Work Text:
Chosen looked up at the grandfather clock displayed by the window as the chime rang out in the small apartment. The final orange ray of sunlight had disappeared behind some of the skyscrapers in the city. His husband, Dark, had just returned from work and was now lying on the couch, watching the news on the television.
It was six in the evening, yet somehow the house was not as noisy as the atmosphere outside. That day was a big lantern festival in the town, and the couple dared not get involved in it, or they would have much trouble getting back home. Except for their kid, Second, who had asked, if not begged, for the parents to agree to let him crash at his friend's house for the festival.
They should not be worried, but Chosen was sometimes concerned or overthinking about everything. He knew he shouldn't be, but this time, an uneasy feeling soon settled into him as the clock chimed again at seven.
"Hey, Cho?" Dark suddenly rose from the couch and marched towards him, his eyes closed as the red-haired man took in the scent of the boiling stew. "That potato stew smells good, when am I able to taste that?"
"Dark, you know too well that you are not supposed to stick your spoon in there and eat it while I am cooking, right?" Chosen glanced back at Dark, and a playful frown appeared. "Just a little spirit for the festival today, I made this stew. But no, you don't get to eat it unless you behave yourself."
"All right, my housewife~"
The raven blushed for a quick moment before brushing that flattering sight away carefully pushing Dark back to the couch. "Now please don't disturb me while I am cooking, I might as well cut you into pieces like some kind of meat if I am having a kitchen knife right now."
"As if," Dark retorted and yanked the knife off of Chosen's hands. "I bet my whole company that I can use a knife better than you."
"Technically, it's our company, so no use threatening me."
"Whatever… You always ruin all the fun by teasing you, you know?"
"Just go back to your sofa and lay down like a lazy human being."
Dark finally obliged while fake pouting before going back to his lovely resting place after work, while Chosen only knew to let his sigh out. Who else would know what to do with a husband like this? Chosen was glad that he could tolerate it. He was ready to tolerate it, and even if that might be difficult, he wouldn't complain.
Chosen placed the final plate of food on the table and sighed. If that was not going to happen, that was a relief. He eyed the clock and noticed that thirty minutes had passed without any disruptions. Turning towards the window, he saw that the street was silent, with only the occasional flicker of the lamps. He opened the window and peered outside, before closing it again with a frown.
Why did it feel like something was up?
"Hey... Dark?"
"...what's up?" Dark replied lazily from the couch, his eyes glued to the phone.
"Isn't it about time Second needs to come home...? The festival seemed to have ended."
"Chosen, don't you worry about him yet!" Dark complained, setting his phone down on the table. "It ended not even fifteen minutes ago! Sure the traffic would be a mess at this rate, it would take him at least half an hour to get home! We can be patient about this!"
"All right... I will listen to you just this once," Chosen looked at him before cleaning the kitchen. "But if he doesn't return by half past nine, then let's assume something had happened. I know my kid; he will tell me if he comes home late."
The raven did a quick gesture as the couple went to have their dinner, and an uneasy feeling settled. Chosen could only observe his husband as he looked distractedly at the doorway. He had a slight feeling that Dark wasn't even sure about Second Coming's whereabouts, yet he still tried to act like everything would turn out fine.
It didn't feel like it.
The doorbell eventually rang as Chosen heaved a sigh of relief. Dark grinned as he got to the door.
"See, he will come home eventually-"
When he was just about to open it when he heard a scream in front of the door, causing him to back up suddenly. Chosen rose from his seat at once and rushed to the door, slamming it open. There was no one outside, and the security camera was laying on the ground, damaged. Dark rushed outside, looking around frantically while Chosen stood by the damaged camera, hands crossed.
"Now I have the rights to be concerned. I should have had that a long time ago."
"How the hell can you think of this is the main question, Cho," Dark raised a brow as he brought the camera into the living room and carefully settled it down on the table. "I just have had a quick look; its damages are beyond repair. We cannot do anything to restore the footage," he took out the bent memory card from the camera. "You cannot even fit this in any computer for a matter of fact."
The room was suffocated with silence as the two sat there, from eyeing each other to observing the damaged goods. To them, this was all happening too fast, they could not even process what was happening. What was this sign of their son disappearing right at the end of a luck-blessing new year's lantern festival?
Again, it didn't feel like it, at all...
The ringtone rang out in the quiet room, cutting off the two's sudden thoughts as the raven stood up to get the phone. He pressed the answer button and turned on the speaker, setting the phone on the table so Dark could also hear.
The voice on the other side seemed like it was changed, either using a voice changer or using helium to pitch up their tones. Either way, it sent chills to both of the grown-ups.
"Hello, Chosen One and Dark Lord," the voice spoke, the voice was badly morphing that causing headaches to anyone who listened to it. Dark rose at once, his fists curled up in anger and he would possibly punch the phone if Chosen didn't stop him quickly by slightly pushing him back to his seat. Chosen frowned at the sudden, what could this all mean then? "Or shall I say... the two chairmen of the company...?"
"What the..." Dark muttered. This was surprising, but Dark had never done anything quietly, let alone this one. "Who even are you?"
"Oh... will any kidnapper expose their identity to the hostage's family? I don't think you are supposed to be an idiot, leading a growing company like that," the now robotic voice appeared to mock the red-haired man, causing his outburst as the raven had to rise and hold his husband down.
"HOW DARE YOU-"
"Dark, calm down, you cannot act irrationally about this!" Chosen immediately spoke to the phone, seemingly expecting something. "What are your demands?"
"Nothing... nothing... just a billion dollars... that will be enough for this child...?" the robotic spoke again, and the speaker leaned closer to some muffled noises of a child. Second! "And I want you, specifically you - Chosen One - to hand me the ransom for this child."
"And I expect that by tomorrow night. If not, your kid's life is over. Don't even try to call the police. His hours are numbered, remember that."
And by that, the call was over, leaving an unpleasant silence in the household.
"Cho... Why does the kidnapper want especially you to hand them the ransom?" asked Dark, now confused and, if he was being honest with himself, a little bit threatening for that matter. "I mean... did they have some grudges against you of some sort?"
Chosen could only eye Dark with a pained chuckle, memories slowly rushing in about that day. He didn't know if he was ready to tell Dark, nonetheless his reactions to it. The past was too... uncomfortable, the days' Chosen regretted not being closer to his son to ensure his well-being.
"Cho? Are you in a reverie?" Dark asked again, pulling Chosen out of his dreamy state. He jerked up at Dark, wondering what had gotten him. "Are you okay?"
Before he could say anything, Dark awkwardly pulled Chosen into a hug, and a quick peck at his cheek turned him into a literal tomato. The warmth slowly embraced both of them as they melted into each other's touch. They needed to ease their worries, and they were, at least for this moment.
"Chosen, I know things are hard, but..." Dark said awkwardly in an attempt to calm both of them down. "Let's just calm down a bit, will you? You are his father, and I don't think Second will wanna see his father like this when he finally returns."
"I-"Chosen could only eye Dark, shaking his head vigorously to fully gain his consciousness back. He thought he needed that. "Thanks, Dark," he muttered, only to earn a small chuckle from his husband. He stood there for a moment, not ready to break free from the hug like he used to do, but instead pondering about something. Should he tell Dark? After all, he was to be trusted, but he could get... sarcastic about it, by some means.
"There is... something I wanna tell you. About who might be the kidnapper."
Dark freed from the hug almost immediately and grabbed Chosen's shoulders, tempting for an outburst of questions. Realizing he shouldn't do that, he muttered sorry to the raven, who looked dull as if he had awaited this reaction. "You... guess the kidnapper?"
"Yeah... I have something to spill to you while we think of a plan... the past of me and Second before I married you..."
*****
He could only vividly remember how the past went. The time he had been a single father figure, raising his only child after his wife passed away. He didn't show it, but he was proud of himself to give his Second a seemingly normal childhood, even without the warmth of a mother figure.
...which he counted as a loss for his child.
By the time Second was almost in elementary school, his work as a police officer became busier over time, so he decided to marry a... pretty decent and seemingly normal housewife and they did love each other. Sarcoline, her name was, and she appeared to be a great stepmother for Second, with how she took care of Second, and the boy's love for his stepmother (he called Sarcoline 'ma' just after the few days they married), he could leave his biological son in the great care of his remarried wife, his work rapidly increased day by day. Sometimes he didn't even come home for literal days, just showing how busy he was.
He just hoped that everything would be alright back home.
"Second, I am back..." he opened the door carefully and stepped inside the house one day, his face showing clear tiredness, as he gave both of them a quick embrace before sitting down on the couch, his case on the table. He glanced at Sarcoline, who was busy with the cleaning, with a soft, tired smile on his face. When he turned to Second, the kid was still standing at the front door, looking at him, then glancing at his stepmother before hiding his face by looking at the ground.
Chosen frowned a bit. Second was usually the sunshine in the house, the one person who was supposed to lighten the mood for this family. But now, he looked... timid, even half scared, half afraid of something. The kid noticed his dad's look and went red before scurrying back to his bedroom. The raven could not help but found something fishy, but he tried to brush it off.
Maybe it was just my job instincts...
"Sarcoline?"
"Yes?"
"Has anything happened to Second while I was at work for the past days?"
"No, I don't think so. Is anything bugging you?"
Chosen wanted to answer truthfully, yet he could not. "...nothing, it was just... nothing." He then stood up and turned to Sarcoline. "Just... watch out for your goods in the kitchen." Then, he went into his bedroom and closed the door quietly.
It had happened more frequently if he was correct.
There was something suspicious happening around Sarcoline and Second, and he was going to find out. Just how afraid he looked at his stepmother was enough for Chosen to put it to the test.
One day, when Sarcoline was out for her "usual tea party with her friends" as she called it, Chosen decided to seek Second in the kid's bedroom.
"Sec?" he opened the door quietly and found Second was there, drawing. "Do you wanna go out for a walk with me?"
The kid blinked a bit at his dad's request but nodded, cleaning his desk by putting his crayons inside a box and folding the picture he was drawing, and pocketing it. After settling, Chosen pried the kid off the ground and left the house.
It was a calm, quiet walk, with Second barely talking to his dad at all. Chosen walked the kid to the river nearby and smiled a bit.
"Sec, do you know what day is it today?"
"Uh- is it the day when people write their wishes before placing them in their lanterns and letting them out in the water...?"
"That's correct," Chosen snapped his finger and continued. "It is a tradition that is believed to grant them their wishes, or we say 'wishing everyone a prosperity, happy and healthy new year'. And their wishes tended to come true if the lanterns are returned to them the next day if the locals can find them. I thought you are excited about this festival every time it comes?"
Second nodded and pointed to the lanterns. "Can I- buy one of them, pa? I want to make a wish-"
"Sure thing. Remember to write your name on it," Chosen patted the kid's head and went to buy a lantern for him. "Here you go, Second. Ah- don't look at me like that, I won't read your wishes if you don't want me to."
The kid looked at his dad and pointed to the shop that sold lanterns and printed wishes on postcards. Strangely, he pointed at the family section and pointed at the postcard with a woman on it. Chosen looked confused for a moment before the six-year-old kid ran by a large stick and tripped over it. But he stood up almost at once and went back to his dad, handing him the lantern, now filled with the kid's wishes.
Chosen blinked a bit and nodded. "Isn't this- how about you drop the lantern into the river?"
The raven led the orange-haired kid to the shore and watched as the kid let the lantern flow with the river's current. Second turned back to Chosen, and a small smile appeared on his childlike face as he ran back to his father and hugged him tightly. Chosen was surprised but didn't question it as he pried the kid off the ground. A kid craving for their parent's love is no unfamiliar sight, but... what was about the kid's behavior and action earlier?
"Hey- Sec- Second-"
But the kid was asleep, his head laid on Chosen's shoulder.
The father smiled a bit before patting the kid's back and noticing something. His back was ruff, to say the least, if he was guessing that the kid had scratches and bruises (Second did stir a bit at the physical touch, even only touching outside). Pulling the kid's shirt to have a clearer observation at the back, Chosen widened his eyes. Black and purple bruises, with red scratches scattered everywhere at the back, and some weren't even intact. Raising a shaky hand to carefully touch it, Chosen touched it carefully before immediately pulling his hand out. What was happening with his kid?
Then, he remembered Second's action.
The postcard with a drawing of a woman and the child, tripping over a bundle of sticks, and the filled-up lantern. Each lantern was supposed to have only one or two pieces of paper, but Second had filled it so that he could not even see the candle burning. The bruises and scratches on his back...
"Did... Sarcoline..."
The kid stirred a bit and sleep-talking. Chosen felt some tears wet his shirt as he stopped dead in his tracks. "Ma- ma- don't-"
That further confirmed it.
Chosen stood up carefully as he made his journey home, with Second now snuggling into his arms, sleeping soundly. He would have to plan for an investigation. He remembered the camera footage in the living room, maybe he could work something out from there. He couldn't believe it, but he needed more proof. As a police officer, he couldn't falsely accuse his wife at any cost.
He didn't remember how he got enough pieces of evidence against Sarcoline in this child abuse case. He didn't even remember how had won the court case with his lawyer showing the footage and Second's medical check-up papers. All he knew was, they were to divorce right away. He no longer remembered the details of the divorce but kept in his heart only one thing: the moment it happened.
"So, Second Coming. I know that you are not of age to legally decide who you want to live with, but I think you must be given the choice." the lawyer said that day, at the shared two-story house, as Sarcoline and Chosen glared heatedly at each other, but turned to Second almost at once. "So, kid, choose who you want to live with."
He could not forget the look on Second that day: confused, lost, and brightened with a spark of hope. He looked at the lawyer, then at the two parents sitting in front of each other again. The kid looked like he was considering his choice, until...
Maybe Second was scared of the abusive past. Maybe the kid was scared to be hurt again. He sobbed loudly, his voice sounded cracked as hugged his father tight. He didn't want to leave his father ever.
"Pa...a...a... Pa!"
Chosen felt himself on the verge of tears but kept it to himself as he hugged his kid tight, finally feeling some warmth in him. "Don't worry Second, I will never let you be hurt ever again."
"P-promise?" the kid choked and wept his tears away using his sleeve. He held out his pinky.
The raven smiled and intertwined their pinkies together. "I promise, Sec."
*****
"That woman did WHAT?" Dark roared in anger again as Chosen, once again, pushed him back to his seat. "I swear if she is the kidnapper, I will punch senses out of her-"
"Dark, please no, not the time..." sighed Chosen quietly, as he buried his head in the table. "I just- I broke my promise. I promised to keep Second safe, and I broke it-"
"Don't worry, you and I will figure something out. We will figure something out."
Chosen could not help but have that piece of memory flashing in his mind. He could not rid that out now, and certainly couldn't until he got his son back.
But the feeling of loss soon returned to the father figure, as Chosen found himself straining on his memory about that day. When he remembered how agonized his son was and had full legal rights to take custody of the kid, he had sworn on his life that he would never let Second be hurt again. He didn't want his kid to be growing up with the piece of memories that would tear him apart.
...a bad memory that was not supposed to be remembered had once risen again.
"Second, please, don't lose hope, your dad is coming."
*****
Dark was the first to awake in the morning, much to his surprise. He opened his eyes slowly and let them adjust to the morning rays before turning to his left. Chosen was sound asleep beside him, his breathing uneven, and his raven hair was covered with cold sweat. He kept on muttering something and sometimes, he might be subconsciously talking to Dark about his fears now. Sitting up and looking at his "housewife", even how sarcastic Dark might be, he couldn't bear to see the distress. So, he did the only thing that was ringing in his mind: get up, go to the bathroom, and come back with a wet cloth.
Carefully wiping the sweat away, Dark settled the cloth to the nightstand and then glanced at the clock in their bedroom. It was way too early for Dark to normally wake up - half past five - but he was taking Chosen's early bird roll call. He had to admit, even though he didn't get that much sleep last night, just showing how stressed he was with the situation. Dark knew about Chosen's past wife but didn't know the actual story behind their divorce until now. Now he thought out about it throughout the night before, recalling Chosen's pained smile and some small chuckle - he had gone through so much with the kid - and remembered how the story went.
At first, he thought it was just the usual disagreement on something. He was correct for a part, to say the most. He had thought it over carefully, mulling over the details of the story, for until now he had realized how much his Chosen cared for Second.
...even most of the divorce was for Second's better good, and a brighter future for the six-year-old at that time.
How thoughtful Chosen was... well, of course, he had to be, he raised his kid all by himself until he was old enough to leave in someone's else care when he was at work.
They were being pulled apart like lanterns straying off their paths because of some natural disasters stopping them to go their way.
Surely we can do this. Surely we will be back to normal.
And then, Dark stood up, an idea blooming in his brain and shaking Chosen up.
"Cho, wake up, I have a plan."
*****
That night, Chosen looked at the address on the phone, his face creased with worry as he looked at the abandoned warehouse in front of him. It was dark and seemed like it was used to store exported products before it was out of condition. The metal door was crooked and badly damaged, to say the least.
Chosen could not help but think that this was a rather good place for the ransom negotiation.
However, Dark had promised that if everything got out of hand, he could just press the emergency button, and Dark with the police force would arrive. They, of course, ignored the warning and felt like they had to get the police involved, had called them, and eventually drew up a plan. It was weird that the police still remembered him after all those years.
He had to go in blindly for now.
Carefully pushing the door open, he stumbled over at least twice, if he noted correctly. Never opening a door, especially a storage door would be this stressful, but he was relieved. Relived that he could finally see his son again, relieved for everything that needed to be dealt with now would be over after a negotiation.
…now to think of it…was there any negotiation about this last shorter than he had imagined?
And about Dark too, even in business, he would never put himself at the backline, always impulsively rushing to the front and making rash decisions. Was he having something in his sleeves, he could not tell. Dark was as unpredictable as always, and it was best not to change this kind of attitude any time soon.
The opened door revealed a dark, hollowing room, with soft echoes of the heavy door being opened. Chosen called out quietly, or he thought that was the best to do.
"Second?"
…at least by that way, he could guess how big the storage was.
Suddenly, a light blinded him as he quickly covered his arms for protection, and the bag fell off with a thud. Slowly opening his eyes, he saw Second, paled, scared, timid, just like before. He didn't think much of anything else besides rushing toward the kid and checking him carefully.
Second could not muffle out anything because the flooding trauma was happening right in front of him, as he stayed still, his eyes watered. He even struggled to stand up and come to his father, so he stumbled and fell over again. Chosen looked at the injuries, his face darkened every time he saw a fresh cut or bruise. He bit his lips and began to untie the kid.
"Second, are you all good?"
"Pa- I-" replied Second with difficulty as he plopped into his father's arms. "She-"
That struck the ravenette almost at once.
"…she? Don't you mean-"
"So the kid ratted me out," the voice rang out, this time it was a ruff feminine voice that was oddly familiar and quickly got the raven's head whipped back. Wrapping his arms around Second protectively, he stared into the dark, being kept in the dark, both metaphorically and realistically, the lights suddenly turned all off. "Are you having a fun time?"
"Second, stay right by my side, pa's here to help you out." The raven looked a bit flabbergasted, but soon regained his composure, and muttered.
"Sarcoline."
"Surprisingly correct," the woman stepped out, a wide grin on her face. He wasn't sure what that kind of smile was, malicious or not, regretful or not, he didn't want to care. The only thing he knew was his son badly injured in his arms.
"He's just a kid," Chosen said quietly, slowly realizing that he could not concede his rage even further. Like a broken den, the water rushed out, flooding the lands, he said with a booming voice. "Why are you even doing this then? Did it bring you joy when you tortured my only child? You treated him like it was just your toy?"
"In this case, Cho," Sarcoline replied smoothly, as moving was sensed in the room. "He is indeed my toy. That little rascal that got in my way for far many times. Now you are here, why don't I just make both of you suffer."
A group of masked people quickly surrounded them, either one of them was holding a gun or a metal rod. They both looked confused, and Second was half-surprised, half-terrified. He didn't even know that there were that many people.
Chosen was even more worried. He desperately searched for the button in his pocket but didn't seem to feel a thing there. He looked around and back at Second, would he have to rely on his strength alone? Did he even remember anything he had learned when working in the police force?
"You used me all those times, for my money, correct?" he gritted his teeth, as the group drew closer to the two figures. "I should have known-"
"Too late for that, don't you think?"
One of the men swung their rod up high, ready to strike. Chosen took the chance and punched him in the stomach, sending him flying back, crashing at their groupmates.
"You forced me to do this, you all."
"Wha-" Second quipped weakly as he tried to open his eyes to proceed with what was happening. "Pa- you…"
It didn't matter to him more. It was not the time to think, yet he could vividly imagine Second pleading with him to teach martial arts.
It was no secret that he did know martial arts. What most people didn't know was that he was a black belt.
Well, sucks to be them, I guess. He thought as he swiftly knocked out the men, while still keeping an eye on his son, and dare not to let anyone approach him. Blow after blow, strike after strike, he carefully carved his way through the frontline, keeping himself as he struck accurately at the jaw here, a kick on the knee there. If he was armed, this would have been easier, but life never satisfied anyone all the time.
"Come on, Dark, get them here-"
"STOP BEING A BUNCH OF MEATHEADS AND BRING THE KID HERE!"
Precisely and accurately, he tore his way through, before halting. Now he just realized, first, she got some kind of a torture device; second, how could he possibly hit her at this rate?
…wait. Wait.
How did she have a torture device-
Just then, he was hit back with such brute force that immediately flung him onto the floor with a thud. Clutching his stomach and swallowing the throbbing inside him, he rose and marched forward, the only thing he was concentrating on doing was buying time for the plan to work.
"Wait, where's the kid?"
That immediately brought Chosen out of his reverie as he saw his son tearing his way out while everyone was too focused on the ruckus. Realizing what he had to do, he muttered something under his breath as he suddenly halted, before dashing towards the kid and scooping him up, all while making his way to the door.
The catch was simple: simply lure them out of their hiding spot. Easy enough. Good job kiddo, for reminding me what to do at this rate.
"Sir, just be careful at this rate. The kidnappers might have weapons on them, but if we want to be approachable, we need to be completely defenseless. This is a great risk, but there is no other way than this."
"I know. Just tell me when to execute the action, then my husband will lead the police force right into motion. He seems to know the ins and outs of this harbor."
"…how is a chairman of a tech company know the kidnapping would work?"
Chosen blinked at the police in front of him for a brief moment and smiled. "I don't know what he had done in the past, but now, I trust him. Sometimes, we have to rely on faith."
"Pa, where are we going?" Second asked, curiosity rising in his chest, but the headache still resided as he carefully rubbed his fluffy orange hair. "How do we get outta here?"
"Patience, Sec, we are going to Dark," Chosen quickly assured him as he switched his position so Second was at his back instead of in his arm for easy escape.
"Pa, wait! I haven't got a grip yet- AHHHHHHHH!" the kid was surprised by his father's strength and speed, but partly relief that he was not hurt anymore. His orange curly hair was grazing Chosen's face gently, as he tried to reassure himself that his father would get them out of here safe and sound. But with the people behind him that was threatening to harm his dad and himself, he couldn't help but be afraid, anxiety rushed in like the waves crashing the shore, he shouldn't have this thought, but-
"Have a little bit of faith, will you, little one? Everything will turn out alright if you give it a little bit of your faith. Don't let the negative thoughts swarm your mind. That is what I always say to your father."
...alright uncle, I will try my best.
He gripped tighter at his father's back as he noticed a familiar figure, who was grinning at him. His bright green eyes practically gleamed as the other father figure pointed in the direction Chosen was running. Was this- would they be saved?
The moment Chosen sidetracked and stepped into the street, the people chasing behind him were met with a nasty shock. Policemen, out of nowhere, tackled them and unarmed them all immediately. Their weapons were stripped away from them, and Chosen finally thought it was safe to put down Second. He looked back at them, with an indifferent look, although he looked like he was radiating some sort of inner anger towards his ex-wife.
"...you are under arrested for kidnapping and child abusing."
Sarcoline was held tight in place by two of the stronger policemen, as she spat angrily. "I will make you pay for this, you-"
"Now, now, why so harsh?" Dark stepped up with his cunning face, such simple words could bring someone out of their dreams. "The city often reserves the harshest penalties—which can be life in prison—for kidnapping offenses involving a young child and abusing him mentally and physically. Pretty common to see you serving twenty years in prison, not gonna lie-"
"Dark, stop, this is not the time for sarcasm," Chosen sighed again as he looked at Second, who was hiding behind him, looking just as timid as the day he found out the truth about his bruises. "Sarcoline, you did know you committed a serious crime."
He turned away as he continued silently. "You are quite lucky that I didn't put you in prison that day I found out because I still believed in redemptions. But after today..."
"...not anymore."
*****
"Alright, he is in good condition," the doctor said after the check-up at the hospital. "He has recovered physically, but you need to recover him mentally too. A child having such trauma isn't healthy."
"Thank you, Doc, I have already set up a therapist for him," Chosen said simply as he looked at the medical report. The bruises, with a miracle, had been fixed and well-treated, and his son was in good condition. He looked at Second again. "Do we have to worry about anything else besides that?"
"No, besides reserving for a therapist, you are good to go," the doctor smiled as he wrote something in the bill and handed it to the ravenette. "You can go to the first floor, at the left of the stair is where you should pay for your medical bills."
The two left the doctor's office as Second looked up at him, his head tilted as he asked, tugging his's father sleeve along the way. "Pa, what do you mean setting up a therapist for me? I don't have to go to another doctor and have needles plunging into my skin, do I?"
Chosen chuckled. "Of course not. That means Uncle Vic will visit you more often."
"For real?" the child's eyes sparkled in joy as he started dragging his father. "Come on, I wanna go see him! It has been a long time since I last saw him!"
"Chill out, kiddo, you surely don't need your ice cream anymore, huh?" Dark appeared out of nowhere, holding three ice cream cones as he pretended to put Second's cone in his mouth. "Let me finish it for you then-"
"No, da, stop! That's my ice cream!"
"Come here and get it then!"
As Second was chasing a jokester Dark, Chosen just looked at the two of them as he stared, his stare became far away and dreamy. He didn't want to imagine a future where his small family was always in looming danger.
As the sun shone through the trees, hitting the still-burning lanterns on the tree branches, a smile formed on his worried face.
He would protect this family at all costs.
...no. They, together, would protect the family, keeping it happy and peaceful like before.