If You Can't Take My Sass, Fuck Outta Existence

19 | How To Not Babysit

Hope was crucial help. But despite her best efforts, there was no waking Shizuko. They dried dousing her with cold water, hot water, but no avail. Cinching Shizuko's waist, Death X hoisted her over his shoulder and lugged her to her ship, the others tailing him.

Atalanta's wounds were sealed, but her physical energy lacked in prowess. Her legs were trembling in silent exhaustion, her body racking in agony. The afterimage of the traumatic occurrence had triggered unwanted memories of her past. It was dredging up the darkest, the most obscured remnants that she'd preferred to abandon.

"I couldn't thank you enough," Death X said, swivelling from the controls. "Please, let me treat you."

Behind Hope and her bunny, Sky and Ainya exchanged glances stiffly. Lara and Diana were engaged in a calm conversation, with Diana refraining from cursing. Atalanta was nowhere to be located. Shizuko was in her room, bundled up in blankets and dead asleep.

Shaking her head gently, Hope tried to decline the offer, but one determined glance from the semi-demon sealed the deal. She could only agree.

"Then I must thank you." Hope smiled. As if the sun had descended upon her, the light emitting from her smile could blind a human being.

Death X turned around and clutched his chest. This ball of sunshine and cinnamon must be protected.

A blanket of sunshine graced their presence. Warmth chased the cold away, basking their faces in golden hues. The earthlings halted their conversations and stare-offs. They all gathered at the panels, staring at the orange and pink sky and vast ocean blue.

Wistful expressions mirroring one another, they covered their mouths with a hand and took in the scenery that they had parted for so long. Space may hold a mysterious beau, but nothing could compare with the embracing warmth of home.

Death X looked down.

Home.

He diminished the relapse. Hands gripping the wheel, he manoeuvred the ship towards a clandestine district in the woods, he searched for the nearest mall. Eyes falling on the odd cluster, he began to relish second thoughts. Their crew consisted of two timids, an insecure, and two equal hyperactive balls of fluff. Not counting the literal ball of fur, Death X would suffer from a migraine induced by babysitting.

Atalanta was still hidden, and for decent reason. It may be best, but it nagged at Death X that he would have to leave her alone. Something terrible might occur, and Atalanta would be alone to face the threat. Then again, this was Earth. The most harmful substance that exists was subordinate humans that blame others for their petty mishaps.

Oh, and probably nuclear waste.

That too.

Lara called her family's limo to pick them up at the nearest bus stop, which was located in a distinct area forgotten by the evolution of technology. It took an hour for the driver to find his way through, and he apologized like he'd never apologized before.

"This is going to be a pain to retrace." Diana cringed, looking at the rear window. "You sure we won't get lost?"

There was a window that segregated the drivers and its luxurious passengers, so they could debate on galactical matters without the danger of being eavesdropped upon.

"If all else fails, cupcake — Lara — here could teleport," Death X offered. "Just be certain to pack a puking bag."

Ainya raised an eyebrow. "I'd rather walk."

Sky bounced up and down on her seat, accompanied by Primrose on her lap. The young critter had taken a liking to the immortal cloud-manipulator, and they were as happy as can be. Hope smiled at their interaction.