Crowned

Arc 3, Chapter 83: A Wish to be Stronger.

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Leafy carried Bow in her arms in silence. She didn't bother attempt to talk. Those attempts would be futile. She knew that much. Bow was relatively silent. Her small form propped up to sit in Leafy's arms. It had been comforting. But... She wished her older sister or Marshmallow was here. And she also felt bad for running away from Apple. But... What Apple said had really hurt... She frowned.

Leafy looked down at Bow, "Is something wrong, kiddo?" Leafy asked softly as she walked. The birds sang mother nature's song sweetly above the tree canopy.

Bow shook her head. "No..." She spoke quietly... She felt bad that Leafy even had to ask. And she didn't really want to talk about it. She wouldn't be able to make it any better that way. She'd only get comforting from a stranger she really shouldn't even be talking to. So she didn't bother.

Leafy dropped the topic. Her gaze shifted to the ground. She may have been a god, but she didn't know how to address that sort of thing. Even if she could tell if something had been wrong. Leafy instead looked up at Looseleaf and seemed concerned for him. But still wary.

Looseleaf felt the eyes on themself and stared back at Leafy. His eyes sparked red and she did not stop her staring. If anything it intensified.

"What?!" He spat. He narrowed his gaze harshly as he stared at Leafy. Leafy finally tore her eyes away.

"You should be dead." Leafy murmured. "Those injuries aren't ones people come back from." Leafy huffed and she held Bow firmly in her arms.

Looseleaf rolled his eyes, "I am dead. I'm a demon." Looseleaf replied. He clutched the fur of the beast bellow. It chuffed and continued through the thicket ahead.

Leafy flinched and her head snapped up to him warily, "Demon?! Arch-Demon?!" She growled defensively.

"What? What the hell are you on about?" He asked, confused. "I'm just a—Demon. I don't know!" Looseleaf shot a glare at Leafy. And Leafy returned it.

"What exactly does being a "Demon" mean to you?" Leafy interrogated as she walked. Bow was quite confused as to why they were talking like that. She had still thought Looseleaf was just Paper! Though he looked a little funny.

Looseleaf scoffed and turned his head away from the ghost. "None of your business." He growled, he'd not be bothered to explain.

Leafy narrowed her gaze as she glared up at Looseleaf. "Is that the title you grant yourself? Or one you've been gifted?" She pushed, which made Looseleaf growl stubbornly. The Raccursi followed with the same aggressive attitude. Leafy paid no sign of being threatened.

"If you're asking if I'm with that goopy monstrosity, no." Looseleaf finally replied. Annoyed the Leafy was being so pestering. Leafy opened her mouth to speak, But Looseleaf cut in. "Don't bother with me. Try being a problem to that depressed kid." They grumbled.

Leafy furrowed her brows, and looked back at Gelatin. He'd been silent. Completely. His tail dragged in the leaves as he walked in the back. She sighed and turned her head away. He'd just lost his best friend—She figured she'd better leave him be until he'd be ready to talk himself.

Looseleaf watched the awkward glance exchange and rolled his eyes. He knew what it was like to lose a friend. But he'd be damned if anyone here found out. That secret was for the ears of his host and his host alone. He looked down at the beast beneath him, and pondered. "Dyn." he muttered as he rested atop it's head.

Leafy raised a brow. "'Dine?'" She echoed.

"No. Not like eating. "Dyn" D-y-n." He repeated. And looked down at the beast, "You think it care if I called it that?" He asked.