[sub]in collaboration with [@Meiyuki][/sub]

[h1][center][i][u]"The Bitter Sister"[/u][/i][/center][/h1]

Lorelai looked at Zehir,  currently in her tiny mouse shape,  as she scrambled around her palm excitedly.  She smiled,  Sousiel had explained the responsibilities that would be expected from the demon as Lotte's new familiar,  and had verified to Lorelai that it not only understood but was excited.  The choice of a familiar was a hard one,  and one with long reaching consequences.  With any luck they'd get along.

Lorelai made her way back to her bedroom,  where little Lotte was preparing for the day.  Pushing open the doors she called out.  [color=00aeef]"Lotte?  Darling I have something for you."[/color]

Lotte was sitting in one of Lorelai's windows, her nose pressing on the glass as she studied the field below where two of the 'sisters' were playing some type of game. To her side, the tiny baby bird sat in a nest made of cloth, with a mostly dead worms laying next to it. At Lorelai's calling, Lotte slipped down from the window, her movements similar to a water skipper's as she landed lightly in front of Lorelai. Her still dressed in her night clothing, but at least her hair was some what brushed. [color=FA8072]"What is it mom?" [/color] she asked, looking around the woman for...something. 

Lorelai laughed,  what did she expect?  She held out her hand,  containing the tiny Zehir,  for Lotte to inspect.  [color=00aeef]"I've gotten you a familiar,  its name is Zehir and its eager to meet you."[/color]  After placing the small demon-mouse in Lotte's hands Lorelai moved about the room to lay out clothes for the girl.  [color=00aeef]"I hope you two get along."[/color]

Lotte blinked at Lorelai, before lifting up the top of the box. Inside was the small cream spotted white mouse she had pulled from a trap earlier. She  could tell it was the same because the create had a piece of ear missing and the tip of its tail was slightly smushed.  Lotte held the creater up and watched it skuttle down her arm and rest on her shoulder. [color=FA8072]"Why, hello Zehir, I'm Lotte,"[/color] she said, petting its tiny head.

[color=BC8F8F]"Ello,"[/color] came the voice from the little mouse.[color=BC8F8F] "....I'm hungry," [/color]

[color=FA8072]"Well...you'll have to wait for...us to go down to kitchen, but I am sure I could get you some cheese," [/color]

[color=BC8F8F]"...Good, I like cheese and you," [/color]

 She then walked over to Lorelai, giving her a backwards hug. [color=FA8072]"Thank Mom," [/color] she whispered. 

[color=00aeef]"No problem dear,  keep it close and be kind to it.  One day you two might be like me and Sousiel."[/color]  That comment earned a small giggle from Sousiel,  who'd come to stand in the doorway.  Casting a glare in her direction Lorelai continued.  [color=00aeef]"Now,  once you've gotten dressed and some breakfast I have another surprise for you ok?"[/color]

[color=FA8072]"Another surpise?"[/color] Said Lotte, yanking her head though the hole in her dress. Getting stuck for only a moment [color=FA8072]"It isn't even my birthday mom,"[/color] she said, grinning. 

[hr][sub]The oak tree just outside Seren's Folly[/sub]

Lorelai and Lotte made their way through the forest slowly.  Lotte stooped ever so often to examine a flower,  a bug,  or anything else that caught the girl's eye.  Lorelai following her movements with a watchful eye full of mirth.  Internally Lorelai was torn.  While she was sure Lotte was going to love seeing her sister again,  Ash was dead.  A girl as sweet as her new daughter shouldn't have to grapple with death yet,  it was far too soon.

A small knot of dread had worked its way into Lorelai's stomach when she finally spied the oak tree she'd agreed to meet Abby at the previous night.  Her eyes settled on the girl herself and she knelt down to Lotte.  [color=00aeef]"Do you recognize that girl honey?"[/color]  just to ensure this hadn't made a mistake.


Instead of a responce, Lotte looked over towards Abby and let out a squee of happiness, before taking off across the field and nearly tackling Abby in a bear like hug.[color=FA8072] "Abby! Abby! I'm so happy to see you!" [/color]

Instead of Lotte's over the top happiness, Abby only responded with a single arm wrap and one or two quick pats on the back, before putting her arm down, waiting for Lotte to let go of her. [color=7bcdc8]"Morning Lotte,"[/color] she said. She then looked over and saw Lorelai hanging back a few feet. 

[color=FA8072]"Abby! I have a new mom and she can be your's and Ash's mom too and we will live in a castle with lots of wonderful people," [/color]she gave Abby a beaming smile, before taking a step back. Motioning for Lorelai to join them. [color=FA8072]"Where...is Ash?" [/color]she said, looking around. 

[color=7bcdc8]"I would have thought that your mother would have told you," [/color]said Abby slowly. [color=7bcdc8]"But...Ash is dead, she was...murdered,"[/color] [i]and it was your fault you stupid girl[/i] She looked over at Lorelai, in slight confusion. Didn't Lotte ask where and why they were going? 

[color=00aeef]"I'm sorry sweetheart."[/color]  Lorelai moved towards her daughter,  placing a hand on her shoulder.  She gestured to a small wooden cross,  flowers hung from its arms and toys had been piled at its base.  Carved into the front was a name; Ashley Smart.  [color=00aeef]"Take all the time you need to say goodbye darling... I'll bring you back here whenever you need."[/color]  Lorelai fought back tears,  this wasn't her time to cry.


[color=FA8072]"Ash is...dead?" [/color] asked Lotte. Standing still for the first time since she had met, she stilled, tears forming at the corner of her eyes before hugging her sister again. "What...what happened Abby...how...how did she die?"[/color] She was shaking now with tears. 

[color=7bcdc8]"She was killed...by a monster,"[/color] said Abby, and while she meant it, three different figures appeared in her mind. A shadow, a man and Lotte herself, but she was about to bring that up. Not yet anyway, not with Lorelai around any how. [color=7bcdc8]"Come, little sister,"[/color] She said, pulling her away from Lorelai, so that they could both turn and face the grave. All the while, Abby occasionally scanned the forests for ANY sigh of hunters. Hopefully some would arrive soon. 

Lorelai stood back from the two girls,  wondering how appropriate attempting to comforte them would be.  She hadn't known Ash,  and her heart broke not from the girl's death but rather the impact it had on her living sisters.  So she elected to remain a few paces behind them,  ready to lend a shoulder or whatever else was needed.

"What 'ave we here?"  Lorelai turned sharply towards the sound of a large man pushing his way through the brush.  Taking a quick scan around she spotted several humanoid shapes amidst the foilage,  and more than a few good vantage point that would hold more,  if this was what she feared.  "We got ourselves a witch,  an' tryin' ta take a pair o' girls too.  Might get a good sight more than that thousand the board offered then eh?"

[color=00aeef]"Turn around now... return to your homes.  These little ones don't need to see what will happen to you should you anger me."[/color]  Lorelai dug through her pocket,  feeling through her charms before her fingers settled on what she was looking for.  A ruby coin,  Charon was likely overkill for this situation,  but Lorelai wasn't prepared to take any chances.

As soon as the men entered the scene and Lorelai started talking, Abby let out a scream, grabbing Lotte's hand and taking off screaming. Leaving it very unclear whom it was that she was running from. 

The man's eyes followed the girls as Abby took off screaming towards town.  Turning back to his prey he flashed a toothy grin.  "Seems we've rescued a pair o' kiddies boys,  fire when ready!"

Lorelai cursed inwardly as a volley of crossbow bolts sent her diving into a nearby bush instead of chasing Abby and Lotte as she’d intended.  [color=00aeef]”So be it,  see what you’ve invited to your doorsteps.”[/color]  Removing the ruby coin from her pocket she flipped it into the air.

She pressed her will against the border between worlds,  and with a chill Hades yawned open.  The ruby coin never hit the ground,  shadows deepened as a skeletal arm came from mid air to catch it.  Charon pulled himself into the world of the living,  plants withering in his long black shadow.  He drew himself to his full height,  hunters tripping over themselves to escape as they beheld Old Man Death,  a tall black wraith whose eyes glinted with an impossible apathy.  “Mistress… your bidding.”

[color=00aeef]”Kill them,  kill them all and leave no survivors.”[/color]  Lorelai pulled herself out of the brush.  Charon brandished his blade as he stalked towards his targets.  The death screams of men and women followed Lorelai as she made her way in the direction the girls had run off too.  She prayed she’d find them before reaching Seren’s Folly.  Lorelai would sooner level the small town and pick through its remains for her daughter before losing her.

[hr][sub]Somewhere[/sub]

The girls slowed only after both Lorelai and the men had faded in the distance.  Suddenly Abby rounded on Lotte. [color=7bcdc8]"Lot, what are you thinking? She ...is going to bring out your oddness," [/color] growled Abby, crossing her arm. 

Lotte was still wiping the tears from her eyes and seemed to only now relize that she had moved at all. "[color=FA8072]Mom?"[/color] she called, turning around.[color=FA8072] "Abs, we have to go back and help Mom!"[/color] called Lotte, trying to run back to her.

 Abby caughter her around the wrist and yanked her back, slapping her hard across the face. [color=7bcdc8]"Stop it Lotte,"[/color] she said, yanking her back to her side. [color=7bcdc8]"She isn't safe, and you know that," [/color]
 
[color=FA8072] "But...she is...nice,"[/color] said Lotte softly, holding her face. 
 
 [color=7bcdc8]"Oh, good, at least you don't seem happy being with a mean stranger," [/color][/color]said Abby, rolling her eyes.  Before taking a step forward, rubbing the sore spot on Lotte's face, kindly, looking sorry about what she had done.[color=7bcdc8] "Trust me, Lotte, I can take care of you. I always have and I always will," [/color]
 
 [color=FA8072]"But...but...Mom,"[/color] muttered Lotte weakly.[color=FA8072]  "Mom...takes care of me," [/color]
 
 [color=7bcdc8]"Mother is dead, and you know that.  But this...Lorelai woman...Where was she when some one had to beg to bring you food when Father locked you in the barn for three day? Who snuck you warm clothing when mother banned you from the house in the middle of winter? Who got the nuns to let you out of the dark room after only a day? Me! I was always there, so, come on sister we are leaving," [/color]
 
 Lotte said nothing, just keeping her head low, not wanting to have to pick between her mother and her sister. 

[color=00aeef]"Lotte?  Abby?"[/color]  Lorelai's voice drew closer as she made her way towards the two.  Finally she appeared,  pushing her way through a bit of underbrush.  She heaved a sigh of relief as her eyes fell on the girls.  [color=00aeef]"Lotte sweetie,  Abby.  Come with me,  before more hunters find us."[/color]

Abby turned around quickly as soon as she heard Lorelai's voice. She thought she would have had more time.... But never mind. She couldn't worry about that now. Beside her, Lotte let out a little cry before tossing herself into Lorelai's arms, mutter something that Abby couldn't quite make out. 

Abby then put on her sweetness smile. It was clear that they had to...go with this woman. She didn't want this, but what choice did she have? Besides, she had a small vile of lavandar extract tucked in her sock, just in case this happened. [color=7bcdc8]"Very well...ma'am," [/color] she said taking a step forward towards the woman. 

Lorelai picked Lotte up,  gently patting the girl's back.  [color=00aeef]"I'm sorry sweetheart,  that must've been scary.  We'll go home now ok?  I'll have the chefs make you two some sweets."[/color]  Securing Lotte against her hip she extended a hand towards Abby.  [color=00aeef]"I'm sorry that got interrupted dear.  Shall we?"[/color]

[color=7bcdc8]"I'd like to come back sometime safer," [/color] said Abby softly, taking Lorelai's hand. She just simply had to keep the witch from...eating them...or from Lotte from making her oddness worse. That would probably be the hardest part. 

[color=00aeef]"I might have Liz bring you by,  or Coraline.  I think it might be best if I don't show my face around here again for awhile."[/color]  Lorelai looked at Abby with sad eyes.  [color=00aeef]"There are people whose profession is to hunt and kill people like me and your sister,  but you don't need to worry too much about that.  I'll keep us safe as long as you try to be careful ok?"[/color]  She flashed a grin at the girl.

[i] I am always careful[/i][color=7bcdc8] "Yes Ma'am,"[/color] she said, thinking it was far too soon to start trying the 'mom' angle  just yet.[color=7bcdc8]  "I will do everything I can to keep my remaining little sister safe,"[/color] [i] from you[/i]