Ten years passed, and Anthony continued to come up with ways to make the most out of his...sanctuary. It was clear to him that this assassin was nonexistent, since Thanos never brought it up around him, and everyone else down below out there, seemed perfectly happy and safe.

Why was he being held prisoner?

The Archdeacon had just left him with some new books shipped in from London, and Anthony could not wait to distract himself with new information, other worlds. Somewhere besides here.

Again, Maw praised the young man for his amazing intellect and curiosity for, well, everything.

"I pray someday you can go out there and use that magnificent gift of yours." He would always say.

Anthony smiled sadly, trying to convince himself that that could be true.

"Good morning, my lord." Anthony politely greeted Thanos, who had a basket full of fresh food for them to share. This was his favorite part of the day, where he could spend time with his role model and hear about the world around him.

"Good morning, my son." Thanos said. "They had fresh tomatoes at the market today."

On they went in pleasant conversation, and on Thanos went to get ready to leave.

"Is there any chance I can come with you...um...soon?" Tony blurted out.

Thanos stiffened ever so slightly. "Anthony, you know I cannot rest until I find the man who killed your parents. I would never forgive myself if he killed you as well."

"I know, but...I've been watching the city from up high every single day, and I have witnessed no suspicious activity whatsoever...I think it's safe to say he left Paris for good. If I were him, I'd leave after waiting ten years for nothing, and-"

"Anthony, enough!" Thanos snapped.

The young man jumped, immediately shutting his mouth. "Forgive me, master, I...didn't mean to speak out of line."

Thanos sighed, shaking his head. "You are forgiven...I too, must apologize. It's just, I had a lead, and I thought for sure this would've ended, but once again he escaped when I just about had him...you must understand I only want what's best for you."

Anthony nodded.

"Remember, Anthony, this is your sanctuary...this is the safest place in the world from those who wish to do you harm."

And with that, Thanos left.

"Sanctuary..." Anthony snarled under his breath. "Why can't I just have one day? Just to stretch my legs..."

Climbing up the ladder, greeted the enormous bells that sang to the city of Paris every day, thanks to him.

"Marie, looking lively as always..." He stroked her brim as he passed the others. "Maurice, sorry, you don't get to play today, till I dust you off. You're just being lazy." A huge smile reached his face. "There's my Emmanuel, with that big deep voice that makes everyone else here jealous." He kissed the polished bronze and winked at her. "I know, I know, but don't tell anyone...you're still my favorite."

Anthony wrapped his hands in worn cloth and looked out the window, figuring it was as close a time to pray as ever.

"Time to sing." He did a little jump and began his own routine of ringing and swinging from rope to rope, leaping and somer-saulting like an acrobat from the circus.

It had always been a secret dream of his to run away with them.

But how could he leave his beauties behind?

Despite wanting to go outside, Anthony did love his home. He loved his job, and he loved having access to any piece of writing the church could get their hands on. He figured he was a good boy, in the Lord's eyes, for the most part...the Archdeacon himself dotes on him like the son he never had.

And so did Thanos.

It was a little complicated with Thanos, though. Much like his biological father, Thanos was very strict with Anthony. He expected a lot out of him because of his amazing intellect. So he pushed himself to do the best he could in everything he did.

But he never laid a hand on him like his father did.