Noah's voice cuts through the tense air like a blade, startling both Tahno and Mikael as he steps into their conversation. "If it means ridding the world of Junsui once and for all, then I'd gladly sacrifice myself."
Mikael turns toward him, taken aback by his sudden appearance. "Noah, you were listening? You heard—"
"Yeah, I heard everything…dad." Noah's emphasis on "dad" drips with sarcasm, but his face remains stoic, betraying no emotion. It's difficult for Mikael to discern whether Noah is bitter, relieved, or simply indifferent. "So, Tahno— or should I start calling you Brother? Bro? Onii-san? Or just Mason?"
Tahno's response is sharp, as usual. "Tahno will be just fine, thank you. If you start treating me any differently, I'll make sure your life is hell. Don't think I'm going to go easy on you either. You may have officially reached graduate status, but you'll still be under my command in your Junsui Hunter unit. Your struggle has just begun."
"Oh, don't worry, I wasn't serious." Noah's words are laced with disdain. "Learning that you're my brother and that he's my biological father changes absolutely nothing for me. Neither of you mean any more to me now than you did before. I'm not interested in bloodlines, who did what, or any prophecies—so spare me the details. All I want to know is where this Junsui-killing weapon is and how I can get it. Actually, I'd love to know if there's a weapon to eradicate the entire Bakemon race since it's obvious there's no such thing as a 'good' or 'innocent' Bakemon. I'll definitely have to thank Ouran for teaching me that when we meet again and I can stab that weapon right through their cold, dead heart. So about that thing you need me for, Mikael—Sir," he adds mockingly. Noah stands rigid, his eyes empty and void of emotion.
Mikael's heart sinks as he looks at Noah, seeing how the light that had briefly returned to his eyes after his family's death has once again been extinguished. Noah's trust, shattered by the betrayal of those he cared for, has left him hollow, and Mikael fears that his son may never trust or love anyone again.
Tahno, impatient and harsh, cuts through Mikael's hesitation. "Well, old man? Are you going to tell him, or will you wait until it's too late to save them?"
Mikael shakes off his sorrow, focusing on the task at hand. "Right. Well, I managed to close their wounds to prevent further blood loss, but they've already lost more blood than most humans can survive on. Their internal organs are likely damaged as well. My healing powers can't fully repair such extensive injuries, but there is another way. If they drink your blood, Noah, its healing properties will temporarily enhance their ability to heal and restore their bodies. Normally, I wouldn't suggest this, as there's a risk of them becoming corrupted Junsui, but they already have a latent form of the Junsui gene within them. Your blood should adapt to theirs without corrupting them."
Noah listens impassively, absorbing the information without any visible reaction. "Okay, I get it. But if that's the case, why do you need me specifically? Couldn't you have done it just as easily? You're a full Junsui too, aren't you?"
"Yes, that's true," Mikael admits. "I could have done it, but I felt it should be you since they are your friends. Moreover, unlike me, who possesses only a single element like any other Junsui, you were born with the ability to use all four elements. Your blood is likely the most compatible with theirs, as it's unlikely to contain antibodies against any of their blood types. So, from a scientific standpoint, you're the best choice."
"Okay, I don't need a biology lesson," Noah interrupts. "So basically, you want me to feed them my blood. Fine, I'll do it. It's my fault they're in this mess anyway. They're in the clinic, right? I'll head there now. Meet you guys there." With that, Noah walks away, his demeanor cold and emotionless.
Mikael watches him go, his heart heavy with grief. "He's like a robot," he murmurs, his voice filled with sadness. "It's as if all his life and emotions have been sucked out of him. It hurts to see that."
Tahno scoffs, his tone laced with cynicism as he turns to leave. "Welcome to the real world. That's what it really means to live as a human. Tell me, how does it feel to have three worthless sons? Aren't you proud?"
Mikael bows his head in shame, the weight of Tahno's words pressing down on him. He feels like he has failed as a father, unable to protect his sons from the harsh realities of the world. Everything he has done over the years, every decision he made, now seems in vain. He wonders if he should have taken his sons, even Ouran, and lived with them in seclusion, away from the evils of the world, even if it meant living in ignorant bliss. He looks up at the sky, seeking guidance, and though no words are spoken, he feels a renewed sense of purpose.
"Father," Mikael whispers, "I may falter, but I shall not relinquish my faith. I will carry out your will. In return, I ask only that you protect my children—Demetrius, Helios, Silas, and Ouran—keeping them safe and on a righteous path. In your holy name, I pray, Amen."
Resolving to finish what he started, Mikael gathers his strength and prepares to face the challenges ahead. He chose the path of a holy monk because he believed in the prophecy foretold—a new Great Savior would rise to combat a Supreme Leader of corruption. He knows that Noah and Judas are the ones spoken of in the prophecy, and he is determined to see it through, no matter how long it takes. For now, he will let Tahno carry out his plan, allowing him to see for himself that there is no way to eradicate the Junsui. But Mikael will be there, ready to guide Noah when the time comes, and he will continue to fight for his children's futures, even if it means confronting the darkest parts of himself.
With a heavy heart, Mikael adjusts his cloak and makes his way to the clinic, ready to do whatever it takes to save Noah's friends and keep his family together, no matter the cost.