In Trouble

Liam awoke with a dizzying vision and a heavy head, feeling as if he had been split in two by pain. Despite the discomfort, he knew he wasn't dead. Gently tending to his throbbing head with a weakened hand, he forced himself to sit up.

As his vision gradually cleared, Liam realized he was lying on the cold ground in an unfamiliar place. The wooden walls facing him were destroyed, revealing the powerful storm raging outside with its whispering winds. Raindrops fell heavily from the damaged ceiling, soaking him to the bone.

Annoyed, he groaned when he realized he was wet due to the position where the rain was falling hardest. The whole place was freezing, and the rain seemed relentless, threatening to tear the makeshift shelter apart. The dark sky roared with blinding lightning, juxtaposed with the faint whimper of a young boy. 

He turned his gaze toward the source of the voice and squinted when he saw the young Ravager lying on a flat wooden surface, his hands pressed against his ears. Despite the darkness brought on by the storm, Liam could make out the details of the small, dilapidated shelter. The space was sparsely furnished, with old and damaged items scattered about. Mirrors adorned one wall, and a basket sat in a corner.

Liam's eyes then fell upon the figure next to the child. She was sitting with her eyes tightly shut, resembling someone asleep. Suddenly, the memories flooded back into Liam's mind. He remembered the events leading up to his loss of consciousness, particularly the deafening scream of the woman. Who was she, and why was her scream so agonizing? Liam rubbed his ears as the memory of the piercing sound lingered.

Another lightning flash illuminated the room, followed by a deafening roar of thunder. The little boy whimpered louder, his eyes squeezed shut in agony. Liam's movements caught his attention, prompting the boy to flicker his eyes open. Shivering, his golden eyes shimmered amidst the darkness.

Liam's forehead creased as he realized the boy had the same eye color as the Ravager they had been searching for. Though there were hints of brown, the predominant hue was golden. Liam trusted his instincts. The Ravager Rivalz had left a distinct imprint, and this boy was somehow connected.

Confused yet determined, Liam approached the boy, who initially looked frightened. As Liam drew closer, he gently rubbed the boy's small back, soothing him and calming his cries. Liam wasn't accustomed to comforting scared children, but in that moment, he wished he knew how. He couldn't bear to see the fear in the boy's eyes, stirring painful memories within him.

At first, the boy tensed under Liam's touch, but gradually, as Liam continued his gentle massage, the child's body began to relax, and the fear dissipated.

The room was illuminated again by another lightning flash, accompanied by a rumbling thunder that frightened the boy. Startled awake, the lady beside him sprang up at the sound of the boy's whimper. Her eyes, filled with murderous intent, scanned the area, and when she saw Liam standing near the boy, she attacked him without hesitation. Her punches and scratches were swift and fierce, and she even resorted to pulling his hair and kicking his abdomen. Liam tried to restrain her, but her agility caused them both to tumble onto the wet floor.

Agatha groaned under him, her voice filled with fury. "What the hell are you doing with Aiden?" she cried out through clenched teeth. "We should have left you behind. Get off me, you fool!"

Liam, frustrated and trying to control the situation, grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head with his right hand. With his other hand, he covered her lips to silence her. This left him with no hand to support his weight, causing his body to press against hers, pinning her down completely.

As Agatha stopped struggling, her deep green-blue eyes widened, and her eyelashes fluttered. Liam could feel her heart racing against his chest. Despite the darkness, he could still see her lovely face clearly - a pointed nose, rosy cheeks, bushy eyebrows, and long eyelashes that gave her a magical appearance. There was something inexplicable drawing Liam towards her, a feeling he couldn't quite comprehend. She smelled like flowers after a rainstorm beneath a rainbow.

Liam was momentarily lost in a daze, staring at Agatha's enchanting features. This lapse in attention left him unprepared when, out of nowhere, Agatha bit down on his hand that was covering her mouth.

"What the heck?" Liam exclaimed, surprised by the sudden turn of events.

Agatha seized the opportunity and swiftly kneeled Liam in his most vulnerable and sensitive area. Liam gasped and groaned in pain, clutching his crotch. "What the hell, woman!" he hissed through gritted teeth.

Quickly moving away from Liam, Agatha went to Aiden, who was watching intently as if witnessing an exorcism.

Agatha wrapped her arms around Aiden's small frame. "Are you okay, Aiden?" she asked, trying to steady her voice. "I told you not to bring that jerk. What did he do to you?" She examined Aiden's arms and gently pressed her palms against his cheeks. "Tell me!" Her voice resonated louder than any thunder.

Aiden cleared his throat and looked up at Agatha. "Nothing," he said softly. "He didn't do anything wrong, Aggie."

Agatha narrowed her eyes at Aiden, her lips forming a pout. "Don't lie to me, Aiden. You know I can't stand liars."

Aiden sighed and scratched his head. "But there really isn't anything," he insisted patiently. "He was just trying to comfort me."

"Then why did you scream, Aiden? Tell me," Agatha's eyebrows shot up in concern.

Aiden looked ashamed, his cheeks turning rosy as he looked away and lowered his voice. "I'm just... I'm just scared of thunder," he admitted softly.

Liam observed Agatha's stiffening posture. Her gaze darted around until she caught sight of the relentless rain outside, and realization dawned in her eyes. Without hesitation, she grabbed Aiden and hugged him tightly with a soft thud.

"You should have woken me up, Aiden..." Agatha whispered, her voice trembling with little sobs.

As Agatha's expression shifted from anger to annoyance, then understanding, and finally to sadness, Liam couldn't help but feel a tightness in his chest. It was an unfamiliar feeling, one that made him question his own sanity. He felt a surge of anger at seeing Agatha sad for reasons he couldn't fully comprehend. It made him want to lash out, to hurt someone, or even to hurt himself out of frustration for his inability to do anything.

Once Liam had recovered from the pain caused by Agatha's kick, he stood upright and silently observed her comforting the boy with hushed lullabies. She hugged him gently, laid him in bed, and covered him with a soft blanket up to his chin. Agatha then ran her elegant fingers through the boy's silky hair, humming softly until Aiden's eyelashes softened, and he drifted back into peaceful sleep.

Liam stood silently in a corner, his gaze observant yet fixed, like a motionless shadow. He dared not move, feeling inexplicably drawn in by the soft hum of Agatha's voice, almost convinced she possessed some enchanting power.

After ensuring Aiden was deeply asleep and lost in dreams, Agatha shot Liam a dark, accusatory look, as though he had committed some unforgivable offense, even by merely breathing.

"Why are you still here?" Agatha's tone was sour, as if Liam's mere presence made her queasy. "You're fine now, so leave and don't return."

Agatha realized she was being rude to someone who had saved both Aiden's and to some extent her own life, but she couldn't bring herself to trust this man. He seemed too refined for Primotheus Capital, out of place on this continent, let alone in Eldoria, the poorest part of the city. His presence here raised suspicions that he was searching for something or someone, possibly Agatha or Aiden. They needed to distance themselves from this stranger before the Ghouls returned and endangered Aiden.

They had to depart soon, but the relentless storm outside left them with no choice but to wait, hope, wish, and pray. The rain had cleared the path of others, making their departure more conspicuous. Furthermore, Aiden's frailty and compromised health from lack of food meant that venturing out into the rain would endanger him, despite the Ravager blood coursing through his veins. He was still a child, fragile and undernourished, so leaving now would only exacerbate the risk to his well-being.

Agatha had to consider alternatives. She was growing frustrated with the relentless storm that showed no signs of abating, threatening to flood them all through the leaky ceiling.

"The rain is becoming too intense," Liam remarked matter-of-factly, raising his voice so Agatha could hear—a statement she perceived not as respectful but rather as an insult.

The wind outside howled fiercely, almost akin to an ongoing tornado. Agatha felt the chill seeping in, prompting her to retrieve another blanket for Aiden from the basket, shielding him from the biting cold. She shot another glance at Liam.

"So what?" Agatha's anger still simmered in her words. "What does it matter if the rain is strong? Just leave... now!" She grabbed a dark clay from nearby and hurriedly patched the leaking spots in the ceiling to prevent Aiden from getting wet and falling ill.

Agatha knew they would leave as soon as the storm passed, so she hadn't planned on fixing the house thoroughly. However, with the rain growing stronger by the minute, she had to ensure the ceiling held up to protect Aiden's health.

The house was quiet, the low ceiling looming overhead. Agatha's petite frame made it challenging for her to reach, especially since Aiden was currently occupying the bed she would typically use to elevate herself. 

She attempted to jump on her tiptoes, straining to reach the ceiling, but her efforts fell short. Suddenly, Liam swiftly grabbed the clay from her hand. Agatha stood breathless as she watched him effortlessly reach and patch the ceiling. His towering height nearly touched the ceiling, forcing him to crouch and lean forward. Agatha barely reached his chest, not even reaching his shoulders. He must be from Colossus, she mused.

Liam silently and swiftly patched up the remaining holes in the ceiling, stopping the rain from seeping through but leaving himself soaked in the process.

Letting out a discreet sigh, Liam, feeling the chill, decided to undress. Agatha's eyes widened as she took in Liam's physique. She knew she was robust and possessed elegant muscles, but she had never imagined a man with such a flawless white complexion and a muscular chest and biceps like Liam's. His rugged yet invincible appearance was a strange yet captivating combination, effortlessly displayed without any trace of shame.

Liam turned to Agatha with an odd glint in his eyes. "We need to have a conversation."

Agatha was momentarily taken aback, then she shook her head and blinked rapidly. "No, we don't," she replied curtly, gesturing for him to leave. "Just go."

With a touch of bitterness, she pointed emphatically at the damaged door, nearly unhinged due to the force of the wind outside.

"Do you want me to freeze to death out there?" Liam's tone carried a hint of accusation, raising an eyebrow as he used his shirt to wipe off the water glistening on his chest.

Agatha's smirk faded, replaced by a furrowed brow. Despite her confident facade, she knew a mere storm wouldn't kill Liam, although it might give him a fever. However, she couldn't afford to show concern or trust to someone she barely knew.

"I couldn't care less if you die, so kindly leave," Agatha stated firmly, hands planted on her hips. "You're not welcome here." Her words were harsh, driven by her lack of trust and suspicion of his intentions.

Liam wasn't typically insistent. When asked to leave, he would usually comply swiftly. But this time, he couldn't afford to leave. There was something of importance that kept him rooted to the spot, something beyond the rain.

After a moment of silence, Liam sighed and cleared his throat. "Do you know anything about a Ravager with red and golden eyes?" His gaze bore into Agatha, attempting to intimidate her into confessing. This tactic had proven effective in his past missions, but today seemed different.

Agatha's demeanor shifted from annoyance to intense fear. She looked visibly panicked, hands trembling as she struggled to compose herself. Liam sensed an opportunity to exploit her fear, but for some reason, his own fear held him back.

"I know nothing," Agatha replied sharply, her voice laced with fear. "I don't know of any Ravager with those eyes. Leave now!" She masked her fear with feigned frustration. "Just leave us alone..."

Attempting to force Liam out, Agatha pushed against his chest with all her might, but he didn't budge an inch. She looked up at him, darkening her eyes in defiance, but his nonchalant stare unnerved her. It was as if he was studying her, making her heart skip a beat as she feared he might harm her.

Agatha's mind raced with panic, but she refused to let it show. She couldn't afford to appear vulnerable in front of this man.

"You know who he is," Liam stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"What are you implying?" Agatha retorted through clenched teeth, attempting to punch Liam, only for him to easily catch her weakening hands.

"Tell me," Liam demanded in a firmer voice, tightening his grip as Agatha struggled. "Why is the boy's presence coinciding with the Ravager we're searching for?"

Agatha remained silent, biting her lower lip in frustration and fear. Liam, growing increasingly frustrated by her lack of response and her futile attempts to free herself, pressed her against the nearest wall.

Agatha couldn't decide whether to feel relieved that she wasn't the one Liam was originally after or to despair at the revelation that the Ravager was now close by.

"It was his Ghouls, wasn't it? The ones who attacked the boy before," Liam stated with a certain conviction, pressing closer to Agatha so she couldn't evade his gaze. She looked down, trying to gather her thoughts amidst the turmoil.

"I don't know," Agatha finally admitted, tears welling up in her eyes. She was genuinely terrified, fearing that the Ghouls were indeed under the command of the Ravager Liam sought. She was scared for Aiden, angry at her inability to protect him and unsure how to escape the Ravager's grasp for the fourth time.

Feeling Agatha's soft body against him, Liam's demeanor shifted. Somewhere deep inside, he felt a strange response to her presence, something he had never experienced before. It was an unfamiliar attraction that made his body react with a mix of pleasure and surprise, something he couldn't ignore.

Liam struggled to regain control of his thoughts, growing increasingly frustrated with himself. He had never experienced such strong feelings toward a woman before, and it bothered him deeply. He had never felt deprived of opportunities for romantic connections, having attended numerous gatherings and social events with friends in the past, yet none had ever captured his attention like Agatha did. He cursed his own confusion and lack of understanding of his own emotions.

"Who is he to the boy?" Liam demanded, his voice firm with impatience, hoping to intimidate Agatha into providing answers quickly so he could fulfill his mission and leave her presence. However, Agatha remained unfazed by his authoritative tone. Instead, she kneed Liam for the second time.

Liam groaned in pain, clutching his crotch with trembling hands. "What the hell!?"

Agatha, now enraged, pushed him away and delivered punches until Liam was forced to retreat. In the chaos, Agatha accidentally knocked over a mirror, shattering it at their feet. She then turned and ran, but before she could get far, Agatha let out another scream.

Liam's mind was consumed by the intoxicating scent once again, overwhelming his senses. It felt unearthly, more potent than ever, clouding his thoughts.

As Agatha groaned in pain, Liam finally snapped out of his trance and rushed to her side. He noticed her bleeding feet, the result of stepping on the sharp glass shards. Agatha sat on the ground, inspecting her injury.

Feeling dizzy from the scent and the shock of the situation, Liam hesitated, unsure of what to do next. However, when Agatha groaned again in pain, he shook himself out of his stupor and moved closer. To his astonishment, he watched as her wounds healed rapidly on their own.

Before Liam could process this strange turn of events, he noticed the broken mirror reflecting something peculiar. Intrigued, he picked up a piece but dropped it in shock when he saw his own reflection. His eyes were no longer their usual brown. They now glowed with a warm golden hue. This realization left him pale with shock and confusion.

Glancing at Agatha, who had now healed completely and was cleaning up the broken glass, Liam was at a loss for words. Her request for him to leave fell on deaf ears as he grappled with the newfound discovery about himself.

Agatha's frustration mounted as the wooden door suddenly collapsed with a loud thud. Leonel's shadow loomed in the doorway, his expression one of concern and seriousness as he took in the scene before him, completely drenched from the storm outside.

Liam…" The tension in the room was palpable as Leonel's gaze shifted from Liam to Agatha, assessing the situation with caution. He quickly determined that Liam was unharmed, then turned his attention to Agatha, who was visibly trembling with fear.

Before Liam could utter a word to calm Agatha, she suddenly lunged towards Leonel, brandishing a piece of mirror as a weapon. Her intent was clear as she aimed for Leonel's shoulder, but he reacted swiftly, seizing her arm and redirecting her attack.

Agatha's hands were restrained as Leonel's arm encircled her neck, the mirror falling to the ground with a soft clatter. "Let her go, Leo," Liam pleaded, his voice trembling with concern.

Agatha felt a surge of fear coursing through her, torn between the man holding her and the one standing before her with glowing golden eyes, reminiscent of Aiden's but more intense and menacing. Liam's demeanor exuded danger, his intentions unclear in that moment.

With a sense of doubt, Leonel released Agatha, but before he could inquire further, Liam had already dashed out of the house. Leonel watched Agatha, who stared back at him with a mixture of defiance and uncertainty. Sensing potential trouble, he decided to follow Liam outside, leaving Agatha alone. 

Liam found himself suddenly assailed by an angry storm the moment he stepped out of the small house. The wind whipped fiercely around him, the surroundings cloaked in a chilly darkness, yet he paid no heed. His sole focus was on putting as much distance between himself and her as swiftly as possible.

He felt utterly overwhelmed by her presence. Dizziness crept over him as her influence lingered. Unsure of how to react, he wrestled with the urge to speak or act but knew that the timing was not right. They were embroiled in a critical mission, a matter of life and death, and personal entanglements couldn't be allowed to disrupt their plans.

As they ventured deeper into the heart of the forest, with Liam lost in his thoughts, Leonel, who had been silent throughout the journey, spoke up cautiously. "What happened back there?"

Despite the few feet that separated them, Liam sensed a playful undertone in Leonel's otherwise innocent query.

With a sigh, Liam slowed his pace. "What have you discovered?" he countered.

Leonel's demeanor shifted to one of seriousness. "Reports indicate a sighting in Twilight Nook."

A furrow appeared on Liam's forehead, though he kept walking. The forest had taken on an eerie aspect, drenched by relentless rainfall.

Leonel's gaze turned contemplative. "I'm not certain how he managed to conceal his presence en route, but Metamorph insisted she saw a Ravager at Twilight Nook. She relayed to her grandchildren about encountering a colossal creature with piercing red and golden eyes."

Liam's mind raced with urgency as he formulated a plan to deal with the looming threat. He cleared his throat and took a deep breath, attempting to compose himself amidst the chaos.

"Send a messenger to Ludwig," Liam instructed, his voice firm and determined. "Tell him to gather five knights. We need loyal men who can handle discreet operations and blend seamlessly into Primotheus Capital."

Leonel nodded in understanding, his gaze scanning the sky as if searching for answers. He was the youngest among their trio, but also the most composed and serious.

"I will head to Twilight Nook as soon as the storm subsides," Liam continued, his tone resolute. "If the weather doesn't clear, find a Witch who can teleport me there."

Leonel quickened his pace to keep up with Liam's stride. "From what I gathered," he added, "the Ravager was spotted in a bar called Albus Hotspot. It might be best to have the Witch teleport us directly there."

As they walked, Liam suddenly halted, prompting Leonel to stop as well. Liam crouched down, inspecting the faint traces of Ghouls in the ground, his frustration evident.

"You'll remain here," Liam instructed, his voice authoritative.

Leonel's expression turned thoughtful as he listened to Liam's instructions, his face reflecting his curiosity.

"We can't be certain if the Ravager's presence at Albus Hotspot is genuine or a trap," Liam explained, his voice measured and cautious. "We need someone to stay behind in case this turns out to be a ruse. If the Ravager is truly here in Eldoria as the traces suggest, then we need someone who can eliminate him once and for all."

Leonel nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation.

As they continued their walk, Liam turned to Leonel with a serious expression. "Do you remember the woman's face from earlier?" he inquired.

Leonel's grin hinted at amusement, causing Liam to feel a surge of frustration. However, Leonel quickly composed himself and answered, "Yes, I remember her face. What about it?"

"Stay close to her," Liam instructed firmly, his tone leaving no room for misinterpretation. "And keep an eye on her son as well." Liam's eyes narrowed, emphasizing the seriousness of his words.

Liam remained uncertain about whether Aiden was truly Agatha's son, but certain clues had led him to believe there was a familial connection. When Agatha had been wounded earlier, he had not only sensed her blood's unique qualities but also observed Aiden's reaction. The presence of the Ravager's essence was more pronounced in Aiden's blood, though faint traces of Agatha's essence remained.

"The child who was sleeping," Leonel queried, seeking clarification.

Liam paused before responding, his voice steady yet troubled. "Yes, the same child. When I first saw him, he was already wounded from being bullied. His blood carried the presence of the Ravager we seek."

Leonel's demeanor shifted, indicating his concern. "Do you think he's been cured?" he inquired.

Liam shook his head firmly, deep in thought. "If my suspicions are correct and the boy is indeed related to the Ravager, then it's likely he hasn't received the cure yet. Although he may be far from here, the Ghouls who attacked us were likely under the Ravager's command. I managed to fend them off before they could take the boy, but I know they'll return to finish the job."

"You were attacked?" Leonel's disbelief was evident.

Liam nodded grimly. "The Ghouls primarily reside in the Netherworld Cavern unless summoned by Ravagers, so they're not widely known on this continent. The boy didn't seem shocked by their presence, suggesting he's encountered them before."

"But why would the Ravager attack his own kin?" Leonel pondered aloud.

"He's a Dirty Blood," Liam muttered, his expression darkening.

Leonel nodded in understanding. "They're in danger, then," he stated softly, realizing the severity of the situation.

Liam couldn't shake off the worry that had settled in his mind after Leonel's words. The thought of Agatha being in danger sent a primal shiver down his spine. He had a strong urge to stay and protect her while Leonel pursued the Ravager, but he knew deep down that it wasn't feasible. Despite his desire to shield her, the truth he had discovered earlier made it clear that he wouldn't be able to focus on his mission if he remained near her.

After a period of silence, Leonel spoke up, his tone cautious yet curious. "Is it true what I saw earlier?" He hesitated for a moment, as if debating whether to voice his observation. But then, as a brother would, he continued, "Your eyes, Liam..." There was a hint of amusement in his voice.

Liam's jaw clenched involuntarily, his expression turning serious. With a decisive nod, he confirmed Leonel's observation. The amusement in Leonel's demeanor faded, replaced by a sense of concern.

"You're in trouble," Leonel whispered to Liam, his voice tinged with worry.