This Scratch project is a part of a story series. You can read the story down below in the "Notes and Credits". When you see the symbol (#) click/tap the image to switch to the next one! Next Story Part: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1290469875/ Last Story Part: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1266760659/
(WARNING: This story may be upsetting for some readers.) {Setting: Crisis City} Otto tries to move, but realizes his body is frozen in a turquoise aura. His axe is stuck an inch away from Florence’s head. His eyes widen in shock at the sight of Venice suddenly crouched beside his family, despite being yards away a moment ago. Otto attempts to budge again as he stares into Venice’s eyes, but he remains locked in place. It only takes a second for the reality to set in…and in an instant, all he sees in his mind is his daughter smiling at him. Reaching for him. Venice whips his hand towards Otto. Two fingers pointed for his fur chest…and a sharp beam of energy shoots out from them. Silver hears a THUD and a CLANK of metal against the ground as he tucks his head down fearfully. Then it’s silent. Venice: *breathing heavily. He stares at the collie lying on the ground, and the axe close beside him* … *waves his hand, and both vanish in a flash of turquoise* Silver: *shaking as he clutches Florence* Venice: *rests his hand on Silver’s head* “It is over. You and your Mother are safe.” Silver: ! *turns to looks up at Venice, and relief washes over his face, then he peers around in a perplexed, though nervous, manner* …where is he? Venice: “He is gone.” Florence: *sighs in relief, though with a conflicted frown* … *places her hand on Venice’s side, and gazes up at him somberly* Venice goes to wrap an arm around Florence, but the minute of peace is cut short by a deep groan. They all turn to see Iblis attempting to push itself back up, but to little success, as its body breaks and starts to melt away. Silver: No! It’s retreating back into the lava! Venice: *goes to stand up—* Florence: *grabs his hand* Venice: *looks down at Florence* ? Florence: Do yo-you…think you still c-can…? Venice: “I do not know, but there is only one way to find out.” Silver: Wait! Is there any way I can help? Maybe I can—! Venice: *gazes in Silver’s direction* “You can help me by taking care of your Mother.” Silver: ! … *nods in understanding as his head lowers* Venice: *glances at Iblis then looks back at Silver* … *kneels, then rests his hand on Silver’s head again and gently strokes his quills down* “Silver…” Silver: Yes, Father? *peers back at him* Venice: “…no matter how this ends, I do not want you to lose hope. It is very important. Do you understand?” Silver: *stares at his Father’s soft glowing eyes* …I understand. Venice: *looks in Florence’s general direction* “I do not want you to lose hope either, Florence.” *reaches and touches her face* Florence: *clutches his hand close as tears pool in her eyes* I…I won’t. I pr-promise, Venice. Venice presses his forehead to Silver’s as he shuts his eyes, then brings Florence close as well. For just quick a moment, he takes in the comfort of holding them. The feeling of his head, hands, and arms, pressed against their soft fur and quills, as well as the warmth he feels from the two of them. Slowly leaning away, Venice releases them to pop off his cuffs, then hands the bracelets to Silver. Standing up, he turns away from his family to approach Iblis at the end of the road. As he does, the lines of his symbols wrap around and run up his arms once again. Reaching his shoulders, the illuminated lines crawl down his sides, and wrap around his legs, dipping down into his boots. The markings overwhelm his body with turquoise light, and his pupils glow so brightly, they overtake his entire eyes. (#) Florence & Silver’s eyes widen at the deep injury on Venice’s back, pondering how he’s standing, as it becomes far more exposed by his raising quills and fur. All of the quills on his body sharpen and reach for the sky, as high as they can manage. He takes his place at the edge of the road, standing firm, with psychic power swirling all around him. Florence: *awes at Venice with glistening eyes, and unconsciously reaches for him, but stops as she realizes* He won’t…d-do it until we… *feels Silver’s arms around her start to tremble* Silver is staring at Venice as well, unable to bring himself to move away. A guilt sets in his chest, because he had been so sure before about their plan, and ready to help his Father, but now that the time has come…the thought of life without him weighs heavy on the young boy’s heart. Silver: …no… *shakes his head* I don’t want— I don’t want to le-leave him, Mother! *turns to Florence with eyes full of tears* I don’t wa-want him to do it! M-make him stop!! Florence: ! *takes Silver’s face to look in his eyes* Silver, this is what y-your Father has chosen to do—and he doesn’t ha-have much time! We need to let him see it th-through! W-we have to go— NOW!
