1 Chapter 1
The sound of running was echoed through out the small part of the forest as someone who looked to be in his early years ran through the forest.
He chuckled a bit as he jumped and dodged through the obstacles the forest delivered him until, he stopped in front of a cliff.
The cliff gave a great view of the forest, showing the vast sea of green under him as the wind blew making, his slightly worn out clothes move.
He sighed as he walked closer to the edge sitting down, with his legs dangling.
He laid down, with his hands behind the head looking up at the sky.
Closing his eyes, he sighed again as he heard the sound of the bird's melody making him smile.
"This sure takes me back," he thought to himself as his ear twitched making him sit up. "Wait where did I listen that before?" he asked himself getting up and walk towards the source.
"Wait, I know this melody," he thought as he walked closer towards the source of the melody.
"Where is it from?" he asked himself as he enter a clearing where the melody was coming from to see a cage fill with blue-jays.
He walked towards the cage but before he could, he jumped back avoiding a pink spike that soon disappeared.
He looked towards the trees. "Hey what's your problem!" he yelled.
The response was more spikes coming out of the forest trying to stab him, but he dodged the attacks.
Dodging and defending the onslaught of attacked that come with a ferocity.
"Who the hell is trying to get me?" he thought as he landed on the ground making a white circle appear, he tried to move but he didn't. "Wait what?"
He felt his entire body freeze as he tried to move. "We finally found you," he heard a voice and the sound of someone walking towards him and he wasn't alone.
The man stopped in front of him making him widen his eyes. "Sure, has been sometime, isn't it, Benjamin?" the man asked making Ben glare at him.
Ben glared at the man who looked to be similar enough in terms of appearance to confuse familiarity but, also his opposite in terms of clothes and hair colour. "James," he growled making the man sigh as he took a step back.
Grabbing on the red hilt of his sword, James unsheathed it to show it was a katana with a silver-ish reverted blade.
James looked at Ben. "Don't worry, it will be short," he said as his sword glowed purple and sliced Ben on the shoulder making the white circle disappear as Ben fell to the ground.
Sheathing his sword James looked at the female. "Gwendolyn do your job," he ordered the woman with long auburn hair as she went towards Ben.
She started to mutter under her breath as she lowered her bow and formed white circles on her palms, she crouched and placed them around Ben's body but during the process, she had stopped a few times.
While that James looked at the male other who were with him. "I appreciate, your assistance in this mission, Yusei."
The other man nodded and return the bow but he quickly had to straighten up, so his glasses wouldn't fall. "It was a pleasure to help, James," he looked over at Gwen. "And what will happen to him?"
"That will depend of my father."
"I'm done," Gwen announced standing up getting the attention of the two.
They walked over to her as James unsheathed his sword again. "Yusei grab him," he said as his sword started to glow blue and sliced a cross on the air making the cross spread open as Yusei slugged Ben over his shoulder.
He pinched his nose. "Good lord, doesn't he shower?" he asked as James sheaved his sword and started walking towards the portal.
"I don't know, Gwendolyn get the cage," he ordered as the woman went to grab the cage and walked inside the portal.
…
Groaning as he opened his eyes, Ben looked around to see, he was sat in a chair. "Wait I know this place," he thought as he struggle on his seat.
The room was medium size with white marble floor and grayish walls, a large window that was behind a desk that had a green emblem of a bird.
"Fuck, I have to get out of here," he said to himself as he tried to move but, he was only able to move his head. "Fuck!" he yelled as the door behind him open.
Two people walked inside one being James and the other being a man far older than James but with some features and wardrobe that mirrored the younger man.
Turning his head to see the two, he glared at them. "What the fuck do you want from me!" he yelled as the older man walked passed Ben and sat on the chair behind the desk while James stood besides him.
"You should have more respect, when you direct yourself towards Lord Minogashita, Ben," he said making Ben glare at him.
"You can go fuck the right off! Why did you bring me here!" he yelled again making James frown as he was about to open his mouth but the older man raised his hand stopping him.
"What still Daddy's little dog?!" he asked glaring at him while James return it but stayed quiet. "What aren't you going to say anything?!"
James stayed the same while the man had his fingers interlocked and stared at Ben. "What are you looking at, you old fart!" he yelled while the man didn't react. "What senile already!? Or you can even talk? Or did you just lost your balls?!"
The man stayed still and sighed. "I believe, it's the third one," he said making the two to widen their eyes and James looked at him.
"Father, you don't have to…" he stopped when the man looked at him.
"Silence James, I'm talking to Ben," he said simply making James nod and went back to position.
The man looked back at Ben who looked at him with a blank stare. "I see that, you are healthy and well," he said while Ben stayed silent.
They stayed silent facing each other while the birds sang the same melody as in the clearing.
"Why did you bring me here?" Ben asked in a monotone tone as the man stood up and walked in front of Ben.
Both Ben and James's eyes widen as the man lowered and bowed down with his head touching the ground. "I want to beg for your forgiveness," he said.
"What?" Ben almost yelled while James went to his father's side.
"Father what are you doing?" he asked as he placed his hand on the man's shoulder. "You don't have to…" he tried to say.
"Silence!" he yelled at James making the younger man step back. "I told you stay put," he order making James hesitantly back away.
"Ben, I beg for your forgiveness I have been an idiotic and shameless man to you, I at least beg you to consider forgiveness."
Ben looked confused at the man. "Did I hit my head?" he thought to himself as he looked at James. "If this is one of your illusions, knock it off!" he yelled at James who tsked at him.
"Unfortunately, it isn't," James grunted.
Ben looked back at the man. "If you want my forgiveness, you can go burn in the deepest part of Hell for all I care!" he yelled at the man making James place his hand on the hilt of the sword.
"Bite your tongue, you ungrateful…" James tried to say but again, he was stopped by his father.
"I said, Silence James if your brother wants to talk to me like that, then let him!" he yelled making James grunt but follow the order.
Ben glared down at him. "Don't call me that! I'm not your son or that blond fuck's brother!" he yelled glaring at the man. "You have lost that right a long time ago!" he yelled spitting on the man's head. "You are a disgusting…"
James stopped him by punching him in the jaw making Ben fall to the floor as James pressed his foot on Ben's chest.
"Show some respect you whinny brat!" James yelled applying more pressure on his foot. "You always been such an unlikeable brat even when Father is being the better man and begging for forgiveness for your own stupid actions," he said in a cold tone.
"You are a…" he wasn't able to finish thanks to his father hitting him in the cheek something that made Ben surprised.
James backed away as he hold his cheek as he looked at his father. "James, leave now I will talk to your… to Ben alone," he said not looking at him while James looked shocked.
"But father…"
"Enough! I'm giving you an order."
James looked at him, he bowed and nodded. "As you wish father," he said walking out of the room with his fist clenched.
"Aww, is doggy mad?" Ben asked with a smile making James glare at him, but he left the room without saying anything.
James closed the door and started to walk as he went through the corridor, still holding his cheek and rubbing it. "This is the first time," he thought gritting his teeth. "He hit me because of that failure."
He inhaled in and out through his nostrils. "Because of that waste of space," he grunted as he walked passed a few family portraits of James, his father, a woman with features similar to Ben but with longer hair and ears and a child younger than everyone is the picture with a brownish blond hair.
"Big Brother!" James heard turning around to get tackled by a child that hardly reached his waist. "Found you," he said with giggles as a woman dressed in a maid attire run up to them.
"My apologies, master James," she bowed as James sighed and ruffled the child's hair.
"It's alright, Maya," he said as he crouched to face the boy. "So what have you been doing today, Arthur?" he asked.
"Today, I finally managed to hit a target," he said happily jumping up and down, making James smile.
"Really, wow mind if I see it?" he asked making Arthur nod his head rapidly as he grabbed his hand.
"Come on!" he yelled happily as he dragged James who followed him towards a courtyard also followed by Maya.
…
Helping him back to the chair, Ben looked at his father blankly. "I didn't expect that doggy would unfollow your order," he said making the older man sigh as he stood up in front of Ben.
"I have made tremendous mistakes as a father, Ben not only for you but also to James," he said getting a snort from Ben.
"Really you think, you fucked up?" he asked. "News flash, you have the worst parent award!"
"I deserve it," he said looking down. "I deserve all of your hatred and anger you have for me and this house," he said clenching his fist.
"If you understand why bring me back here?" he asked. "You didn't want me before why now?"
"Because, I was an idiot!" he yelled as he fought back tears. "Because I was a foolish and a coward who was too afraid of the family council to actually act as a father and for that…" he stopped as he got on his knee and hold Ben's hand.
"I beg you can hate me and even plan to kill me but please I beg you don't hate your brothers, your mother or anyone in our family just because of my incompetence," he said as tears fell from his eyes while Ben looked at him with no emotion in his face.
"Let go of me," he said in a low voice. "You have no right to ask or beg me for anything," he said closing his eyes. "You are too late, 6 years to late."
His father sighed as he stood up as his hand appear a white circle and placed his hand on Ben's shoulder making some white circle glow on his body. "You can move now," he said stepping back.
Ben blinked as he stood up and stretched a bit as he looked at his father. "Aren't you going to force me?" he asked getting a shook of the head from the man.
"I'm not, I just hope you'll listen to…" he didn't finish thanks to Ben punching him in the jaw sending making him hit the desk.
"I wanted to do that since, I was 14," he said as he turned around ready to leave.
"Ben wait," he called making Ben stop. "I beg you before, you leave can you please visit your mother," he said making Ben look at him slightly. "She misses you greatly if you do that, I will do anything you want."
Ben placed his hand in his pockets. "I want 100 platinum coins," he said bluntly making his father nod.
"That can be arrange today," he said as e rubbed his jaw.
"Then lead the way."
Ben's father nodded and walked passed Ben and lead the way as they walked passed the hallway.
They walked in silence as some maids and butlers greeted them, they walked a bit longer to stop in front of a door.
He knocked on the door. "Come in," a female voice was heard as he opened the door into a room.
The room was rather large, it had whiteish walls and brown floors, the furniture looked to be very expansive like the portraits similar to the one in the hallway but with different background and instead of Arthur in the pictures, it was a younger Ben.
And also there was a king size bed in the middle of the room and inside of it was a woman with a blindfold covering her eyes and her features were the same as the portraits in the hallway just a bit older.
Ben looked at the woman who was holding a book with one hand and the other on the page, he stayed still looking at her as memories started to resurface making him tremble a bit as he tighten his fist.
Ben's father walked forward and sat next to her. "Hello dear," he said making the woman hum as she grabbed a bookmark and placed it between the pages.
"Ivan," she said directing her face to him with a smile. "You return earlier than I expected," she said making the man chuckle a bit.
"I guess it took less time, than I expected," he said as he hold her hand. "Lily, I brought you your present."
"Oh really, what is it?" she asked as Ivan looked at Ben who was still stuck in place. "He's right here."
Lily raised an eyebrow. "He? Who is it?" she asked as Ivan let go of her hand and got up.
Ben shallowed the lump in his throat as he walked over to his mother and sat besides her.
Lily was a bit confused as she reached to touch Ben, and he helped her, guiding her to his face. "You feel familiar," she said as she cupped Ben's cheek and rubbed her thumb on them. "Do I know you?"
"I'm pretty sure, you do since you took care of me for 13 years," he said as her thumbs stopped moving.
"Benjamin?" she asked making the boy nod.
"Yeah, it's me mom," he said as tears started to leak from the woman's eyes as she undid the blindfold to show her milky white eyes.
"My baby boy," she said with a sob as she pulled him into a tight hug. "I missed you so much," she cried as she hold him tightly while Ben hugged her back.
"Yeah, I missed you too, mom" he said as she sobbed on his shoulder.
She backed away from the hug and cupped his cheeks again with a smile. "You are finally back," she said as tears ran down her eyes. "We can be a family again," she said with a warm smile making Ben frown a bit.
"I'm sorry mom, but that won't happen," he said making her frown slightly.
"What do you mean? You are finally here? We can finally be together like before."
Ben grabbed Lily's hands. "Mom, I can't stay here, I'm sorry."
"Why? The council is gone and no one is going to force you to leave," she cried holding Ben's hand tightly.
Ben sighed. "Mom, I can't live here anymore, it's not because of that, but I don't feel safe here," he said.
"But no one will hurt you!" she yelled. "Son please, I haven't seen you for 6 years, I can't lose you again," she cried making Ben grit his teeth fighting back tears.
"I'm sorry mom, but I can't stay here, I have to many problems with this place, to even consider it," he said making the woman sob but nod.
"I understand but please at least tonight, to have a family dinner all of us?" she asked making Ben sigh.
"That I can do, mom I will be here tonight for dinner," he said making the woman smile slightly.
"Thank you, son and please take a shower, you smell horribly," she said making Ben chuckle a bit.
"Alright, I will do that mom" he said making his mother smile brightly.
"Thank you, and also your room is still where you left it," she said as Ben stood up.
"I'll get the someone to bring you some clothes," Ivan said getting a nod.
"If it is something like what you are wearing, I will burn it," he said leaving the room making Ivan sigh
Lily cleaned her tears. "Is he still the same as I remember?" she asked making Ivan sigh.
"No, he isn't," he said making Lily start to cry again.
"I'm a terrible mother, I couldn't protect my own son," she cried as Ivan sat next to her and hugged her.
"No, it's my fault, I'm the one to blame," he said doing his best to comfort her. "I was the coward, I am the one to blame," he said as he started to cry himself.
…
Ben walked through the empty hallway looking at the portraits mostly there were new and some old. "They look better without me," he thought with a sigh as he stopped in front of a window to that give a nice view to the courtyard to see James and Arthur.
Arthur was with a bow in hand as James ruffled his hair. "That's pretty good Arthur," he said with a smile getting a brighter one from Arthur who hugged him.
"Thanks!" he yelled happily as he backed away from the hug and looked at the window seeing Ben staring at them. "Big bro who's that?" he pointed at Ben making James frown slightly.
"Him, no one of importance, you should avoid interacting with him," He said looking back at Arthur.
He looked a bit confused and looked back at his brother. "Why's that?"
"Because, he's a dangerous person."
"Dangerous?" he asked getting a nod from James.
"Yeah, if you talk to him, he will make you eat broccoli and steal your candy," he said making Arthur look shocked and run behind James.
"Don't let him see me!" he yelled grabbing on James cap tightly.
"Don't worry, just don't talk to him or anything, alright?" he asked looking at the smaller boy who nodded rapidly. "Good," he said looking back at Ben with a glare, and he flipped him the bird.
"Ben?" Maya thought as she looked at the window almost in disbelieve as she started to walk inside.
Ben lowered his finger as he return his walk to his old room and soon arrived, he sighed before opening the door.
The room was similar to his parents but a bit smaller and with less portraits and for his surprise it was actually clean and tidy.
He walked towards the bed and fall on it sighing as he ran his finger in his messy brown hair. "This better be worth it," he thought to himself as he looked at his right hand that had some scars.
He sighed as he got up and walked to the bathroom.
The room had floor made out of rock with a pool on the middle that was already fill and other things associated to bathrooms.
He started to undressed throwing his clothes next to the sink as he walked to pool, sitting down in the warm water making sigh as he lean back on the wall and closed his eyes as the water stopped around his upper neck.
…
Maya was walking through the hallway. "Where is he?" she thought as she walked past Ivan.
"Maya," he called the woman who stop on her tracks and turn around to face him and quickly bowed.
"My apologies, Lord Minogashita, I was distracted," she said.
"It's understandable, you are forgiven," he said with a sigh. "I need you to do something."
Leaning back up. "How may, I help you?"
Ivan sighed. "I'm not sure if you are aware or not but Ben is here and I wished you to take him some clothes." He said getting a nod from Maya.
"I am fully aware of his presence, my lord and I'll do so at once," she said.
"Also he doesn't wish any of the royal clothing," he said getting a nod from the woman.
"I see, my lord," she said. "I'll bring the clothes to his quarters and may I know where is he staying?"
"He's staying in his old room," he said getting a nod from the maid.
"Consider it done," she said with a bow and left. "I knew it," she thought with a smile as she went to grab some clothes for Ben.
…
Walking back towards the house James sighed as he looked back at Arthur who was still hiding behind him. "Yup, this is my own fault," he sighed as he turned around and crouched to face the smaller boy who instantly hugged him. "Are you afraid of him?"
Arthur nodded his head. "I don't want to eat broccoli nor I want my candy stolen," he said making James sigh.
"Hey, how about this," he said as he pushed Arthur from the hug to face him, as he took out a necklace with blue-jay symbol. "You know what this is?"
He nodded again. "It's a necklace with the family symbol," he said getting a nod from James.
"Yeah and you remember what the bird represents?" he asked making Arthur think a little but after a few minutes shook, his head. "Well it represents bravery, intelligence and strength."
He looked at it in amazement as he touched it. "And do you want to know a secret?" he asked getting a nod from Arthur. "I am afraid of rabbits," he said.
Arthur looked at him in shock. "Really? But how you are so strong?" he questioned making James chuckle a bit.
"Just because, I'm strong doesn't mean I'm fearless," he said with a smile. "We all have fears, it's just when I wear this, I feel fearless because, I know I'm representing our family and that with you all around I don't have to fear anything."
Arthur looked at the necklace. "Can I have it?" he asked getting a nod from James.
"You can and whenever you are scared or afraid wear it, it will protect you and give you strength," he said giving him the necklace.
Arthur put it on and looked at James with a smile. "Thanks big Brother!" he shouted hugging him tightly.
"Ouch, I think you are getting stronger already," he chuckled making the younger boy let him go and smile.
"I'll also represent the family from now on," he said getting a nod from James as he stood up.
"That's good to hear, and about that man?"
"I'm not afraid of him anymore!" he proclaimed raising his fist getting a nod from James.
"That's good, now go on play with the others," he said getting a nod from the boy.
"Thank you big brother!" he yelled as he ran off leaving James alone.
"You're welcome," he thought as he sighed.
"I didn't know you are scared of rabbits," he heard making him groan.
"How long have you been there?" he asked as a woman walked behind him and hugged him from behind.
"During the whole tale," she said with a smile as James turn around to face her.
She was slightly shorter than him with a paler skin tone, dark ruby eyes and charcoal hair while her attire was in invert of his own clothes with a bat as the symbol.
"Don't tell Mika," he said getting a chuckle from the woman.
"Why shouldn't I, it's a cute and heart-warming act what you did," she said
"I know but if you tell, her she won't let me live it down."
The woman sighed. "Fine but seriously that was a nice thing what, you did," she said.
"Thanks Emma."
"But I have to ask who's this man that scared poor Arthur?"
He sighed. "My younger brother, Ben is back," he said as the woman's smile fell.
"Wait really?" she asked getting a nod. "Oh."
"Is something wrong?" he asked getting a shook of the head from her.
"No, everything is alright," she said.
"Afternoon, you two," Ivan greeted getting their attention.
"Afternoon Father/Lord Minogashita," they greeted.
Ivan stopped in front of the two and looked at James. "James, I apologise for what I did earlier, I was acting on my emotions and guilt," he said bowing down to him getting a surprised look from the woman.
"Father that's not necessary, I was the one who acted out of terms and went against your orders," he said as Ivan got back up.
"Even so, the way I acted wasn't proper for me as the head of the family and as a father."
"Then All's forgiven," he said getting a nod from Ivan.
"Thank you, son," he said. "Also your mother requested a family dinner tonight," he said getting a nod from James.
"Just us or do I have to bring my own?" he asked.
"I believe your mother would prefer if all of us were there," he said.
"Understood," he said getting a nod form Ivan.
"I'll be in my office," he said walking off leaving the two.
James sigh. "Oh, Great I have to expose my children to him," he said while Emma was silent looking down at the floor.
"God, I don't know what to do," she thought as James placed a hand on her shoulder making her look at him.
"Don't worry, he won't do anything to you, if he wants to leave this house alive," he reassured her making Emma sigh as James pulled her into a hug.
…
Maya entered Ben's room with an attire completely made of black. "I hope he likes it," she thought placing the clothes on the bed. "And where is he?" she wonder as she listen the sound of water moving.
"Maya?" she heard turning around to see Ben who was completely naked making the maid's face to turn bright red and look away.
"Put something on pervert!" she yelled making Ben look at her confused then laugh.
"Yup, it's really you," he said as he grabbed one of the towels to dry himself. "You hardly changed," he said as he wrapped the towel around his waist. "I'm not naked anymore."
Maya turn around to face him with a still red face but that went away when she saw the numerous scars on Ben's chest, shoulders and arms. "What is there something in my face?" he asked.
Maya didn't respond instead she walked closer almost hypnotized by the scars, as she reached to touch them but Ben stopped her grabbing her wrist. "No touchy," he said making the woman blink then blush bright red again and back away.
"I'm sorry," she said rapidly bowing down making Ben chuckle a bit as he went to grab the clothes.
"You haven't change not one bit," he said as he got dressed and sit down. "It's alright."
Maya stopped and looked at him for a bit. "You really are back," she said with a smile. "I can't believe that you are finally back."
"Sorry to say but, it's only for today," he said laying down on the bed and closed his eyes.
Frowning Maya took a step forward. "What do you mean?"
"I'm only staying here because mom asked me to have a family dinner," he said. "And after that, I'll leave."
"Oh," she said lowering her gaze. "But why don't you want to stay?"
"Why?" he asked back as he hummed. "Well I don't have a precise reason, but I do have one."
"And what would it be?"
He hummed again. "Well, I don't remember," he said with a smile making Maya's left eye to twitch.
"You haven't changed either," she muttered as she looked at him. "Ben can, I tell you something?" she asked as she started play with her thumbs.
"Yeah, sure," he said with a yawn.
"Well… you…see… I…" she tried to say.
"I'm sorry to say," he started getting up to face her. "But I don't like, you like that."
Maya lowered her gaze but nodded. "I see," she said closing her eyes and sob a little making Ben sigh.
He got up and hugged her. "I don't like, you like that, because I see you more as a sister than anything."
She sighed hugging him back. "It's alright," she said resting her chin on his shoulder. "I can't believe you sister-zone me."
"Sorry, but I can't see you as something else," he said making Maya chuckle a little.
"It's alright," she said as she backed away from the hug holding Ben's hand, she looked down to Ben's hand to see, he also had scars on his hands making her rub them with her thumb. "What happened to you?" she asked making Ben frown a bit.
"I prefer not to say," he said making Maya tighten her hold on his hands.
"Please tell me," she said looking up at him.
They stared at each other for a bit that was until Ben sighed. "Fine let's sit first," he said getting a nod from the woman as they went to the bed and sat down. "But what, I tell you, you won't tell no one got it?"
Maya nodded. "I promise, I won't tell anyone."
"Good and also since, I've been out for a bit, you also have to tell me what has happen here," he said getting a nod from Maya. "Alright, well it all started the day, I was banished…"
…
The dinning room was a rather large room far larger then the bedrooms, the décor was almost bland with orange walls and some glowing orbs stuck on the wall and the dinning table that could easily fit 15 people was completely fill with food.
Lily was sat next to her husband as the butler served their meals. "Do you think, he'll like it?" she asked Ivan who held her hand.
"Don't worry, he'll love it," he said. "If he still has a blackhole for a stomach then, he will," he joke making Lili laugh a bit as the door opened as James walked in the room with Emma who was holding a child that roughly was a year old.
"Evening mother and father," he greeted as he went to sit down a few chairs to the left.
"Evening Lady and Lord Minogashita," Emma said with a smile as she held the baby's arm and made her wave at the couple. "Greet your grandparents, Breana," she said only getting noises as a response making the two chuckle a bit.
"Evening you three," Ivan said as Emma went to sit next to James. "And where's Mika?"
"She had to attend a family meeting and won't be able to be here," James said as the butler served him and Emma.
"Oh, I wish we could have dinner all together," Lily said with a slight frown and sigh. "But oh well,"
James nodded as he looked around and notice the absence of his youngest brother. "Where's Arthur?"
"I'm not entirely sure, where is he," Ivan said as he stood up. "I will go look for him."
"There's no need father, I'll go," James said doing the same getting a shook of the head from Ivan.
"You can sit down, I have been stuck in my study during the whole day," he said as he started to walk towards the door. "I won't take long," he said leaving the room.
James sat down and sighed. "Something wrong?" Emma asked getting a shook of the head.
"I'm not sure myself, my father has been acting weird ever since Ben got here," he said making Lily frown.
"James your father is feeling guilty."
"We all do respect mother, but why father would feel guilty for Ben's actions?" he asked. "It's his own fault for being banished."
Lily sigh. "James do you know, why your brother was banished?"
"It was because he scored a 0 in the academy test and tried to attack a council member."
"That was a lie, they told you," she said making James look at her confused. "The real reason is because of his class."
"But he doesn't have one."
Lily sighed. "He does have one but the problem is that the class goes against the family's beliefs," she said making James look at her in shock.
"Wait! What do you mean?!" he yelled standing up making Breana cry as Emma started to cradle her.
"Dear, please calm down," she said holding his hand.
Lily sighed again. "Ben's class is Dark," she said making James look at her in disbelieve as he sat on his chair.
"It was because of that, the council banished him and made up a reason," he said getting a nod from Lily.
"Yes, that is it."
"And why did father went with this?" he asked in a whisper then got back up glaring at his mother. "Doesn't he care for Ben!"
"Your father does, he was under the council's control," she said making James tighten his fist.
"And why didn't you tell me this?" he asked with a growl. "If you knew why didn't you or father tell me?!"
Lily started to sob. "Because, It's my fault," she started to cry. "He got it from my family side, I'm the one who caused him to be banished," she cried making James tighten his fist and shutting his eyes tight.
"I fucked up," he thought sitting back down as Emma tried to comfort him and Breana. "I fucked up big time."
…
Ben was walking with Maya towards the dinning room as the woman looked down at the ground, they walked in silence as the only thing audible was the sound of their footsteps.
"Maya!" They heard turning to the source being Arthur running to the woman from another hallway.
"Master Arthur," she said as the young boy hugged her legs.
"I've been looking for you," he said looking up at her.
"Oh so this is Arthur," Ben said making the boy look at him and shake a bit but then glare at Ben.
"I won't eat broccoli!" he yelled pointing at Ben getting confused looks, from the two but then Ben chuckle.
"Don't worry, I hate that stuff," he said crouching to face the boy. "I prefer candy really," he said with a smile making Arthur's glare to lessen.
"Really?" he asked doubtfully getting a nod from Ben.
"Yeah, but unfortunately I don't have any with me," he said making Arthur dig his hand into his pocket and took out a red sweet.
"Here, I have a lot of them," he said giving it to Ben who accepted it with a smile.
"Thanks, Arthur you really are a cool little dude," he said getting a confused look from Arthur.
"Dude? What's that?" he asked making Ben chuckle.
"Sorry, I mean you are a really cool little man," he clarified.
"Oh," he said and then smile. "Thanks!"
Ben nodded. "By the way do you know who am I?"
He shook his head. "No, but big brother told me not to talk to you."
"Oh why's that?"
He told him what James told him. "Oh and why are you talking to me?"
"If you hate broccoli and like candy then, you must be a nice person." He said getting a nod from Ben as he ruffled his hair.
"You are such a cute kid," he said with chuckle.
"Then who are you?" Arthur asked backing away.
"Well, I am Ben your older brother," he said getting a confused look from Arthur but then it dawned on him.
"Oh, yeah mother and father told me, you were traveling," he said.
"So that's what, they told him," he thought and nodded. "Yup, I've been traveling," he said making Arthur's eyes shine.
"Really!?" he yelled getting a nod from Ben. "Where did you go? Did you go alone?..." he went on and on asking various questions making Ben chuckle.
"Ah, there you are," They heard turning to the source to see it was Ivan.
"Father, I found Big brother Ben!" he yelled grabbing Ben's arm and lift it like a trophy.
"I can see that," Ivan said chuckling a bit. "Well, I've been looking for you two."
"Really why?" he asked still holding Ben's arm.
"Well dinner is ready," he said making Arthur's eyes shine again as he started to drag Ben.
"Come on Big bro!" he yelled as Ben stood up lifting Arthur who was still holding on his arm.
"Wow, Big brother you're really strong," he said as he started to dangle giggling.
"Well thank you, Arthur," he said with a smile. "We should head to the dining room since the other are waiting for us," he said but only got giggling as a response from Arthur. "Well I take that as a yes."
He looked over at Maya. "I'll talk to you later, alright?" he said getting a nod and a smile from the woman.
"See you later Ben," she said as they started to walk away as she turns around and started walking.
She silently sobbed as she placed a hand on her chest and tighten her fist. "I won't accept this," she thought glaring at the ground. "I won't accept anyone else take him from me," she thought as she stopped in front of a window and looked outside.
She started to giggle then chuckle and then went into laughter. "You'll be mine Ben, no matter what," she told herself as she started to skip away. "All mine," she thought with a smirk.
…
Arthur kept daggling on Ben's arm as they arrived in the dining room getting the attention of the people in the room.
"Well here we are," Ben said lowering Arthur who pouted at him.
"I still want a ride," he said making Ben chuckle.
"Sorry, baby bro but my arm is tired," he said rubbing his arm making Arthur sigh.
"Then can you give me a ride later?"
"Maybe but first let's eat," Ben said getting rapid nods from Arthur as he ran to the table to sit next to his mother.
"Did you have fun with your brother?" Lily asked getting a nod from Arthur.
"Yeah, he's really funny and strong almost like Big brother James," he said with a smile getting the same from the woman.
"That's good to hear, sweety," she said kissing his head as Ivan sat next to her and Ben sat alone not close to anyone but facing James and Emma.
The couple had their gazes averted from looking at Ben who smirk slightly. "What? Something wrong? Or am I not worthy enough to be looked at by the royal couple?" he asked only getting silence from the two. "Really silence? This is new from you James and especially from you Emma."
They kept quiet as they started to eat making Ben frown. "Suit yourself," he said with a shrug as he started to eat.
They ate in silence with only passing gazes that was until Ben broke it. "I see you have a daughter," he said looking at the couple who still weren't looking at him. "How old is she?"
"She's a year old," James said getting a nod from Ben.
"Nice, I just hope she doesn't grow up to be like either her parents or grandfather," he said making the three to slightly flinch while Lily frowned a little and Arthur was confused.
"What do you mean?" Arthur asked making Ben look at him and sheepishly rubbed the back of his head.
"Sorry, I can't tell you now," he said as he returned his gaze back at the two. "I'm sure that James and Emma can tell you," he said as the two kept avoiding their gazes.
"Ben, I think we shouldn't talk about this matter now," Ivan said getting a snort from Ben.
"Wow, you actually thinking for yourself, I'm surely impressed," he said clapping with a smile.
Ivan was in a lost of words while Arthur was getting more confused but before he voiced, his question Lily interjected.
"Ben how about we go for a walk?" she asked looking at him. "Like we used to do?"
Ben thought about it for a bit and nodded. "Sure, I won't mind," he said getting up as Lily did the same.
Ben walked over to his mother who grabbed him by the shoulder. "We'll be back soon," she said as Ben started to walk.
"Can I…" Arthur stopped when Ivan placed his hand on Arthur's shoulder and shook his head.
"Let them be, okay?" he asked getting a nod from the young boy. "Why don't you go to your room, I have to talk to your brother.
Arthur nodded standing up and left the room.
…
Ben was leading the way to the courtyard that had different types of flowers and plants. "The place sure looks better since the last time," he said getting a sad smile from Lily.
"Thank you, I planted a new flower each day ever since, you were forced to leave," she said chuckling a bit. "Well too bad, I can't see them anymore."
"Well, let me tell you, it's beautiful," he said getting a nod and a happy smile from her.
"Thank you, son," she said as her hands tighten her grip on his shoulder as she placed her forehead on his back. "Ben, please comeback…" she said as tears started to fall from her eyes.
"Please, I prayed to Chider Shituur everyday for your safety and your return," she said sobbing. "Please, son I just want us to be a family again, can you stay here for a week or a month?"
Ben closed his eyes and sighed. "I'm sorry mother but I can't stay," he said making Lily tighten her grip.
"Can I at least know, why?"
"I can't say, but I can only give you a hint."
Lily looked up. "What is it?"
Ben took a breath. "Sunnenkort I zijin ni no doi," he said making Lily to widen her eyes.
"Since when did you learn to speak elf?" she asked surprised making Ben chuckle a little.
"I learnt it a while go," he said as he started walking followed by Lily.
"Can you consider visiting at least?"
He shrugged. "Maybe, I will."
"Can you promise me, you'll visit?" she asked almost begging making Ben sigh.
"I yakujn beloon hoha me to hart shider," he said making Lily hug him with a smile as she cried on his chest.
"Bedagato Musuon," She whispered as Ben hugged her back and patted her back.
"Doi ta blief shider," he whispered back.
…
Ivan was sat on his chair as he counted the coins in side of a sack. "105," he said tying the small sack as James sighed.
"I can't believe, you didn't tell me the truth," he grunted making Ivan frown.
"I know, you are mad and you have every right," he said leaning back on the chair. "I screwed up as a parent."
James sighed. "You made a mistake and also did I but you didn't screw up," he said walking besides him. "Me and Arthur came out great, we just have to try to fix our mistakes."
Ivan nodded and sighed again. "You are sounding wiser than me," he joked making James chuckle a bit as the door open to show it was Ben.
"Well you better have my money" he asked as he closed the door and walked towards the desk.
Ivan gestured the sack. "As you asked 100 coins," he said as Ben grabbed the sack and weight it on his hand.
"Why did you add 5 coins?" he asked getting a surprised look from the older man.
"How did you know?" he asked as Ben looked at him.
"When you go through as much shit, I did you start to gain some skills," he said. "But now my previous question."
"I felt like it," he said getting a nod from Ben.
"I see, but…" he paused opening the sack to take out five coins and put them on the table. "I won't accept it," he said tying back the sack.
"Are you sure?" James asked getting a nod from Ben.
"I am," he said putting the sack on his pocket. "Because, unlike you I actually keep my word."
James lowered his head and nodded. "I see," he said making Ivan look at his second eldest with sadden eyes.
"Ben are you sure, you don't want to live here?" he asked. "I know you hate us but son please, we all miss you."
Ben sighed. "Like I said to mom, I can't live here anymore," Ivan sighed and nodded as he stood up.
"Then if you ever need something or want to return, our doors are always opened for you," he said.
"Thanks, but no thanks," he said as he looked at his brother. "Open a portal where you found me," he ordered getting a nod from James as he unsheathed his sword that was glowing blue and did the cross sign making the portal appear. "Well see you never,"
He was about to walk into the portal but James stopped him. "Bro…" that got a growl from Ben.
He gulped a bit. "Ben, I know you hate me for being a pitiful excuse of an older brother but please have this," he said taking out of his pocket a medallion with the family symbol.
"If you ever need a getaway brake this to bring you back here," he said as Ben took it and put it on his pants pocket.
"Sure whatever," he said walking in the portal to appear on the forest as the portal behind him close.
Ben sighed as he took out the sack and smiled. "Now, I can buy Lilith's and Ray's stuff," he said to himself as he started to walk. "Can't wait to see her surprised face," he thought with the smile still on his face but it soon went away when he heard screaming and the smell of burning.
"Help!!!!" he heard making him secure the bag on his pants and ran towards the exit.
"Ahh!!!" he heard various screams like that as he was getting closer and was able to see orange from a far but the smell was getting stronger to the point, he could smell wood and flesh being burn.
"No, god no please no" he thought with tears running down his eyes as he jumped out of the forest to see a village was on fire as knights some on foot and other on horseback were slaughtering the people.
"Kill all of them!" what seem to be their commander yelled as his man shouted in affirmation. "Don't spare no one!"
Ben started to tremble and breathe loudly. "No," he thought as he started to move then ran. "Not again!!" he yelled as he glared at the knights. "I will fucking kill you all!!" he yelled as a dark ghostly aura covered his limbs.
…
James kept staring at the wall where the portal was but stopped when Ivan put his hand on his shoulder. "All we can do now, is wait."
James sighed and nodded. "Do you think, he'll forgive us?"
Ivan sighed deeply. "Honestly, I don't know, Son" he said rubbing his eyes. "That's all we can do for now," he said getting another nod from James.
…
Maya walked inside of Ben's room still with a smile as she went to the bathroom grabbing Ben's dirty shirt. "Oh, he forgot this," she thought skipping to the bed and sat down in front of the window.
She held the shirt up to her nose inhaling the musky scent and blushing. "Dunata wiwarast wa meino serimasu," she thought as she fell back on the bed. "Do galwas nasni," she thought giggling all the while as horns grew out of the top of her head.
"Aich wiwarast wershi dunata lieru hayo," she thought in glee as the smell was making her rub her thighs together.
…
Lily was sat on her bed with her hands clasped together and with her eyes closed. "Chider Shituur voner begoysutte to Musuon fraka detno ondkuna," she said under her breath and sighed laid down.
She closed her eyes as she cuddled up to the pillow. "Ni goysu musuon," she thought as she fell asleep.
Elf Dictionary
Sunnenkort = Soon
Zijin= will
Ni= Be
No= Like
Yakujn = Promise
Beloon = With
Hoha = All
Me = Of
To = My
Hart = Heart
Shider = Mother
Bedagato = Thank you
Musuon = Son
Doi = You
Ta = Are
Blief = Welcome
Chider = Father
Shituur = Nature
Voner = Please
Begoysutte = Protect
Fraka = From
Detno = The
Ondkuna = Wicked/Evil
Goysu = Safe
Demon Dictionary
Dunata = You
Wiwarast = Will
Wa = Be
Meino = All
Serimasu = Mine
Do= No
Galwas = Matter
Nasni = What
Aich = I
Wershi = Have
Lieru = My
Hayo = Love
