#two writers

I look out through a small gap in the wall. There’s a thin layer of glass protecting from the outside elements. This is my favorite spot inside of my little hut. I can sit at my desk, and lean back sightly to see the view outside. Many times when I look out, the image is slightly different. A different tree, a different part of the stream. Sometimes I see a small cabin in the distance. 

That cabin is so much bigger than it seems. It holds more than it should. Secrets and pain that are too vast for the capacity inside. It seems unfair that this may be the last time I get to see it.

I’m almost afraid of the person I had become. I feel like something has diverted in a way that’s abnormal. I never wanted to see the world I created turn shriveled and dark, but that’s where it’s headed. 

My mind is telling me it was my own doing. That I’m the one that caused the ground to break under their feet. In trying to help, did I only cause more pain? The doors I created, that should never have been opened stand as a reminder of my mistakes. I create and I create but I never stop to look at my creations, and see that they are suffering. 

I have to stop. I have to leave them, they’re better off without me. I know it’s for the best, though part of me says that out of fear, rather than fact.

I don’t want to leave, but I have to. I made a promise to pull my hand away, and let life run it’s course. My creations will live on without me for now. I guess I’m just stuck here to watch them, wait until I get the opportunity again, though I know that won’t happen soon. I don’t want to go, but I guess we all have to say goodbye at some point.

(this takes place between Chapter 16 and 17)

Eclipse returns to their room after leaving the rest of the group in the forest. As they returned, the writer shrugged their suit jacket and tie onto the couch in their office, undoing the top two buttons. They stepped behind the desk and collapsed into the seat, they’d been exhausted from trying to maintain everything inside the cabin. 

Before they could even think to try and get in touch with Pixel, they heard the sound of a light cough. They spun around in the chair and looked up at the mirror on their wall. There they were, the image showed that Pixel was back in their cabin.

You’re angry.

“Yes,” Eclipse said eerily calmly. “but I’m too tired right now to exert myself any longer,” the writer stood and stumbled to the mirror. “start talking,” they demanded.

We had to stop anti.

“What’s this “we,” nonsense!” Eclipse interrupted. “You ran off before I could even talk to you!” Pixel shied away from their angered gaze, nudging Eclipse to continue. “Dark has been trying to enter our world for over a year and now you just let him in without even thinking!”

What did you want to do?

Pixel responded.

“Oh I don’t know, maybe attempt to get to the egos before letting in a dark entity that’s stronger than Anti. Or maybe we could have tried to take out the dark sides one at a time,” Eclipse suddenly felt extremely light headed. They stumbled back a few steps, the back of their legs hitting the desk.

Pixel noticed their weakened form instantly. 

You over worked yourself.

Eclipse glared up at them. “Only because I was on my own trying to keep everything together,” eclipse shook their head, turning around and steadying themself with the desk top. “I’m the one that protected Jameson. I’m the one who took out Vigilante. I’m the one that’s been cleaning up your messes, yet you’re the one they all love.”

Pixel’s gaze narrowed at their tone.

Eclipse don’t do this again.

They threatened.

Eclipse rolled their eyes and turned back to them, leaning back on the desk now. “Relax Pixie. I’m still on your side, but are you on mine?” They challenged.

Of course I am!

“Then act like it!” Eclipse snapped back. “I know you were hurt when we lost Jackie but reacting on emotions only gets us into trouble. Just next time, work with me, okay?” Eclipse requested.

the true writer took a deep breath, looking away from Eclipse. 

There might not be a next time.

Livi walked along the path, her eyes growing heavy. She wanted to rest but knew that if she stopped now she might never rise up again. She had been SO far, through each challenge guiding her along the way to somewhere- a place that would hopefully be the crossroads. The gateway back to the other side.

She came upon the edge of a great mountain range. Crystalline and towering above her. As she walked up a hill to the edge of the cliff which overlooked the magnificent landscape, she witnessed a grand tree alight with fire. It was burning as if from within, not destroyed but fed by the very flames so that they were a part of it, nourishing every root and leaf. The tree glowed like a beacon, pulling her to it, and as she came upon its base she spied what appeared to be someone resting there among its branches.

Curious the elf approached, and the person rose to turn and look at her. Livi’s eyes widened as she took in the familiar form and she stumbled back a bit, catching on the hem of her dress before steadying herself and speaking aloud. “b-But...what are you doing here? You’re not supposed to be in this place Emberscar!”

She stared at the familiar Druid in disbelief.

Rain's eyes, glowing with the same fire alight in the tree, scanned over Livi soaking in every detail. She was unsure of how they'd both ended up here, since this was the in-between, and she was quite sure she was dead. But the complexity of life and it's intricacies was something to be pondered later. No, at this moment, all she wanted to do was gaze at the splendor of the dragoness standing before her.

Although an arduous journey was evident in Livi's appearance, her cold, ornate beauty was unchanged. Rain could not only see the pale skin and glowing eyes of her mortal form, but what was underneath it all, the dragon. Rain could see the beauty of her long neck and fearsome claws, her massive wings tucked together, the icy blue scales...and a large, soft heart. She could see all that was hidden..

"Hello, Livigosa," she spoke calmly. “I would love to say I came here for you, but the circumstances of my arrival here are...complicated."

Livi stared open mouthed at the Druid, trying to process everything that was going on. She walked up to her and looked at her face...thoughtful and calm. Same old Rainbrooke. Was this an illusion meant to tempt Livi and lead her astray? Or was the woman really here?

“But...to be here would mean...Rainbrooke, no..” her eyes widened as the reality sank in. “Please tell me you are just a vision. You can’t be here... “ her voice started breaking a bit. “Because if you’re here then that means that you too..” she couldn’t finish the thought.

Livi sank to the ground and fisted her hands in the earth. She was so very tired. She felt as if she had lived a lifetime in this place of endlessness. She felt as if she would never get out, never find her way back home. And now another person close to her love had been taken. The tears finally spilled from her eyes, the ones she had held in all this time trying to maintain her strength and bravery. They dropped onto the hem of her dress as she pulled her legs up to herself. “So many people need you back there. You’re a strong source of wisdom and comfort to the group...to Vincent.” Her voice cracked again. “And now you’ve left as well...and now they are even more alone.”

Livi rested her head on her knees and closed her eyes. Her voice was quiet...defeated “I tried so hard to get back to them...but it seems it’s too late. It seems I failed in everything.”

Rain glanced back at the burning tree behind her, searching for the right words. The truth was, she didn't completely understand it all herself. This was a journey she was not entirely prepared for. She didn't know how it all would end, but a voice, a feeling deep down inside, was telling her it would all be okay. Despite how things appeared and how hopeless everything seemed to be...somehow..someday....it would all be right again.

Her eyes wandered back to Livi, still curled up and weeping. Her pain and frustration was understandable and showed the dragon's truly loving nature, but Rain had to do something to get her up and moving. Even if Rain's life was at an end, she knew the dragon's wasn't.

Steadily she approached Livi and knelt down. She reached out and lifted the heavy, tear-stained chin until their eyes met.

"You have failed at nothing, dear Livi," her voice echoed loudly. “Here you are at the very precipice of life, only a few more steps to your destination. You've made the long journey here all on your own will, on your own desire and love for your friends and for Vincent." She wiped away several falling tears from the beautiful elven face. “And now, you must return to them.....They are waiting."

Livi listened to the Druids words, her own heart clenching. She felt Rain’s hands, so gentle on her face, wiping away the tears she had tried so hard to hide. And Livi’s eyes softened at her. She had that same way about her- that same steadfast patient way- that reminded Livi so much of Senegos . It was comforting and eased the dragon’s chaotic thoughts. Helped feed her back that strength that was such a part of Livi’s nature.

She looked at Rain, her face more determined even amidst the tear stains. “Tell me what I just do, Emberscar and I’ll do it. But...what about you? Are you really alright with your fate?”

Rain looked back up at the tree with a bright smile. “I...I don't know what is in store for me, but whatever it is, it will be amazing." The fires light reflected in her face as she took Livi's hand and guided her back to her feet. “You must do exactly as I tell you dragon. No deviation, no hesitation. Just trust."

Livigosa rose, taking rains hand. She looked up at the tree, her eyes taking it all in “It’s like...the fire keeps it alive...makes it stronger. It’s amazing, really.” She looked back at Rain. “It reminds me of you somehow, this tree. I...can’t explain it. When I first saw you my heart despaired to think that you had made it to this place...but now I see that this was your journey all along.” She put both her hands into Rain’s “I will do what you ask of me. I will trust in your will, Druid.”

Taking her small, delicate hand, Rainbrooke lead her directly towards the fiery tree. It's massive trunk and limbs all stood towering overhead. Livi would have to reach the top and Rain could not take her there. She would have to get there on her own strength. “Climb," she commanded.

Livi looked at Rain , her eyes widening for a moment, before a surety set in and she nodded. Reaching out tentatively, she made to touch the bark of the tree. It was warm to the touch but not scalding. The flames licking at her skin but not burning her. Livi moved her scratched bare feet to place them on the trunk, before grabbing at a nearby branch and hoisting herself up upon it. She wobbled and balanced precariously there for a moment, before she reached out and gripped at another, her feet slipping and skidding on the bark as she fought to hold on and scale the massive entity . The higher she got the hotter the flames were. The seemed to dry the very air in her throat but still she did not stop. She climbed.

Rain trailed behind her by only a foothold. She could see Livi struggling and hear her begin to pant for breath. “Don't stop, Livi. Keep going!" she cried out. And she would repeat these words each time the dragon began to tire or slow. “Don't stop. Keep going!" After what seemed like days they finally arrived at the upper most branches and they paused to rest. Rainbrooke positioned herself directly across from Livi so she could watch her, just for a few moments more. They were both panting and drenched in sweat.

“What now?” Livi called out as she clung to the uppermost branches and watched the Druid who had followed so close behind her, guiding her movements and preventing her from giving up. Livi gazed out at the horizon, the height allowing her to see for miles on end from her perspective . The landscape was vast and endless. The mountains breathtaking. She could feel the wind whipping about her dress and hair and causing the branches to sway slightly from where they perched so high above on a precarious edge. Looking down, Livi’s heart leapt into her throat as she could see a great expense plummet into a dark unknown beyond the cliffs face. To fall would mean no return.

“I would hope you call me friend Livigosa the Blue and remember me," Rain’s voice cracked slightly. She reached forward and wrapped the small elven woman up in her arms, cradling her. She would have to work quickly, so that Livi didn't try to stop her or interfere. “I want you to tell Vincent...that I kept my promise." Her hands clenched behind the dragon, summoning the hottest fire she'd ever conjured. This fire was coming from her soul....her....very....last....ember.

Livi heard the Druids words , and something inside her softened slightly. She looked at Rain, not understanding, but then the Druid leaned forward and wrapped her arms around the dragon. There was something inherently sad and final about it, and it pulled at Livi and made fresh tears form in her eyes as she buried her head into the crook of Rains neck, hugging her back tightly, something unfamiliar for the dragon to do.

As Rain spoke again Livi made to pull back but felt herself being held fast by the Druids arms. “Kept your...promise?” She asked , confused, before she felt an immense heat began to wrap around her. “Rain, what?...What are you doing?!” Livi cried out. She could feel this fire burning her from within, coating down into her very soul and wrapping around her heart. Trying to snake it’s way into it. It hurt. So badly. It was all Livi could do to stifle back a scream as she thrashed in Rains arms.

As Rain's hands blazed and heated, they became like red, hot pokers and her eyes began dripping with the same lavalike substance. “Trust!" she shrieked and thrust one hand to Livi's chest. The agonizing screams did not phase her as she pushed her molten hand through Livi's chest cavity and gripped her heart! It was not beating, simply existing in this place. With the final push of her little remaining power, Rainbrooke imparted the very last of her life to the blue dragoness, reigniting the motionless heart.

Feeling the last essence of life leave her, Rainbrooke watched as her hand began to disintegrate steadily. There was no time! She grabbed Livi up in her arms and with one heaving motion.....threw them both from the safety of the tree limbs...

Livi felt like every nerve ending inside of her was alight with fire. She was burning, burning....Rains heat eating her up from within. When the Druid thrust her hands inside Livi’s chest she screamed out in agony, her head falling back as her body went slack from the pain. Why was Rain doing this? Had she come this far only to be wiped away by a friend? Scorched in the flames so that nothing remained of her? It seemed cruel and unfair. As if Rain was making the choice for her to end everything and give up the fight to pass on...

But....she had asked Livi to trust her. And despite the torment and fear something small whispered in her mind to have faith. And so Livi released her grip on the Druids arm as she allowed herself to be burnt from within.

She felt Rains molten hands grip around her heart, felt the energy leave the Druids hands and infuse itself inside of her body . Rainbrooke picked Livi up as if she were a child and thrust her from the top of the tree. Livi fell over the cliff face and into the abyss, her eyes open and watching as Rainbrooke hit the ground at the cliffs edge and began to disintegrate.

Time seemed to slow in that moment as the two women watched one another. Livi falling backwards and down as Rain peered over at her. As Livi fell further down and away her eyes caught the last hint of a smile cross the Druids face, before she disappeared completely into ash and the cliff vanished from Livi’s vision.

She landed on the ground with a thud. Back into a place of nothingness, with no walls and no edges. Only this time there was a light here with her. Livi sat up slowly and looked at her chest. It was glowing from within now . She touched there and felt the warmth of her own heart beating. Could feel the link now that tethered herself back to her old body in the real world

While her mind was still unable to reach out. She could feel a hand brushing her cheek. Feel the ghost of lips at her forehead. “Vincent..” she whispered, putting her hands to her mouth as tears spilled from her eyes. She could feel him there now. Could feel everything that was happening to her back in the real world. Livi could sense that her strength had been returning. That her body was mended from what had been drained of it. Rain had rebuilt the link. Had reignited her stone heart. Just as Vincent had been repairing her body. All that was left now was to find a way to guide her mind back home.

“Thank you Emberscar” she whispered out into the void. And in the distance far away, she heard a screeching cry answer.

Funnily enough, until a couple of hours ago, I didn’t really have an idea on what to blog about. We’re still going through the motion of trying to fix the things we broke and trying to shape everything into what will ultimately be our world, our characters and our story. Which although it is a thrilling topic, it’s not something I can write an elaborate blog post about, purely because it’s still…

Funnily enough, until a couple of hours ago, I didn’t really have an idea on what to blog about. We’re still going through the motion of trying to fix the things we broke and trying to shape everything into what will ultimately be our world, our characters and our story. Which although it is a thrilling topic, it’s not something I can write an elaborate blog post about, purely because it’s still…

This week has been a weird one. We rolled right into March, and right into various snowmen that have taken up all of the space. Clara more than me, my week has mostly been weird because she has been home from work before I have. Which for us, is pretty unheard of! There’s a sort of system we have in place, which consists of me being home before her. When that starts changing, all logic goes out…