Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Being alone was good right?”

“The only way to stay safe right?”

“It's always been better this way.”

“Just need to make sure nobody finds me.”

Shiver sat on one of the hills of his small island.

His cobalt blue quills where bristling as he nervously watches the ocean through his binoculairs.

Looking for any sign of a ship. This was something he had to do everyday.

Shiver starts to tremble. He's always been afraid of water. Feared it for as long as he could remember. Just looking at the ocean already makes him feel anxious.

It's that very fear that got him in trouble all of his live with pirates. “They would …. No, no, no stop thinking about that. About what they did.” Shiver shook his head. He had to stop thinking about that. Just make sure there are no ships. Like everyday. He needed to make sure there where no ships.

Shiver swallowed a lump in his throut. Looking at the sea was so scary every time. He hated it. But he had to. Make sure he knew they where coming so he could hide. The same thoughts where repeating in his mind over and over like clockwork.

“Being alone was good right?”

“The only way to stay safe right?”

“It's always been better this way.”

“Just need to make sure nobody finds me.”

There where no ships to be seen anywhere. Shiver sighed as he put away his binoculairs. He should feel a bit better that there weren't any ships. That was good thing. Only his body didn't get the memo. Anxiety still running rampant coursing through his veins.

Shiver felt every bit of the anxiety the pounding of his heart, fast breathing and trembling hands. He tried to calm himself as he went into the forest below the hill. Why did simply looking at the ocean like this always make him so anxious? He didn't want to feel this way, he just couldn't help it.

Pirates disliked him because of his fear of water. His fear always got him in trouble. Shiver could never bare to think about pirates. “No, no, no stop thinking about it. About what they did. What they would do if they find you.”

Somethimes months would pass without anyone coming to his island, other times it was only a few weeks or even just few days.. One thing was for sure someone would eventually always come here.

So Shiver made sure he was prepared. Looking out for ships was part of his daily routine. Just as much as checking his belongings every day. It was something he had to do. If he didn't do this he would feel incredibly anxious. Forget trying to concentrate on anything else. That was impossible for him until he made sure all his belongings where accounted for.

Shiver had misplaced his jacket once and ended up hiding for the the entire day when couldn't find it. He felt so stupid afterwards. But at the time he tought a ship must have arrived on his island and they took his jacket. So in his panicked state what else could he do but hide.

“Being alone was good right?”

“The only way to stay safe right?”

“It's always been better this way”.

“Just need to make sure nobody finds me.”

These toughts kept playing over and over in his head as he looked for a place to hide.

Turns out Shiver had taken off his jacket because it was very hot that day and simply forgot to take it home with him. It was such a dumb mistake. “You're so dumb" He had wispered to himself after realizing he had panicked for nothing.

Chapter Text

No place had always been crawling with pirates. Shiver was never sure how long they would stay when they arrived. If he was lucky it was only for a day. But if not the pirates could stay for a few weeks or even months. Staying hidden for longer periods of time was difficult and more often than not he would be found. The biggest problem with staying hidden for a very long time was running out of food. Especially in the winter. Shiver couldn't count the times he had gone hungry while hiding.

“Still going hungry was beter than being found.”

“Safer than being found.”

“Getting out of hiding was way to dangerous.”

Still at times the hunger became to much for Shiver and compelled him to leave his hiding spot to look for food. The last time he did this it didn't take long before pirates spotted him. He had horrible memories about what they did to him. He did not want to think about, tried to forget.

Those memories had the nasty habit of popping up in his mind. No matter if Shiver wanted to think about it or not. No that didn't matter. They insisted on plaguing his mind.

Before he knew it he started thinking about it. About the last time his hunger had compelled him to come out of hiding and look for food. How fast the pirates had found him. What they did to him when they found him.. He shook his head desperately trying to shake of the tought.

“No, no, no, no stop thinking about it.”

“ I don't want to think about it.”

“It was so scary!”

“They hurt me!”

“No, no, no, no i don't want to think about it!”

It was a horrible memory. Shiver just wanted to forget and make sure they couldn't find him. But his mind would never let him forget.

Shiver knew that in order to stay safe it was really important to stick to his routine. So he did just that every day.

He looked for ships from atop the hill.

Stored food in his home and in his hiding places.

Checked that all his belongings where accounted for.

"Let's see i'm wearing my jacket, my socks shoe's, gloves, a shirt. Then there's my sweater for when it's cold an extra shirt. I have some extra shoe's but they are actually to small. I have two extra pair of different colered socks. there's one pot, a pan and a plate. There's also a fork, knife and spoon." Shiver went over his belongings several times. Always in the same order. He had to do it in that order and always multiple times. There was no other way to do it. That wasn't possible. Shiver woulnd't be able to focus if he tried to do it any other way. It had to be done this way.

This was part of the routine he followed. Shiver had to follow this routine every day like clockwork. He knew there was no other option.

Somethimes usefull things washed up on the shore. Shiver would go to see if there was anything  he could use. After making sure there where no ships and the tides where low of course. He wouldn't dare to go otherwhise.

Shiver hated going to the beach. Only went when the tides where low. It was one of those things he had to do but hated every second of it. If usefull things washed up he needed to collect them. Even if it was hard. No matter how much he hated it.

At times he found some clothes or a shoe or two. But finding pair of shoe's barely ever happened. Well he did one time but they didn't fit him. Shiver did happen to find his jacket here, black with blue and gold trimmings.

Still finding something good didn't change the fact that he hated doing this. Shiver trembeled the whole time while his heart pounded in his chest. He constantly looked over his shoulder to see if the water wasn't coming closer. If he even tought the water was coming closer he immediatly ran in a panic.

Pirates sometimes forgot some of their belongings. Things that weren't valuable according to them. But for Shiver finding an old shirt, sweater or even some shoe's that where left behind was like finding a treasure to him. Even if he usually couldn't find a pair of shoe's he was fine with wearing two different shoe's. So after Shiver made sure they  really left the island he would check to see if they forgot anything he could use. Making sure the pirates where really gone was important. He wouldn't want them to find him right?

So Shiver repeated the same routine everyday like clockwork.There was no other choice. No other option than following his routine. The same nervous toughts played in his mind everyday as the same routine repeated day after day.

“Being alone was good right?”

“The only way to stay safe right?”

“It's always been better this way.”

“Just need to make sure nobody finds me.”

“Make sure you're safe.”

“ Make sure there are no Ships.”

“You can't let them find you.”

Then one day, shortly after Shiver was done looking for any ships, something unusual happened. He hadn't spotted any ships and was about to make his way down the hill. Suddenly a Shadow swallowed up the entire island blocking out all of the sunlight. But there weren't any clouds. The sky was completely clear a few moments ago. Shiver looked around confused. Then he looked up and saw a giant metal ship in the sky.

A chill went down his spine.

“Is that a ship?”

“How was it in the sky?”

“That didn't make any sense?”

“ Never mind that!”

“A ship means pirates!”

“ Pirates means he's in danger!”

'He's not safe!”

"He's not safe!"

Shiver just stood there motionless. Staring at the metal ship above him. He needed to move.

“I have to hide!”

“ It's not safe!”

“Gotta move! come on move!”

“ It's not safe, i'm  not safe!”

“ Run! Hide!”

“They'll see me!”

“ Just run away and hide!”

Shiver wanted to run desperately, hide so he would be safe. He knew he had to. But he couldn't move his body was frozen in place. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't move an inch.

It just hurt so much trying to move. His lungs felt like they where on fire. Trying to move only made the pain worse.

Shivers body just refused to listen to him. All he could do was stand there. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. His breathing was uneven and being able to breath was getting harder by the second. Shiver was trembeling. Fear and panic had completely overtaken him.

His brain was telling him to run, yet he couldn't move at all. Shiver felt helpless. Not only did his lungs feel like they where burning, his whole body felt like it was on fire. Slowly his knees started to buckle. Not long after that they stopped being able to support his weight. The pain became overwhelming. At some point Shiver ended up laying sprawled on his back. Breathing erratically.

He wasn't even sure how he got here. All he could feel was the pain and fear coursing trough his body. Fear of what? He wasn't sure, even so panicked toughts kept flowing in his mind.

“Its not safe!”

'Have to run!'

'Have to hide!'

'Why?”

'Why do i need to hide?”

“Why do i feel scared?”

“Why do i feel scared?”

“It hurts!”

Shiver felt so tired. It felt like he was dying. The edges of his vision started to become blurry. Dark spots where dancing, spreading becoming bigger ever so slowly drowning out what remained of his vision. Trying to take away his consiousness. All of his toughts started to become blurry. His consiousness started wavering. It hurt so much, everything hurt so much. It was overwhelming. Shiver was tired, no he was exhausted, his consiousness slowly fading.

If there where still any thoughts that told him he needed to run or hide, that something was wrong they where not reaching him anymore. Any toughts he had where drowned out. Blocked by an invisible barrier. All he wanted to do was close his eyes and he did.

Chapter Text

Shivers eyes fluttered open slowly. He stared blankly at the clear blue sky. His emerald green eyes are unfocused looking dull. The sun was bright really bright. His eyes hurt from looking directly at it. Shiver rubbed his eyes with the palm of his hands. It hurt moving his arms tough it didn't really register in his brain yet. Shiver was still not fully awake. If he was he would have been alarmed by the pain.

Shiver just layed there. Not really sure what he was doing here. His head felt fuzzy as his consiousness tried to come back.

“Where am i?”

“Was i sleeping?”

“Did i take a nap?”

“I don't remember falling asleep.”

“But where am i?”

“What was i doing?”

“Where is here?”

Shivers toughts where still far away, stuck behind a fuzzy haze unable to reach him. His body may have been awake but his mind was still trying to catch up. Everything was kind of a blur. Shiver certainly didn't remember falling asleep. He didn't even realize he was starting to wake up right now.

His fingers twitched slightly.

“Ow!? That kinda hurt?”

“Strange?”

He tried to move his arm.

“Again ow, Why did it hurt?”

He should probably be worried about that. But Shiver just wasn't awake enough yet. Slightly more awake then a few moments ago but not quite there yet.

Shiver tried to sit upright but immediatly plopped back down again after he felt another wave of pain.

“Ow? Wait Again?”

“ Is it Pain?”

“Why does it hurt?”

The pain was beginning te register. All the muscles in his body where aching. That should probably concern him right? Shiver wasn't concerned tough. Not really. He just felt confused.

Shiver tried to move once again. Tried to move his arms. Flinching immediatly when another wave of pain immediatly hit him upon doing so.

“Ow? It hurts? Again?”

“ Is it Pain? Why does it hurt?”

“What happened?”

“What am i doing here?

“How did i get here?

“Where is here?

“Why does everything hurt?”

Shivers muscles hurt every time he tried to move. They felt really tense. It was like he had been running for days on end without stopping.

He tried to think about what happened. Tried to think back, wanted to remember but it was hard. Everything was fuzzy all events before passing out a blur. Waking up just seemed so difficult for some reason.

Shiver blinked a few times. He layed sprawled on his back while looking up at the sky. No clouds to be seen. Just the sun shining brightly. The sky is clear and blue. Nothing blocking the sunlight.

Something about this was strange. It just felt of and wrong for some reason.

“Why?”

“What was so strange about this?”

“Why does it feel so strange?”

“So wrong?”

The cogs in his head started turning. His mind trying to catch up. Awaken, figure out what was going on. Something about the sky was strange. He needed to know why.

“C'mon think.”

“Why does the sky feel so strange?”

“Something about it is strange why?”

“I don't know.”

“What am i not seeing here?”

“What is it?

“C'mon think!”

“Something about the clouds blocking the sun earlier.”

“No that wasn't it.”

“Or was it?”

“Think try to remember.”

Shiver kept looking up at the sky his fuzzy vision became clear as consiousness began to return to him. Emerald green eyes becoming brighter as his mind was finally starting to wake up. He still layed on his back staring at the sky for a few moments before suddenly jolting upwarts. All of a sudden he was wide awake. The pain caused from the sudden movement made him almost fall down. He barely managed to keep standing on his very shaky legs as the memories of what happened started flooding back suddenly. His heart started beating like a drum almost instantly.

“Wait wasn't there a metal ship in the sky?”

“What happened?”

“Where was that ship?”

“That didn't make any sense.”

“A ship in the sky is impossible.”

“No way those pirates in that strange metal ship wouldn't have seen him right?”

“They would have hurt him right?”

“Was he dreaming?”

“Surely he must have dreamed it right?”

And yet it felt so real.

“Altough dreams can be like that of course.”

“Especially nightmares. “

“Wouldn't be the first time right?”

Still Shiver felt uneasy. He just wanted to be safe. He knew what he needed to do to be safe. At least he was pretty sure he did. Maybe not. Doubts started to make their way into his mind.

“What if it wasn't a dream?”

“I have to make sure there aren't any ships right?”

“Make sure they can't find me right?”

“The only way to stay safe right?

“Maybe i should also look up to see if there are any ships?”

“If there are ships in the sky i should look for them right?

What was he thinking looking for ships in the sky. It sounded so silly and yet as silly as that sounded to him. Maybe he should also look at the sky for ships from now on.

People would think he was crazy.

But that was alright he was alone after all.

Like he should be. It was the only way to be safe.

He could call himself crazy for thinking something so stupid and that was fine.

Being alone was fine.

Calling himself crazy was fine.

Who else was he gonna talk to anyway?

That was fine, he was fine.

Totally completely fine.

Being alone was fine.

Yep there was absolutely nothing wrong here.

Shiver started pacing nervously. Moving from on spot to the next trying to process everything that happened. Wondering what to do as he talked to himself.

“A flying ship you're crazy?”

“But i saw it. A metal one at that. It was huge.”

“You know if he says he saw it...”

“No impossible. If you believe him there's gotta be some screws loose in your head.”

“I agree both of you never where that bright in the old noggin.”

“Hey, i'm not crazy. It was a big metal ship! ”

“Nah not buying it!”

“Crazy over here had a dream and thinks it's real again!”

“I'm not crazy! I think we should also look tot the sky from now on when looking for ships!”

“ I mean if he says he saw it! What if he's right?”

“Ain't no way it was real, besides if there was a ship, the pirates would have already nabbed us.”

“Maybe they didn't see me? But i know what is saw. It was right there made of metal, huge the sun was completely blocked out.”

“Well i guess it couldn't hurt to look could it?”

“I can't believe you believe him. I'm surrounded by crazy.”

“Ugh just let them be if they wan't to look for an imaginary ship best let em. No stopping stupid and crazy over here.”

Shiver rolled his eyes and  then suddenly jumped up. He saw it from the corner of his eye. It pulled him right out the conversation he was having with himself. A ship, at the beach. How had he missed that? When did it arrive?

Of course he had woken up on the hill. How long had he slept here? Shiver was so busy talking to himself he hadn't noticed it sooner. This was bad. Really bad.

Shivers breathing became uneven as he used his binoculairs to get a better look. He saw the ship clearly but couldn't see any pirates yet. The owners had to be here somewhere. But where? He needed to know. Make sure first. So he could hide. He knew he had to. Needed to make sure he was safe.

The longer it took for him to see anyone the more nervous he got. His hands had already started trembeling. As nervous thougts began to flood his mind ones again.

“I can't let them find me.”

“Gotta hide make sure i'm safe”

“Where are they?”

“Need to make sure so i know where to hide!”

“Can't let them find me.”

“They'll hurt me!

“No, no don't think about it.”

“I don't want to think about it.”

“Just make sure you're safe. Don't let them find you!”

After looking around for a bit he saw figure. Black with red highlights a hedgehog like himself. Oh he did not look friendly not at all. In fact he looked scarier than any pirate he had ever seen. Shiver gulped nervously. He had messed up again. Should have paid more attention, been more carefull. Another dumb mistake.

“Hide! Don't let him find you...”

Chapter Text

Those bright ruby eyes looked annoyed at a compass. They where studying it closely.

“Damn it!” Dusk shouted. His frustration was clearly noticable in the tone of his voice. It had been acting up for awhile now. The arrow either spun around like crazy or didn't move at all. The stupid thing was broken. Currently the arrow refused to move at all. Making things difficult for him. It was a headache to deal with.

Navigating was going to be a pain. How was he supposed to find his way with this blasted thing being broken? Dusk angrily threw the compass on the floor.

“What good would that do?”

“Nothing would change really.”

“Didn't do any harm either.”

“The compass had already been malfuncionting for some time.”

“It was already broken.”

“Throwing it wouldn't change that nor would it fix the problem.”

As far as Dusk was concerned it was a useless piece of metal.

At least he got a bit of his frustration out by throwing it.

Dusk hadn't been able to navigate properly because of this useless piece of metal. He felt frustrated and annoyed. Oh he was just so annoyed right now. Because of this stupid thing he had gotten himself lost. With no easy way to navigate. He could try to use the sun to find his way. It was possible. Others have been known to do it this way. He'd have to look where on the horizon the sun rises and how high it's position is during the day.

Having a suncompass would help with that. Not that it was impossible without it. But you needed it if you wanted to navigate more accuratly using the sun. Not that he had one. Never even heard of anyone who did own a suncompass. That's something that hadn't been used since the old times.

Dusk just wasn't exactly very good at navigating using the sun. Actually scratch that he was terrible at it. Having reconizable landmarks would help. No such luck however. Dusk was utterly and completely lost. Oh how he hated it. He did not get lost ever. Well to be fair rarely. When trying to use the sun to navigate in the past he would get lost every time. Not that he would ever admit it to anyone. Not that anyone would ever know.

How could anyone know? Dusk always sailed alone. No crew no one around to rat him out. He preferred it that way.

“He didn't need a crew.”

“They would just get in the way.”

“Having a useless crew around would be annoying.”

“They'd be useless, betray him or both.”

“Probably both.”

He knew that much.

Dusk also wasn't much a people person so that worked out just fine for him.

Well having someone who could use the sun to navigate would be handy right now he supposed.

Ugh this day was turning out to be such a headache for him. But he'd work it out. Just had to wait untill nightfall. Using the stars to find his way was a lot easier. It would waste time.Yeah it was a pain he had to wait until then. Not like he had much other choice.

His ship had sustained minor damage here and there during his trip. He'd fixed it but it was only a temporary fix. Dusk was on his way to harbour island. So his ship could get fixed properly. She would be fine untill then the damage wasn't that serious anyway. Dusk just had about enough supplies to make it there.

The fog that had been lingering all morning had finally started to dissipate. At least he would be able to see more now. Dusk looked around and noticed an island on the horizon. He didn't recognize it. Looked at his map but it didn't seem to be on it. Or maybe it was and he had just gotten so lost he couldn't place it. Thinking about it just annoyed him.

“I don't get lost.”

“I go wherever i want.”

“Can't do that if i'm lost.”

“So i never get lost!”

“Ugh i can't believe i'm lost.”

“Stupid compass, it's just a piece useless of metal.”

“Whatever.”

“Not like anyone would ever know he'd gotten lost.”

This island would be a good place to make a stop while he waited for nightfall. Besides there was still some minor damage on the hull he could check out.

It shouldn't be a problem. Was high enough up that the water couldn't reach it. But fixing it while being at sea wasn't ideal. It made it hard to fix it. He did manage.

“Of course he did.”

“Why wouldn't he be able to?”

It was a pain and being on land would have been handy at the time.

Guess he could do it now. Give it another check up while being on land. He set sail towards the island. It was small. A beach surrounded by hills from all sides. Dusk glanced at the compass on the floor. He picked it up when he noticed the arrow had begun spinning like crazy yet again.

“Why did he even bother picking it up?”

“Wortheless piece of Metal.”

Dusk set foot on the beach not to long after arriving at the island. He turned around to look at his ship. Yeah the damage in the front at the hull was really minor. He'd hastily fixed it but now he could do a bit of a better job. It would still be quick fix of course. But it would at least kill some time.

He always made sure he had enough materials to fix damage before he sailed anywhere. Made sure to stock up not only on food but on anything else he'd deem necessary for the trip. Depending how far he'd intent to sail away from civilisation. Being prepared was the number one important thing when travelling.

Dusk started looking around taking a better look at the island. He saw several hills and a forest in the middle. Nothing to special. Exploring would be a possiblity. Not that he even had any interest in exploring. Not right now at least. He had some important items to deliver aswell and had allready wasted to much time for his liking. But maybe he could return here some other time and explore. For now he'd rather check the damage he'd fixed before. It surely was fine.

Of course it was but it would give him something to do. Make time pass faster. Dusk didn't want to stay here any longer then he had to. As soon as he turned around to look at his ship something felt of. Dusk had this feeling he was being watched.

He immediatly turned around looking at the forest and hills glaring intensly.

“No one to be seen.”

He looked again from the hills to the forest all the while glaring angrily. Trying to intimidate anyone lurking around.

“Nothing?”

“Could he have imagined it?”

Maybe he did.

“But if someone was there they'd be foolish to mess with him.”

“If they where watching him his glare made sure they knew he's not to be messed with.”

“If they'd dare mess with him he'd take care of them.”

Dusk decided not to dwell on it. He had better things to do.

He would just start fixing the damage.

“Besides if anyone dares to disturb me, i'll make sure they'll regret it!”

Chapter Text

“Hide! Don't let him find you..”

That was what Shiver tought as the Black hedgehog turned around. He looked directly at the hill Shiver was on.

“He looked so scary.”

“Scarier than any other pirate”

“I can't let him find me.”

“I messed up again.”

“Should have paid more attention.”

“Should have been more carefull.”

A chill went down Shivers spine as he saw the hedgehog glaring. He immediatly ducked away. His ears flattened against his skull as he swallowed the lump in his throat. Shivers cobalt blue quills began bristling. His entire body started shaking uncontrollably while nervous thoughts started flooding his mind.

“He looked right at me?”

“Did he see me?”

“Does he know i'm here?”

“He looks so scary!”

“He'll hurt me!”

“Can't let him find me!”

He needed to hide. Make sure he was safe. Make sure won't be found. Shiver subconciously put his hands on his quills. Running his fingers over them. Checking how long they where.

They where allmost back at full length he realized. Been growing back since the last time he got caught by pirates. They had decided to cut them of. They hurt him. It was scary. He couldn't protect himself. It hurt so much. One of the things pirates loved to do to him. He'd lost count how many times they had cut his quills. It was something he tried to forget. Something he didn't want to think about. That wasn't even the worst thing they did to him. 

"They also... "

"They would...."

"and then..."

It was to painfull to think about. About what happened. About all the things they would do to him. He tried his best to block those memories out. To not think about it. To make the memories go away.

Shivers heartbeat was going so fast it started to make him feel dizzy. His mind was being drowned by nervous thoughts that where playing over and over in his head.

“No, no, no don't think about it.”

“I don't want to think about it.”

“Gotta focus!”

“I have to hide!”

“ It's not safe!”

“Gotta hide!”

“Make sure you're safe!”

“Hide!”

Shivers breathing had become faster and faster, becoming more uneven every second.

He tried to think. Tried to decide what to do. He felt dizzy. It was hard to think. Panick had a firm grip on his mind. He felt anxious, scared, terrified of what would happen if this pirate found him. Shiver had never seen one who looked more scary. That look in his eyes was so scary. He would hurt him if he found him. His crew would hurt him if they found him. He was afraid if he made a wrong move they would see him. So terrified of messing up. Of not being safe. Of getting hurt.

“There was only that black hedgehog with red highlights.”

“Where was his crew?”

“Pirates where never alone.”

“They always had a crew.”

Shiver knew pirates always had a crew. But he hadn't seen them. He tried to think. The panicked thoughts where overwhelming him. Thinking clearly was just so difficult. But he needed to try and think about what to do. No matter how difficult it was.

“That pirate looks so scary.'"

"He'll hurt you.”

“Don't let him find you.”

“Gotta stay hidden."

"Can't let him see you.”

“Don't mess up!”

“Where is his crew?”

“Maybe they where still on the ship?”

“Or where they somewhere in the forest?”

“Think you need to think.”

“You have to know.”

“So you know where to hide.”

“Don't mess up!”

“Can't mess up!”

“Think!”

Shiver had seen footprints on the beach. Only on the beach next to the ship. Not close to the forest right? He was in such a panick it took him awhile to realize this. Because if there where no footprints next to the forest that meant no one was in the forest. It meant that right now was the safest time to hide. To go to his hiding spot. But he had to move now. Had to hide right now. Before the pirates came into the forest. It was the only chance he had. There wasn't a lot more time. Right now he was sure he'd make it there without being seen. Maybe they didn't even know he was here yet.

Breathing heavily Shiver moved. Made sure he was as small as possible. So they wouldn't be able to see him. He was so afraid the black hedgehog would see him. He very nearly did. Looked directly at the hill he was on. The thought send another chill down his spine.

“Go hide!”

“Hide now!”

“Don't mess up!”

“Can't mess up!”

“Don't mess up!”

Shiver hid inside a cave. Kept shaking even as he had made it to this hiding spot.

He was so scared that he might have been seen. If they did they would look for him. They would hurt him if they found him.. Shiver let himself drop to the ground. Feeling to dizzy and lightheaded to keep standing. His heart was still racing. He was breathing eratically. Every breath was painfull. Even now that he made it to this hiding spot he still felt so tense and on edge. The fear of being seen by that scary black hedgehog still lingering in the back of his mind. He did what he needed to do. Did what needed to be done in order to be safe. He knew that right? Like clockwork the same familiar thoughts had began flowing in his mind over and over again.

“Being alone was good right?”

“The only way to stay safe right?”

“It's always been better this way.”

“Just need to make sure nobody finds me.”

“You can't let them find you.”

“They'll hurt you.”

Shiver had subconciously put his hands on his quills again. Slowly running his fingers over them. Checking how long they where. He kept doing this over and over and over. Shiver wasn't even sure why. As he did so memories of pirates hurting him started creeping back into his mind. Causing him to shake his head in order to try and shake them of. All the while he kept running his fingers over his quills over and over and over again.

“No, no, no don't think about it.”

“Go away i don't wan't to think about it.”

“I don't want to think about it.”

Chapter Text

Shiver sat quietly with his back against the cold stone wall.

He was fidgeting nervously with his hands. His fingers had found a loose thread on his jacket and as they did he began pulling it absentmindedly.

Shivers ears where flicking constantly listening to every sound.

Listening for any sign of footsteps approaching.

Any sound of voices speaking.

However faint they may have been.

He had to make sure no one was coming.

Make sure he was alone.

“Being alone was good right?”

“The only way to be safe right?”

He couldn't let anyone find him.

Certainly not that black hedgehog or his crew.

He was so scary.

The scariest pirate he'd ever seen.

He'd hurt him if he found him.

So Shiver listened closely for any sound.

He needed to know no one was coming.

Needed to know he was safe.

It was quiet.

The only sound he could hear was that of gentle rainfall. Surely the pirates wouldn't be exploring if it was raining right? They wouldn't if the weather was bad right?

It may have sounded gentle from inside his cave but it was probably raining a lot more then he thought. That wasn't unusual. It was to be expected honestly.

Maybe the pirates would stay on their ship until the downpour stopped. Until the sun wasn't obscured by rainclouds anymore. He could only hope it would turn out that way. That they wouldn't come here.

Shiver let out a small sigh. He hoped the pirates would be gone soon. So he could breathe a bit easier. For a little bit at least. Not that he was ever that calm at any time. He was just glad to see them leave. But almost immediatly worried when the next ones would arrive.

Shiver had began pacing. He kept listening to each sound. But aside from the gentle raindrops it was quiet. He paced for quite some time before deciding to sit down for a bit. Then he felt it suddenly. At the back of his head. Someone grabbed him from behind.

His quills bristeled. He tried to get away. Tried to free himself from the strong grip. Pulling so hard some of his quills came out.

It hurt.

A burning sensation.

He felt the blood flowing at the back of his head.

Smelled the metalic scent of blood.

As he tried to get loose they pulled harder.

They grabbed his arms and forced his body face first against the ground.

Shiver nearly choked in his hitched breathing.

He wanted to move. Tot run. To free himself. But the pirates where to strong. Four of them where holding him down. He couldn't see them as they had pushed his face into the ground.

But he could feel them.

Shiver felt their fingers digging painfully in his arms.

He heard them laughing.

Making fun of him.

Shivers ears flicked at every sound, picking up every movement.

Their laughter send chills troughout his body.

He couldn't bear to hear them laughing.

When they began pulling on his quills again he could hear them snapping loose from his skin.

Shiver winced in pain a sorrowfull scream escaped his throat. It only made the pirates laugh even more. He felt more blood trickling down as more quills where pulled out. As the distinct smell of blood filled his nostrills. It made his stomach turn filling him with a nauseating sensasation.

Then another sound pierced his ears. A familiar one. Shiver knew that sound. He winced as he heard it. Started shaking uncontrollably. The sound of snappy metal .

He knew what they where about to do.

The thought made him shrivel up.

Snip.... Snip... Snip...

This eerie sound ringing in his ears.

Shiver made another weak attempt to free himselff.

Only to be slammed down hard against the ground.

Feeling fingers tightening their grip digging deeper into his arms.

Snip.... Snip...Snip....

“I have to get away!”

“I have to move!”

“ It's not safe!”

“Gotta move! come on move!”

“ They're hurting me!”

It was no use he couldn't break free.

The pirates only hurt him more for trying.

Shiver could do nothing but lay there.

Snip.... Snip...Snip....

The sound hurt his ears causing a chill to go down his spine. Shiver was pinned down. He couldn't move. Only wait helplessly.

He could hear the sciccors come closer and closer and closer.

Then after what had seemed like an eternity they began cutting his quills.

Snip... another snip...

They pulled on his quills as they cut them.

Pulling some loose, breaking others in half.

“It hurt! “

“It hurt!”

“O ,chaos it hurt!”

He felt so helpless.

So scared.

Heard his quills snap as the sciccors cut them.

The sound made him sick.

Shiver screamed in pain.

His voice hoarse and painfull.

Suddenly Shiver bolted upright while screaming in terror. His body was completely drenched in sweat. He was breathing eratically. He looked dazed  and confused at his surroundings with dull emerald eyes.

His heart pounded in his chest as he made a run for it. He didn't know where the pirates where. He couldn't see them. All he knew was that he needed to run to get away as far as possible. So Shiver in his panicked state started running.

“They're here!”

“I have to hide!”

“ It's not safe, i'm not safe!”

“ Run! Hide!”

“They'll see me!”

“ Just run away and hide!”

“Before they find you again!”

“Before they hurt you again.”

Shiver kept running.

Running until he could barely breath anymore.

"They're coming for me!"

“Can't breathe!”

"I can't breathe!"

Shiver stopped and plopped down against a tree. Breathing eraticaly. He wouldn't be able to get up anymore if he tried. A burning sensation flowed trough every part of his body. So much pain. Like he was on fire. It felt like he was dying.  His vision started to get blurry as he kept breathing to fast.

“I have to hide.”

“They'll find me.”

"They're coming for me!"

Shivers hands reached for his quills again. He subconciously started running his fingers over his quills again. Over and over. Then he paused suddenly. They where almost at full length. His breathing had started to slow down a bit.

“But didn't the pirates just cut them?”

“They cut them and pulled some of them out.”

Shivers fingers felt around the back of his head. There where no quills missing. He couldn't find any sign of bleeding. The smell of blood also wasn't present. No sign of wounds, bleeding, no short quills. It slowly started to dawn on him that he may have just woken up from a nightmare.

“Was it a dream?”

“Just a dream?”

“A horrible nightmare he tought was real for a few moments.”

“No it felt to real.”

“All of it to real.”

“To painfull.”

“It was so life like.”

“Like it was really happening.”

“But it wouldn't be the first time right?”

“If it wasn't a nightmare the pirates would still be here right?”

Shiver looked up at the sky still shaken by his nightmare. The sky was clear. He noticed the moon above him. All the stars that lit up the sky. It was already night time.

Shiver didn't move for a bit. Couldn't really move anyway. Trying to do so resulted in a sharp pain violently shooting trough his body. On top of that his body felt heavy. Like every fiber of his body had become a ton of bricks.

It felt so real.

Those pirates that pinned him down.

It was horrible.

They hurt him.

They pulled out his quills, cut them.

He was bleeding, could almost smell the blood again.

He could still hear his quills snapping out of his skin.

Hear the awfull sounds of the scissors

It felt so real.

But it wasn't real, it didn't happen.

At least it didn't really happen.

"It wasn't real. Just a bad dream. Not real a dream." Shiver wispered to himself.

"So there where no pirates here right now right?"

"They didn't find him right?"

A chill went down his spine as the image of that scary black hedgehog popped up in his mind.

That was right.

That scary pirate did come here.

He saw him earlier.

"Was he still here?"

"Did he need to hide?"

He should really check if that pirate and his crew where still here. He didn't see the crew. But pirates always have a crew.

That's something he knew all to wel.

So that meant he needed to go look.

Shiver knew he had to do this.

Knew that was he had to do.

Needed to make sure they where gone.

Make sure it was safe.

He needed to know if he was safe.

He had to do it.

The tought terrified him.

He hated every second of it.

Still feeling terrified by the nightmare. Still scared that there where pirates here.

But Shiver did go upon the hill carefully looking around making sure he wasn't seen.

As he grabbed his binoculoirs with trembeling hands and looked around he was finally able breathe a sigh of relief.

No ships to be seen.

No pirates.

He was safe.

For now.

There would be others who would come.

He didn't know when, but he knew they would come here.

It was only a matter of time.

Chapter Text

Dusk began fixing the damage to his ship. The weather was nice. Sunny and clear. That was a good thing at least. Dusk was still annoyed he got lost. Ugh thinking about it just started giving him a headache. The only good thing right now in Dusks opinion was the nice weather.

Made making repairs to the ship more managable. If it had been raining that would have been a pain to deal with. Dusk spent quite some time on the repairs. Even if it was a temporay fix, he wanted to do it properly and anyway he was stuck here until nightfall. Thanks to his compass breaking. Causing him to get lost. He never got lost. This was so frustrating.

“Stupid piece of metal!”

“Getting me lost.”

“Making me waste time.”

“Making it impossible for me to go wherever i want!”

“If it weren't for that useless piece of metal i'd be well on my way to harbour island by now.”

“I wouldn't have gotten lost.”

“Ugh why does this day have to be such a headache?”

Dusk had been trying to keep him self busy by fixing the ship. but he still couldn't help but feel annoyed and frustrated. He was wasting time and was stuck here untill nightfall. He may have tried to distract himself from this fact, but was still very aware of it.

Of the fact he was stuck here all day.

Wasted time.

Couldn't go where he wanted.

But he could always go where he wanted to go.

Except now and he was lost aswell.

Another thing he was painfully aware of but tried to distract himself from.

After fixing all the damage, Dusk began checking his supllies.There wasn't much left. Just about enough to get to harbour island. But one thing Dusk noted was that there weren't that many materials left for repairs.

Yeah he really needed to get going as soon as possible and restock. Wouldn't want to get stranded anywhere because he didn't have the material to make repairs if needed. Aside from that there where those important things he needed to deliver.

Dusk walked passed the crates filled with the goods he needed to deliver. He let his right hand gently glide over the crates as he walked passed them.

The crates where filled with herbs. Medicinal herbs to be more exact. Dusk had gathered them from different islands. Then delivered them to doctors. So they could make medicine. He wanted to make that delivery as soon as possible.

It was always essential to do this quickly to not waste to much time. He knew there where people counting on it. Needed those herbs to heal and survive. Dusk had been doing this for a long time. Way to long. Longer then he could remember at this point.

A promise he'd made long ago. To her. His sister the sweet girl with the blonde hair and sky blue eyes. Celeste. She was always frail and sickly. He looked everywhere for medicine in order to save her. He tried everything he could.

Tried to find a cure and in the end he failed.  She made him promise to keep gathering medicinal herbs. Bring it to the doctors so others could get cured. Even if she couldn't be saved. Celeste loved the world and wanted to help others. She was so sweet, kind and compassionate. They used to travel everywhere together on this ship. Celeste used to be here. Walk on this deck. Looked at the stars with him at night. Thought him how to find his way using the stars.

“Celeste deserved to be cured.”

“And yet he couldn't save her.”

“He lost her.”

“Failed her.”

Dusk clenched his hand tightly and bit his lip.

It was very painfull to think about how he failed her.

“I couldn't save her..”

“I have to try to keep my promise.”

“It's the only thing i can do for her.”

“No i will keep my promise.”

He wouldn't fail her again.

As soon as the sun started setting Dusk prepared to set sail. Overal he'd had a calm day. Well aside from the part were he got lost. He still couldn't believe that happened. That still annoyed him. It made things tedious and wasted a lot of time. Who knows how long he had been sailing in cirkels.

“No one could ever now.”

“That was the advantage of sailing alone.”

“No one here who could tell anybody anything.”

“No one to be useless and be in his way.”

“And no one who could betray him.”

But it wasn't all bad he supposed. Discovering this island was a good thing. He might find something good on this island.

Altough Dusk couldn't stay here right now to explore. If it wasn't for the low suplies, the damage to his ship and the important goods he needed to deliver he'd stay.

He would just have to come back later. Exploring right now would waste a lot time and he'd already wasted to much time for his liking. Besides if he wanted to explore properly he preffered to take his time.

Dusk did wonder if there was anyone on this island.

He did have the feeling someone was watching him earlier.

He looked once.

Then a second time.

But there was no one.

Nothing to be seen.

“Maybe it was my imagination?”

“Or was it?”

Dusk was rarely wrong when it came to this.

But he supposed he could have been wrong.

“Or was there really someone watching me?”

He did make sure to intimidate anyone watching him.

That probably worked if anyone was there watching him.

He would be surpsrised if it didn't work.

“Well anyone trying to mess with me after i gave them that look would be foolish.”

Even if he hadn't done that they would be stupid to mess with him.

Ultimately Dusk was pleased no one had bothered him.

Of course no one would dare to bother him.

Not that he couldn't handel himself.

It would just be an annoyance.

One he could deal with easily but an annoyance none the less.

Dusk sailed away and saw the island getting smaller and smaller. He looked at the stars and then back at the island and wrote down the position of the island with the reference of the stars in the sky. So he would be able to find this island again later. The same way Celeste had showed how him when she was alive.

Even now the weather was nice. Dusk could see every star dancing in the nights sky. Looking at this beautiful sight made him think about Celeste. About when they used to stargaze together every night.

The stars lit up the entire sky.

Brought light in the darkness.

Just like Celeste could light up any room she entered no matter how dark.

She was a bright and beautiful soul that could light up even the darkest corner in the world.

The sky stayed clear the entire night. By daybreak he had managed to cover a lot of distance. But he had to stop now. If he kept going he would get lost again. Ugh that annoying feeling came back. Dusk had managed to forget about it the entire night. But now that he had to stop he was reminded again.

“Maybe he should throw the compass again?”

“It was useless.”

“Got him lost.”

It didn't help much but it throwing it earlier did get rid of some of his frustration. Besides he would be stuck here all day. Couldn't sail any further until this evening. He would get lost again if he did because of this stupid thing!

So yes Dusk went and grabbed the compass. He hated this useless thing. Threw it against the floor, feeling frustrated that it caused so many problems for him.

“Served it right.”

“Useless piece of metal..?”

Dusk went to picked up the compass slowly.

Something was of.

“Wait what was going on?”

The arrow wasn't going really fast anymore. It wasn't completely still either. It almost seemed to respond normally.

"That couldn't be right?"

Dusk didn't trust it. It was probaly still broken. He couldn't trust it. That would make him get lost again. The last thing he wanted was to get lost again.

No he was sure it was still broken.

“It's just a wortheless piece of metal trying to fool me.”

Chapter Text

Shiver woke up screaming again. His cobalt blue quills where drenched in sweat. He was breathing heavily.

Nightmares visited him in his sleep more frequintly lately.

Sometimes he remembered them. Other times he didn't . Right now he could only recall being surrounded by water. Water that was trying to swallow him up, pull him down.

A sensation of water entering his lungs, burning pain when trying to breath. He was being pulled down. Deeper and deeper and deeper. Then he woke up screaming. Shiver rubbed his eyes.

Another nightmare. Why couldn't he have one of those nice dreams where he was on a big island where no one would hurt him? Or maybe a dream with nice friendly pirates that wouldn't hurt him.

All pirates are bad, but if they could be nice in his dreams somethimes that was at least better then having a nightmare.

Shiver could never really remember much anyway when he didn't have a nightmare.

Even when he remembered something the details where fuzzy at best.

He only ever knew that he was on a big island in those nice dreams, but couldn't recall how it looked aside from that.

This was exhausting. He could barely get any sleep lately because of all those horrible nightmares. His throat had begun to hurt from screaming so much.

At least he realized right away it was just a nightmare. There where times he woke up and didn't notice it. It felt like the nightmare was real. As if it was all really happening. Like he was still there. Seeing things and feeling things that weren't even there to begin with. Sometimes he couldn't snap out of it after waking up.

Shiver struggled to get up. He was so exhausted. To tired to do anything. But he had to get up. Had to do his daily routines. Make sure no one was there. Make sure he was safe. He had to. There was no other choice. Familiar anxious thougts started flooding his mind. Coming back like everyday. Never leaving him alone.

“Being alone was good right?”

“The only way to stay safe right?”

“It's always been better this way.”

“Just need to make sure nobody finds me.”

“Make sure you're safe.”

“ Make sure there are no Ships.”

“You can't let them find you.”

Shiver tried to get moving. His body felt incredibly heavy. He was trying to move, to get up. His body wasn't cooperating. Didn't listen to him. Moving an inch was almost impossible. His body just felt so heavy, so very very heavy.

Chaos why did it have to be this hard to move? After trying to move what felt like an eternity Shiver finally managed to sit upright. He felt sluggish and dizzy. Everything around him seemed to be spinning.

Shivers head began pounding. Great another thing to deal with besides the throbbing painfull throat and his body being almost to heavy to move. Shiver groaned. This was going to be a long day. He felt absolutely horrible. He just hoped it would be quiet and that no pirates would come.

Shiver tried to eat. But a sudden feeling of nausea overwhelmed him, made it impossible to eat. He yawned, feeling just so incredibly tired. Shiver rubbed his eyes.

“ Well i'm not eating anything then i guess.”

If he wasn't able to eat he figured he should probably get going. Start doing his daily routines. He had to. Couldn't skip them just because he was tired.

That wouldn't be safe. He has to make sure he's safe. If he didn't do his routines he wouldn't be safe.

“ No, no, no.”

He has to do the routines.

“ Only way to stay safe.”

“ Or they will find me”

“ They will hurt me.”

He didn't want to get hurt.

Just wanted to be safe.

Alone and safe.

That was how it needed to be always.

It was the only way.

He knew that.

So Shiver made his way to the hill. Walking towards the hill was agonizing. Every step he took felt heavy. Every part of his body had felt so incredibly heavy and seemed to get even heavier with each step he took. All of his movements where sluggish.

He tried to talk to himself in order to get moving. But each word he spoke sounded slurred. An incoherent mess of jumbeled words that where impossible to understand.

Shiver could barely even understand what he was saying to himself. Still he did try to talk to himself none the less. Trying to motivate himself to keep moving. Because he had to. Had to make sure he did his routines. Make sure he was safe. There was no other choice.

Shiver finally arrived at the top of the hill and sat down. He yawned drowsily as he grabbed his binoculairs. Staying awake was a struggle. His eyes kept drooping. Slowly closing multipel times. He managed to open them each time. But it was getting harder every time.

As his eyes began drooping again, almost closing untill something caught his attention. It made his eyes snap open. Making Shiver become more awake all of a sudden.

What he saw was weird.

Really weird.

He didn't know what it was.

Couldn't look away.

It was just so weird and unusual.

“ Unusual weird and blue?”

“ A blue blur?”

“ Moving across the water?”

“ What?”

“ What was that?”

Shiver tried to get a better look. It moved so fast it was hard to tell what it was. He couldn't really tell what it was. But he was curious. Then it stopped suddenly. Shivers jaw dropped shocked by what he saw. Almost dropping his binoculairs

It was a blue hedgehog. No not just that. It looked just like him. The resemblance was remarkable. No uncanny.

“Why does he look like me?"

“ But wait he's standing on the water?”

“Can he walk on water?”

“That didn't make any sense."

Seeing the blue hedgehog standing on the water made Shivers skin crawl. He felt his stomach turning. Seeing his lookalike filled him with dread.

Water terrified him.

This terrified him.

Shiver could already feel himself being surrounded by water. Trying to pull him under. His breathing began picking up. It felt like the water would swallow him up. Shiver couldn't handel this feeling. This awfull, awfull feeling.

Where he tried to hold his breath untill he couldn't anymore. Desperate for air. How the water would enter his lungs when he tried to take a breath.

“It burnt it burnt.”

“Hurt so much.”

“Chaos it was so painfull.”

It was almost as if he was there.

Being pulled under the water.

Shiver had to look away.

“It wasn't real.”

“He wasn't drowning.”

“He was on his island.”

“Safe on his island.”

He needed to remind himself of that. Shivers hands where trembling as he looked back at the ocean.

It was gone.

No Blue blurr.

No sign of his lookalike.

Shiver began pacing back and forth. Started talking to himself nervously. His hands where fidgeting with his gloves as his breathing became uneven. Shivers voice sounded shaky, hoarse and was flickering as he talked.

“I saw it. He was blue just like me.”

“He's going crazy again. Seeing things again.”

“No i saw it. A hedgehog that looked just like me standing on water.”

“Oh right. A blue hedgehog standing on water. He even looked like you huh. Sure...”

“Like when you saw that metal ship in the sky. That was also totally real. Yeah right.”

“Yep he's definitly lost it this time.”

“But... But.. I know what i saw. It think...”

“No such thing as walking on water and why would he even look like you?”

“I... I don't know. But i … saw it”

“What did you see? Huh tell me! Something that wasn't real again like that metal ship in the sky.”

“I... I... know what i saw don't … i?”

“Or that scary black hedgehog. I bet he wasn't real either.”

“No that was real. He looked really scary. I had to hide.”

“Yeah right. Just as real as those pirates cutting you're quills in the cave. You know when you woke up from that nightmare and it turned out none of it was real.”

“But... But... Pirates did cut my quills before. They are still growing back.”

“Well yes it may have happened at some point. But right now you can't even tell anymore when something is real or not. Can't tell a nightmare appart from reality.”

“Yes he doesn't know what's real or not.”

“You're right. There's no point denying it now is there?.”

“Yes there's something wrong in the old noggin.”

“He's crazy absolutely crazy.”

“Sees things that aren't there.”

“No i saw it. I know i did!”

“Just a crazy frightened hedgehog!”

“No, no i'm not crazy!”

“Totally insane if you ask me.”

“Please stop. I'm not crazy. I'm not.”

“Are you sure?”

“He sounds crazy to me.”

“I'm..... not... I'm...not”

“Can't even admit it now can you?”

“Please stop.. Just.. Stop...”

“How do you even know what you saw was real?”

“I.. I.. don't know.”

“See that wasn't so hard. Now you just have to admit you're crazy and are seeing things.”

“Don't be so hard on him.”

“Shut up! He's crazy and seeing things that aren't real. He needs to own up to it!”

“I'm.. I'm.. No stop. Please stop. But maybe.. Yes maybe i am crazy. Maybe i'm seeing things. Afterall only a crazy person would talk to himself right?”

So that meant he was crazy right?

Talking to himself was crazy.

Calling himself crazy was fine.

Talking to himself was fine.

Who else was he gonna talk to?

No one was here.

No one to talk to or hurt him.

He was all alone and that was fine.

Like he should be. It was the only way to be safe.

That was fine, he was fine.

Totally completely fine.

Being alone was fine.

There was absolutely nothing wrong here.

Chapter Text

Dusk arrived at harbour island. The moon and the stars had been lighting up the sky for hours. Not that he could see them behind the veil of dark clouds that shrouded everything in darkness.

It had been raining heavily for hours and Dusk had gotten completely drenched.

All he wanted to do right now was clean himself up, put on some dry clothes and get in a warm bed. Most people would already be sound asleep at this hour. So delivering those medicinal herbs he gathered would have to wait until tommorow.

It wouldn't waste that much more time.

So Dusk was fine with that.

He was to tired to care about that right now.

To tired to care about replacing that broken compass.

He just wanted to get some sleep.

Everything else could wait untill tommorow.

His trip back here had been rough.

Dusk honestly felt relieved he made it here at all.

Made it back in one piece.

Didn't get lost in that storm.

Gratefull his ship didn't fall appart in the storm.

He was worried for a bit when the weather changed suddenly. One moment the sky was clear. The next thing he new the sky was filled with dark clouds, there was heavy rain, hail and purple lightning. A storm caught him, one he had no idea was coming. Dusk had never seen anything like it before.

It was an anomoly.

Dusk had sailed in his fair share of bad storms before. But this one. This one was one of the most vicious storms he had ever experienced. It seemed determined to tear his ship appart. It put such a strain on her. Dusk heard his ship cracking under the pressure of the violent waves. The repairs he made, just barely held. But he did make it.

He was lucky to have made it back at all. It could have ended badly. At the time the storm hit Dusk wasn't that far from harbour. Not exactly close but not to far either. He knew this area. Could rely on his memory to find his way. That was fortunate for him.

He wasn't exactly able to navigate properly with a broken compass. The clouds made it impossible to see any stars. Knowing this area is the only reason Dusk made it at all. If he was anywhere else at the time he would have gotten lost for sure. Possibly not making it out of the storm alive.

It was still raining heavily. Dusk just wanted to get inside as soon as possible. So he started to make his way to the inn where he always stayed when he was here. Trough the dark streets.

Pirates where known to ambush people who where alone and outside late at night. But Dusk wasn't exactly worried. If anyone was foolish enough to mess with him he'd take care of it. He always did. It would just be a slight annoyance for him.

Dusk planned on staying at the inn untill his ship was fixed. He was a regular there. Practically lived here when he wasn't sailing. His ship was his home but this was a close second. The owner always had a room for him waiting. It was practical. He didn't have to worry about the upkeep. There where fresh cooked meals in the morning, noon and evening. Plus they had the best coffee beans here.

He really wanted to eat some coffee beans right now. That was one of the things he had run out of on his trip. When he arrived at the inn all the lights where already out. That was to be expected. Dusk put his hand on the door and used his key to unlock it.

It was completely silent when he entered. The owner surely went to bed hours ago. She always stayed up pretty late to get everything cleaned up. It was the middel of the night right now so of course she would be sleeping. Dusk did come and go here on unexpected hours often. So she wouldn't know he was back right now.

But that wasn't a problem. They had an agreement that he would leave her a note anytime he returned here on a very late hour. So she would see it in the morning and knew she had to prepare breakfast for him. He stood next to the counter and grabbed some paper and a pen. He started to write something down but stopped abrubtly.

Dusk was completely drenched and water was dripping on to the ground from his jacket and his quills. So he supposed he better get cleaned up first and put on some dry clothes. Writing that note now would result in an unreadable mess with all the water dripping of him. He would get back to it later.

He tried to be quiet as he made his way up the stairs to his room. For some reason they seemed insist on creaking with every step he took.

“Ugh stupid stairs. Why do they need to be so difficult? Stop making noise you'll wake everyone up.”

Dusk made it to his room. It was a small room with a bed, a desk, a table, a chair, a nightstand and a closet. He grabbed some clean clothes and a few towls and made his way to the bathroom. He quickly took a shower. The warm water felt really good and warmed up his body. It melted the hail that had been stuck in his quills.

Dusk hadn't even realized he had actually been feeling cold from being in those soaked clothes for so long. Or maybe he had noticed it but had just chosen to ingnore it.

Dusk felt refreshed after getting cleaned up. He put his clothes out to dry. It was a bit cold in his room so he decided to light the fireplace. A rise in temperature would  help to dry his clothes. It would take forever to dry them with how cold it was in the room right now. Dusk had folded his clean jacket neatly and put it on the table ready for tommorow.

He yawned as he was starting to feel very sleepy. The room was feeling pretty cosy now that it had started to warm up. The sound of rain falling onto the window had a very calming effect. Suddenly his exhaustion of the day had begin to catch up with him. Overwhelming him all at once now that he felt clean, warm and relaxed. Dusk plopped down on the bed. In the corner of his mind there was this nagging feeling there was something he still needed to do.

Something he may have forgotten but he couldn't recall what right now. He was just to tired to remember or care. Maybe he should have done that before lying down on the bed. But he was exhausted and that bed was just really inviting. It was asking him to lay down.

Dusks eyes soon began to close. Whatever it was it could wait untill tommorow. All he wanted to do now was sleep. His body was practically begging him to go to sleep. Sailing trough that storm was rough it had taken more out of him then he realized.

The warmth of the bed was so cozy, inviting and welcoming. Dusk didn't want to get up anymore. All he wanted to do was sleep so he closed his eyes and allowed himself to drift of.

Chapter Text

It was still dark outside when Dusk woke up. He wondered how long he had slept. Not that it really mattered. He never needed as much sleep as others. He could stay awake for days if he needed to.

Dusks body did still yearn for it wether he liked it or not. After being in that storm on top of already being awake for a few days his body had demanded rest.

Dusk did not like the fact that he needed to sleep at all. If he could he'd just stay awake and tirelessly gather those medicinal herbs. Do everything to work on keeping the promise he made.

That promise he made to Celeste.

The one he would keep no matter what.

To gather medicinal herbs and bring them to doctors so others could be saved.

Even if...

If he couldn't save her.

He would keep that promise

He would not fail her.

Could not fail her.

Not again.

Dusk opened the curtains. It was still so dark outside. The weather was still so awfull. Heavy rainfall, hail and purple lightning. He hoped that when morning came, this storm would be gone. Going out in this weather later would be a pain. Maybe it would get better soon. This weather came about very suddenly, hopefully it would get better just as fast.

There where a few things he would need to take care of today. Getting his ship fixed, deliver the medicinal herbs and most importantly get a new compass. Dusk really wanted to get that done. He had been very frustrated that his compass stopped working. That it gave him so much trouble. It got him lost. It was al so very annoying. He was getting angry about it all over again.

“I don't get lost.”

“I go wherever i want.”

“But i did get lost thanks to that useless piece of metal.”

“I wasted so much time!”

“Ugh... I should toss the damn thing!”

“What use is this stupid piece of metal anyway?”

A knock on the door pulled him out of his thoughts. He wondered who it could be at this hour. Dusk quickly put on his jacket before opening the door. As he opened the door he was greeted by a small rabbit. She was holding tray. On it where some scrambled eggs, coffee beans, fresh orange juice, some freshly baked bread and a cupcake.

“Good morning mister Dusk. Mommy told me to bring you your breakfast.”

Dusk looked in surprise. Not because she brought him breakfast. No that wasn't the reason. He was taken a back by the fact that Pearl greeted him as if it was morning already. But it was still so dark outside. Even with a storm that bad, how could it still be this dark outside? It was almost pitchblack. Like it was still the dead of night. But it was somehow morning.

How could that be? Dusk had never witnessed anything like it.

So it had been storming all night and the weather didn’t seem like it would get any better soon.

Ugh... Now that was just great. It meant he would have to go out in this weather to not only to deliver the herbs he had gathered, but also all the other things he needed to take care of. This day was already starting to give him a headache.

Pearl put the tray on the table. “I baked some vanilla cream cupcakes for you mister Dusk.” The young rabbit said sweetly. Dusk only nodded in response.

“I have to go and help mommy now. Enjoy your breakfast mister Dusk.”

Dusk didn't really respond as Pearl left the room. She was always very sweet and polite. He never did know what to say to her. So he rarely said anything to her. Not saying anything was for the best. He didn't really want to talk to people anymore then he absolutely had to.

Well he supposed he should start eating his breakfast now. Seeing as it was morning already. That was one of the perks of staying in this inn. Getting to eat a tasty breakfast each morning. One of the things Dusk did enjoy while he was staying here had to be the food and the coffee beans of course.

Ivory was an amazing cook. Everything she made was delicious. He enjoyed every bite he took. Now for the coffee beans. He had wanted to eat some for a few days now. The downside of being at sea for so long meant you could run out of things. This time it was the coffee beans. They tasted great. Nice and crunchy. He made a note to himself to pack some extra coffee beans for his next trip.

Lastly he ate the cupcake Pearl made. She had made a vanilla cream cupcake. It tasted pretty good. Pearl clearly had the same talent for cooking as her mother. Now that he had his breakfast it was time to get ready to do all of his errands.

Dusk wasn't exactly looking forward to it. Not with this weather. He suppposed he better get started anyway and be done with it. After that he could go to his room and maybe read a little bit. Not much else he could do to pas the time if the weather stayed this bad.

Before going outside Dusk made sure he was presentable. It was important to dress properly. He  put on white socks, a white shirt with frills on the sleeves and a black jacket. The jacket had red, white and gold embroidery next to the golden buttons and on its sleeves.

His jacket  fit him perfectly. Next he put on his dark brown boots. There where some gold ornamental buckles on his boots. His gloves where dark brown with gold rings on the cuffs. Lastly he put on his dark brown belt.

Dusk may have looked very clean and neatly dressed right now but with this weather he would be drenched in no time. Nothing that could be done about that. He would just have to take a shower later and put on some dry clothes. The clothes he was wearing yesterday where already dry and needed to be washed. Something he could take care of later.

As Dusk went down the stairs he took the tray full of empty plates that once had his breakfast on it. Ivory would do the dishes soon. This way she wouldn't need to go upstairs to get the dirty dishes. If he was coming downstairs he might aswell bring it with him. It's not like he cared about making things easier for her. No it was just convenient and he was just being polite.

Ivory greeted him with a kind smile when she saw him. “Good morning Dusk did you sleep well? Oh I see you brought the dishes with you. Thank you saves me some work.”

Dusk only nodded and put the tray on the counter. “I'm heading out. I will be back for lunch.”

Ivory gave him a look. One of concern. The weather was very bad. It had been like this all night. The storm was still raging outside. Of course Dusk didn't think anything of it. It was annoying to go outside in this weather but nothing more for him.

It's not like he was looking forward to it. No he needed to get his errands over and done with. Deliver the medicinal herbs that the doctor was counting on, get his ship fixed so he could set out and secure a new compass. Those where all the things he wanted to take care of right now. He didn't want to waste time and just get it over with. So he could sit the rest of the storm out in his room. Reading some books. Maybe even checking some of his maps to start planning the route he would take on his next trip.

“Wait a moment before you go. I have something for you.”

Dusk paused and looked at Ivory. He was surprised by her words but didn't let it show in his expression.

"What could she possibly want to give him?"

Then Dusk remembered he still needed to pay her. He assumed she went to get his bill. Ivory went to the back room and when she came back she gave him a hat. “This is...”

“It's your hat. I know it got damaged pretty badly so I fixed it up for you. Here take it. It should at least protect you little bit in this weather.” Dusk slowly and silently took it and put it on. She had actually fixed his hat.

“Why did she do that?”

Dusk couldn't understand. He assumed it was because he was her best paying costumor and she wanted to get him to keep coming back here. Nothing else would make sense. People never did anything without wanting to get something in return. It would be no different for Ivory no matter how kind and friendly she seemed.

Pearl walked in the room and she looked at Dusk with her bright hazel eyes. “Wow you look really good in that hat mister Dusk. Mommy fixed it specially for you. Oh and did you like the cupcake I made for you? I hope you did. I have more yummy cupcakes for you. They can be your dessert this afternoon.”

Again Dusk didn't know how to respond. So he just nodded and quickly left the inn.

Leaving a confused young Pearl looking at him as he went outside. “Is he alright Mommy? Did i do something wrong?” Ivory gave her young daughter a comforting smile.“No sweety. Dusk just isn't good with words. Like us. I'm sure he's happy I fixed his hat and that he loves your cupcakes. He just isn't that great at saying it.” Dusk always acted this way around them.

He was always very distant and formal. Never said more then he absolutely had to. Pearl always seemed upset about that. She didn't understand. Who could blame her. She was only six years old afterall. Ivory did not know how to best explain it to her young daughter. How could she do that? When she didn't really know Dusk all that well. He always remained distant. Ivory knew he had to have had some very bad experiences in his past. It would explain to her why he didn't seem to trust anyone.

Chapter Text

As Dusk walked out of the inn he was immediately graced by the loud sound of thunder. Causing his ears to flick slightly in response. The weather was still as bad. It wouldn't get better anytime soon. Hail and Rain kept pouring down from the dark sky. Some heavy winds had started to make their way through the streets. Still he was going to run his errands. He just wanted to be done with it.

The weather was annoying. But he'd handel it. Dusk wasn't on the ocean right now. His ship wasn't in danger of being torn to shreds by this vicious storm. This anomaly. He had never seen anything like it.

It almost caused him to get lost at sea.

But he didn't get lost.

The waves wanted to swallow him, drag him down to the dark blue abyss.

It could have happened.

Yet it didn't happen.

He made it here safe and sound.

Of course he did.

He couldn't die in the storm, be swallowed up by the waves.

There was a promise he needed to keep.

A promise he was determined to keep no matter what.

So he just kept going.

Dusk adjusted his hat before heading of to the shipyard. Ivory had fixed his hat. She didn't need to do that and yet she did. To make sure he would keep coming back as a customer. He knew that much.

Whatever it was kinda nice to wear it in this weather. So he wouldn't complain about it. First and foremost he planned to go to the shipyard. His ship needed to get fixed. That was his first priority. It would take several days before the repairs would be finished. Without a decent ship he wouldn't be able to set sail and gather more medicinal herbs. So Dusk brought his ship to the shipyard. He grabbed some rings to pay for the repairs. That was one important errand that was dealt with.

He decided to deliver all the medicinal herbs next. Getting a new compass could wait untill later. This was his next priority. It took him a few trips the doctors house. All things considerd Dusk managed to get everything delivered rather quickly despite the horrible weather going on outside. He didn't like to admit it but it was nice that Ivory fixed his hat. It did help give him some more protection from the elements. All in all that went rather smoothly. After this was done, there would be just one more thing to worry about today. Getting a new compass.

Dusk looked forward to getting a new one.

One that would actually work.

So that he could navigate during the day aswell without getting lost.

Without wasting any time.

So he could keep his promise to Celeste.

It was all he wanted to do.

The only thing that drove him.

The only thing that mattered.

“ I will keep my promise Celeste.”

“ I can't fail her again.”

“ Not again.”

“ No i'll make sure won't fail her again.”

Dusk was waiting as doctor Sealine was checking all of the herbs he brought him. It was something he insisted on doing. Waste of time really. Dusk always brought him what he asked for. So what was the point of doing that? He couldn't understand it. Just wasted his time. Still the platypuss insisted on doing this each time.

Doctor Sealine really loved taking his time with it aswell. It annoyed Dusk to no end. He said it was important he checked everything thoroughly. Dusk stood there with his arms crossed as he watched the platypuss quietly. This was taking a long time. Ugh.. He just wanted to be done with this. After this he still needed to get a new compass. He'd have go trough that horrible weather again. It was giving him a headache.

The platypuss stopped what he was doing. He adjusted his glasses before looking at Dusk with his red eyes. They where almost the same as Dusks eyes, yet lighter in colour and intensity compared to Dusk vibrant ruby red eyes. “I must say well done my boy. Exactly what I asked for. Of course i wouldn't expect anything less from you.”

“Are there any herbs you want me to bring you in particulair when i leave on my next trip?” Dusk asked.

Doctor Sealine stared at him with those red eyes, similair yet different from his own eyes. Dusk hadn't met anyone else with this eye colour. It always looked so strange when he looked at him like that. His face had this strange sort expression. Lasting only for a fraction of second before turning into a gentle smile. “Oh i think the usual my boy. I haven't had the chance to make a full list yet. It's been really busy these past few days. A lot of sick people needed my help. That's just how it goes when your as brilliant as me. They wouldn't know what to do without me. Tell you what you go to the inn and i will deliver the list to you later.”

Dusk just nodded. He didn't care that doctor Sealine wanted to deliver the list he needed later. He wasn't going to go anywhere for a few days anyway and the doctor knew where he was staying.

Wouldn't be the first time that this had happened. As long as he got it before he set out to sail it was fine. It's not like he would leave before he got that list anyway. If the doctor took to long for his liking he would just come and ask for it personally.

A bag of rings was left on a table for him as payment for the medicinal herbs. Doctor Sealine didn't need to bother telling him about it. Not at all.Each and every time he made a delivery, rings would be left on that table as payment. Dusk grabbed it as he left.

He had always thought that doctor Sealine was a bit strange. Brilliant there was no doubt about that, but strange none the less. It didn't matter that he was like that. Not really. He helped people get better by making medicine out of the herbs and that was all that mattered. Doctor Sealine made it possible for Dusk to keep his promise to Celeste.

The promise he needed to keep.

He had to keep.

No matter what.

He would not fail Celeste again.

He could not fail Celeste again.

Rain and hail where still falling from the sky as Dusk walked trough the streets. Darkness still lingered even as noon approached. There was no change compared to this morning. It was just as dark as when he woke up this morning. Like it was night time. But it wasn't.

This all felt just felt very strange. Purple lightning raged through the clouds here and there. Dusk looked at the display of the lightning dancing in the sky.

There was a brief moment where Dusk swears he saw some purple cracks in the sky. Like you'd see in glass that was cracked after you dropped it. He squinted his eyes unsure of what he saw. Looking, gazing at the sky in confusion.

How could cracks appear in the sky?

Impossible right?

His eyes must be playing tricks on him.

It's not like the sky is made of glass.

Not like it could actually shatter like glass.

Must have been some purple lightning that looked like some cracks.

Surely his eyes had played tricks on him.

But then that wasn't the only thing he saw. No it wasn't. His ruby eyes saw something strange flying in the sky. At first Dusk wasn't sure what he was seeing. Then it came closer and closer. Heading straight for him.

A pink metal bird attempted to strike him. Dusk managed to jumped out of the way right in time.

“ What the heck?”

“A metal bird?”

He had no time to think because the bird came after him again. It tried to peck him with it's beak. Dusk easily dodged and kicked it aside. His attacker being a metal bird was already strange, being really big was the another weird thing about it.

In fact this creature was bigger then him. He had never seen such a thing. So big with a skin and feathers made of metal. A pink glowing head with strange eyes that looked like little red lights. It didn't matter tough.

If this creature was foolish enough to attack him, he would just make quick work of his strange enemy. It wasn't very smart that much was obvious. It's movements where predictable as it just kept lunging at him. Not really impressive and it was just annoying him at this point.

Dusk grabbed one of its wings and threw this strange metal bird against a wall. It got back up surprisingly fast. He hadn't anticipated it would get up so quickly. The bird lunged at him again. While he did dodge the attack, it managed to get a hold of his hat.

Biting it into a hundreds of pieces before revealing some kind of canon from its beak.

It shot something strange from this cannon. Like some weird lightning or light or something. Dusk hadn't seen anything like this before. He watched as his hat was destroyed upon being touched by the strange lightning. Pieces of charred remains laid upon the cobble stone road.

Lightning flashes, rain falls.

Dusk paused for a moment.

Staring at remnants of his hat.

He clenches his fists.

Grits his teeth.

For a few seconds the world seemed to be at a stand still.

Time had stopped moving forward.

Even if only for a brief moment.

As his eyes, those ruby eyes looked at the remnants of his hat.

Staring in disbelief.

Just some charred bits and pieces where laying on the ground.

All that was left of it.

Anger started welling up inside him.

He wasn't even sure why.

All he knew was that he was angry.

“Great just great!”

“Why did that stupid bird need to destroy it?”

That hat just got fixed and now this stupid bird felt the need to destroy it beyond repair. Now Dusk was really getting annoyed. He hit it in the face and then kicked it back into a wall. He didn't give it a chance to get up or recover.

The force of his punches made a lot of dents in it's metal wings. This was such a strange creature. He still couldn't wrap his around it.

A giant metal bird with a pink glowing head and red eyes that look like lights. Such a weird creature.

How could something even have metal skin?

Did it even matter?

Then something else happened that threw Dusk of. Another thing he had never seen before. There seemed to be some smoke and lightning coming from the bird which confused him.

His Ruby eyes studied the creature. This could be some kind of trick. It had to be. No living being had smoke and lightning inside of it.

Whatever this thing was trying to do it wouldn't work on him. It was planning to attack him again if he dared to stop. If he let his guard down. Dusk wouldn't let his guard down. He wasn't that foolish. So he kept going, never giving it the chance to attack him again.

He was wary of that strange lightning this bird shot from its beak. Clearly deadly. He could not get hit by that. The metal bird still seemed to want to lunge at him again despite all the damage he did. Dusk only stopped when he heard doctor Sealine calling him.

“Oh my what is going on here?” Doctor Sealine approached him and looked curiously at the now broken metal bird. It's eyes where flickering almost dissapearing. Kinda like a star that flickers or like a light that was about to go out and it made some jittery movements. Staying in place seemingly no longer a threat.

“Oh what a strange bird. Interesting very interesting indeed.” Dusk furrowed his eyebrows while he saw the doctor investigating the metal bird. Completely enthralled by what he saw. Like Dusk this had to be his first time seeing such a creature. Dusks ruby eyes stared at doctor Sealine and the platypuss seemed to notice his gaze.

“Oh i'm sorry my boy. I know this may seem strange to you but as a doctor i am naturally curious when i see such a strange creature. It's just how we doctors are. Always trying to learn something new.”

Dusk nodded. He couldn't care less about the creature that attacked him. A creature that tried to kill him. But it did make sense to him that a doctor would be curious.

Doctor Sealine always behaved in mysterious ways, but he was brilliant. Being curious and wanting to learn new things was part of that. How else would he be able to make and develop medicine?

Dusk looked at the remains of his hat laying in the rainy streets. Nothing more left then some charred bits and pieces now.

Ivory had fixed it for him.

What would she say if he came back without it?

How would he explain that?

Not that it was any of her business anyway, but she would most likely ask when she noticed.

He could say what happened or that he lost it.

But did Ivory really need to know?

She only fixed it because she wanted something in return.

Only wanted to him to pay his bills and stay as loyal custumor.

So he shouldn't and wouldn't care about what she had to say about it.

“Oh Dusk my boy can you help my carry this strange bird inside?” Dusk furrowed his brow as doctor Sealine asked him this question.

“Well I can't carry him by myself and i think i can learn some things from this strange creature. It may very well help me learn some new things that I can use to heal some heal people.”

If the doctor examining this strange creature could help to save lives then of course Dusk would help him. This would be just be another thing he could do to keep his promise to Celeste.

So he helped carry the bird into doctor Sealine's house. Lighting and smoke escaping from it's limp body. It's head no longer glowing pink and the light red eyes completely gone from it's features. It had likely lost conciousness or a concussion at least Dusk thought to himself.

Served it right for attacking him out of nowhere.

For destroying his hat.

Not that he cared about that hat.

He could care less about it.

Dusk only wanted to replace his compass. The last thing he needed to do today before he could go back to the inn. His clothes where drenched and a dirty mess. He couldn't wait to get back and take a shower. Put on some clean clothes and just get out of this horrible weather. Out of this storm that didn't seem to want to go away anytime soon.

So he quickly got a new compass and headed back to the inn. Ivory stared at him as he walked inside. Dusk ignored her gaze as he walked to his room. He took a shower and put on some dry clothes. He stayed in his room for the rest of day. Reading a book. Checking some of his maps. Waiting on that list from doctor Sealine. He could here the sound of rain and thunder in the background. The storm kept raging on steadily with no sign of stopping anytime soon.

Chapter Text

Shiver sat at the top of the hill binoculairs gripped tightly in his hands. Scanning the sea for ships. Nervously looking, making sure he doesn't miss anything. It was a nice day. Sunny clear weather. His Cobalt blue quills looked as bright as ever. He looked left, then right. Making sure not to miss anything. His mind flooded with a never ending stream of thoughts.

“Make sure your safe.”

“Don't miss anything.”

“If you miss anything they sneak up on you.”

“If they find you they will hurt you.”

“ Make sure there are no Ships.”

“Can't let them find me.”

“They will hurt you.”

“Don't miss anything, don't miss anything.”

“Follow the routines.”

“They keep you safe.”

“Being alone was good right?”

“It's always been better this way.”

“It's the only way to be safe right?”

“ Make sure i'm alone.”

“Don't mess up.”

No ships to be seen. Only a calm and silent sea as far as the eye could see. He was safe for now. Yet Shiver knew pirates would come here sooner or later. He had to be carefull. Stay on guard. Always.

He couldn't forget to do anything.

Couldn't skip the routines.

No matter what.

The only way to be safe.

If he didn't he would get hurt. He knew that. Shiver just wanted to be safe. Stay safe. He glanced at the ocean. The sight made his cobalt blue quills bristle. He started trembeling. Low tides today. A chance to go to the beach. See if anything usefull washed up.

But that meant going closer to the water. Shiver didn't want to get closer. This thought alone terrified him. The water was farther away because of the low tide. Still to close for his comfort. He didn't want to go. Hated every second of it. But it was something that needed to be done. There could be usefull things for him. Some clothes, shoe's, a sweater or maybe a blanket. That would be a nice find with winter fast approaching.

Shiver was a bundle of nerves. Placing on foot in front of the other. Shaking uncontrollably the whole time. Ears flicking, picking up every sound. His emerald green eyes looked fixated towards the water. Looking carefully. Making sure the water didn't rise. That it stayed far away from him. He was ready to run if the water got closer to him. Shiver nervously got closer and closer to the beach and water. His legs felt very heavy and barely wanted to move. Trying to stop him from getting closer to the water. Oh how Shiver hated every second of this. He really didn't want to do this. But he had to. There was no other choice.

His whole body was tense. Cobalt blue quills bristled nervously. Being on the beach even with a low tide still scared him. The water was still closer to him then he was comfortable with. His breathing started to pick up as he felt the soggy sand under his feet. Making him aware where he was. Very aware. As Shiver walked to the beach he started talking to himself.

“Come on you scaredy cat. Get on with it already. It's no big deal.”

“I, it's not. I will but... The water it's so close.”

“Stop being such a baby.”

“Don't talk to him like that. This is not helping.”

“Pff he's being stupid. OOH the water is so close. So scary!”

“Like your not afraid of water. You shake in your boots anytime you feel a few drops splashing on you.”

“That's, that's besides the point. He should just hurry and get it over with.”

“How is yelling at him and calling him a baby supposed to help?”

“I'll, i'll get it done. I just...”

“Stop standing there and move!”

“What did i say about the yelling. Your not helping!”

“Then he should get on with it.”

“I don't want to do this. The water it's so close. What if i get to close. I'll get hurt, drown if i get to close.”

“Tch stop acting so stupid. Just go there look and get back simple as that.”

“He has a point. But he doesn't have to be that mean about it. You have to do this. You know why.”

“I do. I just hate it is all. It's scary. But i have to do this. Just get it over with right?”

Shiver breathed in and out. He kept going with uneven and nervous breaths. Legs feeling heavy. Almost refusing to move. He needed to do this. No matter how much he hated it.

His emerald green eyes glanced at the ocean. Low tides for now. Driftwood and some crates caught his eye. A good place to start looking. His ears where alert moving at every sound. He looked back at the ocean behind him every few seconds. He needed to know the tide was still low. That it wasn't rising. So he checked the driftwood. Some broken rubble here and there.

There was a small grey cloth that was stuck to it. Way to small not usefull at all. Next he should check the crates. There could be something in them if he was lucky. Looking over his shoulder before doing so. The crates where bigger then him. He would need to climb on something in order to look inside. He spotted a log next to the crates. That would do nicely.

Shiver turned around and looked at the ocean before getting on to the log. Tides where still low, he still had time to look. His head was barely able to peek over the edge of the crate. Then a sudden change. Cold wind sneered at his back. Suddenly it started to get dark and cloudy.

In a panic Shiver looked up. Almost slipping and falling as he did so.

Was the metal ship back?

Did it know he was here?

His Emerald green eyes scanned the sky.

No ship to be seen.

Dark clouds had shrouded the sky. Bringing purple lightning, hail and snow with them. The temperature dropped fast. A chill went down Shivers spine as rain soaked his clothes and hail got caught in his quills.

Water started rising approaching him rapidly. Reaching him within seconds, flooding the beach. Shiver found himself standing ankle deep in cold salty ocean water.

The ocean had become violent, huge waves where clashing against anything in their way. A wave hit Shiver before he had a chance to react. Pushing him against the crate.

His breathing got faster, uneven as panicked thougts started to run rampant in his mind.

“What's happening?”

“I have to get away!”

“The water will swallow me!”

“I'll drown!”

“Have to get away!”

“Need to be safe!”

Shiver tried to run, but the water made it hard to move. Weighing him down, making him feel heavy and slowing down his movements. Moving his body was a struggle, a fight he couldn't lose. He needed to keep moving, get way from the water and the storm. Where he'd be safe. Shiver reached the hills and headed for a cave where he took shelter.

As soon as he entered the cave, he plopped down on the ground. The crackling sound of lightning striking outside startled him. It was cold, so very cold. His fingers where feeling numb. Wisps of his breath where visible as he exhaled. Shiver sat there arms wrapped around his legs. Staring in front of him with glazed emerald eyes. Staying like that for hours. Unmoving listening to rain falling. A quiet sound. Almost making him drowsy the only thing keeping him from falling asleep where the lightning strikes that startled him. Pulling him back to reality. 

Chapter Text

Shiver was cold so very cold. His whole body trembeling. Fingers feeling numb. Each breath he took being a visible wisp in the air. He tried to move but he couldn't. His body felt very heavy. Like something was weighing it down. Holding him in place. Keeping him there. Shiver did try to move. He wanted to get warm. His arms where tingeling, a strange sensation, one he couldn't place.

A fire, he needed a fire. So he could warm his cold body. Numb fingers trying to move. Tingeling feeling spreading through his body. It was such a weird feeling. It kinda hurt. But he also felt numb. The tingeling got worse then less, then worse again as he tried to move. Followed by a numbness trying to envelop him.

"Get warm."

"Move make a fire."

"Get warm."

"It's to cold."

"So cold."

"Stay awake."

"Don't fall asleep now."

"Not when your this cold."

"Your in danger if you sleep now."

"Make a fire stay awake."

"Pirates will find you if you start a fire."

"You need to stay alert."

"Run away if the pirates find you."

"Make a fire."

"Stay awake."

"Cold so cold."

A thought trying to reach him."

"Take... o...wet... lothes...so... cold... dry... ma... ire... arm..."

Just barely coming through. It was about something he needs to do. Making a fire? No that wasn't it. What was it? Or was it? He couldn't quite grasp what it was he needed to do. Something to do with his clothes? Maybe? What was it about his clothes? Seemed important. His mind was fuzzy. A haze clouding his thoughts. He tried to think. Find his way to his thoughts. A thick haze hanging inside his brain. A fog making it impossible to think.

What was he supposed to do?

He wanted to do something.

Looked like something red and warm.

Then he lost the thought.

It was fuzzy.

Felt like it just escaped his grasp as he almost managed to remember.

A fleeting thought, just beyond his reach.

It was running away from him.

Shiver tried to chase the thought.

He wanted to know what it was.

Like he was running after something that was always just beyond his reach.

This was tiring so very, very tiring.

Trying to reach that thought exhausted him.

Was it even worth it?

Should he even bother?

He didn't know.

Maybe it wasn't even that important.

Those bright emerald eyes where looking dazed and dull. Rain was still falling. He could hear it. It was calming soothing. Made him feel drowsy. His eyes where drooping. He sat there arms wrapped around his legs. Just staring in front of him. Hail stuck in his quills. Wearing a drenched jacket and shirt. His socks where soaked. There was even a bit of water still in his boots. He didn't feel it. All he felt was the cold spreading through every limb in his body. Numbness settling in every fiber of his body.

Shivers eyes closed then opened again. Looking more dull with each passing second. He was so tired and cold. All he wanted to do was close his eyes. Some part of him knew he shouldn't. Made sure he opened them again. This part of him got weaker as time went on. The rain falling in the background was just so soothing. Lulling him to sleep. Shiver did try to fight it, but he was just so tired. So cold. It wouldn't hurt if he closed his eyes for a moment right? So when they started to droop the next time he stopped fighting it allowing himself to drift of.

The world around him changed. Shiver wasn't in the cave anymore. There was no storm. No rain, no hail and no purple lightning. Sun shining brightly pleasantly warming his cobalt blue quills. He wasn't even sure where he was. A field, green and lush. As far as the eye could see. No water anywhere. Just vast amounds of land. No people. He was alone standing there taking it all in. Smelling the fresh air that carried the lovely scent of flowers.

Shiver explored the vast green fields. He could go anywhere in any direction. There was no ending or beginning. Just more grass, more land.  No water to be seen. Flowers everywhere he looked. All different kinds. So many colours blue, red, purple, orange, magenta, violet and so many more. One in particular peeked his interest. Yellow petals, a dark brown center. So beautiful. He could stare at this particulair flower forever. This one was his absolute favorite. Looking at it made him feel peacefull.

Shiver knew no names for any of them. All he knew was that they where flowers. All pretty with lots of different colours. He ran among the fields, rested between the flowers. Enjoyed every moment. Rolling of the hills, skipping through the fields. So much fun. He felt so happy. So relaxed, safe. Happy alone and safe.

A loud noise coming from far away starteled him. He shot up in surprise. Quills bristeling ever so slightly. What was that strange noise? He couldn't place it. His emerald green eyes looked around confused. He couldn't see anything strange. Just endless green grass, hills filled with colourfull flowers. Maybe it was nothing. Then his ears flicked as they picked up something else. Someone talking. No people talking, calling. Saying things he couldn't understand. Sounding quiet, calm. A chill went down his spine.

No, no, no. There couldn't be people here. That meant there where pirates here. They would hurt him. He couldn't let them find him. His eyes darted around the field seeing no one. Shiver knew the pirates where here even if he couldn't see them. He could hear them. The sound of their voices making his ears flick.They would hurt him. All of the sudden his body tensed up.

He needed to hide.

Where could he hide?

There where no caves.

No trees, just an open field with flowers.

Why weren't there any caves or trees?

He needed to hide.

They would hurt him.

Shiver let himself fall to the ground trying to make himself small. He needed to look for a place to hide. His breathing started picking up and his heart started beating like a drum. Shaky trembeling hands reached for his quills, slowly running his fingers over them. Slowly, steadily. Again and again. Carefully checking if they where still there. How long they where. His mind started flooding with those memories. Those nasty, awfull memories. Pirates hurting him. Cutting his quills. Then they would. .. They would....

“No, No, No i don't want to think about it!”

“Go away!”

“Leave me alone!”

“Don't hurt me!”

"They will hurt me!"

“I don't want to think about it!”

Shiver was shaking. Voices could be heard, not understood. Ears flicking constantly. Trying to pick up where the voices where coming from.

Pirates where here, they where going to hurt him. Shiver couldn't move. He needed to hide but where? No place to hide. He's out in the open.

“Just make yourself small.”

“Stay low.”

“Between the flowers maybe they won't notice you.”

Like clockwork familiar nervous thoughts flooded his brain as panic began to take it's hold on him.

“Being alone was good right?”

“The only way to stay safe right?”

“It's always been better this way.”

“Just need to make sure nobody finds me.”

“You can't let them find you.”

“They'll hurt you.”

As Shiver breathed heavily another sensation could be felt. Something cold and wet. He swallowed a lump in his throat. Reached down to his ankles with his hands. Cold so cold. A shock went through his body. He looked down. Then he saw it. Water, he was standing ankle deep in icy cold water.

“Water, it's water!”

“I have to get away!”

“It will hurt me!”

“Swallow me!”

“Move get away!”

“You'll drown!”

He needed to get away. Begged his body to move, to run. His body refused to listen to him.

“Can't move.”

“Why can't i move?”

“I need to run!”

The water kept rising rapidly. Cold so cold. Cooling him down to the bone. Shiver desperatly tried to move, to get away. His body trembeling, feeling heavy barely moving an inch. Somehow he started sinking. Deeper and deeper. Did he slip? He couldn't remember. Shiver struggeled to get out of the water. He was looking around frantically for anything to grab on to. A crate, some driftwood just something anything he could use to stay above water.

Everything started to go dark. He could barely see anything anymore. Stormclouds filled the sky, rain and hail started falling. Cold everything got so cold. Shiver started sinking deeper and deeper without slowing down. The cold started setteling in his bones. He tried to struggle but got weaker by the second. All his strength was being drained out of him. The water was swallowing him dragging him down deeper and deeper.

Shiver held his breath for as long as he could. His longs felt like they where about to explode. It hurt, it hurt. His body calling out to him for air. Salty water entered his mouth as he took a breath. It tasted awfull. So salty, gross. He felt a painfull burning sensation as water entered his lungs. It hurt, it hurt. Awareness slowly fading as the water took him. His eyes where dull, losing there bright emerald green colour. As he closed his eyes, something spooked him. A loud sound. Lightning thundering in the background.

With a shock he jolted upwards. Cold clammy, still in the cave, awake. His eyes couldn't register where he was. All he knew was that he needed to run. Away from the water that would swallow him if he didn't. So he ran outside. Rain and hail still falling. Clouds shrouding everything in darkness. Purple lightning striking narrowly missing Shiver as he ran. Making him jump up and scream in surpsrise.

“The water is coming!”

“It will swallow me!”

“Hurt me!”

“I'll drown!”

“I need to get away!”

It took him some time to realize where he was. That there was no water rising or chasing him. Just Rain and hail falling from the dark clouds in the sky. He looked around. The storm still raged on. Purple lightning striking every so often. No sign of it stopping anytime soon. Shiver just stood there dazed and confused. Dull emerald eyes staring in the distance, his arms trembeling beside him. Shiver was silent, eyes slowly looking around towards the sky. For a second he thought he saw purple cracks. Like a glass craking when you drop it. That couldn't be real. He must be seeing things. Surely this was all a dream right?

Chapter Text

“Surely this was all a dream right?”

Shiver wondered as he stood outside cold rain and hail pouring down on him. Heavy breaths leaving his mouth visible in the cold air. Lightning struck every so often cousing his ears to flick in response. A quiet reflex. His hands where trembeling beside him.

He... He should go inside. Seek shelter.

Cold so cold.

His head was feeling fuzzy. Shiver moved slightly immediatly jolting backwards as he did so. Narrowly being able to hold onto a tree before falling down. Trees around him where tilting. The sky looking like it was moving in circles. 

“Why was everything spinning?”

His head felt like it was being filled with cotton. A haze moving in ever so slowly trying to cloud his thoughts.

What was going on?

Shiver just stood there onmoving. Barely able to stay on his feet. He tried to get his bearings. Fighting of the dizzines trying to overwhelm him. If he wasn't leaning against that tree he would have fallen to the ground already with the way his knees where buckling. Barely able to support his weight.

“Cold so cold.”

“Why is it so cold?”

Shivers throat felt hoarse and painfull.

Had he been screaming?

A soar throat meant he screamed to much. Wouldn't be the first time. He always seemed to do so when a nightmare awoke him. Shiver leaned with his back against the tree. The only thing keeping him standing. He could feel his knees buckling. It took everything in him to keep himself upright.

His head was pounding yet felt fuzzy. Fingers, arms and his legs felt numb but painfull. This strange tingeling feeling shooting through him as he moved. Followed by a strange warmth that faded immediately. So many strange sensations that he couldn't place. He felt weird, really weird. Tired, so tired. Cold so cold. Not feeling anything at times but then pain shooting through him. That tingeling feeling coming back, warm then cold a numbness trying to shroud his entire body.

Purple lightning struck close. It made him jump. A loud scream escaped his throat.

It hurt to scream.

His throat felt like it was on fire.

Adrenaline started coursing through his veins in reaction to the lightning striking so close it could have hit him. Lifting that fuzzy feeling in his head. Thoughts becoming more cohorent able to reach him once more. He felt the wet drenched jacket weighing him down. The cold water in his boots. Cold rain, hail falling getting stuck in his quills. It made him tremble even more upon realizing this.

He was cold.

To cold.

He needed to find shelter.

He couldn't stay in this storm.

It was dangerous.

Cold, so very cold.

He needed to get out of these drenched clothes.

They cooled him down.

He needed to get warm.

He couldn't get warm in these cold wet clothes.

Make a fire and dry them.

Put on the spare shirt, sweater, socks and gloves he had.

As Shiver went to the cave he kept repeating what he needed to do.

He felt the fuzzines, that haze trying to come back.

Trying to cloud his thoughts once more.

He needed to make sure he dried his clothes.

“Don't forget what you need to do.”

“Make a fire.”

“Take of your wet clothes, dry them beside the fire.”

“Put on your other shirt, socks, sweater and gloves.”

“Make a fire.”

“Take of your wet clothes, dry them beside the fire.”

“Put on your other shirt, socks, sweater and gloves.”

“Make a fire.”

“Take of your wet clothes, dry them beside the fire.”

“Put on your other shirt, socks, sweater and gloves.”

“Don't forget, don't forget.”

“You need to remember in order to be safe.”

“You'll get hurt if you don't.”

“Don't forget, don't forget.”

“Take of your wet clothes, dry them beside the fire.”

“Put on your other shirt, socks, sweater and gloves.”

“Make a fire.”

Shiver made his way to a cave. He was relieved to be inside. Out of that horrible weather. He tried to focus. Remember what you need to do. Trying to fight of the dizzines that made him wobble. He took of his clothes and quickly put on his dry clothes. A grey white shirt, with some holes here and there. Next a red sweater, or what used to be a red sweater as the colour had faded a lot. He put on the gloves and socks. Better but still to cold. His quills where still drenched. Hail was still stuck in them. Water dripping down on his dry clothes.

“Make a fire.”

“Dry your clothes.”

Next he started a fire. Put his clothes over some rocks next to it. He put his boots upside down next to the fire, making sure there was no more water in them. He didn't have anything to dry himself, so the best he could do now was stay close to the fire. Let it melt the hail in his quills, dry his wet fur, warm him.

Shiver sat next to the fire. Arms wrapped around his legs. Tired Emerald eyes staring in front of him. Better but still cold. Drying his clothes would take time. The fire did give a bit of warmth but not nearly enough to warm anything up fast. Not Shiver, not his drenched clothes. All he could do now was wait for the storm to pass.

Shiver slept and awoke several times. Most of the time screaming. Drenched in sweat. His body felt like it was burning. Warm then cold, warm again cold again. A burning feeling, a sensation of numbness. Cold so cold. Nightmares overtook him while he was sleeping. Whenever he woke up the nightmare never seemed to have ended. He was always there, still there. So real all of it feeling so real. This strange weather was something he had never seen. It was scary. Like something out of a nightmare. Every time lightning struck he jumped up, breathing picking up immediatly. 

It was stil so very cold even with the fire he managed to make. Shiver had dried his jacket, shirt, socks and gloves. He also started to wear his red sweater. That is it used to be red as the colour had nearly faded completely. Good thing he had that, it at least helped a bit with the cold. Only the one no spare. But that was fine. It was enough. Though if he could find another one he wouldn't complain. A blanket would be nice to. Maybe one would wash up at the beach.

His breathing hitched for a second. Memories of what happened at the beach started flooding his mind.

“The water it...”

“I almost... the water it...”

“No, no, no i don't want to think about it.”

A sensation of the cold wet water around his ankles could be felt. Shiver shuddered. He looked at his feet. Nothing to see. Just shaky legs and trembeling hands.

“There's no water.”

“Your okay.”

“Your okay”

“There's no water.”

“Your okay.”

“No water here.”

He backed up against the cold wall. His heart started beating faster. Breathing uneven.

“The... The pp...pirates will come here”

“They will hurt me.”

“You have to check for ships.“

“Do your routines.”

“They keep you safe.”

“Do your routines.”

“No matter what.”

The weather stayed the same even days later. No sign of stopping at all. Rain, hail and purple lightning being ever present. Cold seering winds, water that had risen almost fully covering the beach. Barely reaching the hills, the trees.

Staying unrelenting. Clouds obscuring the sky. Every now and then a purple crack could be seen. Then dissapear like they where never there. Darkness became a part of his life. Shiver couldn't tell anymore wether it was night or day. There seemed to be no difference. Every time he woke up everything was dark. His emerald eyes saw nothing but darkness.

Was he simply waking up at night all the time?

Did the storm really cause that much darkness?

How long had it been since the storm had started?

He couldn't recall.

All he knew now was the ever present rain he could hear in the background. Seering cold winds, hail, purple lightning. A storm that seemed like it would never end. The storm could have started only a few days, hours or minutes ago for all he knew.

Shiver felt off. Headaches coming and going. Dizzines, nausea. Fingers feeling numb, tingly, painfull but then there was also no feeling at all. His eyes losing their brightness. He was tired so tired, warm then cold. Tired so tired. Numb. But also in pain. He tried to eat but couldn't. Feeling to nauseous to eat. His stomach hurt so much whenever he tried to eat. So he didn't eat.

When was the last time he ate anything?

He didn't know.

Did it matter?

What time was it?

Was it morning or night?

Shiver couldn't tell with this darkness that took hold of the sky.

Lightning being the only thing that lighted up things a little bit.

Making his ears flick in response.

Didn't matter if it was night or not. Wether this was a night that would end or not. Darkness caused by a storm that was ever present.

One thing Shiver knew for sure was that pirates would still come here. His routines, he needed to start with his routines. Look for ships. Make sure he wasn't found.

“Do your routines.”

“Can't skip the routines because your feeling of that's not safe.”

“Make sure your safe.”

“Don't miss anything.”

“ Make sure there are no Ships.”

“If they find you they will hurt you.”

“Can't let them find me.”

“They will hurt you.”

“Don't miss anything, don't miss anything.”

“Follow the routines.”

“They keep you safe.”

“Being alone was good right?”

“It's always been better this way.”

“It's the only way to be safe right?”

“ Make sure i'm alone.”

“Don't mess up.”

“Can't skip the routines because your feeling of that's not safe.”

Shiver stood up shaking like a leaf. A wave of dizziness hitting him as he did. Hands looking for support to keep him upright. Spinning everything was spinning.

"Why was everything spinning?"

He shook his head. Trying to shake of the dizzines. He put one nervous step forward. Then another one. Somehow everything seemed to be spinning worse with every step he took. A tingeling sensation moving through his hands. His cold, cold hands. He needed to stop catch his breath after only a few steps. He could barely stay on his feet.

He needed to do his routines.

Couldn't skip them just because he was feeling a bit of.

That wasn't safe.

He needed to be safe.

Make sure he wasn't found.

Make sure he was alone.

So he was safe.

Otherwhise they would hurt him.

Stay safe.

Do his routines.

No matter what.

Shiver put one foot in front of the other. Slowly very slowly, he headed for the hill. He had to stop to catch his breath a few times before making it to the top of the hill. Already cold and drenched by the time he got there. His cobalt blue quills full of hail. He started looking for ships. Looking right, looking left.

Numbness setteled in his fingers, trying to crawl it's way into his arms. He looked in front of him staring blankly. Then snapping into the here and now as lightning startled him.

Did he already look left? Or right? He wasn't sure. Shiver rubbed his painfull eyes. Chaos he was exhausted. Cold so cold. Emerald eyes looked at the sky.

“Huh are those cracks?”

“Weird where those always there?”

"Is the sky breaking?"

"Purple cracks?"

“Purple, no pink, no red, green, blue or maybe yellow?”

“ What colour?”

He couldn't tell. Weird that can't be real. Looked like multiple colours but also not. Then it seemed like the colours where changing. Then another lightning strike startled him. His cobalt blue quills bristeled. The lightning seemed different somehow. He couldn't place it, but something about it was different.

How long had he been outside?

No way to tell.

Cold seering winds cut trough his jacket.

Cooling him down to the bone.

As he looked around he saw something in the sky.

What was it?

He couldn't tell.

It was shiny.

Something that seemed to move in the darkness.

Approaching him quickly.

Heading straight for him.

What is that?

Chapter Text

Shiver squinted his eyes.

Something was coming towards him.

Fast, shiny.

He couldn't tell wat it was.

His emeralds eyes following it as it came closer and closer.

To dark to see clearly.

Was he seeing things?

Maybe he was dreaming?

To dark to see.

What is that?

A lightning strike illuminated the sky just long enough for Shiver to see the shape of a bird.

A very big shiny pink bird with eyes like stars but red in colour.

It looked so angry so scary. Shiver's heart beat started picking up. He had never seen anything like it. What kind of bird was that? No time to think. He needed to move. It was coming for him and fast. A dangerous creature planning on hurting him. Cobalt blue quills started bristeling. Ears flattened against his skull.

Shivers breathing started picking up. The shiny bird came closer, and closer. Fast approaching. He tried to move. Needed to run. Wanted to run. Staying here wasn't safe.

“This bird is going to hurt you.”

“It's looks so scary!”

“It's so big!”

“Gotta run!”

“Gotta hide!”

“Move!”

“Run!”

“Hide!”

Shiver barely managed to take a shaky step backwards just as the bird reached him. Pink glowing head, red starlike eyes that looked angry. A body made of metal. Big really big. Bigger then him, towering over him as he stood there. Trembeling. Trying to move backwards. Before he could react it lunged at him sending him tumbeling down the hill as he lost his balance.

Emerald eyes looking dull, disoriented as he layed on his back. No time to think. Barely anytime to react. That scary metal bird was coming for him. Barely able to get up before it came for him again. Shiver was breathing heavily. It hurt to breath, felt like his lungs where burning. He needed to move. Get away. Hide.

Pushing himself up with his hands, a wave of dizzines hitting him.

Not now.

Why is everything spinning?

Get away.

You have to get away.

Run.

Hide.

It's not safe!

It's not safe!

Shiver tried to make his way to the forest. The trees. He needed to head for the trees. That bird wouldn't be able to spot him so easily if he was in the forest.

Go move.

Before he gets you.

The world was spinning warping. Blurry. He could barely make out what was in front of him. Despite that he kept going.

He needed to.

Couldn't stop.

That wasn't safe.

The metal bird was coming for him.

Trying to hurt him.

His ears where flicking. Sounds of lighting and rain could be heard. Where was that bird? He  couldn't see it. A screeching sound pierced his ears. The bird it was close.

"Keep going."

"Don't stop."

"That metal bird is so big and scary."

"It will find you."

"It will hurt you!"

Shiver kept going, moving without stopping. He had to to. There was no other choice. Not if he wanted to be safe.  Moving hurt so much. It hurt, it hurt. So cold. Pain was coursing through his legs with every step he took. His legs felt heavy o so heavy. The wet grass was shifting beneath his boots. His boots where being pulled down by the soggy wet ground underneath him. He had so much trouble with every step. One step, another. Keep going. Don't stop. A tingeling feeling started creeping up his arms,  followed by a numbness trying to overwhelm him.

Then something next to him flashed. A light? Lightening? Narrowly missing him. Charring the tree it hit. More of that weird lightning flashed. Shiver barely dodged it, but he lost his footing. Tumbeling against a tree.

His head was pounding. Spinning the world was still spinning even worse. So dizzy. Why was the world still spinning? As he clasped his hands around his head another screech could be heard. Close, very close. His Quills bristeled. Heart beating so fast it could pop out of hist chest. Breathing ragged.

“No, no. Go away. Leave me alone!”

“I don't want to get hurt!”

“Please go away.”

“Don't come here!'

“Keep going!”

“I'm not here. You can't see me!”

“It's okay.”

“This is a dream right?”

“Just a nightmare.”

“I'll wake up any second now!”

“Screaming like i always do!”

“Hurting my throat.”

“Scream untill it feels like it's on fire!”

He heard it. Twigs snapping. Leaves rusteling in the wind. Raindrops and hail falling on metal plating. Shiver made himself small. Didn't move an inch. He didn't dare move. The bird screeched. Sounding like it was close. Very close. Right behind the tree he was sitting in front of. Shiver put his hands on his mouth. He tried to stop trembeling uncontrollably and held his breath. Didn't dare to breath. What if it heard him breath? That strange metal bird would surely find him if he heard him breath. 

So don't breath.

Don't move.

Don't make a sound.

Or you'll be found.

You'll get hurt.

Don't breath.

Don't move.

Don't make a sound.

His ears flicking, listening for any sound. Any sign of that the metal bird would come his way.

He could hear his heart pounding loudly. Pounding so fast. Getting faster with each sound of twig snapping, leaves rustling.

If this was a dream he wanted to wake up now.

For this nightmare to end.

Scary, so scary.

This couldn't be real.

Who ever even heard of a giant metal bird?

If this wasn't a dream, surely he must be going crazy.

Seeing things that weren't there.

Wouldn't be the first time right?

A loud screech pierced his ears again. It hurt, it hurt so loud. So close. He closed his eyes in pain. When he looked again, there it was the metal bird. Big so big. Towering over him. Shiver screamed. It opened it's beak revealing a canon. Shiver wanted to dissapear. Why wouldn't he wake up? His mind was racing trying to keep up with everything going on around him. A panicked breath escaped his mouth. Looking like a wisp of fog in the air. 

"This wasn't real!"

"Not real, a nightmare just a nightmare."

"Wake up!"

"Wake up!"

Shiver sat there unmoving, afraid and alone with a canon staring straight in his emerald eyes. Heart almost beating out of his chest. Breathing faster and faster, ragged and uneven. It felt like he couldn't breath. His lungs felt like they where burning. He wanted to wake up. Needed to wake up. Why wouldn't he wake up? He stared in front of him as the light in the cannon started to become brighter and brighter.  Nervously talking to himself while sitting there unable to move.

“Look at who's crazy again. Seeing metal birds.”

“N... No but.. but i see it. It's right here! Can't you see it?”

“Your dreaming silly. None of this is real.”

“Then why can't i wake up!?”

“Beats me your the crazy one. Seeing things that aren't there.”

“I'm... not.. I'm not crazy! I need to... need to. RUN!”

Shiver managed to move aside just in time before the lightning coming from it's beak could hit him. He bolted, tried to get away. desperatly telling every aching muscle in his body he needed to move. Chaos he was exhausted. But he couldn't stop. He knew that. It wasn't safe to stop. It hurt to breath. Trees around him where tilting becoming fuzzy. Everything was spinning. Why was everything spinning? The metal bird gave chase immediately. It's red starlike eyes staring at him. Following his every movement. Then it lunged at him. Shiver barely dodged, tripping over his own feet as he did. He ended up rolling downwords from the slope he was standing on moments before.

Coming to a stop abrubtly as he hit his head against a rock. Smelling a distinct familiar smell soon after. Blood his blood. He rubbed his hand against his temple. Staining them with the blood flowing from the wound on the side of his head. Where he had hit the rock.

Shiver started feeling woozy. Darkness creeping at the edges of his vision. It was quiet, aside from rain gently falling. His head was pounding. Ears where ringing. The bird that metal bird. He couldn't hear it.

Where was the metal bird?

Was it still looking for him?

Did he get away?

Was it gone?

Or was this all a dream and was that bird never there.

Ugh it hurt to move.

Emerald eyes where gazing up at the sky. Cracks, more purple cracks. Getting seemingly bigger. This was all some weird dream a nightmare. One he just wanted to wake up from.

Why couldn't he wake up?

He wanted to wake up.

C'mon wake up!

Wake up!

Lightning was striking. The colours where different then before. No longer just purple lightning. No it was red, blue, yellow, green, pink. Sometimes even a combination of colours. This was the wildest nightmare he ever had. Cold so cold. Numb fingers, painfull fingers. That strange tingly feeling coursing through his body.

He felt off. Weird so weird. Tired so tired. How could that be if he was dreaming? Maybe he should close his eyes. Perhaps that would help him to wake up? Eyes looking dull. Dark spots creeping up obscuring more of his vision. He was about to close his eyes as his ears picked up a screeching sound again. Making him more alert once more.

Eyes becoming a bit more bright. His ears laying flat against his head. The metal bird is still out there.

"You can't sleep."

"You have to hide."

Shiver stood up shakily. Blood still flowing from the wound on the side of his head. His clothes furr and quills where covered in mud. Hail still stuck within his quills. His clothes where heavy, drenched with water. The mud clung to his furr uncomfortably. Moving was difficult o so tiring and painfull. Made him feel so dizzy. He could feel his warm blood flowing downwards over his cheek. The world around him seemed to be warping, spinning and blurry. Shiver moved slowly but surely. There was a hiding spot close. If he could get there he would be safe. He just needed to keep moving. 

But did he really need to?

Afteral this was just a dream right?

Or was it?

Did it matter?

He just wanted to be safe.

He needed to hide to be safe.

So Shiver kept moving.

Head pounding.

Ears ringing painfully.

Almost there.

Almost safe.

Then al of a sudden it felt like he was hit with something. Not something you could see. A feeling a cold, cold feeling so cold. Never had he felt so cold as he did right now. Overwhelming all of his senses all at once.

His fur became blue grey. Eyes dull barely any green colour left in them. All of sudden breathing became difficult, so so difficult. It burnt, it hurt. Cold, so cold. Tingling pain. Strange, so strange. Shiver didn't feel good. He felt bad so bad. He felt off. Dizzy. In pain, so much burning pain. Tingeling pain. Cold so, cold. So much pain. His body shuttered. It felt like a thousand knifes where stabbing him, but there was nothing there.

Shivers knee's buckled, no longer able to support his weight. So he fell to the ground. Laying face first in the wet grass. He rolled on his back staring at the sky. Such pretty colours in the sky. So many colours. 

Since when did the stars have so many pretty colours?

There was red, blue, yellow, green and.... and. He didn't know what other colours but it was so so pretty. Mesmerizing. He couldn't look away. His head felt fuzzy hazy. The purple cracks where getting bigger, more plentyfull. So beautiful. A sky made of glass and pretty colours. Why was it cracking? Shiver had no idea. Nor did he care. It looked pretty oh so pretty.

If this was a dream at least it was a pretty one. He rarely had any dreams that looked this beautiful. Mesmerizing. His right hand started reaching for the sky. It felt light somehow. So very light, like it was floating. Huh it looked very pale. Almost colourless. He could almost see through his hand. Like it wasn't there.

Was it still there?

Was Shiver even here?

Was anything real?

Was he real?

Somehow that exhausted him so much. His arm started feeling heavy. To heavy to lift so he let it fall beside him. Tired so tired. Waves of exhaustion where pulling him in. His eyelids where heavy o so heavy. Staring at the sky. Those pretty colours where still mesmerizing. Shiver was unable to look away. So soothing, calming, peacefull.

Voices he could hear voices. Screaming. Loud noises. People arguing. Pirates? Where they fighting? It was tiring so tiring. Sounded like pirates fighting. Sounded close.

Where did those voices even come from? 

Shiver didn't care.

Feeling very lightheaded.

Barely awake.

His head was being filled with cotton ever so slowly. 

Conciousness fading.

Thoughts becoming more and more difficult to reach.

He moved his arm slightly. A stabbing pain coursed through him as he did. Knifes, he was being stapped with a thousand knifes. Cold so cold. Tired so tired. Ugh he didn't want to move anymore. Just wanted to lay there look at the pretty colours, the cracked sky. So strangely soothing. Lulling him to sleep. Inviting him to rest. It was so peacefull to look at. He wasn't sure why he didn't close his eyes just yet. Some nagging feeling in the back of his mind was telling him, that maybe he shouldn't close his eyes. That it wasn't a good idea.

Why?

He didn't know.

Didn't really care.

Tired so tired.

Cold so cold.

Numbness overtaking his body.

Colour fading from him. No longer did he have bright cobalt blue quills. They became grey, light almost see through. Slipping he could feel he was slipping somehow. Where he was he slipping to?

Away from this dream?

Light he felt so light.

He was tired, so tired barely able keep his eyes open anymore.

So pretty, the sky was so pretty.

Soothing to look at.

Peacefull.

Making him drowsy.

His eyes where drooping.

So so tired.

He was floating, drifting.

A soothing peacefull feeling overtaking him.

Darkness creeping in on the corner of his now almost colourless eyes with only the colours of the sky being reflected in his eyes.

Shivers eyes closed slowly as he let himself drift off. As the darkness overtook his vison.

The last thing he saw before darkness overtook him was the shattered sky with all of those beautiful colours.

It was peacefull.

Darkness, the next thing Shiver was aware of was that darkness surrounded him. Then it turned purple. He found himself floating in a purple sky. Purple crystals shattered everywhere. How did he get here? Where was he? Voices he could hear a voices.

“I'll take it from here. Goodbye Roses.”

“Take ...it from....here?”

“ What... did...at...mean?”

“Wh.... Who... s....talk...ing?”

A numbness, cold stabbing sensation coursed through his body again taking the breath out of his lungs.

“I never knew you where a hugger.”

“Do you want me to save you or not?”

“Who's....talking? W... Who...ar...you? What....oing...on? Where...am...i?”

Fuzzy his head felt so fuzzy.

So light.

Another stabbing pain coursed violently through Shivers body. A scream left his throat.

“Hang on Sonic!”

“Sonic? Who's Sonic?”

That was the last thing he heard before everything became dark, fuzzy any awareness Shiver had left faded away completely.

Darkness, nothingness for a time.

Shivers emerald eyes snapped open suddenly as he layed sprawled on his back. A nice cool breeze was rusteling through the grass.  His eyes where adjusting to the bright sun pleasantly warming his Cobalt blue Quills. Seeing a clear beautiful sky. He rubbed his eyes while looking around dazed and confused.  What a weird dream.

Chapter Text

Dusk sat at his desk. Ruby eyes looking at the map in front of him. He was trying to decide a good route for his next trip. Going outside wasn't the best idea at the moment. The storm that had started out of nowhere still hadn't stopped. It just seemed to get worse by the day. More rain, more hail and cold vicious winds. So Dusk had no choice but to stay inside. It would be stupid to be outside in this weather unless he had a very good reason. He didn't want to anyway, not in this weather.

Not that it would be much of a problem for him.

No it wouldn't be.

At most an annoyance.

One he'd rather avoid.

Getting drenched in the cold rain to get his ship fixed and deliver the medicinal herbs to doctor Sealine was enough. That was something that needed to be done. That and get his new compass of course. After that the only thing he wanted to do was to take a shower and put on dry clothes. He would need a very good reason to go outside again.

At some point the lights went out. Leaving Dusk with nothing but a small oil lamp to use. That is if he wanted to see anything. Ugh this was al so annoying. Making it difficult for him to make any progress.

Why was it so dark for days on end?

What was up with this weird storm?

This anamoly.

If it wasn't for Ivory making his breakfast, lunch and dinner then he'd have no clue what time it was. He already had trouble remembering how long ago the storm had started. All he knew was that this storm came out of nowhere and didn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.

Doctor Sealine still needed to bring him that list of what kind of medicinal herbs he needed. Without it planning his next trip would be more difficult. He couldn't plan that much ahead untill then. Even though he found it annoying. He couldn't really fault the doctor for not coming here. Not in this weather.

As Dusk was looking at his maps, there was one in particulair he kept looking at. He had marked that new island on this one. Where he was stranded for a few hours because that stupid useless compass broke. He got lost because of that stupid compass. Not that anyone would ever know. It still made him mad that he got lost.

Just ugh..

Getting lost was so annoying.

Wasted so much time.

He always goes wherever he wants.

Always finds his way.

He doesn't get lost ever.

But he did.

How could he get lost?

Celeste thought him to navigate better then that. She never made any mistakes. Celeste never lost her way on the ocean. So neither should he. It just couldn't happen. It would mean he let her down. That he failed her all over again. What if he got lost and never managed to deliver those medicinal herbs. That would mean he failed her.

He couldn't let that happen.

That couldn't happen.

“Celeste... I.. won't fail you again.”

“I will keep my promise.”

Dusk clenched his fists.

He... needed to go back and explore the island he discovered. If it wasn't for the damage to his ship and the low supplies, he would have explored it at that time. Celeste would have wanted him to. If she was still here she would have loved to explore the island with him. She loved to explore new places. The world was so big and she wanted to see all of it.

Celeste wanted to find every island one day. Map out the entire world. Mark where you could find every kind of medicinal herb. So that everyone could be cured.

Her smile, her kind smile. Dusk could still see it. She was so vibrant full of life despite her condition. Always positive, cheering him up when he was sad. She was his big sister. He missed her so much. He wanted to help her, cure her. But he failed. He failed. Because of his failure she was gone. The promise. He would keep her promise. That's all he could do know. It's what he needed to do. Without fail.

Dusk looked at the map with the island marked on it. His next trip he would go to this island. That much was certain. He would explore this island for her. Part of the promise he would keep. He rubbed his eyes. Tired, he was getting tired. For the last few days he hadn't really slept much. Ever since the lights went out days ago he had been working on his maps. He tried to draw a new map. One with more details. As best he could. A map with that new island on it. A clear one. A good one. Trying to recall the details of that island. 

Writing notes. He started over several times. His map needed to be good. Clear. No mistakes could be made. That would mean failure. The oil lamp next to him was small and didn't give enough light for his liking. It was much harder to see anything. More tiring to read and write. Dusk couldn't recall the last time he slept. Or if he even slept at all these past few days. It was all kind of blurr. But that didn't matter.

Getting prepared was more important. Making that map was his priority. So finding that island again would be easier. Dinner was quite some time ago. Must have been the middle of the night right now. Not that he could tell. There was no difference between night and day. Darkness at all times. The sound of rain falling, occasional lightning strikes. 

Ugh his head was pounding. It started awhile ago and he choose to simply ignore it. It was mostly very annoying. Nothing more. Nothing he couldn't handle.

Though maybe he should rest. No he couldn't, not yet. He needed to take another look at the map. Plan his course to that island. Make sure his map was clear and correct. That he knew where to go. That he didn't get lost again.

“Find that island again.“

“Don't make any mistakes. “

“Don't fail her. “

“You owe it to her.”

“Keep your promise.”

“Don't fail her.“

“You can't fail Celeste.”

“Never again.”

A very bright lightning strike illuminated the room. Dusk got startled with how loud it was. Much louder then before. He  flattened his ears in response. It was loud very loud. To loud.

What the heck was going on?

How could this be so loud it hurt his ears that much?

His ears where ringing. His headache had gotten worse.

Ugh what gives?

What kind of weird storm is this?

Dusk looked outside. Darkness everywhere. Still so much rain and hail. He yawned. Tired, he was tired. His eyes felt heavy, his body ached, it was yearning for rest. Telling him to rest. But he couldn't rest yet. Not yet. He just couldn't. Not yet. His Ruby eyes looked at the dark sky in surprise. Huh was he seeing things? For a split second he thought he saw a crack in the sky. He rubbed his eyes and looked again. Then it was gone.

“Tired your just tired and seeing things. “

“You should rest.”

“But you can't not yet.”

“Sleep when your done.”

“Just make sure the map is ready.”

“The route to that island is properly planned.”

“Write down anything you remember about it.”

“Do that.”

“You have to go there for Celeste.”

“You have to.”

“Don't fail her.”

“Not again.”

“Talk to doctor Sealine as soon as you can.”

“Not right now.”

“He probably hasn't made the list yet anyway.”

“There's bound to be a lot of people who fell ill thanks to the cold and this weather. “

“Don't disturb him yet.”

Dusks tired eyes studied the map.

His eyes had started feeling heavy some time ago.

But he ignored it.

His head felt kind of fuzzy but he ignored it.

Ringing ears, a headache, body aching he ignored all of it.

Dusk just couldn't rest not yet.

Even if sleeping sounded good right about now.

His body was asking for it.

It ached.

His head hurt, it felt fuzzy.

The rain in the background felt soothing.

He tried to ignore it.

Stay awake don't sleep yet.

Just ignore all of it keep working.

Don't sleep.

Not yet.

A knock on the door. Dusks ears twitched in response. Another knock. Ruby eyes opened slowly. Fuzzy vision becoming clear. Seeing what looked like a map. Huh. Who? What? His brain was still trying to catch up. Then another knock followed.

“Mister Dusk are you awake?” asked a tiny voice.

Dusk sat upright. His eyes where adjusting to the light. He stretched his arms and let out a yawn. The blanket wrapped around his shoulders shifting as he did.

“Mister Dusk is everything okay? Can i come in?” The tiny voice asked again. Sounding nervous.

It took Dusk a bit of time to register who it belonged to. But he knew he recognized the voice. From where though his fuzzy mind wondered for a moment. Then it clicked. Pearl the daughter of Ivory the inkeeper. Yeah she was probably here to bring him breakfast.

Morning already huh. When did he fall asleep? Dusk wondered as he let out another yawn. He figured he should probably open the door now. Otherwhise she would go get her mother. Dusk didn't really want to deal with that. Nor really speak with either Pearl or Ivory. Since the attack of the metal bird he had pretty much stayed in his room for the most part.

That look Ivory gave him when he came back. Yeah that stupid bird destroyed the hat she had fixed for him. She only did it because she wanted him to stay as a loyal customor though. He didn't owe her any explanation of what had happened. None at all. It was none of her concern. Not that he would give her one if she asked him.

The thing is she might ask. Dusk didn't want her to ask him about it. About what happened. So he made sure to avoid her. Not giving her any chance to ask. Talking to her or other people was the last thing he wanted. People couldn't be trusted. They never did anything without wanting something in return. He knew that. Best to avoid talking to anyone as little as possible. It's not like he cared about that stupid hat anyway. It was just a stupid hat anyway.

“Who cared about a stupid hat.”

“Stupid metal bird destroying his hat.”

“Just annoying.”

Another knock on the door. As Dusk stood up a blanket that was draped over his shoulders fell to the ground. He quickly straightened his quills and jacket before opening the door. There she was. Little Pearl holding a tray full of delicious food. He immediatly noticed the cupcakes. Cupcakes with strawberries on top of them. Did she bake those for him? Whatever. Not like he cared. As long as the food tasted good he could care less who made it.

“Hi mister Dusk. I brought you Lunch.” Pearl said sweetly.

Dusk frowned.

“Lunch? Wasn't it morning?” He thought to himself.

Pearl put the tray on the table. “I came by a few times. But you where still sleeping. Mommy said you where very tired and that i should let you sleep. Oh and i put some extra cheese cream cupcakes on the tray for you. I thought you might be extra hungry. Mommy says you need to eat well. So i made the cupcakes especially for you with extra strawberries on top. I hope you like them mister Dusk.”

Pearl stood there watching him. Waiting for an answer. A tiny little rabbit girl. What did she even want from him? Dusk didn't know how to respond. He didn't really want to talk either. He just nodded. It was polite and that would surely make her leave. She obviously wasn't going to go away otherwhise. “ Bye mister Dusk.” Pearl waved at him with a bright smile as she left.

Dusk sighed in relief. She left good. He'd rather be left alone anyway. No reason to to talk to her. Feeling relieved that she left the room. He must have slept longer then he thought. Still half awake he rubbed his eyes. Coffee beans now that would help him wake up. Still feeling pretty drowsy. He must have been more exhausted then he thought to fall asleep like that. When did he even fall asleep?

Ruby eyes where adjusting to the light. The he suddenly noticed. It was so light right now. He didn't need an oil lamp to see. A clear blue sky was visible through the window.

Wait when did the sun rise?

Where did the darkness go?

When did the storm end?

How long did he sleep?

Chapter Text

Somehow Dusk had slept until lunchtime. Chaos how did that happen? Ugh he really needed some coffee beans to help him wake up.

For some reason his head was still feeling a bit fuzzy. Like a haze that refused to leave his head. Perhaps because he slept longer then normal.

Tch he shouldn't have slept that long. That meant he wasted time. Time he could have used on working on the map planning his route and perhaps making other preparations for his next trip.

The storm could have ended hours ago.

He had no idea if it did or when he fell asleep.

If it did end by this morning he could have gotten supplies for his next trip.

He could have checked if his ship was ready.

Got that list with medicinal herbs he needed from docter Sealine.

Now it was already noon and he had done nothing all morning. Nothing but sleep the day away.

Wasting time.

Being useless.

Dusk sighed as he turned around. He headed for the table and grabbed some coffee beans. That should help clear that annoying fuzzy feeling in his head. He couldn't really think straight because of that. Like some thoughts weren't quite getting through to him.

Dusk was quick to eat his lunch. Not really paying attention to what he was eating. It tasted great like always. But he didn't really care at the moment. Not at all. He just wanted to get going. Feeling like he wasted enough time already. He hurried to grab some clean clothes and tripped over a blanket laying on the floor.

How did that blanket even get there?

Not that he cared it was in his way.

It made him trip and fall flat on his face.

Stupid blanket making him waste time.

He grabbed it in anger and threw it onto his bed.

Much better. This day had already begun badly. First he slept late with his head feeling fuzzy, then he tripped over that stupid blanket and now his head started pounding. His gloves where stained with ink. Ugh those would be a pain to remove. Just a great start of this stupid day.

As Dusk got dressed he tried to ignore that headache. It wasn't important. Right now he had things to do. He wasn't gonna let a stupid headache stop him from doing that. The sooner he got ready with all the preparations the sooner he could leave. First the shipyard and getting some supplies. Then go to doctor Sealine in order to get that list so his route could be fully planned out.

He wanted to leave as soon as possible. No more wasting time. There was a promise he needed to keep. His head kept pounding. No matter it would pass.

Dusk headed downstairs. He spotted Ivory and when he did he clenched his hand around the banister. Almost digging his claws in it. If he weren't wearing gloves then he would have damaged the wood. He hadn't seen her for a few days now. Keeping to himself. Working on that map. Not wanting to talk to her or anyone else. Sunlight gently trickled in through the windows lighting up the room.

He wondered why she didn't wake him up this morning. If he woke up earlier, then he wouldn't have wasted so much time. Yet at the same time the thought of her coming in his room made him feel uncomfortable. He didn't want anyone close ever. People just couldn't be trusted. She was only friendly to him because he was a customor, nothing more. He wouldn't be foolish enough to think otherwhise.

His Ruby eyes looked at Ivory as he stood at the top of the stairs. Uncomfortable, tense. Thinking of a way to avoid her. He would only need to tell her he was about to leave soon on his next trip. If possible he would leave today. She hadn't noticed him looking at her as her back was turned to him. She seemed to be talking to someone. Dusk couldn't tell who she was talking to. He just stood there frozen in place. He wasn't even sure why. It's not like there was any reason to be standing around like that. No not at all. This only wasted time. He was just not in the mood to deal with people. People who might ask questions. Like Ivory would. She hadn't asked him about his hat so far. But she didn't get the chance. He had made sure of that.

What was he doing?

He couldn't let her see him standing around like that.

She would start asking questions.

Dusk took a deep breath.

Just tell her your about to leave.

Do your errands.

Once your at sea you won't have to deal with people anymore and by the time you return she will have forgotten all about that hat.

No annoying questions to deal with.

Then you can focus on gathering those medicinal herbs.

Focus on keeping your promise to her.

Do not fail.

Dusk headed downstairs. He was about to tell her he was going to run some errands before leaving on his next trip. Then before being able to say anything he saw someone familiar.

A platypuss drinking some tea was sitting at one of the tables. A book on the table he must have been reading only moments before. Looking very relaxed as he was making some small talk with Ivory. Dusk didn't really pay attention to what they where saying but it was the reason Ivory hadn't noticed him yet. Doctor Sealine took notice of him. Looking at him with those red eyes so similair to his own eyes.

“Ah good to see you my boy. How have you been?”

That caused Ivory to turn around and look at him. “Hi Dusk. Glad to see your up.”

Dusk shuffeled uncomfortably on his feet only nodding in her direction before turning his attention to the doctor. “Do you have the list? I plan to leave soon.”

“Always straight to the point. Of course i have the list. Why do you think i came here? But when i arrived you seemed to be asleep still. Seemed best to let you get some rest. It was no trouble. The tea and food here is just delightfull. I had a lovely lunch. The last few days have been strange yet interesting i'd say. Though i didn't get much sleep busy as always and i surmise you didn't sleep much either these past few days.”

Dusk looked at him impatiently. He just wanted to have that list and get the supplies he needed for the trip. The doctor being here would save him the trip to his house. At least that would make up for the time he lost sleeping late like that.

“Hold on just a moment.”

Doctor Sealine searched his pockets. “Oh dear seems i forgot the list.”

Dusk groaned. Doctor Sealine was briljant. That was known. How could someone like that be so scatterbrained. It wasn't the first time this happened either. Just when he thought he could save some time. Great just great. This day just didn't want to give him a break.

First he woke up late, tripping over a stupid blanket on the floor. He still had no idea how that blanket ended up there.

How out tired and out of it had he been to leave a blanket on the floor. Oh and his gloves got stained with ink. Getting those stains out would be a pain. Then there's that pounding headache that he's trying to ignore. Which was hard when everything was working against him and annoying him so much.

Why did doctor Sealine have to be such a scatterbrain?

Why did he forget the list?

How could he forget that when that's why came over?

Ugh so annoying. Dusk could feel his headache getting worse. Why did this day have to be such a pain?

“Oh don't worry i'll bring it over later. By the way it's going to be a bit different this time. That's why i wanted to talk to you my boy.”

Ruby eyes looked at the doctor in confusion.

“Different, what did he mean by that?”

“You'll understand soon enough. I think i found a way to treat an illness that has taken so many lives. Others have claimed it to be impossible to heal. But me being as brilliant as i am may have found a way. I do need something special for it though.”

Dusk looked at him with intrigue. If that was true then that would be another illness people would be cured from. Another part of his promise he kept to Celeste. His promise he would keep. After almost failing her by getting lost before and very nearly being taken out by that storm this was the best thing he could hear right now. He needed to hear it. Suddenly this day didn't seem to bad anymore. He perked his ears. Listening to what the doctor had to say.

“I would try and explain the process to you but i know that you wouldn't understand how it would work. This time i don't want you to gather something else other then herbs. Some crystals, gems with healing properties. If my theory is correct then i should be able to use those to heal this ilness.”

It sounded strange. He never knew some crystals could heal people. Though if the doctor was right then a lot of lives could be saved. Meaning his promise to Celeste would be honored. Anything that healed people was worth the trip.

The doctor was right, he didn't understand how that would work. His knowledge was limited. Yes he recognized different kinds of medicinal herbs, but it's not like he knew how to make medicine. Just enough to treat some wounds. Something he needed from time to time as he sometimes got hurt on his travels.

That was something Celeste had thought him. She used to scold him for not taking care of his wounds. He remembered how she used to get so mad at him for it. How he would fold his ears backwards as she did so. Feeling the stinging sensation as she applied the mixture of herbs to his wounds. It wasn't a pleasant feeling. A memory that popped up all of a sudden as the doctor kept talking to him.

Dusk had left the inn after talking with doctor Sealine. They had agreed that the doctor would get the list and bring it straight back to the inn. By the time he got back he should have it. He only needed to get supplies and check on his ship. It should be fixed by now even with the awfull weather from the last few days.

He opted to go to the shipyard first. A bright sun pleasantly warmed his quills. It was pretty busy at the shipyard. Lot's of ship must have needed repairs and that was unsurprising. There would be some unlucky ones who's ship got damaged worse then his. Not only that but some must have been brought in for repairs before that.

“Dusk. Hi i'm guessing your here for your ship.”A blue hedgehog with a moustache approached him. Marvin was the shipwright with the most experience on this entire island. He knew him pretty well. Not only from coming here whenever his ship needed to be repaired. No Marvin happened to be a regular at the inn. He never slept there, but came by regularly for the meals Ivory made. Dusk couldn't blame him for that. She really was an amazing cook.

Marvin was pretty close to Ivory and Pearl. Pearl always called him uncle Marvin. They seemed like a family even if he wasn't sure how these rabbits where related to this hedgehog. Nor did he really care to think about it much. Of course he didn't care. Why would he?  All he wanted was to know if his ship was fixed. “Is my ship ready?”

“Of course fixed her up real good. It was no trouble at all. You should be good to go.”

Dusk nodded. That was good. Now he only needed to get some supplies and then he could leave. No more wasting time. His ears flicked as a sudden loud ruckus caught his attention. Coming from the other side of the shipyard. No doubt some troublesome pirates. Figures. He wasn't surprised.

All pirates where filth. The worst kind of people. Not that people where that great, or ever to be trusted but pirates where the worsed of all. He wasn't really planning to get involved. They where used to dealing with them around here. So there really was no need to anyway. Ruby eyes glanced at where the commotion was coming from and they saw something red. A red Echidna making a scene. No doubt a pirate captain.

Tch what a pain. Probably complaining about having to pay for his ship or something. Or how the way they fixed it wasn't good enough. Stupid pirate. Pathetic piece of work.

“I'm done for today. Do you need any help with bringing your supplies on board of your ship?” As Marvin talked to him this it pulled his attention away from the pirate captain at the other side of the shipyard.

Dusk hesitated. It would save him time. But what did Marvin wan't in return? Surely there was something he wanted out of it. Probably some extra payment or something. He could afford that easily and save time. Ruby eyes looking at the blue hedgehog before nodding.

“I take that as a yes. Good let's get going i'm planning to have a nice meal afterwards.”

Dusk squinted his eyes. Did he just want him to pay for his dinner if he helped? Was that it? Fine, not to bad of a trade of for the help.

Marvin and Dusk arrived at the inn after bringing all of the supplies to his ship. It had gone smoothly and with the warm sun shining in the clear sky it wasn't that unpleasant. A far cry from that storm that raged for who knows how many days.

“Uncle Marvin!” Pearl ran up to him all excited as soon as they entered the door. He lifted her up and twirled her around. “Pearlie how are you sweetheart? Have you been good? Helping your mommy?”

“Yes of course i have. Oh and i made so many different cupcakes today. Mommy said Dusk is leaving on his trip so i made a lot of them so he has some nice desserts on his trip.”

Dusk looked downwards. Not saying anything, nor making any eye contact with her.

“That's so good of you and i have something for you.” Marvin said as he grabbed a wooden carved chao. “Ooh for me. Thank you uncle Marvin.” She hugged him tight and excitedly showed it of to her mother who smiled at her. Marvin was great at woodcarving, he often made some little things for Pearl. She was always so happy whenever he made her something new.

“Did the doctor bring the list for me?” Dusk asked.

“Yes he did. Your about to leave aren't you?” Ivory answered while looking at him with her hazel eyes.

Dusk nodded in response.

“Your already leaving mister Dusk? Aren't you hungry? Oh i know why don't you eat dinner with us first then when you leave your tummy full of mommy's yummy food.” Pearl said sweetly.

Ruby eyes looked at her while he moved uncomfortably on his feet. Not responding staying silent. His shoulders tensed.

Ivory took notice. “Sweety that's very nice of you but i don't think mister Dusk has time for that. Don't worry he won't go hungry. I prepared some meals for him. So he won't have to prepare anything for the next few days.”

He looked up in surprise. As if what she just said didn't register right away. Standing there unmoving. Pearl ran up to him with baskets filled with her cupcakes and all of the meals Ivory had prepped for him. That's when he moved and took the baskets. He looked at her and away immediatly. His gaze shifting towards Ivory and Marvin. Then looking away again.

“I will be leaving now.”

That was all he managed to say.

Pearl waved at him. “Bye mister Dusk i'll miss you.”

“Safe travels Dusk.” Marvin said.

Ivory looked at him a hint of concern. “Take care.”

Nothing more could be said and if they did Dusk didn't hear any of it anymore as he left the inn.

The bright sunlight outside warmed his quills.

His head was still pounding.

Chapter Text

Shivers emerald eyes snapped open suddenly. He found himself laying sprawled on his back. A nice cool breeze rusteled through the grass. Though the grass didn't move with the breeze. It stayed still unmoving. His eyes where adjusting to the light of the sun. Shining brightly in a clear blue sky. Warming his quills gently, pleasantly. It felt nice.

Nothing compared to the cold he felt earlier. Cooling him down to the bone. Numbing every fiber of his being. He rubbed his eyes while looking around dazed and confused. Unsure of where he was at the moment. That realization didn't hit him yet. For now there was this vague memory of feeling cold. Though he could barely recall it.

“What a weird dream.”

That was what he thought.

Because that's what it was.

It had to be.

What else could it be?

Couldn't have been real could it?

A weird fuzzy dream

Shiver tried to recall the details. Only bits and pieces came to him. Blurry at the most. There was this distinct feeling of being cold. So very cold. It made him tremble. He could almost feel that sensation but he wasn't cold right now. His cobalt blue quills where being enveloped by this nice pleasant warmth. Not something cold.

Why was he so very cold before? A feeling of numbness and what else? Tingling in his arms. Rain, a storm maybe? Right now the sky above him was clear, blue no clouds whatsoever anywhere. No sign of a storm being here. That must have been in his dream right? If that's why he was so cold before. Just a memory from his dream. No way a real storm would have passed that suddenly. If there was a real storm that would have woken him up. Besides the grass underneath him was dry and felt warm. If it had rained so much how could it have dried already? That wasn't possible right.

His quills felt so nice and warm. The pleasant warmth of the sun. Shiver felt a gentle breeze. But he couldn't tell that it was there with his eyes. Nothing moved with this gentle breeze. No grass, no leaves from trees, nor did his furr or anything else. Everything around him was still, unmoving. 

Shivers heart started beating faster as a memory of being scared popped into his mind. Shiver knew he was afraid. That he ran away from something. Whatever it was that had been chasing him it was scary. Though it wouldn't come to him. Not fully. He couldn't always remember his dreams. Nightmares they usually stayed with him. Sometimes he was still stuck in it even when waking up remembering every detail acting as if he was still there. While other times he just woke up screaming with no memory of the nightmare other then fear.

Right now he didn't scream. Or recall much right away. A fuzzy memory for him. What had scared him? Who was chasing him? Pink? Shiny? Was that right? Something about stars. Eyes? No? Maybe? Red? No lots of colours? Something like that. Or maybe not.

His head kind of hurt while thinking about all of this. Trying to recall was tiring somehow. Shiver may have been awake but the memory of whatever happened was fuzzy. He couldn't reach it. Whatever that dream was. All of that was really fuzzy to difficult to remember.

Why was he sleeping here in the grass?

How did he even get here?

Wait what was the last thing he remembered?

It was uhh....

Huh blank a complete blank.

Nothing came to him.

Shiver tried to get up but then the world started spinning. He immediatly sat back down. Being to unsteady to stay upright. His head started pounding hurting even more then before. His vision swam. Emerald eyes briefly looked at his right hand. Something red on the white glove. A stain dry red. That's what he saw only he didn't notice it. Not really paying that any mind as that headache demanded his full attention.

He reached for the sore spot with his right hand. It hurt and felt kind of wet.

Why?

A smell entered his nostrils.

Familiar, metalic, the smell of blood.

His cobalt blue quills bristeled.

When Shiver looked at his hand again he saw something red. Fresh blood colored his white glove red. Wet sticky. He could feel it flowing from the side of his head. The sight made him feel faint. All the colour drained from his face. Tilting his vision even worse.

His heart started beating faster. To fast. Way to fast. Bleeding he was bleeding. Shivers ears where ringing and he felt nauseous. Hands reaching for his quills. Wet, sticky pain. Throbbing headache. Ears ringing more by the second. Shivers fingers ran over his quills over and over. Feeling wet, sticky covered in red. Crimson red. Blood his blood. That could only mean pirates hurt him. 

Emerald eyes darted around looking for pirates. Where are they? They must have hurt him. He was bleeding. Quills covered in blood. The blood spread over more of his quills as he kept running his fingers over them feverishly. The pirates... They would... Cut his quills... and then they would....

“No, no, no i don't want to think about it.”

“Don't think about it.”

But he's bleeding, hurt. How could he not think about it. Pirates hurt him and they would try to hurt him more if they found him.

“Don't let them find you.”

“Move!”

“Hide!”

“Run don't let them find you again!”

“They will hurt you.”

That's how he must have ended up here.

How he passed out right?

Shivers vision became weird.

One tree turned into two trees.

When he looked at his hands there seemed to be four hands.

No maybe five. Huh. Five hands. Oh wait six.

Wait he was out in the open.

That wasn't good.

He needed to hide.

Or they would find him.

Suddenly he took a deep breath in what seemed like forever. Fresh air filled his lungs that felt like they where burning. He couldn't recall when he took his last breath before this. His fingers where digging in the grass. Emerald eyes saw a gentle breeze rustle through the grass and how the leaves danced on the breeze.

The pirates where coming for him he needed to hide, to get away. Not stay here in the open. That wasn't safe. Don't let them hurt you. Who? Who wanted to hurt him? His eyes glazed over before becoming a bit brighter again. What happened where was he? His head was still pounding. Chaos he was nauseous. There was this fog covering his brain. Some sort of haze making it difficult to reach his thoughts.

Shivers heart it was beating fast way to fast. He could feel it beating in his ears. Those ears that where still ringing. Every breath became faster then the last. He stood up shakily. Somehow his limbs seemed a bit confused as he stumbeled forward, barely able to keep his balance. A feeling of nausea. Unpleasant, it almost made him keel over and throw up. But he didn't.

His brain felt foggy hazy. But he knew there was something he needed to hide from so he headed to a hiding spot. Or he tried to. Hide.  You have to hide. Stumbeling forward. Head filling up with cotton. Shivers eyes started drooping as he moved. A feeling of drowsiness overwhelming him. Tired so tired. Why was he so tired? What was he even doing? What happened? Something shiny? He remembered something shiny from somewhere somehow. Or not. Maybe.

He stumbeled his way into the forest. Those limbs still weren't working and he lost his balance more then once. Hide need to hide. They'll hurt you. Who? Who would hurt him? Chaos he was tired and nauseous. All Shiver wanted to do was sleep. Everything looked blurry.

The trees seemed to multiply and those white flowers looked so soft. Like a cloud. A soft cloud. Maybe he should lie down. It looked so comfy. So warm. Shiver nesteled up onto the white flowers. It felt nice warm. Tired he felt so unbelievably tired all of a sudden. His head was still pounding badly and his ears ringing. But at the same time he felt so comfy lying down. His limbs to heavy to move anymore.

There was no one that could find him here right?

Why was he hiding again?

Who was he hiding from?

Shivers clouded mind wasn't sure. His eyes where heavy, so very very heavy. He shut them once. Then opened them again. The colour had begun to dull awhile ago. Sleep he needed to sleep. He was just way to tired.

Nice quiet cosy. Shiver felt so cosy right now. Not ever wanting to move from this nice spot. Wherever this was. He didn't care. Breathing slowly steadily. Calm feeling calm. So calm so nice. He felt weightless like he was drifting. 

Then he felt something cold. Yet he still didn't want to move. It was nudging him to move. But he didn't want to. It was nice and warm. At least that's how it felt at first. But now he started to feel cold. He opened his eyes again and saw storm clouds. Rain fell from the sky. Huh rain he pondered. Feeling his jacket get soaked. Guess maybe he should head inside though.

Shiver got up. Not feeling shaky just walking steady. No loss of balance. Huh this felt a bit weird. Like he this sort of happened before. Well yeah of course this wasn't the first time it rained. Just felt weirdly cold. Moreso then usual. He headed to a cave. But then his ears picked up on something. A sound from behind him. Who's there? Pirates? Twigs snapped. Then he saw something when he turned around. Yellowish orange. Fluffy. Small. What was it? He couln't quitte comprehend what he saw. But it wasn't that big or threatening. It did seem to come closer. Even though it didn't seem to dangerous, He couldn't help but back up instinctively. Off something about that felt off.

It wasn't a person or a pirate or something. Eyes for a second he saw eyes. Blue, sky blue eyes. Then those eyes where gone. Looking soft then turning cold, metalic pink growing in size. Metalic. Pink. Growing bigger then him. Way bigger. Towering over him. Wings pink wings. Metal wings. Red starlike eyes. Shivers eyes widened. Some form of recognition. Something about it was familiar. Shiver wasn't sure why though. He saw this metal bird before. But he wasn't sure where. Not that it mattered. It... It tried to hurt him. Before when he saw it whenever that was. He recalled feeling fear and panic. His heart beat faster as he could feel that same fear and panic seep into his bones.

Tails it had so many tails. First fluffy then turning into metal. Grey cold, scary. He didn't count how many. More and more tails sprouted from this thing. Shivers breathing got faster became uneven. Those metallic tails lunged at him. Tried to grab him. Hurt him. Shiver scrambeled to his feat. He ran away trembeling, shaking. What was this thing that tried to hurt him?

Shiver ran and ran but it kept coming. Using those tails as spiderlike legs to walk on. A metallic spiderlike pink bird chased him. Screaching loud it hurt his ears. Then for a moment it seemed to have dissapeared. Nervously Shiver looked around. Trying to figure out where that thing went. That metal spiderlike bird with starlike eyes and an endless amount of tails.

But before he knew what had happened it stood in front of him. Towering over him. Pinning him down with it's metal tails. Emerald eyes looked at sharp teeth from a beak that had opened. So many sharp teeth. Shiver couldn't move. He wanted to scream to run. But he couldn't. One of those metal tails pushed down on his throat. He could barely breath. Besides screaming would be useless wouldn't it.

Shivers lungs started burning as they where begging him for air. To breath but he couldn't breath. Not with the pressure being put on his throat like that. It hurt. It hurt. His mind became fuzzy. Darkness edging across his vison . Creeping in ever so slowly. Those starlike eyes looking at him with such anger. Turned blue for a second. Looking like real eyes not stars. Pain build up more and more. It hurt. It hurt. His lungs where burning. More pressure was put on his arms and legs as he tried to get away. Despertely trying to pry that metal tail away from his throat. He felt weak so weak. All of his strenght left him as his vision became black.

Shiver bolted upwarts screaming. His whole body was shaking without being able to stop. He was laying on top of white flowers. Breathing fast to fast. It almost made him dizzy.

A nightmare he thought.

Just a nightmare.

A horrible one.

He was safe.

There are no pirates.

He's alone and safe.

Being alone was good right?

The only way to stay safe right?

If only those pirates stayed away.

If only he could stay alone forever.

Then he would be safe.

Above him the stars danced peacefully accompanied by the moon. He sat their arms wrapped around his legs, breathing heavily with a beautiful clear night sky above him. 

Chapter Text

Shiver woke up with a bad throbbing headache. There was this sore spot on the right side of his head. When he touched it with his hand he could feel a scab. Bleeding he was bleeding before. It came back to him that he was bleeding before. Pirates must have hurt him. Though he didn't remember what happened. All he knew was that he got hurt. It still felt kind of painfull. Like a throbbing pain that refused to go away. His gloves where stained with blood, not only his gloves but his jacket aswell. There was also a lot mud on his jacket and shirt. His furr felt uncomfortable as it was matted with mud and blood.

He would have a lot of trouble cleaning it all of. Worsed off all he needed water to wash it. That thought made him tremble and caused his ears to go flat to his skull. Oh he hated to do this. To get close to water. But what choice did he have. Couldn't very well leave his clothes in this state. Besides he also needed to clean himself up. Chaos what happened to get his furr and clothes this dirty? Shiver tried to think back but that only resulted in the throbbing headache getting worse. Oww why did his head have to hurt like this? It made thinking kind of hard.

Shiver tried to eat a little bit before heading outside to clean himself up. He managed to eat but there was this feeling of nausea that followed as soon as he went outside. It was bright outside very bright. Somehow the light of the sun stung his eyes. Making his headache worse. His ears started ringing. Ugh why where they ringing? He pressed his hands at the side of his head tracing his fingers over the scab. Proof that pirates had hurt him he thought. Still no memories of what happened. In fact the last few days seemed a blurr. Maybe it would come to him at some point. But for now it was a blank mostly. Just some fuzzy memory of feeling very cold and rain there was rain.

He felt very uncomfortable having dirt caked to his furr. Shiver still had no idea what happened, but he had a hunch that he must have struggeled when the pirates came here and hurt him. They would have hurt him. How else did he get that wound on his head? Cutting his quills, pulling them out braking them those where things they did. Or if they didn't do that they'd find another way to hurt him. It sent a cold chill down his spine. His breathing became uneven.

“No, no, no. Don't think about it!”

“Stop thinking about it!”

“I don't want to think about it!”

“It hurts, they hurt me!”

“I can't think about it!”

“I don't want to think about it!”

“Just get yourself cleaned up and do your routines so you'll be safe!”

“So they can't hurt you anymore!”

Shiver got close to a shallow river. His breathing got faster as he looked at the water. It shouldn't be to bad. He just needed to wash his clothes. Clean up his furr. That was all. Just get it over with. Emerald eyes stared at the water as if it would swallow him up any second now. He hesitated.

“It's not that deep.”

“It won't hurt you.”

“It can't.”

“You just need to do this.”

“Do it and get it over with.”

Shiver trembeled while he took of his jacket and shirt. Next his gloves, socks and shoe's. There was so much blood stained on those gloves. How much blood did he lose? He tried not to think about it but couldn't put it out of his mind completely.

Shackily he cupped some water with his hands. Staring at it with his emerald eyes. He hated it with every fiber of his being. Water cold, horrible, trying to swallow him. Flooding his mind and body with panic. It would take away his breath, burn his lungs. Shiver took a deep breath before using the water to wash of all the dirt, blood and grime on his furr. Cold the water was cold. It scared him so much. Anxiety shot through him. His quills bristeled. Though he should be fine it's shallow.

“You won't drown.”

“It won't swallow you.”

“It's to shallow for that, your safe!”

But even so his heart started beating faster. Somehow feeling the cold water made him shutter. Filling him with fear. Something about a memory where he felt cold and scared but he wasn't sure why or what had happened. Red the water coming off him went from clear to red. Especially when he went to work on cleaning his quills. Red, crimson red. He had lost blood and somehow his quills where caked in blood. It scared him.

“The pirates hurt you.”

“They cut of your quills, break them, pull them out.”

After cleaning himself he needed to move away from the water for a moment. His breathing had gotten to fast allong with that heartbeat. He felt out of breath. Like he could barely breathe. His lungs felt like they where on fire. So he sat down next to a tree close to him after putting on the clean shirt he brought. Chaos he couldn't get close to the water again. He just couldn't. It may have been shallow but it still scared him firing a sense of panic and anxiety through his every nerve. Why did water have to be this scary? Shiver started to talk to himself nervously.

“It's just a little water don't act so dumb.”

“But it's water. It's scary. It can hurt me.”

“This itty little bit of water really? You really are dumb.”

“It's just it could still.”

“Still wat hurt you? Give me a break. It's not gonna do anything. This river is not even that deep.”

“It's not, but the water is still scary. I can't get close again.”

“Stop being stupid. Just wash your clothes and get it over with. It's not like the water is going to bite you.”

“Hey now water is scary i get it. But i agree there's nothing to worry about. Just be carefull and get it over with.”

“I... I can't. I just can't.”

“Stop being such a baby and wash your clothes okay. It's not like you magically have lots of extra clean clothes.”

“I... I don't.”

“Go and clean your clothes now you idiot!”

“You can do this. Just go ahead.”

“I'll... I'll do it. Just get this over with right..”

When Shiver started to wash his shirt he noticed a tear at the side of it. The fabric was pretty worn and didn't need much to tear even further. He tried to be carefull but did end up making it worse. The shirt was clean that's what mattered. Shiver still had another shirt a spare one. Lucky for him. But that didn't mean he would get rid of this one. No this shirt was precious, valuable. A treasure. Who knows when he'd even be able to get a new shirt. For that either one had to wash up or pirates had to come here and forget one of their shirts. Not that Shiver was thinking about that at the moment. He was too anxious about being so close to water. The fear consumed his mind. Screaming at him to get away. But he couldn't.

“Get away it will swallow you!”

“You'll drown!”

“It's to shallow for that, your safe!”

“You won't drown.”

“It won't swallow you.”

“It can't swallow you!”

The worst part about cleaning everything was that he needed water. Shiver hated that he needed water to clean everything. Scary so scary why was water so scary? Why did water want to hurt him? Swallow him, fill his lungs untill they where burning. Shiver breath hitched as he tried not to think about the water. Yet his quills did bristel.

All he wanted to do was get away from the water. But he couldn't, he needed to finish cleaning. He started cleaning his gloves.

“Just get it over with.”

A wave of nausea and dizzines overwhelmed him. Shiver couldn't keep his balance and fell forward. Next to the river very nearly in it, his right hand landed into the shallow creek. In a panic he frantically backed away. Ears where ringing. His breathing was ragged.

For a few moments he sat still. Not daring to move. Shivers head was throbbing. Ugh what was he doing again? His head felt foggy all of a sudden and he started feeling tired all of a sudden too. Emerald eyes looked around in confusion. He spotted his dirty jacket.

“Oh i need to clean that.”

“How did all of that mud get on here?”

“Is that blood?”

“ Did i get hurt?”

His hand reached for the sore part on the side of his head. Rubbing over the scab. Causing it to loosen up and allowing blood to flow again.

Huh he wasn't sure how he got hurt. Pirates must have hurt him. They always did. Cutting his quills, breaking them, pulling them out.

Did they cut his quills?

Shiver struggeled to remember. His mind feeling kind of muddled for some reason. All he knew now was that he needed to get that jacket cleaned up. He couldn't wear it while it was like that.

Chaos it was so difficult to focus on anything.

Why was it so difficult to focus?

His head throbbed more. The sunlight made it worse. It was to bright. He rubbed his eyes. They where so sensitive to the light right now. Shiver took a breath trying to focus on what he needed to do. His jacket, he needed to clean his jacket.

Try to focus.

He tried to empty his pockets, but there was nothing in there. Strange. Shouldn't there be something in those pockets. But what? He couldn't recall at the moment. Think about it later. Clean your jacket first. Think about that later. It's probably not important. Shiver still felt nervous while cleaning his jacket. Anxiety filled him while he cleaned it causing him to tremble.

Shiver got back to his cave and put his clothes up to dry. Chaos he was tired. How did he get so tired? His head was throbbing. The world around him seemed to be spinning. But at least he was inside away from the light that hurt his eyes. It was to bright.

Why was it so bright?

Why was everything spinning.

Maybe he should rest for a bit. He was feeling pretty drowsy, neaseous and everything was spinning. If he slept maybe the throbbing headache, ringing in his ears, the nausea that fog that had a hold of his brain would go away. Maybe then the world would stop spinning. Tired he was tired. A feeling of nausea washed over him again. Shiver closed his eyes and when he did it didn't take long for him to drift off.

Shiver woke that morning with a headache again. Not as bad as the day before but still there. As he was getting ready for the day he suddenly noticed something was missing. He couldn't find his binoculairs. His emerald eyes widened in horror.

How would he look for ships now?

He would never be able to spot them on time.

Not like this.

How would he be able to hide before pirates arrived on the island?

His ears where pinned against his skull. Cobalt blue quills bristeled. His hand reached the scab on the side of his head. Causing it to loosen, blood flowed out.

Bleeding, he was bleeding before. The pirates had hurt him. They would do it again.

What could he do?

He couldn't be found. The routines. He needed to do his routines. But how could he do his routines without his binoculairs. Maybe he dropped them somewhere. Or did the pirates steal it? He wasn't sure. The only reminder he had was the scabbing on the side of his head. That was his only clue, as he couldn't remember anything about this latest encounter.

Just blank all of it was blank. Even so he knew what they could and would do. They cut his quills, pulled them out, broke them. The blood on his clothes he remembered that. On his gloves he cleaned. Stained crimson red. It made him tremble and his breathing became uneven.

“Stupid idiot! How could you lose your binoculairs!”

“I.. i don't know.”

“Where did you even lose them huh?”

“I don't know.”

“Maybe pirates stole it?”

“I don't know. Maybe... I cant remember.”

“Oh he doesn't remember. Way to go stupid idiot! How do you plan to look for ships now huh!”

“I... I.. can look. I just won't be able to see that far away.”

“Yes but that means the pirates will find you for sure now.”

“No, no, no they can't find me! They will hurt me!”

“What are we gonna do with this idiot. He's hopeless.”

“Hey now maybe you just dropped it somewhere. We don't know for sure if pirates took it.”

“Maybe.. maybe i did drop it.”

“Well then what are you waiting for idiot go look.”

“B.. But i don't know where to look.”

“Ugh your so stupid. Can't figure that out on your own. No wonder the pirates found you.”

“I'm not...I'm not stupid.”

“No your right about that. Your crazy and stupid. The biggest idiot ever. If you weren't so stupid then you wouldn't have to look for those binoculairs in the first place.”

“Is there really any point to look. Waste of time if you ask me. The pirates took it of course.”

“B..But what if they didn't. What if i dropped them?”

“Where did you drop them? Tell me what happened to them!”

“I... I don't know..”

“Stop being so mean. That's not helping. Try and remember. You must remember something.”

“I don't know. I don't know. My memories are all fuzzy. My head hurts when i try to think. I just can't remember.”

“Well you better try and remember fast. Or do you want to get hurt? Get your quills cut. Let them...”

“No stop it i don't want to think about that.”

“Well though luck. It's what's gonna happen wether i talk about it or not.”

“They will hurt me if they find me.”

“Right and you know what to do right. Do your routines, find your binoculairs.”

“I have to find them. I have to hide. I can't let them find me.”

Shiver looked frantically. In the woods. On the hills. In caves. He tried to do his routines as best he could. Looking for ships without binoculairs before continuing his search. His ears flicked constantly while he was looking. Listening for any sound. A hint of pirates on the island. Shiver turned around to look for any movement frequintly, but there was no one there he was alone.

“Being alone was good right?”

“The only way to stay safe.”

“If only the pirates would stay away.”

“If only i could stay alone forever.”

“I just want to be safe.”

“Alone and safe forever.”

But he knew the pirates would come here sooner or later, they always did.

Days of looking and nothing. This was bad really bad. Maybe pirates really did steal his binoculairs. If they did what could he do? The thing was he still didn't remember the last encounter with the pirates. He got hurt. That's all he knew. Any memories he did have where fuzzy, vague. A cold feeling, he remembered feeling really cold for some reason and something about a storm.

Is that why he was cold? Or did the pirates? Did they? No they didn't. They couldn't have. But they would dare to do that. They had done so before. Panic started flowing through his mind.

“No, no, no don't think about it.”

“You can't think about it.”

“Don't think about that.”

“It was so scary!”

“Being alone was good right?”

“The only way to stay safe right.”

“I just want to be safe.”

“Alone and safe forever.”

Shiver stood rooted in place breathing uneven. Heart racing. His whole body was shaking uncontrollably. Those binoculairs. He had to find them. They helped him stay safe.... What if he couldn't find them?

NO! NO! NO!

HE NEEDED TO FIND HIS BINOCULIAIRS TO STAY SAFE!

HE NEEDED TO BE SAFE!

HE COULDN'T GET HURT!

HE DIDN'T WANT TO GET HURT!

But Shiver already looked everywhere right? Everywhere except... A chill went down his spine. He looked everywhere besides the beach. His emerald eyes turned towards the beach. The tides where low. He could go there right now. Go to the beach and find the binoculairs. Where else would they be at this point if the pirates didn't steal them from him. Not staying at the beach any longer then he needed to.

No, no, no he didn't want to go near the beach, near the water closer to the ocean. Why was he so scared even though the tides are low? He was always afraid to go near the beach even with low tides. Yet somehow he was more anxious then normal right now.

“Keep an eye on the water.”

“Run if it rises.”

“Don't stay longer then you have to. ”

Shivers legs trembeled as he felt the soggy sand under his boots. Stopping him in his tracks.

“Just move go.”

“Your binoculairs must be here.”

“Go Move.”

Shiver tried to move he really tried, but he struggeled so much. His heart was beating fast. After every few steps he stopped. His legs refused to move further. Closer to the ocean that water.

“The water would hurt him, swallow him.”

“No, calm down.”

“The tides are low.”

“Your allright.”

“Just keep an eye on the water.”

“Run if it rises.”

Shiver moved forward very slowly. Every step was heavy. The more soggy the sand under his feet felt, the more anxious he became. Still he kept going. He needed to find his binoculairs. There was no other choice. Emerald eyes looked around anxiously. Looking through the rubble on the beach. Then back towards the ocean. Keeping an eye on the water. Tides where still low. Good.

Some driftwood and crates layed on the beach. Shiver got closer trying to see if his binoculairs where somewhere around here. As he got closer and touched the crates a sudden chill went through his spine. A clear memory entered his mind.

A memory of water on the beach rising rapidly came to him. The water was cold so very cold. It slammed him against the crate. The image of how he stood ankle deep in ocean water all of a sudden flashed through his mind. It rose out of nowhere. His heart started beating faster. Every breath he took became more uneven as panic started to swallow him.

Emerald eyes looked at the ocean. The tide was still low. But would it stay that way. Would it rise all of sudden. Swallow him? Shiver stood there frozen. That memory couldn't be real. It couldn't.

The water never rose that suddenly. Only in his nightmares. Was it a nightmare he was remembering. If it was then it was a bad one. A very bad one and it seemed so real. He... he couldn't stay on the beach. It was to dangerous. Way to dangerous.

Shiver couldn't focus on looking towards the ocean. Doing so made his vision tilt. That was to scary. He couldn't he just couldn't. Shakily he walked away from the beach. Each step he took was heavy. Get away. He needed to get away. Just get away from the beach, from the water.

In a daze he walked towards the forest. Emerald eyes spotted a rock covered in blood. This was his blood. He must have been here before. This is where the pirates had hurt him.

Why hadn't he noticed this before?

Didn't he look here before?

Maybe he missed it?

What if his binoculairs where here somewhere?

If he missed this rock then he could have overlooked his binoculairs too. Shiver walked into the forest. Walking up a slope. Something familiar about this area specifically. Like he'd been here recently. Doing something. Though he couldn't recall what he was doing here. It must have something to do with the pirates hurting him. Was he running from them? Again he couldn't remember. There was this feeling of fear though that flickered through. A memory vague and fuzzy.

Slowly Shiver looked around. Then after a bit of searching he saw it. His binoculairs where here laying there next to a tree. A sense of relief washed over him. They where dirty and covered in mud. Shiver wiped off the mud. Part of him almost couldn't believe he'd found them. He did though and now he could look for ships.

Shiver was about to leave to look for ships. Only to stop in his tracks when he noticed something weird. A tree with a charred whole in it. The rest of the tree seemed fine though. What on earth could have done that? He must be seeing things. Tired he was just tired. Anyway he had no time to dwell on it. Now that he found his binoculairs he should go and look for ships.

He made his way to the hill. Finally he could get a better view finally he could be a bit safer again. Hide as soon as ship showed up. But then as he got at the top he saw he didn't need his binoculairs to see ships at all. The colour drained from his face while a chill went down his spine.

A ship had arrived at the beach. Someone was standing next to it. Shiver was backing up. He grabbed his binoculairs. His ears folded backwards. Emerald eyes saw a black hedgehog.

“Oh no.”

“No, no, no, no.”

“This can't be real.”

“He looks so scary.”

“Wait haven't i seen him before?”

“B... But that was a dream right?”

“Just like that flyinh metal ship.”

“Wasn't that a dream?”

“No that flying metal ship was real right?”

Was he dreaming again?

Was he crazy?

Seeing things?

Wouldn't be the first time right?

If he was dreaming he wanted to wake up.

He just wanted to be alone and safe.

The look in this pirates eyes. So... so scary, angry. Danger. He was in danger. This pirate would hurt him. Shivers quills bristeled more and more as he panicked. His breathing got faster in tandem with his heartbeat.

“Why is that pirate here?”

“I have to run, hide. He'll hurt me.”

“Why do pirates always have to come here?”

“If this is a dream, please let me wake up.”

Ruby eyes looked right in his direction and in that moment Shiver felt a sense of dread.

Chapter Text

Dusk was relieved to be at sea. To get away from people. He just didn't want to deal with people. Moreso then usual. If he never had to see people again he would feel a lot better. Hopefully no one would bother him. Whatever if someone did he'd deal with them. He longed to never ever see anyone ever again. To just work on keeping his promise to Celeste. Nothing else mattered. If he could avoid dealing with people entirely he would, but he had to return to the inn at some point. No way out of doing that if he wanted to keep his promise.

The last few days where very uncomfortable. Being around Ivory and Pearl. That was almost unbearable. Those hazel eyes. The way they looked at him. It was almost as if she was actually concerned about him. He quickly shook his head at the thought. No of course she wasn't really concerned. Ivory didn't care about him at all. She was only worried about what he brought to the table, his money that's what she was interested in. A loyal customor that's all Dusk was to her. Nothing more, nothing less. That was a fact.

Then why did she make all of those meals for him?

It came in handy, but she really shouldn't have.

He could take care of himself.

He didn't need any help from anyone.

Besides people aren't to be trusted no matter how nice they act. The food she prepped was all part of her plan to keep him coming back as a loyal customor. That's all there was to it. Ivory couldn't fool him, he knew the truth behind her intentions. If she thought that she could, then that was foolish of her. Just like Marvin only helped him in exchange for a meal at the inn. People always wanted something. No one ever did anything without having ulterior motives.

Dusk glanced at the cupcakes. The memory of Pearl smiling at him sweetly as she handed them to him came to mind. He clenched his fists and pushed the thought away. Moving from side to side uncomfortably.

Why did he suddenly think about that?

Waste of his energy thinking about stupid things like that.

Why did he even bother?

“Stop thinking about that.”

“You have better things to do.”

“Important things.”

“Like gathering medicinal herbs, just as promised.”

“Keep your promise.”

“Don't fail Celeste.”

“You can't fail her.”

Dusk stood in his cabin quietly. Sometimes he imagined that Celeste was still here. Just his memories popping up. He could still see her walking around, hovering over the desk studying maps. She often sat in the chair reading books. At times she read things out loud for him. He sat next to her, close almost crawling onto her lap at times. His ruby eyes where fixated on her, listening to every word she spoke. She did that before he learned to read and even after he could read.

He remembered how Celeste sat next to him while she was teaching him the sounds of letters, words, how to read and write. Back when she first started he was younger and smaller. Needing a pillow to be able to reach the desk. Though he would also often sit on her lap. He had trouble at first, but Celeste was patient with him. Praised him whenever he got it right, told him it was okay to make a mistake. She used to guide his hand to write the letters correctly.

“Your doing great.”

“I knew you could do it.”

“See that wasn't so hard now was it?”

“I never doubted you.”

“You can write another word already that's amazing.”

“I'm so proud of you Dusk.”

Dusks ruby eyes trailed from his desk towards the wooden cabin walls. They saw wooden carvings. Carvings made of flowers. A reminder of Celeste. She was the one who carved them into the walls.

Everytime she discovered a new flower she'd draw it before carving it onto the walls. Dusk had always loved and admired these carvings. He once tried to carve a flower for her but failed miserably.

It barely looked like a flower. He used to much force, causing the knife to slip. That's when he accidentaly cut his hand. There was a lot of blood. Dusk let out a hiss in response to the pain. The carving of the flower was supposed to be a surprise for Celeste. Not a very good one as it turned out.

She ended up taking care of his wound. He had his ears folded back while feeling emberassed. Her kind blue eyes looked at him with a kind smile on her face. “It's okay this can happen. Next time you will be able to carve a lovely flower without hurting yourself.”

“I just wanted to surprise you. But my carving looks horrible and i hurt myself. I.. I made you worry. I'm sorry.” Dusk remembered how flustered and anxious he was when he said that. He really hadn't meant to worry her, but he did make her worry. Cutting himself pretty deep. If only he hadn't slipped.

Her blue eyes had gazed towards him and then to his carving. “I think it looks beautiful Dusk. For your first try this is amazing. This is by far my favorite one. Thank you for this wonderfull gift.”

His hand lingered on the flower he carved back then. Crooked, barely any nice petals. A failure, ugly it barely looked like a flower. This is where he hurt his hand, made Celeste worry and still she loved it. Sometimes he wondered why. It wasn't as nice or perfect as her carvings. He could never carve one as perfect or beautiful as Celeste.

That wasn't all she carved into these walls. Dusk let his hand slide over some other carvings. They where different. His fingers traced down. Lines where carved here. Numbers, measerements. Keeping track of something. Following it's growth. These where his measurements. His Ruby eyes looked at the first one she made. Dusk used to be so much smaller back then. How he had grown since then. He had to stand very still as Celeste took a pencil to draw just above his head before carving it in the wall. Each and every time she told him excitedly how many inches he'd grown.

Her bright smile, the touch of her gentle fingers, the pen moving gently above his head. This was all so long ago now. Dusk traced his fingers over the last line. He was taller then when his measurements where last taken. Not long before... before.... Dusk clenched his fist and put his head against the wall. Before he failed her.

What would she say if she saw him now? She'd likely insist on measering him. Telling him how much he'd grown. He could try and do it himself but. No he shouldn't. Even if he could do it, chances where high that he'd fail pretty miserably at that. Besides without Celeste, what was even the point of doing so?

Dusk shook his head.

He needed to focus on what was important.

Keeping Celeste's promise was important.

He couldn't fail with that.

That wasn't allowed.

He could and would not fail her.

Not again.

Not ever again.

Dusk stood in his cabin. Ruby eyes where focused on the map in front of him. His hand gripped firmly around a compass. He was fidgeting with it absentmindly. Not long now before he'd arrive. Sailing had gone smooth due to the nice weather. The sea had been calm. He felt uneasy though. As if he wasn't alone. It felt like someone was watching him, observing him. Looking close at every move he made. From the tiniest movement to the more noticible ones. It made him his skin crawl.

Who was watching him?

There couldn't be anyone here could there?

Did pirates enter his ship?

How could they without him noticing?

Though they could be sneaky sometimes.

Filthy pirates.

They would definitly dare to try.

They'd be fools to mess with him.

The unease in Dusk started to grow. He turned around. Nothing no one there. As to be expected. Perhaps he was just a bit on edge. This was new territory after all. Last time he was here he'd gotten lost. That did lead him to that island so that was good. Though thinking about the fact that he got lost still upset him. That was something to be ignored as much as possible. Still those annoying thoughts popped up wether he wanted them to or not.

“I don't get lost.”

“I can't get lost ever.”

“I always go wherever i want, can't do that if i get lost.”

“That would mean breaking my promise with Celeste.”

“I won't fail her.”

“I can't fail her not again.”

“Not ever.”

Dusk had to focus. Don't waste time thinking about getting lost. Make sure you get to the island.

“Your prepared.”

“You made the map.”

“There's a new compass.”

“Nothing to worry about.”

It was not that far anymore. Not according to his estimates. He made them correctly. No mistakes. He couldn't fail. He would find that island.

Still Dusk felt so uneasy as he could swear there where eyes on him. Watching him. A feeling he just couldn't shake. His quills bristeled. Damn what was this uneasy feeling about? He turned around. No one to be seen. Still why did he feel this way? There was nothing there.

“Stop being stupid.”

The feeling didn't go away though. So he proceeded to check his entire ship. Looked for ships on the sea. No ships. No one to be found on his ship.

Just Dusk wasting time. Acting like a fool. He really felt like one now. Being in unfamiliar territory must be getting to him more then he thought. There was no way to know if there where pirates here or sailed this part often. They may very well have, it's just that he wouldn't know. It's not that he ever talked to a pirate or gave them the time of day. They where scum, never to be trusted.

“Stop wasting time being stupid.”

“Focus on finding the island.”

“On keeping your promise.”

“Part of that is to find and explore this island.”

“You wouldn't want to fail her now would you?”

Before Dusk could blink everything around him changed suddenly. Sky filled with dark clouds. Temperatures dropped rapidly. Hail and rain fell from the sky acompanied by purple lightning strikes. Waves that where impossibly high slammed violently against his ship. It made him lose his balance. He stumbeled forward on the deck.

Dusk dropped the compass he was holding as he was slammed against the ground by a big wave. Ruby eyes looked in horror as they saw the compass rolling away from him. It rolled closer and closer to the ocean.

“Damn it!”

Dusk tried to get it in a hurry. The waves kept slamming violently against his ship. He couldn't keep his balance. Each wave was bigger and more violent then the one that came before.

He was being thrown from on side of the ship to the other side. The compass got away, closer and closer to the ocean. So very close to the edge. Panic started flooding him. He needed to hurry and get it before it was to late. Without that compass navigating would be impossible during the day. He might get lost again.

No that wasn't allowed.

That meant failing.

Failing wasn't an option.

The sudden storm gave him no reprieve. A wave slammed him against the floor as he got close to the compass. His hand was desperatly reaching. But he was to late. Dusk watched in horror as another wave crashed against the ship causing the compass to be flung over the edge. The ocean had claimed it and there was nothing he could do about it.

“No!”

He had failed again.

How could he fail again?

Waves kept slamming against the against the ship for what seemed like an eternity. The storm did pass eventually. When the ocean was calm again, the darkness had lifted there was this sense of an eerie calm. Dusk looked around lost.

He couldn't recognize anything.

Nothing familiar to be seen.

Where was he?

Ruby eyes strained to find anything that might help him figure out where he was. Nothing. Just nothing. He was lost again. Not even the stars that lit up the sky that night could help him. For some reason he couldn't recognize the stars. As if his brain had forgotten. Celeste had taught him better then that. He needed to get his act together or he would fail her.

Those ruby eyes of his looked at the stars. But no matter how he looked it was all foreign to him. Why wouldn't his brain work?

Duks stood completely still as he could feel a pair of eyes watching him again. He turned around to see a face he couldn't place. He didn't know who this was. Or how he or she got on his ship. Frankly he could care less. Whoever this was, was mocking him.

“Your Pathetic.”

“A failure.”

“That got lost.”

“Can't even keep your promise.”

“You can't even recognize the stars.”

“You really are worthless.”

“A waste of space.”

What hurt the most was that he or she was right about him. Dusk didn't know where he was. At this point he was hopelessly lost. Not even able to use the stars to find his way.

Before Dusk could speak the face of the one before him started to look familiar. Blue eyes, light skin, golden hair a kind smile. A girl wearing a heavenly blue dress with white ruffles on her sleeves. These ruffles where embroided with flowers. The puffy sleeves reached to her elbows and her dress came below her knee's.

Celeste stood in front of him.

Dusk looked at her in awe.

How could this be? She was.... She was...

Celeste smiled at him faintly. A sudden bad coughing fit caused her to stumble forward right into his arms. Dusk hugged her, held her tight. He never wanted to let her go. He wanted to make her feel better. Heal her. Maybe it wasn't to late. Maybe he could still...

“Why? Why didn't you save me? Why did you let me down?” You.. You failed me...” 

“No, no i didn't mean.. Celeste i tried.”

“Did you really?”

“I did i promise i did. I'm sorry. I miss you. Maybe i can still.”

Celeste hugged him. It was nice to feel her warm embrace. Oh how he had missed his sister.

“My poor little brother. Have i upset you? It will be allright. I'm here now.”

“Please don't leave me Celeste. Stay. I miss you. I'll make you better. I promise. Just don't leave.”

Her eyes grew darker as she pulled him closer into a hug. “Stay with you. I wish i could. But you see i'm gone. Because of you. You promised to cure me and you failed. It's all your fault. Your a failure. How can i even trust a single word out of your mouth? ”

“No i'm sorry Celeste. I tried. I won't fail you. I'll keep the promise i made. I will. I've been gathering those medicinal herbs to cure others just as promised.”

“Look around you Dusk. You can't even tell where you are right now. Completely and utterly lost. A failure of little brother. I knew i shouldn't have trusted you to find those medicanal herbs. Figures you would fail at that too. You couldn't save me, you can't save anyone else. Your just a miserable failure of a brother.”

Dusk walked away and looked around desperatly. He wanted to tell her she was wrong. That he wasn't lost. But truth to be told she wasn't wrong. Everything looked the same to him. The stars where unregonizable. He was completely lost.

“I'm sorry Celeste. P.. Please don't go. I can still...” He muttered as he ran up to her. Celeste slapped his hand away.

“Who'd ever want a brother like you. A failure. It's all your fault i'm gone. Your fault. You waste of space. A failure that's all you are. If it weren't for you i'd still be here!”

Dusk kept begging and pleading. Tears where rolling down his cheecks making his vision go blurry. His whole body was trembeling. “Please i'm sorry. Don't go. I can still keep the promise i made. I won't fail you.”

Celeste looked at him coldly.

“I wish you weren't my little brother. Your a pathetic failure. I wasted so much time on you. Teaching you everything i know. For what? A waste of time is what you are. I hate you!”

With a jolt his eyes snapped open. Dusk was breathing heavely. Furr covered in sweat. His heart was pounding. A nightmare. Just a nightmare. His shirt and jacket where completely soaked in sweat. He soon noticed that he had pushed over the ink pot in his sleep.

Damn it! How could he be so stupid? Dusk tried to clean up the mess but the damage was done. The map had a huge stain on it and was mostly useless now. He'd have to remake it. He was such a failure. This was so stupid. He messed up badly. This would waste so much time.

Why was he such a failure?

Couldn't he do anything right?

How hard was it to do things right?

It took him time and effort but Dusk managed to recreate the map he'd messed up. He wasted so much time.

Dusk had his compass in hand. Keeping an eye on it aswell as the wind. Things where going well aside from his messup with the map earlier. A mistake he would rather forget.

“Focus on where your going.”

“Don't mess up.”

“Shouldn't be to far now.”

His Ruby eyes looked in shock as something strange happened. The needle of the compass started going crazy. Spinning fast. Then slowing down before going fast again. What was going on? This was the same thing that happened before. Was it broken?

“Stupid compass.”

“You'll make me get lost again.”

“I can't get lost.”

“I can't fail.”

Uggh and it was daytime, which meant no stars to help him. Great that was just great. This couldn't be happening. Not again. It gave him such a headache. Must have been a faulty compass that they sold to him. How could it brake so easily otherwhise. Tcch nothing he could do about it now. Annoying this was all so annoying. He groaned.

“Damn it! Stupid peace useless piece of metal making me get lost again!”

“I'm not supposed to get lost.”

“I don't get lost.”

“I can't get lost!”

“I can't fail!”

“I have to keep my promise to Celeste.”

“Why is this happening?”

“Figures that i bought a faulty compass.”

“You can't trust anyone.”

“They probably knew about it aswell.”

“Uggh why does this have to be such a pain.”

Dusk threw the compass onto the floor in a fit of anger. It didn't make him feel better though. He was still angry an upset. He needed to focus.

At this point he should be close to the island right? He knew that was the case. All he had to do was find it. Ruby eyes looked around. Nothing to be seen. Not at first. After scanning thorougly with his binoculairs he spotted a familiar island. That was it. It had to be. Dusk set his course in that direction.

He spotted the familiar hills. The trees. This was it. He found the island. The compas may have been broken but he found it. Dusk was relieved but still upset. Ruby eyes looked at the compass in his hands. It was still acting up.

“Stupid piece of metal.”

“Almost made me get lost again”.

Fortunately he didn't get lost. But getting back to harbour island would be a pain now that this stupid piece of metal was broken. He would only be able to navigate at night. That wasted more time again. Something he'd rather not think about at the moment.

While Dusk stood on the beach there was this strange feeling. It suddenly felt like he was being watched. Was he imagining things? Could someone be here? He did have that feeling last time, but he didn't see anyone. Was he wrong? Perhaps he was.

Dusk turned around. He looked at the hills and the trees but didn't really see anyone.

Then he noticed some light reflecting from on top of one of hills. No doubt from some binoculairs. Someone was on the lookout. A pirate scout no doubt? Filthy pirate that would soon tell his crew he was here. He couldn't let that pass now could he? The anger was clear in his ruby eyes. Glaring intensly. Whoever was looking should be intimidated by that.

If this filthy pirate wasn't then that was foolish.

If he wasn't planning to stay that wouldn't have bothered him. But now he was gonna explore the island and leave his ship unattended. If there where pirates he'd have to sent them the message not to mess with him. To stay away from his ship. Just giving a glare wouldn't be enough. No that might just frighten this one but once he told his crew they might grow bold and try to ambush him or mess with his ship.

Besides Dusk was still feeling really on edge at this point. His quills had started bristeling as soon as he felt those eyes on him. As if the stress of the compass breaking and possibly getting lost again wasn't enough.

He kept glaring in the direction of the hill with those ruby red eyes. Making sure to intimidate whoever dared to spy on him. That wasn't all. No he'd makes sure to find that lookout. Send him and his stupid crew a clear message. To make sure they knew to not mess with him. Or they would regret it.

Dusk was quick to find the filthy pirate. A trembeling cobalt blue hedgehog. He looked pretty intimidated by his glare already. Good he should know not to mess with him. Now for the part where this pathetic hedgehog would tell this to his crew.

He grabbed the cobalt blue hedgehog by his collar and slammed him to the ground. Glaring at him with his Ruby eyes. This dumb pirate was mumbeling something, talking to someone. He didn't quite catch what was said, nor did he care. No doubt trying to call his crewmates for help. Something did throw Dusk of. For some reason this stupid pirate didn't try to run or get away from his grip. This blue hedgehog just stared with it's bright emerald green eyes.Clearly looking intimidated by him.

That was what Dusk was going for, but it also confused him a little bit. Why didn't he attempt to run or fight? Push him away or do anything? Strange, not something he wanted to dwell on. If he didn't run or fight or heck even move, there was still one thing Dusk would make perfectly clear.

“Stay away from me.”

“Don't mess with me.”

“If i see you or anyone else come close to me or my ship you'll regret it.”

“Don't test me.”

“You will regret it.”

All he could hear in response where faint wimpers and it seemed like the blue hedgehog was breathing a bit too fast. Pff no matter. He made his point and if this stupid pirate wasn't going to move he may aswell move.

No sense in staying here. There was an island to explore, herbs to gather. Dusk had a job to do a promise to keep. No point in staying close to this stupid shaking blue hedgehog. So he walked away not looking back. All the while the blue hedgehog behind him didn't move an inch.

Chapter Text

Shiver just wanted to be safe. After he finally found his binoculairs, he felt a little safer. Only for a moment, though. All of that faded the moment he saw a pirate ship. It got even worse when he spotted the pirate standing next to it. A black hedgehog with red highlights. The pirate was wearing a black jacket with red, white, and gold embroidery next to the buttons and on the sleeves.

The buttons where gold. His jacket fit him perfectly like it was tailored specifically for him. He was wearing a white shirt with frills at the sleeves and dark brown gloves with gold rings at the cuffs. Gold ornamental buttons decorated his dark brown boots. The whole demeanor he carried himself with screamed i'm a dangerous pirate. He looked so scary. An angry look was plastered on his face. This pirate would hurt him.  

Shiver wasn't even sure if he was real or not. He really hoped he wasn't real.

Maybe he was still dreaming, or imagining things. 

That happened sometimes.

It wouldn't be the first time right.

Chaos he really wished it was just a nightmare.

That he'd wake up screaming as he often did.

This had to be nightmare.

What if it wasn't?

If it was then he really wanted to wake up now.

Shiver rubbed his eyes. No change he could still see the pirate. Then he closed his eyes and opened them again. Only to see the same thing. Though ven if this pirate was really here, that didn't mean he had noticed him just yet.

That meant there was still time to run.

To hide.

To get to safety.

Chaos he just wanted to be safe.

He didn't want to get hurt and this pirate would hurt him.

It's what pirates did.

He knew that.

Just make sure to hide.

Your safe if you hide.

Sure that pirate looked scary and very angry. But it's not like he was looking in his direction. Perhaps he was just in a bad mood.

“Oh no, no, no.”

“If he's in a bad mood then he'll.”

“No... no.. don't think about it.”

“I don't want to think about it.”

A pirate in a bad mood wasn't a good thing. Shiver couldn't let this pirate find him. He was scary and if he really was in a bad mood, that made things worse.

Pirates where at there worst like this. They wouldn't waste time to hurt him.

They could at times really enjoy hurting him. Mostly that's what happened. When a pirate was angry though... Then things could get really bad for him.

Shiver breathing became uneven.

Things would get bad.

Really bad.

“No, no, no.”

“Don't think about it.”

“You can't.”

“You can't think about that..”

“They would cut your quills.”

“No if they are angry they don't cut them.”

“They just pull them out.”

“Then after that.. after that..”

“They'd also... do that...”

“No... no.. no!”

Shiver was breathing heavily. Trying not to shake. That was out his controll. Anxiety ran rampant and caused his body to tremble.

He needed to go.

Get away.

He needed to hide.

But to do so he had to check one more time. Look one more time. He needed to know where the pirate was going. So he knew where to hide.

Nervous trembeling hands gripped the binoculairs as his emeralds eyes looked at the beach. A very angry looking pirate was standing on the beach. Kicking up sand with his feet.

Was the pirate throwing something? Whatever it was it's not like Shiver could tell from this distance. Something small. Didn't really matter though. He really seemed upset. Scary he looked so scary. Shiver had not been seen yet. He was facing away from him. There was still time to get away, to hide. Time to get to safety. Before Shiver could move the pirate turned around. A moment later he looked in his direction. Glaring at him angrily with those ruby eyes.

Shiver almost dropped his binoculairs. The colour drained from his face.

“Oh no, no, no.”

“This couldn't be happening!”

“Had he seen him?”

“He couldn't have seen him right? “

“That look in his eyes so scary.”

“The pirate looked right at him.”

“He looked so angry and scary.”

“He would hurt him.”

“Run!”

“Hide get away!”

Shivers body refused to move. He stood there frozen in place. Unable to move. He wanted to move. Chaos he needed to move. To run. To hide. But it was no use. His body didn't listen. While his mind was screaming to run and hide. Frozen. Shiver wascompletely frozen. He had to get away. But nothing happened. Nothing listened. Not a single muscle moved. Trying to move hurt. It hurt so much.

“Move come on move”

“He'll hurt you.”

“You can't let him find you!”

“You have to move!”

Shivers eyes wandered to back to the beach.

Emerald eyes widened in shock.

Where was the pirate?

Did he go away. Did he see him?

Maybe he was seeing things.

Was that pirate ever really there?

Was he dreaming?

Before Shiver could give it much more thought, there was something. No someone stood in front of him. The pirate glared at him with his ruby eyes. Staring in anger. Shiver got grabbed by his collar and smacked against the ground.

He was trembeling and breathing heavily. The pirate pushed him into the ground. Shiver could feel his arm pushing against his ribs. It hurt. It hurt. This pirate was going to hurt him. He looked angry scary.

An angry pirate is bad news. Shiver breathing started picking up more. His heart was almost beating out of his chest. This was bad really bad. He knew that.

Shiver was mumbeling something to himself. Though it only came out as whimpers.

“Well what are you waiting for? Push him away and run. You don't want to get hurt do you?”

“I... don't. I.. can't he's to strong.”

“Pathetic. Well guess that means you'll have to say goodbye to your quills. Just when they where growing back nicely.”

“I don't want to lose my quills. I don't want to get hurt.”

“You can do it just move.”

“I can't.. I can't.. Move i have to move. I have to get away. B...but i can't...”

The pirate glared at him. He didn't hear whatever Shiver was mumbeling to himself through the wimpers. He kept up the pressure so that Shiver couldn't move. Though even if he wanted to try and run it's not like his body was listening to him. No his body had refused to move the moment he saw the pirate. Frozen he was frozen.

“Move!”

“You have to move!”

“Get away!”