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"I'm sure it's safe," Derlik said. "And if it's not, then I'll get us out of there."
"I'm sure it's safe," Derlik said. "And if it's not, then I'll get us out of there."
"Okay…" Nix kept close to Derlik's chest, still wary, but willing to go along with whatever.
Derlik hummed softly in an attempt to help Nix calm down, rubbing his back as he started into the cave.
Nix looked around once he was inside the cave, holding a bit tighter to Derlik. He was still very unsure about this.
The cave was the same one Cas and Zachary had visited together, the stone and columns gleaming with the reflected light of the water from Derlik's own natural glow.
Nix relaxed a little bit, and he grew more curious than afraid. "What is this place? Why is it so… shiny?" He asked.
"Well, I think the stone in here is a lot like how glass is," Derlik said, guessing entirely as he moved over to touch the wall.
"Hm…" Nix hesitantly touched the wall, feeling the stone. "I guess that makes sense."
"I'm sorry I don't know much about these things," Derlik admitted, kissing Nix's head. "At least it's pretty, though."
Nix nodded a bit. "Yeah, it's definitely pretty. Wonder how it got here…?"
"I figure Mother put it here at some point," Derlik said, voice soft at the mention of Mother.
"I guess that makes sense. I suppose she wouldn't take kindly to us asking about it, though."
"No, I don't think so either." Derlik let out a sigh, kissing Nix's head.
"What made her so mean? Like… what's the point?" He asked. "Why couldn't she just leave everybody alone, or even be nice or helpful?"
"No one really knows why Mother is the way she is," Derlik said, shrugging some. "All I know is that she likes things to be her way, and for her rules to be followed."
"But she could be nicer about it." Nix huffed a bit. "I'm sure everybody would be more inclined to listen to her if she wasn't so mean all the time."
Derlik moved his hand to gently cover Nix's mouth, shaking his head quickly.
"She does a wonderful job," he said, covering for them in case Mother was listening.
Nix rolled his eyes and shook his head, trying to say 'not really', although his words were pretty muffled from Derlik's hand.
"Yes, she does. She keeps all of us in line." Derlik held back a sigh, shaking his head again. "Please, Nix."
Nix huffed and looked away, crossing his arms. "It's stupid that she's always listening. Constructive criticism is a good thing."
"No, it's not," Derlik said in turn. "Not when it could get us hurt."
Nix huffed again, closing his eyes. "We shouldn't have to be worried about what we say all the time."
"Well, there's no way to change that," Derlik said. "Please, Nix, you have to be careful." The last incident of Mother deciding she didn't like what they were saying was still fresh on his mind, after all.
"I don't like it here…" Nix sighed shakily. "But Halm already claimed our souls and stuff, so we're not allowed to leave."
"I know, Nix… And I'm so sorry." Derlik gently kissed Nix's head again, rubbing his back.
Nix buried his face in Derlik's shoulder, shifting uncomfortably. "I've probably had a lot more bad experiences here than good…"
"I'm gonna try to change that," Derlik assured softly. He moved to sit down, rubbing Nic's back still.
"Mm…" Nix huddled up in Derlik's arms, trying to get more comfortable. "But we're stuck in Halm's house…"
"I know… but we'll make this work. I'll stay with you, no matter what." Derlik rested his head on Nix's, kissing his head.
"Okay…" Nix sighed shakily and curled his tail around himself. "It's still not going to be great, though… I don't really feel safe anywhere."
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