Weeks had passed, and the kid remained at the base until they had made sure that no more red liquid, like wine, was cascading from his fresh wounds, a majority votes made among the soldiers.
"I can't stay here for too long."
The child insisted, playing with his fingers as Sebastian sat beside him.
"Why is that?"
He paused as he cautiously turned his head in Sebastian's direction.
"I—I need to save my sister."
As the kid stated it, a heavy silence filled the air around them before Ivan, the child they had rescued from the enemy's base, continued to speak.
Every word that came out of his mouth sounded like it was designed to convince him.
"They—they're planning to set off a bomb at the supply depot in the final phase of the moon."
The kid affirmed, his voice sounding sincere, causing Sebastian's brow to furrow.
It was the second day of the last quarter moon, hanging high in the sky, casting a silvery glow that danced across the ground. A group of redcoats could be seen gathered around the table, their voices low barely a whisper as they discussed plans based on the information Ivan had given to Sebastian.
"The last phase..."
Richard muttered.
"We only have five days to prepare before the waning crescent."
He then rubbed his hands over his face, a look of fret visible in his eyes.
"If the kid is indeed speaking the truth, then it would be a grave loss for us."
*THUD!*
Just then, a scroll revealing a complete map of the area was laid on the table.
"We will prepare as early as possible before they bite back."
As Richard discussed the strategies with his men, Sebastian suddenly felt a nagging sense of unease crawling over him, as if someone were watching them from afar, luring him outside the tent. Stepping out into the darkness, as he found himself standing alone, surrounded by an eerie silence, with nothing but his shadow stretching long before him....
.
.
.
*D-Day*
As the day of the planned invasion of the enemy lines arrived, Sebastian held tightly to the rosary he had concealed under his clothing, wrapped around his wrist. As he placed his trust in the Holy Trinity for his dear life, setting aside the prickling pain from the fresh wound on his arm.
Alongside him were his fellow comrades, their faces and uniforms painted with distinct shades of black and green, mimicking the patterns of bushes and mud as they hid like predators in the darkness. Some remained at the fortress and command post, prepared to relay critical information and provide support, while others took their positions, poised to strike, ready to unleash chaos, and risks their lives for their homeland.
The air was thick with tension as the man in front gave a subtle, beckoning wave with his left hand, fingers curling inward and sweeping through the cold breeze of the night. It was a silent command to move now, a perfect beginning to execute the plan.
Sebastian watched his comrades around him slowly breathe as if holding the air in their lungs. Their eyes darted everywhere, unable to settle on one place for more than a second. He even watched some check their rifles one last time, not to see if they were working but for the last time, they wanted to catch a glimpse of the picture of their loved ones beneath their piece, with eyes filled with sorrow of uncertainty, before they melted into the shadows, relying solely on the light of the moon. With each soft step they took, was an opposite to their deafening heartbeat of a drum.
When Sebastian finally mustered the courage to lift his tightened boots, a hand suddenly grabbed his wrist.
It was Richard, preventing him from taking another step, slowly shaking his head as he sensed an impending doom about to come.
"What are you doing?!"
His voice was laced with confusion as the lieutenant suddenly ordered a retreat.
"Everyone back to the base!"
Richard commanded within earshot as he called for a fallback.
Seeing the plan shift, Ivan, who was being protected from behind, unexpectedly gritted his teeth. His fist was clenched tight, and before they could even react, he surprisingly ran forward. His footsteps were heavy as he ran toward the front, snapping twigs beneath his small body as he waved his hands, while his voice roared like thunder, desperate for a call, leaving Sebastian and the others stiff as an intense wave of coldness filled their core.
"Urah! Plan osushchestvlen!" (Hurrah! The plan has been carried out!)
"Ah-NEE BYE-li zdes!" (They were here!)
"Ah-NEE BYE-li zdes!" (They were here!)
Ivan's outcry echoed before the Russian soldiers appeared, which completely stopped their hearts from beating.
The voin's faces were streaked with mud and soot, their breath created fog as they blew out the breeze from their mouths. Even in the dark, their eyes caught the moonlight, glinting like steel from hell before they opened fire, raining bullets on everyone in sight.
"FIND COVER!"
Richard yelled though it was already too late as the Russian volley had already tore through the lines, taking almost the life of half of his men leaving Richard had no choice but to return fire, shouting orders as the others scrambled for cover.
"EVERYONE CONTACT FRONT!"
His voice thundered as a hail of bullets tore into their flesh. Countless of his men were dragged to safety while smoke and the smell of cordite filled the air.
Even Ivan, who had betrayed Sebastian's men, did not escape their merciless hands, breaking the promise they had made to the child that his sister would be left unharmed.
"I have done what you told me!"
Ivan stated, his eyes red with hatred.
"Now. Gi-give me back my sister…"
He begged, but was only met with cold eyes, leaving everyone present at the scene with terror in their eyes as an unexpected turn of event unfolded before them.
"PROSHCHAY, GNIDA." (Farewell, nit)
One of the Russian voin's whispers carried with no mercy as he shoved the underfed girl into Ivan's arms, before he raised the Lüttich Carbine to their level, sending a violent surge of panic through Ivan, feeling as though his heart is hammering inside his chest, making it unbearable to breathe, even forcing a choked gasp from his lips as his vision blurred with fear.
And the second he blink his eyes a pear of water droplets cascaded through his lashes down to his puffy cheeks, paralyzed as he watches him pull the trigger with empty eyes.
*THUMP!*
*THUMP!*
*CLICK-
No…No!-NO!
"ty menya on-me-núl!" (YOU DECEIVED ME!)
"ty LZhets!" (YOU LIAR!)
"YOU-" Click- BANG!
Just then, countless of bullets burried in Elle's body while Ivan sat petrified frozen on the ground as Sebastian pushed him out of the way just in time before the bullets planted holes on him. They flinches with widened eyes as they saw blood escape from her mouth as the light of hope in her eyes slowly dimmed, leaving her lifeless as she slowly land in her brother's arms. Ivan just stood there too stunned to blink while his eyes welled with tears.
"No! Ivan!"
Sebastian called as Ivan cradled his sister's frail, bloodied body for a moment with vacant eyes, unresponsive to Sebastian's call, staring at the pool of blood in his hands as droplets of rain from his eyes fell on the cold body lying in his arms.
"Ivan!"
"Ivan, don't think about it."
Sebastian grit.
"Hey! IVAN! Don't-
Although Sebastian had already warned him, Ivan didn't listen. Instead he slowly with care laid down Elle's body on the ground before he picked the nearby rifle beside the lifeless soldier. His eyes glint like cold steel as he tightly grips the rifle on his trembling hands. Without a second thought, blinded with rage, he shoot the soldiers upfront. He even dared to run towards them while his voice croaked from shouting, as Sebastian came barreling in from behind, desperately trying to stop him when, without a warning—Stomp!—CLICK....BOOM!
A sudden explosion then tore the earth open beneath his boot, blinding them with dirt while the concussive force shattered his body, hurling him like a rag doll through the smoke as his blood splattered on Sebastian's face.
He froze, his mouth quavering from terror not just from the sight of Ivan's scattered flesh on the ground, but because of a high, thin click beneath his boot. His heart pounded as he swallowed a knot of fear, for Sebastian's foot had stuck on a mine buried in the churned earth half hidden by mud and debris.
His head quaked as he slowly looked down at his feet, while a pale, breathless sweat coated his skin.
*BANG!!!*
*THUD!*
*KABOOM!*
Sebastian's mind fogged over, like he couldn't process what was happening. He could only hear the bullets continuing to whine through the air, followed by the sick, urgent roar of echoes from ragged voices as cries broke and rose above the noise, turning into a brutal distant bell ringing in his ears. His vision blurred, helpless as he drowned in the dark, too hazy to notice the moment Richard called his name.
"Sebastian!"
He called as he watched Sebastian's eyes dart around in panic, drenched in sweat with trembling hands.
"Hey, son!"
He patted Sebastian's cheeks one after another. His hands were warm as he called for him.
"Bastian!"
"Sebastian!"
When he finally snapped back to his senses, Richard's heart dropped as he watched the kid who'd acted all tough and untouchable look at him with wide, trembling eyes that uncontrollably darted around.
"I-I… I don't want to die, sir—I-I…"
Panic seized Sebastian. His lips wavered as he stuttered to speak.
"Si-sir! I-I-I-"
He then cupped Sebastian's face with both hands, staring into his eyes filled with written reassurance, yet Sebastian only shook his head hard while tears blurred his eyes.
"Listen, Sebastian. Listen!"
"Everything will be fine."
"Everything will be fine, okay? … Hmm?"
His lips forced a smile.
"You're still young. There are still good things ahead for your future."
Sebastian froze as he gripped Richard's hands that were wiping the tears from his cheeks.
"No—no… please—don't…."
Richard shook his head.
"You're not going to die. No one's going to die. Okay? Calm down… Breathe."
Sebastian closed his eyes and breathed as Richard told him to.
"Yeah. Just like that. Keep breathing slowly."
Richard reassured him as he slowly let go of his face to reach his feet.
"I'm here. I'll stay. I'll never leave."
As he said those words, he was already digging up the ticking landmine on the ground, giving Sebastian a wave of anxiety in his chest.
"On the count of three, Sebastian, I want you to leave your post."
He affirmed, though Sebastian was confused, he wasn't clueless about what Richard was trying to do.
"What—what?!"
The color on Sebastian's face drained as he tried to push Richard away. Although he tried, he had nowhere near his strength.
"No-no! I—I—no! Don't— I never— Sniff!*"
"Hush…."
"It's okay, son. It's okay…."
Richard soothed him as he carefully held Sebastian in his arms, even gently ruffling his hair. Sniffing the air, trying to conceal his reddened, watery eyes, while Sebastian crumpled his uniform with shuddering hands.
"No… Sir— I—"
"-Sebastian."
Richard cut in, inhaling for air before he removed the sword at his waist and passed it to him. He then hold Sebastian's shoulders with both hands, as he leaned close to whispered into his ear.
"I want you to live…. Lead the crowd."
His lips curved slightly.
"... Be the noise of the chaos until you find the person you'll take the bullets for."
This time, Richard's voice full of grief as he patted his back.
"I know there is. So I want you to be happy."
He then let out a long sigh, his voice shaky as he tried to cover it with a faint smile.
"Arabella…"
As Richard continued to speak, Sebastian couldn't stop himself from sniffing the mucus coming out of his nose. His vision blurred as he listened to Richard's words, his voice drowning in his throat.
"Tell her—Haa… Sniff!—Ehem! Tell her that I'm happy with whatever decision she chooses in her life…."
His voice began to quaver.
"Te-tell her I'm sorry… I'm sorry for breaking another promise. Tell her that I-I love her…I-I know she'll understand. She's just as tough as Louise… My wife—Ha-haha… she'll hate me forever for sure, but she'll be proud that I saved a life…."
He paused.
"I-I might not be your father, but I'm proud to have you as my son."
Sebastian's eyes widened.
When all of a sudden, Richard removed his hands and throw Sebastian away with care before… BOOM! A loud, sudden explosion broke the chaos.
*Tingggggggg...*
"Huff-ack!...Haaa..."
Everything faded into a distant echo as Sebastian, left lying on the ground, drowned in a wave of white noise. His mind became hollow while his eyes widened in daze, unable to blink or process what had just happened.
"Si-sir?…"
His voice cracked as he hastily crawled onto the shredded body on the ground. Seeing the unrecognizable corpse of flesh in front of him, his eyes went still like stagnant water as droplets of continuous transparent liquid fell onto his cheeks.
Sebastian could feel his chest tighten, as if the air in his lungs turned to ash, Realizing he had lost the person who showed him the warmth of a family he had never felt in his own.
"Aagh—HAAAAH!"
A broken, animalistic screech ripped out of his chest as his grip on Richard's sword tightened.
And within that moment, Sebastian froze. The light in his eyes died as he suddenly remembered the words from the person who raised the monster within him…
"You're an ASHBOURNE. We shed no tears. Weak people are!"
Sebastian could feel his burning flesh from the birch root in the man's hand beside him, while his father, the duke, watched and threw acidic words at him. His voice was cold, just as cold as the rain that pouring outside the window.
His whole body shivered, it was aching, feeling as though he was choking from the air he breathed around him while he was lying on the fur carpet covered in his own splattered blood, powerless that all he could do was silently shed a tear from his eyes, even trying to hide it in front of the man with a dark menacing scowl without a trace of guilt and regret in his deadpan eyes.
"Proceed with the beating."
His voice was firm as he stated it, leaving the ten year old Sebastian covered with bruises and bloodied open wounds lying defenseless on the ground.
As that scene continued to replay in his mind, it made Sebastian cover his ears. He shouted until his voice turned hoarse, looking like a man completely losing his mind. In his head, the nightmare wouldn't stop. The final words of his father, the deafening echo of rifles, the distant roar of exploding bombs, and the agonizing cries of grief all played on a loop like a broken record, mercilessly tearing his sanity apart.
"ARRGH! Huff-ha… HA-HAHAHA!"
Looking at the blood soaked mire around him, Sebastian suddenly burst into a manic laugh. A dark shadow fell over his face as the brutal truth hit him. There was no God to save them…
Staggering as he stood on his feet, his expression darkened. Seeing his comrades dying in agony while the voin leered a cold razor thin smile on their faces, Seeing it. Sebastian finally snap. His expression darken like a predator tired of playing prey..
"AHH~ Fuck this place…"
He cursed, his eyes grew gloomy, while his face covered in dark rage, as if the monster locked deep inside him had finally awakened.
In the following days of war, Sebastian became utterly merciless. He never shed a single tear. He transformed into the ultimate symbol of death. A heartless monster, exactly what the duke wanted. Everyone trembled in fear before he even stepped foot on the battlefield. They were terrified not just by the empty, hollow look in his eyes, but by the chilling sight of his majestic, handsome face drenched in fresh blood.
"Long live the hero!"
The crowd shouted frantically, cheering and crowning Sebastian as the hero of the land. Although to him, their praises were just hollow, useless words echoing in the void.
Sebastian was finally home, but the war had stolen his soul. He just stood there like an empty shell of his former self, completely lifeless, staring blankly at the crowd, feeling as if a part of him had been lost, lost and never to be found again…...
That same night, after hearing the story from Keith, Julianne knelt alone in his dimly lit room. The single flame of a candle flickered against the dark walls as he closed his eyes, praying with everything he had for Sebastian.