Crimson froze, his mind racing as realization dawned. His expression shifted from shock to a mix of disbelief and exasperation. "Nox?!" he groaned, slumping slightly under the crushing weight of the bird's talons. "Of course, it's you. Back in the day, you could barely control flies, and now you're taming the beasts of Amethyst? Talk about levelling up."
The massive bird pressed its weight harder, forcing a grunt from Crimson. Before he could make another quip, a soft, echoing sound filled the cave. A figure emerged from one of the tunnels—a woman with glowing pink eyes that cut through the shadows like twin blades.
Nox stepped forward, her presence commanding and unnerving. The faint pink glow from her eyes faded as she scowled at Crimson, radiating pure disdain. Without a word, the bird immediately released him, its wings beating the air as it soared out of the cave.
Crimson groaned, pushing himself to his feet. He rubbed the back of his neck and locked eyes with her. Despite the tension, a faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Wow," he said, his tone genuine, "you've grown. Those glowing eyes of yours… beautiful, honestly. You know, I don't think I ever saw you without your gla—"
Before he could finish, Nox moved like a thunderbolt, slamming into him with ferocious speed. Crimson hit the ground hard, her hand gripping his neck with unyielding strength. He gasped, clawing at her wrist, but her grip was like iron.
"Don't you dare play the fun good guy!" Nox snarled, her voice low and seething with rage. Her eyes reignited with that fierce pink glow, burning with fury as she leaned in closer. "You're a piece of down-right shit, Crimson, and you know it!"
Crimson let out a strained chuckle, his voice rasping as he forced words through her unrelenting grip. "Wow… Nox," he managed, his trademark smirk flickering despite the pressure on his throat, "you've really… developed a way with words."
He wheezed, struggling to draw a full breath, but he didn't stop. "I mean… I remember how shy you used to be… barely said a word."
Nox's eyes flared brighter, her patience snapping like a frayed wire. Her grip tightened, making him gasp.
"Why don't you stop running your mouth and do something?" she spat, her voice low and venomous.
Crimson's smirk widened, even as his vision blurred at the edges. His hands wrapped around her wrist, not to break her hold, but to steady himself. His voice was barely above a whisper, yet still teasing.
"Nah… I think I deserve this more than anyone," Crimson murmured, his voice growing faint as his body slackened. His gaze softened, and he gave a weak, apologetic smile. "Sorry… for abandoning you… and the others." His eyes fluttered closed, his body going limp in Nox's grip.
Before the tension could settle, a voice rang out behind them. "Guess what, Nox? I found your favourite berries!"
The newcomer stepped into the faint light of the cave. Pale skin, dark eyes, and a sleek black ponytail tied back revealed Sebastian, his tone light-hearted as he held up a small basket of berries. His cheerful expression froze as he took in the scene—Nox choking Crimson, her eyes blazing with fury.
"What the hell are you doing?!" Sebastian roared, dropping the berries and rushing toward her. He wrapped his muscular arms around her waist, pulling her off Crimson with ease. Nox thrashed, her strength formidable, but Sebastian held firm, his voice cutting through her rage. "Nox! Stop!"
Breathing heavily, Nox finally stilled, the glow fading from her eyes. Sebastian set her down gently but stood between her and Crimson, his expression livid. "What were you thinking?" he demanded, his voice low and sharp.
Nox glared at him, but Sebastian ignored her, immediately crouching beside Crimson. He checked for breathing, his fingers against the pulse in Crimson's neck. "Damn it," Sebastian muttered, his jaw tightening as he reached into a pouch on his belt.
"I told you to let go of the past," he snapped at Nox, his tone colder now. From the pouch, he retrieved a small bottle filled with a swirling crimson liquid. Without hesitation, he uncorked it and downed the contents.
As the liquid coursed through him, Sebastian's body shifted. A scorpion-like tail emerged from his back, its barbed tip gleaming with a faint, golden glow. He didn't hesitate, plunging the stinger into Crimson's chest. The effect was immediate—a surge of electric energy crackled through Crimson's body, making his limbs jolt violently.
Crimson's eyes shot open, wide with confusion as he gasped for air. "What the hell…?" he muttered, dazed and disoriented.
Before he could process what was happening, Sebastian enveloped him in a tight, relieved hug. "It's good to see you again, you reckless idiot," Sebastian said warmly, his voice carrying a mix of relief and frustration.
Crimson blinked, still processing everything before his gaze found Nox. She stood a few steps away, arms crossed, her expression unreadable. When their eyes met, she scoffed and flipped him the finger, her disdain crystal clear.
Crimson stood frozen, the weight of Sebastian's embrace settling in his chest. Tears welled up, unbidden, as they slipped down his cheek. His voice was thick with emotion, barely a whisper, "I'm so sorry for everything… after you took El's blood, I—"
Sebastian pulled back slightly, his grip on Crimson firm yet comforting. He patted him on the back with a soft chuckle, the weight of their shared past hanging between them like a heavy curtain. "That's all in the past, Crimson," he said, his voice steady, but there was a softness there, a reassurance. He then rose to his feet, offering a hand to help Crimson up.
Crimson blinked, wiping his face quickly, the embarrassment momentarily flickering in his eyes, but Sebastian wasn't one to let it linger. As he pulled Crimson up, Sebastian turned toward Nox, who was still standing off to the side, arms crossed. He moved toward her with purposeful steps.
"Nox, let me help you," Sebastian offered his voice oddly tender despite the tension that still crackled in the air.
Nox's eyes narrowed, her lips curling in disdain as she glared at him. "I don't need your help," she shot back, her voice sharp as ever. But Sebastian, undeterred by her words, hoisted her effortlessly over his shoulder, ignoring the glare she shot at him.
"Hey! Stop it!" Nox exclaimed, her face flushing red as she kicked and squirmed. "I told you, I don't need your help!"
Crimson watched the scene, a bemused smile tugging at his lips despite the tension. "Is something going on between you two?" he asked, the question hanging in the air with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
Sebastian, with Nox slung over his shoulder like an uncooperative sack of potatoes, didn't even respond at first. He merely adjusted his hold on her, as if it were completely normal, and then headed toward the narrow tunnel from which he had emerged. His voice echoed slightly in the cave's quiet stillness.
"Let me get you something to eat," Sebastian began, his voice firm and light hearted.
Crimson managed a faint smirk. But before we do that," he interjected, his voice sharpening with urgency, "I'm looking for Gale and Lilith. Have you seen them?"
Sebastian's expression darkened, a shadow flickering across his face. He shook his head slowly. "No, I haven't seen them," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "I hope they're okay. Did they come with you." His words carried a weight that hinted at unease, his tone a blend of worry and quiet resolve.