Author's Notes
Chapter two, written and posted. Despite my occasional complaints about having to write such long chapters, I really do enjoy rereading them, and I hope you do too. :D
Now, Reviews!
GiggiEba, Yep, he's back! Let me make something clear; I didn't steal any ideas from you. I had the name 'Sophie' long before you came up with STS. Eh, don't worry about it.
ScarOfHerobrine, heh, thanks. Hah, I find it funny that that was the second thing on your mind, although Darkness (along with Herobrine) is dead at the mo'... thank you so much and also! I read 'To Walk', and let me tell you, it only took three lines for you to catch me.
For anyone and everyone reading this, go check out 'To Walk' from ScarOfHerobrine on Wattpad! It's really great.
Also, thank you to Chestia413 for favoriting and following the story!
This is something else that I missed, answering reviews at the start of every chapter. And now, On with the story!
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Eba's POV
I wrote down the items to be purchased, calculating the price in my head and giving the man his change. Working at a general store wasn't ideal, but it was something. At least I didn't have to pay rent for the apartment. I took another orange from under the counter, feeling Blight absorb its life, leaving it squishy and rotten in my hand.
Throwing it with the others in the trash can, I wiped my hands on my apron and thoroughly cleaned them with sweet-berry alcohol. I wrote down more items and gave more change to a different customer, tapping the counter impatiently and staring at the clock.
Twenty more minutes. Then we have to go clean the apartment.
Hmph.
Blight had been cranky with life for a while. He complained often about being bored, and that he felt too cooped up. Also, it turns out, demons are expensive to maintain. We spend a lot of money on fruits and vegetables to keep Blight's headache at bay. We regularly went on a sort of vacation, heading to any nearby forests so my demon could absorb life from the underbrush.
The minutes ticked by at an unbearably slow rate. I wanted nothing more than to go home and get as much rest as possible before cleaning the apartment. Thankfully, I was a tidy person, so it wouldn't take too long. I wrote down more things and gave his change to the customer. It wasn't exceptionally busy today, which was great.
The clock's long needle finally reached 2, indicating that my shift was over. I finished dealing with a customer and took off my apron, walking into the back room. A coworker was in there, enjoying a sandwich. I hung my apron on one of the hooks lining the wall, then discreetly hid the last four oranges in my purse which I bought specifically for this reason.
I picked up my purse and waved at my coworker. "You're up on the second counter."
The guy nodded, swallowing a bite of his lunch. "I'll get to it in a minute. After I'm done with this."
Slinging my purse on my shoulder, I warped back to my apartment. Yes, it was tiring, but I didn't have time to walk back. Blight made himself a shadow, stretching dramatically and breathing in. I walked over to the kitchen, frowning at the pile of dishes in the sink.
"I'd help you with those if the water I touched wouldn't become toxic," Blight muttered.
I smiled at my demon. "I know. Could you start brooming instead?"
Blight nodded, picking up the metal broom I brought for him, and going over to sweep the main room.
My apart- our, apartment, was pretty big. It's walls are made of concrete, painted a gorgeous violet color. The roof and floor are some kind of smooth grey stone. The kitchen, located next to the door, is of decent size. The living/dining room in the center of the flat is also pretty big. The table has room for eight people, and we have a couple of couches near the the window, which by the way takes up most of that wall, giving us an amazing view of the city. We have a full bathroom, a bedroom, and even a guest room. Plus, I didn't have to pay rent. All of this courtesy of lady Cassidy, the elderly queen of the endermen.
It took us about a half hour to clean the entire apartment despite its size. I started setting the table, placing a bowl as a centerpiece which Blight filled with fruit. I had tried numerous times to place flowers in vases, but my demon always ended up rotting them while I wasn't looking. So I eventually gave up.
I walked into the kitchen, thinking about what I could serve for dinner. My stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten anything for lunch. Heaving a sigh, I brought out a pot from the cupboard, plus some vegetables and chicken from our small redstone-powered fridge. I made myself some chicken soup, enjoying a steaming bowl of it at the table.
Blight was pacing around the apartment and getting on my nerves. "Could you stop that?"
My demon slowed and stared at me. "Stop what?"
"Walking around the apartment," I explained. "I know you're not an 'inside demon', but at least try to adapt to this situation. Yes, it gets boring, and you're cooped up a lot and often, and I'm sorry. But this is just how we live now. Our friends are coming over, so I don't want to hear any complaints from you for the rest of the day. Please?"
Blight sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright. I won't complain, promise. When is everyone arriving?"
I turned my head, looking at the clock on the wall. "In forty minutes. I'll finish lunch, and then I'll go take a bath. Okay?"
My demon nodded, walking over to lean against the wall as I ate. Our friends and I had decided to meet every three months after the... the 'War with Darkness'. Blight and I had hosted the first, Simon the second and third, and now it was our turn again. We didn't mind much, though; we liked the company, seeing as the apartment is pretty quiet and lonely for just us.
I finished my lunch, hopped into the shower, and then sat down in the couch after I finished to wait for everyone.
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Kaitlin's POV
I stood beside my mom, waiting for her to give yet another speech about the future of the Nether. She did this every week, to 'boost morale'. I found it just boring and tiresome. About a third the remaining population of nether mobs were milling about beneath the tall podium where my mom and I stood, which was to be expected as she'd told everyone this would be an important speech. Although, to her, every speech was important.
Theridas stood beside us, holding Ella's hand. Our royal servant had become a foster parent for the little ghast girl, and she went wherever he did. She looked lovely in her frilly white gown, her hair tied in a long milky braid with red flowers tucked between the strands. Theridas looked good himself, wearing the old cape thing from the monster armor and a maroon suit.
Mom adjusted her dress' shoulders. Another thing I couldn't believe from my mom; how she could walk around in such long dark-red dresses without boiling in her own sweat. She cleared her throat just loud enough for the people in front to go quiet, and little by little so did the ones in the back. The crowd was divided according to the clans the mobs belonged to; blazes, ghasts, magma cubes, and zombie pigmen.
Mom's gaze swept over the groups with a gentle smile. "First of all, thank you, for sparing the time to be with us today. I mentioned last week how important this meeting would be." Her voice reverberated off the walls of the cavern.
She took a deep breath. "All four kingdoms have been working hard to rebuild since that wretched demon attacked our peaceful realm. We lost friends, and family." My heart ached at mom's words, and from the way that frown tugged at her lips, I knew she missed dad too.
"It has been difficult, but we've managed," she went on. "However, a clan cannot heal without a ruler. Darkness took from us four monarchs, whom we will all grieve dearly."
Muttering broke out among the crowd, which my mom silenced by raising her hand. "And I think now, is a good time to appoint new rulers. Archibald of the magma cubes will take his father's place as king, effective immediately. In the same manner, Lara with her younger sister Diana at her side will become the pigmen's new ruler."
The muttering came back, louder this time, from the ghasts. "Sadly, for the ghasts," my mom continued, "there is no apparent heir. While we find someone capable of ruling the ghast clan, the blazes offer to take you under our wing. Of course, if you wish."
The ghasts exchanged words amongst themselves, the prouder ones getting into arguments, before one finally stepped closer. "I think I speak for most of us, and the few who had to stay at home to care for the little ones, when I say that we will gladly accept your offer lady Anastasia."
Mom smiled. "Then we are happy to welcome you as honorary blazes. There was another matter regarding the ghasts that we desperately need to address. Darkness didn't just take away those we love; he tore down one of the oldest buildings of our realm. The Glowing Fortress. And with it, he destroyed the homes of many people gathered here today, not to mention more lives."
Little Ella sniffled, turning to hug Theridas tightly. The blaze knelt down to comfort the weeping child. My mother went on after a few minutes. "A clan cannot heal without a ruler, and it cannot grow without a capital. "The blazes offer our expertise in creating structures from nether brick to build the ghasts a new fortress, so their new monarch will have a throne from which to rule. We will work together with the ghasts to accomplish this, and hopefully, with the other clans."
The newly appointed king and queen took a step forward. Archibald bowed. "The Magma cubes will be honored to help however we can."
Lara nodded respectfully. "As will we, in due time."
The people clapped, and my mother thanked them. "I believe this concludes our meeting. I hope you all will join us next week. May our stars meet again."
The monarchs and some of the common folk answered the farewell while the rest spoke amongst themselves, heading back home. I followed mom down to the ground. Theridas kissed the top of the little ghast girl's head, standing up. "Come on, Ella."
We began the trek back towards the fortress, and I took the opportunity to walk up to mom. "Mother?"
She turned her head. "Yes, nether-plum?"
"I was wondering if you'd allow me to visit my friends in the overworld for a couple of days," I began. "I've done all my chores and have been very pleasantly company if I do say so myself."
Mom hummed in a thoughtful manner. "I suppose you have been, when you agree with what I ask. But you have been rather difficult to work with during your teachings and these meetings."
A nervous chuckle escaped me. "Well, maybe a little, but I didn't complain during this or the last meeting."
She smiled, raising an eyebrow. "But you did have that deathly look of utter boredom etched across your face during both occasions."
I shook my head. "Mooom, that doesn't count..."
Mom chuckled. "It certainly does, young lady." She thought for a minute before continuing. "So you've done all your chores for today?"
"For today, tomorrow, and the day after," I answered proudly.
She nodded, leaving me in suspense for a moment. "I suppose you're old enough to start making these decisions on your own. You may go, but Theridas will accompany you to the portal."
I gave her a tight hug. "Thanks, mom!"
I let go of her and ran up to Theridas, surprising him and Ella. "Mother wants you to accompany me to the nether portal."
Our royal servant frowned. "Right now?"
"Yes, right now," I answered.
Theridas sighed, looking down at Ella. "Will you be okay going back to the fortress with Lady Anastasia, Ella?"
The little girl thought for a moment, staring from her foster parent to me, then to my mom. She gave the slightest nod and whispered "okay".
Theridas kissed the top of her head before guiding the ghast girl to mom. I grabbed Theridas's wrist, dragging him along as I began sprinting towards the fortress. I waved goodbye to Ella and my mom, Theridas doing the same while struggling to catch up to me.
Mom smiled, taking Ella's hand. "Come along, little one. Maybe Jadric will have something tasty for us in the kitchen, or perhaps Monsul could have a present for you."
I left Theridas behind at the other side of the bridge connecting the nether fortress to the mainland. To be fair, he kept up for quite some time. I rushed up flights of stairs and down corridors, bursting into my room. I brought out a suitcase, choosing two sets of warm pants and long-sleeved tops as well as a dress, just in case.
I was having trouble choosing one of two cute hats when Theridas finally arrived, poking his head through the door. He was still catching his breath as he spoke. "Princess... was it really necessary... for us to run all the way back?"
I rolled my eyes at him, opting to take both hats. "Theridas, I fear becoming a parent has cost you your edge. I remember how ragged I ran you years ago, and you could sort of keep up with me then. Now, though, it really doesn't look that way."
"Foster parent, Princess," he corrected.
"Please, with the way you are with Ella, it's almost like she's the fruit of your union with your other half," I joked. He visibly shrank back at my last couple of words, and I suddenly remembered. "Sorry," I muttered. "It slipped out."
Theridas sighed. "It's fine, Princess. You'd think that after a year I would have gotten over Pepper completely. But she certainly left a nasty gap in my heart."
"Still," I muttered. "Should've been more careful."
I walked over, picking out more clothing. I ended up with two more sets of tops and jeans, plus a backup dress. My suitcase looked like it would burst. Theridas walked over, picking it up. "Do you really need this many clothes Princess? How long are you planning on being away for?"
"Maybe a week," I answered, walking into my large closet to change into something warmer. The overworld was cold, especially during this time of year. Although, really, the concept of time over here was about as accurate as guesstimating when a ghast would shriek.
Theridas frowned. "Has your mother approved of you being away for so long?"
"Mom said that I was old enough to make these kinds of decisions," I told him, "and I've decided to spend a week with my friends. But do inform mom of this, and ask her not to come fetch me."
The royal servant sighed. "I will, Princess."
I tucked my tiara securely on my head, walking out of the closet. "I'll carry my own suitcase, Theridas, but thank you."
"Are you sure?" he asked, lowering it to the ground. "It's quite heavy."
"I'm sure-" I began, before realizing that the suitcase was heavier than anticipated. "Uh... maybe you could help me carry it to the portal."
Theridas chuckled, picking my luggage back up. "Of course, Princess. Lead the way."
We walked down more sets of stairs and corridors, passing by many castle residents and servants. One of the maids smiled flirtatiously at my escort. "Hey, Theridas. Think you'll be free later today?"
The royal servant grimaced, shaking his head. "No, sorry. Lady Anastasia has me running errands left and right, plus I have to make sure Ella doesn't cause any trouble."
The maid tilted her head, her smile turning sad but understanding. "Aw, that sweet thing would never. Alright, maybe some other day then?"
"Maybe," Theridas answerd. "You'll be the first to know when I have some free time."
She brightened, smiling widely again. "Great! See you around!"
We walked on, and I waited for us to get a little distance between her before speaking. "So, not over her yet, are we? Looks to me like you're scouting out some new territory for yourself."
The blaze shook his head. "No, that's not true. She wants something with me, not the other way around. She's actually been at it for a few weeks. I'm surprised she hasn't let up, knowing that I'm taking care of Ella."
"Right, right, sure," I said, patting his arm. "Just don't shrug her away, alright? It might be good for you to find someone who can help you get over Pepper."
We walked quietly the rest of the way, stopping in front of the unlit nether portal that opened up in Globe Chapel City. I lit the portal with my flames, watching its purple sheen ripple for a moment before taking my suitcase from Theridas. "Bye! Tell my mom and Ella I'll miss them! You too!"
"Have fun princess," he answered with a bow. "I'll be sure to relay your message. And stay out trouble, please? For once?"
I scoffed, feigning indignation. "Theridas! When have I ever gotten in trouble before?"
"That time when you blew up one of the ovens," he listed, "or when you led a group of ghast cubs into the fortress, or when you sneaked off from your lectures, or-"
"Okay, Okay, I get it!" I waved farewell, walking quickly through the portal and into the overworld. The cold hit me almost immediately, making me wish I had even warmer clothing back home.
The enderman guard stationed at the portal, George, smiled. "Welcome back, Princess. Been a while."
I smiled back at him. "Hi, and it has. I'm visiting my friends today. Could you remind me again where the Sapphire Apartments building is?"
"Of course," he answered. "Right this way. Let me carry your luggage; it looks quite heavy."
George led me down some streets, telling me which streets to take as we went along. I made a mental note to remember the directions so I could find my way back to the portal on my own if necessary. We reached the tall apartment complex, and I bid George goodbye before walking into the lobby, lugging my suitcase with difficulty.
I went up to the receptionist. "Hi, I'm here to visit a friend."
The woman smiled. "Of course. Your name and the apartment you'll be going to?"
"Kaitlin Flara, the gemstone suite," I answered.
The receptionist's eyes widened a little. "You're princes Kaitlin? Are you visiting Eba Delgado?"
I nodded. "Yeah, she's my friend. Am I free to go?"
She composed herself quickly. "Of course. Here's a card for the elevator so you don't have to take the stairs."
I took the thin little metal slab. It had little dents at the bottom end, and instructions carved into it. I thanked the eceptonist, wobbling over to the elevator and taking it up the six floors up to Eba's apartment. The whole building took up an entire block, and was seven floors high, made up of dozens of luxury apartments.
I walked down the corridor, knocking on Eba's door once I reached it. It took a moment, but the enderg-woman, finally opened up. "Kait! It's so good to see you!"
I dropped my suitcase, giving her a hug. "Hey! It's great to see you too. Am I the first one?"
Eba let go, taking my stuff inside and muttering about how heavy it was. "Yeah, as always. Could you close the door?"
"Sure." I shut the spruce door, and Blight came into existence leaning against a wall.
The demon smiled. "Hello, Kait."
"Hey there, Blight," I answered. "Good to see you."
"Likewise, though I was unsure it would be that way for you," he added.
"Don't be dramatic," Eba scolded jokingly. "Kait, did you bring your entire wardrobe along with you? This thing weighs more than two dozen stone bricks. How long are you staying over this time?"
"You'll be dealing with me for a week," I answered. "And I may have gone slightly overboard with my luggage."
"A week? That's great! And 'slightly' isn't really the word I'd use," the enderwoman said, walking over to the kitchen. An enticing smell drifted over from a pot, which Eba stirred.
"Well, it's the correct word to use. What're you making?" I asked.
"Chicken and vegetable soup, plus there's a roast in the oven. It took me a long time to prepare it, especially with our resident demon here not being able to touch anything—not that I'm blaming you Blight," she added quickly. "Just an observation."
Blight huffed, looking out the window. "Sounds delicious. How's life been treating you two?" I asked.
"It's been dull," the demon answered. "And tedious."
"I can't argue with that," Eba muttered. "Especially since Blight has to rot things to stay alive. And you?"
I sighed. "Honestly, kind of the same. There's a lot of stuff happening in the nether. Most of it is politics and building, which mom wants me to either take part of or supervise. I've also been getting 'homeschooled' by some of the fortress servants. The lectures are looong and boring, but I have to endure it because according to mom I 'won't be ready otherwise'."
Eba walked back out of the kitchen, plopping down on her couch. "Ready for what?"
"She always says 'for the worst' when I ask her," I answered. "And that's it."
"What are the lectures about?" Blight asked.
I huffed. "More politics, and history, ethics, self defense and strategic thinking. Plus cooking."
"Perhaps the queen wants you to be ready for when you have to take over as ruler of the blaze clan," the demon suggested. "It would make sense."
"My mom's going to be queen for a long time yet," I told him, a warning in my voice. "But I guess it could be true."
Eba got up from the couch. "Well, whatever the case is... could you help me in the kitchen?"
I smiled, walking after her. "Sure. At least I'll get to put some of my knowledge to use."
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Izabell's POV
We took the elevator up to Eba's apartment, with Snowdrift curled up in my arms. He was getting too heavy for this, but the snow fox refused to use a leash, so I had to carry him everywhere in the city. Ara and Flicker came with us, freaking out a few people on the way. Simon had to explain multiple times that they were our companions and a threat to no one.
The creeper led us down the hall once we reached the fifth floor, knocking on Eba's door. Some one turned the lock a few seconds later, and opened it a little. Eba smiled at us from inside, fully opening the door. "Hi! Sorry it took so long to open the door. Blight has to hide every time someone knocks because it would be troublesome for people to know I have a demon."
"It's fine, Eba," Simon assured her. She gave him a hug, which the creeper returned stiffly before gesturing for us to come in. I got my own hug, as did our monster companions. Snowdrift got cuddles, which he didn't mind at all.
Kaitlin popped out of the kitchen, smiling widely at us and especially at Flicker. "Flicky!"
She ran over, dropping to her knees in front of the baby creeper and huggin him tightly. The not-so-little-anymore monster hissed in contempt, closing his dark eyes. "I've missed you!" The blaze woman looked up at us. "And you guys too," she added quickly.
I smiled, helping her up. "It's fine, Kait. I'm glad you managed to visit again this time!"
"Me too," she answered. "I get to stay for a whole week as well!"
"Really?" I asked. "That's great! Are you going to stay with Eba?"
Kaitlin and the enderwoman exchanged a glance. "You can have the guest room if you want," she offered.
Kaitlin pursed her lips. "Well... maybe I could stay with you guys?" she asked me.
I smiled at her. "Of course you can! The house has been finished for a month, so there won't be any more loud hammering noises bothering you."
"Well, it's mostly finished," Simon put in. An exasperated sigh escaped me as he continued. "I want to build an underground workshop, like the one we had back in our valley, but more... refined. Better."
"But I'm sure the work on that won't be until next month," I assured Kait. "Right, Simon?"
My boyfriend caught the warning in my voice, wrapping an arm around me and kissing the top of my head. "Of course, we still don't have the funds to undertake such a proyect just yet."
"Oh. Okay, well, I guess I'm staying with you," Kait agreed. "You don't mind, do you Eba?"
The enderwoman smiled. "Of course not, it's fine. Why don't you guys sit down, catch up, while I finish with dinner? It's almost done anyway."
Simon let go of me as the rest our convoy walked over to the living room section. "Well, forgive me, but I have to leave you guys now. I'm expected back at the lab."
Eba frowned. "Really? You're not staying?"
"No," Simon answered sadly. "I just came to drop them off, and will be back to pick them up. Hope you can have fun without me," he added, giving me a hug.
"We'll manage," I said, hugging him tightly.
The creeper waved goodbye to everyone, closing the door behind him. I walked over and sat down next to Kait, who sat Flicker on her lap. "So why couldn't he stay?" the blaze princess asked me.
"Work," I answered with a roll of my eyes. "They run him ragged in the engineering lab he works at in Malachite."
"But he was doing fine last time I came by," Kaitlin said with a worried frown.
"That's what he says," I told her with a sigh. "You know Simon. But he always comes back more and more tired, not to mention tense and stressed."
"Oh. That's a shame." The blaze princess caressed Flicky's green head. "And what does he do in that lab?"
I placed my head in my hands. "The team he works with is in charge of weapons development. I think it was... two months ago when they were designing better cannons for the airships, and I heard that now they're working on something called 'Proyect Javelin'."
"What's 'Proyect Javelin'?" Kaitlin asked.
I heaved a sigh. "I don't know. I haven't had the chance to ask him."
Silence stretched between us as Kait hugged and caressed her baby creeper. "And how have things been in the nether?" I asked her.
"Oh... dull and tedious," she answered with a grimace. "I've been forced to listen to so many speeches and attend so many boring classes that-"
A knock on the door surprised us. Blight went up in a poof of grey smoke, and Eba walked around the counter to answer the call. She opened the door slowly before standing beside it and letting Jack, Sarah, Adrian, Val and Lila inside.
We all got up to greet our friends, exchanging hugs and welcomes. Kaitlin and I had to once again explain our situations, listening to our friends'.
"Well, I've been fine, personally," Jack began once Eba and Sarah had gone into the kitchen. "It's a little overwhelming to be thrust up on a throne, and yet I—we," he interrupted himself, sharing a look with Val, who was sitting leaning against him. "Have managed. But..."
He sneaked a look at the kitchen, lowering his voice just above a whisper. "Sarah hasn't been doing so well."
Kaitlin frowned. "How so?"
The young skeleton king stuttered for a moment. "Well, she... Izabell, you can read her better than I can. Care to explain?"
I smiled, shaking my head. "Well, you know how the ordeal we had to go through took a toll on all of us, right?"
Everyone nodded in understanding as I went on. "Sarah is going through everything, processing what happened in her own way. We all know how strict and tense she is all the time, and that's how she's dealing with the memories."
Val placed her chin on Jack's shoulder. "But she looks so... sad and sort of floppy now, not like she always is. Why?"
"I finally convinced her to take some time off, little by little," Jack answered. "But whenever she's not killing her own patrol with training exercises, she's being this ghost of herself."
"We need to find a way to help her then," Lila put in. She was sitting on Adrian's lap, much to the discomfort of the wither skeleton. The cave spider just likes to see him squirm.
"Maybe later," I told them after the sudden brainstorm that ensued. "At Simon's house. It's not polite to talk about this behind someone's back."
"Alright," Jack agreed. "Maybe we should meet up again soon to discuss this properly."
"I'm going to be around for a week," Kait reminded him. "Maybe the day after tomorrow? If you can? Just so I can be here when we finally try to help Sarah."
"Does that work for everybody?" Jack asked. The gang nodded, and just then both Sarah and Eba came back with a few plates. Only now I noticed just how right Val was. Sarah's inky black hair, usually tied in a tall, neat ponytail was haphazardly braided, strands of it framing her face. Her sliver-grey eyes looked tired, and there was a noticeable sag on her shoulders.
We ate Eba's roast and traded stories. Snowdrift kept begging everyone for a bite, and we eventually caved in, dropping little pieces of juicy beef on the ground for him. Blight caught Kaitlin's attention, leaning against the wall and just sort of looking at the sunset out the window. The blaze princess waved him over.
"Why don't you sit down and eat with us?" She asked.
The demon gave her an apologetic smile. "I don't usually eat like you do, and if my hands were to touch anything, it would wither away in seconds."
I suddenly remembered something, swallowing an unchewed carrot with difficulty. "Ugh, uh... Simon had made a gift for you, Blight, since the last meet-up. Here, let me go get it."
I picked up the small paper bag from Eba's couch, taking out its contents and showing the demon. "Look. They're gloves, made from who-knows-what, that according to him would protect whatever you pick up from your rot."
Blight took the black gloves, staring at them curiously. "They haven't turned to dust, so far so good. Are they made of the same material as those boots he made me way back when?"
I frowned. "Honestly, I'm not sure. I don't think so. He was all... proud and everything, telling us over and over again how he made them and out of what, but I... well, I don't really remember," I told him with an awkward smile.
The demon shrugged, slipping the gloves on. He walked over to a chair and touched it gingerly. The wooden piece of furniture didn't turn black or melt or whatever. Blight smiled, pulling it away from the table and standing in its place. "He's done it again, that damned creeper."
I smiled. "Watch how you talk about my boyfriend, mister."
We enjoyed our meal as a group, Val and Lila getting up to clean the dishes. Blight was... having fun, I guess, touching things he'd normally rot and staring at them in wonder. The sun sank beneath the horizon at last, and our friends slowly began to leave. The skeletons went first, then the spider sisters once they were finished with the dishes. Now it was just Ara, Kait, me, Flicker, and Snowdrift, waiting for Simon to come pick us up.
Eba sat down with us. Blight still refused to sit, but at least he was standing next to the enderwoman. I watched the demon pass a gloved hand over the couch, as if amazed at what he was doing, out the corner of my eyes.
A knock on the door made Blight vanish, his gloves dropping to the ground. Eba got up slowly, putting down her glass of water. She answered the door, moving out of his way as Simon walked in. "Hi. Sorry I couldn't stay before. I'm here to pick up my housemates."
"It's fine," Eba told him with a smile.
I picked up Snowdrift in my arms. The little snow fox twitched but he didn't wake, curling up tighter. Kaitlin did the same with Flicker, although the baby creeper wriggled around a bit, still not feeling sleepy. Simon smiled at me. "Hey. Have fun?"
I feigned indignation. "Yes I did, housemate."
The creeper rolled his eyes, hugging me while being careful not to crush Snowdrift. "I couldn't find a better word to refer to all of you, and believe me, I tried. Please don't be mad at me."
I leaned into him. "You make it so hard to be."
Simon placed his chin on the top of my head. "Did Blight like his present?" he asked.
The demon made himself a shadow, picking up the gloves. "Yes, thank you Simon. How did you make them?"
"The lab I work in has a lot of interesting machines in it," he answered. "One of them is an advanced forge that can maintain any temperature for long periods of time while applying pressure. I decided to test the material that would come up from doing just that to tree sap."
Blight stared at the gloves. "So this is... burnt tree sap?"
"Pretty much," Simon agreed. "It went from gooey to sort of cloth-like, in how it reacts. It's not stiff, it can be forged in various shapes and then woven with tough string to create, for example, gloves. Plus it's water and rot-proof."
The demon turned the gloves over. "Interesting."
"Well, Eba," Simon began, taking a step away from me. "I think it's about time we take our leave, if you don't mind."
"Of course," the enderwoman said with a smile. "Be careful. It's already dark out."
"We can fend for ourselves," Kaitlin assured her.
Eba nodded. "I know, but still. Goodnight! See you soon!"
"Bye Eba!" I called. "Bye Blight!"
"Goodnight," the demon answered.
We closed the door behind us, walking back to the elevator. The creeper put an arm around my waist as we walked all the way back home. I put Snowdrift down gently in the couch once we arrived, following Simon upstairs. I found him sketching something when I entered the room.
I groaned, flopping down on the bed. "Really, Simon? I thought you were done working for tonight."
"I am," he muttered. "Just want to put a couple ideas I got on paper. Give me a moment, alright?"
I hummed, turning my back on him. "Fine."
I was on the edge of sleep when Simon finally put out his desklight, crawling on the bed behind me. He nuzzled my neck tenderly. "Sorry, but it was really important."
"More important than sleep?" I mumbled.
I felt him smile. "Maybe. But I'm here now. Goodnight, Z."
I barely managed to get out a reply. "G'nih... Simon..." Then sleep and pleasant dreams swallowed me whole.
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Author's Notes
Okay, as I said before, I plan on having the chapters be at least 5k words long. At first, I had trouble getting past 4.6k, and then I shot right past my goal, reaching 5.8k words. I missed having that happen to me. :D
Thank you all for your time, patience, and support. Have an awesome day!
~ LeMafiaKreb
