#friend oc makes light cameo in the form of a text message

[myselfinserts]

“Are you prepared for the kind of death you’ve earned little man?”

Inkwell hadn’t expected to get so lost on his way back to Bel-Town. Being the only Hero within a four town radius with no sense of direction at such an age was rather taxing on the mind. 

Then again, he was taxing on everyone else’s minds, so that was a win-win in his book.

That was the life of Grigor Halwn after all. Insane to the max with a quirk to match. No one wanted him.

No one, until he met Aurelia Alberi.

“Are you prepared for the kind of death you’ve earned little man?”

“I promise, it won’t be quick or painless.”

Aurelia had him pinned to the ground, various kinds of knives at the ready. All of them were a rosy shade of gold and ornately decorated. And against his throat they felt soothing. Like ice water after being in the desert for months on end. 

And the burning rage in her eyes that shone through her tears. 

“Where have you been all my life?”

Aurelia glared at him. “Stop blushing! You’re supposed to be begging for your life. You’re supposed to be saying that you’ll get your vengeance and I’d say ‘burn in hell’, all that bullshit you villains love.”

“You think I’m a villain?” Grigor laughed. “Thank goodness. For a moment, I thought you were one of my many admirers. They’re always trying to kill me.”

“You...admirers?”

“Oh, where are my manners. Grigor Halwn. Though the world knows me as Inkwell the Heroic Demon. It’s an honor, nay, a privilege to meet someone as powerful as you miss-?”

“...Aurelia Alberi.”

“Aurelia,” he sighed. “Such a beautiful name. Like the sun over the morning waves. Or the moon shining against the greatest tempest.”

“If you don’t shut up, I’ll kill you where you stand.”

“Good thing I’m laying down then.”

Aurelia’s face burned bright red as the tears fell harder. “Shut up. I don’t need someone like you taunting me.”

Grigor’s smile faded as he reached up to dry her tears. “You know, tears don’t suit you...Where did you get them? I’d be glad to demand a refund in your place.”

Aurelia’s shoulders shook as she backed away, dropping the knives as she sank to her knees. It was only when he sat up did he realize she was covered in bruises and a few cuts. Like she’d just run into the forest on a whim. He sat beside her, offering her a handkerchief. 

“My home was overtaken by villains,” she wept. “I’m from Aeron, you see. An entire town’s worth of villains came and killed everyone. My parents. My siblings. All gone. I’m all that’s left of my home. And there weren’t any Heroes strong enough to stop them from taking everything else.”

“I see...” He slowly began to stand. “Then perhaps I should try to-”

“No!” She grabbed onto him. “Don’t! They’ll just kill you too!”

“You don’t know that.”

“I was able to stop you, but I couldn’t stop them. What does that say?”

“...it says you’re rather wise.” He helped her up and took off his coat, wrapping it around her. “What should we do then?”

Aurelia stared at him, trying to regain some control. “I just want to get out of this forest. Please.”

Grigor nodded. “Of course. This way, my lady. I think I can hear the highway not far from here.”

“And after that we...um...”

“How about this,” he suggested. “I’ll get you out of this forest and we’ll get to the police station in the next town over. You’ll tell them everything you know and I’ll let my agency know. Then we’ll go from there.”

“...can you...stay with me until then? I don’t...I don’t know if I can be alone right now...”

“Of course. I’ll stay with you as long as you want me to.” He smiled fondly. “I’ll even let you stab me and give me that well earned death you were talking about. After all that, I’m feeling a bit stabby.” 

Aurelia stared at him blankly for a moment before bursting into laughter. Grigor kept an arm around her as they walked, and eventually they made it to the highway. 

Inkwell snickered as he slipped on his shoes. He had been planning to head there anyway, but this just sped up the process. Things had been busy in Aeron since Crest announced his retirement. Everyone would be changing up their ranks in the Geodes, and he’d need someone in mind soon to take his place as the “shadow” should he end up going up to second in command.

Not that he wanted it. Being with these stuck up snobs treating it like some kind of badge of honor was sickening. They’d almost completely forgotten their roots. That was fine. He’d be sure to remind everyone as soon as he got back.

He had to make sure a certain someone didn’t get involved for their own good first.

“Aurelia, darling!” Inkwell called. “Can you come here a moment? I got big news!”

“In the kitchen. You’ll need to come here!”

“Are you going to stab me if I do?”

“No promises!”

God I love that woman.