Grim Echoes

Chapter 57 - Ander

Sweat stung Ander's eyes as he blinked. Still against the tire as the hot sun beat down on the asphalt, and created more heat. He flicked his eyes to Will. As usual, the impassive mask was plastered to his features. Ander knew Will well enough that even with his mask, he still fumed. But had been embarrassed when Maeve came outside.

Ander raked his hair back out of his eyes and looked at the blue sky. It was a clear day. Even with the heat, most humans would be glad for such a day during the summer. He rarely paid attention to the weather, except to take the conditions into consideration for planning. Not that he did not notice the natural beauty that surrounded him, only that everything always seemed transitional. Something as simple as the setting sun only reminded him of all the connections and moments that would always elude him.

He was an abomination. One of the worst examples of humanity. Until his premature end, he would serve as a Soldier of Night and attempt to right the wrongs with Will and Mason. Anything beyond that was not a possibility. He moved his eyes to the closed door of their room. His heart picked up pace with the thought of Maeve on the other side. Unknown how long she would remain with them, but for as long as she traveled with them he would protect her. He pinched the bridge of his nose, his head pounded.

"Did you apologize last night?" he asked with a gravely voice, he needed water.

"Yeah." Will took another drink from his flask.

"Good,"

"Ander, we aren't gonna agree."

"I know," Ander replied, defeated. In the past, if something like this occurred and he could not sway Will's opinion by default, Will got what he wanted. Will was like his older brother. He had cared from him when there was no one else. He accepted Ander, even after the sorcerer.

"So we stick with the plan," Will said resolutely and considered the matter settled.

He turned his head to Ander and waited for confirmation. Ander took a deep breath and attempted to prepare himself for Will's reaction. He locked eyes with him.

"No," Ander said, just as resolute as Will.

Amber flashed in Will's eyes before they returned to their gunmetal color. Technically, Will was the superior officer, and he had declared what the order was. Ander was being insubordinate. His entire body tensed, prepared for the attack. Will's lip curled as blood rushed to his face. The vein in his neck pulsed with his increased heart rate.

"I'm trying to fucking protect her. Don't you get that?"

Ander's brows raised. That was not the response he expected. "I was not implying that you,"

"You were fucking implying I'm a moron who can't read out of a book, and that I didn't give a shit if she was hurt because I fucked it up!"

"That was not what I intended,"

"Yeah, well that's what you fucking said." Will lit a cigarette and inhaled.

Ander ignored his disgusting habit.

"Look, I don't want to hurt her, ok?" Will rubbed the back of his head. "I know I'm not as good at magic as you, but I'm all we got right now. I'm trying to keep her away from shit that could kill her. Or worse, distract us and you get your head ripped off."

That was the concern? Will was worried about him? Ander drew his eyebrows together. "I already explained I was not having an episode. You need not be concerned with my safety."

"Need not." Will shook his head. "Andy, no one talks like that anymore. You sound like an old movie character," he chuckled.

Ander sighed. He did not feel that his speech or thoughts were humorous, but Will always insisted they were.

"You know as well as I do once you involve civilians it complicates things. I know we have to babysit her cause she's our mess to clean up-"

"Yes, but she is not a child, or stupid. We can speak to her and ask her to be reasonable."

Will glared back at him.

"You were the one who decided to save her because you were restless. All you have done since is make it extremely clear you regret your decision. What has occurred can not be undone and so we have to deal with the consequences."

Will shifted, but said nothing. For the first time Ander felt the faintest beginnings of hope.

"You like her being around," Will quipped.

"Yes. You do as well. She is a beneficial intermediary for our distinct personalities,"

Will turned his head and studied Ander. "We've always traveled just the two of us since Wyatt died, well except when you were gone."

"Yes, but things have been strained because of my absence and poor choices. She distracts us from our differences and reminds us of our common ground." Ander moved his eyes to the pavement. Uncertain if his honestly would have any impact on Will, but it was the last idea he had.

"So you don't want to risk her because you think she helps us get along better?"

"At least for this time of transition." he paused. "It has not been a year since my return, and I realize you have doubts about my mental stability. I have to earn your trust and I am making every effort to do so, but things are not as they were." Ander looked back up at the pristine sky. "I understand they never will be, but I would like to repair things between us."

Will finished smoking his cigarette and took out his flask.

"She helps us to be calmer," Ander finished.

Will stared at him for a long time. "Ok, we'll do it your way first. We'll talk to her. If she acts up or flat out refuses to do what I say then we use the spell - agreed?"

Ander's heart pounded in his ears as he nodded. He did not think being forthcoming would achieve his goals. He had been desperate for a solution. His final calculation proved correct. Will stood and held out his hand to him. Ander took it and stood.

"You need a shower."