The Slash of Truth

Chapter 8

Rainbow Dash had pent up anger, her foot tapped erratically as she couldn’t focus on the mumbo-jumbo right in front of her. She searched the whole school for that human, that dirty, disgusting fucker. Fluttershy’s face… when she saw her beautiful face marked in black and blue, she didn’t know what to do but, she really wanted to hurt someone. When she found out that the human wasn’t in due to sickness, Rainbow was immediately suspicious. How ironic was it that the human was gone the night of the fire. She knew the human had something to do with that. It was no coincidence and Rainbow knew it.

“Psst! Rainbow, are you okay? You’ve been looking at the same question for most of the test. You’re lucky this isn’t the proper test.” Sunset whispered over. Rainbow looked to her to see Sunset rocketing through the questions.

“I’m still thinking about Fluttershy. Her face… I’m going to kill that human once I see him.” Rainbow said furiously, gazing back down to her first question. “What he did is unforgiveable.”

“I know what you mean, I just want to wrap my hands around his neck.” Sunset murmured, a scowl on her face. She meant that too, never has she ever felt like killing someone more than him.

“Fluttershy did say it wasn’t the human, maybe it was someone else.” Pinkie chimed in on the other desk next to Applejack, who had her brows narrowed in thought as she had her arms crossed, looking at the test paper.

“Don’t be stupid, Pinkie. Who else would hurt Fluttershy? My money is on the human.” Rainbow dejected; her mind made up.

“Rainbow is right, Pinkie. I can’t see anyone hurting Fluttershy other than that human. He’s our best bet.” Sunset added.

“But… what if it wasn’t? Then what? We can’t just accuse Joel of doing it, it’s not right.” Pinkie said, making her two friends raise a brow in disbelief.

“Who the hell is Joel? Is that the human’s name?” Rainbow murmured with an accusing eye.

“Yes, Fluttershy told us in the restroom before you stormed off.” Sunset answered for Pinkie.
Joel… where have I heard that name before…

“Look, all I’m saying is that I don’t think it was him. Sure, he’s a human and humans are the worst when it comes to violence and all sorts of bad stuff but, not once have I ever seen him lash out on anyone before. He came close to losing it when Feather Bang provoked him but, he turned away. I honestly don’t think he has it in him to hurt anyone at all.” Pinkie said with all seriousness. Rainbow dash opened her mouth to retort but, realised that she had nothing to counter that argument. Pinkie was right, not once has he ever bad mouthed anyone or resisted in anyway, he just minded his own business without a fuss. They had kicked, punched, tied up and beaten him as Rainbow, Sunset and the Wonder Colt made him bleed. He never spoken or snitched about it either, not like the teacher cared but, he never went to Principle Celestia about it at all… why?

“Maybe, but, Humans so have these tendencies to just snap out of nowhere. I’ve seen it before, and it’s not pretty to witness. When Feather provoked him, I saw he really wanted to knock the fuck out of him, and the human is coming of that age where he will get violent. He will snap, it’s only a matter of time.” Sunset said warningly, then she grinned. “Besides, even if it wasn’t him, we can always pin the blame on him so he can get kicked out, then we find the fucker and knock the fuck out of him. It’s a win-win if you ask me.”

“It won’t work.” Said Twilight who was behind Sunset. Sunset and Rainbow turned on their seat. “Celestia will go to Fluttershy for answers, and she has already said that the human wasn’t responsible. I think we should just find whoever was responsible and report them to Celestia.” Twilight said while writing the last bit of the paragraph on the test. Finishing the test, she closed the stapled paper and placed down her pen next to it.

“What if we convince Fluttershy to say it was the human?” Rainbow suggested.

“I don’t think it is a good idea to speak to Fluttershy right now. I can tell she doesn’t want anything to do with us, she just wants to be left alone.” Twilight said.

“Twilight, we are not leaving her alone. Someone has assaulted my best friend, and I’m not letting her go through it alone.” Rainbow said scrutinizingly. “For now, I’ll keep an eye on her. See who she talks to and see where she goes when we are not around. I’ll find out once and for all.” Rainbow declared.

“I’ll come with you.” Pinkie said with determination.

“Me too.” Rarity joined in for the first time, content to just listen.

“No, I’ll do this alone, it only takes one person just to watch Fluttershy.” Rainbow said.

“Rainbow is right. The less numbers, the less likely to be caught.” Pinkie and Rarity groaned but, they saw the sense in it as they nodded. They all looked over to Fluttershy who sat somewhere else today, leaving Feather Bang sitting alone with a pissed off face. She sat at the far, back corner of the room all alone as she looked out the window, a small frown on her face as her hair was back to covering the side of her face. They all wondered the same thing.
What happened to you…

In that moment of thought, the school bell rang out, indicating the end of a lesson and, an end of a day. Everyone’s head perked up and a reliving smile grew on most of the students.

“Right students, please place your tests on my desk on your way out and please, be careful on your way home.” Dr Hooves announced, making everyone stand and pack their things for the end of school – almost everyone. Applejack sat there at her desk, her brows still narrowed, and her arms still crossed.

“Hey, AJ. It’s time to go.” Rainbow said, making the girls turn. Applejack didn’t move however as she was lost in thought, seemingly ignoring the girls.

“Applejack? Are you okay? You look like you’re debating whether Rainbow’s hair is made out of skittles. Me too, it’s got me wondering too.” Pinkie said, looking straight at Rainbow’s hair with an inspecting eye. Rainbow visibly cringed as she moved beside Sunset, keeping her eye on the thoughtful Pinkie, a grin rising ever so slightly on the pink girl.

“Don’t worry, Dash. Just be on your guard and Pinkie won’t try and get a bite of your hair.” Sunset said to Rainbow Dash, also watching Pinkie.

“Has she got you yet?” Asked Rainbow, peaking around Sunset.

“Nope but, she will never quit.” Sunset said ominously that genuinely scared Rainbow.

“Nowhere is safe, Rainbow. I will find out what your hair tastes like, that is a pinkie promise.” Pinkie said menacingly, making Sunset and Rainbow cringe of the thought of Pinkie trying to bite through their hair.

“She was telling the truth.” Applejack suddenly said, making her the centre of attention.

“Pardon me?” Rarity questioned.

“Fluttershy was telling the truth.” Applejack finally looked up at her friends to see their confused faces. “It wasn’t the human that did that to her.” Applejack said with a decisive look, making everyone understand. Everyone knew about Applejack’s elemental power; Applejack could tell the truth from a lie from the person she speaks to. A gift that suits her well considering her personality and her honest hard work attitude. So, when she speaks, the people around her believe her in a heartbeat.

“Is that so…” Twilight said thoughtfully, her hand on her chin.

“As much as Fluttershy hates our gut, I think it’s best to ask her up front. If she doesn’t tell us, we’ll just find out the hard way.” Sunset shrugged, making the girls think.

“Yeah, I think that’s our best option, even though it goes against what I said.” Twilight sighed, nodding with approval.

“Well then, let’s not stand around, let’s get going!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, being the first to run out into the corridor before her friends could get a word out.

“Well, no point in standing around now that Rainbow is gone. We better catch up before Rainbow Dash goes full interrogation mode on the poor thing.” Applejack huffed, getting up and packing her things. They all rushed out to catch her rainbow hair friend. Little did they know, Fluttershy never left the room. She was still sat at her desk, her chin in her hand and looking out the window with a plain gaze, oblivious to the school’s bell and the quiet stare of Dr Hooves as he looked up from his paperwork.

“Fluttershy, you may leave now.” Dr Hooves announced again but, it fell on deafs ears. “Fluttershy, I said you can go now.” Dr Hooves repeated louder, looking up fully to see that Fluttershy was still looking through the window.

Fluttershy was in a world of her own that whole hour, lost on her taunting thoughts as it rattled her mind. She was scared to go back home; she was terrified to see Feather Bang again and she felt exposed without Joel. It was crazy, she has not known Joel for more than a week but, she felt like she couldn’t function without him, most of her day she was trapped in her own mind. She couldn’t talk, think or laugh without him as she felt alone and afraid. Last night… never again, she didn’t want to go through that again. Joel… she had to find Joel.

“Fluttershy!” An up-close Dr Hooves bellowed, freeing Fluttershy from her mental prison. She glanced up, seeing a perplexed and concerned look on his face. “Lesson is over, Fluttershy. It’s time to go.”

“Oh… okay. Sorry.” Fluttershy said meekly, quickly packing up and leaving without another word. Dr Hooves watched her all the way until she disappeared through the door. He was concerned about her attitude today, multiple times he has caught and told her to focus on the test but, it would always end up with her looking away at the window again and again. He would have to speak to her tomorrow when he’s actually free.

Spike leaned against a wall, waiting by Dinky’s classroom as Dinky spoke to her teacher. Spike was a bit calmer after the little scrap he had with Flash and the power he felt from Celestia pegged down his rage enough for him to bear with. After that, he and Dinky was seen lightly by Nurse Redheart as all Flash got all her attention. Given permission to leave, Dinky and Spike hugged and went their separate ways to their next lesson. After that, time flew by for Spike as his mind was elsewhere, thoughtlessly doing his work, lesson by lesson all while ignoring the sly comments about him and Joel. He did what Joel asked, he kept his eye on Dosh and even Twilight. Dosh was a mess of constant sweat, looking over his shoulder every second or so. Twilight didn’t look anything out of the ordinary, still headfirst in books and always with her friends, nothing to suspicious. So, here he is, restless to head back to Joel’s home and talk to someone that gave a damn. He never thought he would say he couldn’t wait to see his murderous friend. Spike heard commotion down the hallway, a group of familiar girls running down one corridor to the other, only one noticed him however, and that was a certain lavender alicorn.

“Spike…” she whispered to herself, looking back and forth to her friends running down one corridor to Spike who waited down another. Her friends can find Fluttershy, she needed to speak to her brother. Changing her course, she turned and walked towards Spike with her heart racing. Spike seeing this, looked away quickly, hoping she would just walk passed him.

“Spike, where have you been last night? I was calling and texting you all night but, you never answered. Why?” Twilight asked with unhappiness. Spike sighed with dread, he hoped that they wouldn’t have to talk like this.

“Twilight, you shouldn’t be talking to me, not now.” Spike muttered, his head down and his arms crossed.

“Where was you!” Twilight exclaimed, making Spike grimace.

“Why do you care?” Spike growled under his breath.

“Because I’m your big sister, I was worried sick when it got late, and you weren’t in. Where was you?” Twilight said pleadingly, standing up in front of Spike.

“You heard what happened, right? I’ve become friends with a human now so… you don’t have to worry about me anymore. So, stop treating me like a brother and more like a human, it’s for the best if you do that.” Spike said stressfully, massaging his eyes softly. Twilight’s mouth was slightly agape at what Spike just said. Treat him like a human? Has he gone mad? Slowly, Twilight’s mouth closed as she clenched her jaw.

“Treat you like a human? Then what? forget everything we have done together when we were kids, rip all the pictures apart that have you in it, scrap your room and use it as my personal library? Is that what you want to happen?” Twilight raged in front of Spike who didn’t waver.

“If that’s what you want to do, then yes, sure.” Spike shrugged, looking to the side.

“Spike, what your asking is impossible, mom and dad want you back, Shining Armour wants you back, I want you back, so, why don’t you come home? Let’s just pretend that this never happened and go back to what things used to be.” Twilight spoke sympathetically, grabbing his crossed arm with a tug. “Let’s just go.”

“No, Twilight.” Spike barked. “Things can’t go back the way it was. You and I have changed too much. Ever since you and Dosh got together, your personality has changed into a bratty, controlling person. Me, I’ve changed so much that I don’t talk to anyone anymore, I’ve lost all my friends and kept to myself after Rosette’s death… I still blame myself y’know, I still think I could have changed her fate if I just stuck close to her… but now—now she’s gone.” Spike said miserably, slowly looking up to meet Twilight.

“It wasn’t your fault, Spike, none of it was, and you need to wake up from that fact. What happened to Rosette was terrible but, there is nothing you can do to change that. All you can do is face the facts, Rosette is dead and your alive, blaming yourself for something that you never did. The faster you realise that the faster you can go back to your old self.” Twilight spoke with sincerity. Spike closed his eyes in agitation.

“Is that right…” Spike sucked through his teeth, looking Twilight in the eye with a glare. “What do you see in Dosh? All I can see is that he’s changed you for the worst.” Spike said, standing straight from the wall.

“Don’t bring Dosh into this, he’s got nothing to do with my attitude!” Twilight yelled defensively. “This is just me growing up, Spike. Maybe you should act your age too and then maybe, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” Twilight got up in Spike’s face. Spike bit the inside of his cheek, tasting iron.

“Act my age… maybe if you acted like you gave a damn about me, maybe I wouldn’t be here feeling like shit. Ever since you made friends with the harmony Girl’s, you have spent less and less time with me, leaving me alone. Now that Dosh is in the picture, you hardly talk to me, you never look at me. Hell, I’m surprised that you knew I wasn’t home last night, or even cared. You only reason you want me back now is because I’ve made a choice that you don’t like, and that annoys you because you’re the all mighty alicorn, the most popular, liked student in Canterlot school and the city. In your head right now, you’re thinking me being friends with a human is bad not because it’s a human, and humans are the most hated race, but it’s because you think it will ruin your reputation, it will ruin your image of royalty. I’m right, aren’t I? I know I’m right just by the look on your face, it says it all.” Spike muttered darkly, making Twilight step back into the opposite wall with a shocked face as Spike advanced on her, giving a glare of hatred. “For so long I’ve been thinking I was the problem, I hated myself because of it. But now, it’s as clear as day. Don’t bother speaking to me again, Twilight. We’re done.” Spike scoffed, turning away from his watery eyed big sister.

“Spike… your wrong, you’re so wrong.” Twilight quivered as a tear dripped from her cheek. “I do care, Spike. I didn’t mean to-”

“Just go away, and just forget about me. I’m not worth your time so… just go away.” Spike said softly, his resentment gradually depleting into despair, his heart as cold as ice. There was silence in the empty corridor as Twilight urgently wanted to tell Spike how he was mistaken and to come back home where it is safe and sound but, she knew that was impossible now, all she could do is hope that Spike was safe wherever he went. So with that, she rubbed her eyes all the way down the hallway and turned a corner to find her friends.

Spike didn’t bother to see Twilight leave; he was furious at her. One more word from her would have set him off. Now though, he was just staring at a very concerned Dinky at the doorway.

“Are you okay?” Dinky asked, walking over with a small frown.

“Let’s just go home.” Spike sighed, holding her hand as they walked towards the exit of the school. A buzz in his pocket stopped him as he was about to leave through the door of the school. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone which had a new notification on it. It read: ‘Meet me in the girl’s restroom.’ It was from Fluttershy. Spike tilted his head. Why does Fluttershy want to meet up in the girl’s bathroom? Looking away from his phone, he saw Dinky’s confused face. “Sorry, Dinky. We can’t go just yet.” Spike said, making Dinky tilt her own head.

“Why?”

“I need to go the toilets.” Spike answered.

“Me to actually.”
How ironic…

Spike and Dinky walked into the girl’s toilets, Spike genuinely was unsure whether he should of just walked in as casually as he did and Dinky needing the toilet. So, Spike stopped in his tracks as he saw Fluttershy standing in front of a smashed mirror as Dinky walked straight into one of the stalls, unaware of Fluttershy.

“Fluttershy? Are you okay?” Spike asked, standing still where he stood with a sceptical look. Fluttershy didn’t answer straight away, but she did take a hard look at the hole she made in the mirror and a blank stare that freaked Spike out a bit.

“No… not really.” Fluttershy muttered under her breath but, Spike caught it.

“Why? What’s the matter, Shy?” Spike said, taking a step closer. Yet again, she didn’t speak straight away, she turned to look at Spike and Spike instantly noticed the hair was different from her usual style. Then, she moved it and by god he saw it. His blood boiled to high temperatures; his fingers twitched uncontrollably like legs of a spider; his blood travelled around his body at mark speed.

“Who…” Spike said dangerously, taking Fluttershy by surprise as his slit eyes went ablaze with an emerald green glow.

“Spike, it’s okay, I’m—”

“WHO! DID! THAT!” Spike roared; terrifying Fluttershy as Spike approached with a stomp.

“I-I-It was Feather Bang.” Fluttershy squeaked out, hiding herself behind her hair as she shivered. She knew Spike would never hurt her in anyway but, that angry expression, that stride towards her was the same way Feather Bang looked when he struck her. It took her back to that exact moment. Spike stopped in his tracks as he notice her shivering form as her eyes were tightly shut. Then, he saw his face in the corner of his eye on the untouched part of the mirror. His teeth were bare to see, his eyes were a look of murder, he looked like he was going to eat her whole. His hands… what was he about to do with his hands? Slowly, he retreated a few steps and took deep breaths in as he tried to control his anger. “Sorry, Fluttershy. I just—why did he do that to you?” Spike said as gently as he could, the fire in his belly still present. Eventually, she came from behind her hair as she sniffed and wiped her eyes.

“H-he just came round to my place late at night and, he tried—he tried to…” Fluttershy couldn’t finish her sentence as she just burst into tears, covering her face in shame. Spike quickly responded as he lunged forward, wrapping her in a gentle, warm hug that she gladly hid in. After a few minutes of Spike consoling Fluttershy with caring words and strokes, Fluttershy separated from Spike, feeling able to keep her emotions in check. “I managed to get him out but, I kept waking up terrified. Hell, I still am, I brought a knife with me just in case.” Fluttershy sniffled, pulling out a large kitchen knife that was tucked away in the back of her jeans. Spike went wide eyed and before he could speak, someone else did.

“Why has she got a knife?” a little girl’s voice said from one of the cubicles. The drake and Pegasus both froze as they had completely forgotten about Dinky. Did she hear everything? Of course she did but, did she understand what was going on? In a moment of quick thinking, Spike answered.

“She is using it to cut cheese.” Spike said a bit too quickly, shrugging to Fluttershy with a worried look. Fluttershy face palmed.

“—Oh…okay.” Dinky answered, making the two sigh with relief. Hearing the toilet flush, Fluttershy quickly put away the knife and fixed her hair before Dinky came strolling out. “Hey, Fluttershy.” Dinky smiled, heading to the sink.

“Hey, sweetie.” Fluttershy replied, smiling gently. Dinky noticed the smile.
Another fake smile…

“We’ll wait for you outside, Dinky. Me and Fluttershy still need to talk.” Spike said, making it clear that this conversation wasn’t over. Taking Spike’s hint, Fluttershy followed. Closing the door behind her, they continued.

“You have to tell Principle Celestia about this, what he has done to you and what he tried to do to you is unforgiveable. He must be punished for this.” Spike said abruptly, making Fluttershy shy away.

“You don’t have too…” Fluttershy said meekly, making Spike narrow is brows.

“What? Why? After everything he did that night… fuck him, Fluttershy, if he ends up in prison, he deserves it.” Spike snarled, shaking his head in condemnation.

“I don’t want to ruin his life; I don’t want to be responsible for that. He just made a mistake, a massive mistake but, he can learn from his mistake just—he can learn his mistake far away from me.” Fluttershy murmured pleadingly, making Spike growl.

“Shy… your too kind for your own good. You can’t be seriously thinking of letting him off with a slap on the hand. He tried to-”

“I know what he tried to do, and I hope he never talks to me again. Please, just let him be for now, he’s only young and stupid, he’s a brat and his ego has got to his head. Just… forget what he did.” Fluttershy said with a serious face, making Spike grit his teeth. This is wrong, so wrong on so many levels. How could someone try and take advantage of Fluttershy and get no consequence to his actions? This is beyond wrong, Feather Bang is so lucky to have such a kind girl to give him a second chance. If Spike had is way, he wouldn’t be breathing.

“For now… I’ll hold my tongue but, if he ever does anything else to you. I cant promise I’ll hold myself back.” Spike said through his teeth. It killed him to say those words, he knew Feather Bang would cross the line one day, he just never knew how far he would go.

“Thank you, Spike. I know this is hard on you to not do anything about it but, it feels like it’s the right thing to do.” Fluttershy said with a small smile of comfort which Spike didn’t show back.

“I still think he can rot in hell.” Spike cursed, not happy one bit. They were both silent after that, Fluttershy sporting a frown after his comment.

“Y’know, you don’t have to stay home alone.” Spike muttered, catching Fluttershy’s attention.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, I stayed around Joel’s yesterday. Maybe you could come and stay for a bit until this situation is sorted.” Spike suggested, making Fluttershy perk up but, just as quickly deflated.

“I can’t, I have to look after my animal friends.” Fluttershy mumbled.

“Your animal friends can look after themselves, you spoil them too much. They are never going to learn if you’re always going to be there for them.” Spike said. Fluttershy must admit, Spike had a point there. Fluttershy for many years now has worked her ass off looking after her animal friends, never having a moment to herself, add a hyperactive little sister to that bunch and you get no privacy. Time away from that… that sounded really nice.

“Okay… I-I think I could do that for a couple of days.” Fluttershy said, a slowly genuine smile growing. The thought of getting a little break from responsibility excited her, she couldn’t remember where she didn’t have to look after someone so, doing what she wanted instead of doing what she needed sounded like music to her ears. Then, Dinky stepped out of the toilets with a bright smile.

“Good, lets get a move on then.” Spike said, ending the conversation as he turned.

“Wait… I do need to head back home to grab a few things. Maybe if you tell me where he lives, then I could meet you there.” Fluttershy said quickly, making Spike turn his head.

“No worries, It’s 45 Hollies Road.” Spike said. “Don’t be a stranger, I’m making dinner at five so, be there before then.”

“Wait… is Fluttershy coming with us too?” Dinky questioned, looking up at the two. Fluttershy glanced to Dinky in confusion. Why would Dinky be going with Spike? Where was that grey Pegasus? Why wasn’t she picking her up?

“Yes, only for a little while though, okay?” Spike said, hunkering down to her level. Dinky looked away from Spike and to Fluttershy with a puzzled look.

“You do know we are staying with a human, right?” Dinky said, tilting her head.

“Dinky!” Spike said with a jolt. “His name is Joel, you know this.” Dinky just crossed her arms, turning her head away as she puffed her cheeks.

“Still a human though.”

“Dinky!” Spike yelled again; his brows tensed. “Don’t ever say that again.” Spike told her off, making her sulk and walk off. Spike sighed as he just watched her.

“What is exactly going on?” Fluttershy asked, watching Dinky turn the corner with a stomp.

“It’s a long story, I’ll let Joel explain that one, I haven’t really got the full picture myself.” Spike crooned, standing back up. “Let’s just go.”

With a nod of Fluttershy, they went after Dinky.

It was quiet in Joel’s household. No one talked, no one barely moved in the living room as the fire cackled at the fireplace and the radio played its melody. Sitting where he got shot, Leo was patched up and treated for his flesh wound, taking painkillers to nullify the pain. Now, his cap, snood, jacket was off as he was nonchalantly reading a beauty article with women in fancy and suggestive clothing, grinning goofily. Joel’s mind however was blank as his eyes were closed, his gun in hand on his chest, resting his head on the side of Ditzy’s bare lap on the couch as her fingers travelled through his brown hair unconsciously, still wearing Joel’s red hoodie that he has told Ditzy to take off multiple times. She blushed the first time he said it, thinking he meant for her to wear nothing but her underwear but, after going back and forth, she now knew he just wanted her to get into something proper. Ditzy’s face was as red as ever, making Leo chuckle. After that, she found it calming as she messed around with his hair, twisting strands, feeling his hair in between her fingers, she even started to make little braids without her knowing she was doing it, she chuckled when Joel felt around and found the braids, his lazy smile was amazing.

“If you keep doing that, I’m going to end up a kip, y’know.” Joel said sleepily, his soft breathing soothing to her ears.

“A kip… is that Braytish slang? I know I’ve heard that from somewhere.” Ditzy muttered, the word springing her mind back to work. Joel smiled and laughed.

“There you go, now you’re getting somewhere but, saying Braytish doesn’t count. I’m somewhere from Brittany, what is my proper accent?” Joel hummed cheekily, making Ditzy smile too.

“Seriously, I guess I’ll never know what it is then.” Ditzy joked. That got another laugh out of Joel, he understood what she meant. There were so many accents in Brittany that you might as well just give up.

“Don’t worry, you have all the time in the world.” Joel whispered comfortably, shifting his head a bit. Slowly, Ditzy frowned as she took a long good look at his scarred face.

“You might not though…” Ditzy simply, making Joel frown too.

“You didn’t have to go there, Ditzy. You didn’t have to kill the mood.” Joel said, a bit bothered by the bombshell.

“You don’t have to do this.” Ditzy said desperately. “It’s not worth risking your health or life, it’s not fair that you have to go out there in the state you are in and fight for this man… it’s not worth it.” Ditzy tried to see reason with Joel but, he only shook his head.

“Life doesn’t stop and wait for me to get better; it doesn’t work that way. All I can do is keep fighting; beat the odds I have. I’ve been doing that my whole life, with everything I’ve been through, this is nothing special, this is just another job, a simple pay day.” Joel opened his eyes, staring up at Ditzy’s pitying look. “There is no need to worry, I’ve done this many times. I can’t die, not yet, I won’t allow it.” Joel said with a modest grin, but Ditzy didn’t take his words to heart. She was devastated.

“You better come back in one piece.” She whispered.

“I’ll bring the whole bloody cake back, love. Don’t you worry.” Joel replied, finally making her smile.
There’s that pretty smile…

Getting what he wanted, he captured that smile in his mind as he closed his eyes once again and basked in his darkness. It went silent after that once again; Joel went back to chilling and Ditzy went back to stroking his hair. After some time, the massage felt too good, he couldn’t handle the soft rubs as Joel snored faintly. She sighed tenderly as she brushed a few curls of hair from his eyes, feeling his skin, his scars, his lips. She wondered where he got his confidence from, lack of fear as he marched towards death? For a boy his age, that isn’t right. What had he gone through to have him commit murder then to wake up the next day like nothing happened. Wouldn’t something like that traumatize a person? Does he feel any regret or sorrow? That begs the question… how should she feel all about this? The killing, the blood… she shouldn’t be okay with this but, here she is, stroking the killer like a pet. He’s a bad person for what he does but, knowing him and talking to him, he isn’t just any mindless killer, he has a broken heart and is desperately trying to find that one thing to help him find peace but, through revenge, he’s gone down a dark path that has led him to this moment. If that was the case, why did he save her? Why did he save her daughter? Why bother while he could be out there finding the people that did them horrible things to Rosette? Why did he give her a safe place to stay? Why did he care when she was killing herself with work? Why did he stay with her in bed when she felt afraid? Why did he care she was afraid in the first place? Ditzy noticed, when he looks at her, he sees her for who she is, he looks at her like he’s known her his whole life… Why?

“Do you care for him when he’s like this?” Said Leo with yearning smile with a look of understanding. Ditzy looked away with embarrassment as she was caught staring.

“Me? Oh, I have only stayed here for barely two days. This is the first time I’ve patched him up.” Ditzy said sheepishly.

“No, that’s not what I meant.” Leo’s smile grew, placing his book on the arm of the chair. “That look in your eye, the way your so gentle with him. Not only that, the way you two converse. You two have that chemistry that sparks joy in both of you. You two care for each other, an equestrian and a human. Don’t you care what everyone thinks? What the world thinks?” Leo questioned, tilting his head with genuine amazement. Ditzy sniggered.

“No, no I don’t. I use to though, I use to be always self-conscious of my actions, I use to care what people thought of me and I hated myself for it but, when I birthed my baby girl. My whole world changed, and suddenly, I didn’t care what people thought about me. I didn’t have the time or energy too; all my time and energy were spent into my precious baby girl. Then I realise that caring about people that don’t care about me, isn’t worth my time.” Ditzy said, looking back down at Joel with a small smile.

“Ah, I see.” Leo said with complete understanding, nodding slightly. “I understand now, you’re a mother. A mother’s wrath is like no other when it comes to their children, trust me, I know first hand what there capable of.” Leo chuckled, reminiscing about the many women he had slept with.

“How would you know?” Ditzy asked.

“Well… let’s just say there is only one person I truly fear till this day. My mom was a sweet women and she means well but, when it came to my little ass back in the day, she knew how to handle me. I remember a time when she chased me around the house with a belt, screaming and cursing like a drunken sails man for just taking a few sweets from the draw without asking. She went fucking mental.” Leo murmured with a dreaming smile. “That was the good old days.”

“Was… that was past tense. Where is she now?” Ditzy asked, a slight frown on her face. Leo frowned too as he sighed, he leaned his head back as he looked up at the ceiling.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” He muttered, the mood of the room going soar in the once again stillness. Ditzy didn’t know how long she just sat there stroking Joel’s head, seconds, minutes, hours, it felt longer. She didn’t mind it too much though, she enjoyed the little distraction but, after some time, there was something lingering on her mind.

“Why Joel?” Ditzy said in a staid tone, snapping Leo from his memories. He looked confused for a moment but, realised that Joel must be his name.

“Why not Joel? He’s a man that can get the job done cleanly... well, apart from yesterday that is.” Leo shrugged.

“There must be more people that would do this for you?” Ditzy said condescendingly. “Joel is hurt, I’m afraid that he’s not going to make it out of there.”

“That’s a risk I am willing to take. If he dies, he dies.” Leo said simply, making Ditzy narrow her eyes.

“What did you just say?” Ditzy sneered, her eyes slightly wondering off as she rubbed her eyes.

“The dark truth is I don’t care if he dies. If he dies, he’s just another dead body but, if he lives and delivers my crew, he’s due his pay. That’s how things work, and that’s how things are going to continue to work.” Leo said with an absolute stare. Ditzy grinded her teeth at his answer as he glared back.

“You fucking bastard.” She said through her teeth, making Leo shake his head.

“It doesn’t matter what you say. Tonight, me and Frank are going to get my people back. We might die, if so, so be it but, if we get out of this alive, happy days. I’ll do my best to keep your friend alive and I’m sure he’ll do the same for me. I don’t think you should be worrying as much as you are now, this isn’t our first time, you know.” Leo said insouciantly. Ditzy wanted to call this piece of shit every curse word know to man but, he was right. No matter what she says now, nothing will change, it will only remain on their minds as they fight for their lives, and Ditzy didn’t want the last thing he saw of her was her cursing his name. Ditzy sighed defeatedly.

“Promise me you’ll bring him back to me.” Ditzy said pleadingly, taking in all his details.

“No promises but, I’ll try my best.” Leo said calmly, a sincere look in his eye. No promises… Joel said the exact same thing before leaving her to worry all night only for him to come back bloodied and maimed. She didn’t know how many nights she could take fretting of someone’s well-being, how many nights is she going to lay in bed wide awake? Hoping that Joel will see another day. Is that how she is going to spend the rest of her nights? As cruel as it may sound, she wished she never cared if that was the case but, she knew that wasn’t going to happen after everything he as done for her.

“Have a little faith, Ditzy. He’s a strong boy, he knows what he’s doing.” Leo added but, Ditzy just nodded slowly.

Suddenly, Joel jolted awake with a gasp, his eyes wide as he sweated excessively, panting heavily. When his eyes landed on Ditzy’s concerned features, his heartbeat slowed and a small smile grew, making her grin softly. “How long was I out for?” Joel said with a yawn, rubbing his eyes with his wrist, still holding his pistol.

“A few hours, Spike and Dinky will be here any moment now.”

*Knock, knock, knock.*

“Speak of the devils…” Joel chuckled, leaning himself up with a grunt. Ditzy went to get up but, the leg that Joel was resting on was unbelievably numb as pins and needles drove through her leg, she instantly sat back down. “Dead leg?” Joel asked, stretching all his limbs as a few popped in place.

“No thanks to you, that is.” Ditzy smirked, looking with a playful glare. Joel’s smile grew.

“No worries, I got the door.” Joel said, about to walk out the door when he stopped. He turned around, looking towards Leo and Ditzy. He walked back to Ditzy and tossed the pistol on the cushion beside her. “Just in case…” Joel winked, making Ditzy roll her eyes as he turns back around and walked out the doorway with one more yawn. Making it to the front door, Joel unclasped the chain on the door and swung the door wide open to feel a breeze of wind as Spike and Dinky stood at the bottom of the stairs, Spike with a tired grin and Dinky with an anxious face as she was slightly hiding behind Spike.

“Hey, how was school, kids?” Joel laughed, making Spike scoff.

“Just as good as it gets, do they give you wedgies, or is that just me?” Spike said, making Joel laugh.

“Ha! Yes they did actually, that’s one of the reasons why I get to P.E early. Can’t do nothing while you’re already dressed.” Joel said, stepping aside for Spike and Dinky to walk in.

“I’ll keep that in mind next time.” Spike grumbled; walking passed Joel with Dinky in toe as they walked down the hallway.

“Eh, did you two just forget what the rules were when you walk into my house?” Joel said firmly, crossing his arms as he leaned against the door frame. The two froze in place as they slowly turned.

“uhh… leave your shoes on the mat?” Spike said blushingly as has he made his way back and took off his purple shoes along with Dinky who did the same. Joel now smiled gratefully.

“Good, now, make yourself at home.” Joel said, closing the door and followed Spike into the living room as Dinky went straight up stairs. When Spike walked into the living room, his eyes instantly when to the human sitting on the single, cushioned chair, stopping instantly as he stared passively.

“Joel… there’s a human in your living room.” Spike whispered to Joel, making Joel raise a brow.

“So…” Joel said slowly, a confused look on his face.

“Why is he here?” Spike examined, looking the smirking human up and down.

“Well would you look at that, an alive and breathing dragon. I’ve never seen one before.” Leo murmured in amazement, standing up and walked over as he analysed Spike’s figure and features. “Amazing.”

“Spike, this is Leo. Leo, this is Spike. Sit down, get to know each other because soon, we are going to fight together and blah blah blah, you should know the drill, Spike.” Joel said lazily as another yawn took over. “Any questions? No? Good, I’ll be in the kitchen because I’m fucking starving.” Joel whined, heading towards the door that takes him to the kitchen.

“Let’s talk, Spike. I have a lot of questions I want to ask.”

“Oh boy.” Spike said under his breath, making Joel grin as he found the irony funny.

“I’m making dinner soon so don’t have anything big.” Ditzy called out to Joel.

“Yeah yeah.” Joel waved off, making Ditzy’s eye twitch.

“Don’t yeah yeah me, fucker!” Ditzy yelled, making Joel to chortle loud enough for everyone in the living room to hear. When Joel stepped into the kitchen, he stopped in his tracks as his head felt a bit woozy, stumbling as he leaned his hand on the kitchen side for support. He stayed there as his head spun, only moving when his head was lightheaded.
Whoa… now that was doozy…

Shaking of the little spell, he took his hungry ass to the fridge when he planned to make himself a cheese and ham salad butty. Opening the fridge, he pulled out a half-contained butter, ham and cheddar cheese with a bag of lettuce. Satisfied with the quantity there was, he next went to the cupboard for the bread.

“Joel…” a familiar voice said behind him.

“Yeah?” he said casually as he twisted around. He froze however, his eyes narrow as he looked around confused. Who ever spoke was gone… there was no one in his sight. He scratched his head and shrugged as he just chalked it up as going bloody crazy. turning back around, he opened the cupboard to find the bread gone. “Huh? Where is my—Shit! Forgot that I needed bread. God damnit!” Joel cursed, throwing the ingredients he picked out on the kitchen top, his hands on his hips as he sighed in annoyance of himself. “I knew I had forgotten something today. Fucking bread! Fucking cunt! I was looking forward to that too! Fuck sake!” Joel swore, pacing in front of the ingredients and he just stared at them, thinking on what he could have now.

“Joel…” the same voice said again.

“What?” Joel spun around again to see no one again, pissing Joel off further. Joel marched around the room, looking around the island table, behind each door of the kitchen, he even got up on the sink as he looked out the kitchen window as he searched for the voice.

“Joel…”

“What bellend!?” Joel bawled as the voice was behind him once again. Joel was fed up with this little game as he went straight to the knife holder and brandished a steak knife. “Say my name again, I dare you motherfucker, I double dare you! Say my name again!” Joel roared, ready for a scrap at any moment.

“Jo—”

Instantly when Joel heard the first syllable, Joel pitched the knife in the direction of the voice, its final destination striking the wall. Next to the knife sticking out of the wall was someone he wasn’t expecting at all. He frowned softly has his body slumped slightly. Sitting on the kitchen side with his head slanted out of the way of the knife was a boy that he has known for a very long time. He was his other half, his darker side, the true identity of Frank as he wore a white, bloody mask.

“Long time no see, Joel.” His own voice said back to him, a strong tone to his voice. “It was quite a night last night, wasn’t it? I can’t remember having so much fun in one night. Wreathed in blood, the chaos in the dark, the death’s aroma. You did well…”

“What do you want, Frank?” Joel murmured, unimpressed by the appearance of the masked boy.

“No!” Frank suddenly barked, pushing himself of the side and landing on his boots, taking his mask off to reveal Joel’s face looking back, and he wasn’t happy at all. Frank walked up to Joel till he was face to face, glaring with a disappointed eye. Then, he smiled, a compete u-turn in his mood. “What’s up, bud? You don’t seem yourself?”

“Well for one, we have no bread. I was going to enjoy a little snack but, now I’m talking to you.” Joel glared, unflinching in the presence of Frank.

“No… there’s something else, and I know what it is, I just want to hear it from you.” Frank chuckled, strolling around the kitchen and enjoying himself as Joel growled.

“Nothing is wrong, everything is fine. I’m getting closer to my goal; I’m gathering allies to strengthen my resolve. Why would anything be wrong?” Joel answered, watching as Frank picked up an apple and take a bite out of it.

“Y’know Joel, you’re a bad liar. You can’t hide anything from me, we are practically the same person but very different in the way of thinking. You use people for your own gain… well, until they die that is. I don’t understand why you don’t see what I see. I see dirty, scruffy people holding you back, delaying the inevitable. With them, you will only grow soft and fragile. They will be used against you, only then you will turn pathetic under your enemy’s heel. I want them gone from your life before it’s too late.” Frank said expectingly, taking another bite of the apple.

“People are a resource; they all have something to offer me. To killing, to information, to business. It doesn’t matter, just as long as they work for me. Thanks to Leo, I knew the location of The Order’s meeting. Thanks to Spike, I knew what was said at the meeting, and thanks to Ditzy, I was nursed back to health. These people are not holding me back, their pushing me.” Joel answered, his arms crossed.

“let me guess, you would also use that little girl to draw out the Coyotes, am I right?” Frank’s smirk grew, making Joel growl. “Let me tell you what’s going to happen Joel, with every day you spend with these people, you’re going to grow attached to the point that you can’t go a day without someone there with you, making you weak and emotional. You’ll eventually change into a kind person and might even forget why your fighting in the first place. One day, you’ll get sloppy, you will be caught off guard as everyone you grew to form a bond with is executed. Then, you’ll look for guidance from me, then, the cycle will continue…” Frank said carelessly as he made his way back to face Joel. “You have already lost so much, why are you making yourself suffer like this?” Frank said with a solemness that caught Joel off guard.

“It won’t be like that, I can-”

“YOU NEVER FUCKING LEARN!”

*BANG!*

Joel snapped his neck to the side as he heard a gun shot from the living room, making Joel heartbeat skyrocket. Without another second, Joel bolted for the door as his mind raced as multiple scenarios played in his head. Leo might of pulled something and Ditzy shot him for it, Leo might have had a pistol this whole time and waited for the chance for Joel to leave before attacking, was Leo this foolish? No, surely not. Joel quickly twisted and barged through the door, entering a chaotic scene. Spike held his stomach as blood poured out in squirts of his heavy breathing, glaring daggers and snarling his razor teeth to Leo who had Ditzy in a head lock as he had Joel’s Beretta pointed at her head, she shook in terror as her eyes went to pin pricks. Then Leo saw Joel walk in slowly.

“Leo… put the gun down slowly, and no one will get hurt.” Joel said carefully, showing his empty hands.

“No Joel, you and I both know the price isn’t right. You hurt my pride; you made me look like a fool. I want a fair deal.” Leo demanded, his hand shaking as the barrel of the gun was drilling into Ditzy’s side of the head.

“Okay, we can make a new deal. Let’s all just calm down, no one has to die today. Spike is going to bleed out if he isn’t attended too so, if you just let go of Ditzy. You and me can talk this out, we can make a fair deal you if- you let Ditzy go.” Joel said cautiously, sitting down as he sweated.

“No, she stays with me until a deal is made. We better hurry up; your dragon friend doesn’t look too good.” Leo said as Spike fell to one knee as blood trickled from the side of his mouth, a drowsy look in his eye.

“Okay okay, just calm down. 50k, that’s fair with the condition I’m in.” Joel said calmly but, Leo only grinned.

“No, 10k for that bullshit you call business.” Leo laughed in Joel’s face.
Weak…

“That’s—that’s not a fair price. I’m not risking my life for 10k. I said a fair price for both of us.” Joel said, choosing his words wisely.

“You are not in the position to say what is and what isn’t. its rather, we make a deal or, I kill everyone in this room, starting with her.” Leo yelled, pressing the gun harder against her head as she whimpered.

“Please don’t do this, Leo. This isn’t right.” Ditzy cried, tears rolling down her cheeks.

“Shut up!” Leo said through his teeth, making Ditzy squeal.
Soft…

“Look! 25k is reasonable, less than I originally asked for.” Joel said desperately, looking between Spike and Leo.

“Ha! It’s laughable that you think you can get away with more than 10k. 8k for wasting my time.”

“I’m going to kill him.” Spike said darkly under his breath, his look of murder as he growled like a rabid animal.

“Stop talking, Spike. You’re losing too much blood.” Joel ordered.
Pathetic…

“Just stop! Please just stop! I don’t want to die!” Ditzy screamed at the top of her lungs, making Leo put pressure around her neck.

“Don’t fucking hurt her!”

“Spike, calm down.”

“7k, and the number is just going to get smaller!”

“Please help!”

“I said shut up!”

“Everyone, just calm the fuck down!”

“I’m going to kill him.”

“Wait… Spike, Don’t—”

“AHHHHHHH!”

*BANG!*
A sharp piercing pain...
Dead…