Charlotte falters a second as she stares at the paper, a tight feeling winding in the back of her throat, gone speechless. Clem turns her head to her fallen coin, where it lays a few feet away, having rolled on the street. She doesn't go to pick it up, instead looking back up at Charlotte, whose eyes are wide and stuck on the paper.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4dLBFsZpE
Clem squeezes her hand and Charlotte blinks, trying to prevent a potential panic attack from happening. She glances down to Clementine, who blinks back with a stoic face. She doesn't know what the child is thinking, and she's not sure if she should comfort her or not.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfnSQzCka8
She walks to the wall of the church instead, bringing Clem along. Reaching a hand up to the flyer, she holds the edge of it tight with two fingers, scanning over it, eyes narrowing and glowing crimson at the description, amount offered if the monsters were caught. Charlotte never cared for riches despite's her upbringing, never craving that sort of power. Even then, she knows the number on the poster there, the gold offered was one hell of a motivation.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GiDT5eu7n
"Has appearance of two small children, a male and female,' it describes, rage growing in Charlotte's heart. 'Unusually pale skin, slightly pointed canines. Green eyes, brown hair. Kill or capture on sight, stealth recommended.'
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjXttPxqXF
The description was basic enough, the warning making Charlotte narrow her eyes farther, lips turned to a scowl. A small boy and girl, not just the appearance. Two small children.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiVjavRPSm
This flyer makes it seem as if these children were an uncontrollable danger, but Charlotte knows any deaths caused by these children would be out of self-defense. Her mind wanders to Clem's first kills, those two travelers.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gKaAmGHcl
That was some bad luck, but the thought of these children being hunted, on the run as she stood here, was too painful to dwell on. Guilt spread throughout her body, too cold and she swallows down slight panic, instead yanking the flyer and ripping it off the wall. It might not help all that much, but the less people who saw, the better.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C1vQeq6dw
Clem tugs at her hand, curious face looking up at Charlotte, her eyes flicking to the paper in her hand, silently asking if she can see.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dSKnbSAYc
Charlotte wishes to refuse a second. She felt if she could hide it away and not let Clem truly realize how many people could hurt them all, kill them all. To not let her realize how much danger she was in, being so small.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEaUS80Jx6
Clem reaches her hand towards the paper despite's Charlotte's hesitation, the expression on her face determined, with something like slight anger flashing across a moment. Charlotte doesn't resist against her reading the flyer, knowing she would be more upset not being told, rather than knowing.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWOPFDaxmI
Kneeling to Clem's level, Charlotte lets go of her hand and gives the flyer over, Clem grasping it with two hands and reading the words, staring at the drawing of what is supposed to be children just like her.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CBRXoPFbK
Well, not just like her. Similar in the way that they're both meant to be hunted, in some sort of way.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhe2xiyGPS
The paper crinkles in her grip and Clem's eyes are wide a moment, stuck on the flyer in her hands.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcaQ47ikBZ
"We're looking for them?" She asks very quietly, just under her breath.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl8cpxQDrK
"I doubt that's what they look like." Charlotte reassures, running a hand through Clem's hair, fixing it a bit. "It's probably inaccurate."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCicORxG2fE
"They're offering money for their deaths." Clem says, unable to wrap her head around it.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV2HNhKNSk
Charlotte's mind wanders, letting Clem process it slowly while making plans in her head. She had to find the children's location, as fast as possible, then work on building trust with them. The children will be distrustful considering there's flyers on them, warnings and such. Charlotte hopes they might be nearby, so she could get to them in time.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhYevE2Kr7
She's already too late. Better late than never arriving though.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaoHe6NQki
"How old are they?" Clem asks, looking up at Charlotte, who was thrown off by her question. "I know I'm the oldest, but how old do you think they are?"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfj5zKynFcA
"I..." Charlotte trails off, not sure how to respond and not sure if she wants to think about it. She got to Clem when she was practically still a babe, before any harm could come to her, something she's thankful for. But assuming these children were at least three years younger since no news was spoken of them around the time Clem was spoken about–"I'm not sure."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jgg25OXwf
Clem's eyes fall onto the paper once more, an expression with a mixture of confusion, annoyance, and fear appearing on her little face. Charlotte doesn't know if it's a good reaction or not.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSfJuxc69q
The paper gets crushed into a ball in Clem's hands, Charlotte not saying anything as the demigod holds it to her chest.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGXMkmeB4N
Charlotte holds her hand out so she could throw the paper away, maybe burn it just for the satisfaction, but Clem shakes her head stubbornly, grabbing onto Charlotte's hand, eyes expectant.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUCd0VgHhs
The paper stays crumbled in Clem's grip, and Charlotte stands properly again, leading Clem along so they enter the church. Clem sticks to her side as Charlotte pushes open the wooden doors, the doors creaking quietly as they enter.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvIobu6xfk
It's mostly empty and quiet, save for a few conversations from people scattered around. Townspeople there for either their own prayers or waiting for a blessing from the priest.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4iH2pcBZG
Charlotte sees no point in waiting like the others, instead walking through with a slight rush in her steps, ignoring the looks she gets, eyes on her, her wings, and on Clem. The hold on Clem's hand gets just a bit tighter.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDE9HRwgpgI
The priest Charlotte is looking for sits at the front of the church, dressed in black robes robes, hair curly and light brown. They're writing in a small journal, perhaps a diary or something along those lines. Charlotte would probably be curious about that in another situation, but she has bigger things on her mind.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QDPUtg9qc
"Pardon me?" Charlotte asks, pausing besides where they sits. The priest raises their head from the journal, Clem leaning behind Charlotte's wings as they do. "Are you the priest here?"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8aCU8dJYi
They blink for a moment before closing the book in their hands, pushing it to the side. Golden eyes trail along Charlotte's wings a moment, glancing down at Clem who huddled closer to Clem. For a split second, Charlotte considers snapping and using her newly acquired crossbow to get past this whole awkward meeting stage.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxWMvsJJbn
The moment moves quickly, and Charlotte is glad as they stand up from their seat.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUog5cCiSV
"Correct. What brings you here?" They ask, and Charlotte is grateful they get to the point.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qNwbv5Znt
Charlotte stays quiet a moment, thinking of how to phrase this in a way that will make sense. "I have a few questions that I need answers to.”
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk84RF2W6wI
They tilt their head, silently asking for elaboration.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14AmZ0DVKI
"I saw a flyer outside on the wall. It asked for the 'second and third monster' of..." Charlotte trails off, words faltering.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n9L2qf072
"Oh." They blink, a conflicted look in their eyes before their expression calms to reassurance. "The apocalypse."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYDm9lJBCu
Charlotte gives a charming smile, ignoring the amusement she felt at the idea of complete and utter destruction of the world they know. "Yes. Do you happen to know if they've been found yet?"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcJCzzSdaM
The priest thinks a moment, humming softly. "If they have, no one's kept them captured. They're still on the run."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt5DzdOfNZ
Charlotte hates the bitterness in her mouth at those words. The children have been captured before and escaped, only to continue running. The urge to protect rises in her chest, becoming a little bit more aware of Clem's presence by her side.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaA9FEElF2
"Have ideas where they are?" Charlotte questions, keeping her tone calm, but she can't hide the desperation in her words. By the way the priest shifts, they notice it too.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTl3a4Hgc3
They don't respond for a few seconds, looking almost confused. "Are you searching for them?" They ask, and Charlotte nods. "There's plenty of people searching already. No need to get involved, they'll be located before anything terrible happens, if that's the problem–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnfJ6E4sim
"No matter–" Charlotte cuts them off, eyes narrowing. "I need to find them."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC6CbCG0jH
The priest looks down at Clem again for a second, hands clasping together. They look back a Charlotte with a thoughtful expression, smiling at her. "For what reason?" He asks, quietly.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ135DxUEDNU
"Stop the apocalypse." She responds, smile turning a bit sharper. "What else?"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxrIyK0hWB
"Numerous hunters have come asking the same, I'm sure you know. To stop the apocalypse. Do you plan on hunting the second, third, and fourth monsters as well?"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBTH7ntJiZ
"No." She answers without hesitation. "I'm searching for them to prevent... any world-ending events."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7Xa6DRufT
"Planning to take more unfortunate children under your wings for protection? Is that what you're doing?" They say, raising their eyebrows. Charlotte doesn't have time to respond before they continue, tilting their head down at Clem with a friendly smile. "Like this one. Clementine."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVBBCLXAyl
Charlotte freezes, and Clem looks up from the floor in shock. The child takes a step behind Charlotte, attempting to hide in the feathers of her wings. Charlotte's eyes glow crimson and her hand goes to her crossbow at her side.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIu6VjzskO
"Wait, wait, I don't mean any harm–" The priest immediate say, hands out in a calming manner, bright gold eyes wide at Charlotte. "I just–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkxYgjJqIS
They quiet at Charlotte's glare, lowering their hands with a nervous look on their face. Glancing quickly to the people in the church, who thankfully haven't overheard their quiet conversation, he gives a nervous smile, nodding to a room by the side of the church.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvH7w29NnZf
"Look, we can talk speak in a more private place, where nobody will overhear."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtzLPV4Mgj
"How do I know to trust you?" Charlotte demands coldly. Every time Clem's been recognized, people assume the worst and jump to their conclusions. Charlotte doesn't want a repeat again, nor does she wish to dirty her hands in front of so many witnesses. She will if she needs to though.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbUIboRhf9
"I won't sell you out." They say, sounding scandalized at the prospect, but Charlotte gives an unimpressed look. "I swear, you have my word." They try instead, Charlotte merely tilting her head, a dangerous tint in her crimson eyes. Clem peeks out from around Charlotte's legs, making a face as well.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTJBC5ByNt
They stammer a second, trying to think of a way to convince Charlotte they don't mean any harm. They lock eyes with Clem, who frowns deeply and squints, as if trying to be intimidating. Clem looks upset, if anything.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NqhY8XrsC
"I've met the two children being hunted, before." They say, voice quiet, and Clem's face falls. Charlotte feels surprised as well, but searches for hints of lies as the priest looks back down to Charlotte. "They are not what everyone make them out to be. They, they don't deserve to be killed."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fM1JSnaHY
Charlotte considers her choices here, tension hanging in the air a moment. She faintly hears the crinkle of the paper still in Clem's hands.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7A0PuGqdj
"Fine." Charlotte relents, finally taking her hand off the grip of her crossbow, only to lean down and pick Clementine up and hold her to her chest. She carries Clem easily with one arm, the other keeping a resting hand on her weapon. "Let's go then."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZbjOcasCd
The priest nods and walks along, gesturing for Charlotte to follow.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaOwzMlqXu
Their footsteps are quiet as the make their way to the corner of the church, the priest opening a wooden door, which led to a small room, half taken up by stairs that look higher up into the church. Boxes and barrels are scattered around, a light layer of dust on them, and Charlotte doesn't feel secure when the door closes quietly behind her.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr9QfyiSBt
"Apologies for its crampness, but it's better than someone overhearing or recognizing the child."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymUBaIbypr
"It's fine." Charlotte mutters, ignoring her discomfort with the smallness of the room. The stairs offer some comfort, at least, as a second way out. "You've seen the other two children, then?"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OaywCuZ2j
"Once, in passing." The priest answers, nodding. "They snuck in for a place to sleep, and were gone before I could offer them somewhere to go."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPLBs3moOl
Two small children slipping through the doors in the middle of the night, clothes dirty and ragged, hair wild and covering their faces with only a small floating green flame in the boy's hand as a light. Their feet had been scraped and brown from dried mud, no shoes to protect them. The girl had curled up protectively with her brother on one of the long benches with the blanket they had offered, but by the time the priest realized the prophecy had described twin flames as two of the four, it was too late. The sun barely risen and the children long gone. They had taken the blanket with them.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkcx6cbVLv
"I didn't realize..." They trail off, Charlotte tilting her head. "When the prophecy, the visions, all the rumors, I thought when it said there would be four monster children, they would be more... monstrous."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTMftncd2G
"Easier to kill, you mean?" Charlotte asks coldly, the priest stuttering as they try to disagree.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGKc7OyCxV
"No, please, I just–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnImLDe8CK
"They're just children. Not that many care, it seems."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7ge4EYXRw
"People's perceptions are warped easily with the right words." The priest says, Charlotte humming. "Like with her." He glances to Clem in Charlotte's arms.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbG4FxLbbd4
"From the rumors, the 'Demigod' is a ruthless danger to anyone who lives. Able to seduce and control innocents with a single word."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoyneYIAcj
Clem huffs, arms wrapping around Charlotte's neck.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJoNiMDyDV
"She's dangerous, I won't lie about that." Charlotte agrees, the priest looking surprised. "She can kill. But she doesn't want to."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgIAqxwxz0
"What child would?" They ask, and Charlotte's mind jumps to that incident from yesterday again. Clem covered in blood, two dead bodies tangled up in vines–
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IGnPvPybe
"Only those backed into a corner." Charlotte answers. "What else have you heard about Clem?"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs1czRxjSJ
"Many believe her dead." That was a relief and Charlotte lets the smallest bit of stress fall off her shoulders. "There have been few sightings, some fake, maybe some true." Charlotte hums. "Nothings came up for a few years, so people assumed she was killed by someone not willing to spread the news."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXZq9BJydr
Charlotte grimaces a bit. After yesterday, there's no doubt panic will rise again, word that Clem is perfectly alive, had killed two men rather brutally, and was being accompanied by Charlotte, who would no doubt stick out because of her beauty and wings. There goes their element of blending in.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbf5vbBQwB
"And the next children?" Charlotte asks.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFHfMESf8N
"Even with the little magic I hold, I cannot give you the exact location, merely where they were last captured and where hunters are looking. I've made it my business of keeping up, since so many come to ask of the prophecy and information about them."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9UTRYqTSA
Charlotte stares, feeling her heart break. "They've been captured before?" Clem tugs on at the collar of her dress, and Charlotte has to remind herself to take deep breathes.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsI6ojo6W1
"Multiple times." The priest answers, looking pained because there's no easy way of saying this. "No one's entirely sure how they keep escaping, but no one has been able to keep them captured long enough. I don't know how many times they've escaped."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyE8yLGOboa
"Ah." Charlotte breaths out, her grip on Clem tightening protectively.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91l5hrZpZf
She really was late. Charlotte promised to try and protect these children, and she's already partially failed two. It won't be easy to find and help these two, there being no doubt their trust will be broken from being on the run, but Charlotte will find a way to get these children to come with her willingly, so they won't do this on their own anymore.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgOLw0cx6H
Charlotte can't stop the feeling of guilt and panic creep up her throat, and she stares into the wooden floor as she tries blinking away tears that threaten to spill out. What if she's too late? What if, as of right now, those children were cornered again, luck not on their side? Charlotte can't do anything, hasn't done anything, and it kills her–
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSE0CTpXML
A small hand pulls her hair, the culprit being Clem, who grabbed a lock of black hair gently (somewhat gently) and gave it a sharp tug. She stares for a moment, Charlotte staring at the demigod in slight confusion, and Clem blinks back before pulling again.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOsCT3Bf9O
"Cle– Clementine." Charlotte huffs, grinning as she pulled Clem's hand out her hair, lightly holding the child's wrist. Clem gave a smug smile, and Charlotte responds by chittering at her affectionately and nuzzling her cheek.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPPc9zYGLV
Clem whines and shakes her head stubbornly, although the slight redness of her cheeks make Charlotte giggle.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6vvEAPghs
Turning her attention to the priest, she clears her throat when she saw them smile at the scene before them. She watches silently as they go search through the storage in the room, rummaging in a chest for a moment before walking back with a map.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjnpUo7mEW
"Here." They say, Charlotte taking it and letting Clem unfold it, holding it up for the two of them to see. "There should be a town called Rowling, just south of here." They say as Clem and Charlotte scan the map. Clem curiously takes the information in, Charlotte spotting the town easily enough. "That was where I last heard of a sighting of them."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKGei0xN6E
"I'm sorry I wasn't much help, but I hope you find them." The priest smiles, Charlotte looking up from the map as Clem tries to fold it again, somewhat succeeding.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmWbvnMAle
"Thank you." Charlotte says, meaning it with all her heart. "It's more than enough, I–" She pauses and Clem freezes up, hearing the sound of the front door being slammed open. The priest runs to the window, eyes wide.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTpLJIAlo5
"Out of here, everyone!" Someone yells, Charlotte's stomach churning. "There is a dangerous individual in the building! For your safety, get out!"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvYTIZ8Mhc
She turns to the priest, who looks just as panicked. "I didn't sell you out!" They say, quickly walking to the door. "Stay here, you'll be safe here."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsF69ernZ3
"How can I be fine, they're here for Clem?!" Charlotte whispers, taking a few steps back. The priest waves a hand and the door shuts to behind them.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rYjd9UMJX
Charlotte takes a deep breath in, eyes going to the stairs. She takes the map from Clem's hands and tuck it away in her pocket, going up the steps quickly but quietly, hoping it'll lead somewhere to escape.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRycnt330U
It lead to a balcony above, by the sides of the church. Charlotte kneels down by the railing, having a full view of what was happening below. Multiple people are scattered by the front doors, weapons in hand and wearing armor.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfsgTYbage
"Who are they?" Clem asks, voice barely a whisper and holding on tightly to Clem, eyes wide as she looked down as well.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXhiu2jO4b
"Knights it looks." Charlotte answers softly after noticing the sigil on their armor, listening in on the conversation below.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDK7kLzLnn
She's thankful to see the priest standing their ground, the knights hesitate to enter the church with how terrifying they look with their stern look and crossed arms.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbHzUByIVH
"–I understand, and I apologize for barging in, but for your safety–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS8J6pxRzq
"This is a church! A sacred place of worship, you can't barge in here with weapons! Causing people to panic–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyMGuyd9OE
"I understand, but–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmrwqQ0x8u
"–you have no idea how disrespectful this is–!" The priest snaps, eyes glaring at the man in front of them, who wears brigandine armor and holds a strong sword in hand.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FAGRUqtJe
"Listen." He insists, holding a hand up. "There have been reports of a woman coming in here, who's connected to an incident that happened not just yesterday in a village nearby."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEhxOlg08L
Charlotte grumbles, wincing at the loss of being unknown. Word traveled faster than she thought. It made sense, however, with people believing Clementine dead, only for her to pop back up with blood on her hands.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaQld8uhKD
"That's no reason to cause a scene just to drag her out by force." The priest says, scowling, turning their eyes to the other knights scattered around, who take a few steps away from the front door, as to not intrude more than they already have.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hpuzHeOzK
The man speaking to the priest looks slightly frustrated. "Do you have any idea what she's protecting? She has–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKZquo7KqY
"The church is not a place to be tainted with violence–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWMN5QSo6Q
"There has to be an exception this time, especially when she holds something that will kill us all!"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKO6EZE0Wu
The priest levels him with a look, patience clearly worn thin. The knight goes silent, and a few people even look down in shame.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMATZ5QXFaW
"This church is a sacred place offering sanctuary to those in need. Anyone within these walls are protected by that rule. Nobody is allowed to force them out."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkUoSoH5H8
"So she's here?" The man questioned, getting narrowed eyes in response. "Just hear us out–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkBNyJSuwO
"If you truly want to catch the person you're looking for, you have all the right to wait outside until she leaves and you can meet her then. But you cannot go searching around and disrupting the peace of my church." The priest says, clasping their hands together and for a brief second, their eyes were a bit too bright. "Now then. Leave."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9EO5LD1HV
Charlotte watches as there's hesitance with the people to leave the church, but with how the priest was holding no room for argument, they leave eventually. Charlotte could hear the chatter of guarding the exits of the church as the front doors close.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGGYlDv8ba
After waiting a few second to make sure they're gone, Charlotte stands up and looks over the railing. The priest looks up at her, giving a sympathetic look.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bGyGdcJbl
"I don't know how long they'll guard the exits, but you can stay however long you need." They say sincerely, the seats of the church now empty. "I'm telling the truth on offering sanctuary. You're safe here."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2vTH6rWLL
"Thank you." Charlotte answers, words nearly echoing across the empty church. "We can't stay." There's still the twins, and every minute passing was another minute where those children could be in danger.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QIqudkEQS
"How do you plan to leave?" They ask.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAeYrcGwT5
Charlotte grins when she notices another set of stairs along the pathway, one that goes even higher up. No doubt the top of the church. "I've got wings, darling." She says.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpGnl4wGhe
______________________
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyVp1QH7vn
Charlotte flies from the roof of the church, feeling amused at the look she gets when people spot her getting away, the yelling people realizing she has an advantage over them, being able to soar through the sky.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEZgWphfSs
Charlotte and Clem fly away from the small town, not noticing the priest open the doors once more to regretfully inform that, oh dear, Charlotte got away, there she goes. Charlotte wasn't around to watch the blacksmith that she spoke to earlier, the man who had been awkward but friendly, punch the Head Knight for threatening to throw the priest in the castle's dungeons for not keeping Charlotte in the building.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFI0rw5Vo1
Instead, she and Clem fly over the trees, Charlotte planning to get a good distance away from the town before daring to land on the ground to check the map once more. The town of Rowling was far, but not too far. It would take two weeks at most for Charlotte to fly them over.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrECQP5Bi5
Clem kicks her boots into the dirt, letting out a happy squeal at the freedom. Charlotte was looking over the map when she makes an unhappy whine, realizing something.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nzwwpRE5k
"What's the matter, darling?" Charlotte asks, glancing over to see Clem slump against her, a pout on her face.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurJaWQoRKM
"I lost my coin." Clem answers, and Charlotte can't help but burst out laughing, ignoring how Clem gave her a frown.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkLMVa06vM
____________________
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32sIisjxMQ
They fly at night, resting or walking during the day. Charlotte doesn't risk being spotted in the sky while making her way to the town, so traveling under the protection of the night is the best way.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2Eg4H06IP
Clem mostly sleeps in Charlotte's arms during night, and when Charlotte lands at sunrise, she sleeps with Clem, who rests in her arms still, the duo sleeping far into the morning.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBes0Gb1eY
They wake in the middle of a grassy field, tall grass reaching to Clem's waist all around them.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV0X5douK5
Charlotte decides to finally teach Clem how to use her new sword, and Clem leapt at the opportunity to learn how to use it, holding it with an eager look on her face.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcmCJK3Xnp
Charlotte doesn't get to teach past how to properly hold it though, Clem insisting her head was getting too loud. She spends that time cutting the grass around her, aggressively swinging and chopping away.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8FPTLbgw3
Charlotte watched with a fond look, arms crossed. Clem ends up cutting a whole path in the grass, not caring that it'll be a strange sight from above, more focused on just cutting through something, on satisfying the urge for chaos.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY26GP3XJ0
"Hey Clem." Charlotte says, after a few minutes of Clem focusing on her work. Clem hums, but doesn't look away from the grass, still cutting. "About the voice."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bupGpIQLa
Clem pauses, placing her sword down and plopping criss cross on the ground. "What about him?"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NtuPmPTSn
"This helps?"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzb7A0rfyF
"Uh-huh." Clem shrugs, fingers trailing along some cut grass and watching it grow at an unnatural rate, feeling bad for destroying so much. "He wants something exciting. But actually– when not mad and screaming, he's kinda annoying."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOkPvNEFJc
"Really?"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeM4r8yRIP
"Cutting grass is boring." Clem says, her voice deepening in a mocking way. "Why grass? 'Cause I'm not cutting anything else, that's why." She says, coughing slightly after she finished speaking.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjmJgKrD47
Charlotte giggled, shaking her head. "Hey."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTS08agLOO
Clem looks at her, head tilted.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKxwcDfLjw
"What's he saying now?" Charlotte asks curiously, and Clem blinks.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutqnQ00Le8
She stares at Charlotte for so long, Charlotte thinks she might not respond at all, when she mumbles out. "Just nonsense." Before going back to regrowing some of the grass she cut.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtKuOssVcl
What a gorgeous woman. Truly has been blessed by Aphrodite. Taking care of my baby girl. Make sure to protect her well, my little Sapling.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8NSBv7j0q
Clem silently tells the voice to shut up with the weird talk on her mom, watching as the grass grows over her head.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsXW9dEt33
_____________________
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14BND6X767
Time passed by slowly, their routine working well. They either fly, walk, rest, practice sparring and Clem's powers. It's obvious which Clem enjoys the most.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQLeJ2nWze
They're a week into traveling, and while Clem knows how to hold her sword better, she was more interested in her magic, something which relieved Charlotte. Learning to defend herself was important, but Charlotte wanted her to be peaceful any chance she could. It especially helps since Clem doesn't leave a trail of small flowers every step.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgIziW0EsF
It's day when they walk along a dirt path, Charlotte and Clem side by side as they make their way to their destination. It would be a few more days of traveling before reaching the town, which Charlotte spent trying to think of ways of getting any sort of information from someone, to try and find the twins.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqsZ82y8iM
Charlotte was lost in her thoughts as they walked, almost not hearing the crinkling of paper in Clem's hands. She does stop however when she notices Clem no longer by her side, Charlotte stopping in her tracks and turning around.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiE3Qc6t4h
Clem had stopped walking also, holding the flyer from when they were at the church. She stares at the picture of what is supposed to be Alex and Ava, face blank, and Charlotte frowns. She had secretly hoped that Clem dropped that sometime during their traveling, but it seemed the demigoddess had kept it tucked away in her pocket, for safe keeping apparently.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iPJvrmLDk
"Clem?" Charlotte asks, paper crumbling in Clem's grip, hands holding the flyer too tightly. "Clem."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhBw55jDC7
Her face shifted into something upset, and Charlotte goes over, aiming to gently take the flyer away, other words of comfort, maybe let them relax for a bit. She stops in her steps at Clem's words, frowning lightly.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCla1qQMhe1
"It's not fair." Clem mumbles, Charlotte frowning at this.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUedKkt3jvq
Her heart dropped, hearing the tone of Clem's voice. Quiet and sorrowful.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yObIQxslc
"This isn't fair!" Clem repeats, louder and forceful. Her eyes glowing a bright purple. "This– how can they offer so much money for them? For people to kill them, or, put them in a cage–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5vbDf9mTl
"Clem–" Charlotte takes a breath, her hand out. "Hand me the flyer–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1LbbDamng
"No." Clem refuses, raising her head. "These are the next two kids. They're like me, right?"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyD7j46mqG
"Clementine–" Charlotte swallows, Clem's eyes staring at her, for once feeling like they're holding too many questions.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHC6NJxiNd
"Could I have been like this?" Clem asks, Charlotte flinching and trying to stave off the way her heart hurts at those words. "I can't stop looking at this, when you're sleeping, and you said they're the next two kids, there's supposed to be another one of us though. All those kids are like me."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSM67Baqjk
"They are." Charlotte agrees carefully.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiy3N35tAz
"So if there's a paper for them, people wanting to kill them and pay for it, then there's one for me also, right?"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqBELjdued
Charlotte sighed softly before nodding. "Most likely, yes."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqyHct0IGj
"Do you have one?" Clem asks, voice cold as if that's a concept worse than her own life being in danger, her small face filling with rage.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMySi8uZO9
Charlotte found it tempting to avoid the answer, but her silence is answer enough. A soft growl left Clem's lips as her face shifted again, a mix of disgust, anger, and young frustration.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhewBCejzhm
"That–" Clem cuts herself off, body shaking as she tears the flyer to pieces. "It's not fair! It's stupid, that's not fair!"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlA0OYINnIx
"Clementine–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddT8MolKIH
Clem ignores her, hands ripping the paper to shreds. "No! It's– why would they do this?!" Clem yells, pieces of paper falling onto the dirt, dragging her shoe over it and pressing it to the ground. "I don't get it, why do they wanna hurt you?!"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNkLPv0EyX
"Because I'm protecting you." Charlotte answers softly, this riling Clem up, plants and vines starting to spread.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsokABudiRP
"Why do they want to kill me?! Or them!" She practically stabs a finger at the ripped up paper on the ground. "Why would they want–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxh4ZBHMZ1P
Charlotte kneels down in front of Clem, reaching out and stroking the demigod's cheek. "It's not easy to understand, Clem. There's bad people in this world, and good–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4PyWoL8Ax
"Only one good." Clem stresses, pupils swirling in rage.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDrz4MBMT6
Charlotte sighs at that, hating how her heart swelled with emotion. "It's unfair, no denying that. It's not fair at all, but they're frightened–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuDmZQ5jxR
"They're frightened?" Clem repeats, scandalized.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG571hb7gsf
"Yes, and fear makes people do stupid things, sometimes dangerous–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02BpTIX3vN
"I'm frightened too!" Clem snaps, stomping her foot on the ground. "I'm frightened of being killed!" She practically screeches. "I'm frightened of you dying!"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKK3Ky3eTz
Charlotte takes a breath in, holding Clem's hands gently. "Clem."
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXlP9YnONh
"And they're scared too!" Clem points at the paper again, shaking her head. "Why should those people hunting us be frightened? Of what? Us killing them? They're trying to kill us first!"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksGDDP5U2v
"I know–"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWEQgsTYmT
"It's so dumb!"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoyujGsZOJ
"It is dumb, no question about it." Charlotte smiles gently, noticing how Clem relaxed a bit at that. "But–" Charlotte pauses.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeQyVS8sKo
Clem freezes also, the two silent as they listen to the sounds around them.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qMBuo6Nvp
The galloping of horses, the shouting of people.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVnSiGxYGb
"Mama?" Clem asks quietly, eyes wide down the path where the noises came from.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiUziWgO1Z
Charlotte stands, turning around and looking in the direction as well.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jKTHcFW3s
She sees a group on horseback emerging from the forest, weapons in hand as they make their way down the path. One holds a crossbow, another a sword, an axe–
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KWDXq1CpF
"Mama–" Clem says again, panicked. Charlotte swept Clem into her arms and runs off the path, into the forest.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i9MyOawvi
They don't let up, there's more yelling, branches and bushes getting pushed to the side as Charlotte runs, Clem holding on tightly as she looks over Charlotte's shoulder.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcccOO7wKiG
"They're not stopping, they're–" Clem rambles, letting out a shriek when an arrow flies through the air. Charlotte feels pain as it pierces through her left wing, but this only makes her run faster. "Mama!"
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGegWgg4vJ
The trees overhead made it impossible to fly, branches blocking her way out. Charlotte runs up a hill, able to see the trees let up into a clearing up ahead, to what looks a river.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefuosVlVFE
"There's a clearing, we can get away." Charlotte reassures, feeling the child's death grip on her as Charlotte avoids tripping over roots and plants.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dd7ZRpuAR
She's not sure if the people behind them are hunters or not, but it doesn't matter. As she sprints, she's able to get to the clearing and she spreads her wings out as soon as there's space to, just about to fly over the river to escape. She could still do it with her injury, she's flown through worse. Until Clem tugs on her hair.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4yp3EFARf
"Mama." Clem breathes out, the way she said it made Charlotte pause, looking down from the sky to see–
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76T6bs1JzA
Twins a few years younger than Clem stood in the river, staring at them with identical wide, green eyes, opened mouths showing pointed canines.
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MAvZZZyiu
Charlotte froze up right there as Alex and Ava stare at them.
ns3.16.139.36da2
