Okily Dokily! Bajeebus- I almost had 6 months under my belt for this chapter! I'm so sorry! I feel completely horrible for putting this on the back-burner, but my focus was on my writers block for my other story, which is about a YEAR in the making, and I couldn't seem to get anywhere. I work full time now, and do more than required amounts of university through distance education, so please keep in mind I can't write as often as I'd like to.
Also, as many of you may already know, I recently went through a huge loss in my life. Not to look for sympathy or make excuses, I broke ties with someone who was my muse for the last two years and who always used to support me and help me get ideas. But take it from me, it is better this way. I would rather build myself back up than have someone constantly tear me down all the time- and that's something everyone should know :) But psshhh- enough about me!
Reviewers!-
Oh my. So many kind words! I truly am honored and incredibly sorry for the long wait. A note especially to Aqua Star- I will never abandon this story! Too many plans for it ;) But agreed- if ever I choose I can't finish I will tell every one of you. It's not fair for readers to be left hanging on a story that's been forgotten :(
A few of you have been asking about Buttercup and Butch's meeting- but I feel I should warn you even though I've gained back my confidence and love writing this story, it's a few chapters in before Butch and Buttercup finally meet. Keep in mind, Butch is convinced (as is everyone) that Buttercup is dead, and she's happy to keep it that way to protect Emerald. Even Blayze doesn't know anything about his mother- it's all been swept under the rug. Of course I can't wait to reveal their final meeting, but a lot has to happen before we get to that climax ;)
If anyone has any questions at all please feel free to PM me. Although I hope all questions will be answered eventually, this story will stay at a steady pace until more and more is revealed- including a few more characters coming into the picture!
But anyway- I hope you all like the update! :) let me know what you think!
...
I'm waking up
I feel it in my bones,
Enough to make my systems blow,
Welcome to the new age, to the new age
-'Radioactive', Imagine Dragons
...
Buttercup
.
I slammed to the ground just a few short moments before Emmy landed beside me, dust and rocks scattering at her rough landing. A wide grin spread up my face as I saw the determined look in her eyes- darkened and narrowed as she struggled to keep up, pushing as hard as she could to stay at the same pace. To be fair, with the training we do, I try and trick her a bit- pull a few dirty moves to throw her off.
Even though my heart races a million miles an hour at the thought of my little girl going up against a demon, I know they'll come after her…and they play dirty too.
I dug the side of my boot into the dirt once more as I took off again, darting through the trees, pushing off the thick trunks to gather more speed, propelling further forward. I could hear her behind me, catching up to me, when I grabbed onto the nearest trunk and pushed off in a sharp left- completely changing direction. I heard a yelp, right before a telltale thump echoed through the forest.
I screeched to a halt. "You okay?"
She emerged from behind the tree, which was now splintered from the force of the hit. Her fiery emerald eyes were narrowed at me, a few twigs clinging to her hair.
"You always do that! You're always changing direction, Mama!" She moaned in frustration, stomping forward bossily. I couldn't help but grin, tilting my head at her innocently, teasing her in my best sing-song voice.
"Well if I always do it, you should be prepared for it!"
She retaliated by poking her tongue out at me, dusting herself off and getting into her 'ready' stance. It was the second thing I ever taught her- how to plant your feet into the ground, hands up, stance strong.
Defensive stance was the first thing she learned.
…
"I don-don't un-stand…" Emmy whimpered at me, looking down at her feet before switching her gaze to me, searching my face. Those wide, dark green eyes were widened with such innocent curiosity I found it hard to believe they were his eyes. She was only a few weeks shy of three years old, and I knew in my heart I couldn't protect her by bundling her up in my arms forever. She'd have to know eventually- it wasn't fair to keep her in the dark.
I only prayed she never lost that innocence. That look in her eyes that makes my heart melt, makes me push on for her.
"I know you don't, baby…" I soothed her from over her shoulder, pushing her head to the front again. Her legs shook slightly at the foreign position I'd put her in, and she held her arms up weakly where I'd put them. "But you gotta listen, okay? This is important."
"Wha….what's important?" Emmy frowned at me, turning that gaze over her shoulder again. Like Blayze, she'd quickly surpassed all her early milestones early. She could fly by three months, say basic words by five months, even walking at six months. But at two she was just like any other toddler- albeit with ten times more strength. She still didn't know about the world she lived in…how she wasn't the normal girl, she would never lead a normal 'life'- and, not unlike most children in our world, she wasn't safe. My heart sank at the thought that now was the time I'd have to tell her this.
"For you to be…ready." I told her, my hands going to hers once again. "When a bad person comes… when someone wants to hurt you…the first thing you do is this."
She looked down again, her face crinkled with confusion.
"Be strong."
"But…but who wants to hurt me?" She whimpered, her fists now shaking.
I threaded a few fingers through her hair, my own chest tightening at the words. "You don't know, baby…that's the thing. You have to be prepared that anyone will hurt you."
"But WHY!" She looked scared now, her eyes darting all over as if someone was ready to jump out of the shadows. I clenched her fist tighter, swallowing the lump that seemed to appear in my throat.
"Because there are bad people in the world, Emmy…" I murmured to her softly, my head leaning against hers. "But if you be strong with Mommy, nobody can hurt you. I won't let them." I rose, crossing over to kneel in front of her, my own fists rising to match hers. "But you have to help me, okay?"
Her face was open, her lips agape and shaking slightly. Those doleful eyes were gazing up at me with so much fear and insecurity- yet glimmering with love and determination. She's more than my fighter, she's my life- and I know she'll keep me going until the very end. She nodded her head, her eyes trailing down to her own clenched fists. She tightened her grip- that fierce stance that mirrored my own.
"O-okay."
…
I shook my head, my windswept hair slapping at my cheeks. Emerald wasn't paying attention- she was focusing on her feet and fists- clenched and ready in stance. She overthinks things… I'm seeing more of my sisters in her every day. Strong and smart like Bloss, but cautious and easily distracted like Bubbles-
Emerald bounced in her stance but kept her feet planted on the ground, growing anxious in her waiting. Her patience, however, is all me.
"Chill, Em." I sniggered at her, sliding my own foot back into a sturdy position. I raised my own hands and began to circle. She followed me, her eyes steadying on my form.
It took me a while to fully understand what was growing within me, but I knew enough that I had to control it. Sometimes I felt normal, like nothing had changed. Then it came- the rush of burning, uncontrolled emotion that I had to harness in order to even see straight. Not only did my rush of familiar supernatural Chemical X energy flow within me, but unbridled, raw emotion fuelled that flame.
The trick was taking a hold of it, and not let it take hold of you.
My eyes snapped shut in automatic concentration, the familiar channel of emotion building within me. Flexing my fingers, my skin was suddenly on fire as I aimed a blast of energy at my daughter- which she easily reflected with a flash of her own hand. She flashed me a cheeky grin.
I know what Emerald is. She is the same as her father, the same as Blayze. But I won't let her turn out like him- just like I won't let it trap me. I won't let it take either of us. It can be controlled.
"Focus, Baby." I reminded her before sending a stronger one. She pursed her lips as she danced around my flashes of razor hot beams- soaring and darting and deflecting them with strong, sharp moves. She's been practising.
Emerald cackled with glee as my shots grew faster and stronger- and soon she was bouncing off the trees and attempting a few somersaults as I stood in the centre, heated from the force of power. I kept it steady, though, and attempted to trick her on a few things. She floated lazily around me as she caught up with my rhythm- her long ebony hair floating behind her, tangled and wild. Those dark eyes watched me closely, but I could see they were growing cocky, flashing with a smug knowledge that she was easily beating me. Butch used to pull the exact same face…
I scoffed at her, stopping altogether. "Don't get lazy, Em! Or I will make you do push-ups."
She grumbled and, with a pout in place, went back to her original position on the ground, her gleaming eyes watching my every move. I moved now- in a flash so I was behind her. She reacted almost immediately and shot like a bullet to a safer position. I matched her, and she started attacking me. Flashes of green (a little darker than mine) rippled through the air and I darted to avoid them- the energy flashing past me. It was so hot it almost scalded my skin just being an inch too close. Bark and dirt flew as her energy blasts smashed into the trees and ground- birds scattering and my shoes scraping across the rock as I attempted to grip. I ran off and I heard her closing in on me. As I ran, my fists balled with the pressure. My heart thumped, my throat gasped for air, my mind ticked, my fingers crushed in a tight fist. Every bit of aggression I pushed aside and summoned a greater force within me- pure adrenaline, joy, happiness, hope and determination-
I stopped and threw the heat of my hands into the ground, shockwaves of hot demonic, Chemical X force pulsing through the hard Earth beneath me. Em shrieked where she stood, the pulse catching her and throwing her off and into the air. My face crunched in a wince as she crashed back into the hard ground, skidding and scattering dust and rocks. The earth below me trembled with the aftershock- I'd put a lot of strength into that blow, and the sneaky move always catches Emerald off-guard.
"Ow!" I heard her huff as she emerged from behind some scrub, pouting and wearing a few harsh red scrapes across her cheek and down her arms.
"Sorry, Em." I knelt down, brushing at her dusty clothes. "But you know to always stay-"
"Focused." She grumbled at me, finishing the sentence I've told her probably thosands of times now. "I know." She folded her arms, doing a good job at ignoring the pain. "I just still can't do it!"
A smirk tugged at my mouth, and I reached out to tap my daughter on her cute button nose, which she wrinkled instinctively- pulling a face. "You just have to have patience, and practice building up your attacks, rather than just throw energy without even planning it."
She rolled her eyes at me. "By the time I do that, it'll be too late!"
"Don't get angry, Emmy." I reminded her sternly. "Remember what I told you? It's better to channel your emotion-"
"Into something happy…" She finished, batting her eyes at me innocently. She still had her pout in place. "But that takes even longer!"
"But it helps in gaining power." I winked at her, rising back to my feet. "Besides, you might be surprised- some enemies are slower and stupider than you think."
She laughed at that, and my heart fluttered at hearing it. Her laugh never fails to lift me up- the same with Blayze's baby giggle, which was now a distant memory that always settled in the back of my head. Terrified of losing it, sometimes at night I replayed the same memory over and over again, almost as if my chubby, shrieking baby was right there beside me again, grabbing and giggling at me.
I shook my head and reached down to grab Emmy's hand, running my other hand through her tangled hair.
"Come on…" I sighed to her, gripping her hand and yanking her into my arms easily. "We gotta go."
She heaved her own sigh, eyes rolling. "I like the forest…" She pouted. "Where are we going now?"
"If you're lucky…" I snickered to her. "We might be going back to see Tyler."
I caught her excited grin. Tyler meant civilisation, and civilisation meant kids- and possible friends.
.
Butch
.
Blayze was moaning at me all the way down to dinner- which was especially frustrating when you had a kid that could float right next to your ear. I kept swatting him away, but he kept up a fierce front- growling at me angrily.
"But Da-a-ad." He started up again as I headed down the stairs. "It wasn't even my fault! You always say I need to practice my hunting skills-"
"Not on your cousin."
"What's the difference?" He pulled a face at me, gripping at my shirt so he could float behind effortlessly. "I got her pinned- I captured her! Now I can come out and hunt with you, right?"
"Wrong."
"But DAD!" he growled at me, still with that high-pitched whine in his voice. "I'm six now! I know all the moves! I've been training really hard and you said I could!"
"No."
"Da-a-a-a-d!"
I reached over my shoulder and grabbed his own shirt before he could get away, and pulled him so he was dangling in front of me. He kicked at me, his face screwing up in annoyance. I only smirked. I used to do the same thing when he was misbehaving as a toddler- but I can see not much has changed since fiery sour apple eyes narrowed in on me, looking furious.
"DAD! LEMME GO! PUT ME DOWN! DAAAD!"
He was whining now and I had to snicker at his feeble attempts to escape. He swatted and kicked at me as I dragged him along through the air, keeping a firm grip on him. He pouted, and I could feel those eyes burning into me as I carried him into the dining room.
"I'm not a little kid!" He growled at me, wriggling again. "Dad! This isn't funny! DAD!"
I dropped him onto his regular chair at the dining room table, and with the sudden switch in gravity he couldn't catch himself in time before tumbling to the chair, giving me another one of his glares. I gave him one back.
"Double training tonight."
"Whyyyyy?" he sulked at me, his arms folding across his chest. I noticed his right eye twitch.
"Because you're grounded, that's why." I said simply. "And you're not allowed outside after dark. Not even to play. Understood?"
He gnashed his teeth together, his cute face screwing up in frustration as he clawed up to the table, leaning over to glare at the chair opposite him.
"Blayze."
He continued to glare across the table, his hands clenched into fists. He knows I hate being ignored, and I leaned in closer with my own fist balled on the table in front of him. He eyed it warily.
"Understood?"
He twitched again before nodding solemnly, caught between sulking and fuming.
"I can't hear you." I growled at him dangerously.
"Yes, Dad." He grumbled back, turning his glare to the table.
I leaned back, ruffling his hair.
He knows I don't mean to be so strict- it's just how it has to be. We have to be harsh- it could be the difference between life and death... and I would sooner curse myself to a lifetime of Hell rather than let anything happen to Blayzer. I watched him, my heart swelling with pride.
He was the only one that could do that- the only one in my heart.
"Good."
I heard Bubbles' light footsteps and looked up to see she'd entered the dining hall, giving Blayze a sweet smile as she took her seat. She was wearing a new dress, and had Bliss on her hip. Bliss still looked tearful, her bright blue eyes were bloodshot and I noticed her hair looked considerably shorter, albeit back to its shiny, golden form.
She sat in the chair opposite Blayze, propped up on a little booster seat. As she hesitantly looked across at her older cousin, I noticed out of the corner of my eye Blayze mouth to her 'you're dead'. Her pale blue eyes widened.
"You're looking nice tonight, Bubbles." I quickly put in, giving her a genuine smile. Bubbles gave me a shy one back, staring down at the table.
Bubbles had come a long way in the years, and I bet the people of Townsville (if there were any left) wouldn't even recognise her even if they ever saw her again. She still had that innocence about her, but I could tell it conflicted with the person she has become. My brother and Bubbles had become so close in the years- I think they even forgot which side they were supposed to fight for. Instead of rejecting it, the blonde Puff had seemed to embrace and even understand the demonic side of us now, and I bet she even saw it as normal when she noticed demons around the house, in the outside world. She was just so accepting.
"Thanks..." She murmured softly. "Boomer bought this dress for me today."
I couldn't help but smirk at that, but I twisted my lips in thought.
Of course, neither sister ever forgave me for not knowing where their sister went, never giving them a full story. I swore Brick and Boomer to secrecy when I told them...about that night. About what happened...
I felt a clawing in my chest again, my heart swelling painfully. I clenched my fork tighter. Bubbles watched me carefully, but otherwise said nothing as I tried to push my own thoughts away. We both looked up as Boomer and Brick walked through the doorway, followed close behind by the pink puff, gripping a very teary, mournful looking Bruiser by the hand.
"Bruiser." I heard the pink puff tell him sternly. "Before we eat I want you to say sorry to your cousin."
Bruiser's lips trembled. "Bu-But-"
But she already pushed him forward, and I could see in her face the Pink Puff wasn't giving in. Her faded eyes narrowed at her son, and she had on that 'leader' expression- the same one Brick has. Even if she wasn't a leader anymore, she still embraced it as second nature. Maybe she's looking for someone to lead- even if it wasn't her own team anymore. Bruiser looked at her pleadingly, but there was no use. I guess even if she has to submit to my brother, the pink Puff still made sure she had power over someone.
He shuffled over, those blood coloured eyes wide as he told Bliss quietly, "Sorry, Bliss." (Only with him, it's "Sowwy, Bwiss").
I subtly jabbed my fist into Blayze's side under the table, and he winced before snarling "Yeah, sorry."
Bliss sniffed, relaxing into her chair. Bubbles gave her a smile, rubbing her back soothingly as my brothers took their assigned seats. Kids aside- from the determined glare in Brick's eyes- he wanted to get to business.
Brick sat at the head of the table with Bruiser on one side, Blossom on the other. She was right next to me. It was decided a while ago that the girls were always on opposite sides of the table. Blayze was always beside me, so that left Boomer on the other head of the table- which was so big we were spaced out pretty well.
"First thing." Brick leaned over, pointing at me. "Can you do my night watch tonight?"
I scoffed. The doors opened to a couple of servants -Him's idea- with food and drinks. As usual we paid no attention. They were all human of the lowest form- most of them came to us just to be out of the streets where the real danger is. They keep their heads down- unless they wanted to be killed on the spot. "I did it last night!"
"I know." And at this, his eyes flashed dangerously, a quick glare towards the girl next to him said exactly the reason why. "But I have to sort something out tonight."
A quick glance towards Blossom and I knew by her stiffened stance she hadn't expected this, or wasn't looking forward to it. I shrugged moodily, grabbing at my drink and taking a grateful gulp. Yes. Bourbon.
"Yeah, sure." I turned to Blayze automatically, who didn't get rid of his smirk quick enough. "Don't even think it- or I'll triple the training for tomorrow."
Before he could turn his snarl on to me I glared back at my brother with drink in hand, ice clinking. "But you owe me big, man. Those guards do not shut up. And they're sloppy. We gotta get someone on that watch to train 'em better, or the entire front is weak."
"Yeah I know…" Brick grumbled, running a hand through his hair. He looked irritated, snatching up his fork and glaring at his food. "Gotta get someone down there. The whole thing is a mess."
"I can come…" Blayze put in slyly from the side, leaning over to nudge me. I swatted him off.
"No. Eat your food."
"Don't know why you'd want to go anyway, Blayzer." Boomer snickered at him, and Blayze turned with interest. "It's pretty boring."
"Better than training…" I heard him grumble under his breath, picking at his food. Bruiser piped up from across the table, leaning over with interest and practically bouncing out of his chair.
"I start training soon! Right, Dad?"
Blossom's fork cluttered to her plate, and both she and Blayze spoke out at the same time.
"What!"
"Dad!" Blayze immediately started on me.
"Brick." Blossom scowled under her breath, looking vicious. Even though those eyes were no longer a vibrant pink, they still had the ability to stare daggers. Brick's own eyes flicked back to her, darkening. Now I know why he needs me to take over tonight.
"He is not training with me." Blayze grumbled at me angrily. "There's no way!"
"Shut up, Blayze." I growled at him in a low warning. "Just because he'll probably be able to kick your ass one day-"
"Will not." Blayze sneered at the thought, wrinkling his nose. Bruiser only grinned at him happily, causing Blayze to stick out his tongue in retaliation. Bruiser's mouth fell open, his nose wrinkling as he stuck out his tongue back at him. Really, the cousins are just like we used to be. Except perhaps Bliss- who was overlooking the two of them with a superior look of disgust, as well as a little fear. I still can't see her as a fighter- not if Boomer keeps treating her so much like a princess. "I'm not having that baby train with me!"
Bruiser pouted at that, his eyes narrowing. I gave Blayze another subtle punch under the table.
"You're being a brat."
"Speaking of…" Boomer put in from the other side, his eyebrows rising suggestively as he chewed on his steak. I held my knife up threateningly, my teeth bared.
"Don't. Even. Start."
"Come on!" Boomer put in delicately, having the decency to at least look sheepish. He turned his attention to his steak, well aware of the weapon in my hand. "She seems…nice-"
I could only glare at him. The last time I told Boomer what I really thought of that blonde bimbo, I had to tolerate an hour long lecture from him about infecting Bliss' innocent ears with my 'unacceptable choice of words'. Of course, as soon as Blayze heard that he not only made sure to teach her every curse word he knew, but he spelled out the words in case she missed it.
(Needless to say Bliss' ears are no longer innocent.)
"She could be the Pope for all I care, do not invite that bitch over again." I snarled angrily, stabbing at my steak to emphasise my point.
"Butch." He hissed to me, navy eyes narrowing. Bubbles looked over to her daughter in worry, as if my slight slip of the tongue caused her to suddenly grow horns. Nothing- those bright eyes were as sweetly naive as ever.
"To Hell with that Bitch!" Blayze sneered at Boomer, his hands fists against the table. His face was screwed up, sharp green eyes narrowed as if daring anyone to reprimand him. I took another gulp of my drink.
"See what you cause?" Boomer hissed at me. I only heaved my shoulders. Like I cared, it's common knowledge by now that nobody crosses Blayze- and if anyone did, they'd have me to deal with. Yeah, he's a wild one- but he's my wild one. And that's the way it'll always be.
"I'm so proud." I gave Boomer my slyest smirk, ruffling Blayze's hair again.
I saw Brick out of the corner of my eye- his blood red eyes studying us irritably. As expected, he launched into another lecture before I could even go back to eating. "We have to get more aggressive with those guys- the entire South line is weak, they're slacking off…getting too comfortable."
"Yeah, yeah." I attempted to brush him off by downing the rest of my drink, but he was only just beginning- gaining momentum as he went off on one of his leader rants.
"…If what Boomer says is true we can expect an uprising and I just want to be prepared, there's no way I'm going to let some two-bit hunter or some bratty rebels compromise our own home-"
"Someone's gonna come to our house?" Bruiser gasped sharply from the side, his eyes wide at his father's words. Brick looked startled at his son's high pitched tone, and turned in shock, like he'd forgotten he was even there.
Before anyone could jump in, Bliss piped up in her familiar frightened squeal. "Who's coming? Someone's going to get us?" She turned to her Dad, blinking fretfully.
"No, they're gonna get you." Blayze interfered with a wicked grin. "They're gonna come through your window, and cut off all your hair!"
Bliss' eyes widened further. "What!"
"And then they'll eat all your stuffed bunnies!"
"Daddy!" Bliss wailed in despair.
"Blayze!" Boomer wailed in reply.
"Butch!" Brick growled at me expectantly.
"Bourbon!" I demanded of the servant behind me.
.
Buttercup
.
"Hidden Valley isn't too far from here…" I wondered out loud as I pushed aside some tree branches, holding them aside while Cass and Emmy followed behind me. "Isn't that where Tyler was last hiding out?"
"Yeah" Cassie blew a few strands of hair out of her face as she spoke, waving at the leaves in her face. "Last time we were here, he and a bunch of those guys were hiding out at the church in that town… but they were looking for the army barracks that's apparently hidden nearby. Don't know where they are now."
"Not far from here…" I mused, frowning as I stared ahead. My pack dug into my shoulder so I hoisted it up higher, feeling a familiar brush of skin near my neck.
"Maaamaaa…" I heard Emmy whine behind me, and I knew if I turned around her mouth would be open in a desperate groan near my ear, her sharp emerald eyes lazily half-lidded and her shoulders slumping as she trudged along behind us. "Are we there yet?"
"Emerald." I attempted my stern voice, pushing back my amused grin. "We've only been walking for half an hour."
"Why can't we fly?" She muttered with annoyance, but drifted slowly back towards the earth- her dark eyes narrowing up at me. I rolled my eyes, lips tugging into a smirk as I caught Cass' knowing grin.
"You know why we can't fly." I drawled back to her in the same tone. I started up hill, heading to what I know is the highway. "You're too whiny, Emerald. Maybe I should tire you out more while training, then you won't be able to talk as much."
"Don't challenge her!" Cass scoffed. But it was too late. Emerald was already doing her evil cackle, almost rubbing her hands with glee at the thought.
"Never! I'd like to see you try! More training! Bring it! Woo!" She was hovering with excitement and Cass tugged on her arm as a reminder, and she set back into the familiar pace.
We neared closer to the top of the hill and I stopped to listen for any oncoming vehicles. Not that there was much traffic these days, as demons quickly took over the fuel-supplying stations, but cars meant demons- and demons that weren't too friendly.
Hearing nothing but silence, we stepped out into the clearing and saw the tarmac- stretched out on a deserted space of road that curled along the hills- I route I knew as the highway that lead the smaller towns to the metropolises like Citiesville and Townsville- just about a hundred miles ahead. I glanced the other way- where I knew my friend was staying. We haven't visited him in a while, so it wouldn't be too suspicious if we stayed with him again. And I could drop off supplies…See if he had any word on the Ruffs so I could get back into town again…
"So what's the verdict?" Cass puffed slightly as she jogged up behind me. "Hidden Valley?"
I nodded. "It isn't too far from here."
I looked back at them. Cass' hair was tied back in a messy bun, her pack of sleeping bags was up high on her shoulders, so she could work on her 'cardio'. Slightly dirty tank top, ripped jeans and hiking boots. Emmy looked similar- her favourite black smock shirt was ripped and slightly dirty, and she had black dirt smears on both knees of her jeans, the pack on her bag just as big as her- although she barely felt it, she was skipping along the edge of the road, ripping out wildflowers. I know I probably didn't fare much better, I was clad in my most reliable jeans (just a few rips at the knees) and my sturdy black halter shirt, leather bands around both my wrists to hide my markings. Walking along the main roads means we attracted a lot of attention, and it was best to look like poor lost travellers rather than suited up warriors with hidden weapons.
While my gaze lingered on the sign ahead that read 'Townsville- 134 Miles, Citiesville- 66 Miles'. My heart ached with desperation at the thought that I was closer to Blayze than I had been in a long time. If only I knew the Ruffs, their moves and their strengths. If only I was stronger- then I could just grab him and he could be mine again. We could be a family, and everything would just feel better. My sisters too, they'll all finally be safe. Wed be together, and that's all that mattered.
My mind made up, I turned back towards the direction of Hidden Valley, knowing my heart was in the other direction, but this time I admitted I wasn't strong enough. It was a hard thing to swallow, and a lump formed in my throat at the thought that the teenage Buttercup I knew before would charge forward without a single thought. But I needed a plan, I needed a strategy, and I needed some strength.
I dropped my bag and pulled out a few light sheets, throwing one to Cass and beckoning Emmy closer. "You know what to do."
.
Butch
.
"Put me down!" Blayze's demands echoed up the stone hallway of the castle, bouncing off the walls and back to me. He gave another few fiery kicks, but otherwise settled on growling into my back. Bruiser tottered along next to us, eyes wide as he watched Blayze struggle in my grip. He had a few chosen toys in his hands and was eyeing Blayze with increased apprehension. His parents disappeared straight after dinner, of course, so I had to be the one to take him upstairs to play. But, in typical Blayze fashion, he refused to go quietly. "Put me down, Dad! I mean it!"
"Well, I'm scared." I told him bluntly, smirking. "What are you going to do if I don't, Kiddo?"
He breathed hard through his nose and struggled against my grip again, but he still remained draped over my shoulder. He was still small enough to hold down with one hand. I dread the day it'll take two.
"This isn't fair!" He whined at me again. "I wanna go with you!"
My grip hardened as the same painful argument surfaced. I hate leaving Blayze behind but there was no way in Hell Blayze would ever leave this house unless I say so. We're already a target, I'm not about to put my one weakness up for easy grabs.
"It's too dangerous, Blayze!" I growled at him, kicking open one of the doors that lead to the hallway. Bruiser followed dutifully behind as we walked towards the common room. "I won't let you go until I know you can handle yourself without me. It's only 'cause I care about you-"
"No you don't!" I heard him snap. "You hate me! That's why you leave me all the time! You don't even care!"
I stopped…kinda abruptly, because I felt Bruiser smack into my leg. My heart was suddenly humming hard in my throat. A hot flush shot through me and my fingers curled into my hands tightly, shaking with numbness.
"Bruiser." I found my voice through gritted teeth. I still looked ahead, my eyes locked on the door at the end of the hallway. "Go to the common room."
I felt him brush past as he ran off, clearly not wanting to be in the same room. I barely noticed. Without even thinking, both my hands grabbed at Blayze's shirt and twisted, pulling him off me and pushing him into the wall beside me before he could escape. Light apple eyes snapped to mine- wide and still. I felt his rapid heart thump hard against my fists- holding him up, twisted in his shirt. I pushed my face into his- we were almost nose to nose and I could see his lips beginning to tremble.
"You think I don't care about you?" I hissed into my baby's face, low and dangerous. There was a ringing in my ears as I tried to think straight, but thick fury and fear mixed within me, causing my heart to pound harder in my throat. "You think I hate you, Blayze?"
There was a crisp silence and his heart continued to race against my skin, my own heartbeat drumming within skull. Those apple green eyes lowered to stare at my chest. My fists were balled so tight I barely felt him shaking. He let out a timid whimper.
"No…"
"You think I wanna leave you?" My voice was stronger now, deeper and louder. He stared at the floor now, his own fingers curling into fists against his chest. He gripped his amulet in his hands, fiddling with it with shaky fingers.
"No…"
"You think I don't love you?"
"N-no..."
"What?"
"No." He mumbled, much more firmly. His eyes were still trained to the floor, a cloudy green.
I kept my grip hard against him, pushing my face even closer.
"I don't ever want to hear you say that again, Blayze." I snarled at him darkly. My heart was pounding in my fingertips and my whole body felt numb. "Ever."
I could feel him shaking now and his head drooped low in a small nod, ebony hair falling into his face. I squeezed my eyes closed for a moment, taking in the black, before opening again. My heart steadied into slow, reassuring beats and I breathed heavily in the aftermath. I let my hands drop and the two of us stayed motionless for a while.
I heaved a sigh, my eyes snapping back guiltily to his silent form. He wasn't even fidgeting anymore- just standing slumped against the wall, completely defeated. My hand slid up again, slowly this time, and wrapped it around the back of his neck, pulling him into my chest. A wave of cool, refreshing relief sunk into me as he collapsed into my shoulder and wrapped his arms around me.
"You're all I have, Blayzer." I murmured into his ear. "I love you more than anything. You're the most important thing in the world to me. Never forget that, okay? It's just the two of us, so we gotta stick together, okay?"
"B-But-" His voice seemed to break and I snapped back to him.
"What?"
But when he turned to me, his face didn't show any weakness, eyes didn't have any tears. He only turned away, dropping whatever he had to say along with his gaze.
"Nothing, Dad."
.
Blossom
.
Brick gripped my hand in his own in what appeared to be an affectionate gesture, but really he was crushing my fingers in those rough calloused fingers of his. It was eerily quiet- only the hard, loud echoes of his boots echoing up the marble hallway as he pulled me along, with my insignificant pattering feet almost lost in the sound of his own stomps. My heart beat hard against my ribs as we approached our room. He quickly pushed the doors open and pulled me inside. I tried to hide my wince as the doors slammed shut behind me and instead concentrated on the plush rug beneath my feet- much better to concentrate on than those demanding blood red eyes.
As kids, Brick and I had a lot of fights- but none as frightening as what has occurred the past few years. While still adjusting to the destruction of Chemical X, Brick didn't take it easy on me. He only grew in strength and power while I weakened, not accustomed to being a 'normal' human. Especially eager to flaunt how much power he had over me when the boys first took over, Brick would drag and throw me around like a ragdoll whenever I rebelled against his control. At first I would fight back, thinking of my own sister and her own fate against her counterpart. It was painful to see how many times I'd crumble, only to be sore for days, with nothing to show for it. The Ruffs are an unstoppable force, and it was a long and hard process of realising that. Then the power took a whole new turn- I wound up with a ring on my finger, and no matter how many times I cried, begged and protested- the ring would always be placed back on my finger, Brick's grip harder and more forceful every time he shoved that thing back into place.
I'm ashamed to think I've given up, so I prefer to think I haven't- not yet. I only need to look at Bruiser's smile to know I'm not alone in my fight. I only have to look at my surviving sister to see it's not the end yet.
But looking in Brick's blood red eyes somehow took me back to that same guilt and shame, the heat of emotions that overwhelms me every time I stare into his face. What happened between us, the bond we share, can't be denied. I am his partner, even though demonic partners have been explained to me, the position still feels unnatural. But it's a role I have personalised, it has become mine- which is a frightening thought, when I really thought it through.
"Bloss."
I heard my name, and chills raced through my body at that sweet, cooing tone he used- far from his regular harsh growl. Bad sign. My knees trembled in response and my heart thumped hard against my ribs. I looked up, trying as hard as I could to steady myself- deep breaths through the nose. My heart sank into my stomach as my eyes found his- but instead of a bright crimson I only stared at that hard, endless ash black.
Very bad sign.
He bit back a smirk and raised his hand towards me. It took all the power within me not to shrink back- I learned that habit a long time ago. Rough fingers curled around my neck, his thick thumb stroking and scraping at my jaw. My voice came out in a high, sharp rasp.
"B-Brick. Wh…what are you-"
His grip was so heavy, my knees wanted to buckle. My mind raced, heart pounding. Those eyes gave nothing away- just endless black. My pulse raced against his hand, and when I gulped I felt my throat roll against his fingers. His grip tightened and I closed my eyes, preparing for the blow at any second.
He pulled on my neck roughly and my legs gave out. I smacked into his chest and his mouth swept over mine in a smooth kiss that was immediately followed by his teeth latching onto my bottom lip. My eyes jumped open, my fingers twisting in his shirt as I pulled away.
"What the Hell!" I yelled at him, my heart feeling as though it was about to leap out of my throat. "What are you doing!"
His grip tightened against my neck again and he effortlessly pulled me back, fingers twisting into my hair as his other hand wrapped around my waist. I saw his eyes flash as he looked down at me with a smirk, pulling me up. I only just reached his shoulders now, so my feet dangled as he nuzzled my neck.
"Kissing my wife." He smirked into my skin, his breath coating my skin with chilling bumps. "What do you think?"
"I…" I frowned, completely thrown. My heart was now aching with the force of the thumping, and I stared blankly over his shoulder as he hugged me closer, lips ghosting my skin. I shivered, but still pushed back- digging my nails in. "Wait!"
He growled but snapped his eyes to me- still unreadable.
"We're not going to fight?" I frowned, unable to quash my suspicions. This was not like him. This scared me more than the fighting. He'd caught me completely off guard, and I had no idea what to do. I had no defence for this…
"No." He grumbled at me, eyes boring into mine. "Why would we? I just wanted some time with you."
I narrowed my eyes, determined to stare him down. Living with him so long, I know a lie when I hear one.
"I don't think so, Brick." I scowled at him, pulling away, but my feet still dangled – so all I could manage was an awkward arching back against his chest. I stared hard and he matched my glare. He gripped my hand in a crushing grip, pulling it to his mouth.
"Why are you so Hell-bent on denying what's between us?" He murmured into my knuckles.
Despite the chills that soared through my body I still remained curled against him- my stare fixed at the opposite wall. He leaned in closer and pressed his lips to my neck again, his smell washing over me.
"What's between us?" I snarled, my stomach churning with discomfort at this entire conversation. My heart thudded painfully at the words- as if bracing itself for the violent reaction. "I didn't know there was anything between us…"
I froze, mentally preparing myself for the yell, push- whatever Brick chose to do to get me back in line. My eyes fluttered in alarm and I turned to him in shock as all I heard in response was a quiet snicker. His empty eyes stared deeply into mine, closing the distance between us even more.
"Well…" He cooed, his chest rumbling against mine as he searched my face. "A baby and a marriage, for a start…"
I twisted my lips at that, but still held my gaze. This was new. At the mention of Bruiser my heart seemed to slow and I detached my fingernails from his arm in a more relaxed grip. I determined him safe…for now.
He dropped my other hand and wrapped his other arm around my waist, sinking his head onto my shoulder and inhaling. It was a warm, sensual silence that came over us, and strangely I found myself sinking into his loving embrace guiltily. The only affection I ever got was from my sister or my son, and the fact my own 'husband' was holding me so securely and lovingly, I guess it's easy to fall victim to such low tactics…because I guess at the end of the day- it's all I've got.
.
Butch
.
I sucked hard on the paper between my lips, but the rush of smooth smoke and warm embers did nothing to block out the pain that had gripped my skull in a vice-like ache. It didn't help that I had idiots scrambling around trying to schmooze me every two seconds. It happens every time we supervise the operations- someone is always looking for a promotion.
"Boss…" One of the demons beside me hissed eagerly. "Would you like another pack?"
"No." I grunted, blowing out a calming stream of smoke. My migraine pounded again and I clenched my teeth, pleading for this to be over soon. "Just make sure the guards on this line are set, okay? You got the right weapons? Positions?"
"Polished and sharpened…" The demon simpered to me, his dark eyes glistening in the moonlight. He had black eyes with a sharp circle of colour in the centre- a deep purple in his case. It hinted he was a higher class and strength than the rest of the mutts than ran around the city. "And I've gone over new training schedules and recruiting new members, with assurances that-"
"Good. Great." I started off before he could finish. "As long as you're aware of the rumoured threats."
"Oh, I've heard…" The demon followed me, sighing loftily. "But, of course, I wouldn't take it too seriously, Boss. We have it all under control, here. You should see the humans that come across us. Cowering at our feet, giving us all the information we need, we're conquering new cities daily-"
"You think there are actual hunters out there targeting us?" I spat, more roughly than I planned. I stared out at the blackness that stretched before me- only interrupted by a few twinkling stars that hung over us hauntingly. Ever since we had risen to power, we've had no real obstacles apart from what the mayor had first sent after us. Once we got a hold of the country's power grid, we had control over everything- including major weapon and nuclear stations. The world almost threw themselves at us and came to a standstill. Since then our friends from below had pretty much joined the party, and were spreading rapidly in the search to cause as much chaos as possible. Some parts of the world chose to ignore the impending doom as though it would go away, but it was becoming clear that we were in control. It was hard to believe there was a force out there willing to step up when so many had already been crushed beneath us. No more army, no more police, no more government, no more hope…
Or so we thought.
The demon- pretty sure someone called him Edge- rolled his eyes at me knowingly.
"Without a doubt, Boss, but they're clearly not after you. Hunters are human- they wouldn't dare go against a demon so powerful. Human Hunters tend to earn their pitiful title by extinguishing Lower Levels that happen to be weakened and alone. It goes to their heads- they all wind up with the same fate."
My eyes swept the blackened abyss that used to be a gleaming city. "Right." I blurted out as his words hit me. "Of course. You're right…yeah."
"Uh…Boss?"
Both Edge and I turned at the hesitant grunt that sounded behind us, revealing a lower level's head poking out through the door. At my nod he entered, rubbing the back of his head cautiously.
"We just got word that, uh, about 3 of our men have been found dead near one of the valleys, about a hundred miles from here. Looks like a hunter-"
"The same one?" I growled, not missing a beat. His black eyes stared hard at the floor, feet shuffling. He was ignoring me out of fear. I hate when people ignore me.
"Um, well… it looks like the same weapon-"
"So whoever is hunting, is getting closer to us." I snarled, whirling around to stare back at the purple-eyed demon before me. "Right?"
Edge now hesitated, and I could feel my head pounding in pain again as the heat rose in my chest.
"One hundred miles is a long way to start jumping to conclusions-"
"Where have these bodies been located?" I growled to the younger demon, who immediately bit down on his lower lip with sharpened teeth.
"Uh…I think, uh- they said…Hidden Valley?"
"Has that been taken yet?" I demanded of him, raising my eyebrows.
"Uh-"
"I don't believe so, Boss…" Edge's silky voice came from behind me. "The far outskirts of the city have demon patrols, but no takeover has been recorded as of yet-"
"Then make sure it's done." I snarled over him in a grave voice. "Wherever there's a slaying I want the people there searched and scattered. I don't want any more rebellions under my watch. I want those people down. I don't care what it takes- just make sure everyone in that area knows the consequences of screwing with us."
I stuck the cigarette back into my mouth again, anything to soothe the vicious pounding in my head. Identical voices echoed back at me obediently.
"Yes, Boss."
.
.
Meanwhile, in the nearby city, Jayden was sucking down cigarettes as fast as he could. His tired eyes were covered by thick aviator sunglasses and his entire body was supported by the brick wall behind him. His hair was tangled and his clothes were crinkled from the night before. He had yet to get some sleep, and the only thing that kept him standing upright was his limited supply of nicotine.
Come on... He hissed inwardly, his sharp eyes scanning the empty room. He looked beside him to the closed door, his toes scuffing nervously. The longer he waited, the more nervous he got. And it was not like him to get nervous.
Jayden does not get nervous he told himself firmly, smoke escaping his chapped lips.
He glanced again towards the closed door, the lump in his throat swelling nervously. He paled and strained his ears for any noise, but still failed to hear anything. This couldn't be good. He was really fidgeting now. Usually it wasn't this slow, this quiet.
He nibbled on his fingernails, glancing down at the ground and trying to ignore the heart palpitations strumming through his chest.
"Jayden."
He threw his head back in alarm, his skull painfully thumping against the wall behind him in the process. Biting back a curse, he looked up at the demon before him- blinking back stars. Dull black eyes gazed back uncaringly, long grey hair falling into the pale face. He jerked his head toward the now opened door and Jayden wasted no time in following, walking briskly past while rubbing his throbbing head.
Immediately when he walked in, he sensed something was wrong. It was way too quiet- he could hear his footsteps echo around the room. Even with his head throbbing, he focused on the few faces turned to him. Usually wild demons met him- crazy, young, drunk and high youths out for blood… these black eyes were calm, surveying him almost… respectfully?
He tensed up, shoes squeaking to a stop.
"Wait a- Wha-" He whirled around to face the guy who'd let him in, but he thumped into a hard chest, stumbling to catch himself. The door slammed closed.
"Jayden…" A voice cooed from the shadows.
He turned back, heart thumping hard in his chest. Scrambling back for that back door, he ran into that solid body again. Calloused fingers gripped at his arms and dragged him back into the abyss- black eyes staring at him unblinkingly from the shadows. He began to twitch, heart jumping and ticking with panic. This wasn't right. It wasn't how deals normally go. He gritted his teeth, willing back frightened pants. It felt as though he was being pushed into the jaws of a snarling animal- but when the shadows cleared he only saw a familiar face. His pale eyes blinked up at his acquaintance ruefully, onyx eyes gazing back, emotionless.
"Jayden…" The cold voice echoed once more. "Why so jumpy, hmm?"
"Ash." Jayden bit back, attempting to be spiteful. He winced as a tremor of fear went through him, his knees buckling as those rough hands grabbed him again, digging deep into his flesh. No escape. He still fidgeted, glaring up at his betrayer with damp eyes. "What the Hell is this?"
Ash leaned forward into the limited light, his black eyes lifeless and dead. Pale- almost white- hair fell into his eyes, yet Jayden knew he was the same age (human-wise) as him. A sly grin curled up onto Ash's pale face, his thick lips quirking in amusement at the quivering human.
"The plan…" He spoke smoothly, flashing his teeth in a light chuckle. "You're useful and all, Jayden, and we appreciate your friendship and…" He rolled those dead eyes in mock-thought. "…What you provide- but we've struck a deal that was just too good to pass up…" He tilted his head, and Jayden's thoughts began to race- how soon he could get out of the room, how hard he would have to fight- "You've been promoted."
"Wh-WHAT!" Jayden barked, panic lacing his fierce tone. His eyes widened as the faceless shadows around him began to close in. "No! W…Wait! What'd I do? I didn't do anything! Y-You can't, can't do this!" He pulled against the iron-like grip that had wrapped around his arm and he felt his feet leave the floor. He kicked out feebly, eyes wide and panicked- scanning the room like a cornered rabbit. "Wait! Hold up! STOP! Jus-Just-"
He was thrown into solid darkness, landing with a sickening thud into a door that gave way to the floor. Smacking into the cold concrete, his breath left him in harsh, strangled gasps. His chest tightened as he gasped for air, completely winded. It was eerily quiet now, his sneakers scraped against the floor as he propped his knees up- dazedly gazing up at the crumbling ceiling. Giving another pathetic cough, his knuckles dragged across the ground as he fought to get up and run. He never made it- instead another face appeared above him, and his heart sunk with defeat once more.
These eyes- however- weren't the regular empty black he had familiarised himself with. Instead, a pair of bright, shockingly calm cerulean irises stared back at him- the colour encircled by dark, black circles with just a hint of red glowing at him. Blue and red within black- they bored into him, studying and gazing.
Jayden found himself numb, spellbound. His fingers flexed slightly, his bottom lip trembling as he took in sharp breaths. He stared up at the obviously powerful demon hanging over him, bracing himself for the worst.
"You don't look so good…" The face asked, the rough voice a syrupy warmth that washed over him like a soothing hot bath. The eyes lidded lazily. Fingers stroked at his face. "You need some help, Sweetheart?"
"Uhnnn…" Jayden couldn't help but let out a long, tired moan of pain before his eyes slipped shut, and the world slipped away with them.
Oo0Oo0
Until next time! (Promise I won't be too long!)
Dino xoxo
