Ancient Pasts - Tbate

Alone

Cathan Leywin Pov

"How are you feeling, Azrael?" Claire asked as she took the trembling dragon into a hug.

"Lonely," Azrael whispered, his body and breathing shaking.

"You're not alone. You have us." Claire hugged him tighter.

"I miss Sylvie." Azrael cried as he buried his face into Claire's shoulder.

"We'll get her back. I promise." I joined in on the hug.

"I...I want Sylvie back..." Azrael started sobbing again as he bit his lip to quiet his cries, but I could still hear them as he buried his face in our shoulders.

Claire and I held Azrael in our embrace. It hurt me seeing them like this, but I knew I couldn't tell anyone just yet. Everyone needed a selfish goal, and getting Sylvie back was a selfish goal for Azrael.

Eventually, Azrael fell asleep, and I placed him on one of the beds in the house where I would live. I walked out and closed the door slowly, trying not to alert or disturb Azrael.

"How are you doing, Cathan?" Claire asked me in a quiet whisper.

"I'm fine, but I'm worried about Azrael." I sniffled.

"He's going to be fine. We need to be there for him." Claire stated.

"I know." I sighed as I gestured for her to follow me.

We walked to the river and sat down on one of the logs there. I stared at the fish moving through the water, and Claire leaned against me as I wrapped an arm around her.

"How is everyone doing?" I asked.

"Tessia is doing fine with your mother helping her. Virion looks like he aged a century, but he's working with Bairon on rescue strategies." Claire answered.

"How are you and Ellie doing?" I asked.

"Ellie hasn't taken the news too well, but she's been spending time with Tessia and your mother," Claire sighed.

"Claire, you can't avoid the question," I stroked her hair gently.

"I know. I know. It's just that I'm worried about you. You remember what happened last time." Claire mumbled with a downcast gaze.

"I've known Arthur for more than my entire life, and I already knew that neither of us would live forever," I stated as tears managed to escape my eyes, then I began chuckling. "If he saw me crying like this, then he would punch me to make me shut up."

"I don't doubt that." Claire giggled while using her hands to cover her mouth.

"You've been training quite a lot, haven't you?" I tickled, causing her to laugh.

"I give! I give!" Claire laughed, trying to swat my hands as I continued tickling her.

The two of us continued talking, laughing, and reminiscing over old times. Every time I got a look at her face, I remembered Miras and the kindness he showed me.

I wasn't sure why I suddenly felt like it, but I wanted to talk. It felt good to talk and relieve myself of the pent-up emotions and gain new experiences and feelings.

I guess that's the same reasoning behind why Grey decided to raise me and the reason we promised ourselves that we would never return to our old ways. We would enjoy our second life. We would treasure our second chance, and we would protect our families.

"I'm going to look for Ellie. Do you want to come?" I slowly stood up to not startle Claire.

"She needs you. You and your mother are her only family now." Claire shook her head.