The Apocalypse Brides Promise

Chapter 20

I awoke early, hearing what sounded like thunder and lightning. I would've gone back to sleep, but an instinct drove me to stay up. I shuffled out of bed and I stumbled over, grabbing my pistol. I saw a flash of lighting through the window, and I'm quite certain it hit a tree or something off in the distance. "So much for... mm... Working on a base for the boys and that one family..." I grumbled, rubbing my eyes. 

With a shuffle in the blankets, I turn around, seeing 13 moving around. She appeared to be looking for me. I chuckled softly, and walked back over, sitting on the bed. 13's arms found their way around my waist and a soft smile crept onto my lips. She was sweet in her own way, and I adored that so much. 

"12... Why are you awake...?" I heard a tired voice question. 

"I typically wake up early, love. You know that..." I whispered, delicately tracing a hand over her arms. She exhaled and cuddled closer to me. 

"You don't need to be up so early, love..."

"I know... I know... But I need to do a scan of the house and check on everything. It'll only be a minute, dear." I explained, shifting into a standing position. She groaned, rising from where she laid. 

"I'll go too..." 

"You don't have to, 13. I can do this myself, dear." I spoke gently, ruffling her hair. She groaned sleepily, laying back down. I smiled softly, looking down at my pistol I had left on the vanity. I swiftly took it into my hands, making my way to the door. I made my way through the halls and down the stairs, looking through each of the rooms. Outside, the wind grew more ravenous, and the thunder grew stronger. 

I bit my lips, glancing at the family that was still asleep downstairs. I couldn't help but think of certain writings of my past. Writings I was once quite fond of. 

"Death cast her gaze over the heap of sleeping mortals, her eyes tracing each figure slowly. Internally, she knew she'd have to say goodbye to those of which were so happy. She'd have to take their souls. 

Pity. 

With a graceful stride and passive gesture, her hand found itself placed on the forehead of an infant. A mournful sigh exhaled from her lungs, and the child soon laid bare of life. 

Sorrow. 

The child's father, an alcoholic, who barely stood round. He was a mess of a man and one Death truly felt anger for. An abuser with no love or no consideration. In an instant, Death found herself tearing the man's heart from his chest. 

Anger.

A mother, one of the sweetest beings on Earth, yet one with much pain. Death placed a gentle hand on the woman's cheek, allowing her to pass easily in her sleep. 

Pain. 

Death has many forms. Peaceful and gentle, or quick and harsh. She won't hesitate to take a life of a foolish mortal, but she won't make those who act kindly suffer for long. She is kind and forgiving, but she is not merciful when your time has come." 

A shiver ran down my spine as I thought of it. My own words coming to play in what seemed to be a reality. Shrugging off the feeling, I made my way through the living room, into the kitchen, then around the back rooms of the house. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Mostly everything seemed the same. 

I made my way to the front door, opening it swiftly. The scent of rain filled my nose, and I watched as it fell heavily into the streets. 

"Hello..." 

I jumped at the sound of a voice, and I quickly turned around. I glanced down, seeing the little girl that I had saved the day previous. "What're you doing up?" I scoffed. 

"I-I was thirsty..." The child stuttered. 

"Well... Let me lock up and I'll go get you a drink." I mumbled. I thrust my arm to the side, pulling the door closed. Once I had pulled the gate back over, I walked into the kitchen. The kid followed behind me, humming quietly. I grabbed a bottle of water, handing it to her. "There." 

"Thank you!" She cheered, struggling to open it. I knelt down, opening it for her. 

"You can always ask for help, ya know?" 

"Mm-hm... But, you're already so busy being a hero..." I held my hand up, cutting her off. 

"Let me tell you a story about being a hero." I took a seat on top of a counter, setting my pistol to the side. "Let me tell you about Theseus. He was a Greek hero. Ever heard stories of him?" 

"No..." She responded, swiftly pulling herself onto a chair. 

"Well... Theseus was the mythical king and supposedly the co-founder of Athens. Athens was the heart of Ancient Greece during the time of this story. Now, like many other demi-god-like beings, Theseus had to face monsters of all sorts.  So, when his city was under attack, he crossed enemy lines... He slained the minotaur, and he saved his city... He was a hero..." 

"Woah..." 

"Unfortunately, for his heroic actions... He was exiled from his kingdom. He died a death that was unglorified... Moral of the story: if you're going to be a hero, kid, you have to die like one." 

The girl stared at me, shock and interest filling her expression. "He... Was kicked out for being a hero?" 

"Mm-hm... cast from a cliff into an unforgiving sea." I elaborated, leaning back on my hands. The girl glanced into the area in which her parents were still sleeping. I gave a quick glance into the direction and rose a brow. 

"My mom and dad have never told me stories like that before." 

"Not many people are interested in mythology, kid." 

"Can you tell me more stories?" 

"I think you'd be better off heading to bed, kiddo. You need to get more sleep." 

"Aw, man..." She whined. 

"Hey, listen. When you get up, IF it is still raining... I'll tell you another story. How does that sound?" 

"Good! Thank you!" She giggled. I watched as she hurried off, laying back down with her parents. I sighed, hopping up from the counter. I plucked my pistol up, making my way back upstairs. In the doorway of the bedroom, I saw 13 waiting on me. 

"Hey!" I greeted, placing a kiss on her forehead. She giggled, hugging me tightly. 

"What took so long...?" 

"Kid insisted on getting some water and I told her a story... Theseus." 

"You told her that one?" 

"Mm-hm... She would have to learn the hard way if I hadn't explained it like that." 

"Then again... Not everyone is born to be a hero..." 

"I know... I know... Let's just go lay back down for a bit... How does that sound?" 

"Good to me..."