The Mad One: Part Six (special preview)

Outside, the air was crisp and dark. Scented by the pine trees and the ocean, the breeze held a dark scent that was reminiscent of the world when it was new. Standing alone in the dark, Mad One gazed up at the moon, her head filled to the brim with one too many thoughts. As a child, it was so easy for her to decide what to do. Even before this, things felt much easier. All this time she had been prepared for Slasher to be here and ready to fight. But now that the truth was much more complex, it was harder for her to decide.

Going back home was an option, but Slasher could show up at any time. That would be more comfortable than having to travel the world. But she made a promise to not come home until this was taken care of. Mad One already felt like a failure making that promise, but going home without fulfilling it felt so much worse.

“What are you doing out here?” Huni Buni came upon his wife and placed his hand at the small of her back. “We’re having fun inside, you should come join us.”

Mad One smiled sadly upon Huni Buni. All this time she had always been able to talk to him, and he always understood what she was saying, even if she didn’t say it directly. She placed a kiss upon his screen, hoping she wouldn’t have to say a word out loud.

“Come here.” Huni Buni put his arms around her, hugging her tightly as she laid her head upon his shoulder. His fluffy pink sweater smelled like home, and it helped ease her mind just enough so she could breathe again.

“Let’s just go home.” Huni Buni whispered, rubbing her back. “You don’t need to find Slasher. You don’t need to do anything.”

Mad One wanted to hear that. It was exactly what she knew he would say too. “But I made a vow I would find them.”

Huni Buni pulled back, clapping his hands upon her shoulder. “No. You promised to come back worthy. To find partners who were worthy. Haven’t you done that? Aren’t you proud of what you’ve done while away from home?” He pointed back into the room where Ogle, Lowe, and Hades were playing a card game, laughing and talking amongst themselves. “You allied yourself with the Neon Acolytes and have earned the respect of Queen Mazza, who doesn’t like anyone. You saved the Sunken and gave them a new home, you’ve effectively become queen of two cities now. You’re now allied with the Island of One Thousand Corpses, a place that has had no alliances ever. You’ve done impossible things, even if it was the goal you wanted to accomplish. You accomplished something!”

Mad One looked had teary eyes as she gazed upon him.

“You found three partners, all of whom are willing to not just be your lovers, but your equal. That’s more than you ever had before with double the partners.” His ears twitched back and forth. “Need to find you a woman, but we have time for that.”

Mad One giggled, finally smiling like Huni Buni had wanted all along. “I have you too.”

“Yes, you have me.” Huni Buni cupped her cheek in his palm, catching her tears as they fell. “You have nothing to be ashamed about except your own impossible standards. Your family wanted you back even without this. You don’t have to be your mother you know?”

Mad One rubbed her eyes, taking in Huni Buni’s words like soothing balm to aching flesh. She needed to hear all that, even if she still felt guilty. “But what if Slasher comes back?”

“Then let them,” Huni Buni insisted. “You have us. You have your family. You don’t have to fight them alone.”

Mad One sniffled, smiling as Huni Buni pressed his screen to her face. “Okay,” she whispered. “I want to go home.”

“We will. For now, come inside.” Huni Buni led her back through the doors. The others looked up expectantly, especially upon seeing her weeping face.

“Everything okay?” Hades stood, approaching with his hands outstretched.

Mad One nodded, walking into his arms. He was so soft and warm, he wrapped her up in a blanket with every hug. “Not everything, but it’s okay.”

“We’re going to head back to the City of Red Tide and wait for Slasher there,” Huni Buni explained so Mad One could kiss Hades. “After all, we made a promise to Lowe and the Sunken to give them a home.”

“You sure?” Lowe sat up in his chair. “You’re going to be busy with all these kids once you get back. You won’t have much time to focus on that shit Slasher.”