Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“WAAAAAaaaaaaaaa!!!” from the voice of a young baby echoing the halls of a tattered old shop, its spruce walls creaking to the sound of the wind.

“What is wrong, my baby?” The shopkeeper asks, sprinting to the babes crib lined in spruce ornature. 

Taking it up in their arms, the Shop keep begins to swaddle the young Grian. With which holds a blondish brown wolf shifter child with sparkling blue eyes. 

They rock him back and forth, mumbling soft reassurances. The crying softly died off. Singing filled the air, keeping Grian hushed but calm while he played with his parent’s umber, long hair. The potion they were making was long forgotten.

~~~

The same kid, much older, sat in a graveyard. A rusty stone grave sat in front, the name ‘Basil Allimare’ carved into the stone. Grian wailed, one arm holding him up from falling. His other arm was gone, freshly shaved off at the shoulder. 

“Don’t worry mama, I’ll run the shop,” He cries. 

He pushes himself up, turning away from his parent’s grave and slowly walks away, black and white husky following his side. 

Chapter Text

The clear empty shop, dark oak shelves lining the wall with magic items, potions, example prosthetics, and books. 

I dust off the shelves with the crow feather duster, being careful with the objects the shelves hold. I made sure everything was in place, carefully moving them. 

While doing the normal chores around the small shop, a soft familiar bark and a ding of the small golden bell above the door. 

“Comet, there you are, girl. You left home this morning,” I muttered to my late parent’s dog, who was mine now. 

She walked over and sat by my side, looking up with her blue and brown eyes into my blue eyes. I pet her, scratching behind her ears. She seems to read my depressed mind, whining softly. 

“I’m fine Com,” I murmured. 

She whines again, pawing at my legs. I rest my hand onto her head before grabbing my mop and dunking it into the soapy water. I let the water drip onto the wooden floor before sweeping the floor with the roped mop. Comet stood out of the way, watching everything happen. I keep the floor clean, even if only I and Comet enter. 

I looked over the floor, which was slowly drying. I hang up the mop, letting it air dry. I pour the pretty clean, soapy water out into the grass outside. I set the bucket up on its hook in the back closet. 

“Okay, do you wanna go find more items?” I ask my dog. 

She barks a reply, walking to the door. I follow her, grabbing the keys hung up by the door. I push open the door, ignoring the ding. Comet trots out. I follow her, closing the door and locking my shop. I flip the open sign to say ‘Closed, Sorry. Will be back’. 

I look at the black and white husky. “You ready girl?” 

She happily barks. We head off. 

We walk around the spruce forest, looking for the small treehouse with a garden below by the beautiful pond. The treehouse was one Basil made that grew magical plants. I take a couple of the plants, Comet watching over my shoulder. I put the plants in my bag that had drifted across my shoulder. My prosthetic arm holding the bag open. 

I look around as we watch the birds fly around, gliding to the river in front of us, catching fish. Comet lapped up water from the river, taking in the fresh air. 

I breathe in deeply, taking in the clean, pine scented air. My favourite place, calm and sweet. The clear, glistening river surrounded by spruce trees. I’ve seen deers, foxes, wolves, different species of birds, raccoons, and a lot of other beautiful animals. 

“ Wrroof ,” Comet barks. 

“What girl?” I ask her. 

She trots over, taking my deep red jacket in her mouth and tugging. I push up, standing. She continues tugging me over to the town. 

“Comet, why are we rushing to town?” I ask as she picks up her pace. 

I start jogging, leading to her to drop my jacket and start running. I ran after her. 

“Comet!” I shout. 

I push myself to jump over a log. I try to keep up with my very fast dog. She weaved between trees and rock, leaping over fallen trees, and splashing through streams. I tried to keep up with her, slightly falling behind. 

We quickly get to town, Comet beelining to our shop. Dodging the people walking around the town. She stops by the door, pawing at the door. I yank out the keys and unlock the door, pushing it open. Comet bolts in, to the back. I follow her to the back. She sits down, tail wagging. 

“Com, you left in such a hurry. What’s wrong?” I ask, panting. 

She paws at a collar. Black collar with some wires sticking out. I grab it and wrap it around her neck and clamp it. 

“Ugh, thanks Gri. I smelt a dark powerful being out there,” She woofs, collar translating in a feminine, Canadian voice. 

I blink at my Canadian dog, ears flicking. 

“You could have shifted,” She growls. 

“I would have to let my arm shift first,” I growl back. 

She tilts her head to the side, her way of shrugging. I take off her collar and set it back on the original hook. I sigh, needing something to do. I shift to sit on the floor. I had some memories of people walking in and out, ordering what they needed before leaving but the shop always held more. I sat behind the counter on a cushioned chair, Comet always by my side, protecting me from idiots before ma could get them out. 

I tear up at the memories, one slipping out. Comet stalks forward, whipping the loose tear with her cold nose. I pat her on the head. 

~~~

I walk through the empty streets, Comet patrolling up ahead. Other shop owners walked home or people trying to get one last thing before bed. 

I got to the small, spruce cabin we lived in. I unlock the rusty copper door. I push it open for the door. We both enter before I close and lock the door. I head to the kitchen, grabbing the dark blue bowl on the floor. Comet watches me. 

I grab the box of pasta that was left on the counter. I set the unwashed pot filled with new water on the old, wood stove. I grabbed some wood that was sitting by the fireplace and tossed it into the stove. I grab the flint and steel that Comet brought over. I lit the wood, closing the cover door. 

I pull out a smaller pot and grab some tomato sauce and warm it up. 

When the food finishes, I split it into two, pouring some onto my plate and the other half into the bowl. I swipe the pots into the sink and grab a fork. I slide over the plate and bowl to the table. I put the bowl across my table, mine on my side. Comet hops onto her chair. 

“Bon appetit,” I say in a fancy tone. 

We both start eating, in the quiet of the dull house. Dull like my life. Everything changed after the passing of them, my amazing mother. 

I pull out a shiny silver necklace with an emerald in the middle. It gave a strong magic aurora. It was my parent’s, the item held a lot of magic, the way magical items were able to be created. Potions and prosthetics were lots of practice. But the necklace meant everything to me, everything. 

Chapter Text

Another day at the shop, dusting the non dusty shelves, brooming the clean floors, and mopping the spotless floors. Re-organizing every single thing, cleaning up the back, and whipping down the cabinets. While cleaning though, I finally noticed the change, the old floors were getting mouldy, the painted walls chipped, shelves fell, door was cracking, bricks were crumbling, tiles fell from the roof, windows were cracking and shattered, shutters were falling off, soul lanterns dying out no matter how much I lit them, and the sign was cracking and falling off the roof, some letters completely fallen off. 

I stand in the front of the shop, Comet by my side. 

“Comet, I think we should clean this place up,” I proudly say. 

Comet looks at me, tilting her head. I led us back inside, to the back. I put the speech collar back on her. 

“Grian, what do you mean?” She asks, the sweet but tough voice calms me.

“Well, this place isn’t looking all that nice. I think we can clean it up. New floors, new paint, just make it look better.” I list off. 

Comet glares at me. “This place was Basil’s mother! A very nice but feisty witch. She made this place. We are not changing a thing!” 

“I know, but this place could collapse on us if we don’t do anything,” I tell the angry dog. 

She huffs but looks around. We couldn’t even be in the attic anymore. 

A sigh huffs out of her nose, “Fine.”

I cheer. 

~~~

With a cart hooked up to a maple coloured horse, I atop her, Comet trotting by her side. Comet also held a paper bag, filled with items. 

I tug back on the reins, “Woah Maple, right here girl.”

Maple huffs out a neigh, stopping in her tracks. I hop down, grabbing some hey and giving it to her. 

“Come on Comet, lets get everything to the house and get started,” I say with a smile. 

We walk in, Comet setting the bag by the door. I start taking stuff off the shelves and piling them into the cart. Comet followed me, carrying some things in her straw basket. 

In about an hour, everything to keep was in the cart. 

“Guard the place you Canadian dog,” I huff out. 

After a soft yap, me and Maple head off to the house. It took a while to bring everything inside but soon, I was headed back to the shop. 

Comet was still standing by the door, growling at anyone walking past. 

“Com, call down.” I command. 

She looks up to me, tilting her head all innocent. I hop down from Maple, holding up a hammer. 

“Time to take down the shelves and cabinets.” I smile. 

We entered the shop, tearing down all the shelves that lined the walls, putting the remains in the cart to save. I yank everything down, looking at the really needed to be painted walls. Comet tugged down the cabinet doors. 

The sun spun around the daytime, sunlight getting duller. Everything inside was cleared out, even the destroyed barn door and wall. 

“Tomorrow, the floor,” I mutter.

Comet nods. 

“Time to take the cart and Maple back until tomorrow,” I say, climbing and pulling myself to sit on the saddle. 

Comet lets out a shallow woof. 

~~~

Sleep couldn’t come to me, ideas running in my mind. 

I push the blankets off and swing my feet off the bed and stand up. I grab my rusty gold rimmed glasses and slip on my old slippers, definitely worn with love. 

I slide over to the small table across in my room. I slide into my chair and slide over a small stack of paper and a pencil. I sketch out the inside of the shop. A new divide wall with a new barn door, smaller counter, and a different style of shelves. Cabinets between the shelves. In the back was another divided wall. The entry from the barn door would have everything to create what is being sold, such as a cauldron, redstone supplies, metals, ingredients, etcetera, also extra space to store stuff. In the other room, a smallish part would be the bathroom, shower with a tub, lou, sink, and anything else needed in a bathroom. The other part was a kitchen and in the corner was a spiralled staircase to the attic. The attic was gonna become Comet and I’s bedroom. 

I tweak my mouth to the side as soft, quiet paws padded over. A small whine quickly by my side. I look at the husky, sadness in her eyes. 

“What beauty?” I ask. 

She paws at my leg and tugs at my fleece pants. I get her signal and stand up. She drags me over to the queen bed. I lay down in it, pulling the sheets over me. Comet hops up and lays on top of me. I brush my hand over her fur. I let out a yawn, a small click after. The grounding of Comet and the sleep aurora tugged at my eyelids, leading to sleep coming soon. 

~~~

Maple’s hooves trot onto the rocky streets to the shop, cart rolling behind. I listen to the people talking around us, very weird chatting. But quickly arrived to see Comet growling at a person who was trying to see if it was for sale. 

“Uhh sir, I’m sorry. This store is not for sale,” I say. 

“Then why is it destroyed?” He asks. 

“We’re rebuilding this place,” I informed him. 

The guy huffs but walks away. I jump down and look at Comet.

“Floor,” I murmur. 

I get a bark as a reply. I push open the door, Comet entering. We head to the further of the room. I crouch down and with a hammer, I yank the flooring out, piece by piece. Comet helps me pull the wood up. 

“What floors should we get next?” I ask her. 

Comet gives me a soft glare. 

“You want hickory again?” I ask.

She nods. 

“Okay, but we should do a lighter hickory,” I tell her. 

Comet agrees. 

We continued tearing up the mouldy floors, which underneath was much more mouldy then I thought. 

“Good thing we’re getting rid of these floors,” I murmur to myself. 

Comet wroofs, agreeing at the mould. The floors quickly get torn up and set into the cart. 

Comet sits by the door and I leave to drop all the wood off and collect some paint.

I stopped outside a home shop. I slide off of Maple’s back. 

I pat her side, whispering to her, “Stay here girl, I’ll be back.”

After her soft neigh, I walk into the shop, looking around. 

“Hello, do you need any help?” A worker asks. 

I look at the sandy blonde girl standing in front of me. Work uniform with a name tag, ‘Annil’. 

“Umm, so I’m looking for paint to paint wooden walls,” I shyly mutter. 

“Follow me and I can show you,” She smiles. 

I follow Annil to an area. I look for a deep green after thanking Annil. I found a nice hunter green I liked. I get the paint for inside and a smaller can of it for outside. I bought some paint and some brushes. I exit the shop after some soft byes and thank yous and get back to Maple. 

“Good girl, I’ll give an apple when we get home,” I say with a smile. 

I set the stuff in the cart and we headed back to the store. I see Comet laid by the door, perking up when she noticed me. 

“Got the paint,” I mutter. 

I jump down and hand Maple an apple, unhooking the cart so she could rest. We enter the store, getting ready to paint. I open the paint can, handing a paint brush to Comet. We start painting the walls. The deep green we both thought looked amazing here. 

“We’re gonna have to make the kitchen and bathroom different due to what they are,” I murmured to Comet. 

After a soft bark, it goes back to being quiet, something I’ve gotten used to. 

But after a while, a small ding was the only noise. Comet perks up, stopping her painting job. I continue working, mind being slow. 

A cough gets my attention. I spin around. 

“Oh, hello,” I say, gently kicking Comet to stop her growling. 

“Hi, I saw a horse outside, saw the name of the shop, and wondered what this place is,” The guy asks. 

I notice his green furred skin, robotic arm and eye, and goat horns curling around the side of his head. 

“Oh, um, well at the moment, I’m redesigning this place. But this is normally a shop where my dog and I sell magical items, potions, and prosthetics. All at a reasonable price,” I inform him. 

I watch as he looks around. 

“These walls look good but the ceiling looks like it’s gonna collapse,” He says. 

“Well, the roof is trying to cave in, so I gotta fix that,” I sadly say. 

“I can help,” He says with a soft smile. 

“I don’t have much money though,” I reply. 

“I don’t have much to do, I don’t need to be paid,” He tells me. 

“Well, I don’t even know your name.” I smile. 

“I’m Doc, and you must be Basil,” He says, kind of asks. 

“No, Basil was my parent. I’m Grian,” I say with a soft smile. 

“Nice to meet you, Grian,” He says, sticking his hand out. 

I shake his hand with a small nod. 

“Well, what are you doing now?” Doc asks. 

“We’re painting the walls this nice hunter green,” I tell Doc. 

Doc nods, looking around. 

“Well, where can I get started?” Doc asks.

Comet walks up to Doc, handing him a paint brush. 

“Thanks, uhh,” Doc mutters. 

“Comet, her name is Comet,” I say. 

“Thanks Comet.” Doc smiles. 

We paint the wall as I learn more about Doc. He is a creeper hybrid with a small amount of goat. He lost his arm years ago, same with his eye, and made prosthetics. He lived with one of his friends, a dog shifter, but lived near his other friends. 

I told him about myself and Comet. I lost my arm a while ago, so I made a prosthetic that was accustomed to me shifting. Comet was Basil’s dog before they died. I run the shop, which has been breaking and has almost no customers. 

By the end of the day, I knew more about Doc, and he knew more about me. 

“Well, I’ll see you tomorrow, Grian,” Doc says. 

“See you then,” I say with a smile. 

Comet barks as Doc leaves. I look around. 

“Tomorrow, let’s finish painting and get the roof off,” I tell her. 

Comet ruffs before we head out, taking Maple back to the stables. 

Chapter Text

I brush the roller with the hunter green on the wall, hiding the red, old paint and brown wood walls. Comet was by my side, helping me paint. It was peaceful. 

Until the ding rings through. 

“I’ve arrived!” Doc shouts. 

“Welcome,” I murmured. 

Comet bark, muffled by the handle.  

“The walls are looking pretty good. I got more paint,” Doc informs me. 

I look over to him, giving a nod before going back to work. Behind me I hear clanks of a paint can being set down. I continue brushing the wall, humming to myself. 

“Whatcha hummin’?” Doc asks. 

I look over to him. “Something I just remember.”

Doc nods, continuing to paint a different wall, the one across the room. We continue in the silence, working to get the walls finished. I quickly finished the wall, it was already half done. I move over to help Doc finish. 

“What is your plan after this?” He asks. 

“Lunch then get the roof off. Really before we do anything else, the roof needs to be switched,” I tell Doc. 

He hums an agreement. We go back to the silence. Comet stayed by my side, helping us out. But before no time, the wall was finished, leading to all three being done. 

“Well, I guess we don’t need the paint anymore.” I watch Doc lift up the cans. 

“We’ll need them for the walls that are gonna be added in,” I mutter, dipping the brushes and rollers into a bucket of water. 

“So, any clue for lunch?” Doc asks. 

“Nope, I know I got to get Maple and the cart,” I say, looking over to Doc. 

He nods. 

“How about I pick up lunch while you get Maple,” Doc offers. 

“Sure,” I agree. 

I walk out the door, Comet following before sitting by the door. 

“I’ll be back girl,” I mutter to her, ruffling her fur. 

I walked to the stables, where Maple was. 

When I arrive, I grab an apple from the bucket and hand it to her. 

“Hello Maple, I’m here. We got roof to be getting rid of,” I grumbled to the horse, who happily ate the apple. 

I push open the door, hefting up her saddle. I got her ready before walking her out and leading her to where the cart was sitting. Hooking the cart up to her and leaping up onto the saddle, letting her head to the shop. 

Hooves clicked into the old rocky road as we headed to the shop, where Comet was still sitting, waiting for me or Doc. I park the horse, dropping some hay to the floor for her to eat. Comet jumps up, running over to me. 

“Hey beauty, I’m back,” I mutter with a smile. 

A deep rouff exits her mouth while her tail flies from side to side. I scratch her scruff before we head inside, letting us two rest in the undisturbed quiet. Taking in deep breaths, rocking from side to side. 

The door slams open with a soft ding. 

“I’m back,” Doc huffs. 

He joins us on the floor, setting a bag in the middle. Two sub sandwiches and a small container of beef. 

“Thought to get something for Comet too,” Doc tells me. 

I nod, pulling out the one with my name and the container. I pull the lid off, setting it in front of Comet’s front paws. 

“Didn’t know what you wanted,” Doc admits. 

“It’s fine,” I reply, unwrapping mine. 

Chicken with mozzarella cheese. I take a bite, humming at the taste. We eat in silence, taking everything in. 

When we finished, I tossed the remains into a nearby trash can and headed off. Doc somehow got a ladder, setting it up against the building. I softly climb up first, hammer in my grasp. 

“Is it safe?” Doc calls up. 

“Seems like it,” I call down, tugging at the roof, pulling some off. 

I toss it down, letting it thump onto the ground. Doc jumps back, making me let out a snicker. 

“Jeez, warn a guy,” His German accent hisses. 

“Sorry.” I shrug, smiling. 

I continue yanking off tiles, tossing them down to Doc, who was shoving them into the cart. Soonly the tiles were off the roof, letting me yank the wood off to reveal the attic, which I would make to be my bedroom. 

“I’m gonna start tossing wood down!” I shout. 

“Got it!” Doc yells. 

I toss down some wood. 

“Don’t throw it!” Doc huffs. 

“Sorry!” I snicker. 

I continue yanking wood off the roof, tossing it down to Doc. 

It continued till dusk, where the cart was almost full and the roof was almost done. 

“Do you need me to grab a torch?” I get asked from down below. 

“No thanks, almost done,” I inform him, yanking off another plank of wood and dropping it down. 

I continue yanking off planks and tossing them into the cart. I grab the side of the ladder and slide down. 

“Done,” I say, dusting off my hands, pulling down my sleeves.

Doc nods. “I can get stuff to make the roof again.”

“That would be helpful, how much?” I ask. 

Doc tsks, “Nope.” 

I glare at him, trying to find my wallet in my pockets. No where. I look around, seeing Comet hold it. 

“Give it pup,” I say. 

She growls, bouncing away. I chase after the Canadian dog as she runs away. I continue chasing her, playing around. I hear Doc laughing. When I looked over to him, he was kneeling on the ground, laughing. I smile at Comet. I walk over to him, helping Doc up.

“See you tomorrow?” I ask. 

“See you tomorrow,” Doc agrees. 

~~~

The darkness surrounded the room as I stared up at the ceiling. Comet was laid on my, keeping me down to sleep after she caught me up again. I brush her head, trying to sleep. 

My mind ticks like a clock, time changing. Ideas rush my head, not giving me a break. I sigh, annoyed. Comet looks over to me, and as if she uses magic to give a sleepy aurora, tiredness rolls over me. Eyes drift close, letting sleep take charge. 

Chapter Text

Sat in front of the store, chipping wood for the words of the sign. Comet laid by my side, watching me. 

“Got the shingles.” Doc spooks me, holding the reins of Maple. 

“Jeez you scared me,” I huff. 

“Sorry, well, do you like these?” He asks, holding up a shingle. 

Deep coloured oak shingles filled the cart, one in Doc’s hands. 

“They are gonna go well with the building.” I agree.

Doc nods, looking at the sign I was chipping away at. 

“Are you gonna need some paints?” Doc asks. 

“I have an idea,” I mutter. 

With that, Doc gets started adding a wood structure to the roof. I continue chipping wood, making the letters form for the name. The same name but more character. I was already done with the depth of ‘Basi’, now carving out the ‘l’. Everything was going well in the empty street. The only sounds were the hammering of the roof and the crunching of wood being carved out. It was peaceful. 

But that was all ruined with a shout. 

“Doc!” The shout rolls down the empty streets. 

Doc stumbles on the letter, gripping the set wood. I look up to him as he looks down to me before in the direction of the shout. 

“Who was that?” I ask. 

“Oh jeez, should have known he would be looking for me,” Doc sighs, stepping down from the ladder. 

Comet had her teeth bared, low, barely audible growl leaves her throat. Doc stood in front of us. Footsteps came closer, followed by a very happy voice. 

“Doc, there you are! I was looking for you, same with Iskall,” The voice cheers. 

“Ren, I left a note,” Doc scolds. 

I see a head peek into my view. Brown hair with two dog ears, sunglasses right in front of the ears. Two bold brown eyes glistening in the morning sun. Bright, fanged smile across his face. 

“Who’s this?” Ren asks smugly. 

Doc groans, burying his face in his hands. I hear Maple huff, scraping a foot along the cobbled street. Comet pushes herself up, standing in front of me protectively. Teeth bared and a deep rumble. Doc turns around, hands out to help me stand. I wave his hand away, using Comet to pull myself up. 

“Ren, this is my new friend, the person I’ve been working with, Grian. Grian, this is my roommate and friend Ren,” Doc mutters. 

I brush my hand over Comet’s back, pushing down her hackles. Ren’s smile comes back, sticking a hand out to me. Comet growls louder at the motion. But I still shake his hand. 

“You’re pupper seems very aggressive dude,” Ren laughs. 

“I know, she’s protective over me,” I tell Ren, continuing to pet the fluffy dog. 

“I need to continue the roof,” Doc murmurs. 

I nod to Doc, moving to sit back down and grabbing the sign. 

“What are you two doing?” Ren asks, looking in the dirty, shattered window. 

“Redoing my shop,” I reply, pulling Comet to me. 

“Doc, how did you get into this?” Ren asks the creeper hybrid. 

“I was walking around, saw how destroyed the shop was, entered and met Grian,” Doc explains, hammering the wood down tightly. 

Ren nods, opening the door to the shop, making the small ding. 

“Wow this place does need work,” Ren grumbles. 

“It was fully furnished not too long ago, but a lot of stuff was old and mouldy,” I inform the dog hybrid, maybe shifter. 

Comet looks at me, growling. 

“Oh Comet, shut it. You know it was old,” I scolded my dog. 

I continue carving out the ‘l’ before moving onto the ‘A’. 

“Anything I could help with?” Ren asks out of the quiet. 

I look up at him, thinking for a second. 

“Can you find a place that sells hickory wood floors?” I ask. 

Ren hurriedly nods before walking off. I let out a sigh before continuing my job at the sign. Comet continues glaring at me. 

“I’ll bring your talk collar tomorrow,” I whisper to her. 

Comet nods, settling down by my feet. I pet her with my foot. Carving out more letters and by the time Ren got back with info, I had finished ‘BasilAnn’s’.

“Well, there is one shop down a couple blocks that has some good hickory wood. I talked with the owner and he said that he can make it into floor panels if needed.” Ren relies. 

“Thanks Ren,” I say, focusing on the sign. 

Ren sat down next to me, Comet keeping a close eye on him, growling softly before I put my hand up. Ren watched as I carved out bits of wood to form the letters. 

When Doc started adding the shingles to the roof, I was finished with the words, adding more depth and texture to the wood before sculpting out a wolf howling. 

“That looks good,” Ren murmurs. 

“Thanks,” I grumble, biting my tongue, paying attention.

Adding depth to the eyes and nose, ears and mouth to the wolf on the large sign. I grabbed the outdoor paint in my bag and the paint brush. I open the darkish green paint and dip the brush in and run it over ‘Basil’. Ren and Comet watch me. I painted the ‘Ann’s’ the same green. The ‘Magic’ part I made was lavender and the ‘Shop’ part was red. I painted the back black and and added some silver. 

“I’m hungry,” Ren whispers, almost in my ear.

I jump. “Jeez Ren. If you want, you can go get some food,” I mutter. 

Ren nods and heads off. 

“Pick us all up some food!” Doc shouts from up top. 

Ren barks before running off. I add attachments to hang up the sign when needed and then start on the other side. 

“Roof’s almost done,” Doc calls down. 

“Got it,” I mutter. 

After a couple minutes, Ren arrives with food. Doc comes down for a quick break. We quickly eat up, needing to get back to work. 

I hung up the sign on the cleaned up wall. Doc slides down the ladder. 

“Roof is done,” He announces. 

“Thanks,” I say with a smile. 

“Well, anything else to do?” Ren asks, looking into the still pretty light sky. 

“We could get the flooring done,” Doc recommends, looking to Maple who was standing in some shade. 

“Sure,” I agree. 

I ride Maple with the cart to the store, Ren and Doc leading the way. But we soonly arrived at the store. I jump down, quickly entering. Ren and Doc followed me. 

“Hello, what can I get you fellows?” The tall dude asks. 

“Hickory floors please,” Ren quickly says. 

He nods, walking off. After a couple minutes, he comes back. I answered a couple more questions before we got the hickory floors in the back of the cart. 

“Well, time to do the floors,” Doc says when we got back.

He helped me pull out the wood. I drag it over to the front door, which Ren held open. Doc cuts open the box. 

“Time to get the floor started,” Ren happily says. 

We get started on laying out the panels, clicking each one together. Making sure each group is nicely held together. 

“Well, this place is coming together nicely,” Doc mutters. 

I nod, agreeing. 

“Well G, what’s next?” Doc asks, looking to me. 

“Tomorrow I’ll bring the floor plans,” I tell the two. 

“Got it,” Doc agrees. 

Ren and Doc say a quick bye before heading off, letting me take Maple back and head home with Comet.

Chapter Text

Setting the dishes in the sink with a clank, running the water to clean up the plate and bowl a little. 

“Hurry up!” Comet loudly barks. 

I look to her. “I’m trying!”

I turn off the water, drying off my hands. I walk over to Comet, grabbing my bag that hung on a chair and draping it over my body. 

“Ready?” Comet asks, sassy tone. 

I roll my eyes, pushing open the door. Comet walks out, I quickly follow her before closing the door and locking it. We walk down to get Maple from the birch stables and the oak cart. 

Comet pushes open the door, letting us pass and head to Maple’s holding. I grab an apple and hand it to her. 

“Hey Maple, how are you girl?” I ask.

Maple huffs, biting the apple with a crunch. I unlatch the door and pull it open. I grab her reins from a small hook and set it on her, tightening where needed. I led her out before setting up everything for the saddle. I also attach the cart.

“Time to head to the store,” I mumble to the two animals, lifting myself up to sit upon the saddle. 

I kick her gently in the girth, commanding her to walk forwards. We head back to the store. Comet was by my side, trotting by Maple’s side. 

When we arrive, I notice Doc and Ren were both already there. 

“Hello,” I say, getting their attention. 

“Oh, hey Grian,” Ren happily says as Doc waves. 

I jump down, pulling out the keys to the store. I unlock the door, pushing it open. Comet quickly enters, holding open the door. We enter as I pull out the floor plans. I take a spot on the floor, Ren and Doc following my lead. 

“So, the floor plans?” Doc asks.

I nod, putting my keys in my bag and grabbing my floor plans. Comet sits by my side. 

“Well, show them already,” Comet snaps. 

The two freeze before looking over to Comet. I jab the dog in the side, getting a small wruff from her. 

“Well, as Comet said, here is the floor plan,” I say, unrolling the paper onto the floor. 

Doc slowly turns to look at the paper but Ren stares at Comet. 

“Stop staring you b-.” I stop Comet.

“How many times do I have to tell you to stop cursing?” I scold. 

She looks at me, eyes giving the look of ‘ I hate you ’.

I jab her side again before turning my attention to the layout. 

“So I was thinking of this room-“ I point to the main room people enter- “Will be the main room, everything being sold here. Then here-“ I point to the small room that the barn door will lead to- “will be where I make everything. There will be a barn door between the two rooms. And because I’m thinking of living here, this will be the kitchen-“ I point to the larger room of the two behind the main room- “and the smaller room will be the bathroom. Right here in this little corner-“ I point to the corner between the kitchen and bathroom- “will be the stairs that lead to the attic.”

The two take in all the information I gave them. 

“Well?” Comet asks angrily.

I wrap my hand carefully around her muzzle, shushing her. 

“I think that will work. But the stairs, I don’t think stairs will fit,” Doc informs me. 

“I was thinking of spiral stairs,” I say. 

Doc nods, seeming to picture it out in his head. “That’ll work.”

“Good,” Comet grumbles under my hand. 

“Comet,” I scolded. 

“I have a question,” Ren speaks up. 

I turned to him. “Yeah?”

“How is she talking?” Ren asks, pointing to Comet. 

“Well buddy, it’s called a collar. I can strangle you mutt,” Comet growls. 

I sigh, clamping her muzzle shut. 

“Sorry about her,” I apologise to the two. 

“Very snappy personality, no wonder she is a good guard dog,” Doc says with a smile. 

“Thanks buddy,” Comet barks with pride. 

I let out another sigh. 

“So we will need to add walls before doing anything else,” Ren woofs. 

Doc and I nod in agreement. 

“After that, should we first do this room, the making room, or kitchen and bathroom?” Doc asks.

“I say the main room. I have a lot of stuff I can make at home so it could be good to try to sell while making this place,” I mutter, looking at the layout. 

“Are you gonna sell my collar?” Comet asks. 

“I don’t think we need more talking animals,” I snapped at the dog. 

“Good,” She ruffs with happiness. 

“Okay, how about I get the walls from the wood shop and you two can get the paint,” Doc offers. 

“Sure,” I agree. 

“Got it.” Ren salutes. 

Doc stands, patting Comet on the head before heading off. I lift myself up using Comet’s strong body. 

“Come with me Ren,” I tell the dog shifter. 

“Got it!” He smiles. 

I pull him up before we head out. 

“You are coming with me, Com,” I mutter. 

“Got it G,” She agrees. 

We stepped out of the being worked on shop to feel the chill sat in the blowing air. 

“Winter is on her way,” Ren grumbles. 

“Sure she is,” I agree, looking at the light grey sky. 

“Yes, snow,” Comet joyfully woofs. 

I laugh at the Canadian husky before leading the way home. Comet runs to catch, trotting by my side. 

We soonly arrived at my house. I pull out my keys, unlocking the door. I hold the door open for the other two. Comet happily enters. Ren stands outside. 

“Well, what are you waiting for?” I ask. 

Ren scrambles in. I enter and close the door. Ren looks around as I go to grab the paint. Comet follows me and grabs the bag of brushes. 

“Why are you gonna move into the store?” Ren asks in the silence. 

“This place isn’t any better,” I mutter. 

Ren nods. I shove an almost empty paint can into Ren’s arms, who struggles and almost drops the can. 

“Let’s go,” I say, heading off. 

We head back to the store, needing to meet up with Doc to get the walls up and paint the walls. 

I push open the door, letting us three inside. Comet and Ren both enter before I follow. Doc and Maple weren’t back yet so I grabbed my measuring tape from my bag and a simple wooden pencil and started measuring everything out. Ren watched me as Comet followed me around, holding down the tape when needed and remembering the numbers. 

“Forty feet,” I called out to Comet. 

“So forty by forty,” Comet barks. 

I nod, snapping in the tape and walking to the layout, adding the measurements. 

“So, what should we do?” Comet asks. 

“Maybe for this room-“ I point to the main room- “we could do twenty by forty. The bathroom can be ten by ten. Making the kitchen thirty by twenty and the stairs area five by ten.”

“That would make this room ten by twenty,” Comet adds. 

“Yep,” Ren agrees. 

Ren crouches by me, looking over the paper. But then all three of us jump as the door slams open. 

“I’m back with walls,” Doc sing-songs. 

“You scared us bastard,” Comet growls. 

“Comet,” I scolded. 

We bring in the walls. I stand by Doc’s side, showing him the paper with the measurements. 

“So you want to mark the floor and we can get the walls up?” Doc asks. 

“Sure,” I agree, taking the pencil that was in Comet’s mouth. 

Comet holds down the tape as I move it across to twenty feet before sketching a line by it. We do the same everywhere. 

“Remember, we are gonna need to add a barn door and an open door,” I called out.

“Right,” Doc grumbles, looking over the paper with Ren. 

I continue marking the areas before walking away to the group. 

“Walls ready to go up?” I ask. 

“Yep. I’ll be the one to make them secure also.” Doc lifts up a panel. 

Ren rushes to his side, helping him. I lead the way, showing them where to set the wall. Ren holds it up as I hand Doc everything for him to set the wall. We continued this for a while until all the walls were done. 

“Well dudes, if I have to say, these are nice,” Ren barks, leaning on one of the walls. 

“Yep, time to paint?” I ask. 

Comet barks, holding a paintbrush and giving it to me. Doc pops open a can. We got to work, painted the walls green, besides the bathroom which I would add tile. The wooden walls getting a splash of green. 

We finished the can and a half. The walls looked beautiful. 

“So, it’s getting late. Tomorrow should we do the doors and get this room setup?” Ren asks.

“Sure,” I agree, looking to Comet. 

“As long as I get to wear this again,” Comet barks. 

I sigh but nod. 

“I’ll take Maple back,” Ren says. 

I agree before we are done for the day. Comet and I head home, ready for dinner. 

Chapter Text

“Hurry up, Comet!” I shout to the dog up stairs. 

Paws pound down. “Sorry.”

She growls as we head out to the store. My red sweater keeps my skin warm from the biting cold in the air. Fleece lined jeans are warm but tucked under my boots. 

“I hope it's gonna snow soon,” Comet barks. 

“You’ll have a lot of fun then.” I smiled at her. 

Comet wruffs. I brush her fur atop her head.

We arrived at the small shop. I unlock the door, letting us in. She bounces in, tail wagging. I sit down, pulling out the floor plan and the pencil, sketching on where I would like the counters and shelves. 

Hooves are heard from outside before a neigh. Muffled talking outside before Ren enters the building, pushing the door wide open. 

“We’ve arrived,” Ren pants. 

“You seem out of breath,” I say. 

Ren nods. Doc walks in, a hyper, bubbly voice talks behind him. 

“Scar, please shut up,” Doc grumbles. 

“But, I’m not done talking about Star Wars ,” The one behind him complains. 

Tall, shorter than Doc, fluffy, deep brown hair fluffing around his elf ears, emerald green eyes that shined in the glowing sun. Muscular form covered by a black hoodie with white print saying ‘HotGuy’ in half blue and half orange, blue jeans and combat boots. I felt my face warm up. 

“Grian, this idiot decided to follow us,” Doc grumbles. 

“Hi, I’m Scar.” I now notice the pinkish ‘x’ scar lining his nose.

“Hi,” I say, feeling my heart race. 

Comet nudges my side before walking up to Scar. 

“I’m Comet,” She woofs, making sure her Canadian accent shows through. 

Scar jumps back, looking at the dog. I let out a giggle, putting my head down, missing the fond look from Scar. 

“Comet has a collar that lets her talk,” I inform him. 

“Okay.” Scar nods.

“Anyway, should we go look for doors?” Doc asks, walking over to me. 

“Yep,” I agree, looking at him. 

“We just got here,” Scar complains. 

“Dude, it’s a lot of walking around with this job. You are the one who decided to join us,” Ren grumbles to Scar. 

Scar whines. We head out, heading to the same shop we got the floors. Scar happily rides Maple as I hold the reins, talking to Doc about the idea. 

“So I was thinking of a birch barn door, do you think that will look good?” I ask. 

Doc slowly nods, thinking about it. “Sounds good.”

We got to the store. 

“Stay with Maple,” Doc commands Scar. 

“Got it!” Scar happily says. 

Doc looks to Ren, silently telling him something. 

“We’ll let's head in.” Doc turns to me. 

The two of us walk in, Ren staying to watch Scar. 

“Oh hello again,” The owner says. 

“Hey, we’re wondering if we could get a birch barn door?” I ask. 

“Yep, I can make that, anything else?” Damian asks. 

“Nope.” I pop the ‘p’. 

“Got it, come back in about an hour,” Damian says. 

Doc nods and we head out. 

“What about the open archway?” Doc asks as we step into the cold air. 

“It’s gonna be stone,” I agree. 

Doc nods. We head to another store, one that can make different things out of stone. I order an archway before we head back to my store. 

“We are gonna need to add a heater, air conditioning, and lighting in here,” Scar brings up. 

“Yeah,” Doc agrees. 

“I have a generator out back,” I say. 

The three look at me.

“How do we get out back?” Ren asks. 

I walk to the back wall, the room where the kitchen will be. I cast a quick spell, opening the magic door in the wall to a small backyard. 

“Well, come on,” I say to the other three. 

Comet walks through, this being normal for her. The three walk past, I follow them. 

“Right there, the generator. Heat, cooling, and lights,” I say. 

“I can’t believe I never knew of this,” Doc mutters. 

“Magic door.” I shrug. 

The small backyard where flowers grew, but dead at the time of the year. 

Comet jumped atop the generator, looking at me. 

“Get down,” I say, not wanting her to do anything bad. 

Comet barks but jumps down. We head back in as I flick the magic lights to show. 

“Lights.” I walk around. 

“Well, let’s get the door and archway,” Ren mutters. 

I nod and we head off to the stores. 

~~~

I cover Comet’s ears as Doc cuts a direct length of the barn door and archway. Ren held his ears down as Scar sat by my side. The barn door and archway laid onto the floor. 

“Done!” Doc shouts. 

I remove my hands from Comet’s ears. 

“Time to get the doors up,” Scar sing-songs. 

I lift myself up with Comet’s help. Ren helps me lift up the barn door and move so Doc could set it. Comet stays by my side, helping me keep it still. I felt my prosthetic slip down but I couldn’t do anything. Doc drills the door in, making sure it was stable. 

“Done,” Doc says. 

I move back, Comet following my side. 

“Archway?” Scar asks. 

I nod. 

“Uhh, Gri, you’re arm,” Rem mutters, looking scared. 

“Yep,” I say. 

I lift up my arm back into its place, clicking it back to the hooks connected to my shoulder. 

Scar and Ren look at me, scared and shocked. 

“You didn’t even tell Ren,” Doc brings up. 

I nod, lifting up my sleeve, showing my prosthetic arm. 

“Lost my arm a while ago,” I tell them. 

Scar nods and Ren looks over the prosthetic. 

“What is that button?” He asks. 

“Oh that. I’m a wolf shifter and the button changes -” I press the button- “to be for my wolf form.” 

“Well, let’s get this arch up,” Doc calls to us. 

I walk over to the arch, which we drag over to the other room and lift it up and hold it there, letting Doc set it. 

“And done,” Doc says. 

I moved back with Comet. 

“It’s snowing outside,” Scar happily says. 

Comet looks up at me, tail wagging. “Can I?”

I smile at her, ready to shift and nod. We both run out the front door, passing Ren and Scar. I press the button on my arm before shifting into a blondish brown wolf with rusty coloured fur. The heavy falling snow is piling on the ground. Doc exits the building, watching us. A brown, fluffy dog runs over, joining us. Ren, Comet, and I played around in the snow that was building up. My tail wags crazy. I miss the blush lining Scar’s cheeks as he whispers to Doc. 

The rest of the day was spent playing around. 

Chapter Text

I drag the sled out of the closet, Comet helping me. Her harness lined her chest, talking collar above. 

“Ready?” I asked her.

“You know it,” She barks, jumping up happily. 

I attach her harness to the reins to the sled. Bag around my body, holding the door open, letting Comet lead the sled out. I lock the door before getting on the back of the sled. 

“Mush!” I shout. 

Comet runs forward to the store, the heavy snow lined rocks letting the sled drift over it. I missed this. Winter was always our favourite time of the year. 

We arrived at the store, Doc, Ren, and Scar were already there.

“We’ve arrived motherf-.” I, again, shut her up. 

“Comet!” I shout. 

She turns to me, giving an innocent look. I roll my eyes, getting off the sled. I toss the keys to Doc. 

“Silver key with a small quartz,” I say. 

Doc opens the door, letting us and the sled in. I unhook Comet from her sled.

“Well, what should we do today?” Scar asks. 

“Shelves and counters,” I mentioned. 

“Well, what kind of shelves?” Doc asks. 

“Dark oak counters and shelves,” I tell them. 

The three seem to look around. 

“I think that will go well,” Ren mutters. 

“I have to agree,” Scar basically sings, draping an arm across my shoulder. 

I miss the look he gives me. Doc nods at me, silent agreement. My tail wags. 

“Well, should we head back to Damien’s shop?” Comet asks, trotting in a circle, wanting to run. 

“We shall girl,” Ren woofs, petting Comet’s back. 

Comet wruffs. I hook the excited pup back to the sled, letting her out into the snow. We head outside, Scar lifting himself onto Maple. Comet looks up at me with hopeful eyes. 

“Can we meet you guys there?” I ask, stepping onto the sled. 

“Sure,” Doc agrees.

I fully stand on the sled, look to Comet. 

“See you guys there. Mush,” I command.

Comet pulls into a speedy run, quickly drifting us over the snowy streets. 

When we get far away from the others, I call out to Comet, “We can run around more before we arrive.”

Comet lets out a ruff, pulling us faster. She leads us around the shopping district, taking any turn needed. But after a couple minutes of fun, we arrive at the shop, before the others do. 

“G, later we should head to the forest,” Comet says happily. 

“Sure girl, we can go to the forest after we get the shelves and counters in.” I pat her on the head before walking in. 

“Aa, Grian, welcome back,” Damien joyfull says, arms out wide. 

“Hey, I’m back, waiting for my friends to arrive,” I tell him. 

As if magic, Doc and Ren walk in through the door. 

“Well, what do you people need?” Damien asks, leaning on his birch counter. 

“Dark oak shelves, about six feet tall, two feet wide, and dark oak counters with glass to see inside, little latches to get inside on the other side. Enough to cover five feet. Oh, and a trap door, how about spruce, to be connected to the counter.” I list off. 

Damien nods. “Got it. How many shelves?” 

I think about it for a second before pulling out the layout. I map everything out in my head, where the windows were, where the counter will go, the measurements, everything. 

“I want to say eight,” I grumble. 

“Got it, it’ll all be ready after a while,” He says. 

I nod, thanking him before we head off. 

“So what is your plan for the shop style?” Scar asks. 

“Magic but cabin-like, almost homey,” I mutter, remembering how as a child, I would come here daily with my parent, how homey this place was to be in. 

“Sounds nice,” Ren grumbles, looking at Scar with a look I couldn’t point out. 

We headed back to the shop, which we didn’t really have anything to do. 

“How about we meet back after three hours?” Comet asks, in which I understand why. 

“Sounds good, I got to bring something up to another friend.” Scar smiles, making my heart beat faster. 

Comet nudges my side again. 

“Yeah, I could bring some food,” Ren brings up. 

“Well, we’ll meet you here in three hours. I’ll take Maple back to the stables,” Doc says. 

The three leave before me, Ren and Scar walking to the houses while Doc takes Maple back. I push myself off the floor, walking to the door, and pushing it open. I hold the wrecked door open with my foot as Comet exits. I clap my hands twice, turning off all the lights before leaving. 

~~~

Comet runs across the snow filled forest, sled drifting after her. I laugh, smiling from ear to ear. Feeling the familiar wind against my face, the tugs of the sled, the spruce wood. Sounds of paws crunching in the snow and soft panting from Comet. 

I sat in the bed of the spruce sled, bundled in a jacket, gloves, sweats, and a beanie, two fluffy blankets, one grey and one red around my tiny body. Ma stood above, controlling the sled and keeping Comet on track. Wind blowing on my face, feeling every single tug. Hearing Ma call out commands, paws crunching under the fluffy, sparkly snow and the dog’s soft, happy panting. 

I shake the familiar memory out of my head of every winter, how when I grew older, they taught me how to drive the sled. 

We race through the woods until Comet slows to a stop, growling. 

“What is it girl?” I ask. 

“Darkness. I can sense it,” She growls. 

I looked around, releasing it is near the same area we were last time in the forest. 

“Let’s head back,” I mutter, looking around.

I could feel what she felt. Dark magic, something evil stalking the woods. I feel Comet pull the sled in the direction of town. I could feel her pull harder, run faster than ever before. 

We arrive into town, Comet now trotting, heavily panting from her fast run. We arrive at the store, where we both quickly enter with the sled and turn on the lights. 

“We need to figure out what the hell that was,” Comet barks. 

“No cursing.” I scold. “But yeah, we gotta figure it out. Dark magic in the forest, so close to town, it’s nerve racking.”

I pace around the room, soft footsteps on the hickory floors. Comet watches as I pace around her, slowly spinning in circles. 

“We gotta figure this out. I'm a powerful witch, I need to protect the town,” I ramble. 

“Grian, calm down. We cannot tell anyone, and I mean anyone about this,” Comet ruffs. 

“I know, but what will happen?” I ask no one in particular. . 

Muffled voices are heard outside. 

“We’ll talk about this later,” Comet growls softly. 

The door is shoved open. 

“Hey G, saw the lights on and knew you were here,” Scar joyfully declares, trotting over to me and wrapping an arm around my shoulders. 

“Yep, got here not too long ago,” I tell the three. 

“Well, should we head back?” Doc asks. 

And with that, we head out back to the shop as Ren goes to pick Maple and the cart up. 

“Glad you guys are back. Everything is finished.” Damien walks over. 

“Thanks, Ren is off getting the cart. And we’ll definitely be back later on,” I informed him. 

Damien nods and heads to the back. A tap my foot along the ground, waiting for him to get back. Ren pushes open the door, walking over. 

In no time, we have eight shelves to build in the back of the cart and five, one foot cabinets, one the trapdoor. Ren rides Maple back to the store as we walk by his side. 

“Well, Doc, if you want to bring the cabinets in and set them, we can start working on shelves,” I mentioned. 

“I can do that, Comet, want to help me?” Doc asks.

“I can surely help,” Comet agrees. 

Ren and Scar help me carry in the boxes of planks to make the shelves. I put a shoe by the door as a doorstop. Comet starts dragging in some cabinets as Doc carries them in. 

With the two’s help, by the time all the cabinets were placed and set, we finished two shelves. Doc and Comet joined us in helping, making it in two hours, we finished all the shelves. 

“Darn it! I just now remembered how I forgot the food!” Ren shouts. 

We laugh at that.

Chapter Text

“The darkness could spread for all we know,” I pace around the kitchen. 

“Calm down, we don’t know that,” Comet replies, laying in her bed. 

“It could happen Comet!” I shout. 

Comet growls, forcing me to shush. 

“I think someone needs to go to sleep,” Comet barks in a baby voice. 

I glare at the dog, who walks over and tugs me upstairs. She forces me to shower, change, and go to sleep. She lays atop me, forcing myself to sleep.

~~~

I pace in the shop, knowing how Scar, Ren, and Doc weren’t coming today, something about a meeting. Comet watches me. I know should take us out to the forest with the sled but she didn’t, knowing we are both paranoid about the darkness.

“I should get the cauldron in here, start working on magic items for protection,” I grumble, making sparks in my hand. 

“No, it’ll all be fine,” Comet mutters. 

I look to her, giving a look saying ‘ really? ’. 

“Oh shut it,” She growled. 

“Comet, we should head out there,” I mutter. 

Comet huffs, laying down. I continue pacing, thoughts racing my head. Comet rests. 

But a wolf whistle like a knock interrupts it all. We both look to the door. I walk over, looking at Comet then back to the door. Another knock. I unlock the door and step back, opening the door. 

A tallish guy stood there with cyan hair, tealish blue eyes, multicoloured hoodie, black jeaned, and small black boots. Light purple particles mixed with cosmic latte particles float around him. 

“Uhh, hi. I’m Scott as I saw this is a magic shop,” He says. 

“Hi, this place isn’t open yet-” He interrupts me. 

“I was wondering if you felt the darkness in the forest?” Scott asks. 

I look at Scott before tugging him in, slamming the door and locking the door. 

“Are you kidnapping me?” Scott asks loudly. 

I shush him. “You feel it also?”

“Uhh, yeah, I do BasilAnn,” He says. 

I chuckle, “ I’m not Basil, Basil is my parent who passed. I’m Grian.”

Scott nods. 

“So you can feel it also,” Comet grumbles, scaring Scott in the process. 

“Oh jeez, alright, talking dog,” He panics. 

“That’s just a collar making her talk. That’s Comet,” I tell Scott. 

“Well, should we talk about this darkness?” Scott asks. 

I, perched upon the cabinets, looked at Scott, who stood. 

“Well, do you have any clue how long it’s been there?” I ask. 

“I want to say about three months but I’m not sure,” Scott murmurs. 

“Mhm, we felt it not too long ago,” I mumble to myself. 

“We’re worried about it coming closer,” Comet brings up. 

“I thought you said you are not scared,” I sass to Comet. 

Comet growls at me. 

“Well, I’m wondering if something bad happens with the power of darkness, if you would help me and my friend?” Scott asks. 

“Who is your friend?” I ask. 

“Another witch, she does more with plants though. Shubble or Shelby,” Scott informs me. 

Comet and I look at eachother, having one of our silent conversations. 

I turn back to Scott. “Why not.”

“Should we go check out the darkness? I could get Shelby,” Scott says. 

Again, Comet and I have our secret, mind conversation. We agree. 

~~~

Shelby had a purple sweater with a pair of green overalls with a leather belt bag. Brown boots and leaf like wings, green witch hat with a purple ribbon bow and a small frog she said was named Vinny. Vines and pink flowers along her arms and in her hair. 

The four of us stood by the border of the darkness. Comet was pinned by my side, comforting me by leaning into my leg. Shelby spun a pencil in her hand as she was writing down any info. 

“Is it just me who notices the dark aurora around the trees and plants?” I ask, glaring into the forest that seemed darker than normal. 

“Now that you mention it, I see it,” Shebly mutters, writing the info down. 

We continue looking into the forest before agreeing to go separate ways to find more info. 

I walk down the right, watching the dark area. I didn’t see much. I stop at one spot. I looked over to Comet, who was distracted. I look back to the darkness, ignoring the warnings from Shelby, Scott, and Comet and enter the darkness. Chills roll down my entire body. I continue walking down, pinning my ears to my head. 

After a little, I was far enough from Comet so she couldn’t see me. I continue walking around, noticing how it grows darker the further you walk in. 

I stand in the deep darkness when I hear a growl. I turn around, noticing an all black deer with glowing white eyes. It hooves the ground, huffing. It was about to attack. I crouch, ready to run. It charged forward, leading to me running but I was lost. 

I continue running away from the dark deer, trying to find my way back. I continue dodging the deer before it hits me, making me fly into the ground, wincing in pain. My head and right arm hurt, hand not looking right as it flopped down. I watch as it gets ready to attack. I painfully push myself up, running off. My head was dizzy, my heart was pounding, and pain filled my body. I notice how it gets lighter but my vision also dots over. 

I get into the light area, falling forward. The deer walks through, black fur changing to the normal dusty brown and golden eyes. My vision fades further as I hear a high pitched voice shouting. 

~~~

The fluffiness under me as I slowly come to my senses. I grab at the blanket under my hand. 

“Are you awake?” A sweet voice asks. 

I give a whine, trying to open my eyes but failing. A hand runs over my hair. 

“Come on Grian, can you open your eyes?” The person, which I now know is Shelby, asks. 

I try opening my eyes but still struggle. Everything hurts. 

“Is he okay?” Another voice, which I immediately know is Scott, asks. 

“He’s awake,” Shelby mutters. 

I groan, trying to open my eyes. Another small scratch behind my ears. 

“I’m gonna be back,” Scott mutters. 

Shebly humms. I continue trying to open my eyes. It was hard. I feel a wet rag run over my eyes. 

“That might help,” Shelby mutters. 

I try to open my eyes, finally being able to. I noticed Shelby was standing above me. 

“Wh’t ‘appened?” I ask. 

“You got attacked by a deer, somehow,” Shelby mutters. 

The memories came back. I try to push myself up, but pain shot up my body. 

“No G, your hand is broken,” Shebly panics. 

I lay back down, sighing. 

“Do you know what happened?” She asks. 

“I wandered in the darkness, looking for more info. Then I saw a deer, but unordinary. Black fur and white eyes. It attacked me. I ran, but it hit me a couple times. When I got out, it followed but changed to be normal,” I informed the other. 

“Well, for the pain you have, you did get us some more information.” She says. “Oh and, your other arm seems very out of place.”

I looked at my prosthetic arm, seeing how it was out of the hooks that were in my shoulder blade. 

“This is normal,” I mutter. 

Shelby gives me a shocked look. 

“Can you help?” I ask her. 

Shelby nods. I instruct her on what to do. 

“Lift up the arm and move it back to the shoulder blade. There will be a couple hooks you can hook it to.” I instruct. 

“How does that work? That’s not normal,” She mutters. 

“It’s a prosthetic arm. That’s why it is off,” I tell her. 

She nods. Scott comes back in, and paws pound forward. Comet jumps onto the bed. 

“You stupid idiot. You can’t do that,” Comet growls but lays on top of me.

I knew she was happy that I was safe. I ran a hand over her back, the prosthetic one. 

“Glad you are okay.” Scott smiles. 

“With magic, I can speed up the process of your hand, but not much,” Scott mutters. 

“I can do it,” I say. 

I cast a quick spell, speeding up the healing process. Scott also does the same, trying to speed it up as much as possible. 

“So what did we learn?” Comet asks. 

“Do not go into the darkness without someone,” I grumble. 

Comet nods, laying her head on my chest. With Shelby’s help, I’m able to sit up. 

“Should we come to the shop tomorrow?” Scott asks. 

“Sure, but some of my friends will be there also,” I tell them. 

“That’s fine.” Shelby shrugs. 

And with that, Shelby and Scott take me home. Comet was by my side as we talked about the darkness. 

“There is an old library in town. We could head there sometime to try to find something about this,” Scott says. 

“Yeah, there can be something there,” I agree. 

Chapter Text

Comet continued helping me around the house before we left for the shop. She stayed by my side, making sure I was safe. We arrive before anyone else. 

“Well, what should we do with the space?” I ask. 

“A rug will look nice. Maybe some magic posters and add the moon mirror back. What about the small dog statues with protection magic. The others can help us also,” Comet barks. 

I nod, agreeing. We continue planning out what to add to the room when Doc enters the shop, shaking snow off his fur. 

“Welcome back,” I say with a smile.

Doc looks at my hand. “What happened?”

“Broke my hand while doing something,” I say. 

Ren walks in, pushing down his hood. Scar follows, holding a bag. 

“Well, what is today’s plan?” Ren asks. 

“I have some things from home I need to get. Comet says posters and a rug can make this place feel better,” I explain. 

“Well, we did get someone we know to make something,” Scar says, tugging off his bag. 

I watch him open it up. Scar pulls out posters, shoving them into Ren’s arms. I look at the posters, seeing how it was magic posters. All were different but nice. 

“Thanks,” I mutter, amazed. 

“You’re welcome.” Scar smiles. 

“Well, how about I come with you to get the stuff,” Doc says. 

I agree. 

We headed to my house to gather stuff as Comet told the other two where to put the posters. We gather everything needed before heading back. 

“This mirror will definitely go well with everything,” Doc mutters. 

“Thanks,” I grumble. 

We get back. The posters made this place feel better. 

“We’re back,” I say. 

“How does it look?” Scar asks with a smile, eyes filled with fondness.

“I love it,” I say in awe. 

“Well, where should we place this?” Doc asks, holding up the mirror. 

I point to the wall, right above the counters and next to a moon painting. I set up the statues on the shelves near the door. 

“Those look cool,” Ren says. 

“Thanks, they have a protection spell on it,” I say. 

After a couple minutes of making this place feel better, a knock was on the door. I walk over and open the door. Scott and Shelby were both there. Shelby had Vinny sat on her hat but Scott had a black and white cat around his shoulders. 

“Come in,” I welcome. 

The room was filled with awkwardness. I was not good at introducing others. So all of us stood there awkwardly. 

“Okay, let’s not make this weird. Doc, Ren, Scar, meet Scott and Shelby.” Comet takes control. 

“Nice to meet you guys,” Shelby happily says. 

“Hello,” Scar and Ren say in sync. 

“Hi, this little one is Elle,” Scott introduces his cat. 

I, having a love for cats, pet Elle. 

“This place looks nice,” Shelby says. 

“Thanks,” I mutter. 

“So, this place seems to need more,” Doc says. 

The rest of us agree. 

“I have an idea,” Shelby smiles. 

“Same, can I come with you?” Scar asks her. 

Shelby agrees and the two leave. Scott checks over my hand as Doc and Ren plan out the other room. 

“So G, what do you want in this room?” Doc asks, walking over. 

“I have a cauldron at home. I’m thinking red counters, maybe mangrove wood. Spruce book shelves. And a rug with moons over it. Maybe tan.” I list off. 

“I think that’ll look good!” Ren agrees. 

Scott nods, mainly paying attention to my hand. 

“I can talk to someone to make the rugs. Damien will probably be able to make the counters and bookshelves. We can bring the cauldron when needed,” Ren brings up. 

“Sounds nice,” I agree. 

“Wanna talk to her now?” Doc asks Ren. 

“Sure,” Ren agrees. 

Ren heads off. The three of us stay here. 

“Well, anything new?” I ask Scott. 

“No,” He sighs. 

“What?” Doc asks. 

“Well, there is darkness in the forest, haunting,” Scott informs him. 

“Sounds dangerous,” Doc mutters. 

“That’s how I broke my hand. Entered with no one else and got attacked by a deer,” I tell Doc, holding up my hand. 

“That, that sounds confusing,” Doc mutters. 

We sit in silence for a little until Doc decides to go get food for all of us, leaving Scott and I alone. 

“So, any crushes,” He says out of the ordinary. 

I choke on air, coughing up my lungs. Comet, knowing who my crush is, paws at my back. 

“Come on Gri, you know,” She teases. 

I jab her side, still coughing. 

“Well, who is it?” Scott asks, leaning his arms on his knees and smiling. 

I recover and shake my head. 

“Nope, I’m not gonna tell you,” I admit. 

“Come on, I won’t tell anyone,” Scott whines. 

“I can tell you,” Comet agrees. 

Scott smiles at her, wanting to know. Before I could wrap my hand around her muzzle, Comet replies. 

“It’s Scar,” She quietly says, which I was thankful for. 

“Ohh, nice to know.” Scott smiles at me. 

I whine. 

“Don’t worry, I can help you,” Scott offers. 

Again, I sigh, very annoyed. I bury my warm face into Comet’s fur. She panted as a laugh, licking my ear. I nip at her side, spitting her fur out of my mouth. Scott chuckles, patting my back.

After a while, Doc arrives with food. 

“Scar and Shelby are still shopping,” Doc informs us. 

Doc passes out food to us. I happily kick my legs as I eat my pasta. It was good. 

“Where do you get this?” Scott asks. 

“Small store called Inny’s,” Doc mutters, sitting by us. 

Comet lifts her head up, spaghetti dripping from her mouth. I giggle at my dog, petting her head. In no time, Ren arrived. 

“She agreed,” He says in a sing-song voice. 

“Nice, here’s your food,” Doc replies, handing a plastic container to the dog shifter. 

“Thanks.” Ren joins us on the floor. 

We chat peacefully. We were waiting for Scar and Shelby to bring whatever they were buying. 

The two finally arrive, holding bags. 

“We’ve arrived,” Scar announces. 

“What did you two get?” I ask. 

Shelby hands me one of the four bags. I open it up, seeing fairy light boxes, paintings with moons and plants, small hanging pots with fake vines. 

“It will make this room feel more witchy,” She smiles. 

“Thanks,” I say in awe. 

We continue working on the place. Hanging the sting lights around the room. Draping fake vines with flowers from the ceiling. Hanging the pots behind the counters and spreading the paintings around the room. Candles were placed on the shelves and a set on the counters. A salt lamp sat on one shelves. 

We step back, looking over the shop. 

“This looks amazing,” I said in awe. 

Doc lays his arm atop my head. “I have to agree.”

“This is amazing,” Shelby squeals. 

Scott humms happily. Ren’s tail wags. 

“Due to how this looks amazing, I need to see how everything else turns out,” Scar mutters. 

Comet tugs on my bag. I look down to her before releasing. I pull out a picture of the befores, choosing the one of this room. 

I hold it out. “This was before.”

Everyone looks at it. 

“Definitely looks better,”  Doc mutters. 

The others agree. 

“I think we need to finish outside now,” I say. 

“Shingles, windows, and bricks,” Doc explains. 

I nod, agreeing. 

“Well, that will be tomorrow,” Scott yawns. 

“Yeah, see you guys tomorrow?” Shelby asks. 

“See you tomorrow,” I agree. 

~~~

I sit in the kitchen, setting what we sell into boxes and taping them closed. I also added the cash register. 

“We need an open and closed sign,” Comet woofs. 

“Yeah we do,” I agree. 

“I can grab a chunk of wood,” Comet offers. 

“Sure, and maybe the craving supplies,” I mutter. 

We quickly set everything into the boxes, ready to go tomorrow. Comet hands me the chunk of wood and a bag of carving supplies. 

“Thanks,” I say. 

She jumps onto her chair, watching as I start carving into one side of the wood, spelling out ‘open’. I sketch out a small vine pattern on the side before asking Comet to grab the paints. She brings it over. I first painted the ‘open’ in a nice, bright red. Then I paint the vines and leaves before moving onto the back. I carve the back with the word ‘closed’ before painting it red. I paint more vines onto the back. 

“The yarn,” I mutter. 

Comet barks before heading off. She soon comes back with the tannish yarn that was fraying. 

“Thank you,” I say, grabbing it from her.

I add the yarn for it to be able to be hung up. 

“Well, should we set up the sled?” Comet asks. 

I nod. We start adding the boxes onto the bed of the sled. We were ready for tomorrow. 

Chapter Text

The bed moves under me as Comet jumps on top of me. 

“Comet,” I groan, trying to kick the dog off me. 

“ Wrouf ,” She barks. 

I push myself up with my metal arm, Comet using her muzzle to lift me up. I sigh before deciding to get dressed as Comet headed downstairs. A deeper red sweater with leather arm and shoulder pads. Fleece jeans and fuzzy socks. I headed down stairs.

Comet was holding her harness. I grabbed her collar, which I needed to work on. I clip it around her neck. 

“Well, breakfast then work,” She grumbles. 

“Yep,” I agree. 

~~~

I hold onto the sled as we arrive. Comet slows to a stop. I step off when we get to a complete stop. 

“Ready to get everything in?” She asks. 

“Yep, but you need to help me,” I strictly say. 

Comet helps me drag in the boxes before setting up the stuff in the boxes on the shelves and in the glass showing areas. 

I lift up the cash register, with Comet’s help, onto the cabinet. I position it. 

“Well, this looks nice,” Scott says as he walks in. 

“Thanks,” I mutter. 

I hold up the nail above one window before grabbing the hammer from Comet’s mouth. A hand is moved in front of me. 

“No, you are not doing that,” He scolds. 

“It needs to be done,” I mutter. 

Scott pulls the hammer from my hand and the nail. Comet pulls me back, letting Scott hammer the nail in before I tell him to stop. 

“What is this for?” He asks. 

Comet brings over the sign, which I take and hold it up to Scott. 

“That looks amazing,” Scott agrees. 

“Thanks. Where is Shelby?” I ask. 

“Oh, we met up with Scar, Doc, and Ren, or we bumped into them. She went with them to pick up windows, singles, and bricks.” Scott looks around. 

“Well, should we get the windows out?” I ask, holding up another hammer. 

“Uh, where did you get that?” He asks. 

“My dog.” I point to Comet. 

She paws at my leg as if to say ‘ don’t give me away ’. I laugh. 

We start pulling out the windows, but when they get out, I smash them on the ground, making sure to clean it up afterwards. When the others arrive, all the windows are gone. 

“Okay, didn’t expect you to take out the windows,” Doc mutters. 

“Grian broke them all,” Scott tells them. 

I nod. We start putting in the windows before we do anything else. 

“Aww, there's a little sign here,” Shelby awes. 

“Made that last night,” I say. 

“I like it,” Scar says, I miss the blush as he looks at me. 

“Thanks.” I smile.

We continue setting the windows in their place. It’s done quickly and then we split into groups. 

“Grian, you are not taking out the bricks and setting them in,” Doc scolds. 

“Oh come on,” I beg. 

“No,” Comet and Scott say in sync. 

I sigh. 

“I’ll help you,” Ren says. 

“Same.” Shelby raises her hand. 

“I can help move the bricks,” Comet woofs. 

“I’ll paint with you.” Scar looks at me. 

“Same,” Scott mutters. 

We sit inside with a tarp under us, the hunter green paint in the cans in the middle. I dip the paint brush into the can before painting one of the shingles. Whenever Scar was distracted, Scott would give me a look, silently telling me to admit. 

I throw a paint brush with nothing on it at Scott. He tosses it back. I catch it, dipping it into brown paint and painting vines. 

“That will look good,” Scar says, looking over my shoulder. 

“Thanks,” I mutter, blushing. 

Scar pats my shoulder before going back to his shingle, which I notice he somehow got paint in his hair and on his scarred face. I continue adding vines before Scott slides his dried one over. 

“To add the vines,” He says. 

I nod and start painting the vines. I painted all the vines before all six of them. We carried them out, seeing how the others were placing bricks in place. 

“The shingles are done,” Scar announces.

“I’ll set them in a little,” Doc murmurs. 

I nod. Scar and Scott help the others with placing bricks. But I wasn’t still allowed to help. I sat on the snowy ground. The bricks were surprisingly finished quickly, probably because of how many people were helping. 

When finished, we all stand back, looking over the place. 

“I just need the shingles up and get new soul lanterns,” I grumble. 

“Soul lanterns?” Doc asks. 

I pulled out the picture of the front I took before the makeover. I show it over to the others. 

“Oh jeez, the soul lanterns look good,” Ren agrees. 

“I know where to find them.” Scott smiles. 

I started to pull out my wallet and hand it to Scott but he was already gone. I sigh. 

“Well, let’s get these shingles up,” Doc mutters, grabbing one. 

I watch him drill it into the wall. Scar tries to get the drill from Doc, wanting to drill the shingles in. Ren pinned Scar down in dog form, to keep him from annoying Doc, which made Shelby and I laugh. 

“We have crazy friends,” She giggles. 

“I have to agree with that,” I mutter, smiling. 

These were my first friends ever. It was nice for the first time, I had friends. 

“Scar, stop!” Doc shouts, trying to kick Scar away. 

“I want to drill!” Scar shouts, doing grabby hands to the drill. 

“Come on Scar, get away from the drill,” Ren begs, now in human form. 

Shelby laughs with me. I shake my head, doing a telekinesis spell. I drag him away from the drill. He was very confused. With a while, Doc was able to get all the shingles up with some trouble, all by Scar. 

Scott arrives, holding a small paper bag as he looked so confused. 

“What happened?” He asks. 

“Scar wanted the drill,” Doc sighs, holding the drill away from Scar, who was still trying to grab it. 

Scott slowly nods, handing me the bag. I look in it, seeing eight soul lanterns in the bag. With Doc and Comet’s help, I was able to put the lanterns on the roof. I stood on Comet’s back as Doc handed me a hook, which I drilled into the roof before hooking the lanterns. Two in front the door, two in the middle of the corner and door ones, and one on either side. It was only midday, so we headed off for lunch. 

~~~

“Welcome to Inny’s, for here or to go?” The host asks. 

“Here,” Scar replies. 

“Table for how many?” He asks. 

Scar turns around and counts us, “Three, four, six, seven-” He turns to him- “Seven.”

After a couple seconds, Adem grabs seven menus and walks us to a table large enough for all of us. I take a seat, next to Scar and on the edge. A menu slides in front of me. I open it up, looking over the food. 

“This all looks so good,” Shelby grumbles.

We continue talking about random things, learning more about each other. Comet was laid by my feet before I showed her the menu. I was gonna get the mac-n-cheese and Comet wanted plain, swirly noodles. 

“So Grian, I’m wondering how you lost your arm,” Doc mutters after he told the other how he lost his arm and eye. 

He was born without his arm and eye. The memory came back. 

My parent stood in front of me, wolf form, growling at a weird dark creature I can’t remember. It tugged at my arm, it was when I was twelve. My bone breaks from my shoulder, skin and fabric ripping. Basil leaps forward, biting the creature before getting flung to the side before I fall back, bleeding out of my shoulder. Basil, whose parent instincts were kicking in, runs over, standing above me, growling. I started backing up, trying to get away. Comet runs over, grabbing the back of my shirt and dragging me away. A crunch gets our attention. We look back, seeing Basil crushed under the creature's paw, claws digging into their back. Blood flowed over their back. 

“Comet, get him out of here!” Basil shouts, a horrible sounding voice. 

Comet runs off with me but I watch as the paw crushes through their chest, killing them. I let out a sob.

“Grian?” Scar asks, waving a hand in front of my face. 

“Yeah?” I ask, snapping out of the memory. 

“How did you lose your arm?” Doc asks again. 

“It’s a long story,” I mutter, not wanting to talk about it. 

After a while, we headed back to the shop. But our next idea was to get the other room done. 

“Rest for the rest of the day to get ready for the next step?” Ren asks, yawning. 

“I do need to check up on my redstone,” Doc mumbled, glaring at Scar. 

“My cat is probably missing me,” Scar says. 

“Yeah, I want to sleep,” Scott mutters. 

“I need to force this one to heal,” Comet woofs. 

I sigh. 

“I need to do something. I want to make something for the shop,” Shelby says. 

After some quick byes, Shelby decides to take Maple and I take the sled back home. We arrived. 

I walk inside, putting the sled by the door and taking off Comet's harness, putting it on the hook. I decided to work on the collar, changing the colour and hiding all the wires. 

The now dark blue collar looked amazing with her blue and brown eyes. 

“Amazing,” I mutter. 

“Thanks, time for you to rest that hand,” She barks before dragging me to the couch. 

I laid across my couch, TV playing a random channel while Comet was sprawled on top of me. I gently pet her. Tiredness filled my eyes and I fell asleep.

Chapter Text

Half awake, I notice the coldness I felt before falling back into the arms of sleep. That kept going in but sleep didn’t want me to leave his grasp. 

But that all ended when hands shook me. I groan, trying to pull away. 

“Grian, get up,” A familiar voice barks. 

I smack the hands away. 

“Grian!” He shrieks. 

A small nip on my hand from none other than Comet. 

“Mmhm, stowp,” I whine. 

“Get up, we’re waiting for you,” The person begs. 

I growl, curling into myself. I feel the person drag me off the couch, making me fall to the floor with a painful thud. I open my eyes, groaning in pain. Ren and Comet stood above me. 

“See, you’re awake. Hurry up and get ready. I’ll make you something quickly,” Ren commands, walking to my kitchen. 

I whine, covering my eyes with my right arm. I feel my pants tug before I get dragged along the floor. 

“Fine, I’ll get up,” I whine, lifting myself up.

I walk to my room, brushing my teeth and changing into an almost salmon coloured sweater with a small red heart patch on the left sleeve, near the shoulder. Black sweatpants and another pair of fuzzy, blue socks. I walk down, seeing Ren hold a bagel with cream cheese.

“Breakfast,” Ren announces, holding out the paper plate. 

“Thanks,” I mutter, taking the plate. 

I noticed how Comet was eating another bagel. I quickly eat it before we head out to the shop. 

“Our friend is finishing up one of the two rugs. Doc already went and ordered the counters and shelves. And we are playing a random game,” Ren explains as we walk. 

I nod, yawning. 

We soonly arrived. I sit next to Scar, yawning again. 

“Still tired?” Shelby asks giggling. 

I nod, giving a soft woof. Comet lays her head on my lap. I now notice how she didn’t have her collar. 

“Well, today is the first day this place is open,” Scott says, getting up. 

I groan. Scar laughs but gets up, tugging me up. He shoves me behind the counter. I sigh before noticing the cleaning supplies behind the counter. Comet notices the supplies. She looks up to the others, softly growling. 

“What?” Ren asks. 

I grab the mop, noticing how clean it is and the vines carved in it. Comet slips under the trap door, growling and biting the broom. 

“I’m not gonna clean,” I muttered to the dog, though inside I wanted to clean. 

Comet drags the broom from my grasp, dragging it away. I sigh, watching as Ren flips the sign. 

“None of you have a clue of what to do?” I ask. 

Shakes of heads and nopes are heard. Comet looks up at me. I realised that we were gonna have to take control. 

“Well, Comet, we need to get everything ready,” I say. 

Comet nods, sliding the barn door to close. I started up the register. Scar was leaning on the trapdoor. From growing up with the shop, I knew how to take control and the reasonable prices. 

~~~

I was falling asleep laying on the counter while Ren and Shelby were starting a game of UNO with Scar and Scott. Comet was laid by my feet, snoozing. But when the rickety door opened, causing a small ding. I perk up before my ears fall, noticing it was Doc. 

“We need a new door,” He mutters. 

I lay back onto the counter, yawning. 

“Yeah we do. How about the counters and shelves?” Scott asks. 

“They will be ready tomorrow. When I head to pick them up, I could ask abou- oh, hi Grian.” Doc changs topics. 

The others giggle. I lift up my hand in a wave. 

“I’ll make the door,” I mutter. 

“You sure?” Ren asked. 

I nod. Comet gives a tiny ruff. I pat her head with my foot. 

“It’s still snowing outside,” Doc announces. 

I stay quiet. 

“Wanna join our next game?” Scar happily asks. 

“Sure,” Doc agrees. 

I hear as cards get passed out, the small snap of placing a card or the shuffle of the cards. That’s when I noticed how tired I was. I normally wasn’t this tired, even if I didn’t sleep the night before. I also got a longer sleep. This wasn’t normal. I yawn again. Something with the magic was bad.

After a while, Scott walked over to me. 

“What’s wrong Gri?” He asks. 

“Super tired. Something to do with magic,” I mutter to him. 

“I feel something wrong in the air also,” Scott whispers to me before calling Shelby over. 

“Yes?” She asks. 

“Do you feel that bad magic?” I whisper. 

Shelby looks back at the others, turns back before muttering, “Yes.”

“It’s -yawn- making me like this.” I yawn again. 

“I bet. For me, Vinny’s sparkle of magic isn’t there, as if she isn’t my familiar anymore,” Shelby informs us. 

“My magic hasn’t been working that well,” Scott mutters. 

“We gotta figure this out,” I mutter. 

Comet looks up. 

“After we close, meet up at the stables,” Scott murmurs. 

After that, we go back to normal. 

~~~

For the rest of the day, no one came in and we decided to head home. I made an excuse for checking on Maple. Shelby said she needed to buy something. Scott was going to take a different path. 

I trot over with Comet, hand on her back. The snow shivered to my bones. We arrived and I fed Maple, which at this point, she was my horse. 

After a couple minutes, Scott arrives. Shelby quickly followed. 

“Well, any idea?” I ask the two.

“No, but might have to do something with the dark area in the forest,” Scott mutters. 

“We can go check it out,” Shelby offers. 

I agree. 

“Comet, you’ll need to stay on the good side,” I tell the dog. 

Comet gives me a look of fear. 

“We’ll be fine,” I reassure. 

And with that, we headed to the forest. The snow crunching under our steps. Comet was in the lead, ears staying perked up and looking around everywhere. She was cautious for us, promising Basil to protect me until she passes. 

It didn’t take long until we were outside the dark forest area. 

“Well, we better stay together,” Scott mutters. 

I take a step forward, getting closer to the invisible line. Comet grabs my pant legs, tugging me back. 

“I’ll be safe girl, I’ll shift this time,” I tell her. 

“Stay Comet,” Scott says. 

We walk into the area, feeling the atmosphere shift. I look to Comet, who was taking a step forward. 

“No,” I scolded. 

She whines. We continue walking around. 

“Before the darkness fled all the way over here, I noticed something. A magic source for witches, helping all witches with magic in near vicinity. They’re many across the world,” I get informed. 

“So it’s in this area?” Shelby asks Scott. 

“Yes, we just have to be care-,” A growl stopped him. 

I look to the left, where the growl came from. Three wolves, fur all black and glowing white eyes. 

“What are we gonna do?” Shelby. 

I look at the wolves. 

“You two go get the thing, I’ll distract them,” I growl. 

“Grian no, you have a broken hand,” Scott scolds. 

“I’m the wolf shifter,” I point out, pressing the button on my arm to shift. 

Before either of them could grab me, I shifted and ran forward. I nip at the one in the lead. The three change to attack me. I ran away, to the light. The three follow me, pounding after me. I dodge the pounces and bites.

After a while, I saw Comet in the light. I ran over, arriving at the light. I bring the three with me, changing them from the dark to their normal state. Dark brown and grey fur and brown or caramel eyes. The three look at me and Comet before running off.

I head back to my friends. 

I find them soon, deeper into the wood. I shift back. 

“Got them to the light,” I say. 

Scott grabs my hand, looking over it. 

“How close are we?” Shelby asks Scott. 

“Pretty close, let’s continue.” Scott walks in the lead. 

I follow him, Shelby by my side. Trees changed into thicker trees, slightly darker in colour, but some areas black. 

“The darkness is taking over nature,” Shelby shrieks. 

“We’ll figure this out,” I mutter. 

“We’re almost there,” Scott announces. 

We walk over to a giant tree. Scott runs over, beckoning us over. We ran over to the tree. 

“That witch crystal is meant to be a bright blue with lavender,” He says. 

The said crystal was obsidian black. 

“It’s black,” Shelby says the obvious. 

“Like the animals, I think we have to get it out of the dark,” I say. 

Scott nods and walks over, tapping the crystal before jumping back. 

“Ow, it shocked me,” He complains. 

Shelby pulls something out of her bag. I noticed it was a couple of crystals and flowers. 

“Dear Hecate, goddess of witchcraft, please take this offer and let us take this crystal to safety from the darkness,” Shelby offers to the goddess, holding everything up and setting it by the tree. 

“We shall be back tomorrow,” Scott mutters. 

~~~

I head back to the shop, cleaning it up. Comet was by my side. It was late. I was humming some music that I played with magic, and I kept yawning. 

A knock snaps me out of my trance. I walk over to the door and open it. A tall, blonde guy with bright green eyes. A green bandana wrapped around his head. Green hoodie that matched his bandana and eyes. Blue jeans with simple black and white shoes.

“Umm, hello. I saw that this is a magic shop. I have a question,” He mutters. 

“Yeah, come in.” I backed up. 

He walks inside, jumping when seeing Comet with bared teeth. I gently smack her muzzle. 

“Sorry about her. I’m Grian and this is Comet,” I whisper. 

“I’m Martyn,” He says.

I nod to him, letting him ask his question. 

“It’s a magic shop, I’m wondering if you can feel that the magic of the forest is falling with darkness?” He asks. 

“What are you?” I ask.

“A glitch,” He admits, holding up  his hand and making it glitch. 

Glitches were magic folk also, but of other kinds. 

“Yeah, me and my friends noticed it. The witch crystal is full of darkness. We are gonna bring it over if Hecate agrees,” I inform Martyn. 

“Can I help?” He asks.

I look down to Comet, having a silent conversation. 

“Yeah, you can come back tomorrow.” I smile. 

“Thank you.” He smiles back. 

~~~

I was mixing up potions, one of healing, and many of one my parent’s mother made, a position of Boost of Magic. I was making enough for me, Scott, Shelby, and Martyn. 

Before heading off to bed, in my fleece, plaid pj’s, a soft knock on the door. I sigh and walk over. Ren was standing there with ginger hair lined with flowers, deep green eyes, and her skin was splotched with green, connecting with stitches. 

“Hello?” I mutter. 

“Cleo couldn’t come over earlier and not too long ago, we headed to the shop but didn’t see you. 

“Hi, nice to meet you,” Cleo says, holding her bag. 

“What are you two here for?” I ask. 

The two look at each other, before Cleo hands me the bag. 

“Open it,” She says. 

I comply, pulling the drawstring bag open. There was a small, paw print rug in a tan. I pull it out, aweing at it. 

“Thanks,” I mutter with happiness. 

“There’s one more in there,” Cleo says. 

I look into the bag, and indeed, another, larger rug. I lay the paw one over Comet’s back, pulling out this one. It was large and tan, whitish grey moons on one side, going through the stages and in the centre was a smaller, lighter circle. 

“Oh my gods, thank you.” I smile. 

“You are very welcome,” Cleo joyfully says. 

“Can Cleo and Joe come over tomorrow?” Ren asks. 

“Why not,” I mutter, still admiring the rugs. 

After quick buys, Comet ushered me to bed. 

Chapter Text

Comet and I ran to the shop very early in the morning, sun still below the horizon. I arrive, seeing Martyn talk with Scott. 

“Ready to head out?” I ask. 

“We’re waiting for Shelby,” Scott says. 

I nod, panting. I hand on Comet’s back, helping keep me up. Soon Shelby arrives. 

“Let’s head out,” She says. 

“We gotta get the witch crystal to protect our magic,” Martyn mutters. 

We head to the forest, Scott and Comet leading the way. The white snow crunching under our feet, the freezing chill in the air. 

We arrived at the border, which seemed more haunted in the dark. I take the lead, walking forward. Comet takes a step after me. 

“Stay here again,” I tell her. 

“But,” She starts. 

“No,” I scolded. 

She whines but compiles. I walk further in the darkness. Scott follows right after. Shelby and Martyn follow, but unsure. I followed yesterday’s path scent to the crystal, climbing over logs. 

“This place feels haunted,” Shelby whispers. 

“White eyes are watching us,” Martyn replies. 

“Just continue,” I growl, keeping an eye around. 

I follow the path, noticing how it gets darker and the trees change. Deep hoots from the dark took owls, growls from foxes and wolves. My night vision helps me path through. 

Animals walk in front of us, garding us from the tree. I let out a growl. 

“Our magic won’t work, what do we do?” Martyn asks us. 

I pull out the potions and hand them to the others. “Take these.”

After the three are grabbed, I grab one and drink my own. I feel the wave of magic fill my body. 

“Bualadh air an fhàsach, leig dhuinn a dhol seachad air Hecate,” I cast. 

The animals ran off, crack of a stick somewhere off in the trees. 

“Come on.” I smirk, running to the tree. 

The three snap out of the shockness and chase after me. There, laid by the tree was a note where the pile of gems and flowers were once. I slow to a stop, walking over. I picked up the note. 

“What does it say?” Shelby asks. 

“‘My dear children, please take the magic off the dark land to the light, keep it safe. The land will take over in the dark and needs to be stopped. Magic will help you children.’ And there is her symbol, three moons,” I read out. 

Scott walks up to the crystal, gently tapping it. He soon grabs it. 

“Let’s get out of here,” Martyn quickly says. 

I watch as the three run off, the witch crystal being added to Scott’s bag. I walk after them before a soft glow in front of my eyes. A spruce wood torch lined in light grey cloth with a note on it. 

It read: ‘Grian my child, take this torch that will lead the way anywhere you need to go. It'll help you through the fight that will happen. Keep it safe.’

And the three moons. 

“Hurry up!” Scott shouts. 

Shoving the torch into my bag, I press the button on my arm and shift, running off to catch up. 

~~~

I walk by Comet’s side. I duck my head under the hanging vines as magic fills our bodies. 

“Head to the shop?” Martyn asks. 

I huff, nodding. We slowly walked back into town. The tiredness in all our bones. I laid in Comet’s side. 

We finally arrive into town and beeline to the shop. I shift back, pressing the button on my arm and pulling out my keys. I unlock the door, letting us into the warmth. Comet headed home to get the rugs though. 

I watch as Scott looks around, needing to hide the crystal. I opened the cash register. 

“Put it in here,” I say. 

“Can’t anyone open it?” Scott asks. 

“Nope, magic,” I mutter before yawning. 

Scott puts the crystal in it before I close the register. I lay back down behind the counter. When Comet comes back in, I don’t get up, wanting her to walk over to me. 

“Where should I put the rugs?” Shelby asks. 

“Paw one in front of the door, other one in the other room,” I mutter. 

Comet walks over. She lays by my head. I move up to use her back as a pillow. Until the others arrive, we hang out. 

~~~

I wake to the ding of the bell. I bury my face into Comet’s fur. 

“Oh you guys are already here,” Scar says. 

“Where’s G?” Ren asks the others, ignoring the new person. 

“Behind the counter. I’m Martyn,” He replies. 

I drift back off. 

I come back to all my senses with a shake. 

“Wake up bud,” Doc mutters. 

I push myself up. 

“Time to open the shop,” Comet barks. 

~~~

No one came to the shop for a couple hours. When Cleo and a mage named Joe arrived, it was a lot of hanging out. Doc left but came back with the shelves and counters. 

“Here they are, help me carry everything in,” Doc commands. 

I push myself off the counter and flip down the trap door before lifting it back up. Ren and Martyn follow me to help Doc. Ren helps me bring in the boxes of shelf making supplies. Martyn and Doc carry in the counters, where Comet commands them where to place the counters. 

“Well, should we get started building?” Scar asks with a smile after we brought in all the boxes. 

I nod, dropping to the floor and sitting criss-cross. Scar sits by my side, pulling out a knife. 

“Scar, no knife!” Ren shouts, trying to grab the knife by the blade. 

Shelby and I watch as the two fight over a knife. Scott magically gets the knife so no one gets hurt. 

“Oh my gods you two,” Doc mutters, walking past us. 

Scott opens up the box. I pull a flap open. Scar and Ren stop fighting, acting like nothing happened. 

“Come on, let’s get started,” I say. 

We start working on the shelves, building them up and moving them to the other room. Three large shelves fit in the small area.

“Cauldron?” Doc asks me. 

“Yeah, let’s go get it.” I agree. 

“We’ll be back!” Doc shouts. 

We walk out, heading to my house with Maple. Snowy land and a strong shiver. 

We arrived. I unlock the door and hold it open for Doc. I lead him to where my old, rusty cauldron is. 

“Here it is,” I announce. 

“Well, time to get this out,” Doc sighs. 

We drag/carry it out to the cart. We mainly used Doc’s strength. But after we get it into the cart. 

“Come on Maple, let’s head back,” I mutter, hopping onto the horse. 

We arrive and get the cauldron out of the cart.

“How are we gonna get it through that old door?” Doc asks. 

I place my hand on the cauldron, smirking. “I have an idea.”

I think of a place quickly, the centre of the room. 

“Cuir fòn thugainn chun bheachd spot,” I cast. 

The familiar nausea and darkness of teleporting I have dealt with before. I stay still, holding tight to the cauldron. Then my vision filled with light and colour. I was in the room. 

Martyn jumps back, as he was still in the room. 

“Jeez,” He huffs. 

I hold up my hand, trying to hold the nausea down.

“I should teleport more often,” I murmured. 

“Nauseous?” He asks quietly. 

I give a small nod.

“I’m used to teleporting so I’m used to it,” Martyn informs me. 

“You could have warned me!” Doc shouts, slamming the door open. 

The others look between me and Doc, looking confused. I gag, lifting my hand to my mouth and dipping my head down slightly. 

“What’s happening?” Shelby asks. 

“Teleport nausea,” Martyn dully says. 

Shelby and Scott awe, understanding. I quickly recovered, shaking my head. 

“Good,” I say. 

Scar smiles at me with caring eyes, making my heart beat faster. Doc walks over, gently slamming a hand on my back.

“Next time, warn me you idiot,” He softly hisses. 

“Jeez, fine. But I got it in.” I smirk. 

“You could have done that from the beginning!” Doc shouts. 

“Ehh.” I shrug. 

I walk off, feet tapping the ground. 

~~~

Comet sits across from me, watching as I look over the torch and letter. 

“‘It'll help you through the fight that will happen’,” I read outloud. 

“She knows something bad will come,” Comet mumbles. 

“It also talks about leading me where needed.” I look up to Comet’s pond blue and mucky brown eyes. 

“Whatever is controlling that darkness, it’s gonna be bad,” She whines. 

I nod. 

~~~

“Scott, you walk to my house late at night, what do you want?” I ask, still rubbing the sleep out of my eyes. 

“To the library. I was able to talk to Tammey, she is gonna let us in now,” Scott replies. 

“You woke me up,” I complained. 

Comet lets out a small growl, angry that I was woken up after I fell asleep. She was the only way I could fall asleep. 

“Go get ready,” He sighs. 

I grumble under my breath, heading up. 

~~~

The blondish-pink haired girl who was pretty tall and glowing red eyes surrounded by silver rimmed glasses was tuffing as she unlocked the library. 

“In you two go,” Tammey says, pushing open the door. 

“Thanks,” Scott mutters. 

We head in, Tammey closing the door behind us. 

“Where is old non-fiction?” I ask. 

“Use your eyes idiot,” She sasses. 

Scott laughs. I look around, spotting a sign. I drag Scott with me. 

“Look around,” I commanded. 

I looked over titles, reading the back of books. Nothing. I look over all the non-fiction shelves which Scott hasn’t checked. 

“Grian, I found somethin’,” Scott calls out. 

I ran over to him. A deep green cover with a small, black smile, two discs, one with purple and white and the other with two shades of green. Lighter green strings fled through the cover. In gold was the title, ‘The Great Tale Of The Dream SMP’. I pull it out of his hands, flipping to the chapter page. 

‘ Chapter 1: The Beginning

Chapter 2: Start of L’Manburg

Chapter 3: That Start of Pain

Chapter 4: Winning Independence

Chapter 5: President Election

Chapter 6: The Traitor of Pogtopia

Chapter 7: Betrayals, Change, and Losing Friends

Chapter 8: The Exile of Tommyinnit 

Chapter 9: The Leader’s Prisonment

Chapter 10: His Escape, Killing a Close Friend

Chapter 11: A Small While of Freedom

Chapter 12: The Country Comes to a End

Chapter 13: The Explanation of Others of the Ending

Chapter 14: What is the Creature That Took Dream Over? ’

I flip to chapter 14, learning about the creature. A Dreamon, a creature the leader, Dream, created years before he made the Dream SMP. He didn’t like Dreamon and left the creature, which to get payback, revenge, possessed Dream, making him do wrong. The creature made the land feel dark, killing magic. Everything changed, making people turn against one another. 

“Scott, read this,” I mutter, handing him the book. 

I watch as his teal eyes scan over the two pages before looking at me. 

“I think we found our issue. But the question is, who?” Scott asks.

Chapter Text

I walk in to notice a couch leaning along a wall. Scott and Martyn were both sitting there. 

“How did you two and a couch get in?” I ask. 

The two jump, looking up. 

“Uhh, teleportation,” Martyn mutters. 

I sigh, walking in. 

“Looking over the book?” I ask. 

“You know it,” Scott murmurs. 

“Anything?” I ask. 

“No,” The two say in sync, sounding sad. 

I let out another sigh. I walk into the blank kitchen. I pull out my small sketchbook, sketching out where everything will go. Counters and fridge, stove and sink in one section of the kitchen. Comet’s wooden dog bowl on the other side. Spiral stairs to the attic. 

“G, come over here,” Scott calls. 

I walk over to them. “Anything?”

“Maybe,” Martyn mutters. 

“What is it?” I ask. 

“Here it says that the survivors left for towns, leaving these books of the history around,” Scott informs me. 

“So one was here,” I mutter.

“Yeah.” Martyn nods. 

“That isn’t much though,” I grumble. 

I join them on the couch, which Comet lays by my feet. I look over Scott’s shoulder to look at the book. It gave us some info but not much. 

“Wait, did you guys buy the book?” Martyn asks. 

“No but Tammey, the librarian, let us keep it as long as needed,” Scott tells him. 

“Got it,” Martyn hums.

I flip to a different page of my sketchbook, writing down information. 

“So far we have info on the Dreamon and everything it did,” I mutter. 

“Yeah, but that’s all,” Scott sighs.

~~~

I stack the shelves with books with Scar’s help. 

“So, what is your idea for the kitchen?” Doc asks. 

I handed him the sketchbook from my pocket. 

“Here, that’s a quick sketch,” I grumble. 

I continue lifting books onto the shelves with Scar’s help, all about magic, potions, prosthetics, and a lot more about nonhuman entities. 

“You’re missing some books,” Comet barks. 

“What?” I ask her. 

“You’re missing some books. I’ve always known all the books here,” Comet replies. 

“Do you know where they are?” Scar asks her. 

“In the house,” Comet mutters. 

I sigh, pulling out my keys. 

“Take Ren or Shelby to the house and gather the books.” I hand her the keys. 

“Got it,” Comet agrees before heading off. 

“So, what colour pattern?” Doc asks. 

“Red and white, red tiled backdrop. Steel spiral stairs. Anything else you think,” I murmur, not paying attention. 

“Okay,” Doc agrees. 

Doc leaves with Scott and Martyn, leaving Scar and I alone. It was awkward silence as we placed books up. I hear a quick breath from Scar. I look over to him. His eyes glistened with hope. By his tense body language, I knew something was wrong. 

Before I could ask him a question, he mutters, “Grian, I have to admit, from the first day of meeting you, I noticed my heart race and face heat up. I liked you and the more I learned about you and noticed your dedication to the shop. I really like you.”

I blink once, then twice. 

“I’m sorry if you don’t want to be friends, or want me to be here,” He whispers. 

“Scar, I like you too.” I smile. 

Scar brightens up, smiling widely, making me giggle. 

“Can I take you on a date tonight?” He asks, smirking. 

“Sure, what time?” I ask. 

“Eight?” He wonders. 

I nod my head. Scar ruffles my hair, scratching behind my ears. Before anything else, the door opens. 

“Got the books!” Shelby shouts. 

“Nice,” I say, walking over and grabbing one of the two boxes. 

Scar collects the other one before we head over to the shelf, finishing putting up the books. 

Soon, Doc, Martyn, and Scott come back.

“All ordered,” Doc says with a thumbs up. 

“Thanks,” I mutter. 

Scar and I keep putting books up, hands brushing over one anothers. I smile during the process, which after, we join the others playing different board games. It was very chaotic, all of us being good at different games. 

~~~

I walk over to my house, Comet by my side. 

“So, you seem excited,” She woofs. 

“I am,” I glee. 

“Why?” Comet asks with a flirty tone. 

I gently kick the dog before pulling out my keys to unlock the door.

“Answer me damn it,” She growls. 

I close the door after us, setting my bag on its hook. I scan the clock, reading the time as 7:00. 

“One hour to get ready,” I murmured, heading upstairs. 

“Grian,” Comet scolds. 

“I'm going on a date,” I blurt out. 

“With who?” Comet asks happily.

“Scar,” I whisper. 

“Knew it!” Comet shouts, tail wagging. 

I sigh. “Help me get ready.”

Comet dashes past me, tail wagging like crazy. I run after her to the closest, which she struggled to tug open. I pull open the doors. 

“So, you need to wear something fancy,” Comet murmurs. 

“I know,” I grumble, looking over everything.

We look around, spotting nothing. Comet looks me up and down, cocking her head from side to side. I watch as she walks off to the room filled with boxes of my parent’s stuff. 

Comet walks over, dragging a briefcase with her. She drops it by my feet, looking up at me with sad eyes.

“This was Basil’s. You are about their height. It'll fit,” Comet whimpers. 

I lift it up. Before I could open it, Comet shoved me to the bathroom. I close the door, deciding to do a quick shower.

Washing my hair and body in the warm water before stepping out. I wrap a towel around my waist, grabbing a smaller towel, scrubbing it against my hair. 

After fully dried, I opened the case. On top was a pair of black socks and fingerless gloves. I pull them out, slipping the socks on with a pair of boxers. Next was a white button up, which I slipped over my arms, starting from the bottom button to the top. A pair of black dress pants which I slipped on, putting the black leather belt through the belt loops and fastening it. The blazer had beautiful red accents going perfectly with the black. I slip it over the dress shirt, buttoning it up. A red tie, which I slipped around my neck and started trying to tie it, failing many times before getting it close enough. I look back in, a small box and a photo flipped over. I first grab the small green box, opening it up. Rings and ear cuffs. I grab a ring, a small silver ring with moons flowing around it. I find a finger it fits on before grabbing a different ring. This one had a silver backdrop, redstone in the middle covered with glass. I slipped it on my left middle finger. I look through them all, trying to find another good ring to match. I noticed a lot of different colours and styles before a silver and gold moon caught my eye. I found a finger it could fit on. A vine silver and gold ear cuff was nice of one that I slipped on. I put the others back into the box before grabbing the photo. 

A picture of a brunette. Almost silver eyes and fanged smile. Gold glasses close to mine. I realised it was Basil, wearing this suit. I give a soft smile before putting the picture back into the case, same with the box and gloves.

I walk out, almost tripping over small, black boots. I quickly slip them on. 

“You look amazing. Just like Basil,” Comet woofs, walking over. 

“Thanks girl,” I say with a smile. 

Comet makes her tail wag. I looked over to the clock, seeing it was almost 8. 

“He’ll be here soon,” I mutter. 

“Well, get your hair done,” Comet growls. 

“Jeez,” I huff but walk back. 

I dry and fluff up my hair, adding one of my black star clips. When I finished, there was a knock at the door. 

I ran down, Comet following me. I slid before the door, opening it up. There stood Scar in a black turtleneck, silver necklace draping from his neck. Tan trench coat hung over his shoulders and arms. Black jeans and knee high boots. Silver chair on the jeans and boots. A dark birch cane held in his right hand. 

His shiny green eyes look me up and down, blush running over his cheeks and nose. 

“You look amazing,” He mutters in awe. 

I blush. “Thanks.”

“Well, may I take you out?” Scar asks, giving a soft bow. 

I take his outward hand, smiling. “Yes good sir.”

Scar gently pulls me closer to him, out the door. 

“Bring him back,” Comet barks like a mother. 

“I will Comet, don’t worry,” Scar replies. 

Comet closes the door as Scar walks me down to the street. I held his scarred, warm hand, larger than mine. 

We soon arrived at a fancy diner. 

“Hello, reservation for two, Scar,” Scar mutters. 

The host looks over the screen before looking up. 

“Right this way sirs,” He gives a small head bow. 

We follow him down to a two person table, small light candle, red booths, menus, black wrapped napkins, and two wine glasses. I sit down on one side, watching as Scar sits across, setting his cane to lean against the wall. 

“You’re waitress will arrive soon,” He mutters before walking away. 

I picked up a menu, looking over the different wines. 

“What kind of wine do you want to get?” Scar asks, looking at me. 

“I’ve never had wine, only vodka,” I tell him. 

“How about Provence Rose?” Scar offers. 

“Sure,” I agree. 

Scar nods. I look over the foods, wincing at the prices. 

“No looking at the prices,” Scar scolds nicely. 

I look up, shocked. 

“No,” Scar laughs. 

I sigh but continue looking over. After a while, I chose Lemon Panko-Crusted Salmon. A black haired girl with panther ears and tail, golden eyes. 

“Hello, I’m Emmy, I’ll be your waitress. What can I get you two to drink?” She asks. 

“Can we get a Provence Rose?” Scar asks. 

“Yes you may, anything else?” She looks at me. 

“Oh, a glass of wine. It’s for both of us,” Scar informs. 

Emmy nods before walking away. 

“So, tell me more about you,” Scar says, leaning on his hands to look at me. 

“Well, Comet has been with me for my entire life, magic giving her a longer life time. I adore cats, hoping to get one, maybe two. I’m allergic to chocolate and sulfa. I love reading, if you couldn’t tell,” I giggle. 

“Nice to know.” He smiles. 

“Well, what about you?” I ask.

“I live with two of my friends, Mumbo and Cub. I have a cat, Queen Jellie, or just Jellie. I love Star Wars . I like puzzles. My legs don’t always like to work, something I don’t know what it is. Oh, let me show you some pictures of Jellie,” Scar says, pulling out his wallet. 

He showed me pictures of this beautiful, grey and white cat with small amounts of orange and darling green eyes that matched Scar’s. 

“She’s beautiful,” I said in awe. 

“You should come over some time to see her. And meet my roommates,” Scar squeals. 

“Sure.” I smile. 

Emmy placed down a deep red bottle. “Here is your wine.”

“Thanks,” I murmured. 

“Well, are you ready to order?” She asks. 

Scar looks at me, in which I nod. 

“Yes, can I get the flemington,” Scar orders. 

Emmy nods and looks at me. 

“Lemon Panko-Crusted Salmon,” I murmur. 

“Yep, those will be right out,” Emmy says before walking away. 

We continue happily talking throughout the dinner, learning more about each other. I knew I liked him, everything about him. 

After dinner and Scar paying the bill, Scar walked me through the cold streets to my house. I shivered, teeth chattering. 

“Here, you need it more,” Scar says, caring. 

He draped his trench coat over my shoulders, reaching past my knees. I smile with blush. The coat smelled deeply of him, making my tail wag.

We arrive at my house, stopping in front of my front door. 

“Well, that was nice,” I say with a smile. 

“I’m glad.” He smiles down at me. 

It was silence, before Scar lifted up my chin. 

“May I?” He whispers. 

I nod. Scar moves closer, warm, cracked lips tasting like the wine touched mine. He pulls away, brushing hair that fell into my eyes to the side. I smile at him. 

“Grian, will you be my boyfriend?” Scar asks. 

Chapter Text

Comet follows me as I happily walk over to the shop. 

“You seem happy,” Comet woofs. 

“You know why,” I tell her. 

“Yeah, yeah,” Comet sighs. 

We arrived at the shop. I unlock the door and enter. Comet hops onto the couch. I rushed over to the mop. I head to the back with the bucket, filling it up with water and adding soap. I walk back to the first room. I grab the map and start cleaning the floor, getting a glare from Comet. After mopping, I start dusting all the shelves. 

“Grian, we need to make a door,” Comet tells me. 

“I know,” I murmur. 

“Do you want me to grab a good chunk of wood?” Comet asks. 

“Sure,” I agree. 

Comet heads back out. I continue cleaning the place up. 

“Hey G,” The very familiar, American accent says joyfully. 

I turn around, smiling. “Hi Scar.”

“Where’s Comet?” Scar asks. 

“Grabbing a piece of wood for the door,” I reply. 

“Nice,” Scar mutters. 

Scar kisses my forehead. I wag my tail. 

“Well cutie, what should we do before the others arrive?” Scar asks. 

I roll my eyes, getting a laugh as a reply. 

“Can you get the paint?” I ask in a whimper, pointing to the top shelf. 

Scar blushes, “Jeez, didn’t know how cute you are.”

Scar grabs the paint can and brushes for the door. 

Comet gets back before anyone else, a nice, large chunk of wood and carving tools. 

“Thanks girl,” I praised. 

I sit down, getting ready to carve the door into shape. 

“Scar, can you measure the door?” I ask.

“Sure.” Scar shrugs. 

Comet brings him the tape measure. The two measure the door as I get all my tools ready. 

“Seven feet up and two and a half across,” Scar says. 

“Thanks,” I mumble, taking the measuring tape. 

I measure the wood, sketching the lines. Scar sits by my side. I start cutting the wood down, forming the door. I watch the shape form. I add details into the wood. But I was able to finish cutting the wood and no one showed up. 

“Are the others coming?” Scar asks. 

“I think so,” I mutter. 

I push open the can of paint, making sure to not spill any onto the new floors. 

“Should I grab a tarp?” Comet asks. 

I nod. Comet dashes off. 

“Yeah, a tarp would be a good idea,” Scar agrees. 

I nod again. I lean against my boyfriend as we wait for Comet to arrive, or anyone else to show up.

~~~

We were painting the door when the door slams open. 

“Sorry we’re late!” Doc shouts.

“There you people are,” Scar replies, looking up to the arrivals. 

“Yeah, we were making something and got distracted, lost time,” Cleo informs us. 

Joe nods, walking to the couch and reading a book. Ren flops by the door. 

“This is looking nice,” Ren compliments. 

“Thanks,” I murmured. 

“You are gonna need door hinges and a door knob,” Doc says, standing above us.

“We know,” Comet woofs. 

“Can someone get those? Preferably gold,” I ask around. 

“I’ll go,” Cleo says with a smile. 

“Thanks Cleo,” I yelp. 

~~~

Doc helps me drill the door hinges in as Cleo and Joe keep Scar back. Ren was getting the other door out, being careful about the bell. 

“Door knob?” I ask Doc. 

He tosses it over to me before walking over to help me get it set up. 

“Hurry up, he’s getting rowdy,” Joe pleads. 

“We’re almost done,” Doc tells the two. 

I hold the pieces in place as Doc sets them in. 

“Uhh, the door’s gone,” Scott mutters, walking in. 

“We know,” Cleo calls out. 

“So, new door?” Shelby asks, crouching by us. 

“Yep,” I woof. 

“Ready G?” Doc asks me. 

I nod, getting my hands under the door. 

“Three, two, one,” Doc counts down. 

We lift up the dried and finished door. We move it to the empty spot. 

“Someone, help us,” I call out. 

“I will!” Scar shouts. 

“No!” The rest of us shout. 

“Awww,” Scar pouts. 

“I’ll help,” Ren offers. 

Ren holds the door while Doc sets it into the spot. After that, I connected it to the bell. 

“Well, time for the kitchen,” Doc announces. 

“Is the stuff ready?” I ask. 

“We also checked before coming here. Yes it is,” Joe mutters, looking up from his book and pushing his black, square glasses up. 

“Got it, they need to be collected,” I say. 

“Scar, wanna come with me?” Shelby asks. 

“Sure,” Scar agrees. 

“I’ll need to come along,” Doc sighs. 

The three head off. I clean up the tarp with Scott. 

“So, this place looks nice,” Cleo comments.

“Thanks.” I smile. 

I hand Comet the folded up tarp. She sets it by the door. I sat down next to Joe, summoning the current book I was reading. Ren and Scott join Cleo on the floor, talking to each other. Comet sits by my side. I pat her head. 

We wait for the others to get back. Which was Doc needing to bring everything in and unboxing it all. I helped, setting everything in its place to be set by Doc. Piping the sink to connect to the water pipes. Shelby helped with her vines. 

~~~

I lay on the hardwood, humming the familiar song from childhood. 

“That sounds like “Hallelujah”.” Joe points out. 

“No, I’ve heard that song but it’s not it,” I grumble. 

Scott hands me the Dream SMP book. 

“What?” I ask. 

“You’re taking it home tonight,” He dully says. 

I nod. Scar joins me by my side. Doc and Scott both look over at us. 

“I told Doc a while ago,” Scar, very quietly, whispers. 

“I told Scott.” I follow the same tone. 

“Wow,” He murmurs. 

I giggle. 

“Stop flirting you two.” Ren laughs. 

“We’re not flirting!” I shout at him. 

“Yeah right.” Shelby smirks. 

I roll my eyes. Scott and Doc look at each other, eyes full of joy. Comet looks up at me, knowing. Turns out she saw us kiss through the window. I smile at her. 

“She saw us,” I whisper to Scar. 

“She saw what?” Cleo asks. 

“Nothing,” The three of us quickly say. 

I pat Comet on the head. 

“Wait, are you two dating?” Joe asks.

Joe was the smartest one here. I look away. 

“What, no.” Scar drags out the ‘o’. 

“Oh my gods, they’re dating,” Shelby joyfully squealed. 

“I saw them kiss!” Comet blurts out. 

I bury my head in my hands, hearing the squeals and talking. Scar pats my back, kissing my head. I groan, leaning on Scar’s arm. 

“You’ll be fine. I think you two are perfect for each other. Scar hasn’t stopped talking about you,” Cleo rants. 

I groan again. 

“You’ll be fine,” Comet woofs. 

~~~

The day was fine, everything was fun. Scar walked Comet and I home. 

Now I was sitting on my couch, reading the book. It was nice. There was Tommy Innit-Soot, Wilbur Soot, Niki Nihachu, Fundy Soot, Eret Pride, and Tubbo Underscore. Wilbur was the president and his brother was the vice-president. But there was a song Wilbur created. 

“ I heard there was a special place

Where men could go emancipate

The brutality and tyranny 

Of their rulers

Well, this place is real

You needn’t fret

With Wilbur, Tommy, Tubbo and Eret

It’s a very big and a bit blown up L’Manberg

My L’Manberg

My L’Manberg

My L’Manberg

My L’Manberg

For Freedom and for liberty

Our nation sought to build on these

A victory for all under democracy 

Well the darkness came and then it went

We built a home and watched it sink

And from the rubble, there emerged 

L’Manberg

My L’Manberg

My L’Manberg

My L’Manberg

My L’Manberg ’ 

As I read it, I hummed the tune I’ve always known, seeing how it fit together. 

“What you doin’?” Comet asks. 

I look at her. 

“Looking at a song in this book,” I mutter. 

Comet walks over, looking over the book. 

“Oh, Basil used to sing this to you. How could I forget? The tune you always hum is this song. Mum always sung it.” Comet recalls.

I think about that. Grandma knew the song and the tone. She sung it to Ma, who then sung it to me. 

“Comet, am I related to someone from the Dream SMP?” I ask. 

Chapter Text

I paced around my shop and the sun rose. I looked at all names in the book, writing down who could be my grandparent. There were no wolf shifters, so whoever the person had my Ma with was a wolf shifter. Just because the one who sang the song was my grandma, it could still be anyone. 

The first marked off were the ones who died before others left. Dream, Punz, Tubbo, Tommy, Wilbur, Ranboo, and JSchlatt. Next was the ones who already had children or didn’t want children, Phil, Puffy, Ant, Eret, Fundy, Foolish, Callahan, Quackity, Slimecicle or uh Charlie, BadBoyHalo, AweSamDude, and Aimsey. Third was the ones who … Okay, I have no idea what to divide. I run my hands over my face, groaning. 

“Calm down Gri,” Comet woofs. 

“Any names you remember?” I ask her. 

Comet shakes her head. I let out another groan. 

“I need more clues,” I grumble. 

“More clues about what?” Scott asks, entering the shop. 

I jump, scared. “Jeez, don’t scare me like that!”

Scott chuckles. “Well, clue about what?” 

“Nothing,” I reply.

“Well, to let you know, Shelby is off getting some of our friends,” Scott informs me. 

“Got it,” I agree. 

Comet looks up at me, as if saying to tell him. I shake my head at her.  

“What’s your plans for today?” Scott asks. 

I shrug, flopping onto the couch. Comet jumps up and lays next to me. I pet her fur, smiling. 

“We’re here!” Scar happily shouts, running over to me. 

I notice Doc and Ren both arrived with three new people. 

“Hi,” I say. 

“Hello, nice to meet you, I’m Impulse.” Tallish brunette with brown eyes. Black shirt with a yellow ‘i’ under a black jacket. Blue jeans and black snow boots. 

I give him a nod. The other two were a little more shy. One of them had black hair and a moustache. He wore a suit. Fine and pristine. The other one had black hair, black undershirt with a lab coat over it, almost like how Doc always wore his. In the pocket was a pencil and around his neck was a stethoscope. 

“These two shy people are Mumbo and Cub,” Ren tells me. 

“Awh.” I nod. 

These two were Scar’s roommates. Cleo pushes past the two who just stood there, Joe following her while reading a book. 

“Welcome,” I mutter. 

Scar sits by my side, keeping me close. I lean on his shoulder. 

“Grian, you don’t know how much Scar has talked about you,” Cub says, walking over, spinning his pencil in his hand. 

“Heard that many times,” I laugh. 

Cub nods, laughing along. 

All of us hang out for a while until Shelby arrives with four others. The one who was happily chatting had golden yellow wings and winged ears, blond hair with pale blue eyes. Light blue shirt and black jeans, and red shoes that did not match. He was also the tallest.

The one who kept humming replies to the canary hybrid had almost moth-like bird wings sticking out of her deep, slate grey jacket. A shirt with stars dotted around and black jeans, simple black boots that went just below the knee. Blue-red eyes and deep brown hair. She also had a dog following her, all white with a yellow collar and a small cape with a hood, bright blue eyes also. 

Then there were the two in the back. One with dark brown hair with a streak of green in it. Two owl wings, one wrapped around the other girl. Brown eyes, almost hazel. He had a leather, brown jacket on top and a green shirt. Blue jeans and simple sneakers. 

The last one had bright pink hair, but also light. Blue eyes with a hint of grey. Soft pink scales along her cheeks. She had a pink sweater with star patches around. Black leggings with pink snow boots. 

“Brought the people,” Shelby announces. 

The canary looks around. He gives a strong, fast wave to me. I give a small wave back. 

“Oh hello.” The owl-moth welcomes. “I'm Pearl and my dog is Tilly.”

“I’m Jimmy!” The canary happily shouts.

“Jim, be quiet.” The owl growls. “I'm Joel.”

“Hello, nice to meet you. I'm Lizzie,” The pink haired mer introduced.

“Nice to meet you all,” I say. 

“So Scar, this is your boyfriend,” Pearl teases. 

I groan. Scar chuckles, bringing me closer to him. 

“Yes,” Scar proudly says. 

I groan again.

~~~

Scott walks over to me as I sketch out the bathroom. 

“Come with me and Shelby,” He whispers.

I nod. Scott walks off. I soonly followed the two outside. 

“Yes?” Shelby asks Scott. 

He pulls out a folded piece of paper. “I got this note from my brother.”

He holds it. Shelby and I move closer to look at it. 

‘ Dear Scott,

My dear brother, it’s been a while. Hasn’t it? Well anyways, I’ll get to the point. L’obscurité va pleuvoir sur le village. La magie sera détruite! N’essayez pas de m’arrêter.

You’re dearest brother, 

Xornoth ’

The writing was pristine and clean. 

“Do either of you know what it says?” Scott asks us. 

I only knew Scots Gaelic and German. I shake my head. 

“Sorry, no,” Shelby replies. 

Scott sighs. “I have no clue what my brother said.”

We head back in. 

“Ask Joe,” I whisper to Scott. 

He nobs. I sat back down next to Comet, who was now sitting on the floor. I look through the Dream SMP book, trying to find out who my grandparent is. 

“I could tell it’s French but I don’t know how to read French.” I overhear Joe’s reply. 

“French?” Impulse asks. 

“My brother sent me a note with a couple sentences in French,” Scott explains. 

A lot of replies of no one knowing French. Scott grumbles something under his breath. I look at him before going back to the book. I look over it. Who was my grandparent?

“What are you glaring at Griba?” Pearl asks.

I look up to her. “Nothing.”

“Sure.” She smirks. 

I look back to the book. I pull out my sketch book, flipping it to the page. I write down all the names, crossing the ones who were already off the list. That left Boomer, Eyrn, George, Alyssa, Technoblade, Nihachu, Ponk, Karl, Hannah, HBomb, Jack, CPK, Purpled, Lazar, SapNap, Michael, Vik, Tina, Connor, and Skeppy. 

“What are you doing Grian?” Doc asks, looking over to me. 

“Something,” I murmur. 

“What?” Jimmy asks, tossing a dice into the air. 

I don’t respond, looking at the descriptions of each person. There were hybrids also. I look over it. I needed to find who my grandparent is. 

~~~

I was able to get to know the new arrivals. Five of us got a nickname from the others. 

Impulse, Mumbo, Scar, Pearl, and I were hanging out, playing UNO . We kept playfully fighting before making a joke about an idea. A hole to space, or as some calls, the void with a totem pole of boats. I suggested the name Boatem. So then we had the Boatem Pole and Boatem Hole. So the others started calling us the Boatem Group or Crew. 

Jimmy basically shoved me into the family of him, Pearl, Joel, and technically Lizzie. Lizzie and Joel turned out to be married. Comet and Tilly were good friends at the end of the day. 

“So, how was today?” Comet asks me.

“I enjoyed today,” I say with a smile. 

“So did I.” Comet agrees. 

I unlock the door, letting us in. 

“Any more clues you can give me?” I ask Comet. 

“Nothing I could think of,” She woofs. 

I groan, flopping onto the couch. 

Chapter Text

A note was laid by my door by Scar. I look at it. 

‘ Bub, 

I have two things I wanna give you. I also have more stuff for it. I know you said today we’re off but I’m gonna stop by around midday.

• Scar’

What was he planning? 

“What?” Comet asks. 

“Scar has something for us,” I mutter. 

Comet walks over to the couch, hopping onto it. I close the door, setting the note on the table. I clean up the kitchen, deciding to wash all the dishes and clean the counters, take out the trash and mopping the floors. 

“Cleaning again?” Comet asks. 

“Yeah,” I sass back. 

“You are so much like Basil. OCD,” Comet sighs. 

I roll my eyes, continuing to clean. I mop five times and wipe down the counters three times.

“OCD!” Comet shouts. 

“Shut up,” I growl. 

Comet woofs, tail flicking. I whine back. 

After a while, there was a soft but heavy knock at the door. I walk over to the door and open it. Scar stood there, a red childish wagon behind him and a weird carrier. 

“Grian!” Scar joyfully says.

“Hi Scar.” I smile. 

Scar leans down and kisses me. I lean into his touch. Scar pulls away. 

“Well, here is what I got you.” Scar smiles, holding up the carrier. 

I noticed two kittens. Both were Egyptian Maus. One was silver, reminding me of pearls. The other one was a beautiful bronze. 

“I saw these two kittens, knew you love cats, as thought of you,” Scar says. 

“They’re adorable,” I awe. 

Scar smiles. I hold out my hands, wanting them. Scar sets it into my arms as Comet walks over. I walk back, letting Scar in. Comet closes the door. I sit down on the floor. The bronze kitten perks up. I look at him. I unzip the bag. Comet was laid, stomach to the floor. Scar sat by my side. 

“They already have their shots. I was able to get you some stuff for them. Both of them also have met Jellie and they are all good with each other,” Scar informs me. 

“Thanks,”I mutter. 

The little male, who had beautiful orange eyes, walked over, sniffing my hand. He lets me pet him. 

“Maui,” I murmur. 

He meows, purring at my touch. 

“He’s sure a friendly one,” Scar says.

I nod, agreeing. The silver one slowly crawls up, seeming more timid. I set out my hand, letting her sniff it. Pearl was more shy but did fall in love with me. Comet slowly crawls over, making sure to look innocent. Maui bounced over to Comet, meeting her. Pearl soon joined her brother. 

“I think they belong.” I smile. 

“They sure do,” Scar agrees. 

Scar helped me set up everything he had gotten. Two litter boxes, one small bowl, and a bag of food. 

“We should get more stuff,” Scar says, dragging me to the door. 

I lift up the two kittens. My red hoodie let Pearl climb into the hood. She stayed pretty still. Maui happily laid in my arms. Comet followed us. We headed to the pet shop. 

When there, I set Maui in the trolley, pushing it around. We first stop at collars. I find a pretty, light teal collar that will be able to follow Pearl as she grows. I got Maui a darker blue. Then cat harnesses and leashes, matching their collars. We get toys and cat beds. I look at everything. Pearl was still in my hood. I got two tags, one was a star and the other was a moon. 

After paying, I was able to go to the weird machine to carve their names. The moon I carved Maui’s name and the star I carved Pearl’s name. 

“Time to head home,” I say in a sing-song voice. 

We carry the bags home. But as we walked home, I noticed a satchel large enough to hold both cats when fully grown. 

I bought it. I set both of them into the bag as we walked back. 

~~~

I was stuck on the couch as Scar was making lunch with the help of Comet. Maui was laid on top of me and Pearl was by my side. I run my hand over Pearl’s back. 

“Lunch!” Scar calls out. 

“I’m stuck,” I called back.

Footsteps and paws walk over. Scar bursts into laughter. 

“You’re stuck until they let you leave,” Scar laughs. 

“I know,” I sigh happily. 

Comet walks over, laying her head on the couch. I pat her head. Maui looks up at her before stretching. He climbs onto her back. Pearl watches her brother. I sit up, scoping Pearl into my arms. I sniff the air. 

“The food smells amazing,” I whine. 

“Thanks.” Scar blushes. 

I sit down at the table, Pearl resting in my lap. Very nice looking spaghetti. I dig my fork in, trying it. 

“Oh my gods, this is amazing,” I mutter. 

“Thanks.” Scar smiles. 

I shove the food into my mouth, quickly eating it. Comet and Maui played around. After I finished lunch, Scar took my plate. 

“Ay,” I howl. 

“I’m doing dishes,” He says. 

“But you cooked,” I pointed out. 

“And Comet told me it took you a week to do dishes,” Scar says. 

I sigh. I stand up, bringing Pearl with me. I rock her in my arms as I walk back to the couch. I lay down one of my fluffy blankets and wrap her up. I continue to rock her from side to side. Her soft purrs and happy meows made me awe. Maui runs over, a small ball in his mouth. I bend down and grab it, keeping Pearl in my arms. I throw the ball. I miss the fond look of Scar with blush over his face. I continue to play fetch with Maui before Pearl ressles in my arms, jumping down and joining the game. I giggle, smiling at them. 

~~~

I laid on the couch, Comet laid on my legs, Pearl by my head, and Maui laid on my chest. My fuzzy PJ top and simple boxers. My eyes showed the world slightly blurry, tired filling my body. I yawn as I feel Maui curl more into my chest, kneading at my top. I close my eyes, letting myself sleep with my new members of the family. 

Chapter Text

I wake up, heavily breathing. Something in the forest felt wrong and I knew Comet could feel it. Maui was by Comet’s side as Pearl was laid on a sunny spot on the table. I sit up, swinging my feet to the floor. Comet looks over before looking outside again. I head up to my bedroom. 

I changed into a very fuzzy red sweater and black sweats. I rush down stairs, grabbing my new satchel and slinging it across my body. I notice Pearl and Maui perk up with the bag. I pull Comet’s collar down, clipping it around her neck. 

“You feel it two?” She asks. 

“The darkness? Yeah,” I mutter, looking through my pantry.

I found two granola bars which I shove into the bag, same with the Dream SMP book, my sketch book, and pencil. I struggle on my fuzzy socks and snow boots. 

“Comet, get the sled,” I commanded. 

A small woof and she grabbed her harness and pulled the sled down. I quickly hooked her up, letting her out. I put Maui and Pearl in my bag, adding a blanket for warmth. 

I stand on the back of the sled. “Mush!” 

The sled shifts, being pulled by the husky. She runs into the forest to the darkness edge. I noticed everything was dying. In the far distance, for a split second, I notice a dark figure with glowing purple and red accents, a huge coloured smile, long horns. From here, I felt the darkness they radiated. Comet growled at them. It walked closer after noticing me. Glowing purplish-red eyes watched me closely, not blinking once. I felt a shiver fall down my spin. It looked at me, glowering at me. I growled, singing along with Comet. 

“ Don’t worry kid, this forest and town will be mine. Au revoir, ” It talks before puffing into sparticals of black, red, and magenta. 

“Let’s get back,” I murmured. 

“Yeah,” Comet agrees. 

~~~

I sit on the floor, leaning against the wall. I sketched out the creature I saw. Long black horns sticking straight up, wide, weirdly colourful smiles, purple, magenta, and red accents lined his body. Almost a black skirt flowing down his waist to his knees. He seemed almost as tall as some of the younger trees, maybe ten feet. 

“Grian?” Jimmy asks, snapping his fingers in front of my face. 

I snap out of whatever trance I was in. 

“Uh, sorry,” I mutter. 

“It’s okay Griba,” Pearl reasures. 

I nod, looking at my drawing. Jimmy stands up, holding out a hand. I take his hand, letting him yank me up. I slightly trip over my feet. 

“Thanks.” I smile. 

Jimmy ruffles my hair. 

“Well, who are those two?” Pearl asks, pointing to the cats. 

“Oh, Scar got me them. Before you ask, no I did not name her after you. Pearl and Maui,” I quickly say. 

Pearl gives me a playful smirk before I jab her in the side. Pearl laughs, smiling at me. I smile back at her. 

“Well, where’s Joel and Lizzie?” I ask. 

“They decided to take Meri to a spa day,” Jimmy grumbles. 

“Meri?” I ask. 

“Their dog,” Pearl dully says. 

I nod. 

“Gri, tomorrow can I bring my cats here?” Jimmy asks hopefully. 

I shrug. “Why not.”

Jimmy shouts, pumping his arms into the air. I laugh fondly. In no time, Doc, Ren, Scar, Impulse, and a deer hybrid walk in. 

“We’ve arrived,” Ren howls. 

Scar trots over, pulling me into a hug. I pat his back, hearing his heartbeat. I feel a soft kiss be planted on top of my head. I pull back after a little. 

The deer hybrid walks over, shiny ginger hair with different flowers in her antlers. Mid-spring grass green eyes. A pale green sweater with brown overalls.

“Hello, I’m GeminiTay, but please call me Gem,” She says with a smile and a familiar accent. Canadian. 

“Nice to meet you Gem,” I say. 

Comet trots over, ears perked up at the Canadian accent. 

“Another Canadian,” She woofs. 

Gem looks at my dog, shocked. 

“Gem, this is my Canadian husky, Comet. Her collar lets her talk,” I inform her. 

Gem slowly nods. “Well Comet, another one of my friends is Canadian.”

Comet happily woofs, “Canadians will take over the world.”

I sigh, gently kicking Comet in her leg. She gives me a playful bark. I smile down at her. 

After a while, I watch as a paranoid Scott, panicked Martyn, and a stressed looking Shelby walk in. They knew the dark magic was getting stronger. I walk straight over to them. 

“Meet me outside in ten,” I whisper. 

I get nods from the three. I walk over to Doc, pulling out my sketch book. I tear out the page of the bathroom ideas. 

“Can we get started on this?” I ask, handing him the ripped out page. 

He looks over it. “Yeah.”

After a couple minutes, Comet and I headed outside, meeting up with Scott and Shelby, who were both already outside. 

“We just need Martyn,” Shelby anxiously says. 

I nod, hand resting on Comet’s head. The bell dings with Martyn shouting to the others before walking over. I led them into a nearby alleyway. 

“So what do you need to tell us?” Scott asks, leaning on the wall. 

“So this morning, I woke up feeling the change. We headed off to the forest to look at it. Everything, and I mean everything is dead. But a creature stood in the back, red, purple, and magenta accents to their black skin. It walked closer, looking at me. It told me it would take everything over with darkness. Here -” I pulled out my drawing, handing it to them- “I drew it.”

The three look at my drawing. 

“But as it left, they said goodbye in French,” I say. 

Scott pulls out the letter. “This is in French.”

It clicks. 

“Can I take the note?” I ask. 

“Uhh, sure,” Scott agrees. 

“I’ll be back, tell the others,” I say, taking the note and running off. 

I run to the library, dodging anyone on the street. I hold the note tight and stop in front of the door. I enter, seeing Tammey by her desk, reading a book. 

“Uh, oh, hello Grian,” She says. 

“Hi, do you have a book on French?” I ask. 

“Yes, please follow me,” Tammey smiles. 

I follow her down to Language rows. 

“Here are the French books,” She says. 

“Thanks Tammey. By the way, do you have any clue of Dream SMP members who lived near here or here?” I ask. 

“I only know of Phil and Techno. Techno is my grandfather,” Tammey replies. 

“Thank you,” I mutter. 

Tammey walks off, letting me look at the books. I found one that I opened, seeing it was good. I take it over the desk. 

“Found one?” She asks. 

“Yep,” I agree, placing it down. 

“Good pick, this is a good French book.” Tammey scans it. 

She hands the book over. Putting in my info from the last book. 

“So, why are you wondering what members were here?” She asks. 

“My grandparent was a member,” I replied. 

“Well, nice to know someone else is here like me.” Tammey smiles. 

I smile back at her. Tammey hands me the book. 

“Keep the Dream SMP book, I have two more,” She informs me. 

“You sure?” I ask.

“Yep.” Tammey pops the ‘p’. 

“Thanks,” I mutter. 

After quick byes, I head back to my shop. I run over there, slamming the door open when I arrive.

“Jeez!” Shelby shouts. 

“Grian!” Jimmy yells. 

“Oh my goodness,” Scar mutters. 

“You scared us!” Ren howls. 

Doc hisses at me. I pant, walking past a growling Comet. I hold the French book to Scott. 

“You got a book,” Scott mutters. 

“Yeah.” I pant. 

Scott takes the book, looking over it. 

“We can find what it means,” Shelby says, walking over. 

We sat on the floor. Gem and Scar were sitting by my side. The note and book were in the middle. Comet laid behind me, being like a back rest. 

“Okay so L’obscurité, in the L’s,” Scott murmurs. 

Doc takes the book, quickly flipping to the L’s. After a couple seconds, Doc finds it. 

“Darkness,” Doc mutters. 

I write it down in the beginning. 

“Okay, va is next,” Shelby says, looking over Scott’s shoulder. 

Doc starts flipping to the V’s before Ren steals the book. 

“Va means goes,” Ren replies before getting jabbed in the side. 

I write down ‘goes’ after ‘Darkness’. 

“I don’t know how to pronounce this, but it starts with a p,” Scott murmurs. 

Doc holds out his hand for the note. Scott hands it over. Doc shows it to Ren, who flips through the pages. 

“Rain,” Ren calls out.

I write it down. 

“Next is le,” Doc murmurs to Ren. 

“Oh, I know that is ‘the’,” Jimmy says. 

“Yep,” Ren agrees. 

I, again, write it down. 

“Village is French is same in English,” Pearl tells them. 

I write it down. 

“First sentence is done,” Doc announces. 

“Well G, what is it?” Impulse asks. 

“Okay, it says ‘Darkness goes rain the village’,” I say. 

“That doesn’t sound right,” Gem murmurs.

Ren flips through the pages. 

“Okay, va can also mean ‘is going to’,” Ren says. 

I change it, making it sound better. 

“Okay, we forgot sur, which is ‘on’,” Doc says. 

I write the new info down. It made much more sense.

“Okay here it is, ‘Darkness is about to rain down on the village’,” I read off. 

“That makes more sense,” Impulse awes. 

“Okay, that sounds bad,” Scott mutters. 

“I have to agree,” Pearl agrees. 

“Next sentence?” I ask, ready. 

“La,” Doc mutters. 

“Another ‘the’,” Jimmy says. 

I write it down. 

“Magie,” Doc reads. 

“Magic,” I call out while writing it down. 

“Sera.” Doc looks over Ren’s shoulder. 

“Will,” Ren replies. 

“So far we have ‘The magic will’,” I say. 

“Last word,” Doc mutters, showing the paper to Ren. 

“Destroyed,” Ren mutters concerned. 

“So it’s ‘The magic will destroyed’ but will be destroyed sound better,” I tell them. 

“Next sentence,” Impulse panicky says. 

Doc shows Ren the paper. 

“Don’t try is what it says,” Ren murmurs. 

“Pas,” Doc tells him. 

“Step?” Ren sounds confused. 

“De,” Doc murmurs. 

He flips through the book. “From?”

Doc shows him the paper again. 

“Stop me,” Ren finishes. 

I write it all down. “‘Don’t try step from stop me’.”

“Wait, I know pas de is to,” Jimmy states. 

I look down. “Sounds better. ‘Don’t try to stop me’.”

“What is it all together?” Scar asks. 

“‘Darkness is about to rain down on the village. The magic will be destroyed! Don't try to stop me’,” I read off. 

“Wait, Grian, you said the creature said goodbye in French?” Shelby asks. 

I nod. “I think the creature I saw and the note from Xornoth goes with each other. Like Xornoth is the creature.”

Chapter Text

I help Doc pipe up the sink and toilet. 

“We got the tiles!” Scar shouts. 

“Thanks!” I shout back. 

“Pipes are almost done,” Doc murmurs. 

“We still need to get the shower tub in and piped up,” I tell him. 

“I think I was able to get three others you haven’t met to get it,” Doc tells me. 

I nod. We finish up the pipes before taking a quick break. I lay down on the couch, using Joe’s lap as a pillow. 

“Don’t you have a boyfriend?” He asks. 

I smack his book. 

“I’m right here Gri,” Scar murmurs. 

I growl. Joe pats my head with a small laugh. 

In no time, three others arrived. 

“Doc, why did you ask us to bring this?” One of them asks. 

He had a green mask with a purple visor, two pipes in it. Green armour-like from the rest of his outfit. He just gave the vibe of being a voidwalker. 

“Xisuma, thanks for getting it. This is Grian, our friend,” Doc introducees me. 

Xisuma looks at me. “Nice to meet you.”

I smile at him. Another person walks in. He had bright brown eyes, a mossy coat, black jeans, and fluffy brown hair. He was barely taller than me. 

“We got it,” He happily says. 

He looks around and notices me. 

“Oh hi, I’m Bdubs,” He joyfully says. 

“Hi, I’m Grian,” I replied. 

Bdubs runs off, shouting, “Etho! Come meet the new person!”

I chuckle. A taller guy walks in with pure white hair that reminded me of silver. A black band around his head. One red, one grey eye and a black mask over his mouth and nose. A blueish grey jacket over a white shirt. Black jeans and boots. He also had fluffy white fox ears and a tail. This must be Etho, as he was being dragged by Bdubs. 

“What Bdubs?” He asks the shorter one. 

“This is Grian,” Bdubs happily introduces me. 

I give a smile. Etho sighs, smacking Bdubs’ head. Behind the two, Cleo helped Doc move the tub into the bathroom. 

“So. Why does that need to be here?” Bdubs asks, pointing to the shower tub. 

“I’m gonna move here, we’re almost done setting up here,” I tell them. 

Comet perks up, being careful with Maui and Pearl. 

“You must be the other Canadian,” She woofs. 

I immediately sigh. Xisuma, Bdubs, and Etho look at Comet. 

“That’s Comet, her collar lets her talk. She’s Canadian,” I tell them. 

“What about the cats?” Xisuma asks. 

“Maui and Pearl,” I mutter.

I lay back down, leaning my head on Joe’s lap again. 

“Grian, we need your help!” Doc shouts.

I sigh and stand up. I walk over to the bathroom. It was pushed to the far wall. It was much quicker with Cleo’s help to pipe up the shower tub. 

“And done,” I huff, leaning on the wall. 

“Time to do the floor.” Cleo ruins the peace. 

I groan. Scar walks over, handing us each a bottle of water. I uncap mine, chugging the water to the last drop. 

“Jeez Grian,” Doc laughs. 

I hand Scar the empty bottle. He ruffled my hair. We start putting in the tiles, slightly off white. 

“What wall tiles do you want?” Doc asks. 

“Maybe something to go with black, grey, and white,” I reply. 

“Sounds nice,” Cleo agreed. 

We continued working on the floor for a while before we ran out of the small tiles. I was placing the last one as Doc and Cleo went to go tell the others. I heard something shift. I look up, seeing the hanging light made visible cracked through the ceiling. Before I could do anything, it fell. 

~~~

A creature stood there, growling at me, Basil, and Comet. A devilish face with glowing white eyes. A green cape draped down its boney body. Basil stood over me protectively, growling and teeth bared. Comet followed their lead. I held on tight to the blue jeans my parent wore. 

“Back Dreamon, you won’t take us!” Basil shouts. 

The creature, Dreamon, growled again. Comet growls, walking forth. I feel tears fall down my cheeks, my throat tightens up with my sobs. Comet nosed my cheek. I pet her soft fur, clinging to her neck. 

“ Don’t worry child, it’ll be painless .” It hisses. 

“I get that I’m her child, but you still can’t hurt me!” Basil shouts. 

“ Oh but I can ,” It growls. 

“I have a child,” Basil begs. 

“ That won’t matter, I’ll take both of your souls ,” It says angrily. 

I dig my face into Comet’s fur as Basil walks forth, a glistening diamond sword. Basil’s tail was fluffed up and ears pinned back. I continue sobbing into my dog’s fur. 

“ You can’t kill me !” Dreamon shouts. 

It floats up, boney mouth wide. It claws grab at my parent, pulling them close.  

“Ma!” I shout. 

I try to grab them but Comet bites my shirt, holding me back. The creature looks at me, grabbing my arm. Basil shifts, standing in front of me. It tugs at my arm, causing it to be ripped, bone breaking, skin and fabric ripping. Basil leaps at the creature, biting down on it before getting flung to the side. I cry out in pain. I fell back into Comet. Basil rose from where they got flung, dashing over to stand above me. I struggle to back up, trying to get away. Comet grabs the back of my shirt, starting to drag me away. A sickly crunch gets our attention. I look back, Ma was under its terrifying claw. Blood spewed over their back. 

“Comet, get him out of here!” Basil shouts, voice sickly and scratchy. 

Comet ruffs. Comet runs off, dragging me along. Dreamon’s claw shoves down, through their back to their chest. The sword was sprawled to the side, same with a leathered book. 

I cry as Comet takes me away, far into town and back into the shop. I lay down on the hardwood floor, crying. Comet lays around me, licking my head. 

“Mama,” I sob out. 

Comet whines, trying to comfort me. I flip over to bury my head into her fur, holding her tight as I sob.

Light filled my eyelids. I was on something comfortable, something soft over my body. A heavy area laid on my legs, Comet. I whine. 

“You awake?” A soft voice asks.

I try to open my eyes, able to see everything blurry. All I saw was pale green meaning it was Shelby. In the background, I hear hammering. Comet perks up, licking my hand. My head was in pain. 

“How are you feeling?” A different voice asks. 

I look at the voice, blurry white and black, Etho. I groan, trying to talk. 

“P’in,” I murmured. 

I feel a hand run through my hair. 

“That makes sense,” Shelby whispers. 

I lean into her touch. 

“We needed to clean your hair. After getting hit by the chandelier. Doc said it due to the old floor above,” Etho explains. 

I give a gentle nod. I hear a small splash of water, dripping before warm water touches my head. I chuff happily. I hear a small awe. 

“I didn’t know wolves could chuff,” Bdubs mutters. 

A give a wolfish chirp. 

“Oh my goodness. Doc! Cleo! Wolves can chuff and chirp!” Bdubs shouts. 

I whine at the loudness. 

“Bdubs, shush,” Etho scolds. 

“Sorry,” Bdubs mutters. 

Footsteps pound forward. 

“He can chirp?” Cleo asks happily. 

Shelby runs the warm rag over my hair again, making me chirp. Cleo awes. 

After a little while, I was sat up, drinking some water. Comet stayed by my side. The door opens to Scar and Joe walking in. Scar notices me and runs over, holding a beautiful grey and white cat I notice is Jellie. 

“Grian, glad you are good,” He joyfully says. 

“Thanks,” I murmured. 

“I brought Jellie.” Scar smiles, setting her on me. 

Maui and Pearl walk over, excited to see their friend. 

“Come on Mina, Twig,” Joe calls out. 

A white, very fluffy dog trots in, smiling pants. The other one reminded me of dark oak wood. The white one looks around with her bold blue eyes, noticing me and Comet. She bounds over, tail wagging

“Mina!” Joe shouts to the dog. 

“She’s fine,” I say, petting the wild puppy. 

The other one, who must be Twig, runs over, wanting some love also. I pet the two of them. While Mina was super fluffy, Twig was softer. Jellie climbs into my lap, meowing up at me. I smile down at her, kissing the top of her head. 

Doc walks over, dusting off his hands. “Flooring and walls are done. Found someone who can make spiral stairs. I was able to get Ren to go get some new flooring stuff for upstairs.”

I look at Doc, thankful. Ever since he came in that one day, he had been a huge help. Being able to take over. Being here everyday needed. Made sure I was okay. He was a huge help. 

“Thanks Doc,” I smile at him. 

Doc smiles back. Cleo walks over, lifting the tiny white dog up. 

“How are you feeling, Grian?” She asks. 

“Much better,” I say. 

“That’s good.” I hear Xisuma say. 

I watch him walk over, sitting onto the floor. 

“What even happened?” I ask. 

“The upstairs floor isn’t good anymore. The chandelier was too heavy,” Etho starts. 

“That led to it falling and hit you on the head. Glass barley cut you. You’ve been passed out for about an hour,” Xisuma finishes.

“When that happened, we brought you to the couch. Ren, Scar, and Joe were sent off. Scott followed not too long after. Cleo, Xisuma, and Doc continued working. It was mine, Bdubs, and Etho’s job to look after you,” Shelby explains. 

“We’re still waiting for Ren and Scott to get back,” Bdubs mutters, looking to the door. 

I nod, taking in the information.

“Can I have my glasses?” I ask. 

~~~

Scott and Ren came back around the same time. Ren had the cart full of floor stuff, which the others moved inside and in the kitchen. Scott walked over, carrying a large box. 

“What did you get?” I ask him. 

“Some things for the kitchen and bathroom,” Scott mutters, setting it down. 

I lift Jellie up and walk over. Scott opens the box. Pots and pans, wooden spoons and silverware. I notice cake pans and cupcake pans. Different cleaning products and hand towels, all different colours and patterns, one hand a husky looking like Comet. 

“I got a custom towel for Comet.” Scott smiles. 

I smile, continuing to look. Body towels, mainly red. New toothbrush and hair brush, mouthwash and toothpaste. Different smelling soaps. A black, three shelf. There was some other stuff also. 

“Thank you,” I murmur, amazed. 

“No problemo G-man,” Scott chuckles. 

I set Jellie down. 

“Wanna help me set everything up?” I ask. 

With that, we put everything for the kitchen in the cupboards or on the counters. 

I put the white, cold plates in one of the top cupboards, stacking them up. Shelby was in the front room, doing something with the new, red mugs. Scar was helping me put the glasses up. Scott was organising the pots and pans. Cleo was painting designs on everything, making it look better. Ren and Bdubs told random stories at the table behind us while they added designs to it. Joe was in the corner, reading while Doc napped.

“Hey G, do you want to join us at a party in two days? We’re heading to a nearby pond. Some other group called Empires will be joining us. And a couple others,” Bdubs rants. 

“Empires? That’s the group I and Shelby are a part of. Same with Jimmy, Joel, and Lizzie. Pearl is kind of a part of it,” Scott explains. 

“Nice!” Ren shouts. 

“Well, I need an answer,” Bdubs says. 

“Why not,” I agree. 

Chapter Text

I fold up a box, setting my kitchen stuff I want to take with into it. Same with any bathroom stuff. Comet drags over her wooden bowl. She drops it by my feet. 

“My bowl needs to be there,” She woofs. 

The wooden bowl I carved out of birch, her name carved into it after her old, plastic bowl broke. I pick it up and head over to the sink. 

“Get the cat’s also,” I commanded. 

I fill up the sink, adding soap into it. I wash the bowl as Comet brings over two newly made wooden bowls. One was an old hickory while the other was a spruce. I wash the bowls, dry them, before setting them into the boxes. I grab the satchel, setting the cats into it, and getting the sled ready. 

“This is much easier with snow,” Comet woofs. 

“Yep.” I agree. “Mush!”

We head off to the store. A deep chill in the air, a timid scent of rain in the air. We quickly arrive, bringing everything in. I set the designated boxes in the designated rooms. 

“Comet, I’m gonna head off really quick! Let the others in!” I shout to my dog. 

I watch as the two kittens run around. 

“Got it!” Comet howls.

I head out, walking to a metal shop. 

I enter, hearing a small ding. 

“Welcome, what can I help you with?” A guy asks. 

I look at him. Onyx black hair, ginger eyes, deep brown skin. Blue short sleeve shirt in the warmth of the place and black jeans. Two raven wings on his back. 

“Hi, can I get this key duplicated?” I ask, handing the key to the shop. 

He looks over it. 

“How many?” He asks. 

I think for a second. “Five please.”

“Got it. I’ll get the keys back to you in three hours,” He mutters. 

“Thank you, see you later,” I say before heading out. 

I walk back to the shop, enjoying the coldness in the air. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath of the chilly air. But I bump into someone. I open my eyes, mutter apologies. But familiar blonde hair and green eyes with a green bandana and hoodie. I smile. 

“Martyn!” 

“Hey Grian. What are you up to?” He asks. 

“Heading back to the shop. You?” I replied. 

“Coming to see you in the shop you’re not at.” Martyn laughs. 

I laugh with him. 

“How about we head there together,” I say. 

We head to the shop, talking about what we missed. 

“So Scar and I started dating and he got me two cats. Maui and Pearl,” I tell him. 

“Wow, didn’t expect that,” He chuckles. 

I playfully jab him, smiling. 

“Well, what about you?” I ask. 

“Check out the forest some more,” He mutters. 

“We found more info. Scott will be able to tell you best,” I let him know, tone quiet. 

We arrived. I open the door, letting Martyn in first. 

“Wow, this place is looking nice,” He awes. 

“Thanks,” I replied, closing the door. 

Comet trots over. “Hey Martyn.”

“Hello Comet,” Martyn replies. 

A bundle of mews call over, Maui running over. His sister followed with softer meows. I scoop Maui up.

“Jeez Maus, calm down,” I chuckled. 

Martyn sticks his hand out to the cat in my arms, who immediately wanted pets. 

“He’s beautiful,” Martyn whispers. 

“Here, you can hold Maui,” I tell him. 

Martyn carefully takes Maui, holding him. I lift up Pearl then. We hang out for a little before I start organising everything. I set the bowls along the wall near the table. 

“Last time, this wasn’t here,” Martyn mutters, looking around. 

“Yep,” I agree. 

I walk over, putting the painted and dry mugs away. Parrots, one of my favourite animals, were painted on them. I put them up, smiling. I then grab the slightly rusty kettle I owned and put it on the wood stove. I add my baking supplies in the kitchen, them being my grandmother’s. My pastel coloured mixing bowl, painted wooden spoons, a pink mixture. Everything was colourful. I put away the special mugs I have. The kitchen looks amazing with the painted vines and magic particles, small paw prints and some slightly larger. I loved it. The table had different sketches, all different ones done by different people here. 

“You can add some paint sketches to the table,” I mutter to Martyn. 

I set the paints on the table, watching as Martyn starts painting. I head to the bathroom, getting toiletries added and a string of hooks for my accessories. 

“Darn it Ren, be careful!” Doc shouts. 

I sigh, walking over to the front. The two were trying to get a ladder in, which Ren kept running into the door. 

“Morning Babe!” Scar shouts from the behind. 

“Morning you three,” I say with a smile. 

“Got a ladder to get upstairs,” Doc explains.

I help the two bring it in. 

“Oh, Martyn, you’re here,” Ren happily says. 

“Hey people,” Martyn chuckles, continuing his sketch. 

Scar wraps an arm around my waist. The love we felt matched. I leaned into his body, kissing his cheek, which I had to stand on my tippy toes. 

“Such a cute couple,” Martyn laughs. 

I roll my eyes, kicking the chair. 

“Thank you,” Scar glees.

“Ren, hold it still. I need to cut an area out,” Doc tells Ren. 

Ren grumbles but follows the command. 

“We’re here!” A joyful sounding Pearl shouts. 

I exit Scar’s grasp, walking over to the others. Pearl, Xisuma, and Bdubs enter. Scott, Shelby, and Cleo behind them, chatting about magic. 

“Hey friends,” I say with a smile. 

“How are you feeling Grian?” Shelby asks. 

“Good, thank you,” I replied. 

“Ren!” Doc shouts before a crash. 

I walk backwards, Comet following. The ladder was laid on the floor, Doc near the top. Ren was shyly smiling. Scar and Martyn were laughing. 

“What happened here?” Xisuma asks, walking behind me. 

“Ren wouldn’t hold the ladder still,” Doc complains. 

Xisuma sighs, going over to help Doc. Cleo continues painting the cupboards, adding some details. Pearl added some sketches to the table with Martyn. Ren was banished to the other room, playing some random game with Scar and Bdubs. I was making another magical item, one for warmth. A small marble holder with a painted stick to be like a blaze rod. I watch it glow orange with magic before it stops. Comet was laid by my side. 

“What’s that?” Scar asks from the doorway. 

“Magic item of warmth,” I murmured. 

I stand up, carrying it to one of the shelves. I think of a price, 10 silver coins. Fair price, unlike what others sell. Scar pulls him toward me, arms around my waist.

“Love you,” He whispers. 

“Love you too,” I replied, leaning on him. 

Ren fakely gags. I roll my eyes. Bdubs smacks Ren on the head. 

“We got upstairs!” Doc shouts. 

“Good job!” I shout back. 

I walk over to the other room, dragging Scar with me. Doc pulls the ceiling off, getting ready to add new floors. I stand up on my toes, handing a plank of wood up. 

“Thanks,” Doc murmurs. 

Xisuma helps me, lifting up the heavier planks of wood. Scar stayed by my side, talking to us all about nonsense. 

~~~

I climbed up the ladder, ready to help Doc. 

“So how much floor is done?” I ask. 

“Half of the floor,” Doc answers. 

I nod, helping pull out some of the roof. 

“Be careful Grian!” Scar shouts. 

“I will,” I reply. 

Doc sighs. With Doc’s help, we pull up the wood, getting ready to add more wood. Xisuma held up planks, which I dragged over and let Doc set the wood. I continue helping, dragging all planks over. 

“We’re almost done,” Doc mutters to me. 

I woof back, handing him a plank. 

We finish the floor/ceiling. I trot over to the ladder, jumping down before shifting back. 

“We just need to get everything up there and the stairs,” I say. 

“Yep,” Doc agrees, walking down. 

“The stairs will be done tomorrow,” Ren mutters. 

“Who allowed you back in here?” Doc asks. 

Ren points to Bdubs, who points to Martyn. I shrug and look over the painted areas. I smile, liking how it looks. 

“How do you like it Grian?” Cleo asks. 

“I like it. You can do the walls if you want,” I reply. 

I look at the time. 

“I’m gonna be back,” I say. 

“Got it,” Xisuma replies. 

I head off to the shop. I entered. 

“Welcome back,” He says. 

“Thanks,” I replied. 

He holds out the keys. My key was on my keychain. I take them before paying.

“Thank you,” I say. 

“You’re welcome,” He replies. 

I walk off. I thought of the book in my memory. Leather bound book. 

I shove the keys into my satchel and head off to the forest, needing to look for it. 

I wander the forest, searching for it. 

Wandering through the trees dodging rocks, pushing fallen down branches out of my way. I shift after not too long, searching around. 

I look around for an hour, staying out of the dark filled area. I knew the area was near town due to the quickness Comet got me into town. I follow the path the best I can from my memory. 

I sniff the ground, trying to find any unusual scent. Everything was normal until the sick scent of blood. The place where I found their body to bury. I dig up snow, looking for the book or sword. 

I continued looking around, until as I dug up snow, my paw hit cold metal. I wince, pulling my paw back. I dig into the snow before pulling out the sword. Magic glistening diamond sword. I look over it, slightly damaged but otherwise, in great condition. I carry it around while looking for the book. 

It was a while but a scent of leather hit my nose. I bound forward to the scent, digging up snow.

There it was, a leather bound book with old, ruined paper. This has been out here since I was twelve, I was now twenty. Eight years of being out here. I shift, holding the sword in one hand and picking the book up in my other. I shove the book into my bag and carry the sword back into town. 

~~~

“Grian, where did you get a sword?” Cleo asks, looking at the sword. 

“Uhh, I found it,” I mutter. 

Xisuma looked at me disappointed. I pull out the keys. I handed one to Cleo and one to Xisuma. 

“Keys to the place,” I say. 

Cleo looks at it with a smile. Xisuma holds it dearly. 

“Thank you,” Cleo murmurs. 

I hand one to Scar and Martyn. I would give Scott his tomorrow. 

Chapter Text

The front of the book had something carved into it, a language I couldn’t find at the library. The pages were ruined, weaved and curved, the ink letters were rubbed around. 

“I can’t read this,” I cry out. 

Comet walks over, looking at it. “Can’t help you. No clue what it says.”

I groan. This was a huge help but it was ruined and in a language I didn’t know. 

“Remember, we have a party to be at,” Comet barks. 

I sigh and head upstairs. White button up shirt under a red sweater, black jeans with a jean chair, two red heart clips let it hang on the belt loops. A small star and moon charm hanging from it. Platform boots that looked good with the outfit. I grab my satchel and a forest green dog sweater. 

“Comet!” I shout. 

“What?” She asks with sass. 

I hold up the sweater. 

~~~

I walk to the spot in the forest, Comet unhappily following me. 

“Grian!” Bdubs happily shouts, being the first to notice me. 

“Hey!” I shout to everyone. 

“Help me,” Comet ruffs. 

I gently kicked her side. Scar runs over, hugging me and giving me a kiss. I kiss him back. Scar pulls away, dragging me over to everyone. There were a lot of people I hadn't met. Comet kept whining for help. 

“What’s her problem?” Gem asks, giving me a highfive. 

“She doesn’t want to wear her sweater,” I reply. 

Impulse walks over, dragging his friend, someone I haven’t met. 

“Grian, this is my friend Skizz,” Impulse introduces. 

Skizz had black hair and brown eyes. He wore a black jacket over what seemed to be a suit top. Black jeans and simple black and white shoes. 

“Nice to meet you,” Skizz happily says. 

“Hi,” I replied. 

Scar keeps me close, wanting to keep me warm. 

“I’m Comet,” She woofs.

Skizz jumps, looking at her. 

“Her collar lets her talk,” Impulse mutters. 

Skizz nods, studying her collar. A fiery haired boy runs over, red eyes. Red and grey outfit. He steals something from Impulse. 

“Tango!” Impulse shouts at the other.

The guy, Tango, ran over to a blonde sheep hybrid with deep blue eyes. Brown jacket reaching his knees. Blue jeans also. 

Impulse runs after the two, chasing them. 

“Zedaph, Tango! Give it back!” Impulse yells. 

“Impulse! Wait up!” Skizz shouts, chasing after his friend. 

Gem chuckles. 

“Hey Griba,” Pearl happily says, walking over. 

Jimmy was talking to a black haired girl, white cat ears visibly showing. Light pink, fluffy snow jacket with jeans. Joel was talking with Lizzie and someone I haven’ t met. He had blondish brown hair with a pirate hat and almost cyan-grey eyes. A colourful jacket and dark grey jeans. 

“Hey Pearl, Timmy,” I laugh. 

“It’s Jimmy,” Jimmy replies. 

“Whatever Tim.” I evilly smirk. 

Jimmy groans. 

“Hello, I’m Joey,” The pirate says with a smile. 

“Hi, I’m Grian and this here is Comet,” I introduce. 

Lizzie gives me a smile and wave. Joel gives me a small wave. 

“Katherine,” The cat hybrid says. 

I hang out with the group, getting to know more about them. Impulse soon walks over with a spirit box. Tango, Zedaph, and Skizz were laughing behind him. 

“These three are idiots,” Impulse huffs. 

“Come on,” Tango laughs, jabbing Impulse playfully. 

Impulse sits by my side, shoving Scar out of the way as Pearl was sat by my other side. Tango sits down by Impulse. Zedaph and Skizz join. 

“Hello, nice to meet you, I’m Tango.” Tango holds his hand out, radiating heat. 

“Grian, my dog is Comet,” I reply, shaking his warm hand. 

“I’m Zedaph,” The sheep hybrid says. 

We hung out until Xisuma snatched me to meet others. There were Keralis and Wels. Two people that were both fun to hang out with. Then I met FWhip, False, and Oli. False introduced me to Stress and Iskall. Mumbo and Iskall were working on something redstone, which I didn’t understand. Scar dragged me away to meet some others, xB and Beef. Impulse invited me to playfully bully Pix. Pix laughed along with us, smiling. Shelby pulled me away to meet Sausage and Owen. A blue slime hybrid walked over, Jevin. Jevin took me to meet Hypno and TFC. The entire time, Comet followed me around, meeting everyone and scaring some people. 

I sit next to Scott, handing him the key.

“What’s this for?” Scott asks. 

“The shop,” I replied. 

He looks over it, smiling. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” I replied. 

~~~

I sat by the bonfire, leaning on Scar’s shoulder as he made us some s’mores. Oli and Ren played some music. Different groups talking, laughing every once in a while. 

“Someone should tell a scary story!” Jimmy happily shouts, getting everyone's attention. 

That led to people telling different scary stories around the bonfire. Others also tried to prank friends. 

“Grian, do you have one?” Scar asks me. 

I think for a while. I sit up, hand on Comet’s back as a signal. 

“Well, in a deep, dark oak forest lives a young girl. As she wanders in the forest, seeing a group of campers. She walks up, getting the attention of the two. The couple think the child is lost and take her in. After the night falls silent and dark, the girl shifts to the dark shadows, waking the woman up. She sees the creature, ruining the silent night with a holler. The creature, spooked, takes the two souls before running off, howling as she runs. But the two are known as missing. Police find the campsite, not knowing how they are dead. Though, the creature is still out in the wilderness, hunting for souls.” I tell the story. 

“Oh come on, not that scary,” Etho mutters. 

No one but me notices how Comet was gone. 

“Yeah,” Oli agrees.

“Really?” I smirk. 

A deep, ringy howl rolls through the trees. Everyone looks around, looks scared. Some people move closer to others. The howl rings through again, circling the group. 

“We're dead!” Bdubs cries out. 

Comet walks out of the trees, howling. I burst into laughter, clapping at Comet. 

“Grian!” Pearl shouts. 

I continue laughing. “What?” 

“How dare you!” Jevin shouts. 

Comet trots over to me. 

“You did amazing,” I praised. 

“Thanks G,” She replies. 

We continue telling other stories. I stayed leaning on Scar, Comet laid on my feet. I listen to them, enjoying the group I was with. My friends. 

Chapter Text

The familiar ‘ cashhching ’ of the open cash register. There it was, the magic crystal. I look at it, the light blue. But black was building up on the side. I cock my head, confused. I take it out, rolling it in my hands. The door slams open all of a sudden. 

“Grian, Xornoth is taking over the town!” Scott shouts panicked. 

I nod, chasing after Scott to the town. Darkness was all around, fallen buildings crumbled down to the cracked streets. Under some rubble were bodies, blooded. The street had deep red pools of blood around. But there stood Scott’s twin brother, standing there. Xornoth was standing tall, dark magic around him, different coloured cut out symbols in the stone glowing in the dark. Dark taken animals were helping him. Comet was by my side growling, ears pinned back. 

“Grian, here’s the sword.” Scar hands me the diamond sword of my parent’s. 

I grab the diamond sword from my boyfriend and twist it in my hands. 

“ Trying to fight me! ” Xornoth shouts at us. 

“Yes!” I shout back with a growl.

Xornoth snaps his clawed fingers, causing the animals that surrounded him to chase after us. I twirl the sword, stabbing it into one of the taken over foxes. Scott fought with an old, rusty iron sword while Scar fought with a bow and arrows, the bow having orange and blue accents. Comet pounces on the creatures, killing them with a deep bite. 

The black bodies of the animals would fizz through the rocks of the street after slayed. I watched as the animals disappeared quickly. 

“ That isn’t all !” A deep shout rolls down the street. 

Gem yanks me to the side as a dark blaze of fire shots at me. 

“Thanks,” I murmured. 

“Stay safe Grian,” Gem mutters back. 

“You too,” I reply. 

We go back to fighting Xornoth. I stood in the middle, watching everything happen. How could this happen? None of us magic users knew this was coming. 

I watch as Gem lunges at Xornoth, getting snatched by one of its claws. 

“Gem!” I yell. 

I run forward, pressing the button on my prosthetic. I shift, sword in my mouth. I bound forward, stabbing his leg. Xornoth lets out a pained scream. 

“Grian, mrch, get away, mucc, before you die!” Gem chokes. 

I watch as the claws trap around her neck, causing her to bleed. I take a couple steps back, watching as blood drips to the ground, a drop getting on my head. I whimper, crying. Xornoth drops Gem on the streets. Her body limp, the flowers on her antlers die off. I crawl forward whimpering. The deep claws in her back and neck. I bow my head in respect. 

“ I see you are not following your dead friend’s words ,” They say to me. 

I look up, backing away. I turn back and run off but skidding to a stop. Other bloody, limp bodies of my friends laid around. Xisuma was split in half, spine broken in half with ribs around and blood pooling around. 

Before the other bodies, I trot over to X, whining. I tug off his helmet, licking his fluffy black hair. 

I then walk over to Scott, his own iron sword through his chest. I tug out the sword, tossing it far away. I dip my nose into his hair, whimpering. 

I walk away, looking over the bodies of my friends. Joe and Tammey crumbled under the remains of the book store. Cleo was torn apart in pieces, all her stitches undone. Shelby was hung from vines, eyes still open in pain. Bdubs had his throat slit, blood pouring out of his mouth and neck, eyes filled with pain but body was limp. Oli’s ukulele was shattered in half, one half stabbed through his stomach, blood around it. Lizzie had a black mask over her face, cutting out all air from her lungs, face blue. Doc had his prosthetics ripped out, causing him to bleed to death. Iskall’s prosthetic eye was dug out, taking everything past his eyes with it. Cub’s skin was taken over by skulk, taking his life with it. Tango was in a large bucket of water. Jimmy’s wings were yanked out of his back, taking mussels and bones with them.

Then there was Scar and Comet. Both were still barely alive. I ran over, shifting mid-way there. I crouch near Scar. I hold up his head, eyes fuzzy. 

“Grian?” He asks, voice dull. 

“Yeah, it’s me babe,” I cry. 

Scar lifts his bloodied hand up, touching my cheek. 

“I love you,” He murmurs, eyes falling closed. 

“Love you too Scar,” I sob. 

I lean down, kissing his bloodied lips. I pull away, laying Scar down while I sob. I pull the arrow that was stabbed in his chest, snapping it in half and tossing it to the side. I move on to my dying dog. I lift her up, laying her head in my lap. She looks up to me. 

“I failed to protect you,” She whimpered. 

“No Comet, you did well, so well. Tell Ma I said hi,” I whisper to her, stroking her fur. 

Comet lay limply in my lap, slowly breathing that soon stopped. I bury my head in her fur, something I’ve always done while I cry. 

“ I’m still here ,” The sickly voice rings out. 

I perk up, looking back. Everyone was dead but me. He walks closer to me, pace picking up. I shift again, scampering off to the forest. 

I continue running, looking back at one point to see Xornoth chasing after me, right on my tail, figuratively and literally. I turn back to look in front of me just in time to dodge a bloody, black tree. 

In the distance of the forest I hear a familiar voice call out. “ Grian baby, it’s okay .”

Ma! I ran to the voice, wanting to see Ma. I keep hearing the voice, calling me to it. But I slow as it covers around me, like a flock of birds cawing. I turn around into circles. 

“ See you’ve stopped running. Given up ?” The deep voice asks. 

I look up to Xornoth as its clawed hand reaches out. I tried to back away but my scruff was grabbed up, all paws leaving the ground. Held up to his glowing red-purple eyes that stared into my blue ones. The claws deepen, pain slithering down my body. 

“ Say hi to your friends. Say goodbye to the world ,” They growl.

The other clawed hands curl around my back, digging into my organs. I felt blood soaking my matted fur, pain was the strongest thing felt. A sickly crunch, fiery pain flowing down every part of my body. Darkness filled my vision. 

‘I’m gonna see you Ma.’ Was my last thought. 

~~~

I shot up out of my bed, heavily panting. Comet perked up from her spot on my leg, Maui and Pearl getting spooked. I reach out and touch her fur, feeling the softness. 

“I’m alive,” I whisper, “I’m alive.”

Comet woofs, agreeing. The clock ticking gets my attention. 5:30 was read. I sigh, flopping down onto my pillow, huffing. Comet whimpers, licking my hand. 

“Nightmare,” I mutter, staring at the ceiling. 

The rest of the night passes slowly, sleep not able to come back to me. 

Chapter Text

The stairs creak under my weight, the two cats running past me. Comet stayed by my side, giving me anxious looks. I rub my tired eyes, giving a small yawn. 

In a simple grey hoodie and random black sweats, a bag around my body. 

“Ready?” I ask Comet. 

“The true question is are you ready?” She asks. 

I give a fake nod. 

“We’ll be back later kittens!” I shout to the playing cats. 

And with that, we head off to visit the shop. Memories of my dead friends in my head stung me hard. I whip a tear from my eyes with my sleeve. I kept a hand on Comet’s back, needing to feel her fur, feel her breathing. 

I snap out of the memories, shaking my head as I pull out my keys. I flip to the right key, sticking it into its place and turning the lock. I tug it out, turn the cold, gold handle and push the door open. I clap my hands twice, causing the magic lights to turn on. 

Comet herds me to the couch, forcing me to sit down. 

“Grian, something’s wrong,” Comet whines. 

Eyes stare at the same place on the floor as I shake my head. Comet nudges my hand with her cold, wet nose. I brush my hand over her muzzle, to between her ears, digging my fingers into her soft fur. I focused on her breathing. 

I come back to reality when a hand sets on my knee. 

“Grian.” The soft, kind voice of Gem. 

Her limp body, dead flowers, and blood pooling around her flashing in my head. 

“Grian, are you here?” She asks. 

I couldn’t move to reply, it was as if I was frozen. 

“Here, try to get him to drink some water,” Another voice says to Gem, one that I remembered as Impulse’s. 

“I’ll try,” Gem sadly mutters.

A cold glass touches my lips, slightly tipping for water to pour up, flicking my lips. My lips parted, letting water seep into my mouth, cooling my warm, dry mouth. As the water runs down my throat, I try to collect more water, thirstier than ever. 

The cup gets pulled away, causing a small, frustrated whine escaping my voice. 

“You with us?” Gem asks sweetly.

I couldn’t reply, or make a noise. 

“He’ll be okay. Gem, if you could keep an eye on him, that would be nice.” Voice I recoise as Doc. 

“What about the shop?” She asks. 

“Well, X and Cleo are getting the stairs. Ren and I could head to his, maybe take Scott or Shelby with, and gather his bedroom stuff,” Doc replies.

“What about running the store?” Impulse wonders.

“I think we can keep it closed for today,” Joe mutters, probably from his book. 

No reply after that, only footsteps pounding into the floor. 

The soft ding of the golden bell gets me back slightly. 

“We’re here,” Shelby announces. 

“What’s happening here?” Scott asks. 

“I think he’s disoriented,” Gem replies. 

Comet noses my hand again, trying to get me to pet her. But everything felt fuzzy, I couldn’t feel anything but Gem’s hand holding mine and Comet’s nose, the surrounding environment was all fuzzy, severely fuzzy. The voices were audible but still a bit static. 

“I was wondering if one of you two would like to help me get stuff from Grian’s house?” Doc asks the two. 

“We both can,” Shelby offers. 

“Well, when the stairs get here, I do need to put them in so sure,” Doc agrees. 

“Maybe bring a pillow and blanket for Grian,” Gem murmurs. 

“Got it,” Scott grumbles. 

Two sets of hand manoeuvre my body to lay down, head hitting a familiar, old pillow. A soft blanket laid over my legs, back, and shoulders. 

“There ya go,” Joe mutters. 

A hand curls in my hair, messing with strands. 

“I’m glad he’s doing well,” Cleo says.

“I wouldn’t say well,” Gem replies sadly. 

“I can try to feed him soup,” A joyful sounding Pearl declares. 

“No!” Multiple people shouts. 

“Fine,” Pearl huffs. 

A sound of drilling in the background got my attention. My eyes come to a better focus, being able to make Gem and Joe out. I could see their chests rising, breathing. Impulse slightly walks into view, but I could see him breathing. 

“Good thing Scar isn’t here. He would be freaking out,” Impulse says, leaning on the wall. 

My vision blurs up again, all the voices disappearing into the static. 

A small circle of plastic taps my lips, signalling to open up. Like gears turning, I open my lips, letting the straw enter. I tug for water, before it starts filling my mouth. The desert dryness becomes a rainforest. 

“There you go Gri,” Gem murmurs. 

The water source empties, making me whine. The straw gets tugged away but a hand runs over my hair, untangling the knots. 

“When you are back to it, I need to force you to wash your hair and brush it,” Gem chuckles. 

“I’ve tried many times,” Comet woofs. 

“I got this.” Gem’s tone sounds like she’s smirking. 

“Don’t kill him!” Cleo shouts from the other room.

“Yeah, don’t,” Impulse agrees.

Everything comes back to my blurred senses. Lots of noise blurred around. Gem was still by my side, hand rolling over my back. Images of the nightmare flash in my head, keeping me paralysed with fear. The bloodied bodies, ripped apart or blue, deep slashes of different shades of red. Sickly off white bones sticking out with blood. 

I miss the tears that fill my eyes, the soft shushing from the ginger. The wetness of my cheeks causing an itch. 

“Griba?” Pearl asks me for her nickname. 

I couldn’t reply. Tears rolled down, the fear of the memories haunting me. Gem wiped the tears away as Pearl sat in front of me. A small thump from the other room. 

“You okay?” Joe asks. 

“Dropped the bed,” Ren replies panicked. 

I stare at Pearl. 

“Hey Griba, how about I tell you some stories about my brothers.” Pearl offers. 

Gem’s voice holds a smile. “Yes!”

Pearl chuckles. “Well, it was when Jimmy was younger, he always had bad luck. The three of us wandered around the forest, looking for plants to take home for the garden. Well, Joel was carefully pulling the flower we found to put in the small wooden box I was carrying and Jimmy strayed from us. We didn’t notice until Joel was standing, whipping dirt from his khakis. We look around, calling out his name, until we spot him. Jimmy, he was around five years old at the time, Joel being nine and I was eight, was climbing up a tree, trying to get a tiny, baby dragon. The second one of his fingers laid on it, it perked up, roaring at Jim. Jimmy, being spooked, fell back, falling from the tree. That was before he got his wings. Luckily, he landed on soft podzol and wasn’t injured, but we still bully him about it, how he was spooked by a baby dragon.”

I hear Gem’s sweet laugh at Pearl’s story. I would laugh along if I wasn’t in this state. 

“Jeez, didn’t know Jimmy was such a troublemaker,” Joe laughs from the side.

“Well, he still is,” Pearl admits, acting innocent. 

“True, true,” Gem agrees.

“Ano’er on’.” I was able to muster up. 

I could feel the happiness the three radiated off. 

“Why not.” Pearl agrees. “So at this time, Joel was thirteen, I was twelve, and Jimmy was about eight. I was working on a school art project, which I absolutely hated. Joel and Jimmy were fighting about movies, mainly Shrek and Toy Story . Joel kept calling Jimmy Woody from the movie. Then an idea came to mind. I made Jimmy a toy with Woody’s style of outfit. I showed it to our parents, who seemed annoyed with our chaos and how I just caused more by a drawing. I got a good grade and he is still a toy.”

Laughter from multiple people rings the room. 

“Jeez, that’s why you guys call him a toy,” Cleo giggles. 

“Yep,” Pearl agrees. 

I look at Pearl’s foggy smile. I now notice the glasses I had weren’t over my eyes anymore, probably someone took them off. A soft blanket was over me and Comet laid by, or on, my back. Gem was sitting on the ground by my side. Pearl was sitting a little back but in front of me. I notice an empty glass with a light green straw. 

“Okay, back to work,” Doc announces. 

Sighs from Ren but he seemed to comply. Pearl pushes herself up, going to help. A blurry figure I soon recognise as Joe walks over, taking Pearl’s abandoned spot. 

I could feel myself getting to reality a bit better, feeling Comet’s breathing above me, comforting me. 

“How are you doing Grian?” Joe asks softly. 

“Mhmm, be’ter,” I murmured. 

“That’s good,” Gem replies with a smile. 

Comet woofs, licking my hair. I brush her head away. 

“Oh you bastard!” Comet howls. 

The two chuckle. 

“Wove you,” I mutter to the dog. 

Comet smacks her paw on my head, shoving my face into the pillow. The two burst further into laughter. I shrug, laying there with Comet smuggling me. 

“Okay Comet, off,” Gem says. 

“No,” Comet replies. 

I feel her get tugged away from me. 

“Noo,” She complains. 

I push myself up to breathe. Comet and Joe wrangle playfully. Gem helps me situate, letting me sit criss crossed on the couch. Gem joins me by my side as we watch the two mess around. 

Comet had Joe’s shoulder gently between her sharp teeth. Joe held her back legs up in the air. 

“I know how to wrestle, I have two chaotic dogs,” Joe growls. 

“And I hand two crazy, playful owners,” Comet’s reply was muffled. 

The two stayed still before Joe flipped Comet over, pinning her down by her shoulders. Comet kept Joe’s shoulder in her mouth, growling deeply. 

“Beat her Joe!” I shout, cheering. 

“Come on Comet!” Gem cheers. 

I knew Comet’s true power, I just wanted Joe to beat her. 

“Don’t be afraid to use your magic,” I call out.

“Grian,” Comet growls, eyes flashing to look at me. 

I shrug at her. Comet with one quick move, get out from under Joe, pushing her paws onto his back, pinning him down. 

Thinking Joe lost, the magic pulse in the air increases as he teleports to the other side of the room. 

“Can’t beat me that quick.” Joe challenges. 

Comet bows into an attack stance, ready to pounce. I watch as she bounds forward, tail wagging. 

I watch the two play around and the others work upstairs. But I was not allowed to.

Chapter Text

I pack up more boxes of the rest of my stuff to move. Comet helped me with her stuff. 

“Grian, how many boxes do you have?” Scott asks with a groan. 

“Well, I have my parent’s stuff also,” I say with a shrug. 

Ren groans as he climbs up the stairs. I finish putting the rest of the stuff in the house in the last box. I stand up, lifting it up. Carrying it down the stairs, Comet follows me to make sure I don’t trip and fall. Exit the open door and set the box on the cart of Maple.

“How many more boxes?” False asks, leaning on the cart with a water bottle. 

“I think four left, but Ren is getting one,” I reply, patting Maui on the head. 

“Got it.” False nods. 

False leads the way inside and up to grab another box. Ren was carrying one down. 

“Three left,” He informs us. 

“Thanks,” I replied. 

I lift up another box, starting my way back down. Scott stood at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for us to come down. False followed me down, Comet behind me to help us. 

I put a for sale sign on the door before locking it. 

“Ready to head back to the shop?” Ren asks, sitting in the cart. 

“Yep,” I agree. 

I pull myself up to lead Maple. False and Scott join Ren in the cart, helping Comet into it also. I flick the rein, signalling for her to move. Maple starts trotting, leading her to the shop. 

“Faster!” Ren happily shouts. 

I look back for a second. 

“Yeah!” False agrees. 

“Why not.” Scott shrugs. 

“Go ahead,” Comet woofs. 

I flick the reins harder, letting Maple run. Her heavy pound into the ground I could feet. 

“Wooww!” Ren happily shouts. 

I smile, enjoying the run. 

Maple slows to a stop as she has learned where the shop is. I jump down, lifting Comet down before grabbing the cats. 

“Time to get the boxes in,” I announce. 

Three series of groans. 

“Don’t argue, just do it,” Comet demands, taking my bag in her mouth. 

I take the kittens inside. 

“Welcome home you two,” I smile. 

Maui, being more adventurous, walks forth, looking at all the new stuff. Pearl followed her older brother, being cautious. 

“Move,” False commands.

I move out of the way, letting her pass. 

I sit up, walking out to grab a box. The four of us take everything in, leaving it in the main room so I could organise everything later. 

“Well, we’re getting out of here before you can drag us into helping you unpack,” Scott says as the three head off. 

“Bye,” I say with a smile. 

“Bye G,” False replies. 

“Bye dude,” Ren chuckles. 

“See ya.” Scott waves. 

Then the door slams shut, letting me get everything ready. I start moving boxes to the direct room. 

~~~

I was finishing up the boxes, only two left, both which held my parent’s stuff. Journals and ink bottles, some feather pens, a pair of golden glasses, their sword I kept, some other stuff, but most importantly, a silver and black moon ring that as I know, held powerful magic. 

The ring matched well near where the sword was hanging, on a small shelf. The room, my new room looked amazing, it fit me. 

“Welcome home,” I murmur. 

“Welcome home,” Comet replies. 

We stood in quietness until it was ruined by the two kittens looking around, finally finding their way upstairs. I giggle at the two. I lift Pearl up, rocking her in my arms. 

I head down the stairs, looking around the new house. 

“Wanna head to the safe forest?” Comet asks. 

“Sure, with Maple?” I ask. 

Comet nods. We head out, locking the door. Maple happily neighs when she spots me. 

“Hey girl, wanna go to the forest after we drop off the cart?” I ask her. 

Maple neighs, kicking up and wavering her hooves before slamming into the floor. I push myself onto the saddle. 

~~~

He hooves thump into the podzol and snow. The bumps I could feel every time a hoof touches the ground. Comet ran by our side, panting happily. The cold air ran along my face, the memories stuck in my head from childhood. 

Maple leaps over the river, Comet running through it. 

“Whoo!” I shout into the silence. 

Comet howls as a reply. I bared my teeth with a smile. But with all the fun, we keep away from the taking over darkness. My hand brushes her main. I haven’t felt this happiness in a while, it all changed thanks to Doc. 

As we run around in the forest, enjoying the time but it all gets ruined. Xornoth walked in front of us, outside of the darkness. I pull the reins back, stopping Maple. Comet skids by our side, growling deeply. 

“ Did you miss me ?” He asks. 

“Since my nightmare and before, no,” I growled. 

“ Ahh, good to know you got the nightmare ,” It laughs. 

Comet growls deeper, unhappy. I follow her along in the growl. Maple roars. 

“ Jeez, feisty one, are ya ?” Xornoth fakely asks. 

“Yeah, I’ll beat you the bleep up,” Comet huffs. 

“And I’ll allow her,” I reply, an evil glint in my eyes. 

Xornoth doesn’t seem to care, giving myself a shrug. Maple drags her hoof through the snow, digging up some podzol. 

“What do you want?” I ask angrily. 

“ I want to take over everything! Everything will be mine! And that nightmare just shows you a little of what I can do ,” Xornoth rants loudly. 

My ears pin back, a mix of anger and sadness. I watch soul fire rise from his hand, mixed with black. 

“What are you doing?” I shout. 

They move their hand closer to the nearest to him, letting the flame catch the tree on fire. 

“ Good luck ,” It smirks before disappearing into particles. 

“Comet, tell animals to get out! I’ll let the town know!” I command. 

Comet barks a reply before we go separate ways. I flick the reins hard, Maple getting the signal and dashing off to town. But as we ran, I smelt the smoke of the flames, trees snapping and branches crashing. 

“Hurry girl,” I murmured to her. 

Maple dips her head, pulling forward. I crouch down, holding on tight, letting her go faster. 

We arrive into the town, the sound of hooves hitting snow turns to stone. 

“Fire in the forest!” I shout to the people nearby. 

A couple people scurried off, maybe to get help or hide. A muddy brown haired guy walks over, grey eyes full of worry. 

“What?” He asks. 

“Fire, something set the forest on fire. I noticed while riding my horse here,” I told him. 

“I’ll get more townsfolk,” He murmurs before running off. 

I watch people gather around me, asking questions before our mayor shouts over everyone. 

“Everyone, stop asking the poor man questions and get this fire handled!” They shout. 

The banshee mayor, Mayor Zinon, started putting our commands to the folk, slowly making their way to me. Old worn dress, short fluffy white hair hid their light, pale blue eyes. 

“Please townfolk, show me where the fire is,” They ask. 

I nod, turn for Zinon to join me on Maple. When a set of arms help the back of my ruffled shirt, I flick the reins, bowing for Maple to run fast. We took off into the forest, where animals were scampering away, Comet leading them to safety. 

We stop by the edge of the fire, everything burning with soul flames. 

“Well, we need to stop this,” Zinon demands. 

“Anything I can do?” I ask. 

“Help bring buckets of water over,” They reply. 

I nod and ride off, Comet soon joining my side. 

“Our job?” She asks. 

“Get water over there from the nearest water source, which is town,” I inform the husky. 

We rush to the town, giving some instructions before taking buckets of water and directing people where to go. Citizens were helping out, trying to clear out the fire and stop it from spreading. 

“Grian! What happened?” Scott asks running over, Shelby and FWhip following him. 

I look around before whispering, “Comet and I were in the forest, wandering around when Xornoth stopped us. He talked to me before setting the forest on fire.”

FWhip looks at us, not understanding. Scott’s eyes fill with anger, looking to the forest. 

“What did he say?” Shelby asks. 

“He wants everything to be his, everything to be darkness,” I inform them.

“That’s not my brother I know,” Scott mutters.

Shelby pats his back. 

“I’m confused,” FWhip dully says. 

“We’ll explain later, let's get the fire out,” I tell him. 

Scott joins me on Maple as the other two go to help others. Comet bolts around, dragging buckets around to people in need. 

~~~

The moon was visible, high in the dark sky as I walked around the burnt trees with Scott, Shelby, FWhip, and Scar. Martyn was looking through the rubble, moving it away with his glitch magic. 

“Shelby, anyway can you rebuild this?” I ask. 

“It’ll take a while, but if we plant saplings, I can speed up the growth,” She replies, looking at the dead forest. 

We walk around before a very familiar whimper gets my attention. I feel fear strike my body as I look over to my companion. I sighed out of relief seeing she was fine but nudged something. I stray from the group to see her. 

“What’s wrong?” I ask the dog. 

“Some animals didn’t make it out,” She woofs sadly, nudging a burned up rabbit, fur horribly singed with a branch over the small body. 

I crouch by my dog’s side, looking at the dead, burnt animal. I pat her head, trying to comfort the husky. 

“If you want, later we can give a proper goodbye to them all,” I mutter to her. 

Comet looks at me with thankful eyes, slowly nodding. I look back to my friends, who were talking with Zinon about getting saplings and how Shelby could speed up the growth of the burned area. 

“Let’s get home girl,” I say to Comet. 

We head back to Maple before heading home. 

~~~

I set the last dead animal we could find into the hole Comet dug up. I brush dirt over, letting Comet drop a single daisy onto the spot. 

“We did good,” I murmured while pulling her into a hug. 

“We did,” She agrees.