How I Always Have

The world had turned into a hell. The night had never bothered him and the glowing shit wasn't all that annoying, but everything that came along with it was horrible. He was convinced that the pain from Aliana touching the crystal that he'd broken had taken the lives of his unborn children. It was too clear to be coincidental. Since the day that Ali had aborted their children, everything had been different. Chi had become darker, more brooding. Aliana had folded in upon herself and seemed to be pushing everyone away. Now his living children were infected with whatever madness this mess was. It was all too much. And despite it all, life didn't end. His work and his duties didn't end.

Chimera found himself on the mainland, hunting the plentiful beaver. They were fairly easy prey, having grown fat and complacent over the years. With so much culling, they would get back to being lean and fearful in no time. The man didn't care about that at all. The only thing that concerned him was collecting fresh meat for his family, both sick and not sick.

What was this garbage? Why were these crystals even here? A punishment for sure. He'd done enough foul deeds to warrant some punishment, but Aliana was innocent. His children were innocent. There was no reason that anything bad should happen to them. Despite all of it, Chimera was still glad that he had been spared. Someone had to take care of those that couldn't take care of themselves.

It was then that he caught sight of Viper. Her spinning and growling startled the beaver and sent them all scattering into the water. Chimera growled and glared at the woman. He noted the luminescent liquid pouring from her orifices and his hackles lowered. The man released a deep sigh. This was all that he fucking needed.

"Chimera"