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An hour later... The path grew as they neared the end of the forest. Few animals crossed their path. Leon paused to look at the butterflies and moths floating around them. The bugs' illuminated wings shifted into various colors. Red, blue, green, Christ. It's like a moving rainbow. If I was addicted to drugs, I'd swear I was having another mind trip. Not like this entire experience hasn't been like some fucked up fever dream as it is.
"What kind of weird ass bugs are these?" he asked, swerving his head around them.
"These are Illiflies and Lumimoths, a good sign," Katie said, smiling. "They're harmless, a way for us to know we're getting close to a town. Salem is just up ahead."
Even the bugs here are more useful than the usual person back home. That's funny.
Rain drizzled throughout the area. Puddles splashed underneath their boots; reflections rippled. She looked at him. Leon glanced back at his friends. I won't have to kill them if they don't go back to normal, am I? His eyes lowered as he gritted his teeth. What if this was how they always felt? Maybe they were always waiting for a chance to kill me.
Then he shook his head. Nah, screw that. I'll just bop 'em in the back of the head, SMACK, till they're back to normal. That ought to do the trick. He grinned at the thought.
Katie grasped his hand. He jumped, looking at her with wide eyes. "You're not alone, Leon. I know these two mean a great deal to you. Don't entertain those thoughts."
"I was enjoying them, though."
"This is what Death wants you to feel, to force you into a state where you can't trust anyone. I don't believe that what they said was their true feelings. Even if it was, I would stand by your side."
As heartwarming as it was, Leon chuckled. "A little dramatic, aren't you?"
Her cheeks burned as she let go of him, turning away. "I'm trying to be serious," Katie said, turning and crossing her arms.
Why does that look familiar? He moved beside her and wrapped an arm around her waist. "L-Leon-"
"I appreciate it. Really, I do." After a brief moment, he let her go. "Enough of this mushy stuff. Let's get something to eat!"
At the mention of food, her stomach growled this time. She avoided his gaze, blushing even more. "How embarrassing..." she muttered, walking ahead.
Who knew she could be so bashful- Ow! A tail whacked his back. He snapped to attention, looking beside him. "Oh, it's you."
It was King, wagging his tail and walking past him. "Well, ain't you just a sweet cinnamon roll?"
Leon scoffed, "What's your story anyway? Dinosaurs are extinct back in America, in case you didn't know."
"I'm built of greater stuff than those bozos, mate. Me mum grew me in a wee egg. I was about this tall when I was a bab," the raptor said, tail measuring down to his ankle.
He licked his jaw, a rotten scent trailing from his mouth. Leon's lip curled in disgust, covering his nose as he stepped back. Smells like rotten cheese stuffed in shit...he thought, his eyes tearing up.
"Is that right? Where'd the Irish accent come from then?"
King tapped his chin with his tail. "Hmm, I don't quite understand what an accent is, but if you're referring to how I talk... I talk with my mouth." He opened and closed his mouth again to add emphasis.
Facepalming, Leon bit back a laugh. "That's not what an accent is. Close."
Dark clouds rolled above them. An old western town surrounded by a forest was not what Leon had imagined. Now this is what you call a red-dead fantasy... The good, the bad, and the fugly. They walked past several wooden buildings as it drizzled. Many muddy roads stretched throughout the town, and stagecoaches were being pulled by animals he'd never seen before.
The horses pulling the carriages and wagons had flames, mist, or electricity surging through their manes. Some creatures had the head of a wolf, eagle, lion, and more. The building they stopped in front of had a sign that read 'Salem Saloon,' flashed in a bright red light on the front. Sounds of laughter filled the air, followed by funky music.
At the front of the saloon, a burly-looking man pushed out the front doors. He wiped his filthy mustache on his sleeve with his gaze on Katie. A wild smirk formed on his face as she turned around to look at Leon. "Charming, wouldn't you say, Leon?"
This should be good, Diablos muttered.
Leon's fists tightened, taking a step forward. The man held a dagger inches from her neck. "Katie, watch out-"
The words hardly left his mouth. Her back knuckle slammed into the man's mouth. She didn't even turn to look at him. Muffled groans escaped him as she reached for Leon's outstretched hand.
A smile formed on her lips."Something troubling you?"
Is she serious? His eyes darted from the man rolling in the dirt to Katie's heartfelt gaze. Something was knowing about her smile. "Uh, no... I guess not. Nice punch," he said, tilting his head to look for other attackers over her shoulder. "Come here often?"
She put her hands on her hips, smirking. "I dare say, Leon. Are you flirting with me?" Three more people surrounded her at that moment. Two lizard women with scaly skin and a man with a goat head from behind. She never turned, even for a second. Katie slammed the women's heads together and threw them aside like rag dolls.
The back of her head smacked into the goat man's snout, causing him to flip back onto his face. "Baah!" cried the goat man, going limp.
Pathetic. Diablos was clearly bored; Katie in no immediate danger.
"Is that guy alright- I mean, um, no. ...Maybe," Leon said, returning the grin.
Within five minutes, several others tried to even so much as lay a scratch on her. She either smacked them down like they were gnats or avoided them, causing them to crash into each other. Are all demi-humans this weak?
Diablos groaned. There are a few rare cases, but otherwise, yes. Pitiful creatures.
"Seriously, how often do you come here?" Leon asked.
With a raised eyebrow, she tip-toed over several bodies."What gives you the idea that I come here often?"
Leon bit his tongue to avoid rolling over laughing. "No reason."
Inside the saloon, Leon's heart sank. If someone on drugs described the Old West, this would be it in excruciating detail. Men and women of all shapes and sizes sat at the tables. Lizard men and mermaids arm wrestling. Mice and bearded dragons danced on a piano, creating the most bizarre yet soothing melody he'd ever heard. Werewolves in suits laughing and growling, playing cards at one of the many round tables at the center of the room. Pixies and fairies danced among the chandeliers above, tapping mugs and drinking themselves silly.
image [https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczOWkHKrENn7z33oLLbKhgcvA6uZ9VCGk_tc_eZDlsoyehr_V88-WIzt0VNeYm__RX3E2IGBBcLhOK6BA5URoGN-s4j0OrrxmeUIli9o0T65ggEBuNNuGN6eDccLTnSIA1fuHxJj_wM0pKfRp71pxs7FWpAt0hxFVCICRvviO_0ysXqvHxtOU5NoixHne_ZIzlIzTREKQyXchLdrR31bMd2hlsXnK8p_A7Kd340qs-HUCz29gp2XPX19B5TkRAwJbjjjN9h0tJMCCk886cpUYjlPRjsHzC_EgCJNRGFh0Chz-x_Kueoq_Ye6tZAvuFH4jCAeCBimU0GM5cZSPdZdvrlHM-nmIvgb8vn3Ck9Fv9DzoIqCIsknDL8JmNP4pDV4mg3I3KJ9bB-amyIi7LJJXOU5iJrD0DT2lAJJeaVpiZoK9BTVNgjTAQOmZzfULEysz6FbyXDMqJgmOSvbiiTbbHj1Qy9BvacbIiij57ioMQWFNY9FRYsg26CWNmz_Jbu6bz0QtbE_Q7Ivb2C-TfhLVonxCla_itaPpBnctFLlJ5b5ANpTHBmoz7iUI1pVU1DTszh9AUKUJHqtCpeutZAqQOCfPZxahQiF9_drEMYCAFJ-3jM_JmylBaI6vKWBAtYnHzbGrcD7a1m0jKf90DAE3MufPFJXk_OHUdnU0UsRg_5pdyW4tA6F3Guzbzs8Szl2-K6oaIgTNkbltyXss9sRIBoFPXGFIuswgV-uwB4z4Imcno6nASyhwUJwHP2W2BhQySBVN9BU79WOib_hrknr3usCRB8ma5JqCL78J0Z58B-_yu3Q3SOmBUu9QRpYRB-50fOdzCJWR3CGzs6N9BkH11S2XJBjszxuup31Grm53qsj0t2snL4rXoanwqrfJ97D083g3g6d_P-fzEwbYYVFRP92ez_7fdX0OVG8x_bq0jJiShPSHWrKiYJLtUjWes4=w896-h896-s-no-gm?authuser=1]
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"Katie! Dear girl, it's been ages since you've graced us with your presence!" the bartender shouted over the rabble.
A dark-skinned man in a white blouse stood behind the counter. Half his face was a grayish metal, a bright white light shining from the pupil. The women dressed like maids slid drinks around him, mixing the glasses in the back. They were a mix of humans and demis.
"Hi, Mr. Johns-" Katie raised a hand to wave when King smacked her elbow with his snout.
He hopped up to the counter, wagging his tail. "Aye, I'll take the usual! Steak, steak, and more steak! Also, a wee bit of chicken if ye can spare it!" the raptor shouted, grinning. Ed and Richard's unconscious bodies flailed helplessly on his back.
Mr. Johnson smiled at him, placing the glass he'd been cleaning down. "You sure the missus is alright with that?"
Katie grabbed the raptor by the snout and pushed him away. "Take them upstairs, you little menace! I'll bring you your dinner when you learn to stop talking out of turn!"
His tail dropped as he said, "Ugh, aye."
They watched him pad away to the staircase at the end of the room. "Ugh, what am I going to do with that boy... Any who, we'll be needing two rooms, if you'd please," she said, pulling out a sack from her pack. Golden coins clanged against the counter when she opened it.
He took one look and gave a curt nod. "We'll have it prepared straight away, though I must ask. What's the deal with the boys, and uh, who is your friend, may I ask? I've never known you to travel with other men, Katie. Perhaps you've finally found a suitor worthy of you?" Mr. Johnson asked, smiling. One of the lizard maids swept the coins into a register.
She smiled, leaning to whisper, "Oh, you have no idea."
She must be a regular, Leon thought, moving away from them as he looked around. A demon and an angel walk into a bar... This'll be one for the history books. Then again, looking at this place. Maybe not.
A chill ran down his spine. It was the kind he'd get whenever he wandered by himself, knowing he was being watched or followed. His eyes fell on a cloaked woman sitting from across the room. There was a strange glow coming from her eyes.
Before he could get a better look, someone got in his way [https://img.wattpad.com/d7e2d068243f141f96ab16984919c73b7c1b5072/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f713749735968706c6e41737463413d3d2d313235313134393632342e313737373661363965343431386166643638313139373631363539382e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Before he could get a better look, someone got in his way. They disappeared. When he blinked again, he saw they were moving toward them. He narrowed his eyes and prepared to move away when they grabbed his wrist. "What-" He narrowed his eyes as he saw it was a woman beneath the hood. They were practically nose to nose. She had long blonde hair, her clothes hidden. She was easily one of the most beautiful women he'd ever seen. One thing that sent ripples down his spine was the crimson-red eyes staring into his own.
Her grip on his wrist tightened when he tried to pull away. "Are you....? No, surely not," she whispered, looking down. Her head tilted to look behind him. One look at Katie, and she said, "Tread carefully with the company you keep, host of Diablos. I know who you are. We shall meet again soon."
Without another word, she stepped out the door. Who the hell? How did she know?
Katie turned with the keys in hand. She raised an eyebrow at Leon's stunned expression. "What's the matter?" she asked, making him jump.
"We need to talk," Leon said, turning to her.
—--------‐—------
They set Richard and Ed in the room next to theirs. King stood watch at their entrance. Hopefully, they won't start attacking as soon as they wake up... Suppose if we hear a scream that's as good a sign that they're back to normal, Leon thought, pacing back and forth.
The rooms were small and wooden, with a rug placed by every doorway. Candles were lit on the drawers and nightstands. Katie sipped her tea and put it calmly on the coffee table. Her cup shattered under her grip.
"Whoa, are you-"
"Leave it!" she snapped, snatching a cloth from her pocket.
Her breathing was short and erratic. He half expected her to flip the table, but she cleaned the mess. "Of all the blasted people... she is the absolute LAST person I wanted to ever have the displeasure of introducing you to."
"She's not a friend, I take it?" Leon asked, flinching at the look she gave for even suggesting the thought.
She slammed her hand on the table, cracking the glass. "Absolutely not! That little witch has been a blight on my life since the day I met her. What my mother sees in that infernal kingdom is beyond me!"
Leon's eyes widened. "An entire kingdom? She's some sort of royalty, then?"
"She's a pampered princess! She's rude, spoiled, has the emotional range of a teaspoon-"
"You really hate this girl, don't you?" Leon snickered into the back of his palm.
Katie sprung to her feet and threw her hands in the air. "I ABSOLUTELY DESPISE HER!"
Every word was like thunder cracking the room. He rubbed his chin. "Riiiiight. Sooo... what's her name?"
She clicked her teeth, biting her thumb. "Hime Lioness. The absolute dumbest, most atrocious name on the planet for anyone, let alone some convoluted little demon princess."
It was more than he could take. Leon fell to his knees, laughing himself to tears. Heat rose to her cheeks as she watched him, her jaw-dropping.
"Oh my God, do you actually like her?" Katie asked, stepping toward him.
His smile dropped the second he turned to face her. "What? No! I mean, she is pretty, but-" he smirked at the gasp that earned him. "What? You jealous?"
Katie's eyes widened as she turned her back on him. "Absolutely not!"
"I think I know your favorite phrase," Leon teased, poking her cheek. A shock ran through his finger, making him yelp. "Touchy... so other than sleeping, what exactly are we doing here? Where are we going next?"
She sighed. "Well, we aren't strong enough to face Death as we are now. We must pass through the nearest kingdom to return to the Luna Base. My mother will know what to do."
"Your mother? What is she? A super angel?" Leon asked. I've got a bad feeling about this.
A sharp pain came from his forehead. He grasped it, sucking in air through his teeth.
"Leon? Leon!" Katie cried, leaning over him. Her voice was distant, echoing in his ears as the darkness swallowed the world.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other voices grew louder. "...never..."
"...how naïve..."
"Can't believe this..."
"...Why?"
A dark, muddy vision morphed in his eyes. Rhythmic humming filled the room like a generator. Two men slept in a metal cell. The room was dark, with various patterns shifting between neon green and blue along the walls. One hooded figure stood in front of the cell. A woman's fingers slid off the bars as she peered at them. The men stirred, groaning. "I-Iris? What is this?" a voice spoke. It was Ed's.
"Save your breath, Ed. That isn't Iris." The other man was Richard.
They were both wearing worn and filthy clothes. The woman's hood dropped, revealing long, black curls. "Come now. Surely, you recognize me?" A hollow voice, most unlike her own, came from her lips. Despite their glares, they trembled. "Hahaha, I must thank your pretty little friend for granting me such a powerful body. A fine appetizer for the main dish."
Richard sighed. Sweat ran down his brow as he crossed his arms. "The main dish? You're talking about Leon, aren't you? What the hell are you planning?"
Death giggled. "He is Gaia's ultimate creation. My dear son. More than enough power to accomplish destroying this wretched world and start it anew. All he needs is a little more flavor...."
"Flavor? What are you on about?" Ed snapped, rising to his feet. He slammed his hands against the cell door. "Is this a game to you?"
At those words, Death sighed. "Ignorance is bliss," I believe, is the expression these days. Worry not, for you both shall have your part to play."
They blinked, and cold hands snatched their necks. They wriggled and croaked. The cold air grew thinner, and their vision darker. "I will give you a choice. Take part in my experiment, or I will destroy you both. Speak quickly, for my patience is dwindling."
When they tried choking out answers, Death rolled her eyes. She let go of them. They fell painfully against their chairs. "You might as well just kill us. We aren't doing shit for you!" Richard coughed out, clutching his neck.
A horrible smile formed on the entity's lips. "I was hoping you would say that."
—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leon's vision was distorted at first. Voices called for him.
"...up...Please, wake up!" Katie cried, shaking him over and over.
They were still in the bedroom at the saloon. He'd collapsed next to the coffee table. Katie leaned over him, tear stricken, holding his hand. Leon groaned and sat up. "Someone gets the number of that bus driver? What happened?" he asked, gripping his head.
"I was going to ask you," she said, her eyes lowering. "You collapsed, and you were so cold! I thought... I thought you died."
"What? Seriously?" Leon responded, his eyes widening. Now that I think of it, my body is ice cold. This was no ordinary vision. Did you see that, Diablos?
...No. This must've been an effect of something Death did to your wretched friends, Diablos said.
Katie's lip trembled as she wiped away a tear. "Sorry if I scared you..." Leon said, placing a hand on her shoulder. He flinched, being pulled into a bone-crunching embrace.
"I waited three years for us to be reunited... Losing you now would... Would... I don't even want to think of it."
Leon held her closer, smiling. "It'll take more than some bad dreams to get rid of me-"
BANG.
The door burst open. Leon and Katie jumped to their feet, facing it. "Oh... sorry to interrupt."
It was Richard, his eyes back to their normal hazel brown.
"Richard! I wasn't expecting to see you up so soon. You holding up, okay?" Leon asked, moving toward him.
His friend shrugged, grimacing. "As good as I'll ever be. Jesus, I can't believe it... Holy shit, is that the girl from the cruise? Always wondered what happened to her."
Katie looked side to side and pointed at herself. "You remember me?"
"Well, last I checked, it was Leon with blocked memories, not me," Richard said.
Leon narrowed his eyes. "So you knew."
"Iris made us all swear to never talk about her in front of you. I don't know what she did to make you forget, but it explains why you found someone else so quickly...." Richard flinched at how Leon's eyes widened at that statement.
"What?" Katie snapped her head toward him. Leon avoided her gaze, and it still jabbed his heart. "Oh, the so-called second that Death was talking about. Who is she exactly?"
A scream and a yowl came from next door. Right on cue. I am soooo not ready to have this conversation yet... Sounds like Ed and King have been formally introduced, Leon thought, scratching his chin.
You're dodging the question. Katie's voice rang in his head, making him jump.
"We'd better take care of that! Let's go, Richard!" Leon shouted, storming toward the door.
Richard looked at the two, his eyes widening. "Wait, the fucking dinosaur in my room was real?"
"Hold it! W-wait!" Katie called, but they were already flying out the door.