Mockingbirds Don't Sing Lullabies

Chapter Eight: Time Stops For None

She knew he was there without having to look. His ability to be silent had not faltered over the years since she had last seen him. She knew he was there. Ash suppressed the shudder threatening to roll down her spine.

Ash returned her attention back to the task in front of her. Bakugo was still a respectable distance away from her and Shigaraki. He was leaning against the ladder that led to the slide looking surprisingly calm. He had managed to keep his face neutral minus a flash of fear that went through his eyes. She made sure to reflect that same terror in her own eyes.

That was her job. Her simple assignment. Make him think she was the prisoner. Lure him in as quickly as possible. Make him think the only way to survive was to make a deal. To save the victim.

She let out a long shuttering sigh. At least that wasn't faked. A finger lightly brushed down her right arm. She knew it wasn't Shigaraki, his had (minus his pointer finger) was resting firmly on the upper side of her back, his arm stiff against her left shoulder.

He couldn't help touching her lovely dark skin. His love for his Bird was still burning bright in his black heart. As well as his internal instincts he had tried to smother even when she was young. He hated those human instincts, but he loved his Bird with her vibrant violet eyes and long silver black hair. He pulled his hand away as quickly as it had gone forward, chastising himself for reaching forward in the first place.

"What do you want Shigaraki?" King's attention flew to the boy at the sound of his voice.

"To pay of course. Wait no that's not specific enough. I want you to lose the festival in exchange for her life." Shigaraki's finger twitched.

The boy's laugh echoed through the trees, "Yeah right." Shigaraki's anger was tangible now. To bad for him this boy was going to have his way.

The only sound covering Stain's footsteps was that of the body being dragged by the girl behind him and the rattling of short chains attached to the cuffs on her wrist and ankles. The girl was small for 14 years old with long black hair that brushed the backs of her heels when she walked and an old rag dress that was almost too short on her. Her vibrant blue eyes were in stark contrast to her deep brown skin. She knew that the only thing keeping Stain in front of her was the terrifying way she looked dragging a bloodied body behind her and the massive wolf at her side. The wolf was almost creepier than her. Almost. It was such a dark black that it looked more like the shadow of a wolf then the real thing. Much like the girl it's glowing green eyes were a stark contrast to its fur.

They stopped in front of a two story building. She grabbed Stain's arm as he reached for the door. His body froze at her touch. He looked back at her and dropped his arm. "Leave. She will send someone for you." The girl's soft voice echoed in the empty space. He nodded and walked away never turning his back to her until he was out of view. She gently knocked on the steel door. It slowly slid open. The girl, the wolf, and the body disappeared with the click of a steel door.

(a/n) Sorry this was such a short chapter guys. I was having writer's block and didn't know what else to put. Due to winter break starting where I am the ninth chapter will be posted after the holidays on January 11th. Happy holidays!