Cease the Suffering - Etrian Odyssey II (BoyxBoy)

Chapter 39

AN: Thanks so much Irish_Moon_Dreamer and SakuraiYaoke for commenting and voting on the previous chapter! I thought the cliff-hanger would get your attention. Now, enjoy! And don’t be afraid to let me know what you think!

Sorry, shorter chapter than usually this time. I’ve had a long week…

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Chapter 39:

Avith…

Why was he here?

“T-that’s…” Lynus whimpered, a powerful sense of fear washing over him. He didn’t want to take his eyes off of the familiar and menacing form, but he had to find somewhere to hide. He couldn’t let Avith see him. Couldn’t let him know that he, along with the others, were in Lagaard.

They’ve come so far. Why did Avith have to turn up now?

“Eh?” Macerio uttered, his brow furrowing in confusion and concern. “What’s-?”

Before Macerio could finish asking his question, Lynus placed his hands on top of the bar and then vaulted over it, landing heavily on the other side before ducking underneath the counter. He sat down on the floor, pressing his back against the wall and folded his legs to his chest, a cold sweat beading across his brow as his heart thundered in his chest.

“Wha-?” Macerio spluttered as he leaned over the counter, an expression of utter bewilderment on his face.

“Eh?” Cass uttered, he too looking startled. “What are ya-?”

“That Dark Hunter. The one with the pale skin and blue hair. Don’t let him know I’m here,” Lynus whispered, slightly breathless as he peered up at the bar-keep and the friendly gunner, fear and pleading in his eyes. “Please.”

Cass shared a quick and silent look with Macerio before Macerio pushed away from the bar to look around. Cass did the same, his eyes quickly scanning the bar. His gaze suddenly stilled and a subtle scowl appeared on his face. “The one with the obnoxious swagger?”

Lynus swallowed thickly. “That’s him.”

“Don’t worry yourself,” Cass murmured, keeping his eyes narrowed as he silently picked up a glass and started to clean it. “He won’t find ya.”

A strange silence suddenly fell over the bar. Only the sound of heavy set boots made of thick leather and metal was heard as they thundered against the floor. Lynus twisted around in his spot, noticing a slit in the wooden panelling of the bar. It was big enough for him to peer through.

He barely suppressed a shiver.

Avith stood in the very middle of the bar, lifting his hand to draw the cigarette from his lips unhurriedly. He peered around, his eyes darting from left to right as he took in his surroundings. Slowly, he pulled his lips into that obnoxious and frightening smirk. He seemed to be amused.

“…Well well, I guess it’s not hard for me to become the centre of attention, is it? Hmm,” he said, his voice, snaky and sleazy, sent a chill down Lynus’ spine. “…All right, then.” He unceremoniously dropped his cigarette to the floor and snuffed it out with his boot. “There’s no point in being sneaky about it.”

Silence reigned for a few more lingering moments before Macerio broke it. “…About what?” he asked, his voice terse and suspicious.

“Hmm?” Avith slowly turned his head to look at Macerio, his sharp eyes looking him up and down. His smirk never wavered as he slid over to him. Lynus had to cover his mouth with his hand to prevent himself from subconsciously making a noise of fear. He folded his legs tighter against his chest and was almost too nervous to breath.