Finn walked slowly through the town, looking about at the people who wondered the desolate streets. There was almost an even mix of spirits and people, though it was difficult to tell. With the night in full swing and the moon shining in all of its brilliance, it was easy to mistake the light glow of the dead for the reflection of the moon off the living. Again and again Finn would attempt to lock eyes with people, hoping that one of them would give him a smile or some sort of indication that they were happy to see him, or on the other hand, for him to see them. The people either actively avoided looking at the sword wielding individual, or simply thought it better to keep to themselves. He traveled through the street, letting the hours pile into minutes and the minutes tick away into hours. He felt himself about to give up when he turned the corner, a much tinier glow catching him off guard. Leaping backwards, barely managing to avoid toppling over a child, Finn looked at the little girl with surprise. "I am so sorry! Are you okay?" He looked at her with genuine concern, whereas she looked at him with legitimate fear.
"Liora, stop being such a baby!" Passing through Finn, leaving behind a cold chill, Jake gasped and jumped as Finn looked down at the tiny frame that had passed through him, only to make contact with the girl. The boy looked back at him with an annoyed look that seemed to have seen much more life than a child of his age ever should have. "Watch where you're going." His voice was stern, but tired. Finn glanced to Jake, hoping for confirmation of his wordless theory, and Jake gave a shaking nod in assurance. They had definitely found spirits, and Finn looked back to them. His stomach felt as though it had slowly opened. The pit gnawed at his chest, making him feel both unease and genuine sadness. These two spirits... They were children. Much younger than him, young enough to be short as (and in one case shorter than) Jake. Dropping to a knee, Finn locked eyes with the boy. The two of them stared intently at each other, as if feeling one another out for intent. It was Finn who broke the silence.
"I'm so-"
"Save it," the boy said rolling his eyes. "We hear apologies every year. It's the same thing. If you were actually sorry you'd offer to help."
"Of course, how?"
"Exactly, you- What?! Really?" Looking at his sister with surprise, then back into Finn's unwavering gaze, it was none other than Jake who spoke this time. "Now that he's offered you won't get rid of him until its done. Might as well let us help," he said with a laugh, much to the shock of the two spirits.
"Well, if you are really sure..." Disbelief and surprise aside, the little boy began explaining their situation to Finn. What he heard was... Shocking to say the least. The little boy had been put through hell and back, his sister receiving no less a punishment. Their crime seemed to only have been life, their mother having ended their life in a rage of unknown causes. They didn't know why it happened so they said, but Finn wondered if that were true or if it was the willful ignorance of adolescence. Regardless, it wasn't his place to put them on the spot or to force them to give up more information. All he wanted to do was help these children, who certainly deserved every bit of support he could give. The little girl had still remained speechless, but she seemed comfortable now to smile at Finn and to try petting Jake. The action of course only caused chills down the Dog's spine, and a laugh from Finn and the boy named Victor.
With all of that dealt with, it was now up to the two children to lead Finn and Jake to their house where they would complete their promise. These children would get the rest they deserve, no matter what.
Wc: 909