Aegir's forehead creased as he felt a pressure on his head. Yet he still tried to remain in eye contact with the creature whose eyes still remain hollow and dead.
The creature exhaled. "Too long... Too long... creatures... them... remained in the dark... the guardian chose... despicable... creatures... now... forced... to live in secrecy. The nymphs... betrayed... All... Kill... Kill... " As the minutes passed, Aegir felt the pressure increase, his face hot.
Aegir knows what it means. Centuries ago, in order to remain in peace with all the races; the protectors agreed to a pact to make magical creatures hide their abilities to live with humans. Not all creatures—specifically the cat race were happy about it and started to rebel. Their reasons was they were persecuted by the guardian of the humans once and now they're free, they don't want to adjust again. They planned to overthrow the protectors in secret, they even manipulated the daughter of one of the protectors to work with them, one toyed her heart and offered love—brainwashing her. Many had died until one nymph discovered the extent of their plans and exposed them. To that day onwards, the daughter of that protector; to teach cat-people a lesson, bestowed a blessing and a curse to the race—to live with nine lives and each death will eat their souls little by little until their soul will cease to exist. Their powers are also controlled to the extent that too much can cause death as well.
And he is risking his life now.
Anthony on the other hand rushed on Aegir's side, supporting him from the back because he almost seemed to faint any minute from now.
"Stop this, Aegir. " Anthony's voice is mixed with concern and anger. He doesn't want to see Aegir like this nor does he sacrifice his life for his sake.
Vin also rushed to their side and agreed on what Anthony had said, "This is enough, Aegir. We already have an idea, please stop. " Vin clasped Aegir's hands as worry painted his face.
"Aegir, you know the odds. You should stop! " Vin shouted. Vin waved his fingers and a G-clef started to appear.
"Music end: Encore, " he chanted. A warm yellow light emitted from his body then encased Aegir like a barrier.
Aegir felt his body calmed down, his muscles relaxed. He shook his head. "No..."
Aegir tried to stand up and reached his hand that was able to pass through the barrier to the creature. "No, almost... " Aegir felt his nose bleed.
The creature's face started to look distorted, its eyes rolled as it shook violently on the chair, its mouth spitting saliva in bubbles. Its voice started to change as it spoke.
"All those who bear witness to the killings should all die and be with the souls that they had witnessed when we reaped them... This is all for the moon... In the blood of our enemy... we will howl... Free, " the creature laughed and trashed more violently.
"When the moon paints blood, humans are no more. A powerful one will emerge that'll trample those puny protectors. We will not be hidden anymore, no more pain, " it added and it started laughing.
Aegir felt his knees weakening, black dots started to appear in his sight until complete darkness welcomed him, at the same time, the barrier broke until it became specks of light.
"Aegir! " Anthony's voice echoed in the room. He was quick to catch Aegir and hugged his body.
Rage flowed in Anthony's heart. Rage for himself to be that cowardly—for not stopping Aegir when he could. For the first time, Anthony found his throat able to create a loud sound—a sound full of regrets and rage as he shed tears—cradling the unconscious Aegir on his arms.
"Wake up, Aegir. Come on. I'll cook your favorite tuna, please, " Anthony begged Aegir, gently shaking him. His tears fell uncontrollably, his lips quivering. "Please... Don't leave me... " his voice muffled.
Like a broken record, their memories together played on Anthony's mind.
That one creature that he didn't need to beg to give him attention... That one creature who stayed.
Now he understands why Aegir is sad even though he can have everyone by his charm, something genuine worth more than fake.
"Again... Again... I did nothing. I am sorry, I am not worthy to be the master you'll be proud of. I am not worthy... " Anthony mumbled, still crying.
Vin just stared at the scene before him. The sadness is overwhelming. He feels a little pang of jealousy to have such a bond but what amuse him more is Anthony... a human... a human who is now emitting something that a human shouldn't—a big shadow in his back, almost dancing a sad hymn.
Anthony gently laid Aegir on the cold floor, he stood up, his eyes bloodshot red. Veins started to pop from his hands as he crumpled it in fury. "You... " Disdain laced on his voice, placing his piercing glance at the creature.
The creature stared at them, eyes still lifeless but mouth with a plastered grin. "I see you... I see you! Revere enqui!" It laughed maniacally. Its body started to be charred black, as if it's sand—it started crumbling, its ashes joined the wind until none was there.
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Vocabulary:
Revere enqui - I'll find you.