TW: Depression and power abuse
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Silence washed over the place; only the sound of breathing and the constant taps made by a shoe could be heard inside an elevator. Anthony was one of the five people inside the elevator; his eyes fixed on the floor while his hands were fidgeting over his tie. He heaved a sigh, trying not to push his hands to go wet from perspiration because of the anxiety he is feeling or else it'll feel like raining even tough there's no clouds inside a building.
They were summoned in the council preceded by protectors; powerful beings from each race, not including humans. They'll be discussing their next moves regarding the djinbes and how a member from the vampire race was leading this uproar.
Anthony always hates speaking to "powerful" people. He's sure not all of them are nice. He's quite informed that too much power may bring you to high heavens but will make your attitude resembling archdemons in hell. Take for example, Mr. So, his gorilla-goblin satan spawn hybrid editor.
His gaze went over the only female inside the elevator; a sophisticated looking female wearing a mermaid cut royal purple gown; she's wearing a match set of tear shaped diamond as her necklace and pair of earrings. It highlighted her simple but dashing light purple makeup and crimson shade lipstick.
He cleared his throat and nervously smiled. "Why do we need to wear something fancy again, Artemisia? " He asked her; scratching his head.
He does understand that meeting a hot shot is important but he despises wearing fancy clothing—it restricts his movements!
For the first time, both Vin and Alucard, who is one step closer from throwing their suits on the wall, could agree. Only Aegir was the one happy because it's his first time wearing one.
Aegir pouted, looking at his black suit; secretly sending daggers to his master's back because he doesn't like the outfit. Aegir was even wanting for Anthony to compliment him.
Although the truth was, Anthony already had his time to oogle over Aegir's suit and start his 'daily questioning routine' that always ends with him just trying to compliment his housemate. But saying it verbally is something Anthony's tongue-tied self couldn't bear to do.
Artemisia laughed; quite enjoying the reactions she's getting. "This is the only way we can enter; disguise ourselves as a client for humans not to notice. " She locked her gaze to the small screen besise the elevator's buttons. They're already on floor 10 and their destination is on floor 12.
Vin blows a breath, rolling his eyes in the process. "Yeah, we enter there so formal and professional then we're just going to be chewed up! " he complained.
Afterall, he had been here before. Instead of appreciating his efforts to stitch people back up and pulling them away from death's door all he could hear is them complaining that what he's doing is nearly enough. He hated all of them, but not Artemisia who he chose to be under. She's a handful but at least she doesn't treat her underlings as pawns.
Anthony absent-mindedly agreed, his guts telling him they'll be an unwilling prey today. Based on his experience, surely they will just put them in a tight spot. "I'd hate to admit it but I'd rather choose training than be here. " Anthony saw Alucard, his combat instructor smirking, satisfied with his answers.
Aegir could agree; grinning sheepishly. He did a thumbs up. "You're getting so much better, master! You're not a wimp anymore! " His remark didn't include any malice; but Anthony couldn't help but to wince. Before the training, he'd be shaking on the corner if the idea of a fight would be brought to him but these days it feels normal.
He went to reach Aegir's head and messed up the truffles of his hair. "Hey, not the hair! " Aegir complained; lips puckered in a pout.
Anthony laughed and gently flickered Aegir's forehead. For them, it's normal but for the other three people inside the elevator; they felt like they became nothing but air. "You're not bad, either! You're more agile than me. " Anthony beamed, earning a proud expression from Aegir.
Truth to be told, Anthony began enjoying training. It's only a week and he could finally adapt in terms of physical moves, though he still finds difficulties in utilizing his mana but he's getting there. Plus, it excites him to try these things because it also makes his writing easier; his instructor, Alucard, was also a writer much to his shock and he's also giving him tips. And apart from Alucard, Saint has been oddly visiting their home frequently and the nutbag always makes sure he'll be needed so they couldn't kick him out.
A ting sound from the elevator could be heard. Artemisia cleared her throat as the door of the elevator began to open. "Now, settle down, we are here. I'll be honest they're not as nice as me but I'll cover for you if anything goes. " Artemisia sounded like a kind mother; her voice was soft and warm. Perhaps she's trying to provide them comfort and Anthony could appreciate it and he knows that Artemisia is dependable.
But Anthony's nervousness was still there and he could still feel his hand trembling as he gulped a lump full of his saliva, he also felt conscious when he realized they'd been watched. They already went to step out from the elevator and are now walking their way to the conference hall. They were met by countless stares by the people from the 12th floor. Especially, they look like big shot clients with their getaway. And who wouldn't turn around and take a peak if there're four good looking guys and one babe gracing them with their presence?
Aegir could see his master's glum expression. If those people are indeed scary; he'll do his best to protect his master. Aegir's hand went to reach Anthony's. His fingers went to rest in between his master's own; his thumb caressing the sides of Anthony's index finger; as if trying to assure that he'll be with him even if it means being drowned together in the sea full of intimidating people.
Anthony gasped from the sudden intrusion of another's hands to his own. Yet he didn't dare to object; he needed the warmth. And strangely enough, their actions didn't bother them even though people other than Artemisia and the others were watching, eyes painted with shock and controversies. They started to whisper to each other and some women even had those sullen expressions as if they lost their bet from the lottery.
Vin could only place his hand over his forehead. They're obviously clueless yet shameless at the same time. Artemisia and Alucard on the other hand have far more patience than the bunny and they're not as bitter as him; so they're obviously fine.
When they reached a huge door made of pink ivory wood; true to its name, apart from the striking beautiful deep brown color it has, there's some distinct pinkish hue to it that makes it even more enduring and sophisticated to look at. The air of luxury increased even more to the door's intricate design; curved patterns were carved to its sides and in the middle of the door is a peculiar door knob; a gargoyle's head with a huge ring below it serving as its handle.
Anthony couldn't help but to gape, it feels like the sort of door came from a fantasy novel. Artemisia placed his palm on the door, she closed her eyes and uttered something Anthony couldn't understand. "Threzì! " She went to hold the ring below the gargoyle head and pulled it down three times; earning a loud thank.
Soon, the door slowly creaked open; when they stepped in; a sudden wavy lines; almost like those mirage on the desert welcome their sight; it obscured their view to the place, all they could see are disorganized colors of blue, white and some greens; a usual set-up of a conference room. Seconds after, as if the place resembled paper being quietly burned in the fire; its image crumbled until a new color scheme appeared.
The place quickly changed into a Victorian style theme; almost like it resembled Artemisia's home. But this time; the place was themed with browns and reds; there's also a hint of the same color of the pink ivory wood they saw earlier to the big curtain hung over the large sash windows; a window with two movable panels, gliding up and down and made from stained glass. The only lights aiding the place was the presence of a huge crystal chandelier made with topaz and lime citrines above and the 'moving sky' around it. As if the chandelier served as the sun to the place.
In the middle of the room was a huge rectangular table; ginormous and long enough to fill in twenty people. The table was made with granite. There's several occupied seats around the table; each with the same intimidation and display of power as their eyes glued to the newcomers. One could tell that these people hold so much mana and could trample over a nation if they wanted to.
Alucard and Vin who were used to this, but not Anthony and Aegir who felt small and as if they're ants ready to be killed with a flick of their fingers. They found themselves cemented on their tracks, wanting to just hide on Artemisia's back.
"Artemisia, glad you came! This meeting is urgent! " One said; a tall pale man with slick black hair. He was wearing a black cape. And anyone could tell by his fangs and striking crimson orbs that he's a vampire.
"Certainly, Draugnir! It seems like you didn't monitor your kind hard enough. I know you already received the news that one of your kind is the mastermind of all of these, " Artemisia's tone was calm, but her words bear weight. After all, it's a serious issue. She had her suspicions before but whenever she tried to bring it up here especially to the protector of the vampires; he always shrugged it off.
The vampire, Draugnir couldn't help but to feel frustrated; he bit his lips in the process. He hated this woman's guts but he couldn't deny that he indeed wasn't lenient enough. "Enough, Artemisia, blaming wouldn't lead us anywhere and besides you have interesting finds that could help us. " At the mention of interesting finds. The vampire turned his attention to Anthony and Aegir who jolted from the attention they received.
The other people present in the conference room agreed; A lean man wearing a gray suit with an unbuttoned shirt and loose tie; stood from his seat and clapped his hands, as if agreeing. The person was Vale, the protector of the elves. "It's about time the cat-people and nymphs do something more useful than to scurry away and be sorry victims. " He has a lace of arrogance on his tone; his gaze filled with a pool of mirth, as if he's seeing the races he mentioned as pathetic.
The protector of the sirens; a petite woman with a youthful face and luscious blond hair raised her glass of wine. "Well, they can do it, right Artemisia? They should be a little useful y'know? " She leaned to her seat, eyeing both Anthony and Aegir as a specimen she could test something with.
The other protectors present started to whisper with each other; each agreeing to the proposals of those who spoke before them. As if the one who they're talking with has no right to refuse nor talk. But for Artemisia who's gripping her fist tightly in pure rage; she definitely wants a piece of all of them. They're all useless, giving all the heavy work to those below them.
Alucard and Vin also couldn't take it; their expression darkened. Alucard was also lowly growling like a canine he was. But none of their reactions was enough to pull those bastards on their own worlds.
But for Anthony; he's close to clutching his head. He felt nauseous hearing them. He couldn't breathe knowing that they're putting him in their own spotlight... all of them thinking on what to do with him. For him they're like big shadows and monsters surrounding him and he doesn't have the chance to survive. He just wanted to crouch down in the corner and cry; his whole body was shaking and his thoughts were racing; all of those leads to one conclusion: his own doom.
He was quite familiar with this feeling. People, a lot of people paying attention to him; almost like he's an interesting species. But sooner or later they'll be bored of him; discarding him like a toy and tossing him around like he's a ball used for a game after they used him.
It wasn't cold; but he found himself hugging his own body, his teeth chattering. Almost like a little boy scared of a horror movie; he whimpered. "N-No... " he slowly whispered as a memory—a trigger resurfaced from his memory.
His aunt was treating him well that time; she went to prepare him a good amount of food which she often doesn't do. He's used to eating her leftovers from her voracious appetite. She'll even get mad if he'll eat without her permission. But now, it's eerily different; his aunt's usual scowling face redirected to him was now replaced by a smile.
And of course, as a 13 year old boy who just recently lost his mother and his sister; he craves for someone's love and attention—especially coming from a family member. His aunt was his father's only sister and she doesn't have a husband nor a child to care for.
Anthony's eyes sparkled on the thought that perhaps his aunt already had seen him in a different light. He took a spoonful of soup and eagerly placed it in his mouth. "Thank you, auntie! The food here is so delicious! " Anthony beamed; taking the fork from the side of his plate and went to get a piece of meat with it.
The woman who was eating her steak went rigid; her mouth twitched lightly. She was holding her fork too tightly when she forced her lips to smile at the boy. "Of course! Eat some more! A growing boy must be healthy! " She forced her mouth to utter those words; she chugged a glass of juice in a hurry; as if it'll help her cleanse a bitter food she ate.
The poor boy could only indulge in her fake treatment; he's too naive that the sudden change of her attitude was never for free nor from the depths of her heart—in fact, she has an ulterior motive—just like any of them.
For a whole week; not only her aunt was treating him well but some of his other relatives came to visit him—giving him gifts and praises he never expected. The boy felt like his prayers were heard or a fairy cast down a spell on his relatives that now they're being nice to him.
Until one day, he overheard them arguing about who will be his guardian—not because they genuinely cared about him but the will his father and mother had left under his name.
His auntie's eyes darkened; her hand over her hips as she shouted to the people next to her; as if talking with diplomacy doesn't count in this situation. "You cannot take him from me! I am the most qualified candidate to be his guardian till he reaches 18! He doesn't know any of you! "
One of the people she's arguing with; started to laugh. "Oh, please, Geneva! Stop acting like you care for the boy! You only want the money! "
The boy who happened to overhead their conversation; sat by the wall, crouching. He tried to suppress his whimpers. He secretly hoped that his aunt would say she cared for him.
But the higher you expect; the faster you'll find yourself breaking into pieces.
His aunt never filtered her words; instead her expressions were even smug as she spoke, "Who would love that brat? The only worth he has is his money! "
The boy by the wall's tears finally fell; as if it's a raging water from a stream. He felt suffocated; he felt his heart feel like it was broken to absolute pieces. He bent down, resting his hands on his knees as a soft and muffled whimper escaped his lips. His vision started to be obscured by his tears; but he didn't seem to care, he gritted his teeth trying his best not to scream. The pain was too intense for his body to carry. He felt like he was robbed by hope and love and was brought to hell by promising him heaven.
"W-Why? Am I really not enough? " he murmured in a low voice. He started to dig his nails to his skin in utter frustration. He's not even wary of the pain brought down by his nails—the pain of betrayal was immense; it started to become a toxin to make him feel numb.
He felt that he died that day; he doesn't care anymore who'll get to be his guardian. But sometimes he wish that he can be free from them... to those who only sees him as pawn and not a living being.
Aegir could saw how his master trembled over their words; he didn't wait for Anthony's legs to wobble—in a flash; he went to support him, holding his hand firmly.
"Hey, master, are you okay? I am right here, don't worry! " But Anthony was unresponsive; he was still breathing heavily and all Aegir did was to console him.
He was scared but the moment he saw Anthony's condition—all of the fear he had suddenly vanished instead it was replaced by worry and dread over the people who caused him to be like this. He felt his fangs punctured on his lower lip; making it bleed. These feelings are new to him; as if he just wants to erase them all at once and get away with it.
He draped his arms over Anthony's shoulders; his eyes piercing like an animal ready to pounce its prey. The people around them started to feel the overwhelming presence coming from the cat-person. His once normal mana started to strike into unbelievable levels. Vin couldn't help but to shiver; just by looking into Aegir this moment, there's more than what meets the eye. A silent one is a predator when they get angry like a calm before a devastating storm.
But those ignorant ones don't see it as a threat; in fact—they seemed amused. They're even clueless on why one of the interesting finds seems in rage. In fact, they should be honored to be here. One of the ignorants; Vale—the protector of the elves clapped loudly. "It seems that the other one is scared and incompetent but this cat-person is feisty! " He chuckled; he extended his arms over the cat-person as if he's calling a pet.
The other ones started to laugh as if they're having the time of their lives. Artemisia started to step forward; brows crumpled. "You should all stop! " she bellowed, her arms transformed into a dragon's arms with a rather sharp claws, her violet scales was shining that could rival the chandelier above. But they never stopped laughing nor took things seriously.
Until there's something they never expected happened; one moment they could still feel in control over their bodies but seconds after; they felt that they couldn't move. As if they were being trapped in between two huge stones. They tried to use their mana to break whatever that causes it but it only triggers a sharp pain radiating through their systems.
They even couldn't move their lips to speak to protest the humiliation they felt. They should be invisible and powerful but they fell right under this cheap power.
"Hey, what just happened? " Utter confusion spread on Vin's face; although deep inside he really wanted to laugh his ass out.
They heard a low growl coming from the cat-person; a dark pink aura surrounded his body. His forest green eyes coated with animosity. "Enough! There's no other incompetent here but ALL OF YOU! " His voice was deep baritone, radiating through the place. His tone was laced with venom; quivering as if acid started to bubble and ready to melt anything it touches.
He never felt this rage all his life and out of all his emotions not he expected that he'll master it today.
"All of you keep on treating us like disposable pawns! If you're that great why don't you fight the vampire and not us? If you're that great, why is everyone dying? " He pointed his index fingers to each of them; his eyes full of fury.
They couldn't do anything but stare at him because they're immobile. They couldn't speak. The cat-person didn't attack them but his words sent a ripple of emotions through their spines, enough to hurt them. They could feel his intimidation and he was the first one to challenge them. For the first time, they could feel their heart skip its beat; their lips started to dry.
"You just sit there on your empty seats to appease your egos. If you want to be worthy of that place; perhaps using your brains is a big step for change! " His tone now was sarcastic; he even laughed a little like he sees them as a poor bug.
Aegir grimaced. "You call yourselves protectors but all you did protect was your own selves. Are you so thick skinned not to be ashamed? " He stepped forward; rolling his eyes. His tail was twitching; his tail fur's hair stood up indicating a cat's hiss.
He made them feel what they initially had treated them.
Vin and Alucard were frozen in place; eyes widened in utter stupefaction. Those words are something they really want to tell these people but they always opt not to. But this Aegir, upon seeing Anthony having a hard time didn't hesitate nor try to filter his words.
Artemisia was also amazed; she never expected that the young lad could do it. A peaceful solution where they could listen and shut up without blood being spilled.
And it seems Aegir's mouth has no way of stopping from defending verbal bullets, especially his enemies who couldn't do anything but listen in place. And here proves that even words can damage a person's psyche, equivalent to its physical counterpart.
Anthony, who was still clinging on to his housemate's arms, started to breathe better gradually. He's breathing in and out continuously trying to calm his nerves. He heard everything, the way Aegir stood up for him. And that action alone made him feel that he has someone that will not exploit him and will see him as his true worth.
He felt lame right now, seriously. If he'd be a fictional protagonist of one of his novels; he's aware that he's the weakest. It even feels like that his true role should be a side character that was forced to take the role of a lead. He's trying but he knows there's a lot to do—a lot of work to be done for him especially that he's a broken canvas.
But as long as there's people around him that he could hold to—maybe he'll become stronger.
Anthony tugged Aegir's suit's sleeves to call his attention; the cat in an instance stopped nagging—yes, that's the right term. The once piercing gaze Aegir has immediately returned to its usual doe-like eyes.
Anthony groaned and faintly smiled. "I am already fine, you can stop now. Look at them, they looked so worn out already. " Anthony's index finger pointed at the supposedly strong protectors that now looked drained; the siren already had tears flowing on her face.
Relief colored Aegir's face; his dark pink aura gradually disappeared. He smiled sweetly. "I don't care! But I am happy that you're fine now, master! " Aegir buried his face deeply on Anthony's chest; his tail was now doing a happy dance.
From then on everyone inside the room can conclude one thing: cats are a menace; spawn of evil.
Heaving a long sigh, Artemisia found herself sitting on one of the chairs—she felt exhausted. "Now, everything seems settled already. As Aegir said, we need to formulate a plan. It seems not only the vampire and some other djinbes are into this mess, a human or group of humans might be helping them. And one thing we should do is to get information from humans about suspicious activities. You all have some connection, put it to good use. '' Artemisia went in and poured her glass some wine.
"We should abandon our thought that we shouldn't directly put ourselves into this. We cannot afford another war. The young ones can still be assigned with missions but we also need to help them, " Artemisia continued; placing the glass close to her lips to take a sip.
But none of the other protectors said anything nor reacted to anything. They still couldn't move. The one responsible already calmed down but the spell Aegir used still was there.
Artemisia motioned to Aegir who was smiling ear to ear to do something but the cat-man just shrugged. Placing his index finger on his chin, he blinked his eyes repeatedly. "I am afraid I don't know how to turn them back, that power just came on a whim; they did make me angry. Even if I do know how, my mana is already used up. " Beads of perspiration ran down the protectors' forehead, their mind was now racing with anxiety of staying unmoving for too long. The siren's tears now turned out of control; she wanted to sniffle but she couldn't.
The vampire on the other hand just wished to vanish in plain sight—he couldn't handle this humiliation. He wanted to take revenge once he was set free but the verbal attacks and the thought of these things repeating made him only yearn for peace.
And so the meeting resumed in utter chaos; half of them were trying to figure out how to undo the spell and the other half was the briefing of Anthony and Aegir's first mission and their next steps to find information about their vampire enemy and djinbes.
They weren't aware that someone was already doing the same task as they planned and was able to obtain valuable informations—but that person wasn't in that room but they definitely know who he was.
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Vocabulary:
Threzì - Open