Author's Note: Hello all! I lied. I wanted to wait till April, but I wanted to get in one more chapter before I leave you for almost three weeks! So this is the last chapter you'll be seeing until April 15, I swear.
I named this chapter because I used the word 'really' quite a lot of times in this chapter (and the next). I was glad that it actually made sense in the end.
Chapter 10- Facing the REALity: Part One
"Father…" Hadrian uncomfortably hugged the man, carefully avoiding the swastikas. He gave Persephone a glare and mouthed 'What the hell?', but she turned away and pretended not to notice. Ein Alaric Adler was a man not many thought to oppose.
He struck fear in all that gazed upon him—including Hadrian's mother. Sharp piercing grey eyes that made even the strongest of men's knees wobble. He stood at an unchallenged 6'10" with a traditional military buzz-cut imposed on sandy blonde hair that had been proof of the path that Ein had chosen when Hadrian left.
A long diagonal scar covered his right eye; Ein had joked and said he got it when fighting with a Kodiac bear. Any fool could tell by the size of the scar that it was more than likely story. With Ein's past it hadn't surprised many, what really scared most was the fact that he won. The proof?—a bear head that hung in his study. It was one of the reasons why Hadrian believed the story—that and he witnessed the little skirmish.
Hadrian involuntarily shivered and wondered why anyone would marry such a sadistic man. He knew for a fact his mother had not married him by choice, and pitied her greatly. He had solemnly believed that if given the chance, she would have run away as soon as their eyes met.
"H-how's your health…?" Hadrian was trying to decide if he should just come out and ask ask 'why are you doing this?' or wait until he was told. Fear constricted his throat as he tried to utter just those few words.
His father nodded. "It's been fine! I see you're eyeing my new apparel. Isn't it great? I finally joined the army. We can defend our country from those-
"Yes, of course Father," Hadrian didn't need to know the details of the agenda. It had been already been engraved into the uniform that Ein wore. Hearing more of his father's cold emotionless voice would surely make him revert to the little kid he had been five years ago and he worked so hard to escape his father before. He was not going to allow Ein to over power him once more. Glaring at Persephone he said, "Persephone can I please talk to you alone inside?" Hadrian hadn't waited for a response, her meeting him was not an option. He kept himself from looking into his father's eyes.
"What's the hurry?" Ein had put on a sweet smile. The man was trying to break his son; the boy had been away from his influence for too long. It was time to reeducate him.
"No hurry, I just really have to talk to Percy." He used the affectionate nickname that he had given his tomboy sister years ago. The pet name that reminded Ein how much he hated his middle child for acting so much like a boy but not being one. His smile became a scowl; Hadrian almost had the nerve to grin.
"I see," Ein managed to keep himself from slapping the boy. "When you two are done talking you will come back so we can discuss a few matters, right?" Hadrian nodded knowing exactly what matters his father was hinting at. He believed he would be long gone before they had any quality time together. Ein turned his gaze to Persephone; Hadrian grabbed her by the hand trying to move before the glare could affect the words she would speak later.
But it was too late…
"Well?" Hadrian said after he was sure he could speak without yelling. "When was anyone going to tell me?"
"We didn't think he would actually be given a position," Persephone said in a harsh whisper, indicating that he should try to whisper too. But Hadrian kept his voice the same. Persephone stole a glance to the doorway; her father gave a finger wave and a grin before he disappeared back behind the door. "Not every one joins the Nazis because they're like that." She was trying to hint that their father was listening.
"Really, and you know this how?"
"He's changed…"
"Don't give me that Persephone! We KNOW why Father joined. I can't believe you all actually thought this would be okay!"
Hadrian hadn't noticed yet. She gave him a fearful look. "You never know, he could actually do something for the best…" Persephone even gazed to the door hoping he would do so too, but he was too angry to care.
"The best for who I wonder? Because it's certainly not doing me any good. Don't count on me being in you new world order. I really rather die." Hadrian stomped away.
"Don't say that…" she mumbled after he left."Please don't say that…" but it was too late her father already heard.
Ein walked in with a malicious grin plastered on his face. "Percy, we both heard what he said right?"
"N-no father…I didn't hear a thing." She shivered as her father took her hand in his.
"He said that he 'really rather die'…isn't that amazing?" He laughed.
"Really, is that what he said? I thought it was-
"Don't try to defend him Persephone; do you want what happened to Minerva to happen to you?"
She gulped trying to keep the rising bile in her throat from coming up. "No…"
"Good, very good…" He gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Don't worry Percy, there's nothing you can do to displease me now. You've obeyed every one of my orders. I promise not to hurt you." Persephone gave an inward sigh of relief. She was free from her father—that's all that mattered right now.
After all, Hadrian managed to leave home for five years; surely he can make it through this on his own. She tried to convince herself, He'll be fine. But she knew that was a lie. Hadrian might have left, but he still held the same fear as everyone else—if not worse.
He had seen his father smite his enemies with ease—he had witnessed their torture. But he didn't have the hardening that came with the brutalities inflicted on the Adler women and children, and anyone who stood in his father's way. The fact that he never received any beatings had only succeeded in making him weaker.
All, but Hadrian could take a punch, and a kick or two. All, but Hadrian could hide their anguish from the secular world that existed beyond the mansion's doors. All, but Hadrian could enter slumber soundly, despite the perils that awaited them the following morning. The fear of punishment that never came, always outlived the fear of just receiving a punishment.
Because one day it might be his turn, to be on the receiving end of his father's malice. For that reason and that reason alone— Hadrian always slept with one eye open…
A/N: Chapter over! So yes, this is REALLY the last chapter before April 15! Please don't forget to review.
