~Kenny's P.O.V~
You are my life, you are my life...
"You are my life, you are my life, you are my life…" I repeat hypnotically, clutching Butters close to me. Having just barely finished with healing Craig to the point where his stabs are not bleeding anymore, I have begun weeping through my words.
Butters observes me, dazed, and pats my arm gently, "Cease, cease, I am alright. People break their legs every single day. "
"But I… I allowed your leg to be broken! It is my fault!" I sob, despising myself more than anything in this cursed moment. Butters stares at me, an almost disappointed expression written on his face.
"You did not allow it, Kenny. Calm yourself. Nobody saw this disaster coming, and Ruby was even in the room with me, you see? She could not even prevent it," I continue to blink down at him even as Damien finally comes running out with Butters' mother in his arms. She is covered in ash and soot, clearly unconscious. Damien has a double take as he lays her on the ground, noticing Craig.
"Holy… he truly did stab you to the extreme." He remarks, frowning in disbelief. I vaguely hear Ruby snap at him to be quiet, but the former ignores her, "Are the culprits no longer here?"
"They disappeared a mere moment ago." I inform him. My answer falls on deaf ears, for as I speak, he sees the disabled Phillip, who is still lying on his stomach and being soothed by Danielle.
"What has happened to him!? Who did this?! What is the cause, child?" Damien beckons her away and tries to sit Phillip up, but Ruby urgently springs up and screams.
"Don't move 'im! DON'T MOVE 'IM!" Sprinting around Butters and me, she claps him on the head loudly. Danielle watches silently, "Moron! He has a spinal injury! If you move him too recklessly, it could sever his abilities to move forever!"
"Then what in the fuck are we supposed to do? Aid shall arrive soon, and those pathetic humans will not understand how to nurse him, or Leopold for that matter!" Damien shrieks back, grasping Phillip as if he is a vital organ.
"Kenny, please heal him," We all turn surprised eyes on my human, "My leg can wait. You must save him before me. And if an 'Authority' fairy sees and stops you, then at least my life will not be in danger. Pip's will. So please," He begs weakly, making me feel confused. Even I, one of the wisest in England, do not know what to do.
"Ah, just do it, Kenny. I shall take Butters to the future and get him a proper examination." Ruby says, patting the still exhausted Butters on the head. I eventually come to an agreement with it, and carefully reach into the fabric of Phillip's shirt, a worried Damien and Danielle both watching me. Phillip grits his teeth, in pain from being touched. When I finish, he still does not stir.
"Pip?" Damien leans down and tries to look at him, before slumping in relief, "He has fainted."
"Children! Are you alright!?" We all turn and see many men and women from the town and nearby houses running over. The men begin to attempt putting out the fire of the nearly collapsed house, while the women come over to us and attempt to tend to the injured. They cannot see Damien, Craig, Ruby, nor I.
"Leopold! Are you hurt?" A woman asks, nurturing him kindly. I eye her carefully, ignoring Ruby tugging on my sleeve.
"…I have hurt my leg due to falling out of the window." Butters replies simply, trying not to make eye contact with me. Another woman searches around carefully.
"You have a fairy correct? Is he or she nearby?"
"And where is Damien?" Another eager woman asks.
"Kenneth, mine, is here with me, as is Damien. Forgive me…" Butters sucks in some breath, trying to handle his pain, "But they are not up to speaking. Pip has fallen from the roof and is… er, unconscious, and this child here," He gestures to Danielle, "Is extremely traumatized. Not to mention Miss Maria was in there for a long time… must have inhaled much smoke…" My mouth drops open as Butters himself passes out from exhaustion and shock.
~Damien's P.O.V~
"Is Phillip going to be alright?" I ignore Danielle's pestering question, stroking Pip carefully and glaring at the wall in silence. Benjamin will never be forgiven for this. When he comes into my view, he is going to perish, that I am sure of. Even though I have never once seen him, I shall know who he is. Danielle has told me what happened between him and Pip, and frankly, I do not care that Benjamin was kind enough to spare them both. He will die. "Damien!"
"Shut your mouth!" I shout, my head snapping towards the girl, "You are going to the orphanage soon enough, and that is final. Be quiet!"
"…Do you not want me?" She asks meekly, looking thwarted.
"I do not want you," I gesture to Pip, "He does. And he will have you when he is older. But not now, understood?"
"Why do you not want me?"
"Because you are irritating and have no business with us!"
"Do you not want a daughter?"
"Not now. Especially one that comes with much baggage such as you!"
"Um," We turn our heads towards a shocked nurse, who is clearly frightened of me. I have managed to bribe the hospital with my money to get a private isolation room each for Pip, Leopold, and Maria, "The doctor has just informed me that Phillip merely has a few bruises, and he shall be alright. He must just rest for a bit, since he is in shock and very weak, and he should be able to leave tomorrow."
"Good."
"And, erm, there is a gentleman who wishes to speak with you," The nurse gestures outside, and a familiar man pops his head in. It is Finn, Pip's 'half-nephew', "I'll… leave you be." The woman makes a quick leave, knowing that she does not want to stick her nose into our affairs. Finn gives a polite, slightly nervous smile to me, walking to the bed and laying his eyes on Pip.
"Good evening, Damien."
"Is it?" I hiss, fists clenched. I cannot stand the fact that Pip was nearly disabled, especially while I was nearby. It took just about a century to find Maria and dig her out of all that ash. I was not going to allow Pip to be left in custody of merely that uncle of his.
Danielle blinks at Finn, mesmerized. He takes note of her, grinning; she returns it widely. "Who is this?"
"…She is a half-fairy that Pip found. We are taking care of her at the moment. He wants to adopt her when he is older."
"A half-fairy?" Finn gawps, taken aback, "Where are her parents?"
"They had nearly the exact same fate as your grandfather and Lydia." He visibly stiffens, obviously not expecting such an answer.
"Ah," He rubs the back of his head, trying to make something of the situation, "How did Phillip's home catch on fire? Is everyone alright? I was sitting with my father and I heard many people shrieking about how there had been a fire and that the patients were due to arrive soon."
"We speak outside. Danielle, if something happens, scream," I stand up, brush myself off, and pull him out of the room, shutting the door, "…You know who Benjamin is." I state quietly. He must know; he himself spoke of the 'two other classmates' that knew of Pip's mother and father. Benjamin is definitely one of them. Finn looks puzzled as to how I would know his existence.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Benjamin. He is responsible." Finn seems completely shocked at the memory or Benjamin.
"Heh… what are you saying? Benjamin died over a decade ago from suicide. How on Earth could he-
"He went to hell and turned into a demon. The devil has sent him here for unknown reasons. He used manipulative, sickening ways to create a fire, among other things. I was not there at the present moment, but from what I have heard he nearly killed Pip and that child."
"No, it cannot be the same Benjamin! He was so shy, so timid…"
"Was he fond of half-breeds?"
"What?"
"Was – he – fond – of – half-breeds? Answer my question this minute,"
"Well, yes, he was, since Abby was one, but th-
"And that is exactly why he spared those two. It was definitely him." Finn leans back, baffled.
"Benjamin… I cannot believe he would do such a thing. We are lucky that no one was killed, then. He was always… a genius, that boy. It must have been quite a plan he came up with."
"It was, and fooled all of us. One human boy, a friend of Pip's, was even possessed and has now been taken." I eye Craig, who is sitting with Ruby nearby on the floor. She is attempting to play some kind of game with him, but he is having none of it and is ignoring her. Finn's eyes widen.
"You are serious? Oh dear, that is horrible."
"Why are you here? What do you want?" I growl, glowering at him for disturbing us. Finn smiled.
"I wanted to check if he was alright. I heard he fell from the roof. And my father would quite like to meet his half-brother."
"Pip is not ready for such a thing!" I shriek defensively. Finn laughs optimistically.
"I know. Tomorrow, I mean. My father has been cursing and cursing at me to bring him over, but it seems he must wait a bit longer. I'm afraid to tell him such bad news. I'll depart, Damien. I apologize for troubling you at such a horrific time." He stands up, gives a small wave to me, and strolls down the corridor, still smiling. He is too positive for my liking, but I suppose it is his coping mechanism.
I slam my back against the wall, covering my eyes with my hand. I sniff, afraid. I have no idea what to do about Benjamin. If he is indeed a genius, then will I truly be able to locate and kill him? What's more, will he keep his hands off of Pip? It was fine with merely those seven girls, but that mysterious boy… he may be too much for us.
I shoot up as Danielle and Pip both scream, slamming the door open with my dagger prepared. I see nothing, Pip is unharmed, and glower at Danielle, "You little twit! I will murder you!" I shriek, ambling over.
"You told me to scream if something happened!" She exclaims, and I clap her on the head.
"Nothing has happened, you dimwit-
"Damien?" I pause, gaping at Pip. He seems to have just awoken, after about six hours, "I am sorry, I frightened her due to a nightmare once again."
"Are you alright? Never you mind the girl." I lean down and embrace him, not caring about my pride for a few seconds. "Was it about hell?"
"Yes. Perhaps Benjamin gave me the vision so that I would have nightmares intentionally."
"I shall kill him soon enough, so bear with it. I will get your revenge." I fib slightly.
"Were you worried about me, Damien?" Pip notices how relieved I am, unfortunately.
"Are you hungry? Are you thirsty? Nurse! Nurse, get in here!" The same nurse as before scurries inside, timidly waiting for a command, "Get this boy a drink, you hear me? Do not merely stand there! Chop-chop, come now, go!" I shriek at her. She nods and hurries out. Pip sighs.
"Oh, Damien…" He murmurs.
~Butters P.O.V~
"Oh God," I mutter as I wake up in an unfamiliar room. It is too colourful to be of my time, "Where has Ruby brought us?" I ask Kenny, who is shocked at my awakening.
"Er, 2014. Ruby, he's awake!" Ruby rushes in, looking prepared in futuristic clothes. Kenny is also dressed of this age.
"Is he ok?" She asks, "Craig's being the saddest thing ever." Kenny ignores her, concentrating on me.
"We must take you to a proper doctor. I healed your leg to the point of a small fracture, however, if you return with a perfectly fine leg, people will be suspicious."
"If you say so. Am I able to walk?"
"I will have to assist you. I shall be your right leg."
"Very well then." I allow Kenny to help me in getting out of bed, scowling in embarrassment. "Where must we go?"
"There's a clinic nearby that should be able to do the job. I don't think a hospital is completely necessary. It's about ten minutes' walk." Ruby answers, stuffing money into a little purse she has and shoving boots on. "It's freezing outside, mind you. Middle of January in London ain't very warm. Oh, and remember you two, try to talk like I do." I do not listen to Ruby as I reach up and wrap my arm around Kenny's shoulders, while he does the same with my waist.
"Do you eat enough?" Kenny asks me.
"I suppose. Why?"
"Because you are as light as a feather!" He exclaims, lifting me off of the ground a few inches with only one arm.
"W-Well you are merely a big oaf, that is all!" It came out sounding blatantly offensive, but Kenny just laughs as we leave out of the front door. Ruby locks it, before turning around smirking, spinning the key on her finger.
"Ready for your first real doctor's appointment, Butters?"
"Shush." I tell her irritably as Kenny helps me walk down the pavement. Ruby must have went through the directions with him when I was still asleep.
She catches up to us quickly, "You guys have to pretend to be brothers. Try not to look each other in the eye too much like you guys do now. Normal brothers aren't that attached. And Kenny, I know you're upset, but don't act like your 'brother' getting injured is the end of the world."
"It is for me."
"But it ain't for us, so grow up!" She snaps, pointing at him threateningly as she barges down the street, now ahead of us. Neither of us reply, since she is in a mood where no matter what, she is correct.
As we soon arrive and enter, Kenny pales at all the sick children and slightly injured people waiting to see a doctor. He has not received any permission to do his job in this time; that is for the 'Healing' fairies that actually belong here. It is not difficult to see that he does not like seeing the scene.
"Ruby, have you made some kind of appointment?" Kenny asks her grimly.
"Yeah. That doesn't mean we don't have to wait, however. Why don't you guys sit down, and I'll tell them we're here." Receiving a nod from Kenny, Ruby flashes us a smile before walking over to the receptionist's desk. My fairy gently sits me down in a vacant chair, smiling fondly.
"Are you in pain?" He questions me.
"No, not really. I am alright." Kenny exhales and sits next to me. He reaches out to hold my hand, and I do the same, but he recalls that brothers in these days do not do that, and swiftly pulls his own hand back. Ruby arrives back, dropping onto the carpet in front of us and grabbing a magazine from a low table behind her.
"I ought to act like a seven year old," She whispers, her eyes narrowed. I still feel exhausted, and before I can stop myself, my head hits Kenny's shoulder to rest on it. Ruby opens her mouth to scold us, but Kenny gives her a look. Our silent time together seems too short, however.
"Er, Leopold Stotch?" I shoot Ruby a venomous look for using my true and full name. Kenny aids me in standing up and walking over to the waiting assistant. She smiles, "Hurt your leg, have you?"
"Uh," I hesitate, making sure it is not a fib, "Indeed." Ruby gestures that she is staying in the waiting room, and we hesitantly follow the nurse, exchanging glances.
I am sure it will be alright. She is just going to get some medicine, bandage your leg, and that is that.
Yes, should be so.
"Alright," The assistant says as we enter a nearly empty room, with a strange device, "We will need you to have an X-ray then. Please remove your clothes and put these on," She smiles and hands me a set of heavy material. Kenny and I gape at the woman.
"That was horrible," I murmur to Kenny as he sets me on an examining table in the doctor's office, "And the woman continues to refer to me as 'pet'."
"Oh, she has not done it that many times. Calm yourself." As Kenny finishes speaking, the same assistant comes in.
"The doctor should be in soon, pet." I glare at Kenny, and he gives me a nervous smile, "Is this your older brother?"
"Yes, I'm his older brother." Kenny answers carefully.
"Nice of you to bring him here. My boys would never do such a thing for each other." The woman shrugs, "A rare thing these days." A different woman comes in, holding a strange, dark, transparent piece of card. The assistant smiles and leaves us with her.
"Hello, Leopold, I am Dr Davies. It seems you have a small fracture in your tibia. It should be fine in a couple of months, maybe a bit shorter."
"Months!?" I shriek, and Kenny sighs.
The doctor frowns, "What, did you think it would take a week?"
"P-Perhaps." She rolls her eyes, obviously in a bad mood.
"You'll need a soft cast. Don't get water on it, you understand?" I nod, "Your brother needs some biology lessons. He is your brother, right?"
"Yes. But I do not care if he is the biggest fool in the world. I love him very much. Very much." The doctor stares for a few seconds, before turning away and preparing to tend to me. As soon as she is not able to see, Kenny slams me down and I put my arms around him, pressing my lips to his. Kenny however detects the doctor beginning to turn around again, and manages to rip himself away from me, stumbling. She gapes at him nearly falling, me still clinging to his arm since I did not want him to pull away.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, I just lost balance for a moment. Thank you, Leopold." Kenny smiles at me, pretending I caught him. I grin back, a knowing look in my eyes. The doctor raises an eyebrow, before shaking her head and beginning to bandage me.
"Why are you two staring at each other so badly?" She asks after a while, and we both realize what we are doing. Ruby's words cut through me:
Try not to look each other in the eye too much like you guys do now. Normal brothers aren't that attached.
"Erm, he is a bit anxious. I am attempting to reassure him," Kenny explains smoothly, knowing I would not want to lie. The doctor shrugs and begins to tend to me, obviously wanting to be somewhere else. But I do not care, because I do not want to be here either.
"Butters, you ought to have a bath! You haven't ever had a proper bath, have you now?" Ruby points out with confidence, shoving me into that cauldron.
"Mind my injury!" I snap, luckily not allowing it to make contact with the water.
Ruby had ushered me away from Kenny the minute we returned from the doctor, into the bathroom (I nearly fell over, due to not being accustomed with crutches), and locked him out, "Not a peep." She warned him demonically as she shut the door.
"Why is Kenny not allowed in here?" I ask immediately, staring at an array of bubbles on my arm. What in the world?
"'Cause you're twelve, that's why." I'm thirteen now, just nobody has noticed, "And I know you're listening, Kenny! Now go away!" She shouts the last part, glaring at the door.
"Let him in." I command, closing my eyes and relaxing into the warm water. Ruby pauses, glancing at me in outrage.
"What'd you say?"
"I said to let him in. I do not see why you bother to separate us. You're being stupid." Ruby flushes and scowls at me, ripping the door open nevertheless. Kenny anxiously peeks his head in, surprised.
Ruby grabs his collar forcefully, "You touch 'im, or do anything, and you're finished!" She then releases him and stalks out, slowly shutting the door behind her. Kenny rushes towards me and sits on the floor, grinning like an idiot. I'm too tired to smile back.
"Are you worried about something?" He asks suddenly, making me look at him.
"…Yes, many things."
"Such as what?" He seems to freeze with concern, which makes me have a mutual feeling. We stare at each other in fear for a moment, before I finally utter:
"Let us calm ourselves. It is nothing that concerns us, per se." Kenny exhales, slightly more relaxed, but still tense, "I am worried about Pip's safety, since those… things are after Damien. If Damien dies, then Pip shall as well."
"Why do you care?" Kenny asks, making me narrow my eyes.
"Pip is almost a brother to me. I am getting increasingly fonder of Damien as well. I know you have similar feelings to those two."
"Yes, quite. I see what you mean. But either way, it is best for us to avoid their troubles as much as possible. Kyle will allow us to stay with Eric for a while. They have plenty of space. Your mother is welcome as well."
"She is not my mother." I snap in defense, making my fairy sigh.
"Maria is welcome as well, Butters." I nod, subconsciously trying to picture her as my mother. I close my eyes for a moment, just for a moment…
"Butters… Butters!" I feel Kenny gently shake me awake. I sit up, staring ahead of me in confusion, frowning and blinking rapidly. I do not remember what is happening. "We must go back now. You can rest a bit more in the hospital." He pecks me on the temple, smiling kindly. Still not understanding where we are, I dazedly reach out and attempt to kiss him, but he stops me. "Come, not now."
~Pip's P.O.V~
"AH! Hot, hot!" I shriek as Damien pours 'somewhat lukewarm', in his words, water on my head. He bribed the nurses to take possession of a key to my room, and has bolted the door ensuring that nobody can disturb us. The nurses now clearly should not be very fond of him, since they spent a good hour collecting and heating the water. Damien refused for me to use cold water because warm water is more appealing. I glare at said person, my hair still dripping heavily. I was reluctant to allow him in and see me unclothed, but he told me it would happen sooner or later, so I was forced to comply. Plus, Ruby bolted to me just as he came in, and wrapped a shirt around my waist.
"Was it that scalding?" Damien asks, blinking impassively.
"It was indeed! Be more careful!" I scold him angrily.
"…Sorry." He apologizes me simply, and I lean against the table, uncomfortable with standing straight for too long.
"Ah, it's alright." I assure Damien quickly, feeling guilty for snapping, "You weren't injured during the fire as well, were you?"
"Inwardly. Do not worry me so much, fool."
"My God, that was corny…" Ruby says, smirking and still remaining not too far away. She refuses to leave us alone in such a situation. Craig is also present, although his back is turned because Ruby threatened to bite his arm off, the little piranha. Damien ignores her observation, watching me squeeze the water from my hair.
"Where is Danielle?" I ask after a few minutes of silence.
"She is in your aunt's room. Sleeping. Having a vision. Whatever she desires."
"…Why do you dislike her so immensely?" I demand, "I believe I have made it very clear that I care about you more."
"He ain't used to being fond of anyone but you, silly bean!" Ruby shouts gleefully, giving a cheeky smile. Damien stares at the floor, silent.
"Then perhaps you should make a start, Damien." I tell him. An awkward silence settles between the four of us. Ruby's moods change frequently, so she's a bit quiet now, while Craig has basically been mute since last night. Damien is embarrassed because he was found out, and I do not know what to say.
"I think…" Of course it had to be Ruby who broke the ice, "Phil needs to finish up. Damien," She makes a twirling gesture with her hand, "You ain't seeing nothing until he's like fifteen or whatever." Damien scoffs and shuffles around half-heartedly. I smile at him, shaking my head.
"Say, Ruby, where are my brother and Kenneth?"
"They're busy with the doctor. I took the opportunity to get you some nice new clothes, same colours, but professionally made. You're welcome." She quickly cleans the rest of me off and hands me a folded up outfit, smirking.
"Thank you very much, Ruby! There was no such need."
"Nonsense! My buddy Phil should be spoiled all he wants, that's what I say, you hear? Good!" I stumble, still very weak, and she steadies me, "Er, allow me to assist you. I am going to attempt at speaking your English for today, alright?" I take her waiting hand and feel a strange sensation.
"Pft, which will not end well." Damien remarks still with his back turned, but I ignore him, staring at Ruby with wide eyes.
"Is something wrong?" She asks, frowning as she releases my hand and watches me put on my trousers. I blink at the ground, astounded. I hear her voice in my head, I see her with my eyes, but it is not happening…
Kenneth, thank thou, I love thee!
Speak to Craig… speak to Craig… never if my life will such an occurrence happen again, that I am sure of now after a hundred years, sir.
Kenny, guess what. There's gonna be a half fairy born soon.
You gotta be nicer to Butters. He's like a delicate little glass, that kid is.
I detest people who ridicule the ones I'm fond of.
She shall be Phil's daughter.
Craig, listen to me. Tweek is going to be fine. If Tweek was not needed alive, then you'd both be dead.
I recall Ruby's memories, whether I want to or not. Is it part of being a half-breed, or is it something to do with being an 'Emotion' fairy? I cannot decide. A fake reassuring expression is stamped onto my face as I look up into Ruby's eyes.
"Absolutely nothing. Nothing is wrong." I tell her, buttoning my white shirt. She fiddles with the diamond shaped sleeve-cuff links, staring at me.
"I think I might know what you did, but I will not say anything," She smirks slyly, pulling out a tie. I've never worn one before; Butters is the one who likes them. "Come on, ties are sexy in this day and age. Really modern. Everyone will think you're rich."
"But I am not."
"The exact point I am making." She declares, laughing to herself.
By the time she has finished dressing me, Damien is clearly itching to turn around. "It is alright, Damien, go on." I tell him, straightening myself up. He gawps at me.
"Craig and Craig's sister, leave at once." He commands, pointing to the door. Ruby's mouth drops open in offense, but she does as he says, stalking out and slamming the door to convey how irritated she is. Craig follows shortly. Damien and I stare at each other for a few moments, before he speaks again. "I like your new clothes." He proclaims bluntly. I smile and shrug.
"They are the same colours I usually wear. Merely better quality."
"I liked your appearance from the beginning however." He says simply. I falter, speechless.
"…Even when we first met in the book shop?"
"Even then." Damien answers hesitantly, walking closer towards me. He reaches out and puts his arms around me for a few seconds, before releasing me, "We should go."
"Yes, of course." I confirm, nodding. He takes my hand and opens the door for us, glancing down the corridor cautiously. Danielle attacks his leg before he knows what hits him.
"Ah hell! Cease, girl!" He shrieks, trying to shake her off. She clings on for dear life, however. "I said cease!"
"Hush Damien, this is a hospital. Danielle must have been lovely in Aunty's room. Come, it is mid-morning now. My half-brother must truly want to see me now, since you said he wanted to see me last night. Are you joining me?"
"Do not be stupid. Of course I am." He snaps, composing himself. He has refused to let go of my hand, despite the ordeal.
"Then let Danielle be and let us leave. Do not be so childish." I scold him again and ask a nurse where the man is staying. She gives me directions and I thank her, beginning to hurry over to his room. Damien follows me closely, struggling to walk with Danielle still hugging his leg. Many of the staff stare as I, the infamous, no, now famous half-breed strides past. Damien is clearly depressed that I told him off, and as a result I sigh and remind him, "I love you, Damien." He does not answer, but merely turns his head away. It humiliates him that he cannot answer that.
I nearly have a heart attack when, as I am approaching the door to my half-brother's room, large shouts are heard, there is the smashing of a bottle, and Finn comes fleeing out as afraid as a small child. He pales when he catches sight of us all, smiling timidly.
"Why Phillip! I did not realize you would be coming this early in the morning. My apologies; he is, erm, in a bit of a bad mood."
"No matter. Damien," I gesture to the said fairy, "Is in a bad mood the majority of the time." The latter glowers, therefore I ignore him, my attention on my half-nephew.
"Eh!? Did you say Phillip, stupid boy!? Get 'im in here, young un! Now!" An extremely slang voice shrieks, sounding drunk. I waver, and Finn appears sheepish.
"…Er, he drinks a bit too much. That is why he has such problems with his health." He informs me, shuffling uncomfortably. I shrug.
"So shall be so. Damien, please, stay here. I would prefer to meet the man on my own." I inch around Finn and stamp a polite smile on my face, strolling into the room.
"Finn, you stupid boy, you-
The elderly man stops as he lays his eyes on me. He appears the same as his son, but with sharp hazel eyes replacing of green ones. He is tall and thin, frail, with faded out grey hair. A feeling of déjà vu consumes me upon seeing him.
"Greetings, sir. I am Phillip Pirrup, your half-brother." I introduce myself gently, giving a small, innocent wave. The man's tipsy attitude seems to disperse, and he flushes in embarrassment.
"Grab a chair, my child, and come sit here." He tells me awkwardly, averting his eyes. I hurriedly do as he says, smiling, "I have wanted to meet you for some time. My name is Martin. It is a pleasure," I shake his hand gratefully, saddening upon the sight of his memories.
"The child is a burden to all of us. It is purely troublesome to care for him." My maternal grandfather stated, pacing around Finn's kitchen in irritation. His wife, my grandmother, and Aunty were standing at the side of the room, having no say in the matter. Martin and Finn were seated begrudgingly, glaring at him. I was in between them, hunched and keeping my eyes on the ground. Across from us was my then to-be uncle, and Finn's rival. He was around nineteen or twenty at that time.
"For you, precisely. Therefore, entrust him to us." Martin hissed angrily.
"Impossible. You are of the frailest health, and your son is merely a boy!" Finn immediately came to his father's defense.
"Father has not paid a visit to the hospital in over a year, and is recovering quite well. And I am more than capable of caring for a child. Consider him my own son!"
"Martin, tell your boy to hold his tongue. Come now, we know he is speaking nonsense. Oh, this is stressful. The orphanage would definitely not accept the child."
"Sir, I beseech you, I shall take him in!" Finn stood up and slammed his hands on the table. My uncle snickered, making all eyes avert onto him.
"Oh, Finnian, come now. Being a farm boy will never provide enough money for your father's health, your own well-being, and that little wretch's needs."
"You dare scold my son about financial issues!? What nerve! Why I ought to, you little viper, you-
Martin attempted to attack my uncle, but Finn held him back and sat him down once again, since my half-brother had begun coughing outrageously. "Father, please, that is not good for you."
My grandfather turned to my aunt, "Maria, my daughter, what do you think we ought to do with the child? You are this fine young man's betrothed, after all." He gestured to my uncle proudly. Aunty sniffed.
"I feel no love or fondness for that thing. I do not care what is done with it." Finn quickly backed her up.
"Then, my father and I shall care for Phillip instead, and thus every one of us is happy with the situation. He must belong to us." I began to weep and wail for my parents.
"I want mother! I want pa! I want-
I paused, having subconsciously remembered Damien, though not being able to recall his name or face.
"Lydia was a fool for having raised such a vile thing." My uncle remarked, shaking his head. Finn growled ferociously.
"Do not speak of her in such a manner! My dear friend! My dear Lydia is dead, and you are being so disrespectful! I pity little Maria for having to marry a wretch such as you." He yelled, hauling me into his arms protectively. Martin stood up, also clutching me.
"Hm, but perhaps," My grandfather paused, "Lydia would have wanted him to stay with her family. It is what is best for him, after all. He has no business with two measly country men such as yourselves."
That ignited a large argument, which resulted in everyone siding with my mother's side of the family, with Finn and Martin remaining helpless. I was snatched by my much stronger grandmother from my half-brother, and dragged outside with them. I obediently began walking down the road with them, not understanding what was happening.
"Phillip!" I heard a shriek, and turned my head to see Martin attempting to come after me.
"Father, no! Nothing can be done now! Your health! You cannot run!" He ignored Finn's pleas.
"Phillip!" He called out once again, trying to stagger towards us. I began sniffling again when I saw that he was crying. Martin tried to run, but was too weak and toppled over, "PHILLIP!"
My grandfather turned my head for me, and I dared not look back. That was the last I saw of him.
Until today.
"I am terribly sorry, sir, but I did not know of your existence until recently." I apologize to my half-brother, knowing how much he continuously worried about me, every single day.
"Ah, shush. It ain't your fault. Now, you know how to play chess, am I correct?"
"Excuse me?" I am taken aback as he pulls a board from under the small table among his belongings, and begins to set up a game, "Of course. But why must we play now?"
"Bonding experiences, boy, bonding."
"Er, of course. Damien, could you please come in?" Damien suddenly appears beside me, but I am too accustomed to it to flinch. Martin is not afraid either, more, has an expression with 'who in the hell are you?' written on it, "Sir, this is my fairy. Surely you must have heard about the bonds by now. His name is Damien Thorn. He will verse you."
"What?" Martin raises an eyebrow.
"He is extremely intelligent. On my behalf, he shall beat you."
"This is to test your intelligence." Martin says doubtfully.
"Damien is stuck with me. He may as well be my intelligence, since he represents me, and I for him. Therefore, he will play."
"What an honor," Damien tells Martin sarcastically, sitting himself down.
"Well I never. Not once has anyone won against me." Martin declares, dumbfounded. Damien rolls his eyes.
"Then you must be as dense as this person here." He gestures to me. Martin glares at him, unimpressed.
"And you say you love this fellow?" He asks me.
"Indeed. Damien," I glance at him sweetly, "Would you please get us something to drink?" He scowls, however immediately standing up and stalking out of the room, grumbling for a nurse. I watch him leave, before turning to Martin again, "What are you so desperate to speak to me about? I can see the urge in you."
"I suppose that's to be expected of a halfie."
"Tell me, sir."
"Stop with this 'sir' business, Phillip! You're to call me by my given name, understood?"
"Alright, but only if you refer to me as 'Pip'."
"Then Pip," Howard leans closer to me, glancing around cautiously, "There is something that I must indeed tell you."
"Yes, what is it?" I lean closer to him.
"There has been somebody there for you… this entire time."
"What are you saying? Who?"
"Your… mother."
"But she is dead!"
"She is, however, Lydia still remains a fairy."
"What? No! But how? She would have been seen! One of them would have known! Kenneth, Damien, Craig, Ruby, all of them! They would have known!"
"They do not. She remains in deep parts of the forest, away from most other fairies. Concealed. She said she would do anything to meet with you, but… she claimed that they took away her sight of you."
"What do you mean when saying her 'sight' of me?"
"She said she literally could not see you. They 'stole' it, she said."
"Where did you hear such things? Surely you could not speak to her."
"I did. I was chopping wood; Finn was away for the day with a lady. My axe fell a bit too harshly; a small log bounced away, down a small path we have in the forest. Deciding not to waste it, I ventured in and found the confounded thing, but unfortunately," Martin rubs his temple in humiliation, "Slipped and fell into the nearby stream. Such things take a toll on an old man, y'know boy? Not to mention it was absolutely freezing. But then, I see a loving hand held out to me, and looked up to see your face! 'Phillip!' I cried, but realized it was not you, but Lydia!"
"And what happened next?" I demand, eager to know.
"She asked how I had been – Pip, you must understand how shocked I was. I was so afraid that I scrambled up and sprinted as fast away as I could. But alas, she was in front of me before I knew it. She apologized for frightening me, and began to question me about how everyone was. I refused to answer her unless she explained what was going on with herself, and she complied. Lydia claimed that she was being 'punished' for causing so much trouble as a human, and was forbidden to see you. She is confined away from many things, and has the job of caring for infant and toddler fairies that do not know how to speak. She must also look after 'doll fairies'. Young boy, please tell me what those are?"
"She was perhaps referring to fairies that are put in a doll-like state after dying in a mortal fashion. They cannot move or speak, but are still there. Perhaps those?"
"Yes, it must be so. She then quickly warned me that she was not allowed away for long, and bid me farewell. She sends her apologies to you for not being able to make contact. And that was all." I hang my head, overwhelmed that she is around.
"Since Kenneth is so favored among the higher-ups, he will take you there and convince them to allow you to speak with her." Damien suddenly says, placing a cup of tea in front of me. I grin at him being back, clutching his sleeve and making him sit down. He has also had enough decency to bring Martin a cup, which makes me happy.
"Truly, Damien?"
"We will see what Kenneth says."
~Special #9: Finn's P.O.V~
"So shall be so. Damien, please, stay here. I would like to meet the man on my own." I smile gently as Phillip edges around me and mentally prepares to meet that drunkard of a father. I'm supposed to be attempting to stop my slight resentment of the man, because I do love him, but he scares me. Damien is in the midst of shaking the other little half-fairy off of his leg, and is not succeeding. I squat down and greet her.
"Good afternoon. How are you?" I ask, and she immediately releases him, curtsying to me sweetly.
"Good afternoon. I am wonderful. And you sir?"
"I am alright. Damien, how old is she?" I reach out and pat her on the head, which she clearly enjoys.
"One and a half."
"What!?" I gape at the child, open-mouthed, "She is so big! And speaks so well! Seems at least three!"
"Mm, yes quite. I am busy. You must take the girl," Damien picks her up and hands her to me, "And buy her some clothes with this," He gives me some money and begins to go inside father's room, "Because Pip is calling me." I gawp at him, feeling a large pushover.
"…Erm, haha, I suppose I shall be spending the afternoon with you, hmm?" I grin at the child, taking her hand.
"Yes. Can I have a dress?"
"Well, we will see."
As we come outside, it is beginning to rain. I tell the child to hurry, and we run towards the nearest shop with a canopy. "Let us go to that shop," She says, pointing to a window diagonally across the intersection we are near to, "There seems to be nice clothes."
"Erm, child… er, what is your name?"
"Danielle. I know yours."
"That is delightful, then. Erm, Danielle, that shop is extremely expensive." I frown, counting the money Damien blessed me with. I nearly fall to the ground in astonishment. There is enough money to buy Danielle ten of the most expensive dresses in England! "Oh yes, we can go there, as a matter a fact. Come, we'll run!" I grasp her hand again and run across the road, open the door to the shop, and get us in. I stare in shock at how fancy the place is. Richest people in this town must come here.
"Hello, sir, may I take your coat?" A shop assistant asks, smiling kindly.
"Oh, yes." I watch as she hangs our coats up, and speak to Danielle, "If you see anything that interests you, do not hesitate to inform me. Run along."
"Do not touch me! Get away! Stan! Stan, get him away!" I stiffen, and turn to see none other than the infamous Eric Cartman shrieking at two boys his age. The black haired one pushes the red haired one away, clearly reluctant. My eyes widen at how much weight the noble has lost.
"Cartman, cease this childish behavior! I am merely trying to help you!" The second boy shouts back, before storming past me and sitting on a padded stool. Eric catches me watching him.
"What do you dare to stare at!? Piss off!" Shocked at his foul language, I take my eyes away, concentrating on Danielle instead. She is snatching up several frilly frocks and fabrics, seeming to think she deserves the most extravagant dresses possible. Perhaps, with her situation, she does.
"May I buy everything in here?" She asks, scurrying towards me excitedly.
"Now, Damien would be angry if we bought too much. I doubt Phillip would be very impressed either. Come now." I kneel down and compare some of the fabrics with Danielle's skin tone, thinking of what would be the most sensible for her.
"You are acquainted with Pip?" Eric demands, both him and the boy, 'Stan' eying me cautiously.
"Phillip? Oh yes. I am his half-nephew, technically. I trust that you know of his… species?"
"Yes, everyone does. Stan," Said person nods and swiftly walks towards me, pulling out a letter, "Be sure that this is given to him, since you seem to be seeing him sometime soon."
"Of course, sir." I keep my gaze on the floor out of fear, but accept the letter nevertheless. Eric glances outside, before addressing me again.
"That storm is not calming for at least half an hour. Come, sit." Eric sits down on a chair, while employees frantically and quickly set a table and utensils up for him, "Have some tea with me." I obey and sit across from him, while Stan sits next to him. After ensuring that Danielle is aided by an assistant in choosing clothes, I cannot help myself from asking:
"Why is a servant joining us?" Eric narrows his eyes, clearly angered, but Stan appears unfazed.
"Stan is special to me, and therefore joins me at the table." The other boy, red-headed, suddenly slides into the seat next to me, not smiling. Eric gestures for a smoke, and is immediately bestowed with a pipe. The boy next to me gives him a look, and is also given one. I am offered as well, and accept. My father steals all the tobacco in my home.
"What is your name?" Eric questions me impolitely, receiving a jab from Stan.
"Finnian Barlow, sir."
"And who is the child with you? Is she yours?"
"Oh, no, not at all. She is a half-breed, the same as Phillip. He is taking care of her." The boy next to me coughs, choking on the smoke. Feeling awkward, I dismiss him.
"Where did he manage to find one of those to even care for?" Eric looks astounded.
"I am not sure. You will need to ask him yourself, because I simply do not know." Our tea is brought in front of us. I have never drank such expensive variations, but I am far too embarrassed to ask for a plain tea.
"I trust that everyone is uninjured from the fire?"
"Ah, somewhat. His aunt is unconscious at the moment, but is relatively unhurt. I heard that Leopold had injured his leg, and Phillip injured his back. But the latter seems fine now – he can definitely walk and such."
"That is good to hear." He does not say anything for a while after that, and we all sip our tea quietly. Danielle comes running up to me a few times, showing dresses pinned but not yet sewed together. I tell her she looks lovely in them all, because she does. I suddenly notice the red headed boy freeze, eyeing the shop entrance warily. I glance over and see nothing, but Danielle pauses and clearly sees what he sees as well. Noticing the boy's troubled expression, Eric slams his cup of tea down, standing up, "Come, since we are done with the fitting, I suggest we leave. There is much for all of us to do, and we have wasted enough time here. Goodbye, Finnian. Come, Stan," Stan nods to his employer and follows him towards the door, preparing an expensive umbrella in order to shelter Eric from the storm, "Come… Kyle." Said person seems surprised at Eric acknowledging him, but nevertheless slowly stands up and accompanies them out. I sigh, pulling out the money to pay for Danielle's clothes. My drawing of my father slips out, and I yelp. Danielle leans down and picks it up, staring, before returning it.
"Who is that? Did you draw it?" She asks.
"Yes, when I was younger. He is Phillip and I's father."
"You must be very good at drawing. It seems very accurate."
"I suppose. I tried very hard with that one." I put it back in my pocket and proceed to pay for Danielle's clothes. They give her one of the smallest coats they have as a gift, since I bought so much, along with her several dresses in individual boxes. I am forced to carry them all, not to mention Danielle seems to feel the need to sit on them. But she is light enough, and I have no right to complain.
"Are you alright, sir?" An assistant asks, holding the door open for me.
"Yes, thank you, ma'am." I answer hastily, staggering out. The rain is only drizzling slightly, but people are remaining inside due to the cold, sickness, and depression from recent events. Danielle shuffles on top of the pile, turning to face me.
"I enjoyed this, Finn."
"Glad to hear that, darling. Erm… what were you and that 'Kyle' staring at, anyhow?"
"Eh? You did not see him?" I shake my head, "…There was an 'Authority' fairy there."
"A fairy? How did you see it?"
"I see them all."
"Do you now?"
"Yes. The fairy wanted the other one to do work and not sit around."
"Kyle was a fairy?!" I sigh, baffled. Things recently were all so astounding. As we eventually reach the hospital again, Danielle suddenly screams. I shriek and drop the boxes, and everything fall to the ground, along with the child and myself, "What on Earth is wrong?"
"Damien told me to scream if something happened!"
"And what has happened exactly?" I hiss, irritated.
"Look! It is that man!" Danielle exclaims, pointing into the thin air in front of her. She continues pointing, as if at a walking person.
"Oh, who Danielle?" I ask tiredly, assuming she is playing a game. She quickly fumbles in my coat pocket, pulling out the drawing.
"Grandfather is! Reaper! There he is! He is carrying a soul! A cruel man, he is carrying! Came from hospital!"
"Danielle, hush now." I tell her, walking into the building, "Do not speak such nonsense, especially to Phillip. I do not want to upset him, understood?"
~Damien's P.O.V~
I glare at the tea set on the table, and at Martin and Pip drinking the liquid. "Tell me, why does every single person in England feel the need sit down at the exact same time and have tea for an hour? I brought you tea a couple of hours ago, and yet you go ringing the nurses for more. It is as if you all have a clock that chimes in the middle of the afternoon, alerting you to sit down with your companions and drink Earl Grey."
"Oh, hush, Damien. You speak nonsense… oy, where is Danielle?" I frowned in disbelief. That dense boy only notices now?
"I sent Finn out to buy her some clothes ages ago, as you were coming in to meet this man."
"Did you give him money?"
"Of course."
"What have you been writing? You are taking an awfully long time," Pip tries to peek over and see my paper, but I quickly crunch it up and conceal it safely in my pocket.
"Such a thing is none of your concern," Ruby appears suddenly, tugging on my sleeve, "What is it, Craig's sister?"
"Need to speak with you." I sigh, standing up and leaving the room. Once we are in the corridor, Ruby turns to me, a grim expression on her face. "While Kenny and Butters were sleeping in 2014 for about four hours, I took the opportunity to go do some research."
"And? What did you find out?"
"Benjamin… he was…"
"What?" I urge her. She looks up at me with fear-filled eyes.
"He was Satan's apprentice after you left. He had been in hell for a year already, and when you were banished, Satan chose him."
"What is so bad?"
"Satan didn't want to risk him softening like you did. So he treated Benjamin as a pupil instead of a son, and was really cold and distant with him. He taught Benjamin so much shit; probably more than with you."
"What frightens you so much?"
"He… got so evil that Satan was nearly overthrown by him. Benjamin had to have nearly all of his senses taken away… and locked in the dungeons of hell! And now that thing is free, and is after you and Pip!" I step back in shock, unable to comprehend it. After a few seconds, I cover my eyes and drop to my knees, nearly weeping. He's going to succeed… and I will go back to hell. Pip will die, Benjamin won't. I take the piece of paper out of my pocket, shakily re-reading the content.
'I love you' is scrawled on with my utmost precision, since it is impossible for me to say it at this point in time.
Ruby's hand is patting me on the back, "Damien, calm down," She says.
"I cannot stand the prospect of being separated from him," I mumble, in distress, "He is everything to me!"
"Shht, they'll hear, and Phil will worry. Calm yourself," Ruby pulls me up by the arm angrily, while I readjust myself, "We do not need anyone else to know yet. Just between us. Come now, we–
Ruby pauses, staring at something. I look up, taking my hand away from my eyes and glaring. It is Pip's uncle, appearing very agitated. "You, fairy," He points at me sternly, "Where is Maria?"
"She is unconscious, still."
"And Leopold?" Since I do not know, Ruby answers for me.
"He is being examined by a doctor. Will take a while. Hurt his leg." She says chirpily. The man nods and looks at me again.
"Phillip?"
"He is here," I open the door, allowing him in, and close it.
"Phillip Pirrup, stop speaking with that man this instant," His uncle immediately shrieks, pointing at him threateningly, "Now." Pip stands up, unsure.
"Here," I tell him, and he hurries over, clutching to my arm for some kind of protection.
"Why are you with him?" Pip's uncle demands to Martin angrily.
"Child has a right to meet me. You cannot prevent him from everything." He replies, putting his chess board away. "No matter how hard you seem to have tried."
"You stupid old man…" Pip's uncle is about to barge over, but a voice stops him.
"Leave him be, please." Pip's aunt suddenly says, in the doorway. She is in a plain grey nightgown, having clearly woken up recently.
"Maria," Pip's uncle hisses, "How dare you allow such occurrences? Fairies everywhere, our home burnt down, and now Phillip associating with these commoners!"
"Forgive me," She answers, "I… the fairies were quite helpful… s-since you were not present. And I did not allow Phillip to meet with Finn… or Howard. He did so without my knowledge. And the fire…"
"It was a mere accident in which the radiator was left on with a rag nearby." I finish for her, lying.
"You clumsy fool," Pip's uncle shrieks at Maria, surprising us all, "Do you have any idea how much money this will cost? For all your injuries? For rebuilding?"
"You should be glad none of them perished!" Martin defends them.
"You're worthless, foolish woman," He ignores the elderly man, and shoves Maria through the open door. She collapses to the tiled floor, Pip along with her. I silently shove Ruby back in the room and lock the door from the outside, not wanting her or Martin to see the possible outcome of this. I then crouch down, trying to aid Pip, "And this child is just as bad! Vile thing! It is a pity you did not die in the fire!" The man turns tail and storms away. I glare at him for a few seconds, before resuming my task is helping Pip and Maria up. I pause, however, noticing Pip's hung head. Upon noticing a tear run down his cheek mere seconds afterwards, I shoot up, declaring to myself:
"It seems that man's fate has now been decided." As I trudge down the corridor, I allow my truly red eyes to be visible. When I turn a corner and soon catch sight of it, my maniac grin widens, and I walk faster and faster until I approach it.
There are many nurses and staff around, but I am beyond the point of caring, nor can they see me now anyway. As I reach the cursed thing, I lay a hand on it's shoulder and spin it around, excited. It's eyes widen upon seeing me.
"AH!" It screams upon seeing me. The only one who can at this moment. I grab it's black, tattered string of life, tugging towards me. It yelps in pain, and many adults begin to ask it what is wrong. It is unable to answer them.
"There should be a reaper nearby, since this is a hospital. I am doing you a kindness – you shall not become a ghost." I tell it sadistically, grabbing my scissors and snapping the string in less than a second. I watch as Pip's uncle drops to it's knees, clutching his heart and grunting. I hope the heart attack is long and painful.
~Pip's P.O.V~
Damien returns after I have managed to calm down my aunt and settle her back into bed. She said that she was going to leave him once and for all, and I wished her the best of luck with that. My uncle is not an easy man to convince of such things. I do not jump as Damien is unexpectedly beside me, clutching my hand.
"You needn't worry of that. He is now dead." He says, smiling to himself knowingly. I gawp, not understanding.
"What do you speak of? He is very much alive."
"I… killed him. It was wonderful." My eyes widen, and I raise my hand, immediately striking him across the face.
"How disgusting! How dare you be so excited about such a terrible thing!? It was not necessary to dispose of him! Disgraceful! I despise those who think in such a way!" I shout in fury, appalled at Damien's behavior. And I had thought he was doing so well with being more civil, "I love you, but you have disappointed me, Damien!"
"But… I did it because… you were…he made you…" He tries to make his excuses, but I am having none of it.
"Shush! Speak not, for I will not listen! Do not bother!" I huff in anger, glaring at him for a few moments. Damien remains silent, not returning the anger. He seems confused, upset. But in one mere second, he nods, returning to his usual self.
"Yes, I understand. I will not do it ever again. I will fetch you some food. Return to your room. I will meet you there." I agree silently, beginning to leave the room. But the recollection of particular words makes me halt in mid-step.
"Meet you there… meet you there…"
Meet me here at the same time tomorrow.
"Oh my goodness! Asilynn! I completely forgot about meeting with her!" I frantically rip out my watch, looking at it closely, "Four hours late! Dear God, I hope she remains!"
"What?" Damien turns around, frowning.