Short Stories

Family Doesn't Mean Blood.

          Ivan's shouts were heard over the relentless gunfire and screams. His demands. Kill them all. Mera and Felix knew they would not make it. Felix grabbed his weapons and ran out, his last words to his wife and child still echoing. Run, don't look back. Mera picked up her first son and ran as fast as she could while pregnant. She passed several bodies, Felix's cries of pain barely drowned out by the gunfire. She holds back tears, holding her child as tightly to her as she can. Murphy, at the young age of six, had no idea what was going on. All he knew was his mother was crying, and his father wasn't coming back. Mera didn't make it as far as she wished she could. Ivan saw her running and quickly pursued. He shot her down just as she made it to the edge of the woods. Through coughs of blood and spilling tears, she told him to run. Murphy tried to drag her with him, but she pushed him into the woods and shouted the command once more. Ivan aims his gun but stops as Murphy looks at him, pure terror plastered on the young boy's face. I'll come back, mama! He shouts as he runs into the woods. He runs as fast as he can with no idea where he is going.

             After running for what felt like hours, the young boy finds himself in a small city with portals to several different realms. When no one is looking, he sneaks into one, not really caring which one it is. The place is freezing, a blizzard whipping around him. Murphy hugs himself to retain what heat his small form can make. He calls out in a desperate attempt to get help. The wind whistles as he collapses.

             A young black-haired boy nearby hears a small cry in the distance, the wind carrying it to him. He goes explore since no one really likes the cold down here. As he gets closer, he sees a kid, just like himself. He picks the fallen boy up. It must be a fire demon. The raven-haired boy mutters to himself as he does his best to carry the boy across the winter landscape. He has no horns, though. Maybe he was left for dead? Not important. Keep focused, Livien.

             Using his magic, Livien gets Murphy across the landscape swiftly. He lays the strange boy down on the fiery side of the border and sits on his side.

             Liven uses icicles to poke the curiosity of a boy. He's never seen anyone but Salem and Lynx on his side. Even then, they were bundled in several thick layers. Thoughts race through his head, as he is lost, he doesn't realize he woke the boy. Murphy looks at Livien then the frozen wasteland.

Did you...get me here? Did you save me? Murphy's voice is soft as he sits up and curls up into a ball, his eyes focused on the boy with the icicle.

Demons don't save people. I just got you out of my territory.  Livien retorts.

...Oh, sorry to be a bother then. Murphy curls up.

Why were you there? You clearly don't like the cold.  Livien crosses his legs and leans on his hand.

My mama and papa.....they... told me to run. These people with loud and angry sticks started hurting people. I don't know where I am. Murphy starts crying into his knees.

Livien stops for a moment, his pride as a demon on the line. You're in a cruel world. No one here will help you. Look somewhere else. He states, his voice wavering.

I don't know where to go. I didn't mean to come here. The lights of hope slowly fade from Murphy's eyes as his sobs quiet. Livien knew the feeling of being outcasted and alone.

Livien. My name is Livien, what's yours?  Livien offers out his hand.

I'm Murphy. Murphy shakes Livien's hand.

Well, Murphy, it's nice to meet you. He says with a scowl. You can stay with me if you want, but it's cold here, you'll need something warmer than that.

Really? I thought demons don't help people?  Murphy looks at him with his head tilted.

I'm not helping you. I'm bored and you would make great entertainment. Livien hisses out at him. I'll find you some warmer clothes. Just wait here. Livien vanishes into the ice.

Thank you. Murphy quietly whispers.

Livien returns with heavy clothing and tosses it to Murphy.

This should fit you. Put it on, and I'll get us home.

Murphy nods and quickly puts the coats on. Livien offers out his hand, which Murphy happily takes. They vanish into the cold.

~Several Years Later~

Livien groans in misery. Murphy needed some stuff that could only be purchased from the fiery side. Livien tagged along because he didn't want to be alone. Despite the miserable heat, he did his best not to complain.

I'm going to grab something. It won't take too long!

Livien nods and sits on a nearby bench.

Just as he relaxes, three guys around his age push him off the bench and start laughing. One puts a foot on his back to keep him down while the other two kick him roughly. They continue until they hear a loud crack. Through tears and surges of pain, Livien thinks they broke his ribs. His thoughts are proven wrong by the screaming of the guy holding him down.

You picked the wrong man to anger. Livien looks at his savior. Turns out, Murphy had broken the guy's arm while the other two were distracted. Livien smiles weakly as he slowly passes out from pain and the sweltering heat. The last thing he saw was Murphy throwing a left hook at one of the guys. The last words he heard, I've got you, brother.