My Crazy Years

Kuro. Part 5. The storm

Ace leaned into your touch, longing to feel the warmth of your skin, while he still could before the stench pushed him to succumb under the water once more. Even Olaf was holding a handkerchief over his nose, trying to make small jokes here and there, to ease the atmosphere. You looked at him and tried to force a smile. It's been was evening and you still didn't know how to bring up the promise to Kuro up with anyone other than the bugs. They refused to talk about it too, fearing that Gertrude might encourage this madness and since you didn't have the courage to do it yourself, they hoped you will give up on it. Yet, you had no intention to do so. The sparkle in the owl's eyes was too precious to just let it die. It wasn't only joy in it, but also gratefulness, like a child seeing his deepest wish come true. You knew how much it hurt to have that glimmer of hope crushed. This time however, the stakes were higher. Were you to let him down, you knew Kuro will never trust you ever again and the depression will be back in full and worse than before. No. You will respect your word, and that Jötunn be damned if he did anything to ruin that. No questions asked, you will throw punches.

"Something on your mind, child?" Olaf asked, noticing your mused state.

"Oh? Nothing. Just trying to deal with the scent." half-true.

Really, if Ogrim was there he would compliment you again on the "lovely scent". No offense taken, but to be complimented by a dung beetle regarding your scent was... not quite pleasant.

"Don't mind it too much, I smelled worse at my time. Once, I had to follow a goblin down an old sewer pipe, because he stole something from me. Wow! The stench in that place was enough to make all your hair fall off. Gertrude had me sleep outside for an entire week and was throwing water in me all the day."

"Thanks." you said, trying to keep up the lie.

Your mind was busy, trying to find someone to come along with you in the forest. James was out of the question as he wouldn't have allowed such an expedition. He would have definitely been on the bugs' side. There was Gertrude but you feared she might actually try to find the Jötunn to see if the protection actually worked. Although you were determined not to turn back even with his threat, you did not want to run into him at all. Olaf was busy taking care of Ace who began to yearn for company more and more. That meant the only option left then was Cody. His position on the matter was still unknown to you as he didn't comment the night when the creature attacked you for the first time, too tired to even keep his eyes open. You had to try though, as out of everyone he seemed like the best choice.

"How is Kuro?" Olaf asked, bringing you back to reality.

"He's sleeping now. That reminds me. Do you know where I can get more food for him? I'm afraid the mice box is empty."

"Oh! Is that so? You managed to make him eat and sleep? That's amazing! Just ask Gertrude for the food, ok? I was so worried about the little one. Thank you, (Y/N)." Olaf said smiling brightly.

It was obvious that he meant it, that Kuro's state truly did eat away at him. It felt good to know that the owl was so loved, but sad for the depression didn't allow him to see how much others cared for him. You hoped the trip in the woods will help him escape its grasp, but until then, you had to hold on.

After spending some more time with Olaf and Ace, you returned to the living room, where you found Pale King playing a game of chess with Gertrude, James and the rest of the bugs were watching them, eagerly awaiting to see the winner. Despite her appearance, the old woman was an avid chess player, taking part in various contests as both spectator and participant. The game between those two was quite intense. Other than Grimm and Monomon, nobody was actually able to stand his ground against the Wyrm in games like chess. To find someone that could go toe to toe with the White Monarch was quite impressive, thus Gertrude had everyone's full attention.