rozenblitz | Open Post

[Oh, how very interesting.]

It seems you have a knack for the incredible, if that's the case. I've never met a soul that has survived a dragon. Let alone creatures made by powers... out of this world.

Those battles were never easy and I can't say I faced everything all alone either.

[Which, he realizes, may be a dangerous statement to make, considering he is alone now.]

I simply help out those in need as I travel. That's my job as an adventurer.

[A very dangerous thing to say, indeed! Sunday sees or hears no companions with the blond, so he assumes that he's a bit vulnerable now.]

How very noble of you. I assume you have made quite the name for yourself then. Creature-slayer.

[Sunday is quietly contemplative.]

[Aether frowns ever so slightly, pondering his next words.]

None of that matters to me much. There's a different reason why I'm on this journey.

[He falls silent for a moment, then suddenly asks:]

Do you have family?

[Sunday's wings might very subtly twitch at the question. He was not expecting to hear such a question. And one that he would usually never tell anyone the answer to unless he needed to. Or at least he would guard the answer. It wouldn't do for anyone to go after her. He's murdered enough people for that. So he very cautiously answers,]

Hm. I do, I have one younger sister.

[One who he fiercely loves.]

[Aether looks at his companion in silence, the answer surprising him.]

What a coincidence. I also have one younger sister.

[He lets a small puff of laugh.]

We're twins, actually, so the age difference between us is insignificant. [He continues to smile for a moment longer, before his expression falls.] I would do anything to protect her.

[She's his only family.]

[Sunday's expression remains neutral and calm but...]

What a pleasant coincidence, indeed. It seems we have something very important in common.

[Then a small smile appears on his lips.]

Minutes or years, an old brother's job is to protect a sister. No matter what the cost.

[He nods. It seems they both think alike and cherish their family deeply.

Aether's expression falls after a moment.]

But sadly, my sister and I have been separated. She was taken away by a being that I have never encountered before. I've been searching ever since: for my sister and for the thing that took her.

[Which is why he became an adventurer and took all the commissions to slay various monsters, all in hopes of tracking the mysterious creature responsible for the twins' separation.]

I know my sister is out there, alive and well. I gathered enough evidence to confirm that, but I'm yet to see her again.

...

[Now, it wouldn't do Sunday at all to have a feeling about this. But he can't help the slight hollow ache he feels in the centre of his un-beating heart.]

I can imagine how painful it must be. To be separated from her, as you are.

[He glances at the blond.]

And if you met this being that took her? What would you do then? Would you aim to kill it?

[It is painful and it's not often when Aether talks about it. His eyes are downcast as he walks by the other's side and thinks his question over.]

I'm... not sure. I'm still very angry, but I also want to know why.

[The image of that night plays vividly in his mind.]

I remember this being looked like a tall woman floating above the ground. She was talking about punishing us for our arrogance... but I don't recall ever doing anything to offend her. My sister was acting strange that night, too.

[His voice drops, his heart aching. There's so many question and yet despite his long journey, he's found so little answers to it all.]

[Sunday's eyes linger on Aether as they walk and he notices that the eerie moonlight shining on Aether's blond hair makes it look like shining gold...]

A tall floating woman...

[If Sunday has any better guess, he might guess that it was a vampire that kidnapped his sister. But that is not an observation that he can give up to Aether. Not now.]

If I had lost my sister in the same way, I would do anything in my power to get her back. [Even ugly, bloody things.] I do hope that you find her... And that you find the answers you want.

[He is curious...]

You don't seem the arrogant type...

[Aether isn't sure if this is a good thing, but there's some sense of connection to this stranger overtaking his heart as they continue to talk. They seem to really have things in common and he appreciates the well wishes from Sunday.]

Thank you.

[His tone is sincere, somewhat relieved even.]

I will do whatever it takes to get her back. [He repeats those words like a vow to himself, to this stranger, to his sister.]

...I think I never got your name. Mine's Aether.

[Hearing the other boy's name has Sunday looking away. He shouldn't be allowing himself to hear things like names.

He glances at the other again and nods quietly.]

My name is Sunday.

[Now he wonders if he'll be able to eat at all tonight. How could he kill a brother who's looking for his dear sister? The story is exactly what makes Sunday second guess himself. So. how did such a simple person make him feel this weak so quickly?]

I have to admit, you're quite fascinating, Aether.

[He gives the other a curious look, wondering why he looked away like that.]

Fascinating? Me?

[He lets a soft laugh.]

I can't imagine what could be so fascinating about me.

Oh, but you are. Quite fascinating.

[Sunday gently reaches out to touch Aether's long yellow braid, giving it a careful little touch.]

I've never had someone tug at my heartstrings so easily before. With such a heart-wrenching story that hits so close to home.

[He's never cared about a human's story before.]

[Aether blinks, his cheeks growing slightly red when he feels the other reaching for his braid.]

I... I think you need to meet more people. [There's an awkward smile on his face.] I've heard many stories during my travels and mine really isn't that special...

[In one way it may be, but Aether is too embarrassed to consider any better reply.]

But... I'm glad you understand.

[He chuckles softly and let's go of Aether's braid.]

Perhaps so.

[Not that he's cared to listen to many human stories in the last many, many years...]

It might be that it reminds me of one of my most important purposes, and that is also taking care of my little sister. Come what may.

[Aether nods with a smile, even though a hint of a blush still persists on his face.]

I'm sure she appreciates it.

[Then he looks ahead.]

But don't forget that little sisters can be stronger than we imagine.

[He knows that well.]

That... I do know, as well.

[Perhaps a part of him knows that Robin is much stronger than he thinks. That someday she'll be able to spread her wings and not need her big brother to fly...

But until then.]

All I wish is to see her peaceful smile.

[Aether nods. He understands that wish all too well.]

I hope she will always be able to smile like that then.

[At some point Aether finally looks around once more. The scenery haven't changed too much during their conversation, almost as if they've been walking in circle in the depths of the dark forest.]

How far are we from the exit?

[... Truth be told, Sunday has not been leading Aether towards the exit whatsoever. This was supposed to be a mealtime for him, that's all.

Maybe now Sunday can come to his senses and get this over with? Although, there's a sense of uneasiness in his lungs, now.]

It's farther still. But it shouldn't be much longer before we reach the exit to the woods. Please, follow me.

[Sunday's eyes narrow slightly.]

[Aether sees the way Sunday's expression changes, but doesn't comment. He simply nods and decides to follow the other. He wants to know where he's being led to, even if he can't shake off the feeling that it won't be the exit he's looking for.]

Sure.

[He just has to trust that whatever lies ahead he'll be fine.]

[... So easy to trust.

When they reach the darker areas of the woods, Sunday can feel the chill in the air. They're getting farther and farther away from the path that Aether should be travelling. And closer and closer to the end.]

I should ask another question, Aether.

[Sunday's eyes narrow again and he reaches out, hand resting on Aether's shoulder.]

If you were gone too long, who would come looking for you? If not your sister... Then who?

[The darkness surrounds them, making the woods feel only more unwelcoming. The chill bites at his exposed skin, as he barely prevents himself from shuddering. There is no exit here, he tells himself. The question he's asked only assures him of that.]

I have many friends. [He says calmly.

It's not a lie. He does have many friends everywhere he goes, yet... he doubts any of them would look for him, because he's always gone. They all know he's somewhere out there and locating him is usually a challenge.]

Why are you asking?

[He's trying to play stupid, while he already knows he's walked into a trap.]

Many friends...?

[Sunday's expression is still calm. He would guess right that Aether would have a lot of companions. But would they be the type to go looking for Aether?

He decides to take a dangerous risk. His grip tightens on Aether's shoulder. And then he gently pushes Aether back towards a tree. Before leaning closer to his ear.]

Would they be the type of friends that would come running for you...? I wonder.

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