He grimaces as he looks down at another explosion.
When the others went down, he went up.
Out of concern.
That was it.
Concern.
They needed Senior to win.
Needed it.
Fuck only knew what would happen if the witch actually managed to defeat the god.
He takes a deep breath.
He never thought he'd have to pray for a god to beat a witch, but here he was.
We need to write to Uma.
Shouldn't we wait for-
No. We need to write to her now. She has to be beside herself with worry. Harry and Gil looked dead on their feet. They're no doubt going to take another round of Rush. Which will most likely impair them with how focused they are on getting Deez to safety.
What the fuck does that mean, impair them?
Rushes affects the adrenal system and forces it to release adrenaline. You more than most know what that can do during high stress situations. Tunnel vision being my primary concern, if someone runs across them while they're so focused on getting Deez to safety, they need protection and Uma will send it.
How the hell did she always notice shit like that?
Because you're usually focused on the ocean, while I take my time to admire the fish.
Right. He sighs. I think you should probably write it. He frowns as he pulls the notebook out of his bag.
In agreement twice on the same day? Is it the end of the world?
Kinda feels like it.
Sorry, bad taste.
I didn't know you could admit when you were wrong.
Mistakes are good to learn from.
He can't help his grin. Make it three.
That's a new record.
Here. He pulls out a pen. Just fucking write.
Aye. Aye.
He nods as his eyes go back to the fight.
He never thought he'd have to worry about Senior.
Wait-
Fuck, he didn't realize he even cared about Senior.
Ugh.
When the fuck had that happened? The others were going to be so pissed if-
No, when they figured it out.
He shrinks. That wasn't going to be a fun day.
He was suddenly grateful he shared a body with Faustina. It wasn't like they'd kill her for his-
I wouldn't be too grateful.
His eyes narrow, why?
I'm worried too…
Great. He frowns.
That was just perfect. He rolls his eyes.
Harry and Gil will see to Deez. They'll make sure she gets home safe. But we, as in everyone, really need to know the outcome of this battle. I know the others aren't a fan of Hades for, well, obvious reasons, but Mim winning would be far worse.
He couldn't think of truer words.
Senior was a complete fucking dickhead, and a true asshole to his daughter.
That much was never made clearer than it was tonight.
He watches the god thoughtfully.
Would Senior seriously have let Mim continue if he hadn't been there? Would he have sacrificed his daughter to bring the barrier down?
Was he as bad as the others on the isle, who had given up their own descendants just for the chance to get the barrier down?
The scary truth was, he didn't know.
Still, for whatever fucked up reason, he liked him.
It bothered him to admit it, even if only to himself and Faustina. But she'd admitted to having a certain keenness for the god too.
He grimaces every time a bolt of lavender nearly lands.
Please. Please. Please. Let Senior win.
He'd seriously dismissed Seniors' worry about himself earlier but… After seeing what the witch had done to Deez, he doubted that the god had actually been joking.
Deez… He closes his eyes.
Fuck, let her be okay.
He swallows hard. Please. He wasn't sure what would happen if they lost her. His eyes widen in concern when Mim suddenly takes to the air.
.Shit
The cave.
Fuck you the cave.
We need the book.
He groans. He really did loathe when she was right.
Fine. He huffs, after this plays out.
But-
But nothing. We need to know. For more reasons than I care to count, and you know that.
I concede your point. But still, can we move to a more obscure location? This spot is too open given the recent, I don't know, flying development.
Fair, he agrees as he scoops up the notebook and slips back further into the shadows.
He couldn't be sure how long the battle rages.
Blue clashes with lavender, making strange colored sparks fly pretty continuously throughout the fight. But eventually, and much to his relief, he notices Mim's blasts of energy dwindling more and more as Senior's blasts of fire stay strong.
It wasn't long after that, maybe an hour at most, before the witch's cry echoes around the valley.
His head hits the rocks under him with a crunchy thud.
Jesus fucking christ thank god.
You know, we really have become quite the blasphemers.
He snorts. She was still worried about that shit?
Oh, shut up.
He stands, sliding down the ledge they were standing on before he heads for the cave.
"Yo-" Hades emerges from the settling dirt and smoke, "Firebug."
"Sup." He nods, "you cool?" Not that he'd be able to do shit if he wasn't but still… It didn't feel right not to ask.
"I haven't battled a witch like that in fuckin' forever," Hades chuckles as he plops down on the ground outside the cave, "it went out of fashion in the last millennia."
He lifts a brow, "then I guess you did good for someone outta practice."
"Thanks." Hades groans before he falls back to look up at the barrier, "I think I'm starting to get old, though."
He snorts, "Or you've just been filling your void with shit foods to avoid shit." He points out as he stares down at the god.
Hades chuckles as he pats his belly, "I can't say you're wrong." He frowns
He shakes his head. Everyone in his life was so out of shape.
"So, why are you still here?" He sighs, "I would have thought you'd go with my daughter."
"Gil an' Harry are capable of taking care of her." He frowns, "I needed to make sure you won. And go pick up a book."
"I hope those two knuckleheads can-" Hades clears his throat, "I'm um, I'm uncomfortable again. She's not healing."
"They can," he states with confidence. "The whole family would be willing to die for her." He shoves his hands in his pockets.
"Knowing her, that bothers the hell outta her."
"So you do know some things about your daughter."
"Well, yeah, I guess." Hades rubs the tops of his head absently, "I mean, I can kind of remember the first time I realized I was immortal. And she's like, a trillion times more sensitive than I ever was."
"I don't know, you're pretty sensitive." He points out with a raised brow.
Hades pftts, "says you."
"Hey, far be it from me to tell a god he's in denial."
"Weren't you looking for a book or something." Hades glowers at him.
"Yeah, was just checkin' on your lazy ass."
"Lazy?!" Hades sits up with a grunt, "Would you like a shot at the dragon lady?" He sighs, "It's always fucking dragons. Like, no imagination."
He snorts, "Hard pass." He shakes his head. "Hot-blooded. Cold-blooded. Just sayin', maybe ya'll just clash."
Hades sighs as he stands, "I'm gonna head home. I am gonna sleep well tonight though. Nothing like getting some power back just to use it up the next second." He shakes his head, "But um, let me know what you find. And if something is majorly wrong, let me know, that too?"
His eyes sweep over him, "sure." He nods.
"Thanks." Hades pops his lips, "I um, I appreciate that."
"And I appreciate you killing that." He points to Mim's fallen body.
"Yeah, well, I knew she wouldn't stop going after her." He looks down at his wrist, "why do you think I had to take that chance when I did?"
He frowns, finding himself feeling torn. On one hand, total dick fucking move. On the other hand, it was a respectable amount of desperation. He sighs, "loaded question."
"Fair." Hades shrugs, "It might not have been a popular decision, but because of it, I was able to take her out without dying."
"Which, ya know, appreciated. The whole killin' and not dyin'." He turns, "enjoy your sleep." He throws a hand over his shoulder. "Later."
"Yep." He walks away, "You know where a safe place to crash is if you need it." He calls back over his shoulder.
"Yup." He salutes, tapping two fingers to his forehead, before he turns back to the cave with a glare.
He could do this.
He knew he could.
So, why wasn't he?
Are you scared?
No!
He scowls at the accusation.
It's a fucking cave. I do caves. I do caves all day long.
Just not-
His stomach turns.
He hadn't missed the grotesque remains.
T, I wasn't judging you, just merely trying to suggest if you have some reservations, I suggest taking another dose of plunge.
Huh.
Seriously, but you just had me send-
I had you send reinforcements for our family because they don't fully understand how Plunge works, you however, have just had an explanation. Besides-
He grimaces as he wipes the tonic from his lips.
Gross.
Yes, well, sorry my herbs aren't delicious, but they do their damn job-Unlike certain-
Oh, shut up.
Rude.
He slaps his cheeks before he shakes his head.
Right time to-
His eyes widen as his heart slams against his chest.
Tch.
He could do this.
So what if the cave reeked of evil and death. He had a job to do.
Then why aren't you doing it?
He takes a deep breath before he builds up his nerve and hesitantly slips back into the cave.
A shiver runs down his spine as the disturbing energy crackles over his skin and puts him further on edge.
He frowns as he rubs his arms to stave off the chill that runs through him.
Empty or not, this cave was unpleasant to be in.
He pulls Faustina's orb out, surprised when she doesn't make a snide remark about his choice of light source as he walks down the hall, his echoing steps filling him with trepidation.
You know, weird time to shut up.
This place gives me the creeps.
It was your idea.
Yeah, my idea for you to come back.
Nice. He rolls his eyes. Seriously though. Don't.
Fine.
Thanks. He frowns as he looks around the corner. The further in he got, the colder the air.
Why? Why was everything in this place so unsettling?
Because she didn't want people snooping around when she wasn't here?
Ugh. Shouldn't it have died with her?
Don't push your luck, we've already had plenty tonight.
You know what, fair.
And it was.
A lot of shit had turned out alright, even though it should've gone to shit. He wasn't sure how thrilled the others were going to be when they realized he'd ditched them. But he'd take it. He knew they'd be too preoccupied with Deez to really think about his absence.
Senior actually heeding Faustina's cry for help was-
Different.
He'd thought for certain she was just wasting precious time.
But then he'd come.
He wouldn't have made it into the cave if-
He pauses before he looks down at his wrist. It wasn't that deep. But it wasn't just a scratch either, and was definitely going to leave a scar. And with where it was, It was going to be a bitch to keep from reopening.
But, it was definitely better than the alternative.
He shakes his head before he forces himself to keep walking.
Still-
A shudder ripples down his spine.
That had been close.
He frowns as he enters the cave with the altar.
All of his hair going on end as goosebumps sweep over his arms.
The candles were no longer lit. Most were just hardening puddles of discolored wax now.
His stomach churns at the sight of the stone table before he quickly looks away.
The image of Deez sprawled out and screaming in agony would forever be sketched in his mind. He shudders.
There are sconces along the walls. That might help.
He nods as he follows her directions before he pulls out his lighter and a flame sparks to life.
He instantly regretted it. It was easier to ignore what he already knew was there when it was dark.
We're going to have to burn them...
His stomach churns as he turns away from the pile around the altar, leaning against the wall as sick crawled up his throat and splashed on the floor.
Fuck. Witches.
It takes a moment as he fights his stomach, though it empties itself of all contents, but eventually he manages to push off the wall.
Having an empty stomach didn't stop him from choking on a deep breath as the fetid stench stings his nose.
Fuck. His stomach rolls again.
T. Book. Search. Burn. One thing and then the next.
Right. He swallows the sour bile still trying to claw its way up his throat.
He walks around the room, eyes narrowed in the dim light, as he refuses to light it up any more than it already was.
T!
His heart skips a beat as he twists and jumps with his daggers brandished.
What? What is it?
Deez's necklaces! Look!
Shit.
That wasn't D didn't have enough going on without her shields to keep-
His eyes drift to the altar, and his stomach rolls again.
T!
Right! He shakes his head.
Thanks.
He frowns as his eyes sweep the floor before he walks over and scoops up the glinting jewelry.
He studies the three charms and lets out a sigh when he finds them all intact.
Small victories.
He stashes them in his bag, patting the pocket after he closes the flap before he starts searching.
Where the fuck had the book-
He stops with a frown when he hesitantly picks a doll off the floor and studies it curiously. It looked so much like-
He winds back his arm to chuck it.
T, I'm going to need you to put that doll down very gently, and for you to step away for a moment.
Doll, check. He agrees as he carefully places the doll back on the floor.
But if you think I'm letting your-
He blinks when he finds himself standing.
You bitch.
And?
And? And what the fuck was that?
He asks as he looks around for the creepy ass doll.
That, my simple brother, is what a real voodoo doll looks like. And you almost fucking threw it.
He stills.
What?
You damn well heard me, just stop touching things without permission.
Fine. Damn.
He takes another pass, but when he finishes looking around everywhere else the book could've gone, he's forced to turn back to the altar.
He closes his eyes.
Why? He swallows hard as he hesitantly walks around the table.
His vision blurs when he finds the book on top of-
He turns his head as he's repelled by the abhorrent sight.
It must have fallen to the floor during the struggle.
His stomach rebels again, as if it believed he had more to waste.
He closes his eyes.
Deez.
He reminds himself.
There was something horribly, horribly wrong with her.
Did he really want one of the others to be forced to come in here?
Could they afford for this book to be picked up by another witch?
He clenches his fists by his side as he browbeats and bullies himself with each slow, painful step.
Tears of revulsion and resignation blur his vision as he reaches out with a shaking hand, too afraid of what would happen if he closed his eyes.
He sobs as he grips the book and pulls it out of-
He was going to be-
He races away from the altar, flinging the book as far from himself as he could before he braces himself against the wall.
He wretches yet again, slick sour bile burns his throat and nose as he shakes and sobs.
T?
Sorry. I couldn't. He groans, resisting the urge to let his head hit the wall. He was usually better at swallowing it.
No- I get it- But, look at the wall.
He slowly turns, concerned by the fear evident in her tone.
The last chain- I'm scared…
He swallows hard as another wave of trepidation settles over him at the taut chain hidden just out of sight.
Is it shaking?
He slowly nods. His mouth dry. He wasn't sure what the fuck was moving it.
Tell me it's not a demon! Tell me right fucking now!
It's not a demon. He swallows.
It's not a demon. It's not a demon.
No. It's not a demon.
Right? He licks his suddenly dry lips.
The only imps we know are funny.
Brea- He frowns at the bad advice.
It's not a demon.
He had no idea what the fuck it was.
But now that she pointed it out… He slowly creeps forward. He couldn't just ignore it.
He attempts to swallow but finds his mouth too dry to do so. He presses a hand tight against his stomach as he forces himself forward.
The sound of clinking links is his only warning before a raspy screech of a battle cry precedes a small shadow throwing itself at him.
"Shit!" He falls backwards and scrambles out of the way.
I lied. Holy shit! I lied. It's a fucking demon! It's a fucking demon!
T! Wait!
I can't. I think I just pissed myself.
It's a little boy!
Huh?
He opens his eyes and slowly lowers his hands.
"Shit!" He pulls himself up. Grateful when he doesn't actually feel any discomfort of wetness.
Small eyes blink up at him from a gaunt face.
"How the fuck-" he shakes his head. "Hey," he crouches down slowly, his eyes widening as the kid latches onto him, little teeth sinking into his arm.
It startles the shit out of him as he lands on his ass, a familiar pop telling him he had yet another open wound.
He was surprised the boy had clamped on hard enough to break skin over his hoodie.
"It's okay," he breathes, not pulling his arm away as the boy clamped down harder.
The dark eyes blink up at him from under grimy dark bangs.
"I know." He so fucking didn't though, Jesus, what the fuck had this kid lived through? "It's scary in here." He breathes out.
The small boy slowly releases his bite before he pulls away.
How the fuck did this kid survive?
He hid. Even you didn't hear him. And Senior didn't either or-
He didn't care.
He holds up his hands. "You're really good at hiding, you know that?" He offers gently.
The boy nods before he runs back to his corner.
"Wait," T pulls his bag to his lap before he pulls out a greasy bag. "I bet you're hungry, right?" He pushes the bag towards him slowly, afraid to alarm him again.
There wasn't even a sound to warn him before the bag vanished.
And they called him a fucking ghost?
He rolls a bottle of water to the dark corner.
Try telling him you're impressed.
Cause it's fucking impressive. "Hey, you're really awesome at disappearing and staying quiet. Ya wanna show me sometime?"
The little boy plods back out, bag and bottle held tightly to his chest with his free hand.
"Little dude," he smiles gently. "Wanna come with me? Get outta here?"
He holds his scrawny arm up, making it easy to pick the lock.
He nods.
Thank fucking god. He so hadn't wanted to drug someone that small and sickly. There was no way this boy could be older than five. He didn't even look that old.
"Alright, I'm gonna move now, okay? I promise I won't hurt you."
The boy rolls his eyes before he shakes his arm.
"Impatient little thing, aren't you." He grins as he rolls to his knees and pulls out his picks before he crouches over the lock.
The boy watches in fascination as he picks the lock on his wrist. When it pops open, he grabs one of the tools and adds it to the pile in his arms.
He grins as he holds out the other tool for him to snatch an add to his 'belongings'. "Newbies need two." He explains, "Wanna learn? If you come with me, I can teach you."
The boy tilts his head, eyes narrowed as he weighed his options.
He waits on bated breath, everything in him rebelling against the thought of forcing this kid to do anything.
So when the boy eventually nods his head with a shrug, he lets out a breath of relief.
He smiles as he stands. "C'mon," He tilts his head towards the exit. "My friend was here earlier. I'm not actually going to use what I'm bout to pick up, okay?" He warns him softly. "It's just to help her."
The boy points to the pocket of his bag that has the necklaces in it.
He was watching the whole time.
"Ya know, you've got some kick-ass skills for a lil' one. I'm jealous." He smiles as he walks over to pick up the discarded book, grimacing when he feels the taut leather and reluctantly slips it into his bag. He frowns. He was going to have to come back here to burn the rest. He closes his eyes before he lets out a deep breath. "Ya have a name?" He asks as he stands.
His eyes never waver from the boy for long. He was too afraid he'd run off.
When his only answer is another shrug, he smiles, "Not a big talker, huh?"
Another shrug.
Maybe he can't talk.
He frowns, "Well, I ain't just gonna call you kid or half pint or ankle biter."
Daniel. He's like a little Daniel who survived in the lion's den.
I like it. He studies the boy, "So how you feel 'bout Daniel?"
The boy tilts his head, swishing his lips back and forth before he nods.
"Alright then Daniel, let's get the fuck outta this creep factory, huh."
Daniel nods before he coughs and runs towards the exit.
He frowns before he quickly catches up and scoops him up. "Nuh-uh." He shakes his head, "Shit's b- Okay, better than here, but still not great out there."
Daniel rolls his eyes before he holds his bag closer to his chest.
He grins, "Smart boy." he nods in approval. But the grin slips when he starts to feel the heat from the younger boy permeating through his hoodie. "Shit, kid," he frowns, "you're burnin' up."
Daniel shrugs before he hits his chest
His brow furrows before his eyes darken with understanding. "Gotcha." He frowns, "we better take care of that before it gets worse." He bites his lip. The cove was a good distance away. His eyes sweep over the boy. Could he travel that far safely?
As much as I hate to say this, infections are dangerous, and with all the other kids we just picked up, I don't think it's wise to bring him home. Especially when he-
Shut up, he demands, loathing her tone, and tell me the plan.
He was not losing another fucking kid.
He didn't care that this one was sick-
He refused.
This kid-
Daniel-
-would live if it killed him.
The temple's closer.
And didn't have anyone the boy could infect. He starts walking. "Let's get somewhere safe, so I can check you out, kay?"
Daniel yawns before he shrugs
He smiles as he rubs circles on the boy's back, hoping to coax him into slumber. "I promise, I'll kick any one's ass that tries to mess with you. I can be pretty scary, so try ta get some rest, yeah?"
I think he's already asleep.
That checks. He adjusts the boy, holding him more securely.
Little survivor.
I like him.
Me too.
Look!
Look!
We did a thing!
We saved a kid this time!
… I mean kinda anyways.
I mean, were you expecting that?
For Mim to have kept one of her sacrifices chained to the back of her cave?
Cause, like, T and Tina certainly weren't.
Poor fucking T. Thinking he'd pissed himself again.
But seriously-
They were raised catholic, this cave is pretty much hell, and there's a rattling chain.
Of course, it's going to a caged demon.
But then boom!
Kid in your face.
Much love and shit
-Twisted