Immortal Bite

Chap 15: The Mighty Fall

Slade stood with me by Donny's little bed and I cried quietly as I gently caressed our little fighter's cheek. Slade had his hands resting on my waist and his chin on my shoulder as he smiled down at Donny.

They're letting us take him home today.

I'm so thankful for it because I have refused to leave since we got here and am still covered in blood, dirt, scraps, bruises and...other things. Slade has the whole hospital surrounded by his Warriors just in case. Archer and Seth guard the door to Donny's room while Mark and Jay are by the window.

All in all, Slade is taking no chances again.

"I'm here!" Mum's voice sung cheerily as the door swung open and I jumped slightly at her sudden entrance while Slade turned to face her snarling. "Oh, hush, Slade. It's me." Mum scolded him in irritation before smiling widely at me in relief. "How's my darling girl today?" Mum asked me gently and I turned my face away from her not bothering to try and smile.

"Did you bring-"

"I am a mother and grandmother. Don't try to boss me around about these things, Slade." Mum snapped at him in warning before smiling widely at me again and holding a bag up to me. "Piper, I really think it's time for you to change out of your...rags and into something that wouldn't suffocate your son." Mum advised me with her nose scrunched up and I frowned at her for a moment before feeling Slade press his lips to my temple.

"I won't leave him." Slade whispered to me comfortingly and I glanced up at him for a moment before nodding slowly in consent. If I can't trust him, I can't trust anyone.

I followed mum into the bathroom and watched silently as she dumped the contents of the bag onto the floor.

"Strip and into the shower, garbage." Mum teased me lightly as she began selecting scented soap, shampoo and conditioner for me. Among other things.

I did as she ordered and stood under the warm spray of water watching the filth run down the drain. I didn't even feel disgusted at what was coming off of me. When the water ran clear, I felt someone tug my arm until I was facing mum again. Then my embarrassment set in about the situation I was in.

Mum's trying to bathe me.

"Don't fight against me, girl. I got my mo-jo back and will use it against you." Mum warned me seriously as she gave me a determined look and I scowled at her in return. Of course Slade mentioned the secret mum kept from me all these years, and as much as I hate to believe it, I do. "No daughter of mine will smell like rotten eggs and fermenting shit on my watch." Mum muttered determinedly as she began to massage vanilla scented shampoo into my head.

I continuously scowled at the wall in front of me as mum idly chatted to herself about a new line of handbags she was working on. I felt like my dignity has been stripped and I was five again coming back from camping with dad. I trampled mud all through the house looking for mum –who wasn't there at the time- and sat patiently on her new couch for her to arrive. Dad just disappeared into his study to catch up on work he'd missed and when mum got home...I was house bound and scrubbed raw.

"There!" Mum declared loudly pulling back with the soapy cloth in her hand and I glared fiercely at her. Mum just giggled at me in amusement. "You weren't bathing willingly, Piper. Remember that." Mum told me sweetly before beginning to back the bag again but leaving fresh clothes out. "Now, hurry and get ready so we can leave this dull place. They honestly have no style here it makes me queasy." Mum informed me with her hand against her stomach and I sighed heavily drying myself down.