Aegir's heart shattered into a million pieces; his eyes continue on releasing hot damp tears at the sight of the man he holds dear. Anthony looked extremely vulnerable - his hands arched on Aegir's clothes as he continued to weep uncontrollably. There's no words coming out of Anthony's mouth - the silence engulfed Aegir's heart. He feels that Anthony was in his own sorrow-filled bubble and no other words can pass through other than his own.
Aegir fought a choked sob; a feeling of helplessness rushed in his system. He wanted to do something - he felt that mere comforting Anthony couldn't do anything. He's willing to do anything - no matter what it is. If only he could just take Anthony's pain away - he'll do it in a heartbeat.
The distant cry of their cats could be heard. They might have sensed the situation; crumpled together by the corner - afraid of the commotion that's transpiring.
Aegir heard Saint break the heavy silence, with a worried look on his face because of the current situation. "Maybe we should just let Anthony be for a while? " He suggested, standing from his seat. The truth was he couldn't handle the emotional scene since the moment Anthony had cried. He felt like throwing up not because he hated to see vulnerabilities but he doesn't want to be remembered that he's bottling his own.
Vin immediately took Saint's arm to take him back to his seat; Vin sensed that he wanted to leave. Although Vin was smaller than Saint - he got more strength than the latter. His voice almost sounded like a faint whisper, "Saint, Anthony needs us. He needs to see later that there's people that are with him. " Saint heaved a sigh and closed his eyes. He moved his arm to be freed from Vin's grasp.
With a warm gaze, Vin called Aegir, "Let's wait for Anthony to calm down. You can seat—" Aegir didn't let Vin finish his sentence because he immediately shook his head to show repulsion.
"I won't leave him. " Aegir's voice was filled with finality. He knew that Anthony needs support right now and he will never give up on him just like how he never surrendered with him.
For him, nothing really mattered now than his master. He didn't care if the people around them were watching him. Only Anthony matters.
"Anthony... " he called his name but to no avail. His voice rasped as he continued to mention his name, again and another - hoping that his voice would reach him and make him remember that he's not alone.
He cupped Anthony's face, his throat tightening. A single tear escaped, glistening down his cheek. Anthony's usual lively golden orbs now reduced to a dull and blank expression. "Anthony... please look at me, " his voice pleading.
"If your mom was still alive, " he began, his voice thick with emotions, "I know that she'd be proud of you. '' Aegir faintly smiled with tears in his eyes.
"And I am also proud of you, " he told him truthfully. Tracing his thumb on Anthony's cheek; he wiped his tears - a gentle smile etched on his lips.
"You've been so strong. You don't have to carry it all alone... I am here. " Aegir's voice wavered but each word promised affirmation that no matter what happens - he'll be on Anthony's side.
He took Anthony's hand - his lips pressed a soft kiss against its knuckles; a testament of his silent promise.
A flicker of life came back from Anthony's eyes. He looked at Aegir's forest - green eyes that were crying for his sake. A small smile painted on his lips. Anthony buried his face on Aegir's chest - feeling his warmth helping him to cope up with the harsh storm that he had just faced.
He knew that he wasn't okay. It still hurt and anger was still coursing on his veins - but it was not as agonizing as before - it felt empty but it felt like there was still a small space that looked like home and felt like one too.
And he wanted to protect it so that he won't be losing it again the second time around.
He tilted his head - he gripped one of his hands with a knuckle. "I want my mother to receive the justice she deserves as well as other people who suffered the same way as her. " A tremor ran in Anthony's voice - his heart was full of conviction as he spoke every syllable. It sounded so lame like some hero of a book but somehow now he already sees their logic - he understands what his characters in his novels are feeling.
"I wasn't strong enough to protect her... I don't want to be weak anymore... I don't want to lose anyone else. I won't be able to handle it. " A wave of emotions - anger, despair and a flicker of defiance - warned within him.
Aegir offered a sad smile, his touch gentle as he hushed Anthony. "We'll get through this... together, " he vowed. His voice was firm. He'll support Anthony through thick and thin and if he would feel like the world is leaving him - Aegir will stay. "You don't have to carry this burden alone - I'll be here with you every step of the way. " Aegir beamed despite his tears. For Anthony - he felt like Aegir's face glowed with different colors that made him realize that light is still possible amidst darkness.
This moment, Anthony finally understood Aegir's feelings when he pleaded to him to stay before. There's a lingering fear in his heart that doesn't want to lose his remaining lifeline. He had already been deprived of the things and people he held dear.
Anthony grasped Aegir's hand and brought it closer to his face. His hands were trembling and his heart was beating loudly against his chest as anxiety took over him. "I'll make sure...that you'd want to stay. I'd buy you tuna, everything you like... Just be by my side. " His voice was quivering. The gaping wound of the both passing of his uncle and mother intensifies the already present terror he has in his heart. He promised to himself that he'll never beg anyone again but he couldn't just afford another upheaval in his life.
Aegir shook his head and placed his index finger in between Anthony's lips to silence him. Aegir's brows were furrowed; eyes in a narrowing gaze and the way his expression changed felt familiar to Anthony. It's the same one every time Aegir would tell him that he's an idiot.
The next words that Aegir had said sent a flicker of hope to Anthony's heart, "I don't need anything for me to stay, I only need you... " Aegir smiled then laughed a little. "But sure the tunas sound appetizing! Aegir joked next which made Anthony chuckled for a bit.
Anthony's expression turned back to serious as he tilted his body to face where everyone was. They were just watching them with different expressions written on their faces. Vin was wiping his tears using a yellow colored handkerchief - beside him was Saint who's smiling goofily at them while Alucard was beside his mistress - Artemisia who was also crying.
Anthony smiled softly and looked at the ceiling, he whispered - a silent prayer to reach his mother. "Mom, I am not alone now. " Along with his words is a promise that he'll get stronger... enough to be a pillar of his beloved people.
Their enemy, the nymph elders... he'll not let them take away something from him ever again.
With a firm resolve, he stood from his seat. His eyes darted around Artemisia. He took a deep breath and spoke with sternness, "I will do everything to help defeat our enemy but I would like to request something. '' Artemisia didn't reply but she nodded; ready to hear what he's about to say.
He was feeling a bit hesitant - his heart was hammering loudly. He doesn't know how Artemisia will react to his demands but he'd like to try and it must be done. Because it is right. And if they would like to defeat their enemy - they should start with the ones within them.
Aegir saw the look on his master's face - with an encouraging look; he squeezed Anthony's hand sending waves of courage to his master's heart.
Anthony spoke with a calm and collective tone but his words weigh gravity, "I would like to make those nymph elders pay. To cut the cycle that they keep on continuing. "
Artemisia could see it in the young man's eyes what he was about to say. Before, she thought that it was impossible to convict those people but Anthony and his family was solid evidence of the atrocities they had committed.
With this, she could also save Aimee from their evil intentions. She never thought that Trace would one day be on their side - someone who has all the truths of everything the nymph elders did... and Anthony was the key all along.
Artemisia nodded and smiled. "Thank you! " She mouthed with sincerity. For many years, finally, the gears are starting to move into something favorable.
Anthony closed his eyes; ready to call someone that he knew they needed - against their enemy and against the elders. He doesn't know how to face him but he'd try.
A gust of air blew his hair and kissed his skin like the feeling when someone already dead was near. Anthony opened his eyes and found himself in a dark place. A jolt of surprise etched on his face. He blinked into the inky darkness as he scrambled on his feet. For some reason, panic was nowhere felt in his heart. It felt familiar and no energy of hostility aimed towards it - in fact; it felt like it was welcoming him.
His fingers against a stone wall, suddenly; flickering hues of purple danced on his peripheral vision. The darkness was held at bay by a series of torches lined on the walls on either side of him. It casted long spidery shadows that writhed on the uneven floor.
A look of amazement was written on Anthony's face as a colossal door loomed directly in front of him. The surface was filled with intricate patterns of skulls. It seemed to leer back at him from the metal it was in, their empty sockets seeming to follow his every move.
Anthony walked towards it, the soft thumping of his feet echoed on the whole place. Anthony could hear his heart beating against his chest when he was now face-to-face with it. His breath caught on his throat as he examined its handle - fashioned with a gleaming raven's head. Its violet eyes shone like gems against the torches' light.
Instinctively, Anthony placed his palm against the cold metal frame of the door. With a single push, the door creaked open as various ravens could be heard croaking in the distance.
Anthony blinked and when his eyes fluttered open again - he was back in his home's living room.
A burst of violet energy erupted from Anthony's back after that. Countless of raven's feather flew in the air seemingly dancing a music with a slow tempo. The feathers gathered on the middle of the room and as if it was puzzle pieces - it started to create something as they came together. The violet glow was slowly dissipating replaced by a crimson light.
The feathers created a frame that resembled a person. Seconds later, the once obsidian feathers turned to pale white flesh until an individual was now seen standing in the middle of Anthony's living room.
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