𝕋𝕙𝕖 H𝕖𝕝𝕝'𝕤 𝕄𝕚𝕣𝕣𝕠𝕣

Chapter 11. Keep Smiling. It'll get ya Killed

Smiling is something someone could interpret as an expression of happiness. Sometimes others see smiling as possibly intimidating or otherwise not friendly. Well, they can't exactly exact their interpretation of the other person and expect them to follow along. That isn't how the real world works. If they keep doing that then who is to say they are awake to the world around them if they are stuck in that repetitive bubble?

This whole world below between the present and past felt as if one part of her being was alive living an unfinished path and the other was who she currently is.

Shimmering glass yellow-green eyes glancing up at the ceiling of the amethyst purple-hued cathedral a relaxed expression upon her soft pale green features. The same satin white dress and ballet shoes — her body stretched across the couch hugging a soft pillow to her chest. In some ways, her mind drifted if this is what being a living corpse is like.

None of her family aside from the imp — running and jumping on the neighboring couch across — seemed to have fallen as she did. A meek smile graced her lips. What point would it be anyway if the ingrown life she once started again — foolish?

"That's the first time you've smiled all day." The Niece spoke continuing to bounce on the poor couch not heeding the creaking cry of the legs begging for a break.

Gem watched her Niece as she jumped from one side to the other seemingly to entertain herself despite having things of her own. In her room too. Sighing through her nose without entirely lifting her arm and only an index finger a mirror materialized below the Niece and another above the ceiling.

The clattering and groans gave a comical outcome much to Gem's pleasure. "This is still my house. You can do as you wish when you manage to find a suitable job."

Jumping from the floor brushing off her sleeves — an unamused expression — "Just make me your house Imp and I can work off my debt to you" Niece huffed, placing a hand on her hip.

Gem softly shook her head "Not how it works with me — the overlords would — never with me."

An exaggerated groan of frustration and a flicker of the Niece's devilish red tail "You are never satisfied it seems!" stomping off down to the entrance of the cathedral started — echoing her hooves following along the further she went becoming more of a distant ping.

It's an almost flat feeling when thinking about this mysterious part of her family. No, part of herself felt any connection or was willing to know exactly who they might be despite having a literal living portrait of names hung right above.

"Hey, can I go outside?" Niece questioned lazily tugging at the locked gothic doors — pouting when her hand slipped — catching herself quickly with a slight stumble.

Gem let out a sigh through her nose crossing her arms over her lap "No you may not" She stated holding no tone for arguments.

"WHY?" Niece shouted, impressing Gem as the mirror slightly shuddered from the vibrations of her voice. "I don't like being trapped inside for very long. I have to go outside. When I was alive I could just take my walkman and run to my friend's house. I'd be back before dinner even."

Gem's lips parted briefly before rising from the couch, white dress swaying around at her knees with each step she took coming closer to her Niece "You may go out" She started softly folding her hands to the middle of her stomach "Know that I am your guardian and am just doing what I try to protect you."

Niece squinted her eyes "Staying inside isn't the way for me."

"Yes you had been jumping on the couch for the past hour" Gem curtly smiled thinking back "Never was the fastest when it came to endurance. The ballet was all I had ever been good at when your age. The hours for practice never gave enough time — for me at least — to enjoy time with friends or see my family."

The Niece's expression turned to one of curiosity but also slight remorse. They may be family but sometimes family is flawed "There had to be someone to have stopped you right? Another teacher or maybe even someone you might have had a crush on that made you stop spinning?"

Both of their faces shared the same grin, yet it had been for the faintest of moments when black and white eyes met the shimmering glass orbs of Gem's as she sheepishly looked off to the side. "There was no one to love. Not with how hard I worked to get back my mother."

A pang of guilt struck the Niece's heart hearing those words watching as Gem tilted her head downwards in unease – not enough for her face to be covered by her hair. "I'll smile for you then. Smiling has helped me ever since coming to hell. You never seem to smile enough yourself – just being honest."

Gem nodded, bringing her attention back to the Niece, smoothing her white hair with the palm of her hand – careful of the two horns – letting out a sigh of relief. In all this time, she feared her last bit of family would leave. "Smiling is a sad thing. Associated as a show of power amongst the ranks in this world. It is easy to ignore those who make themselves imposing on others who do not need attention and wealth. Even the most naive."

An abrupt laugh escaped the Niece's mouth has been holding it in "All overlords can believe they are powerful, but everyone is weak in some form," She stated, gently taking Gem's hand and placing it down --- walking towards the live family tree painting, her steps slightly hesitant feeling something on the tip of her tongue "Even dead people know how to get around when their lives have ended poorly," monochrome eyes squinting with a dejected gaze. "It's unfair for those down on their luck to be integrated into a contract or job they never accomplish."

The mirror gave a sudden hum prompting Gem to sigh through her nose once more "My glass shards can cut or make anything I wish at my will. There – there will be a time when the overlords have had enough of me stalling my answer. Try as they may or try as they might. These shards will pierce anything that causes me harm."