Crown Of Thorns (Black Veil Brides Fanfiction)

Chapter 11 - [Revised- 3-24-22]

Its a few days later when Andy comes to find me again. He seems to be doing that a lot lately. Not that I mind, of course. I enjoy his company, probably more than I should.

"Here again I see." Andy's deep voice rasps, an amused lilt to his words.

I turn my head to look at him, lifting my  head up from the blanket I had spread out over the ground. The greenhouse isn't often occupied, only about twice a day to tend to and water the plants here. I've been coming here every day in the afternoon since that first time with Andy, pouring small bits of magic into the crops. They've started flourishing over time, and it also helps with my control. I only spend an hour or so working on that before I move on to a much more relaxing activity.

Sunbathing.

I used to relax under the sun all the time when I was a child. I've started to gain back that healthy tan I had before I was imprisoned. Green vines curl at the edges of the blanket, wrapping lovingly around my fingers and ankles. Andy moves to sit next to me, removing his jacket and laying it beside himself. We sit there in silence, soaking in the suns rays. After a few silent, relaxing moments, I peak open my good eye and glance over at him.

Andy had a rock in hand, well, it wasn't really in his hand, rather it was floating a few inches above his open palms. The rock spun in circles around his head, moving side to side and up and down. I'd imagine it was Andy's telekinetic powers at work, since he'd told me about his other powers once before.

The comforting silence was broken by the speakers in the corners of the greenhouse crackling to life. "Citizens, we have just learned of a vicious attack on one of the border towns. The rebels have struck once again, raiding the small, defenseless district and burning it to the ground. There were many casualties including those of young children. We expect the battle for humanity is about to begin. Within each uprising, a fake sense of safety will ignite in you, and unseen shadow will slip from doubt, towards those who protect and defend you. But let the thoughts slip away, and remain calm. Stay close to F.E.A.R. Only we can protect."

My father's voice fills the room, the false calm he so desperately tries to ooze instead causing fear to bubble up inside me. I freeze, the plants around me withering as his voice echoes in my head. We didnt burn down that town, we didn't. We didn't. "He's not here Ever." Andy's voice strikes through the panic settling in my heart, reminding me that my father really wasn't here.

He's in the city, in the Church. Not here, not here, not here. I suck in a deep, shuddering breath, the panic ebbing out of me. I nod, exhaling slowly, trying to untense my muscles so I can lay comfortably once more. "Okay, I'm okay, I'm okay." I mutter, trying to further calm myself down.

Andy's voice soothes me as does his touch, as he places a hand on my cheek. "Are you alright now?"

I nod, to which he replies with a smile, only seen when I look up at him. I move to stand, giving up on sunbathing for the day. Andy stands too, picking up his jacket and then folding the blanket over his arm. I murmur my thanks, as we move to leave the greenhouse. We pass by the plants I've been working on recently and I frown. I either put too much magic and over-ripen the plants, or too little and they barely grow.

I don't seem to be making quick progress but the others say that every power has the ability to grow, and since I've only ever used mine for flowers or vines, the other Wilds all think there might be more to my magic. It will just take time to grasp it properly. "There's still more seeds for you to practice on, Ever. Don't stress over it too much, you'll get it eventually." Andy reassures

"Thank you." I reply, smiling gently up at him.

~

That night, the Wild Ones make a plan. We're going to make an example, rescue some brainwashed civilians, and hope for the best. It was decided that Jinnx, Jake, and Lonny would stay back at the base in case anything goes wrong, so the Legion isn't left without any leaders. We set the plan into motion four days later.