Ch. 16: Symbiotic
Her feet shuffled across the rooftop, occasionally making loud slapping sounds as she picked up the pace. She would move five feet, turn and walk another five, then turn and follow the pattern backwards. It was monotonous, but she was too busy in her head to mind.
It was stupid and reckless. Uncaring. Irresponsible. Why did I talk to them? I don't deserve their kindness. I hurt them. I almost killed them. Stupid. Selfish. A bad decision. I want to make friends, but not them. I've taken from them. I can't take their pity. But he was so nice, I genuinely enjoyed his words, his humor, and quirkiness. He makes me feel safe. Protected against even myself, the monster. But who will protect him? I can't do this.
The woman fell heavily to her knees, sobbing into her hands. She was drowning on her tears; lungs filling up with guilt, despair, and hopelessness. The thoughts in her head grew darker and deeper like knives piercing into her heart being driven further into its core. She wailed, and the sound blended into the hollowing wind. The eerie melody traveled to all ends of the town, casting fear to all that had the misfortune of hearing it. She could sense the dark emotion from each and every directions, a small part of her devouring it like a last meal. I tasted his fear too, the fear that I caused. It never went away, and it made me hungry. Francoeur's fear was crippling him. All the more delicious. She screamed at the moon, begging for that small part of her to die so she may be released. The piercing cry took all her strength, so she collapsed limply to the ground. She heaved loudly, a few shaky sobs escaping. It was during this rest that she heard it. A cry similar to her own, followed by a fear. A fear she did not cause.
It came from the south, from a little cottage that blended with its neighbors. There was no visual significance, but her ears could still detect the small whimpers of terror. She peered into a window, its only occupant was a young lady. She wore a long, heavily stained dress. Her hair was a matted mess with strands of her sticking out here and there. A red tint stained her face that was wet with tears. She held a rag in her hand, trying to clean off the blood dripping from her nose. Her eye was swollen, a bruise beginning to form. The closer Serena looked, the more bruises and cuts became visible. A child then came into the room, running to the woman and shaking her desperately. The girl spoke too fast to catch what she said, but Serena could sense that she was afraid too. She began crying as the woman refused to move from her seat, eyes wide and frozen to the spot. All movement ceased as a tall shadow stood in the doorway. A man with stern featured walked in, the girl stepped away and he ignored her. He faced all of his attention to the woman in the chair, who didn't move to look at him. The man yelled at her, swaying in his spot as he did so. His sentences were incoherent and messy. He raised his arm to strike the woman who flinched, but the little girl ran into his path and cried out, "Have mercy, father!" The man's face twisted with rage and he smacked the girl, another hit sending her to the ground. She didn't get back up. The woman then sprang up to check on her, the man wrenching her away by the arm, his fingernails digging into her skin. The little girl still didn't get up.
Quickly, the window grew farther as she grew taller. There was no red tint to her vision, but the rage still boiled within her. With conscious precision she ripped the window out, stepping in head first and screaming. The man shoved the woman in his grip at the creature before him, attempting escape. It crawled directly to him, clicking its fangs menacingly and spreading its arms wide. The man trembled, tripping on his drunken feet and banging his head on the floor. He was unconscious instantly, while Serena stared at him thoughtfully. She made no move toward him or anyone else in the room, simply examining the man. I, I don't feel the urge to hurt him, or, or anyone. The creature turned around to find the woman holding her child, weeping softly. The girl still didn't stir. Fearing the worst, Serena tried to looking closer, but the mother shielded the child with her own body. It tugged at the creature's heart, so she lightly exited out the window to watch them from a distance. With a determined face, she ran off to gather supplies.
When Serena returned, the mother had moved the child to another room and placed her on a bed. She let out a sigh, realizing the child had not indeed died from the punch to the head. But all was not well, the girl shook violently in her rest for it was not a peaceful rest. Her body shook violently, limbs kicking as she tossed. The girl was very ill, and the abuse only rendered her more weak. The woman did her best to help her daughter ride through the pain. Serena took the moment to step inside stealthy, carrying a basket. She set it down on the floor in the back of the room, clearly visible. Inside, it was loaded with food, medicines, and money for the family. Just as quick she left to the other room, the man still on the floor. With tools she borrowed from Frank's workshop, she repaired the window quickly, not wanting the woman to spare any amount herself. It was much easier anyway with the many arms she had. It was a strange feeling, being able to use them in such a way. It was nice.
Serena turned around, trying to decide what to do with the man. She didn't want to leave him here, leaving the mother and child vulnerable against him. It was much to early to determine if this scare has affected him enough to change his violent behavior. But she couldn't take him away, from what she's observed, a man is needed in the household to make money. And this family really needed that money judging by the run down state the home was in. She decided to leave him and keep an eye on the family. For extra measure, she left jagged claw marks on the walls as a reminder and proof of the night's activity. Since the window was already repaired, she had to exit out the front door. As she walked down the hall, there was a soft set of footsteps that followed her. She waited for their owner to speak to her, but nothing came. Once at the door, she stopped and turned around. The mother stood there, nervous and uncertain. Her mouth opened and closed like she wanted to say something. Serena waited patiently, until the curiosity faded. As she turned back towards the door, the woman blurted out, "thankyou." The creature nodded without facing her, stepping out into the cool air. She ran home to sleep, mind rattled once more but somehow she felt at peace and in control.