Chapter Text
They open their eyes slowly as morning light shines through the thin curtains, they yawn softly, awaken from a good slumber, in their sweet comfortable bed, the sheets pulled up on their shoulders, air still chilly since it was late autumn, but their spot was warm and soft, they move their hand up to their eyes to rub the sleep off of them, and after they were brought to enough awareness, they lifted their head to see their lover’s sleeping face. He wasn’t snorting which was kinda odd for him since his noises always got rid of the usual quietness of their home. Bloodhound didn’t found his snorting to be that annoying, it rather warmed their heart the thought he was sleeping so peacefully and deeply, and he was by their side. Walter’s good hand was on their back, hugging them close, his other arm was de-attached for more comfort, his eyepatch was also removed revealing the scar on his eye more.
They laughed lightly and caressed their still sleeping lover’s cheek gently, before hugging him closer to them. The love and heat that came from the embrace, warmed their body and heart, a sense of relief like a weight was lifted off their shoulders. Everything seemed brighter, and easier. their worries and anxieties flew away as their heart lightens with ease. This feeling they almost had forgotten decades ago, it was missing for a really long time.
They didn’t want to think about what might happen to them in the future or if everything will go well this time but right now they didn’t want to ache their brain with those scary, scary thoughts. They just wanted to be grateful for this moment, grateful that after many tragedies, losses and terrible things they had to go through, the gods blessed them with him, with Walter.
After they finally gathered up the willpower to get out of that cozy place, they looked at their lover one last time and gave him a small peck on his cheek after slowly getting off the bed, careful not to wake their sleeping beauty up.
They walked to the kitchen and started preparing breakfast for the two of them after they had washed the drowsiness off their face and brushed their messy long hair a bit.
They opened the counters and looked through the fridge, wondering what to make this morning, their first thought was to make fried eggs or boiled eggs, but this morning they didn’t feel like eating that. Warm tea would be pleasant in this cold morning, they think to themselves. So they open the counter that contains the tea herb containers, they pick out the black tea container and places in on the counter, and put some water on the stove to boil. While they waited for that, they brought out the toast they made a day ago, they cut out an amount for the two of them, and put the remaining back into the fridge. There was a table for two in the kitchen, they didn’t need it to be any bigger since they never had guests over or never planned to. It was good enough for the two of them, on the table they put the plate that had the toasts on it after the toasts were warmed, they brought some honey, cheese and other stuff to eat with it, the teapot that contained the water had now boiled, so they open the lid and put a few spoons of tea herbs in it, and Green Cardamom pods and cinnamon for scent, it also made the tea taste better.
As Bloodhound was about to finish with the preparation of the breakfast, they heard faint footsteps from behind them.
“mornin’ love..made breakfast by yarself again, Ay?”
it was Walter, their beloved, who had just gotten off bed with his hair still messy, his reattached hand covering his mouth as he yawns. He seems to be still drowsy since his eye was barely opening.
”Good morning mitt Walter, did you sleep well?” They ask while their attention was still with the tea.
Walter wrap his arms around them, resting his head on their back “Hm, Since I was sleepin’ by yar side..” He gives a small kiss on the side of their exposed neck before speaking again “You know, ya coulda woken me from me sleep so I could help ya”
“It is all right, I just did not want to wake you up from your comfortable slumber” they giggle softly, and turn around to return his affection by hugging him back.
“Kitchen is filled with wonderful smell. Whacha makin’? Can I help in any way?”
“I can do it by myself, just sit down while I pour the tea”
“No, let me do that, you’ve done so much already” he pulls away from the embrace and grabs some teacups and puts them on a tray. Bloodhound smiles at the small assistance and pours the tea into the cups, one of their hands on the lid so it wouldn’t fall off, once they are finished they put the tea pot back on the stove, since the bottom is still hot, and Walter puts the tray on the table, and holds a chair for his lover to sit on before he sits himself on the chair opposite to them.
Walter thanks them for preparing the meal, he grabs a piece of toast takes a big bite, pleased by the soft texture “I could just eat all of these, there is just something different about how ya make these.” his compliments reddened Bloodhound’s cheeks, they tried to cover it by the teacup held up to their mouth, their head slightly lowered but it was still obvious, they simply nodded at him.
Walter always gave them cheesy little compliments, for even the smallest things, it fascinated them how effortlessly he just gave them away, it always seemed easy to him, while Bloodhound mostly had to gather up courage to say such embarrassing words, they didn’t want to say things that were too cheesy, they wanted to always convey their feelings honestly and wholeheartedly. Most of the time, they have nice words to use for Walter’s light flirtings as comebacks, but there were other times they didn’t know what to say and just smiled at his words.
Mid breakfast, Walter spoke again “Houndy, I feel like we are runnin’ low on meat supply, why don’t we go for a lil’ hunt today?” His suggestion made them think a bit before answering “You are right, cold weather is coming..so we better go do that soon, after I tend to the garden” Walter gives them a nod and they continue on eating while talking about other things.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Some vegetables were ready to be picked in the garden but some where still not, unnecessary wheat and grass was removed by the two, and the vegetables were picked and washed nicely before being put in the fridge neatly. Bloodhound remembers to feed their companion, Artur, who landed on their shoulder while they were busy with the garden, clearly asking for food and is hungry. They gave him a peace of bread and gave him some little pets, then he nibbled on his food happily and was satisfied.
After that they started getting ready for the hunt, while their attention was on Artur, Walter was getting prepared and now he is all done “I’ll be waitin’ outside love, take ya time”.
Bloodhound went over the bedroom to put on their gear.
They went outside to where their lover waited, all prepared, and his hair less messy.
They gave him a smack on his butt to let him know they’re there “we can go now”
Walter was caught of guard, “Haha ya perv! there ya are, everything’s ready?” They gave him a small nod before holding eachothers hands and walk into the forest.
“She’s comin’…Winter, ay? It’s starting to get really chilly.”
“Haha..yes..I told you to wear warmer coat.”
“No I’ll be fine..if I feel real cold, I will just hug ya.”
“I will always be there to warm you up my Walter.”
So they walked and walked sneakily, careful to not alarm any bad creatures, as crimson red, and yellow leaves were falling of the trees, covering the ground so much you can’t see the grass anymore, it was still early in the day but it was a little dark and gloomy because of the clouds that covered the sky, tho..it wasn’t very likely to rain. Autumn was leaving soon and winter would come after it indeed.
It was quiet until they saw panicked person with a nasty on their face running away from were the hunters were heading to. He fell on the ground, still shivering, the two approached him and asked what was going on after they helped him up “ oh hell us help us! terrible monsters are attacking our village!”
Not long after, Artur appeared again in the sky, and landed on Bloodhound’s arm, it gave them a gestured to follow it, then it flew away and directed them to the village. “Fear not, villager..we will take care of it.” they say before following the bird.
Once they got closser, very loud screams and, terrifying roars, sounds of stuff being wrecked and other very unpleasant sounds could be heard.
They arrived to be met with absolute terror, three big beasts were attacking the villagers and destroying their homes,
“We must bring the people to safety and take down those beasts”
“Ken oath”
they try to save as much people as they can, children, men and women..were stuck under bricks or in their collapsed homes, people were severely injured and couldn’t run away from the disaster.
One beast was more ferocious than the other two, and more out of control, so Fuse took it to his hands to take care of that wild one, while Bloodhound focused on bringing the people to safety. Fuse pulled out his 30-30 repeater and started shooting at different parts of the beast, looking for a weak spot, however the bullets seemed to not be much of an effect on it, since it wasn’t even flinching, so he aimed it it’s eyes, his hands steady following his targets and eventually firing, his aim was clear and didn’t miss, the beast roared loudly, showing the great damage it was done to it, while it’s mouth was opened, Fuse saw it as an opportunity to launch his knuckle clusters at it’s mouth. The bombs exploded inside blowing it’s head up, brains and blood covered the nearby trees and ground, and its body fell on the grass.
“Help! Help! Im scared!” A child yelled and cried as another one of the beasts approached them slowly, the child was shaking in utter horror, they didn’t know what will happen if they moved a muscle.
They were helpless and didn’t know what to as they tried to hide their face, but still yelling.
Bloodhound saw this, their axe was ready on their hands, they quickly threw their axe at it, it’s sharp blade hitting it’s mark, the vicious monster let out a painful roar as blood splattered around everywhere, it lost it balance pain. As the opportunity arrived, Bloodhound hurried to the terrified child and carried them in their arms..but as they did so, they sensed the monster lunging towards them with another attack ready.
Fuse who just took care of one of the beasts, saw them and rushed to push them away from the monster.
But he wasn’t fast enough and took the deadly blow meant for the two, Bloodhound’s eyes widened underneath their goggles as they all hit the ground.
The two were fine thankfully, but a very nasty scratch was left on Walter’s shoulder, it also was reaching his back.
“Walter..” Bloodhound whispered before being met with him being covered in red, bleeding out of control, he was hurt so badly he couldn’t lift himself up from the ground, couldn’t believe what just happened..how could they not pridict this? How could they not stop this from happening? Rage soon was seething their eyes as they looked at the awful monster who still had the axe stuck to it’s head.
“Uncle! Are you alright?” The child cried, hurrying to his side all scared and worried. The child lifted their head to see their hero. Their hero dashed to the monster climbing on it to reach their axe, they pulled it out with heavy strength and struck, digging deep into the beast’s flesh once again. Blood splattered around them staining their mask and clothing as they kept attacking it repeatedly on its head, over and over again, It was almost as if they were no longer in control of their actions and the hatred that emanated from it was controlling their movements. The monster crashed to the ground, it seemed like it was out for good this time. They finally got off the monster, panting heavily, they turned around to move their gaze to the other beast, scanning the area carefully with their eyes and tech, but it was nowhere to be found, so they just assumed it ran away.
But they knew they had to take care of it later.
The people who were hiding celebrated and we’re finally safe enough to come out “ we have been saved!” They cheered and cried.
Bloodhound immediately ran over to their lover’s side, who was still suffering from too much pain, but trying hard to stay strong, they reached to their pouches to find something to help him with until they get proper help. Trying their very best to have everything under control, but it was difficult for them doing so with misty eyes, tears wetting their goggles.
”are you alright love?” He gathered up the strength to whisper “I’m fine elskan… quiet now …you need to..energy-“ they couldn’t properly combine words to speak, Their hands shook as they moved him to his side a bit, to get a better look at his injury. They pulled his shirt up to do something with it. The pain was too unbearable for Walter, strength to stay conscious left his body, then he went unconscious.
they shook him frantically, calling out for him, desperate for an answer, But he wouldn’t say a thing. Their voice becomes increasingly panicked and more pleading as their hands clasped his shoulders more tightly.
still no response, not even a slightest twitch of his eyelid.
Their grip lightens, their shoutings stops, their body starts quivering more and more.
The fans of their respirator spin faster as it tries to keep up with their rapid breathing.
.・゜゜・
It suddenly broke out. Savage, mad, ferocious..it attacked anything in it’s way..anyone it’s way.
It took him off guard, attacked him…
They watched as he in front of them suffered in horrific agony, gasping and coughing, while red dripped down his body, legs torn off revealing his intestine and organs, leaving blood trails as he crawled away from the beast. A look of terror was etched onto his face, He looked back at them with lifeless blurry eyes, before his soul left his body and was put out of his miserable pain.
He was gone.
How could this happen?
They this it happen
It was their fault
Their fault
Their Fault..
・゜゜・．
A small hand was reached to their shoulder, which made them flitch. They turned around to see who it was, it turns out was only the child. “can..can I help?” They took a look at them before taking in what the child had said, “ nei..nei it’s alright I can take care of it..” they take off one glove of one hand and place two fingers on Walter’s right wrist. It brings them great relief when they feel a vessel pumping blood to his heart.
They remember that they had brought some bandages with them so they quickly checked that one pouch that contained them.
When Hound finished wrapping up Walter’s wounds, they took off their jacket, which revealed the sweater they were wearing underneath..to cover him with it, and carried him on their back.
“Oh my mother is a doctor! She can help him!” The child said excitedly happy they might have come to a solution.
“And where..is your mother?” They asked in concern, wondering why a parent would leave their child in danger, and seemingly running away and not taking their child with them.
The kid pause before answering “she might..be here somewhere..”
“Let us search for her.”
So they look around for a woman that the child could recognize, they searched wrecked house by wrecked house..nook and cranny..but there were no sign of her. While they were doing so, they helped out some villagers who were stuck under bricks or fallen trees. The two were starting to get tired, especially Bloodhound, Fuse wasn’t that heavy for them to carry..but his metalic arm made him ten times heavier..and Hound didn’t want to put him down and come back to him when they found the woman..no. They wanted to keep him close..to put their mind at ease..they can’t imagine what else could happen to him if they took their eyes off of him for even a second.
To their luck, a raven-Artur, once again appeared and flew towards them, it might hopefully know the whereabouts of the kid’s mother.
The child looked at the bird curiously..was it talking to the hero?
“We have found a trace..she’s doing alright. follow me, child.” the young one’s eyes twinkled with joy hearing this, They forgot their exhaustion and followed the hero happily. The bird guided them to the woman..apparently..it was flying to their pace..it knew they couldn’t go very fast…?
The bird stopped flying and landed on a big boulder near by. They could hear someone weeping..The child seemed to recognize the voice slightly, it was of a woman’s? Was it their mom?
Curiously, they peeked behind the rock, they cheered in joy when they at last, found the woman that they were looking for. The woman sensed someone coming towards her..at first she got scared but soon relaxed when she realized it was only her kid. The kid rushed to the woman and hugged her tight “My sweet baby! You are alright?? Oh how I’m glad..where is your father?”
The child was confused “I thought..he was with you…he wasn’t in the village..”
the mother’s smile faded in a second..”oh..oh dear..what have happened to him..”
“Mama! There is an injured man with us..can you help him please?”
“Where is he?”
Bloodhound finally shows themselves on the other side of the rock. “…Greetings..I have been told you were a..doctor..could you perhaps..” they didn’t finish their sentence “oh oh yes! please let me see him..I’m sure i can help.”
They hesitantly laid down the man they were carrying for hours and told her where he was hit.
“Oh my.. that’s a nasty scratch..” She says while she observes the cut “Its a deep cut..he will need stitches..what on earth happened to him? He wasn’t attacked by the…monster was he?”
“Mommy! they helped us take down the monsters! The monsters are gone” says the child cheerfully.
“Oh that’s wonderful news! We can finally return to our homes now..Thank you heroes..we have no idea how we could repay you..”
“Nei..we just did what we should..and your village..isn’t really in good state..”
“…that’s terrible..but..We will surely rebuild it just like how we did the last time..haha..why don’t you come to my clinic? My supplies are there..if it isn’t completely destroyed..”
*ੈ✩‧₊˚
The woman nervously peeked at her destroyed home behind one of the trees that were blocking the view, she wasn’t really shocked nor surprised..just sad. The woman tried to find some comfort in the fact that others shared in her situation, though it only seemed to add to her unease.
She watched as the People were trying to repair the damages, patch up what was left of their homes, families outside on the ground, having nothing to warm themselves other than a fireplace they made, people with injuries being treated by other village doctors. The woman felt ashamed for running away and not defending for her home at its most dire of times, how she left her young one alone with their father who was nowhere to be found, she was a terrible person..a terrible terrible mother..tears of regret started to come out of her eyes. The child who was holding their mother’s hand felt uneasy, they didn’t know what to say to comfort their mother so they just hugged her arm.
“I’m sincerely sorry for your loss Doctor..I wish we heard of this situation earlier so we could prevent this from happening.”
“It’s alright..things could’ve gone worse..” she wipes the tears off of her eyes, forcing herself to calm down.
“Excuse me for..crying..uhh..let’s go see what remains of my clinic before your friend gets worse.”
Bloodhound just gave her a little nod and said to go.
Her clinic was indeed torn down too, but it was still holding a little bit to be entered, bricks and rocks covering most of her supplies but what she needed was her med kit, it would be nice too if she could find some antibiotics.
“Let me move these rocks off the examination bed…please put him down here”
After a long search, and an uncomfortable amount of silence, only sounds of rocks being moved and stuff hitting together, a cheer could be heard “ Hero! I have found my medkit! And a little bit of an antibiotic cream, and the jelly cream! Oh how im glad I kept the jelly cream in it too!”(it isn’t called the jelly cream but she likes to call it that) she laughed and danced around..this was one happy doctor.
Bloodhound who had been also trying to help her find her medkit, but everything they could find, wasn’t the medkit she wanted or the stuff in them was too damaged to be used, so they felt very relieved when she finally found that one specific medkit, that even a technological tracker couldn’t find.
The kid was also trying to help but they were glad their mom finally found what she needed.
Suddenly a they heard a gurgling croak. A Raven entered the clinic through the broken door,
“Oh it’s your bird again..is it hungry?”
“I send him to search for the third missing beast..It may return to the village if not taken care of”
Bloodhound took a moment to listen to what the bird had to say to them, and no it wasn’t here for food.
“Nei..nei, this cannot be good..”
“What’s going on? Is it coming back?” Asked the doctor in concern.
Bloodhound stood up and just said that they had to go immediately “I will return shortly..please take care of..him..” their hand points at at the patient on the bed who’s unconscious, Walter. “Artur said that it is coming back. ”
It truly was hard for them to leave his side, they didn’t feel at ease with doing so, but they knew if they didn’t go, the beast will come back and make stuff even worse.
The beast had to be confronted, it would be the wisest decision to go take care of it.
“..no worries..I promise that your friend is in good hands..be careful out there..”
“Thank you..doctor.”
Before they go, they bring their masked face near Walter’s, placing their forehead on his gently and their hand caressing his cheek before whispering a prayer to the gods for his safely, asking them to protect him.
They lift their head away from him, their hand brushing his face softly, looking at him one last time.
Then they bid their farewell to the doctor and leave the clinic to follow Artur to find the third beast.