They kept calling you weird, the one who doesn't fit in and never will. You never cared, but your parents did. When an uncle you barely knew anything about comes and asks them to let you come live with him so you could help him, they agreed, thinkin...
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Note 1 : picture not mine, but I loved it and it sort of fit with the mood of this chapter. Ain't Moder adorable?
You were reading a book, Kuro sleeping soundly in your lap as you were caressing his feathers with one hand. His wing and your ankle had fully healed thanks to Gertrude's knowledge and ever since the storm, he had been doing much, much better. He still missed his home, but that it wasn't as bad as before. Just like you, he chose to move on and enjoy the new days he was blessed with.
"Can I turn the page?" you asked.
The Jötunn nodded and you turned the pages, allowing both of you to continue reading. At first, it was so strange. Having this huge monster visit you every day, acting like you were friends. Not that you minded. You would take him being by your side any day over having him chase you through forests again. And maybe you could call him your friend, after what you've been through which wasn't what happened during the storm. No. It was far worse than that. A punishment so cruel, death was a blessing. If only you knew what awaited. You would have left Kuro to be treated and then rushed back to the forest, limping or not. Moder would have gladly joined you, were he aware that the same fate was to befall him as well.
You heard talks about Zote, not once witnessing Pale King telling his children that if they didn't behave, he will have to resort to this old bug, making the little ones go completely quiet. However, you never knew why he scared them so. Not until three nights ago, after the Jötunn brought you back home, safe and sound. You expected a war, screaming and to be grounded for an entire year, even more. What the bugs had in mind; however, it suppresses all of that. Both you and Moder were pulled by Radiance into a dream where you had to endure the most torturous hours of your lives. This Zote... he was...he was! Words cannot describe the pain his mere talking could inflict on any living being. Gertrude was an angel. Even the creature was cursing his existence at that moment. Worst part? When the torture master was almost done, Moder did the mistake and let out a long yawn, interrupting the bug's tirade. Did Zote throw them a mean glance and continue? NO! He started all over again from the very beginning! Mad, you punched the Jötunn in the neck, which he humbly took as repentance for his sin.
When it was over, you and Moder were so done, you wanted to sleep, but feared that Zote might be there still, waiting for you, ready to launch on another stream of useless blabber.
The others, while not too kin on the new comrade, except for Grimm who was overjoyed to have someone who understood his pain in dealing with his father, were at least glad that the nightmare was over, and you were able to walk around freely. No one missed the foul stench you had to have on you to keep the creature away that was for sure. However, they were still on edge whenever Moder was around, even more than when they were near Kuro with whom Hornet tied a tight friendship after she went on one flying trip with him at your request. Herrah knew nothing of that, of course, neither did Pale King.
