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Chapter Text

The world of the 18th century is different. Multiple wars are beginning and many things are changing really quickly. In a village named Trolberg, there is a wealthy family living in a huge house in the middle of a village. Inside, there's a mother and a blue-haired girl named Hilda. She is now undergoing puberty but one thing stands out from her. Her personality is a very eccentric, friendly, and charming girl but inside she's also cunning and wrathful but this wrathful side was created when she saw her father die when she was 9 and she will never forgive the person who murdered her dad. Living with her is her mother, Johanna. She's a harsh but caring mother who teaches her daughter to be a caring, respectful, and polite lady but she was harsh on her as well when she didn't listen.

Hilda walks out of her study room, ready to play with her friends outside.

Johanna: Hilda?

Johanna interrupts Hilda wearing her scarf before leaving

Johanna: Where are you going? Are you done with your homework?

Hilda: Yes, mum. I left it in the study room. Check it later when I'm done.

Johanna: Alright, good luck.

Hilda: See you later, mum.

Hilda walks out to meet her friends, Frida and David.

Frida, a freed slave now joins Hilda with David, a nearby family friend and a great asset to both families.

Frida: So, what do you want to do?

David: Maybe we could meet at the fountain? Play with the other kids?

Hilda: What about we try the new market, see what the town has for us. Then we go to the park.

David: Uh, sure.

The trio walked around the newly established market and saw many new items, many of which came from other parts of the world. Hilda tries the peppermint spice from the Celebes and India while trying out silk gloves from China while Frida tries out a scarf manufactured in America but the cotton was harvested from Egypt and India while David tries a beanie nicely knitted from the natives in the Americas while trying a teaspoon of cinnamon from the Celebes.

Hilda: Wow, guys. These new items were pretty delicious and nicely made.

David: These things were new and nice to be used.

Seller: Not without money you're using those. 15 Shillings.

The trio searched their pockets for Shillings but don't find any.

Seller: So? No money? Then give me those items back.

As the trio slowly backs away from the seller, the seller is getting suspicious and starts moving out of his stall and starts demanding the items back.

Frida: I think this is the part where we run away.

Hilda: I think so.

David: Then what are we waiting for? LET'S GO!

The trio ran with their items all around the new market while they avoided the stalls and ran outside the market and ran around the village, making several rendezvous with each other until they could run back with their items returned.

After the incident, the seller walks up to the mayor to report a shoplifting incident in his stall which prompted the mayor to send a guard to check, only for the items mentioned to the be stolen by the seller to be returned. Now it is dismissed as a misunderstanding and went their separate ways.

The trio went to their separate houses and rested for a while before Hilda went up to sleep.

Johanna: So, Hilda. How was your hangout today?

Hilda: I'm fine, how was yours?

Johanna: Oh! I'm fine here at home but Twig is not feeling well.

Before Hilda could get up on the first step, she turned her head to Johanna in a concerned look.

Hilda: Say what?

Johanna: Twig is always whimpering and started to not eat his food and he is not feeling well.

Hilda: I need to get Twig to a doctor, and quick as well.

Johanna: Hilda! Wait for m-

Hilda shuts the door on her way out before Johanna could finish her sentence. Hilda is now outside, with Twig on her arms now rushing to the nearest doctor around. She rushes inside the hospital, cutting lines as she pushes her way to the front.

Hilda: Sir, my pet is si-

Doctor: Ma'am, you need to follow the line like the others.

Hilda: Ohhhhhhh, but my pe-

Doctor: No excuses, to the line you go.

With a disgruntled Hilda going through the line, she cut through and waited for hours for the line to end at her.

Doctor: Never thought you actually waited.

Hilda: If it that what it takes to save my pet, then yes.

Doctor: Alright, let him in.

The doctor checked Twig for any symptoms but the symptoms looked like normal everyday symptoms around the city.

Doctor: Looks like your pet has gotten Lupine Fever.

Hilda: Please explain.

Doctor: Your pet has gotten a fever in which he starts to feel a little hot today and couldn't handle the heat.

Hilda: Oh no! What can you do about it?

Doctor: Don't worry, my veterinarian can help you out on that.

The veterinarian walks in.

Veterinarian: A case of Lupine fever I see? Don't worry, this doctor has taught me how to handle it.

The veterinarian carries Twig in his hands while talking to the doctor about the equipment they'll need.

Veterinarian: Hey miss. This may take days but we are going to work on him.

Hilda: Whatever it takes, please.

Veterinarian: Ok.

The doctor and the veterinarian walked away with Twig in their arms as Hilda patted his head one last time, Twig is now being operated on to cure him.

Hilda walks home, feeling a little disappointed. With her pet now being operated on due to a disease she didn't know he had until now.

Johanna: Hilda! Why didn't you wait for me back there?

Hilda: Because I was rushing to get Twig healed.

Johanna: Hey, I also wanted to get Twig healed and you slammed the door on me.

Hilda: Well then, because back then I didn't even know Twig had it until now.

Before Johanna could say something against it, Hilda walked upstairs in a disgruntled fashion, now turning to her bedroom.

Hilda: Oh Twig, what happened to you? How did you even get it?

Hilda then slept peacefully but is very disturbed by Twig's sudden sickness.

Chapter Text

The next day...

Hilda wakes up with a disturbed face, knowing she will have to visit Twig at a later date.

Hilda: Alright, let me set up the time to check up on Twig. Based on my breakfast and lunch routines, I think 10 AM is the best time to visit him in the morning and 3 PM in the afternoon. Alright, let's go.

Hilda walks down the stairs, seeing breakfast now prepared by Johanna.

Johanna: So, how's your sleep?

Hilda: Fine, still disturbed that Twig suddenly got this illness.

Johanna: Oh, well here's your breakfast. I hope you sleep well.

As Hilda eats her breakfast, she feels a new thought rising in her head but dismisses it as a gut feeling.

Hilda: I'm done, mum. I got to go and visit Twig from the doctor.

Johanna: Be careful out there. I heard somebody got murdered out there.

Hilda: I will!

Hilda closes the door on her way out. While she is walking down the road, she sees a pup that is playing with a basket. When she goes nearer, she notices that the pup is a wolf.

Hilda: Hey buddy.

The puppy was surprised by Hilda's sudden appearance and hid in the basket he's playing with.

Hilda: You seem like a good pup.

You do look a lot more black than Frida, though.

The puppy is now listening to Hilda and is now out of the basket.

Hilda: You do have ears that are shaped like a dagger. Maybe later, boy. I need to see if I can heal my pet first.

As Hilda leaves, she sees the wolf now barking in mercy as she walks away from the basket he is in.

Hilda finally arrives at the hospital and now sees Twig in even worse condition.

Doctor: Miss, your pet is getting worse. I'm afraid this isn't Lupine Fever anymore, this is Lupine Cholera, your pet has drunk something unusual and is now sick.

Hilda: Is there anything you can do about it?

Veterinarian: I'm sorry, we can't do anything. We don't know how we can cure cholera when it is inside anybody.

Hilda walks away, full of sadness, now crying that soon Twig is going to die, she walks from the same lane, but doesn't hear nor see the wolf again and while she was walking, she encounters Frida and David.

David: Why are you crying?

Hilda: Twig is going to die soon.

Frida: Wait, from what?

Hilda: From what I was told by a doctor, it was Lupine Cholera.

Frida and David were shocked since cholera was rampaging the world and no cure was found for the disease.

David: We are sorry for Twig, Hilda.

Frida: We are deeply sorry.

Hilda: Thanks, guys.

As Hilda walks back home, Hilda finally hears the cries of the black wolf on the basket.

Hilda: Oh, I almost forgot about you, maybe when Twig is gone-

No, I can't give up on Twig just yet, but maybe I can give you a name.

As the wolf smiles wonderfully at her decision, she saw that the pup's teeth were shaped like daggers.

Hilda: Maybe I can name you Dagger.

The wolf woofs in approval.

Hilda: Ok buddy. See you later.

Hilda walks back home, now with a neutral face as she now thinks about adopting the wolf.

Johanna: So, how's Twig?

Hilda: He's not fine, he has Lupine Cholera.

Before Johanna could give a gasp of horror, Hilda went to Twig's food bowl and examined the water.

Hilda: What water did you give him?

Johanna: I think I gave him some tea, maybe lemon tea. It was all an acci-

Hilda: Wait? You gave him lemon tea?! Which is something that Twig can't drink healthily?

Johanna: It was an accident. I'm so-

Hilda: How could you?! How can you "accidentally" give Twig a dangerous drink?!

Hilda walks up to her room in a frustrated fashion and shuts the room off. After that fight with Hilda, Johanna walks off to make lunch for both of them while there's time.

Back at her bedroom, Hilda is livid with her mum's "accident" on Twig and is now in a mix of anger and sadness.

Hilda: groans in frustration Why? Why why why why why WHY?!

Hilda then got up from hunger and walks down the stairs.

Johanna: Look, I'm sorry about what I did to Twig.

Hilda: Then how can you place the tea in his bowl by "accident"?

Hilda immediately eats her lunch and Johanna follows along. Johanna can sense disregard in her and starts to be concerned over it and keep tabs on when this will happen.

2 PM

Frida: Hey Hilda! Do you want to go and ride in the carriage with us?

Hilda: Sure, wait up!

David: Well hurry up, the driver isn't waiting any further.

Hilda dressed up in her outdoor attire and walked down to wave Johanna goodbye and walk out of the door left open.

David: When are you going to visit Twig?

Hilda: 3 PM

David: So, did you found what happened to Twig and how it started?

Hilda: Yeah, it was Mum who made him sick.

Frida: What did Mum give Twig?

Hilda: Lemon Tea

Frida and David gasped as lemon tea was a dangerous drink to give to deerfoxes.

Hilda: And so, I'm planning to visit him after an hour from today.

David: So, what do you want to do before we visit Twig?

Frida: Do you want to go to the park? Just talk about school?

Hilda: I guess.

The trio was dropped at the park entrance and walked around, talking about homework, crushes, and thoughts in their head before Hilda looks at the clock tower to see it's almost 3 PM

Hilda: Oh crap! I need to go to Twig before he thinks I've abandoned him. See you later!

Hilda ran away from the park and arrived at the hospital by 2:57 PM

Hilda: Hello? Anybody here?

Doctor: Oh, hi Hilda. Still here for your pet?

Hilda: Yes! Can I see him?

Veterinarian: Sure, but I got to warn you, your pet isn't doing good.

Hilda: Don't worry, I hope Twig is fine.

Hilda walks into the veterinarian's office and is shocked at what she is seeing.

Twig was circled up to itself while blood and bile vomit surrounds Twig in the corner while Twig cries from the extreme stomach aches he was experiencing.

Chapter Text

Hilda reacts with a shocked look and tries to reach out to Twig but the doctor grips his hand on Hilda's arm and pulls her back.

Hilda: Doctor, not now! Twig is in trouble; I need to make sure he-

Doctor: Have you seen Twig? He is not okay! We will try our best to cure him or make him live longer for you to say goodbye.

Hilda: Would you?

Veterinarian: I'm sure, kid.

Hilda now walks away in a depressed fashion, now that she knows that she can't see Twig again, she can't even reach out to him either which brought her to tears pretty quickly.

Hilda walks on the street where she saw the pup wolf in and sees Dagger sleeping in the basket. Hilda smiled a little before walking away with a sad face.

Johanna: How's Twig?

Hilda: He's not getting better.

Johanna gasped loudly from what happened at the hospital.

Hilda: All thanks to you, mum! If you haven't given him the tea, he wouldn't have to die like that!

Johanna: Hilda! What got you to say that?!

Hilda: Oh, I don't know, maybe it's the fact that you KILLED HIM!

Johanna: Maybe it's that you haven't been paying attention to Twig lately! You haven't checked on Twig before you went out with your friends!

Hilda quickly shrugged her off and grabbed a plate and started to fill it with wheat and meat pies and started eating.

Johanna followed her actions and ate dinner with her.

As Hilda now does her bedtime routine, Johanna sighs to herself, she now worries about when will Hilda start doing something rash and result in serious consequences.

While this was all happening, Dagger was dragging his basket all the way towards their home since Dagger saw Hilda walking to her home.

Dagger is now at the front door and Dagger scratches it to get her to notice.

Johanna: Oh, it's Twig.

Wait, Twig?

Her mind couldn't think that was Twig until she opened the door to see Dagger begging for food.

Johanna: Aww, you poor little thing. Wait here, I got some meat pie left.

Johanna walked over to the table and gave Dagger morsels of meat pie on his basket and proceeded to close the door.

Dagger ate his meal and then walked around the house to find a way in.

Luckily there was a path to their back and then the backdoor, Dagger quickly ran through the backyard and entered the backdoor through the doggy door that was used to be Twig's and now walked up the stairs safely, now that Johanna is now asleep on the couch.

Dagger walked up and pushed over the unlocked door of Hilda's room.

Dagger walked in and then climbed onto Hilda's bed and rested on her back until tomorrow.

Hilda: yawns Good mornin- Dagger?!

Dagger woofs in happiness

Hilda: Dagger, what are you doing here? You got to hide befo-

Johanna was awakened by the sudden voice of Hilda from the bedroom and went upstairs to see who is she talking to.

Johanna: Hilda, who are you talking to?

Hilda: Just myself, mum! Alright, just hide under my bed, and then I can give you food.

Hilda hides Dagger under the bed but before she could fully fold the bedsheets to appear normal, Johanna walks in to see Hilda, rushing to clean the bedsheet.

Johanna: Hilda? Why are you in a rush?

Hilda: Oh, just rushing to go downstairs with you.

Johanna: You seem a little worried.

Hilda: Worried about what?

Before Johanna could ask her another question, Dagger comes out of the bed and sat down with a smile.

Johanna: Aah! How did you get in here? Hilda?!

Hilda: How could I get him in? When did you first see him?

Johanna: After dinner and when you're going to sleep.

Hilda: So how could I get him in?

While Hilda and Johanna are arguing over Dagger, he slowly goes back to the bottom of the bed in distress over the argument.

Thankfully the argument ended and they walked down to eat breakfast.

They were quiet the entire time, eating their breakfast and when they ended, Johanna finally broke the silence.

Johanna: Hey, I'm going to go to the market to get some food for us, do you…. want to come along?

Hilda: Hhmmpphh, sure. A little sunlight could be good.

After they dress up in their outdoor attire, they went out of the door.

Johanna: Wait, I forgot my wallet, wait for me.

Hilda: Sure.

Johanna walks in and then walks up to her bedroom and then sees Dagger.

Dagger woofs in happiness

Johanna: Shush, you. You're getting kicked out.

Johanna grabs Dagger and kicks him out of the house and locks the backdoor and blocks the doggy door. Johanna walks to her room and grabs her wallet and walks out to the door.

Johanna: Here it is, now let's go.

Hilda: Mum, why do you smell like Dagger?

Johanna: I don't know. Maybe I just encountered Dagger while getting my wallet.

Hilda: Oh, ok.

While they were walking towards the market, Dagger follows them along after going around the backyard fence and then walking out the alleyway and then walking behind them.

Johanna and Hilda finally reached the market and they saw her friends and their families with them as well.

Hilda: Hey Frida, how are you today?

Frida: I'm fine. How are you and how's Twig?

Hilda: Oh, he's not any better.

David: Oh, I'm sorry about that.

Before any of them could say something, they were pulled over to buy material and food for their homes.

Dagger then started barking to find Hilda but he couldn't find her in the crowds so he started walking around to find her, thankfully she is easy to find considering her hair.

Hilda: Mum, whose dog is barking?

Johanna: Ignore it, it's probably the neighbor's dog. And we got everything for New Year's today.

Hilda and Johanna walked out of the market until the seller walked in front of them.

Seller: Hello Hilda.

Johanna: Wait, how do you know my daughter's name?

Seller: I was a seller around here and overheard her friends calling her that and the fact that SHE robbed my stall!

Johanna: What?!

Seller: I have to run around town to get my items back an-

Johanna: Get to the point already.

Seller: Your daughter and her friends tried my stuff and never paid.

Johanna: Hilda, explain yourself.

Hilda: We forgot to bring money but don't worry, we brought them back.

Johanna: And still, you are held responsible for your actions.

Hilda: But mum! I gave the items back and paid him ba-

Seller: When? I recorded my money very well and I find no extra 15 shillings!

As everyone is now on the verge of caring for the scene the seller is creating, Johanna sighed and paid him the 15 shillings.

Johanna: Hilda, I don't know what happened between you and him but since this is New Year's, I'm letting you off the hook for now, you're restricted tomorrow after New Year's.

Hilda: Yes mum.

Dagger then walks out of the market and barks at Hilda.

Hilda: Wait, I know that? Dagger?!

Dagger woofs in happiness

Hilda: But how did you- Mum?!

Johanna, now sighing: Fine, you can keep him for now but you're still restricted.

Hilda: Yes mum.

Johanna: Now let's prepare the fireworks, but please keep Dagger away from the fireworks for now.

Hilda: Yes ma'am. Dagger, you need to be away from us. This thing can blow really loud.

Dagger woofs in approval

Hilda: Ok Dagger, let's keep you at my bedroom window for now.

Johanna: We ready now?

Hilda: I'm ready. I'm sorry for that incident with the seller, I can explain myself when we are home.

Johanna: Don't worry, we can cherish that here.

While they were talking, they met up with Frida and David again.

Frida: Hey Hilda, do you have the fireworks?

Hilda: We do! What about you?

David: Got ours as well. Ready to light up the sky together?

Hilda: I am so ready but I want to do it with my mum.

Frida: Oh, ok. We can meet up later.

Hilda: See you soon.

David: You can join us at my house to feast.

Hilda: We will!

Johanna and Hilda now prepare the fireworks while the 5 minutes of the countdown now begins.

While at the hospital

Twig in his thoughts:

"Where is she? Isn't she supposed to help me? Please, come back. These aches are hurting, please. I promised to be with you. Please."

Twig has now died from a stomach ache while they were celebrating New Year's.

Chapter Text

After New Year, Hilda and Johanna walked to David's house to feast with David and his family along with Frida's to enjoy the night together.

Hilda: Wow, David. Your family is a great cook.

David: Oh, really? Thanks.

David blushes a little which only his parents and Johanna notice before resuming to eat.

Frida: She is absolutely right, the food here is pretty great.

Hilda: Maybe it's the fact that you're a freed slave and never ate anything good until now.

Johanna: Hilda! Language and Manners!

Hilda: Sorry mum.

The others ate in celebration and then Hilda and Johanna waved goodbye to them as they walked home.

Tomorrow

Hilda wakes up with Dagger immediately climbing to the bed to greet Hilda with a lick to the cheek.

Hilda: Oh Dagger! You really wanted to be with me.

Johanna: Hilda, breakfast is ready!

Hilda: Coming mum!

Hilda now changes to her regular attire and walks down with Dagger to eat breakfast.

Hilda: Oh, I forgot, Twig! Maybe after this, I ca-

Johanna: Remember, you're restricted but Twig is something to worry about, but I'm coming with you.

Hilda: Ok mum.

Johanna: Now let's finish our breakfast first.

They finished their breakfast and went to change their attire to visit Twig in the hospital.

Outside there is the doctor and the veterinarian with sad faces below their heads.

Hilda: What's wrong?

Doctor: You need to come inside.

Johanna: Did something happen to Twig?

Veterinarian: Oh, very much.

Follow us to his cage.

They walked into the doctor's room and the veterinarian section and up to Twig's cage and saw Twig lying dead just near the bars of the cage.

Hilda and Johanna: Twig!

Hilda and Johanna immediately rush to the cage to see Twig in his final form before sobbing quietly.

Doctor: I think he passed out in New Year's. I'm really sorry.

Hilda and Johanna are now in heavy tears, now knowing that he died without their knowledge and now asked for a place for Twig to be buried.

Hilda: Where can we bury him?

Doctor: There is no more space around here but you can take the cage and bury him in your backyard.

Veterinarian: You can take the cage if you want.

Johanna: Thank you for the permission, doctor.

Doctor: Just doing my job.

Hilda and Johanna carry the cage towards her backyard and then recite Christian scripture as Twig's cage is slowly lowered to the ground by Hilda and then they cover the cage with dirt and dug a gravestone to commemorate him.

As Johanna goes back inside the house, Hilda is still outside and now kicks the gravestone in a fit of grief and it left a bloodstain from her toe and went back inside.

Johanna: Would you like some meat pie for now?

Hilda: I suppose.

While Johanna is cooking the meat pies, Hilda walks upstairs and sits in her bedroom, crying over Twig's death.

While she is crying, Dagger walks in and starts to be worried for her.

Hilda: Dagger, please go away for now.

Dagger complied with Hilda's command.

Hilda: Wait? Dagger, wait. Please

stay. I think I needed you in this dark time.

Dagger walks back to Hilda and now is in Hilda's lap, being comforted to relieve her from the death of Twig.

Johanna watches Hilda caressing Dagger's back and is happy that she is able to recover.

Johanna walks in and caresses her hand on Hilda's hair and back to comfort her as she is also sad that Twig is gone.

After the day of Twig's burial, Hilda embraced Dagger as she sees him as a wolf pup that helped her recover, Johanna sees him as a pet who can help Hilda recover after another traumatizing death.

Hilda was able to recover after a few months after Twig's death.

Before long, they heard a knock downstairs, they walked downstairs to open the door and see Frida and David.

David: Hey Hilda. How's Twig?

Frida: David! Can't you see the tears on her face? Have some manners for her a little bit.

Hilda: No, I'm fine. What are you going to say?

David: Do you want to come with us to the lake, it's a hot summer today.

Hilda: Sure! I'm coming with my new pet, Dagger.

Frida: Wait, you're saying that you got a new pet?

Hilda: I'm not saying that I abandoned Twig, I still cherish him in my heart, but Dagger has comforted me after-

Frida: After what?

David: Frida, I think what she meant is-

Hilda: I'm going, wait up!

Hilda slams the door and rushes upstairs to change to her outdoor attire and pack up her swimming attire and walks downstairs.

Hilda: I'm ready.

David: Why are you- Never mind, let's just go.

Frida: The carriage is nowhere.

The trio now entered the carriage and is now traveling down the road to the lake.

David: Alright, we are now at the lake. Let's go change.

Frida: Maybe me and Hilda first then you next, obviously.

David: Sure.

Hilda and Frida went to the changing stations and changed to their swimming attire.

David: Wow, you look hot in your swimming attire.

Hilda: David! Stop flirting with us!

David: I'm just kidding with you! Don't be a jerk because of my jokes.

Frida: David, remember. You got to change as well.

David: Oh yeah. I forgot.

David then grabs his swimming attire and goes to the changing station to change to his swimming attire.

Hilda: Wow David! Your swimsuit is just as hot as ours.

David: Oh my! Now you're just teasing me.

Hilda: Same as you did to us back there.

Frida: Ok, can we stop and get to the lake already?

Hilda and David: Sure.

The synchronized saying of 'Sure' made them look at each other and then look away from embarrassment.

Hilda: Alright, we are now at the lake. So here is my new pet, Dagger.

Frida: What animal is he?

Hilda: I think he's a wolf.

Dagger woofs in approval.

David: So, you're saying you adopted a wolf?

Hilda: I think, just found him on the street while visiting Twig.

Frida: So, he is now your new pet?

Hilda: Yup. Now let's go swim.

David: Yeah, it's already getting hotter and hotter every minute.

They swam at the lake, mostly just throwing water at each other and challenging each other who could breathe underwater the longest with Dagger just swimming with them to join.

Hilda: I think we need to eat.

Frida: Yeah, we're starving in the lake, let's go and eat for a while.

David: Sure.

They walked back to shore with Dagger in Hilda's arms and unpacking the food they brought with them.

David: I got a question for you, Hilda.

Hilda: Yeah, David?

David: Why did you choose to keep Dagger?

Hilda: Because….. because….

David: See, it means you don't care about Twig at all.

Hilda: That's not what I meant.

David: After Twig dies, you decided to ditch him because he's boring.

Hilda: No-

David: Yes, Twig is a much better pet than Dagger.

Hilda: How do you know that?

David: Twig is always there for you and helps you out at all times. And the fact that you ditched him for Dagger, a worthless wolf you found in the streets shows how much you actually don't care for Twig.

Hilda is now overthinking over how to say something against David's words but she can't think of any and she now breaks down and pushes David with his food in his hands to the lake.

David: Hilda?! Why did you do that?!

Hilda: I don't want to think about it. It hurts me.

Frida: Then why did you do that?!

David: Frida! Help me ou-

David is now slowly sinking in the lake, Frida notices and dives down to save David from drowning.

Frida then brings David to shore and confronts Hilda on why she has done it.

Frida: Hilda! Explain yourself!

Hilda: Let me explain! Twig died!

Frida and David were shocked to hear this but they weren't even going to apologize to her for what she has done.

David: Come on guys! Let's just go.

Frida: Right. Hilda? Are you coming?

Hilda: I'm coming.

They packed up their stuff and went home and never said anything about what happened at the lake to their parents.

Hilda now arrives back to the village and walks to her house with Dagger covered in a towel to dry himself up.

Johanna: Hilda, you're home early.

Hilda: Yeah, we decided to go because it was a high tide in the lake so we had to go.

Johanna: Good to know you knew about the tide in the lake, now go upstairs and change.

Hilda: Yes mum.

Hilda walks upstairs and changes to her proper attire and sits down in her bed, now contemplating David's words about Twig but she dismisses them.

Hilda: Dagger, we are not done with him yet. If he comes back, I'm giving him the way he likes it.

Chapter Text

Hilda is now in her room, just reading a book about the history of Trolberg.

Then Johanna calls Hilda to come down for dinner.

Johanna: Hilda! Dinner's ready!

Hilda: Coming!

Hilda closes her book with a pencil on the page she was in as a bookmark. Hilda then proceeds to go down with Dagger to eat dinner with her mum.

Hilda: What's the meal?

Johanna: I made beef steaks to try and stop eating meat pies all day.

Hilda: Cool, let's eat.

Johanna: Let's begin, then.

While they were eating, they heard a knock on the door.

Johanna: I'm opening the door.

Johanna got up from her chair and walked towards the door. She opens it and sees David's parents.

Johanna: Hey, do you agree now?

Stephen: Yep, we do.

Hilda is now listening to whatever they were talking about since some agreement that she hasn't heard is now in her ears.

Mary: The arrangement is set.

David agreed.

Hilda now backs up her chair to hear more about this. She knows the word "arrangement" in school and now is realizing the full truth.

Johanna: That's good, and when is he staying?

Stephen: Tomorrow.

Hilda now stands up to listen to them.

Johanna: And how long is he staying?

Mary: 1 month

Hilda now goes closer to the door.

Stephen: Are you sure about this?

Mary: Don't worry, it's for his sake.

Johanna: It is agreed then.

Stephen: Agreed.

Mary: Agreed.

Hilda now goes back to her chair to confront her about this "arrangement".

Hilda: Mum, what was that?

Johanna: I know it's hard to say b-

Hilda: I have heard it all.

Hilda knows Johanna is shocked to hear by looking at her eyes stretched to the limit.

Hilda: I'm being arranged to David, haven't I?

Johanna: Uuuhhh, yes you are.

Hilda: Why?!

Johanna: I think you need a better way of recovery.

Hilda: But I got Dagger! How is he not enough?!

Johanna: Because he is still a wolf and a rabid one. You can't domesticate that animal.

Hilda: I can try! Give me the entire month! Whenever David enters this very house, the bet begins!

Hilda now walks upstairs to the detriment of Johanna, now sighing to herself over her decision to put her in an arranged marriage but she knows what she was doing.

She is getting her married to David because her current job is now lowering their salaries due to their company now being outbested by merchant companies and is forced to lower their worker's salaries to save money.

If the marriage is successful, she may be able to leech off David's family's money and their inheritance for themselves.

Thankfully they didn't know her scheme.

While at her bedroom, Hilda is in her room, trashing her desk in anger due to Johanna's decision to be forcefully married to David.

Hilda: Dagger, I have a plan and it involves you listening to it. So, tomorrow is David's day in the house so I need to pretend that I'm fine with him so that they don't know what will come next. And I have this that I found in the alleyway I found you.

Hilda shows steel knuckles and Dagger whimpers at the sight of it.

Hilda: Don't worry, this isn't for you. This is for David. Alright, the plan is se- Oh, I forgot something! Then I am going to wake up early to hide his shoes and have him wear my mum's slippers and then I would distract them by giving his breakfast to you. Then while she is cooking, I would eat my breakfast, and then I would drench the shoes with the garden hose outside and then I'll show him to make him look like a fool. If he threatens to tell, I'll pull out my knuckles to show him mercy. Now are we ready, now let's go.

Hilda sleeps with joy in her mind as she imagines how she would torment him the day after.

The Big Day

Hilda now wakes up early to see David's carriage outside the house with all the items and things he has from his home to live with her for 1 month.

David knocks on the door to see Hilda opening it.

David: Hey Hilda.

Hilda: Hey David.

David: You still know what you did, right?

Hilda: Yeah, looking back to it. It's stupid to think that I pushed you off over a breakdown. Can we be friends once again?

David: Yeah, friends. Not the one my parents want us to be.

Hilda: Yeah, we've been forced.

Hilda hugs David out of fabricated grace.

David: Hilda! Not this early into my visit!

Hilda: I know, I just missed you!

Hilda in her thoughts: Welcome to my Hell.

Chapter Text

David walks inside the house.

Hilda: Let me introduce you to the house, David. So, you know where everything is when you're going to stay.

David: Sure. But can you help me with my baggage fir-

Hilda grabs David's arm and walks around the house while Hilda tells David each room around the house except the attic.

Hilda: So what do you say about the house?

David: Very normal, but there are so many plants all over the house.

Hilda: Oh, my mum just wants to plant around here.

Dagger comes out of Hilda's bedroom and immediately rushes to David.

David: Oh, hi Dagger. How are you?

Despite what happened to him that is because of his provocation on Hilda, he's fine with petting Dagger in the head.

David: You're more friendly than I thought.

Hilda: Yeah, he's very clingy when you're gone.

David: Anyway, are you going to help with my-

Before David could finish his sentence, Johanna calls from downstairs to call them to lunch.

Johanna: Hilda, David! Lunch is ready!

Hilda: Coming mum!

David: Hilda, wait! My baggage isn't finished yet.

David is forced to walk downstairs and drag his baggage into Hilda's bedroom and unpack there before walking downstairs to eat with them.

David: So, Hilda? What do you guys eat at lunch?

Hilda: David, why did you ask?

David: Just curious.

Johanna: Come on, guys. The meat pies are ready.

David: You guys just eat meat pies?

Hilda: Any problem with it?

David: Nothing! It's just that I seem to think that the meal today is just meat pies.

Before Hilda could scream at him, Johanna placed the meat pie at the center of the table and set up the plates.

Hilda set up her plate while David set up his.

Hilda: David, that's not how you cut a meat pie. Here, let me show you.

Hilda walks up to David and then orchestrates a slipping with David's plate in her hands, spilling the meat pie at the floor, with some bits of it now in her head.

Johanna: Hilda! Are you okay?

David: How did you slip?

Hilda: Ow! This hurts, I may need to brush these meat pie bits off my head first before I eat.

Johanna: Sure, go upstairs and then come back to eat. David, I think you need to be careful with your hands.

David: Yes ma'am.

Hilda walks upstairs to brush up the meat pies spilled from David's plate, she reaches to her bedroom and sees David's luggage and now thinks of a bigger plan. She reaches for the luggage and sees David's shoes. She now hides them under her drawer so David doesn't see them and plans to wet them with a garden hose and then have them look around the house until Hilda can show them the shoes.

She now hides the shoes under the drawer and then brushes off the meat pie at her head and now walks downstairs and sees Johanna cleaning the spilled meat pie from the floor.

Hilda: I'm done.

Johanna: Oh, you're done. Ok, now just eat.

Hilda: Ok mum.

Hilda walks back to her seat and starts eating her meat pie while David waits for his meat pie and now eats his and Johanna now prepares her plate.

Johanna: So, what happened between you and David back there?

Hilda: I slipped because… I was kind of clumsy with myself.

Johanna: Why the long pause?

Hilda: I was thinking about how it happened.

Johanna: Ok, suit yourself.

Johanna now eats her meat pies and everyone is finished with their meals.

Johanna: Both of you can wash the dishes. I am going to go and wash the laundry, do it or both of you are doing the laundry.

They both know laundry is harder than washing the dishes and so listened to Johanna's command.

Hilda: Ok David, here's how we do it. You wash the dishes while I collect the plates, utensils, and cups. I'll teach you how.

David: How?

Hilda then teaches David how to clean the dishes and the table and they've done this for 2 hours and after that, everyone is now exhausted.

David: Hilda, do you want to rest in your room?

Hilda: Maybe it's best to be there for now.

Hilda and David walked upstairs to rest in her room and they both laud at her bed.

David: Tiring day, huh?

Hilda: Yeah.

They rested there all afternoon until Johanna called them from downstairs, informing them that dinner's ready.

Johanna: Guys! Dinner's ready!

This made them wake up quickly in surprise and they both got up fine. They walked downstairs and saw beef steaks and porkchop in the table.

Hilda: This is going to be a good dinner.

David: Yeah. The food smells good.

They went to get their plates and ate their dinner normally. After that, they went up to dress up for bed.

Johanna: Hilda, let David sleep in your room! There's no more room down here.

Hilda: Sure.

Hilda went to her room and now sees David searching for his shoes.

David: Hilda, where did my shoes go?

Hilda: I don't know, check the house?

David: Yeah, I think I put it downstairs. Hold on, I'll be right back.

David goes downstairs to find his shoes that were missing. Hilda now hides a few bags that she sees and hides them under the bed and pulls out David's shoes from under the cabinet to show it to him when he comes back.

David: It's not downstairs.

Hilda: Actually, I found your shoes. They're just under the bed.

David: Oh, thank you!

Hilda: No problem.

After David finds his shoes, he places them near his bags and then he grabs his bedroom clothes from his bag and goes off to the bathroom to change while Hilda changes to her nightgown in her room. David comes back from the bathroom to see Hilda in her nightgown.

David: Hey Hilda, nice nightgown by the way.

Hilda was surprised at his reaction and couldn't help but blush at his compliment.

Hilda: Let me just prepare the bed for us.

David: Ok.

Hilda prepares the blankets and the bedsheets and when she's done, she carries Dagger with her and sleeps on the side facing the wall while placing Dagger in the middle of the bed so she is separated from David when sleeping.

It's midnight and both of them are sleeping soundly and Johanna walks in to check on the two but Dagger wakes up and looks at her in curiosity. Johanna is worried at Dagger's position in between them and walks in to take Dagger downstairs.

It's now morning and Hilda moves her arm to pet Dagger in the head, instead, she landed on David's chest and is mindlessly petting it like a wolf which made David chuckle from being tickled at the chest. Hilda immediately notices the difference and wakes up to see Dagger is gone from his position and she just petted David in the chest, which infuriated Hilda.

Hilda got up from her bed and walked downstairs to get Dagger but she can't find him downstairs.

Johanna: Hello Hilda, what are you looking for?

Hilda: Where's Dagger?

Johanna: I don't know where he went.

Hilda: Well maybe you moved him.

Johanna: Tell me how is it me?

Hilda: Well, it wasn't me or David and Dagger can't move around on his own around the house so it's obviously you.

Johanna couldn't say anything against her and so she just admits that she moved Dagger downstairs.

Hilda: Why would you do that?!

Johanna: Because I know how much you hate being with David but I want you to know him more than just a friend.

Hilda: But why?!

Johanna: Because you need to learn how to be a proper lady! And you are going to listen or else you're locked in the basement.

Hilda: Fine. I'll stay quiet.

Hilda walks upstairs and wakes David up by washing her hands and splashing him with water.

David: Huh?! Who Is splashing me?

Hilda: Hey sleepyhead. Wake up!

It's already 8 in the morning. Now go change your clothes and get out, I'm also changing.

David got up and grabbed his clothes before walking to the bathroom, closing the door on the way out. They both changed their clothes to their normal clothes and walked downstairs to eat breakfast.

Johanna: Hey David. How's your sleep?

David: It's fine, but I do get a little tickled at the chest.

Hilda knows what it is and is now being looked at by Johanna who is smiling at her. She ignores it for now and eats her pancakes.

Hilda: Mum, can we go to the park after we rest?

Johanna: Oh sure. Maybe you will be able to know more about each other.

David: Maybe we can prepare while we rest.

Hilda: Sure, David.

Hilda walks upstairs to get David's shoes and then walks to the bathroom to wet it in the bathtub and then cover the water with soap so the shoes aren't seen in the bathtub.

Johanna: Hilda? What's with the water?

Hilda: Just washing my hands.

Johanna: Ok.

Hilda then grabs the liquid soap and then stops the running faucet and then pours liquid soap on the water before shaking her hands underwater to bubble up the water and cover the shoes. Hilda now rushes to her room to dry her hands and then walks downstairs.

Hilda: Done.

Johanna: Very subtle, why are there wet parts on you?

Hilda: Oh, I'm just very messy with washing my hands.

Johanna: Okay. Let me go get David.

David is now searching for his shoes around the living room and the backyard.

David: Johanna, I can't find my shoes!

Johanna: It's probably upstairs. Check it.

David: Ok, Johanna.

David went upstairs and checked the bathroom first. He sees a bathtub full of bubbles but he dismisses it and goes to look in Hilda's bedroom.

Hilda then walks back into the bathroom and carefully grabs the shoes out of the bathtub and hides them behind the sink.

Hilda: David, I think you should check the bathroom. Just in case.

David: Sure.

David checks the bathroom and checks behind the sink first and found his shoes. David reaches his hand and grabs both shoes out of the sink.

David: Johanna, I found my shoes.

Johanna: Perfect, now you guys can go to the park.

David: Hilda, why is it wet?

Hilda: I don't know. Maybe it's just the pipes that lead to the sewers.

David: Could be.

Hilda and David wore their shoes and then went downstairs.

Johanna: David, why are your shoes wet?

David: I found them behind the sink. It was the pipes behind it that made it wet.

Johanna: Alright, good luck out there. And maybe please hold hands. It'll make you learn how to be compassionate to each other.

David, in an honest voice: Sure.

Hilda, in a hidden sarcastic voice:

Sure.

Hilda and David walked out the door and held hands as a tip from Johanna.

As they were walking, Hilda pulled David towards her and whispered something to him.

Hilda, whispering to David: David, you'll never know what mess you'll end up in.

David, whispering back to Hilda: Hilda, why were you mad at me? Aren't you supposed to be mad at your mum?

Hilda was flustered at David's questions and she let go of his hand and made him trip to the ground. Thankfully David is okay and got up on his own.

David: Hilda! Why were you mad at me?! What caused this? Because I just mentioned that Twig is a better pet? You're delusional.

Hilda: David, please quiet down. You're making a scene.

David: Then explain what you did.

Hilda: Fine.

Hilda and David held hands again and talked about what happened between them and why Hilda lets him trip to the ground. While they were walking, they actually went to the park while talking nonstop to each other.

Chapter 6: The First of Many

Hilda: Looks like we actually made it.

David: Yeah, never expected us to go directly to it.

Hilda: Isn't that Frida?

David: That is her! Let's greet her hello.

Hilda: Sure.

Hilda and David walked together to greet Frida hello.

Hilda: Hey Frida.

Frida: Hey Hilda. Wait, why are you holding hands with David?

Hilda: It's arranged.

David: Yeah, our parents agreed.

Hilda: And my mum is so desperate for grandchildren that she arranged me for David and we're below the legal age required.

Frida: That sounds illegal.

David: Guys, why are you so against arrangements? We are arranged so that we wouldn't have to deal with toxic relationships.

Hilda is so livid with David's exemplary treatment of life so she goes to David, grabs his collar, and drags him to the fountain, then she dunks his head into the freezing fountain and then pulls it back up and tosses him aside.

Hilda: If you can't shut up, then stop talking. You're making it seem less menacing than it is.

David: Well, it's because it is not as menacing as it sounds. You're saying it as you're being controlled by your mum.

Hilda: Well, I don't have to be forced into a relationship with my friend.

Frida: Hilda, just stop. You're actually hurting him.

Hilda: If it takes to end this stupid arrangement between us, then this is the way.

Frida: But is it? You could've joined up with him to end the arrangement or just live with it.

Hilda has had enough and pulls Frida from her hair while screaming slavery references on her and then she pushes her to a tree.

Hilda: Stay there.

David: Hilda, please stop. You're actually hurting us. Think about your actions!

Hilda: Won't you be able to shut up?!

Hilda grabs some rope on the ground and slapped it in David's face while walking to Frida in the tree.

Hilda: Now you're going to act like the person that you are.

Hilda ties Frida to the tree while Hilda finds another patch of ropes.

Hilda found another patch of ropes near the flagpole and made a whip but made the whip a little lighter so as to not actually hurt her.

David: Hilda! Please think before you act. You're actually making things worse than it already is.

Hilda then stops walking to Frida and then focuses on David. Hilda grabs his collar again and pulls him to the fountain and dunks him to the water again, this time she's letting him drown. David is struggling very hard due to Hilda's hand pressure on his head but he used his arms and circled around Hilda's arms and then pulled her down while lifting himself up, now gasping for breath.

Hilda seems to be annoyed that she didn't drown him and just pushed him to the fountain and then walks to Frida still tied to the tree, now is about to whip her with the mock whip.

Thankfully, she thought about this and calmed down and started to untie the knot from Frida's hands, and started to get David out of the ground.

Frida: Thanks, kind of.

David: Frida, she almost drowned me. Hilda, please explain. Why are you mad at the wrong people?

Hilda: David, my dad, and Twig just died and now I'm forced into a life that I didn't wish. Isn't that a little harsh?

Frida and David doesn't have anything to say, they feel pity for her but they also feel remorse for their friend who had just abused them out in the open.

Frida: Let's just go home, alright?

David: Sure, let's do that.

Hilda: I agree.

They went their separate ways and went home after a good or bad afternoon. David, even though in a bad mood, still has to walk home with Hilda and then follows her home. Hilda, now feeling this isn't going anywhere, whispered to David's ear while they were walking.

Hilda, whispering to David: This isn't the end. I have more ideas on how to do it again.

David felt fear stung in his spine and started to walk in sync but Hilda didn't notice. They both arrive but Johanna isn't there, she left a note in the fridge, telling them that she has left to get some food for the family.

They were now weirded, now that they realized it's just them in the house and so entered the house.

David: It feels empty whenever she's gone.

Hilda: Yeah, it does feel empty.

Chapter Text

Hilda and David then walked to the couch and rested.

David went into the couch immediately while Hilda has to light the fireplace up before resting.

Hilda: David, tell me.

David: What?

Hilda: Why did you say yes?

David: Yes to what?

Hilda: The arrangement!

David: Well, here's what happened.

David, explaining the events

My parents were now in dire straits, the land plots they were selling to were becoming ever worthless by the week and now they're too broke to emigrate to America or Ireland or anywhere else that Britain has.

They were now desperate to get income to the point my mother started to sell herself in bars in order to be able to feed us.

Thankfully your mother came in and starts to negotiate with my parents to arrange you with me.

Your mum is rich and so my parents pondered this but they eventually agreed and walked up to me, asking me if I'm ok with you.

Hilda: But why did you say yes?

David: Ok, so I think that I want to repair our friendship after you pushed me from the lake and hoped that I was able to fix it and so I said yes.

Hilda: How about you can walk up to me and talk to me about it?!

Hilda grabs David's collar and almosts pushes him to the fireplace

Hilda: Don't worry, I'm just drying your shirt.

David: Yeah, too close.

Hilda pulls David out and then starts sighing from David's decision.

Hilda: David, what were the terms of the agreement?

David: I was in the room where it happens when they were talking about the terms and so I was able to hear the entire agreement.

Here are the terms:

The Arrangement:

David and Hilda will be wed in 1755, May 15.

The Ferguson Family will be able to inherit the money from the Foulkestone Family.

The Foulkestone Family will be able to inherit the land plots that were under the Ferguson Family after the agreement is signed.

Both families will be able to share the inheritances of the other in case of death or divorce.

Both families will be able to recover the lost items and heirlooms of the other when found or salvaged.

Hilda: There is something wrong with the agreement.

David: What do you mean?

Hilda: My mum knows tricks on how to make the agreement seem acceptable to both sides but is actually one-sided.

David: What are the terms here are tricks?

Hilda: Here are the tricks.

The Foulkestone Family will be able to inherit the land plots that were under the Ferguson Family after the agreement is signed.

Both families will be able to share the inheritances of the other in case of death or divorce.

Both families will be able to recover the lost items and heirlooms of the other when found or salvaged.

Hilda: And because of them, your family just made your money and your land ours or technically mine.

David is in complete shock, now that he realizes that one word is able to change the course of his family's life for the desperate pursuit of money.

David: What have I done?!

Hilda: Damn right you're regretting. Your family suffers while I'm stuck in a marriage with you, I should've pushed you to the fireplace.

David: What have I done? Hilda, what about we work together and start rejecting this arrangement?

Hilda: No, I refuse to work with you.

David: But why?! Are there any other ways?!

Hilda: A marriage does end when the other dies, right.

David ponders a little bit before realizing what she means.

David: Hilda, I don't think this is the way. Please.

Hilda: Please David, face it. Whatever we do, we can't get them to reject it. An agreement is an agreement and cannot be annulled.

David: Then we can bring this to court and then we-

Hilda: Would you quit it already?!

Hilda grabs David's collar again and places him nearer to the fire.

Hilda: If you don't shut up, I'm pushing you to the fire and then the marriage is over.

David: Alright, alright. Maybe we can do it your way.

Hilda: I SAID, I DONT WANNA WORK WITH YOU.

Hilda puts David even closer to the flame in the fireplace, close enough to feel the fire at the tip of his nose.

Thankfully Hilda relents and pulls David back from the fireplace.

David: Then fine. When my parents visit me on Sunday, I'll tell them the truth.

Hilda now pulls out her brass knuckles and latches them on her hand and goes closer to David.

Hilda: You really think telling them is enough? Hmmm?

Hilda now puts her fist with the knuckles up and is putting it closer to David's face.

David: Alright, alright. I'll not tell them.

Hilda: You better be. I'm always here to check on you.

Hilda now removes the knuckles from her hand and starts to relax for a while.

Hilda got up and gave Dagger food and then gave herself food, leaving David starving on the couch and then walking upstairs and locking the bedroom door.

David is now in massive disarray as he is confused that he can't choose a middle ground with Hilda and the fact that he made a disastrous decision that would benefit them more than his.

Johanna comes back from the market and sees David, in a confused fashion.

She entered the house and asked David why is he feeling blue?

Johanna: David, tell me what's wrong?

David: Oh, it's nothing.

Johanna: David, I can tell you're not feeling well. Mind telling me what it is?

David: Oh, we were hoping to see Frida in the park but she's not there so we have to go back to rest and spend the rest of the afternoon here.

Johanna: Oh, ok. That's bad.

Johanna goes upstairs and knocks on Hilda's door, telling her that she's home.

Johanna: Hilda, I'm home. I got food.

Hilda: Oh, hi mum. Thanks.

Johanna walks downstairs and starts cooking dinner.

The night ended like the first night and everyone went to bed and fell asleep.

Chapter Text

It's now a school day and Johanna wakes up the earliest and then goes upstairs first to wake Hilda and David up before cooking them breakfast.

Johanna: Hilda! David! Wake up, it's Monday!

Hilda and David wake up at the same time, looking at each other in confusion before Hilda leaps off into David's laps, straining them from her weight before leaping off to walk towards the door.

David sighs from this, knowing why she did just that, and got up as well.

Hilda: We're coming, mum!

David: Yeah, we're coming.

They both went downstairs and sat down at the dining table.

Johanna: Here, I've cooked some pancakes. Here's some syrup if you want.

They both went to the sink and grabbed their plates, but Hilda grabs David's plate before he could even stretch his hands out to grab it.

Johanna knows this may happen and hands out to David a second plate of pancakes.

Hilda walks to the table, giving David's first plate to Dagger's food bowl while walking back to the table, and starts eating her pancakes.

Johanna: Hilda, we need to talk.

Hilda: Mum, what is it now?

Johanna then gets Hilda out of her chair and walks along with her upstairs and then she opened the attic door.

Johanna: Why did you do that?

Hilda: It's because I hate…

Johanna: You hate what?!

Hilda: I hate being married to him!

David heard this entire thing go down here in the dining table and it makes him regret his decision even more.

He failed to change Hilda back and he failed his family by saying Yes.

Whatever it was, David continued eating his pancakes and started to think about what'll happen next.

Back upstairs, they were arguing about the marriage before Johanna sighed and told Hilda to eat her pancakes and dress up for school.

Johanna: This is getting nowhere. Just eat your breakfast and dress up. We are going to be late if this keeps up.

Hilda: Yeah, sometimes it gets tiring every time.

Hilda goes downstairs to finish her pancakes with David, who paused to see Hilda in a worried manner.

Johanna then closed the attic door before walking back down.

Hilda then ate her pancakes and then drank her cup of roasted cocoa and walked upstairs to dress up to her school uniform.

David finished his and walked up and waited for Hilda to finish.

Hilda now comes out with her school uniform on but with her dad's coat still on it.

David: Hilda, aren't you supposed to wear the school uniform? That coat is against the dress code.

Hilda: You don't understand, now are you going to stand there and let ourselves be late?

David: Well, no.

Hilda: Then get going!

Hilda pushes him off the side before grabbing her bag downstairs and waits for him.

David is still regretting over what is happening and blames himself for her change of heart.

He then changes to the school uniform that matches the dress code and grabs his school bag and went downstairs with Hilda.

Johanna: So, is everybody ready?

Hilda: Yeah, I'm ready.

David: Also ready.

Johanna: Hilda, please keep the coat around your waist. I don't want to visit the principal over this again.

Hilda: Fine.

Hilda then takes the coat off and wraps it around her waist and then sits back down.

Johanna then waited for the carriage outside and then looked around the road before sitting down on the porch and started drinking coffee.

After a few minutes, the carriage was now at sight near the house.

Johanna: The carriage is here.

David: Oh, cool.

Hilda: Let's go.

They both went out of the door and went inside the carriage and waved their goodbyes to Johanna.

Johanna then waited for them to leave and have the carriage now out of sight from the house.

She then slowly sat on the couch and took a pipe from the drawer, under a bunch of papers that were there to cover it up.

She lit it up and took it to her lips, trembling from the sheer stress.

She inhaled the smoke, and took a deep breath, and sighed at her daughter's behavior towards her groom.

Johanna: Why is she like this, I am just doing the best for both of us. I don't understand the anger. If it works, we can just live on. Eventually, the next generation will marry again, and our family may live on in the future.

She took the pipe again and gave another deep breath.

Johanna: Her father fell for it. He was a good and a rich man, there is no reason for it to fail this time. ... Hilda... Don't screw it up this time.

Johanna then lit the cigar again and placed it on her lips again, trembling from the sheer stress and regret from Hilda.

At the carriage, David now decides to ask Hilda what happened to her dad.

David: Hilda, I got to ask. What happened to your dad? Just asking!

David ducks to think Hilda will turn on a rampage against him but instead he receives a blank stare before tearing up a little bit.

Hilda: David? Why did you ask?!

David now ducks again, waiting for a slap or a punch in the face but instead receives a warmth at his hands.

Hilda is ready to tell him what happened to her dad.

Hilda: David, why are you flinching? I'm ready to tell you what happened to him.

David: Really? Are you going to tell me? Just like that?

Hilda: Yeah, now here-

Before Hilda could explain her dad's death, their carriage driver said that they've reached the school campus.

Hilda: Later, I'll tell you.

Hilda then walks out of the carriage but her shoe has stepped on a loose sleeve of the coat on her waist and trips to the ground.

To the attention of everyone, they saw David's face look outside and everyone now believes that he pushed her out of the carriage.

Archibald: Wow, David. What a way to "woo" women to you.

Kelly: Wow, such respect for women, David.

Jared then walked from out of nowhere and tried to help Hilda out.

Jared: You ok, Hilda?

Alexander: Jared, stop getting women to you. They don't want you, you can see it in their eyes.

Jared: Shut up, Alex! You didn't even get to ask Natalie out.

Natalie: What was that?

Alexander: Nothing!

Hilda got up and then brushed off the dirt that came onto her school uniform.

Jared: Hey, are you okay?

Hilda: Yeah, I'm okay.

Jared: Did David do something to you?

Hilda: Yeah, he pushed me off.

Hilda then looks at Jared's suit and sighed from the dust.

Hilda: Man, you didn't even dust off your jacket.

Hilda sighs while she scrubs the dust off of Jared's jacket.

Jared: Than-

Hilda: Don't mention it.

Hilda walks back to the carriage and tells David to now come out or be late again.

Hilda: David, come out already! It's already finished, you can come out now if you don't want to be late!

David then looks outside and then walks outside of the carriage and closes the carriage door.

David: Thanks. So, when are you going to tell me?

Hilda: Later, maybe I can tell it to you whenever we meet Frida around here.

They walked towards the school building and walked upstairs to their classroom and sat down in their seats.

Bruce: Hey, David. How's life?

David: Disappointing.

James: Why?

David: I don't want to say this out loud but.

David whispers to his classmates about the arrangement and the torments that Hilda caused.

Bruce: Man, that sucks.

James: Look, we know you don't have feelings for her yet but-

While they were talking, Hilda hears it from the other side of the classroom and knows what they're talking about and is now planning to tell this to the class in order to get him to shut up.

Frida then walked into the class at the right time when the teacher is about to come in and tell them to greet the teacher.

Ms. Halgrimm: I see, Frida. You just came in at just the right time.

Frida: Yes, ma'am.

Ms. Halgrimm: Well, shall we begin the normal routine?

Class: Yes, ma'am.

The class performed the greeting and the prayer and then resumed their lessons.

While the class was being taught about the Gospel of Luke, Barrymore walked into the class to inform the teacher about what happened outside.

Barrymore: Hey ma'am, I think I found something outside.

Ms. Halgrimm: Barrymore, what is it this time?

Barrymore: I don't know what it is but it's serious! I need you there, right now!

Ms. Halgrimm: Fine! I'll have to check it for your sake.

Ms. Halgrimm has now gotten out of the class to check on what Barrymore saw.

Little did she know that it was all a ruse and some of the jocks planned it all down and are now ready to gang up on David and Frida.

Trevor: Guys, is this worth the detention?

Jake: Trust me, dude. If we can get him to pay us, then we can go and get us some boats. You're not coming with us when we finally got the money!

Saul: Dude, why are you so doubtful of this?

Trevor: I'm just preparing for the worst. Who knows what happens when this fails or backfires?

Jake: Fine! Then don't join on this opportunity. Don't come to us when we have the boats!

They now got up from their chairs and now rushed towards David first and some of them also rushed for Frida.

David reacted immediately and threw his papers at his attackers, blinded them for a second before gripping their hands on his wrists.

Frida expects this and backs away from her attackers and used perfume and sprayed it at their eyes for self-defense.

Peter: Aagghhh! You came out good for a slave, Frida!

Frida: Don't blame me!

Victor: Alright, homeboy. You're going to give us money or you're going to meet the same fate as your slave!

David: Aaahhhh! Why do you like my money?! I'm broke!

William: Because we deserve better than your slave over there, now give us the money!

Ian: Shut up, we know you have money! Now, where is it?!

They all beat him up to the classroom wall while their hands are at his pockets, searching for any change or money that he might

Ian: Oh man, you're actually broke?! Oh, you are so dead!

Before they could land a fist in his face, Frida comes in and sprays them in the face with her perfume to get them out of their grip on David.

Victor: Aagghhh! My eyes!

Ian: You're lucky, this time! Ow!

William: Aahh! Later, you're dead!

They all retreated back to their seats while Frida goes to David to see if he's okay.

Frida: David! Are you okay?!

David: I'm okay, just a few punches here and there.

Frida: Looks like you were beaten up.

David: Yeah. Hilda, why didn't you do anything?

Hilda was surprised that he asked and is now responding with a neutral response.

Hilda: Oh, I just don't want to be involved in the fight.

David: Well, yeah. Makes sense.

Frida: Come on, David. You need to go to the clinic.

Frida brought David outside the class and brought him to the clinic to be treated for his bruises.

Hilda now waits for the teacher to come back and have every fall apart quickly as she sees her friends return with the teacher with them.

Ms. Halgrimm: What happened to this boy?

Hilda: I know what happened.

Hilda looks back at the jocks and sees that they're scared, except for the one who wasn't involved. She sighed and then focuses on explaining what happened to him and the teacher is now nodding her head from the events and is now ready to suspend them.

Ms. Halgrimm: Thank you for the explanation, Hilda. Now shall we continue the class?

Before one of them says anything, the president says that it's now lunchtime.

Natalie: Ma'am, it's now lunchtime.

Ms. Halgrimm: Ahh, right. Then everyone is off to the cafeteria except for you jocks over there!

Everyone except the jocks: Yes ma'am.

Everyone packed their bags and went out of the class and the ones the teacher mentioned were the ones that she forced to stay in the room. Everyone else is now at the cafeteria, waiting in a long line to get food.

David: Hilda

Hilda: David?

David: Aren't you going to tell me?

Frida: Tell her what?

Hilda: Ignore us, Frida. This is personal.

Frida tried to ask her what it is but was cut out when she decides to move to another table, just right beside the table they're sitting.

Frida: Look, I know it's personal but I can be there for you, even though after what just happened at the park.

Hilda quickly ate her lunch in order to avoid Frida and David. Frida notices this pace and just sighed while David looks down on the ground feeling pathetic.

The rest bell rang and the students quickly went out of the cafeteria and outside of the school to rest at its campus

Chapter Text

It was a calm day once again, despite all the complications. Hilda woke up without any fatigue and jumped of bed, shaking David until he woke up as well.

D- Hilda, why are you doing this?

H- I need to change, out.

D- Can't you…. change…. anywhere else?

H- My room, out.

David got up and left the room, the moment he opened the door, Dagger came in and jumped on the bed with his tongue out.

D- Yeah sure, the dog can stay.

The boy closed the door and waited for Hilda to come out, Dagger was still following her, tongue out and the closest thing to a smile a canine can give.

Hilda took her time changing her nightgown to her regular attire before opening the door.

H- Now you can come in.

David entered the room and closed the door, while the girl went downstairs and looked at the two plates, both identical.

There was also a note.

"Hilda, I have to solve some things, and please, be nice to David."

H- Oh, so she is not home, some great news at last.

Hilda took both plates and lowered them to Dagger.

Hilda: Which one boy?

Even if both were identical, Dagger sniffed the one on the right, so Hilda left it on the ground as the wolf started to eat.

She sat back on the table and had her breakfast until David came down.

D- Where is my plate?

Hilda pointed to Dagger.

D- Figures…. Where is your mom?

H- Where she can't help you, make yourself a sandwich or starve.

D- I can't believe you just let that thing eat of a plate, you know how many diseases it has?

H- I would lick the plate he is using and clean it up before I'd start sleeping with you.

D- But… you already slept with me…

Hilda stood up and grabbed the plate from the floor and licked it from one side to the other, placed on the table and crossed her arms.

D- That was disgusting and unnecessary.

H- Shut up, you asked for it.

D- You are giving more value to a dog, no, a WOLF, than to me!

H- Oh, so when YOU and your family do that to their slaves it's all ok, but when I do that to you, it's "unacceptable"?

D- You are being ridiculous.

Hilda took her and Dagger's plate to the kitchen, leaving it on the table.

D- Aren't you going to clean them?

H- No.

D- But-

H- Think of your next words…. Very carefully.

David stopped and thought of his next words but couldn't think of a good one.

D- Never mind.

Hilda gave him a smile and went outside, Dagger following her as always, with a fascinated look on his face.

Hilda was wondering where to go, there weren't a lot of things to do that interested her.

She was just walking around until Jared came up to her, he was alone which was somewhat of a surprise.

J- Hello.

H- And goodbye.

J- What is this? Wasn't Twig your pet?

H- It was, now it's none of your business.

J- Why are you acting like this? You are being very rude.

H- I didn't ask for you to show up.

J- Come on.

H- Can you go away? I am trying to avoid you at the moment, and you better understand that before I give Dagger permission to bite you.

Dagger looked at him and barked, making Jared immediately back away as Hilda smiled and started heading back home as she just couldn't find anything interesting to do.

H- Back.

D- Oh, that is great!

David was in the kitchen making himself a sandwich which he grabbed and ran to the opposite corner.

D- You are not giving this to your dog!

H- I am not giving him something this low.

D- Jeez, thanks.

H- I will be at the attic, doing…. something.

D- Hiding the guilt maybe.

H- You really want a twisted arm, don't you?

D- No!

H- Then stay quiet.

Hilda went upstairs, the attic was completely dark.

There was only a smaller room with a window and a locked door, the rest was old, dirty, and filled with old stuff.

One of her favorites though was an old painting of her dad, standing on the coast of the lake with a dark crow on his arm.

Hilda didn't had a lot of time with her father, he died when she was nine and she never got over it.

It still hurts, she had all his clothes in her drawer as a memory.

Like a distant memory.

Even if death rates were high, it… still hurts.

Why wouldn't it? It was someone special to her, someone who took her to fishing, to hiking, someone who gave that spirit of adventure.

He was also a man of stories, he dreamt of giants taller than the clouds and mountains, magnificent spells, and creatures that used to roam the village.

He aspired to be a writer one day, well, his dream was never accomplished.

Unhappily.

Hilda could never get behind how… normal death seemed to be to others, all of those lives lost, all the sorrows, like tears in the rain.

Well, she never got over death, much like the others, she learned to live with it.

She spent a couple of minutes in the attic, playing with some old stuff that no one bothered enough with to throw away.

But eventually, Johanna came back and Hilda went back downstairs reluctantly.

J- Hello you two, did you behave?

H- Absolutely.

D- Yeah…

J- Did you enjoy your breakfast?

H- Sure.

D- uhu…

J- I am glad to see you are getting along, really makes me happy.

H- Yeah! Sure….

J- How about Dagger and David, are they getting along?

Dagger looked at David with a somewhat hateful stare.

D- Yeah, he is um… very… loyal.

J- Again, it's good to know he is not harming your relationship.

Johanna stretched her arm to pet Dagger, but the wolf stepped back.

J- I guess you can't make him trust everyone huh? Well, I will make lunch and then you two can have the afternoon free.

Johanna went to the kitchen while David followed Hilda upstairs.

He wasn't confrontational but if he didn't stand up for himself, Hilda would toss him around like a doll.

D- Hilda, you need to stop being like this, you are just… being rude.

H- David, you don't need to tell me what I already know.

D- Then why? Why are you treating me, like I was the enemy?

H- Oh, why am I supposed to care about your feelings? I missed that part in the contract.

D- You don't get it right? When the marriage happens, everything we own will be shared, which means your mom can just… take all our money and hide on an obscure bank account if she wants to!

H- Don't worry, I won't let the marriage happen.

D- You seem much more focused on bullying me, than taking action.

H- Oh, you want me to take action?

D- Yeah, maybe talk to your mother, take a stand or-

H- I will take action David, don't you worry… But until then, I hope you like sandwiches.

Dagger gave David a gaze with a slight tone of entitlement knowing his owner was putting him over her friend, that is, if they were still friends.

H- If you try, even for a slight second, to tell anyone about this, I'll shove your teeth so deep in your gums your nose will bleed.

D- U-U-Understood…

Hilda went back to her room and let Dagger in before closing the door.

H- I have a gift for you.

Dagger looked at her with excitement, as she grabbed a basket under the table, inside there was an old but comfortable blanket.

H- This was Twig's, but I think it's ok if you keep it…

Dagger got on the basket and laid down with visible happiness.

H- Good to see you like it, buddy.

Hilda sat down and looked around, until she noticed the old oil lamp in her room, one of her old dad's belongings.

That gave her an idea of how to "take action".

But she had no reason to rush, if she really wanted to at least delay, she would have to do it on the last day.

The week passed by with not any big changes, the visit ended up delayed due to some unforeseen events that they didn't really explain.

At last, David's parents finally came to visit.

While Johanna was serving them dinner, Hilda and David were upstairs, each in different rooms.

David was mostly concerned about the threat, both Hilda and the arrangement were a reason to worry and no matter what he did, solving one would amplify the other.

Hilda was much less worried, she would be benefited anyway, on the moment, her biggest concern was to make Dagger look less like he just fought in a dumpster.

She even gave him a bath to ensure that they had no reasons to complain.

After some minutes of preparation, the two finally went downstairs, followed by David.

S- It's good to see you, son.

D- Same dad.

M- That is an uh… beautiful dog.

H- Appreciated.

M- What breed is he?

H- Uh….

S- He looks like a… German Shepard?

H- I am not sure.

S- Doesn't matter now, I am starving, what is for dinner?

D- Same, I smell chicken.

Hilda looked as the others sat down at the table, while David's mother was in a dress like the normal dress code, Hilda was using a jacket and tie, with some slightly oversized shoes and a white shirt underneath.

She felt the urge to grab David's plate and give it to Dagger, however, she knew that would be extremely idiotic to do in front of everyone, so she restrained herself from doing it.

S- So, how are they getting along?

J- Oh, they are getting along really well, behaving, actually.

M- It's good to know, we hope that David wasn't too entitled to you, Hilda.

H- Nah he wasn't, I would say he was very… quiet and docile.

D- Heh…

David looked down at his plate, he really wanted to end all of that charade now, just...put a stop to it.

He breathed in and stopped.

He could feel Hilda's hand under the table on his knee, he could feel the knuckles.

He knew that was his last warning and most likely, that he could not avoid Hilda forever.

He chose to remain quiet.

Everyone started to eat, including Dagger that was handed pieces of chicken under the table by Hilda.

He just still couldn't get over how she treated that thing better than anyone else.

It was somewhat… outraging.

Yet, he had to stay quiet, otherwise, Hilda would most likely take her abuse to the next level, so again, he chose to remain quiet.

S- So, when are the two going to marry, where are they going to live at?

J- I suppose that both houses are ok.

M- I suppose that Hilda could move to our house and, David, are you comfortable with the dog?

David pondered, he didn't feel a wrathful stare so he thought that for once, he could be honest.

D- Not really, why?

M- It's because normally, the husband is the one who owns the dog and, well, would be a shame to break the tradition.

H- Uh-huh… I see…

Hilda grasped the knife with a closed fist as she listens to the conversation.

M- We are also thinking about the children, Dagger doesn't look like the average family dog and we were thinking of adopting a puppy for the family… one that looks less...hostile.

S- I have to partially disagree, he seems like the perfect dog when he grows up, with strong...sharp teeth, looks like a wolf!

Johanna and Hilda looked at each other from across the table, in a mutual gaze of fear.

Hilda kept her glop tight on the knife, it was possible to hear it slowly but surely breaking the plate as she used it.

M- Where did you even find this dog?

J- We found it on the streets.

M- Uh… doesn't that thing carries a lot of diseases, parasites, and… generally, filth?

H- I could eat on the same plate as him, and I assure you I would be fine.

M- Please, don't.

The dinner went on without any major topics, until, finally, they talked about the marriage again.

They were doing it on the local church, with all the generic details.

And the date was only a couple of days away, which was great for a number of reasons.

The dinner ended on a quite peaceful note, Hilda and David cleaned the dishes and went to Hilda's room, this time, with Dagger.

D- Can't he….sleep outside?

H- Ask once more, and I will be the one to put YOU outside, without a tent.

D- F-Fine…..

They both went to sleep, with Dagger jumping between Twig's old bed and the bed they were in until the next day started.

Hilda didn't come out of bed just as soon as the sun was up, she waited patiently.

She… pondered, about what she could do.

Chapter Text

The day of the marriage was soon and the stress was slowly building upon Hilda's mind.

She had to at least try to stop it and as David said, "take action".

She woke up with the sun shining, Dagger was already up. This time she didn't feel like bullying David, so she simply went downstairs to only find another note on the table.

"Hilda, I had to leave again to deal with some legal paperwork that was on the way, please prepare the breakfast."

Hilda shrugged the note off back to where she picked it up and went towards the dining room.

H- Sometimes I feel like she is trying to give me opportunities.

D- What?

H- Oh, the idiot is awake from his slumber. Get yourself a sandwich, mom left the house and I am going to be the one cooking today.

D- Do you even know how to cook?

H- I can cook steak.

D- Steak?! On breakfast?

H- Who cares, you won't be having any of it anyways plus I want something Dagger can eat as well.

D- Oh great, the dog gets more attention than me again, amazing, perfect.

Hilda went to the kitchen and started to cook two pieces of steak. She then placed them on two plates and gave one to Dagger while eating the other piece.

While eating her steak, she saw the many undercooked areas that she missed in her steak and now wished that she had burnt those areas more, and that is where she got an idea.

H- I think…I know what to do now.

Dagger looked at her with confusion while still nibbling the undercooked steak in his mouth.

H- We're going to burn down that church.

Hilda then began to finish her steak now ever faster.

H- We will burn down the church, well, at least the inside of it. If we can use the oil and some candles…

David came in the kitchen to see Hilda mumbling to herself.

D- Giving him my food wasn't enough, you had to sit down with him too?

H- Shut up.

D- I heard you mumbling, what are you planning?

H- Just...shut up, alright.

Hilda got up and left the plate in the sink, leaving David alone in the dining room. She then walked to Dagger to see if he wants to go out today.

H- So boy, what do you want to do? Play fetch? Go for a walk?

Dagger welps in response that sounds like a yes.

H- Ok, let's go.

Hilda and Dagger went outside, leaving David alone, making himself a sandwich in the quietness of the empty house.

He was getting more and more worried as time went on. However, he was still afraid of Hilda and what she would do.

Hilda was going upstairs to the attic again, this time, looking for lamp oil and candles.

She would do it.

She had to.

Hilda looked around the boxes until she found some spare candles and oil lamps, which she filled to the brim and got out of the attic, letting the attic door close itself to the wind.

H- I guess... that is all we can prepare…

Dagger looked at her with a glimpse of confusion.

H- And when it is down, the entire marriage will be over, maybe forever.

Dagger barked with some slight happiness.

H- And then I'll have more time for you and for my stuff, isn't that great?

The wolf jumped on her lap.

H- And now I just need to end this…

Hilda went downstairs and changed herself to more casual clothing.

She had a particular choice of clothing of a more masculine outfit, mostly because of her dad's influence.

Hilda then walked downstairs with Dagger and they're going to the church to see any weak points.

H- I am going somewhere.

D- Where?

H- Church.

D- Really? You never came by as the religious type…

Hilda ignored the comment and left with Dagger following her as always.

He looked at the sandwich with a sad gaze, he was feeling so powerless. Hilda was just playing around with the situation and he didn't feel like she was even trying to cancel the marriage…

Hilda on the other hand was now walking around the mostly empty church.

She wanted to see it crumble…

She simply sat down and looked around, she already knew that the windows weren't locked at night to let air circulate, and there was a carpet from the entrance all the way to the altar.

The rest of her day was as mundane as it could get, she went outside the church and spent some time playing fetch with Dagger.

After playing with him for a while, Hilda now decided to go back home to eat lunch and get some rest.

She came back home and saw Johanna had a pile of legal papers on the table, she was reading and signing them, Hilda came by with a somewhat innocent smile.

J- Hey Hilda, David told me you were at church when I came back. Why were you at the church?

H- Because of...reasons.

J- ...ok, did you have lunch?

H- No… does it even matter?

J- Yes…make yourself something to eat.

Hilda went to the kitchen and did a simple sandwich, David was in the living room, simply sitting on the sofa with some tea.

He... still hasn't come up with enough courage yet, she doubted he will ever.

Meanwhile, Hilda was simply looking over the paperwork, she wasn't interested at all but she had the slight feeling that it regarded her somewhere in there.

She simply sat down at the table and looked at the paperwork….it was….regarding a divorce…

It was an entire sub-deal in case her and David have a divorce, and it was heavily on her favor.

H- Huh, who would've thought David was correct for once?

Hilda then placed the papers back on her desk and walked up to Johanna who is baking meat pies in the oven.

H- Mom, do we have any lamp oil left? The one in the attic is almost getting empty.

J- I am pretty sure we stocked last week Hilda, remember? We are still using candles.

H- Ah…sure…

Hilda went to the living room and she impatiently waited for the night.

She…was getting anxious, she had to make this perfect…this was a one-way trip...she waited and tried to behave as well as she could. She went to her bedroom but…she didn't sleep.

She kept questioning herself, but also encouraging herself… until she got up to do the deed.

She crept onto the attic and put all the things in a box and went back down, sweatshirt and knife in hand. She then snuck out of the house and thankfully Johanna was already asleep and David wasn't sleeping in her room today.

As Hilda walked across the empty streets, she could feel the scent of oil coming out of the box, she eventually reached the church, again, with that one defective window left open.

She simply snuck in and started to pour down the oil, soaking the carpets. She eventually slipped and fell on the oil, and for a moment, with that strong scent.… she questioned herself again, but the deed was basically done.

She got up and took all the lamps, now empty from the outside. The candles and everything… she took a great distance from the window and lit a single lamp, ready to throw it at the window and start the fire…

She threw the lamp and it bursts into a flame, however, a single spark happened to catch on her oil-soaked shirt and went all the way to her face.

H- aaaaaaAAAAAAAA!

She screamed and groaned in pain and she immediately found a fountain full of water and dunked herself in it, she came out of the fountain to see the church burn from the inside... her vision is now blurry and she felt pain from her torso to her face, she could just silently stumble her way back home… she felt weak….

She opened the door and carefully walked her way upstairs without making any noise.

She entered her room as quietly as possible and sat down on the corner of her room, too limped to get on her bed.

Even with the injuries, she… felt… good about it…

She then slept on the corner all night, huddling her wounds and herself with Dagger resting himself in her lap.

Chapter Text

Hilda woke up with sharp pain in her left eye, all the way down to her neck...she looked down to see that… her left vision was… unrecognizable, she couldn't see.

She looked down to see her shirt bloodstained.

She looked around and got up, still with a sharp pain in her eye.

She… could just remember it now. She could still feel the absolute horrid pain on her face like her flesh was still burning…

Hilda slowly dragged herself to her drawer and got some bandages and wrapped it around her wound.

She… didn't felt regret at all….

But she could smell the smoke, apparently, the fire was big enough to spread that dark cloud all over the city.

The house was silent, most likely Johanna was out again… Hilda slowly got up, with her back in pain, and went downstairs, and made herself steak again.

She lowered one for Dagger as he went downstairs as well.

Hilda: That…could have been better…

She looked at the reflection on the knife, her left side was completely disfigured, even the bandages were already soaked in blood.

It still hurts…

It really hurt.

Dagger looked at her concerned and sad.

Hilda: I am fine bud…

Dagger barked.

Hilda: Yeah, I am…not…fine…

David then just walked downstairs to hear Hilda being hurt.

David: Why are you not fine?

Hilda was surprised at David's words seemingly coming out of nowhere and gave out a quick response.

Hilda: I meant emotionally.

David: …That didn't sound like an emotional wound…

Hilda got up showing David the bandages that covered a big part of her face.

David: Dear Lord, are you ok?

Hilda: I was just boiling water…yeah…

David: You need a doctor!

Hilda: No! It's ok, I was never a good cook anyway, it will get better.

D- Hilda, burns from water don't make you BLEED!

Hila started to think of a way out, she quickly went to the option of actually being sick.

Hilda: Well, I am actually feeling kind of numb…

David: I'll take you to the couch…

H- Fine.

David helped the girl lay down on the couch.

David: I should take this bandage off, to see how bad it is.

Hilda: David, I don't think AAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

David slowly pulled the bandage off while Hilda screamed in pain.

D- Dear…Jesus… Your skin wasn't just burned, your eyelids melted… This…. This is…

Hilda: PUT IT BACK! PUT IT BACK! PUT IT BACK!

David quickly wrapped the bandage around her head again and backed off with a clear face of terror.

Hilda was out of breath from the sole screaming.

Hilda: You…Why…You…. Complete idiot! I AM GOING TO RIP YOUR TEETH OF-

David: Calm down, jeez, we need to clear that thing with alcohol!

Hilda: How in the ever-loving green Earth would you know that?!

David: I have an interest in medicine, ok? Now shut up-

Hilda jumped on him and pressed him against the table.

H- you...Touch the bandages one more time… I will make you EAT them… UNDERSTAND?!

David: Jesus Lord, yeah!

Hilda backed off and sat on the couch with a dead stare, completely out of breath.

Johanna: Hilda, David I am home.

Hilda: Yeah… we can tell.

Johanna frowned at Hilda's response and entered the living room, David quickly got up from the couch and went to the kitchen to drink a glass of water.

J- Hilda...why do you have banda-

H- I accidentally burned myself with water.

Johanna: Ok...did you collect the newspaper today?

Hilda: No…

Johanna: I heard that someone burned the church down…. the marriage had to be delayed, we will have to talk more about it later. Now, what happened to your eye?

Hilda: I tried…to make breakfast…

Johanna: Dear…Hilda, I am so sorry I should have been more careful and made it before I left…. I… are you ok?

Hilda: It hurts a bit but I am fine…. Overall….

Johanna hugged Hilda and then, they heard a knock. They went to the door and were greeted by David's family and a constable.

Constable: Ma'am, you are coming with us.

Johanna: I'm sorry, what?

Stephen: They are looking for who burnt the church down, since we were arranging the event, everyone is now looking for us.

Johanna: Can't we do this…later?

Constable: No ma'am, sorry.

Johanna: ... Hilda, David, come here-

Constable: They don't need to come.

Johanna: Why…not?

Constable: A kid can't burn a church, let's be reasonable.

Johanna left out a sigh and closed the doors while the kids looked.

David looked at Hilda in the eyes and began to confront her about the fire.

David: I don't…think you really burnt yourself with water….

Hilda: Lamp oil.

David: You did that…right….?

P-Please...tell me no…

Hilda: I just took action.

David: You are a maniac… You…

Hilda: I simply stopped the marriage.

David: You…

Hilda: I will change clothes now.

Hilda went upstairs with firm steps, and slammed the door shut, leaving David alone to wonder about what he just… heard.

She… did that…

He ran to the cabinet and put a knife in his pocket, completely out of tension. He was breathing heavily, his heart was pounding fast and his vision was starting to get blurry, like it was going to fade at any moment.

He wanted to just stab her. He wanted to carve the blade in her torso and make the world a better place… but he couldn't…

He ran back into the living room and closed the room, wondering what to do. She could legit burn him alive, she didn't show any remorse from the church.

And he clearly wasn't on her good side anymore….

It…was just a stab, right?

Just… charge at her with a knife and…solved…simple as that, right?

Just…a little murder…

He slowly sat down on the couch, sweating, shaking. Then, he heard footsteps. Heavy, slow footsteps, as if they came from the devil himself.

Hilda: Where were you, you bastard?

Some more heavy footsteps as Hilda rammed the door opened.

H- Are you ok? You're very… pale…

Hilda sat down by his side, Dagger came in the room still heating the steak.

H- You are not trying anything, right?

Hilda gave him a one-eyed death stare like she could burn a hole in his skin from pure will.

D- N-no...Why would I?

H- You are sweating…I can see that.

David was completely out of ideas, she pushed Hilda off the couch and grabbed the knife off his pocket, now shaking. Hilda fell on the ground and got the knuckles while getting up with an unchanging death stare.

Hilda: You are not going to do this.

David: H-how c-can you be so s-s-sure of that?

Hilda: You are stuttering… I can hear that.

Hilda charged at him and punched his hands, making the knife fall on the ground.

David: W-Wait-

Hilda pressed him against the wall, with all her strength. Dagger approached David, barking at him.

Hilda: You really don't know when to stop. Do you? I did what you asked, I stopped the marriage and I could have died while doing it.

David: You are insane!

Hilda: Call me what you want, I did what you asked.

David: I bet it was you the one that killed Twi-

Hilda punched David, making him fall to the ground with his mouth bleeding.

Hilda: WHY DID YOU EVER THINK OF THAT?! YOU IDIOT!

Hilda held him against the floor, no escape… she then pulled him up and threw him in the couch, getting the knife and carving it in the table.

David: P-please be reasonable…

Hilda: You asked for this.

David: N-no I-

Hilda: SHUT UP!

Hilda slammed him again on the couch.

David: I…need a medic….

Hilda: Walk it off.

David: Hilda, this is actually getting serious-

She punched him in the face again.

Hilda: SHUT UP!

David: You…are clearly not…. stable…

Hilda: Don't you know medicine? Treat yourself.

Hilda grabbed some oil and lit the fireplace, then dragged the boy all the way near it, just enough for him to feel the fire.

Hilda: This should wake you up. I need you looking good in case the police come back.

Hilda then tossed David aside and left the room with Dagger following her. She simply opened the door and went to the lake, temperatures were messy and stations were changing.

She took a while to arrive but, she could take a breath. That lake was somewhat her… starting point. Where everything started to break down.

Her hands were still bloodstained so she washed them in the water.

She wasn't endorsing the violence… yet.

David came running from the distance, Hilda was not sure why but she didn't want to hear anything she had to say.

David: Hilda…. You are getting out of hand… I know that death can be hard to deal with but… you shouldn't use that as a reason to attack others.

Hilda: I am not interested in your advice…

David: Please...listen to me

Hilda: I don't want to, didn't you hear what I said?