Excerpt: Blackout: Part Two

PART TWO
Those who come bearing gifts,
Are the ones we should never believe.

In Death is the Rebirth
Of Bitter Feelings
Can the Most Promising Bonds
Develop and Bloom

~
Zephyros please don’t die, you cannot die! We still need you; the Universal Black Out still needs you! Please do not leave us!

You damn bastard! How am I supposed to believe in you now? How are you going to stop me from hurting the rest of these idiots? If you die, I will never be able to kill you myself! You have better open your damn eyes again! Do not make me come storming into hell to pull your damn ass back to the living! I- I want to trust you, Zephyros. Come back to help me forget my hatred.
~

“You almost died.” “Your illness, the one you had me promise not to tell the others about. You almost got yourself killed because of that.”

~

Nereus outright ignored Zephyros’ questions and continued with his words. “You had everyone worried. I heard Pyrrhus did everything he could have and more to help Ebru save your life. Ixchel was in tears and Horai sat by idly chanting a pray.”

It was slowly coming back to him now. He remembered not feeling well with the fight against Abanddon and collapsing on the field. He remembered everyone screaming his name, the mention of some foreign illness. He could remember… he could remember only fragments after that… strong warm arms trying to hold him together, Ebru’s small and tender soft fingers on his skin, and finally the swirling of the lights as the drugs put him to sleep. He raised his head, turning ever so slightly so he could face the dark haired Prince. “And…” His voice trailed. “Where were you?”

Nereus was silent, carefully wording his answer. “As your Vice Admiral, Zephyros… It was my job to take on your role as leader and assess other matters. If it were not for that…” The words caught in his mouth, maroon eyes lost in the vibrancy of the emerald eyes of that of the High Wind. “I’m sorry Zephyros. I should have been here. You almost died.”

Zephyros cracked a half smile; it was a little weaker than usual but definitely a smile. “Apology accepted. But, you did the right thing. I trust your judgment.” He reached a hand out and rested it on the Prince’s shoulder. “I’m glad you took my plan seriously. It makes me very happy.” He hesitated and then slowly removed his hand.

That stabbed Nereus where he didn’t expect it. He wasn’t doing it for Zephyros. He was thinking of letting Zephyros die. He didn’t care… but the vampire in him did not want Zephyros to die. That was the only reason he had rushed back. However once he was there… something other than his vampire half compelled him to stay until he awoke. This sudden turn about of emotions in him confused him even more so. He had to figure them out soon before things got out of hand. He forced a perfect smile to his lips; he made a fake one seem so genuine. “Yes Zephyros. The Universal Black Out shall see to it that Universal Peace is achieved.”

“Thanks Nereus.” Zephyros sang sweetly. “Hey, actually…”

Without another word, Nereus grabbed Zephyros’ hand and pulled him off the table so he could stand on his own two feet. He withdrew quickly taking a few measured steps away. That was of course when his eyes slipped over the bruised markings on the red head’s upper left arm. Ebru had mentioned of bodily bruises all over his body. And from the looks of it they were not from battle, but rather looked much like ones caused through abuse. His hand went to it quickly and he touched it roughly.

“T-thanks.” Zephyros steadied on his feet… it was different from usual, but better. He looked up at the prince slowly and just as he touched his bruise, he shuttered back. “Hey, ow! What was that for?”

“What is this?”

“What is-” His emerald eyes went to the purplish bruise there. He went quiet; embarrassed slightly, and maybe afraid. But, what was he to do, there was no way to cover it up now. “I don’t… know.” He answered truthfully. “I always seem to get them every so often…”

“Hmm… Then it’s as Ebru had said…” Nereus sighed and turned to look toward the exit. “Listen, I don’t want you dying, or having any harm done to you-” His vampiric heart fluttered in an unusual way, it made him uneasy. “Unless that harm is done by me.” A malicious grin curved the edge of his mouth. “Come find me later if you’d like to talk more after hearing the news Aahti and Ebru have to tell you.” He lingered there for a moment longer, and then elegantly spun and headed for the door.

“Aahti?” Zephyros tilted his head to the side at the name. “Who’s that?”