Vinnie, Brick and Savannah stood in dazed silence with Kyle Drako in front of them. Their eyes were wet with tears when the Shadow delivered the bad news while Orton and Balthazar were being treated by the Healers in a room. "I'm very sorry my Lords…" Drako's voice was shaky with remorse. "I should have went faster. Then it wouldn't have come to this."
Savannah appeared uncertain as the rest. "I don't get it," Drako looked her way. "Not that we don't appreciate it but why are you keen on helping us? You're a Shadow... Aren't you supposed to be hating on us like the others?"
Drako's eyes hardened with strong disagreement. "Oh no, Lordess Savannah, I am absolutely nothing like those tyrant beings." The three were shocked to hear this. "So you're saying that you're against their ways?" Brick slowly said out to which Drako nodded. "How come?" Vinnie added in his eagerness to know.
"It's a really long story but," The Halfblood Gethen sighed. "To explain in the simplest way, I am not a Shadow but a Half-blood Gethen that stays a Gethen - one that disagrees with the King and loathes violence towards innocent beings. Not to mention that I'm quite fond of children myself." He looked solemn. "I can't just let my fellows bring harm to an infant. Regardless of race - Gethen or not."
"Are there others like you?" Savannah asked but quickly added when Drako cast her an offended look. "I don't mean your halfblood thing, I mean Shadows-!"
"Gethens." Drako calmly corrected.
Savannah facepalmed in embarrassment. "Gethens, who share your views?" Drako thought over. "Well there is a number of them who live around me. All of us lived in the deepest regions of the Black Forest, away from the King's civilisation. When near the civilisation, we get treated like outcasts, shunned and called 'cowards' because of our reluctance to cause bloodshed." He shut his eyes. "Don't even get me started on Block's order for a Gethen couple to give up their daughter a few years down - a baby I babysit while they're away."
The Guardians sat in silence - Savannah seethed in rage as her disgust for Block rose even more. In their pause, they didn't notice the door that contained their Guardian brothers open. Orton stood at the door shaking while the Healer did the closing for him. The trio got their feet as did Drako, in concern.
"Orton? How're you feeling?" Vinnie went forward. "And how's Balthazar?"
Orton shook his head and gritted his teeth, looking up with eyes filled of hatred so sharp that the Second Guardian flinched. "He's not doing alright. The Creepers and Milo's loss did a big toll on him." The Guardians grew stiff. "He refused to talk to me or the Healer about what happened. He won't stop crying - I can feel his heart breaking to the core and it's all because of that dimwitted Blockhead!" The last sentence was roared out in rage.
"Block did this?" Vinnie whispered in shock. Orton's flustered glare raked everyone. "Balthazar sent me a message in his distress. I was about to get to him but oh boy guess who had to get in my way and force me into slashing my talons at him? That no-good Vermin, he stalled me! Just so that his good-for-nothing batbirds can get their job done!" All was said in great spite. Vinnie, Brick and Savannah made no movement to calm him - Orton's rage is only righteous in their eyes.
Because of Block, they lost a nephew and a niece. In Orton and Balthazar's case, their children. To the rest, Anacardia's next leaders and the Guardians' successors. If two young Guardians can be lost in one year, who knows how many more will be if this keeps going on.
The Time Guardian whipped his head to Drako's direction, eyes a blazing gray fire while he demanded for answers, like an interrogator to his victim. "Tell me... Where is Lord Block hiding? What is his weakness?! You'd better spill it out now or I might as well asphyxiate you until your windpipe bursts!"
Drako gasped when Orton suddenly lurched and held him up by the poncho collar. He didn't expect the Guardian to snap at him so suddenly but he knew that this is coming. What else would an Anacardian Guardian do to a Shadow seconds after a tragedy caused by his leader?
"I-I.… he's likely to be back in the Stygian Palace by now!" The grip on his collar tightened. "I can't s-say what his w-weakness is though! None of u-us has seen him f-fall before! I swear!" The grip on Drako's neck loosened and Orton's head whipped to the staircase that led downstairs. The palace doors are right in front of the foot. "Never seen him fall, hm?" Orton released his grip on Drako. "We'll see about that..."
The three Guardians noticed the icy glare Orton was giving as he muttered curse words under his breath. Before they could process, the man made a dash to the stairs with an angry snarl - Hobbling mid-flight as a result of his injuries. Drako was quick to catch him before he could fall down the stairs and hurt himself any further. Orton madly thrashed in the four pairs of arms that held him back.
"Let me lose you fools! Let me loose!" Orton tried to tug himself free but yelped when his aggressive movements triggered an injury. Brick pushed his brother upfront and away from the steps before he could fully double over in his pain. "Orton please, don't go hurting yourself any further! Seriously look at yourself! You just came back from a fight and you weren't even fit enough to carry Balthazar by yourself!"
He turned to Savannah and Vinnie for help, the two went to their brothers' side. "Brick's right bro, you were beaten up pretty badly!" Vinnie worriedly spoke. Savannah placed her hand on Orton's shoulder while Drako stood near her. "Listen Orton, you and I, all of us, know how capable that Block is in inflicting injuries." She sighed and closed her eye, in resisting to cry - losing her nephew hurt her a lot.
Orton snapped incredulously. "Are injuries seriously all you could think of?! Bleeding wounds are nothing compared to the pain a father feels when he has to give his child up for safety in a far away realm!" The Time Guardian shook with outrage. "When will you lot wake up and see the damage that Block has done to us?! To the children?! Can't you see it? For years he's shunned us and terrified countless innocent lives for this 'unforgivable' crime we never did but now we've tolerated that long enough!"
The Guardian pulled away with his full strength. "Now let me be! That wretched Block must pay for his crimes! He's taken away everything we have so it's about time we return the favour - for Melissa, and for Milo!" The words were said with pure vengeance.
Not liking where this is going, Vinnie instinctively threw himself to the front as Orton marched forward, blocking the steps with his body. "Get out of the way Vinnie." He growled but the Second Guardian stood his ground with narrowed eyes. "No can do," He simply said and folded his arms. "The only time I'm letting you go out and risk your life is never." Savannah and Brick exchanged stunned looks. They never thought Vinnie would be that protective of his youngers.
Drako decided to help out for the sake of it. "Please, don't do this to yourself Lord Orton! Your anger is righteous, we understand, but you putting yourself against Block and who knows how many minions?! They can kill you!"
"Doesn't matter!" Orton refused to back down. "As long as I damage the king fatally and scar his memories for life I'll gladly be happy to die if I have to!" He glared at Vinnie. "Now move aside or I'll have to force my way through!"
"Never!" Vinnie firmly spoke. "Orton no one's like you for doing this! Balthazar wouldn't like it and neither would Milo or Melissa if they know what's going on here! If you get yourself killed, Anacardia will be in even more danger than when the Shadows vowed vengeance on us!"
Orton opened his mouth to retaliate and for a moment it looked as if he were about to shove Vinnie off the stairs. It all stopped when Brick and Savannah went upfront and stood at Vinnie's sides, their gazes firm and disappointed.
"What happened to you? You're the only Time Guardian Anacardia's got and you're about to get yourself in a death battle." Savannah's voice was low. "This...This isn't the Orton Mahlson we knew!" It wavered and before anyone knew it, the normally sturdy woman started to weep into Vinnie's shoulder.
"Savannah's right. Orton, this isn't you at all. Now you are lot like that Blockhead - a Shadow that's thirsty for revenge!" Brick's tone was hard as he gestured at Vinnie. "Did you see what you're about to do to Vinnie if we didn't step in? You could have hurt him by pushing him into the staircase!"
Vinnie looked small from his spot inbetween his two youngers. Tension between them and Orton is high but he didn't want it to last too long. If anything, he simply wanted his brother back, now that the eldest is keeping himself away in grief. "You know? Someone once told me that two wrongs don't make a right. If you kill Block out of revenge then you won't be any different from him and the Shadows. What will the other Gethens like Drako think if they see an actual Anacardian, the race they've believed so much in, cause actual bloodshed?"
"We're Anacardian Guardians aren't we? We don't take others' lives, we flourish them because it's our job but yet here you are, ready to oppose the legacy that's been running for so long with no disobedience!" Vinnie's eyes were filled with extreme sorrow as he looked up at Orton. "What have you become?" The words made an impact on the enraged Guardian - the kind of impact they were all hoping for.
What have I become?
The burning fire in Orton's eyes died away and was replaced with remorse. Vinnie's words snapped him out of his wrath. He looked at his hands, the fingers curled from clenching in severe anger. He looked at the ones in front - All wore expressions of disappointment and hurt, because he was about to a terrible thing out of his fueled anger.
Orton shook heavily and fell to his knees, hands clasped over his face and he lost it. His quiet sobs consecutively grew louder with agony and his tears slid through the gaps of his fingers, dripping to the floor. The other Guardians were stunned - Never have they seen Orton, the stoic Orton, shed tears in front of them. But they believe it wasn't his first time crying either…
A pair of arms wrapped tightly around him from behind making Orton freeze. Vinnie rested his head on the brown-coated shoulder from behind, tears also streaming down his face. Brick and Savannah embraced from Orton's left and right - Even Drako didn't hesitate to join the small comfort zone.
"What was I thinking?" Orton choked another sob as his siblings looked with sympathy, all disappointment replaced with the need to comfort their brother. "I'm the wretched one... I literally wanted to kill that man!"
Brick rolled his eyes. "Block is the real wretched one here, you know." His finger brushed at his eye in wiping a stray tear. "But just because he's like that towards us, that doesn't mean we should by any chance fight back. Vinnie brought up a crucial point back there."
Drako's eyes clouded with nostalgia. "Another thing to point out, as bad as he is, Lord Block didn't mean to be. It's all from losing his mother and the Gethen Queen at an age so young. He loves her so much. He broke when she was killed. He became blinded by anger, just like you did moments ago Lord Orton,"
Orton lowered his head in uncertainty but the Second Guardian reacted quickly.
"Hey, you're way better than him Orts, you know that. Block let his anger fully consume him. You didn't. Needed a little talking too yes but it's normal - every angry person needs a pair of arms to go to!" Vinnie squeezed him tighter in assuring. "And you've got four pairs of them right here!"
For the first time in his minutes of fury, Orton gave a smile, gratitude clear in his stormy gray pools.
"Thank you..." He was enveloped in yet another group hug and he finally let it all out. His hold still around Orton, Vinnie slowly turned his head so he now faced a glass window.
The moon shone through it and it gave him hope. How is Milo doing? It's been a while but knowing the distance between Anacardia and the Mortal World, he isn't so sure if the journey will be quick and smooth or fast and bumpy.
Oh Milo. I'm sorry this had to happen to you but it's for your own good, you're not safe here. Vinnie frowned in wonder. If Milo landed in the Mortal World, that means that there's a chance of him getting to see Melissa sometime. That is if he managed to find care in warm pairs of arms - a family. A family that will take care of him throughout his entire Mortal life. He'll be happy…but Vinnie prayed and kept his hopes up.
Mom, uncle Matthias, all of you up there. He sadly gazed at the stars through the window - glows are dulled. They appeared sympathetic and appeared to have seen a lot and have been listening to every word. Milo is in the Mortal World now, just like Melissa. They both need your help. We can't help them because we're miles away. The Mortal World can't see us. But it can see you.
Vinnie squeaked as tears streamed down his face.
Please. I don't care if twelve years or longer has passed! Just help them, bless them with families who will love them forever. Protect them and guide them. Bring them back home to where they belong
Safe and sound...
"CLASHHH!"
The cloaked woman cringed as lightning flashed across the dark sky. Her hold on her basket full of plucked herbs tightened and she quickened her speed in plucking more from the bushes. She heaved a sigh of relief when she finished plucking the last herbs and her basket is full of them - Now she can return home to her family.
Brigette's steps were brisk as she took off for home. Her dark cloak flapped against the wind and the moon cast its light upon her. Mists of clouds slowly surrounded the giant orb but it was not enough to cover fully. The nightly scene caught the woman's eyes and she stopped, out of longing to stay for a bit.
She didn't mind the further rumblings of the incoming storm along with the breezes increasing in coldness. The moon and faintly noticeable stars alone captivated her. It was beautiful… she couldn't take her eyes off of them.
"If only Martin's here.. He's missing so much." Brigette sighed wistfully in remembering sweet memories of her and her husband sitting under the moon, a long time ago. If only they can do it again…she'll gladly pay anything for that.
She gasped at the sight of a faintly glowing object shooting across the sky - A shooting star of some sort. Brigette stared in awe. Like the others in her place, Brigette grew up believing that wishing on a shooting star makes it come true… She may be an adult, but it didn't stop her from praying upon the presence of the glowing light.
Miraculous recovery for her husband, life blessings, everything that counts… Though out of all, the first thing was the dominant wish. Her husband Martin Murphy has suffered for too long. She can't bear to see him in so much pain all the while struggling to endure life happily like he always did.
Brigette admired and loved Martin deeply for his happy outlook - his cyclone of calamity and countless misfortunes, the family. He already had so much to bear on his shoulders. The illness apparently made the load a lot heavier…
Brigette blinked and squinted when she noticed how close the shooting star seemed now. Earlier it was far. Now it was... Coming closer.
Before she knew it, a loud crash followed by the forceful burrowing through soil reached her ears, sending her stumbling back in shock. The once strong glow died down to a dim light that sat just a couple feet away from Brigette, hidden by bushes and trees.
The shooting star just landed right before her.
"Oh my…" Brigette nearly dropped her basket in her shock. Her dashing feet took her through the bushes till she is now standing in front of an extraordinary sight.
Laying before her with it's rounded edge partially embedded in the soil is a a rather large pistachio - About the size of a baby's bed and it emitted a soft yellow glow. The smooth shell appeared to be made of pure gold and a lump of green can be seen through the thin gap.
Curiosity washing over, Brigette edged herself closer to the glowing object, mouth agape with awe. She heard of a golden pistachio falling from the sky five months ago from some fellow villagers and she managed to meet Richard Chase, the one who found the pistachio and brought it home.
She never heard the rest of the story or found out about what Richard gained from his discovery - All information was just bits and pieces picked up from townsfolk gossip.
Her hand reached forward till it was cupped upon the shell. It felt warm, like a cup of hot tea that's beginning to cool down. Brigette was amazed. Never did she expect to discover a golden pistachio herself.
Maybe she could ask Richard for advice on what he did to his pistachio. Selling it away for profit is unlikely - Richard is a kindly man. A bit on the strict side but he isn't the type of fellow who'd sell away an out-of-this-world treasure to greedy people.
Can't leave this out here. "I guess I could take it home, see what Martin thinks." Brigette murmured and was about to place both hands on the pistachio. She froze however when a cry sounded from the pistachio. A baby's cry. "Is that a…?" The woman quickly moved for her maternal instincts told her to inspect for the distressed infant.
Her fingers made it to the thin opening and she pressed her ear close to the shell to listen. There it is, her ears did not deceive her; The rustling in a blanket and the one month-old baby whimpers.
Another cry was let out and Brigette immediately pried open the shell. Surprisingly, it wasn't that hard to open as it turns out the shell was only made to shield its contents from damage.
The pistachio now lay open like a clam shell, it's inner contents shocked Brigette to the core. A brown-haired baby wrapped in green blanket laid crying, little arms sprawled out and feet kicking against the green covers.
The baby's frustrated movements ceased however when he opened his chocolate brown eyes, taking in the hooded figure standing over him.
The pistachio's glow gave him a glimpse of the figure's face - A woman with ocean-colored eyes, her curled locks of pale brown resembled a wave of crescent moons halves going across her forehead.
Brigette felt her heart swell with love for the small thing. The infant appeared to be very young, a month-old. His pale-pink skin glowed with health and his eyes are a deep brown. She fell in love with him immediately.
"Hello baby..." She whispered lovingly and she held out a hand towards the infant. The baby tipped his head in curiosity, becoming surprised when the woman's hand gently touched his cheek, her thumb moving in a brush-motion. He liked it.
The baby giggled and gave a toothless grin, reaching out to Brigette in longing to be picked up. "Aw," Brigette crooned and she too felt the urge to pick him up. Unfortunately, the sweet moment was interrupted when thunder exploded in the sky.
The loud noise made Brigette jump and the baby cry in distress. Droplets of rain fell on them as it started to drizzle. By now, the moon is fully out of view thanks to the dark clouds and the drizzle started to get stronger.
With no hesitation, Brigette slid her hands under the baby and picked him up, holding him in one arm so she could lift her cloak to shelter him from the rain. The herb basket looped around her other arm and the golden pistachio was held.
More lightning littered the sky and thunder continued to rumble. Brigette was becoming drenched with the rainwater - But it didn't stop her from running to the small cottage that appeared a distance away from her.
Under the drape of cloak that sheltered him, the baby flinched everytime thunder rumbled, but he didn't cry - instead, gripped tighter on the adult's clothing; All the while being comforted by Brigette's soft whispers and shushing. He nestled closer with a coo, never letting go of the wood-scented shirt.
Milo had no clue on where he is but he liked this woman stranger already. He felt safe in her hold and he could feel the love radiating from her. The sound of the door opening reached his ears and he sat up. The surroundings grew brighter with cottage lighting and the drape cover was pulled off.
Brigette set the baby lying down on the bed before she placed her basket of herbs in the table, rushing to the sheltered outdoor kitchen outside. Milo looked around the new place. It looked far different from the rich, mansion-like Palace he lived his whole month of life in.
The place he's in is a lot smaller. A large space with wooden walls and about two windows. There are no other rooms aside from two doors - the front and the back. The only light was all provided from a simple lamp, nothing else.
Beside Milo, a sleeping man laid with his back facing the baby, body shaking with breaths that came out like soft, suffocated gasps. Above them hanging from the wooden beams formed from the roof tied a hammock containing another sleeping lump - a tuft of lemon-yellow hair sticking out as the lump turned in her sleep.
The baby curiously cooed in his looking around. He is no longer in Verity Palace, but the house of the Murphy Family - a whole new world that is definitely not Anacardia. He batted his hand on the green blanket beneath him and squeaked in joy, knowing that it is the very one he's had since his birth.
"Foofy!" Milo giggled as he rolled around in his blanket, bumping into the sleeping adult back. The man groaned hoarsely but made no movement, instead, curled up tighter and went back to sleep.
The baby tipped his head in curiosity. He wasn't able to see this man's face but he can see the carob-coloured cowlick that stuck out - smaller than Milo's but very similar in style and shape.
Milo rolled to his belly but overdid it. Now he was back to lying on his back and facing the ceiling. He gave a grumpy mumble and tried to roll to his feet once more. No matter how many rolls he did, his little mind won't tell him when to stop by the time his limbs faced bottom much to his annoyance.
The door opened again and Brigette entered to grab a sealed pail of milk from a corner and rummaged through a small cupboard. There she fished out a bottle made for a baby and went out through the back door again; Stopping by to ruffle Milo's head and kiss his forehead.
The baby cooed at the gesture of affection and tried to grab at the woman as she disappeared. He looked disappointed and rested his arms in the blanket. He wanted more of that coming from her. He wanted to be held once more and be rocked in her arms, just like Balthazar once did for him endlessly.
Milo gave a whine of desperation and raised a hand at Brigette's direction. She couldn't see that and Milo was getting bored of waiting.
Above him, a young, surprise-filled gasp sounded and the baby looked up to find a little four-year old girl staring down at him from her hammock...