The Corruption Within Us

Pushed Away

Scott's Perspective-

Later-

Scott hummed to himself as he wrote Jimmy a letter. His feet swung back and forth under his desk as he dipped his quill in the ink, starting to write delicately and lovingly.

When he signed his name at the bottom of the parchment, he heard someone knock on his door.

"Come in." Scott said, gently folding up the letter and tying a gold ribbon on it.

Allison walked in and she smiled softly as she saw her youngest son.

"Hi mom." Scott said, smiling back as he gave the owl the letter.

"Hi dear. How are you doing?" Allison smiled, running her hands through Scott's hair.

"I'm okay." Scott shrugged, smiling as his mother grabbed his hairbrush and started to brush his hair.

"There's something that you need to know." Allison said softly and Scott turned to look at her.

"What is it?" He asked and Allsion kissed his forehead.

"You're going to be staying with the Everetts for a bit."

Scott's eyes widened, "Wait- what? Why?"

"Staying here seems to be causing you a lot of stress and me and your father decided that it would be best for you to stay with Jaxon and his family for a bit. And with Xornoth trying to fight off this demon, it would be best if you were out of harm's way."

Scott looked worried and Allison hugged him.

"Don't worry, sweetie. It'll only be two weeks."

"That's too long. I don't want to go."

"I know you don't, but it's for the best." Allison wiped the tears off of Scott's cheeks and he sniffed.

"I'll have Lumi help you pack your stuff. You'll be leaving tomorrow morning." Allsion said, kissing Scott's forehead.

Scott nods sadly and his mother left.

Scott looked out the window and sighed.

He traced the design on the drawers of the desk, wishing that none of this had ever happened. That everything was okay. That his brother never gave up.

Lumi knocked on the door before entering.

Scott smiled weakly, "Hi Lumi." He said, walking over to his wardrobe.

"What do you want to bring to Frost Ford?" Lumi asked and Scott simply shrugged.

"I don't know. Whatever is fine. I just don't want to leave."

Lumi frowned and looked after Scott, concerned.

Scott sighed and collapsed on his bed.

"Do you want to chat about it?" Lumi asked, sitting at the foot of his bed.

Scott hesitated before looking up at Lumi.

"Do you think Xornoth will be okay?" He asked.

"I think he will be, yes. Are you worried?"

Scott sighed again.

"I don't know. I'm kind of mad at him, to be honest."

"Why are you mad?"

"Because he gave up! He just let the demon take over and do all these things. He didn't bother fighting it."

"Well I'm sure he tried too. You have to try and look at it from his perspective. He just broke this gem that unleashed a demon and brought danger to him and everyone he loves. He's had to deal with that for months, and he's been fighting it that entire time."

Scott looked down and Lumi rubbed his back.

"I'm sure it just became a bit too much for him. He didn't mean to."

Scott started to cry, and Lumi hugged him.

"It's going to be okay; you'll figure this out."

"I just don't want this to be a thing in the first place."

"I'm sure no one did. But it happened, and we'll find a way to fix it."

Scott nodded sadly and Lumi patted his shoulder before standing up.

"Now come on, let's get packing."

The Next Day-

Before the carriage arrived to take Scott to Frost Ford, he walked up to Xornoth's room.

He hesitated before knocking on it.

"Who is it?" He heard Xornoth ask hoarsely.

"Scott."

...

"Come in."

Scott opened the door and saw his brother lying in bed.

"How do you feel?" Scott asked and Xornoth sighed.

"Like shit."

"I'm sure we all do right now."

Xornoth chuckled and Scott smiled a bit.

"I heard you're leaving for two weeks. Where are you going?" Xornoth asked.

"Frost Ford."

"Ha, have fun dealing with Jaxon."

Scott giggled, "Yeah, that's going to be fun."

They fell into silence and Scott sighed.

"Look, Xornoth, I'm sorry. I- I shouldn't've lashed out and shouted at you for giving up."

"No, no, I deserved it."

"But I didn't think about what you were going through."

Xornoth smiled weakly and Scott hugged him.

"Ow- ow." Xornoth winced and Scott immediately leaned back, not wanting to cause Xornoth any pain.

"Sorry." Scott whispered.

"No, I'm sorry. I...should've been better."

"But- "

Someone knocked on the door and Scott opened it to see Lumi.

"Scott, your carriage is here." Lumi said, and Scott nodded.

Scott glanced at Xornoth, who smiled softly.

"I'll write to you." Xornoth said and Scott smiled back.

"Are you ready?" Lumi asked Scott.

Scott took a deep breath and nodded.

"As ready as I'll ever be."