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There was a soft knock. Eddie picked his head up, it was late, who would be knocking on his door at this hour? Sausage was already in bed and dead asleep. The knock had caused Bubbles to awaken from her slumber growling. He hushed the dog, setting down the hammer and his current project and making his way to the door. The heavy spruce and iron door creaked as it opened, He reminded himself to put some grease on the hinges.
The last thing he expected to see was a small frame of a little girl and a deer. He opened his mouth, then closed it, too confused to say much. With the hand that was not propped on the deer, the little girl waved, sheepishly smiling, “Hello, I was looking for the blacksmith? I know it's late I just-” their voice cracking as they tried to speak over a whisper.
Eddie crossed his arms, “You’re looking at him, but where are your parents.”
She fiddled with a small pouch, “Oh good I was looking to comm-”
“Where are your parents?” Eddie pressed.
They froze, feet now shifting to have their toes pressed together, looking down, “I don’t know Sir.”
Eddie sighed, he already had Sausage who was more than a handful. But still, he crouched down, his tall stature probably adding to their fear, “I’m sorry, I’m Eddie,” He stuck out his paw, the frail child shaking it, “Now what's your name?” Maybe he could look into finding her parents.
She looked back at him, “Kichō.”
“That's a nice name,” He smiled, he offered his hand, “I’m Eddie. It's dark out why don’t you come inside?” They nodded, shaking as they let Eddie take their hand, the other one leaving the deer. For a moment She turned back, waving to it before the deer wandered off. He was still baffled by how unafraid the deer was. Her other hand quickly clasped over his, like her entire weight on his paw instead of her legs. His breath caught in his throat, but he tore his eyes away. As they walked inside to his kitchen he noticed the way she stumbled, slow with each step. Something was wrong .
Eddie helped her into one of the chairs, almost giggling at the way they could just barely see over the table. Bubbles coming by for a sniff, and probably pets. He knew full well that Sausage and him were much taller than most. He didn’t know how Sauage got as tall as he was but for him, it was just the hybrid in him. “Would you like anything to eat or drink?” She shook her head, arms flat across the table, almost as if trying to pull herself up. “Then why were you out so late? It's pretty dangerous for a kid such as yourself.”
“I don’t want people to see me, but I came to ask for a commission,” The small bag being plopped on the table with a small jingle, “I made some money-”
He felt bad for cutting the poor kid off so many times but, “No payment, keep the money sweetheart.”
“Oh,” they said quietly, slowly pulling back the bag, “My legs are starting to hurt and I can’t walk right and I was wondering if you could make me something? Like a cane maybe? I know it's a lot but I don’t really have any other options. Everyone else seems so,” Their eyes darted around as if looking for danger, “Scary.”
Eddie didn’t admit it to many, but boy did he have a bleeding heart. She looked ten years old, at max and she was, begging for a cane. For now, He just patted her head, “Of course, I will, don’t worry about it alright? But I can’t have you walking home in the dead of night alright? Do you want to stay here?” Eddie knew he didn’t have a spare room, his spare was now owned by Sausage, but that didn't matter much. He could sleep on the couch.
“Is there,” Once again, looking around as if they were being hunted, “Is there anyone else here?”
Eddie nodded, “Just my godson Sausage. He’s currently asleep upstairs in his room.”
“Is he like you?” She said the phrase so fast he almost didn’t catch what she had said. Their fingers instantly curling into fists, clutching the nightgown, trembling.
Eddie’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion, “Do you mean like rabbit or something else?”
“Rabbit.” She confirmed.
He let his head sway side to side, “Well no, he's got rabbit ears and antlers coming in but looks pretty human.” He shook his head, remembering all times Sausage had set fire to something or caused some kind of chaos.
Eddie watched as fear flashed like thunder in their eyes as they hopped off the chair, “Oh well, I’ll get going then!” Their voice had jumped almost an entire octave and was hurried in a way he couldn’t explain.
Eddie held out his hands to try to stop her escape, “Woah Woah, let's sit back down. He doesn’t harm anyone! Quite alright if you ask me.” The child took another step before stumbling and this time actually tripping, he stuck his arms out, catching them just in time. He lifted them just enough so he could look them in the eyes, “What makes you so worried?”
“Last time I saw momma before she dropped me off in the house in the woods, she told me not to trust anyone and not let anyone in.” Oh great, a bad mom and an abandoned child, his heart was going to bleed out if they kept talking.
“Then why do you trust me?” He asked.
Then they smiled, “Well you're a rabbit of course! The animals at home never hurt me! They take care of me!” Oh, now he was going to melt. The kid beamed with all the radiance of the sun.
He could help when she smiled and made his own come on to his face, “Fair enough, you can just stay in my room until I get it done yeah? Sausage isn't allowed in there anymore. He came in one morning, buzzin’ like a bee, jumping on my bed, snapped it right in half.”
She giggled, “Okay,” then her smile faltered, “But, where are you going to sleep?” Eddie stood up, taking her hand in his, leading her to his room, Bubbles trailing behind. Luckily his house was all one story.
He shrugged, “I’m just fine sleeping on the couch.”
Her face now a frown, “Oh, are you sure?”
Eddie ruffled her hair, “I’ve done it plenty of times before, doesn’t bother me now.” There was some truth to his statement, there had been plenty of nights where he was too exhausted from working, and instead of making it to his room, he’d just crash on the couch. What he did lie about was it not bothering him, he always woke up with a sore back, regretting it and telling himself he’d never do it again. “Now come on,” He picked them up by the armpits, slinging them around just like he used to with Sausage when he was much younger. Her giggles returned and resonated like ringing bells in his ears. Carefully, he tucked them into his bed, its massive size making the kid seem even tinier. After patting down the blankets, she yawned, he gave a small chuckle, “Goodnight Kichō.”
Through a mumble, they whispered, “Good night Mister.” Then, their eyes closed, and he watched for a minute as her breathing slowed to a long rise and fall. He made his way to the doorway, looking back one more time, before heading downstairs to the couch.
Eddie awoke to Sausage, his own rabbit ears flopping about, poking him, “Overworking yourself again huh?” Bubbles was at their feet, looking for breakfast.
It took him a second to blink away the sun in his eyes, before he sat up, bones popping as he stretched, “Not quite.”
He watched as Sausage's head tilted like Bubbles, “Oh? Do tell.”
Eddie knew he could trust Sausage, this was not an exception, “A little kid came in last night, it was nearly eleven p.m. poor thing asked for a cane, said their legs were giving out. Even worse, it's so skittish. They almost tried to go home last night, didn’t allow it to, so their asleep upstairs. So Sausage,” He held out his pinky, “You don’t know it's here.”
Sausage latched on to his pinky with his own, shaking it almost like a handshake, “I don’t know it's here.”
“Good,” Eddie ruffled his hair, carefully avoiding the antlers just starting to come in, as Sausage called out to protest, “I’ll go get started on breakfast.” Eddie headed into the kitchen.
Sausage was quick to follow, “Oooo, what's for breakfast?”
Eddie stopped to look at him, causing sausage to crash into him, “You think I know? I haven’t even touched the pantry yet.” Then resuming his walk to the pantry, “I know one thing for sure, we're not having Sausages.” Eddie smirked, remembering the time he made sausages for breakfast. It was the first and last time. Sausage burst into tears, thinking that Eddie had cooked parts of him.
Sausage rolled his eyes, “Come on now, you gotta let that go. It was years ago!”
Eddie laughed to himself as he grabbed out eggs and hashbrowns, “And yet it's my favorite story to tell.”
Sausage groaned, putting his head on the table and slinging both arms over his head, as Eddie lit the stove, the familiar tick tick tick, before it burst into flames, “You’re so mean.”
Eddie oiled the pan before setting it on the stove to heat up, “Sure sure.”
Breakfast continued on with their usual banter. Sure Eddie always gave him a hard time but he always made sure Sausage knew he was wanted here. Eddie had always attracted the people who were so-called tragedies, it was no surprise to anyone that Eddie immediately took Sausage in. He had always liked those people more, being one himself. They always seemed to appreciate the finer things in life more, not taking anything for granted.
A knock from the door broke their usual breakfast, Sausage bolted up calling out, “I got it!” There in the doorway stood the man from the day before, he had traveled all this way for a chisel. He watched for a moment as they bantered and Sausage just laughed, pushing the man down at the breakfast table, offering the man breakfast, which the man held out his hand and shook his head.
A flash of movement caught Eddie's eyes as he looked down the hall, there was the kid from last night, tucked right around the corner watching them. Eddie sighed, getting up, he patted Sausage on the back before taking his plate to the sink and giving it a quick rinse. He grabbed a fresh plate, making the portions smaller before heading down the hall, calling to Sausage that he’d be right back and to feed Bubbles. The floorboards creaked under him as he made his way back. She had just stayed put, watching him come closer till they were right next to each other, just staring. “Good morning Kichō.”
Looking back up at him, their big bright golden hazel eyes staring straight into his ashen grey ones, “Good morning Mister Eddie.”
“Would you like some breakfast? I made Eggs and hashbrowns.” Her gaze nervously looked to the kitchen table to the sounds of Sausages roaring laughter and the man looking like he was pouting. They both turned to look back at each other, “You don’t have to sit at the table, you can eat in my bed.” They nodded, sticking out their hand, the other on the wall, Eddie grabbed their hand leading them back. He set them back into the bed, setting the plate on the bedside table for a second. He grabbed out the little bed table he had made for sausage when he was younger, poor kid had gotten sick so often. Gently he unfolded the legs, setting them down over their lap. He set the plate and the silverware down, “There you go. Eat up.”
Neither of them spoke for a while she ate, Bubbles eventually making her way over and hopping up on the bed, curling up at the foot. But of course, Eddie could never stand silence for too long, “So, Have you thought about what kind of wood you want?”
The kid's face twisted into one of confusion, “There's more than one type of wood?”
Eddie bit back a laugh, shock hitting him, oh dear lord this kid. “Yes, there's nine types of wood. Would you like me to go grab some samples?” They just nodded, taking another bite. “Alright, I’ll be right back.”
Eddie made his way out of the room. Now the sounds of clanking metal now fading in. Seems like Sausage was already hard at work, breakfast cleaned up. He leaned into the forge, “Hey Sausage.”
Sausage paused, looking up from his project, lifting up his goggles, “What's up?”
Eddie patted the door frame with two solid knocks, “You’re answering the door today yeah?”
Sausage nodded, putting his goggles back on, “Oh for sure. I got it covered.” And be returned to his work.
Eddie took that as his queue to leave, heading into the storage room. He had to dig around for a while, but eventually, he found it. It was a small piece of plywood with each piece of wood on it, a simple one by one-inch square. He looked around the storage room one last time, god he really needed to organize this place. He shook his head, that was a project for another day.
By the time Eddie had made it back to his bedroom, Kichō was all finished with breakfast. She was staring out the window. He gave a gentle knock on the open door, letting her know that he was here. Unfortunately, she still jumped a mile high which caused Bubble's head to shoot up. “Sorry,” He halfway laughed, “Whatcha looking at?”
Their eyes drifted back to the window, Bubbles relaxing, going back to her nap, “The butterflies saw I was gone and came looking for me. I’m usually outside on my swing feeding them by now.”
Eddies face twisted in doubt, “Uh huh, sure.” That sounded a little darker than he had hoped it would.
She huffed, crossing her arms, “Oh yeah? Just open the window. I’ll show you.”
“Okay, just don’t be too sad when they don’t come in alright?” Although he halfway raised Sausage, he was still terrible with crying children. He slid open his window, the warm morning breeze drifting in, bringing tens of butterflies, all flocking to Kichō. His jaw dropped. He’d never even seen so many and of all different kinds. Unbelievable.
They sat there giggling as they were swarmed, talking to them, and the butterflies responded, almost like they could understand each other. “I told you so.” She said beaming once more.
He blinked a couple of times, closing his mouth, trying to shake himself from his stupor, “Yeah I guess so.”
They held out their finger, a butterfly landing on them as he sat down next to them, “See this one? It's from my first year of raising butterflies. A Pipevine Swallowtail or Battus philenor. They’re my favorite.”
Eddie watched the blue and black wings spotted with orange open and close, “Those are some big words.”
He swore her smile got just a bit bigger, “Why thank you!”
He laughed again, “You’re welcome. Now, let's pick out wood huh?” He pulled out the samples. “So here are the samples,” carefully pointing to each as he called out their name, “Then these are our nether woods-”
“Nether?” They paused looking up at him.
“Yeah the nether, a whole ‘nother dimension.” Eddie nodded.
She gasped, “Really? What's it like there? Is it pretty?”
“Unfortunately, quite the opposite. It's hot, everything is on fire, lava everywhere and barely any plants.” Eddie sighed, remembering the time he tried to travel there to get the wood himself, the piglin guards tried to make him pay a giant gold fee. He stomped off saying forget it. Ever since he's just had the wood imported, expensive as all get, but worth it in his opinion.
“But you said this wood is from there?” Kichō said pointing to the Warped fungus.
“There's only two biomes plants can grow and really these aren’t really trees, their really thick Fungi.” He explained.
They gasped, “Really!? That's so cool.” Kichō rubbed her chin for a second before pointing to the warped fungus, “Can I have this one? It matches my favorite butterfly!”
Eddie chuckled, “Of course kiddo.”
Eddie spent the rest of the day on the project, occasionally checking in on Kichō. Bubbles keeping her company amidst all the butterflies. He pushed the rest of the projects behind. Those projects could all wait. Honestly, He was thankful Kichō had chosen this type of wood, it was so much easier to carve than almost all the others, but still incredibly sturdy, but he was going to reinforce it with a hallow metal rod inside anyways. He took his time with it, occasionally testing it himself, making sure it didn’t crack or break. But still, he wanted to decorate it, but his paws were too large for tiny details.
“Sausage,” Eddie said as he held out the tiny cane, examining his work.
Sausage was doing the same, polishing the handle of that chisel, “Yeah?”
“Do you think you could come do some detail work on this for me?” Eddie said handing over the cane.
Sausage nodded, putting down the chisel, “Yeah for sure, like what?”
“Butterflies, Kid loves ‘em. Says she raises a new species every year.” Eddie watched as Sausage turned it over.
“Oh really? That's so cute. Never tried before but you can bet your bottom dollar I’ll do it just perfect.” Sausage bragged. Eddie swore he had some gift from the gods with craftmanship. At a little more than half his age, Sausage was already much better than he and boy did he know it too. Boy let the entire world know at this point, letting anyone who asked know. Not that it was unjustified.
Eddie leaned back, watching as Sausage practiced on a random scrap of wood lying around, of course getting it perfect first try. Sausage raised an eyebrow, asking him if Eddie thought it was good, Eddie nodded, “You’re pretty damn good sausage.”
Sausage puffed out his chest as he picked up the cane, “Oh but of course.”
Eddie was tempted to smack the boy upside the head, but just huffed instead, “Don’t get too big of a head now.”
Sausage smiled that million-dollar smile before saluting him, “Aye aye cap!” Sausage's attention now on the cane.
With that, Eddie retreats letting Sausage focus. “Don’t cut yourself!” He threw behind him as he left. He heard an “I won't!” faintly behind him.
Eddies' eyes traveled to the windows, watching as the Sun dipping just below the horizon painting the sky with all sorts of colors. He smiled to himself, he ought to start on dinner. Not before checking in on Kichō. Learning from last time, he just called into the room, “Hey kiddo.”Both Bubbles and Kichō froze. Bubbles' tails was thumping against the bed as she was in a playful pose. Eddie laughed, “Seems like you two were having fun.”
Bubbles bounced back into action, barking playfully. Kichō giggled, “I like your doggy.”
Eddie sat on the bed, “I like her too, although she's really Sausages.” At first, Eddie was not entirely enthralled with getting a dog, so he made Sausage work for it. He wasn’t even sure how many commissions Sausage had taken and finished that week. When he saw that boy bounding back with that tiny puppy in tow, he didn’t regret letting him get that dog. Not one bit. Ever since then Sausage and Bubbles have almost been inseparable. “Speaking of Sausage, he's just adding some finishing details on your cane, then I’ll put some polish on it and you’ll be all set yeah?”
He was surprised and flinched when she squealed, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Arms flinging out and pulling him into a hug. He almost yelped, choosing to chuckle instead, patting her on the back.
“My pleasure kiddo, we’ll feed you too. Can’t have you going home on an empty stomach alright?” Eddie said letting go which was quickly replaced by Bubbles curling up in her lap.
“Are you sure, you're being so kind?” They said sheepishly.
“Not another word,” Eddie cut them off. “You’re a kid, don’t worry about it alright?”
Dinner went by without a hitch, the butterflies then long gone. The moon was starting to rise, and stars starting to appear. Eddie sighed, looking toward the forest. Was it really safe for this small child? He’d heard rumors of something in the forest. Creatures of the night roaming freely. The traveler every once in a while tells of a monster that wasn’t a mob lying in the woods. But this kid had survived this long, there must have been a reason. He took a deep breath in, relaxing his whole body as he breathed out.
“Ready to go?” Eddie said crouching down, holding out his arms.
Kichō smiled, “I’m ready to try!”
“Careful now,” Eddie warned as he looked for anything out of place.
Kichō took a few steps, wobbling but still standing. Eddie smiled and she cheered. Reaching out she hugged him. Eddie hugged back, holding her tight. This wasn't his child but although he hated to admit it, he had gotten attached.
Eddie took his time guiding them back to the forest's edge, “Are you sure you don't want me to walk you home?”
“I’m okay Mister Eddie.” Kichō waved, walking to the tree line's edge before turning and waving, “Goodbye Mister!”
Eddie waved back as she disappeared, “Goodbye Kichō.”