4A/N: I wrote another chapter for my Lisbon and Jane facebook one and THIS STUPID THING DELETED IT. Then I went to write a Meggie and Dustfinger one and it erased it like three times. SO MUCH RAGE. but I won. I won in the end. Anyway I've been watching Inkheart and youtube videos about Meggie and Dustfinger and I am once again in lurrrrve. So this is very heavy, possibly OOC. It doesn't show in the movie when Basta hits Meggie so I had to write it and change it of course. Enjoy-I had fun writing it.
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Dustfinger might as well have been hit; the taste of the sting was so strong. He wished he had. Meggie whimpered, and the sound tugged on his heart strings. To see her in pain made those strings come undone, freeing his heart and causing it to beat wildly against his ribcage, responding to the anger that was flowing through his veins and connecting throughout his body. He was by Basta's side in seconds. He grabbed the mans' arms, pulling it backwards and only feeling relief from the anger at Basta's pathetic cries of pain.
"Hitting little girls Basta? Why don't you hit something that can hit you back, hmm? You were always a coward, weren't you?" He shoved the man onto the ground. He was aware of Resa's arms wrapping around the small girl's frame, pulling her close and stroking the offensive bruise, as if trying to stroke it away. Dustfinger focused his attention back on Basta.
"You would know about cowardice, wouldn't you!" Basta spat out, his eyes narrowed to slits as he stared at Dustfinger in hatred. Dustfinger smiled darkly.
"I'm afraid, yes. But I would never hurt a girl, you dog," he sneered, grabbing Basta's face and smashing it into the ground. He heard Meggie squeal at the violent action, saw her turn her face into her mother's chest
"Awfully protective of her aren't you?" Basta groaned out after he stopped whimpering and had spat out the blood.
"Yes I am. She is precious. And I do not like something that I so personally consider precious to be harmed. Do you know what I do when that happens?" Dustfinger spoke in a pleasant soothing voice, one that deceived. Meggie lifted her head, surprised at what the older man and said, and surprised by her body's reaction to it. Warmth spread through her, sparkling in her eyes and planting a rosy redness in her cheeks.
"Do tell," Basta replied dryly, though this act wasn't fooling anyone.
"I punish them." Dustfinger said simply, and smashed Basta's face once again into the ground. Basta cried out, and Meggie's fists clenched in fear. Although Basta had hit her, and had caused nothing but fear and pain in her life from the moment she had meant him, she did not like seeing this being inflicted upon him. It was inhumane to her, she was too young to understand what went on in the dark and shadow places of the world. She broke free from her mother, running up to Dustfinger's side.
"Please, stop!" Dustfinger's head snapped up, his expression surprised. But then Basta ripped out of his hold, and leaped up, holding the girl in seconds. Dustfinger let out a growl of frustration. The knife that hadn't been possible to Basta when held down but now was, came out, and Meggie felt the cold blade press against her neck. Her whole body froze yet trembled at the same time, the fear causing her to feel as if she was going to vomit and never stop. Her eyes flashed to Dustfinger, who looked in pain.
"Don't hurt her."
"But it's so much fun hurting you. That's your problem Dustfinger. Your heart is too big." Basta laughed, his face like a cat that's finally eaten its bird. Resa inched forward, her face tear stricken, eyes wide and face pale. Her hands were stretched out, pleading with Basta.
"You all make it too easy." Basta laughed. That laugher started its own fire within Meggie. How dare these people play their emotions? She grabbed the knife, wincing as the blade sliced into her fingers, and shoved her elbow into Basta's face, satisfaction dripping through her as he cried out and crashed to the ground. Dustfinger grabbed Meggie by her arms, his grip firm, but as he looked into his eyes, he bore such a gentle expression that Meggie ached.
"Go, take your mother. The story has changed." He eyed her bruise, his expression growing dark, before his lips dragged out a weary sigh.
"Do not be seen. Stay safe." He stroked a loose strand of hair back, and gave her a tender smile before releasing her. The warmth Meggie felt slowly ebbed away, leaving her numb. She spun around, wanting to reply, but Resa had grabbed her and began to herd them out. Dustfinger watched them, before turning to Basta.
"You silly fool, don't go near her again." He growled, leaning down and grabbing Basta's jacket, pulling him to stare him down.
"You will all pay. All of you-and especially you. I'm not the same Dustfinger you scarred. Perhaps those scars opened something and a bit of you trickled into me, hmm? I shudder to think. I will hurt you if you even attempt to hurt her or use her to your advantage, you sick fuck. Do you understand me?" His hands shot out sparks, causing Basta to squeak and try to slither away, whimpering. Dustfinger smiled.
"Oh yes, the fire loves me, and loves what I love. What do you think it does to those I hate, those I call enemies?"
"Yes, okay I get it! Please stop!" Basta begged. Dustfinger whispered, and the fire disappeared.
"I assume we are clear?"
"Yes!" Basta squeaked. Dustfinger then ripped the cord that Basta wore religiously around his neck, dangling it in front.
"Just in case I think I'll take this. A bit of repayment for my damaged face, eh?" He cackled at the sheer terror on Basta's face, ignoring his pleas before he backed out of the room, swinging the cord mockingly. He shut the gate and locked it before running. Basta's shouts swirled around him, but he outran them. Resa and Meggie were waiting for him by the trees. The girl stepped out, her expression curious and concerned. Dustfinger tried to be impassive, but it was Meggie. The damn girl had gotten under his skin and that worried him.
"Don't play hero, it never works out for yourself." He told her, and she frowned as she tried to work out what he meant.
"It's okay princess. Let's go find your dad and Farid, eh?" Resa nodded and raced forward; she could not contain her eagerness to see her love. Dustfinger glanced back at Meggie, who was still watching him with thoughtful eyes.
"I'm precious to you." She stated, and watched him closely for his reaction. Dustfinger swallowed, feeling funny and turned for her. How easy it had been to declare that to Basta in protection, but now for no reason, seemed to be the hardest thing.
"Somewhat." His voice was cool. He was trying so hard to keep her out of his heart, he already had too many people. And what good did it do-nothing.
"That, that means a lot. I, I care for you too Dustfinger." To his surprise he felt warmth before his hand was squeezed, fingers sliding into his. He tried not to smile as he allowed this, before pulling away.
"Come on princess. Let's go. This isn't over yet." And he was already so tired, though as he walked beside Meggie, he felt renewed strength.