Repurposed | Quirrel x Sheo x Nailsmith

Chapter Five: In Which A Ghost Gives The Nailsmith His Chance

As morning came The Nailsmith packed his bag. He was hesitant to leave the safety of Sheo's home, but confident that going to Dirtmouth was the best course of action.

He looked over to where Sheo was peacefully sleeping. The Nailsmith considered waking him multiple times, but ultimately decided against it. Leaving would be much easier for him this way, and he wouldn't want to disturb Sheo's sleep either.

Letting out a breath, The Nailsmith put on his bag and turned to leave, mentally preparing himself for the journey. He stepped towards the door and-

-and standing there was The Knight.

The Nailsmith had to do a double- no, triple take to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. Standing there right in front of him was none other than The Knight. They looked up at him with the same blank expression they always wore, without a hint of emotion.

"You're... here," is all The Nailsmith could manage to say. They're here, The Knight is right here, in front of him. He can see his Pure Nail on their back. He would've reached out to grab it, but he was too stunned.

As The Knight came closer, The Nailsmith realised that they were holding the hand of another bug. They actually seemed to be dragging the bug along with a firm grip on their hand. The Knight walked inside the hut as if they owned it, walking past The Nailsmith and allowing him to get a better look at the newcomer.

He was about the same height as him, he had a blue shell, and he wore a cloth over his head of a deeper shade. He looked rather confused as he examined his surroundings nervously.

"Oh, um, pardon me," the bug said apologetically as he was being dragged by The Knight, forced to carefully tread between the items scattered all along the floor. The Knight went up to Sheo's sleeping form and prodded him a few times, causing him to slowly stur. When he caught sight of The Knight his face lit up with joy.

"Ah, Little One! How good it is to see you!" Sheo brought The Knight in for a tight hug, lifting him up in the air as he did so. "It's great to know you're happy and well!"

He didn't seem to notice the bug The Knight had brought inside until they started to gesture towards him. "Oh, who's this? A friend of yours?"

"I'm terribly sorry for barging in on you like this," the bug said once Sheo's gaze landed on him. "The Small Knight dragged me here and I'm not sure why. I'll be out of your shell."

But before the bug could even turn around The Knight had taken hold of his hand yet again. For such a small bug, he had a tight grip.

"Oh, what is it you want?" the bug whispered to The Knight in a desperate plea. "Let me go, friend."

"It seems my student has some poor manners," Sheo said, rubbing the top of The Knight's head roughly. "Let him go, Little One."

At his command, The Knight did as they were told, although they kept their eyes trained on the bug, almost daring him to try and escape.

"My name is Sheo, what's yours?"

"Sheo? As in Nailmaster Sheo?" The bug had a reaction similar to The Nailsmith as he quickly bowed. "Oh my goodness, I'm Quirrel. It's an honor to meet you."

"Please don't bow, I don't go by Nailmaster anymore."

"Oh, you don't? Why not?"

"How about I explain over a cup of tea? Nailsmith, would you like some as well?"

The Nailsmith almost thought Sheo had forgotten he was there. He quickly tried to make it look as if he hadn't been preparing to leave.

"Um, sure."