Red Within The Forest

Chapter Sixteen: Broken And Frustration

Anton observed some villagers building up on top of the wall, he tilted his head, "What...are they doing?" he questioned Piran. Piran rubbed his forehead, "We're just taking extra precautions. I told them to build towers for the Watchers, this might help us out in the long run by the next full moon. It's in two days and..." he trailed off. Anton watched the village leader glancing around. His eyes followed where he was staring. Some people were keeping their distance from one another and glaring at each other from time to time. 

Piran shook his head, "Everyone is being more and more hostile with each other, it's getting to become concerning." Piran mumbled. Anton crossed his arms. Some kids stood around near the construction until a mother called out to them and the children ran off back inside their home. Piran shook his head, "Now none of these kids can run away freely like they used to...people suspecting their own family, I never thought this was going to end up this way." he told the hunter.

Anton scowled at him, "What do you mean?" he asked. Piran shook his head and stared at the ground, his eyes seemed to become more watery, "I...I had thought we could handle this and kill the damn beast. You know, get rid of it but no, we underestimated it, and is killing every chance it gets on the full moon. I need to...we need to kill this thing once and for all." he replied. He strolled towards a pile of crates and sat on top of one, "I want my daughter to have a bright future here and live a peaceful life." he admitted. Anton squinted his eyes, "Even if it means trying to control every aspect of it?" he demanded. Piran shifted his head up at him, and his confused expression made Anton roll his eyes.

The hunter placed his hands on his hips, "I mean, you have been trying to control Asena in every way. Her having to ask for permission to go outside, you asked her to do all the chores in the house even though it should be a team effort, you tried to force her into a marriage she wanted nothing to do with, she never asks for anything other than your time and patience...do you wish for me to go on or no?" he snapped back. Piran's lips quivered, he tried to think of a response, "I...I just want to protect my daughter." he struggled to mumble out. 

Anton stared at him. The older gentleman's left leg was bouncing up and down. His eyes were staring at the ground, lost in thought. There was a gloss over them with a hint of anger masking behind them. He looked absolutely pathetic in Anton's opinion however the young hunter wondered. How is this the same man from before on their first encounter? Where is the man who didn't seem to hesitate to hurt his daughter? The man who was harsh to his child? This man is really lost, isn't he? Or maybe he is trying to gain sympathy by putting on an act?

Anton couldn't really decide what to conclude. Things around here in this village were becoming more and more complicated. So for now, Anton will play into this game of his. Anton sighed, "Look, I don't know what it's like having a kid but what I do know is this, you can't always be there for them despite wanting to do everything you can to make sure they have a life full of security and love. However, they...need to be able to make their own decisions without someone persuading them. 

If they make a mistake, they learn and grow from it because in the end, they're human and sometimes we tend to forget something as simple as that." he explained. Anton shoved his hands in his pockets. A playful smirk stretched his lips and carelessly shrugged, "Hey, what do I know though, right? I'm just talking about the way I was raised by my old man. He had some decent advice." he teased. Anton turned his body, his back facing the older gentleman, "I'll see ya around." he announced and strolled off. Piran stared at the young hunter walking away, leaving him alone to his thoughts.

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Corvina was bandaging a child's knee. Corvina felt the kid flinch away slightly; she gave them a warm smile, "I know it hurts little one. But you're really brave for not crying when you fell." she praised. The little boy sniffed and blinked away his tears, "Really Miss?" he timidly asked. Corvina giggled, "Of course! I mean, look at you; not a single tear in sight. I wish I was as brave as you when I get hurt." she gushed.