more doomed timeline fic

Knock, knock.

"Lady Pasine. Open up." Amaloc's humming voice was distinctive. The door remained closed.

Knock, knock.

"I'm not going away, Lady Pasine."

A haggard voice called out from behind the door. "Who the fuck cares?!"

"Please open the door."

He heard steps, and then a click as the door was unlocked. It was a shame Amaloc couldn't see Cucali's rough appearance, nor the large bags under her eyes, or the way those eyes were a little purple from tears.

"What the fuck do you want."

"I wanted to know how you'd like to die."

"Who cares? Who even fucking cares." Cucali spat the words, acerbic. "Go ahead and try, scumblood. I just don't give a shit any more."

"As you wish." Amaloc pulled on a gas mask, and promptly opened a capsule, throwing it into Cucali's hive. It began to fill with deadly smoke, and Cucali coughed. Her survival instincts kicked in, and she tried to shove past Amaloc and into the clear air.

That's when he threw the acid.

Cucali screamed, staggering back into her cave. Her lungs filled with smoke, and she was quick to pass out.

Amaloc turned away as soon as he heard her cease struggling. He walked away without another word.