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, a wave of relief as he reached safety.

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. Lloyd had mentioned he was more social with Elias than with… anyone else. The two fell into an uncomfortable silence. 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.

“Oi,” 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.

“Hm?” Lloyd hummed back, turning to him.

“Can we kill Thy Bad Habits?”

“No,” Lloyd said flatly.

“Short people these days,” William whispered audibly to himself, to which Elias turned to, making a small huff. “Lloyd,” Elias protested, “Why?”

At the mention of this, Lloyd whipped around, the corner of his mouth pulled up, showing his canines, his brow furrowed.

“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 as he spoke, folding his arms.

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.

“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.

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, grunting. “Abel died!? That’s not okay!”

. . .

“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, and Elias baring the blue boxcutter, gripping it nervously, and a backpack on his shoulders. 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?” 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!”