Chapter 30
3rd PERSON POV
Survivors' Side
Both sides of Oletus Manor had came up to terms that no more matches will be held before Aesop makes a full recovery and that of Jack receiving a suitable punishment for what he did in the Red Church.
The decision was given to them by Hastur and Xie Bi An, with the two hunters having to talk it out with Emily the moment she finished tending to Aesop.
"Unbelievable, isn't it?" Eli sighed, leaning himself against the wall.
"I know the matches have always been uneasy for us but this is just wrong!" Helena said, reaching for her cane.
Despite the fact that few days have passed, all the survivors still feel like the incident is still playing inside their minds, especially the three who had went along in the match.
It was pure silence before Naib's very figure showed up, mouthing out the words that led to everyone's utter shock.
"Wait, what?"
"Naib, what?"
The Mercenary bit his lips in frustration. It was pretty clear that he had said the words out loud to them, yet they are asking him to repeat everything he had said.
"I said, I wanna see how Aesop is doing!" He finally yelled out.
"Dude, are you sure?" Eli chimed in, his one hand grabbing the former's arm.
To the Seer's surprise, Naib yanked his grip away, his eyes avoiding him.
"Shut it, Eli." He said in a very dry tone.
"Naib, it's not that we're trying to stop you. But dude, you need to be aware of your own condition... you spent a few days in the ER and was just sent back today... don't you think seeing Aesop will-"
"Oh! So you're against me too, you Know-it-All human being?! Just because you're the manor's Forward and that you are one of those who tended to me the most doesn't make you have the rights to tell me what to do!"
"Naib-"
"The one being injured there is my friend, William. My. Best. Friend. How could you be this harsh?! My current condition is nothing compared to that of him! Just let me see him!"
The Mercenary had reached the point where his anger had won over him that Eli had to hold his both hands to prevent him from doing anything extreme.
It was when a lady's voice piped in.
"I think you should let him, William. Eli."
Vera.
Helena froze, her mouth gaping open as she noticed the Perfumer finally having the courage to talk her thoughts out.
She had it clear in her head the moment Vera's demeanor being the source of dispute between her and that of Naib and his gang. She had it still playing in her head the time the Perfumer came crying to her with the attitude of being spoiled still enraging inside her.
Yet here she is, having herself on the Mercenary's side.
"What?" William said, his gaze locking at the Perfumer.
Everyone had gotten into a questioned state that no one realized that Naib had yanked himself free of Eli's grip the second time, dashing his way towards the ER.
Little did they all know that Naib's brain is starting to connect all the dots.
***
JOSEPH
How could I be so careless?
Why is it that everyone that I happen to treasure just seem to have their once-happy-life slip before me?
I had my hands holding into Aesop's as if my life depends on him.
Aesop's condition is still exactly the same as the moment Emily made me see him for the first time.
His eyes were closed, with short and ragged breaths coming out of him, with each breath being harsher than the last.
I inspected the white gauze on his chest.
The one injury that had ruined his breathing.
The one injury that was committed by no one but a traitor.
"You can trust me, Jose. Just talk it out.
I'll make everything easier for you."
"Shush. Just go."
A sob escaped my lips as the memories of me and Jack's conversation hit me in a train of thoughts.
It was my fault that Jack hurt Aesop.
"I'm sorry, Aesop... I'm so sorry...." I cried out, my tears flowing all his way to him.
I miss him. I miss having to stare at his eyes and talk about random stuff that is going on. I miss those times where we would sit in the garden and reminisce about all the happy times I have been having ever since I met him.
That was when it hit me.
Aesop had said something that happens to make my heartbeat skyrocket.
It was only for a brief moment, but I still find it hard to believe he had said it out, despite him being badly wounded that time.
I guess there's no point in hiding it out anymore then.
I bent down to his sleeping form, and blew a slight kiss to his forehead.
I love you too, Aesop.
3rd PERSON POV
"How the fuck did you lose Naib?! You had his hands pinned the whole time!"
Eli cussed as William berates him. The Forward might have always been good leader and all, but if there is something he is bad at, that is understanding the feeling of guilt.
"What if Aesop's current state just sickens him more?! What if he actually triggers his trauma?!"
Eli sighed. He felt his blood boiling inside him. He wanted to yell back. He was about to have enough.
But instead of doing all that, his lips formed a smile.
William's acts is exactly the same as what Naib had said to him a few hours before.
Classic Naib, he mutters as the two made their way to where Aesop is.
***
The ER is starting to come into view. William, realizing that they are almost there and the fact that Eli ignored his talks had switched from a talking mayhem to pure silence.
They crouched behind the bush that happens to be located right below the window, with the two men having the sight of the whole ER room really clear before their eyes.
It is true that Naib was there, but there was another sight that is a surprise.
Not to Eli, but to William.
"What is that hunter doing here-" The Forward yelled, in which Eli placed his hands on the Forward's lips.
"Quiet it down! You'll get us caught!"
The Forward scratched his head, something he would do once he makes a mistake or an unexpected move.
"What is that hunter doing here?!" He said again, this time in a soft whisper.
Eli let out a slight chuckle. He knew everything. Aesop had told him everything the moment they reconciled.
Love is in the air, eh Aesop?
The Seer watched every of Joseph's movements, starting from the way the Photographer talks to Naib all the way to him holding Aesop's hands, his eyes staring into that of the Embalmer with hope glimmering in those ocean blue eyes.
However, it wasn't Joseph's actions that had triggered Eli.
The talk between Naib and Joseph started out pretty random, with Naib asking how everything has been and all.
It was when everything inside went silent as Eli witnessed Joseph staring at Naib.
"I remember everything now."