and I don't think we can solve 'em // bad blood, day 1 cont.
Jun 20, 2023 19:40:27 GMT -5
Post by pup on Jun 20, 2023 19:40:27 GMT -5
It stares me down with two wide saucers that are much too large for its small face. The deep black in its eyes against its wings shimmering in the fading light stop my hands as I finish my work. A short distance from the others, I had been smashing more birdhouses to create armor modeled off of my cast.
Pulling the wood stuck together with the spiderweb-like netting over my chest, I slowly stand up. No sudden movements when a mutt's around.
"I'm sorry if I broke your home." I say quietly, my hands up. My sickle is in my bag, and slowly my non-broken hand grasps the hilt. We're in a staring contest, the pixie floating in the air on wild wings and me with my feet firmly against the ground, prepared to strike before the creature can.
Suddenly, its eyes shift from deep pits to something gentler, kinder. My grip loosens on my weapon, and I stare at the creature in wonder rather than in fear.
Mom?
Breaking away, the creature floats away. My hand falls away from my bag and reaches out for it. "Wait-" I say quietly.
I shouldn't do it. I shouldn't leave Xaa and Will and Luna. Pausing for a minute, my hand outstretched, I make my decision. The fairy has to mean something. It might be something terrible, but nothing that can take on those eyes could truly be malicious. I've seen those eyes look over the most disgusting wounds and debilitating diseases with the upmost care. Those eyes can do no evil.
I chase after it.
Vines push through the trees like angry tentacles, tripping me and grasping at my legs. The pixie disappears for moments, then reappears, sticking its head out from behind a tree before flapping away. As I run, a buzzing noise begins. At first its a quiet hum in the distance before it gets louder and louder.
Soon, pixies swarm before me. It's a trap. I should have known better.
I turn to make my escape, but they have blocked off the path. Without hesitation this time, I pull my sickle from my bag. Crouching slightly, I prepare to swing if any of the mutts come near me. The rainbow swirling around me is mesmerizing, but I shake my head, trying to keep focused. It's impossible to pinpoint one in the crowd, though. Their blue bodies and shimmering wings meld together into an impossible mass.
One lands on my nose out of nowhere. My eyes cross, trying to stare it down. Before I can I can swat it away, it giggles and jumps off of me to rejoin the crowd.
Then, swirling once more, they disappear, leaving me on the edge of the woods.
The trees, once green and thick with life, give way to a scene of rotting fruit and tar dripping like blood off of corroded branches. At the edge, there's a battle. Green looks like it's giving way slowly to the death creeping into it.
I cover my nose, trying to force back the bile rising in my throat.
Footsteps begin to fall somewhere behind me, and I know it's my allies. Turning, sickle still in one hand and my other pulling my extravagantly-laced button-up shirt up to cover my nose and mouth, I talk before anyone can start yelling at me.
"Sorry," I say, trying to fight the shame in my voice, "I'm not sure what happened. Something just came over me."
I look back at the sludge.
"I found something new at least. Not sure what it is."
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table by ryan!