The Return | Cricky [C]

Chapter XIV: Pride

Where exactly am I supposed to begin looking for a heartbroken, pint size ogre? If this were some dramatic romance movie, he'd start walking home all on his own, despite how stupid it'd be. However, I don't think creatures in this world act so attention whorishly. He was a warrior, not a teenage cliche.

Ezra very clearly cares for his brother, almost like a parent. He wouldn't leave without Vinny, and thankfully, I know exactly where the kid is. I stopped before entering the kitchen because I could hear their voices. They both talked quietly, but nothing could escape my vampire ears.

"I shouldn't have blown up at him like that." Ezra murmured.

"How 'come?" Vinny replied.

He sighed, "I'm not delusional enough to convince myself I was in the right. Yuu has been miserable in the village for years. Deep down, I knew it, but I always ignored it. It was selfish and stupid."

"I don't think miserable is the word for it. Maybe... Uncomfortable? His people are way more advanced than ours. But, if he was miserable, he wouldn't have stayed."

"Well," He huffed, "If he really felt this way, why the Hell didn't he leave? Or say something? Why'd he let me lie to myself?"

"You know why. Don't blame him 'cause you screwed up."

"I didn't screw up! I did what his father asked me to do! Don't blame me because I did what I was supposed to!"

"Hey!" Vinny snapped at him, much to my surprise. "Don't take this out on me! What you were supposed to do was take care of him. And you know what? I like it here, too. I don't know why you're being such an ass about this."

I heard a slam, presumably Ezra hitting the table. He responded through gritted teeth, "Because I'm not going to abandon our people on a whim, for what? A cushy lifestyle? Here's the thing, Vin. When we're dead, a fancy bed or brick walls aren't going to cry over us. They won't tell stories about us, they won't miss us."

"Yeah, well, no one back home will miss us either." He mumbled.

"Why would you say something like that? Of course they would. They're our family."

"No, they're not. They like you because you protected them, but you can't do that anymore. You're not a hero to them anymore! I never was. That's how I know, they don't give a shit about anyone who can't benefit them."

Ezra scoffed, muttering, "You're still just a kid. You don't understand."

A silence fell between them. I don't take Ezra as a harsh or mean man. He's just crumbling under the pressure of the decision before him while mourning the loss of his identity. Without the ability to fight, who is he to anyone? I know that must've been running through his head, and Vinny confirming his fear would only make him angrier.

"I know you're mad," Vinny whispered, "But is it really worth hurting me and Yuu over?"

"I- I'm sorry. I just-" He released a shaky breath. I could hear the sound of defeat in his voice. His soul was crushed. I've certainly been there before, but I've come back from it. He can too.

Now seemed like a good time for me to step in. I wouldn't want them to start getting heated again. Vinny glanced up at me as I walked in the kitchen. He didn't know what to say. Ezra brought his hand down from his face, revealing the tiredness in his eyes. He looked to me for just a moment, then diverted his sights in shame.

"I sent you here to eat, and I see you haven't." I told Vinny.

He chuckled lightheartedly, "Sorry. Got a little caught up talking."