[shibbydm]

This has been under the chop, so it can sit under a PG-13 rating.
I was insprired to write this because i thougth Creedy's character was wonderful yet we knew nothing about him.
You dont have to have seen 'Reign Of Fire' to enjoy this, everything is explained throughout.
I've tried to make it light and funny, while gettting lots of Creedy love. I really hope you enjoy it, and if you do please comment. It helps if i know whether people are reading it or not.
Thanks

Shibs
Xxxx

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Chapter one

Creedy sat alone, staring out to the horizon. It was dark, cold and bitter, a few sprinkled fires lay around the castle. The only evidence of any surviving life.
Running his fingers through his hair, he leaned back against a rock. Hardly able to believe what his life now entailed. As a child he briefly remembered light, cars, people, food, girlfriends. Only now, years later the only thing he held close from his former life was Quinn. Huddling a few rags closer to him, Creedy pulled his knees to his chest and stared to the skies. If a dragon appeared now there would be chaos, it would be just his luck. Dragons seemed to appear when Creedy was on watch, he was known as a bad omen now. The men downstairs joked that as soon as they snuggled with their partners Creedy’s whistle would be heard and everyone would be scrambling to the underground bunkers. Unlucky for other peoples’ love was Creedy,
Not that Creedy had much to complain about, sure life wasn’t how it was, it was almost unbearable at time, but the community kept him going, Quinn pushed him forward, so did the children. If they just kept going, kept hiding, surely life would get better. It had to at some point.

An hour or so later Tina appeared with some hot water for him. Creedy winked and thanked her while she climbed back down the stairs and into the castle. Water wasn’t his preferred drink, in fact he was thinking of calling it a night and helping himself to his special brew, but at least this was warming him up.
Rising to his feet Creedy decided his butt was about to fall off with frostbite and he headed down the steps until he heard the shriek of the bird.
Creedy's eyes scoped the skies, he saw nothing, but on the ground there was a light moving toward them. Creedy grabbed the bell rope and woke the castle, within minutes Quinn was at his side along with several men who were joking about Creedy ruining another night in with the missus for them. Smiling Creedy shoved a few of them, thankful for some human company after the last few dull hours until Quinn’s voice silenced them, Quinn’s eyes still on the moving light.
“Marauders?” a voice from the men queried.
”No”. Quinn’s voice was hoarse, “This isn’t planned out, whoever they are, they are here for something else.”
Creedy’s eyes spotted something in the skies, “Well, they better hurry, there’s a big bitch headed this way”
Quinn’s eyes found the dragon easily, “OK, everyone in the bunker quick, Creedy go”
Creedy looked from his best friend to the group of people headed toward the castle who had picked up their speed “We cant just leave them, Quinn!”
Quinn looked at his friend’s resolve face and groaned, “Alright, go get the guns, I swear I'm going to be toast.”
Creedy grinned and ran to fetch the weapons.

The castle was chaos, but in a controlled way - the children were safely in the bunker and the men were getting the woman in there before themselves. Creedy smiled, no matter the danger this community stuck together at all times. He felt proud, then remembered why he was here and ran to fetch the weapons.
Running back to Quinn, Creedy waited to hear the plan, the dragon was circling the sky, clearly deciding where to strike, the small group had quickened their pace, a few had stopped and hidden within the rocks and rubble.
Quinn stared through is broken binoculars, “OK, there’s a few women and children, 3 or 4 men but many are hiding. Why are they hiding, that dragon can see them! Creedy quick - open the gate let them through!”. Creedy ran down toward the gate, other men dived along side him to rip the gates open. Creedy stared, they were too far away, he could hear the children screaming in fear, the woman grabbing them, dragging them along. He knew there was nothing else for it.
”Creedy get back in here!” Quinn’s heart leaped as he saw Creedy run toward the strangers, grabbing children under each arm he ran back to the castle, deposited them and ran back. Quinn saw the dragon swoop and the floor suddenly lit up, Quinn watched Creedy hit the floor and tumble, mere yards away from the beast who was busy flaming the cowering men and devouring their ashes. Creedy was screaming something to them, as the remaining cowered behind rocks. Eventually he shook his head and ran back, grabbing another child and taking the hand of a woman. Once the children were safe he made to run back out after the men.
Quinn saw the dragon swoop low once more and grabbed Creedy, “Shut the gate”, he screamed, “You guys get everyone inside now!” He dragged Creedy with him. “Creedy there’s nothing you can do, that beast will be here soon, hurry!”
Quinn looked at Creedy and suddenly took him in, it seemed the dragon hadn’t missed him at all, his entire arm was stripped of its flesh, the ugly red sore glared at him. “Holy, s**t you need to get inside, Creedy look at me, stay awake”
Amidst the noise Creedy could hear woman screaming for their lost men, children crying in new surroundings and a dragons roaring in the distance, but he knew it was Quinn holding him, shouting something. Then he blacked out.

Creedy awoke in the castle, his eyes adjusted to the dim light of a candle near his bed. A sharp pain ran down his left arm, causing him to scream out. Looking down he saw his arm covered in bandages.
”Damn dragon”, he muttered, the events of three days ago flew back to him, the agony when he realised his arm was on fire, looking into the beast’s eyes as he picked himself back off the floor, defying the beast itself and refusing to die, he had grabbed another child, pain searing through him, and headed back to the castle.
Sitting up he shook his head, he had no idea how many had died out there; he couldn’t even remember the faces of those that he had saved. Throwing the blankets off himself he stood up and made for the door, bumping into Tina.
”Oh no you don’t”, Tina shoved him roughly backwards, “Quinn says you need rest and rest you’re getting, back in there please.”
”Tina” Creedy groaned, “I can’t sleep anymore, I need to breathe.”
Tina smiled, this man had saved her many years before from her burning town, saved her and educated her. Now she looked out for him whenever she could, he was like a father to her. Though he was only a few years older than her 28 years, she respected him immensely, so much that he had given her away at her wedding she had had within the castle. Life had to go on, were Quinn’s words as he joined her with her husband. True the marriages might not be in the eyes of God but where was their God when the devil let dragons lose on this earth.
”Sorry Creed, doctor’s orders”
”Quinn is not a bloody doctor.”
”Well he and Ma bandaged up your wee battered arm there, and I’ve been changing your clothes.”
”My clothes?” Creedy’s face burned crimson, “I always knew you wanted to get my clothes off, my lovely lass”
”Give over, I’ll be telling my Tommy about you wooing me Creedy!”
”I’ll be telling him about your stripping of me, when I’m asleep as well, good lord. I feel abused. How long have I been asleep anyway?”
”A few days, Ma put some opium we had left in your tea and that knocked you out.”
”Ohh”, Creedy shouted, “So I’ve been drugged and stripped - anything else happened to me while I’ve been out of it?? Oh you think you know some people. I’ve a good mind to walk you back to that burning mess and leave you there.”
”Oh please, you wanted to be awake while your arm was at its worst did you? Unbelievable! Well here’s a drink and I’ll go inform Quinn that sleeping beauty has woken, he’s been lost without his sidekick these last few days.”
”Why does he get to be the superhero?”
”He’s cuter.”
Tina closed the door, and heard muffled shouts as she walked off down toward the kitchens. Laughing to herself, injured or dying Creedy would still be able to put a smile on anyone’s face. Tina was glad of that, as the people whom he saved needed a smile more than any group she had met.

25 of them had set out, hearing about this place, and only 5 lived through the night to join their community. 3 of the children Creedy had saved had already severe burns and no hope of overcoming them. Most of the men were wiped out mere feet from the gate. All that remained was one very lucky married couple, who hadn’t let go of each others hands while running, 2 small children who had no relations at all, and were bringing tears to everyone asking where their daddy was. Quinn suspected their father must have sent the children on while he left himself as bait, or was simply ruthless and hid. Either way he was very dead. Last of all was Rosie, a sweet young Irish girl of 23 who had joined the group in hope of finding some shelter.

It was Rosie she bumped into as she headed to the kitchen, with the twins trailing her. Rosie held a girl on her hip, fresh tears stained the child’s face, and a boy held Rosie’s hand tightly. He was clearly holding back tears. The two seemed to have attached themselves to Rosie and it was easy to see why. Rosie was upbeat, optimistic and beautiful. Since she had been there, her laugh had rang through the cold corridors. She and Tina had made friends immediately.
”Is he awake now?” Rosie enquired, “I need to thank him, he saved me back there, and these little devils.”
”He is, yes.” Tina smiled at the children, “But I’d leave him to get more strength yet. Have these tinkers told you their names yet?”
”They certainly haven’t.” Rosie smiled at the two, placing the girl on the floor; they couldn’t be any older than 4 or 5. “I’ve been saying if they don’t give me names I’ll have to name them A and B. They aren’t very pretty names though are they. Oh well, it’s time to get A and B to bed anyways, Come on A - you too B”
Tins looked down and saw a rare smile cross the twins’ faces, as they clasped Rosie’s hands tightly and were lead to their beds.

Upon arriving at the kitchen, Tina saw Ma and Quinn sitting talking, while a few men and women sat on the tables further back eating what little they had for tea.
Ma was a big woman; she had found Creedy and Quinn years before, scrabbling about for food near her town, and had boxed their ears, believing them to be thieves. A few years later as she ran for her life, the memories of her husband’s charred body still in her mind she came across this castle. Creedy had immediately taken the woman in his arms and declared he was about to box her ears. After that she had taken control of the kitchen and other motherly duties.
”Creedy’s awake”
Quinn smiled, “I’ll bet he’s in pain is he?”
Tina laughed, “Oh I’ve been accused of drugging him, stripping him and apparently he’s the superhero and you’re his sidekick!”
Ma’s laugh circled the kitchen.
”Well” Quinn rose to his feet, “I’ll not have that, I’d better go and set him straight!”
Quinn struck a manly pose and swanked out of the kitchen.
”Well,” said Ma, “it’s rice or burnt rice, which ever takes your pick.”

This post has been edited by shibbydm: 20 August 2005 - 04:23 PM

[shibbydm]

Chapter 2

After a few more days bed rest Creedy was bouncing around with boredom, waiting to be let out of his cell. True to her word Ma arrived with fresh bandages, Quinn held him still while she changed them. People outside could hear Creedy’s screams of agony as she changed them. Quinn winced for him, with no painkillers at all, all they had been able to do was drug him to sleep, sleep being the only place the pain of his skin wouldn’t get to him. But it was healing slowly but surely.
After wards Ma hugged Creedy, as he blinked back tears.
”My brave boy”, Ma sighed.
”Can I go out and play now Ma?” Creedy blinked his eyes and pouted.
”Oww,” Ma softened, “Get away with you then, but don’t lift anything, or mess up that bandage!”
Creedy and Quinn ran out the room together like a pair of kids having found each other again. Quinn took Creedy to each of the people he had risked his life to help that fateful night a week back. The married couple turned out to be Pete and Jane, who thanked Creedy with all their hearts as Jane was expecting a child. Creedy just smiled and joked, until he was shown to little children who seemed terrified.
”Who do we have here then?” he questioned, kneeling on one knee to be on their eye level.
”This is A and B.” A pair of legs appeared before him, which the children grasped and hugged. Rising to his feet Creedy got his first look at Rosie.
”The little devils won’t tell me their names so they are A and B to me.” Then Rosie addressed the children. “You two go on now while I talk to this man. Go on, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be right here!”
Creedy watched the twins eye him up, then glance around. Clearly unsure of their surroundings, they took each other’s hands and plodded off toward a group of children who were being told a story by Jane.
”They haven’t spoken a word since they found out their daddy isn’t coming back.”
Creedy’s eyes flew back to Rosie. “Not a word?”
”Nope, they are like two little ghosts, they barely eat, they sheep me and refuse to be separated. I’m really worried for them.”
Creedy stared down at the young woman in front of him. “So you’re their angel now.”
Rosie turned his eyes back to the man in front of her. “I guess so, but you are mine. You didn’t have to come out there and save us but you did, and I'm eternally in your debt.”
”No problem”. Creedy shook the hand she held out to him. “It was fun, I haven’t been waited on hand and foot for years. If I’d known all I have to do was face a dragon and burn my arm I would have done it years ago.”
Rosie giggled and pushed him away.
Creedy yelled out in pain, “Oh God!” Rosie held him gently. “I didn’t know... I thought it was your other arm.”
Suddenly healed, Creedy smiled, “It was.” Rosie had a word on her lips to describe his humour but the twins had run back over and were hiding behind her once more.
”Evil,” she laughed. “Anyway, I had better get these terrors down for a nap, I’ll speak to you soon…”
”Creedy”, Creedy smiled. “Dave Creedy”
”OK I’ll see you soon, Dave”
”It’s Creedy.”
”OK, Dave.”
With that Rosie grabbed her little charges and headed to the dorms.
Quinn had watched his friend across the room, waiting until Rosie had left he strolled over, digging Creedy in the arm.
”Jesus” Creedy gripped his arm, “OK, that was actually my left arm!”
”Oh sorry mate, I saw Rosie do it and thought everyone was allowed. Didn’t that hurt you?”
Creedy’s eyes told his pain. “I almost cried, but I didn’t want her to know she had hurt me.”
”Silly sod. Well was it worth losing half your arm then?”
Creedy looked over and saw Rosie and the twins disappear up the stairs.
”Oh yeah, it was worth it. Now do I get a hero’s drink? Where’s my black label?”
”You can have a Sidekicks drink matey boy.”
Laughing they headed toward the kitchen.

A few weeks later Creedy had his bandages off, his arm was clearly scarred and not properly healed, but it was bearable to touch.
”Real heroes have scars Quinn, you know that.”
Quinn dropped his pickaxe and stood facing Creedy. The sun was beating on them both as they dug, topless and sweating like mad. Quinn welcomed this break.
”What heroes do you know that have scars, Creed?”
Creedy leaned against a pile of rock and thought hard.
”The Joker, The Phantom of the Opera...er.. me!”
”The Joker was a villain; Batman was the hero there. The Phantom was a menace, and you are my side-kick so your theory falls on its arse there.”
Creedy gasped, “Batman sucked, he was the worst superhero ever, all he did was dress as a bat and hang from roofs! The Joker was a legend! And as for the Phantom... he was just misunderstood.”
”Well, yes one can’t really understand murder and obsession.”
”If you want to be a hero I can give you a scar Quinn.”
”Alright but just a small one, OK? Don’t damage my sexy hero face!”
Creedy choked on laughter. “Look pretty boy, lasses want rugged sexy men….. with scars, like myself if you will.”
”Well one lass does.”
Creedy looked around wildly and smiled when he saw Rosie walking toward them, carrying two glasses of water. The twins were running about behind her, they had come a long way since Creedy had first set eyes on them, they didn’t talk but they weren’t so pale looking anymore.
”Here you are boys, courtesy of Ma and myself. It was time to give these devils some air so I thought you might need a drink. Please tip your waitress.”
Smiling Quinn and Creedy took the offered glasses and drank them eagerly.
”What are you up to today then, lass?” Creedy’s eyes bore down on Rosie as he awaited her answer.
”Ohh” she sighed, “nothing important, I’ll help Ma cook tea, and then try coaxing A and B to talk I guess. Tonight however us three will be seeing you fine gentlemen onstage. 6.00 is it? What treats are we to witness?”
Quinn laughed. “We haven’t decided between Batman or Phantom of the Opera yet, we have our scarred villain for both…but we aren’t sure.”
Rosie’s eyes flicked between the two. “I thought it was a bedtime story. Isn’t the Phantom a wee bit complex?”
”But sexy.” Creedy butted in, “women love a scar right?”
Rosie shook her head. “Nutters! Come on A, come on B - we aren’t staying around here with these crazy men. It’s not right, we’ll start to go funny.”
Creedy stuck his tongue out at the wee boy in front of him. “I’ll bet these bairns can talk perfectly, they just can’t get a word in edgeways with you around here.”
Rosie glared at Creedy and took him and Quinn’s glasses back. “Watch it, Dave.”
”Ohh” Quinn laughed, “Dave hey! She means business.”
Laughing Rosie walked off with A following closely. Creedy noticed that B, the wee boy, had no intention of leaving.
”B? Come on, lad!” Rosie shouted.
”Why don’t you leave him if he wants to stay” Creedy shouted back. “We could always use another pair of hands, ehy lad?”
B shot Creedy a smile.
”Alright then.” Rosie was confused, B hadn’t left her side for weeks now. “But you will look after him, won’t you Creed?”
”Like he was my own.” Creedy held his hand out to B, uncertain of how the boy would react. B didn’t move, he simply bent over and picked up a small rock. He carried it to where he had watched Creedy and Quinn moving bigger rocks, then he stopped and waited.
Creedy withdrew his hand. “Nice one lad, I know me and Quinn were trying to work out how we would move the little ones. See, we can move the big rocks easy enough but the little ones just slip through our fingers!”
B smiled again and spent the evening moving rubble with the two men he now looked up to as fathers.

This post has been edited by shibbydm: 19 August 2005 - 06:27 PM

[shibbydm]

Chapter 3

Creedy strolled along at dusk with B trailing him.
”Right lad, time we got ourselves in and got us some working man’s dinner, ehy?”
Creedy had got used to talking to himself all day, he knew the child could hear him well enough. “I’ll bet it’s rice again, and I’ll have some of my own specially brewed substance, then I’ll hit my bed.”
Creedy noticed B wasn’t at his side, turning around he saw the boy had stopped and was staring out over the castle fences to the setting sun. Creedy walked over and sat beside him.
B turned and sat down a few inches away from Creedy. Then he changed his mind and leaned in, leaning against his chest he pulled Creedy into a hug.
Creedy sat, holding this little boy watching the sun go down. He could feel a tiny heartbeat against his own and hugged him tighter.
”My Daddy isn’t coming back is he?”
Creedy stayed completely still, amazed that the boy had such a strong voice, yet such a tiny body. “Has he gone to mummy? With the angels?”
Creedy had never been particularly religious, but a simple lie could help this child.
”Your mother is surely an angel now boy, and your father will be at her side, watching you.”
”Dragons have wings, are dragons like bad angels?”
”I suppose you could go with that yeah!, Anyway, little B shall we go inside?”
B had gone very quiet again, Creedy lifted him off the floor and walked with him in his arms. “It’ll be alright B, I’ll look after you.”
B smiled, “And I will look after Rosie for you.”
Creedy laughed. “Yeah you keep your eye on that madam for me, you can be my little partner in crime.”


After supper Creedy and Quinn were in the corridor preparing their piece for the kids, when Rosie appeared with A and B at her side.
”Was he OK for you today Dave?”
”Sure, he was fine.” Creedy battled within whether to tell her B had spoken but he didn’t want to betray the boy’s confidence. It was clear the boy had a lot of questions, he hadn’t spoken a word since they entered the castle. Looking down at him now, his eyes pleaded for silence.
”We moved rocks, threw rocks, dropped rocks, it was a grand day.”
Rosie smiled, “Why don’t you two go and get a seat with the other children?”
A and B ran off hand in hand, Quinn followed and set up the stage.
”So...” Rosie leaned against the wall beside Creedy. “What treat am I in store for?”.
Creedy’s eyes twinkled. Quinn’s voice boomed over the children as he began his speech about a galaxy far, far away.
”You want a treat from Creedy, ehy lass?” Without warning he leant down and kissed Rosie on the lips, then ran onto the stage to take his role as Luke Skywalker.
”I saw that.” Ma’s voice appeared next to Rosie.
”I didn’t expect that... he..” Rosie was lost for words, her heart was racing. “He shouldn’t have done that, and I shall give him a piece of my mind after his performance.”
Ma laughed. “I bet you will. Right shall we get a seat?”
As Rosie watched Creedy being trained to use a light sabre, she looked around the children. Star Wars was nothing new to her, but to these it was a new fantasy. These poor children born into a world ruled by dragons had no knowledge of how great mankind once was. Would they ever?
Suddenly B held her hand tight and smiled at her, she pulled him into a hug and watched Creedy play the fool for the children’s sake.
”Creedy likes you. You should like him too.”
Rosie stared speechless for the second time that night at B in her arms; he was staring at Creedy with admiration.

After Creedy and Quinn had taken a bow, they blatantly lied about being the creators of Star Wars. Rosie observed the children sit on their knees. The laughter had left the room.

What do we do when we are awake?
Keep two eyes on the sky.
What do we do when we sleep?
Keep one eye on the sky.
What do we do when we see them?
Dig hard, dig deep, go for shelter, and never look back.

Rosie had tears in her eyes, this was the life these children had to live with. With one prayer created by Creedy he was preparing them for the years ahead. Suddenly she felt suffocated and ran out of the room, not even looking behind her.
Once outside she breathed heavy and openly wept.
Crying for the unfairness of the situation she was stuck in, crying for her recently dead parents, her dear grandmother. She wept for her brother and his friends who used to tease her and pull her hair. She cried for Ireland, its once beautiful land that was scorched until it was unrecognisable, causing her to flee.
She cried so much she wasn’t able to control her breathing until it was just hiccups and gulps of air, she lay on the cold uncomforting rock of the castle and stared to the skies.

Creedy hadn’t noticed Rosie leave, but did find two hysterical twins weeping, thinking they had been left again. Creedy stared down at them, they were silent tears on the children’s faces. Anger coursed though him. “Come now kids, how am I supposed to call you brats and avoid you if you never make a sound?”
B ran to him and hugged his leg. “She’s gone, Creedy.”
Taking example from her brother A did the same. Creedy smiled and began to walk, easily carrying the two twins around with him, as they clung to his legs.
”Well my little devils”, Creedy’s Irish accent wasn’t perfect but he saw B smiling, “We shall just have to find our unruly nanny won’t we? Where can she be? I know she wouldn’t have gone far without you two cherubs!! So ..” Creedy then caught Ma’s face as she walked toward them, looking solemn.
”Kids, Rosie has gone to have a wash before her bed, she’s asked me to put you to bed. Will you come with your Ma now?”
Both twins shook their heads and gripped onto Creedy’s legs, pinching him unintentionally.
”Argh hey, no pinching alright - how about me and Ma take you to bed, hey?”
The twins didn’t really have a choice as Creedy began to stride toward the stairs with a twin on each leg.
”Why, I’ll have to get me some of these twin things Ma, muscle builders they are, my legs will be like a superhero’s this time next week. Not that they aren’t superhero’s legs of course, they must be as they are attached to myself.”
Quinn heard this and shouted something about Creedy having chicken legs. Shocked Creedy stopped and turned around lugging the twins with him.
”You, good sir, are a villain.” Creedy was pointing to Quinn, to the amusement of all the children headed to their beds.
”As a superhero I shall silence your mouth over a game of cards, a serious game as well this time - we’ll bet our hero outfits!”
Quinn laughed, “I haven’t seen you in your tights for a while, but fine. I pick the game.”
”See that kids?” Creedy addressed the twins, “Now he will pick a really hard game now.” Creedy swung his legs back around and heaved himself to the stairs. “And no doubt he will cheat, and your poor uncle Creedy will lose his PVC superhero outfit. A villain through and through.”
Ma heard both twins laughing, which was a heart-warming sound. Creedy’s voice was still booming round the corridors as he shouted Ma was feeding these kids far too much.

This post has been edited by shibbydm: 19 August 2005 - 06:27 PM

[luvphantom]

Hey I like that, will there be more (hopeful expression)

[shibbydm]

You wish is my command.

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Chapter 4

Creedy searched the grounds high and low for Rosie, until he saw a shape huddled in a cove in the castle wall. It was a spot he felt comforted by himself - from up there you had a great view of the landscape, destroyed as it was it was still breathtaking. He liked to sit there and watch.

Quinn noticed Creedy staring up and walked over to him, “Well.” he boomed, making Creedy curse. “I think it’s your watch now, only til 12... I’ll come and take over from then. That OK?”
”Sure, sure,” Creedy nodded, “if I can get my space back”, Signalling with his head, Quinn followed the gesture of Rosie’s huddled figure.
”Are the kids in bed now?” Quinn scratched his beard.
”Yeah, she just left them, they were hysterical!” Creedy started to walk toward the castle, “anyway I’ll keep my eyes on the skies as ever.”
Quinn watched Creedy enter the castle and hugged himself for warmth. Hunger gnawed at his bones and he decided to stop by the kitchen and see if Tina and Ma would feed him. Then he could get a few hours sleep before watch. With one last scour of the skies he headed toward the kitchens.

Rosie jumped as she saw Creedy walking toward her.
”How dare you steal my spot Rosie, I think you must be lying in wait for me, I don’t take to being stalked! This is my place to sit and feel sorry for myself.”
Creedy’s eyes smiled down at her, and Rosie felt more tears brimming.
Scooting over she invited him to sit beside her, which he did, pulling her into a hug at the same time.
”It’s not as bad as all that Rosie, it’s really not. We’re doing OK.”
”Oh Dave, I just feel so stranded, where are we going, what are we going to do? The children don’t even know what running around on a summer’s day feels like.”
Creedy pulled her to his lap and leaned back against the wall, she wrapped her arms about him and lay on his shoulder, both staring out to the skies.
”You know, when me and Quinn first found this place we just squatted here for awhile, then some half starved women appeared and we welcomed them. Since then Ma appeared, children ran here. We’ve had people trying to steal our food, kill us, ambush our home. We never expected such a close community to be formed within these walls. Yet suddenly we’re all here, together and we have to make the most of that.”
Creedy shifted around to face her, “These kids might not have grass or dogs or summer’s days. But they have a sense of family, a sense of togetherness, and love.”
Comforted, Rosie smiled and hugged him fiercely.
”Plus they have Star Wars, me and Quinn refuse to deny them that!”
Rosie’s laugh echoed in the castle.
”Rosie sweetie, you’re the rosiest of all the roses, and I’ve never seen you downhearted in the few short weeks I’ve known you. Nor have you ever ran out on the twins like that and scared me half to death, are you OK?”
Rosie’s face dropped, “Oh lord, the twins!”
Rosie jumped to her feet, but Creedy caught her arm, “It’s OK, I’ve put them to bed, they think you had a wash and an early night.”
Rosie stared at Creedy. “You put them to bed?”
”Hey I’m not just an impressive superhero you know!”
Rosie smiled as he pulled her closer. “You’re a fine figure of a man Dave Creedy. Thank you, you’ve said everything I needed to hear tonight.”
Creedy lowered his face to hers. “And you are everything I need right now”.
Again he stole a kiss, but this was reciprocated, it was long and deep.
Rosie pulled back and gasped, her whole body felt on fire.
”I’ve a good mind to tell Ma about this kiss-stealing habit of yours, and without asking, sir I find you rude and ..”
Rosie gave up her joke and threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around him she explored his mouth with her tongue, pulling on his hair at the same time.
Creedy’s hands grabbed her waist and rose up her back, causing her to tingle with anticipation.
Suddenly the hawk shrieked, Creedy and Rosie pulled away. Creedy’s eyes turned cold as he spotted a dark looming figure in the sky headed toward the castle, on the floor he could see men running around extinguishing the lights.
Rosie was bewildered, Creedy recalled that the last time this had happened Rosie was being saved, she wasn’t aware of how this worked.
Turning on her he held her arms and looked in her eyes. “Go to the nursery help get the children in the bunker, don’t look back, don’t waste time, get in the bunker and say there.”
Rosie hesitated. “What about you, where are you going?”
Creedy began shoving her forward, “I’ll follow you down, no more talking - just go, go!”
Rosie stared at him, he had never shouted before. But she did as she was told, the castle was almost empty by the time she reached the nursery. She saw Ma insisting the children hold hands and follow her. Rosie’s eyes scanned for her twins. Unable to find them she screamed for them, until Ma grabbed her and dragged her to the bunker.
”Where are they, Ma?
”Someone else must have taken them, they will be there. Come on, we are running out of time.”
The hawk’s shrieks became more frequent; a sure sign the dragon was getting closer.

Rosie was lead to a hole in the ground, looking around wildly for her twins. The room below ground was huge. Littered with straw and beds it had clearly been designed for overnight stays. Glancing around she saw a smaller room leading off, in there were the children,. Many of them clearly used to this ordeal had already fallen asleep in the straw. Her heart rose when she saw A running towards her, but where was B?
“Where’s your brother?” Rosie held the small child, “Come on now, talk! Dammit! Where is he? We need to find your brother – it’s not safe out there. A - please talk to me!” Tears were streaming down Rosie’s face.
A cocked her head and opened her mouth. “Creedy...” came a whisper.

At that point Quinn and several other men clamoured into the bunker. Creedy wasn’t among them. 2 huge men were holding Quinn in his seat. He was clearly upset. ”He’s a damn fool, we need to go back for him.”
Rosie ran over, “Where’s Creedy? What’s going on?”
Quinn stared at Rosie, “He’s gone after that damn twin of yours” He then advanced on the woman who slept in with the children. “Why was that boy not counted? He wasn’t in his bed - Creedy spotted him frozen to the spot near the lookout point!”
One of the men interrupted, “We’re not going back out there Quinn, it’s too dangerous, and all we can do is hope and pray.”
Quinn looked at Rosie whose world had clearly just been torn from her. Biting his rage and fear for Creedy he walked over and embraced her. “Creedy’s a damn dragon magnet, but I’m sure he’ll be fine. He knows this castle better than any of us, he knows where to hide if need be”
”What do we do now?”
”We wait, there’s no sign of life out there now except Creedy and that boy, If they keep hidden the dragon should pass on. It’s not worth thinking about the alternative.”

This post has been edited by shibbydm: 19 August 2005 - 06:28 PM

[shibbydm]

Chapter 5

Creedy pressed himself harder against the rock, clutching B tightly to his chest. Never before had he been thankful B barely said a word.
Creedy was gagging with the smell of the dragon, it was close on their tail, scouring for life around the castle, where minutes before Creedy had snatched the terrified child and dived in a hole in the wall.

A dragon’s smell, as Creedy discovered, wasn’t fragrant. More like death, but warmed up. With each hot breath the dragon exhaled, dust flew up and that smell of rotting flesh filled the air. Again Creedy baulked, yet he dare not move. Swallowing the bile that rose he slowly turned to peer around the corner. From where he was huddled he could see the bunker, but he dared not run out yet. Sliding down the wall he sat on the floor and held B close to his chest. The dragon was still hunting around the walls, it only needed to spot B and himself and they would be ash in seconds.
B wrapped himself around Creedy and lay his head on his shoulder, he wasn’t fully aware of what was going on but he couldn’t find his sister. Closing his eyes he pictured his little twin and began to drift asleep. Creedy smiled at the wheezing sounds coming from the sleeping child, and lay his head on him. Much as he would have loved to have dropped off to sleep, and not worry about the flesh melting monster a few meters away, his will to live overpowered him. Rising to his feet he lifted the child and again slowly put his head around the corner. The dragon’s back was turned, Creedy wasn’t sure he could make it but he couldn’t hang around any longer.
Taking one last gulp of rancid air, he gripped B hard and ran for their lives.

This post has been edited by shibbydm: 19 August 2005 - 06:28 PM

[shibbydm]

Chapter 6

Creedy lay in Rosie’s lap, trying desperately to get settled, get relaxed, reliving his desperation to escape death and reach the bunker in his head. He had been reckless, he had nearly gotten himself and B killed, yet while he lay here with Rosie stroking his hair it seemed worth it.

As Creedy ran, the sudden jolt had woken B up who had cried out for his father. Creedy’s blood froze but he kept running. When he reached the bunker he kicked it, furiously screaming.
The dragon had turned and was staring at them. At that moment Creedy knew they were dead, until hands had grabbed him from behind and pulled him down, slamming the door shut. Creedy fell to the floor cracking his head on the rocks and again he blacked out.

When he awoke, everyone was deathly silent, he was lying where he fell with Rosie above him. Tears were falling down her face and she had blood on her hands.
Creedy realised he had cut his head open, and felt faint and sick. But B was safe, he could see the child huddled with his sister in the corner of his eye.

Nausea crept up him and he felt himself baulk, he tried to sit up.
”No, God, Dave please, please stay where you are, you can’t lose more blood just wait, please stay.”
Creedy began to lie back down, Rosie dived under him and cradled his head.
”Rosie?”, Creedy held out his hand, which Rosie grasped. “B is safe right? You’re safe?”
”We’re fine Creedy, we are.”
”Quinn’s safe?”
”Quinn’s took men, they are going to find bandages in the castle.”
”Why? Why risk his life, it’s out there waiting. Toying with us...”
”Quinn doesn’t care, you need to live, Dave. Dave? Open your eyes Dave.”
”Sorry, Rosie my rose I’m just sleepy, and I’ve got a banging headache.”
”Understandably” Rosie smiled and stroked his hair. “It’s not a deep cut, it’s just gushing blood. Quinn says you should be fine, we just need to bandage it, and you mustn’t fall asleep.”
”I won’t, Rosie.”

When Quinn returned, he found Creedy lying in Rosie’s arms staring up at her. Though Rosie was smiling back Creedy couldn’t see her dress soaked with blood where he lay. Her eyes looked up at Quinn, pleading.

Ma rolled Creedy face down and cleaned his wound as best she could with the water and clean rags Quinn had brought. Then with a needle and thread she sewed up his wound, trying to ignore his whimpers of pain.
All throughout, Rosie held Creedy’s hand, not shouting out when his grip became unbearable.

Creedy rolled over and stared at Rosie who had sat up all night with him, stroking his hair and whispering thanks in his ear.
”Every time a dragon appears you and yours seem to get me injured.”
”I’m sorry Dave, but you should leave the superhero work to Quinn then, shouldn’t you?”
”Hey, a sidekick can never do a hero’s work, have I taught you nothing!”
Rosie smiled, “How can you be joking at a time like this? I nearly lost you tonight.”
”But you didn’t, I’ll be fine. Plus I have another hero’s scar I shall flaunt shamelessly tomorrow. Bloody hurts though.”
”Will you shut up about bloody heroes, Dave.”
”Yes mum.”
”Go to sleep.”
Creedy lifted himself off Rosie’s lap and shoved her down on the straw, lying behind her he wrapped his arms round her slender frame and kissed her neck.
”I’m not going anywhere, Rosie.”

A and B sat staring from afar.
”Tom?” whispered A, “Do you think Rosie and Creedy will be like mummy and daddy?”
Tom’s face became solemn. “I think Lucy, it’s best we think of them as mummy and daddy now.”
Hand in hand the little twins walked over to the sleeping couple and pushed in between them. Creedy woke, the pain in his head unbearable, but seeing the twins made him smile and scoot over. Finally with the twins between them and their arms around both Creedy and Rosie fell into a deep sleep

This post has been edited by shibbydm: 19 August 2005 - 06:29 PM

[shibbydm]

Chapter 7

Creedy collapsed into his bed after a long days digging, thumping his head on the wall. “Ow!”, he cursed his clumsiness. The last thing he needed was Ma fussing over his head again. It was practically healed, but she insisted on cleaning it and checking the stitches hadn’t come loose.
After that night in the bunker, he had seen very little of Rosie, at first he hadn’t noticed, his workload having doubled due to mending the wreck the dragon left behind. But gradually he had begun to miss her.
Even now he longed to hold her again, to steal a kiss. But his stubborn side was winning. He had told her he needed her. He wanted her, and she hadn’t been near. A part of him lay stabbed and hurt. So Creedy lay bored and alone in his bed, drifting into an uneasy sleep.

Rosie closed the door on her sleeping twins and tip toed along the corridor. Sticking to the shadows she crept past many bedrooms until she found Creedy’s. Rosie woke an hour or so ago with a deep need for him. Not understanding what that meant she was determined to find out. Taking a deep breath she pushed the door ajar. Peering in she saw Creedy, half hanging out the bed, snoring like a pig. Smiling she crept round the door and closed it. Admiring the half naked man in front of her she walked slowly over and ran her fingers along his chest. Creedy moaned, still asleep. Rosie giggled watching him squirm under her touch, trying to move his body away from the nails. Leaning in she stole a kiss, tasting his lips. “Rosie,” he breathed. Then smiling he began to turn over. Unsatisfied Rosie bared her nails and dug them hard into his chest.
”Argh!” Creedy sat up and stared at Rosie. “Rosie - what are you doing here? I was…!” Creedy surveyed the room, as if he had never seen it before. “So we weren’t on an island then? Just me and you?”
Grinning, Rosie leaned forward and kissed him again.
”I’ve missed you.” she uttered.
”Yeah about that, it’s not like you can avoid me Rosie, we live in a small castle in the middle of nowhere and we can’t leave. Why ignore me?”
Creedy flung his legs over the bed and ran his fingers through his hair. Breathing heavy, he turned and grabbed Rosie’s hand, locking his fingers into hers.
”Are you OK?”
”I’m fine.” Rosie stroked his hand. “I’m really fine. I wanted to be sure of how I felt for you, and I can’t do that when I’m around you.”
”You can’t?”
”No, when I’m around you, I want to kiss you, and hold you, and hit you and love you.”
”Hit me and love me? Hmm that’s wrong love.”
”See your always making me laugh, and I can’t think straight.”
Creedy adopted a solemn expression. “Alright, I’ll be like B, no more talking.”
”Tom”, Rosie corrected him.
”What?”
”His name is Tom, he told me. Little A is called Lucy. I think they are at home now.”
Creedy smiled, “Are you?”
Leaning forward Rosie stole Creedy’s lips for her own. “I am now, Dave”.

Rosie sighed as Creedy’s hands explored her body, carefully stripping her clothes, and his own.. Creedy kissed her neck and sucked her ear lobe gently. Her hands explored his back, tracing patterns. Suddenly still, Creedy lay over her looking down. He kissed her forehead gently. Rosie lifted her hand to his face and stroked his cheek, tears brimmed her eyes. Desperately she tried blinking them back.
”What’s wrong, love?”, Creedy pulled back.
”Nothing.” she said, pulling him back, “It’s just...well this is my first time and I’m scared.”
Creedy was lost for words. Rising up he moved away from her.
”No please, I want this, I want you. It’s just we’ve no protection, and I’m scared it will hurt that’s all. Plus we aren’t married. But I don’t care, Dave. Don’t leave.”
”No, your right, things have to be done properly. I’m so stupid, I want you so much I forgot what I really want from you.”.
Standing up he rooted around his room. Giving in he looked at his own hand, and removed a gold band he had owned all his life. Noosing it through a piece of string he walked toward Rosie.
Kneeling down he looked into her eyes, and held a homemade necklace toward her.
”Rosie”, He smiled, “I … love you. I want us to be us forever, I want us to be together, I want you to be my wife.”

This post has been edited by shibbydm: 19 August 2005 - 06:29 PM

[shibbydm]

Chapter 8

The wedding was a highlight of the year for the community. All stood around and watched Rosie and Creedy swear to love and care for each other. Tom and Lucy stood to attention. Lucy as bridesmaid, Tom as pageboy. Quinn hugged his friend before his best mans speech. Ma had presented the food as best she could along a table; candles were lit all around the main room. Giving it a special glow. Creedy looked down upon Rosie and his heart grew, leading her to the centre of the room he bowed and offered his hand to dance. Folks who had made guitars years ago played music.
The community held their breaths as Creedy and Rosie slowly danced together, neither had danced before but they moved with all the grace of a couple in love, perfectly in time. Rosie’s head was against Creedy’s shoulder as he held her. A part of Creedy was sad for this day, he couldn’t meet Rosie’s father and ask permission, he couldn’t get Rosie a beautiful white dress, he couldn’t shower her in flowers and presents. None of that seemed to matter to her though, she had washed her hair an carefully styled it with Ma’s help. A simple clean dress was all she needed, she looked beautiful in anything to him.
A heavily pregnant Tina sang with all her heart tears streamed down her face as she watched Creedy finally settle down. She loved this man with all her heart, and knew he would be looked after with Rosie’s love.
After she sang her last word, the couple twirled around one final time then came together and kissed deeply. The castle was alive with applause and shouting.
The small band kicked into a faster tune, and everyone was up dancing, Clinking their glasses overflowing with Creedy’s black label. The children ran round like wildcats, screaming and laughing.

Hours later the party was in full swing, Rosie was being hugged by Ma, who was in tears also. Watching Creedy wed was like losing a son.
”I wish you all the luck and love in the world, you’re a great couple”.
Rosie smiled, and looked over at her new husband,. Who was being chased by a swarm of children all demanding a dance with him. Rosie watched him give up and have children jump on him. He picked up the youngest and knelt down so another could leap on his back. Lucy and Tom were hanging off his legs. People moved from the floor to let this mass of children through, and laughed when Creedy spun them round wildly.
Eventually Rosie began to miss holding him and walked over to his side.
”Agh kiddies, if it isn’t my dearly beloved, I think ill have to dance with her now.”
Then children jumped off him, dizzy and tired. They all carpet to the corner and watched with amusement as Creedy grabbed Rosie and lifted her up spinning her just as wildly as he had done the children.
”Dave” She screamed, laughing, “Put me down you madman” .
Creedy placed her on her feet and kissed her again, pulling her toward him.
Quinn whistled loudly, “Get a room”. Creedy winked.

It was almost 12 when Ma decided it was time the children settled down, and everyone left the couple to be alone.
Creedy breathed a sigh of relief as people patted him on the back on their way to their rooms. He had wanted Rosie to himself all day.
Creedy had given a lot of thought to this night, it wasn’t like they could go on a honeymoon somewhere hot and scenic. But he wanted her to remember it fondly.
Taking her hand he lead her up stairs.
”Come on Rose, I have something to show you”
Rosie was feeling sick with nerves, this was the part she was dreading, oh she wanted Creedy badly, she was looking forward to consummating their relationship, she wasn’t however looking forward to the pain she would have to go through in order to do so. Her mother had told her tales of indescribable pain. Half of Rosie thought that was her mother making sure she stayed pure, but it had stuck.
”Dave where are we going?” Rosie held His hand as he lead her away from his room and up toward the tower. One up there Rosie smiled.
Candles were littered about the place, along with a roaring fire. Blankets and cushions were placed in the middle. Rosie let out a yelp of joy and ran and dived into them. Flicking off her shoes she reached over to the two glasses and handed one to Creedy.
Creedy stood and admired his new wife, taking the glass from her, he threw off his own shoes and joined her on the floor.
”This is wonderful Dave, I never expected this” Letting out a sigh of comfort she lay back, staring up at the stars.
”I wanted you to remember this day and this night and me”
Stroking his face Rosie leant in and kissed him.
”This has been the happiest moment of my life, I’ll never forget it, or you. Ever.”
”I realise I’m unforgettable”, Rosie pinched his chest. “Ow, alright you are too”
”I’ll happily grow old and wrinkly with you and never forget this night or how much I love you”
”That’s good, because now you are my wife, I want 8 children, dinner on the table, massages on demand, ..” Creedy never got to finish his list he was too busy jumping to his feet and running around wildly.
”That’s bloody freezing! You’ve just lost one point in your wife game”
Rosie laughed and stared at his wet crotch, then her empty glass. Standing to her feet she strode over to her prey, pushing him against the wall.
Creedy peered behind him, they were very high up, he turned back with a glint in his eye.
”As my husband” Rosie began, “You must make me dinner, I want kisses and love on demand, I want hugs and snuggles, I want to be loved and cherished.”
Creedy grabbed her and swung her around, “I’ll do all that happily my sweet, your mine now and I will adore you forever”. Creedy placed her back on the cushions and stroked her face gently.
”I’ll treat you like a princess my little Creedy” Rosie smiled and kissed him. Suddenly shivering, she pulled Creedy closer to her.
”Ok Mrs. Creedy. Do you want to go back inside now? Are you cold?”
”No” Rosie sighed, all her fears were gone now, she looked into the eyes of the man above her, she wanted to please him however she could. Blushing she imagined what sort of a night this was going to be, pulling him into a kiss, she pressed herself against him. “ I want to stay here with you. I want you Dave”.
”Your so beautiful Rosie” Creedy whispered.
”I love you Creedy, make love to me”

A week or so later Quinn noticed Creedy yawning during work.
”You alright mate? You tired or something?”
Creedy flushed “Fine, just not getting much sleep”
Quinn laughed and winked, “So Rosie’s wearing you out then is she.”
”She was such an innocent girl when I met her, then she had a lot of questions and now I don’t have a choice in the matter. I’m her slave Quinn, used and abused. But there’s no way I’m complaining”
”Not much of a superhero then ehy?”
”Not outside the bedroom anyway” Creedy laughed, “Oh speaking of my little wifely woman I wonder what she’s doing? I’m missing her”
”Probably wondering how she became so corrupt. Poor lass.”
”Hey she had corrupted me!”

Rosie was in the kitchen talking to Tina. Both in fits of laughter, until Ma walked in.
”Hey hey what’s the joke!”
Rosie and Tina blushed, “Nothing really.”
”Oh I see, talk of your men is it, well I was young once you know!”
”Never” exclaimed Rosie, Laughing as she dodged the potato thrown at her.
”Well” Laughed Tina, “Poor Creedy isn’t allowed sleep anymore put it that way.”
Ma let out a hearty chuckle, “Poor man”
”I cant help it” Rosie blushed again, “I was really nervous at first but now… I cant stop. Aww I love him so much, I wonder what he’s doing?”
”Probably asleep beside a rock” Tina laughed again, “Right I’m off to announce dinner is ready, ill be back to dish up in two ticks!”

Hearing the bell, Quinn and Creedy threw down their shovels and proceeded to shove each other out of the way, punching and pinching, in an attempt to get to the kitchen first. Quinn made it through the door, only to feel Creedy dive on his back.
Everyone eating their dinner was treated to Quinn running round the tables yelling, “Get off get off, you fat git!”
”How dare you” Responded Creedy holding on tighter, “I’m staying here so I can see over your shoulder, check your not getting more food than me”
Eventually Quinn lost his balance and both men fell backwards into a heap on the floor. Looking up Quinn and Creedy met the eyes or Ma and Rosie, who were stood with hands on hips.
”That is 2 more points taken off you dear husband.”
”What he on?” Asked Quinn.
”Well minus 2 now” laughed Creedy who jumped up and grabbed Rosie hugging her. “Now my beloved, tell me what have you been up to today?”
”Oh ive been shopping, got some new shoes, some throw pillows for the sofa, you know….usual day”
”Spiffing my darling, I’ve been in the office, firing people and eating huge doughnuts”
Ma and Quinn shook their heads and they watched the couple link arms and stride to the kitchen demanding Quail and Duck for starters.
”They couldn’t be any madder could they Ma?”
”Or any better suited” Ma smiled and helped Quinn off the floor.

This post has been edited by shibbydm: 19 August 2005 - 06:29 PM

[shibbydm]

Chapter 9

”Ma do we still have that huge tin bath thing we used to drown the children in?”. Creedy was throwing things out of his way as he hunted around.
”We used to bath the children Creedy, you tried to drown them, and yes its around here somewhere. Why?”
”I need it”, Creedy started hunting behind cupboards and under chairs.
”Urgh, its not going to be under a chair is it?”
”Well I could be searching for days then Ma!”
The old woman heaved herself off her chair, “I’ll bloody find it. Not sure what state it will be in though, never gets used anymore after you created that wonderful skinny dipping in the lake game!”
”It was a quicker way of washing the little parasites; bah I wish I was still allowed to play in the lake. Quinn and me had a fine water polo team set up you know. Only no one wanted to play”. Creedy rubbed his beard, walking over the fire he flumped down and sat looking thoughtful.
”That’s because it was freezing water Creedy, you get in, clean and out. Why aren’t you allowed to play with the kids anymore?”
”Oh some of the girls started to question my gender, asking weird questions. Boys were ok with girls being different but oh no the girls had to stand and point. I decided to stop playing then, and Tina cleans them all now.”
Ma laughed, “I’d forgotten about that, I’ll always remember little gene coming in and asking what was between your legs!”
Creedy grinned, “They grew up far too fast. Mind she’s still as nosy as ever; eleven years old and she wanted to know how babies were made. I left that one to Tina”
”You left what to me?” Tina entered carrying a armful of washing which was thrown into the huge vat of slowly boiling water. “Creedy come on I need your personals, wash week!”
”I’ll do it tomorrow”
”Now please, and hurry. Can you grab Rosie’s too”
”Ohh now I can’t be touching Rosie’s personals” Creedy laughed, satisfied she couldn’t answer back to that one.
”From what I’ve heard she cant keep her hands off yours, now go fetch”
Tina stood and shoved Creedy toward the door, his mouth wide open in shock.
”Well Mrs Tina, wait until I have a word with your Tommy, and my beloved, discussing us at length were you!”
”We said nothing about length Creed!”
”Tina you get in here and wash your mouth”, Ma couldn’t breathe, the look of shock on Creedy’s face was too much.

Creedy laughed his way to his room. Which had now become him and Rosie’s room. Walking in he sniffed the air, and remained still. He knew she was in here, he could sense her. But she was hiding.
”Fi Fie fo thumb I smell the scent of an Irish…plum!”
”PLUM?” came an outraged cry from under the bed. Crawling out Rosie glared at him. “I am not plum shaped!”
”Well dear, ok then.. I cant think of an attractive looking fruit, and if I could we would have issues.”
Creedy held his arms out, pulling Rosie into a bear hug.
”Get off me you lout!”
”So you were under the bed?”
”Yes…I was searching for something.”
”Something?”
”A mouse”
Creedy’s eyes opened, “You know your insane don’t you?”
”I’m telling you I can hear it.”
Creedy kissed her cheek, “this is why I love you. Anyway I’m here for your personals for Tina to wash. Then I intend on a long drawn out conversation with you about length!!”
Rosie smiled as he lifted her in the air. Kissing her deeply he rubbed his nose against hers. Rosie rubbed hers back. Laughing, “Aww Dave Eskimo kisses!”
”Come on, personals, wash day! I’ll have to find some clean pants to wear, the ones I have on now are starting to change colour. You’re clearly not looking after me. 1 point knocked off”
”Aww I earned that point, you’re too harsh, you no fun at this game. I’m no longer playing man and wife!”
”Yeah but you cheat anyway, you always talk about points when I’m worn out from being loved. I’m either deliriously happy and will passionately hand you 3 points, or I’m so tired I don’t know I’m agreeing to 50!!”
Rosie walked to the other side of the room and crossed her arms. “You’re a very naughty husband”
Smiling, Creedy fell to his knees and crawled over to her, pulling at her skirt until she joined him on the floor.
“Get off me you fool” but Creedy tickled her until she had tears in her eyes, crawling desperately to get away from him, but he kept pulling her back, until he was on top of her. His mouth inches away from hers. Rosie leaned forward to kiss them, but he pulled back, then moved forward. Whenever Rosie puckered up he moved away from her again.
”Sorry, I’m very faithful to my wife, and since you aren’t her, I cant be kissing you can I?”
”My darling husband, will thee re-marry an old wench like me?”
”In a shot”, his mouth covered hers as his hand reached under her clothes. “I’ll get your personals and be on my way”


Creedy entered the kitchen half an hour later, noticeably flushed and with a stupid grin on his face. Throwing the clothes into the tub, he turned to see Ma clutching the large tin bath.
”You’re a star” he cried kissing her cheek. “Tina can I ask you a favour?”
Tina carrying on swirling the water, “Sure anything my little chickpea.”
”Less of the little! I need you to keep Rosie out of my way for an hour or so”
Tina wiped her brow and dropped her stick, “You want to be away from Rosie, what’s wrong?”
”Haha, nothing I need to fix the room up!”

A few hours later after everyone was abed, Tina and Rosie returned from their walk. In actually fact Tina was looking for an excuse to talk to Rosie alone. Their talks about their husbands were always fun, until now Tina had been silent about her relationship, but Rosie was so open and cheery and clearly in love, they began giving each other tips and swapping stories.
Laughing they headed toward Rosie’s room.
”Do you want to come in for a drink? I’m sure Dave will be waiting for me to come back!”
Tina almost said yes until she remembered Creedy’s plans.
”Ooo another time maybe, I have to get back to Tommy. I hope he’s warmed the bed”
With a parting hug, Rosie watched Tina walk down the corridor and into her room.
Rosie walked backwards from Creedy’s door and toward the window, staring out she searched the skies. They hadn’t had a Dragon for weeks.
Leaning out she looked down to the grounds, she could see dotted figures about the place, clearly on watch.
Rosie had never felt more content and safe than here with Creedy. Tears pricked her eyes as she thought of her dead mother, always wanting the best for her. Her poor father, they would have loved Creedy every bit as much as she did. Rosie gulped in some air. Remembering the struggle she had, both her parents killed by Dragons, she had jumped the next boat to the UK, naively thinking the dragons inhabited Ireland and nowhere else. That was at the beginning of the slaughter. Since then she had trawled across the UK looking for somewhere to settle. Half starved, she had almost given up hope until she fell across this place and then her life had been fixed, Fixed by a man with an angels face.
Wrapping her shawl tighter around herself she turned and entered her room.

This post has been edited by shibbydm: 19 August 2005 - 06:30 PM

[shibbydm]

Chapter 10

Rosie pushed the door open slowly, hoping to catch Creedy asleep so she could pounce him. Much to her dismay he was nowhere to be seen. The room took her breath away. Creedy had gone to some effort to drag the old tin bath in there, and scrubbed it until his fingers bled. Then he had lugged several buckets of hot water up the stairs and filled it. Candles were strewn everywhere, and flower petals lay in the water. The tub was paced close to the fire to keep the water warm
The room was filled with steam, finally her eyes fell upon her husband, who was hiding behind the tub, grinning from ear to ear.
Jumping to attention he walked toward her, Rosie ran across the room and threw herself in his arms, kissing him all over his face. “You are the most wonderful, caring husband I have ever had.”
”Arggg right, how many husbands have you had?”
”Well none, but mum did nothing but moan about hers, so I never thought I would love you this much.”
Creedy began to remove her clothes, layer by layer, kissing a new part of her each time.
”I’m sorry about the bath, I have no shampoo or anything or bubble bath, but Ma said throwing some petals in there might give it one of those girly odours you women like so much.”
Rosie smiled and allowed herself to be lifted in the air and dumped unceremoniously in hot water.
Sighing she relaxed into it, she couldn’t remember the last time she had relaxed in a bath. It had to have been a year or more.
Creedy’s hands followed her into the water, and he rinsed her down carefully, stroking her wet body and resting his hands on her shoulders. Slowly he began to massage her, kissing her neck and ears while working his hands.
Rosie turned round and caught him staring at her.
”How do you do that?”
Creedy shook himself out of his trance, “Do what?”
”Look at me like it’s the first time you’ve seen me.”
”Well it’s the first time I’ve seen you all wet and naked and good God woman I need to get out of this room. I’m going to go and see Quinn for a while. You relax OK? I’ll be back soon.”

Half an hour or so later, Rosie had cleaned herself and sat watching the fire.
Creedy entered with 2 glasses. “I had a hell of a time then, Quinn wanted to come back and have a drink, I almost said yes until I remembered my lovely naked toy was in here.”
”Toy?” laughed Rosie, “You’re my toy, only you’re not as fun as you were.”
”Not as fun?” Creedy handed Rosie a glass. “Explain.”
”Well it’s like when you get a toy for Christmas, then you play with it, then it won’t have baths with you and then you don’t miss it when you break it.”
Creedy rose to his feet and stripped naked in seconds. Rosie laughed as he took a running leap into the tub, causing more water to be on the floor than in the tub. “Don’t break me Rosie, I’ll play nice!”
Washing each other down they teased and tickled each other, until eventually they were worn out. Rosie lay across Creedy’s chest, watching the fire play with the shadows on his face. She stroked his body, and kissed him.
”Come on sleepy head, lets go to bed.”
Rosie stood out of the tub and surrounded herself with a huge sheet. Creedy followed and dried her hair for her. Then they both lay naked in bed, arms wrapped round each other tightly.
Creedy breathed in her scent. “I love you, Mrs Creedy.”
”I love you, Mr. Creedy”

The next. Morning a shout from out side the door made them both jump. Quinn bursting through made Rosie scream and grab for the covers. Luckily Creedy’s body was covering all her intimate parts, but she went red anyway at Quinn seeing them together.
Quinn however just laughed and turned around, “I’ve seen enough of Creedy’s arse over the years thank you Rosie, I’d prefer it if you would keep it hidden. Sorry to barge in but I think Tina is in labour and Ma wants Rosie’s help.”
With that Quinn ran back outside closing the door behind him.

Once outside Tina’s room, Rosie was pulled in. Creedy tried to follow but was pulled back by Quinn.
”That is no place for a man Creedy, actually maybe you’d be OK going in”
Creedy punched Quinn and smiled. A sudden shriek of pain scared the hell out of him and Quinn who both jumped back. Tommy came running out of the room within seconds and was greeted by Creedy. “Look what you did to her.” Tommy was afraid for a second, you didn’t mess with Creedy and he loved Tina like his own.
Creedy laughed suddenly. “I’m only joking you fool. Congratulations… in fact this calls for a drink. Wet the baby’s head?”
”Creedy, it’s not even out yet?”
”Wet the path for the baby’s head?”
All three men looked at each other, then another scream pierced their ears. Ma suddenly appeared at the door, red and flustered. “What are you doing hanging around here? You bloody men. This is all your fault.”
Creedy leaned over and peered through the door. Rosie was applying a flannel to Tina’s head while holding her hand.
”Ar lads - this is war!” Creedy took a step to the kitchen. “Us men aren’t wanted here, in fact I think it’s dangerous we are!”
With that all three ran to the kitchen and hid by the alcohol.

3 hours later a cry hit the air that they hadn’t heard before. Creedy, Quinn and Tommy all sat up and listened hard. There it was again.
”That’s not Tina’s cry is it?” asked Quinn.
”That’s not bloody human that, is it” replied Creedy.
Suddenly Rosie appeared at the door, she too was red and hot, clearly stressed.
”Tommy? You’ve a wee baby boy!”.
Tommy jumped to his feet, whooping in joy. “How’s Tina?”
Rosie smiled as Creedy walked over and put an arm around her,. “She’s fine, calling you allsorts in there but fine. You better run in now.”
With that Tommy and Quinn ran for the door.
Creedy smiled and kissed Rosie, “You did fantastic!”
”Are you joking? I’ve never been more scared in my life, oh she was in agony.”
”It won’t be so bad for us though!”
”Us?” shrieked Rosie, “That’s it - no sex for us ever again!”
Creedy’s scream was louder, and filled with more pain than any Tina could have emitted. Later on as he held the tiny child in his arms he caught Rosie smiling at him. He decided he liked this baby object and wouldn’t mind one of his own, but not any time soon. Handing the child back to Tommy, he took Rosie by the hand and hugged her.
”Oi, come on Creed, still got work to do today you know!”
Creedy winked at Quinn. “On my way, sorry darling I have to go. See you later!”
With a final hug Rosie let him go, then went back to admiring Tina’s newborn.

[shibbydm]

Chapter 11

With maternal instincts in mind Rosie hurried back to her room, to her husband. After spending another day with Tina and her newborn, she hadn’t seen Creedy since this morning, and felt a deep need to be in his arms again.
”Rosiiiie?”, Eddie’s voice was slurred as he appeared out of a dark corner. “Come here I need to ask you ...I need to tell you something.”
Rosie stopped still and stared at him, all her happy feelings gone. Eddie had never been somebody she felt comfortable around, she had caught him staring at her a few times, and leering after Tina. Rosie knew very little about him, he had lost his wife and had children. Creedy never spoke to highly of him either.
Eddie lurched forward. “Come here, I need to tell you something, it’s about Creedy.”
Rosie smiled, as her husband’s name flew to her ears.
Without warning Eddie grabbed Rosie and dragged her into the dark cove with him.
Rosie screamed in alarm, as he pressed his body against hers. Clamping one dirty hand against her mouth, his other hand began lifting her skirts.
”You are a tease little one, acting the wife are we? Well I’ll show you what a real man is like.”
Rosie bit down on his hand hard, “Dave’s twice the man you are!” she spat. Desperately she tried clawing her way out, but received a fist to the kidneys for her troubles, then a second to her stomach. Winded she fell forward, tears sprung to her eyes. Again his hands grabbed her, she kicked out her legs again, receiving a slap to the face.
”Just keep still, this won’t take long.”
Rosie closed her eyes and waited, she felt bile rise in her throat, there was no way she could escape, there was nobody about. Suddenly an idea hit her. Fluttering her eyelashes she looked up at Eddie seductively.
”OK, but can we go somewhere a bit more private?”
Eddie stopped, and shook his head, trying to comprehend what he just heard.
”Alright!” he roared, looking smug. “But don’t try anything funny, girl.” Gripping her hair he began to drag her toward his room. Taking the opportunity, Rosie twisted her body away, screaming as she left a clump of hair in his hand. Twirling round she planted her knee between his legs, then ran for her life.

“If I had a clock,” Creedy mused, “it would say to me I have been alone all day, and Rosie is stupidly late coming to bed. I can’t believe I’m talking to myself.” Creedy looked around his empty room quickly to check no one had caught him in his moment of lonely insanity. Sighing he walked to the fire and threw a few more logs on top.
The door burst open with a loud smash as it hit the wall, he spun round in shock and took in the sight of Rosie.
Covered in mud, her hair was a mess, her skirts ripped and her face bruised, her tears flowing.
”Dave!” she sobbed, and ran into his arms.
Half an hour later, Creedy had her stripped and carefully washed. He had kissed her bruises and calmed her down, yet still waited patiently for an explanation.
”I’ll ask you again Rosie, what happened?”
Rosie let more tears fall, trying to find the words to explain her experience. Suddenly the door burst open and Tom stood there, holding his terrified twin.
”Creedy come quick, Quinn’s gone mad!”
Creedy looked from his wife to Tom, Rosie smiled. “I’ll be OK for two minutes, go see what’s wrong.”
.Creedy kissed her head, “I’ll be right back.” he muttered and shot out of the room.

Creedy took in the sight of Quinn kicking the hell out of Eddie, then blinked. Sure him and Quinn had always shared a dislike of this man but neither had ever attacked him before. Creedy watched 3 men drag Quinn of him, and ran over to Eddie, picking him off the floor.
”You alright mate? What’s happened?”
Eddie’s eyes were fearful as he allowed himself to be lifted up by Creedy.
”Creedy get off him!!” Quinn’s voice rang over the room. “You of all people don’t want to touch him!”
”Me of all people?” Creedy’s face was confused.
Tears filled Quinn’s eyes. “Have you not seen Rosie yet? Not seen what he did! He was down here laughing about it! You didn’t bargain on me still being up did you Eddie?”
A feeling of hate washed over Creedy, as if someone had thrown cold water over him. Tears filled his eyes as he thought of Rosie trying to fight off this monster he was holding. All eyes followed Creedy as he dropped Eddie on the floor and walked calmly out of the room.
The room was silent for all of 10 seconds until Creedy walked back holding a large bit of wood.
Tina walked in trying to hold Creedy back. “No don’t, please Creedy!”
Creedy flicked her off without thought and advanced on Eddie, bringing the wood down on his body with a sickening crack.
Eddies scream filled the castle, reaching Rosie who sat up in bed. Grabbing her clothes she followed the howls.
None of the men felt like stopping Creedy just yet, each stood and watched, and Creedy repeatedly smashed Eddie with the stick, eventually throwing it away and dragging Eddie to his feet, only to raise his fist and smash him back down to the floor.
Eddies face was barely recognisable when Creedy sighed and stood back.
Rosie ran into the hall and looked around, seeing Eddie on the floor her stomach flipped with hate and pity. Creedy turned and looked at her, tears flowing down his face. Turning back to Eddie threw he all his weight behind his foot as it cracked into his already destroyed ribs.
Creedy walked to Rosie, took her hand and lead her back to their room. Once there he howled with frustration, and collapsed on the bed.
”Why didn’t you tell me?” He turned his anger on Rosie now.
”Because of what you just did, I knew what your reaction would be. I don’t want all this hate.”
”What did he do to you?”
Rosie walked over and sat beside him, “Nothing, we both know what he tried to do. But I fought him off and ran here. Eddie was drunk, doubt he will even remember why you have almost killed him in the morning.”
Creedy dropped his head in his hands and cried some more. “I feel so helpless, what can I do now? I can’t even protect you in your own home!”
”You couldn’t have known.” Rosie pulled Creedy into a hug.
”Look at you, comforting me. God I’m so selfish, are you oK? Do you want to talk about it?
Rosie laughed and walked over to dip a rag into a bowl of water across the room.
”Selfish, Dave you’re my world. One man gropes me in a fit of drunken passion and you beat him to death in front of everybody.” Rosie began dabbing Creedy’s bloody knuckles with the rag. “I shall be the height of conversation tomorrow, besides you can’t blame the guy for wanting a piece of this.”
Creedy smiled and kissed her.
”Seriously Dave, I fought off drunken men all the time in Ireland. Tonight was no different, I escaped and I’m fine, plus I have you.”
Rosie pulled Creedy into a hug, and pulled him down to their bed. After a long kiss, they both fell asleep.