Crystal Shards: Malady

Chapter 4: Enigma

 As morning comes, Terra wakes rather early. She changes out of her pajamas and silently exits her room, seeing Elliot sound asleep on the couch in the living room, a faint smile crossing her face. She then goes to the kitchen, approaching the fridge to get a few things out to begin preparing breakfast. Just as she does though, she hears a knocking on the door and goes towards it. She opens it just enough to see out, seeing a man with his back turned waiting, dressed in loose black clothing with a hood up to obscure his head. She however knows exactly who it is and steps outside.

"It's nice to see you Shade," She greets the man. He turns to face her and she sees that in addition to his hood, the lower half of his face is completely concealed by a cloth, leaving only his eyes to be seen. He pulls down the mask and lowers his hood, revealing his unkempt black hair and stubble beard. She gives him a hug and he doesn't fight, hugging her back as well. "Would you like to come in?" She asks, to which the man silently nods. They head back inside, keeping rather quiet to try and not wake Elliot. They move to the kitchen as Shade takes a seat at the dinner table. "I was just about to make breakfast. What brings you here?" She questions as she resumes preparing.

"Just a social visit. I was nearby," He explains. "Are you well Terra? It's been sometime since I last visited,"

"I was feeling a bit under the weather the last few days, but um... Elliot is here visiting me and I feel better," When she mentions Elliot, Shade seems to take interest.

"I see, I'd like to have a word with him shortly," Shade informs her to which Terra begins to worry.

"He's not um... business... is he?" Terra asks, a hint of fear in her voice.

"Of course not," Shade assures her. "Besides, you know that's not my work anymore," He corrects her.

"Right, right... I just get concerned. You've been safe I hope?"

"There's nothing to worry about. Amateur headhunters are no threat to me," He promises. "People think little of the man they are hunting and only look at the money on the bill. I've shown those who come after me a bit of mercy. Critical injuries, but no kills," He goes over.

"I'm sorry that you have to live this way," She tries to give her condolences but Shade simply shakes his head.

"I knew that one day my life would reach this point. The hunter has become the hunted. I won't lay down and die so someone can collect a check though," Terra turns around and sets a plate of food down for him.

"I'm going to wake Elliot and Annabelle. I'll be back in a moment to join you," She tells before heading into the living room.

"Elliot is already awake," Shade tells her, beginning to eat. "He has been since I arrived," Terra goes to question, but doesn't, knowing about Shade's hyper senses. She goes to the living room and sees Elliot, eyes open but still laying down.

"Good morning," She greets him, leaning over the couch and looking at him.

"Hey, morning," Elliot says, sitting up and stretching a bit.

"Come on, I made breakfast. Why don't you wake Annabelle and join us?" Terra asks.

"Us?" He questions, but she sees right through it.

"Shade already told me you were awake since he got here, so don't play dumb," She jokes, putting a finger to his forehead and giving him a slight push. "I'll set a spot for the both of you,"

"Alright, thank you," Elliot responds, getting up and heading down the hall to the guest bedroom. He knocks once before opening the door slightly after not getting a response. To no surprise, Annabelle is sound asleep. He walks over and nudges her very gently. "Hey, time to get up for breakfast," She makes a low groan and instead rolls over. "Come on Annabelle, get up," He keeps trying for a good five minutes before the small girl concedes and sits up, rubbing her eyes.