"Please let me go, I h-have to re-ach home before evening," Milo stammered, his clear honey-brown eyes glistening with mist. His fluffy brown hair framed his fair skin, adding to his delicate appearance.
He wore an old, worn-out silver robe, clutching a small, ripped bag with a few coins inside. Despite the shabbiness of his attire, there was an undeniable charm about him.
His face was delicate yet undeniably pretty, with long eyelashes and plump, pink lips that made him look sweet and innocent.
"Aww... little bastard wants to go home," a Ghost said, mocking Milo with a fake pitiful expression.
"Yes, ple-ase, I wa-nt to go home," Milo's voice trembled, his honey-brown eyes misty.
"Aww... but do you even have a home? I heard you live in a slum, and your useless wife is a drunkard," the Ghost said with a smirk, his black eyes gleaming with arrogance.
"Don't talk nonsense about my wife," Milo shouted, his voice shaking with anger, looking like an angry cat with his fur puffed up.
"What are you going to do? Shout at us with that small, useless voice of yours?" second Ghost sneered as he lowered his Ecto-bike and kicked Milo in the stomach.
Milo doubled over, clutching his stomach, sweat beading on his forehead as he grimaced in pain.
Ruby arrived just in time to witness the scene. A third Ghost was flying behind Milo, about to kick him in the back. Ruby's eyes flashed with coldness. She despised bullying. Unable to bear it, she sprinted towards the Ghost and yanked his Ecto-bike down.
The Ghost, unprepared for the sudden attack, widened his eyes in shock as he tumbled to the ground with his bike.
"What—" the other two Ghosts exclaimed as they rushed to help. However, before they could do anything, they felt a powerful force pressing down on them, making their heads spin. Their vision blurred, and they could barely make out the cold red eyes staring at them icily.
They were actually beaten and thrown to the ground, with their bikes broken on the other side.
Milo, still clutching his stomach in pain, looked up in surprise.
His expression become happy when he saw it's his wife.
"Who are you?" one of the Ghosts managed to gasp, his voice shaky.
"Leave him alone," Ruby's voice was steady and cold, filled with a quiet rage that made the Ghosts shiver. "Or you'll regret it."
The Ghosts exchanged nervous glances, the force of Ruby's presence enough to make them reconsider their actions.
They slowly backed away, their bravado crumbling under the weight of her gaze.
"Wait," Ruby said, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. The three Ghosts shivered and turned back to face her.
"Y-es," one of them stammered, gulping nervously.
"Say sorry to him," Ruby commanded, folding her arms across her chest, her eyes never leaving them.
The Ghosts hesitated, exchanging uneasy glances before mumbling, "S-sorry," in unison, their voices barely audible.
"Louder," Ruby demanded, her tone brooking no argument.
"We're sorry!" they said louder, their voices trembling.
Satisfied, Ruby didn't take her eyes off them until they were a safe distance away. Only then did she turn to Milo, who was still bent over in pain. Her expression softened slightly as she knelt beside him.
"Are you okay?" she asked gently, her hand reaching out to steady him.
Milo looked up at her, his eyes wide with a mix of awe and gratitude. "Th-thank you, wife," he stammered, his voice trembling.
Ruby nodded, helping him to his feet. "Let's get you out of here," she said, casting one last glance at the retreating Ghosts to ensure they wouldn't cause any more trouble.
Milo looked at her with surprise, his soft brown eyes wide. His wife had not only helped him but also saved him from the bullies.
"W-wife, you... you saved me," he whispered, his voice filled with awe.
Ruby gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Of course, Little Milo. No one has the right to treat you like that," she said firmly.
However, as he looked in another direction, his eyes dimmed. Clutching the old bag filled with some coins, tears welled up in his eyes. He hoped that his wife's actions were genuine and not just because she wanted money.
Karl and Julian hadn't seen their wife return, so they decided to search for her on the Ecto bike. Spotting her, they landed on the ground
"Milo!" Karl shouted, running to him with tears streaming down his face like waterfall as he hugged Milo tightly.
Julian parked the Ecto bike nearby and hurried over, concern etched on his face.
"Oh my god, Milo! We told you not to go, but you never listen!" Karl cried out loudly, his voice breaking with emotion. Passersby began to notice the commotion, casting curious glances their way.
Milo, uncomfortable with the attention, winced as Karl's grip tightened. "Brother Karl, I'm in pain," he managed to say, his voice strained.
Karl's eyes widened in alarm as he released Milo from the hug, his hands moving to gently support Milo's shoulders. "Sorry, Milo. We were just so worried," Karl said, his voice choked with emotion. He glanced at Julian, silently.
"Milo, are you alright?" Julian asked anxiously, looking over Milo's weary form.
Milo nodded weakly, managing a small smile despite his pain. "I'm oka-y brother Julian, Just a bit shaken up."
Julian nodded solemnly, stepping closer. "Let's get you out of here, Milo," he said softly, offering Milo a supportive arm.
"How are we going to fit everyone on the Ecto bike?" Julian asked awkwardly, glancing at Ruby, who was watching them closely.
From her memories, Ruby knew it wasn't safe for male ghosts to roam at night. Witches were fine because they were physically stronger than ghosts.
"You two take Milo home. I'll come back by myself," Ruby decided and on the way, she would explore the market.
"Wife... I can w-alk. You go with Brother Julian and Karl," Milo insisted, ready to move again.
Ruby approached him and gently patted his cheek. "No, little Milo. You need more rest. Go with them; I'll find my own way back."
"But..." Milo hesitated, concerned.
"Be a good ghost," she said softly, then looking at Karl and Julian, she added, "And take Milo to the healer." They nodded in agreement.
After they left on the Ecto bike, Ruby sighed with relief, feeling a bit awkward about calling him "good ghost." The term had slipped out naturally.
—To be continued...🪄