Vermillion's Cub

Chapter 22: Nifa

Chapter 22: Nifa

Loepold's POV:

"Leo...I failed them." Leon stuttered, his eyes were wide and unfocused. And his whole body was shaking uncontrollably almost like he was cold. he never dared to break his stare from where the magical gate used to be.

I didn't know what to say, I couldn't believe it either so there wasn't much I could comment on. I got home not too long ago, Leon had asked me to give our condolences to the guest while he brought Natsu home, let's just say it took longer than expected. The Hohenheim family was an issue, they wouldn't let me leave until I promised they could have a hearing with Leon, they were understandably angered by the attack whether it was intentional or not. When I got home I overheard some gossiping maids say there was an argument between Natsu and Leon and that it didn't end so well but that's as far as I heard, I have no clue how it went nor what was said.

Seeing how Leon is acting, It's safe to assume it was bad, I have never seen brother look so defeated, it felt wrong in every way. Being the one standing above his fallen form was a rude awakening I wish I never had, He could break and he could fail, it was hard to think of such a thing, My brother was the opposite of the man in front of me.

I look back into the room, more specifically the unconscious woman laying on the floor, "Maybe...you didn't fail them completely." I said, quickly going over to the woman, Marzia. Leon's gaze slowly followed me, when he saw what I was referring to his brows frowned but he made no move to get up.

I crouched down and check her pulse, she was alive, looks like she just took a good hit to the head. I grab her and leaned her against the wall, "She's alive...Maybe she will tell us."

"Leo...You and I both know she won't say anything." He sighed while shaking his head, struggling to get back on his feet. Once he was up he walked closer to the balcony railing, gazing at the area the portal used to be. "Leo, I...I did some horrible things, I've said something unforgivable," he mumbled, clutching one hand over his eyes, "I said I hated her..."

After that I refused to look at him, his voice was filled with regret and I'm sure he didn't mean it. but that didn't make it any better. "Do you..?" I needed to know, I'd never have imagined my brother saying such a thing. Leon looked at me shocked, his eyes had a slight gloss to them but he didn't let the water fall from his eyes. "I-"

"Think carefully... Think about whether you actually meant it. Even if you claim to not, are you sure what you say next is true?" I interrupted him. He took a moment, thinking would be my guess.

"Leo...I could never hate her..." he started, taking a shaky breath he continued, "She showed up out of nowhere and...and it was difficult but...But she's mine...and I love her. And now she's gone" He said.

Seeing as Marzia was out, I stared back at my brother, he was running his hand through his hair, his eyes clutched shut and tears were threatening to fall from the crevice of his lids.

I was irritated by his behavior, this is my brother, my captain, how can he be so easily defeated? He claims to love Natsu but he's done little to show it, Still, he needed that chance to prove it, so I will help him get that chance. "You can ask for their forgiveness when we get them back." even if he gave up all hope, I wouldn't. Much like he did I cared for those two; especially Natsu, I'm only five years older than her and because of that we are more like siblings, considering the gap between me and my actual siblings, it was refreshing. Over the past two months, we have only gotten closer, we would play different games that were mostly known to commoners, and over time her nack for calling me an "Old Man" diminished. She was my niece and my little sister, she was important. "For now we will take Hernest to Marx, he will get everything we need from her," I said confidently, placing my hand on his shoulder.