Marigold found a safe place for the animals to settle down, and Lilac worked to calm the animals as it was dangerous for them to be stressed. Marigold was not worrying too much about Melody, as Melody was strong enough to handle things like this. However, something did feel wrong…Maybe it was her nerves from this situation. Lilac seemed fine…mostly. Marigold did not like this though…she knew Blackout would find them. Rainbow had been here multiple times.
“Are the animals all good? Everyone here?” Marigold asked Lilac. Lilac did a quick headcount of the baby bunnies and put a thumbs up when she confirmed every bunny was there. Marigold sighed in relief. She watched as Teddy settled down again to sleep, exhausted from running. Marigold smiled. Then she saw Mr. Owl fly in. She held out her arm for him to land.
“Mr. Owl? You saw something bad?” Mr. Owl hooted. Marigold’s eyes widened, her bold running cold at the news.
“.....What? Then we have to go help!” Marigold was about to go back before Mr. Owl hooted to stop her. “Why are you stopping me?! She’s gonna die! What do you mean “she’s not dead?!” You said Blackout-” Mr. Owl hooted to prevent her from letting Lilac overhear. They both looked at Lilac, who was tending to the deer and foxes.
“...You said Blackout headshotted her!” Marigold whispered to Mr. Owl. He hooted again. “....Secret of Mother Nature? What do you- …You’re saying there’s more to her being than that?” Mr. Owl nodded and hooted.
“...165?! You’re THAT old?! Stars! I thought owls only lived for 34 years…Rejuvenation technique every 33 years? Neat…” Marigold tilted her head, fascinated by this old-headed Owl. Then he hooted and turned his head 360 degrees to look out into the forest he came from. Marigold looked as well.
“.....You think we’re far enough? The color drainage is getting awfully close…” Marigold frowned, worried. If the Tree was affected, they would lose their home until then. Maybe forever. Mr. Owl did not answer for a few seconds before he turned his head back to Marigold and cooed.
“....I hope. I hope the villagers are okay…Blackout would have gone to them for extra strength.” Mr. Owl nodded in agreement. Then he hooted.
“....I’m sure Mommy could pull that off. Poor villagers…” Marigold turned to the animals. She watched Lilac before deciding to join her in tending to them. Marigold knew their time there was limited and that they would have to find a place for all the animals. Rather sooner than later…
Blackout stared down at Melody with a wide grin of satisfaction. She couldn’t help but laugh. And laugh. Seeing how pathetic one of the supposedly strongest goddesses looked was satisfying to the eyes. Praise or not, Blackout won…No amount of strength would take her down.
That is…so she thought.
“.....” Her smile shifted into confusion as the echo flowers embedded in Melody’s right eye socket were glowing and whispering. The whispering got louder…It sounded like a thousand silent screams to Blackout. Which wasn’t very intimidating to her.
…Then they all went silent.
“....?” Blackout moved back, confused at what that was…She saw Melody’s finger twitch. She was still alive-?!
“?!” Vines and tendrils exploded outwards from Melody’s right eye, covered in echo flowers and spines. It hit Blackout, piercing straight through her torso and head. Each time she reformed, it pierced her again. Grabbed her and tore her apart, tossed her around. Blackout got angry and outstretched her hand, cutting the vines. Immediately after she landed, she jumped back, dodging vines that thrust from the ground.
Melody slowly sat up, almost like a zombie. Her eyelight was still gone, her skull still had a hole on both ends, as so her chest. She got up and stood there, her head down yet attentive. The scattered pieces of her bones started to float up and come back to their place, seeming to fuse back in place as the cracks closed up and became unnoticeable and nonexistent.
“It seems I have made a slight misstep.” She spoke as her socket reconstructed itself. Blackout growled. She could have sworn she got her soul! How did she avoid…?! Melody lifted her head and her eye light blinked back to life. There was a slight orange hue to it now. Blackout caught a glimpse of Melody’s soul glowing within the hole she inflicted in her chest. There was some sort of…barrier? Blackout must’ve not noticed when she nicked the barrier…
“Damn you…” Blackout growled. The vines then shrunk back into Melody’s eye socket, the echo flowers growing back. Melody closed her eyes, contemplating her choices as Blackout melted and flowed down, reforming a distance from her. Melody then opened her eyes and looked at her.
“....Take this world. Take it and leave my children in peace.” Melody stared at her as the bones to her ribs floated back in place from the ground, encasing her soul back where it belonged. Blackout watched in irritation as it disappeared behind the barrier. Then she peered at Melody. She was willing to give all of this world up just for her children? What a pathetic wish…She decided to take up that offer, knowing that in the end, they’d either succumb to her strength or die.
Melody has tried everything to keep her away from the tree. She was successful. She kept her away long enough for her children to escape with the animals. Wherever they are, they will be safe. That’s all Melody wanted. Her Tree held value, but not as much value as her loved ones.
“....Have it your way, Mother Nature. Just know, this isn’t the end of it. I’ll get you. And I’ll get them.” Blackout threatened. Melody nodded in respect, disregarding her last threat. Then she turned and walked away, the wind finally picking back up and Melody disappeared within the cloud of dust.
Blackout stared at the place Melody used to be. All she could feel was anger. Melody could have been her key to destroying what wasn’t meant to be created. How strong she was, it would have sped up the process faster…it slipped out of her grasp just like that! How foolish she was to underestimate that Goddess…Then again, there are always others….Blackout huffed, brushing this minor mishap off. At least she got a world without any interference. Not that interference would be a problem for her anyway.
She turned around and walked as the world’s color started to drain behind her, replacing it with a monochrome scale of colors. Her face returned to a neutral one, walking away into the dying universe.
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Once again….Crayola melted away to find somewhere new. Somewhere colorful. Somewhere that would appeal to his little eyes, he’s been everywhere by himself. Daycare, forests, beaches, islands, cities, everywhere. But not everywhere was pretty to him. The multiverse was vast, and so was each world within it.
He formed himself at a mountain valley, near a clear rushing river. He blinked a few times, his eyes adjusting to the new place. He rose to his feet, his tail swaying in interest. It seems he found another nice place to explore. He started walking along the river, occasionally crouching down to pick up stones he found and throw them in the water, watching them as they splashed.
“...Ahee!” He continued alongside the river, wondering what the place had in store for him. Though, he’s been everywhere for a particular reason. It’s been a while since he saw his mother. Rainbow. She said she was going to play hide and seek. But, his mother, Rainbow asked him not to find her. But Crayola thought it was a joke. That’s how hide and seek worked, right? He’s spent weeks trying to find her. He had started to miss her lately…her face. Her smile. Her eyes. Her voice. He yearned for it again. Just to hear it.
“.....” But it was fine! His mother, Rainbow, would show up again! Then it would be his turn to hide! Crayola couldn’t wait to win this game. He wants to see the look on his mother Rainbow’s face when he finds her. She’d pick him up and praise him on how clever he was. She’d twirl him and toss him up, catching him again in her arms. He couldn’t understand feelings, but he loved to feel them. Just like his mother, Rainbow. He comprehends what you should feel in certain situations. Sometimes. It’s a little funny when he gets them wrong. But that’s just the fun in emotions!
Crayola looked at the river as he waddled along it. Rainbow always said his emotions are like a flowing river. Sometimes they rush out, sometimes they’re smooth. More importantly, they exist for a purpose. To show that you are human. Even the emotions viewed as bad exist to aid in your humanity. Which was weird. Bad emotions are…well….bad. They shouldn’t exist, right? Then why did his mother Rainbow say that? Rainbow says a lot of confusing stuff, he realizes. But he couldn’t say that she was wrong. Not that he need not to say she is right. He just doesn’t feel like piecing the puzzle pieces together.
…Maybe something was wrong. Maybe Rainbow couldn’t come back…
But that’s ridiculous! His mother, Rainbow, wouldn’t want to stay away from him! She loves him! And he loves her. Nothing would beat that type of love. At least, that’s what his auntie says. ColorFill. She was his only other family member. It was weird because Crayola saw branches of people in a family with his mother’s friends. Maybe his family was the first ever alive, like the dinosaurs! Something about that was interesting to Crayola. The dinosaur comparison, to be exact. What do dinosaurs even look like?
He pondered, his mind trailing off to the Jurassic creatures. The wind blew softly as he walked. He was careful not to fall into the water. Soon enough, he decided to wander away from it, wanting something new and equally as stimulating. His feet crushed the leaves that fell from the previous fall, his eye lights shifting different shapes each time he blinked. He kept walking until he came across some bushes. There were berries on them. He took out his pacifier and picked one, popping it into his mouth. He blinked as his color shifted to green. It was bitter and nasty. He spit it out, making a small mess on his shirt. He decided his pacifier tasted 100% better. He decided to go through the bush.
After a bit of struggle, he made it through. Though at the cost of his clean clothes being slightly ripped and riddled with dirt. But, of course, Crayola didn’t mind. He likes to play in the dirt anyway. There were cool creatures in there, especially after it rained. They didn’t taste good though…Crayola brushed off his little hands and went to continue.
…Who’s that?
A person was standing in the field he was about to come across. They looked familiar. But then it came across his mind…it looked like his mother Rainbow. He had found her! Oh, this is amazing! His hopes came so soon! Maybe he was just too good at hide and seek. Either way, he was happy to see his mother again. He started waddling over to her, making happy little noises that alerted her of his presence. This was a one-in-a-bajillion! Crayola was so excited to get twirled around, praised, and hugged by his mother Rainbow! There was something different about her, though…
Blackout turned around and looked down at the toddler. Her brows raised as she stared at him coming over so excitedly. This was a crazy possibility that was happening. A one in bajillion. Blackout decided to play along and smiled, mimicking a smile that Rainbow always had when with her son. This only encouraged Crayola to outstretch his hands for her.
“Oh’hoh, you tiny fragile naive thing…” Blackout whispered as she was about to grab him. That was only when she was pushed back by a brush and Crayola was scooped up by the same one. He was tossed in the air and landed in ColorFill’s arms. Crayola blinked and looked up at her. She had a dead serious look. Her eye lights were red and she held onto Crayola tight.
“You have got to be kidding me.” Blackout got up, visibly angry that her chance to claim Crayola had slipped away. Crayola looked at Blackout and cooed, wondering why he was taken away from his mother Rainbow. And why his auntie had done it. What was going on? He outstretched his hands from Rainbow, his colors shifting into blue. He wanted his mother Rainbow…he just found her! It wasn’t her turn to hide again!
“Crayola, not now…that’s not your mother, nephew.” ColorFill placed a hand on his head, covering his face a little. Crayola whined and held her hand. What does she mean that’s not his mother, Rainbow? She looks like her! Sounds like her! She was going to hug him! What is with his auntie, ColorFill? The next thing he knew, ColorFill grabbed her brush and sliced through some attacks Blackout threw their way. ColorFill jumped back a distance from her, twirling her brush and resting it on her shoulder.
Why was his mother Rainbow fighting with his auntie? He thought families didn’t fight each other.
“You’re not going to get away, ColorFill.” Blackout spoke, her tone deep and menacing. Crayola noticed this. This wasn’t….this wasn’t his mother Rainbow’s usual tone…Her tone was more welcoming…
“Hi, my adorable little crayon! Ready to eat? I got us dino-nuggies~!”
..His brows furrowed. It was different. This didn’t feel like his mother…but she was right there. Crayola stared at Blackout with a silent expression. Blackout and ColorFill continued to argue. Crayola just watched as Blackout threw more attacks at them, ColorFill effortlessly dodging them. Soon enough, Blackout quickly got angry, and tentacles made of her paint shot at them. ColorFill used her brush to block some of them and counterattack using her pastel paint. ColorFill was fighting with only one hand, using her other to hold Crayola. It wasn’t hard but damn did she wish Crayola hadn’t wandered like that. ColorFill dodged and flipped over some tentacles, trying to find an opening to escape. That was until Blackout caught her off guard and grabbed her brush with a tentacle. It squeezed it, cracking the wood more and more.
“Brushy! No-!” With that, it was snapped in half. ColorFill and Crayola watched as Brushy fell to the dirt, ColorFill’s color shifting to a gray faded red. Crayola looked at ColorFill, noticing her colors, his shifting that way. That was the brush Rainbow originally had before she gave it to her. She was the only one who could repair it. Would she even be back? ColorFill fought back tears, Brushy being her best friend. “Brushy…”
“You’ll never see anyone again.” Blackout walked to them slowly, kicking aside the broken brush. ColorFill backed up with Crayola, turning her body so Crayola would be more protected. ColorFill snarled. She couldn’t just leave! Blackout might invade her home if she just so much as melted away, as easy it was for her to attach to her like that. But…!
She turned away as a tentacle shot to her, though it was a hoax as Blackout shot paint at Crayola. She blocked it with her body, shielding him from it. Then something started burning on her back. Like acid. It hurt. It hurt so badly. ColorFill heaved as she knew what that meant. She couldn’t risk having Crayola here any longer. She looked at him with the best encouraging face she could manage, despite the pain.
“..Crayola…baby nephew? You remember peekaboo, right? That’s how we melt away! That’s the first thing I taught you.” ColorFill said as she dodged more attacks from Blackout as best she could. Crayola looked at her. ColorFill forced her colors to be more joyful to convince Crayola further. Crayola blinked. Are they playing another game? Crayola loved games.
“We’re going to play tag! Remember that? Peekaboo tag! You melt away, and I come find and chase you! You can’t come back here, though; that’s one additional rule! But don’t let me catch you, okay? Mommy is going to play along, too!” Crayola looked at Blackout. He was pretty convinced when Rainbow was involved. He cooed in interest. ColorFill was relieved to hear that.
“Okay, cover your eyes, okay? And when I kiss your head, you melt away! Ready?” ColorFill was growing weaker…Crayola clapped and nodded. He covered his eyes, waiting for that kiss to start. ColorFill teared up a little and smiled sorrowfully.
“I love you, nephew…” She kissed the top of Crayola’s head, signaling for him to melt away. He did so, and ColorFill watched as his paint melted away, making sure Blackout did not see until it was too late. When she did, she was enraged. “You FOOL!” Blackout lunged at her, knocking her down and pinning her by her neck. ColorFill winced. The paint Blackout shot her, already eating away at her clothes and body. ColorFill struggled to breathe, looking up at Blackout’s face.
“I-I'd rather you take my life…than his…I’m not that far in my life…I could always st-start again…a-another century is no proba- ack!” Blackout squeezed her neck harder, irritated. “Next time I see him, I won’t wait this time. I will claim him after I do you!” Blackout slammed her against the ground, snarling harshly. ColorFill prayed to the gods as parts of her cheek were melting away now.
“My friends won’t…allow that. My…friends would never…They know…” ColorFill exhaled and laid her hands to the side. “....You could take me…I don’t care. I just know Rainbow doesn’t want anything happening to her baby.” ColorFill smiled widely, tears falling from her eyes. ColorFill knew she was going to die anyway. Blackout’s paint was eating away at her too quickly for anyone to fix.
“See you soon…big sister…I love you, R-Rainbow…We had fun.” With that…ColorFill’s head melted away, along with her body. Blackout watched as she did. The way she was so accepting of her death…the way she moved to protect that procreation of Rainbow...
That’s exactly what led to her meaningless death. Blackout scoffed and lifted the melted paint, the remains of ColorFill. She merged it into a small orb. “I’m surprised you haven’t gone all out on me…If it was to protect that child’s feelings, that was nothing short of stupidity.” Blackout popped the orb into her mouth and swallowed it.
A second later, she felt a power surge through her body as the colors on the palette of her shirt shined with colors, the middle one shifting through all of them before becoming black again, along with the colors that came. The colors started to drip from her eyes. Blackout started to laugh slightly, feeling this newfound strength would aid in her takeover of the multiverse. She was successful at absorbing one of the Rainbow’s family members. But now….there was one left.
“I’ll win this little game…” Blackout whispered menacingly as she melted away.
Aileth Zeia couldn’t help herself in a literal sense. She was constantly fatigued, bedridden, and overall weak. And it didn’t help with being pregnant for two years. It’s been 2 of them. Pregnancies don’t last that long. Which meant that her due date was unbeknownst to anyone. Even to herself. It puts her on edge every day. Though, at least she had Mace. They became friends a bit after Mace found her. Mace took her in and made sure she was well taken care of. It had its positives…but also its negatives.
She felt a bit of a burden to Mace. Even if she doesn’t talk or can’t see, Mace is a bit hard to read. A part of her feels Mace is taking care of her out of pity…like a doctor with just another patient. Mace made it clear it wasn’t the case. Though Aileth did believe her…
It was a lingering feeling.
One day, Aileth slipped out of sight, wanting to do something other than be bedridden and feel dependent. She was an independent person, believe it or not. She couldn’t be so dependent on Mace to the point where her independence could melt away. She didn’t want that. Especially if she was going to have a litter of babies.
Mace had accidentally fallen asleep, which made it easier for her to slip away unnoticed. Mostly. It was a bit of a struggle getting out of bed. And putting on some clothes. But even after 30 minutes, Mace hadn’t woken up. Maybe missing two hibernation seasons wasn’t good for her…She felt a bit guilty about that.
Aileth’s mind was clouded as she walked through a meadow she found, the greenery and little flowers giving her a sense of ease she hadn’t felt in a while. Slowly, her mind drifted back to a dark time when she was isolated in a bittersweet room decorated just for her comfort. The souls were dying and…her father didn’t care if she would. For the sake of the underground being free, Aileth was at the expense. She was not important to him. Aileth realized when she was strapped down and tested on before she was to carry those souls.
Aileth’s heart hurt from that fact….losing her father, someone she had loved for as long as she lived. He treated her like a princess. Taught her well. And then go against his own words, condemning her to this predicament. Furthermore, condemning her soon to be children. She had hope when she escaped at 6 months in. She was mobile enough to run and hide fast enough.
Unknowingly, tears started to drip from her sockets as she looked down distantly. Her eye lights shifted to grey. Her feet slid against the soft grass with every step. She sniffled and wiped her tears with the palms of her hands, realizing she was crying. She sighed heavily as she absentmindedly placed her hand on her belly.
“....You aren’t su-supposed to betray y-your kids like that d-dad…i-if you even were my d-dad…” She got sadder at that fact she didn’t dare consider him her father anymore. He was long gone…metaphorically and literally. All that was left was for her to pick up the pieces of a broken life. It wasn’t fair but…that’s all she could do. She sniffled and exhaled, looking up at the sky. She let more tears fall as she stopped in the middle of the quiet meadow.
The wind blew as she closed her eyes, trying to relax. She inhaled and exhaled. She had tried so hard to let go, many times during the two years. The past is over but there will be many scars and so many unfixed truths that will open more wounds or create new ones. Aileth isn’t afraid of that…she’s afraid of loss. And she’s lost a lot in those years.
….But she wasn’t going to let that past screw with her now. Whatever comes next for her, she could take it.
“...!!” She gasped as her eyes shot open. She lowered her head, looking out into the distance. The greenery seemed to…start turning duller. And duller…and duller…the wind picked up, and she covered her face with her arms. Then the wind abruptly stopped… She uncovered her face and saw that the meadow was now a still monochrome palette, instantly drenched with dread. Aileth looked down, sighing in relief when she didn’t lose color. Though she didn’t want to turn her back from the potential danger.
“...Out of all the damn days…” She whispered to herself. She wrapped an arm around her belly protectively as she looked around, her guard high. She slowly backed up, aiming to get out of there. But she backed up into something. She stumbled forward, turning around to see Blackout standing there with a blank expression. Aileth’s heart dropped as adrenaline kicked in. Before Blackout could stab her heart from behind, she scrambled out of the way, running. Blackout just watched her and dropped her fist. She then just melted away.
“Oh no no no-!” She stopped, switching directions as Blackout appeared in front of her. Blackout turned her body to where Aileth was running, finding entertainment. Aileth kept running, not looking back as she was. This was possibly the worst time to encounter Blackout. In the middle of her gloating, too?! Can’t a girl just have peace?!
“Ah-!!” Blackout appeared in front of her and whipped her arm out, sending a tentacle straight for her chest in an instant. A green barrier intercepted and blocked it, surrounding Aileth in a dome. Aileth backed up to the other wall of the dome and panted quickly. She watched as Blackout lowered her hand. Then flinched when she punched the barrier, cracking it slightly.
“Oh my- Oh my-!” Blackout backed up from the dome. The next thing Aileth knew, many tentacles launched from the ground behind Blackout. Aileth, out of instinct, fell to a sitting position and curled up in a protective ball, covering her arms with her hands and tail curling around herself, as the tentacles hit the dome with heavy strikes. Aileth panted, trying to figure out a way to escape. She knew the dome could only take so much damage.
“I-I wish Mace was h-he- Ghk-!” Aileth gripped her stomach, feeling a sharp pain. She realized something felt damp between her legs. She realized her water had broken, and she didn’t realize it from the adrenaline she experienced. Her heart sank more as her priority shifted in that moment. She knew the souls’ glow was weaker. She knew something would go wrong. At that point, they’d all be dead. Something burned in Aileth’s heart as she looked up at the dome, which was cracking more and more with each hit.
“You…are not…going to kill me here! I’ve endured too much to get here!” She outstretched her hand as her eye lights burned gold. Her hand shook from the pain she felt, but she wasn’t going to let that get in the way. “Mace has done a lot for me! I want her to hear from me how grateful I am! You’re not going to take that away!” Before the dome broke, it glowed a hot pinkish red, flashing as the cracks repaired themselves. Blackout doubled her efforts to try to break the done again, though it seemed it had gotten stronger than before.
Blackout’s face shifted in slight annoyance. “You can’t stay in there forever…” Her face progressively got more irritated as she watched Aileth adjust herself to accommodate her contractions. Her breathing was harsh, but the look of defiance annoyed her more.
“....I WILL GET TO YOU,” Blackout shouted, banging her arms on the dome with a heavy hit. She dragged her claws down the dome, making a painful sound as she exhaled through her teeth. “You have what I need…You either give it to me…or DIE ALONE AND PITIFUL.” The tentacles wrapped around the dome and started squeezing it. It was tight. Aileth looked around, trying to find a way out. She got up the best she could with the help of the wall of the dome, exhaling from the pain. The dome cracked again, more rapidly this time.
“Y-You think- ow! Augh…You scare me? Think again! I’m getting out of here alive whether you fucking like it or not-!” The dome shattered. It seemed as if time slowed down as Aileth’s fate was about to be met. She quickly covered her stomach with both arms, aiming to protect her children.
“!!” Hands wrapped around her body as her weight seemed to shift. She heard a boom, though the next second, it sounded farther. Then she heard panting as the hold around her tightened. She looked up to see Mace, panting as she was looking over her shoulder at where she had rescued Aileth. It seemed Mace ran all the way here to even reach Aileth. Especially when it’s hibernation season. She was usually slower, but…the fact she was faster when Aileth was in immediate danger…It was admirable.
“M-Mace I- H-hah! Owh! Ow…Mace, I-I’m in labor…we need-!” Mace covered Aileth from the attacks Blackout threw. Black wedges. Some pierced Mace’s back and made her grunt in slight pain. Aileth felt something burn in her soul as her eye lights now glowed, one a deep blue and the other a mint green. She reached her hand over Mace’s shoulder as the same color magic manifested into a revolver. It glowed at the muzzle, a bullet of the combined light, and shot a tentacle that was coming down to crush them both. The tentacle exploded, saving them both, and Mace took that chance to start running with Aileth.
Mace, surveying what Aileth said and the situation at hand, she needed to get her back to their home. But her magic is still charging from being hindered by the winter. She needed at least another minute. Aileth's breathing became ragged as she gritted her teeth through the pain. Mace knew time was limited…But she needed just enough to get back. Mace quickly dodged the attacks coming their way. Mace was aiming for the forest, Aileth knew. Out in the open meadow, there was nowhere to hide. Aileth put her full trust in Mace, knowing Mace had a plan.
Mace successfully evaded Blackout’s attacks long enough to slip into the dull, dark forest. She quickly made her way deeper into the dark and then jumped up into the trees. She made sure to hide Aileth with as much of her body as she could and listened. Aileth buried her face in Mace’s chest, trying to stay quiet amidst the painful contractions she felt. One noise too loud and it’s over…Mace held Aileth’s head to her chest, rubbing her thumb soothingly against her skull, trying to provide some comfort and support. It was a bit stressful for both of them. Aileth couldn’t help but choke out a sob.
“S-Sorry Mace…d-don’t be mad…pl-please… please….” She whispered, loud enough for Mace to hear her. Mace could feel the guilt in Aileth’s voice. But in reality, Mace wasn’t mad at her at all. The whole time, for the while they were friends, she was more worrisome than angry. She knows she looks mad all the time, but it’s never at anyone. Mace couldn’t help but feel a pinch of guilt for letting that thought even make it to Aileth’s head. Mace licked Aileth’s head, letting her know she wasn’t mad. And it seemed to work. Aileth gripped Mace’s arm as she bared her teeth, breathing silently through the pain.
Mace noticed her contractions were closing in fast. She heard Blackout nearby and pushed Aileth’s head in her chest a little more, making sure Aileth and herself were completely hidden within the trees. She just needed another minute…
“You two are pissing me off…I hate having to fight for what I want. I might have to kill you both.” Blackout walked by, expressionless. Her feet crushed the grass beneath her with every step. Mace listened closely, paying attention to where she was. She was getting closer….Mace held Aileth tighter as she approached the tree. Blackout stopped right under them. Mace stayed completely still as Aileth practically held her breath, not daring to make any sound.
“....I’m not in the mood to play hide and seek.” Blackout turned her head slightly. Then, she heard a noise coming from nearby. “....And you’re not very good at it either.” She turned and started walking towards the noise. Aileth had flicked a small bone someplace else to create a distraction. When Blackout got far enough, Aileth groaned within Mace’s chest, her grip on her arm getting tighter. Mace licked her skull, trying to comfort her. She knew Aileth couldn’t stay quiet forever. They needed to go. Just a few more seconds…
Mace prepared to open a portal. Blackout stopped in her tracks when she heard a faint groan. She turned back to the tree. Mace heard her footsteps stopping and decided to fuck it all. She opened a portal with the little magical strength she had. She went through the portal quickly. Blackout reacted right when she saw the portal open, whipping her hand and sending paint to them. The black paint hit the back of Mace’s neck and instantly squeezed tightly, choking her as she went through. She fell with Aileth, though pivoting her body so she wouldn’t get hurt. Aileth fell on Mace and slid on her side across the dirt. Mace clawed at her throat, trying to pull the paint off.
“Mace!” Aileth crawled to Mace and tried to help her. Every time Mace pulled it off, it just reattached back. Aileth’s heart dropped. It’s going to kill Mace if- Aileth started panicking before she heard footsteps. She looked and saw Dire and Ravage coming over. Dire hopped over Mace and quickly pulled off the paint that was choking Mace. Before it had a chance to reform back around Mace’s throat, Dire threw it down and blew fire from her mouth, incinerating it until there was nothing left. Mace held her throat and coughed, panting. Mace had decided to land at the Rock Pit, knowing at least one of the sisters was there.
“M-Mace! Mace, are you all right? Y-You’re not hurt, are you?” Aileth whined, inspecting Mace to make sure nothing was damaged. Mace sat up and put a thumbs up. Aileth sighed in relief and almost instantly cried out in pain, clutching her stomach. Ravage and Dire flinched, realizing what was happening.
“She…baby…babies…Macey, she’s- Home! Get... home!” Ravage, despite the clear worry, was excited for Aileth. Ravage and Dire both knew how long Aileth had been waiting for this. Mace quickly got up and lifted Aileth back in her arms. Dire opened a portal back to their home. Mace went through, looking back at Dire with a thankful look. Dire nodded once before she closed it.
Mace placed Aileth on the bed and went to get towels and water. Aileth leaned back on the pillows, looking down at her belly. She lifted her dress over her belly and saw the unusual glow of the seven souls. They weren’t their original colors, but they were glowing more than before. Aileth saw that as a great sign, knowing that that glow meant they were going to be healthy coming out. She couldn’t help but laugh breathlessly despite the pain. It was like they were new…livelier than before. Something she was worried about for the time their glow was dampened.
“Y-You’ll be alright a-afterall…safe and sound with us…I can’t wait to meet you all…” Aileth carressed her belly, smiling softly. Then another contraction ripped through her, and she groaned in pain again. “Yeah, I really can’t wait to meet you all! Grrhh!” Mace heard that from the other room and chuckled a bit from that, amused. She was glad they were thriving again. She was worried about the souls, too. Monitoring them so none of them would dust. She was just glad the due date had finally come…She had never heard of anyone being pregnant for 2 years…it was a bit fascinating to her. All in all though…
Melody was out and about, tending to the animals and vegetation of her lovely tree. Things naturally got duller and became a warmer hue, some trees remained green nearer Melody’s tree. Lilac came back with three long logs of chopped-down trees and Marigold with a basket of fruits. Melody turned to look at them and Marigold smiled.
“Hey, mommy. They came by to pray again. Their livestock is freezing away in this bitter winter, and they requested the weather to be a little warmer. In return, they gave us this basket of fruit.” Marigold showcased the basket to Melody. Melody smiled and took the basket from her.
“Thank you, my dear child. I will make sure to give them warmer winter days for their precious livestock. I have heard their prayers.” Melody nodded. Marigold smiled more. “Help your little sister with chopping up the wood, will you? I will have a pie made with these fruits. You two will get the first serving.”
“Yes, first serving!” Lilac celebrated nonchalantly. Though there was clear excitement. Melody smiled warmly and started approaching the tree. She hopped up to the first platform and entered from there, the kitchen being right there. She placed the basket of fruits on the counter and started getting the ingredients together for the pie crust. The butter, the flour…Simple. Then she put some butter into a bowl and held it, her hands gently heating up and melting the butter. When the butter was melted enough, she placed the bowl back down and turned to the- Oh!
“Oh dear.” She had knocked down a half-empty glass of water left behind by one of her kids who requested it. Melody picked it up and used magic to place the water back in the glass. She turned back to get the container of flour before she paused. She looked back at the glass of water. She slowly leaned to it. The water was making faint ripples, not caused by her movement or by anything out there near her tree. The ripples got more intense as Melody quickly ran out onto the leaf balcony. She checked on her kids, who seemed to have felt the strange vibrations shortly after.
“...?” Lilac and Marigold looked around as they saw birds fly away from the distance. More strangely, some birds stopped flying abruptly and fell back down to the forest floor. It wasn’t until Marigold blocked a tendril that was heading for Lilac’s neck and was grabbed by her wrist. She yanked back. Marigold exclaimed and gained her footing as Lilac cut the inky substance. They both started running as Marigold took Lilac and jumped out of the way as a larger tentacle crashed into the wood pile they were working on, Marigold covering Lilac protectively as they slid. Melody felt fear shoot through her as she jumped off the leaf canopy and landed in front of her kids. Marigold sat up, still holding Lilac, fearful. Lilac looked up at Melody and then out into the forest. The color was draining slowly…Lilac’s eyes widened.
“M-mommy-”
“My child, do not fret. Focus on getting the animals out of here. I will drive this heathen away from our home.” Melody slid her foot back as she stood there. Marigold did not want to argue and got up. The animals were already running away from the danger, especially Teddy, the grizzly bear. However, she was slower because she was woken straight out of her hibernation. Marigold put down Lilac and they got to work in evacuating the animals as best they could. Melody then ran out into the forest, to find Blackout and neutralize her raid. She already knew how she found her home. Rainbow has been here many times. Melody knew it was only a matter of time before she targeted her Tree. But…why haven’t she gone sooner? It was baffling. But relieving. Melody guessed that she knew her strength. Only now did Blackout decide to attempt.
Melody jumped from tree to tree, going at a quick speed to reach Blackout. When Melody saw her, she jumped to one trunk, and then another to aim for her, and shot off the trunk, leaving behind a dent and splinters. She was able to land a sickening punch to her face, her punch going straight through Blackout’s skull. Melody shifted, teleporting as Blackout flew through one tree and splattered at the next. She reformed back, only to get hit with a 9-foot-tall giant boulder at full speed, making her slide back and hit the side of a cliff. The rock was lodged in the cliff, though Blackout melted out of it. She reformed back on the forest floor where Melody shifted into existence, standing a distance from Blackout. Her skirt swayed in the wind as she locked eyes with the demon-spawn in front of her.
“You do not get to target my kids and expect to get away without any consequence, Blackout.” Melody said, keeping her neutral expression. Though there was some irritation and anger unlying her words. Blackout merely stared at her. Melody could feel her power. From a few months ago, it was stronger. It kinda intimidated Melody; Blackout had already captured Crimson and Indigo. And Melody understood the intentions of why Blackout was here. Although, she was determined to keep Blackout far away from her children and home.
“I will not go down so easy. You will have to try harder to even earn my praise.” Melody stood in battle-ready stance, ready to counter any attack Blackout threw. Blackout just lowered her head slightly as the wind suddenly stilled. Nothing happened before the color of the surrounding area drained to Blackout and black paint shot up from behind her, shooting multiple directions. Melody leaned forward to dodge one of them and moved her head to the side to dodge another. She whipped her hand to the side, slicing a tentacle with her hand alone. She teleported and immediately jumped back a few times to dodge some that shot up from the ground. She flipped back on a tree trunk and jumped to the side to dodge multiple tentacles that completely shattered the tree. She peered at more tentacles coming toward her as she was in midair.
Melody pivoted herself, the tentacle grazing the side of her torso. She used her claws to slide against it and flipped back onto another. When more tentacles attempted to grab her all at the same time, she jumped up and disappeared. Blackout subtly looked around before she heard a noise and looked up behind herself. Melody was in the air, ready with a whole tree. She slammed the tree down at her, creating wind from the impact. Blackout had melted last minute and formed away from Melody. But Melody was already behind her, ready with another giant boulder. Blackout melted out of the way again before Melody dropped the 2000-pound boulder on her. She didn’t get a chance to reform again before another boulder was thrown at her. And when she reformed, she was immediately surrounded by a blob of water. Melody was a distance in front of her with her hands in a position like she was holding it. Blackout was about to escape before Melody tensed up her hands and closed the distance slightly. The water instantly froze and trapped Blackout in a ball of ice.
“...” Melody watched the ball drop and stared at it. Blackout still had her expressionless face, her hand reached out as she had planned to attack before she froze. Something about that face unease Melody. She could tell how many people she’s killed, how many she’s captured…How many worlds fell at the expense of her power? Melody dared not to even take a peek with her third eye. She closed them, taking a breather of this moment of rest. The wind did not seem to pick back up like it was supposed to. Melody shifted her skull to the side, catching a faint whoosh in the air. Melody, still having her eyes closed, stepped to the side, dodging the tentacle. She flipped back a few times and jumped up into the air, more tentacles shooting from the ground. She whipped her arm and sharp wind blades cut the tentacles into harmless pieces.
She opened her eyes and looked down. The ball of ice was broken. Blackout escaped her icy prison. Melody teleported to the ice and made it melt, the water swirling around her as she looked around. She stood there, waiting. She knew Blackout was still around. She feels her presence here. Somewhere…Melody then used vines to block thin needles from pricking her. Then the vines grew upwards and sliced the incoming tentacles. She looked to the side, seeing the world being drained of its colors periodically.
“...They have better gotten out…” She whispered to herself, her tone laced with worry for her children. She looked forward and saw Blackout. She saw the slight annoyance on Blackout’s face. Melody felt a hint of satisfaction upon seeing that. She walked a few steps forward and flicked her tail. Then she dashed to Blackout with great speed. Blackout’s face finally shifted into one of irritation and a wall thrusted up from the ground. Melody's eyes widened slightly and pivoted herself to land on the wall with her foot. Then she almost gracefully flipped back off of it, dodging black wedges that shot at her from behind. When she landed, a tentacle got a hold of her and tossed her back, shooting her across the forest. She was caught by another, by the ankle, and was hit a couple of times on the ground. Vines cut the tentacle that was holding her the moment she was hit on the ground again and she flipped back, dodging more. She effortlessly dodged more, shifting to the side and down and spinning. She then looked up at the many other tentacles that were ready to deploy after her.
“!” She jumped back, dodging them. They splashed on the ground and reformed, shooting at her yet again. She was ready to count-
“Guhk-!” A tentacle pierced straight through her chest from her back and circled back and pierced her right eye, destroying pieces of her eye socket and scattering pieces of the back of her skull. Melody’s arms trembled before they fell limp at her sides. Blood dripped from the injuries, staining her green moss sweater. But not as much as it was supposed to be. Either way, Melody was dead by the looks of it. The tentacles melted away, dropping Melody to the ground, her body corpse-like to the sight. The melted paint formed Blackout and she landed in front of Melody, looking down at her with a crazed smile.
“Is that praiseworthy enough? Hehehehe…” Blackout stepped on Melody’s chest and shook her slightly. Of course, she didn’t respond. That only made Blackout’s smile widen. She took in the sight of her kill. Now she could take this strong goddess and use her to her advantage…
