Strings Of Fate

Chapter 64: The strings strain

    The snow fell, cold getting to him, and with each breath, his mind blurred. He didn't want to care anymore..everything hurt. Not just his body, nor his mind but everything. His heart most of all. It was bad enough to cause him physical pain. As if his chest was being pressed down under a literal weight, slowly crushing his ribcage. It was hard to breathe.

    The door behind opened, yet Angel gave no reaction his eyes blankly staring down at the concrete. 

    "Alrigh' I'm headin' out-" the voice paused, "Anthony? What're you doin' here?" No movement or response. Aaron frowned stepping off the porch, looking down at his brother. Worry washed over him at the state Angel was in. His lips were beginning to change colors, face incredibly pale. "Shit-Sarah! Put on the kettle!-Anthony, hey come on let's go inside."

    He was practically a rag doll as Aaron grabbed his brother pulling him off the stairs and dragging him inside. Fat nuggets and Ace in toe.  

    Aaron couldn't get much of an answer from his brother as he set him on the couch. He thought perhaps it was from being out in the cold and waited until he was warmed up. But even with the blanket and tea Angel still appeared shaken up. 

    "..He's gone." Was all Angel said, his eyes staring down at the tea. Fat nuggets was on his lap. 

    "What do you mean he's gone? You mean Alastor?" Aaron tried, sitting in front of his brother but his question wasn't answered. The name enough to contort Angel's expression in mild pain. 

    Sarah was behind her husband, a frown on her lips, gaze filled with worry for this man. "Do you have anywhere to stay?" When Angel shook his head she decided it was best to avoid the topic of Alastor for now. "We have a guest bedroom upstairs that you can stay in?" 

    "I think that's a good idea." Aaron agreed; standing from his chair, "I'll go get the room set up." As much as he wanted answers, it was clear Angel was in no condition to give them. He needed rest. He would find and punch Alastor later if need be. 

    Once Aaron was gone from the room Sarah took a seat beside Angel who said nothing, only a noticeable flinch at the dip in the couch. "It will be okay Anthony," Sarah assured, gently holding his shoulder. She didn't for long, noticing how tense he was at just being touched in general.

    Angel didn't say anything as he climbed the stairs to the guestroom. Aaron and Sarah gave up on getting answers, at least for now. 

    The room was dark as he entered, no attempt to switch on a light was made. Angel trudged to the bed, falling onto it. The door behind closed seemingly by itself. 

    Fat nugget snuggled up beside Angel, its ears down in concern for its owner. The shadow watched, a frown upon where its face would be. Angel ignored its attempts to get his attention. Angel didn't even want to look at the shadow, as it resembled the monstrous creature. 

    The shadow only watched the human bury his face in the pillow clutching it with one hand, the other laying open on the bed. Reaching into its being Ace pulled out the other crystal, void of any color or glow. It placed the gem in Angel's open palm. 

    The crystal around Angel's neck flickered pink, the color of his soul. He sniffled opening his eyes and looking down at the gem in his hand. His lips trembled at the memory of being given it. The morning it happened...He clutched it tightly the tears escaping his eyes. 

    Taking on the car form to not scare Angel as much the shadow paced around the bed, a journal appearing out of nowhere. It sat on the notebook, small cat-like eyes in blue looking at the blonde expectingly.