The Loner and the Former King

A New or Old Mystery?

(You can skip this note, it's just about the reason I made this chapter short)

Note: This chapter is short due to it ordinarily being combined with the next chapter which will likely be short too. I've done this for a few reasons, the ending of this chapter just felt right but also I'll be releasing this sooner rather than later (also it somehow makes things more bearable because I don't have to spend as much time on just one chapter as it's the holidays and I've got other work to worry about)

Anyway! I hope you enjoy :)

Henry Moore watched the flames blaze, warming the house but himself. Time was starting to turn again, but the pain was still there, ignited like the flame or more so fuelled.

If he hadn't blamed Augustus Hunts he wouldn't be in this situation, maybe he should have spoken something more meaningful before Augustus decided to leave rather than asking a stupid question, or maybe he should have even just stopped him from going, but that would be insane, not fair on Augustus, the one he had hurt, the one that choose to leave and not come back because of him. He was the one to blame, and the worst of it, there was nothing he could do. Augustus was gone.

Sure Henry Moore could go searching but Augustus likely was far gone, and even if he did find him, what are the chances they would be able to bond again, there wasn't a chance that Augustus would feel anything for him other than resentment. Augustus Hunts likely hated him, and with his son by his side he's sure Augustus Hunts would stay away, forgetting Henry Moore even existed. And he couldn't blame him, that was the problem, he could only throw the blame on himself leaving his rage to tear him from the inside, why did have to feel this way, it had only been 2 weeks, they'd only known each other for a month and a bit, not a lifetime.

Is loneliness really getting to him this bad?

Henry Moore let out a sigh in defeat, there was nothing he could do, so maybe some fresh air would do the trick, get his mind refreshed. It was worth a shoot so he marched over to the door and twisted the doorknob, letting the air straight in with welcome arms, but something that didn't feel welcomed was that person, a group on the hillside. This made Henry shiver for this wasn't normal, he would come along travellers from time to time, but normally it wouldn't contain over four, though maybe this was an odd occasion, Henry Moore had to be more optimistic, so Henry Moore took that to heart and stepped forward to get a better look. But he didn't need to get closer to figure out who they were.

Red Stars.

What in the Munthy is going on here?

Did Augustus have something to do with this, Henry Moore paused on that thought.

Why the heck did he first think this was Augustus's doing, he supposed it had to do with the coincident that Augustus had left a few weeks ago and suddenly there was a group of Red Stars practically in front of his door, but whatever it was Henry Moore didn't want to be any part of it so Henry Moore cut his fresh air break short and hushred inside, closing his door, but he could feel someone had noticed, and that was in fact a fact, and they were coming over, so in a instant he hid behind the door, locking it.

There was a knock.

A knock.

"Hello? I know you're in there" It was a soft voice from a woman, but it creeped him out regardless. Henry Moore didn't reply.

"I don't mean to scare you, I just wish to ask you a few questions, which we can talk about outside" This could be a trick, but Augustus was a nice one, sure it was less risky with him due to just being him, but if it was just some questions maybe he could answer? Besides they could blow up his door if they had bad intentions, right?

"Need any help over there, we can pull him out for you" Henry Moore froze.

"No, no, if he doesn't come out he doesn't, don't you have some manners, oh right you don't..." Henry Moore didn't hear the last part, but it seemed the one in front of his door seemed nice, seemed being the key word, he couldn't be sure this wasn't so sick trick.

Despite this, he took a deep breath.

Why was he doing this, he didn't know, but not all Red Stars are bound to be bad because Augustus wasn't.

Twisting the doorknob Henry Moore was met a fair white-skinned, yellow-haired lady with yellow eyes that lit up the cloudy skies, a sight Henry doesn't see often, especially coming from a Red Star. What could this Red Star want? He knew she wanted to ask a question or two but what answers did she want out of him out of all people?

"Thank you for opening your door, I was afraid I may have scared you off. I just want to ask something if you don't mind" She flickers her hand to dismiss the Red Star behind her, sensing she had more control, unlike her pairs who glanced Henry Moores' way a lot more menacingly than the lady that stood in front of him, that made Henry Moore shiver. This woman sure held some power, but he should be glad she's the one in control, Henry Moore couldn't imagine having to deal with the others instead, oh right, he would be dead... Yeah maybe that's a bit of an over exaggeration but that's how Henry Moore felt.

"I don't want to waste any of our time so I'll get straight to the question. Have you by any chance seen a Red Star named Augustus Hunts, he has black and red hair, red eyes that you can't miss, and of course a red star as a trademark for being of the Red Star species, he's likely still badly wounded, and he stands at 6,2 feet tall" Henry Moore stiffened.

Why were they after Augustus Hunts?

What was his role with the Red Stars? He didn't ask him. "Augustus Hunts?" Henry Moore said unsure what to answer with, should he tell her he's seen him, or not, what's the harm of telling her the truth but something in his heart felt it was wrong to tell, to snitch on a past.... Friend, yeah... friend.

"Yes, Augustus Hunts, have you seen him"

"No, I haven't, why are you searching? Who is this Augustus Hunts, mean his role or whatever"

"For?"

"Just curious"

Henry muttered too quickly, the red star raised her eyebrow but chose not to question it and continue

"I don't think it's important for you to know, I'll be off your tracks now"

"Wait!"

Henry reached out for her hand, but when he realised what he had done he was quick to retract his hand muttering a sorry under his breath

"I just would like to know, seeing that... just so I can know what kind of power he holds if I happen to encounter him"

"You won't have to worry, he won't cause any harm unless theres a good reason to"

"I, I just want to know, you can make it brief, so as to not waste time if that's what you're worried about. I see you look busy-" "You know more don't you?"

Henry paused, yes he did, but he had already lied. Stirring a problem with a Red Star wasn't part of his plan.

"If you're hiding something I will find out, you know that right?" "Of course" Henry Moore didn't.

What was he doing?

"Just for curiosity's sake...and safety or whatever... please" The lady didn't attempt to leave, she looked to be thinking about it, considering her options, which was a good sign.

"Fine, if you insist. I suppose I don't see any harm in doing so anyway"