PHOENIX

Chapter Forty Seven: Deities

Just as I had predicted, Callahan was waiting for Tommy and I at the community house, leaning on a fence that prevented him from walking onto the frozen lake that surrounded us. He only gave a lazy nod in our direction as we approached.

"Ayup, Callahan," Tommy greets, then a confused look grows on his face. "Wait, how did you know he would be here?"

"Just a hunch," I lied, my eyes connecting with Callahan's. "You know why we're here".

Callahan nods.

"He does? How? Is he a wizard?" Tommy questioned, inspecting the silent man closer.

Callahan shrugs, and I translate for Tommy.

"Just a hunch".

"What the fuck-"

"Look, Tubbo claims he saw you and Nix in New L'Manberg about two weeks ago," I interrupt, "Where were you two going? Where's Nix?"

Callahan glares at me, refusing to answer.

He knows everything. No doubt he heard Nix and I's entire fight, and no doubt he won't tell me where she is after she asked for me to leave her alone.

"Callahan, I know I was a selfish dick, and Nix has every right to not want to see me," My voice gets scratchy as I talk. "But please, for my sanity. I just want to know that she's somewhere safe".

Callahan's anger simmers a bit as he glances at the silent Tommy next to me. He shakes his head, then turns and walks into the community house.

"What-"

Tommy's question is interrupted by Callahan coming back out of the house and handing me a compass.

I reach out and grab it, but Callahan doesn't let go. When I look up to meet his eyes, they have a brown glow in the pupils. For the first time in a while, Callahan communicated with me through my mind.

'Don't hurt Nix again, I won't be as nice next time' Callahan warns.

"I promise, I won't. Not again". I answer back out loud.

Callahan lets go of the compass.

"Okay?" Tommy replies.

"I wasn't talking to you".

Callahan watches as Tommy and I walk away, using the compass to guide us. The sun quickly goes down, right around the time Tommy and I reach the outskirts of the SMP territory. We set up camp, making sure to place torches around us to ward off hostiles. Tommy gathered up some sticks and we made a small campfire, relishing in the warmth it produced even with the freezing December air.

The campfire also allowed for awkward small talk.

"Dream?"

"What?"

"What's the worst word you know?"

"What kind of question is that?"

"Follow up question, who's your favorite woman?"

"Tommy".

"I'm not a woman so that doesn't count".

"Why are you so annoying?"

"I'm only annoying at first, but then people love me".

"That's funny, because I've known you for half a year and I still think you're annoying".

"That's because you're a weird fucking American".

I rolled my eyes and didn't give him the satisfaction of a response.