The land was dark and desolate; a barren field with the only evidence of humanity being the rubble and debris of buildings as far as the eye can see. That was all the world was now; just shattered remnants of what once was. Humanity destroyed itself. It all started with the Gloom; it changed humans and made them evil and attack one another. First came the panic. Then the riots. After that the wars broke out and the anarchy until most of the humans were wiped from existence along with everything else which was blown to bits. Now, there's only few humans left who are struggling to survive.

 

A young boy of age five with markings of bones on his body and a sugar skull on his face was searching through the ruins of what once was a two story building. The Gloomified wildlife was too busy trying to kill another poor soul so the boy had time time to search for supplies. He needed some kind of medication for a dying man he called his father. With nothing but tattered pants and a satchel the boy was on his knees searching through the rubble for some kind of item he could give to his father so he could feel better.

"Por favor..." The boy sniffled, wiping away thick tears that ran down his face as he searched. The tears dampened the ends of his scruffy brown colored hair.

"Por favor... Por favor... Mi Papa..."

Edited March 17, 201510 yr by Awuwa7KH

Miguel noddles slightly, trying to make it look like he felt better. But truthfully... He did not.

"Sí..." He uttered softly before he laid down. Boy did he hope Grim was right. Maybe Nicholas really didn't mind. The boy was strong after all. Still, the thought of the kids fearing Miguel or hating Miguel... It made him terrified. Who knows what would happen tomorrow? Everything could go right, everything could go wrong. He could be let go on a great note, or everyone could want him dead. It could go either way. Miguel tried to go to sleep but couldn't. He stared at the wall for hours. "..."

Grim slept rather soundly. Most of it because he was too exhausted as it was, and the sleep he was getting was much needed by his mind and body. These events were emotionally exhausting as it was. By the time the sun rose, just barely making its way over the large wall that covered the city, Krampus walked in to wake up the brothers. "Hey boys. Get up. We have to get walking to the field." Krampus said. Grim groaned sleepily as he hugged one of Miguel's arms and curled his tail instinctively. "Five more minutes dad..." He huffed. "I'm not your dad. Wake up. The earlier we get there the better we can come up with a strategy for the trial." Krampus insisted. Grim whined, snuggling up against Miguel for warmth still. "Ngh...we have to get up..."

Miguel closed his eyes when Krampus came into the room. In truth, Miguel was up a few hours earlier. In all, Miguel only slept for a few fifteen minute intervals. Other than that he was wide awake. The anxiety made sure of that.

"Five... More... Minutes..." Miguel whispered, not sounding tired at all. If anything he sounded fearful and unsure. What was going to be the conclusion of today? For all he knew, in the next few hours he could be going home. In the next few hours he could be dead. Miguel truly had no idea what was going to happen and it scared him. Because of his past he was not at the mercy of those around him who most likely hated him. It was his worst nightmare come to life.

"Please..."

Krampus frowned as he knelt down to the two. "I know you hate the thought of it but not showing up is worse than the actual trial." Krampus insisted. Grim sat up a bit, looking over sad. "But what if they harm Miguel?" Grim asked. "Over my dead body they'll be harming him. Besides Nature and Time are both very insistent on resolving things in a peaceful manner, hence the trial. I know that they wouldn't want to harm Miguel and that they will avoid it with everything in their power." Krampus explained, now pretty much pulling them up to stand. "If anything all we have to worry about is for mister I-hate-happiness aka Columbus, but you have lots of people behind you two. You have a fighting chance." He added. Grim was still unsure. But if they bailed it would only turn into Columbus favor. He turned to Miguel, taking his hand. "Ready?"

Miguel looked down. Honestly he didn't know if he even was ready. How could he just show his face after everyone knew the truth of him? A hatchet that Miguel tried oh so hard to burry was forcefully dug up and waved around for everyone to see. How was he going to get past this? What was everyone going to think of him? Say to him? Will everyone hate him? Will everyone fear him?

"How can you guys be so kind to me?" Miguel asked. "I hurt so many people... And yet you still support me?" He went silent for a few seconds, even contemplating not showing up for the trial. At this point... He just didn't care what happened to him. But he had to do what he had to. For Grim.

"I'm... I'm ready..." He said softly, taking Grim's hand.

Krampus frowned with sympathy as he watched Grim walk with Miguel while holding his hand. "We all have done terrible things to survive in this world. To remain sane is absolutely impossible. To be sane is a miracle on its own." Krampus said as he walked with the two. "Don't worry kid...you'll be alright...I'm sure you'll be alright." Krampus assured. They walked across the somewhat empty streets, as it was still rather early and many had yet to wake up. They entered the football field through one of the many entrances, entering the field itself to see it mostly covered in overgrown grass and flowers for the most part, just a few areas here and there with grass low enough to walk comfortably. "Miguel, Grim!" The two were confronted by Jack and Cupid, both as pale as if they had seen a ghost. "We heard what happened! Don't worry you guys we won't let them hurt you. They surely can't blame him for something he did so long ago. Especially after what he has done to help." Cupid said, shaking the brothers back and forth. Jack looked at Grim somewhat gravely. "If they accuse him of something like that then they might as well accuse the rest of this city for every person they've killed to survive. Including us." Jack hissed. "I know that. I was thinking of using my own experience as a defense." Grim murmured. "Same here." Jack responded. "Just wait until Columbus gets here. I'm going to make him regret that he was ever born!" Cupid smiled.

Miguel walked along feeling a deep dread. He didn't know why, but he felt as though as he was walking up to the gallows or the guillotine. When he saw Cupid and Jack however, Miguel couldn't help but feel much better to see their faces and sympathy.

"Amigos..." Miguel said with a smile. "You don't have to do that. And besides... I'm pretty everyone will feel bad for me at the trial." He looked down at his broken arm in a splint, the up at the bandages on his head. "He did break my arm and shoot me in the side of my head."

"He what?! Oh just you wait until I find him I will break his arm!" Cupid hissed. "Is that so? Why don't you tell him he's right behind you." Krampus lied, causing Cupid to yelp and run behind Jack in fear Columbus would try to kill him too. Krampus laughed. "Sorry couldn't help myself!" He admitted. "Either way we'll help with the sympathy strategy." Grim hummed. "I really hope they are feeling sympathetic then." Jack said as he played with his fingers. People began to fill up the seats of the field. It wasn't as full as it would be back in the day for an actual game, but good enough. Most were young adults and adults in general. Not many people would bring their kids over for a trial in case something happened that would end up endangering them. Ded, Jacko and May found seats in the front to be the closest possible. "I'll admit that Columbus has nerves to purposely invoke a trial. Accident or not." Cupid hissed. Grim smiled at Miguel. "It will be all ok."

Miguel looked at all the people. He had to admit he wasn't so scared anymore. Before the trial, he was imagining them all as big scary monsters ready to strike him down. But they were just... People. Innocent good people at that. Maybe he really did have a chance. Miguel didn't notice Stiles there, which made sense. He didn't think Stiles was the type to engage in events like this unless he really needed to, and besides he was watching the kids anyway. Miguel didn't want the kids to see this. Our of the corner of his eye however, came Columbus. He came out with the most smug yet stern expression and sat right next to where Father Time and Mother Nature were to be seated. He just rested his chin on his hand and crossed his legs as if he was in control. As if he was about to just commit a simple act. "..."

"He really does have a ten foot pole up his culo doesn't he..." Miguel uttered, looking to Cupid and Jack. "Does he ever smile?"

 

Cupid and Jack growled over as they looked over at Columbus. Krampus had to think about that question for a while. “Actually…I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile since meeting him. He has been with Nature and Time since the beginning of this mess, as far as I know. Other than that he just looks like he just ate a lemon most of the time.” Krampus admitted, causing Cupid to laugh a bit at the statement. “He does look like he ate a lemon.” Cupid chuckled. “Right. We better get to the seat. Jack, you coming?” Krampus asked. “I’ll stay with these two just in case.” Jack asked. “Alright then.” With that, Krampus picked up Cupid and flew off to the nearby seats, next to Jacko and other people. Soon Mother Nature and Father Time arrived, sitting down in their seats. “We ready?” Father Time asked. Mother Nature nodded softly, before taking out an air horn and playing it, the sound echoing across the stadium to have everyone quiet down. Once they did, Father Time began to speak up. “Alright, settle down everyone! We are here to proceed a small trial, where the accused has attacked Columbus, and has been accused of being the infamous ‘El Diablo’. We shall decide whether he should pay for his crimes…or if we should forgive him and move on.” Father Time explained. Grim held Miguel’s hand tightly. Father Time turned to Columbus. “You may offer your argument, Columbus.”

Columbus slowly nodded, taking a stand momentarily. He stood straight and tall. It was evident he was waiting for this moment since yesterday.

"Everyone... I want you to look at that 'innocent' face sitting before us. What do you see? You see a man with the markings of a skull stained on his face. A simple, maybe even pleasant design to the children. But do you want to know what that face is to the victims of those he killed? It's the face... Of horror. Of a murderer- a monster! A face those who survived his torture dream about every nice. A face that drives terror into the hearts of other. I want you all to imagine those who hurt you. Of all the suffering you went though especially if you are from the outside of these walls. What do you imagine? A gloom infected bear? A bandit? Someone... Who killed your child? Spouse? Brother or sister? Mother or father? If you imagine anything like that or even worse... I hope you know to many survivors, his face is the one they think about. His face is the one that keeps them up at night. But what if perhaps- you had the power to avenge those who suffered and still suffered by his hand? To avenge all of the men... Women... And children he killed."

Miguel felt his heart pound. Never in his life did he experience such fear. He was now at the mercy at the people before him. He lost it when Columbus spoke.

"THATS A LIE!" Miguel shouted, looking up with eyes wide. "I NEVER TOUCHED WOMEN OR CHILDREN!"

Columbus scoffed and rolled his eyes, looking down at Miguel in disgust. "Oh that's right..." Columbus said sarcastically. "You just had someone else do it. How was it? Lining up survivors on their knees... Before you took every one of them and sliced their throat one by one. Like lambs in a slaughterhouse."

Miguel slowly began to broke down. He placed his forehead on the table.

"Please..." He whispered, tears forming in his eyes.

Krampus, Cupid and Jacko looked at each other as the murmurs and whispers began go cross around the arena. Some were of confusion, others of anger, others of sadness. Lucky for Miguel he had two stubborn bastards who were at his side and wouldn't go down without a fight. This would be the toughest fight yet. In a world where rules have long since been discarded, they had to find a way around the win of majority. Jack slammed his hands down on the table. "He had no choice but to do so!" Jack screamed, turning to everyone. "Those who have survived the camps can tell you that to live within them is hell on earth. I know. Grim knows. Miguel knows. Many of us know. We've lived it! It is a fight for survival! When fight or flight kicks in you do what you have to do in order to SURVIVE!" Jack screamed. Grim turned to Miguel, gently getting his hands on his shoulders. "It's ok Miguel." Grim whispered. He rubbed his head. "I know you're going to hate me for this. But I have to ask you to take off your shirt for a moment." Grim asked. Though asking didn't really gave Miguel any chance to say no either, as Grim insisted and pulled off Miguel's shirt, turning him around to show the scars on his body to those around him. If the cat was out of the bag, they had to go all out. "Look at him! You tell me that after the kind of torture he went through to get these scars you wouldn't have done the same if told?!" Jack asked. "Yes he has done wrong, but all in hopes of surviving! He's changed mow! He helped kill the leader of the Snakes and take down this year's auction! He saved two children from certain death multiple times! He did what he did to survive, but we all have done sins in our life. Doesn't he deserve a chance at redemption too?!" Grim yelled, looking at the crowd before glaring at Columbus.

Miguel didn't even move or protested. He just stuffed his face into the table. He just wanted this to be over. Honestly, a part of him wanted someone to just shoot him there and now. He didn't care if everyone saw his scars. At this point he just wanted to disappear. "Papa..." Miguel whispered. "Papa..."

Columbus raised an eyebrow as he saw Miguel's scars. He had to admit, he wasn't expecting such damage. Sure, most people had scars especially from the camps, and Miguel was definitely the type of person to get scars easily, but he wasn't expecting THAT much scars.

"I wonder why survivors claim he laughs when he kills." Columbus mused, sitting back down in his chair. He would continue, but seeing Miguel break down like he was really was the icing on the cake.

Most of the arena slowly fell into an eerie silence as the scars were shown. Surely no one had seen that many scars on someone who was alive. Krampus and Jacko had to look away for a bit, their eyes widening ever so slightly. "Damn..." Krampus hissed. Jack and Grim looked at each other and then back at the crowd. "Camps can change you drastically. But the fact that he was able to return to his real self was a miracle of its own. Ever since then he has done nothing but good. We plead you to take in consideration of what he has done right and forgive him for what he's been forced to do. At least to give him a second chance!" Jack yelled. Grim covered Miguel's back with the shirt again. "I'm sorry hermanito, everything will be ok, alright?" Grim murmured, gently rubbing Miguel's head. Finally Father Time spoke up. "Well, we have heard some...intriguing and relevant defense and argument. Unless anyone has anything else to say, I think it is well time we begin judgement. It will be at the odd of numbers. The majority vote will win. Understood?" Father Time explained. Nature stood up. "Let us begin. Those who thinks that Miguel is guilty regardless, raise your right hand. Those who think he should be forgiven, raise your left hand. You may only vote on one side or not vote at all." Nature explained. Grim, Jack, Jacko, Cupid, and Krampus raised their left hands immediately as the rest voted on...

Miguel wasn't even paying attention to the trial anymore. Honestly he didn't even care. He felt like the world has ended or at least- his world. He didn't even care what happened next. He didn't care about his scars being shown, or him break down. He didn't care about anything. All Miguel wanted to do was to disappear forever. Miguel was extremely silent, his face pressed into the table. "..."

Many raised their right hand, especially Columbus. He would lift a thousand right hands if he could. At first, many raised their right hands. But after a while, many raised their left. Some people who raised their right hands switched to their left. Columbus looked around in shock.

"This..." Columbus hissed.

In the end, left ran over the right, taking the majority vote. Jack smiled at Grim. "Grim." "I know." Father Time glanced over at Mother Nature, who had her left hand raised. He cleared his throat. "Well then. It appears it is settled. By the majority vote, Miguel is forgiven for his past crimes, and given another chance to redeem himself." Time explained, raising his left hand before standing up. "Trial is over, and the decision has been made. You're all dismissed." Time said as he gave a small nod to Columbus and turned to Mother Nature. "Let us return to the lab." He said, the two walking away. From the stands Jacko, Cupid and Krampus cheered. "I knew he would win!" "I bet Columbus is withering in his seat!" Cupid and Jacko high-fived. Krampus smiled. "You all did good." He whispered. Grim turned to Miguel. "Miguel, did you see? Everyone forgave you! Everyone decided to give you another chance!...Miguel?"

Columbus hissed and growled, a vein visibly popping out of his head. He was outraged by this revelation. With seething teeth, he got up and walked away. He didn't even want to look at anyone for he was extremely willing to kill right now. "..."

Miguel still had his face pressed into the table. He didn't even realized he was declared innocent. It wasn't even the trial itself anymore that made him sick. It was just the fact that the cat was out of its bag. Sure he was innocent. But the fact that everyone knows the truth... It just made the truth more real. He couldn't just bury it forever and forget about it. Despite this however, Grim's voice slowly brought Miguel back to reality. He lifted his head and looked up at Grim with bags under his eyes.

"Sí..." He uttered softly, not really knowing what to think. "What now?"

 

Grim thought for a moment, before his expression hardened. “We are getting out of this hell hole.” He hissed. “We are packing our stuff, and we are leaving for the farm. We have to tell Stiles, and the children.” Grim said. After the whole situation…it was obvious the city wasn’t as safe as he had expected. Not for people like them. “We’ll plan and get the farm ready, and we can fix it up and make it our home away from this place…and away from him.” Grim said, referring to Columbus. “I’ll help you get a cart and a couple of donkeys if you want. It will be easier to carry the stuff. I know a guy that owes me a favor.” Jack smiled. “That would be wonderful.” Grim smiled, turning to Miguel. “Come on, let’s go tell Stiles.” Grim insisted. He didn't feel comfortable any longer.

Miguel listened to Grim's words and parts of him felt both relieved and sad. Yes, he didn't like this place but... Krampus. Jack. Cupid. Miguel didn't know if he wanted to leave them. Especially Krampus. Miguel felt like... He had a father again when he saw Krampus. That by saying hello to Krampus, he was saying hello to his father that he lost oh so long ago. Miguel didn't know if he could part from that so soon.

"P-Papi..." Miguel whispered to himself, tears welling up in his eyes. "Amigos... Do you want to come with us?" He asked to Krampus, Cupid and Jack. "You don't have to worry about that gilipola ever again... We can all live together and work together to survive."

 

The group stared at Miguel and then at each other. “Join you? Are we allowed?” Cupid asked. “I’m actually curious about that. I haven’t left this place since I came so.” Krampus shrugged. Jack however, saw great potential in the chance. “You know. I like the idea…we can make a community outside the city. We wouldn’t be dependent on the city alone, and we can help people who happen to come around.” Jack suggested. The sound of that did sound nice. “You know, that does sound fun. We can fix the farm and then make a house for ourselves or something.” Cupid hummed. “Well…people have gotten a bit used to living inside a wall. To start to depend outside of it can be quite an experience. It will take a while for a new generation to be born immune to Gloom. But best way to start it than now?” Krampus suggested. He shrugged. “You know what. Count me in. I’m sick of this place as it is. I could use a new start again.” Krampus said. “I want to help! I always wanted to be one of those doctors that take care of animals, but they never really let me. So maybe I can help with the farm!” Cupid asked. “Count me in too. That is if you don’t mind.” Jack said. Grim couldn’t help but to smile at the possibilities. “Miguel…what do you say? Want to build a home outside this city?” Grim asked smiling. Cupid gave thumbs up. “I can help with the animals!” “I’ll help you boys with the building. It was my job before this whole crap happened anyways.” Krampus added. “I’ll help out making maps of the area if you don’t mind. We can find rivers and other resources. Who knows, maybe more people will join us in the end.” Jack said. From afar a shadowy figure watched the group, hearing intently before running off.

(Oh shit here we go with the shadowy figures watching from afar and all that shady shit... This is going to end badly NOOOOOOOOOO)

Miguel couldn't help but smile at everyone's ideas. Honestly he didn't expect for them to accept the invitation. It was a pleasant surprise... And it really made him happy. Could this idea really be a reality?

"Are... You sure?" Miguel asked, looking to Cupid, Jack and Krampus. "You don't have to... You could help us with the kids. And Stiles is a doctor and knows all that stupid medical mierda. Maybe he could teach you how to take care of animals Cupido." Miguel said with a chuckle. He even pictured Nicholas and Ash getting along with the three. Perhaps they would even call all three of them their uncles.

 

(It won’t be that bad)

 

Cupid was the first to respond. “Sure I’m sure! I would love to hang out with you and the kids!” Cupid insisted. “I really want to help you boys. Even if I just stay for a bit and end up returning later, I can’t leave you alone unless I know you will be alright. Plus, you’ll need some construction tips.” Krampus added. Jack wrapped an arm around Grim and Miguel. “To help you guys isn’t a bother! If anything it should be fun!” Jack insisted. He nudged Grim. “Plus I still owe you a bunch from when we lived together in that camp. To help you out this way is the least I can do.” Jack insisted. “You guys…” Grim couldn’t help but to let out a few tears. “You guys are amazing!” Grim smiled, bringing them all to a hug. “Just wait until the kids and Stiles hears this. They’re going to be just as happy and excited!”

 

“You’re angry.” Behind Columbus a small figure followed. It was a young girl. Younger than May, yet older than Nicholas and Ash. Her eyes were almost black with no irises. “You’re a very sore loser.” She added, following without hesitation. “But I wonder if you think that we can handle ourselves without Hounds either. On the bright side for you, I think that kid and his family are leaving for good. Though that would mean we would be losing three precious Hounds, since one has decided to join them…and who knows who else might go along~” The girl teased.

 

---

 

 

Girl

 

Miguel couldn't help but tear up in joy as well. Never has he felt such love before by other people. Even after they found out about his past... They still forgave him and cared about him. It really made him realize that maybe there was such a possibility of a happy future.

"Gracias... Amigos." Miguel said with a soft smile. When Grim mentioned Stiles and the kids he couldn't help but feel a small amount of fear. What did they think?

 

Meanwhile, Columbus snarled as he was approached big the young girl. Honestly he didn't like children in general. They were all spoiled undisciplined brats. And this newcomer surely fit that category.

"Who are you?" Columbus asked her, narrowing his eyes and even reaching for his pistol. "I know every face in this city... And you are not authorized to be here. This city could handle not having those wretched Hounds. They can go drown in their own Gloom filth." He began to pull the pistol out of his holster. "Now tell me who you are. I will shoot you."

Cupid clapped his hands. "Lets do it!" Cupid hummed. "I'll go ask some people and see if I can get us at least a horse to pull our stuff." Jack said. "I will warn Nature and Time of our plans so they anticipate our departure." Krampus said. "Let's meet up at Grim and Miguel's place at the end of the day and plan out." Cupid added. "Sounds good to me. Lets to get Stiles and the kids." Grim said, taking Miguel's hand and walking with him to Stiles' place. His grip tightened in reassurance. "It's ok Miguel. They'll forgive too. I'm sure."

 

The child looked at the gun as it were a mere toy. "So rude of you to point that thing at me!" She scoffed. "I am merely someone who agrees on your views that indeed humanity should not revere beings that have become a host of something that has caused our world to become the state it is now. At the same time however I realize that to kill them would be wasting resources when we could experiment for a possible cure or vaccine. But I know that your current leaders are too...nice to even consider it. They want everyone to live happily and accept the Gloom as it is while hiding behind this wall...I know you think differently." She explained.

Miguel walked along, still having that fear in the back of his mind. No matter what, what the children thought at the end of the day was the most important. What if they thought... What if... They were scared of him? Miguel didn't know what to think. He didn't even realize Grim squeezing his hand.

"I hope so..." Miguel uttered softly, looking to the side.

Once they got to their home, Stiles opened the door with a small smile. Nicholas was napping in the corner with some blankets.

"Hey..." Stiles said. "I heard it went well! Congratulations." He quieted his voice down to talk to Grim and Miguel.

"I told the little ones as little detail as possible... I was unsure on how you both wanted to go about it so I told them as much as I could. They're confused, and Nicholas didn't handle it to well at first but he's much better now. I think it's best for you to talk to them. Once they hear your voice and see you they'll be much better. I'm unsure as to how Ash is handling it but she looks fine."

Miguel looked down to the ground. He was fearing that. Sure, it wasn't 100% bad, but it still wasn't a perfect reaction.

 

Meanwhile Columbus looked at this girl like she was crazy. A spoiled brat she must've been, really. Still, such a girl was strange. Who was she? Where did she come from? Was there others?

"You didn't answer my question..." Columbus hissed, fully drawing his gun out and aiming at her head. "You are unauthorized to be here... Tell me who you are or I will end you." Her words still baffled him. "You are agreeing with my views and yet you are one of them..."