Seasons: Howl

-Their Father-

Summer sat outside of Winter's ward with Glade, waiting for the doctor to give them permission to enter. A waning moon glittered in a night sky filled with a sea of stars, shining like lights.

Battlemania had been called to a halt and everyone had been sent home early. Everyone except Summer and Glade, as they had decided to follow the teachers when they were going to bring Winter to the nearest hospital.

The two had been waiting for five whole hours for the doctor to update them on Winter's condition and give clearance to see him.

I hope he's alright... Summer thought, feeling grief leak out again. I wouldn't be able to bear it if... If he... She shook her head to clear her thoughts. I shouldn't jinx it...

Then the door suddenly opened, and the doctor came out. He held a clipboard and pen in hand, and his mouth was twisted into a serious frown. "Ms Solveg and Mr Wolfenstrike... I have some good news and bad news for you. Which would you like to hear first?" He asked solemnly.

"The bad news..." Glade muttered, his silver eyes dark with worry and anticipation. The doctor took in a deep breath and gave him a level stare.

"Your brother is in a terrible state. His shoulder had been dislodged and fractured, broken so that his arm was twisted. It is a fatal injury and I'm afraid to say that, once he recovers from his other injuries, he will probably be scarred for life," He said, his emerald eyes reflecting off his sorrow.

"I am terribly sorry... We did all we could, but the fracture was too severe. It would take months, probably years for it to completely heal. But even if it did, he would not be able to use his arm for vigorous training or workouts."

Glade buried his face in his hands, moaning, guilt cracking his voice. Summer put a comforting hand on his shoulder, looking at the ground.

"What about the good news?" Summer asked, hoping that the news would help lighten up the sorrowful mood.

"Ah, yes. Mr Winter's condition has stabilised and his wounds are healing well. His wounds would probably heal up in a month or so. Till then, he will have to stay here until his discharge. Hopefully he will wake up in another hour, then you can take care of him," The doctor smiled, his tone light.

"He will be in terrible pain though, once he awakens, just so you know." he went on. Summer nodded, patting Glade's back reassuringly as he wiped his eyes.

"Can we visit him now?" Glade questioned. The doctor nodded and gestured at the door. Glade turned the knob and quickly zipped into Winter's ward. Summer followed behind slowly.

The first thing she saw when she went in was the motionless blue-haired figure lying on the ward bed with a breathing mask over his nose and mouth. Glade was holding his hand, seated on the chair provided next to the bed.

Summer stared at the figure's face, his soft features glistening in the dim light from the table lamp. Winter...

Glade caressed Winter's cheek, tucking a stray bang behind his ear. His grip on his brother's pale hand tightened. "I'm sorry Bro..." Glade murmured, lowering his head.

"I'm sorry too..." Summer sighed, holding onto the bed railing. Winter made no response. Of course he didn't, he was out cold.

Then suddenly, there was a sharp rap on the door and it was opened slowly. Both Summer and Glade turned to see who the newcomer was.

A man stepped in, dressed in a tight, formal tuxedo the colour of obsidian. Silky silver hair shone on the man's head, combed neatly to perfection. Sly silver eyes glared coldly at the two, flickering between Summer and Glade.