Part 1: Denial - Episode 5

The dark mud shifted under Elias’ boots. The small bag of flour from Hope left faint specks of white powder on Elias’ shirt – he lifted the bag closer to himself. Any air making its way through the dense, lonely forest was frigid, the dry leaves of the trees rattled coldly.
Lloyd’s dull, wooden cabin was barely visible, although heavily obstructed by a thick grove of trees. In the past, Elias had noticed William’s extreme caution around the grove, though he was unsure as to why – puzzled, even. The ancient trunks of the trees were intricate, with fine details, the patches of bark were scarce as the folds of the aged wood and roots ran harmoniously down to the large base of the tree.

The golden, brass doorknob had gone cold once again, and as Elias entered through the stern doorway, a plethora of small orbs of light stirred in excitement. 

At the hushed creak of the door, William turned his head – he was able to walk, although slowly, with a slight shift in his knees every so often. He acknowledged Elias, but not politely, nor kindly, before turning to what he was focused on. 

The small feeling of guilt – or was it fear, had vanished after he had come in the door. Home was a place Elias could call this cabin, and only after five days. 

Lloyd was absent – unsure of where he was, Elias could only assume he’d gone fishing. Fool’s Cove could either be the closest destination, or further than Kitty’s Grove. This was because of the straight path directly to Fool’s Cove, but Thy Bad Habits often prowled the vicinity. 

Moments after Elias had exited the kitchen, he had stopped, studying the figure on the bottom bunk. William was sitting on the edge of the creaking bed, a blue gem, maybe about three centimetres wide, was clutched in his hand. “Hm?” Elias hums, an acute tone of confusion in his voice, “What’s that?” he takes a step closer, yet weary of William’s personal space.

William was odd, extremely reserved and not social. Yet Lloyd had mentioned he was more social with Elias than with… anyone else. The two fell into a silence, not an uncomfortable one, but not an overly comfortable one, either. The silence was, with hesitation, interrupted by Elias, muttering, “Will?”
“Don’t call me that,” he snapped back immediately, his tone sounding a little bit alarmed. Elias’ smile dropped slightly, confused. William’s rich black hair glistened in the golden sunlight creeping through the leaves of the gaps in the canopy. “...Sorry,” Elias breathed. 

Elias stood, his figure obstructing the small light that came through the windows – the light orbs seemed noticeably closer to Elias; floating around his head. He smiled slightly, almost in the form of an apology – a sheepish smile, like a flower, only a day or two away from wilting, but still some light left in it. He fiddled with the sleeve of the black jumper tied around his hips.

“Boys,” The sudden voice scared Elias – causing him to jump slightly. William simply glanced in the direction of the front door of the cabin.

There stood Lloyd, a bucket in his left hand and a rod in the right, a bucket hat on top of his blond hair, haphazardly tied back. His blue eye shone with determination, and his green eye shimmered with boldness. “Let me take that,” Elias offered, reaching his bruised arm towards Lloyd’s bucket. Gladly, Lloyd allowed Elias to take the bucket to the kitchen.
Lloyd sighed, taking off his hat and letting down his hair. It reached the middle of his neck; barely being able to be tied up.

“Lloyd,” Elias called from the clammy kitchen, a quiet echo followed his smooth voice, “I have a question,” he continued. The sound of a rushing tap sounded, before being abruptly turned off. Elias leaned against the kitchen doorway, “It’s about the knife you gave me.”

Immediately, Lloyd paused, his bright gaze drifted towards Elias in the tall doorway. “What about your knife?”
“Well, uhm,” Elias began, starting and stopping several times, fiddling impatiently, embarrassed. “William and I ran into Thy Bad Habits a few days ago,” Elias’ eyes nervously scanned the room and William looked up at the mention of his name, “Well,” he said again, “When I tried to… sort of cut at Thy Bad Habits, my new knife didn’t…” Elias made a small slicing motion with his hands, “My other knife did, it made big cuts, but this knife didn’t do anything.”

Lloyd paused inquisitively, thinking of his answer, “You probably just didn’t cut strong enough. Do you have any history with knives or fighting, or something?”
“No,” Elias admitted, “But I don’t think strength was a problem, I just have a feeling-” Elias closed his mouth as Lloyd straightened his back, pushing past Elias, “You said it, you’re just weak,” Lloyd sighed ignorantly.

“Short people these days,” William whispered audibly to himself, to which Elias turned to, making a small huff. “Lloyd,” Elias protested, “Can’t we just kill it?” 

At the mention of this, Lloyd whipped around, his mouth slightly agape, “Elias, have you fucking seen that thing?”
“Not much of it…” Elias retaliated snarkily. Lloyd exhaled sharply, “That thing is nearly invincible, we can’t kill it with the power of friendship and magic. It can, and will kill you,” he averted his gaze while he spoke.

After several seconds, Lloyd began again, “How long will you be staying here? Three mouths to feed is too much, anyway,” he spat. William’s eyes immediately tore to Lloyd, he rose, aiding himself to the crowded doorway.

“The fuck do you mean three is too many?” William stared at Lloyd harrowingly, “I didn’t hear you complaining about Abel,” William spoke again, but softer this time,  “You loved him, he was your favourite!” he continued aggressively. “Abel didn’t-” Lloyd persisted, “Didn’t what?” William interrupted, “What didn’t he do?” He gripped the door frame tightly – his knuckles a ghostly white. Elias watched in annoyance. The situation escalated hastily.

At the least it had been a painful minute of heated arguing, with increased frustration Elias caved, yelling, “Who’s Abel?!” While it was purely unintentional, a thick, uncomfortable silence followed closely behind. Lloyd stared a hole into Elias, his mouth open. William blinked a bit, shrinking back.

“Abel was…” Lloyd said, stopping again. “Abel is dead. That’s what he is,” William snapped, though it was directed at Lloyd. Elias’ eyes closed for a moment, he opened them as he spoke, “I’m sorry,” he croaked; though his apology was disregarded. “Abel was William’s boyfriend, who-”
“That’s not your place to say!” William cried with anger in his chest. Elias turned to William, a look of concern plastered on his face.

“William,” Elias murmured – careful with his words, “It’s okay,” to which William shook his head. “Abel’s dead. It’s not okay. I’m gonna fucking kill that thing, I swear.”

“Grow up, Will,” Abel spat.

. . .

The two walked down the battered path, William lagging behind with Elias stopping every few metres, allowing William to catch up. Hope’s lively house was in view, the warm lights inside shone through the dull forest like a lighthouse in the thick fog. As Elias turned on his heel to continue walking, he shuddered to an unexpected stop; a glistening bead of sweat trickled down his face. 

There stood Thy Bad Habits, its sharp claws dug violently at the soft ground, leaves balling up and sticks cracking under the immense pressure.

Without hesitation, William jumped at Thy Bad Habits. Elias didn’t think twice, he snatched William’s shirt, pushing him to the ground, out of sight. “What are you doing, William?” Elias hissed through gritted teeth. William was sitting on the ground, Elias kneeled on one knee over him, gripping his collar. “Get some self control, William, we’re here to get stuff in payment for my knife, not to nearly get killed again!”

William pushed Elias off of him, exhaling slightly. “What the fuck was I meant to do then?” he snarled.