{Forget Already} Where there's smoke, there's fire [Main Fiction] (Chapter 16)

I took a long time to write again! Sorry! Ah, I can't promise it won't happen again! Thanks anyway!

A little in between chapter. We go back to visit the gang! :))))

 

Warnings: mention of a burn, blood, temporary loss of control of body, death mention

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 Girtin's mouth is set into a hard line as he drives us back to town. His eyes are firmly set on the road, but occasionally I can feel like he is just waiting to ask me. I can feel the gears in his mind turning. Just every time that he opens his mouth to speak, to ask me what the heck is going on, something stops him. A little fragment of doubt makes him clench his jaw tighter and fall further and further into himself.

Christophe sits motionless in the backseat of the old pickup, bouncing along with the road like luggage. He, much like Girtin, hasn't spoken at all the entire trip. I keep looking at him in the side mirrors, but he doesn't even give me a second glance. His blank stare looks out the window, unfocused even through what must be unbearable pain. We were lucky that Girtin had something that could wrap it up, even if it didn't seem like it would help much. The further we drove away from the orphanage, the further he retreats into himself.

I don't really know why I care. Christophe probably should've stayed behind, Girtin's silence told me in no uncertain terms. If he hadn't been hurt I might have. He has answers, but to what I don't know. I'll just have to figure out the questions I have later. For now, I'd have to fix whatever darkness resided at Great Graces. I clenched my hands in silent rage. After all it's her fault this is happening to these people. My beef is with Death, not these two kids that were going to sacrifice me to her or whatever. She told them the lies that brought them to this point.

"What are we doing Diedre?" Girtin speaks hesitantly, softly. "What happened?" I swallow hard, carefully considering my options. I could spill everything, and risk Christophe freaking out or even finding out too much, or just the basics. It's an easy choice to me; how much Christophe knows could keep him safe. I'm not the kind of person who would throw him out, even if I want to. A little part of me still wishes I could, but it's so small I can safely ignore it.

"Something happened and I panicked. Christophe got hurt. We've just met, so I just want to get him some medical attention." I can tell from Girtin's initial silence that he doesn't believe me.

"Surrrrre. You'll tell me the rest later right?" He huffs. I nod stiffly, and don't say anything else. Girtin sighs, defeated. "We can't go to the hospital, but I know Ms. Ona has stuff in her house for burns." He stops talking after that and the conversation dies. I let it, knowing that I'll have some explaining to do once we get there.

-

Getting to the Ona household took less time than I thought it would. Left to my own thoughts, it felt like seconds. I just still don't know what I'm going to really say to Girtin and the others. Like: hey, this kid tried to get another kid to kill me, but he got hurt-. Even to myself it sounds like shit. Just somehow I have to convince everyone that Christophe ultimately is an asset towards Death. If that's not possible, then at least get him some burn cream and set him loose. I have no idea how to start the conversation.

Betha answers the door and instantly knows somethings wrong, her bright smile dimming when she sees Christophe. Our silence must've spoke volumes because she let us in without a word. I led the way, followed by Christophe and Girtin. Behind me I could hear Girtin huffing in annoyance, roughly pushing Christophe ahead of him, almost knocking into me. I pretend not to notice.

Silen is sitting on the living room couch, the ugly thing almost swallowing him whole. He looks up from the tv, a nature show is on about snakes. His eyes widen when he sees Christophe, completely overwhelming him, and he leaps up out of the room like a startled rabbit. No doubt he's getting his mom.

The woman in question quickly follows soon after, smiling distantly at the group, led by her son. She looks unfazed by the situation, like always. After her accident, she told me once, she learned to take every situation as it came, seeing as she could no longer look fear in the face. The memory fizzles in me as I look around the room in a daze. Ms. Ona is the first to speak.

"Oh, Diedre, dearie you're back so soon! I'm glad to hear from Silen that you're safe. It can get quite lonely here, but enough chit-chat. Silen told me that you made a 'friend' and he needs some burn cream. Is that right?"

 I nod lightly. Betha's head whipped around, eyes locked on to the blond's hand, walking over to take a look. Her suspicious gaze was lightly tinged with concern for the other boy. She pales at the damage, gingerly rotating his wrist. Walking over slowly, I almost do a double take: his hands are charred black, dry and frankly very dead looking. I blink rapidly at the sight. It wasn't like this before! After all how did I miss something this obviously bad? All Christophe does is look at them without much emotion on his face.

"What happened to you?" Betha asked Christophe slowly, not meeting his eyes for a time.

"I touched a boundary. My friend locked me out. It was a doorknob." He painfully replies, each word spoken deliberately to avoid revealing too much. Only the most important was let out, as he held the gate very closed at risk for his life. Although his head was kept down, bangs hiding his face, I could see the almost frantic movement of his eyes.

"The hospital was too far." Girtin adds, speaking to no one in particular.

"It's also closed, isn't that right Ms. Ona?" Betha mutters, turning away from Christophe and I. The white haired woman nodded serenely, blinking slightly. She absentmindedly begins to thread her fingers through Silen's hair.

"Yes, the Night closed it since there was no reason for it. I understand it's abandoned now, but I'm not sure how much is still inside. The shades rarely need medical attention."  She thoughtfully supplies. My ears perk up at the words. Shades? Night? Curiosity bubbles within me. Betha bites her lip, holding back a laugh at my expense. I guess I'm too obvious. Girtin coughs loudly.

"So is there anything you want to tell us Diedre?" Girtin speaks up, almost demanding. He speaks slowly and is gritting his teeth.

"Sure...where do you want me to start?" I acknowledge, meeting his eyes. They narrow slightly at that, but he raises his eyebrows to say, 'what do you think?'.

-

"Everyone knows about Great Graces, right? Well I went there and met Christophe. One thing led to another and there was this other kid, Dainin, who started acting crazy. Christophe tried to reason with him and then, next thing we knew, he kicked us both out. This guy panicked and grabbed the door handle, burning himself. There: now you're all caught up!" I shrug through the most tedious parts of the summary, trying to act like it didn't bother me.

"How can you make it seem so simple!?" A very conflicted shuddering voice asked, looking up I noticed Christophe, his green, sometimes blue, eyes wide, pupils dilated. He was sweating and beginning to breathe hard.  I saw Girtin's grip on the blond's sweater: a death grip. So even he sensed something was missing. Boy, am I easy to read?

"Well they might have mentioned wanting to sacrifice me, but that was before Christophe distracted him. Otherwise that was the plan, well from what I could gather. Right?" I try to look at Christophe, but he dropped his eyes to the ground, refusing to look at me again. He does nod lightly. I can see Girtin shake in apparent anger, but he will do nothing, not yet.

Betha shakes her head wildly," You can't be serious! Did you really think that killing Diedre was going to appease...Her? Why would you do it do someone you just met!? I mean-"

"Betha..." Silen whimpers, pulling himself towards her, as she lost her words; as she was shaking too much to think, much less speak. "Why would Diedre bring him back?" Everyone turns to him, utterly shocked. He hasn't left his spot in Betha's side, but he continues:" Shouldn't we trust her? Diedre knows what she's doing. She wouldn't have done this if she didn't want to."

"Exactly right, sweetie." Ms. Ona agreed. "Diedre is a kind girl, she always has been, ever since she was a little one." Betha and Girtin quickly begin to look guilty.

"Well, it's not a big deal or anything, but I was thinking he'd help me get back at Death." I shrug. "I mean, it's worth a shot. These guys don't just wake up in the morning deciding to kill me. She's led them to it."

---

-What makes you think I'd let you?-

The hollow voice of Death bleeds out of Christophe before he slumps forward, almost hitting the glass coffee table, Girtin catching him just in time. He curses loudly, much to Ms. Ona's displeasure. She gives him a look in which he mumbles a quick 'sorry'. I smile a little. My heart begins to settle after that; knowing Girtin hasn't changed at all brings me relief, allowing me to relax a bit. It gives me a chance to think about the situation.

 We heard that, we all heard what she said. It's not the first time this has happened, first was Ether, but this guy isn't at all related to her. I just didn't know that she could speak through other people, regular people. I had no doubt that Ether wasn't human, but Christophe, he's human right? I look to the unconscious boy, as the two beside him, Betha and Girtin, pull him gently back on the couch. I'm shocked to see that even though he never even hit the glass, his nose had a gentle stream of purplish blood. Betha quicker than I was, grabbed her handkerchief, mopping the blood in an effort to contain it. She grit her teeth, giving a quick look at Girtin and I; he mouthed 'Silen can't know'. We both nod. This would only freak him out, right? I hadn't even noticed that he'd moved back to the table with his mother.

Girtin decides to pull him and his mother away. They were a little suspicious, but didn't say anything; I figure that Ms. Ona has caught on once we got real quiet. Betha grimly smiles as she continues to hold the napkin, once white now a deep purple.

"We need to wait for him to wake up." Betha muttered, mostly to herself, but aloud enough for me to hear. "What do you think?"

"I think it'll be much easier with Dainin if we had Christophe." Betha doesn't like that.

"You'd bring him back there?" Betha grimaced. "What are you going to do?"

"The other guy, Dainin, if the two of them were actually friends, would probably relax if he was there. I think he was being controlled. I guess it was the Darkness, but it felt weird. I'll just rough him up a bit, get him to calm down, and figure out why he's still here. Simple. Easy. I have don't have a plan B, so I hope the heck it work." I grit my teeth at the last bit, utterly frustrated with how this is going. Sure I guess I didn't want to give up, but I don't know why this stuff has to get so freaking complicated.

-

"Maybe I should tell you a story..." Christophe's weak voice startled the two of us, Betha finally releasing the tissue from his face. He looks at the flecks of purple on his finger tips, and I realized that his hands were back to normal. Looking up at me, he sighs and explains:" It's when I get stressed out, the books at the orphanage say that it's a trauma response. I have no idea who wrote them, but it seems like that's all I've got. The burns, I mean, not the blood. She caused that."

"Death." I spat, but his eyes only widened. 

"The Darkness can do what it wants, we are her children. She lets us live here after all." Christophe says as a matter of fact, like it's gospel.

"I'm just going to ignore that!" angrily I mutter to him, not liking what I'm hearing. I poke my finger square into his chest. "You will tell me what you know! THEN, we are going back to your friend, and you are going to help me help him." Not even Betha's astonished call of my name could get me to calm down. Oh no, you don't just get to give her any reverence. She may call herself a goddess, but she isn't someone you should be worshiping. Is that what he's even doing? Or is he keeping himself safe, just in case she's listening like before? I don't really care much. I've decided on what I'm going to do, screw anything else.

I'm tired of just waiting around for her to hurt someone else! It's getting exhausting just hearing about it.

"Guess I'll get the truck started." Girtin sighed, swinging his arms as he left without another word.

We look at each other for a bit, before Betha looks at Christophe one last time.

"Well, it's just been you and your friend right?" She smiles at him like she does at Silen, a soothing and open smile. Often this one accompanies a bandage, but today, a smile is all he gets.

"I guess I did offer...didn't I?"

"This may seem callous but I need to know everything so I can be ready for anything."

"Plus wouldn't you feel so much better just letting it out? But don't do it just because we told you to, do what you feel comfortable with." Betha adds softly. Christophe looks down and nods slightly.

-

I know I didn't do anything to be left there are the orphanage. I just latched onto Dainin, since he was picked on so much. He was nice, funny, and seemed to like being around me. I don't think he knew what he was doing all the time. He'd freak out and yell at kids, and swipe matches to start little fires.

The people that ran the place would just pray he'd get better and that would be that.

It just got bad one day and he ran up to the attic on a visitor day. I don't know what exactly happened. Just everyone was running and freaking out. Once I got out I noticed he wasn't there, so I ran back in.

So I died, easy. Not much more I can say.

-

"But that's so horrible." Betha said, mostly to herself. 

"Not much to it." Christophe shrugged. "Dainin means the world to me. If there's anyway I can stop him from being killed again, I would do anything. I don't care what it is, as long as we can stay together."

"Ok, let's go then." I announce, "Girtin has got to be waiting on us."

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"They are gone now." I mumble, squatting down to the ground to get a better look at his face. "Do you want me to get you some bandaids?"

"No."  Dainin whisphers. He doesn't look like wants to talk to me, his eyes are darting around the room, wanting to look at anything that isn't my face. He's starting to breath heavily, and suddenly he pushes me away from him. I fall down and land hard on my back. Startled I yell out, grabbing for air. There's nothing to break my fall. Lifting my head, I can see that he hadn't moved an inch. We just stare at each other, not wanting to break the fragile, whatever this is, that we have here. The scared look in his eyes doesn't leave.

"Oh..." I start, before stopping myself, realization hitting me. "I'm not going to hurt you. No one is going to hurt you anymore. They took that too far, you weren't doing anything to them!"

He doesn't answer and instead looks away. Then he starts to bite his lip, causing it to bleed. This gives me a start, and I hastily grab a box of tissues on my side and dab his lip. Dainin starts to shake again. I try to lighten the mood a little with conversation.

"Your name is Dainin, right?" I ask, sitting down beside him.

"Why are you so nice to me?" He asks, ignoring my small talk, pulling his knees up to his chin before looking away from me.

"You honestly act like you don't deserve it." He starts to shake and sob beside me, putting his head down on top of his knees.

"I don't- I don't deserve anything nice."

"That's a lie." He turns to me shocked, eyes wide with his tear streaked face, sniffling a little. I brush the bangs out of his eyes.

"Of all the people I've met here, you deserve happiness the most." I take a deep breath before continuing. "The other kids here are total brats! They just get all over you and expect you to let them. Like honestly, have some class!" I snort a little in my anger, the suddenness causing him to look away. "Dainin, you on the hand. Are a gentle, kind, intelligent person. You just need to have a little space and a little time and l-love to get on your own level. You are better than them in almost every way. Don't let them tell you that you are trash! Because you and I both know that it isn't true at all!

"You can't mean that! That isn't- it isn't true." Dainin starts to close in on himself. He keeps opening and closing his hands rapidly, trying to comfort himself. That's it, I've made up my mind.

"It is and I'm going to keep staying by your side until you believe it." I proclaim, utterly and hopelessly hurting for him. "Can I give you a hug, or someting? We don't have to do it, if it makes you feel uncomfortable-"

Suddenly I'm enveloped in a tight hug, and I don't want to let go. I relax, after tensing unconsciously, and allow my head to fall onto his.  I breathe in his smell, of the cheap shampoo we all use. Of the scratchy sweater you wear. I can hear tears and I can't help it, tears leaving my eyes as well. It feels so nice to hold someone, to protect them. The warmth in my heart that had left me when mom did. Being so unlucky, that we, the both of us, were lost to society. This place was killing us, we couldn't let it. We had to learn how to support each other. We had to know what it meant when people talked about unconditional love.

I won't have you lose yourself to despair. Only after a few months of knowing Dainin, I knew I couldn't leave him alone. I won't let you go.

-

Even in death I'll always be there for you!

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It felt like a good stopping point here.

More to come!

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Chapter 15 (Linky) - Chapter 16 (you are here) --> Chapter 17 (not yet)

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{Forget Already} The meaning of [Main Fiction] (Chapter 15)

 Warnings: brief altered state, more light cursing (:0)

Eh if anything I've glossed over much of the potentially bad stuff. May change later, but that will be reflected later.

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 I set out the next morning. I would liked to have stayed a couple of days longer, but in the end instinct won out. Something told me that I had to keep moving. There was really no reason for me to stay; as much as it hurt. Just finish the job and go home. I briefly think about this before moving further down the road.

Girtin had offered to come. He'd shyly mentioned that he'd started to learn how to drive and that he could take me around. Ms. Ona had laughed at that from the kitchen, making some food to take with me. Silen grinned and gleefully told me about the last time he'd ridden with Girtin and his mom. It didn't end well apparently; Girtin blushing with shame. Smiling at that, I had to gently let him down. Yes, I wanted him to come. Especially if I needed backup or something, but at the same time I couldn't let him, or anyone else, get hurt. Leaving by myself was my way of protecting them; doing what I was told to do, biting the bullet, was my way of protecting them.

Zoning back in, I keep walking down this dirt road, and hope I figure out where I'm supposed to go. The people I care about are accounted for, so it's not someone I know. Thinking back, did she even say it would be people I know? Does it even matter at this point? I guess it does, but I can't do anything about what that woman is thinking. I think it might be more productive right now to just do what she says.

I'm back at the sign from before: the one that points to the Mechan Forest and the orphanage. Staring at the sign, I notice that something's different. I can see there's a small handmade poster, drawn with what looks like crayon and marker. It's very childish. The poster has a lot of flowers on it. Squinting a little, I read what's on it:

Come to the Daffodil festival! The flowers come in all sorts of sizes; ones even tower over the city skyscrapers! It'll be a lovely time, so come over! Food and drink provided. Free admission! Artist on site takes commissions. Located in the fields next to Great Graces Orphanage.

I hadn't seen this when I came before. Glancing at the poster, it wasn't wet or dirty, and it looked like it was just put up less than a day ago. Huffing a little, feeling a little led on, I decide to follow the lead. I guess this is as good of a start as any.

-Don't you want to see what's over there?-

-Maybe it'll be interesting, but don't blame me if you get hurt.-

That little voice speaks to me in the back of my head. I want to rebel against it. After all who listens to weird spirits that think your mind is a message board. Right, I do. It's even more obvious to me now that I should head that way. 

-Be careful-

Another voice interjects my train of thought. The first voice felt feminine, but this one was male. I suppose I have a couple of ghost friends stalking me, again. It didn't sound/feel very familiar, at least from what I could tell. I wonder if the longer I'm here, the more I'll start collecting. But it doesn't seem very productive to dwell on it, so I'm just going to walk towards the orphanage.

It doesn't take me long to see the flowers. Giant flowers. Daffodils towering far above me. If I needed even more of a hint that I wasn't in Kansas anymore, this was another one of them. They peaked over the regular sized trees that provided the border between the Mechan forest and the plains the city rested upon. I guess I'm going the right way; just a feeling I guess. 

Getting closer I can see the fields of flowers, all yellow, all on one side of the road to my left. Further down I could see a mobile home, resting upon cement blocks, with a smaller identical building beside it. Was this the orphanage? It looks like a shack. 

Suddenly distracted, I start looking at a smaller clearing in the flower fields. Why was this cleared? I couldn't see for sure from this distance, but it looked like a little garden. It doesn't take long to confirm that. It looks well kept. All sorts of things are growing there: veggies and stuff. I'm a little impressed, but only because I haven't been able to grow anything in my life.

Growing a little bored, I try to see if I can 'sense' anything nearby. Closing my eyes, I turn in place, spinning slowly until I feel the urge to stop. I've never been able to do this for very long, stopping as soon as I feel even a little dizzy. My outstretched hand points to the trailer. I guess maybe someone does live there. I feel a little disappointed, seeing as that's a pretty obvious place to check. But, I remind myself, sometimes the best place to look is the obvious ones. Sure that line of thinking has its flaws but it's the best lead I've got right now.

The trailer home before me is a wide reddish violet building with a black metal roof. Wooden stairs to a porch lead up to the door. Flowers adorn the window boxes, giving the building an aura of warmth; it was like someone really wanted the building to become home. It wasn't perfect, I noticed as I walked closer, and up the stairs; the siding was falling off and the roof looked like it was caved in a little, like it had water damage. A small sign next to the door said,"Great Graces Orphanage". Good, I just confirmed what I had been thinking for a while; I was at the right place. I tried to feel for some malignant energy.  Feeling, strangely, nothing of note, I rang the door bell.

Once I rang it, I waited. I couldn't hear anything at first, as much as I waited to, there was just the feeling like I was being watched. Just once I felt like I had stood there long enough, and had started to turn around, the door swung open.

There stood a blond teenager in a blue turtle neck, staring at me. They had longish hair and a slim build, so I couldn't really tell if they were a boy or girl. Just the only thing that I could see that pointed to them being a boy was a strange name tag on their chest, reading: Christophe. Guessing guy.

"Can I help you, miss?" he evenly asked, not betraying any emotion, but his eyes were wide, and he griped his pants leg nervously. He kept glancing at my hair.

"Oh, I was just in the area, and got lost." I lie. "I'm new to the area and was wondering if you could give me some directions; maybe to a payphone or a gas station." He seemed to consider this information before nodding to himself.

"We have a phone inside, if you'd like to take a rest." He softly smiles; it looks pained.

"If that's ok?! I'd appreciate it!" I sputter, acting seemingly grateful. Honestly though, I am pretty tired. Sitting down for a bit does sound nice.

The tall boy steps out of the way to let me in the door. Walking in to the foyer, I look around for any strange occurrences. The room seems normal, if not cramped and kind of ugly. (I'm not sure what color the carpet is but it didn't start out this green.) To be nice: it was a dated look; I think Betha might like the furniture but not the color.

It was a stark contrast to the clean straight lines of Christophe and how he dressed. Nothing was really wrinkled and while the colors he wore kind of clashed (like I have any room to speak) it looked good on him. Just looking at him, he might've been Silen's age; Silen was the youngest of our friend group and was thirteen, when he was alive. Aside from that, I noticed idly how high his turtle neck went, but decided to ignore it; maybe he got cold in here? It was very cold in here, like the thermostat was broken stuck at freezing. I am suddenly grateful for my jacket.

"It's strange to see someone so far from the city. After everyone else left the orphanage it's just been Dainin and me. Well, the school closed down, then everyone moved, so it was a gradual thing." Christophe conversationally supplied, sounding more relaxed than he looked. "Oh, I forgot to actually introduce myself. It's Christophe." He smiles and holds out his hand.

"Diedre." I grasp his hand, before softly gasping.

-

It's so hot here. Sweltering. Running towards the attic, climbing the stairs. Where is he? There just so much fire. He can't be. Oh. No. No. It hurts. The fires overtake everything. It hurts! Everything hurts. My skin-

-

I shock back into my skin. Recoiling inside myself, I try to look back at him, but he refuses to meet my gaze for long.

"Ah, it's nice to meet you, Diedre!" He grins hollowly at me. Christophe sits down at small stool nearby, not getting in a hurry. "It's a lovely day today, isn't it? Have you seen the posters for the Daffodil Festival I put up?"

"Oh, I have! It was on a sign post, near town, right? But-" I hesitate a little," there's no one here? Is it still going on? Did I miss it? I was a little curious about it."

"Oh, it's fine. It happens every year like this! Heh. I try every year to get people to come and view the flowers with us, Dainin and I, but there's no one that ever comes. It's just such a shame, really." He sighs dramatically. Then suddenly, without much warning, he brightens," Oh, but would you stay with us? Surely you saw that super big one, it hasn't bloomed yet for some reason. Even though the daffodil is the first flower to bloom for spring...-" Christophe drifts off, his thinking distracting him from his surroundings. I take a glance at his hands on a whim, his fingers are caked with dirt. It clashes with the orderly appearance he has. Though at this point, what hasn't? His appearance, behaviors, all tell me a different story from what he's telling me; I would know since I've dealt with people and their secrets. 

Every second he gets, he glances at my hair, trying to do it when he thinks I'm not looking. I've dealt with people's stares at my stark red hair my entire life, and have a pretty good idea of what goes through their heads when they see it. Something about his way of speaking sets me on edge. I wish I could put my finger on it, but I like to think my intuition is pretty good on these things. Looking down at the hand that shook his, remembering the emotions I received from him. Pain. Heat. Suffering. I knew he was dead like the others, but seeing as I didn't know him, I had no idea why he was here. It would clear some things up if this was a true afterlife and/or purgatory. People don't have to know me to be in these. After all how stupid is that? I feel dumb for even thinking that was the case. 

Wait, I thought there was two people that lived here? I've seen Christophe, but where was Dainin? I'd spent so much time thinking about the kid in front of me, that I hadn't even noticed the one that was missing; how could I have missed him, it was so quiet in here.

"Would you like some lemonade?" Christophe suddenly asked, smiling brightly, getting up and going into another room before I could even respond. I'm starting to feel very suspicious of the blond teen. Just, at the same time, I'm trying to tell myself that I'm jumping to conclusions. Feeling a bit torn on the situation at a hole, I suppose it's best to wait it out and see.

Not even a couple minutes later, I have a cold glass of lemonade given to me by Christophe. He has another drink, darker in color, I guessed it was iced tea, in his hand. Try it, he says to me, Dainin loves my lemonade.

"You keep mentioning Dainin, but he hasn't come around, has he? Where he is?" I ask conversationally, stirring my lemonade with the straw provided. The ice clinks a little as I do so. Why ice, I wonder to myself, it's so cold in here?

"Oh, Dainin, Dainin's around doing chores. Right, he's cleaning up the attic, looking for something for the festival. I'm taking a break from making food, so that's my part of the thing, if you were wondering. If you stay later, we'll see him." He smiles widely at me, closing his eyes slightly. He tucks his long hair behind both of his ears, getting it out of his eyes.  There's no smell of food in this house. Nothing has been cooking in here. How can he just have finished anything? Unless everything was sandwiches or cold food, but really? The pit in my stomach grows a little, but I decide to ignore it; after all getting into trouble is my job now, I guess.

I take a long draw out of the straw, watching Christophe's reaction the entire time. Nothing happens immediately, but I have a think that'll change in a little. He reacts very little, but he does smile a little; I almost don't notice, but I do since I'm looking for it. We'll just have to see how I react to it.

"Actually you know, why don't we go say hi. You don't have to help or anything, but he's been at it for awhile. I think maybe he deserves a break, don't you think? It'd be nice if he met our guest." Christophe is speaking fast, too fast, almost to himself really. I just nod. I can't stop myself, it's just so easy to agree. Coldness enters my stomach, sobering me a little. So that's what it is. Narrowing my eyes I stand up, but say nothing else. I just have to wait.

-

She'll come and change everything. How can one person be so powerful? Remove the boundaries of lies and won't be afraid of fire. Who's that powerful? Only Lady Death is, why would she say that to us? I can't falter. I can't stop now that I've gone this far. I have to keep going.

I hate you. I hate you. You are the worst. Why did you have to come? Everything about you makes me sick! Especially your red hair! It's the color of fire, the color of death.

-

I flicker back to the stairs leading up to the attic. Christophe is talking to me.

"I've got to get you to Dainin, he'll get better, and you'll-you'll go away. It's so easy. Anyone can do it. We've got to do it. I hope this works. I'll sacrifice even you if that means everything can go back to the way it was before."

"So what's up with him? He sick or something?" Christophe rapidly turns around. He eyes are wide with fear, and his expression is leaning towards unhinged. I can hear his breathing pick up. "Come on, just tell me. I mean, while we're being honest, why don't you tell me what you're doing here? What did you do to the lemonade? It was a strong one, but you don't know how to make them. Fess up and I'll help you."

"Why?" He whispered. "Don't you just want to kill us? Get rid of us? She told you to reap our souls."

"Who told you that?! I'm just trying to get home!" I sputter. "Who said anything about killing anybody?" He doesn't even seem to consider that, but retorts back all the same:

"Oh don't lie to me, Miss Reaper. You know exactly what you're doing here! Why else would you come to some dumb flower festival? I only did that to lure people here, so Dainin and I could- no. No. No, you can't fool me! I'm not going to be tricked by you! Oh no." He snaps, quickly turning up to the ladder, and begins shouting at the top of his lungs," Dainin! She's here! Help me, please!"

"OK." A younger male voice calls, immediately after, not wasting a second. "I'm coming down, Christophe." the voice teases, seemingly ignorant of the severity of the situation. Giggles can be heard from above, growing in volume, getting closer and closer. I can see Christophe stiffening up a little. A boy with lime green hair and pink eyes pops his head over the railing in the attic. I can now see why Christophe is so unhinged about all this: Dainin does not look well. He is extremely pale in the face, and I can see the streaks of purple on his cheeks, running in tear tracks down his face. A smile much too wide is on his face, widening further once he looks at me.

"You brought her, Christophe, oh good job! I did say for her to be in the attic with me, since that's where all my tools are, but it's ok! I forgive you! You'll just have to make it up to me later." I could see Christophe shake in front of me, but nodding stiffly at that.

"Yes, she's here." He turns back to me, his expression is one of pain. Biting his lip a little, he calls back: "But, she can help us. She broke through the hypnotism so easily and can't be poisoned. I think, she could put in a good word with her, and we'll be-" His pleas are broken by Dainin's laughter. I'm a little dumbfounded as well, but I look back up to Dainin.

"Why do you believe her? She was sent here to kill us. She told us what would happen. You were there, Christophe, don't tell me you suddenly don't believer her of all people."

"I- I just can't do it!" Christophe's voice cracks with emotion, hands turning white from gripping them so tightly. "I can't kill her...I can't let you become a murderer...-" 

"-again. YOU can't let me become a murderer again. How pathetic! Didn't you say you were going to protect me?" Suddenly he's in front of us, sitting on the ladder. I take a step back, the malevolent energy radiating off of him. "You are such a weakling, Christophe. I can't believe you wont do it. Maybe I should let you get what's coming to you! Trust her! Fine, enjoy your new forever friend, Christophe. Maybe your final sacrifice will be the one that will bring you to the heavens." He points to us, his hollow eyes a contrast to his bold words, and smiles wide.

The room goes black and Dainin laughs, his weird shuddering laugh echoing around us. He laughs and laughs. 

-

We are on the grass outside, Christophe and I. Without much warning he runs to the door of the trailer, grabbing the handle, before screaming, falling back onto the hard wooden porch. I race over to him. He is grasping his hand with the other at with such a force like he's suddenly afraid of it. The hand is burned, severely. Christophe is instantly in tears, almost inconsolable, with rapid panting breaths. He's in shock. 

I can't do anything about this. What am I supposed to do about this? It happened so fast. I suppose I should get Christophe out of the area before he passes out or anything. Something tells me he's already done that, considering how quiet he's being. I take a long look at him beside me, low and behold, already on the ground without much fanfare.

I should just leave him here, but I can't. Looking at the palms of his hands makes me sick to my stomach. Something in me feels bad for how the last, by the time on my phone, twenty minutes have gone. I internally grimace at the short amount of time it took for this to go to crap. Melodramatic really but I am dealing with teenagers; not that I have any room to talk shit though, I remind myself bitterly.

I quickly look up the nearest hospital on the phone; somehow it has internet? The webpage has only one result: Holy Hope Hospital. Just it looks too far and also shut down. Just like everything else around here. Great. I mean, he is dead, but that looked like it hurt.

Well, I could call Girtin.

-

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Welcome to the new year. :0

Oh boy do I hate it. :))))

But you have to keep going! Sorry it was short, might come back and do some editing later. I'm getting tired of looking at this in my drafts, and so for now please accept. :)

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---Chapter Navigation--

Chapter 14 (Linky) - Chapter 15 (you are here) --> Chapter 16 (Linky)

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Find me on the web~030

tumblr: 

• forgottenheartache (official blog) 
•  for those that can't see it! -  https://www.tumblr.com/blog/forgottenheartache

•     whatami94 (personal-ish depression blog)
• for those that can't see it! - https://www.tumblr.com/blog/whatami94
  

email: what.ami_94@yahoo.com 
twitter: @scaredygiraffe (rant/depression and like blog)

• for those that can't see it! - https://twitter.com/scaredygiraffe 

Weebly website (calling card): LINKY

 Thank you all for the support!

{Forget Already} Christophe [Art]

 Ah! I have more art today! It's been awhile since I had drawn Christophe, but did I remember to post it here? I'm not sure....hm....I guess not. Please forgive me! (LOL)

He always wears long sleeves and clothes that cover his neck. It's a very sensitive topic to him, and he'd probably ignore you if you asked about it. 

He still wears his name tag, as does Dainin, mostly due to habit. It's just part of him getting up in the morning at this point. He doesn't even think about how strange it is anymore. It's not like it can hurt, right? 

Christophe- who was abandoned by who should have cared

  Christophe was seven when his mother dropped him off. He hated her for doing such a thing. Hated his father, and the man his mother had an affair with. All adults had the same hate and distrust; they all had that same look to them. The people that looked after him at Holy Hope said that his mother was lost. That was a lie; she just got caught in the act and she bailed on him.

 Christophe at first sought out the other children, but soon abandoned them, realizing that they were the same. They loved him at first, being polite and extroverted with bright blond hair and deep blue eyes. He, alone by himself, was a quirky child, but had to be bubbly and extroverted around the other children. Around Dainin he could be himself, having to please no one. He loved plants more than people, but grew to genuinely enjoy Dainin's company, with his dry humor and sensitive temperament; he developed a strong protective instinct that he had never felt before for another person. Taking all the punches the other children meant for Dainin, Christophe felt complete. Growing was the feeling of belonging and love that he never felt with his birth mother, towards a seemingly uncaring boy that he had not even known his whole life.

 

I'll try to write and draw more! Please wait warmly. :)

--------

Find me on the web~030

tumblr: 

• forgottenheartache (official blog) 
•  for those that can't see it! -  https://www.tumblr.com/blog/forgottenheartache

•     whatami94 (personal-ish depression blog)
• for those that can't see it! - https://www.tumblr.com/blog/whatami94
  

email: what.ami_94@yahoo.com 
twitter: @scaredygiraffe (rant/depression and like blog)

• for those that can't see it! - https://twitter.com/scaredygiraffe 

Weebly website (calling card): LINKY

 Thank you all for the support!

 

Looking up from the bottom {Forget Already} [Short Story]

 Hi! I just want to post something this week, so sorry about the updates. :(

I have a tough one to share today. So the warnings may be a bit harsh again. (Granted I'm not graphic, but I know how hard it is. I mean, I can't watch Pet Sematary because of like one scene without crying.)

I've felt low for a long time. I'm wondering if that's just who I am now.

Characters: Dainin and Christophe (It's in first person, but just so you know who's there...)

Warning: Strong Mentions of Physical Abuse, References/Mentions of Bullying, Depictions of Depressive Symptoms, Possible Dissociation?, Possible Eating Disorder/Maladaptive Eating?, Blood Mention/Depiction, Slight Self Harm, Anxiety Attack, Suicide Idealization

Summary: Dainin had lived at Great Graces Orphanage since he was a baby, left behind by his mother. This isn't the best place to grow up. Looking back, he wonders how this place was even legal to run. 

Also: I don't hate the adoption system. Please don't consider this the norm for these type of situations. Yes, there are some bad situations, but I really hope that this type of neglect isn't a thing. 

ALSO: If you or someone you care about is going through Depression, please talk to someone:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (TALK)

 

[Forget Already] Brimstone (Last Half) {Fiction}

It's another week again? It's Tuesday! Oh gosh, I almost forgot. Everyone is being especially hard on me lately. I'm not stressed. No way. That's not true at all. I'm just going to pretend it's okay for the family and such. Don't want them to be stressed out. Gosh, that'd be mean.

My little sister is graduating high school this Thursday. Wow, time sure flies. She's already a young adult, or a big child as I like to call them. It's a cute term, not to be mean or anything. I think considering how adults like me act, they are pretty much adults already. Physically, yes. Psychologically, generally no. I don't know. They are going to have a ceremony at the sports center at the school. I can't wait I guess.

I'm starting classes next week. Dang it's that time again. Taking organic chemistry this time around. Haha, you think I'm smart or something? No. Just a summer class so I can get my associates degree. Fine I can be smart too; wait till I finish with a C.

Gosh. I'm talking too much about myself. That's rude of me. I promised a chapter, didn't say which, but I'm ahead of the game. I hope I can stay that way. You know what I'm talking about, I think.

Wish me luck. ;.;

Update: 5/18/2021:

Changed some things and made it longer. I might have enough to make another chapter. I'm sure everyone is noticing at what moment I am stopping. :)

[Forget Already] Brimstone (First Half) {Fiction}

Boy. I'm busy lately. Well, it's easy to be when there's so many other things I could be doing. Applying for colleges, scholarships, a job, moving out, getting on with my life, learning how to drive, the list goes on...and on. I'm stupid, but this is stress relief. Suffering stems from attachment, but these are too important they tell me. So worried....worrrrried. Though talking about it helps. It makes it easier to bear I suppose. Brimstone is something I wanted to write for awhile and I must've mentioned something before. Granted, it didn't have a name yet. Or maybe, I didn't. I must imagine our conversations now. Goodness it's that far now...oh my. Now that's out of the way, I'm sure I have at least another Tuesday's worth of updates; I'm ahead of the game huh? You're welcome. :)

3/25/2021 UPDATE:

I'm editing a lot of the fictions. I've changed some characterizations, and took some out in order to reveal it better latter. I missed this. --- Characters: Christophe, Dainin (more to be added in later chapters) Rating: Stress writing....it's safe. It starts fluffy at first then descends into madness, I guess. Themes: losing control (Very short chapter for pacing reasons...)

[Forget Already] Daffodils Blooming {Fiction}

Hi! I've been slacking off, for the blog and in real life, so I'm trying to pace myself. I wonder if when someone says its good for you, does it really mean that it is? Is suffering good for you? I don't know....

-Sigh- I'll try my best to get some sleep, but only after my duties are done. -Sigh-

Characters: Christophe, Dainin
Ratings: SFW :3
Warnings: It's a bit hard to read...I hope it doesn't hinder what I'm trying to say..... -sigh-

I'd like to write a platonic relationship with trust and good feelings. It's hard considering my relationships are zero right now. Ah...well....thanks for reading...and the story as always is under the cut.

[Forget Already] Christophe and Dainin {Art Dump}

Hello. I know it's been awhile. I've drawn some more, so I'm going to share.

The rest below the cut like always.

[Forget Already] Character Summary (WIP)

Forget Already is an unreleased rpg maker 2003 game by myself. It's been about two years since I've started working on it, off and on, and it doesn't seem like there's an end in sight.

One of the more popular title cards.... <.<

I'll list the characters that are surrounding this fiction: