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A sudden intrusion, the Ramshackle dormitory once more destroyed amidst the chaos as robotic creations came down on them, uninvited.
A tone full of authority, to protect and to make sure everyone is safe. An order that allowed them to engage in combat with the use of their magic, as they hoped for a reinforcement of some kind from the dorm leader of the two other first years with them.
But alas, it was a hopeless fight. They were simply overwhelmed by the speed of the spells that attacked them. And how their opponents don't seem to show any struggle with keeping up with them.
And then—
A blood curdling scream, a face twisted in pain as fatigue settled in, eyes like amethyst losing their light while the electricity that had caused him to go unconscious ceased and disappeared, much like the unknown creations that had come after both students that had overblotted.
The feeling of helplessness is still fresh in Rook's mind, and it made him unable to breathe properly. His thoughts were all over the place, worried about what became of everyone who was taken. Vil most of all. The meeting has long ended, the vice prefect pausing on his steps right outside the door as he remembered where he exactly was, a hand tugging on the sleeves of his uniform as his gaze met concerned blue ones.
'Ah, Monsieur Cherry Apple…'
"Rook-senpai?" Epel tested out, his brows furrowed and a frown on his face. But nevertheless understood just what his senior was feeling too. Biting his lips, he tried to smile at the hunter who still kept silent. "It'll all be okay. Vil-san is…" Epel paused because he also needed a moment to remind himself not to worry too much about Vil, for he is one of the strongest people that Epel met. "Vil-san is strong. And he's not alone."
(He's strong.)
That's right. Vil is strong, by himself or not. That much, Rook knew. He is reminded from time to time just how strong the other was, and Vil never failed to leave him gaping in awe. Vil was alone back then too, but not anymore. He has people that he can call as 'friends' now. He doesn't have to bear his burdens alone anymore. There was Epel, their sweet little apple. There were the two first years of Heartslabyul, unruly as they may be. There's the two prefects of Scarabia as well, and many more.
(He'll be okay.)
But still, Rook can't help the sinking feeling on his stomach, the anxiety that ate at him right this moment because he failed to protect Vil when he was there right beside him . He let him be taken away, let Jamil be taken too when he had promised to keep their juniors safe and sound and away from danger because they have a duty as their seniors.
Seeing no reaction from Rook, Epel didn't stop. After all, while he might have voted for the other side although Vil had assured them that it wasn't because of the bias he had for Neige, Rook still did a lot of things for them and with them. And really, Epel knows just how much Vil meant to Rook. He knew from the way their gazes lingered a moment longer than usual, knew from how their touches seemed to not stop when with each other no matter how well hidden they were.
Rook was different from Kalim who had nearly recklessly done something the moment he lost Jamil. He had calmed himself down immediately but Epel knew that even if he looked so calm when they were left behind, Rook also just wanted to try and give chase to those robots that had taken Vil away. He might not understand how Rook exactly is feeling but he can relate. But Epel will never admit that he had gotten quite attached to the model too, not in this life.
(He'll be fine. Everything will be fine.)
"If Vil-san sees you like this, he'll get angry, y'know?" Epel tries again, a grin now on his face, hoping that it'll infect the older student. "So don't look so down. We'll get him back. And when he's finna with us, then he better sit down so we can scold him ourselves, yeah?"
The thought of Vil scoffing at his sorry state saying how he looks like a wet puppy that just got kicked brought a small smile on Rook's face. Oh how much he wishes for him to be right here by his side now. He misses him already, because he and Vil had always been together. It felt off how Rook knew that he'll be unable to see the other no matter how he wants Vil unless they get everyone back.
"Haa…" He brought his gloved hands to his face, biting his lips for a moment before lowering his hands down, no longer hiding away from Epel whose eyes lit up when he finally saw the Rook that he knew.
Chuckling weakly, Rook raised a hand and ruffled Epel's hair with it. "My, I made you worry, Monsieur." He says, a smile on his face now that he has collected himself, the usual mischievous glint visible in those emerald colored eyes of his. As expected, the first year disliked the act, growling at the contact.
"H-Hey, get yer hand off!" Epel sputtered, attempting to catch Rook's hand only to fail as the other had already withdrawn it. Grumbling, Epel shot a glare at the hunter as he fixed his hair, Rook merely raising his hands defensively with a teasing expression.
Much like Vil is, Rook isn't alone too, he reminds himself. He has little Epel, and everyone else that remains in NRC. And it gave him comfort, something he needed desperately.
Rook placed a hand on Epel's back to lead them away from the office and down the halls, "We'll surely get them back, non?" He tells the younger student who looked up at him in surprise, before a bright grin once more took over his face.
"Yep! So let's go and prepare now!"
Wait for us, Vil.
He'll save him, for sure. Not just him. They'll save everyone, everything be damned. So—
'So please.' Rook tightened his hold on Epel, who ignored it and for a moment, Rook appreciated how their young apple knew to also not speak of something. 'Please be safe, Vil.'