The Stigma (by Koltin Scott)

Chap. XI

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Chapter 11

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."

–Aristotle

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Elizabeth

        Three days, for three days, the Baron was locked up into his room. Alien had me, and Thread Walker try to check on him. When I would check on him I'd hear the Baron sobbing but when Thread Walker came back she seemed to be concerned.

        She'd ask the questions about the Baron whenever she could. Sometimes when we would check she'd sit in the hall. Everyone knew now that the Walker was hot on the Baron.

        We were all at the table, not even touching the food prepared for us. The soldiers had these days off and everything was heavy on us. I felt like I did when my family died. Él Doug finally said,

        "What are we gonna do if the Baron committed-"

        He was interrupted before the word 'suicide' slipped from his lips.

        The steak knife hissed into Thread Walker's hand in a throwing position, protectively she hissed,

        "Don't you dare-!"

        "Thread Walker!" I panicked, my hand on the the steak-knife my fingers nearly wrapping around it, "Drop it!"

        Alien saw my hand fingering the knife and he reached across my other arm and forced his hand on mine, looking into my eyes he said,

        "Relax."

        At the table Weyha darkly said, "Hey, could you pass me a knife Thread Walker?"

        He controlled it electromagnetically and took it from her, saying,

        "It must be addressed, Thread Walker!"

        "He'd never-!"

        She stopped at the sound of steps coming down the stairs. They were slow and weak, then the door opened. We were in silent shock as the Baron took his seat.

        His face and body was pale and gaunt. He looked sick, really, he looked like he hadn't eaten in the three days. We watched as he came in, sat down, and began eating and drinking; slowly because he hadn't eaten in three days.

       The first words from his mouth;

        "Is he embalmed?"

        Alien spoke up, "He is Baron."

        He tore his eyes to a picture in pain; unable to look at us or even speak.

        "After the funeral he'd probably want us to have a party to his honor."

        Él Doug foolishly said, "What about all the-"

        He was cut short before he could say 'civilians' Weyha giving him a jab in the face, putting him to the ground. Everyone except Alien, Wehya, and the Baron jumped in our seats. The Baron laughed weakly but stopped himself. Él Doug got up, sat down, and shut up.

        "Is he going to be buried in the same place?" Weyha said.

        "Yep."

        Alien said darkly, "There's something else Baron."

        "What?" He replied like a lungless skeleton.

        "Angel's girlfriend with child."