This chapter is dedicated to kakaaachin ♡

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. 

-

An unnatural luminescence bathed the room, casting an eerie glow on Trace's pale skin. Gone was the vibrant pink hair, replaced by an unsettling white that contrasted sharply with the imposing raven wings sprouting from his back, marking him as one of Anthony's "feathers." His electric-blue eyes, though, remained, yet they held a chilling emptiness as they surveyed the tense faces around him.

The air crackled with unspoken hostility. One figure, Alucard the Fenrir, growled a challenge at Trace's presence, his eyes blazing with fury as a surge of power crackled in his hand. 

Trace, however, met the fenrir's glare with a cold amusement, a humorless chuckle escaping his lips.

"Artemisia," he called out, his voice surprisingly calm. The sound of his own voice after death seemed to surprise him. "There's no need for such hostility."

Alucard's master, Artemisia, stood, her amethyst eyes flashing a steely glint. "There's more at stake here, Trace," she said, her voice cutting through the tension. "Calm yourself, Alucard."

With a low growl, Alucard slumped back in his chair, forced to obey his master. Though he couldn't attack, his glare never left the detestable form of Trace.

Death had opened Trace's eyes. He understood Alucard's reaction. They'd fought before, and Trace had forced the fenrir to battle undead Alucard personally knew in their living days.

A sigh escaped Trace as he shifted his attention to Vin and Saint. He recognized Vin from before his death, and a flicker of gratitude passed through him  - the rabbit-man must have told Anthony what he needed to know. He wasn't surprised by the disbelief in Vin's eyes. After all, the only Trace Vin knew was the malevolent force behind the recent battles.

Across from him, Saint stared at Trace with wide-eyed fascination. Trace couldn't blame him - he was no longer alive, yet Saint's reaction surprised him further. He knew Saint's father had been a patron of his former master's "farm," but here was the young man, seemingly untainted by his father's darkness, who had befriended Anthony and exposed the truth.

Shaking his head in amusement, Trace had to admit a grudging respect for Saint's courage. "You're definitely a better man than your father," he said, "and much easier on the eyes."

Saint surprised him by bursting into laughter. "Guess the dead have a better eye for beauty than the living," he shrugged, his smirk still plastered on his face.

Trace offered no reply. He closed his eyes for a moment, a strange sensation in his current state. He no longer needed to breathe to calm himself. Back when he was alive, his heart would be pounding with anxiety in this situation.

He knew it was time to face his consequences. Anthony might not see him as family anymore, but just a weapon, and Trace would accept that. As long as he could help his nephew, that was all that mattered.

With a swift movement, Trace knelt on one knee, his wings fanning out in a gesture of complete submission. A stunned gasp escaped Aegir's lips – never had he imagined seeing their former enemy so humbled.

"I am unworthy," Trace began, his voice heavy with shame, addressing his words to Anthony. "But if you would allow it, this dead man offers himself to you. Use me as you see fit. I will accept any punishment and burden with all that I am, My Liege."

If Anthony reacted with fury, Trace wouldn't complain. He deserved the anger and the guilt would be his eternal burden.

Aegir felt the weight of Trace's words. His show of obedience spoke volumes about his regret. A strange certainty laced Trace's voice, a sense that he wouldn't shy away from any pain or punishment Anthony might inflict. But it would be a second death for Trace if his nephew cast him aside.

It was a suffocating sight - the struggle of a man who understood his mistakes far too late. Yet, Aegir knew Anthony was a kind man. He might accept his uncle without offering forgiveness, and that was alright. They could start there, and Aegir would be happy that Anthony still had family to rely on.

Aegir yearned for his master's happiness, a freedom from the dark shadows he was forced to carry. It's what someone with a kind heart like Anthony deserved.

Aegir stared at Anthony's face whose expression was contorted with a complex of mixed emotions - there was rage,  sorrow,  and pity laced on his golden orbs. He was clenching his fist as his jaw tightened.  Anthony wanted to lashed out on his uncle but he could feel  where he was coming from - the dull,  throbbing pain that stayed for many years that turned into blinding cold fury. He also had those feelings to the people who hurt him but he was able to contain every bits of it for his own good.  He doesn't want to impose pain on others because he already understood how it felt being a victim. 

Aegir placed his hand on Anthony's shoulders, gently squeezing it.  Even with the presence of wrath and other emotions - his master's kindness still remains.  

Anthony mustered a sigh before pushing himself to speak,  ”I...I cannot forgive what you've done.  ” Anthony choked out.  Trace stiffened,  he bit his lips.  He already anticipated it but it still sent ripples of pain in his heart.  He was already dead but the anguish never left. 

Anthony faltered yet he decided to continue,  ”But perhaps... ” he paused;  trying to find the right words that'll fit,  ”If moving forward with you means correcting the mistakes that was done for several years... who am I to stop your desire for repentance? ” A small smile etched on Anthony's lips. “By all means,  uncle... Help us.  ”

A sliver of hope struck Trace and it was that moment when lifted his head.  Trace opened his lips to tell the truth and to offer them all the evidence that could also convict the nymph elders and some others who were the reason why this war was happening. 

“Your enemy was no other than Hale.  The first victim of the nymph elders. “ Trace's revelation took a sharp turn. Artemisia stood up from her seat;  a feeling of unease clouded her heart.  She has suspicions because Hale was never found - he was even pronounced dead but she never expected that all of these was his revenge. 

But Hale was a nymph but isn't their enemy a vampire? 

Trace rose from his current position and pointed his index finger in Artemisia's direction.  ”You failed to protect a victim  from those nymph elders.  If it's not for Hale the human and the cat-person wasn't apprehended but instead of thanking him - those nymph elders used the opportunity to rationalize their hatred towards Hale.  They killed him and you did nothing. ”

Artemisia's face paled.  Realization dawned on her;  she knew what he was talking about because it is one of the guilt she has inside her heart. 

She was grieving due to the loss of her lover - the past village chief of the nymphs.  She shut everything up and didn't care what had happened after that. She let another victim suffer. 

Artemisia's body felt cold - her heart hung heavy on her chest.  Alucard,  who had seen the expression on his master's face, went rigid.  He couldn't accept that his master was being blamed! It's not Artemisia's fault that they chose to be wicked! 

Alucard stood up and shielded Artemisia with his hand.  He was growling at Trace;  his teeth were clenching.  ”Don't put my master into this! ” he shouted,  anger evident in his voice.  Trace just sarcastically laughed with Alucard's remark. 

“You don't know anything,  kid.  ” Trace shook his head in dismay.  Alucard became more infuriated;  his knuckles ready to attack Trace any minute.  

”And you think you know everything? you bastard! ” Alucard spat back at Trace, launching a powerball towards Trace's direction.  Trace immediately parried the magic hurled at him by swallowing it whole using his right hand.  

With his palm stretched forward - aiming at Alucard;  his hand glowed crimson.  It immediately confined Alucard's body,  preventing the fenrir to move.  The fenrir tried to flee himself from the barrier Trace have casted on him but with no avail. 

Trace looked at Alucard blankly,  he pointed his index finger at Artemisia.  Her hands were shaking and eyes now tearing up.  “Why don't you try to ask her? She knows what she did and nothing could be fixed here without accountability and let's start with her. “ Trace was aware that he doesn't have the right to speak about accountability but death made him realize that nothing will change until the roots of all of these will be cut. 

Artemisia's voice cracked.  Her heart was heavy and she knows that Trace was right.  She lowered her head while tears flowed in her eyes.  ”I am sorry... ” she apologized again and again, making Alucard's shoulder drop. 

Trace could see the remorse in Artemisia's voice.  He knew that it was genuine because he too sounded the same before but he cannot stop now - they need to know everything.  “You cursed the cat-people,  didn't you? ” Trace's eyes darted around the only cat-person present inside the room - Aegir whose eyes widened in shock. 

”Hale cheated death. A vampire, later his wife, saved and turned him. But hatred festered among the cat people. They detested Alec, the one who beguiled you, and the cause of why their race was cursed. Their elders, fearing charm and manipulation, deemed such powers evil. This prejudice saw some cat people become vampire hunters. It was one of them who murdered Hale's wife and their unborn child, setting him on this path, ” Trace further revealed. This was the story his ex master had told him and the other generals.  He clearly remembered how his eyes turned to bloodshot red and his anger caused the room to loom in darkness making it impossible to breathe.

All of the people's faces present in the room turned white in terror.  The revelation hung heavily in the air. Trace's eyes never left Aegir,  he placed his hand on his chin;  suddenly remembered something,  ”Their malice never ended there.  It runs deep.  You protectors are blind.  “ Trace chuckled humorlessly,  ”Like the nymphs,  they also harm their own kind.  Years ago,  they even allegedly killed one of their chief's children for having a power related to charm.  ”  

Upon hearing what Trace had said,  Aegir's face went completely drained of its colors.  His hand flew instinctively on his chest,  his breathing catching on his throat.  Trace could tell that what had flickered on Aegir's eyes spoke the truth.  The truth that mirrored his own - because he was the very person that was mentioned in his tale. 

Aegir never wanted to remember his past.  He doesn't want to have anything to do with it.  They never found out that he was still alive.  He was a defenseless child before when it happened and one of his brothers - who was kind - unlike the other was the one who had thrown him to the human city where he lived all his life. 

Across the room,  Anthony could sense Aegir's distress.  He immediately went to hold Aegir's arm to support him.  Trace could only smiled faintly upon realizing that it'll be complicated for the both of them but he could attest that both of them are stronger together. 

Anthony squeezed Aegir's shoulder as a form of silent encouragement.  He doesn't know why Aegir is reacting this way and he doesn't want to ask.  He knows Aegir will tell him until he's ready and he'll wait for that. 

Trace stepped towards Artemisia.  The woman wiped her tears away,  with a hoarse voice full of remorse,  she spoked,  "I... ” Words failed her,  the weight of her past burden crushed a heavy burden in her heart. 

With words full of authenticity,  Artemisia bowed her head towards everyone,  especially Aegir. “I'm sorry... I truly mean it,” Artemisia choked a sob. Aegir in return,  weakly smiled.  He doesn't know if Artemisia already found out who he was but if it's about the curse Artemisia had placed towards his race - he doesn't want to live in the past anymore. 

They couldn't change what had been done.  But if they could do something in the present to prevent it from happening again - it'll be the choice that must be put in action.

Aegir took a deep breath,  trying to compose himself.  “The only thing we need to do is to end this cycle.  ” Aegir never thought he'd be able to bravely say things like these but he wants a better future. 

With a curtly nod,  Trace agreed.  Artemisia heaved a long sigh - her face now stern;  with a voice full of authority she proclaimed,  “We will call the elders and representatives of each race.  Before we discuss our next move with them - we'll hold a trial against the elders of the nymphs and cat-race.  “

She looked at Anthony and Aegir then continued,  ”I will proclaim you two officially as my people and also as witnesses against the elders... Do you accept it? ”

Aegir gulped.  He was getting nervous.  But if it's the only way to move forward - he'll do it if he fears it.  He looked at Anthony whose gaze was also fixed with him; mirrored his nod. “We accept. “

With one thought in mind - to fight for each other's sake to secure a peaceful future. 

Amidst the seriousness looming in the air,  Saint re-entered the living room with a plate full of newly cooked pasta in his hand.  Vin wasn't able to stop him from leaving after Trace's revelation.  

Vin facepalmed and mumbled incoherent words; each firing insults to the crazy human. The idiot really chose a good time to become someone he's good at. 

Saint placed the pasta on the table;  the people inside the room were staring at him.  He smiled happily, nonchalant about the situation. "Pasta, everyone!" he chirped, oblivious to the tension. 

"And drinks! You guys look stressed." He gestured toward the kitchen, then to Trace, a confused frown marred his features. "Excuse me, but does, uh, the dead guy eat? No offense, dead... uh... Anthony's uncle?" He scratched his head,  an awkward smile on his lips. 

The weight of the moment momentarily lifted as bewildered stares met Saint's innocent inquiry.

Some ideas of the next chapters... truths about Aegir,  trials and punishments,  then the most awaited first face off of Anthony and his...uhmm... villainous therapist.