Five people descended from the mythical beast they were riding - a Fenrir, no less. A soft thud was heard as their individual shoes made contact with the grassland. It was rather windy that day, the lush greens around them danced gracefully like a performer on stage.
One of the people present during the ride was Anthony, his eyes surveying around the place that they were currently in. It was a huge grassland and they looked properly maintained. The herbal scent of the newly pruned grasses were still evident, lingering on the place. Surrounding the place were numerous trees, leaves rustling with the wind. In the middle of the place was a charred remnant of a house, vines snaking the remaining pillars of the house, giving life to the tragic-stricken place.
"Is this the place? " Anthony murmured, his voice full of wonder. His hair was tied with his usual man-bun that day, some of his hair strands being whipped by the soft breeze.
Vin's lips curved into a smirk, placing both of his earpods on his ears. "Based on the thick magical particles on this place, certainly, we came into the right place. " Vin was sure about that, afterall, there was also some potent herbs existing in this place.
Aegir, who was the last one to dismount from their mode of transportation, blinked his eyes repeatedly, his long lashes fluttering. "What are we going to find here anyway? Is that Tele? Telefo?" His voice was full of curiosity as he tilted his head to observe the vast place.
With a faint green light, the Fenrir they boarded turned into his human form. He dusted off the brown leather vest he was wearing, his gray tail were also moving side-to-side as if he was cleaning them from dust. Alucard, the fenrir, spoke calmly, "Teleflaur. " It was only a single word but finding it is a big thing for their planned raid against Hale's 'farm'.
It was one of the special ingredients that Cross, the producer and blacksmith requested for their equipment.
They were inside Cross's workshop, waiting for the blacksmith to start telling them their commission. The alpaca-man was continuously striking the metal he was working with his hammer. His brows were sweating profusely but his face still remained the same - full of unwavering concentration. There were only four people sitting by the waiting area inside the room, excluding the blacksmith himself. Vin and Anthony were seated together in silence while Aimee, Anthony's older sister was with Aegir - happily talking with him.
Aimee was smiling sweetly as she recalled her first meeting with his brother's special person. She could see it in his eyes even if he'll deny it. "This is so nostalgic. I first met you here and you were asking me about-" Aegir, remembering about what their topic was, blushed. He shook his head countless times as if he was trying to tell Aimee that don't mention the last word which is... love. He'd die in embarrassment!
A rich laughter came from Aimee's throat, she smirked, giving Aegir the eye, as if she was trying to point at her brother, the source of Aegir's flushed cheeks. Aegir bit his lips, pouting. He was also giving Aimee stares laced with begging. "A-Ah, yes. I loved talking with you. I never expected you're my Master's beloved sister. " Aegir's voice was trembling and his reaction fuelled Aimee to tease the poor man once again. He's just too cute! Certainly a match made in heaven for his brother!
Giggling, she replied, her stares were still laced with a different meaning. "Yeah, I remember that you asked for some insights. Did it go well? " He fluttered her eyebrows teasingly. Aegir was a goner, he felt like he was already red all over. He could only hang his head low to cover his face and uttered a soft reply, "...Yes..." It was Aimee who made him realize that he was feeling something towards his master.
And what are the odds that it was Aimee's brother? He really thought that Aimee would hate him but the moment she found out - he saw a sense of relief in her eyes and that lessened his anxiety but it also seems like she'll never stop teasing him!
Anthony, who took notice, sparked with curiosity on what his sister and Aegir were talking about. "What are you doing with Aegir, sis? " he asked his sister who immediately smiled at him but the way her lip curved and how her smile reached her eyes... There was something in there that Anthony felt like he was missing out on.
It was Aegir who jolted and spoke on Aimee's behalf in a hurry, his cheeks were still flushed. "Nothing, master! " Aimee laughed and went to pinch Aegir's cheek softly. What a cute addition to their family, his brother really has a good taste.
"Aegir's so cute, wouldn't you agree, Anthony? '' Aimee playfully teased her brother next who immediately tensed up the moment he heard it. Anthony felt heat creeping up to his face. With a stammer, he replied, "W-What are you saying, sis? " He wouldn't say it. No, he mustn't! Although, it's the truth... Aegir is goddamn cute!
But, Anthony's eyes betrayed him, it settled on Aegir who was also looking at him, his forest-green eyes staring at him expectantly, his cherub lips in a small pout. Anthony's blush deepened, his heart thumped against his chest. He couldn't resist saying it now! Averting his gaze, his lips trembled, "Y-Yes... he's cute. " Aimee's laughter rang in the place. She was really having fun on this.
Before she could further make fun of Anthony and Aegir, Cross cleared his throat to get their attention. They shifted their gaze to the blacksmith who was smiling ear to ear at them.
In Anthony's mind he was thinking... 'Did he hear what they were talking about a while ago? '
Cross didn't press anything further, though he really did hear it and he saw Vin's sighing on the corner as if he finally saw the light of the day. "Alrighty! For your commission, I want you to acquire two things. " He lifted his hand and made a hand sign for the number two. "One is the Telefleur, it's a flower that could teleport and conceal someone's presence. We will be using it to infiltrate the enemy's 'farm' without them finding out. It only grows to a specific place - a place where a vampire was burnt to death and the remnants of her power created the flower. " Cross took a scroll inside one of his top cabinets and opened it to reveal a deep crimson flower with a center that resembled an eye, shedding a tear.
He continued, pointing his fingers to Anthony, Aegir, and Vin. "You'll be the one to find it, " he told them. Anthony then placed his gaze towards his sister who was also shocked with the news. They expected that all of them would take Cross' commission together and Anthony was initially excited to join his sister.
Cross chuckled, raising one of his index fingers and moving it left to right. He already expected this reaction but he needs Aimee for another task. "I get what your reaction means but we need the two ingredients pronto. Aimee knows where the thousand year Dyfea roots are. She's more adept in the nymph's territory than you are. " Upon hearing, realization dawned at Aimee and she nodded, ready to take on the task that was given to her.
Vin placed his hand on his chin, thinking, "Wouldn't it be easier to just divide us into equal distribution? " he asked Cross who shook his head to disagree with his idea.
"Nah! That won't do. It'll take more people to find that flower. It conceals its presence, so it won't be an easy find, believe me. " Cross smirked, he already has an idea that these trio won't have a good time finding the flower. "And, you also need to ask the lot owner's permission, you cannot just trespass there, " he added, making Vin frown who were already thinking of doing it.
Aimee stood up from her seat and went on to go to her brother whose eyes were quite sad that he won't be able to be with his sister. She smiled at him and went to mess up his hair. "We still have a lot of time to be with each other, provided that we'll live of course, " she paused, softly laughing in her own words. "Don't worry about it, you have Aegir with you, don't you? " she wiggled her eyebrows making Anthony chuckled for a bit and smiled faintly.
Aimee's smile faltered, replaced with a dejected look; remembering their mother. "Mom wouldn't like what our life looks like now but I know she'll be proud of us for surviving. " Anthony's expression mirrored his sister, it was almost impossible for him to swallow yet he tried his best to nod... they will survive, they will definitely will.
Anthony was awakened from his reverie when he heard Vin complaining over to the last person that they're with. "You planned this, didn't you? What do you mean you're just going to observe us searching our ass out over some flower? You asked to be here, you jackass! " It was a rare moment of Vin raising his voice and it's against Saint, who tagged along with them because he owns the land.
And it was also a miracle when Aegir sided with Vin who was currently nodding, both of his hands were placed over his hips. "It's unfair! " yelled Aegir. Saint was laughing while unfurling the mat he brought. It does seem he went here for a little picnic with bonus entertainment.
Anthony sighed, he already anticipated it. His guts told him something the moment where Saint asked for a favor that things will probably turn this way but for him to own this vast land... Anthony is thinking if they're lucky or the bastard got them good.
"You really own this land? Why? " He asked Saint. The land was properly maintained but he didn't add anything to it, the charred houses were still there. He knows Saint was weird, but just weird felt an understatement.
Saint sat by the mat and his eyes fixed on the house. His expression turned sullen, remembering something. "Well, my mom used to bring me to this place that she should've left me here. " A dry humorless laugh escaped from Saint's throat. Anthony could have caught that - so it means this land meant something for him?
Aegir was the one to answer what Saint had said, his eyebrows in a tight knot. "Why would she say that to you? " Saint's smile never left, he shrugged as if it meant nothing. "She hates me? I dunno...Nevermind. You should start finding those flowers soon. " He waved his hands, dismissing the topic at hand. Anthony could just look at his friend with worry but he knows it's not the right time to ask him that. He'll open up sooner or later.
Alucard, who was holding a scroll containing the details of the flowers, cleared his throat to get everybody's attention, "I'll be dividing us in two, obviously, Anthony and Aegir will be together and Vin will be with me. To be able to find the flower, you need to use a fragment of your mana to track it. We have the whole day to find it, don't waste it, okay? " Alucard delegated them, and as soon as he said it, a faint amount of mana covered his body.
Anthony and Aegir just nodded but Aegir was actually happy to be with his master, his hand snaked on Anthony's arms. Anthony's face crept pink but with no complaints heard. "Let's go, master! We must find it sooner than we could roam the place! '' Aegir pulled Anthony to some direction. Anthony was just smiling, letting him take him whatever.
Why would he not like it? If they find the flower - he'll have a free moment with Aegir. It's like a... date.
A grin plastered on Anthony's face, looking forward to it. Aegir was taking him to the forest. With a warm gaze, his heart fluttered seeing Aegir enjoying, pointing to directions. "Master! Let's go there! " Aegir was beaming, his eyes sparkling. Anthony shook his head and answered, "Alright! Just be careful! "
Vin just looked at the two who went on ahead of them, yawning. "How bad is finding a single flower anyways? " Vin was rather confident, his race was good with herbs. He usually uses some too in his restaurant. It's the first time that he heard of Teleflaur but he's sure of his ability to discern them.
Alucard, with a serious look on his face, just heaved a sigh. He has a bad feeling about this - arrogance, court danger if not danger - failure. "Don't be too cocky, " he advised Vin who just smirked at him.
"I can find it! " Alucard blew a breath upon what he heard. "And what if you don't? I'll make a stew out of you? " Vin's face soured on what the fenrir's quick reply, Alucard never laughed so it sounded that it was never meant for a joke.
Saint who was just watching them was eating a bag of cheese flavored chips. He waved his hand at them. "Hope you'd find it! " Saint was just too glad to be here. He wouldn't be able to see their full magic in action, at least he can still feel he's part of their adventure.
Sometimes, he even wishes that he shouldn't have been human and just be like them... their lives ain't boring just like his.
Vin, who was still confident of his abilities, waved back. "I'll be the first one to find it! I'll show you this, fenrir!" Alucard scoffed on what he heard, closing his eyes to calm himself and not to strangle someone.
That's their famous last words because they failed... amicably.
-
Anthony and Aegir both slumped against a grassy outcrop, they were watching the clear blue sky together; their faces wet with sweat and they also reek of dirt. No matter how much they struggled and tried - they still didn't find the Teleflaur. Aegir held up a peculiar herb, it resembled mint but its color was golden yellow - mirroring the color of Anthony's eyes. That's the same reason why Aegir took it.
"What's going on with these plants? " Aegir grumbled. He's becoming more annoyed with each passing second. They were searching for the flower for hours: from the grasses, the bushes, and even atop the trees but still... nothing.
Anthony could only offer a grunt, he was busy taming his messy hair into his man bun. Aegir pouted, leaning his head on Anthony's shoulder, making Anthony slightly jolt by the sudden contact. Still complaining, Aegir sighed. "Is that flower even real? I don't want to find it anymore, Master! " Aegir shook his head, almost throwing a tantrum.
Anthony took a deep breath, trying to relax himself. "Let's just rest here, maybe Alucard and Vin already found it. " There's a hint of blush on his face, Aegir took his hand and held it with his own.
"It's been so long since we had this peace, Master. After everything, would you take me to places such as these? " Aegir's voice was soft, his eyes were warm, transfixed with Anthony's orbs. Anthony's eyes widened slightly, his heart fluttering on what he heard. With a smile on his face, Anthony replied with joy, "Sure, I'd love too! " His heart was full, it was everything he wished for...to be with Aegir.
Before, he never thought that he'd want to be with a weird cosplaying man he met but when they stayed with each other through thick and thin... Anthony could say that he could survive anything if this person right in front of him will be his sun.
Aegir lay on the grass, his hands were still holding Anthony's. He was feeling the soft breeze kissing his face. Anthony followed suit, laying with Aegir, they were now face to face with each other - their cheeks both flushed with a smile on their faces. Laughter rambled on their chests creating a symphony of happiness shared between the two of them.
"My brother asked me to come back to Cat's Coven but I refused... " Aegir opened up. It's something Anthony doesn't know and didn't dare to ask. He trusts Aegir to tell him when he's ready.
He never expected to hear this and the idea of Aegir leaving him doesn't sit well with him. 'He refused... so, he'll stay... for me? ' His thoughts were running wild in his head. It was the only reason he could think of... It's definitely it, right?
It only took a single glance to confirm it, Aegir's sunshine filled beam aimed directly at him. The same smile that welcomes him at home...his rest and his medicine to make him feel at ease.
A sense of relief washed over Anthony's heart but he also felt a little cocky to ask, "Is it because of me? " he playfully smirked.
Aegir leaned to Anthony's chest, making it a pillow. Aegir was feeling the beat of his master's heart before replying boldly with a chuckle, "I am happier with you, it is the place I belong. " There was contentment in his voice and for both of them - it was all they could ask for.
And it was the boost Anthony was looking for... to do the first move and to cross the place of no return.
Anthony's voice was almost a whisper, his heart ramming loudly - all of it for Aegir to hear. "Say, Aegir. Would you listen to me and let me speak my heart out if we survive the raid? " Aegir hummed peacefully, closing his eyes.
Aegir had seen this moment once in Vin's comics. He found it silly before but the way butterflies rambled inside of his stomach - proved otherwise. It was a pleasant feeling. He never knew it was possible.
He'd tell him what he feels by then too, he hopes that he'll accept it.
They never knew that they have the same thoughts all alone - to be accepted, even though their feelings already made it pass through the borders and now resonate with each other.
Anthony raised his pinky finger, smiling. "It's a promise, okay? '' Aegir grinned, mimicking Anthony. Their fingers both clasped each other - sealing a promise.
-
Saint sauntered over to Anthony and Aegir, who were huddled together, their faces flushed with embarrassment. A mischievous glint flickered in Saint's eyes. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?" he teased. He went close to Vin to re-enact what he had seen before. Their faces inched closer, making kissy faces, laughing afterwards in amusement.
"How bold of you, you did great! " Ssint tapped Anthony's shoulder, proud of his friend for daring to do it. "What a man! " he continued, winking.
Anthony swatted Saint's hand away, his cheeks burning even brighter. "Nothing! Shut up, Saint!" he hissed. Saint laughed again, louder this time.
Aegir was sending daggers to Saint as if he wanted to drill multiple holes in his body. Saint raised both of his hands as if he's surrendering. "Alright, alright! I won't ask! But did you all find what you're looking for? " He asked, taking a bottle of water from his mat.
All of the people present were glum. "You didn't? '' Saint continued. Alucard was the one to respond, his hand on his forehead as if he was having a bad headache, "It's not here! I am starting to doubt Cross' intel. We already searched far and wide but... nothing! " The calm Alucard was on the verge of losing it. He cannot fail this mission - it's very important!
He pointed at Vin who has an apologetic expression on his face the moment Alucard did the action. "See, that bastard? Confident yet he himself couldn't find it! " Vin whistled awkwardly. "Alright! I am wrong, okay? So, what will we do now? " Vin shrugged, his face looked calm but he wanted to kick that flower away the moment he saw it. Alucard ordered him around like crazy like he's sort of a dog.
Saint took the teapot he brought and fill the cups sprawled in his mat. He offered them to his companion who stared at him like he was a comedian. "What? You need tea to calm your nerves. You're hungry, aren't you? I also have some cookies here, you know? " On cue, Aegir's stomach rumbled making Saint throw them the, 'I told you so' look.
"The last time I checked you didn't bring this, " It was Anthony who raised a question about the tea cup set the idiot had brought. He was having the best time in his life while they were suffering.
Saint laughed. "I had my butler send these. He knows the location. No need to worry, you need all the strength you need to find the flower. Hours later, it'll be sun down, you can't afford to waste time. " He offered the cups again and went to get a large paper bag filled with warm cookies.
Aegir was first to take the cup and sniffed it, investigating the contents of the red liquid inside of it. "What is this? " It smelled bizzare like the mixture of a floral and woody scent making Aegir find it weird. There was also something in this concoction that felt familiar but he couldn't pinpoint what.
"It's just tea! In fact, it's one of the flowers you can find in this place. It happened to be my favorite, I've been drinking it for years so it's safe, " Saint guaranteed, taking a sip of the cup to prove that it's nothing bad.
"What flower? Aegir asked again, not believing Saint.
Saint sighed and took the flower from his little pouch. Revealing a crimson flower that resembled blood. In the center of it was silver, looking like the shape of an iris. From it flowed a clear white liquid making it perceived like the flower was shedding tears.
The calm Alucard screamed and the others were looking at Saint, gaping. "What are you looking like? Swear, it's safe. I just picked it there. I even have some in my home. "
'Why would a human have the Teleflaur? And how the heck can he see it? '
That's what they thought that was running through their minds.
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