#sebam

A nameless child in a far-off world where the people have come, far over the course of their history that they are no longer as brutal as they once were. Many generations have come and gone, and those who live now are considered royal, that of noble blood. Priding themselves in knowing who they are, what they can do and like scholars will never stop in their endeavors to improve. In the past the people were at arms with one another, split in two factions, referring themselves as the Light and the Dark. The two sides fought one another until it felt as if the hope of ever finding peace with one another was at it’s lowest. For most they fell into despair or let themselves act as savage dogs in war. That was, until members from each side, decided to push against the ideals of those who lead them and formed a new side. An Eclipse of sorts, instead of fighting like their predecessors, they stood against the two sides, using words over actions, to end the war. It took much convincing for either side to finally agree and lower their weapons, but once they did, it allowed the everybody to grow into a stronger, more united, and civilized culture… They became the High Elves… The Elves of the Sun and the Moon.

Nowadays most Elves only know of this from stories in their history books, but one never got to see the end of such a book. That child had no name, most Elves when of age give themselves one that fits what reflects their soul. They never got to know the end of that book or others, as the universe had different plans for them. Like others, this child grew up proud of who they were and how their people had grown. In fact, you could even say this child had never felt the deal of stress in their life. Yet nothing good can last forever, as during one of the parties of the religious ceremonies for the Moon Elves, the child had wandered away from their parents during the celebrations. With no true threats of others in this world, a child wandering off was of no real concern as they would always come back. This was not the case however, as fate had decided that when this child walked alone in the night, the stars and planets would align across multiple dimensions. This had a strange effect on the magic that each universe had, portals would open in each place at random, staying open only as long as the heavenly bodies were aligned. The child had the misfortune of being in place of one such portal when it opened and dragged them away from all they had known. Taking them from their home leaving them abandoned in a strange new world... Earth...

1854, New Jersey… The portal closed, leaving them abandoned in this new world. Fate had only given them one nice thing when they had awoken, and that was that no one had noticed them yet, giving them a chance to collect themselves. At least, that is what the smart thing to do would be, but being an Elven child who is basically twelve in human years who has never known danger, that was not a thought that came to mind. Finding themselves in the back streets of somewhere entirely new. A place that was not safe for someone like them, as to the those who lived here would not understand what they were, but the things they could do to them if they did find them would not be a pleasant experience. But the child did not know this and so the idea of finding themselves on what they assumed was another island back in their world, they felt no need to stress or worry over the consequences of looking around for others. If this was just another island, they had somehow found themselves on then why did this place look so different to home? The Elves after the war had come together had shared the knowledge, they had gathered with each other so everyone could live a more civilized life. Yet this was a stark contrast of where they were hours ago was like night and day, quite literally. What was once night was now day, and the lush long grasses that swayed in the winds was replaced with dulled boring shades of browns and greys of buildings and pathways of mediocre construction. A contradiction of the shining clean walls, built with the highest of care that one might think the homes and churches were made of packed crystal.

Confusion washed over them as they turned their head about in search for the for the portal that had brought them there, but it had long since disappeared, trapping them here. What was that thing that had brought them here? Where were they? What was this place? Why was it so depressing and different from their home? Many thoughts like this raced and darted through their mind, but the young Elf was strangely calm and had already picked themselves up off the ground to wander about, taking in everything that they saw. On all sides surrounding them the buildings that hid them away from the world towered over them like corpses of rock giants. That was at least how they thought of the buildings, as they lacked any colour or sign that true care was put into creating them. They started to search all around with great curiosity, wanting to know more about this mysterious land until they heard people? Civilization! Oh! By the Goddess they were saved, maybe now they could finally get answers of where they were. Without hesitation they rushed towards the sound of life only to come skidding to a halt. The sounds of life had not disappointed, but what they had found was not what they expected… The ‘people’ that they had found looked different to them, most were pale while others reminded them of Sun Elves, but the biggest difference was that their ears were not long and pointed. These were not Elves, but something that looked similar enough, but that small difference was enough for them to realize that this world was not their own had finally come to light.

Standing there in shock, the Elf tried to comprehend what was going on, their mind racing faster and faster than before? Though the sudden appearance of this blue skinned being just standing there had not gone unnoticed by those around. Everyone in the area had stopped what they were doing to stare, with gasps of shock and awe, some in already formed groups began to mutter in between themselves whispering back and forth like schoolgirls. This was not home; home had no tales of a land like this one with people who looked so similar yet different all at once. To make matters worse some of the people got closer to them, surrounding them at the entrance of the gap between the buildings they had emerged from. Snapping out of their train of thought the Elf looked back at the crowd, in response they cried out in confusion trying to ask these strangers each, and every thought that crossed their mind, wanting answers to everything that has happened. But them opening their mouth to speak had only caused issues, as the crowd around them once again gasp in surprise, only this time they responded back communicating to each other about the Elf’s words with ones that they did not understand. Neither side could understand what the other was saying and that was about to unleash a tidal wave of chaos.

Suddenly, an entirely new sensation began to build within their core, the feeling of… Fear… The increase of stress felt so foreign, and so wrong that the way they acted out response to the feeling caused the crowd to panic as well. However, one of the members of the crowd acted differently than the rest in that moment, reaching out to grab the Elf by the arm speaking out loudly to the rest of the group saying something that caught the interest of most within a second. Those who were interested looked towards the Elf with a strange glint in their eyes they could not recognize. While the rest of the men looked towards them with uncertainty, as if they were looking at a strange new animal that they felt could attack them at any moment. That look in the eyes of those around had only made the feeling of anxiety spike, so when the person who tried to grab attempted to grab them again, the Elf pulled away telling them to stop. But that small act of defiance had riled the crowd of men up even more, and those who had that look of interest slowly started moving closer to them. Their hands reaching out towards them like tendrils as they spoke in that strange language once more. But they were not speaking to one another, instead to the Elf, trying to coax the child closer to them as is they were a cat.

In one swift movement a few members of the crowd had jumped towards them eagerly their hands trying to grab a hold of them to bring them closer to them. Feeling like if they did not grab them now, they would lose them as if they were a balloon a child had let go, but that had only scared the young Elf more than they already were. Pulling away from them faster, they had already started to retreat into the alley trying to tell them to stop once more, forgetting that these beings could not understand the words being spoken to them. Instead, the rest of the crowd who were uncertain started to show interest had begun to join in trying to get closer to grab at them like the first few. With the men getting closer the Elf started to back up quicker, looking back behind themselves repeatedly. Those small glances behind themselves were all it took for the approaching men to realize what they were about to do. All at once they all leapt forward to them at once like a large tidal wave, causing the child to scream in terror as they started to run away from the strangers. Who in response to their act had started to chase after like a pack of wild dogs, yelling out in barks in their strange tongue as the child cried out again and again for them to stop.

Each step that the Elf took against the cobbled path of the back streets should have echoed against the walls of the buildings that towered above, but the sounds of the stampede of feet and yells from behind had drowned them out. It felt as if the buildings around them were growing, and each turn they made lead to a much longer pathway in a maze of many. How long had they been running for now? Ten? Fifteen minutes? Normally a child would have started to tire after being forced to run like this, so being from a world where they were raised up to be healthy with the added boost of adrenaline was enough to keep them far enough away from their aggressors. It was only a matter of time before they would start to tire, or they found themselves in a dead end. One could only hope that maybe the people behind would tire out before they would. But from the quick glances the Elf would steal from over their shoulder they would see that they were calling out to others, and when one would tire and stop running someone else would take their place. It was obvious they were communicating with one another, but what was being said that had made these new people join and become so interested could not be made out. Though from what the Elf could gather, they acted like the bullies they had seen and met back home… Only this time, they were full grown and probably more dangerous.

After running for what felt like forever, the Elf saw, what looked like an exit to this maze of stone to what they could tell was a dirt road and on the other side looked like an entire field, full of trees, full of twists and turns and many good hiding spots. If they could get into the trees, they could perhaps loose the mob of men in there and then be safe. That was enough reason for them to pick up the pace, creating the largest distance between themselves and those behind so far. Only the moment they ran out of the alley, they had risked looking behind themselves once more to taunt the men in a sudden burst of pride had they had run into someone, making them both cry out in surprise as they fell to the ground. Immediately the Elf started to apologies to this person as they began to pick themselves up, so they could run again but the person they had knocked down instead held them firmly by the arm startling them greatly. They tried to pull away asking them to let go in panic, but the sounds of the men chasing them starting to leave the alley they just came from left them frozen where they stood. These people were about to get them… Did the Goddess Angharradh not care for them? Did they somehow upset her or the Three? As they stood there shaking, their mind racing with questions, the fear within building in their core more and more silencing them completely. The men that had followed them slowed in their approach, their voices becoming much more hushed as they looked at each other as the person the Elf ran into started to stand.

It was a woman… Glaring at the men in an unimpressed silence, like she was a mother mentally scolding them for their bad behavior. Her skin was rich like the earth on a summer’s day, yet strong like the trees of old that stood strong in the winter months. While her hair was a shining gold like the finest of jewels, with a darker underlayer to it. If that was not enough, then the fact that her hair was not straight like that of those the Elf had seen, it was curly like a spring, though being held back in many braids that kept her hair out of her face. The clothes she wore was simple, being a dress cream with brown and red accents that complimented her nicely. Despite how she was given these men such a stern look, she had an aura about her like that of a parent, who you could trust her with your life. For the young Elf, it did feel like their life was in their hands at this point as she still held onto their arm.

She did not look towards the Elf, instead keeping her gaze solely focused on the men in front of her. The moment one tried to speak, she raised her free hand shushing him and the rest of them all at once. Now they had done it, the lady had started to talk to them in a way that even the child could understand. This woman was telling them off for how they were acting and anytime one of them tried to defend themselves they were shushed up against once more making her even more upset than before. It did not take long for her men to reduce these men to basically becoming little boys again, looking down at their shoes awkwardly as they muttered out what was presumed was an apology. Pointing out back towards the main part of the town, she said something to them to at which they did not respond to at first, but once she repeated herself again in a much more agitated tone that caused them to quickly leave, stumbling over each other to get away as to not upset her more. However, once they had left the agitation that she had felt melted away in seconds, and the nasty glare she had was replaced with a soft smile as she tuned to face the Elf. Giving them a knowing look, the woman chuckled softly asking them what sort of trouble they had been getting into to cause such a ruckus. As they were about to respond to their question, they shut themselves up in surprise. Did she just speak Elvish?

Seeing the look of shock, confusion and every emotion cross the child’s face in such a short amount of time she chuckled once more, moving some of the hair at the side of her face away revealing that she had pointed ears like they did… She was a Sun Elf. She was from their home, how glad that made them, perhaps they could help them get back home. Finally finding their courage they started to speak up, moving towards the lady quickly, holding onto like she did them, afraid that they might lose her as they questioned her. In response, the Sun Elf only smiled softly at the younger Elf as they removed the shawl from off her shoulders, wrapping it around them telling them that it would all be okay. Placing one arm around them, she led them from the path they were on, away from the town they just came from. As they walked, she promised that all would be safe now, where no one like these humans could hurt them for being different and tried to answer whatever question they had. They would go to a place that she had created for beings like them and anyone else left alone could come for refuge.

During their walk the Sun Elf had revealed that her name was Solgina, a name that in High Elevish was a mixture between Sol and Regina, meaning Sun Queen or Queen of the Sun. A name she had given herself when she had found herself in this world, after she had taken in other children off the streets, be they Elf, human or of another race. To her these were children who needed care and love, not what everyone else has given in life so far. This kindness she showed these kids had earned her the nickname of ‘The Mother’, even most of the adults knew who she is because of that and so everyone seems to love her like a mother. To the young Elf, they could see no faults with this woman as she was the only one in this new world they could rely on. She had also taught the young Elf that they were different to the other humans here, not just with how they looked but also with how they aged. For every seven and a half years here, they would age one year in Elven years.

The moment they arrived in what they assumed was her home- a large building far from the others of the town-the two were greeted by a sudden cheer of joy as Solgina had returned to the many numerous children she had taken in over the years of her being here. The Elven child moved to the side letting the other children swarm around her to give her hugs or to be held by her, trying for attention. Once she gotten them settled down, she spoke to them in the strange language that the Elven child would learn to be English, telling the other children about how they have a new member to their large family. But with them being a Moon Elf, Solgina had to keep them closer than most of the other children since they simply could not speak the same language. Though some of the children could somewhat understand and speak certain words and phrases from overhearing Solgina say them repeatedly over the years. That was not enough for the Elven child to talk to them properly, they would have to be taught how to speak English, as well as to read and write in the language just like the other children had.

Overtime, the child learnt the language to a basic degree that now they could at least talk in basic sentences, while their understanding of the reading and writing was like that of an adult. Allowing them to start socializing with the other children and learn more about this world separate from The Mother. Even with the difficultly of having some issues still when speaking and processing what others around them said, the Elf was able to show that even with such boundaries they could find other ways of communicating with them via writing. That ability to be able to think of ways to get around difficult challenges such as this, showed to many others that they could use them to help them with what they had planned, be that a small prank or sneaky plan. With them already being close to The Mother helping her with the other children they had earned the nickname of ‘The Eldest’, and with such a title they had come to learn many things. Like the home that they all shared was not owned by Solgina, but of a man who is rarely seen by the children, and those who seemed to terrify the Townsfolk.

Even as years went by, any hopes of ever returning home had started to be forgotten as they were now in charge of all the children when The Mother was away. To which often she left and for such extended periods of time, the Elf had started to question things. Why did she keep leaving them? At first, they always protested when she left them, terrified they would never see anyone from their homelands again, but she always came back, easing their anxieties. Now though, they wanted to know why she had kept doing this and why she brought certain people home with her. So, they took it upon themselves to investigate the matter. Despite still physically being a child, their mind was much older and anyone close to them could see that, it was as clear as glass when the sun shone through it.

As they started to investigate this matter, they noted how every so often The Mother would send certain young children out with one or two older ones during the day with money. When they would come back, they would have brought back food, money, clothes, anything that they deemed important. But sometimes, they would bring back adults. They would usually be drunk or in some rare cases sober, but one thing stayed the same they were rich and generally good-looking. That immediately struck a chord with the Elf as something very odd, as adults that were not The Mother or anyone who she said they could trust was okay, so why did they bring these ones home? Each time this happened, they noted how this happened at least once a week, sometimes more depending on how Solgina was feeling. That was most definitely odd, so rather than ask straight up about this they offered themselves to be a guardian for one of the young children for the day when they did this. At first Solgina protested at this idea, stating that another Elf should not do such a task such as this, but the child protested back saying that they have proven themselves more than capable not wanting her to baby them. Not wanting to argue further, she finally agreed if they promised they stayed out of sight of the human adults and only went out during the nights.

This was the beginning of a new world they had no idea they were getting involved in… Before they went out, they were told that they were looking for a specific adult, giving them a description of what they looked like, where they should be and to always keep a hood on. After all that they went out in search of the place to find this man, and once they were found all they could do was watch and wait as the small child did their job as they practically made a fool of themselves in front of the drunken men. Their laughter cut through the air almost as strongly as the smell of ale and smoke clung to their clothes, as they staggered about the street from drinking so late into the night. Only once did the man they were looking for separate from the group going towards the child, did the young one move away from him leading him away from the others. When they were far enough away doing the child run back to the Elf, leading the man straight to them. Picking them up in their arms, the Elf revealed themselves from where they hid to the drunken man and told them that The Mother was waiting for him back home. Even with how drunk he was, that seemed to sober the man straight up at the mention of Solgina, making him follow in silence.

When they finally got back home the Elf had given the young one away to one of the older children, knowing the routine of taking them and putting them to bed like they had done many times themselves. With a nod between the two older members, the Elf led the man to Solgina’s quarters where she was waiting for him. The man gulped nervously as he entered, trying to speak sweetly to her as if trying to butter her up like a lover who is trying to fix a mistake in their relationship. But she did not look mad at him, not once, in fact she smiled… No, smirked at him as he got closer. Now standing within a few feet of one another, it was like he was put into a trance of some form as all the tenseness from his body had disappeared. In fact, her just putting a hand on his face made him melt into her touch like butter. He was starting to babble away sweet nothings now, as she cooed at him softly ignoring his words. In the next moment, she asked the younger Elf to leave and so they did…

Now that they started to help her with what she was doing, they noticed that more men would be brought here the same way they did before without most others noticing. But it did not end there, these men rarely truly left, they would either stay out of sight away from the children that the young Elf started to see as their siblings or would leave during the night and return later. In fact, it only seemed to get worse now that they were helping her. They still did know her true intent, but at the time they could only keep helping her with what she wanted until their trust grew more. To do that, they would have to do more of these jobs for her and risk the children getting hurt when going out like this. Every time they did this it always broke their heart seeing the ones, they cared about so much being put into such a position, yet thankfully nothing ever got worse.

This went on for weeks, months and now the two Elves were closer than ever and Solgina thought it was time that the Moon Elf finally got to know more about what happens. On the condition that they named themselves and promised to help her with what she was doing. It took them a long time to think about this, did they honestly want to know what was going on or did they want to be oblivious to the truth? In the end, they finally decided on agreeing to her terms as a strong part of them wanted to know the truth. That left one issue though… What were they going to call themselves. Most Elves named themselves that represents who they are… But who were they truly? This was a long and hard decision that bothered them greatly, but it was not an issue that lasted long as the other children saw this struggle they were having and decided to help. Together, they discussed and argued on what their name should be until they finally decided. Knowing that the Moon Elf did not identify with being male or female, they agreed to something that they believed would fit them. Shelby… Jamie Shelby… That was their new name…A name that those who they saw as family felt was right for them and reflected who they were… That was the name they decided they would use…

Though it was not as graceful as what Solgnia was expecting them to choose, though that was now the name of the Moon Elf. Shelby, The Eldest of the children and her right hand in her acts of the night. This was basically a promotion for them as they had an immediate change in working position. Though they still looked after the children they were now brought with Solgnia as she left during the day when she ventured outwards. In this position Shelby had come to learn that Solgnia went out to greet some of the adults she had met in the past or those who had caught her eye, making deals with them. They would provide her with whatever she wanted while she promised them information that could prove useful to them. When it came to being collected, they knew how her calling card worked with the children she had at home. While Shelby would stand there, mostly in silence to what was being said and listening in to the conversation and watching what these people would do. Only making their voice known when they had noticed that one of these people were being deceitful in some way or showed ill intent. To the men, that bothered them greatly as now Solgina could put all her focus on what she had in mind while someone else kept focus on everything else.

That was not the only way that she promoted the Moon Elf, with how she trusted them she was now sending them out more to collect more clients more often and would do it alone. That put Shelby at risk, but she had faith in the young Elf as during the years that they have been here they have learned many things, like fighting and how to sense for danger around them. Much to the displeasure of a few clients who tried to get a little handsy with them. As they were physically now only the age of a fourteen-year-old they used that to their advantage of getting the attention of the men in less foolish ways, instead catching their eyes in a different sense. That usually brought more than one man along as they followed Shelby back to meet Solgina. To which, the older children started to show concern with the sudden increase of adults around while the younger ones were completely unaware, and Solgina… The more the merrier in her opinion. But that brought Shelby no closer to finding out why she likes to… Keep these men and let certain ones go.

This was not going to be answered for another few years, as Shelby became more ‘comfortable’ with their role, they were not allowed to wander the streets alone unless they had someone with them unless it was for a job. Yet more things seem to change within the place they called home, the kids who lived there were getting older and now they either must leave on their own or help Solgina with more private matters. Those who chose to stay were happy that they got to keep living there, not needing to leave the place that they called home and have a ‘job’ that would be what they thought was like that of Shelby’s. But it was not, they would get another position in place with Solgina that was never revealed to anyone but her. While others left and tried to take others with them as they started to suspect that something was amiss with the place and wanted to escape and get as far away as possible. There were those who could get away, most of the others ended up being caught by those who enforced the laws or found dead in the streets.

Jamie's heart broke to hear these stories about their family basically being lost from them, those feelings reminding them of how they felt years ago when they came to this world. But these feelings could not be put on show just yet as Solgina had some business in two places at roughly the same time, one being here in the city they lived in, while the other was up North in another city Capital. Despite knowing that they were told they could not be left on their own for an extended period without anyone, Shelby offered their services to go here on their own. While they knew she preferred having them there during her meetings with her clients, she could handle them alone like she did once before, the business here was too important while the one in the Capital was just informing a client, she was expecting him here and that they would have to bring them here. She did not like this idea at all but losing a client was not something she could risk, so with reluctancy she agreed to let them do this.

1891. A little over two weeks it had taken them to travel in secret from the place they called home to the Capital, and now the hunt for the man that Solgina was requesting. That for most was like looking for a needle in a haystack, but not for Shelby as they were already informed of where to find this man and what he looked like. Dark hair like that of the night, in his late teens, seventeen perhaps, physically the same as Jamie in age they guessed. A dirtied but kind face that could make you feel safe, and eyes that were brown like thick, sweet honey that the almost golden when the sun shone through it. A few scars littering their bodies from past fights from those who had wished to cause others harm… This was a truly good man.

If you were to ask Shelby what they were to remember about that moment they could tell you that the bar that they found the client in was older than most in the city, yet it did not feel as if it was due to how well kept it was. They could tell you that the streetlights coming in through the dirty windows gave the patrons who were next to them a strange glow through the windows. They could even tell you that it was jam packed full of people that were drunk and causing a scene, like they had just learnt they were of royal blood and that they were celebrating the news. But if you were to ask about this man? Well… You would get told every single detail that Shelby saw of them when they first laid eyes on them. Like how he smiled at those around him with the sides of his eyes crinkling, or how his laughter being deep and joyous as it rang through the air as he finished his third pint before starting his next. At the time the Elf did not know why they could remember all this, but they would soon learn.

To Jamie, they just started the interaction between the two of them like he did with many other past clients, pulling up close to them with their hood up trying to use the Elven beauty that was on show to catch their attention and confuse them. It worked on many of the other patrons in the pub, all but the one they were trying to catch the attention of. With the night progressing many of the others who were drinking had tried their luck with the Elf, but they refused all of their offers for money or… Anything more than that. They might have caught their eyes, but they were not like Solgina and did not enjoy the attention of many, especially in that regard. A few more hours had passed, and the night was starting to turn into the early morning of the new day. Having had about enough the young Elf had started to act out of turn of their usual nature, finishing off their drink before slamming down on the bar’s countertop. Looking back at the memory they could not recall if they were drunk or just tired and mad from having made to wait so long, but they do remember the sudden feeling of calm when the client just looked at them with an awkward smiled as they apologized for not saying hi sooner before introducing himself… Sebam Coshar…

It was like they had just forgotten everything in that moment, he responded so calmly to their sudden approach it had taken them off guard. Sebam could see this as clear as day, chuckling softly at their reaction at the ‘younger’ person before him, letting his gaze soften. This moment of sudden … Kindness… Had reminded Jamie so much of when they met Solgina but so much more, it was like their breath had gotten caught in their throat as they stared up at the taller human. Never once did they believe would they think they would meet a human who made them feel so… Safe upon a first meeting. With them being practically frozen in shock Sebam was the one to make the first move, but not like how any of the other men or women did. Even when drunk, Coshar showed that he had some form of a level head when drinking as he paid for his drink and even Shelby’s. Leading them out of the main section of the pub before taking them to the rooms upstairs, telling them to sleep as they have both been awake the entire night. Refusing at first, they did not like the idea of being left alone in this room with Sebam as they do not know them, but with how much they drank and how their body was craving sleep they did not refuse for long.

With a groan and a splitting headache, they awoke in the bed that was not their own running both hands over their face and hair, trying to ease the discomfort in their head. After a few minutes of just trying to stop the ache they felt, did they finally remove their hands from their face looking about the room and taking note of all that was there. It was like many other typical rooms of a pub, very minimal in what it had for decoration, mostly everything was made of oak wood, and the fabrics were dirty from the lack of care they have been receiving. The only other thing that was worth noting in Jamie’s mind, was the fact that Sebam was still there in the room with them, fast asleep sitting on a chair on the other side of the room. His head hanging low as he breathed slowly in peace, as they somehow stayed sitting upright.

Taking a breath as they tried to ignore the ever-present feeling in their head, they climbed out of the bed with little grace as the alcohol in their system seemed to still be affecting them somewhat. That alone had soured their mood even further as they made their way over to Coshar, shaking him awake as they told them they had to leave now otherwise they would be late and Solgina would not be happy about that. At the mere mention of her name, that had not only brought him to his senses, but also sobered him up like how it did the others. Standing back as they stood up to their full height, it was a quick agreement for both parties to get going as to be on time. Leaving the pub behind with small rations to kept them fed for the trip ahead. A trip, that changed the young Elf’s perspective of things.

Even before leaving the city, Sebam had taken notice at how quiet the Elf was and how reserved they were, talking and acting like an adult which puzzled them greatly. Their first question for the ‘younger’ being was to why they were alone, not why they felt the need to hide that who they were. Thinking about it- though they found it weird how he was so calm about meeting an Elf- Jamie answered honestly as they had nothing to hide from Sebam, they simply came alone as to prove that they can handle such tasks alone and help Solgina increase her range for her ‘work’. After that, they questioned them on why they did not act their age like most others their age did.

That one… That one was much harder to explain, as how does one say they are from another world where they age at different rates when compared to humans? So, they simply put it down to difference in age due to being a different species as the Elves from this world they heard of were the closest example of what they meant. Once they revealed that in human years, they were roughly about one hundred and twenty-seven… And a half… Ish… Despite being physically the same age, that is why they had a more mature mindset than most others their age. For Coshar, that at least explained to them why they were so different than most other children, though that did not answer all the questions that they had. That just made them more curious, and ask more question about them, which after a couple hours of leaving the city behind Jamie finally joined in and asked questions back.

The entire trip was like this, both asking questions back and forth, smiling and sharing a laugh as they walked. In all their years of being here, never have they once found someone like this, someone who not only cared for the strangers around them but was completely honest with what they said and thought. Jamie could not help but smile whenever they looked at him, and he seemed to notice that. They simply made a joke about them being all love struck like a puppy, not taking any seriousness to their words, while Shelby on the other hand was at a loss for words. In response they looked away from Coshar and went quiet, looking around at everything but him as they thought about what he said. Was that what this was? Love? They have always known the difference between lust and love, as they have seen many a happy couple in love, and those who lust after others like how they are with Solgina. They did not melt or act like a fool around him, this was not lust at least. But what about love? Well, from what they could tell it was not love as they did not believe they would do anything for this man as he was just a stranger to them… Then was this a crush? Many of their siblings have had crushes, each taking a different form of how it presents itself, so that was most likely it. They had a started to develop a crush on this man, who was going to end up being like all the other men Solgina had met.

This alone was enough to dampen their mood, as the worry of someone who was truly good like this being lost to whatever Solgina had going on behind closed doors was not something they ever thought they would feel… Especially for a human… Shelby had never needed to learn how to hide how they felt, especially for such negative feelings like this, so when Sebam saw how worried they were they felt the need to comfort them. And so… In whatever way their mind thought was appropriate to this situation, they thought the best way to help cheer them up was by showing them their personal weapon and teaching them how to use it. For most, this was a stupid idea, and it most definitely was a bad idea, but with Sebam not thinking about this and Shelby being more mature than they should, this ended very well. With Jamie getting to stand closer to Sebam, as they taught them to hold the pistol correctly, how to aim it, how to lock and load it… For Sebam, it was nice to see that Jamie was starting to cheer up, while Shelby based on the closeness of them both together was finally starting to think that maybe their theory about having a crush was correct.

Completely unaware of how this interaction had affected the young Elf, Sebam acted as if nothing was wrong as they finished their journey from New York back to Jersey. Upon entering the city Jamie felt a sense of relief to be back in familiar grounds, Sebam commenting that he will feel the same once he gets back to New York. Though the way he said that it felt off, as if there was something he was hiding from him. They tried to ignore the sense that something was not right with that, but to make themselves feel better or to buy more time for them together, Shelby started to show him around the city, talking about all the things that they have learnt over the years. It had taken them most of the day to get around the city before the sun started to dim away into hiding once more as the moon started to slowly wake from its rest. They no longer had time free together and it was time for him to finally meet Solgina, The Mother.

Reluctant as they were to take him back home, it was something they felt like they had to do if they wanted to learn the truth of what Solgina was up to. So, when the moment finally arrived that Jamie had led them through the streets all the way back home, when the moon was at its highest and the children were fast asleep in their beds, did they enter the home that they all lived in. A small smile graced the Elf’s lip as they saw their siblings all resting peacefully, or the older ones staying up quietly to talk. The ones who were still awake waved excitedly at them, glad that The Eldest was home with them once more, they wanted them to join them in their talk to hear their stories of the Capital, but they had no time to chat now. All they did was point at where Solgina was, nodding in indication that she was there and waiting for them up in her ‘office’. That was all they needed to know before they started walking towards the ‘office’, but unlike the past times they have had to do this it felt different. For Jamie, they felt nervous… They felt scared for Sebam and they did not know why, every time they saw one of the men leave in the past they were fine, but the rest were still here somewhere, they just didn’t know where or how they were. While Sebam, was not nervous as past clients were, instead being unusually quiet, his gaze focused sharply on the door ahead of them both as if he knew something bad was about to happen.

Entering the room, they were met with an unfamiliar sight, Solgina was there like they expected her to be, but this time they had a friend with them. A man who they have never seen before here, yet the way he held himself with such pride as he looked down his nose at them both as he stood by her side told Jamie that they were close to one another. He did not look normal when compared to other humans, he seemed much paler, and looked as frail as paper that had been aged for many years in the dark. But the youth to his face said he was at least in his early fourties. At least, that is what they thought at first, as they heard him speak when greeting both Shelby and Sebam, his tone and manner indicated someone much, much older than what they let on. But that was not what bothered Shelby the most, their focus was on this new man and Solgina, how they stood so close comfortably to one another. Every time a man was in this room with her, she always seems to make them melt when they stood so close to her before she started to hold them close to her gently. Yet neither of the two before them seem to be attracted to one another, they did not touch one another, no sweet words were shared… It was like… This was a meeting… And their opposition, was the man stood next to young Elf.

Jamie knew something was off with how different all of this was compared to past meetings in this office, the only thing that remained the same was them being asked to leave the room. They expected that despite how different this meeting has started that it would end the same as others have in the past. Only when they turned to leave, they could not as the man who they had brought here had grabbed them by the wrist, telling them to stay right where they were. Confused, they looked between Coshar and Solgina, unsure of what to do as they have never been asked to stay before. This one simple action had annoyed Solgina, she has never once shown this side of her before when in this building, all she has ever shown was this kind and sweet woman who always smiles. Now she was looking at the man who still had a hold of the younger Elf, as if warning him that if he kept them here, they would regret it, but he did not let go. Instead, he just glared right back at her as if daring her to try it. Yet neither of them got to test the limits of the other, as the strange man stepped in saying how both needed to calm down before either of them did anything rash.

Taking a breath, the two calmed down to a degree, but neither of them had stopped their glaring. Solgina asked them to let Jamie go so they could leave, but when they refused to do that, they started to question her and the gentleman next to her. Asking why that they had to leave, what did they not want them to know or see. Solgina just rolled her eyes making it clear that they did not need to see or know what would happen next as they have needed to know before and so they do not need to know now. Sebam just looked at Shelby, eyeing them up and down, studying their reaction of her words on them and seeing that it was the truth. They were confused, unsure of what would happen next once they would leave, that was enough for Coshar to return his gaze back to the two opposite them. Now they had started to question why, why they should leave, why they were ignorant to the truth of everything that was really going on… Why they did not know what happened to the men who were brought here or the kids that were never seen again.

Jamie’s eyes widened when they heard him question her about the truth that they wanted to know, would she tell them? No, no she did not as in her place Sebam had started talking about how she a dark secret, an alliance with those in the night that feed upon the living, how the men she slept with either ended up as food or new monsters and the children… The children being used for food, completely drained of their bloods, and left on the streets with no one to care about them as the people walked by not even blinking once. The stories of her crimes had spread from the city that she had called her home, her own personal kingdom where in the day people treat her like she is Goddess, caring for all those who see her, when in truth she is like the night as the secrets of her actions go unnoticed by those around her.

Those words had left the young Elf speechless as they looked at Solgina desperately, it wasn’t true, was it? Did she do this, did she let this happen to all the children over the years she had taken in die once they no longer served her a purpose, and let the men she had taken to bed become monsters like Sebam had claimed? In response, she had said no words or even looked at the Moon Elf, her eyes were trained on Sebam as they glazed over with an emotion they could not recognize. She showed no sign of heart break, sadness or even remorse for the mention of the kids she had raised dying, she was not even angry at the claim of his words… It was true, all that was claimed of her was true and she did not deny it. All she did was curl her lips at Coshar, hissing out as she called him ’Hunter’, like it was a dirty word that left a bad taste in her mouth.

The man next to her only sighed, shaking his head as he took a few steps forward raising his hand towards Solgina telling her to wait a moment. Their words were slow and sounded pleasant on the ear, asking Sebam to let the young Elf go, as they had no need for getting them involved in any of the dirty details of what was really going on behind the scenes. It was only then doing his man finally look at Shelby, the smirk on their face was like a fine wine, delightful in all manners and not too strong in taste. With one hand, they reached out to take Shelby’s wrist into their hand, but Sebam was not letting that happen. Pulling the Elf closer to them, they quickly moved as to put them behind them like a shield, protecting them from the reach of this man and his gaze. The look on his face darkening slightly for a moment before he closed his eyes, giving out one last sigh stating that if they did not comply then they would do this the hard way. When he did not move to give them the young Elf like he requested, he pointed out once more that the only reason why this was going to be hard was from his simple refusal to do as he was told.

As Sebam stared down at the man in front of the two, Shelby finally realised who this man was. Just by looking at him, they recalled all the times the children told stories of the mysterious man they kept seeing around the manor. How a tall well-built man, in clothes that they described as being just as fine or even finer than the Royals they have seen in the papers. It was obvious that they were exaggerating from what they saw, but it was close enough to the point. What they actually saw was a man who had darkened hair like that of the night, thick but slicked back with a strange shine to it. The clothes they wore were not bright and colourful, adorned in jewels, but instead a crisp and clean suit of steel grey. His eyes shining like darkened emeralds, but his expression made those eyes feel like pools of venom that could paralyse you where you stood. Though the question that bore deep in the mind of the Elf when they looked up at this man was why was he here? What kind of involvement did he have with Solgina?... Did… Did he have something to do with the kids dying as well?...

In the next moment Sebam had pulled out his pistol and shot at the man before him, then going on to shooting at the room’s only source of light. Both Solgina and Jamie had reacted to the noise of the shots, closing their eyes momentarily as they tried to cover their face to protect themselves based on instinct. Feeling the arm that held their wrist pull them in closer, Shelby let out a noise of surprise as they were startled by the hand briefly letting them go and wrapping around their waist, pulling them up off their feet. As Coshar began to dash out of the room with the Moon Elf in their hold, Shelby opened their mouth to protest wanting to be put down immediately. But when his eyes locked onto Solgina’s they had started to reach out for her, hoping that she would do something to save them. The Sun Elf did nothing to stop them both, she did not say anything, nor did she move. All Jamie could remember of that moment afterwards as they left the doorway of the ‘office’ heading towards the exit of the manor, was seeing the strange man take up the view of what was on the other side hidden within the darkness. His body gently illuminated by the glow of the moon that was poking in through the window of the corridor. His eyes… Now glowing silver like pools of liquid metal, dancing about and growing as what remained of his human appearance had started to disappear into something more Demonic.

The sight of seeing that man’s features change into that of something from a nightmare that could only be formed by the Devil himself, will forever remain in their memory. It was like his bottom jaw had detached itself from the head, giving his changing body more room as his teeth grew in size and shape. The nails on his hand changed, they were like those of a bear, but that was not the worst part of this whole experience. The worst part of the whole experience was seeing the man step towards them slowly, hearing as the bones beneath his skin cracked and popped loudly, as they grew and changed their shape within a matter of seconds. Each step only brought him closer to the window where the light of the moon came from, revealing that he no longer looked the same as he once did. His skin was now the colour of old pale blue paint, faded and looking ready to peel away to reveal underneath. No longer looking shiny and slick, their hair had turned a ghostly white, hanging down over their head like bunched up straw while two horns protruded out in jagged directions. Now he looked more like a wild beast as it stared down its prey before it pounced, but he didn’t. One moment he was there, in the next he was gone from sight.

As Sebam ran out of the building, they ignored the sight of the prying eyes of the older children watching who had woken from the sound of the gun going off, seeing him as they carried out The Eldest who was not protesting to being taken from them. To them they had just lost the only one who they could look up to and knew would always come back to them, who always warned them that fully grown humans like him were not to be trusted. The confusion and betrayal they had felt when they had seen this, did not compare to the same feelings that Jamie had as they were still reeling from the truth in shock that Solgina was not to be trusted. In the end she would do the same to the rest of them when they became older and none of them knew the truth, they would all die in the same fate the others had.

Upon realizing this truth Jamie had come out of their shocked state and started to struggle in Sebam’s hold, but by that point it was already too late. The two of them had left the building where the children had hidden from sight of the city’s residents over the years, and Sebam was not stopping his attempts to get away as far as possible before they were found by the beast. Jamie had started to protest, saying that they had to go back to save them, that they couldn’t be left to die, trying to escape from his grasp. Coshar only stopped once they got to the center of the city where it was wide open and anything approaching could be seen. Placing them back on the ground, they did not let Jamie go as to not let them run back off on their own back to the other kids. They told them that the kids would be alright, that they had a plan to stop all this from getting any worse, but to do that they would have to do what they told them to. Right now, all they had to do was stand there with them and wait for the creature to arrive and then they can do something.

As much as they wanted to run back now to get them all to safety, if staying meant they could do something than they would stay. Now standing back-to-back to one another, both were looking out into the inky black of the city as the moon shone down from above looking over them, as the wind carried about the dust from the roads like a child playing their toys. Nothing could be heard around them except the sound of their own heart beating in their chest and their own breathing, like the entire world around them was dead and the Grimm Reaper was coming for them next. Their eyes darted back and forth, reacting to any sound or sight that caught their attention as they searched for the beast that was hunting them down. Nothing, nothing could be found at all, did it leave or was it still in hiding?

Like the creature had heard their thoughts, that is when they had finally saw it on the roof of one of the buildings like a Gargoyle as it stared down at them both. Its eyes were wide like an owl, it’s teeth on show as they chattered excitedly when it realized its prey had spotted it. Crying out into the night like a wounded animal, a sound would make even the bravest fall to their knees as it echoed through your mind, paralyzing you in place.  It almost sounded like it was laughing at them, knowing they would have no way to stop them from tearing them to shreds were they stood. This human way of thinking would later reveal to them in years to come this thing was an Oni. Leaning closer towards the buildings edge did the monster dig its claws of the roof’s tiles, taking a moment to breath in delight of the fear that was coming off from the two. Within the blink of an eye, did the creature appear right in front of them once more letting out a howl of pure insanity as it raised one of its claw’s limbs up into the air before them to strike down to cut them into ribbons of flesh and blood.

Only the strike never came, it did not touch the two it was aiming to harm when instead the creature was knocked away from them both, sending it crashing into a wall as a blinding light struck it. The wall it hit broke, crumbling down onto the beast’s body as it groaned in pain and anger of being attacked like that. Jamie stared at the beast with wide eyes, not noticing the group of men approaching the two quickly. They laughed in joy and triumph as the attack they had used to save them had worked. These were other Monster Hunters from New York, friends of Sebam’s here on a mission to stop The Mother and her ‘friends’ from taking any more lives. Though Jamie did not know this at the time, all they knew was that Sebam was happy to see these men. They promised that they would take care of the creature, that they would beat it before the sun would arise and that they should go save the children before Solgina got away with them.

Neither of them had to share a word to agree on what their next course of action would be, both Elf and human had run back towards where Jamie had known to be home for many years. But with how long it had taken them to get to the city’s center, the sudden appearance of the monster and the time taken to get back it was too late. They had arrived at a place that was empty and barren of any sign of life, any evidence that people used to be here was the scattered clothes and blankets piled up all over, scraps of food that were dropped in a sudden rush to leave. As far as Jamie was aware this place only had one entrance and exit, the same one that they had entered from, and they had saw no one around where they just came from. They must have left from an exit that Solgina had never told them about.

The young Elf had started to search around the home with frantic desperation, trying to move any heavy item that could possibly hide another way to get out from. Tears started building up in their eyes as they began to call out to the other kids, hoping that any of them would respond back to them letting them know where they all were. No one responded to their calls, their desperation ever increasing as their fear had started to take over them. The idea that they were all gone was inconceivable to them, they could not have lost another family within moments just like that. Jamie had now begun to cry out for them, still denying that they could be gone. To them it had felt like an eternity stretching out beyond the grasps of time as no hints of where they have gone could be found.

Now they were struggling to regain control of themselves as their body started to shake more and more violently. They could no longer control their emotional state, it was no longer something they could stabilize. In response to the sight of someone they became so close to so distraught to the loss of their family, Sebam had rushed over to the Moon Elf wrapping their arms around them in a tight hug. Jamie had told him to stop, to let them go, that they needed to find them now as they pushed against their hold once more. Not once did they let them go, only holding onto them tighter as they tried to tell them it would all be okay and that they would find them. No matter how much they struggled to free themselves they could not, eventually all their struggles had begun to tire them out. Sebam had gently used their thumb to rub at the elf’s face trying to soothe them, as Jamie had finally stopped struggling, now going in to return the hug as all their feelings from this moment and the ones they had pushed down many years ago when they arrived in this world finally were released… They were scared, yes… But that was not what bothered them the most. It was the feeling of losing those who were close to them and being alone once again… They hated feeling so alone… 

With no place to go and no one to take them in Sebam had taken it upon himself to look after the Elf, they were ignorant to the truth and were an innocent to what was truly going on. They were not involved in the plans that truly were going on and now they knew the world of monsters and demons were as real as night and day. Sebam had lied to them, they could have told them the truth of why they were here to meet Solgina, but they didn’t so now they were responsible for the care of the Elf who had lost their family once more. After all, no matter how smart or mature they were, they were still a child like they were. So, when they had started to calm down from their sudden flood of feelings the two of them had left the place Jamie had called home for many years, returning to the group who had saved them earlier. During the time they were away they had attempted to slay the monster before sunrise like they said they would, but the Oni was stronger than they expected and so they had overpowered them, getting away so they hoped for good news. The only news that they could be told that the kids were alive, though now all missing, but Shelby would be returning home with them as they had no one to take care of them.

Twenty-two-ish years had passed since that day and now Jamie had the body of a twenty-year-old but was one-hundred and fifty-year-olds in human standards, while Sebam was now thirty-nine. When they had first met, Sebam had only joined a Guild of Hunters who fought to keep non-humans safe and humans safe from the non-humans. That explained why Sebam was not shocked when he met Jamie for the first time, probably having met others stranger than what they were, but had little experience of slaying monsters and now had bested many monsters. One might think that something like this would make a person become more reserved and angrier after being exposed to so much death and brutality, but that never happened once with him. He stayed as nice and as joyous as he was when they had first met, staying loyal to his personal code of conduct, and helped those when he could. Shelby had almost started to match him in height now as they started to grow into their more adult body. They had cut their hair short, now it no longer resembled that of what would fit their Elven culture, now looking more like that of a human hair cut for a gentleman. Finding that easier when out hunting with Coshar as long hair risked the chance of blocking their line of sight when using the pistol Sebam had let them use.

Living with Sebam Jamie had come to learn more about the world of humans on a more personal level, now they were no longer afraid of them as they once were and found their lives fascinating. They no longer felt the need to hide that they were Elven, at least around Sebam. He never judged them for who they were or gave them any grief, they got to hear many stories of the lives that other Hunters had and all the adventures they had been on from Coshar. But if they were to say the most important thing over the years that they had learnt was that their feelings for Sebam were true. They had a crush on the man, they could explain why or pinpoint it down to one reason specifically. Every time they looked at him, talked to him, just anything to do with him always made them smile, as a warmth spread through their chest as they felt what humans referred to as ‘butterflies’. But they knew nothing would ever come of these feelings or attempting a relationship of any kind with the man. Sebam had never shown interest in anyone, so they could not say if the risk of asking was worth it. For another reason… The main reason… They were physically the age of a young adult, while he was reaching the middle of his life. Shelby was not like The Mother who did not care about age when wanting to sleep with someone, they understood the complications of how a relationship like theirs would be. It would look wrong to everyone else if they found out, it would feel wrong. This was not something they could ever ask Coshar to go through simply because they loved him, they knew a relationship would not be possible for them.

On a lighter note, the two of them together have grown closer than anyone has ever expected. Shelby becoming a form of prodigy to Sebam, as they have learnt to use the weapon even better than the original owner. While Sebam had shown that people don’t have to change who they are when they learn that there is more to the universe than just this one world, accepting that as a fact rather than denying it and becoming hateful to the idea. But even with things seeming to be alright neither of the two had forgotten about what happened that day with the children all those years ago. Both wanted to know where they went and how they got away, but no one could find out how. It would do them no good to dwell on the past, only move forward as to be able to help those indeed. The way they did that now was by taking down the Monsters that would cause others harm and provide comfort to those who were harmed by them.

By helping Sebam with his work like this, Shelby had learnt more about the Guild of Monster Hunters. Learning about how they listen to rumours of the strange and unknown, trying to piece together what is fact and what is fiction before they make a move on dealing with the situation. But that is not where the good news lies, no, it lies within the fact that they were able to use the knowledge that they have learnt over the years to understand the how’s’, whys’, who done it and where they went. That allowed the Guild to understand the Monsters intent better and how they can deal with such matters in future. Jamie had wished to use these skills to find their missing family, but they never had the chance, so they got to use these skills to help others. Doing that at least provided them with some comfort knowing the fact that the ones that the people they helped did not get to be split from their families.

Though during their adventures together of fighting and protecting the people who called this world home, they had found themselves becoming apart of something much grander than either could expect. As the world started to go into it’s First World War, they had found themselves befriending and assisting some Hunters of the Guild that had been tasked with looking into a supposed new Occult. As a team they had barley found out any information on this Occult, the only thing that they could confirm to be true was that when they used sacrifices of innocents, they never did the ritual in the same town as were they were taken from.

Though as each day that went by with the Monsters on the decrease Shelby and Sebam had some free time with one another, sharing stories of their pasts. So, on one of these nights of these two sharing a drink together they started to talk about how they wished their lives could have been different to the ones they have now. Jamie, wishing that they were never taken from their home due to dumb luck. While Sebam wished that they had never been dragged into the world of hunting Monsters for a living, but if they had not then they would have never had met their closest friend. Jamie simply rolled their eyes and laughed softly to themselves, taking another sip from their glass as they looked down at the counter before them. In their moment of distraction, they failed to notice a small splash of the alcohol touch the clothes they wore, but that did not go unnoticed by Sebam. Coshar simply joked about how despite him being older than he was, he acted like a child with how careful he was when he drank. Jamie did not even get a moment to question what he meant by that as they were left frozen as Coshar had pulled a napkin out of his pocket and started to clean up the little stain on their shirt. Still mumbling away to themselves as they failed to notice the Elf’s face suddenly a glow with colour of blue as they stared down at them in silence.

Shelby just looked away from him, quietly thanking him for what he did causing Sebam to laugh, still unaware of the affect he had on them. Currently, as the two of them were drinking in the private building that the Hunters Guild had rented in Washington, Sebam had paused his drink saying he had a question to ask Shelby. That had caught the Elf’s interest, as to what could be so important that Sebam had to pause their drinking to bend over to pick something out of their bag. Only what was so important would have to wait, as they had both over-heard some of the men talking about how they had heard about a strange, beautiful women, with enough kids to populate an entire town was heading to the next state over. Sharing a look between themselves they both knew what the other was thinking. Without another word, the two quickly packed up their things bidding the man at the bar farewell before rushing of towards the railways. If they were to hurry, they would be able to sneak aboard the next train on time if they were not spotted. Perhaps this was their chance to finally catch up to Solgina and save the kids from the fate that awaited them. Yet as they got closer to the train station, to the notice of them both they did not know that they were being watched by the eyes of someone that neither of them had met before, but one of them would never forget.

Matching the breeze of the air that had touched their skin like a mother soothing her child, the person who was watching them was now behind them. Staying silent as the two failed to notice them it was almost too perfect. Their pale face was like that fresh snow when winter finally arrives, having a tint of blue from the coolness of the night letting them shine. As the line on their face that was meant to be their mouth curved into a smile that revealed two enlarged fangs that were much larger than what should be considered normal. Deep and echoing this person’s chest rumbled as they laughed at two, ‘Found you’ in front of them, catching the attention of one of them. He knew that they had no chance at surviving this encounter and was going to take pleasure in what they were about to do.

Just as they were to round the corner to the station Sebam called out to Shelby in a hushed tone that the coast was clear, stopping in his tracks when he no longer heard his friend walking. When he had turned to ask what was wrong, that was when the Hunter finally noticed why his friend was no longer moving. There, right in front of him a person they have never met was on the scene holding tightly onto Jamie. This was a face that they would never forget, that same human face falling to a pale blue, teeth jutting out of that "broken jaw", it was him. Ivory hair loose over his face, cascading halfway down their back. Free hand clenching over and over again, sharp claws on show, ready to slash and stab. Only this time, he was still rather human in his proportions.

All Sebam could do was watch as their friend was being held by this Monster who at any moment could kill them. Jamie’s head was forced to look upwards at the sky above wanting to get away from their touch as their eyes peered over their own face, trying to see what was happening. As the claws of their hands dug into their neck leaving small divots in the skin, they whimpered softly in protest wanting them to stop. This had only made the Vampire laugh in satisfaction at the sight of the Elf’s discomfort to the situation that they were in. Sebam had told him to stop, to let them go, they did not need to be hurt for whatever twisted reason the Oni had felt was worth taunting them like this. Yet that had only made things worse as the creature of the night had started to hold onto them tighter, making a show of themselves as they had started to dance about the street humming a melodic tune. They had closed their eyes in full confidence knowing full well that Sebam would not dare try to attack when their friend was in harm’s way like this. Laughing out once more as they dared him to join them in the fun.

Sebam wanted to just grab them and take them away from this Monster, killing them as to be sure that no one would get hurt. But if they even moved in any way that the Oni deemed wrong they would possibly kill Jamie in front of him… To make matters worse they did not look at the Vampire who was being so cruel to them both or how their friend was being held, but instead they could not stop staring at the eyes of sapphires that stared right back at them pleading in silent help. As the Oni continued to dance about the barren streets, lowering his face towards the side of the face of the Elf, starting to talk sweet nothings into ear, asking if they liked that like the whore of the Sun Elf they knew so well. At the mere mention of Solgina, their eyes had started to water at the memory of losing their trust in someone they thought cared for them.

Having just about enough of this, Sebam finally dared to move towards the two of them as fast as he could and placed his hand on the Oni, removing it from Shelby’s neck before he could dare to try and hurt them. That had put an end to the dance and the Oni feigned a response of being upset, pouting with a sigh as they asked why they had to do such a thing with a tilt of the head. Now at least Jamie was no longer at risk of being killed in the manner that they had threatened, but they were still being held against them and it did not look like he would let go. That provided them with enough reason to demand that they would let them go or at this range that they would not be able to move fast enough to dodge or shield themselves from a blast from their pistol.

Taking that as a challenge the Oni dared them to try, dared him to fire the weapon at them. With their free hand in their grip, the other around their friend, they took the chance and risked it, Sebam had pulled out their weapon and fired, the bang echoing against the walls of buildings around them. You would think that with such a fast reaction that the Oni would have been hurt by the bullet, but like all those years ago he was still just as fast. Dodging the shot by leaning backwards and away from Sebam. The Elf still being held against them as they gave the Hunter a smirk before flinging them at him. The two fumbling together as they grabbed onto one another, stabilizing themselves so they would not fall. They had smiled, glad that they were alright only to get back into action of the fight, turning to face the Oni once more. Only he had disappeared, now lurking somewhere from around them.

Now on high alert they were in a bit of a panicked state as they knew they had to find where he was- both thinking back to the time they ran from the Oni the first time- only now, both knew how to fight. This was most likely their attempt to keep their secrets of Solgina from being revealed to the wrong people. But why now after so many years that had passed already? They did not know, but it was too late to question why. As in the next moment did the first attack of many to come landed, the Oni struck once, then backed away, going in and out with each attack like a flurry of flakes of sand in the storm of a desert. With each strike they were able to counter or dodge the onslaught of claws that had come their way. It was a blur to the eye, all movement of the two Hunters was solely based on instinct and reaction. They could not land one hit on this guy, but the same was said for him.

With each second that passed it felt as if both parties were at a standstill. But as the duo blocked once more against the claws and teeth of the Oni before he retreated to avoid their attacks, the sound of the train whistle blowing indicating it was about to leave on its journey. That sound alone had made the Elf panic, if they didn’t hurry then they might not be able to catch the train in time. Jamie looked between the Oni and Sebam as they thought about what to do, conflicted about the decision, the sound of the metal wheels started to clack against the rails made the decision for them. Rushing away from the battle as Sebam called out to them in concerned confusion, telling them to come back but it was like the elf could not hear him. This in their mind was their only chance to save the kids from Solgina, they didn’t want to lose it to some Oni she kept around to sleep with.

Getting closer and closer to the train, it was getting harder to keep up with it as it was picking up in speed faster than they could run. Their hands tried to grasp onto the lower half of the door of one of the carriages to pull themselves up, so they could climb aboard. But the door instead slid open with a thud when they were able to hold on, the Elf’s hands slipping and loosing grip momentarily. Cursing out in frustration as they had to catch up once more, forcing them to move faster than their body was comfortable in going to keep up with the train. Once more they tried reaching out towards the train, and once more they were able to grab a hold of the door. Giving them a chance to pull themselves up, about halfway in their feet was no longer on the floor but on the metal framework that held the wheels in place as they kept trying to climb in.

Success! Just as they were about to clamber in the rest of the way into the carriage with a laugh Jamie stopped what they were doing as they had heard Sebam calling out to them in desperation as he chased after. Looking towards their friend they saw how the Hunter was rushing towards them, pointing behind them with a fearful look. In that one moment it felt like time had begun to slow, the sound of Sebam’s footsteps becoming one with the sound of Jamie’s own heartbeat, the elf turned to look in the direction that Coshar was pointing in. The sight of the creature of the night approaching them with pointed claws aimed at them like spears had left them frozen with fear. The beating of their heart grew louder and louder as the blonde got closer and closer, in that one moment it was like nothing else registered in their brain but the impending doom. Seeing the claws inch closer and shine in the dim lighting of the early morning, it was in that moment the elf knew that death was coming. All they could do was shut their eyes like a terrified child and ready themselves for the Reaper to come and take their soul.

Plgfftt!!!

… That was the sound of a hand piercing through flesh, the muscles squishing and squelching, as bones broke through and cracked like sticks underfoot. An explosion of crimson burst out like a firework in the sky making a patchwork of splatter on the wood of the carriage floor. Only to be followed by the sound of that same heavy liquid pouring down with a pained gasp that was bordering on a scream, drowning out the little pitter patter of splats that followed. Breathes of agony becoming the loudest thing that could be heard… But it the strangest thing that had been felt…

When the sound had made itself known Jamie had thought that this would be the most painful experience they would ever experience, but they felt nothing. Did they already die and that is why they felt no pain? They could still hear the sound of laboured breathing coming strangely from behind them, so they were not dead after all. Instead, they could still feel someone pressed up against them from behind. As Jamie opened their eyes, to look behind themselves they turned their head to look, after turning their head slightly to the left they saw the clawed hand of the monster who had attacked them covered in the liquid that gave them eternal life. Yet the sight of what laid resting in his hand looked… Squishy, and it was moving of its own accord. Eyes stuck on the convulsing flesh that beat rhythmically, the grasp of a familiar touch had grabbed them by the waist with one hand pushing them inside the carriage with strained effort… A clang of metal hitting the wood below…

No longer hanging out of the train like a cat to a branch, Jamie now could fully see what happened in that moment. The Oni didn’t kill them… He didn’t even lay a scratch on them… No, what the Elf was looking at was a still beating heart in the hand of a monster whose arm had broken through the chest of Sebam. Coshar had rushed in between the two and jumped in the way of the blow at the last second, using his own body as a shield. Eyes still stuck on his heart, with it no longer being where it should have been they watched as the beating of the rhythmic contractions of muscles slow to a stop. Yet the sound of the Elf’s own heart continued to beat loudly in their ears like it was trying to mimic the same beat it saw, as if it was trying to keep the beat going. They did not hear the words of the Oni as he spoke of the irony of a human with so much care and ‘heart’ that this is how he would die, by giving up his heart for someone else. But it was clear that those words meant nothing to the two as they were both focused on one another.

Plgfftt!!!

Again, that same sound from earlier came again but this time in reverse. The creature had pulled his arm out the chest of Sebam, the muscles once again squelching sickeningly together as the remnants of bone once again cracked. But this time they did not crack; they were forced together, rubbing against one another in a way that sounded worse than stones grating against stones. With the hole in his chest no longer being plugged up more blood started to pour onto wood below, pooling at the Elf’s feet, seeping through the holes. Both Sebam and Shelby screamed; one in pain and the other in fear. Satisfied with the effect he has had on the two in that singular moment, the Oni swung away from the two hanging on the side of the train carriage door away from the two with a smirk. Allowing him to look at the lump of flesh he held, before tossing it to the dirt below like he was dropping trash he did not care for. Breathing the air of the early morning in satisfaction he gave out a hearty laugh as now he only had one last pest to deal with.

During the time it took him to revel in his glory of having sorted out the more dangerous of the two, he did not see as Sebam almost collapsed out of the pain he felt. If it was not for Jamie, then Sebam would have fallen out of the carriage, saving him from potentially being crushed by the wheels of the train below becoming a mangled state of flesh and blood. Shelby moved towards Coshar in swift panic, not caring if they knelt in the puddle of blood that had formed below, grabbing a hold of him to pull him inside to safety only to feel a hand touch their face in that familiar way they had grown to love. Now the two were looking at each other in the eyes, not a word being spoken as Sebam just rubbed his thumb against the Elf’s blue cheek as he smiled softly at them. It was as if the fact he was dying had not registered in his brain at all, and all he was doing was comforting his friend like he normally would.

Confused to why he was so eerily calm about this all Jamie opened their mouth to speak only to be shushed gently, being told that it would all be okay. A wave of pain had struck the hunter, making him grunt loudly hissing through his teeth as he forced himself to focus on what he was about to do next… Putting on that same forced smile as before, it was clear as crystal that it was forced, but the meaning behind it was true. “J-Jamie… I know how… How long you’ve wanted to save these kids… B-but you’re going to have to continue without me… I’ll buy you some time… But I need you to promise me… That… That you’ll live a good life…”. Leaning his forehead against the Elf’s Sebam closed his eyes to savour this sweet moment before he pushed away from them and towards the Oni in a sudden burst of strength.

Both Oni and Elf were taken by surprise by this sudden act of the Hunter, as he latched himself onto the arm of the Creature that anchored them to train as he used his weight and sudden act to pull them both down and away of the ongoing train. The dirt had risen around the two in a cloud of dust when they hit the deck, as they rolled away from the tracks grunting and growling at each other like dogs. Shelby moved towards the door hanging onto it to watch as the two got further and further away from the train. When the Oni began stand, Sebam held onto him as tight as he could to hold him in place trying to pick himself up in the process.

Watching as the two got back to their feet, pushing, and shoving at each other; to get one away from one and to make sure the other stayed away from the train. They could see their mouths moving but could not make out what was being said but the moment Sebam was pushed away first they into a pile of debris from the side of the track, Shalby had almost jumped out of the train to go and help Coshar. But the second they even thought about that, the Oni had turned towards the train looking straight at them with a scowl, that look freezing them into place… Just as the Monster was about to step towards the train, they turned to look behind them in reaction to a noise from behind only to be smacked in the face by a rusted iron pipe sending them off their feet. Somehow there stood Sebam, pipe in hand as they look towards the Oni, watching as he picked himself up clasping a hand over his face, covering a wound as blood poured out down over his faded blue features.

Bearing his fangs in frustration it looked like the man was about tear Sebam limb from limb right there for daring to strike at his face. How this human was able to stay standing for so long despite the gaping hole in their chest was a mystery. But light of the sun finally started to peak out from over the horizon cutting this fight short, that frustrated the blonde but looking at Sebam and how his body shook as it was now paling faster and faster than it did before. That was enough to bring out a low chuckle as the Oni quickly got up from where they on the ground standing in triumph. Looking towards the two one last time with such hatred it was obvious he would return to finish the job. Leaving before any other Hunters came in response to the fight, retreating to the safety of the darkness.

That was it, the fight was over, but the pain did not end.  Shelby watched as the one that they loved turn towards them one last time, waving weakly in goodbye as the golden light of the early morning shone down upon Sebam surrounding him in a Heavenly golden glow. He had dropped the pipe he was holding to the ground below; with one last breath the Hunter fell onto his knees before dropping completely onto the ground below. Jamie could do nothing but only watch as they stretched one hand out towards Coshar as they yelled out into the morning air “I love you!” at the top of their voice, desperate for him to know their feelings and respond. But it was of no use, he was not coming back from this, and once more they were alone again…

Tears pricked at the corners of their eyes as the reality that they had to keep going on without him to stop Solgina had started to sink in. Moving away from the carriage door, their leg had hit something next to them in the puddle of blood they still knelt in… A gun… A Luger pistol… That was the gun belonged to Sebam, why was it there? As that thought came to mind, Jamie had picked it up with such caution like it was made of the finest of China, realising that this was the sound of metal clinking against the floor they heard earlier. Sebam had dropped their gun when he had helped them inside of the train. Hands now began to shake as they held the weapon in hand, it was one of the latest models that Coshar had been so excited to get, talking about how they were so fascinated by machinery like this, how it was crafted for something so simple, yet so deadly, it was perfect the job when working for the Guild. As they stared down at the gun, Jamie had begun to weep loudly to themselves, like they did when they had lost their family here on Earth for the first time, the train kept chugging along without a care for the Elf and their feelings.

There they stayed hidden away in the train’s carriage, staying out of sight hugging the weapon to their chest for hours until they had reached their destination. When the train had come to a stop, they knew that the humans would not understand what they saw if they looked at them and understand less if they saw them covered in blood while carrying the gun. The time they had alone gave them time to think of how they should move forward, as now they no longer had a human companion who could help them blend in. Before they had left the carriage, they found a box covered in a loose tarp, using that to cover themselves like a cloak. That was enough to let them hide in plain sight allowing them to search for a place to hide until nightfall to search for the Sun Elf. Though in the end, they did not find her or the children anywhere in the city. The only thing that it brought was years full of chasing rumours, and a feeling of disappointment and frustration.