with defeat, I had to trust my mother. Letting out a strained fine, she bounced up and down. Hoping he was better, I chose to give him a second chance in the spirit of Ellie.