Savior (Swiss x Reader)

To Burn it All

I had completed my chores for the day. Dusk and Oráiste were fed, I gotten water, made food and went forging. I was still making up for that time my cottage was raided. I still haven't been able to restock everything. The sun was shining among the forests causing dark shadows casted by the trees. It had been a whole moon cycle since I've seen Aether and his short friend. Unfortunately for Dew, last time he was here there weren't anymore strange forest girls. My thoughts still drifted to what the queen had said. What she had told the three of us.

How am I supposed to help Swiss become a king? What do I have to offer? I'm not even a good witch. I'm never going to be half as good as my parents were. No matter how much I'll try.

I could barely believe I was admitting this to myself. I buried it so deep in my brain that I never thought about it. But I did think about it. I think about it all the time. I just don't acknowledge it.

But why? Why can't I just admit how bad I am at this?

It was giving me a headache as I walked through the forest. My sleeves were rolled up as small beads of sweat rolled down my forehead. I made it to a clearing, it looked so familiar yet I couldn't place my finger on it. It was probably just because it was the same trees and plants that grew all around the forest.

It's all the same.

I moved to sit on a rock that was in between two tall trees. The bushy green leaves leaving a dark shadow upon the rock. That's when I turned to face the skeleton of a huge beast.

That's why.

I looked at the bones. They were clean from the other wildlife that feasted on the flesh of the beast. The fur must've been swept away with the wind.

I used this animal. I used it for my own gain yet gained nothing. I'm a horrible person.

My eyes went wide with realization. It was like my blood ran cold.

When have I ever done anything that wasn't for my own gain? I only do things so people like me. I make empty promises.

.
...
James...

I told him! I promised him I'd get him out and I didn't! After everything he's given me! He could be dead by now!

My breath quickened. How could I be so selfish? So blind and heartless? My vision blurred. I looked at the bones. They were a light gray in color with a tinge of brown. Some of the ribs and cracks in them, both from the elements and from being alive.

I walked over to the animal and placed my hand on what would've been the snout. I closed my eyes, trying to feel something other then the hurt I'm feeling deep in my core.

Nothing happened. Not that I expected it too, but there was some hope of something. Anything! To happen.

I threw the skull at the ground away from me in anger.

"God fucking damnit!" I shrieked, the birds in the trees flew away at the sudden noise. Now I was really alone. I stared at it contemplating what I was doing wrong with my life. I was happy once. Long before the cottage, the library, the people I've met in the castle. I was happy long before Swiss. I hated that he made me realize who I actually am. A monster. A real witch. He was right. His father is right. The village was right. I'm a monster. But I wasn't always like this. I couldn't have been. The village knew I was a witch! They made me this way! I was kind! I helped the people! They betrayed me! This isn't my fault! It... it can't be...

Can it?

I stood up and dusted myself off. The sun was setting. I could tell that much, though I couldn't really see much else. My face was hot and wet and all I could taste was salt. I grabbed my bag and headed back home.

I reached the door and before I could even open it Dusk let out a stomp with his hoofs. His way of wanting attention. I couldn't even be bothered to smile that at least someone wanted me. It was like Dusk could tell something was wrong. I opened the gate and sat down on the hay. Dusk laid down next to me and placed his head on my lap which I wasted no time petting him. Soft strokes from his nose to the start of his mane. My other hand massaging his neck.

"I love you, Dusk." I whisper as my voice cracked. "You're my best friend." I tried to smile but I couldn't, I knew it was lopsided and my lip was quivering. Dusk let out a noise that sounded like a pained whimper. He had been making those noises a lot recently. He's getting older so it was probably just joint pain but it hurt nonetheless.

A healing potion!

"How could I be so stupid!" I jumped up and ran to the potion room. The cauldron sat empty as I tore through pages and books looking for the recipe. I had to find it.

I should be more organized. I grumbled. I didn't bother to close the door as I swiftly looked for it. I couldn't even imagine what kind of pain Dusk could be in. How could I ignore it for so long?

God the pain he's probably in.

When I finally found it I gathered all the ingredients. I wasted no time in starting the fire under the huge metal pot. I threw everything into the pot with haste. As before it bubbled then became a deep crimson color. I stopped the fire then bottled the liquid. It was barely anything but it was enough. It had to be enough.

  I ran back outside and opened Dusk's mouth. I pored the thick liquid down his mouth.

  Nothing happened. He let out another whimper.

  "Cmon Dusk! Feel better! You feel better right?" I was desperate. Finally he let out a low rumbling sound and I knew he was happy. I hugged him tightly.

  "I'm sorry it took me so long. You're better now."

  Dusk bowed his head as a way to show thanks and I did the same.

Word count 1078
I'm sick again and can't fucking breathe. It's all good tho