A Journey for the Soul

[InactiveCoffee]

This is a 1x1 between Dethbycoffee and clockwork girl

Plot Mash-up:

Spoiler

As each person reaches a certain age they are bonded with a familiar. Each familiar symbolizes who the person is and what they are like. The demons normally show as a certain type of animal such as a wolf, deer, and even a mouse. This is not the actual representation of the familiar which can also look like a human as well. Though a creature of magic and spirits and therefore essentially undying they will age as does the person they are linked with till such time as the bond is broken by death at which point the familiar is released.


Others can see the familiar but it won't necessarily look like what the owner would see since they are a spirit manifestation and can change as the person grows, matures, and deals with crap from life. The familiar of a person is not responsible for their actions though they can act as a conscience and sort of life guide when they are younger as needed.




There's a village of peaceful people--descendants of druids of old. They don't use magic anymore, since it caused their people to be hunted down, and all remains of magic have been forbidden to be taught, sealed away in some old ruin of their once great city of sorts. Everything was peaceful, as it should be. And then the Conquerer from the North came, demanding that they relinquish their lands to his ever-growing Empire. They refuse, having close ties to their lands and their forests, and the Conqueror razes their village down. No one survives, except a few young children. They bury their dead, and then swear revenge on those that destoryed their home. They finally decide to learn what was forbidden to them--ancient magic. They go into the ruins and are gifted with familiars--able to take many forms, and bonded to them like soul mates. So this story's about them growing older, while growing in power and planning to get their revenge.

 

[clockwork girl]

A ragtag group of children stood in front of the entrance to a stone ruin. Time and the elements had worn at the structure, covering it with vines and moss and rubbing away at the stone. There was a feeling of dread heavy in the air, and mixed subtly within--iron determination. They all had been taught from a young age that these ruins were dangerous, and the things that were harbored within strictly forbidden to their people. They had become peaceful farmers, embracing the nature they had always been bonded to. They had retracted their claws, closed their eyes to the power the elements could grasp, all in favor of a peaceful future for their children. And yet, it hadn't worked. A pale haired girl looked around the ring of five children--ranging from the youngest, six, to the oldest, eleven. Each child's face resembled the next; puffy and swollen red eyes, soiled clothes streaked with dirt and dark red stains. Here was their village's legacy. Five orphaned children, haggard and drained after burying their dead families, nails rough from having barely prized the stone door open.


She stepped up to the door, gnawing on the lower lip in concentration. "M-maybe this isn't a good idea, Briar," a scrawny boy with dark hair piped up nervously. "We weren't allowed..."


Briar turned towards the boy, whose name was Juniper--older than her by a year, but of a cautious temperament. "You don't have to come. I'm going," she said hoarsely, her eyes not quite seeing her fellow youngster. All she could see was her family, sprawled across the floor of their little cottage. Mama, slumped over the cellar door that had hidden her precious daughter away, and Papa, stretched towards Mama but unable to reach her, and her big brother Thorn, who she had idolized--fallen at the doorstep with a hatchet wound to the neck. And the scene was only one of many similar ones; the stench of blood settled over their once happy homes.


Taking a deep breath, the slender girl entered the ruin. A rush of cold, damp air greeted her--how long had it been since anyone had set foot into these ruins? After a few moments, she heard the sound of the other children enter after her. She raised her torch, and was awed by how grand the interior had once been. Stone engraving, detailed and beautiful, depicting nature and animals. Here and there, there were runes inscripted into columns, though many of them were too difficult for any of the children to read. Here was their forgotten heritage in all its splendor.


"Stay close," she heard Juniper whisper to the three other children, Lark, Nettle and Thistle. "Briar, don't go off on your own..." he called after her, but she ignored him. She felt bad, ignoring Juniper--being next door neighbors, they were close friends, and being the two oldest, she should have tried to help him. But after what had happened...she didn't want to see their faces, knowing her face was just as full of sadness as theirs.


Further. Deeper. Her legs carried her into the unknown, something deeply unconscious leading her forward. None of their villagers had known magic. It had been from an era too far away to recall. And yet, it could not be denied--would not be denied. Magic ran in their blood, lined their bones--rushed through them with each pump of their heart--and she could feel it. Come, she could hear the beckoning. Come. And she went, like a moth to an open flame.


She realized that she was standing in front of a giant piece of polished metal--though it was covered with a thick layer of dust. Carefully, she pushed the dust away, doing her best to cover her nose and mouth with a dirty sleeve. "What are you doing?" Juniper sounded exasperated as he finally caught up to her, the other three in tow. She wordlessly pointed to the burnished metal--their blurry reflections could be seen. Runes ran all around the oval border, almost glowing faintly in the torchlight. "It's very shiny. Now, can we please leave, Briar? We're going to catch a chill in here," he said matter-of-factly. "We can't read the runes anyways."


But some things were pure instinct--or maybe it was the voice she could swear she heard urging her on. "Hold this," she said faintly, handing the torch to Juniper.


"What--" he began to say, but the word died in his throat as she slipped her father's carving knife from her hemp belt. "Briar!" The cut was clean, quick--and the blood began to fall quickly in drop from her hand. She felt lightheaded, but the voice grew stronger. She could hear Juniper shouting, but it seemed so far away. Trembling, she reached for the mirror, touching the surface--and then, like water--it gave. And then she felt a powerful surge, a jolt going through her body, no, her soul.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Malachi paced back and forth, as he had done for centuries now, impatient as always. The spirits had been waiting, watching, hoping someone would finally open the seal that would allow them to help the race of druids that had long been their partners. Spirits of nature were meant to be free, but only with magic was that ever capable. The magic the humans lived on, that bound them to the earth and grass. That gave them the ability to farm, and grow, where no other person would have been able. The animal life were their friends, and source of food, but the animals gladly gave themselves because it was all an instinctual understanding that death would come to all in the end, and it was their duty to supply nutrient to those that fed on them. Just as the deer, and other herbivore creatures fed on the grass and other plants.


It had been to long since Malachi had been able to be free, and he ached to see the earth land they so lovingly called home. Yet, foolishly, the ancestors had locked the magic away, and seemingly forgotten about the spirits who dwelled, waiting to come to their aid. He froze in his pacing as he felt a tremor move along his spine. There was someone. Someone who had opened the seal and discovered what the ancestors had long hidden away. His skin began to crawl with excitement, and several other spirits came into view as well. "Greetings. You feel it too?" he asked, a wry smirk playing across his features.


He was met with only nods of acknowledgement as they waited to see what was going to happen. Five small children came into their view, but it was clear that the children didn't see them. Which means, they hadn't been taught about the ancient pact between man and nature. Malachi's eyes raked over their ragged appearances, curious about what had happened while they were sealed away as they were. Blood wafted off the children in droves, and it stung the spirit's nose. He grunted slightly, and wrinkled his nose in disgust, "What happened to the ancestors that they send blood soaked children to unseal us?" he asked aloud, and again was met with silence.


The children began speaking, vague words that Malachi had all but forgotten. "Come." he spoke, his focus now on the one child who seemed fiercest of all. "Come." he whispered again into the wind, and smiled as she seemed to take notice. So their blood hadn't forgotten after all. This was boding well. He continued to coax the girl, Briar, according to the children's conversation if Malachi were to understand correctly. He lead her to the mirror shield, the one the ancestor's would use to find their familiars. He bit his lip as he waited when the one, Juniper, attempted to convince the girl to leave.


With a held breath, and sudden rush of power as soon as Briar's bloodied hand touched the shield and entered the magic, the spirit took form, and materialized before the children. With a loud, powerful roar, there stood a large, brilliant silver tiger. His coat shimmered in the light, and it almost seemed to flash between black and white, but the stripes ever remained the same. Malachi's golden eyes looked directly at Briar, and a loud, rumbling purr escaped his throat as he laid slowly to the ground, ears against his head to show the children he meant no harm to them.


Briar. I am Malachi. A tiger spirit who had heard the call of your soul. I am your friend, do not be afraid. He voiced aloud for all the children to hear, his tail swishing slowly behind him. You have opened the magic of old, your birthright, and have given me the freedom to see Earth once again. It's been a very long time. As my thanks, I am now your familiar. Your friend, and your protector. He explained, bowing his large head to her. He looked at the mirror shield, Should your friends do the same, their souls will link with a familiar of their own. There are already several waiting to meet their new partners. He said and a smooth, yet somehow choppy, purring chuckle rumbled in the tiger's chest.

 

[clockwork girl]

The other children jumped and let out cries of fear as a large tiger materialized among them--but Briar did not, watching dazedly with wide eyes. She had no reason to fear, because she could feel something curious, but strong. A bond, one that could not possibly be explained by words alone. The young girl drew in a shuddering breath as the tiger's deep golden eyes met her own and the voice could be heard, a voice that she immediately recognized as the faint tugging voice that had drawn her to the mirror. This was her birthright, her friend, her familiar. Her heart told her it was the truth.


Slowly, she inched towards the beast, whose wondrous coat shimmered brilliantly. She reached out her hand--which was no longer bleeding, she noted--and carefully, carefully, let it brush ever-so-gently against the tiger's fur. "Malachi," she uttered quietly, the name a solemn acceptance of what had been granted to her. Juniper and the younger children looked just as stunned by the turn of events, glancing from the tiger, to Briar, and then to the mirror. "Here." Briar stepped towards Juniper and pressed the knife, handle first, into her friend's hand.


"I-Is this really...Is this really happening?" Juniper stammered, his sage green eyes stricken with not only amazement, but his characteristic fear of the unknown. The girl nodded in turn, squeezing the boy's hand for support. This was what they had been meant for. This was their heritage, the gift of their blood. With this Briar could feel her determination growing stronger. They were only a group of sorry little children but a moment ago, but once they accepted their birthright, they would be akin to young druids of old.


After a moment of hesitation, Juniper drew the blade across his palm, wincing at the sight of blood. They had seen too much of it already, and none of them wanted a reminder of their mortality. Squeezing his eyes shut tight, the boy reached for the mirror--and this time, Briar could see it ripple before the mysterious light took over. And then another being materialized suddenly in front of them, a graceful doe stretching her long neck towards Juniper. Her eyes were dark as the oceans, and deeper than the abyss. Juniper, your soul has called me forth. You may call me Aithne, the voice came, soothing and cool like a calm river. I will accompany you through your life. I will heal your wounds, and lend you my power. The young boy took in the sight of his familiar, chest heaving from the ordeal. Before he could gather his wits, Nettle snatched the knife from his hand, rushing towards the mirror with a pinched face of determination.


And before long, there were three more creatures roaming in front of them--a majestic hawk named Maeve for Nettle, a red fox called Etain for Thistle, and a nimble jack rabbit named Ceallach for little Lark.


Tell me, little ones, how have you come to be in such a state? asked the red vixen, moving deftly around them. The children all fell silent, once again taken back to the true reason why they were even in these ruins to begin with. Where are the rest of the son of men?


Briar swallowed hard. "We're all that's left of our people," she nearly whispered, partly because the truth was hard to hear and partly because most of them had rather sore throats after mourning their losses--including her. "Everyone else is...dead." At Briar's words, Lark began to cry, her little features crumbling, and Nettle embraced the younger girl, trying to comfort the girl of only six, though it wasn't long before the younger three were all crying. "We've..." she met Malachi's eyes, strangely finding strength in them to keep from breaking down into tears herself. "We've lost everyone." She blinked hard, roughly wiping at her red eyes. "And we came here though it was forbidden to us, because we wish to grow stronger." She wanted to grow stronger, so no one could take her loved ones away. She would grow stronger, so she could make those murderers pay.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

The tiger hummed as he felt Briar's hand in his fur, and a ripple passed through him as she accepted him as her familiar. With a soft growl of pleasure, and a ripple of power, the tiger shifted down to a boy of about the same age as Briar, and he smiled at her. "With acceptance, I am granted my true power. I can shift into all manner of creatures. As can they." he said, nodding toward the mirror. He watched as Briar pressed the blade to her friend, Juniper, and how he cut his hand and touched the mirror. It was a rather prideful moment, but Malachi was more interested in the girl, Briar.


Malachi nodded at Aithne, "Good to see you, Aithne. I guessed you might have chosen that one." he said lightly. He blinked as another child rushed forward to snatch the knife and press a bloodied hand to the mirror, and then another, and finally the last of them. He couldn't help but grin at the gathered spirits, some having been long gone for sometime since they had been sealed in this cavern. He stood beside Briar as everyone gathered, and looked in astonishment at their spirits. Typical, but it was still good to see.


All of the collected spirits let out a cry of despair at the news, and each had their own unique response. Malachi clenched his fists in anger, "What happened to them? What happened to you?" he asked, looking at Briar with eyes that burned for revenge for her people, and a protectiveness over her that would eventual prove to be more of an annoyance than most. He looked around at the children, and shook with an anger that someone or something had killed so many of the good people that were bonded to nature.


The hawk fluttered it's wings, "This does not bode well for us spirits. It is good you released us, child." Maeve spoke wisely, preening a wing. "We will help and guide you as we can." he added, turning his yellow-green eyes to Nettle, and bowing his head. "We are your friends, and are here to help." he finished, ruffling his smooth feathers. The jack rabbit sped about the ruins, and skidded to a halt at Lark's feet. "Leave here, we must. There is danger afoot." Ceallach muttered quickly.

 

[clockwork girl]

"Oh!" she exclaimed as the tiger disappeared, shifting into the form of a young boy who looked to be the same age as her. He had dark hair that had a definite night-violet hue to it, and the prettiest greenish eyes. This new power they had gained had many surprises in store for them, it seemed. Acceptance--such a seemingly small thing that granted familiars their true powers. Never once in any of their wildest dreams had they imagined that a day would come where they returned to the magic of olden days. But then again, they had also never imagined their entire village would be brutally massacred. The spirits' cries of dismay and Malachi's outrage came as a strangely comforting thing to Briar. They cared, too. They cared about their families, even if they might have not been their familiars for centuries now. Having someone else mourning their loss...perhaps she had not expected that. After all, their village had been small and insignificant compared to the grand cities.


Apparently Briar was not the only one to feel that way, because at their familiars' responses, the three crying children did their best to put on a brave face, scrubbing at their red faces and swollen eyes. "We're not really sure exactly who it was," Juniper said haltingly, his lips pressed thin. "We only survived because we were all hidden away."


"But there was that bad man! The bad man lying in front of elder Rowan's house!" Nettle chimed in.


Briar nodded. "There was a dead man not from our village. I think he was a soldier, because he was wearing...those metal things. Armor." Though she did not know for sure, she did have an inkling who it might have been. Just the other day, she had snuck into the kitchen after bedtime in time to hear her parents and their friends talking in hushed and serious tones. She hadn't caught much of the conversation, but if that indeed had something to do with the tragedy that had occurred....


The spirits seemed eager to leave the ruins, and so they began to walk towards the door, a tiny square of light far away. Once they stepped out, Briar squinted her eyes against the bright sunlight, having been used to the darkness within the ruins. "We should return to the village," she said, turning to the group that had suddenly doubled in size. She felt better, even though it didn't make the hurt less. "It'll...be easier to explain that way."


The trek back into their village felt shorter than usual, perhaps because part of her didn't want to see the destroyed houses and smell the tang of blood. It looked completely abandoned and ransacked, even though just three days ago, it had been bustling with peaceful lives. They had spent two days burying their dead--a large task for a five young children. Their tears had softened the earth as they dug the graves, plowing away with shovels too big for their hands. The state of their blistered hands was proof of the labor they had carried out. The fair-haired girl swallowed as the mounds of freshly turned dirt came into view. Those fields had been for farming vegetables, but now it was a graveyard.


 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Two and half years later, mid-winter.

​

The wind banged against the shutter, howling loudly outside. Winter had come for them, bitter and ice cold. Two and a half years had passed since the tragedy, and the small band of children had moved to a village further up north with their familiars in tow. The North was safe from the Conqueror's reach, but instead the long and harsh winters had given them another set of hardships. Sickness.


The room was dark, even with the flickering candles. The light was bleak and grey, due to the overcast sky and the snow that had piled up swiftly over their tiny hut, there was no moonlight. In the cramped down, a nest of blankets was swaddled around a tiny figure. The atmosphere was equally cold and dark as the little girl--poor Lark, shivered from head to toe. "I don't want to go," the girl whimpered feverishly. "Please don't make me go." Juniper looked down and away, his lips pressed thin. He was almost fourteen, starting to look a bit lanky--he had yet to fill out his taller form. His expression was one of fatigue and sadness, as if he had already accepted the hopeless situation. Thistle and Nettle sat next to each other with their familiars, leaning into each other, drifting in and out of exhausted sleep.


The girl who was clutching Lark's hand, however, had yet to resign. Briar was kneeling next to the nest of cloth, trying to do anything she could to keep the girl alive. She had done everything already, but she was doing them again, and again in desperation. Even though the room was crowded with fellow child and familiar alike, it was like she only saw the dying girl. "You don't have to," Briar replied desperately, "You don't have to anywhere, you can stay here with me, with us..." Biting her lip, she mopped at the younger girl's sweaty hot face with a damp cloth. "Don't go," she whispered, her voice barely audible. She squeezed Lark's small hand, feeling just as helpless as she had when she had held her mother's corpse.


Lark blinked slowly, a peculiar look come over her blue eyes. She smiled. "Momma..." Briar's eyes widened, her hands flying to the younger girl's shoulders.


"No no no, not yet," she begged, her voice growing in volume. "Lark, please, don't go. Don't leave us--"


But it seemed that the small girl of eight was already too far away to hear her. "...Papa..." the word slipped out from Lark's chapped lips, gentle as a down feather. And then there was a silence so great it was painful.


"Lark?" she called blankly, as if she could not comprehend. "Lark, look at me. Lark?" Nothing. Frosted blue eyes, dull and empty. And then the waves came crashing over her. "Wake up!" she pleaded, her voice trembling as she shook the lifeless girl. A rush of tears came on. "Don't leave!"


"Briar, that's enough," Juniper bent over the bed, attempting to pry her fingers from the little girl's shoulders. "She's gone, Briar. That's enough." He sounded quiet, diminished, as if something had been extinguished within him.


"No! I-I...I still haven't...!" she bit back her words, her voice breaking pathetically. "I-I still--!" I still haven't been able to protect you! She had sworn to herself that nothing would take her loved ones again. Nothing, no one. She had sworn she would never lose anyone again. And yet... She scrambled up and backed away from the bed, chest heaving with sobs. It happened again. I lost someone again. I couldn't do anything... The pressure in her chest tightened excruciatingly and she spun around and bolted through the door, stumbling into the dark.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

It was late, and the house was almost deathly quiet. The children and familiars huddled close together, around one in particular. Little Lark, who had been sick for quite sometime now, and there was no sign of getting better. Cellach moaned softly, his small furry form curled in a tight ball in the sick child's lap. With Lark's diminishing health, so was the jack rabbit's. I'm here, Lark. You aren't alone. came his small, weak voice, the jack rabbit shifting slightly and nuzzling it's head beneath a small, sweaty hand. Sadness surrounded the ground, and each familiar moved to their child, and comforted them as best they could amid the sadness of loss.


Malachi, who had grown protective of Briar, was angry in his agony over the death of the child, and the physical death of his old friend Cellach. It was just how he responded to pain and sadness, fighting it with anger. He crouched beside Briar and little Lark, his fists clenching and unclenching in white-knuckled grips. "Briar. It'll be okay. Lark is in good hands." he said gently, though the despair and anger were clear in his undertones. He reached over and placed a gentle hand on Briar's shoulder, attempting to comfort the girl.


When Lark faded, and Cellach with her, each of the familiars let out the same despairing cry when they had learned of the slaughter of these children's families. Tears began to flow, and there was a sickening despair in each of their eyes. Lark had been lost, and so had Cellach, and it was something they would all remember. They always remembered the deaths of their friends. No matter the length of time inbetween.


Malachi bit his lip as Briar began to act rashly in her upset, the pain that constricted his chest almost unbearable. The sound of her shaking voice, and the tears that streamed down her cheeks made his anger burn all the more. He had been unable to help her protect her new family, and now they had lost the youngest of the group. He choked out a small sob, his shoulders shaking as he tried to think of what he needed to do.


As Juniper tried to pry Briar's fingers from Lark's body, Malachi jumped to action. He glared at the older boy, "Don't touch her." he snapped, and pushed the boy's hands away from Briar. The tiger spirit blinked after Briar as she backed away from the bed, and something told him something seemed wrong. In the next moment, Briar had spun around, and bolted out into the harsh winter night. He snarled softly, "Keep the others warm and safe. Aithne, why don't you and the others try and locate some firewood. The winter's don't bother us as much, and we need a fire to keep warm. Set Lark's body outside, and when the winter storm dies down, we'll all go out and give her a proper burial." he said softly, not looking at Juniper before he shifted into a house cat, and chased after Briar.


WIth the almost unnatural speed of a familiar, and their keen ability to know where their connected human was at all times, it wasn't hard for Malachi to catch up to Briar. Plus, the winter storm was in his favor to keep her journey from being a quick one. He rounded around Briar, and shifted to his human form, leaping and tackling the girl to the ground to stop her continued running. "Briar, stop running. It's winter, and we're in the middle of a storm. Do you want to be lost as well?" he asked, all but unkindly, as he hugged the girl tightly. After a moment, feeling her shivering form, he shifted back into his main form, the large tiger from when they had first met. He curled his body around Briar, his hind, and forelegs settling in a fashion so that Briar wasn't touching the frozen earth. He crouched there, where they had stopped, and brought his tail around to help block the wind from her small figure. Do not despair, Briar. I am here for you. I know it hurts, for I have lost two friends tonight. But stay strong for the others. They need you just as well as they need their familiars. He purred softly, pressing his large head against her shoulder.

 

[clockwork girl]

Run, run, run. She didn't even know where she was going, just that she was running away from tragedy. The wind blew against her as she ran through the snow, making it no easy task. But still, she threw her weight against the resistance and ran. She felt sick, as if all the deaths she had seen had balled up inside her into one big lump in her gut. Cold and heavy as stone, it was a constant reminder that she was too weak to protect those she loved.


A streak blurred by her feet and she realized it was a cat--but no ordinary cat. It was Malachi, she knew it was. "Leave me alone," she tried to say. Ignoring him, she made to continue running, but then he shifted into his human form. Briar let out a small gasp of surprise as he tackled her in a hug, slowing her from her reckless escape into nowhere. For a moment she angrily tried to push him away, but his words made her break down in tears before she could do anything. It felt nice to be embraced tightly, like she had once been embraced by her parents. She buried her face into the crook of his neck, trying to calm the sobs that were shuddering out of her. She knew she was being stupid and childish, rushing out into the cold like that. Something that reckless could give her the fever, too.


Then he was tiger once more, the beautiful silvery-black form he had taken the first time they'd met. He settled around her, nestling her in his warmth. Sniffling, she curled up into a ball, resting her head against him. She nodded, lips trembling, as he reassured her that he was there for her. "I'm sorry, I...I didn't mean that. I wasn't thinking." she apologized, suddenly feeling terrible for telling him to leave her alone. After all, that was exactly the last thing she wanted. "I don't want to lose anyone," she murmured into his fur, blinking back the tears that kept coming. "But we lost Lark and Cellach." How much stronger did she have to get before she could keep everyone she loved safe? How much more would she lose before she did get stronger? That was a terrifying thought and she squeezed her eyes shut, focusing on the warmth enveloping her.


"You're not going to leave me too, are you?" she mumbled, barely heard over the winter wind and his comforting purring. "Promise me you won't leave me?" It was strange how in the span of meeting Malachi, she had grown attached to him and the idea of a familiar. Even though her people had lived for so many years without such spirit companionship, she could no longer imagine a life where she did not have him. The thought of it was frightful, and she found that she couldn't understand how her ancestors had chosen to lock away such an important relationship.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Malachi ignored her fighting against him, knowing it was the despair and greif she felt for Lark's loss. He merely held onto her until she had calmed, and helped to keep her warm with the soft fur of his tiger self. It's alright, Briar. I know you didn't mean your words. You're in pain, and I understand that. he purred softly, keeping his large head close to her body for comfort, and so that it was easiest to hear her words over the howling winter wind. He listened to her speak, pain constricting his chest as he hurt for her, and the others. He knew she wanted to protect them, and so he felt the need to protect them as well, even if that need wasn't as strong as the one to protect this girl whose soul had called out to him.


A soft, rumbling chuckle thudded in his throat and chest as she asked if he was going to leave. No, child. I won't be leaving you anytime at all. I am your friend, and guardian. Your soul called to me, and I will not leave you until you breathe your last breath. And if I have anything to say about that, your last breath will be when you are old and gray. he said softly, nudging her with his head again. He passed his raspy tiger's tongue over her leg, and watched her with golden-green eyes. He wouldn't leave this child for anything in the known world, and that wasn't merely because of the magic that bound them together. He cared about his humans, and only ever walked beside one when he truly felt something in the soul of the human. This girl was meant to be great, and Malachi was going to make sure it came to be.

 

[clockwork girl]

He let out a rolling laugh at her quiet question, and assured her that he would be with her until she died, mentioning that he would ensure that her death would come in the form of old age, not any sort of terrible event. At that Briar finally let out a small laugh. It was difficult for the young girl to think of herself as an old and wrinkled woman--for now, at least, but his promise warmed her bitter heart. "Thank you," she murmured, petting his beautiful fur. She could still do this; she still had so far to go to reach her goal. Her family was her strength, and with Malachi at her side, surely she would survive anything the harsh world could throw at her. No doubt those tribulations would be difficult and hurt her greatly, but she had him to comfort her.


"We should get back," she sighed, unfurling herself from her position and standing up, albeit a bit reluctantly. "The others are probably worried." It really had been stupid of her to run out on everyone like that, when they were hurting just like her. Briar had a bad habit of trying to avoid other people when she was deeply impacted emotionally, but she couldn't afford to do that anymore. Though Juniper was the oldest, she shared most of the responsibility for the younger children with him. She had to step up a bit. "A good night's sleep will do us all good, no doubt."


--


It had take two whole days before the storm died down enough for them to attempt a burial. They had laid Lark's little body in the snow, and the chill had kept her from decay, which she was grateful for. She wasn't sure if she could avoid the nightmares if she saw that happening--and in truth, she suffered enough nightmares about the day the village had been massacred. They all did.


They took turns hewing away at the frozen earth, and it took a good long time before they were able to dig a grave deep enough. Briar took a deep breath as the children lowered her cold corpse into the grave. Nettle and Thistle looked sad and tired, having been rather close to the youngest girl. Maeve and Etain looked on, comfortingly close to their humans for moral support.


Seeing Lark lying silently in the ground reminded her of the sick girl in the nest of blankets. She felt her chest tighten, as if more tears were to well up, but none came, perhaps due to the amount of tears she and the other had shed in the past two days. "We will miss you and Cellach," Briar said quietly as the bleak winter sun cast shadows around them and reflected on the snow, making the white dazzle. "You always brightened our days and reminded us of what we...were fighting for."


"No pain can reach her now," Aithne said soothingly, "She has found peace in eternity." Juniper nodded solemnly, his eyes fixed on the dead girl's face.


Briar wished that they had flowers to place next to the girl--the grave looked uncomfortable and cold. Lark deserved more than a cold hard grave...

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Malachi purred softly, and stood as well, shaking the snow buildup from his fur. He hovered close to Briar as they pushes their way back home, keeping his large body in between the direction the wind was plowing at them, and Briar in an attempt to help keep her from freezing before they got home. Once inside, he was glad to see the other spirits had taken his advice and managed to salvage some sort of fire wood, and they finally had a small, weak fire going in the once empty fireplace. It held little warmth, but it was enough. He remained in his tiger form, and curled in such a way that he wrapped around the four remaining children, and kept most of the heat from the fire from escaping to the cold. He laid his head closest to Briar, and they all rested.


--------


Malachi did his best to help dig the grave for the small child, changing between a range of different burrowing animals that would help break the frozen earth. It still took them quite some time, but they managed, and eventually young Lark was laying at the bottom of the hole, cold and lifeless. They all listened solemnly to Briar's words, and Malachi, now in his human self again, took hold of her hand and squeezed it gently in comfort. He held no words that would comfort the children, knowing their familiars had already sung the same tune in hopes of easing their pain at least a little. He looked to Aithne, "Aithne, would you lend me some of your strength?" he asked softly, stepping to the edge of the grave. The other spirit nodded, and as did the remaining two who had been listening.


They all gathered around the edge of the grave, and all became their original animal spirit forms. A soft glow seemed to emanate from their forms, and warmth seemed to flow off of them, into the ground and around Lark's small body. Spirits of nature, hear our plea. Give this child rest in peace. Malachi whispered softly, and they all closed their eyes as the warmth rose to a peak that was reminiscent of spring time, and then died down again. They all stepped back to their respective humans, tired and exhausted, but each wore a small smile. Malachi looked down into the grave, and then moved back over to Briar. "It was the least we could do to honor her." he said softly, and when anyone looked into the grave, Lark's small form rested on a thick bed of fresh moss, and there were even a few flowers that had managed to blood. "Let's cover her before the harsh winter undoes what we spent a fair bit of our current power to do." he panted softly, and moved to begin the process of burying their small friend.

 

[clockwork girl]

---Another two and a half years later---

​

Two winters had passed them by, and now the hot summer sun blazed down on her head as Briar, basket in hand, walked briskly about the lowtown market. Her birthday had been a mere moon ago, and now she was a girl of fifteen--not quite having entirely shed girlhood, but looking more like a young woman than child. She was out to buy produce with the coin she and Juniper had earned. They did work that they could find; Juniper was an apprentice to a woodworker, finally starting to fill out his frame. Briar, on the other hand, worked many an odd job instead of picking a particular profession. Picking a profession felt too much like setting aside her mission for a 'normal' life, though she could hardly blame those who wished for it. Perhaps it was better that way, but Briar could not bury the dead from her heart as well. Their memories could not be ignored, and the injustices they had been put through had to be avenged. There was no way she could ever rest easy before their souls rested too.


Lowtown market was not the safest place, or the cleanest. She wrinkled her nose--there was always some sort of smell that permeated the air here, and she wasn't sure she wanted to know what exactly it was. But there was good enough reason for her to be in such a place: they did not have much coin, but they did still have four hungry mouths that needed to eat. If you looked hard enough, you could find products that were decent in quality--even if you did have to dig through the rotten ones first. The girl appraised a pile of dirt-encrusted potatoes, attempting to feel her way to ones that weren't soft with the rot. One thing good about potatoes was that even if they did have a part that was rotten, once it was cut out, the rest was still good to eat. Nevertheless, she had no intention of spending their hard earned coin of half-rotten potatoes.


After filling her basket with a couple decent potatoes, she paid the scowling woman and went off, tucking the coin purse back into her belt. It was best to keep your coin close to oneself in these parts of the town. Usually Juniper came with her to shop, but his mentor had wanted him to stay behind to help him work on a set of furniture. Being alone did not frighten her, but she was more alert than usual, her eyes darting casually across the alleys in case there were any...aggressive fellows lurking about.


What she hadn't expected, however, was a hand to read out from the shadows and yank her into an alleyway by the hair. Briar let out a sharp cry of surprise; potatoes scattered, falling among the dirt and puddles of questionable origins. Her yelp of shock, however, turned very quickly into an angry hiss as she realized what sort of company she had suddenly found herself with. A group of five or so men had formed a ring around her, each looking more roguish than the next. "Missy, hand over yer coin. We saw y'pull that hefty pouch out there," one of them growled, leering threateningly.


"Not going to happen, dimwit," she spat, glowering at them. Not only were they ganging up on her to take her money, they had made her drop the potatoes! She had paid fair money for those! "Now let me go, or your lot will be sorry."


They only took her words as jest; they laughed raucously, as if they were being threatened by a stringy little cat. The one she had called a dimwit, however, didn't look particularly amused by her insult. "Eh? What d'you call me?" he raised his voice, his scruffy upper lip curling angrily.


"Oh, my apologies. Of course you didn't hear me, you must have filth plugging your ears after so many years of not washing," she retorted, not backing down. She was provoking him, unwise, perhaps, but she was not one to cower and placate, instead choosing to bare her fangs and claws.


"This little bitch--!" he snarled, and lunged at her. Briar was prepared, whipping out her father's knife, and the man impaled himself on it. He howled in pain, having not expected any sort of physical resistance. "She stabbed me!" he raged, holding a hammy hand to his side. It was certainly not fatal, but fatal or not, it was bleeding.


"Actually, you fell on my knife," Briar corrected, her eyes like midwinter.


"You think you're so smart--you'll be sorry!" another thug growled, and then, the other four closed in on her.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Malachi had been in a different portion of the market, disguised as a hungry mutt looking for scraps. More or less, he was looking for an opening around the butcher's stall to nab a hunk or two of meat. The kids needed protein if they wanted any semblance of a good meal, the other spirits having scattered to scavenge where they could. He was about to snap on a hunk that had been left unattended when something tugged at his senses. Something wrong. He spun, sliding into a shadow under a table, and when he emerged he was small local bird. He fluttered up into the air, and scanned the crowd. There was no sign of Briar, and that worried him. He huffed softly, and darted to where he had last seen her, looking around frantically.


He took a deep breath, and settled his growing panic. There it was. The invisible string, as he called it, that lead him to Briar should she ever have need of him. He zipped toward the target alley way, gasping when he spotted the situation just as Briar defended herself against the one, and his howl of pain. He zipped to the back side of the alley, and landed, changing into his large tiger self. He let out a deafening roar, and pounced on the closest man, snarling. He growled, You will not harm her! his mental voice snarled so that they all heard. He stepped off of the man he had pounced on, and shifted down to his human self, looking a boy of merely sixteen. "Stay back, Briar. You're out numbered here." he said, glaring at the men as he pushed Briar behind himself, putting him between her and the five men.

 

[clockwork girl]

The thugs let out fearful yowls as the huge tiger appeared seemingly out of nowhere and roared furiously, promptly knocking over one unfortunate man. If they hadn't been expecting the tiger, they certainly hadn't been expecting it to talk to them. Looking half-terrified and half-confused, the men stared with wide panicked eyes. "Malachi!" Briar breathed, her knife still very ready in her hand. She hadn't known he'd been in the market, but she wasn't about to complain.


"W-witch!" a thug stammered in fear, pointing a pudgy finger at her. "She's a sorceress!"


Well, she couldn't quite argue with that. But whatever wits the charlatans had left in them seemed to leave altogether when Malachi reverted to his human form. They gawked. And then they all paled, fear of the unknown in their eyes. "We'll turn you into frogs next!" Briar snarled, and the entire lot of them scrambled to their feet and fled as if the tiger was chasing after them. The girl watched them go, arms crossed over her chest. Letting out quick huff once they were out of sight, she bent to pick up her fallen basket. "Stupid idiots..." she muttered, and then turned to the boy that had been standing protectively in front of her.


"That was close," she sighed, offered him a weary, but affectionate smile. Knife or not, four against one would have not been a very fair fight."Thanks. I didn't know you were nearby--why didn't you come earlier? We could've shopped together, y'know." She looked down glumly at the potatoes in the dirt, but began to collect them, trying to brush off the filth that had ended up on them.


Still, her mood was improved by the fact that Malachi was there with her. It wasn't too very often that they got to spend time on their own--they had a large family of sorts. Looking at him, she could remember the little boy he had been when she had first seen his human form. The familiars aged alongside their humans--in physical form, anyways. Though it was difficult for her to tell much of a difference in herself as the years passed, simply because it was her own face and body, it was quite obvious when looking at Malachi or the other children. How the years had passed...

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Malachi stared angrily after the thugs as they made their escape, seriously considering chasing after them as a tiger for daring to even think about harming Briar, but he chose not to stir up to much trouble. The last thing he needed to do was make the town excommunicate the children. He glanced at Briar as she bent to lift the basked, and his demeanor shifted as he saw her smile. How he loved seeing her smile, even if it was weary, or tired. He watched her silently as she began to collect the potatoes, and asking why he hadn't made himself apparent before hand. He could see she was a little upset at the event that had taken place, and easily could tell that she enjoyed his company. "One. I didn't know you were planning on shopping since Juniper is stuck at work." he started, his tone stiff, and tinged with anger. "Two. You didn't come find me to tell me you coming to shop. Which, you should have since it isn't good for young girls to shop alone in shady places like this!" he scolded, huffing slightly as his motioned angrily at the market just outside the alley in which they still stood.


"Three. I couldn't very well shift from being the dog I was in the middle of the market! You saw how those thugs reacted. Do you want your little family excommunicated from this town? We're having trouble enough as it is with the meager coin we all can make." he sighed, exasperated. He ran his hands through his hair, growling softly. "You put yourself in unnecessary danger, Briar! What if you had been hurt? What if I hadn't been in the market and couldn't have made it to you in time?" he snapped, placing his hands on her shoulders to pull her from the distraction of the dirty potatoes. "This place is dangerous Briar! You can't just go off with a full coin purse and not expect someone to attempt to steal it. Especially from lone girls!" he practically snarled, an anger settling over him for her having gotten into dangerous trouble. Of course, the anger was misplaced on her, for it was the thugs that had made him so angry. He didn't like the idea of her being harmed in any fashion. Nor did he like the idea of the thug's hands on her either. Of course, that hadn't happened, but Malachi knew all to well that it was very much a possibility.

 

[clockwork girl]

Her lips pressed into a thin line at the anger in his voice, her eyes flashing with indignation. "Oh I'm sorry, did you just want me to stand there and get robbed?" she retorted sharply, starting to be put on edge. "I can't just not buy food because Juniper's not with me! Market prices are cheapest at this hour!" She was just trying to do the best she could, but he didn't seem to want to listen to her protests. She roughly shrugged her shoulders out of his grasp, glowering. "You're not my parent, Malachi," she spat back frostily, crossing her arms tighter. She knew he was just worried for her, but Briar no longer took well to scolding at her age. After all, it had been five years since she had an adult tell her what to do, and she ran much of the household like a young mother figure of sorts. In truth, she sorely missed her parents and her big brother. It was like a wound that, while well hidden away, did not close.


Part of her was frustrated--frustrated that she wasn't getting stronger fast enough. It wasn't enough yet; she wasn't strong enough yet. She still couldn't make it so no one could hurt them, and it made her angry with herself. This wasn't enough! "I'm so sick of hearing about safety this and safety that from you and Juniper!" she angrily tossed the rest of the potatoes in the basket, storming out of the shady alley and into the main street. Juniper was as cautious as ever--if not more, always bringing up 'what if's' and worst scenarios, and now it seemed Malachi was singing the same tune. Briar knew it was foolish to run into this brashly, but she itched for more. "I'm not some pretty decoration made of glass!" she hissed, staring straight ahead and ignoring the rest.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

"You should have gotten me so that we could have been together." Malachi snapped, groaning as he started walking after her. He glanced warily around, knowing he now had to watch what he said so that gossipers wouldn't over hear the wrong thing. "I wasn't saying you shouldn't have come. I fully well know that prices are cheapest right now." he stated, shoving hands into ragged pockets. He sighed, and walked close to her, an almost sadness quickly replacing his anger. He hated making Briar angry, or sad. He didn't like the look it gave her. He much preferred her smile, and right now, he wasn't helping to keep that smile on her face. The statement of him not being her parent stung, and he flinched away from her, frowning. He took hold of the upper portion of her arm, and pulled her into another empty alley way so they could talk. He spun her around, her back against the wall of the building and his form standing between her and freedom. She wasn't going to just walk away from him.


"Look, Briar." he started, slightly glowering at her. "You're not decoration. You fight well, and you're learning fast." he started, sighing as he looked toward the ground, his face showing an angry sort of hurt that he always had when they had fought. "But right now, there are still many out there who are bigger, and stronger than you." he continued, speaking softly. "Everyone cares deeply for you, Briar. None more so than I." he said, looking up from the ground to meet her gaze. "Juniper worries because he's to cautious, and yeah, that's irritating." he shrugged, a wry smirk flashing on his face. "I worry after the fact because there were so many things that could have gone wrong, and that scares me. I didn't mean anything against you, and you know it." he stated, shaking his head. "You have to think about the world around you just as much as the world thinks about you. You're a hunter, but you're also prey. You aren't the biggest animal in the forest." he sighed.


"An animal that lives until it's old and gray is a smart animal that doesn't take unnecessary risks to their lives. Even if that means setting pride aside, or spending a little extra coin so you can be safe. Nettle and Thistle depend on you and Juniper like you're their parents. And even if you haven't seen it, Juniper depends on you too." he frowned, his dislike for that particular idea apparent. "So, you need to think about what would happen to them if something bad happened to you. Unless you want me to be your personal shadow all day and all night, I won't always be right at your side to help watch your back. If you want to be strong, you can't depend on me like that." he explained gently, trying to get her to see the point in his argument. "Though, honestly, I won't complain if you want me to shadow you. I'd rather enjoy that actually." he scoffed, smirking at her.

 

[clockwork girl]

"Let go, Malachi!" she snapped as he dragged her into another alley, obviously not done with their chat. But she wasn't feeling too inclined to more talking, which would mean more nagging, obviously. He backed her against the wall, preventing her from storming away. She fixed him with an angry glare, her jaw clenched stubbornly. Stupid Malachi, why couldn't he understand? He glared back at her as he spoke, but then the anger gave way to a hurt expression. His voice was quieter this time, a bit softer. Briar slowly exhaled, the tightness in her jaw and body relaxing a fraction. "I know I'm not the biggest, baddest thing out there," she admitted, her voice calmer in response. "And I know I have a reckless streak, and sometimes I jump in too quickly." She let out a sigh as he coaxed her into seeing his point of view, and she knew she couldn't win against his argument, especially when he put it like that.


He was talking about how Nettle and Thistle depended on her and Juniper, and how Juniper counted on her. She did not miss his furrowed brow as he mentioned Juniper. "Are you jealous?" she let out a quick laugh, a teasing glint in her eyes. It was off subject, but it helped break the foul tension that was between them. Her smile faded slowly as she thought about the children waiting for them at home.


"This is going to sound terrible, but sometimes I get tired of it all," her words were barely audible, weary, and full of shame. She loved her little ragtag family, and she wanted more than anything to protect them and know that they were safe and happy. But it was a heavy burden to bear through the years, and sometimes she could feel herself faltering. Sometimes she wondered if she was the only one left who was fixed on avenging their dead. Sometimes she wondered if they were better off just moving on, like Juniper said. Settle down. Live normal lives. Were the other children better off that way? She could not imagine it for herself, because then she would never be at peace, but was it different for the others? She just didn't know. Briar shook her head, trying to clear her mind of those thoughts.


"Sorry. I'm saying weird things," she mumbled, running a hand through her hair and squaring her slumped shoulders. She didn't have time to whine, really. It was stupid and selfish of her to complain like that, right? "I'll try to be more careful. There, happy?" she shot him a cheeky smile. There were many things waiting for her at home to be done--cooking, chores, such things that were her duty. She didn't have him to whine, she told herself sternly.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Malachi sighed as he watched the turmoil that seemed to be swirling in Briar's mind just by the shifting expressions on her face. He crossed his arms over his chest, shrugging, "What if I am a bit jealous? I don't like how Juniper looks at you sometimes." he snapped, but quickly softened as the smile faded off her face. He sighed again, and put a hand to his temple, rubbing away the minor headache he got whenever they fought. It was never good for his health, but sometimes it couldn't be helped. He didn't want anything to happen to Briar, and he knew their fairly stale lifestyle wore on her each and every day. He fixed his gaze on her again, frowning, "I know it's hard, Briar. You're far to young to have children depending on you like this." he said slowly, his voice quiet.


He shook his head, "Don't apologize, Briar. Everyone's entitled to a little complaint here and there. It helps relieve some of the stress on the mind. That's part of why I'm here." he said, shooting a rather toothy grin at her in response to her cheeky grin. He reached for the basket she carried, "Come on. I'll be the pack mule. Let's finish shopping and get back. I'll talk with the other spirits tonight." he said softly, "I know what you desire, and that's not going to be achieved by hanging around here living like a housewife." he snickered. "The other's familiars can take care of the them. We'll all sit and talk tonight. Tomorrow, we'll leave town. You and me. I'll get you the revenge you desire." he said softly, a quiet promise lined with determination in his words.

 

[clockwork girl]

"Alright. I just need a few more vegetables--maybe some carrots and onions?" she noted as he took the basket. The carrots would be at the stand at the end of the street, and the onions on the opposite side... Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted as the familiar continued to speak, mentioning a meeting with the rest of the spirits. Briar's eyes grew round at his words, her lips parting disbelievingly. "You don't really mean..." she gasped out, but he seemed serious enough, the gleam of determination in his eyes. He did mean it! "Oh, I..." There weren't many times she was left speechless, but this was one of the rare times. A slow smile tugged at her lips until it spread across her face. "Oh, Malachi." A soft laugh escaped her and she linked her arm through his, her steps light as she walked along with him.


The rest of their shopping errand seemed to fly by on wings, perhaps due to the excited churning in her head. There were too many things to consider, an anxious sort of excitement brewing in her stomach too. Before she realized, she was already opening the door to their little cottage. "Briar!" Nettle chirped, springing up from her seat by the window to embrace the older girl. "Welcome back." Maeve stood up after her human, her freckles crinkling as she smiled as well.


"Sorry it took a while," Briar smiled, brushing back the hair from the younger girl's face. "Where's Thistle and Etain?"


"They went to chop up firewood," Nettle answered, jerking her chin in the general direction they had taken off towards. "It's better to stock up now, when most people aren't thinking about warmth."


"Right," the pale haired girl nodded, feeling a small twinge in her chest at the thought of the winter before last, when they had lost Lark. She quickly shook the thought away, and nodded at the basket full of vegetables that Malachi was holding. "I bought some vegetables. Do you and Maeve want to help me make dinner?"


"Sure," Nettle smiled, dancing away to tug Maeve along. "We'll get some water from the well."


----


Dinner had been a hearty one of vegetable soup and bread, and they all had eaten happily after the day's hard work. But as soon as her plans to leave were mentioned, the atmosphere took a sharp turn. "Absolutely not," Juniper shook his head, looking half disgusted and half incredulous. "Briar, are you stupid?" She was momentarily taken aback by how aggressive his response was--for it was too often the other way around. "You're going to get yourself killed!" his voice rose, and he stood abruptly, his hands balled into fists. "And you, Malachi, you shouldn't be putting these ideas into her head!" he pointed accusingly at the familiar, glaring at him.


Briar stood up as well, as if to shield Malachi from his piercing gaze and accusatory finger. "Juniper, you know that was my intent from the beginning," she retorted defensively. "The reason I went into those ruins--it was for power! To protect, to avenge--"


"You don't have to do suicidal things to protect what's important to you!" the older boy cut her off, looking angrier than he had ever been before. Even Aithne looked stunned at the strong emotional response that was coming from Juniper. "Don't you think I want to protect us too? That's why I work. That's why I'm learning a trade! So I can provide for everyone for years to come! But you, you think you can protect us by going off on your own and abandoning us?!" The last part felt like a slap in the face and she flinched, unable to come up with an answer.


"I don't want Briar to leave either, Juniper, but calm down--" Thistle spoke up, looking distressed despite always being the collected one.


"No! You don't understand how serious this is!" he hissed, reaching out and grabbing Briar by the shoulders. Even when he shook her, she was too stunned to push him away. "What are you going to do against an army? They ravage villages and cities! What do you think they're going to do to you?!" Briar wordlessly stared at the older boy, trying to piece together what was going on. She hadn't meant to hurt him like that. Not at all.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Malachi had spoken with the spirits just before dinner of his and Briar's intentions, and as spirits go, they wished him well. If it was Briar's wish to leave, it wasn't the spirit's place to stop her. They merely agreed to care for their humans, and await Briar and Malachi's return if life so chose to return them here. When they sat down for dinner, the spirits ate solemnly, and Malachi apologized about having missed his opportunity for stealing them a little meat, though he didn't explain why to anyone. Merely, he glanced over at Briar, and smirked, shaking his head.


His stomach dropped as the atmosphere plunged to icy depths, and he had to stifle a snarl that threatened to escape him when Juniper asked Briar if she were stupid. He glared at the boy, letting the conversation go between them for the time being. He leaped from his chair, and yanked the boy's hands off of Briar when he began to shake her, snarling rather viciously. "Keep your hands off of Briar!" he growled, glaring harshly at Juniper as he pushed himself between the two, putting Briar behind him. "Let's get this straight first, Juniper." he stated angrily, "Don't touch Briar. She's mine, got me?" he snapped, not caring about the inflection his words probably held, but mostly because to him, those words held the same meaning no matter the assumption of others.


"Never once have I forced an idea upon her. I am merely here to guide her, and I have tried to find ways of convincing her that attacking an army is not a good idea." he stated, his hands in fists at his sides. "But in the end, it is not up to me! It's up to her. She is the only one who can control her own happiness and her own path in life. She isn't happy here. She isn't happy playing housewife to a boy who doesn't even know the first thing about caring for a family outside paying the bills and putting food in their mouths." he growled angrily again, his shoulders trembling slightly with how tense he was.


"She isn't abandoning you. Do you not realize the torment she is putting herself through, knowing how much you depend on her? Stop and think, you idiot child!" he snapped, and glanced at Aithne, "My apologies, Aithne." he added to her, sighing. He looked back at Juniper, "No one is going to hurt Briar. She has me as her familiar. Just ask your own about my story. She and I were one of the first nature spirits to bond with your ancestors. I won't let anything harm her." he stated flatly, crossing his arms over his chest. "And when did she say she was going to attack right away? There's a lot I can still teach her, but I can't do it here unless you want to be chased from town being called witches or sorcerers." he sighed, putting a hand to his temple and rubbing it slightly with the heel of his palm. "Get over yourself, Juniper. You can't decide someone's life for them." he sighed.

 

[clockwork girl]

Juniper opened his mouth as if to spit out more scathing arguments, but Aithne quietly placed a hand on his shoulder. The boy let out a hissing sigh, glowering at both Malachi and Briar. His lips pressed into a thin line, as they often did when he was upset. "Fine," he let out bitingly, "Fine! Just go."


"Juniper, please," Briar said pleadingly, reaching out to try and take his arm. He yanked himself away from her, and she bit her lip, trying not to let it get to her. Sure, they had their quarrels, but he’d never turned away from her like that. It stung.


"Just know what you've chosen over..." Juniper shook his head, interrupting his own sentence as he walked away and opened the door. He glanced at her over his shoulder one last time before leaving--a flicker of sadness in his eyes. The slamming door made her flinch, but before the tears could gather in her eyes she wrenched a fist across them. It was already late, and she felt exhausted; the sentiment seemed to be shared with everyone in the room.


“Are you really going to leave?” Nettle whimpered, breaking the silence. Briar forced herself to meet the younger girl’s big, sad eyes.


"Yes, but that’ll be in the morning," Briar announced, though her voice was weary and small. "Let's all get some sleep first." She cleared the table with the other children—and unlike other nights, there was no friendly chatter. Just silence. As she crawled into bed to sleep, she couldn't help but wonder if she had done the right thing. Sure, it was what she wanted, but was it too selfish? But one look at Malachi strengthened her resolve. She wasn’t alone. She had him.


---


Before the sun was even up, Briar was awake, busily packing two satchels with the little things she and Malachi owned and would need. She had opted for light satchels and picked only the bare essentials to take along with them--travelling would no doubt be difficult with something weighing them down. She also managed to pack some food, although it was only enough to last them one day; they would have find their own resources after that.


It was hard for all of them to eat the breakfast Briar had readied—she herself had a difficult time swallowing her food because she could already feel the lump forming in her throat. Everyone was quiet, whether it was a pensive silence, a sad silence, or a sullen one. It went past them all too quickly and all too slow, and when she realized, they were outside on the doorstep. It was time for goodbyes.


“Well, um…” Briar started, sounding a little hoarse. But before she could continue, Nettle jumped up and hugged her tight. Thistle walked over as well, a mixture of worry and affection in his eyes.


"Won't you take me with you?" Nettle begged, lip quivering. "Please take me with you."


"No, I can't," Briar said softly, thumbing away the tears in the younger girl's eyes before gently holding her at arm’s length. "It could be dangerous. And who'll keep Juniper and Thistle in line?" she smiled, and Nettle smiled back tearfully. "I promise I'll come visit sometime. You be good."


"Of course," Nettle choked out, giving her torso another hearty squeeze. "I'll keep them straighter than even you did," she grinned, hastily wiping away the tears. She slowly separated herself from Briar, falling back to clasp Maeve's hand tightly.


"Please be careful," Thistle said sincerely, level-headed and mature as always. "We'll be waiting." Etain was also at his side, regarding her with her intelligent and sly eyes.


“Become someone worthy of their fear,” the fox spirit grinned. “I know you will hone your skills for greatness. Malachi is by your side, after all.”


Aithne was there with the rest of them, and the graceful spirit smiling benevolently at her, nodding quietly. But Juniper was hanging back, silent and sullen. “He is only acting so because he cares for you,” she said gently.


Briar swallowed hard, blinking. “I know,” she mumbled. He wouldn’t look at her, and with a sinking heart she turned to Malachi and the others. “I guess it’s time to go.” The girl walked away, trying hard to keep herself from crying. But after she had gone a few yards, she heard Juniper’s voice. She turned to see him looking at her, lips still pressed thin.


“Come back soon,” he called out after her, his voice still grim. “Remember where you belong.” He resembled a forlorn child, and she nodded vigorously, waving at him and the others.


“See you soon!” she called back, managing to sound cheerful. Turning quickly so they wouldn’t see her expression crumble, she leant towards Malachi, her hand wordlessly seeking his out. Goodbyes were always difficult.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Malachi had remained silent during the entire exchange. His own lips pressed thin, teeth biting hard against each other as he reigned in his anger. So it may be selfish of Briar to go out and seek to avenge their fallen family, but at the same time, it was selfish of Juniper to act as though she had ripped his heart out and stomped on it. At the thought, Malachi's eyes widened. The sentence Juniper had stopped himself from saying. The boy had liked Briar. There was no other real explanation.


He sat with his back against the wall as every laid down for sleep that night, glowering at the doorway. He glanced at Briar, catching her looking at him, and he gave her a small, gentle smile. Sleep, Briar. We have a long journey ahead of us. He called to her through their mental link, and closed his own eyes, opting to sleep propped against the wall rather than laying down.




That morning, it was silent, and Malachi held to that. He needn't speak his goodbyes, and he rather didn't want to. He had come to like all the children, but none were as special to him as Briar. He nodded curtly to Juniper as Briar started to walk away once she had given her farewells to Nettle and Thistle. He turned to the other spirits, and smirked, placing a fist over his heart. "Guide them well, and may their lives be prosperous. I'll see you again, sooner or later." he said lightly to them, before turning and trotting to catch up to Briar.


About that moment, Juniper called out, and he knew it pierced Briar's heart, but not in such a bad way as the night before. He easily took her hand into his, squeezing it gently in reassurance. "It'll be alright, Briar. I'm with you, and they have their spirits as well. We'll see them again." he said softly, before shifting into his shimmering tiger self. He crouched, "Climb on. The walk will be long, and my strength will hold longer than yours." He said in a gentle purr. When Briar was firmly on his back, he broke into a loping gait, a loud roar ripping from his chest in call to those they had left behind as he raced for their future.

 

[clockwork girl]

--Another two and a half years later--

​

Sunlight filtered through the windows, dappling bright patterns on her sleeping visage. Her slumber did not last long, not with the sun shining through her eyelids. The young woman opened her eyes, squinting against the bright light, still feeling languid with sleep. She was greeted with the familiar aching of her limbs as she slowly rolled onto her side, coming near face to face with the sleeping face of Malachi. Training every day was quite rigorous, both mentally and physically, but she wasn’t flinching back from it. She could feel her limits increase bit by bit, and she was pleased—almost happy. The training did wonders for her.


Briar studied her familiar’s slumbering face for a moment, blinking sleepily. Back when she had lived with the other children, all the girls slept next to each other, and the boys huddled together in the same way. Here, in the tiny cottage in the woods, she lived alone with Malachi. Sometimes she could get him to keep her company on the small bed, mostly due to the nightmares that still frequented her sleep. It seemed to help when someone was there next to her, and now there was nobody else but Malachi to fill that role.


It annoyed her that she was still plagued with the horrible dreams, but it seemed that she would never be able to leave them behind. Sometimes she dreamt she was nine and terrified once again, hiding in the cellar, hand clapped over her mouth as the screams assaulted her ears. Sometimes she dreamt of little dead Lark calling out to her in pain—saying that it was lonely and cold in her grave. And sometimes, she dreamt of going back to the cottage she had left behind, only to find Juniper, Nettle and Thistle slaughtered. But sometimes, sometimes, she dreamt of being all alone, calling and calling for Malachi, searching for him—and never finding him. Those scared her more than she would admit to her familiar.


A small smile spread on her lips as she continued to regard his sleeping form. Then she abruptly rolled over once more, partly onto him—and then promptly faked being asleep, hiding a mischievous smile. She was feeling a bit playful, which wasn’t wholly uncommon these days. Her white hair spilled across her shoulders, having grown quite long through the years. She was mostly definitely a young woman now, no longer a girl—no more sharp edges or awkward angles on her lithe body. In a month, she would be of eighteen years. When she caught her reflection in a window or the rippling surface of water, she could see that she had grown to resemble her mother, something that surprised her time to time. How the years flew by…

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Malachi slept peacefully, now a boy of nearly nineteen in appearence. It was fairly unusual that he slept in a bed, opting for leaning against the wall and ready to spring into battle should the need arise, but Briar had asked him to keep her company, and that was what he did. He knew she still had nightmares, so he never argued when she asked he lay beside her. Though, he did take a sort of boastful pride that she asked him in the first place, and most of the time showed it. He cared for Briar, in more ways than a spirit was supposed to, yet he didn't care. He never had cared for the rules set by the older spirits, the ones who had come just before he. They had been training rigorously, combat practice each and every day. Working to make Briar stronger, and pushing her limits to their literal ends, and beyond. Though he was always careful not to push her to the point of injury. That wouldn't do. As well as allowing her one days rest in a week. This day being one of those days. Otherwise, they'd have already been up by now.


He shifted slightly as sunlight hit his face, turning away from the annoying source that tempted him from sleep. That is, until a certain mass laid partly on him, and he grunted in displeasure. His eyes blinked open, and for the moment, all he saw was white, and it seemed to take his slumbering mind a moment to realize what he was looking at. Briar's head, as she laid partly over him, seemingly asleep, but somehow, Malachi knew better. She wasn't sleeping. A smirk drew across his face as he remained still for the moment. He knew she was teasing him, this time, and he was determined to get her back for it. Over the last half a year or more, she had grown into quite the young woman, and even if he were a spirit, he was still a man as well. His own features have shifted and 'grown' in a sense as well. The awkward years of teens behind them. His face was angular, just on the edge of femininity, and his limbs long and graceful. Lithe, and very catlike in movements, but that was due to his main self being a tiger spirit.


He finally moved, nearly lightning quick in reflex, and rolled, placing Briar on her back, and he over her. "Do I look like a pillow to you?" he asked in a low, almost husky voice, which was clearly deeper now that he wasn't passing for a child, but a man. A low rumble, almost purr came behind his words whenever he spoke, and if he tried hard enough, it made people stop and listen as if he were a bard spinning tales in song. His golden eyes passed over her features, now dappled with the sunlight that filtered into their small cottage. It was moments like these when Malachi got himself into the most trouble, being a spirit. He smirked, and said no more, but kissed her lightly, hands keeping her wrists pinned to the mattress of the small bed.