Anthony and Aegir couldn't help but to survey their eyes to the grand hall of a condominium. It was luxurious, a first for them. The hall was big with pale yellow marble tiles, gleaming with a beautiful glow. The crystal chandeliers resembled polished gems in a jewelry shop. There were also deep velvet plush armchairs serving as resting haven for those who wished for it. Two concierges were already there awaiting them for assistance, each with a warm smile on their faces.
Aegir was in awe, it was indeed beautiful but it crossed his mind that humans are extravagant. He now knows the value of human currency and he's sure it's not cheap here. Aegir was holding Anthony's sleeves although out, afraid that he'll get lost any moment from now. "Master, are you sure that we should be here? " Aegir's voice was hesitant. They felt like a bit of dust in here.
Anthony on the other hand, already had a background on these things since his aunt sometimes tags him along sometimes but... this... is too much. The motif of the whole place was full of sophistication. The windows were huge and expansive, decorated with gold and red satin curtains. Anthony nodded and smiled at Aegir. "Don't worry, we're just here for Mr. So. " He told Aegir who blew an annoyed breath.
"And where the hell is that goblin? " Aegir raised his eyebrow which made Saint, who was ahead of them, chuckled. His 'dignified' persona slowly left him. He turned towards them and gave an answer, "I am sure that he's up to no good, you must brace yourself on what you're going to witness later! " he half joked and half meant. His father is a dirty old man with a disgusting amount of libido - perhaps the second one makes them the same but he's thankful that he is more handsome than him.
Anthony sighed, he was supposed to go alone but Saint stopped him. "I really need to get in touch with him about the pre-order details of my book and some other things. I don't want it to get in the way with the other things. " Worry laced on his facial expression. By means of 'other things', it's their mission. It is also fast approaching.
Saint winked and smiled. "You got it, man! But a warning... " He raised his index finger. "You need to have a strong guts to keep up with my father's shenanigans. " Aegir raised his eyebrow on what he heard, uttering a sarcastic reply, "My master kept up for years. Will that make him an idiot survivor or a little sweet victim? " Aegir emphasized the victim's word which made Saint shrugged as if he couldn't change anything about that part.
Anthony was not dumb not to agree to that part. "Well, I guess. People learn from their mistakes. " Aegir pulled Anthony's sleeves and eyed him with an irritated look. "Shut up, it's not your fault. "
But Saint knew better, his father doesn't accept that he's at fault.
Saint took a deep breath and in seconds, his face changed into the usual mask he used. He went to the receptionist, leaning a bit, with a smile all over his face - showing his white teeth. "Hi, we're here for Mr. So. I am his son, Saint and I have here some company, for business purposes, " he replied to the female receptionist who just stared at him, star struck. Saint winked, making the receptionist stop herself from smiling.
Anthony and Aegir were whispering things behind his back. "He's also disgusting. Should we kick him? " Aegir suggested, grimacing.
Anthony already made peace with the idea that Saint was 'that' type of guy, it didn't surprise him that he's like that. Popular with a lot more women reservoirs. "Nah, he's a worse case. Just watch him, " he replied, waving his hand dismissively.
Saint mustered a forceful smile. He doesn't know if he'll be happy not being kicked or be insulted dubbed being the worst case?
The receptionist smiled flirtatiously. "Ah, yes. Glad to see you again, Sir. Sure, you can go. Thank you for visiting us! " She signaled two concierges to assist them to the elevator.
-
They were now face to face with Mr. So's condo unit. It was already two minutes when they started to ring the doorbell, still they didn't get any responses from him.
Aegir pressed it again, this time with force, over and over again. "Why is he not answering?! " Aegir knocked the door harshly. Anthony was also wondering and becoming a little irritated. Mr. So is a difficult person but deliberately ignoring them is too much.
"Should we just leave? " Anthony said, tapping his feet impatiently on the tiled floor. Saint was shaking his head and replied, "I'll call the staff for a spare keycard. My father may be sleeping his ass out still. I am sorry about this. " Saint took his phone from his pockets with an irritated look on his face. He distanced himself from the two for a while.
Aegir looked at Anthony and pointed at the door. "Can we just destroy this door? " Aegir's voice was calm but he sounded too serious, his fist was already crumpled. Anthony yelped softly, waving both of his hands in the air to say no.
"Don't! We have to pay that if you do that! " Anthony warned Aegir of making the latter pout, getting the point of his master.
Aegir's forest green eyes narrowed like a hawk, looking at the door as if there was something unusual he's seeing. "Maybe that bastard is already dead here. Who knows? " he blurted out. "Maybe he died in his sleep, drowning in his own greed, " he continued, curling up his lips into a small pout.
Anthony shrugged, he never thought of the possibility of his goblin editor to be dead though he's quite sure a lot of people wished for it. He chuckled a little and spoke, "That's impossible. Bad grass never dies! Satan won't like him in hell anyways. " He snickered at his own joke.
Seconds later, Saint walked towards them together with the condo staff. The staff hurriedly scanned the keycard on the scanner leaving a low beeping sound. The look pasted on the staff was palpable, his brows dripping in sweat due to nervousness. He bowed down to them. "I-I am sorry! We didn't bother to check on Mr. So since yesterday since he'll get mad if we disturb him! " The staff was stuttering. Anthony and Aegir don't know how to react in this situation, they didn't say anything. It was Saint who dismissed the staff who immediately rushed out from them.
With a sigh, Saint was the one who pushed the door open. Upon opening the door, a strong smell enveloped their noses - it was rusty and foul. It was unpleasant enough for them to cover their noses. The smell was rather familiar to them - they already encountered it before.
Anthony's body ran cold. It felt like an anvil dropped on his stomach and his heart was thumping loudly on his chest. It was Aegir who managed to speak, his face mirroring that of his master. He also felt the urge to back away from the room but he stood there frozen. "Why... Why does it smell like blood here? " His voice was almost a whisper, he couldn't swallow his own saliva.
A chill ran down Saint's spine, his hand halted on pushing the switch of the lights. There was an ominous feeling creeping to his system. It was the same feeling he had felt when he was in that casino. He wants to throw up and lose his consciousness. "Hey, are you here? " He managed to call his father. Maybe he had done a nasty hobby here or something and he's just sleeping.
It took one click to the switch for them to know what happened. Mr. So and a girl's body lie on the floor - bathed in their own blood. They were stuck like a statue, trying to process what they had seen.
Until it was Aegir who screamed - a call of reality that indeed they saw a grotesque scene.
Mr. So was dead.
-
The atmosphere was solemn. Anthony, Aegir and Vin were standing in the corner of the room. They were only some of the few people who visited Mr. So when the news was released regarding his death. Saint was standing beside the urn of his father who he chose to cremate.
Anthony was getting worried for his friend. Saint was not speaking after they saw what had happened to Mr. So. It might've been a shock for him and no matter how he wanted to get rid of his father - seeing him dead is a different thing.
With a sympathetic voice, Aegir was the one to break the silence, speaking to Anthony. "Will he be okay? " Aegir asked. Anthony shook his head, somewhere in his heart, he felt responsible for this. His heart won't let him keep silent.
Aegir was feeling a little guilty too, he wished for Mr. So to die not thinking that his son is their friend. He lowered his head, his lips in a tight frown.
"We all know that Mr. So's death wasn't ordinary. Those wounds looked like someone attacked him! What if it was our enemy? " Anthony said softly, almost a whisper. The wounds he saw on Mr. So were long and deep. It looked like it came from a creatures' claw.
Vin leaned on the wall, ruffling his own curls, feeling frustrated. "We shouldn't tell this to Saint, he shouldn't be involved further. His father must've angered an enemy or worse—Hale. " They both agreed in unison. Most likely, the enemy will try to get rid of Saint too because he saw what's going on there.
And Anthony wouldn't allow it. He might've not felt so bad hearing his editor's death - he won't like that there would be another that'll be next, especially if it's Saint, his friend. There was a raging fire burning inside of him, it won't show in his face but he's aware that it was anger - almost like a shadow, slowly making its way towards his heart.
It made him want to get stronger - enough to beat Hale so he won't be hurting other people ever again. "I'll talk to Artemisia for Saint to be protected. " Anthony's voice was firm. Vin agreed and replied, "We must convince Saint too to withdraw to come with us on the next mission. He couldn't —" Vin's words cut out short when Saint came, protesting on what Vin was suggesting.
His silver eyes were cold, glinting with an emotion they couldn't name. But his mouth was twitching, perhaps from gritting his teeth. "You won't be opting me out of this. That's final! This is personal for me. " His words came with conviction, his fists in a tight knuckle.
Vin harshly shook his head in repulsion. "You don't understand, Saint! They're not human - you couldn't fight them. Calm your shit, you have your limitations. " Vin's eyes were focused on Saint, his index finger pointing at him.
With a mocking glance, Saint scoffed. "You're not the boss in me, rabbit! I may not be magical like the rest of you but I have my own strength. You need me, so suck it out - my terms. " The atmosphere was becoming so heated that Anthony and Aegir felt alarmed. They positioned themselves in the middle, trying to block on whatever it may occur any seconds from now.
Though, Anthony agreed on Vin. Saint must stay out of this. He'll die. "Saint... I... " Anthony spoke, looking at Saint who smirked at him. "Don't look at me like that, Anthony. You won't be convincing me like this asshole. " Saint glared at Vin whose lips parted in disbelief.
Saint replied with sarcasm. "Atleast, I have self awareness rather than you who loves jumping in every thrill. '' Vin's head tilted, grimacing. "When your life is over, it's over. There's no reset like your worldly games, Saint. If you don't value yours, think about those who value you. '' Vin's voice was cold but it carried a significant weight. It also sounded like he was sick of Saint's mindset.
Saint laughed, shoving Anthony's arm so he could reach Vin. "Don't preach to me, coward. I don't need your words. " Vin sent daggers towards Saint, he raised his hand, ready to throw a fist.
The air was filled with tension, Anthony was getting nervous. He cannot stop both of them. His eyes rested towards Aegir who stood there frozen, his head hung low. He called for him in desperation. "Aegir! " But Aegir didn't speak. Perhaps he was getting scared of the conflict? Thinking about it was making Anthony mad too if Aegir will cry, he'll punch both of them.
A vein popped on Anthony's head. He doesn't want to shout here but it seems appropriate - these two were causing a scene. Both of them were trying to get past his hands with their fists trying to reach each other.
"Anthony, stay out of this! This bastard needs some lessons! " It was Vin.
"The hell with you! " Saint was already screaming.
Anthony closed his eyes, trying to find his composure. He was too close to emit his violet aura. But using magic will not solve this situation.
But it was not Anthony who stopped the two of them, it was Aegir whose face resembled that of a feral cat - he was hissing - his pupils slit. His fists found its place on both Saint and Vin's cheeks. Aegir was fast for both of them to react. They were left sitting on the floor with their palms holding their bruised face. They yelped as the pain registered on their system, Saint was the one who cursed under his breath.
Vin was about to complain too and raise his voice when Aegir glared at him. Soon, he found his body unable to move. Saint's body was also restricted when he was about to say something inappropriate, his lips were also tied shut.
Aegir's forest green eyes were filled with venom, eating them away. "Shut up! If you cannot talk calmly, I'll make sure you'll not be able to speak. Don't start with me - I can punch all of you better than your physical strength could muster! " Aegir threatened them, his hand was on his forehead - thinking everything that had happened was a total hassle. "I know your father is something disrespectful but for the sake of the dead, you mustn't act like fools!" he added, nagging them, his voice was loud and every syllable he spoke bore conviction - his pair of canines were showing. Right now, Aegir sounded like a mother and if they dared to be against him again - they'll taste hell.
Anthony winced on what he had heard. Secretly happy that it wasn't him that Aegir was mad about. He's way familiar with Aegir's expression and it means serious business. If there's something Aegir does best - it is to practice what he preaches especially if he warns somebody.
"I don't care if you'll kill each other after this but show some decency! " It continued, Saint and Vin couldn't do anything but to listen because they couldn't count themselves out or tell Aegir to spare them - they couldn't buldge an inch.
Aegir was more than ready to give another go but was interrupted by an old butler entering the room, it was Saint's butler - his face was pale as if he had seen a ghost. Aegir immediately undone his spell - allowing Vin and Saint to get back on their feet.
The voice of the butler was nervous, bowing politely at Saint's direction. "Master, we have a visitor. It's one of your father's 'friends' he had announced himself! " The butler said, Saint, his hand still on his face. "Then, what's the matter? Let them in. " The butler was reluctant as if he knew what kind of person it was.
Truth to be told, he once was forced to accompany Mr. So to the 'farm' and he saw that 'friend' of his there and he's more brutal than anyone present in that room.
The butler, with no other choice, went to fetch the visitor. Seconds later, Dr. Gregory stepped inside the room with a sad look on his face. He was holding a basket of mourning flowers decorated with a ribbon with Mr. So's name on it.
Collective gasps between Anthony and Saint were heard all over the room. Anthony, who never expected for his therapist to be there and Saint whose heart beat erratically for some unknown reason - he was also feeling tense. That person was rather familiar, he had seen him before but he doesn't know when or where. Dr. Gregory found him staring, the warm smile reached the Doctor's eyes but rather than to feel at ease, he's still feeling anxious.
The Doctor took a step closer and Saint stepped backwards. His body ran cold, his hands were trembling. He couldn't believe that Anthony also knew this person and Anthony was also happy seeing this person. But for him, there's something unusual to this person and it's not something good.
Dr. Gregory walked in front of Saint, his smile was still there and he was staring at Saint's eyes. He went to offer the flowers to Saint and offer his condolences. "I heard the news that Mr. So was dead. Such unfortunate news. We had lost someone as talented as him. " Saint could clearly hear the fakeness in his voice, it resembled his. The same technique he had been using to fool people about his personality. But Saint couldn't apprehend him, he just couldn't - he was feeling like he courted danger.
Saint could only gulp his saliva and blindly accept the flowers from the man. Dr. Gregory soon turned his attention to Anthony, he placed his hand on his lips as if he was surprised that Anthony was there. Saint was observing him - the Doctor was still smiling but his eyes were shining speaking to Anthony. It was different and less hostile.
"Anthony, glad you're here! Who's with you right now? '' Dr. Gregory's hand gestured over Aegir and Vin who was quite thankful that they had used the magical lotion. Anthony beamed and held Aegir's hand. "This is Aegir, an important person. " There was a lace of shyness in his voice, laughing softly.
Dr. Gregory gasped until it dawned to him who that person was. It was the person Anthony was talking about and the way he sees it - Aegir was a beautiful man and the way Aegir's face tinted pink upon hearing what Anthony had said only meant one thing - their feelings were mutual.
There was nothing to worry about but it seems they were still oblivious about it. A genuine smile crept on his lips - troubling Saint more who was observing him. Dr. Gregory introduced himself. "I am Dr. Gregory Galloway, Anthony's therapist. He told many good things about you! " he winked at Anthony who went rigid on the spot. Aegir stared at Anthony with curiosity, wanting to know what he had said about him.
Dr. Gregory's smile widened. He was genuinely happy for Anthony but he already found out about his drive and weakness. He could certainly use Aegir to push Anthony to choose his side - he just needs to create a concrete plan.
'You will come to me, Anthony. It'll be the last thing you'll do. ' That was inside his thoughts. He was already thinking on how to use Aegir to lure Anthony. But he knows that he shouldn't hurt Aegir. He's the only person that could control his target.
His gaze fixed to the other people in the room, one a person he didn't recognize - someone with curly brown hair and a tan complexion. The person was staring at him intently as if he was assessing him. His eyebrows were in a tight knot. Dr. Gregory smiled at the man and offered his hand for a handshake. "Nice to meet you, you must be? " he asked his name with a smirk on his face. He felt that this person must've guts and he needs to remember his name.
Vin, the person that Dr. Gregory was refering accepted the handshake but he never smiled. "My name's Vin Alric, Fate's Cuisine's owner. " Dr. Gregory's lips formed an 'o'. He didn't visited it yet but he knew that it was rather popular to the humans.
His eyes wandered next to Saint whose eyes were on him but he couldn't see him eye to eye. Dr. Gregory laughed at the back of his mind, and Saint was wary of him. He remembers this kid - he saw him killing back then and lost his consciousness.
Did the kid remember him? He was kind enough to use magic to blur some parts of his memories though he knows about the farm - it's his gift for him, to remember all the grotesque scenes. If the kid had seen him - he needs to dispose of Saint.
His thoughts were cut off when he heard Anthony speak, he tilted his head to meet his gaze and smiled. "Thank you for coming here, Doctor. My friend here, Saint really needs some people by his side during these troubling times. " Anthony's face registered worry, his lips in a sad frown.
Dr. Gregory halted... 'Saint was Anthony's friend? '
Did Anthony know about the farm?
The desire to end Saint's life intensified inside Dr. Gregory's heart but killing Saint will hurt Anthony. He needs to acquire Anthony before wiping Saint out of the picture.
And to shut Saint's mouth... Perhaps he needs a motion picture on how his father died.
A wide grin formed on Dr. Gregory's lips.