Running With the Devil (SCP Fanfic)

Epilogue and A/N

One day later...

Christmas day.

Thick rubber soles of military style boots march down a corridor of white walls doused in florescent light. The clinical white of their uniform strapped in black gear being a reminder of the black and white morals they hold to.

The same guards being posted at every column holding up the large hospital they are in, but these two walking down the corridor walk free, escorting a man in a black uniform. They all wear that same symbol, the same one she has seen so many times.

In a blue chair, watching her hand wrapped in bandages, she breathes in and lowers it.

"Hey, Hammer..."

"Still waiting?" The man flanked by the two guards spoke.

"Yeah."

Hammer nodded his head, "Here."

Malo looked at a single sheet of crisp white paper extended out towards her. It didnt have much on it, just a short corporate looking letter addressed to her and James using their designated numbers rather than their names.

"You've been pardoned," Hammet said.

Malo looked up at him finally, to his eyes, "Really, what do you mean?"

"Well, they decided you were self contained. I wouldnt call it a pardon, they wouldnt ever let you go, it's just... you'll be free."

Malo took the paper and rubbed her thumb against it. A little bit of the tension disappeared off her shoulders.

"See you around, I've got a new assignment," Hammer said, turning around and walking off.

"Wait!" She jumped out of her seat.

Hammer turned and looked at her.

"Thank you," she spoke, "Thank you for helping us."

"Its no problem, see you," and with a wave, he walked away.

On a TV mounted on the wall, a muted news broadcast was running live. Official looking people in suits shook hands and signed papers. The news headline that ran across the screen read a relieving story: "War Averted In Time For Christmas..."

Her smiled went limp as she went back to looking at her bandaged paw.

A couple months later...

The first day of Spring.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Malo's ears perked up at the sound of someone banging on the front door. Getting up and looking through the peephole, a familiar man was dressed in a mailman's attire.

Opening the door a hair with the chain still latched to the doorframe, she peered out.

"What."

"Deckart residence?" The man asked.

She suddenly became flustered and her face turned red, "uhhh-"

"I assume so, but why get so flustered," The voice of Hammet asked.

"I um... I thought you meant as in that we-"

"What that you are Miss Deckart?" Hammer laughed, "I think it would be the Deckart residence even if James lived here by himself. Why did I miss something?"

"No!" Malo said quickly.

"Hey!" A voice called out from behind Malo, "How's it going mister mailman?"

"Hey James, Ive got some mail for you," he said before lowering to a whisper, "It's another object class."

"Another one?"

"Mhm."

"I thought we told you not to show up at the house and to leave us alone," Malo cut back in.

James scratched his head, "Yeah, she's right. We see you everywhere we go, you take your job too serious."

"It's part of the deal. Unless you want to be locked up, I just need to keep you guys out of trouble."

Malo growled a little at the truth of her and James "freedom", but it was the price for not being locked up. In exchange for their good behavior and staying hidden, the Foundation agreed that they were safe to be out of containment and could stay home.

They also had a side deal too. James and Malo needed money and started a paranormal investigation business. They answered calls about ghost and other strange happenings, but really it was just a cover for what they really did: anomaly containment. The Foundation constantly contracted them out for containing SCPs when they couldnt spare the man power and they paid well.

"Im glad you're doing better James," Hammer said suddenly, "Its good you are alive."

"Sore, but it does feel good to be alive. Thank you."

"Well, it was good seeing you missus and mister Deckart, bye-"

"What!?" Malo shouted, blushing instantly.

The mailman laughed and waved goodbye as he walked to his van parked on the street.

"That has a nice ring to it, huh?" James asked.

"What?" Malo huffed.

"You know, Missus Deckart."

She blushed as he started to walk away.

"Hey- Hey! Get back here!" She turned to look at him.

And as James disappeared around a corner in the house, he laughed and ran to hide from her, she chasing after him.

---

Author's Note:

Thank you everyone who has read this story wether you were a silent reader or one who commented frequently and voted on the chapters, I appreciate you all.

Almost three years later, the story has concluded. It was fun writing it and I hope it was just as fun for you guys to read. There really isnt much to say besides that, just that I had fun writing this and even if only one person enjoyed reading this, then I am happy. I want people to know that it isnt about the recognition or attention or anything like that which makes writing fun, its making something you can be proud of and enjoy. If anyone ever wants to start writing their own stories and worlds, I encourage them greatly and if you need someone to reach out to for help, Im always here (my discord is on my profile).

Im not going to stop writing as I have more stories to tell and worlds to explore and I hope people will come along for the ride.

I also hope my writing has inspired you in some way like others have inspired me. That is the main reason why I write.

So thank you to everyone, even to those reading this years later after I write this. I'll see you then.

With love, Jaggwire.