Walk to the Night Market

A chilly breeze blew down the lamplit street, empty save for Worldling and Abettance. Abettance shivered, unnerved, and rubbed at her goosebump-riddled arms. She should have put on a sweater or something.

“Wow, people sure are taking this whole police advisory thing seriously,” Worlding commented. Her ebony broadsword, sheathed across her back, caught the streetlight and glinted as they walked.

“Well, a man did die,” Abettance pointed out.

“Yeah, but it was only some priest,” Worldling scoffed. “Anything could kill a priest. Maybe someone was wearing too many clothes, or said no when he asked them to suck his dick.”

“That’s a terrible thing to say!” 

“You know church types-”

“You’re joking about this while people are going missing!” Abettance crossed her arms. “This is really serious. If you don’t think this is worth worrying about, why did you come with me?”

“Uh, I was bored, mostly.” Worldling put a hand on her hip.

To anyone else, Worldling’s statement would be taken at face value– which is exactly what she would want. Unfortunately, Abettance was able to tell through the intonation that she was lying. 

“You can just go home, then,” Abettance snapped. “I don’t need you to tag along just to poke fun at the very recently deceased. Also, for the record, I don’t give a shit at all about the church, but I also feel like it’s worth pointing out that Father Oleander– first off, the head priest, not just some guy– is- was generally really well-liked. He was a good man.”

“You can’t say that about a person you never talked to.”

“I talked to him a few times. I’m friends with one of the archivists at the church, you know.”

“Why?” Worldling frowned.

“He runs a club in the library a few times a month.”

“Hey, I didn’t know you could read!”

Abettance sighed. “Look, if you don’t think there’s anything to worry about, you should just go home. If you think this is all so stupid, I obviously don’t need you to walk me to the night market.”

“But it’s so boring at home when you’re not there!”

“Tough. You’re pissing me off. Get lost.”

Abettance marched off a few steps ahead. Worldling looked back the way they came, then dashed a bit to catch up.

“Abby, I’m sorry,” she said. “I definitely think there’s something to worry about– there’s something for you to worry about. I know I’m good– I’ve got my big sword, and also, look at the size of me. I don’t go down easy. I’m worried about you.”

Abettance sighed again. “I appreciate that. And I’m sorry, too– I’m… scared. And I’m a bit worked up about it, I think.”

Worldling slung an arm around her shoulders. “It’s all good. I’ve gotcha.” She squeezed her littermate closely, then let go.

They continued on together in silence for a little bit. While Burrowgatory was never really cold per se, autumn often came accompanied by chillier winds. As the pair walked past the park, these breezes rustled the bushes and trees, creating an ambiance that would make anyone nervous. Abettance stepped closer to Worldling. They were across the street from the park’s entrance, but neither of them were pleased in particular to be so close. At least it was fenced off, other than the entryway.

They passed the stairs that lead up to the currently-locked gate. Worldling caught, out of the corner of her eye, a bush that rustled not by force of wind. She stopped and turned suddenly, moving Abettance behind her. A hand went to the hilt of her sword.

“Worldling? What’s the matter?” Abettance peered out from beside her.

“Sh…” Worldling stayed stock still, not knowing whether she imagined it.

Then, the bushes rustled again. Abettance gasped.

“Stay behind me,” Worldling murmured.

Abettance nodded.

Worldling drew her sword in a flash. “Show yourself!”

The bush rustled again. Her eyes flicked left and right before she crossed the street to the other side, brandishing her weapon all the way. Walking up the steps would be a risk, as it could invite someone to attack from behind; but if she could take the first swing, it would be all over for the hider. She decided to stay where she was. If she were alone, she would perhaps act more brashly; but if she got hurt, no one would be there to protect Abettance. 

“Show yourself!” she yelled again, more aggressively.

The bushes rustled more, louder, before the hider presented itself: a particularly small chirop jumped out onto the top step. It hopped around, looking at seemingly nothing, before jumping through the holes in the gate and scurrying off and back into the park.

Worldling released the breath she was holding, and whipped around when she heard Abettance snickering.

“Shut up!” Worldling said.

“Oh, you thought we were in trouble,” Abettance laughed.

Worldling returned to her side, rolling her eyes. “There’s a murderer on the loose! Fuck me, right?”

Abettance laughed. She mimed pulling a sword off her back and stood with a comically large stance. “This is what you looked like, by the way.”

“Shut up! It is not.”

“Show yourself!!” Abettance yelled into the night.

“You’re so mean to me!” Worldling sheathed her sword. “For no reason! I’ve never done anything wrong before in my life.”

“Maybe next time they’ll just refuse to suck you off. That kills people, I’ve heard.”

“Where’d you hear that?”

“Eh, some jackass.”

The pair continued down the street, making stupid jokes all the way. Neither one remained particularly fearful of the dark.