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All I remember is watching my lord's body fall. I failed as a guardian. I lost my place in the heavens. I feel empty. I am not used to this...falling... Falling... This does not feel right, but what power do I have? I disappointed my God, my Lord Irene. I cannot remember what happened. I just know I have failed. I had one sole purpose. I had no goals. I had no dreams. Can I dream? It sounds impossible for a soulless being. I wish I had feelings. My wings hurt from the constant pressure of the wind blowing on them, I haven't tried turning. Gliding. It may be possible. My current condition is different from what I know. Falling endlessly into an abyss where I cannot see the ground. I turn, trying to reposition myself. It's been hours. Days. Weeks. Months. Years? It's hard to tell. Am I blind? I cannot see. It is too dark here. Nothing like the heavens I long to return to. I finally managed to turn over. I attempt to extend my wings, the pressure is strong...I screamed in agony...no...I cannot speak...I cannot sound...It is silent...silent as my wings are torn from my back. A purple trail of once pure golden blood flew into the air as I watched my feathers flow around me. It hurts. I wish I could scream. My Lord, Irene...what have I done to deserve this cruel punishment...?

I apologize for my sins, my God...

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Aphmau hummed to herself as she walked down the dirt path, a life in the urban was boring and bland. Some people were rude others were just high. It was boring for her, so now. She's doing this. Going on an adventure!

She walked through the forest, beyond the forest was an area not many people went to, after all. While walking, she realized just how much she'd rather be on her phone right now.

"How much time has passed...?" She mumbled to herself, She checked her watch. "30 minutes?!" To her, it felt like maybe 5 hours? This was gonna be longer than she thought. She stopped as she noticed a small box. She opened it to see a beautiful emerald, who would be idiotic enough to forget this out here? She put it back and kept walking, she had no use for it and it probably belonged to someone else anyways. She didn't need that trouble.

She walked on and on...until she found a nice clearing, it was untouched maybe...She checked her watch. "Oh...it felt like 10 minutes?!" 5 fucking hours passed.

She continued walking, until she heard a crash, she kept walking, eventually deciding to turn back and look at whatever that sound came from.

Some guy was unconscious and very obviously bleeding out...was he? Why was it that color? Weird. They aren't exactly near service or a doctor's or anything...she has a few bandages, she could try helping him a bit, right?

"Hey! Wake up!"

He wasn't cold or hot, in fact he didn't seem alive until he opened his eyes.

He looked up at her silently watching as she struggled to push him up and make him lean on a tree so she could help bandage him.

"Oh, you're awake!"

This would be easier than previously thought! He nodded, and sat up by himself, leaning against the tree, she took out bandages

"Are you okay?" He didn't respond to her question. "Can you talk?" He shook his head, no. She sighed, she did her best to help him. He was strangely compliant...either that or in extreme pain and in need of help... probably the second one.

She helped him up, he didn't seem normal or human...Horns. he had blue ombre horns that spiraled forwards and upwards...not to mention his height...tall. that's all she could say. "So...where ya going?"

He shrugged, he seemed to be studying her. It was odd. "Your mute huh?" She said before she could think. He didn't look offended...in fact he seemed to not care. He just nodded.

***

Few days have passed since then. Now they're traveling together. He's okay, She just thinks he's too silent...then again...she feels like a bad person for thinking that...she's not seeing those pearly gates anyways. They've kind of stumbled into a different area, a new world kind of thing. She and him continue walking, they stop as they notice a building in the distance, he glances at her, and she looks back at him. Silently agreeing to look inside. Aphmau charges ahead, he takes his time walking behind her. Not caring much. She walks into the building, it seems like a lab mixed with a hospital of some kind, he walks behind her, a hand on the sword he carries. He walks in front of her. As if to protect her.

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I heard noises from the entrance. They sounded as if they were coming inside. It was sort of worrying for me, if they found me...what exactly would they do? I'm definitely no ordinary wolf...nor am I a "natural" one. It's a long story...A long painful story...

I crept through the halls, carefully. I peeked out and saw 2 people. One with horns and a sword and the other behind him was human and defenseless. The tall man looked my way, I froze. I can't remember exactly what happened but I probably lunged forward like some feral animal...Why else would I be on the ground with his sword to my throat?

I heard the girl yell at him to stop, she seemed worried for me...? I might actually like these two strangers!

He gets off me, removing the sword from my neck, then standing up. Was he like a guard for her or something. I stood up too. But I kept my distance from them.

"Hi! I'm aphmau!"

The girl introduced herself...her voice was sort of annoying.

"I'm Ein..."

My name isn't ACTUALLY Ein but it sounds like a name I want, better than project 1.5... I looked over at the tall guy, silence.

"Oh, sorry, he can't talk"

I looked back down at the girl, he's mute?

"So, what's his name?"

Aphmau shrugged

"He can't really spell or say anything, y'know?"

I nodded slowly, I blurted it out! I swear I didn't mean to tell these strangers this!

"I can't read or write too-"

I said it in more of a happy tone..She seemed concerned and confused but that's it.

Silence.

I hate silence.

It's so...odd. how can someone be quieter for that long?

I talked with the girl a bit, she seemed saddened by the mention of me being an experimental Artificial werewolf. For me, it was normal. Why was it so different to others?

The tall guy stares at as if he were to study me...

"Hey, big guy."

He looked at me.

"Let's play a guessing game! You give us hints and we guess your name!"

He stared at me and then nodded, he pointed to Aphmau's nose, her piercing?

"Huh? That doesn't makes sense?"

Aphmau blurted out. "It did make sense you idiot! His name was probably like Nostril-!"

He pointed to his mouth, he had a set of angel teeth piercings and earrings on his ears.

"So... obviously has something to do with piercings"
She said thoughtfully...I blurted out. "Is your name Pierce?" He nodded and gave me...head pats? Why? It felt nice but, why?

I like these two. Pierce and Aphmau.

"Oh, anyways, so, your here alone?"

I snapped my attention back to the girl,

"Yeah, why?"

I asked, confused on why she's asking.

"Wanna come with us?" She asked as if it wasn't a big deal.

"What?! I- uh- sure!" I was excited, I've never had friends or someone to care about me. It was nice to hear someone wanted me around...

"I really wanna go with you guys!"

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I first met Aphmau a while ago. She has the same spirit as Irene. I vowed to protect the goddess, and since her soul is in this girl...I have to protect her at all costs. Though I cannot speak anymore, I still will hold on to my duty as a Guardian.

We met a boy in an odd building, I would've killed him if Aphmau had not ordered me to stop. He seems okay from what I know and can tell. He doesn't give off the same scent as a werewolf would... He said he's an "Experiment"... It's terrifying what mankind do to each other for themselves. For that, I should feel pity for him.

We've been walking for quite some time. I think the two have grown hungry and thirsty. What do mortals eat and drink? Water? Probably.

We continue to walk as we come across a small town, a small pink and white house with decoration that makes Aphmau's eyes light up oddly. Is it dangerous or good? I've never seen someone do that with their eyes before. Weirdo. Ein looks at the building and speaks. "What's that?" Aphmau responds to his question almost immediately, "It's a bakery! Oh my God!"...She is God though...? "Let's go, we have to get something!"

I look over at Ein, he's as confused as I am. "What's a bakery?" Aphmau slowly turns towards us, it's somewhat frightening how unhinged she appears. "It's a place with so much good food! Cmon, let's go!"

She drags Ein to the front door, I followed, trailing behind them. Is this safe?

She opens the door, I froze unfortunately...I noticed someone I knew from the heavens. Noi? He's a sweet person. How did he end up here? He appears frozen in shock as he looks at me. "H-hi?" He stuttered as he welcomed us. I have many questions, at least he isn't cursed as I am.

"Oh-! Hi!" A girl with cat ears attached to her head is behind a counter. "I'm Nana! This is my bakery!" She sounds painfully fake. It's kind of unsettling. Is this safe?

"I'm aphmau, this is ein, and this is Pierce! We're traveling! We've been walking for a bit and we just saw this place and wanted to stop for a break!" Aphmau, as cheerful as ever. I keep my eyes on Noi. As far as I know. He has never done anything for a punishment. Why would he of all angels be here? Was there a mistake of some sort?

Aphmau and Ein talk to Nana. Noi seems uncomfortable. Have I done something wrong?
Everything is a soft blur from the past heavens...

What have I done?

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Some strange people came in earlier, Noi seemed off as well when the big one came in.
They told me what they were doing, traveling by foot. I couldn't do that! Sounds tiring! The wolf was named ein, the girl was named aphmau...they didn't mention who the tall one was. Noi seemed to know him, but instead of talking to him, he completely ignored him! It was sort of sad.

He seemed rather protective of Aphmau for some reason, he eyed me the entire time as if I was danger. Which is ridiculous because I'd never hurt someone!

The wolf was sort of mean and rude. I didn't like him much.

***

"Hey, Noi?"

Noi lives in my cafe, I found him a while ago, he's a demon or something like that, it's hard to believe it since he's such a sweet boy!

"Yeah?" He asked, with a mouth full of créme brulee. "Did you know the big guy with the blue horns?" He was the only one with horns, but it's worth asking specifically. "Oh- uh- I- uh- no-!" Noi was stuttering a lot...usually a sign he's not telling me something. "Are you sure? You kept staring at him as if you did, it's rude to stare and not talk to someone y'know" I watched as he swallowed his food and looked away.

"I- just- haven't seen him before- yeah- No, I don't know him!" I sighed as he sounded nervous. "Are you completely sure? Did he do something wrong in the past? You sound l-" he interrupted me. "No- he didn't do anything wrong...I just, don't know him..." I nodded after he spoke. It's not like him to be this way, he gets nervous easy but not like this.

"Okay, but, if you need anything I'm here, Noi" I say, trying to make him comfortable. He just nodded.

I started to clean the dishes and start other batter... It's just another day I guess.

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Nana was asking me about the big blue guy, He seemed familiar. I think he knows me... but, how? Ever since the heavens collapsed...I can't remember much of it...Nana said that I had amnesia from the concussion or head injury she found me with, that was 3 years ago...

"hm, nana? You said I had an amnesia head injury or something like that when you found me, right?" I asked, I needed to know if I'll ever remember. "Huh? Oh, yeah, why? Something up, Noi?" She smiled at me, her ears twitched slightly. "...Will I ever get my memories back?" I mumbled my question... "You could, but so far... probably not..."

She didn't mean in meanly, but it still kind of hurt. I don't know why...

Maybe I did know that big blue guy. Maybe he knows me...?

I shouldn't dwell on it...Those other two travelers with him were okay, the werewolf, ein, didn't smell like one...He smelled of chemicals and dead wolf...the others didn't notice though...

Aphmau's pretty nice though, she's short and she was really kind...She talked to Nana a lot more though, So I don't really know...

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the leaves crunched beneath their feet.

Pierce walked behind Aphmau and Ein. The two talked, seemingly excluding the horned giant. But, he wasn't excluded, just listening and watching.

Ein was mocking aphmau's reason for going on this journey, even though he'd likely still be in the hospital if she didn't.

Aphmau retorted back, annoyed but amused. She laughed and looked at Pierce, suddenly remembering something. Realizing something.

"Hey, Pierce...Did you get anything from the bakery?" Aphmau hadn't recalled seeing him eat or drink anything then. He just shook his head. No, he didn't. Why would he? He's no mortal being. He doesn't need food or liquids. "How come? I mean, we were walking for so long! Aren't you tired?" Ein exclaimed and questioned him. Pierce just shook his head, no. He can't feel.

"How come? We've been traveling for some time now..." Aphmau sounded slightly worried, she stopped in her path, Pierce stopped as well, Ein stopped a bit after. "Are you like soulless or something?" Ein questioned, Pierce nodded. Aphmau threw a stick at Ein. "Don't say that! That's rude!" She crossed her arms. He yelped and fell down. Neither noticed the nodding.

Pierce just watched. Aphmau had expected him to at least help.

"...Let's keep walking, we might find something!" She tried bringing back the playful mood.

Ein was silent the rest of the day, like an abused dog being told to shut up by a newer owner unaware of its past.

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Pierce trailed behind Ein and I as usual, but all of a sudden a man, about 6'3 maybe? Black hair, kind of tan skin, really hot- somewhat...But, felt very familiar?

He froze when he saw us then...Leaped and attacked Ein. "What the-?!" Ein yelped as he turned to run but was tackled. I'm too short to do anything but Pierce could probably. "Pierce, do something!" I shout at him, he looks at me and nods. Before drawing his sword and raising it. "Without hurting anyone I mean!" I tip toes to grab his wrist and he put it the sword back and grabbed Aaron off of Ein. "what the hell is wrong with you?!" Ein stood up, Pierce threw Aaron into a tree, causing a loud thud. "I said not to hurt anyone!" I whispered to the demon, he just side eyed me and looked behind him.

Oh, Ein's gone to use the man as a shield. "Who are you people and why are you on my territory?!" The red werewolf growled and got back up, He has a bruise on his arm from the throw. "Wait- wait- please don't attack us-..anymore!" I worriedly yelled at the wolf. Pierce drew his sword again and shielded me with it, for some odd reason I'm always his main concern? "Why shouldn't I?!" He yelled back, Pierce pointed the sword at him, he seemed to falter a bit. I mean...who wouldn't? Pierce can barely fit in an actual house. He's a giant!

"F-fine. Put that away though! And-...who are you?" The wolf eyed Pierce while he put the weapon away. "Oh- well, I'm Aphmau, this is ein, and this is Pierce! He's mute though so he doesn't talk-!" The red wolf pointed at Ein, "You. What are you. You don't smell like a werewolf. You're more like chemicals and dog." Ein flinched at the comment, an insult perchance? "...I'm a uh- experiment..." The red wolf just growled. Pierce nudged me. "Oh! You didn't really tell us what your name was-?" The wolf just scoffed and growled at me. "...Aaron Lycan." He crossed his arms over his chest and glared at us. "Cool, Well um- I already introduced us- but we're travelers!" I tried to break the tension, it felt like Aaron wanted to tear out Ein's organs right now...

"Travelers...? Where are you going?" Aaron questioned us further. "Well, um- we were actually just exploring- walking around until we find a cool place, y'know?" I tried to give an honest answer but...not much to say? "That's...odd." he sneered sort of. "Whys the big guy mute?" He asked another question, likely referring to Pierce. "Oh, Pierce? We don't really know?" "He never told you?" "Well...y'know..." I stuttered, then ein injected himself into the conversation. "How could he? He's mute!" Ein rolled his eyes, still hiding behind pierce. "Right...whatever..." "So- uh...This is your territory?" I asked, genuinely out of curiosity. "Yeah, it is. Why?" "Oh- I was gonna see if you'd like to join us? But you don't have to-" Pierce looked at me like I was an idiot for this. "...Join you..? With the faker?" Ein flinched when Aaron stared daggers into his soul basically. "I'm not a faker!" He tried to talk back but Pierce nudged him to stay quiet.

"Sure, fine... I'll join you...Just, don't expect me not to pick a fight every once in a while with the fake wolf."

"My names Ein! You- you- uh- thing!"

"Great! Alright, we can talk while we walk! Let's go!"

I excitedly turned and started walking, Pierce followed close by but waited a bit for Aaron. Ein had to run to catch up.

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I didn't interfere with the bickering wolves. Though for some strange reason, Aphmau seemed slightly annoyed by them. I understand to an extent they might be annoying to human ears. Which would mean that I would have to interfere to help Irene.

I looked at the red and blue wolves and picked Ein up by the back of his shirt Aphmau had given him a while back. The red one seemed to pause, Everyone stopped walking so I did too.

"Hey?! Put me down you demon?!" Ein yelled at me, seemingly angry. Demon? I'm not a demon. I have horns, but I'm no demon. I'm anything but a demon. If anything, I'm the opposite of that treacherous species. "Pierce?" Aphmau spoke with concern, I looked at her. "Everything okay?" She put a hand on my arm. I now only realize, I can't feel her touch. Odd...I was sure I could before. I nodded to her question, and placed down Ein. He made a weird small sound between a growl and grunt. Shad just growled. No, not shad.

These aren't the gods I knew. Their... different... Aaron and Aphmau...they don't seem anything like Shad and Irene...Perhaps My senses mistaken her and his soul for divination pasts?

No, not possible.

I looked up. Their walking away. I trailed behind them, that's when we came across the town. Everyone seemed to stop at the entrance, when I reached them as well...Ein his behind me a bit, subtly grabbing my left arm while Aphmau hid a bit behind Aaron.

"A town...it's quite...dark though. Smells like drugs." Aaron spoke quietly. It sounded nicer, when they talked quieter. Sometimes it helped put Aphmau to ease. But she seemed frightened by it now.

"let's just go inside- uh- Pierce can go first!" Ein stammered a bit. He nudged me forward. I looked to Aphmau for permission and she nodded, "s-sure-! If you want to!" I nodded back at her words and stepped inside. It has a strange smell and a strange vibe.

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I hate this town so much. It's dark and it smells terrible. There's so much needles on the ground too! It's seriously scary.

I don't have much but pierce doesn't seem to mind when I hold onto his arm so, This is my support system now. Clinging to this oversized demon's arm. Aphmau smirked at me a bit ago and giggled, I stuck my tongue at her and Pierce looked at me. He seemed disappointed a bit. But at the same time he didn't really change his face.

We found a pretty cheap motel, the woman at the desk was reading a book. She looked pretty cool, I guess. Black witchy hat. Cool black witchy dress. Orange hair. Witchy book.

Aphmau did the talking, she got us two rooms. "Okay, Pierce and Ein in one room! Me and Aaron will be in the second!" Pierce looked a bit taken aback, He moved a bit and opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something but couldn't.

I let go of his arm. Was there something wrong with rooming with me for one night? "It's a good thing you guys got a room, there's supposed to be a really bad storm tonight and all day tomorrow, everything gets so dark and spooky outside during this time," the front desk lady, Lucinda talked a bit. "Really? Wow, I'm happy we got a room then..." Aphmau spoke kindly, "yeah sure, this town is a dump." I spoke up, Aaron hit me in the back of the head, or tried too. "That's rude, don't say that." Aphmau scolded me. Pierce grabbed Aaron's wrist before he could make contact. "And can you both just get along?! Thank you for not being an idiot, Pierce!" She looked up at the demon and he just nodded.

Later on, Me and Pierce headed to our room for the night, he watched Aphmau and Aaron leave, something about him keeping such a close eye on her ticked me off like hell. He's so protective of her and he lets Aaron get away with anything while he seems to judge me!

He held a sword at me when I wasn't even a threat! But he let Aaron attack me even when he looked in his direction! It's so unfair and biased! Is it biased? Or does he just not like me?

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I slowly walked next to aphmau. She smelled and felt...familiar? But I don't think I've ever met her before.

"hey, aphmau? How come.. you're choosing to room with me? I mean, wouldn't you rather stay with the big guy?" I spoke quietly, unsure if there were any other people in the motel. She looked up at me and smiled big and brightly like the summer skies. "Well, I know you and ein don't really like eachother and I won't lie... Ein's kind of a jerk too..." She looked away, and i raised an eyebrow. "So-? You're leaving a mute guy to deal with him? Seems a bit mean," i laughed, but tried to keep it low.

"W-well- Im sure they'll get along! I mean, Ein was basically clinging onto him the entire time we were trying to get a motel, so...If you ask me...I think there might be something between them!" She giggled to herself and unlocked our door for the room.

It was pretty basic but alright. Two beds, a tv, a dresser. Pretty witchy themed stuff inside.

"What's up with this place and witches?" I asked, mostly to no one. Aphmau just shrugged her shoulders. She walked in and fell onto the bed. "Its pretty comfy if you ask me! I like it!" I rolled my eyes and say down on the other bed, "oh, by the way, what do you mean something between ein and the big guy?" I looked at her as she sat up onto the bed.

"I dunno, I just think their kind of cute!" She laid down and stretched, "If you ask me. I think the big guy doesn't give a shit about ein." She looked at me a bit disappointed, "oh...how come?"

I started talking about things that have been happening that ive noticed since ive joined them. Big guy only protects aphmau, Big guy also prevents me from getting endangered, big guy barely looks at ein.

"Awh... That sucks, I guess..."

She sighed and i felt a but bad.

But

Truths the truth.

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I laid in the bed, the mattress is thick and makes me sink into it a bit. It felt odd, to lay down. Falling for so long...It felt like it would restart, the sinking sensation made it feel as if i would fall. As if it slowly was telling me I will fall.

I don't even know how long I was there. Just falling. I remember panicking at first. That feeling has long been forgotten but I remember the fear as the clouds sank and I reached for her fallen body.

I don't like this mattress very much... I'll just be on the chair.

I sat up slowly, and looked around. There is no chair. Why is there no chair in a motel room...

I looked towards a door, Blue wolf isn't around anymore. The sound akin to rain started. I stood up and slightly opened the door. He's taking a shower.

I quietly closed the door and looked around. I froze as I laid eyes on her. Irene, My lady Irene? The goddess I failed to protect? Her souls in Aphmau isn't it?

I slowly walked towards her, she smiled at me. Im not sure if i can remember much of a time shes ever done that. Maybe she has and I don't remember it.

She reached a hand towards me and touched a horn before her smile fell and for the first time she allowed me to see under her veil. Eyes of golden. Eyes filled with something I couldn't quite tell or understand. But it made me feel terrible about the horns.

I hadn't felt bad about something in a while besides Lady Irene's death. "A demon...This is what you've become...from the diligent guard you were...How disgusting..."

I wanted to say something, Beg for forgiveness maybe. She wouldn't say such things right? Maybe she would. I don't want to believe that. I reached towards her and i blinked, She was gone...as if she was never there in the first place.

i heard the water come to a stop. And ruffling. So i went and sat back on the edge of the bed. If i could tell someone. I would.

The punishment finally makes sense.

Its what I've become.

It's what I deserve.

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Aphmau handed Pierce a cookie. "cookies! Here, try one?" Pierce bit into the cookie and froze. He seemed to be thinking so Aphmau ate a few more cookies while putting some dough on a cookie pan.

Aaron and Ein were in charge of decorating the tree, Ein fell off the stool and crashed into aaron, "What the hell?!" Aaron growled and Ein groaned out of pain while he rubbed his elbow which formed a bruise.

At the cafe, Noi was helping serve a few costumers as Nana hurried to make more treats. "Miss Nana! Do you need help? There's no cookies or cake pops, we sold out!" Noi poked his head into the kitchen. "How many customers are there?" She asked, wiping her forehead and breathing a bit heavy. "Uhm, around 20?" Noi counted quickly, accidentally counting almost 20 instead of 7. "No, keep serving customers, I can take care of things back here, bud!" Nana said pulling a tray of cookies out of the oven.

Lucinda showed a few people witch tricks, making it temporarily snow a bit. The kids cheered while the adults sighed in relief of getting them to calm down instead of crying about what they got for Christmas. "It only lasts for 4 hours so have fun," she smiled as she watched the artificial real snow flakes fly around them.

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I left for like 25 minutes? And for the first time since I've met Aphmau and Pierce... He seems stressed? Distressed? Like, his normal face is there but his vibe and demeanor seems...off? Not as stoic and emotionless as it always is.

"Hey? Pierce...? You look...un-Pierce?"
I sat on the other bed, he slowly turned, his eyes as if they can't move followed until he stared straight at me.

"Oh right...whole mute thing, my bad-..." I apologized, best as I could...I'm not...'used' to having a friend or any constant friends...I don't think he even considered me a friend.

He's so protective and patient with Aaron and Aphmau but...he barely ever looks at me. Do I bother him? No...He seems like the kind of guy to get rid of a nuisance fast...

"...So uh...oh, hey- I found this in the bathroom earlier...Weird it was there but it might help, y'know?" I walked back in, it's still a bit steamy inside. The glass on the the shower and the mirror are still fogged.

Hah, I traced a dick onto there.

I looked back to the basket and grabbed it, the whiteboard and marker. Took it back to the room, pierce was waiting at the door. It felt like I turned around and he moved, like a weeping angel. God, I hate those things. I remember playing a game with my limited time on my dad's phone...before everything...it was like-...Roblox? And I'd play it, a game to escape weeping angels.

I handed him the board and marker. "Here, use this to write and stuff like- talking but in letters?"

He slowly took it from me and wrote down something...no, he drew something-!

I can't tell what it is.

"What's that?"

He turned it back around and earned it with his arm, he wrote on it this time. 'Why blue?'

Why blue? What is he-...Oh. The blue streak in my hair and the tip in my tail. "Well- it was like- a result of being experimented on and stuff- just- nothing much-"

We talked back and forth, not much. But we ended up sitting on the bed...It's quite warm in this room...Pierce feels...cold? It...he shouldn't be cold, right? All living things are warm-...right? He IS living?? At least, he looks like he is...?

"Hey, you're kind of cold..."

'?'

"Like, you're alive, right? But every living thing is warm...why are you ice cold?"

Pierce nodded and shrugged. I leaned on him, it's quite nice.

Pierce stared at me, not daggers, not cautious, not anything. Just empty eyes, staring at me.

"...What?"

He looked away, and wrote, 'why?'

"...it's too hot in this room, you're basically an AC."

He watched me for a moment before slowly petting my head. I couldn't help myself, leaned into it like a damn dog. It's so embarrassing to the point I blushed.

"What's this about? When did you start petting people?"

'You're more like a dog than person's

"What's that supposed to mean?! You know sarcasm??"

'?'

"...shut up."

I pushed his hand away and went to my own bed. "Uh, we gotta walk and look around later...so, night, Demon man."

'goodnight'

"...don't write that, it's creepy as hell-"

The lights shut out as I pulled on the lamp. I leaned into my bed, sinking into it...it felt nice, like a warm hug...not like cold pets.

"...Night, Pierce..."

I ended up dosing off to sleep just then. The warm hug consumed me whole.

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"rise and shine!" Aphmau stood over Aaron's bed, he opened his eyes and went frozen. "Aaron?" She asked him with concern, is he a dead man now?

"WHY ARE YOU STARING AT ME?! GET AWAY FROM YM BED-" Aaron yelled, pushing her face out of his way. "Okay- okay- geez?!" Aphmau stepped away from his bed. "There, happy now, mr.grumpy?" She mocked him for his early morning fright. "What the hell??? You were standing over me like a fucking murderer!"

They argued back and forth for a bit before leaving, Pierce and Ein were waiting. They talked to Lucinda and she brought something odd up. "Oh! By the way, what did your friend do?" The 3 looked at eachother confused, pierce just stared at the hotel keeper. "The big one, He has the same aura as a cursed being?" Lucinda asked again, rephrasing her question.

Aaron, Ein, and Aphmau all froze as they slowly turned to Pierce. "You're WHAT?!" She immediately blurted out, Aaron covered her mouth. "You're cursed?!" He reasked her question. Pierce just nodded, he had believed they'd realized at this point of time.

"...Is that why you're so cold?" Ein cautiously asked, taking a few steps back. Aphmau immediately went to touch Pierce's arm. "Oh my God! You are cold! Wait- how did you figure that out, ein-?!" She immediately turned her attention to that question, why did EIN know that? Ein started sputtering and blabbering. "Well- it's NOTHING- I mean- I just fell on him-? No- No that sounds bad- I mean like- I bumped into him before- that's all- the- uhm-" Aaron just let those two get distracted as he glared at Pierce, not trusting him. After all.

Why should they trust a cursed being with horns?

Why would they trust something so close to a demon?

Chapter Text

Aphmau interrogated Ein. Aaron just...stared at me.

Like I was some monster untrustworthy.

But, I've shown I could be trusted.

I've protected Aphmau. I helped Ein. I let Aaron come with us. I can be trusted.

I am trustworthy.

"Hphm...hmm." He made a sound. Perhaps muttering. He looked at Aphmau and Ein. I noticed his demeanor, just a bit ago he was more relaxed. Why is he so tense all of a sudden?

Eventually we left. Not soon after the keeper of the inn gave us a map and traded aphmau's foreign 'money' for some we can use here in 'lovely paradise'...odd name, but alright.

Those 2 need to buy food to eat anyways.

Or 3. I suppose Ein needs some too.

We walked around...it's much calmer during the day. Everyone seems..cheerful. similar to Aphmau. "Wow, it basically changed overnight..." Ein whispered. Not to anyone in particular, but more to himself.

Aphmau and Aaron walked ahead. They seem to be talking quietly. Aaron keeps looking at me.

I have done no wrong.

Ein walked faster, joining Aaron and Aphmau. They seemed to drop whatever they were talking about, because their smiling again. Or Ein and Aphmau are. Aaron seems uninterested.

It seems as if they forgot me.

Chapter Text

"woah, what's this?" Ein basically levitated to the window display. "Oh, that's a dog" Aphmau crouched to get on eye level with the dog. "Hi, buddy!" The dog barked and licked the window making the duo laugh. Aaron watched not too far away, Pierce walked over next to him. "What." Aaron glared at Pierce slightly, "oh right, how could I forget? You're mute." Aaron basically hissed at Pierce.

Pierce looked over to Aphmau and Ein. The two were still fawning over the dog. Pierce looked over at Aaron. "Why would I know what their doing." Aaron rolled his eyes, pierce looked back at them.

Aphmau and Ein decided to drag everyone into the pet store. Ein had a lot of fun looking around and the cats seemed to be drawn to Pierce. Aaron scared the dogs a bit, he felt a bit of guilt for that. Aphmau fawned over every single animal in sight...except the spider.

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"we've been walking FOREVER!" I basically yelled, Aaron's stupid ears flinched and I wanted to just lay down and sleep, Aphmau keeps stopping every 5 minutes to look at stuff too which doesn't help AT ALL!

"C'mon, Ein, It's been barely an hour- besides, we're just looking around the place!" Aphmau gave me a smile and it irritated me further, I was about to say something back before Pierce put a hand over my mouth. What I was going to say probably wouldn't have been okay anyways but still- no need for the hand... I bit him, he didn't move or seem to notice. I tried talking but my voice was really muffled because of his hand. "Lef me to u fig hemon!" He slowly took his oversized hand off of me.

"Just, shut up, Ein. It's a long walk and we still don't know where we're going next anyways." Aaron glared at me, he's so stuck up it's annoying! "Well, It's been forever!" I rolled my eyes, and crossed my arms. "Weren't you stuck in that shitty building for years? This shouldn't be that bad for you."

Oh.

I went silent, I don't know anything about Aaron to actually say anything, Did Aphmau tell him?

Pierce walked a bit faster, catching up to Aaron and smacking him, hitting the back of his head. "hey-!!? Since when could you do anything!" Aaron yelled at Pierce, Aphmau froze and watched. I guess in a way it makes sense, she can't do anything and neither can I. But I don't doubt pierce is probably stronger than Aaron.

"H-hey-...Let's calm down, okay?" She slowly walked to them like their some kind of feral animal, Aaron kind of fits that description though. Pierce immediately seemed to stop what he was doing to listen to Aphmau. This is the first time Pierce stuck up for me I think...Maybe he doesn't hate me?

Aphmau smiled seeing pierce calm and as always obedient. Aaron scoffed and rolled his eyes. How long is this walk going to be?

It feels so long already...

Chapter Text

"..."

Silence.

It feels awkward.

Aphmau has slept near Ein and Pierce before, a few times, Atleast 4 nights before they met Aaron...and then she shared a room with him...

So why is everyone so...

Silent and awkward?

Well, Makes sense For pierce. But now, he had gotten used to their loud obnoxious loudness. So, why are they so... Quiet?

Aaron had been fighting with ein a few minutes ago. Bickering and barking like dogs fighting over a bone neither will get.

So why is it so quiet?

"So...That map we bought, Pierce- you have it right?" Aphmau coughed a bit, It was feeling...too...silent right now. Pierce simply nodded and handed it over to her, seemingly pulling it from nowhere. "Alright...we should be here right now...We can start walking around sun up-" aaron interrupted, "you mean sunrise?" He rolled his eyes, She has no right to look so dumb and-

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, But anyways- we should reach Uh-...Phoenix in...3 days-?" Aphmau murmured the number as she looked closer to the map. "I feel like big guy's slowing us down." Aaron injected, his options no one wants...his opinion that was basically an insult. Ein looked at Pierce, "him? He's been pretty... obedient (?) since Aphmau found him." Ein was next to Pierce, basically leaning on his arm. "He's too slow, dragging behind us 24/7." Aphmau glared at Aaron after he spoke. "Hey-! You and Ein have been fighting nonstop for the past few HOURS-!"

While they fought and argued while Aphmau tried to stand up for Pierce, Ein attempted to aggravate and encourage the fight subtly, and Aaron trying to convince them to leave pierce and ditch him.

Pierce watched, Not feeling much of anything.

If he even could.

Chapter Text

Aaron couldn't help but watch pierce. Had he known who Pierce- no. WHAT he was when he met the trio...he would've killed him on sight or died trying. It wasn't like he doubted himself but, The demon had to be around 7'9 or something near that. How had he not noticed from the beginning, no species is that tall. He walked a bit faster to match aphmau's pace, to walk beside her and not near the trailing blue horned watchful eye threatening them. For all they knew, Pierce could've killed 45 people.

Aphmau couldn't figure it out herself, Pierce was a good...creature-? Yeah, he didn't tell them he was cursed before but how could he?! He's mute! Not his fault for...whatever happened. He's been quiet and protective like a guard. He's useful that way and he's honestly nice company. Why is Aaron acting like he killed 45 people. Ein doesn't seem to care and to tell what Pierce is thinking was impossible but he must be Atleast slightly hurt by Aaron's accusations! At the same time, there's not much Aphmau can do anyways... Phoenix is close...right? If they get a motel...she's going to need her own room.

Ein trailed slightly behind. Pierce behind him. It felt like Pierce barely acknowledged his existence. Always watching over Aphmau and Aaron for some reason as if their the most important people on the planet...how much further is Phoenix...? He'd ask but then he'd break the silence. Even if the silence was uncomfortable it's still better than the awkward and tension filled words it could lead to when disturbed. He just wants to sit down and take a nap in a comfy bed... There's nothing to do other than walk though.

Chapter Text

They've walked for so long. So very long. Aaron stared at the glimmering golden accents adorning the sign. "Phoenix..." He mumbled to himself, everyone went in. The coast is quite beautiful, Atleast there's that. Everyone's still unsettled.

They eventually came across something beautiful. A statue. So beautiful even Pierce froze to admire it. Is it admiration? Perhaps something else but nonetheless. They were quiet, the hooded woman statue with large angelic wings on her back. "She's beautiful, who is she?" Aphmau eventually spoke, Aaron looked down at the words engraved into a slate against the base the woman stood on. "Says her names Irene..." Aaron muttered, it was the first moment of peace they'd have in a while. Maybe the last one for future events. Perhaps one to look back on. Perhaps one to forget. Unknown is the future, yet it is the only thing to go to. Whether it's seconds or hours, days or months, years or more...they have no where but forward to see.

"Must be really important, I mean ...she has a giant statue." Ein added his two cents, pierce nodded, his inability to speak or communicate was killing him maybe. Could he be killed? He was immortal before. Golden blood ran purple though, hadn't it? Was he still the same as he was before? Had he changed to the fall? He couldn't remember. Though the statue made him feel a sensation of relaxation. He knew why.

Aphmau thought back to her home. Was she even in her realm? Her world? She was traveling with two werewolves and a cursed being...Those didn't exist back home. She had spoken with a girl mixed with cat a while back too, and another boy with horns...Even a witch of some sorts. Whether she was home or could go back was for the future. She couldn't find the answer now...does she ever want that answer? If she can go home? Her mother is home. Her sister is home. Her brother is home. Her cat is home. Could she return and pretend she never left? Go home and forget she knew these people she travels with?

Ein waited at the base of that statue, what for? He wasn't waiting was he? Standing, standing he is. Standing with the others. Just waiting. Without waiting. He spent years being tormented by his father. To grow ears and a tail, to have his teeth replaced with that of a wolves. Surgically pulled and implemented. The pain he could remember, future pain he knew not. No one knows the future. Not even a god could...Maybe a god could see the future. Maybe a god can stage events...but why would a god do that? Especially to them? It wouldn't make sense. No. He should know better. A god wouldn't stage events to torment a human child. Only Ein's father would. Only he would replace parts with pieces of other species. No one else would. But maybe he just needs to wait. But waiting takes time. There's nothing else to do but wait, there's nothing he can do other than wait...isn't there?

Chapter Text

Eventually, the 4 of them began walking once more. "We...we should find a motel or something, a place to rest for a day or two and so we can look around." Aphmau mentioned, Walking Infront of everyone, Ein looked at Pierce and Aaron. "Yeah, She's right...for once." Ein added those last words, just to add them. "Shut it, Ein. We all know she's right," Aaron walked faster, to walk next to Aphmau. She gave him a soft smile as a thank you. "Thanks, Aaron...but, Let's not be that harsh-!" She looked around, Pierce trailed behind them.

Eventually they found a place to stay, settling down in one room because it was too expensive for two this time. "Sooo...What should we do?" Ein asked, Laying on the floor and putting his legs against the bed side. "Exploring the town might be nice, After we get some proper rest that is..." Aphmau smiled Brightly, She looked at Pierce for some confirmation it would be a good idea and he just nodded. "Don't look for his opinion, Aphmau. He's gonna agree anyways no matter what you say, Like a puppet or doll." Aaron scoffed glaring at Pierce. "Hey, Be nice-!" Aphmau tried interjecting just to be shot down. "We aren't in pre-K, Aphmau." Aaron was the one who shot it down.

Pierce side eyed Aaron, Ein just sighed dramatically and climbed onto the bed, laying down. "Big blue can't feel anything, right? Make him sleep on the floor." Ein said, As if it was like saying a dog can sit down. Aphmau was just stunned. She'd known Pierce the longest, yeah, but at the same time. He still lived. "Hey, That's kind of cruel, Ein..." Aphmau trailed off, realizing no one was listening anyways. What was the point of talking?

Ein just rolled his eyes and flopped over onto his side, staring at the wall. The room was too white, the light too bright. Like this place had been used for the same thing...

Aaron looked out the window, Then to the people he traveled with. One annoying fake wolf. One unfeeling puppet. And a human girl. How did his life come to this...

Chapter Text

The four woke up that morning. In the room they had to all share, Pierce was standing at the door like some kind of guard, perfect form and all. His eyes were close too.
Ein groggily sat up and rubbed his eyes awake, "ugh..." He groaned tiredly while he stood up from the bed, stumbling ever so slightly while looking around.

Pierce was standing tall, obviously awake, but seemingly guarding the door. "Weirdo..." Ein mumbled under his breath, before glancing at Aphmau and Aaron who were sleeping on the opposite sides of the bed. Ein yawned and stretched his limbs, arms over his head reaching for the ceiling he couldn't touch even if he put in more effort. Though the demon thing guarding the door had to lean down ever so slightly to avoid poking the ceiling with his horns.

His? You might not even call Pierce that, more like an it.

"Morning, Blue demon thing." Ein grumbled as he went to take a shower or something in the bathroom. Pierce paid no mind to any of it.

Ein turned the water on and watched it fall for a bit before getting ready for a quick shower. Hopefully before the stupid werewolf and stupid human girl woke up.

Chapter Text

Aphmau yawned as she sat up, She looked around, noting the stream of sunlight pouring in from the window, slightly covered by the curtains which casted long shadows across the floor, darkening any material it touched.

She saw Aaron a few feet away from her on the other side of the bed, almost about to fall over. The sound of water falling from a showerhead which was likely Ein since he wasn't in the other bed...or Pierce...since he wasn't there or-...Her train of thought was put at a pause and realization when she finally saw Pierce standing at the door, his eyes closed, back straight, and in just perfect guard formation in general.

Maybe he did something relating to guarding before whatever happened to him happened.

She stood up from the bed and stretched, Letting out a long yawn to follow with it, she went in a bag she had and scavenged for something- clothes...She wanted to take a shower next.

In truth, she doesn't remember Pierce ever taking a shower but at the same time he has never smelled bad somehow...Aaron on the other hand...ew...

Either way, she can't really say much herself. It's been a while but atleast she plans on showering...even if she has to wait for her friend with dark blue hair patch to come out.

Chapter Text

Aaron slowly opened his eyes and glanced around before turning over and seeing Aphmau just sitting there, a towel and some clothes in her lap. "...What are you doing?" He asked, slightly curious even if the answer couldn't be more obvious.*

"I'm going to take a shower, after Ein's done. You should take one too-" she was quickly cut off, "are you calling me gross-?!" He sat up quickly, stunned from innocent words he registered as rude. "What no- I- Pierce, you get what I said right? I didn't mean it like that-! Really-" she desperately tried to explain it to Aaron, she looked to Pierce for some silent support and got a nod, Aaron scoffed and got out of bed, standing up before making his way to Pierce. "Your barely even concious stay out of this you big-" his words were immediately cut off by Ein walking out of the bathroom. "I'm done-" he announced and stretched, Aaron grunted, annoyed. "I'm going back to sleep."

Aphmau rolled her eyes and went to take her own shower, meanwhile Aaron slunk back into the sheets he woke from and tried to sleep again.

Chapter Text

Pierce had been standing by the door, it felt ...familiar and strangely comforting to stand there...by the door as if protecting something.

The only thing he could protect was Irene's soul which currently belongs to Aphmau.

Yet, Protecting her means he's found shade and unfortunately met some other werewolf.

Aaron had just gone to sleep, Ein was boredly staring at a book that came with the room they had, Aphmau had left to take a shower, and Pierce was standing by the door.

There was just a slight argument between Aphmau and Aaron. Though Aaron does seem to be...a bit... it makes Pierce slightly uneasy to stand by Aaron...The fumes are putrid. Atleast it can't make him vomit...If he could even...

Other than that. It was quite peaceful for now. Though, He's been catching glimpses of familiar faces in surfaces such as glass or other. Faces that didn't belong to names he knew. But he knew who they were at one point. Just not anymore.

The others eventually all got ready to leave. After some convincing Aaron to take a shower.

He didn't but Pierce overheard Ein and Aphmau whispering about forcing Aaron to later.

Whatever it is, It's time to start walking once more and understand the area around them better.

Chapter Text

"get Pierce to-" "play, yeah, I get it-" "don't mess it up-" "he smells terrible..." "Yeah so tell pierce to-" "Wait- but your his favorite-" "am not..." "Yuh Huh-" "he can't feel-" "shut up, aph-" "nevermind- Aaron doesn't even like you-" "hey-I mean..." "Just do it-" "he won't listen-" "mention I asked you to tell-" "okay- whatever-" "yeah I'll distract aaron-" "he's gonna kill us-" "pierce is like 15 feet tall we'll just have him protect us-" "your right, your right..."

"So plan go?"

"Yeah. I'll start the bath..."

Ein watched as Aphmau went to the bathroom. The sound of rushing water didn't take too long to start and fill the room. Pierce glanced at the door but overall really didn't do anything. Now that Ein thought about it...

He walked over to Pierce and sniffed at him...wait...he smells like... "Hey, Aaron. Does pierce smell like...or is it just me-?" That seemed to peak Aaron's interest Atleast. "What are you talking about..." Aaron slowly stood up and walked over, cautiously. He sniffed a bit at Pierce and flinched. "What the-"

Ein whispered to Pierce "Aphmau asked me to tell you to grab Aaron and drag him to the bathtub-"

Which resulted in Pierce grabbing Aaron roughly by the waist, through the wolf over his shoulder and walking to the bathroom while Aaron thrashed and tried to get free. "WHAT THE HELL?! FUCKING DEMON- LET ME DOWN! WHAT ARE YOU DOING-?! WHAT DID THAT BRAT SAY?!"

Pierce lowered-...Well...dropped is a better word...Aaron into the water, Aphmau backed up as she watched Aaron get soaked in the bathtub full of bubbles and water while dressed. "...WHAT THE HELL?!" aaron yelled. Very obviously displeased.

Pierce watched as Aphmau and Ein, who had just ran in, grabbed 3 things of febreeze, hand soap, and every shampoo in the vicinity and just poured/sprayed it onto Aaron. "HEY?! STOP THAT! WHAT THE FUCK?!"

"IM SORRY! ITS FOR THE BETTER GOOD!" Aphmau yelled back, Ein just started throwing the empty bottles into the tub with Aaron.

"TAKE THIS YOU STINKY ASS!' Ein yelled at Aaron, trying his best as if he was in a war and not a bathroom.

Pierce watched. He was also soaked from the amount of water being splashed around.

Eventually they stopped attacking Aaron and he dried off. "...I hate you all..." He mumbled repeatedly as he dried his tail... meanwhile Ein and Aphmau were proud of themselves and how they finally got rid of that disgusting stench.

Chapter Text

They had finally gathered themselves to walk around the town. Aaron and Aphmau were talking while ein walked behind them with Pierce trailing after. All of a sudden they stopped at a smell. Pierce looked over. Aphmau looked over. "What's that?" Aaron asked. Ein stared as well.

"Hey...that building looks...really familiar.'' Aphmau commented, turning her head to the side to look at Pierce who just nodded in agreement. Ein nodded to and immediately went inside. "Ein?!" Aaron called out, following behind him. Aphmau chased after and Pierce trailed behind her.

Noi was wiping down the counter when a loud slam echoed in the bakery. He looked up to see the blue werewolf guy, human girl, and the weirdly nostalgic demon. "...Hi...can I help you-?" He asked, feeling slightly cornered as of right now. The trio had someone new with them now too, a red werewolf. "You! How are you here?! The bakery was in a forest- how are you in a town?!' ein demanded, stomping up to the counter. Aphmau pulled him back, "ein!? I'm so sorry- it's just... we're a bit confused...?" Aphmau looked at the guy before looking past him. "Is...the owner also here? We saw you guys before in the past at a different spot-" Aphmau explained, noi nodded and smiled. "She's just in the back! I can get her for you, just give me a moment!"

It took around 10 minutes before Nana came skipping out. "Hello! Noi told me- oh, hey! You're the three from a while ago! I remember you!"
She excitedly said, smiling big and bright. Ein rolled his eyes and Aaron just shifted uncomfortably. Pierce nodded while Aphmau smiled. "Yeah! We came by a bit of time ago, if it's okay...how are you guys...?" Her voice trailed off, mostly from confusion. Nana just nodded once again, "it's magic, a secret!''