Curse or Cure

Ignis · 10-08-2023, 12:10 AM

He had returned to the place that would always haunt his dreams. To the place where everything had ended for him. He couldn't quite make it to the frozen ship, but the sparse pines were far enough for him. Here, where he had taken everything. Here, where he had changed the lives of many. He stood against the falling snow, a blood-red splash against the stark white backdrop. He was the only bit of color in these lands, and though he had known this place for quite a while, nothing looked the same. He breathed in and let loose a ragged breath. Of all the things he'd done, practically sending his uncle to his death was the one thing he would always regret. Acere didn't deserve it. But there was nothing he could do to remedy the past, nor make it right. The demon had gone silent for some time. And it was the silence that kept him on edge. He didn't know what the demon's next move was or if he had left him. If he was lurking just beneath the surface...Ignis was out of touch with himself, and all the anger and emotions that seemed to constantly bubble up beneath his skin kept being directed at his own children. He hated it. He wanted to be a good father, but for every step forward he took in that direction, he was thrown ten steps back. It was almost as if his demons were toying with him, trying to drive everyone out of his life so that he would always and forever be alone.

He frowned as that realization hit him like a truck. Was this simply his fate? To always be alone? To keep everyone at arm's length? He hated his life. He sometimes wished it would all just come to an end so he wouldn't have to deal with it anymore. But another part of him did not want to leave his kids behind. They deserved far better, that he could not deny. But how could he fix any of it? His relationship with his three kids was strained at best. He would be foolish to think he could repair it..."I wish you were here, Acere...I don't know what I'm doing...I need you..." He whispered under his breath.

Not a moment later, a sudden gust of wind burst through the trees, driving snow against him. He shut his eyes and turned away as the cold wind pierced his skin, threatening to throw him off his feet. It lasted for no more than a couple of heartbeats before it stopped. Catching his breath, he squinted against the harsh light and the ice that had stuck to his lashes. That's when he noticed it.

There was movement against the base of a tree several yards ahead of him, nearly swallowed by snow. A rabbit? Squirrels? No...they weren't brown or grey. They were of various colors. Curious, Ignis approached, eyes widening when he realized what they were. Puppies? They were a few days old at best. Huddled against the base of the tree trying to keep warm. He looked around, and scented the air...and he could not find a single hint of a mother or anyone else in the area. Had they been abandoned? Or had something else happened? Turning his gaze back to the pups, he carefully nosed each one as they squealed and scrambled for the new warmth that they felt.

Beneath the pile, there were two that had not been fortunate enough. Their bodies were cold and stiff. The others nearing that point. He was conflicted...what was he supposed to do? He didn't think he was capable of taking on more burdens...so he started to turn away. But he went no more than a few paces before his mind gnawed at him and the squealing of the pups slowed him until he stopped. He sighed heavily as he looked up to the darkened sky, snow falling upon him and...inevitably, the pups. "Shit..." He muttered beneath his breath.

He turned around and went back to them, scooping them out of the snow and passing one or two to his companions. The ones that hadn't made it, he dug a couple of small holes against the base of the tree and buried them. It was the least he could do for them...

Securing the remaining pups in his travel pack, and the others secured with his companions, he began his journey back home. He would need to get back quickly. To get them warm and figure out a way to feed them before they met the same fate as their two brothers.

"Ignis"||"Blödhgarm"

Thread Move Log
Thread		Forum	From	To
1.	Curse or Cure	Sparse Pines	12:10 AM, 10-08-2023	08:59 PM, 11-25-2023

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