A/N This should be new for you all. If not the last chapter. I still have plenty that I've written and edited. Please bear with me as I continue to edit and write. Read Review and as always ENJOY
With love, Kitten
Buttercup~
I'm lying on my back in my barren dirt cell thinking of those burning green eyes paired with a swarm of angry words. "What would we have done without you?" "Enough Kitten." "WAIT don't leave! We can work this out Butterbabe, we can…we don't have to just fuck."
I suck my teeth as the last phrase plays over and over in my head. What bullshit, we can't just fuck what else could we have done? Loved each other? I scoff again and scratch irritably at the gauze wrapped around my throat. The iron door swings open and slams into the stone wall causing a deafening echo. A tall black woman with long dreads and blazing brown eyes steps into the dank cell. She breathes light into the grotto and stands with her shoulders squared, having a confidence only a mage can possess. I have fought a few low levels in the Pits but none close to her level. Several maids follow in after her, surrounding me, making me stand on edge.
"Who the fuck are you?" My fists are ready to defend what little space I have left. I'm careful to keep my feet close together, a stance too wide could cause the little stitching I have left in my back to burst.
"A friend." She offers and her smile is blinding. I can't tell if she's wearing a glamour to make her smile extra sweet or if it is naturally that way. I can already feel myself relaxing, pulling towards the warmth she seems to be radiating. The warmth reminds me of Butch and I instantly go on edge again.
"No such thing now a days." I hiss backing towards the wall.
"Time will heal your wounds child. We all learn to trust again, to love again." If her words are meant to comfort me they don't. If anything they cause my muscles to tense, flattery is a form of trickery.
"Master Butch is coming for you today mistress, collect your things so we may be ready for him."
"Wow my things?" I scoff, gesturing around me, "As if I'm not in a fucking dirt cell with nothing but a sheet to my name."
"You have two outfits." She comments, deep brown eyes fixated on the small black pile in the corner. I rise in my neck high fighting suit that I've ripped so my throat could breathe and laugh.
"Oh you mean my identical suit and my ripped to shreds shirt? What a fucking outfit!" I deadpan, "I mean one could parade me around in this." I hold it up for emphasis, "They already parade Blossom around in less!"
Anger rises up in my throat as I see Blossom in my mind's eye. I scratch at my throat feeling the ghost of her collar. If that's what Brick is doing to Blossom I can only imagine what Butch is going to do to me. A maid begins to roll up my sheet as if I'm really going to take that, or even go with them. I rip it from her dainty hands and snarl over my sole possession.
"I am not going." I snarl out and the ebony skinned woman gives a sigh. She nods at the other maids and they file out of the room quickly. It's clear she is the leader of the small group, not only indicated by her body language but also by her outfit. The others have to wear that tacky black dress and white apron while she just wears all black. A sheepish maid returns with a small stack of clothes and hands them to the head maid.
"It would benefit you if you came along with us Buttercup. I could take you to the estate and we wouldn't have to have Master Butch pull you out of here." She comments, presenting me with the clothes. I instantly recognize the clothing and snatch it from her. They are my clothes from before all of this HIM and his Greatness bullshit. They even had my worn blue and pink leather bracelet Bubbles made me. I clutch them to my chest and take a deep whiff, they smell of a clear sky, of home, but sadly with hints of pine. I shut my eyes and weigh my options. Would it really benefit me to go or will 'Master' Butch just treat me like a toy? I change into my black jeans and worn t-shirt before sitting squarely on the ground, fingering the bracelet.
"If he wants me so bad then he will have to come and get me." I snarl while the woman just smirks.
"As you wish Mistress. He will be here within the hour."
The mage keeps good on her promise because in less than thirty minutes Butch is standing in the door gripping the frame so hard that the stone cracks under his grip and he sighs out. Trying to collect himself before dealing with me. He's changed some, his temper a little more in check. Though he had been controlling it before too. I turn my back to him and get ready for a fight.
"Why can't you just be obedient for once?" He snarls, his heavy foot falls echo off of the wall, his large stride has him standing behind me in seconds, "Why can't you just fucking listen?"
"Me obedient?" I laugh aloud, "That's like asking you not to lose your cool Butchie."
He places his hand on the back of my neck, a gesture of power.
"You will obey me," His voice comes out rough and royal, desire fills the last word, "kitten."
I snap and push away from his grip. I'm standing in seconds angry that he would try to use that nickname here and in a time like this. Knowing full well he has NO idea what it means.
"You can no longer call me that!" I scream, "You can't even remember what it really means."
I feel hurt but mostly angry, he must remember something if he remembers the nickname from the 'relationship' we used to have. I snarl to fight the tears stinging my eyes as all of the emotions wash over me at once. He stares at me with glowing green eyes, a tremor ticks in his neck before he wraps his giant arms around my waist.
"Then I guess you'll have to remind me one day. But for now you're coming with me." His breath is hot in my ear and his tone drives me insane. I hate how my stomach fills with butterflies instead of dread when he touches me. I hate how my body still reacts under his touch, relaxing into it as if he hasn't abandoned me. It isn't long before Butch is dragging me out of the Pits, every eye is on me as I pull at my wrist under his grip like a child. With any purchase I get he pulls me roughly towards him, readjusting his grip. I can feel my bones threatening to crack under the pressure and I know he can too. I'd rather he break my wrist than follow him, instead he growls impatiently and swings me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
"PUT ME DOWN!" I say pulling his hair and scrapping my nails into the nape of his neck. A shudder runs through his body and he just chuckles.
"Butterbabe I prefer to do this pain pleasure thing in private but if you want to give them a show I can oblige." I can hear the smug smile on his lips and don't push the threat further. He would take any opportunity to embarrass me and display his power. As soon as I feel 'fresh' air hit my lungs Butch flips me and adjusts me so that he is giving me a piggy back ride, muscle memory takes over and I wrap my arms gently around his neck. We are in the air in seconds and I instantly notice that Butch is flying a lot lower than he normally would, probably to avoid the looming black clouds that radiate a few miles around the city. I can already see the clouds dissipating as we head near the river that runs alongside Townsville which jumpstarts a plan in my head and I dissect the situation. The river is about two miles wide and probably fifteen feet deep, meaning if I fall from a large height I could possibly make it out of this both alive AND free. I could swim under the murky water after impact for a few minutes before making it to the bank facing the woods. Then I would have probably a full thirty seconds before Butch could spot me but I have to time this right otherwise I'll be both caged AND dead. The river glistens underneath us and it takes four heartbeats before we are over the center of it. I act on the plan before giving myself any more time to reflect on the success rate. I let go of Butch's neck and place my feet firmly on his back using him as a spring board to nose dive towards the rushing river.
"WHAT THE FUCK?" He shouts as I keep my breathing steady. In six heartbeats I'll impact with the water, freedom is within reach. My fingertips barely brush the water's surface before I feel a crushing grip on my left ankle.
"NO!" I scream, struggling to break free from his meaty paw. I kick at his wrist with my free foot but he doesn't budge. Dangerous dark green eyes loom down over my upside down form. Butch is hovering in the air as if he is standing and I can already tell that he would rather break my ankle than let me plummet into this body of water. My bones creak as he grinds his teeth further proving my assumption.
"What the hell is your problem?" He growls so low I almost don't hear him over the rushing water. The water is choppy from a former storm, murky rapids filled with debris and large branches. I flail for one, two, branches before I finally snatch one that's about as thick as my forearm. I rip it from the water and use the last of my ab muscles to smash the thicker part of the branch square into Butch's face. The branch shatters on impact and Butch doesn't even flinch. I can feel the heat radiating off of him, he's seething. A stinging pain takes over my back and the cuts in my throat, blood trickles down my spine and into the nape of my neck.
"Fine." His grip becomes tighter and my ankle crushes under the force, I bite my lip to keep from wincing, "If you want to swim so bad I'll help you."
With that he lowers me enough that my head is underwater and I use my training to keep from panicking. When I had powers I could hold my breath for a full fort-five minutes so that translates into what, maybe sixty seconds as a human. And that's if I'm lucky. He lowers me to about mid torso to show he isn't messing around about who's in charge, relishing my squirming. Something he always did when he had the upper hand. I scan the water for anything and notice that I've miscalculated the jump, that I'm closer to shore than I first thought. I search for something to give me leverage under the rushing water, if I can grab something maybe I can use the river's strength against Butch. It's a stretch but the Gods answer my prayers as I spy an even larger branch lodged into the sediment. I reach for it and thrash my legs for both momentum and theatrics. I grab onto the slimy branch and slip before finally getting a steady grip. I pull myself towards the bottom of the river my lungs burning and begging for air. I give myself one finally tug towards the bottom and feel Butch lose his grip, which is close to impossible. I have either lost my foot or his mind was elsewhere while half drowning me. I'm running out of air but I need to swim closer to the bottom, with the sediment being kicked up from the choppy water there is no way Butch could see me from above. Which means he will have to follow me under. I hear a large splash behind me and know I'm fucked. I use my broad shoulders to push myself faster through the water but to no avail. A glowing green hand grabs me tightly around my bad ankle, I'm expecting searing pain but instead I feel relief. My ankle is no longer throbbing and I can feel my toes again. The only thing screaming at me now are my lungs. They are telling me no more while my heart pounds slowly in protest as my vision begins to blacken at the sides. I take my free foot and connect to his mouth only fueling his fury but I'd rather drown than go with him. Sadly I don't get that option. He yanks me back by my left ankle and wraps his thick arms around my waist. We rocket out of the water hovering a few feet above and I gasp for air. My clothes are sticking to me like a second skin and my hair is slicked to my face. I cough up a little bit of water feeling more like a drowned rat than a former Powerpuff girl. I can hear Butch counting his breaths to calm himself, staring out into the woods beyond. In through the nose out through the mouth like I taught him a little over a year ago. Then his forest eyes land on me with a dark look before softening.
"You look like a drowned cat." He chuckles sweeping the hair out of my face, "Did you enjoy your swim?"
I scream and thrash under his grip but it only encourages him to crack more jokes at my expense. After several minutes of him just hovering above the rushing river I've finally calmed down. My breathing and heart rate have slowed, almost matching his.
"Good, now are you ready to just enjoy the flight?" He asks, "I don't want to have to hold you to me the whole time, you'll miss the best views."
I don't answer him and he sighs out.
"Fine your loss." He says crushing me into his chest. My arms trapped between myself and him making me feel like a mummy while my nose is buried in his shoulder. This feels more like one of his bear hugs than being held captive. For that moment I pretend that's what this is. The only view I have is the great sky above, the clouds begin to turn soft pinks and reds reminding me of Blossom and Brick. Memories stir in my chest and I let out an audible sigh before just enjoying what little view I do have almost regretting rejecting his original offer.
I start to feel disoriented as Butch flies me over to his small manor. The brick in my stomach grows heavier as I try to just relish the feeling of the cool air sliding over me but I can't enjoy it. It feels different, tainted somehow. By the time we reach his home we are no longer soaked our hair knotted by the wind. Butch sets me down lightly in front of a cozy looking home, his arm still wrapped around my shoulders. His free hand sweeps his raven hair back into place the movement catches my eye and I look up at him. In this moment he's the Butch I was starting to know. He's smiling proudly at his home, his smile wide and deep, green eyes gleaming in the setting sun. He looks at me with this endearing look and my chest gets a rush of heat. I bare my teeth and shove his arm off of me. He lets out a heavy sigh before holding the door open for me.
"Welcome home." He says and I bite back a gasp. I know this home, it's the one that he and I…..
"It's not much for a King but I'm humble in my own way." He chuckles gently grabbing my hand to show me around. He's showing me the first floor and talking softly to me. His voice no longer gruff and harsh as if his anger has just melted away from the flight. His guard finally down. This feels almost where we left off, well before I left him alone in his apartment. The last real memory I have before "The Great" bullshit beginning was with him. I frown at the memory, it's not my greatest moment. I immediately begin fidgeting with my fingers to soothe my self-loathing and anxiety. Crushing my left index finger between my right forefinger and thumb. Why should I be feeling guilty over something I did to this monster? Karmas a bitch. Right?
Butch's rough hands gently pull mine apart and pull me back into the moment.
"What's bothering you? You only do that when you're upset." He says as if he's known all along. I stare at him confused, does he remember? Does he know who I am and he's just playing dumb?
"How do you know?" I snap defensively, shoving my hands into the pockets of my black jeans. He looks at me puzzled before gritting his teeth after drawing a blank.
"I just know. I don't know how I know but I do." He says slowly as if trying out being honest for the first time in his life. I don't bother to respond and after a long moment he gently guides me through the rest of the small home.
We ascend the stairs and I can see that his humble tastes stop at the foot of the steps. There is a large hallway that overlooks the foyer. To the right are three doors and to the left is a set of double doors. He guides me through the double doors in to what seems to be a seating area. A TV hangs from the wall with three couches. One facing the TV and two facing each other. Behind the couches is a set of midnight black curtains that are tied back by golden ropes.
"This is where you will be staying." He says brining me into what I know is his bedroom. Two large windows line the wall with French doors nestled in between them leading out to a small balcony that overlooks a small pool and garden. Two doors are to the right, one leading to the walk in closet and the other leading into what I'm guessing is the bathroom. The room is mostly black, black curtains, cool black wood floods, and black sheets on the one only bed in the room.
"I'm not sharing a bed with you." It's the first thing I've said since arriving to his 'humble home.' He chuckles
"That's fine. I can sleep on the couch in the sitting room. I want you to feel welcome here. This is your home too." He says going into his closet for something.
"Hecate has picked out two or three outfits for you but considering you will be living here now I want you and her to go shopping at some point so you can pick your own clothes." Butch says presenting more black jeans and a few t-shirts.
I just nod, not wanting him to know that I do not plan to stay here longer than I need to.
"Maybe tomorrow you two can go. I have a lot of work to do. Please rest up until your wounds are healed." He says but pauses at the curtains, "No more fighting in the Pits."
I feel my stomach lurch and I go to argue.
"Just until you're healed please." He says cutting me off before leaving for whatever important business he has. I sit on the edge of his bed defeated before lying down and falling into a deep and much needed sleep.
The sound of soft footsteps wakes me and I instantly go for my hidden throwing knives. I wake without remembering where I am and throw a knife towards the sound as my eyes slowly adjust to the darkness.
A gasp rings out as the curtain is opened to reveal the head maid who fetched me. She holds her left arm gently and I can see the blood seeping from under her midnight skin. I half snarl out of habit and over the fact that my sleeping habits and aim are already getting sloppy, I only grazed her when it should have gone through her throat. I've only been in comfort one night and I'm already losing my edge. Her hand glows gold as it hovers over the fresh cut healing it in seconds. My eyebrows raise as she steps towards the other set of curtains.
"My apologies. I assumed you left with Master Butch." She says pulling the black drapes open, blinding me with even more sunlight, "He has never let anyone sleep in this room."
"What?" I say covering my eyes.
"Master Butch says other people's scents don't belong in his domain that they don't smell right on his sheets. Especially women." She says opening one of the windows for some fresh air.
"Bullshit he hasn't bedded other women." I growl, knowing that she's lying to me but she laughs.
"Of course he's bedded other women child, he used to have me." She smiles sweetly my way, "But not even I have slept in that bed." Her brown eyes seems golden in the sun light as she looks me over.
"If you haven't gone with Master Butch than that means you've been asleep for three days." I panic as her words hit home, three days? I've been asleep that long? The fights and training time that I've missed no wonder I've lost my edge. I jump from the bed and rummage through the closet to find any trace of my old fighting uniform. I find it in the back neatly folded and quickly change into it.
"Where are you going?" Hecate asks with a curious tone as she opens the French doors.
"Home." I say, pulling on my combat boots. She shakes her head in response.
"You are home child. Master Butch will be home tomorrow. I wouldn't go out today Cher. Your back, believe it or not is still healing and so is your throat." She looks me over, "Your dressings probably need to be changed not to mention I'm sure you're starving."
My stomach growls in answer and I damn it for giving me away.
"How about I make a bargain with you?" I don't like the look in her eyes but I nod anyway, "We change your dressings, you get something to eat and THEN you go to the Pits to fight to your heart's desire."
"What's the catch?"
"The catch is you have to come home tonight unharmed." She says holding out her hand, its glowing gold again and I don't like it.
"Just tonight?"
"Yes, tonight. Any time before midnight. Master Butch will not be home until tomorrow evening. You need to be here when he arrives home." She has a cat smile on her face and though I don't exactly trust her I know by this look that I'm going to like Hecate.
"Fine it's a deal." I say gripping her hand tightly but a black band made of triquetra forms on my upper forearm, just before my elbow.
"What is that?" I snarl, almost scratching at the two inch think band, it won't come off like a tattoo.
"It is the mark of a bargain. Whenever you make a bargain with a witch or something of the other world you will be marked for the bargain until completed." She states as if it were nothing, pulling out fresh linens for the bed. She begins pulling off the sheets I've slept on and waves her hands. They fade into nothing as she works on putting the new set of sheets on.
"So when I come home tonight? It will disappear?" I ask, she shrugs.
"Only if the bargain is complete to its fullest."
"Meaning?"
"That's for the magic to decide."
After breakfast and a quick change of my dressings Hecate lets me take a carriage to the Pits. Once I'm staring up at what has been my jail cell for almost two years I force myself to swallow down my fear. I woke up here in the new beginning, didn't know what was what or why I didn't have my powers. I fought just to survive and at the start I never killed, I took the beatings that came with the 'disobedience'. I took the lost rations hoping that if I didn't lose in a fight that maybe I'd starve to death and still stay on top. Well that all was until I heard the rumors about Boomer getting a doll with skin as white as snow and then Brick getting a pet with fire red hair. It was only a guess that maybe, just maybe I could fight my way to them, make it in the permeant Champion circle. Only one had done it before and she had to be married into the Inner Circle. I can already taste the blood and dust in my mouth as I enter into the colosseum halls. I see that it's Sunday as I pass the entrance to the arena and see that there are no scheduled fights. Various weights and weapons are laid out in the middle of the arena for anyone to use. Some people are sparing to the left and others are practicing with the weapons. I smile and feel almost at home.
"Buttercup!" Titus calls me over to him and I smile. The few times I've been given the privilege to actually stay in the Champions house I have had to share a bed with him. He extends his dark skinned hand to me, we grab each other by the forearms before he pulls me into a hug.
"It has been too long! I thought for sure that Him was going to kill you." He says in his heavy accent. I smile as I pull away.
"Oh thank the stars love you are among the living!" Beatrix exclaims snatching me into a hug, "You've got balls girl!"
I have also shared a bed with Beatrix, the only reason I would hug these two. I smile at her too.
"It takes more than a little back wound to slow me down." I wink, though I was at Death's mercy for those three days until Butch came.
"Spar with us?" She asks, "Can you do two on one?"
"That seems a little unfair don't you think?"
"Unfair for us yea?" Titus laughs but takes a few steps back, itching for any sort of challenge. Beatrix mimics his movements until they are both facing me, stance wide and ready to go. I sigh and mirror their stance.
"Fine, you both asked for it."
Titus lunges first and I dodge his hit by a hair, I really have gotten sloppy. Beatrix takes the moment to come at my other flank. I duck in time and land a hard hit in her stomach, she lets out a hiss while jumping away from me. Titus' large fist connects to my face causing my teeth to rattle. I growl and return the favor with a harsh upper cut. I jump back a foot or two and keep both of them in my eye. I spit and asses.
"Remember Titus, she can have no visible marks. His Greatness wants to bear witness to any sort of damaging entertainment."
"I am aware." He replies shortly. They honestly are the hardest team to beat but that's what I love about fighting. I love to be challenged. I lunge for Beatrix, knowing Titus will follow to protect her. I keep my back to him for a few moments while catching Beatrix's, small but mighty fists. They come fast and hard. I feel Titus coming within range and duck completely while Beatrix lands a harsh blow to Titus' lip. He spits blood and growls at Beatrix.
"That didn't seem like a punch that wouldn't leave a mark." He snarls at her, returning a punch, forgetting who he's supposed to be fighting. Titus is as tall as Butch and I have to jump to wrap my arm around his throat. I pull him backwards until he's hit the ground hard.
"Dead." I smirk as he accepts defeat. In training if you hit the ground and have your throat touched in less than a minute than you've lost the fight. Or had this been a real match you would have been dead. Beatrix charges me, overzealous with the defeat of her mate. I dodge and block her punches before kicking her hard in the ankles. She falls and I lay my hand gently on her throat.
"Dead." I sing song and she just laughs.
"Good as always." Titus says, his hand slapping hard against my shoulder. I try to not to wince and my back and throat throb from the sudden movements.
"How are your wounds?" A haughty voice says behind me. I turn around with my fists up to the Amazonian woman who almost cleaved me in two.
"They're fine, Etta" I spit her name as if it left a bad taste in my mouth.
"Ready for round two?" She laughs but my eyes just narrow.
"Who's going to fight with you?" Beatrix taunts, "Last I checked you only lasted that long because she was fighting several people at once."
Etta's dark eyes narrow on Beatrix with loathing. Where Beatrix lacked in brute strength she made up in intelligence, something Etta couldn't understand. That sometimes you needed to be more than a powerhouse to win a fight. Something I learned when I was young fighting Butch.
"Yea I'm ready for round two." I snarl, "Name the time and place. I'll be there."
"Are you so sure? You're a King's pet now. I don't think you'll be as free as you once were." Etta taunts crossing her arms, "Here and now while I still can. I will finish you once and for all."
She charges me then and I dodge her tackle at the last minute. Countering with a roundhouse kick to her ribs. She tries to grab my legs but misses by a breath. I bite my lip and do my best to avoid her fists. After a few more minutes of dodging I'm starting to feel winded. Fighting three people after no training for over a week has really taken its toll. I catch one of her wrists and grip hard. I pull her towards me and hold her close. I slam my fist over and over into her solar plexus until I feel her cough up blood onto my shoulder. I push her away just enough to grab onto her head and knee her in the face several times before shoving her to the ground. To hell with no visible marks. She spits out a tooth and smiles at me.
"Glad to see you're finally ready to play." She says backing up.
"Mistress!" I turn to see Hecate standing in the seating area by the entrance, "King Butch is coming home sooner than expected. You need to leave with me, now!"
I hear something slice through the air before I feel the tender part of my cheek ooze blood. I pull my attention back to Etta whose throwing arrows my way and bare my teeth. I avoid them as I advance on her even catching one and return the favor but she just snatches it out of the air snapping the arrow in half in her paw of a hand. It distracts her long enough that I can get close in her space. The trick to beating Etta is being almost on top of her, she cannot see as well up close as she can at arm's length. I duck just underneath her blind spot and put all of my power into the upper cut that hits hard enough for her teeth to rattle audibly. I smile as she falls back, her eyes closed before she hits the ground. Her eyes don't open and she doesn't get up. I turn to cuss out Hecate who is right in my face. I step back a moment not expecting her to be nose to nose with me.
"I said we need to leave now child!" She grabs onto me tightly as the air arounds us starts to swirl in golden light. In a blink we are standing in the kitchen of the estate and the world around me is spinning as if I were drunk. I grip the porcelain sink and gag once into it.
"What was that?" I ask as my spit and blood mix down the drain.
"Moving space and time." She says setting a steaming cup of tea next to the sink. I retch again at the sight of it. The aroma tickles my nose and settles my stomach some.
"Drink it Cher." She says pulling out another pot and placing it on the stove. I breathe heavily as I stare at her, before the tattoo catches my eye again.
"It didn't disappear." I say between gasps, "You lied."
"No I didn't." She says pulling the screaming pot off of the stove, she sets an odd bag into the top of the tea pot, "You broke the bargain."
"I am home before both midnight AND Butch. Thanks to you."
"You did not come home unharmed."
"YOU distracted me!" I growl, "This was your fault. Your magic is biased."
"Not only that Cher, but your back wound has reopened, again and so have your two love bites from 'His Greatness'." She says tipping the tea pot towards the cup. I shakily grab my cup and take a small sip. Almost instantly my stomach settles and I nurse the rest of the cup.
"Here let me fix you up before we both get in trouble." She says glowing hand outstretched for my cheek. I don't trust her, especially now after she's cursed me.
"Come now child before he comes…." But she's interrupted by Butch coming into the house.
"I smell my tea Hecate. How did you know I needed a calming brew?" He snarls into the kitchen slamming his crown harshly onto the counter. The air charges as his deep green eyes narrow on my cheek as mine widen. Butch is caked head to toe in blood and what looks to be the remnants of guts. I take a step back into the counter, it has been a long time since I've seen so much death cling to him. The last time I had was when he had his foot pressing into Bubbles skull. One of the few days I totally lost my shit.
"Why is your face covered in blood?" He asks with that calm rage, the kind that he can't hold long.
"I could ask you the same question." I snarl his way, keeping my back pressed firmly against the counter. My left hand absent mindedly searches for a weapon but comes up empty.
"Were you trying to cover this up Hecate?" He snarls, glaring at her hand by her side. He takes a step towards me to come and assess the damage. I don't like the stench of fear, iron, and death that clings to him, or the look in his eye. I feel threatened, as if he's trying to corner me and even if I had my powers I still wouldn't like it, would still second guess if I could break free of Butch's grip. I take the only weapon I have and smash the tea cup against the side of his face, letting the hot tea blind his left eye. He barely flinches but it gives me enough time to book it for the stairs. In less than a second he's hot on my trail and I barely shut and lock the bathroom door in time. I'm panting and I feel my stomach lurch again. I grip the sink counter as I try to desperately get that smell out of my nose.
"Open the door Buttercup." He growls, "Or I'll break the God Damn thing down!"
His voice shakes the glass door of the shower and the mirror. How could I be so stupid to forget he could take the door down in one foul swoop?
"Master I think she may want some alone time? This should be discussed at another time." Hecate's voice comes out smooth and soothing, a small bag appears on the sink counter with a small note attached that says, 'Use me in a bath.' Butch goes to argue but Hecate cuts him short.
"You are not fit to be having any discussion like that." Her voice comes out like venom now and I hear Butch storm out of the room. Somewhere else in the house I hear water run and pipes groan as he takes an hour shower while I curl up in the tub fully dressed and try to fall asleep.