72 One final meal... (1/2)

Lingering on such a thought he came to a conclusion that no matter what was to come, he would strive onward. ”Teleport, Safe Haven.” Riyku would call forth. Even in his weakened state, he managed to use Diabolical Energy in order to create the runic magic circle he needed to teleport to the Safe Haven tavern. The magic circle rose from beneath him and took him away, porting him into Safe Haven from a magic circle that appeared the exact same.

Riyku's expression turned sour. The place was far worse than before. The bodies had been cleaned out, but the stains of blood and broken chairs and tables were still littered everywhere. Riyku would make his way towards the stairwell and head up the stairs. The pictures that were along the walls were smashed. As he passed by his room he noticed how the room was turned upside down. With a shake of his head, he decided to take a look into Astraia's room, but it was just the same as his. Everything was destroyed. Riyku would kiss his teeth and leave Astraia's room to enter Astrid's. He had some hope that maybe there was something left. The room was a complete disaster as well, and hope started to drain from his eyes. That saw a picture frame on the floor with the picture faced to the ground.

Riyku would pick it up only to see that it was a picture of him in between Astrid and Astraia. The picture was full of joy. It was when he took them out to go shopping one day. Tears started to silently roll down his cheeks to stared deeply at the picture. He already knew... what was gone was to never return. But... the feeling would remain. The loss would still be there. It was slowly eating away at him...

”Riyku. You need your rest.” Skeith would speak up after noticing how blank Riyku seemed to be.

”Yeah...” Riyku would mutter as he took the picture from the frame and decided to pocket it. He would make his way over the bed which had the cotton and what not torn out and the blankets and sheets ripped to all hell. Rolling over onto the bed he would stare at the ceiling.

Empty...

Silent....

”Riyku...”

”Riy~”

Two voices seemed to call to him. Familiar in each tone. Slowly, Riyku would flutter his eyes open. His vision was a blur; silhouettes of Astrid and Astraia were before him.

”Astrid...”

”Astraia...”

”Is it... you?” Riyku would reach towards them. Both of them reached back and took hold of his hand.

”It's time to wake up.”

They both said sweetly.

Riyku's smile slowly faded and he closed his eyes only to open them shortly after. He took a look to his left, but Astrid and Astraia were not there. A quivering sigh left his lips before he decided to get up. He would take a good look at the picture before setting it onto the bed. No words came from him, no expression... he just simply made his way into the kitchen was is in disarray and began picking up a few pots and pans. He gathered what ingredients he could before making himself a meal. No hymns, no words, nothing... just silence.

Once he finished the quick soup, he would prepare three bowls and take them to any table that he could still use and set two bowls down first as if he were giving Astrid and Astraia a bowl each before setting his own down and taking his seat. He would take up the spoon and blow on the steaming soup before placing it into his mouth. When he did, tears steamrolled down his cheeks. A whining muffle came before started another bite, and bite and bite.

Once he finally finished the meal his eyes were puffy red, and his face looked like a mess. He would wipe residue tears before rising from his chair then he would make his way towards the exit. Taking in a deep breath to steady the remainder of his nerves. Riyku would turn around and bow, ”Thank you for everything you have done for me. I promise... No. I vow, that this tragedy will never happen again. I will make sure of that. So please... rest well... Astra... Astrid.” Riyku would raise only to turn away to leave behind what could no longer be brought back.