Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Boris took a deep breath in and streched. He already had his shift at Pete's today and boy oh boy did that shmuck drive him into the ground with the work. Luckily, fixing stuff wasn’t a big problem for the wolf, especially when he had a little help. And now, he drew train tracks for trains. He really loved those - how they moved, how they were built, what they are made of - everything about them was awesome! Too bad he hadn't really had a chance to check it out real-time. But no more!

Boris the wolf will be in Toon Town by the last week of this month! That’s like only two and a half weeks away! He felt his tail wag. He sighed, put the papers away, got ready for bed and turned off the lights. He saw something dark move in the corner of his already dark room. He gave a sleepy smile to the darkness.

"Night, Shadow!" And he finally got some well-deserved sleep.

“C'mon! Don’t do this to me now! Hold on, I’m almost there! I am not leaving you, you will go on, no matter what.“  Something between warmth and cold filled the wolf's chest. It was... nice. Like floating in a calm river of clouds. He didn’t want to open his eyes. But he had to, right?

“You better not give up, be as stubborn, as iron-willed as you can be. If you break, I'll fix you. If they break you, I'll end them. You. Won’t. Disappear. You can count of that, my widdle wolfie.“ 

Boris' tail wagged weakly and he nod-

Okay. Ow.

Boris pried his eyes open. Yup, he fell outta bed again. His hand was on his heart for some reason. Everytime this 'dream' came, he'd just... Grab his chest. Okay, but that was normal, for him, at least.

He glanced at the clock on his bed – 5:30 AM. It‘s pretty early, but meh. He was a morning person anyway, no harm done in waking up 30 minutes early! He stood up and stretched. The shadows were sleepily standing still, just like shadows were supposed to be. Eh, Shadow wasn’t a morning person either way. Literally.

Boris opened the door quietly, to not wake the darkness and went to brush his teeth. The wolf brushed diligently then decided to take a nice shower to wake himself up more. He still had around 30 minutes, so…

Even though he was 17 and he should watch more grown-up nonsense like the news, he preferred Mickey Mouse’s show. That guy was the best! He felt his tail wag just at the thought of simply seeing the mouse work. Ah, but he first had to make his food, so that Shadow wouldn’t scold him. He sighed and went over to the oven, tying an apron across his waist. Boris went to the fridge and took out three eggs, a few tomatoes and a cucumber. Hopefully he could eat it before Shadow came here or he’d jump up like a cat and cause other shadows to go wild…er.

The smell of perfectly roasted eggs. Huh, maybe a bit of bacon would also be pretty great with those… Nah. Maybe for tomorrow. He cut up the cucumber and the tomatoes, finally sitting to the table to eat normally and watch his show.

That’s pretty much how Boris’ morning went. He wasn’t late, so he managed to avoid Pete yelling on him, mostly. His ‘boss’ found anything to yell him at. Luckily, Shadow was sleepy enough to spare him. Boris clocked in and went to work. He had to change some wires, strengthen some screws here and there. A few places needed more serious check-ups. But Shadow also helped with that, so he was mostly awake by now. He kept working until-

The tendrils froze up for a few seconds at the corner of the wolf’s eye. He slid out of under the car. His brother seemed to be frozen… Maybe in shock? He didn’t really show his emotions all that often. Especially when it came to being in public. Even at home, Shadow was simply an outline of some… Cat? Maybe someone with horns. Boris still really hadn’t figured it out. Whenever he decided to show more or less of himself, he would wear a rolled up white shirt, a buttoned up vest, some boots and some also rolled up pants with pockets. His face would look pretty… Uh, dark. Golden goat irises with black stuff coming from his eyes. That was his face. Yep, that much. Not to mention he didn’t really talk. The entire body was just shadowy fuzz.

Now you get it, Boris didn’t go have much to go with, but he managed.

“Hey, what’s up with you?” He sat up on the creeper. The wolf’s eyes narrowed with worry.

Shadow looked at him, golden irises piercing Boris. If he showed his eyes, that meant that he was either angry, sad, resigned or really, really confused. Which one was it? By his stiff posture and the thicker fuzz on his chest, he probably had a hand on his chest. So, probably caught off guard, but with what? Who?

“What’s going on?” Boris lowered his voice. It was so that Shadow would know that the wolf was directly speaking to him and that Pete wouldn’t hear him. He was already considered a monster, by the fairytales, and a weirdo, with his own stories. I mean, who talks to walls?

They threatened to send a 10 year old orphan to a mental institute, so Boris had to stop talking to Shadow for a few weeks. When the wolf was off the hook, he started talking to his brother again. Especially ever since he found out he burned down the institute while Boris was struggling with keeping some form of freedom. Either way, he preferred the streets over the crappy orphanage, just as the whole town preferred seeing him as an 18 year old over a 17 year old. They wouldn’t have to ‘worry’ about him as much. Boris scoffed at the memory. Not like they ever did.

The wolf’s eyes softened when he got back to reality. 

“It’s about time we leave this hell-hole, huh? Let me just clock out. And, hey, maybe we could visit Sasha today! It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” He gave a soft smile to his brother. If before he was confused, now he was floored. His brother probably didn’t expect this. Boris chuckled a bit at the reaction.

Then the shadow tendrils came back to life, the air also cooling with them, but the wolf was used to that. One of the limbs pointed to the 17 year old. Oh! Right…

“After we get out and clean up, I mean.” He grinned sheepishly.

Shadow most likely nodded with approval. Guess they were going then! His brother melted into the ground to stop anyone from seeing him.

Boris entered the Dancing Lady. There were as many people as ever, talks going everywhere and anywhere. Gossip was a normal thing around here. There were some people dancing in the center, having fun. The song was upbeat. The wolf felt Shadow tingle with excitement. He really wanted to dance, but he’d scare everyone. His best bet was Halloween. That’s also when Boris found out how much of a pro Shadow was at dancing.

He saw the Dancing Lady herself – Sasha Swingskirt – at the stage. She definitely saw him. Her glare was on the wolf. Yep, she was mad. Boris ducked his head in a bit of embarrassment. Sasha was probably mad that they hadn’t come here often. Either way, she kept on singing her song, as if nothing had happened. The people around him eyed Boris with suspicion. What was new?

But, maybe he’d still get on stage to play something. He sat near the bar to not keep up much space. Two old toons were arguing about something – something about a fire- arguing whether it was arson or not. Shadow moved with unease, he probably wanted to attack them now. Or at least throw them out the window.

Boris thought: Do not even try, or I will stop talking to you. He deadpanned internally. He felt Shadow grumble.

“What will you want, sir?” The bartender asked and Boris yelped a bit.

“Oh, uh, a raspberry fizz-wizz, thank you.” Boris mumbled out.

“Coming up!” The wolf payed the price and took his drink. He watched the performance, itching to do something, but waiting. He didn’t want to ruin anything.

“There you are!” Boris yelped again. Sasha frowned at him, hands on her curvy hips.

“I guess?” He answered sheepishly.

“The second floor. Now.” She walked away angrily. Oops. What else to do anyway. Boris sighed, taking his fizz-wizz to the security guard near the second floor entrance.

“Well, boss seems mad.” The guard looked at the wolf in pity. “What did you do this time?”

“Apparently worked too much.” Boris shrugged. He wasn’t going to get out of this nicely.

“Good luck, boy.” The guard let him through. Boris nodded in a ‘Thanks’. Heck, even Shadow seemed a bit nervous. But he was most likely going to do something else.

The wolf walked up to Sasha’s room. Whelp, time to talk. His ears drooped.

“Boris the wolf! Where have you been! Where is your brother!” Sasha scowled at him- Them? This was going to be quite the talk. Boris let his ears down. Maybe he could do the puppy eyes and calm her down?

“No no no, don’t you try with me, mister!” She waved her finger at the wolf scoldingly. Yup, he wouldn’t get anywhere with this. For now...  “Where is your brother.” Sasha gave him a glare. Oh stars above! Was this gonna get ugly? Boris already cringed internally.

“I-I don’t know! I swear!” Boris raised his hands apologetically. He was nervous, but couldn’t help the small smiles and giggles escaping him.

“This is very important! You better sit your tail, before I tie it to the starfallen couch, wolfie!” She waved a finger near his eyes. That’s it. Sorry, Sasha. Boris officially lost it in a wave of laughter. Sasha still tried to convince him that this was very important and they needed to have a talk, but apparently Boris’ laugh was too infectious. A pandemic of laughter spread between the two of them for a good half hour, before they managed to calm down. Now Sasha, albeit still angry, but in a better mood still asked: “Now, c’mon, wolfie, where’s your brother?”

Suddenly the entire room dropped from room temperature to a good winter. Ah, that was his answer. Boris started shivering a bit. Boy, this was gonna be a show. He looked back at Sasha - she already had a full winter hat and cloak on with mittens. The wolf nearly lost it again, but quieted when the familiar buzzing of Shadow’s power swelled below him. The woman probably felt it too, since it was on a lot bigger scale than usual. Her eyes widened. Dark tendrils picked up her stuff – everything – drawers, wardrobes, kitchen utensils, couches, even the chair Boris was sitting on! Wow! He was really confident this time. A big shadow towered over Sasha, its arms spread out. Golden eyes lit up with excitement. Sasha had a steely look on her face as she reached into her cloak and pulled out a spray bottle. She sprayed it on Shadow.

The whole room froze. Even the eyes looked taken aback. The shadows receded as a more outlined form went around the ground in pain. It didn’t look like it was too bad, more like if sand got in the eye. But still, ouch. The familiar form of Shadow appeared before them. It looked like he was struggling blinking.

“You should probably wash your face, Shadow.” She waved the spray. “This is toned down Holy Water.”

“What!” Boris jumped out of his chair and took the bottle out of her hands. It was written: ‘Holy water, toned down – on sale!’ “Sash! Are you trying to kill him! You know he’s a demon!”

“No, I’m not. But sometimes you need to learn. I don’t want my place to become a victim of pranks.” She scowled at Shadow lightly. “But I guess I need to tone it down more. Sorry, kiddo. I have the antidote for that, since I was afraid that’d happen.” Sasha looked apologetically at the older brother.

Shadow waved her lightly off. He was still in a bit of pain, but alright. He was buzzing with energy, Boris could feel it - so the demon probably thought it was a good revenge prank. So, he was okay. Nothing too harmful.

“Ya need help washing up?” Boris asked, but when he felt a light tug at his stomach, he knew that everything was in control. He helplessly shrugged. What can you do, right? Really only Shadow could take anything. If you wanted to give him or put something on him, Shadow should let it first. Unless it was angelic then. The wolf felt a bit of a worry tug at his insides. It was definitely his this time.

Shadow washed up and they talked with tea and a few sandwiches. Sasha really was worried for them. She went over how, even with a full show to run, she felt lonely. No one to really talk to, just as a Boss or the owner of the ‘Dancing Lady’. She was worried how Boris worked himself to the ground, how Pete was a starfallen shmuck of a boss. And she apologized to Shadow again for spraying him. Then she offered to go down there and for Boris to play in the band. Shadow would just try to enjoy the music – not much you can do for a shadow demon, apparently. Boris didn’t like leaving his brother out, but he probably could find something for him later. He’d make sure of it.

They went down. Boris picked up a clarinet and seamlessly fit into the musician crew, like he was meant to be there. The night went on smoothly. Sasha kept singing a few songs here and there, a few dances here and there (Her club was called the ‘Dancing Lady’ after all). Boris definitely felt Shadow mess with the lights of the stage, probably to make the better ‘atmosphere’ or whatever. He didn’t really care, everything was really okay. But then- Shadow felt… Bloodthirst? No, his brother wasn’t like that. It was just concentrated anger. But at what? Boris snapped out of musical trance and looked around the hall, his fingers still automatically playing the music. He found the problem.

There was a shmuck playing with a girl. It wasn’t all that nicely. Clearly, the woman was in distress, she didn’t like that man. But the man couldn’t take a hint. Boris should probably call Sasha. That would be the better thing to do. But she wasn’t in the crowd anymore. And who knows how much time he had? There was something in Boris’ head that said: ‘Do not leave her alone. The guy is trouble.’ That was probably Shadow. Boris sighed internally. He took a break and walked down the stairs, trying to find her table.

“Hey miss, are you okay? Do you need help?” Boris asked the petite woman. She had a round face, light hair and a casual dress that fit nicely on her. She looked at the wolf almost pleadingly. That was enough of an answer.

“Mister, can you leave this Miss alone? She clearly isn’t comfortable with you.” The wolf tried reasoning. The shmuck clearly refused by decking Boris in the face with a mug. “Ow!” He exclaimed. There was a crimson running down his eyebrow. It’d probably clear up in a day or two with Shadow’s powers, but still - it hurt. And Shadow was pissed. Now it truly was bloodlust.

The guy laughed. Boris felt his shadow extend and gain mass. It crawled up the crook’s arm and crushed it quickly. He screamed in pain. The music stopped. The woman looked in fear and awe. Boris internally pleaded with his brother to stop. The shadows were about to break out and it’d be awful. There was a crowd around the tree of them already. Ugh. Shadow why!

“What is the meaning of this!” Sasha shoveled through the crowd, security behind her back. Oh thank you.

The wolf stood there, he seemed… Relieved that the owner came with reinforcements. He truly did not want to start the fight. You didn’t even need a Perception Talent to see that. But one would need to have it to see that the wolf wasn’t the one the owl had been searching for.

It was the one who was tied to him. It was the Shadow. The true manipulator of that power. Possibly the savior of anyone with ink illness. With the power to control any darkness. Too bad he was contaminated... So powerful, so young to be befallen to such a faith. The owl sighed.

Wilson would have to talk to the wolf soon. He interlocked his feathered fingers and left the Club before anyone noticed him leaving. But…

The one he was looking for certainly did notice.

Chapter Text

Well, Sasha surely chewed them out. Boris needed a few more moments for that ringing from all that shouting to stop. The evening was fun, but what can you do? His cheek still hurt from the hit, but it was okay. Better than a broken arm.

“I still can’t believe you did that! Do you know how close we were to getting the police called on us? If not for Sasha, we’d probably be in a cell!” Boris angrily whispered. His little injury really itched now. He would have been fine without the bandages, but Sasha insisted. The wolf sighed. So much for ‘fun’. And now Shadow wasn’t talking to him. He was probably angry at himself for not stopping the mook… Or ending him. You really never knew with this guy.

The shadows whirled a bit. Apparently they sensed something again. This time Boris chose to ignore it. If Shadow couldn’t hold himself from such violence, then fine! If his brother wasn’t talking to him- Fine! He kept on walking, only the cool night wind being his other company. Maybe he wouldn’t find any more trouble than they had today!

…Right?

Boris kind of felt bad and worried that he couldn’t even see or sense Shadow in the darkness. He probably really doesn’t wanna talk right now. But not like the wolf want-

“Oof!” Boris exclaimed as he fell to the ground with a thump. He scratched his head and winced a bit. Owie. The wolf opened his eyes to see-

The stranger glanced around cautiously, before looking at the wolf. His eyes widened and he exhaled in relief. “I found you! Finally! I thought I wouldn’t get to meet you before having to head out further…” An owl, that kind of resembled Shadow’s horns and outline breathed out. Had this owl been running? And for a long time apparently too – it was a bit taller than the wolf’s brother, feathers disheveled, covered in dirt. The clothes looked like he’d been out here for a long time. They were oversized a bit, but the reason probably was not getting enough food. Wait-

“You were looking for me?” Boris raised his brows in confusion. The wolf had decided to take some lesser-known alleys in Sillyvision after the fight, but he didn’t know he was being looked for! He had never even met this toon in his life! Maybe Shadow has? But they aren’t really talking right now, so…

The owl glanced around once again. He seemed really paranoid and scared, not to mention exhausted. Boris knew how that felt. The wolf held pity for the poor toon. “D-Don’t you need help first? It looks like you could use a bed…” He looked at the person again. “Some food and new clothes too…” Boris said those last words more to himself.

“A-Are you sure?” The person looked surprised. It looks like it’s been a while since he saw some kind of help.

“Sure. You seem like you’d need help, ‘sides, it’s getting late. Just don’t freak out, my home may be a little… Different.” Boris shrugged sheepishly. Now he’d only wait for Shadow to chew him out in the morning for letting strangers in their home. The owl hesitantly followed him, still looking around, as if a monster could jump out every corner. Weird guy.

Boris closed the door and lit up the small living room. “Sorry if it’s a bit messy, I mostly… live ‘alone’.” It wasn’t a total mess, though. Just maybe needed a bit tidying up. The couch held the comfy pillows, as if waiting for some kind of talk. But they needed to talk a bit, no?

“Oh- Um. Could you tell me what that was about when you saw me?” The wolf looked at the owl.

“R-Right.” He nodded. Boris went further into the living room and sat on a couch, signaling for his new guest to do the same. He reluctantly did so. “I- I am Wilson Wiseton. I used to be a professor at Yen Sid university and an archeologist.”

“Well then! If we’re doing introductions – I am Boris the wolf! A mechanic at Pete’s shop with a shmuck of a boss! Nice to meet ya’!” Boris grinned. But then the smile slipped. “W-Wait… Did you say ‘used to be’? What happened? Why- Why are you here?” The wolf narrowed his eyes.

“I used to be because me and my group of skilled archeologists who were researching the Creators and ancient artefacts, found something forbidden. There came bribes, warnings, threats, but we still didn’t stop. And eventually… My group was killed. I had no choice but to flee. I evaded many attempts on my life, warning the sick about an illness called ‘ink illness’ while on my way and sending them to my old friend in Toon Town. I was talking to a journalist in Crestville when the fires started.” Boris’ head really struggled to work right now. Did- Oh boy, this was gonna get awful. How was Shadow gonna react?! Were these the fires that the two people were talking about in the club? Cause of him?! “I used the bus system to escape. I fear the worst for my journalist friend.” The owl seemed to age another 10 years with each word.

“Wait-Waitwaitwait- ‘Illness’? Did you say ‘ink illness’? What’s that gotta do with anything? Why is an illness so dangerous? Why- Were you looking for me?” Cold dread filled the wolf’s stomach. He leaned back to the sofa. Stars above, he felt sick. What did he get himself pulled into? Shadow really was right, he was too trusting. Now the mess he fell into!

“Ink illness is not just an illness. It’s something a lot more. Something tied in with the Creators. It breaks everything apart to basic matter. A black sticky substance. It starts with chest pains and mild coughs. After, the first stage progresses to the dark, inky substance to build up in the lungs and eventually they are forced to expel the substance through violent coughing fits. The body begins to melt into ink. The process makes the victims experience excruciating pain and fever. They eventually… Melt” Wilson looked as grim as the wolf had ever seen him in the few minutes he knew the owl.

“But- Still… Why… Would you need me? Why tell me this? If this information is so important, then wouldn’t you wanna keep people safe?” Boris’ insides felt ice-cold. What the hell was this?

“I need the one who controlled the shadows back at the club. The one who crushed the man’s arm. And… This information will be needed for you and your friend” Wilson said, pleadingly looking to the wolf. Boris’ gaze hardened.

“..And whoever told you that Talent wasn’t mine?” He stated coldly. There was low growl somewhere deep in his throat.

“I have a Truth perception Talent. I need to see the true owner of the shadows. He may be the only one with the power to stop this. With control over dark matter, not only shadows could fall under his control, but perhaps the substance itself. He may be the only one that could succeed in finding the cure to this madness. Even with such a short time limit on his own life.”

“What.” ‘A short time limit’? Now Boris just- He couldn’t- Shadow was okay! He was okay! That’s why he crushed the man’s arm! But… He froze at the mechanic shop. There something happened. But he is a faceless shadow, for cuss’ sake! Anything might’ve happened!

“I’m sorry, but he is sick.” No. Nonononononono. No way! Not his brother! He never gets si-

Wilson let out a yelp of fear as a shadowy tendril hung near his neck. It withered in rage. A swinging leg hung on the cupboard with irises of cold boredom. The whole shadow of his brother sat on the furniture. Shadow’s eyes were lit with anger, rage, suspicion. If Boris didn’t do anything- Wilson would be dead. And not from the actual people following him. The owl had been through enough already.

“Shadow. Put it down. We need to hear him out.” Boris said, trying to get control of his emotions as much as he could. Shadow could sense better though. “We need to hear him out. What if this is true?” Shadow snapped his enraged head towards Boris swiftly. He felt betrayed. “Look, we both know adults suck. But we can’t turn a blind eye to this! We are already involved- I am involved. If-… If it’s true, we won’t be able to outrun this. I might have a body here, but you…” Wet tears appeared at the youngest’s eyes. His voice shook. Shadow’s eyes widened in pity… Fear. He seemed to think for a second. The tendril lowered a tad bit. Wilson took in a shaky breath.

“Thank you.” He whispered.

“Wilson, meet the true controller of the shadows.” Boris introduced. “My brother, Shadow.”

“B-Brother?” The bird seemed shocked. Ah. Finally, a question that Boris knew his own answer to.

“We aren’t blood related. But we are like brothers. He saved me. He’s helped me through many years through highs and lows. Helped me through my time on the streets and the cussing orphanage. He didn’t really show himself to others much. I don’t know if you should feel lucky or not.” Boris chuckled wetly. He wiped his muzzle. “You wanted to see him, but that also means you pissed him off enough for him to show his face. Impressive.” A small smile appeared on the wolf’s mouth.

Boris felt Shadow’s emotions hit full-force. He wanted that guy out by the morning. He probably felt Wilson’s hunger, pain and fear. That was the only reason he would let him live. Not because of the illness. Boris ‘agreed’.

“You… What kind of species are you? Fascinating. I have never seen someone so… Odd. In a good way, of course!” Wilson somehow appeared near Shadow. Now his brother’s eyes widened in surprise. He jumped.

Huh, guess curiosity has a few more advantages than Boris knew. Scaring Shadow was quite the accomplishment. Maybe this would be good.

Boris chuckled. “He’s supposed to be a demon.” Shadow gave Boris a skeptical look. Oh, he said ‘supposed to be’. Heh. Whoops.

“Are you a shadow demon?” Wilson kept asking, as if he wasn’t afraid. For the first time in this half-an-hour, the owl wasn’t afraid. The bird kept asking many questions. He actually seemed interested. Not scared. Shadow felt baffled. Anyone who’d ever seen him, besides Boris, went to the asylum themselves. Apparently, being a demon, or even a wolf wasn’t bad. It was a new experience. It was the truth, not hidden by fairytales. Even though Shadow nearly stabbed through the bird. It kept on for a few hours.

“I think it’s about we go to sleep. I have… ‘work’ tomorrow.” Boris stretched. “Wilson, is it okay for you to sleep here?” The owl, surprised, nodded.

“’Kay, me and Shadow are going to sleep.” He waved for the mass of shadow to come with him. “Oh, and be careful so he doesn’t stab you when sleeping.” The wolf pointed to Shadow, who was probably smirking. His brother felt proud, but he was tired. This was one heck of a day and Shadow didn’t talk to people that often.

Okay.

This could work.

Wilson, for the first time in nearly a year, soundly slept in a couch. It was comfortable and despite, the Shadow’s threats, he felt pretty calm. It felt like instead of threatening to ‘kill’ him, Shadow was looming over him. Watching him. Until the cold settled and he probably himself went to sleep. The bird fell into sleep again.

…

…

…

“Hey! Hey! Mister Wilson!” A silhouette gently shook the bird. Wilson’s eyes opened wildly and he took a nearby book to slam the stranger. His eyes got used to the darkness and the wolf was standing there. Ready to go out somewhere, with a huge traveling pack on his bag. What was going on?

“Can we head out now?” Boris whispered. “Shadow needs to be asleep for this.”

“What?” What was the little wolf doing?

“I want to go out with you. To Toon Town. I have money. We can go now. We’ll just need to make a stop to the Dancing Lady and then go. With the earliest train.” The wolf said, his tail wagging a bit. He really seemed determined. But what Wilson was doing was more dangerous than anything! For all he knew, the kid was merely 18! Why pull him into a bigger mess? It’d just make him a target. A bigger one.

“What? But why? It won’t be safe for you or your brother!” The owl argued.

“It never was safe for us... Anywhere.” Boris’ ears drooped. “And now that my brother is in danger. I feel I need to do something. He’d do the same for me. I’ll do anything it takes to keep him alive.” The young wolf nodded with determination.

…

“And you said that you needed his help. Shadow won’t ever leave this place, not without a nudge.”

The bird sighed. Guess now he had traveling companions. Boris had a glint in his eye that the owl knew. He wasn’t going to give up.

“Alright. But you have to know. I am wanted. Toon Town is looking for me. They framed me for my colleagues’ murders.”

The youngster seemed to think it over. Maybe-

“I can work with it. We’ll just need to change your clothes and overall shape. There’s no arrest warrant for you out here, so you should be safer. It wouldn’t be the first time I had to run from the police, anyway.”

Oh dear stars, moons and suns above! What had these kids been through?

Something knocked on her door. Sasha’s eyes opened. It’s them, isn’t it? After many years, those shmucks finally found her. Sasha went to her cabinet and took out her double barreled gun. The woman took a deep breath in.

It’s time.

Sasha kicked her room’s door open and aimed her weapon at the shm- “Boris?! What are you doing at this hour?!” Well, at least it wasn’t them… But still, why was he here? And with traveling equipment? The wolf gave her a sad smile. What was going on?

“Hey, Sash. I came to say goodbye.”

…

“WHAT?!” Boris flailed to shush her. He looked around sheepishly, as if someone was listening in.

“Sh! Shadow can’t know! Not now! He’ll know in the morning when he wakes up!” The wolf whispered. He took a breath in and looked at Sasha’s probably really confused expression. “I’m going to Toon Town a bit earlier. Some stuff came up and I… Can’t stay. I didn’t want to leave completely unnoticed. So, I came to someone that’d actually care.”

Sasha dropped her weapon on the floor. Boris winced at the loud sound. They were what…

“Boris! This is completely nuts! Are you insane?!” She came through her doorstep, waving her finger at his face. She was genuinely gonna tie his butt to her room. Boris lowered her finger with a pained expression. He really didn’t want to do this.

“I can tell you this much… It’s about Shadow. He needs help. And the kind of ‘help’ he needs is there.” Shadow? The same stubborn Shadow? The shadow demon? Him? What could be so awful for Boris to want go to Toon Town early? Sasha froze as she registered her thoughts.

“Well then, bye…” The small wolf she saw grow up in this quiet hole waved at her, with a sad smile yet again. Could she really not do anything? Couldn’t she just stop him? The two little odd brothers…

“Wait!” She whisp-shouted. Sasha heard the footsteps stop. The woman ran back to her savings hidden in the secret drawer. She took out a large roll of bills. Then ran right back to the hall.

“Here! Take this!” Sasha said as she handed Boris the money. She saw as the wolf’s brows flew up to the sky.

“W-What! But I can’t-“ He started saying, but Sasha only held him by the muzzle now, forcing the wolf to squat down to her level and stare her in the eyes. Both their eyes lit up with tears. One face had droplets, the other rivers.

“Boris the Wolf! I don’t care what excuses you make! If this is really that much important to you. You will take this. You will look whatever comes your way without fear. And…” The woman said as her lip shivered. Boris’ eyes were drowning in tears of his own. “And don’t forget about me, o-okay?” Sasha gave a cracked smile. “Please, d-don’t forget to write. And- And let Shadow kick your butt when he wakes up. F-For me.”

Boris stood in awe and sadness. He nodded slowly, only rivers and matted fur on his white face. His big, dark eyes glittered in the slowly lighting up sky.

Sasha let him go and kissed him on the forehead. “This is for you and Shadow…”

She looked at the little wolf before her eyes, giving a small smirk. “Shadow will definitely banish you to the Otherside for this stunt. Never thought I’d see the day you be more reckless than him.”

“Yeah… I know, Sash.” He stood up, trying to wipe his tears. Boris nodded. The tears still kept coming, his ears pinned to his skull. He didn’t even look like a wolf right now, only a small puppy, who came into her club with his own money he made with his brother. His weird shadow of a brother.

He started coming down the stairs, waving at her and with a wide grin on his face, the water still there.

Sasha waved him back, a smile on her face.

“Goodbye, Sash!” Boris’ tail wagged.

“Bye… Boris.”