Oh my God you guys, like seriously you are going to make me cry! All your lovely reviews are just so...heartfelt and I thank you for them very much. :3
I'm really sorry for such a long wait for this chapter. I went out of state to see my brother graduate from college, and on the way back we stopped in a different state at a campground to visit with some more family members. That campground had absolutely no internet connection whatsoever, which held me up significantly. D: Once I got back, my niece and nephew were dropped off with us to stay for the weekend so I was too busy entertaining them to write much. ;A; But I hope this chapter makes up for the long wait! :D
Oh and by the way...*unravels bright yellow caution tape* CAUTION: MAJOR FEELS AHEAD. Muwahahaa!
Disclaimer: I do not own Epic nor any of its characters, etc, etc. Enjoy!
Queen Merida sat in her personal chamber, her mother rubbing the Queen's back soothingly. The young Queen's hands covered her face, muffling her sobs and hiding her tears. She had only been Queen for an hour or so and already the Boggans had killed one of their own. Well, Merida knew M.K was a Stomper, but from the stories she'd heard from her mother and the Leafmen, this Stomper behaved like a Leafman. She was brave and loyal and would never leave a friend behind, M.K was trustworthy and dependent, and she was willing to give her life for the good of the forest. Wiping her eyes, the young Queen reminded herself that M.K had already paid the heaviest price for her loyalty.
"Shh...there, there sweetheart," her mother cooed. "I know this is a lot to take in and I'm very sorry you had to see all that happen." Merida looked up at her mother's soothing eyes. "I never wanted you to see the costs of this war, but it seems it cannot be avoided."
The Queen's mother held her daughter's hands gently. "War brings death honey, and no matter how much we wish it to never happen, it does anyway. M.K knew the risks and she chose to put her life on the line to protect that pod so that the forest could live."
Queen Merida wiped away her tears and sniffed, a twinkle returning to her eyes. "You did everything you could to help her dear." Her mother brushed away the tear trails on her daughter's cheeks and smiled the way only mothers can.
Suddenly the door to the chamber burst open, revealing a slug and a snail.
"Quick Your Majesty! Nod is injured!" Grub exclaimed. Mub shot a quick glare at his friend before adding, "He's dying! You gotta hurry!"
Turning to her mother, Queen Merida felt tears gathering at her eyes again. "Ok, we're coming," her mother replied. Ushering her daughter out of the room, the older female Jinn added, "I'll grab the Healers. Don't worry I'll catch up." Exchanging a glance, the slug and snail duo led the Queen to the chamber.
Nod hated to admit it, but he felt like he was dying.
Despite the cobwebs and his hands, the blood flow had hardly slowed. He couldn't tell which way it came out the most, his mouth or the wound. Every inhale resulted in agonizing coughs that splattered blood onto the floor. Ronin had wiped his mouth twice already and changed the cobwebs more than once, but it made little difference.
'Is this what you went through Dad? Is this...how you died?'
Sudden dizziness interrupted his thoughts, sending his head spinning and his bleeding stomach twisting into tight knots. He grunted and shook his head, trying to dispel the multiple Ronins, Mubs, Grubs, Queens, and Healers that were flooding his vision. Wait a minute...
"Leafboy!" Mub called out, his eye stalks lowered to the brunette's eye level. "Wake up pretty boy! You can't die on me now!"
Ronin raised an eyebrow at the slug's uncharacteristically worried tone towards Nod. The young Leafman blinked a few times before he noticed the slug right in his face. "It's...LeafMAN," he replied, a faint glimmer in his eyes. The slug seemed relieved and began to back away, allowing the Queen and the Healers to inspect Nod's wound.
One of the Marigold Healers turned to Ronin, who's face was lined with worry. "There isn't much rot, which is good." The silver-haired general's expression didn't change; he already knew that. "However, both his kidney and stomach have been hit by the arrow. The cuts aren't large and will be easy to close, but the amount of blood he's losing will kill him if we don't act now."
A shudder passed through Ronin's body as his worst fears were confirmed. He looked over at the chocolate-haired Leafman, the Healers pulling out leaf pouches just as they had for M.K. Queen Merida assured the Marigold Jinn she knew what to do before closing her eyes and hovering her hands over the pouches.
Suddenly, a bright golden glow overwhelmed them, nearly blinding everyone. For a moment, all was quiet as everyone waited with bated breath to see what had caused the golden burst of light. Nod fought to keep his eyes open as dark spots began to crowd his vision, threatening to consume him. He remembered what Tara had said about reviving M.K, which explained the golden light. Hope burst through his chest, numbing the throbbing pain in his side, and bringing a smile to his lips.
As the light dimmed, M.K's body could be seen lying on the floor, the pod now gone from her hands. Ronin walked over and knelt by the Stomper girl, hope smoothing out his features. Her skin had color again and was no longer cold like death. Her chest rose and fell gently, the breath of life in her lungs once more. Best of all, her wound was completely gone. Behind him, the others watched in confusion, completely unaware of Tara's sacrifice.
'Always putting others before yourself...That's why I fell in love with you Tara.'
Allowing a small smile to grace his lips, Ronin tapped the Stomper girl's shoulder and called to her.
M.K loved the warmth that had consumed her, so when it began to fade she felt vulnerable. That was when she remembered what Tara had done, what she had given her, a Stomper. A single voice met her ears, soft but strong, familiar and encouraging.
"C'mon kid, wake up."
M.K's eyes fluttered open, landing on the owner of that strong and familiar voice. "Ronin!" In a flash her arms were around the silver-haired general's neck, a smile on her face. The Leafmen General was surprised, but returned the hug before pulling away.
"It's good to have you back M.K," he said with a nod. She smiled before her eyes drifted to the characters behind him, a sparkle in her eyes. They all waved, even the surprised Healers, but there was one who's wave she could not ignore. The hand was red and the wave had been short and weak before falling to the floor.
"Nod!" She cried out, jumping to her feet and rushing over to the brunette, the smile gone from her face.
Nod raised his head slowly, a weak smile on his now clean lips thanks to one of the Healers. "M.K...you're back." The Stomper girl nodded as tears gathered in her emerald eyes. The red-haired teen put her hands on either side of his face, tears falling silently. "Yes, I'm back. I came back for you." Nod felt a warmth in his heart at her words. "I'm glad...I..." He was cut off by a rough cough, blood spitting onto M.K's hoodie and face. "S-Sorry..." Alarm flashed across M.K's face as she asked, "Nod, why are you bleeding?"
His eyes gazed into hers, love and pain fighting for dominance. He opened his red lips to reply when his face contorted in pain, a groan escaping his throat. M.K noticed the brunette's hand was covering something on his side. She moved his hand and gasped, her hands covering her mouth in shock. The wound was small but very bloody, the tangy smell of blood overwhelming her. Turning to Ronin, she asked what had happened.
"Apparently he was hit by a Boggan arrow while fighting the bats. He yanked it out and covered the wound, hiding it from us so we wouldn't know he was hurt." Ronin's eyes were filled with worry as he explained.
Queen Merida broke in, her tone shaky and hurried. "Don't worry M.K, we'll fix him up." The Healers surrounded Nod again, green leaf pouches held out as the Queen began to infuse her healing magic into the bags. While the Healers got ready, M.K grabbed one of Nod's limp hands and placed her other hand on his cheek. His eyes flickered open and locked with hers, the light dimming from his usually bright eyes.
"Nod, listen to me. You're going to be alright, I promise." The brunette frowned sadly, blood dribbling down his chin. "I...promised y-you...that you would..." He stopped to groan as a wave of pain rolled over him. "...Be...alright but...you...you died..."
The red-haired Stomper choked back a sob, but the tears didn't stop. "But I'm here now! I came back!" She felt the blood from the wound seep onto her skin as she pressed her hand with Nod's onto the wound, though she knew it was doing no good. Her revived heart broke in two as she watched Nod's life pool onto the floor, his breath ragged and shallow. Glancing at the Queen, she noticed the last leaf pouch was being magically enhanced, which gave her a spark of hope. Turning to the young Leafman she found his eyes had closed and his face was relaxed. Too relaxed. Fear began to creep into her heart as she patted his cheek, softly calling his name. There was no response, not even a twitch. M.K's heart dropped like a stone, her shoulders beginning to shake.
'No...he can't be dead...He can't be...'
Ronin wanted to rest, he needed to rest, but between Nod's critical condition and the Queen, Healers, Mub and Grub asking about M.K, that was impossible. Letting out a deep, tired sigh, the silver-haired general began to answer the fifty questions that had been thrust upon him.
"How is she alive? We saw her die!"
"It was Queen Tara. Apparently, the former Queen is granted her powers temporarily on the Summer Solstice." Wide eyes met his. "Tara brought a special pod to us and explained how she would use the pod and the last of her magic to revive M.K."
Amazement flashed across Queen Merida's face before it contorted into deep concentration, her focus once again on saving Nod. Running a hand over his short silver hair, Ronin glanced at the long forgotten Boggan arrow lying abandoned in the corner. It was the arrow he had pulled from M.K's stomach. Deep anger gripped him as he stared at the arrow, its familiarity flashing images of past lives lost to such a weapon. Shaking his head, the older Leafman pushed away his anger and took some calming breaths.
That was when he heard M.K's quivering voice calling Nod's name softly. When there was no response, Ronin whirled around and stared at the younger Leafman, willing him to say something back. Nod's eyes were closed and Ronin could easily see how suddenly relaxed and limp the teen's body had become, which worried him. Placing a hand on the hilt of his sword, the silver-haired general ran Kian's last words through his head again.
"Promise me you'll take care of Nod for me."
With lightly shaking shoulders, Ronin began to fear he had failed his best friend and broken his promise.
"Nod?"
M.K shook as she stroked his limp hand, desperate for a response. "Nod?" Nothing. Her sobs broke free and her chest ached as if a sword had been thrust into her heart. She called his name again, barely aware of the silence that had suddenly filled the room. His eyes didn't open and his mouth didn't curl into that mischievous smirk she had grown to love. Those chocolate eyes of his that could calm a raging storm were gone from her sight, and she feared never to see them again.
Grabbing his shirt with both hands, now bloody and sticky, she called to him pleadingly. "Nod! Nod don't you dare die on me! You hear me?"
When there was no response, M.K shook her head, refusing to accept the truth. It was just like the day her mom died in the hospital; calling out to her mom who could no longer hear her, realizing that never again would her eyes open or her mouth smile. Her heart clenched and it felt like she was dying all over again as she realized she had never gotten to tell him how she felt. Regret overwhelmed her and Nod's sword lying a few paces away seemed extremely tempting.
Swallowing the hard lump in her throat, M.K leaned closer and pushed her lips to his bloody ones. She poured all her love into that final kiss, ignoring the tangy iron taste of Nod's blood. Their adventure together flashed through her mind and she pressed against his lips harder, tears flowing like a gentle river down her cheeks. Suddenly, his lips were kissing back, softly, weakly, but it didn't matter because he was kissing back.
She pulled back just a bit, her emerald eyes meeting his chocolate ones. "I won't die...because you told me not to."
Not letting go of his shirt, M.K gasped before smiling and pressing her lips to his once more. Separating again, the red-haired teen rested her forehead against his, their eyes locked together in an embrace. He managed to curl his lips into that smirk that gave her butterflies. The Healers tried to get the Stomper girl to move, but she refused, sending the most persistent Jinn a threatening glare. Nod nudged her cheek with his nose and whispered something.
"No, I'm not leaving your side. Not until you're all better." Her emerald eyes flashed with determination. Nod gave her the same look he had when offering her his hand to mount the deer.
"Put your arms around me," he whispered.
Smiling softly again, M.K shifted so that she sat curled up on his right, away from the wound, with her arms wrapped like a scarf around his neck. He slowly moved his right arm and placed it around her waist, nervous about getting blood on her sweatshirt. M.K laid her head on his shoulder as he laid his over hers, a content smile on the lover's faces.
Ronin felt a warm smile on his lips as he gazed at the two teens, their love for each other as clear as the sky. The happiness that they exuded reminded the silver-haired general of when he was younger, before Tara was Queen. It had all started about the same time as it had with M.K and Nod; he was a young Leafman and she was a young woman with an unknown destiny, although she wasn't a Stomper like M.K. He had seen her around Moonhaven and Nim's tree at times; mainly everyday on his way to Leafman training, but he had never stopped to say anything or think much of her other than a civilian that needed protecting. That all changed one day when he was out on a routine patrol, the Boggan threat becoming more of a problem each day.
He had broken away from his unit because he had grown bored. They hadn't spotted any sign of Boggans or the Blight so he figured why not take a short break? Ronin shook his head as he remembered how much he had been like Nod. The silver-haired teen had pushed his hummingbird to its top speed, narrowly dodging tree branches as he tempted fate. The rush of flying had always been his favorite part of becoming a Leafman; it was taking orders from his superiors and performing boring, tedious duties that he had hated. Suddenly there had been a scream, children's screams, and he had rushed towards them. In a small clearing, three Jinn children were huddled close together, shaking as three Boggans surrounding them closed in, rot-infested spears at the ready.
Before he could act, someone had sprinted from the bushes and knocked an ugly looking Boggan away. His jaw had dropped as the mysterious figure paused, her makeshift staff held in front of her. It was the same girl he saw everyday on his way to Leafman training! She was always playing with the younger kids, but each time he passed by she would greet him with a soft 'hello' and prompt the Jinn children to wave to him as he strolled along. Her skin was dark and smooth, her black hair pulled up in a softly curled side ponytail. Her shirt was made of a soft green leaf, the bottom half lightly faded to yellow, the sleeves stopping before her elbows and the shoulders cut out. Her skirt was an off-white flower petal skirt that fell right at her knees, but was slightly longer in the back. Her small feet were covered by simple vine sandals that wrapped around her ankles perfectly. The glint in her brown eyes sent a strange feeling through Ronin's body that had confused him at the time.
She had motioned for the Boggans to attack, and when they did she felled each one with a practiced and effortless swing of her staff. Soon the Boggans were lying on the ground unconscious. The heroine had smiled and turned to the Jinn children to calm them down and reassure them they were safe. That was when Ronin had landed his bird and approached them, wonder in his sapphire eyes.
"Wow! That was amazing!"
She had turned quickly, staff in hand, but then she recognized him and smiled. "Thanks. Didn't know any Leafmen were nearby to not perform their duty."
He had sputtered for a moment, the children giggling behind the girl. "Well I was just flying around and when I got here you were already taking care of things."
The girl had quirked an eyebrow at him, her free hand resting on her hip. "Alright, I'll let you slide this time. But next time I'll be putting in a word with the Leafmen General." She winked. Ronin had froze for a moment before shaking it off, laughing nervously. "Hey, have I...seen you before?"
She rolled her eyes, "Only like every day. Remember? The random girl with the kids who says hi every morning?" He shifted his feet, avoiding her gaze. "Oh...right." He cleared his throat, "So...what's your name?" She laughed before giving him a friendly look, "Tara. And you are?"
"Ronin."
She smirked, "Ah. Well Ronin, since you're here would you mind helping me take these little ones back to Moonhaven?" She gave the kids a mock disappointed look, "I'm sure their parents are very worried."
Ronin remembered quickly agreeing before explaining to Tara quietly that he had to...take care of the Boggans. She had nodded, understanding in her eyes before she ushered the children into the bushes so they didn't have to see. His sword had been light in his hand as he dispatched the unconscious Boggans. Not sure what to do with the bodies, he rolled them into some nearby shrubs, washing his greasy and bloody hands on a leaf. He'd offered to carry two of the kids while Tara walked with the third, Ronin soon returning to pick up Tara and the last child.
As he landed at Moonhaven once more to drop Tara off at her home, he asked her if he would see her again. Tara had turned with a smile and a quirked eyebrow, eyes flashing with adventure. "Tomorrow. Same place, same time." Then she had turned and walked to her door, calling over her shoulder with a wave. "Make sure to say something this time." Ronin had blushed a bit after that, standing by his bird gazing at her closed door like an idiot. A peck from his bird had brought him back to his senses, shaking his head and mounting the hummingbird before taking off, looking back one more time and swearing he saw her face watching him from her window.
Nod had tried to prepare himself for the sting of the medicine on his wound, but that didn't really work. The moment one of the Healers gently dabbed one of the salves on the wound, a sharp streak of pain shot through him. He began to scream loudly, unable to hold back the sound any longer. M.K removed one of her arms from around his neck and grabbed the hand around her waist, letting him squeeze it tightly, threatening to break bone. She spoke soothing words into his ear, remembering painfully how he had done the same for her earlier. She told him to focus on her voice, which he did, but the pain didn't go away. He had heard something about the first ointment treating the small amount of rot around the wound, which explained why it burned like hell.
"Just hold onto my hand Nod, I'm right here okay?" The brunette took gasping breaths in between his screams, managing a nod before another scream escaped him.
The red-haired teen winced as her hand protested against the increasing pressure. Nod's grip was tight and she was positive that nothing could break it. Her other hand was stroking his hair, her arm still around his neck. The purpose was to soothe Nod, but in truth it was to help her stay calm. There was a short burst of pain from her fingers as Nod's grip tightened again, if that was even possible. M.K bit her lip and ignored the pain; Nod's wellbeing was far more important than a few broken fingers.
"Is he supposed to be screaming like that?" Queen Merida quivered, her eyes wide with fright. Ronin came up behind her and placed a comforting hand on her small shoulder. "Yes, but it shouldn't last long. He only has a small amount of rot in his system, which means it won't take long for the ointment to get rid of it."
Something in the Leafmen General's eyes gave M.K the impression that this was not his first dealing with rot victims. There was too much knowledge in his voice, and the look in his eyes held both relief and pain. His sapphire gaze caught hers, but she didn't look away. They exchanged worried gazes before turning their attention to Nod.
Finally, the chocolate-haired Leafman's screams died down. He looked at Ronin for a moment before turning to M.K, her hand still trapped within his. He must have noticed the slight pain in her eyes because he was suddenly apologizing.
"Nod I'm fine," she assured with a smile. Nod gave her a wary look, "But...your hand...it's red." M.K shrugged, "I don't care about my hand right now. All I care about is you getting better." Her eyes narrowed slyly, "Unless you want me to leave..."
"No!" Nod cried out, ignoring his wound. Ronin chuckled, "I think it's best if you just stop talking Nod."
The brunette shot his second-father a mock glare. One of the Healers scolded M.K for causing their patient to cry out, running the risk of agitating the wound, and she apologized. "Now Nod, this next salve is going to help stop the bleeding. Once that is finished, we will apply the ointment for closing up the tears in your stomach and kidney."
The young Leafman' eyes widened a bit as he asked, "Will it hurt?" The Marigold Jinn grimaced and nodded her head, "Yes, I'm sorry. But the Queen's magic in the ointment will make the process go much faster."
Nod swallowed nervously before nodding, his body growing tense in preparation for the pain. M.K braced herself for the pain that was sure to come, both from her hand and her ears. Ronin rubbed his forehead with one hand but remained where he was, his other hand still resting on the young Queen's shoulder. Queen Merida wrapped one hand around Ronin's wrist and the other around her mother's.
Mub and Grub had been oddly quiet, although Mub occasionally started to say something whenever Nod looked at M.K or the two shared anything affectionate. At one point, Grub realized his slug friend needed to face reality.
"Mub, I know you like M.K but...you and I both know it can never work." Mub looked at him as if he were a Boggan. "Excuuuse me? M.K is MY baby girl and she'll stay that way."
The snail rolled his eyes before poking one into Mub's head. "Hey! What was that for?" Grub used his short, slimy arms and put them where Mub's shoulders would be, if he had any of course. "Listen to me Mub, I..." The snail wasn't quite sure what to say. "Just look at them, ok? And I mean really look."
Grudgingly Mub complied, studying M.K and Nod again. He blinked a few times and although he wished he hadn't seen it, he couldn't deny that he'd seen the pure love and happiness the couple exuded. With a sigh, Mub turned to his snail friend, a defeated look in his eyes.
"I'm sorry Mub," he said sincerely. The slug sighed, shook his head, and smacked Grub with his eye. "Ow! What was that for?"
"For hittin' me!" Mub smirked.
Ronin had observed the snail and slug's conversation and he found himself smiling a little. 'Well, at least that's one less person to mock Nod about M.K.' The smile became a smirk. 'Doesn't mean I won't.'
Finn held up his hand, motioning for the other Leafmen to hold their positions. The red-haired Leafman had followed Ronin's directions to the Stomper's house. He and his search party were close when they came upon the Professor on an overgrown path, sitting on a boulder. Turning to a Leafman and Leafwoman, Finn instructed them to fly to the tree on the opposite side, providing another angle of coverage in case Boggans showed up. It was highly unlikely, but you could never be too sure with Boggans.
Finn and his party waited patiently, silently guarding the Stomper, while also keeping an eye on him. Each warrior held their bows at the ready, listening and observing, determined to take down any Boggan who dared attack.
"I hope M.K is alright," Bomba stated, his eyes flicking to the watch on his wrist. To Finn and the other Leafmen, the words were loud and slow, causing a few of them to chuckle.
"Hey Finn! Do Stompers really sound like that?" It was a young Leafwoman, her blonde hair peeking out from underneath her helmet. Finn nodded. "Yes, but I'm sure they don't sound that ridiculous if you were the same height."
An older Leafman with darker skin gave Finn a skeptical look. "You sure about that?" Finn merely shrugged. "Heh, well I'd never want to be a Stomper. Crashing around like a bear, stomping on things, making a mess." The blonde Leafwoman laughed. "What are you talking about Caspian? You bumble around like that as a Leafman, so there wouldn't be much difference."
Caspian narrowed his eyes and smacked his bow against the Leafwoman's leg. "Well you talk as loud as a Stomper, so I guess that makes you one, Raine." The blonde named Raine rubbed her leg, cursing under her breath about another bruise for the collection.
"Alright you two, that's enough." Finn fixed Caspian and Raine under an authoritative gaze before turning his attention to the Professor. Raine and Caspian resumed their previous positions, bows at the ready. The blonde stuck her tongue out at the darker Leafman when he wasn't looking, ending the argument.
As they sat there, Finn replayed the events that led him here in his mind. He hadn't seen much of M.K since she had been picked up by Ronin to find Nim Galuu, but seeing her with a Boggan arrow embedded in her abdomen had twisted his stomach. Finn had seen his fair share of Boggan arrow victims, and what followed after was never pleasant. A shudder passed through him as he heard the Stomper girl's screams echoing in his ear. The determined, almost obsessed look in Ronin's eyes as he tugged on the arrow had somewhat worried Finn. Watching the girl's father as he waited, Finn felt a pang in his heart and a sadness came over him. This Stomper was waiting for a daughter that would never come. For the Leafmen, there were mothers and fathers who waited for sons and daughters in the Corps to return home, but there were times when that son or daughter would not return. Nor would they come home the next day or the day after that, but the mothers and fathers would know by then that their young had sacrificed themselves for the forest and their familiar knock or smile was gone forever.
The Professor straightened his back, a pop sounding from his spine. Sighing, Bomba looked around worriedly, his daughter nowhere to be seen. Checking his watch again, Bomba realized how late it was becoming. "She probably doesn't want to fly at night, being so small now..."
The Professor stood, brushed off his pants, and started for home. He tried to think of how life would be like now, what with his 17-year old daughter now the size of...well a very tiny person living in a different dimension. There was a sudden loneliness that hit him like a punch, stopping him for a moment. M.K could stay with him at the house, but with Ozzie and all the clutter lying around she ran the risk of being squished or eaten. Plus, what kind of life would that be? If his daughter was to be tiny forever, he wanted her to be happy and live her life, and the only way for that to happen would be to let her go...
In that moment, Bomba vowed to do whatever it took to make his daughter happy, even if it meant losing her to a world he had only studied. With a faint smile on his face, the Professor started for his house again. Suddenly there were three hummingbirds hovering in front of him, blocking his path. Star struck, Bomba squinted at the tiny figures on the hummingbirds, excitement bubbling up inside him. After a moment he finally noticed one of the figures was trying to signal him. Quickly, Bomba put on his specialized helmet, adjusting the settings so he could understand the tiny person.
"You must stay here. Your daughter, M.K, will be here in the morning," spoke the figure, who Bomba assumed to be the leader. "But I can't just..." The Professor paused for a moment before snapping his fingers. "I'll be right back, I just need to grab my tent."
Before Finn could say anything, Bomba bounded off towards his house, his helmet jangling loudly on his head. With an exasperated sigh Finn signaled for two Leafmen to trail the Stomper, just in case. A few minutes later M.K's father returned, a large bundle in his arms. Removing his helmet, the Professor began assembling his tent, much to the amazement and wonder of the Leafmen. Once it was complete, Bomba replaced his helmet and explained to his audience that he would stay in the tent until morning. With a nod, Finn turned from the Stomper and began strategically positioning his men around the tent.
As Bomba slipped into his sleeping bag, he gazed once more at the photograph. Kissing the image of his wife and daughter, the Professor took off his glasses, laid his head down, closed his eyes, and dreamt of hugging his daughter again, his wife standing off to the side with a smile.
Meanwhile, Finn and Raine remained on their hummingbirds, now perched lightly on one of the tent poles. The others were well hidden within the surrounding trees, keeping a lookout for any dangers. As the minutes began to tick by, Raine could hardly keep her mouth shut, the question on her tongue torturing her. Finn noticed her hesitation and gave her an encouraging look. "What is it Raine? You seem to have a question."
The blonde sighed, her eyes curious. "Sir, if I may ask...why are we here watching over this Stomper?" Finn blinked, turning to gaze into the dark forest, lit only by the moon's light. "Well, as you know a Stomper named M.K helped save the pod and helped it bloom." The blonde nodded in response.
"Well, M.K got injured by a Boggan arrow while getting rid of Mandrake's bats. General Ronin had to perform the...removal procedure."
Raine shuddered, her armor rattling softly. She had only read about that particular procedure in training, but from what she'd learned it was risky and very, very painful. "So...what does that have to do with this Stomper?"
Finn adjusted his grip on his bow, meeting the young Leafwoman's curious gaze. "This Stomper is M.K's father. General Ronin sent us to find him and keep an eye on him until morning." There was a sudden depressing tone in the older Leafman's words that worried Raine, a feeling of foreboding creeping through her body. "What's so special about the morning?"
Finn closed his eyes as if irritated, but when he opened them there was a sadness unknown to the blonde. "The Queen and General Ronin will be presenting M.K's body to her father. The Queen will speak of M.K's bravery and how she sacrificed herself for the good of the forest."
Raine froze. "Y-You mean she...?" Finn nodded somberly. Quiet now, the blonde Leafwoman faced the shadowy forest, bow in hand. She willed her face to become like a stone, impassive and unreadable. Inside there was a sadness she had never thought possible for a Stomper. Raine knew what it was like to lose a loved one to war, but at least she and her family had been prepared for it. This Stomper believed with every fiber in his being that his daughter would be coming home tomorrow morning. The more she thought about it, the more tragic it became.
'The next Boggan I see is getting an arrow to the brain,' she thought darkly as she looked upon the surrounding forest, her hands itching for a fight.
M.K had never broken a bone in her life. Ever. So the white hot pain that burst from her hand was enough to send her head spinning. The cracking noise sent a chill down her spine and she knew that she would never forget that sound. M.K had never really thought Nod could actually break her hand, but he had, and now she was screaming along with him in shared agony.
Ronin rushed over and knelt beside the red-haired teen, concern etched into his face. "M.K! What's wrong?"
Small tears pushed their way through the Stomper girl's closed eyelids, sliding down her cheeks gently. "M-My hand," she hissed. "I-t's m-my h-hand."
The silver-haired general looked down to find M.K's crushed hand trapped within Nod's. It was red and turning a bit purple at the fingertips, which alarmed Ronin. Before he could say anything, M.K looked at him as she fought the pain. "I-It's bro-broken."
Ronin's eyes widened and he looked to the young Queen. "Your Majesty, M.K's hand is broken."
Queen Merida and her mother let out collective gasps, their hands flying to their open mouths. The young Queen looked to her mother and then to the Healers, her eyes begging for help. One of the Marigold Jinn knelt beside Ronin and studied what she could of the Stomper girl's hand. "It does look broken, but I can't be sure until her hand is free."
Glancing at Nod, who's screams were beginning to lessen, she added, "Once Nod calms down we will remove M.K's hand and the Queen will heal it." The Healer gave the older Leafman a commanding look, "Don't let her hold his hands anymore, no matter what."
Ronin looked from Nod to M.K then sighed before nodding. Rising again, the Healer returned to the others, discussing the new injury.
A few minutes later Nod grew quiet, save for a few groans and curses. M.K was quiet by then, only whimpering slightly as she gritted her teeth against the pain in her hand. The chocolate-haired Leafman noticed and alarm spread across his tired and bruised face. "M.K! W-What's wrong? Are you hurt?"
The red-haired teen blinked away the remaining tears, her voice strained as she spoke. "N-Nod...my hand..." Looking down at their intertwined hands, Nod's eyes widened and he released his grip, more pain shooting up M.K's arm. She cried out, then stifled it, looking into Nod's guilty eyes.
"Oh my God M.K!" He exclaimed, ignoring the lessening pain in his side. "I'm so sorry! I-I just didn't realize I was squeezing so hard a-and-"
"Don't apologize," she interrupted, managing a small smile. "I don't care about my hand. All I care about right now is you." The brunette shook his head, glancing at M.K's limp, swollen hand. "No, I did this to you. I don't care how much pain I'm in as long as you're okay." The Stomper girl sniffed, the pain in her hand ebbing away for just a moment. "I would rather be run through by a sword than to see you hurt." Glancing where M.K's arrow wound had been he added, "I would take a Boggan arrow for you, if it meant you would live another day."
Speechless, M.K simply stared at the Leafman who had stolen her heart.
Quickly, the Queen knelt by the Stomper girl, running through her mind what the Healer had instructed her to do. It was simple: focus her magic on M.K's hand, picture it healing broken bones, and viola! But as easy as it sounded, the young Queen shook nervously. She was worried that she might mess up, I mean infusing healing magic into ointments was one thing, but putting broken bones back together was a completely different situation. Closing her eyes and scrunching her nose up in concentration, the young Queen hovered her hands over M.K's broken one, a soft green and white light enveloping the latter. Queen Merida pictured the bones reconnecting and looking just as they should. She could feel her powers beginning to take its toll, but the young Queen was determined to make sure everyone was okay.
M.K watched in amazement as the Queen's magic swallowed her injured hand. She had expected more pain, but instead there was nothing. After a few seconds the light dimmed before eventually fading away completely. Her hand was no longer swollen, no red and purple, and there was no throbbing pain anymore. Cautiously, the red-haired Stomper closed her hand into a fist, opened it again, then closed it. Eyes wide, M.K looked to the Queen with wonder and gratitude, unable to find the right words.
"Your welcome," the young Queen offered. "You saved all of us, including the forest. My only goal right now is to make sure you're gonna be alright." There was a bright smile on the flower girl turned Queen's face.
M.K merely nodded her thanks before returning her attention to Nod, who was still staring at her now healed hand. Placing the same hand on his bruised cheek, M.K murmured something only the young Leafman could hear. Nod instantly relaxed before pressing his forehead to M.K's, love shining in his eyes. He ignored the third Healer that was rubbing another ointment onto his wound.
"This is the last treatment. Your wounds will be fully healed with this salve, and I assure you there will be much less pain." When the brunette only grunted in response, the Marigold Jinn frowned a bit, annoyed by the Leafman's rudeness.
Nod felt his body tense against the healing pain, but other than that he was fine. There were no more haunting screams or terrified eyes, which relieved the chocolate-haired Leafman much more than his friends. At that moment, however, the slight pain in his side was forgotten as he gazed lovingly into M.K's emerald eyes, his heart pounding and heat rising in his belly. The red-haired Stomper had become his healing medicine - a drug, one he could see himself becoming easily addicted, but in a good way. He could stare into her eyes forever, their soothing warmth and loving depth enough to keep him alive. Her voice was intoxicating and it made his head spin a little each time she said his name. Her hands, oh God her hands! They could be soft and rough at the same time, gentle enough to tame a wild beast, but also strong enough to knock back a horde of Boggans. Those small hands on his face, arms, hands, and waist sent butterflies fluttering wildly in his stomach. The more Nod thought about it, the more he came to the conclusion that, like the pieces of a puzzle, he and M.K were destined to fit together perfectly.
"You're so beautiful."
M.K blushed, her gaze falling away for a moment before meeting Nod's again. "Do you really mean that?" The young Leafman smirked, "Yep."
The Stomper girl smiled mischievously, a daring glint in her eyes. Pulling herself close to Nod's ear, she whispered, "Prove it."
Chocolate eyes shimmering playfully, Nod leaned forward and lightly kissed both of M.K's closed eyes. A tiny, almost silent giggle escaped the Stomper girl's lips, but she silenced it quickly, failing to hide the smile on her lips. Carefully, Nod grabbed M.K's previously injured hand and brought it to his lips, the feeling like soft flower petals on M.K's skin. The red-haired teen returned her hand to the young Leafman's cheek, her blush returning. Next, Nod brushed his nose to M.K's, his eyelids drooping somewhat seductively. Slowly, the brunette pressed his lips to M.K's, the feeling sending chills throughout the Stomper girl's body. She almost whimpered as he pulled away, but at the last minute she stopped herself, settling for tilting her head to ask a question.
"As lovely as those kisses were," she began, "how do they prove anything?" Nod chuckled, his wound long forgotten along with the others in the room standing less than a foot away.
"Your eyes are brighter than the fresh spring grass and deeper than any lake." M.K blinked, smiling at Nod's heartfelt yet somewhat corny affections.
"Your hands could soothe any beast, while also destroying any who threaten those you care for." Her heart began to race. "Finally..." The chocolate-haired Leafman paused for effect. "Your voice makes me dizzy every time I hear it, and my heart threatens to beat right out of my chest."
For a moment M.K was silent, taking in everything she had just heard. Then she smiled and there was a bubbling in her chest that rose to her lips and spilled over. Her laughter confused the brunette, his eyebrows scrunched together innocently. Wiping one of her eyes, the red-haired Stomper blurted, "You sound so corny!"
The young Leafman made a face of mock dejection, his shoulders sagging and his lips pouted like a child. "Aw c'mon M.K! I was trying to be romantic."
M.K laughed again, placing her other hand on his other cheek. "It's okay Nod, I'm sure Mub would be more than happy to give you some flirting lessons."
A sound of protest erupted from both males, their eyes boring holes into the other's. After a few seconds, Nod crossed his arms over his unarmored chest childishly, his head turned away from the slug. Clearing his throat, Ronin fought back the laughter that was bubbling inside his chest. Nod's childish behavior brought back many good memories, and the fact M.K was involved made it all the better.
'Young love. Reminds me of you and I, right Tara?'
Mub continued to glare at Nod, then started to glide towards the two teens, intent on separating them. A second later the slug stopped, his eyes softening just the slightest bit. He remembered what he and Grub had talked about earlier, about letting M.K go. He felt a bit sad, but shook it off as he usually did, deciding he would still flirt with his Stomper friend, but only to watch Nod squirm. The slug still wanted to go head to head with the rash Leafman, though now it would be just for fun instead of for M.K's affections.
Nod let his arms drop as he realized how childish he must look. Ruffling his hair, the chocolate-haired Leafman winced as the ointment worked its magic. He couldn't wait for this to be over; Nod never did like being sick or injured, let alone being touched by multiple people and having weirdly colored, cold stuff rubbed on him. Yeah, this wasn't his first rodeo, being injured and all, but he still hated it every time. It wasn't like he didn't like being touched, he just hated being touched and prodded and spoke about by multiple people he didn't know. The last time Nod ended up in the hospital was after a stupid dare that he technically was not supposed to fulfill. Let's just say he was talking with some of his training buddies and somehow they started a game of truth or dare. Nod chose dare obviously, and one sandy blonde Leafman had dared him to sneak into Wrathwood and snatch one of their bat mounts.
Everyone, including Nod, knew it was a suicide mission and a false dare, but Nod being the 'challenge accepted' kind of guy, went off to do it. His friends had tried to stop him, but it didn't work. From what the brunette could remember, he had actually made it to the creepy, rotten tree thing where the bats were resting. He had managed to jump onto one of the bats and was tugging on its ears, steering it out into the cool night air, when the whole flock took flight. One bat's wing smacked him off his "borrowed" mount and knocked him to the dusty ground. Boggans were emerging from what seemed like nothing; they were pretty pissed that a single Leafman had managed to sneak in and almost steal one of their precious bats. He'd fought a bunch of them off, but they kept coming. After awhile of swinging his sword and getting beat on, Nod admitted to himself that he had to leave. He'd fought his way out, nearly getting impaled by Boggan arrows more than once. Whistling for his bird, the reckless teen had flown back to Moonhaven, passing out from his injuries halfway there and almost falling off.
Man Ronin had been pissed.
Looking at M.K again, who was leaning against him with her emerald gaze staring at nothing in particular, Nod decided that just this once, being injured was worth the unease and irritation. Since his hands were free, Nod wordlessly turned M.K's head, her ponytail facing his way. Deftly, Nod set to work fixing the red-haired Stomper's hair. Again he ignored the looks of the Healers and such, instead focusing on gently combing out the dirt and tangles nestled in M.K's hair. Once he finished that, Nod began scooping the hair into the form of a basic ponytail, wrapping the elastic hairband around it until it would no longer stretch. Happy with his work, the younger Leafman smiled, his right hand playing with M.K's new ponytail like a kitten.
Turning to the brunette, M.K smiled, as she always seemed to do around Nod. "I didn't know you were a hair stylist." The chocolate-haired teen smirked, "Eh, sometimes training breaks get boring so I practice on some of the guys who have the hair for it." He waggled his eyebrows for effect. M.K bit her lip to stifle the burst of laughter bubbling in her chest. "Oh I see," a sly smile forming, her eyelids lowering.
"I guess that changes things," Nod quirked an eyebrow innocently. "Between us," she added.
Nod looked alarmed for a moment, his eyes wide. "Wait what? Wha...What do you mean it changes things?"
The Stomper girl crossed her arms, flipping her ponytail in a matter of fact way. "Well you obviously have a thing for men." M.K smirked, fighting back the wide smile that was tugging at her lips as the young Leafman's mouth fell open. "B-but I...I don't...You a-and...I...don't like...g-guys and-"
M.K silenced Nod's sputtering with her finger on his lips, mischief in her eyes. "It's okay Nod, it's perfectly normal for you to have feelings for the opposite sex," she continued as she patted his armored shoulder. "No one should judge you for who you really are."
A sudden uncharacteristic burst of laughter erupted from Ronin's mouth, his hands on his dirty armored stomach as he bent over with laughter. Everyone's mouths fell open at the sight and sound of the Great General Ronin, the no-nonsense general who was rumored to have been born not to smile, laughing loudly. Wiping a tiny tear from his eyes, the silver-haired Leafman's laughter died down to a low chuckle before trailing off into silence. He looked between all the pairs of wide eyes and gaping mouths staring at him, a hint of unease settling in.
"What?"
Nod and M.K shook off the look of shock on their faces. "Uh...well..." M.K began. "We've never heard you laugh like that. Like, ever," Nod finished.
Ronin quirked an eyebrow, but said nothing. Turning his attention to Nod's healing wound, the silver-haired general noticed the hole was nearly closed. Following his second-father's gaze, Nod inspected his wound, gasping at the closing hole. M.K leaned over him to look too, a smile forming as she was hit by an overwhelming sense of relief. The closing hole was the last bit of evidence she needed to fully convince herself that Nod would be okay. Looking to the Healers, who were smiling with relief and exhaustion, the red-haired Stomper asked if they had something to clean off the blood. One of the Healers reached into her maple leaf satchel and handed M.K a thick handful of moss. Another Marigold Jinn produced a vile of water to pour on the moss to dampen it.
As M.K set to cleaning the drying blood around Nod's healing wound, Ronin spoke. "We need to discuss tomorrow morning, Your Majesty." The older Leafman looked at M.K as well, alerting her that she was involved.
"Yes, now that you're alive M.K, we can take you to your dad." The young Queen had the happiest smile on her face, which seemed to be infectious because her mother and the Healers all wore smiles as well.
The plague of the child Queen's smile did not infect M.K though, as her content smile morphed into a sad frown. Noticing her mood, Queen Merida came close and bent forward, her young face concerned. "What's wrong M.K? Don't you wanna go back to your dad?"
The red-haired Stomper opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She pressed her lips together and looked at the floor, still washing the blood off Nod. The chocolate-haired Leafman stilled M.K's hand and lifted her chin up so that she was looking at him. Her eyes were clouded with sadness and...regret?
"What's wrong M.K?" He asked, his voice soft. "Please, tell us what's wrong."
M.K looked at Queen Merida, Ronin, then Grub and Mub, returning her gaze to Nod's warm chocolate eyes. She swallowed the lump that was forming in her throat. It was all hitting her, the consequence of Queen Tara bringing her back to life. Blinking quickly to prevent anymore tears, the Stomper teen realized that she could never properly hug her father again. She could never scratch Ozzie behind the ears or push him away laughing as he gave her kisses. Never again could she talk to her dad without that ridiculous helmet on his head as she apologized for doubting him and running away. Now, she thought sadly, all she could do was hug his finger or hop on his shoulder as he listened to her with his helmet, his words and expressions slow and loud to her. Allowing one tear to fall, M.K came to the conclusion that she was losing her father and another world she had been apart of. Just like when her mom died, her world came crashing down and everything was strange and confusing and scary.
Silently, Nod wiped away the single tear inching its way down M.K's cheek.
His touch shined a light on the red-haired Stomper's gloomy thoughts. Although she was losing another world and another person she cared about, she was also gaining a whole new, exciting world with new friends who she cared for deeply. Ronin was already a father-figure to Nod, but as the day had gone on, M.K couldn't help but feel like the silver-haired general was just a more serious, tinier version of her dad, one that was strong and fought for the safety of others. Mub and Grub were her slimy, goofy friends, Mub being that friend who is restricted to the Friend Zone. The Queen, well M.K didn't really know her, but she was so young and adorable. She gave the Stomper girl the feeling of an older sister when she was around her, and M.K was fine with that. That left Nod...
The 17-year old Stomper smiled, her emerald eyes now dancing with happiness and adventure. Nod was that guy with the infuriating, yet charming smile that made her heart race. He was the guy who never failed to make her laugh and who would do anything to make her smile. He would put himself between her and danger, but he wouldn't prevent her from fighting back. Nod was the guy who would never leave her side, never betray her, and most importantly, would never do anything to hurt her. He was the guy all the girls swooned over for his good looks, rather than his personality. Nod had a big heart and at times he wore it on his sleeve. He would never hurt anyone unless they deserved it, and even then he needed a good reason to beat them up.
Clearing her throat, M.K finally spoke. "While I was...dead, I was stuck in the in-between, a place between the living world and the land of the dead. Queen Tara appeared and explained to me that she could bring me back..." Everyone's eyes were on her as she took a deep breath. "But there was a catch."
Ronin narrowed his eyes just a bit. 'Tara never said anything about a catch...'
M.K slipped her hand into Nod's before continuing. "She told me that, because I died in your world, as one of you, she could only bring me back as a Leafwoman." Shock adorned her audience's faces. She looked to Nod and saw there was guilt in his eyes, though she didn't understand why. "Queen Tara said that my soul belonged to the forest now, and no magic could change that."
Looking to the new Queen, who held her mother's hand and seemed sad and confused, the red-haired Stomper explained, "Which means you can't make me big again. In other words...I'm not a Stomper anymore."
Nod felt awful. Terrible. He felt like such a jerk, and he didn't know why. It wasn't his fault M.K got hit by a Boggan arrow. It wasn't his fault she had died in his arms. It wasn't his fault Queen Tara could only bring her back as a Leafwoman and not a Stomper. So why did he feel so guilty?
It was like a punch to the gut to hear M.K admit that she was no longer a Stomper. I mean, he loved her and wanted her to stay with him, but he'd known that she'd want to go back home to her dad. He wanted her to be happy, and before this little revelation, Nod had been prepared to let her go home and be happy. If M.K was happy, so was he. But now she was staying, forever, and instead of feeling happy the young Leafman felt as if everything was his fault.
She was looking at him now, her emerald eyes soft with no trace of regret. Did she not regret her choice? If he had been in her position, Nod wasn't sure which he would have chosen. M.K had already lost her mother and now she was essentially losing her father. Sure she could visit and talk to her dad through his camera things, but Nod knew it wouldn't be the same as talking face to face with him. It was like after his dad had died, when the younger brunette had started talking to his father's picture someone had sketched long ago. He would have long conversations as he went on about Ronin and Leafman training and all the trouble he was getting into. He would feel happy and even laugh a few times, but eventually the silence would remind him that the conversation was always, always one-sided.
"Nod, are you okay?" The young Leafman took a deep breath as he left his thoughts behind. "I'm fine, it's just..."
He took M.K's other hand in his and squeezed them a little, the feeling of her skin giving him comfort. "I just feel...guilty for some reason. I mean, I wanted you to stay with us, but I knew you belonged in your world with your dad." The Stomper girl remained silent, listening. "I'm happy you're here to stay M.K, but now you've lost your father and you already lost your mom and-"
Suddenly her warm lips were on his, silencing him immediately. His eyes were wide as he watched her pull away slowly, the look in her eyes unknown to the brunette.
"Nod you don't need to feel guilty. None of this was your fault, okay?" The chocolate-haired teen nodded. "You're right, I am losing my Dad this way and I am sad about it, but I don't regret my decision."
Nod's eyes widened, his heart beating faster. "I can still talk to my Dad through his cameras and no it won't be the same, but I'm okay with that." M.K looked at her friends standing near, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "I have you guys now. Ronin's practically like my second-father too! Just stronger, smaller, and a soldier."
The Leafman General smiled an actual smile. He could practically hear Tara's voice in his ear, whispering, "There's that smile."
"Mub and Grub, you guys are my slimy, goofy friends who make me laugh and are very loyal." Grub saluted the Stomper girl proudly, his eyes shining adorably, while Mub nodded in a 'yeah I know I'm awesome' kind of way. The slug sent a pointed look to Nod, who glared right back.
"Your Majesty, I don't really know you, but you tried to save my life and for that I am grateful," M.K continued. The young Queen blushed, twirling her dress in embarrassment. "You make me feel like an older sister whenever I'm around you, and I hope to be that big sister...if that's okay?"
Queen Merida giggled and started to dance happily, releasing her grip on her mother's hand. "Oh yes! Yes! I've always wanted a big sister!" M.K started to laugh at the Queen's giddiness. "My name is Merida by the way, I don't want you to call me 'Your Majesty' or stuff like that, okay?" The red-haired Stomper smiled and agreed, turning her attention to Nod.
Still holding his hands, M.K gazed into his chocolate eyes, love flooding her revived heart. "Nod..." The young Leafman's heart was racing as M.K looked at him with love in her eyes. "I love you..." She continued, brushing her nose against his. "No matter how corny you are."
Everyone began to chuckle, including Nod and even Mub. The two teens stayed that way for a few seconds, just hugging each other tightly, eyes closed, foreheads pressed together and noses touching in a rather cute way. Nod smiled and whispered softly, "I love you too Stomper."
The Healers had been quietly preparing to leave, the Queen and her mother staying behind. Silently, the four Marigold Jinn left the room, closing the door behind them and whispering quietly, smiles on their usually professional faces. There would be some fresh gossip floating through Moonhaven tomorrow.
Ronin couldn't describe the feeling deep inside as he watched the two lovers embrace. It was warm, comforting, and familiar. He recognized it from the moment he met Tara as a youth. The feeling was...nice, and Ronin relished in the moment, a genuine smile gracing his usually stern face. Watching the two, the silver-haired general realized how amazing their love story was. Nod was a Leafman, two-inches tall and living faster. M.K was a Stomper, ten times bigger than Nod and living relatively slower compared to Nod. Despite the gap between them, they found love in each other, and now they could truly be together. Ronin ran a hand over his short hair, remembering his relationship with Tara. Like M.K and Nod, there had been a gap that had seemed impassable. Their only hope was the day when Tara chose an heir and her power and status as Queen passed on to the new Queen. As much as Ronin enjoyed serving as the Queen's protector, he had been waiting patiently for the day when Tara would become normal again.
Embarrassingly, the Leafmen General had even imagined how he would admit his feelings. His favorite idea was to do it right after the new heir had been chosen and crowned Queen. Ronin had envisioned striding over to Tara and before she could say anything he would sweep her up into his arms and kiss her deeply. Every night he would go to bed imagining that wonderful day when he could finally tell his beloved Queen he loved her.
Bringing himself back to reality, he watched the tiny sliver of Nod's wound close up, leaving not even a scratch. Glancing at M.K, he looked again at where her arrow wound had been. There was no evidence of her injury, even her hoodie was all patched up and looking brand new. As he tried to imagine acting as a father figure to both teens, Ronin realized he had his work cut out for him.
"Wait, Your Maj-I mean Merida, since you can't shrink me...can you shrink my Dad?" M.K's voice a bit hopeful and desperate, which sent a pang through Ronin's heart.
The young Queen bowed her head sadly. "I'm sorry M.K, but my powers are so new to me. I...I could barely help the Healers." Her mother wrapped her daughter in a hug. "I wish I could but..."
The Stomper girl shook her head, "No don't be sorry. It was wrong of me to as you to do that. I mean you just got crowned tonight!"
Ronin stepped in, clearing his throat for attention. "Your Majesty, Nim Galuu's scrolls could help you master your powers. I recommend you visit with him for a few hours each day until you feel more confidant with your powers."
The Queen's face brightened a little. "That's a wonderful idea," Merida's mother exclaimed. M.K nodded her head in agreement, "Please, take your time Merida. I don't want you to feel rushed."
The young Queen smiled a bit shyly. "I promise M.K, I'll learn how to shrink people, that way you can be happy!" M.K giggled, looking at Nod for a moment before returning her attention to the Queen. "I think I'll be okay till then."
Nod looked around his place tiredly, the full events of the day catching up with him. Rubbing his face, the brunette shuffled to his bedroom, the smooth stone beneath his feet cool and quiet. Checking his reflection in the mirror, the young Leafman lifted his dirty tan shirt and felt with his fingers where the arrow had impaled him. There wasn't even a scar, only smoothly toned skin and muscle. Shaking his head, the brunette pulled off his dirty shirt and let it fall to the floor, making his way to the bathroom.
As he stood in the bathroom, Nod debated whether or not to take a shower. He was filthy, smelly, and exhausted. Groaning in reluctance, the brunette removed his remaining clothes and hopped in the shower, which was carved from a large walnut with hanging leaves serving as curtains. The water was served via a complex system of hidden hollowed out sticks that collected the dew from the plants outside. The wooden pipes were positioned specifically in places were dew gathered the most. The water wasn't warm, but it wasn't necessarily cold either. In the winter, everyone had to fetch their own buckets of water to store for showers and such due to the frost.
The water came out in a small stream, the lukewarm liquid rippling over his tired and dirty body. A single bar of honey soap was nestled on a small shelf carved into the walnut. Grabbing it, Nod began to lather a tight ball of moss with the soap before scrubbing it across his skin. The feeling was extremely relaxing and a short sigh of satisfaction escaped his lips. Normally his showers were quick, but tonight Nod was in a bit of a daze. Everything was in slow motion and it felt as if he were trying to move through mud. Shaking his now clean hair (honey soap does wonders), Nod closed up the hollowed stick and stepped out, grabbing a towel spun of spider's silk.
As the chocolate-haired teen threw on an outfit very similar (but much cleaner) to his casual clothes, the same thought that had been bouncing around in his head returned.
'I almost died today...Almost.'
The thought was somewhat disturbing. Nod had never really considered the possibility of dying; he just never thought about it. He was reckless and he knew it, but even then he had never actually thought of dying. Had he seen Leafmen and women die in combat? Yes, but like most teenagers, Nod considered himself invincible. Getting hit by the arrow had at first been nothing at all, a figment of his imagination. Then the pain surfaced and he couldn't ignore it anymore; the fact that he could actually die frightened him. Watching the blood seep out of him had been surreal, but the blinding pain had shook him back into reality. It really hit him when his vision started to go dark and everyone's voices began to echo and drift off. Seeing M.K, alive, had opened Nod's eyes to the fact that if he died, he would be leaving her behind. He had thought back to when she had died, how he had felt, and Nod decided he could not die. But his body disagreed and he almost did slip away from everyone, from her, but then he had felt a soft, pleasing pressure on his lips. That pressure combined with that familiar voice gave him the strength to fight the tempting darkness and return to the land of the living.
Nod forced the thoughts out of his tired mind and slipped into his bed. The pillow was stuffed with dandelion fluff, while the sheets, blankets, and pillow case were all spider's silk. As the comforting pillow cushioned his head, Nod let out a final sigh before drifting off, praying for a good night's sleep. War was extremely exhausting after all.
M.K flopped ungraciously onto the fluffy bed, her face pressed against the spider silk blanket. It had taken so much energy just for her to walk from the door to her bedroom and then flop onto the bed. Ronin had to fly her to her 'house' because she was so physically and emotionally drained she could barely walk. Now she just had to muster enough strength to move the blankets and nestle into the bed's comforting embrace. Grunting from the effort, the red-haired teen managed to get under the covers and rest her head on the pillow. Sleep was all she cared about at that moment. Nothing else mattered.
Unfortunately, M.K's dreams never came. Instead there were the most horrifying nightmares she had ever experienced.
Every one of them included Nod getting injured in the worst ways possible. Multiple Boggan arrows, the Blight rotting his flesh away, Boggan swords and spears piercing him relentlessly. After each nightmare came another one, the next always more traumatizing and horrific than the next. The worst ones were the nightmares where either she was the reason Nod was dying, or there was absolutely nothing she could do to prevent it. In one particularly terrible nightmare, Nod was hit by Mandrake's rotten staff, the poisonous weapon reaching just above his heart. She'd watched as the chocolate-haired teen morphed into a disgusting Boggan. There had been no love or affection in his eyes, only a lust for blood. M.K had tried to run, but he caught up and pinned her down. The Nod Boggan had garbled something intelligible before slicing off every one of her limbs. The unfortunate part about nightmares was that you can't die in them, so no matter how intense the pain or serious the injury, M.K didn't die. Next he sliced his dagger from her collarbone down to her waist. Very, very slowly; like dissecting a frog. He had ripped out each of her organs, leaving her just an empty husk.
The Stomper girl tossed and turned violently in her sleep, a sheen of sweat coating her skin. Whimpers escaped her lips and sometimes she would cry out and reach for something that wasn't there. The sheets were long lost on the floor, the pillow the only survivor. At times M.K would jerk as if she were being stabbed, but her body was clear of any cuts or bruises.
One that threatened never to leave her mind was a nightmare where she and Nod had been captured as prisoners by Mandrake and his Boggans. After refusing to fulfill any of Mandrake's demands, Nod was shot three times by Boggan arrows. Smirking, Mandrake himself had taken Nod's own dagger and sliced open the Leafman's throat. Suddenly M.K was able to reach Nod's side and she held him in her lap, his blood soaking her clothes. The amount of blood was traumatizing and it made her tremble. Nod tried to speak, but that only made the blood flow faster. Despite everything she tried, the blood wouldn't stop. By then Nod should have been dead, but as part of the nightmare's cruel little trick, the brunette stayed barely alive, bleeding out endless blood and staring at her with those pleading eyes, begging her for help.
Nod suffered the same ill fate, as his dreams were plagued with awful nightmares. M.K was in every one of them, although Ronin was sometimes included as well. Most of the time, Nod would watch in horror as his favorite Stomper got in between him and some sort of Boggan weapon. As for Ronin, Nod ended up watching his second-father fall to Mandrake, only to be somehow brought back as his new Boggan General. Other times Ronin would die just as his father had, but each time it was Nod's fault, and the dying General would always say something to remind the brunette that it was him who was to blame. But the worst ones were always of M.K, and every time there was nothing he could do to stop it. He watched her rot from the Blight before his eyes, becoming nothing more than a pile of black gunk, bones, and rotten flesh. Another involved M.K turning into a Boggan thanks to Mandrake, the Stomper attacking him and viciously carving into his chest and yanking out his heart, chewing on it slowly and torturing him mercilessly.
The young Leafman threw himself violently right and left, nearly falling off the bed more than once. His sheets had been beaten away and lay in a crumbled heap at the end of the bed. His pillow was hanging on for dear life and Nod's hands gripped it for support and then pushed it away like an enemy. Small, desperate cries and pleas spit from his mouth as the thick coat of sweat coating him choked the brunette. He trembled and shook as if he were cold, then he'd jolt and jerk as if struck. Finally, he managed to fight his way out of the nightmare's grasp and open his eyes, bolting upright and panting heavily, his eyes wide with fear, sadness, and horror. Whipping his head around, the chocolate-haired teen searched frantically for his favorite Stomper. He had to make sure she was safe. He had to be sure Mandrake and his Boggans hadn't gotten to her. He had to be sure.
Jumping out of bed, the brunette burst through his door and into the cool night, which felt refreshing on his sweat-soaked skin. Nod remembered the direction Ronin had flown and started that way, hoping he could figure out which house was M.K's. As he ran, the Leafmen and women on guard exchanged confused looks as the young Leafman sprinted past. It was dark now, since the moon was lowering behind the trees and out of sight. Nod stopped for a moment to get his bearings before running off again. Once he reached some small cottages nestled beside the rock that was Moonhaven, the brunette started to eliminate houses he already knew were occupied by Leafmen or Jinn. At last there was only one cottage left and Nod hurriedly tested the door and found it unlocked. Walking quickly, heart pounding, the young Leafman strode into the bedroom and found M.K writhing and whimpering on her bed.
He darted into the room and to her side, calling her name. The Stomper girl continued to toss and turn and jerk. Nod put his hands on both her arms and held them down, calling again. "M.K! Wake up! It's just a nightmare!"
The red-haired teen struggled against him, her face pinched with fear. She began to kick, but Nod sat on them, which prompted her to struggle even more. Realizing this wasn't doing any good, Nod leaned next to her ear and whispered calm, soothing words. "C'mon Stomper, open your eyes."
Finally her eyes shot open. She stared at Nod for a moment, as if trying to recognize him, then she remembered and visibly relaxed. M.K panted, her skin slick with sweat and her body trembling.
"Nod...oh my God Nod!" M.K wrenched her arms from Nod and wrapped them tightly around his neck, burying her face in his shirt.
The brunette gently moved off her legs and returned the tight embrace, happy to know she was truly alright. "I thought you were dead," M.K's muffled voice stated. Nod stroked her hair gently, "That's funny, I thought you were dead."
M.K turned her head on its side facing into Nod's chest, tilting her chin upwards just a little. "Boggans?" The young Leafman nodded, "Yeah." The Stomper girl sighed, "Same here."
"You're still shaking," Nod observed. It wasn't as violent as when she was asleep, but he could still feel the tremors from her body. "Yeah...nightmares kinda do that."
The brunette rested his head on the red-haired Stomper's hair, his eyes closed as he rubbed her back soothingly. M.K returned the gesture; he couldn't fool her, she knew he had been just as frightened as she had been and he was shaking too. For a few minutes they sat there together, slowly calming down until the sweat was gone and the tremors had all but disappeared. M.K couldn't hide the huge yawn that pushed past her lips, something that made Nod smile, until he yawned loudly, completely caught off guard. Exhaustion slammed into the couple hard, making them sway and their eyelids droop heavily.
"Hey M.K..." Nod began nervously. "Um...can I...sleep here? It would just help with the...nightmares." M.K's eyes widened at his proposal. "I would sleep on the couch of course!" He added, rubbing the back of his neck.
The Stomper girl nodded and reluctantly removed her arms from around his body and let him stand. He turned when he reached the doorway, unsure of what to say. "Uh, goodnight M.K, don't let the bedbugs bite." M.K threw a pillow at him, hitting him smack in the face. She laughed before crawling into her covers and attempting to sleep.
Nod confiscated the pillow and set himself up on the couch, too tired to grab a blanket or any type of cover. The young Leafman lay face up, staring blurrily at the dark ceiling. After a few minutes he was able to close his blurry eyes, a small sigh passing through his lips.
About an hour had passed when Nod felt a pressure on the couch, the cushions sinking down farther. There was also this warmth all of sudden that was nestled into his chest. Slowly opening his chocolate eyes, Nod found his favorite Stomper cuddled up next to him, trying to keep herself from falling off the narrow sofa. A chuckle bubbled in his chest, bouncing the red-haired teen's head and waking her. Her emerald eyes met his in the somewhat lighter darkness, wide like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
Before she could say anything, Nod scooped up M.K's body bridal-style and walked towards her bedroom, shooting the Stomper girl a teasing smirk. "Ya know, if you wanted to sleep with me all you had to do was ask." M.K shoved him playfully, a smirk on her lips.
Carefully, the chocolate-haired Leafman set M.K's body onto the bed and covered it up. Then he climbed into the unoccupied side, pulling the covers up to his chin. Though she was now blushing like mad, Nod's presence comforted the Stomper girl and she quickly embraced him. Nod returned the gesture and held the red-haired teen close, kissing her forehead before closing his eyes and finally drifting off. M.K murmured a goodnight before following the young Leafman into a peaceful slumber.
WOOOO! Oh geez, do you guys realize this thing is almost 14,000 words long? I didn't originally intend to make it this long but I couldn't make a good cut off point so I just kept going. Plus, after that agonizing wait I thought you guys deserved an extra long chapter. ;D
Also, I hope I didn't offend anyone with M.K teasing Nod about his sexuality. If I did, I am deeply sorry.
Thanks so much to...
SupeyNinjaZora19, KeishlaTheEpicwriter, mjoi25, White Aura Dragon, Harmony-Frost-30589, gracieloohoo, Queen Ceilidh, LilliannaStone, BigTimeEpic, class A daydreamer, Rachel (guest), CatnipEverdeen (guest), and Ali (guest) for all your simply marvelous and heartfelt reviews! :3 I love you guys!
Also thanks to all the guests who reviewed chapter 3! I love you guys and I hope to see you again! :D
This story isn't over yet! And neither are the feels! Muwahahaha! :D