Chapter 284 The Hunt Begins (1/2)
CHAPTER 284
THE HUNT BEGINS
Lino was currently sitting on the edge of the wall, his legs heaved over, back slumped slightly, eyes peering into the sandy horizon. Occasional gust of wind howled past him, blowing the strands of hair covering his face and a pair of slightly dulled eyes away. Seeming lost in thought for most of the time, he'd occasionally shift his gaze toward the sky with faint expectation before resuming his dulled stare into the distant horizon.
Hours swiftly passed by, yet he hadn't moved an inch from his spot; behind him, on occasion, dull roars would bellow out like a war-cry of an army. On occasion he would glance back, too, and seemingly peer beyond the terraced earth and beautiful buildings to the other end, where he knew Lucky and her division were practicing.
It wasn't until nearly midnight that he craned his neck wholly back and looked up. Moon hung solemn, surrounded by glimmering stars, before suddenly being seemingly distorted within his sight. Just a moment later, two figures appeared, blocking his view; he quickly recognized them, even though they were merely silhouettes that far up.
He leapt off the wall and stood up in front of it as the two figures in the sky parted, one going inside the walls, and the other landing right in front of Lino. Hannah landed squarely, both her dress and crimson hair fluttering in waves. Lino felt a pang in his heart as he met her gaze; the emerald-eyes he remembered shining all the time now bore hurt and hollow pain. Her lips quivered like leafs in the wind as she ran over and threw herself into his embrace.
Silently accepting her, he wrapped his arms around her back and dragged her in closer, holding her tightly. He felt her body shiver underneath his hold, faint sobs reaching his ears quickly. He said nothing, well aware of why she behaved so, merely sighing inwardly over the limited capacity human hearts seemed to hold for acceptance and forgiveness. If even family, the very children beholden of the future were not exempt, who was, he mused.
It didn't take her long to recover, but she still remained leaning against his chest as the two sat down and leaned against the wall. He caressed her silken hair gently, eyes veered upward, while she played with his shirt's buttons. It was a queer moment of silence and acceptance she longed.
”... I don't think they listened to me.” she mumbled faintly.
”It's alright,” Lino replied softly. ”It's hard to cure idiocy.”
”... ha ha, I suppose.”
”... hey,” he suddenly lifted her head up and met her gaze. ”Don't worry. I won't touch them.”
”They'll come after you, though, regardless.” Hannah said, smiling bitterly.
”Let 'em,” he chuckled in return. ”Won't be the first time. I've already got enough to-be-dead on my plate. Adding family of this strange creature I've fallen in love for some reason... I don't think my well-layered and delicate heart could take it. That doesn't mean I won't beat them, though. Gotta teach them a lesson somehow.”
”Ha ha ha, well-layered and delicate my ass,” she laughed freely, punching him softly. ”I promised them you'd come to them, though. Are you planning on making me a liar?”
”Oh, hardly,” Lino said, stroking his beard. ”I still intend to visit your Father and inform him I'll be marrying you eventually.”
”Oh? There's a lot to unpack there, don't you think?” Hannah chuckled.
”Eh, not really.”
”So just inform? Not ask?”
”As if I'd give anyone an option to say no,” Lino shrugged. ”You're marrying me and it's final.”
”And what if I say no?”
”Heh, you saying no... to me.” Lino grinned wryly, glancing at her. ”That would be a first.”
”Hey!!” her cheeks suddenly flushed red, lips turning pouty. ”I only did it because you begged me for like three days!”
”Say what you will, but for someone who can so easily say no to everyone and everything else, you're having difficulties with me young lady.”
”Young? Heh. You know, in mortal years, I'd almost be considered a middle-aged washout by now.” she said.
”And I'd be considered a jobless drunkard who can't put food on his family's table,” Lino said. ”Good thing we aren't mortals, eh?”
”... you should have seen Ally's face,” she suddenly said, hiding her face in his chest. ”She... really hates me, Lino. I don't think she'll ever forgive me.”
”... if Ally has half the heart I remember her having,” Lino spoke softly. ”She doesn't hate you, Hannah. She just... doesn't understand. One day she will, though. In the meantime, just be patient and give her time.”
”... hah, wouldn't it be much faster if you just went over and charmed her with your wit?” she chuckled wryly.
”Oh my, no, no.” Lino shook his head. ”Even I can see a trap that obvious. You'll have to do better young lady.”
”How's Lucky?” she asked.
”Hard at work.”
”Eh?”
”She chose to channel whatever she feels into action,” Lino said. ”And apparently decided to become our shadow. Whatever the fuck that means. You know, I usually pretend to understand people when they spout nonsense, but shouldn't it be much easier to understand others?”
”... she's my age, right?” Hannah suddenly asked.
”Yeah, I think so.” Lino nodded faintly.