whimpers of the night {arrows}

A bitter chill fills the air, but it doesn't stop Faux from being outside. It's freeing, better than being locked away inside for hours upon hours doing nothing but wondering where he went wrong in his life to live the way he does now. Just feeling the wind comb through the hairs on his head makes everything feel at ease. It's comforting and serves as a reminder that he's still alive, that he's been given a second chance in life. So much of the past is fuzzy, yet memories flow from his eyes every single day as droplets of water drip from his cheeks. Despite being alive, despite all he's gone through, Faux isn't sure what his purpose is, and it hinders him from finding his way through the cruel world.

Losing Asari took a toll, and now he's left wondering why he received the blessing in disguise when she suffered so much.

Even with every step he takes, Faux sees her running ahead trying to lead the way to give him a new hope and a new outlook on life. Walking the very same path, finding the end point beneath a set of trees and coloring until the sunset behind the horizon and they couldn't see anymore lingers before him, but he isn't sure what today has in store for him.

Maybe he can find a reason to keep going when all hope is gone. Something to help him crawl out of bed in the morning hours when sleeping the days away seems better than anything else.

A heavy sigh leaves his chest as a branch snaps beneath his feet. It's not the easiest thing in the world being him. A life once filled with joy, with song, with happiness crawls through his mind, and Faux yearns for those moments once more. Every single day he improves, but the headaches remain. Words still struggle to form on the tip of his tongue, and dancing requires coordination he doesn't have anymore. It all serves as a reminder that no matter what the Capitol still holds control of everything.

Sorrow filled eyes lock on the ground before him, and Faux doesn't stop for even a second until his gaze latches onto something lying on the ground barely moving. What is that?

Every step becomes quicker and quicker until he's kneeling down next to the tiny little creature. It's paws are cold, and Faux doesn't want to leave it behind because it deserves a chance just like him, but where is its mother? Why would its family run off leaving it behind like it doesn't even matter? A tiny whimper fills the air. A frail heart leaps into the back of his throat before plummeting into the pits of his stomach.

Looking around, he tries finding a clue to where the others ran off too, but he finds nothing.

"Shh." He whispers as the tiny little pup keeps whimpering. Maybe it's afraid, maybe it wants someone to help it. Whatever the reason may be, Faux lifts it off the ground before holding it close to his chest. Just feeling the tiny rise and fall of the chest makes a different, and feeling the calming effects sweep through the tiny little thing keeps him going, but Faux isn't sure where to go. He knows he's not capable of healing someone. He's not capable of bringing a creature back to life when he can barely keep himself alive.

Think, Faux. Think.

After what feels like an eternity, Faux takes off towards the victors village. Kirito has been good at healing people, and it's beyond his wildest imagination if he knows how to cure a sick animal or not, but he has to try. Every step takes a lifetime.

"Shh." He whispers again patting the tiny dog on the head while trying to find his way. Directions don't come easy anymore, and Faux will never understand why, but he's slowly inching closer and closer. Harbinger's house is just around the corner which means Kirito's is right there too, yet they all look the same.

The first house belongs to Katelyn, and the second one belongs to Kirito. It has to.

Taking a deep breath, Faux slowly inches towards the door trying to find the words to say, and all he can do when it's right in front of him is knock as loud as he can.

"Need help."

And then he waits hoping his prayers are answered because right now this tiny pup needs him more than anything, and Faux wants to give it the chance it deserves.

table by Frankel <3