#earthrunes

Then it lunges towards her, tearing at her flesh, she gets wounded but it doesn't have time to draw back for she is too quick and it has extended itself!

She stabs! The hit on her leaves an opening for her wicked rapier.

There's a scream, and she knows she didn't hit mortal... this thing is more like a bag of flesh filled with the fear it's stolen.. it gushes it like stale gas coming out of a pipe

She draws the blade upwards like a letter opener.

Oh the scream just got worse, as did the smell... it slaps at her , a hard blow...but she has taken the blow from OGRES.. and this is not near as heavy!

She grits her teeth, and buffets it with her wings - twisting the blade and raking it harshly DOWN.

she gets bit again, but it's a weak one, digging, scraping rather than tearing and... suddenly it is off her. THe boy explains "it's trying to run away"

A wild stab at the retreating beast.

"damn ...you..." bubbling, like rancid bacon on a garbage can lid in a texas heat wave "I ...wanted.. more."

"It's gone..." August cries, tears of relief

She killed it..but rather than a sting of banlaity, she actually feels the boy grow less banal. Even if it had not killed him, it would have likely made an autumn person of him if he survived

She opens her eyes, turning towards the boys voice. "You're going home, yes?"

"Please" He says

The boy is filthy, hungry, tired and relieved

She crouches, opening her arms.

Still enchanted, he hugs her "Dad told me ANgels were real. He was right he was right he was right"

A hug. "Sure he was. Now, let's get you home." She looks around for a door - perhaps a less dramatic trip down would be nice.

There is no door up here, but there is a ladder over the side. ANd she hears barking, Ladybird

"Okay, August... do you feel ready to climb down? I'll go with you, I won't let you fall..."

"you promise?"

"I promise." She gives him another hug and leads him towards the ladder - getting on it first so that she is in place to shield him on the way down.

And she sees her brother "Hey, Ladybird was bonkers trying to find ah.. mm he's aglow"

August looks "Another angel? How come he doesn't have wings like you?"

"Oh, you have to earn wings. But he's my brother, he'll help you too."

"Down we go..."

Down they go, and August is kind to Magnus "Don't worry, one day you'll earn your wings. There will be a bell. Maybe she can give you some tips?"

Magnus says "Thank you. It's a dream of mine" VERY straight faced

"Be kind, be loving. That's what matters." She pets his hair. "Let's get you home. Magnus? The Nervosa enchanted him..."

"It won't last long... let's get him in the car. " Magnus says as he leads the boy to the chariot/car "August, I'm glad you believe in wonderful things, don't let any monster take that away from you, but not everyone sees us like this. "

"They don't, are they bad?" He says as they get into the car

"No, they aren't bad. Sometimes, it is hard to see magic in the world. That doesn't make them bad people."

"Grown-ups forget, that's all."

"Listen to her ,she knows her stuff" Magnus says. Ladybird is in too ,and snuggles the boy who is delighted to learn dogs are in heaven too

"That's why SHE has the wings, right?" August seems to see a hierarchy here.

"Children help them remember magic is real, though. Your parents love you very much." Ladybird licks the boys face. Kisses!

The boy laughs, and they get him home. August's parents are on him with loving fierceness

The boy looks back and forth, half way expecting his parents to SEE the angels...but then shugs, what matters is he's home.

Sparrow lets Magnus take the lead there - but gives August a little wave and a smile of encouragment.

Magnus is almost BURSTING with glamour now... the deed rewarding him and her alike really. The love of this moment from a family reunited is heady

"He's half starved, confused...but he's a very brave boy. Hot bath, hot meal , new clothes and lots of sleep. " Magnus says "I'll call the police for you. One of the detectives knows I was on the case ,thoguh in truth it was my partner here who found him."

"Luck and Ladybird. Poor guy was trapped, nobody saw him."

"well, I can't thank you enough" the father parts only long enough to pump her arm in a grateful shake, while the mother pets ladybird LOADS

"How much..." The mother starts to ask "When we hired you we..."

"Happy to help. I'm just glad he's home and safe..."

"It can wait," Magnus says "I'll call in aweek... honestly, nothing matters more than him settling back in safe and sound." A look to Sparrow "Right, Partner?"

"RIght!"

And they leave off and head to the car, Ladybird hops right in. And once in the car, Magnus looks at his sister and starts the car "Still feel useless?" A smile

She shakes her head. "Feeling pretty good, actually."

He smiles "You should. You were great... and thank you, not just for the help, but for not pulling a Dark Crystal"

"...A Dark Crystal? Is this a movie we need to schedule?"