Waiting Out the Weather (Solo)

[Malaki]

Spring 1st, Year 511AV Purpose: Getting through the storm Time: The still dark bells of the first day of Spring Status: Closed Location: Baywatch Apartments They had been warned. The words coming in as a serious threat, a threat that was untouchable and unstoppable; it was something new to fear. And many did fear it, women, children and men alike, no matter the precautions taken there was never a full chance of survival but they would do their utmost to make sure all Rivarians were safe. As such everyone was ushered below ground, to the Sanctuary, anywhere that would provide sturdy shelter for the storm that would turn their world around. Well, everyone except for one little bird. It was a tiny thing really. Nothing noticeable but it had been living on Malaki’s balcony for the past two months and he had watched in grow in abject wonder. So, of course he had attempted to take the tiny creature with him, wishing to protect it from whatever atrocities would come with the storm. Unfortunately the little bird had other plans. Leave it already. It will die underground anyhow. No. For once their mental argument needed no words for Kripke heaved an angry sigh that flew from Malaki’s lips. I am taking control then. Kripke! You petcher! Oh, do shut up. With that the tug-of-war began. It was really not the smartest of times for them to be struggling, especially not over such a simple matter but Malaki would not leave the bird. And Kripke would not die or be maimed for the sake of one. It was a short struggle though, the darker brother having non off his lighter halves stubbornness. And what seemed like bells to them took less than a chime, Kripke pulling to the surface with a deep suction of breath. “Stubborn oaf.” Shyke. It was the only response he received for the moment for Malaki was fuming, curses streaming through the back of his mind, all of which Kripke paid no heed to. Instead he walked over to the birds nest, glaring at the tiny being sitting inside of it. It annoyed him that such a small matter would make his brother risk their lives, still he held out his hand with a forced smile. Today his patience was null and void. “Come here pretty one.” His tone was nothing but soft and gentle, the little bird did not care. It stabbed him on the hand and ruffled its small feathers. Clacking his teeth Kripke tried again, “Such a pretty bird. You do not want to be swept away with the storm do you? Of course not.” His hands inched forward. “So just…” His fingertips brushed feathers. “come…” A flurry of feathers and air. “here…” He finished his sentence dryly. His hands cupped around naught but air. The bird perched happily two feet away. Was the little brat playing with him? Fine. It hates you. Yes! Because you were doing so much better! “We have few precious hours left, little one. Would you have us waste them here?” The tiny bird tilted its head, almost as if understanding before giving a small chirp. It hopped forward a few paces and Kripke felt a smug sense of pride, he had accomplished a task where his brother could not. It was short lived, however, for the tiny bird pecked him once more and settled again in its nest. “You are a nasty little thing, aren’t you?” You’re not leaving it. Yes, I am. In fact, we both are. Our lives are twice what that birds is, if it was a prettier bird, maybe. But it’s a useless thing. It could not do a single thing for us. Malaki said nothing and Kripke mistook it for a sign he could walk but found his body—their body, immobile. His brother would fight him on this even if it meant dangers they would mostly likely be unprepared for. Allowed he spoke, the strain in his voice evident. Smothering each other was not doing them any favors. Even if they got the blasted bird, they’d be lucky if they had the strength to walk to safety. “Time grows short!” And so does my petching patience! With a vicious mental tug that brought them to their knees, Malaki was once more himself. You will regret that. Ignoring his dark brother and feeling no guilt for his actions Malaki pulled off his jacket and threw it over the bird. It chirped angrily but he only shushed it gently, careful not to smoother it but holding it tight enough so it would not escape. “Now we leave.”