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Night had fallen once more, the stench of death festering within the walls despite the attempt at keeping their room clean from all of that. Another chase had been made that day, the guests tearing through the halls as taunts followed them, the dangers of the house following with each step they took. Kremy did his best to stay out of it, only following along to keep an eye on his fire that took part of this game, watching burning chains fly the echo of a train filling the halls as the fire grew hotter and hotter. It had been quick, it was always quick depending on the people that came through here…no one was expecting the family, for the attacks and games, no one was smart enough to escape and the alligator couldn’t blame them. He and Gideon hadn’t escaped, there was nowhere to truly escape, nowhere that Kremy could find. The land surrounding the home seemed forever, the thin clusters of trees and the dusty plains seemed to go somewhere but no matter how far he walked he always ended up back at the front door. It didn’t make much sense, Leeland and his brothers left countless of times for hours at a time, bringing things back that Kremy couldn’t find on his explorations and when he asked he was either smiled at with crooked yellow teeth as his questions went unanswered from the brothers that lived there or Leeland simply smiled at him, clasping his back like one did with a brother or friend saying the same damn thing again and again.
“Well boy, you’re new here. It…we simply wants ya safe and sound. Especially since you ain’t fully part of the family yet. Soon enough you’ll be able to go where It lets ya. Patience, now go get your husband and we’ll start on family dinner!”
Always the same thing, the confusing answers that left a ball of dread deep within his soul, the mention of something keeping Gideon and himself there like they were kids to be protected…it wasn’t the first time that he had heard of this being. Gideon had whispered about It countless nights before, explained the soothing voice or the cooing that made him feel small and weak, that encouraged him to join in on the activities that took place within these halls, that spoke how proud It was that he did good when he did join in. How the fog would fade slightly leaving him to his thoughts and actions properly, like his moral compass was flipped back on. It was concerning, truly considering Kremy hadn’t the chance to interact with this thing, that Gideon was the one dealing with this thing alone, forced to listen to Its cooing when it wished to make Its presence known. He wanted to hear It, wanted to talk to It, try and figure out if they would ever be able to leave if Gricko or Frost would be able to come get them even, or if they would be left to resort to trying to run from this place when given the freedom the others had. Nothing. There was no cooing, no whispers for nights on end even when Kremy could see Gideons expression glazed and fuzzy, the same look he seemed to gain whenever It would speak to him, the trembling in his fire’s frame as it continued and all Kremy could do was hold him. Talk about anything and everything from his mothers recipes back home to random thoughts that seemed to pop into his head in hopes that Gideon focused more on that than the coos. Sometimes it worked, sometimes Gideons expression would become more focused, would whisper back softly his comments or stifle his laughter at something and it brought relief through his veins.
Other times though, Gideon wouldn’t respond for hours, simply staring off into nothingness leaving him to talk to himself, concern growing higher and higher as the trembling got worse, the bed shaking before the mumbling and then screaming. No one would come running. Not one of the other household members would come to the screams as if it didn’t flood the quiet house, as if nothing was wrong. It didn’t shock him, the idea that they didn’t care or simply thought this was normal but Kremy was almost thankful that they didn’t come to their room. It was their sanctuary, the only place they had that wasn’t completely affected by this hell hole, a haven for when things were rough or when they needed to be alone away from what had been placed upon them. All of it was left to him to figure out, to try and calm down his fire, to hold him and whisper sweet nothings until the screaming subsides, holding him until the thrashing stops. Comforting him when the tears would stain his shirt.
A constant it seemed. Night after night, day after day. Not that he blamed Gideon, or hated it, Kremy knew he had no right to bitch about their predicament, it was him that had placed them there, him that made the deal and his actions had consequences. Hell, if anyone was to truly blame Kremy would put all the gold in the world on the being that kept them here, that seemingly brought them to this dingy house and refused to even acknowledge him, instead taking whatever pleasure It could find in tormenting his fire like It had been. Anger had started to brew within his chest at the thought, a bad taste lingering in his mouth as arms wrapped tighter around the sleeping Genasi as if Gideon wouldn’t be affected by anything while safely wrapped up. There had been no glassy looks or shaking that night, Kremy was almost thankful for it, his fire being able to sleep through the night for once, to process and allow the horrors to fade within the blissfulness of unconsciousness leaving him awake alone for the most part, keeping an ear out for any of the house members that might still be awake or for anything that might threaten Gideons peace.
“You have questions. little shadow?” a whispering voice filters through the depths of his mind, seemingly calming and gentle, a parents voice soothing their child. Kremy hated it, despised the way that it spoke to him but this was his chance. The very first time he’s had the chance to interact with this thing.
“I do, but I prefer to know who I’m talking to. Get on a name basis. My name's Kremy Lecroux and who might you be?” He questions softly under his breath, not wanting to wake Gideon while conversing with this thing.
“I know who you are, Little Shadow. Introductions are not needed..Gideon, our little ember here has told me plenty about you.”
“Yet, I don’t know who you are and Gideon ain’t nothing of yours.”
“I am the protector, I am the parent that seeks to keep their family safe, I provide and I watch. Gideon is part of the family…you gave him to us and in turn, you were brought in.”
Brows furrow at the information, tightening his arms ever so slightly around the man in question, hearing a light grunt in response before Gideons head is shuffled underneath his maw, nestling into the cool scales there before falling back to whatever he dreamt of.
“I didn’t give him to you, I did what I had too, he would have died if I didn’t agree to what Leeland wanted.”
“You protected him, and now he is mine to protect, as you will be. You do not need to fear me, or that of your brothers and family, you simply need to partake in the traditions, take what is offered…nothing will harm you while you are here. Your debts are gone, and you are surrounded by those that will take you with open arms. Little Shadow, all you have to do is accept me and I can give you anything you wish.”
“Anything?”
“Anything Little Shadow. You will be part of my family and I will provide for my family, Gideon won’t be torn between partaking in what is asked of him and what you think of him. You will be happy here. Safe and taken care of. No debt. No fear. Sleep on it, I know that you do not trust easily, that promises and offers will be turned into deals.”
“What if I don’t partake or accept?”
“You will. Gideon counts on you and no one who is not part of the family may stay I’m afraid. I can not harm you, for our Ember cares and the deal you’ve made with Leeland forbids it, but you may not stay. No harm will come of either of you thus no deals will be broken. I do not wish for this path. You have chosen for Gideon and must now choose for yourself. I will let you sleep on it, sweet dreams, young shadow.”
Kremy frowns, shaking ever so slightly as he shifts ever so slightly within the bed, ignoring the gentle cooing that fades within his ear, his attention on the sleeping man beside him. Gideon didn’t deserve this, he shouldn’t have chosen this, gone against his plea but he had and now there was a choice. Leaving in hopes of getting their friends to come help or staying and hoping that Gricko and Frost would be able to find them, to come to their rescue and undo what was happening to Gideon and soon him. Fear forms within his gut, tightening his hold onto his flame. He had to make a choice and Kremy had a feeling he already knew what would be chosen as Gideon rumbled softly against him.
Garu, help them.