Tusks and Dagger Part Forty-One: A Bittersweet Visit

Dackworth:

“Explain to me why you are bringing kids, a cat, and a dragon with us to find an herb.” I groaned , noticing Boran’s white wool shirt hugging her torso. “Why did you borrow his clothes?” Untying me from her back, she dangled me in front of her face. My heart fluttered at her annoyed tone, a snarl twitching on her lips.  

“Helios keeps attempting to burn our camp down and I am the only one with water powers. Darwin has the God of Death in him and happens to know every herb in this realm. Tommy never leaves my side just like you can’t leave me. Helios eats all the rodents that come near our food unlike a fish loving tabby. Mishal is coming with me because everyone but Merlin, Maryanna, and Rosey is hunting to keep an eye on the twins. Sir Acorn is one of my best friends and always holds a place in my pocket.” She returned, pointing to the werewolf sniffing the ground ahead of us. “That is Luna who is running with us during this full moon. I am making candy to assist their morning sickness.” Brushing off her comments, Darwin smashed into her legs. Ruffling his hair, my heart shattered at the fact that my mother never loved me like that. Tears welled up in my one eye, Lottie noticing.  

“Did your mother not love you?” She queried, wiping away my tears. “Think of me as your sister.” Fighting the urge to lash out at her, Scarlet’s voice broke into my mind. Clearing his throat, the last thing I needed was to hear him tell me what to do. 

“Don’t lash out at her.” He pleaded desperately, his voice pissing me off. “You are safe with her. Keep the sarcastic banter, I think she enjoys it. Let her help you.” Snapping my eyes towards the direction of her arm, an overwhelming sensation began to drown me. Panic gripped my face, my mind flitting between the harsh memories of my childhood. 

“Shut the fuck up!” I shouted through a wall of tears, everyone looking in my direction. “You will never understand me! She told me that I was a monster my whole life while dissecting me and building me into whatever she wanted that day.” Lottie pulled me in for a warm embrace, my tears soaking her shoulders.” Letting all of my emotions out, every cell in my eye hated this moment. What the hell was this warm unfamiliar sensation? Wanting it out of my mind, a blast of my green energy knocked her scythe out of her hands. Clattering to the loose dirt, Lottie crouched down to my level. Tucking a piece of hair behind her ears, she rested her hands on her knees. 

“You really shouldn’t worry yourself about my opinion of you. If you should know, I saw through your bravado. I never thought you were a monster. Please stop calling yourself that. Seeing you on the brink is scaring me. We all like you or I would have killed you the instant I saw you.” She comforted me in a sisterly manner. “How about you tell me the next time you are feeling down? Can we do that? I do enjoy our sarcastic banter, so let’s keep doing that. Unfortunately, this is the only time the damn herb grows according to Darwin.” The kid led the way through pathways, Lottie having to reign in Luna every now and then with sharp whistles. Holding her arms out, she ordered everyone behind the bushes. The ground rumbled as a pack of giants stomped past us, her ears flattening. Snapping her head in Darwin’s direction, her eyebrow twitched irritably. 

“How many creatures are after this damn flower?” She inquired calmly, attempting to hide her agitation. Darwin shifted uncomfortably, running his hand through his wild hair. Chuckling nervously, a soft whine escaped Luna’s lips. 

“Every creature in the area.” He stammered with a nervous grin, her lips pressing into a thin line. “I am now realizing that we have a stunning lack of people for the job.” Biting her tongue, she was acknowledging that he was still a child. Taking his hands, a long exhale flooded from her lips. A wicked grin danced across her face, the look the two of them had scaring all of us. Sir Acorn popped out of the pocket, his tail twitching with wicked frustration. 

“You aren’t doing what I think you are about to do?” He protested, his paw poking her face. “That could get you killed. Will Mishal be safe?” Alas it was too late, Lottie leapt out of the bushes. Whistling sharply, every creature turned towards her. Hopping onto a stump, the moonlight bathed her. 

“Must we battle it out for a field of herbs and flowers. I propose as a queen that we work together.” She suggested with her million dollar smile, all of them putting their weapons away. “We only require whatever Darwin is searching for. In return, we will bloom a field of healing flowers for you all to gather. Is that okay, Darwin?” Shooting her a thumbs up, her determination for a peaceful solution seemed impossible to achieve. An olive giant with a tuft of orange hair and a fur cloak hoisted her onto his head, scarlet coloring her cheeks. Darwin climbed up the giant’s other arm, Sir Acorn seeming seconds from a breakdown. 

“You are very lucky that it worked out for you.” He whined while sticking out his tongue, his ears pinning back. Pulling an acorn out of thin air, he graciously accepted it. Chewing on it shut him up, Lottie sitting an eager Darwin in her lap. Kissing the top of his head, jealousy flashed in my eyes. Luna bounced up to her side, a howl escaping her snout. A couple of hours passed, a field of iridescent leaves danced in the slight breeze. Several creatures were fighting in the center, Lottie sliding down his arm. Landing gracefully in the center of everybody, a swift tug on her glove sent it in the air. Blasting a ball of fire into the air, all eyes fell on her. Luna snarled at her feet, the back of her fur standing up. 

“Let’s divide this batch evenly among each other based on our sizes.” She chirped cheerfully, tugging her glove back on. “Let’s clear the herb first and then we will divide it up in the end.” Grunts and groans passed in the crowd, everyone pulling out worn scythes. Darwin fist bumped her, her bright smile illuminating the features in her face. The rest of the evening passed without trouble, a mountain of herbs towered over us. Negotiations were intense but everyone got the amount they needed. Darwin wiped the sweat off of his brow, Lottie lifted him over her head. Waving to everyone, he whistled sharply. 

“Listen up, I am going to fill the field with healing flowers.” He proclaimed with adventure in his eyes, his white wool shirt fluttering in the early morning breeze. “The creatures who must sleep during the day will go first, and then so on. You can make tea, cakes and even candies with it. The world is your oyster.” My brow would have cocked in response, his personality matching hers to tee. Flipping off her hands, she caught him in her arms. Kissing the top of his head, his lips pecked her cheeks. The love was obvious between them, my eyes falling on the dirt covering the two of them. Squirming from her arms, he pressed his palms to the ground. The monsters’ jaws dropped as glowing lilies bloomed for miles. Swaying slightly, he brushed off his exhaustion. This child oozed oddness, my eyes falling on the god residing in him. How could he be so gentle with the boy? Watching the creatures pick the flowers in an orderly manner, Scarlet and Tommy spoke up in my mind. 

“Isn’t she amazing?” Tommy purred through our mental connection, scarlet coloring Lottie’s cheeks. “We are so fortunate to have her taking care of us.” Scarlet and Tommy carried on a conversation, mere minutes passing before the grass grew into place at the lack of flowers. Packing everything up, my affection for her had doubled today alone. Trees flashed by, Darwin skipping next to me. Stopping at the river for a break, Darwin pulled out his fishing pole from his bag. His laughter twinkled in the air, Lottie helping him fish. Seeing her for the compassionate leader she was, the unfamiliar sense of home heated up my soul. Relaxing in the moment, Lottie propped me up against the tree.  

“I figured you wanted to join us. You may not be able to fish like the rest of us but I wish for you to join us.” She chimed, passing another acorn to Sir Acorn. “I did promise to show you the world, didn’t I?” Focusing back on her sons, her laughter twinkled in the air. A crooked grin would have curled on my lips if I had them, my breath hitched at her natural kindness with everyone. How could she not see that she was a saint? Darwin yelled out, a fish floundering around on his hook. Leaping to her feet, she spun him around. Pulling him in for a warm embrace, a single tear dripped from my one eye. For most of my life, the concept of love has always been foreign to me. The smell of cooking fish stole from my trance, the distant memory of the weekend my father spent fishing with me haunting my mind. Splitting it among everyone, her smile reminded me of my father’s. Shaking off the emotion, my soul yearned for human touch. Waving them over, pleasant conversation passed between them. Darwin skipped up to her, whispering something in her ear. 

“I am going for a walk.” She announced, passing Mishal to Boran. “It’ll just be Dackworth and I for a bit. Trust me when I say that I will be back.” Scooping me up, everyone watched us leave. Walking for twenty minutes, she stopped at the edge of a milky pond. Poking the surface, her head turned towards me.  

“Where do you want to go?” She questioned with a curious glint, the surface began to glow. “I can take you anywhere in any form. I want you to experience being human for a second. Hold on, I have an idea on where to go.” Mouthing a spell, silver hands yanked us into the pond. Water rushed around us, her bubbles floating to the surface. A rush of energy knocked us onto the beach, her age appearing around six. Her ears fluttered in the breeze, her tail wagging at the sight of me. Glancing down at my stitched together hands, they appeared to be like when I was six. 

“Dacky, my boy. Are we going fishing or not? Who's your little friend?” My father's voice thundered, my breath hitching. “Be polite and introduce your friend.” Smoothing out my weathered white blouse, my olive pants fluttered in the breeze. Tears welled up in my eyes, my snow white hair tickled the back of my neck. Stepping forward in her silky silver dress, she pressed her palms together. 

“I am Lottie, his best friend.” She introduced herself politely, her bell sleeves hiding her dragon hand. “He invited me to go fishing with him.” Draping her arms over my shoulder, her toothy grin soothed the large muscular man I called father. His long inky hair fluttered in the breeze, his emerald eyes twinkling with joy. His grin grew wider, my eyes falling on my matching emerald eyes. This must have been more before she replaced my eyes, my father shoved a fishing pole into my hands. Trembling in place, she picked my favorite memory. How had she noticed my reaction? Was her heart really that pure? Her bells jingled with every step towards the pond, her hand reaching out for mine. 

“You can’t catch the fish standing there.” She joked tenderly, my fingers wrapping around hers. “Consider this a gift from me to you. Enjoy the moment. You only have two days here.” Pulling her into a warm embrace, my tears soaked her shoulders. How could anyone ever give me such a magical gift? Forcing me to sit down, she switched to the other side of me. My old man’s large hand cupped mine, he helped me cast my hook into the water. Allowing myself to feel the sun on my face, our laughter filled the air with every cast. The full moon replaced the sun, the three of us sat around a cooking fish. My father and her chatted pleasantly, her arm draping around my shoulder. Finishing up dinner, she laid down next to me. My father doused the fire, my heart loving every moment of this memory. 

“I am sorry I had to include myself in your memory. I have to stay here to maintain the spell.” She apologized, watching the starry sky with me. “Do you like it?” Holding my hand up in the air, her hand hovered next to mine. Glancing over at her, her real smile made my heart skip a beat. My master was the greatest in the world, her heart bigger than her chest. Intertwining my fingers with hers, her hand felt so warm. 

“I love it.” I sobbed uncontrollably, our hands lowering. “Why couldn’t you have been my friend my whole life?” Chuckling softly to herself, her eyes fell on me. Seeing her free relieved my stress for some reason, the serenity in her face allowed me to fall asleep. A sharp clap woke us up, my heart sinking at the fact that at midnight we would be returning home. My father stood over us with his hands on his hips, her grin matching his. Today was the day we went into the nearby town and explored everything, my heart pounding with adventure. Taking my hand, she pulled me onto my father’s wagon. Sitting in the back, we both watched out the back with bright eyes. The smell of fresh bread and cooking meat filled the air, her eyes widening with wonder. Taking in all of the sights, her tail wagged wildly. Thump!  Her tail kept whacking the side of the wagon, her fangs hanging over her lips adorably. Stopping at a pub, her fingers intertwined with mine. Guiding me through like a sister would, her feet barely touched the cobblestone streets with each spin around. Rich music filled the air, her elbow hooking around mine. Freedom showed in her face, time stopping as she twirled around with me. The day passed like this, her real smile never leaving her face. Ten minutes remained of the memory, the three of us were on the roof of the wagon watching the light violet ways of twilight bathed the roof lines. Hugging my father, his tears soaked the top of his head. Flashing me his bright smile, he pulled her into a gentle embrace. Tears welled up in her eyes, his hands resting on her shoulders. 

“Take care of Dacky for me. It isn’t that often that I get to see my family in the afterlife.” He sobbed brokenly, his hand ruffling the top of her head. “My gratitude is endless, your majesty. Dacky, I love you with all of my heart. Save the world for me, please.” Our boots crunched towards the edge of the milky water, surprise rounded her eyes at my desperate embrace. 

“Thank you so much for these few moments.” I wept brokenly, my father waving to us in the distance. “I am so sorry for my ha-” Putting her finger up, her body squirmed out of my arms. Leaning forward, she stuck out her tongue. Scarlet colored her cheeks, her silent tears told me how affected she was by today. 

“I only did what anyone else would do. I was thinking we could do this once a month when this whole shit show is over. Is that okay with you?” She offered, her ears pinning back. “I had fun and your father has always been trapped in this memory.” Shaking my head it was time for him to go back to Heaven. 

“I think he needs to go to Heaven.” I sobbed, breaking into a sprint. Skidding to stop in front of him, his strong arms wrapped around my trembling shoulders. Lottie caught up, a silvery blue glow covered her hands. Pressing her palms together, a pause hung between us. 

“I am going to miss you.” I wept pathetically. “I want you to go to Heaven. I have no right to keep you here.” Kissing the top of my head, he crouched down to my level. Clutching me close to his chest, his hand rubbed my back. 

“Okay. Let me leave you with this. I am proud of you. You found your light at the end of the tunnel.” He choked out, fighting back his tears while taking Lottie’s hands. “You better take care of my boy and show him the world.” Pressing his hands together, she bowed in his direction. Flashing him her brightest smile, her eyes showed all of her sadness. 

“I promise to make his life the best it can be. Of course I will show him the world. Are you ready?” She assured him, kissing the tip of his fingers. “This shouldn’t hurt a bit.” His body decayed to blue rose petals floating into the pale moonlight, violent sobs wracked my body. Clutching me close to my chest, the world decayed to a flurry of rose petals, the milky water flooding in. A hand dragged me into the pond, her arms refusing to let go. Our hair floated up, our bubbles floating to the surface. A wave tossed us back onto the shore, water soaking her outfit. Only my one eye remained, her steady hands laying me against a tree. Ringing out her tail, everything was going to be okay.