Phoenix:
How could she not tell me about her curse! We had been married for how long and she didn't feel safe enough to tell me. Hurt by that thought, the reality of it all was that she probably didn't want to burden me. Flickers stirred awake, her eyes falling on me. Crossing her paws, her ears pinned back at my odd expression.
"I don't know much about my master but she seems to want to take care of others before herself. You have a keeper." She purred happily, her tail dancing in the air. "Help me protect her." Smiling warmly to myself, Flickers was a perfect match for her. Ellie yawned groggily, Flickers walked up to her face. Licking her with her rough tongue, Ellie's laughter twinkled in the air. Smothering Flicker with love, her purrs mixed with her laughter. Leaping off of her, her tail was the last thing I saw. Resting her hands on her knees, her loving gaze made my heart skip a beat.
"I am sorry I didn't tell you. I thought I had a handle on it." She apologized sincerely, a sad smile dimming her features. "No one ever cared for me before so it wasn't the top of my list to talk about it. The people I worked for would give me the proper medicine to keep the symptoms at bay. If it makes you feel better, I will always tell you if it becomes too much." Sitting on the bed next to her, her slender hand guided mine to her bump. Pride swelled in our eyes, her tail dancing with happiness. Of course she knew what softened the blow.
"Okay. Try not to keep anything from me from now on." I returned with my real smile, simply happy that she was alive. My lips parted to speak once more, Livi came in with a plate of eggs and toast. Her hair had been pulled into a big ponytail, her gracious smile made her look less tired. Giving her the space to give the plate to Ellie, the bed groaned as she plopped down next to her. Good luck getting her to eat.
"Here is some breakfast for the hero." She chirped cheerfully, her light laughter twinkling in the air. "Eat up." Taking the plate, Ellie ate the food politely. Finishing up the last bite, the fork clanked as she set the plate aside. Ellie pressed Livi's palms together, her real smile relaxing her further. Dread built at what she would say next, my lips pressing into a thin line.
"I was wondering if you wouldn't mind being one of my council members once I take charge." Ellie offered sincerely, Livi's grin growing wider. Yanking her into a bear hug, a squeak poured from Ellie's lips. Letting her go, Ellie's newest friend couldn't contain her joy. Bowing in her direction, her shaking hands cupped Ellie's.
"I would be honored." She wept blissfully, hugging Ellie again. "I vow my allegiance to your movement and you." Ellie swung her feet over the edge of the bed, she slid her feet into her boots. Shoving her ax into her case, her hands crossed. Flickers ran to her side with a giant fish in her mouth with Tiger by her side, her paw moving in circles. A circle glowed to life, Ellie yanking me in. Orange flames whisked us back home, the big blue moon bathed the island. Vera ran towards us, Ellie scooped her up. Spinning her around, Vera's beautiful smile illuminated her face. Smothering her in kisses, their laughter twinkled in the air. Setting her down, Flickers rubbed up against Vera. Letting our daughter snuggle with her, purrs bounced off the wall. Black smoke curled from Flickers' mouth, Vera crying out as Flickers slid her down her neck. Running around the room, a dejected look came over Ellie's face. Excusing herself, she went off towards the garden. Tiger uttered that he would watch Vera if I wanted to talk to Ellie. Thanking him, my empty footfalls echoed towards the garden. A stressed out Ellie had her knees pulled to her bump. Her long waves cascaded down her leg, silent tears stained her cheeks. Sitting down behind her, she melted into my arms the moment I held her from behind.
"What's eating at you, my little kitten?" I queried cautiously, hoping that she would open up. Resting her head against my chest, exhaustion wore on her face. Falling into a peaceful slumber, small whimpers kept escaping her lips. Taking off my jacket, I laid it on her. Empty footfalls echoed behind me, my old man entering the garden. A black envelope rested in between his fingers, my face falling. Her work was already calling her.
"This showed up a couple of minutes ago." He informed me with a nervous smile, his navy blouse danced in the breeze. "I can have your mother or her brother watch Vera for you guys. I apologize for the poor timing." Tapping her shoulder, she stirred awake. Seeing the black envelope, her face lit up. Leaping off of me, her fingers snatched my letters. Ripping it open, she spun around.
"They approved a visit to my father!" She squealed excitedly, jumping up and down. "Time to go. Although, I don't think Flickers can enter the reaper's realm. She is made of the type of blood that would freeze. Ivan, tell her to protect Vera for me." Grabbing her ax, it expanded into her scythe. A worn wooden door appeared, her hand reaching for mine. A gust of wind blew her hair around, pure joy twinkled in her eyes. Sweeping me into her arms, we both stepped onto a worn canoe. Placing her scythe into the circle at the head of the boat, my eyes scanning the fog curling off the water. Fire lilies lined the jet black rock walls, salty tears staining the boat as it groaned forward. Humming to herself, she didn't notice me taking a seat behind her. A chilly breeze sent chills up my spine, my scarlet cotton blouse not helping me much. Waving her hand in the air, a thick wool blanket fell over my shoulders.
"I can summon anything in this realm." She explained brightly with her real smile, my heart skipping a beat at the snow dancing around her gorgeous face. "My job is to make the soul as comfortable as possible. Where we are going is going to be breathtaking. There is snow glittering like diamonds and ice lilies. I went there with my father once to meet his best friend. We spent the day throwing snowballs and such activities. I can't wait." Seeing her bubbling with excitement caused a wave of relief to crash over me, her tail wagging with joy. Black rock changed into thick walls of ice, my palm catching the snowflakes. Grinning back at me, she looked adorable with the snow piled on top of her hair. Shaking it off, her genuine smile never left her face. Pulling into the dock, Flames waited for her, the boat slowing to a stop. Leaping off the boat, she scooped him up. Hugging him close to her chest, tears of joy soaked his fur. Snuggling into her shoulder, his leather collar still hung around his neck. Noticing it, her finger played with the bell.
"I am so sorry about fighting with you last time." She apologized profusely, both of their tears freezing. "Let's make the best of our time, my dear father. Come along, my dear husband. The world down here is beautiful." Helping me out, a snap of the finger had the blanket transformed into a fluffy coat. Dragging me into a snow covered village of jet black brick homes. Gasping in wonder, reapers of all ages wandered around as they laughed with each other. Jumping out of her arms, our feet crunched through the snow towards a worn A-frame. Pushing the door open, orange flames crackled in a stone fireplace. Pointing to the worn brown leather chair across from his, Ellie's laughter twinkled in the air the moment I crashed onto the plush seat. Taking her with me, my shaking hand held her bump. Pictures of their lives lined the wall, my wife couldn't stop taking in all the worn log walls. Sinking into an easy conversation, a rare relaxed expression dawned on her face. Resting her head on her hand, he bounced onto her lap. Holding her bump, his smile grew wider.
"Our little firecracker is growing like a weed." He joked tenderly, rubbing his head against her swollen belly. "I am so proud of you. How do you like being a reaper's assistant?" His kind gaze fell on my anxious expression, his ears pinning back. Struggling to speak, the question threw me off.
"I don't mind it. It means that I get to spend more time with her. She loves her job and I couldn't watch the bastards take that away." I answered honestly with my crooked grin, his brow cocking. "I can handle an-" Putting his paw up into the air, our lips pressed into a thin line. Hopping off of her lap, he dragged over an official handbook. Tossing it into my palm, my grateful smile met his sad expression.
"Are you prepared for war torn battlefields and massacres? Seeing what we see takes a serious toll on our minds. If the name is on the list, then you have to reap their soul. Fate picked their names and that is how it will always be." He warned me calmly, Ellie shooting him a warning look in his direction. "I don't care how mad you are getting. He needs to know. Promise me that you will serve by her side with the reaper's honor." Popping to her feet, her boots pounded out of her house. Chasing after her, she had skidded to a stop in front of a giant white cat hissing darkly. Trembling in her spot, salty tears stained her cheeks. Raising her scythe in the attack position, the handle shook violently in her hands.
"Mother, you need to go back to Heaven." She pleaded desperately, shedding more tears. "Your soul is getting more corrupted by the s-" A bright light blinded us, a golden haired soldier in pristine white robes had her sword aimed towards her mother's neck. My cries of protest fell on deaf ears the moment she pushed off the ground. Smashing her body into the attacker, the two of them crashing into a giant snowbank. A crowd of reapers gathered in a circle, a dome of translucent golden energy kept us from getting to them. Looking like two balls of flames fighting each other, her mother kept swatting at the two of them. A loud blast sent Ellie into another snow bank. Cuts dripped on her face, my anxiety growing by the second. Banging on the dome, her father and I tried everything to break the damn thing. Spitting out her blood, it painted the snow. The guardian of the God of Light had so much more damage, tiny burns dotted her skin as her white robes were tattered and frayed. Raising her sleek golden blade, Ellie stomped her foot on the ground. Shadows shot out from underneath her feet, the dome glitching out. Shadowy hands ripped the assailant to her feet, one stomp destroying the blade. Rushing up to her side, Ellie sat down on her shoulder. A wall of flames prevented the giant cat from hitting the two of them.
"Back the fuck off. I will deal with this as the Goddess of Death, you foul little foot soldier." She warned hotly, the blade of her scythe pressing into her neck. "Go back home before I murder you. The last thing I want is a war between the God of Light and if I kill you then that is definitely go to fucking happen." A wicked grin danced across the pale face of the assassin, the crazed laughter throwing her off. Horror widened my eyes at three long paws sliding through her chest, her mother lifting her into the air. Using the chance to escape in a sea of golden ribbons, drops of her blood plopped onto my head. Hugging her paw, loud screeches poured from the cat's lips. Her flames danced over the white fur, her mother shrinking down to the size of Flames. Mouthing a silent spell, the wounds sealed shut. Scooping her into her arms, Flames struggled to keep his composure. Setting her down in front of her father, she hung back.
"I am sure I am going to get Hell for this but as the Goddess of Death, I permit you to live with your husband." She promised sweetly, watching the two of them circle each other. "I see no point in keeping soul mates apart. I love you, Mom." Fighting back fresh tears, her real smile illuminated her features. Kissing each other, a tender blush rose to her parent's fluffy cheeks. Icy blue eyes met mine, her paws bounding up to mine. Jumping into my arms, her paws cupped my face. Soft fur tickled my skin, her stern gaze sending chills up my spine.
"You must be the one she picked, Dragon Lord Phoenix. You aren't the little boy I held once. You have grown into a fine young man. I am glad to see that our arranged marriage went through in the end after all." She purred in a soft sweet tone, a snarl twitching on Ellie's lips. "Calm down, fire kitten. You are only mad because I decided a bit of your future for you. I merely had your future in mind." Ellie picked up a bit of snow, her palms rolling it into a ball. Chucking it full force at her mother, my hand caught it. Honestly, her temper was too quick to rise at the worst of times.
"Please refrain from blowing your top on your parents." I snapped hotly, her ears pinning back. "An arranged marriage would have been wrong but would you not have been happy! I would have much rather married you in a lavish wedding in a peaceful world instead of the shit one we had. I don't remember your mother but you do. Don't you remember her cooking, and how you hum the same song she sang to you! My father was an asshole and I am attempting to fix my relationship with him. You had two great parents until a damn fire! You would never understand what it is like to have a parent b-" Shaking her head, tears of rage and hurt flooded from her eyes, her fists clenching.
"I don't know what!" She barked venomously, her tail twitching irritably. "I was kidnapped and forced to serve under violent lord after lord! They would find new ways to torture me like it was a game! Fuck you for saying that. I am allowed to be mad at her for dying regardless of how childish that truthfully is. For years I watched the world go by with happy families while the parents would sneer at me for being a reaper! The world hates us for no reason and we have to help them no matter what! I hate it at times. I shouldn't have to hide away like some scolded kitten but that is the way it is now. People think that those words don't hurt but each day they dig themselves deeper and deeper. I hate myself!" A stunned silence overcame the village, her mother leaping into her arms. Wiping her tears away, Ellie's dam broke. The leaks were present before but everything came flooding out. Sinking to her knees, my wife held her mother close to her chest. Humming the song she used to sing to her, tears of anger turned to tainted tears of joy. Having been stripped down to the most human version of herself, this moment made me regret my sudden outburst. It had come out of nowhere, guilt dimming my eyes. Flames hopped onto my shoulders, his wet eyes gazing upon them with love.
"I think me leaving her helped her out. Before she would never open up about anything. For so long she felt as if she had to be the strongest one in the room. People like you have a good effect on people. When she was a toddler, she would pretend to rescue everyone around her." He chuckled softly to himself, my expression softening. "We wanted you two to get married because we expected you to rule the kingdom in our absence. The arranged part was a little harsh on my wife's part but when I met you I knew that you would be the right one for her in the end. I could tell that day. Your eyes lit up at her picture, a dazed grin wouldn't leave your face. You were so adorable that day. Granted you were younger than her but who cares. It is a shame you never met each other. I bet you guys would have been great friends." A throat cleared, an apologetic Ellie trembled in front of me.
"I am sorry for my temper. I love you." She apologized sincerely, watching her mother jump on top of a snow bank. "Mother, I am sorry that I lost my cool and about only being able to shrink you back down to a small cat." Bowing in her direction, her hair grazed the snow. Seeing her so humbled looked weird, her fiery pride got in the way sometimes. Her snow white palms forced her to stand up straight, snow sparkling on her paws as she pressed her palms together.
"You did your best. Although, the other gods are probably going to be annoyed with you." She assured her with motherly love, her tail wagging with joy. "You reunited me with my soul mate and that is more important. I love you, my little fire kitten." Kissing her on the top of her hands, Ellie's bells on her ears jingled with every happy weep. Flames jumped over to his wife, his tail locking with hers.
"I think the door is closing soon. You had better get going, Ellie. I love you, my little kitty." He choked out sadly, her arms clutching them close to her chest. "Thank you for your present." Setting them back down, she took a couple of steps back. Bowing in their direction, she hooked her elbow in mine. Waving goodbye, we crunched through the snow. A boat waited for us, Ellie taking her place in the front. Hovering a couple of inches behind her, a curious expression met mine.
"You don't need to apologize." She assured me with her genuine smile, my heart skipping a beat. "I need to hear the blunt truth every now and then. You make me want to tell you everything and I don't know why. I guess it was cool we were technically engaged. How awesome would it have been to grow up with you in my life!" Judging by her exhausted expression, the truth was being spoken. Swaying slightly, her slender hand touched her forehead. Embracing her behind, my strong arms held her up. Sliding my hand down to hers, her ears tickled my face. Holding the scythe with her, her body melted into mine. Guiding my other hand to her bump, pride swelled in our eyes. Massaging it with my palm, a tiny moan escaped her lips. Scarlet colored her cheeks, her fangs biting her lips. Wrapping her tail around my waist, her thighs rubbed together. Grinning wickedly, this made her want me more. Brushing my lips against the nape of her neck, lust filled gasps poured from her lips. Kissing her until we docked, Ellie was seconds from melting into a puddle. Taking out her scythe, the wood groaned the moment we stepped out. Pinning me to the wall, her bump rubbed up against my abs. A fever colored her cheeks, her body collapsing into my arms. Scooping her up, a throat clearing gave me pause. Dark energy dominated the space, a male demon blocked my path. His jet black waves danced in the icy breeze, his finger pointing towards Ellie. Inky black vines curled around his wrist, his worn brown robes fluttering in a gust of wind. His inky eyes fell on me, the vines contrasting his porcelain skin. Spinning his wrists, a single blood rose bloomed in his palm. Placing his wrists together, wicked laughter burst from his lips.
"I am Rosy Jack, and poisoned petals are my thing." He bragged gleefully, bowing in my direction. "My sister has ordered me to collect that thing in your arms. She said something about making her a prize to be won. If I bring her home, she will promise me a throne next to her." A fit of laughter burst from my lips, his brain must be the size of a pea. Confusion mixed with rage, his brow cocking at my odd sense of humor.
"You must be dumber than I thought. You think that evil witch is going to give you something when the only thing she cares about is herself. What has she ever done for you as your sister?" I asked calmly, his rose wilting slightly. "How about you fight on a side where everyone cares about you? Do you even know what love or friendship even is?" His rose wilted completely, slight burns covered his face as his vines creaked into their hiding places. Leaning on the wall, a curious glint twinkled in his eyes. I wasn't notorious for my silver tongue for no reason.
"I am listening." He replied cautiously, his arms folding across his chest. "I'll bite if it's better than my abusive sister. I have no loyalty to her anyway. Don't look so shocked. My whole family is that way." Bewilderment dawned on my face, the fact that betrayal was so easy for a person stunning me. I suppose it could be possible, yet it didn't sit right with me.
"I find this a little fishy. What is your endgame?" I interrogated him intensely, my brow furrowing with his. "How the hell did you get in here?" Reaching behind his back, he showed me a scythe with a jet black vine covered handle. Blood roses lined the handles, the curved onyx blade glinted in the light. The deep red roses bloomed and then shut repeatedly, his eyes falling on Ellie.
"Is she a mean boss?" He continued quietly, shrinking his scythe down to an ax. "I don't mind working for another reaper. I haven't killed anybody or anything. I keep using my job to get out of everything. My favorite part of my life is this job. Seeing people off into Heaven is so enlightening. Unfortunately, most people find me scary." A scarlet snake curled up his arms, the two of them smiling warmly at each other. Petting his head, his attention fell back on me.
"You have me in your charge, good sir." He relented with a crooked grin, walking up to me. "May I have your palm?" He requested kindly, accepting my offered palm. "I need to bite you and you are my master. Such a deal works out for the both of us." Sinking his teeth into my palm, a steady stream of curse words flooded from my lips. Releasing me from his bite, he bowed to me. Getting back to holding my wife, a glowing lily blossomed in his palm. Crushing it in his palm, he blew it onto her face. The symptoms of her curse faded away, his palms rubbing together. The door appeared in front of us, his hand offering me to go first. Hanging back, I motioned for him to go ahead. A lack of trust still rested between us, my eyes catching an inky dragon landing around his neck. Now that our bond was sealed, we walked through together. Letting the ocean breeze melt a bit of my stress away, another reaper on our side couldn't be a horrible thing.