he wants to talk, then he can come and talk to me. I’m sick of dropping everything when he calls. He might be my dad, but that doesn’t give him the right to be a complete asshole to me.
He grumbles as he crosses the yard to where I’m stood, stopping and just watching me. Exasperated, I sigh. “Can I help you? Or are you just going to stand and scowl at me all day?”
He still doesn’t say anything, so I turn my back and nock my arrow. “Don’t you turn your back on me, boy.”
I roll my eyes at his growl, but pull the bow back and release it, hoping to send some of my growing anger with it. I take another deep breath before turning back to face him. “What do you want, Dad?”
“I came to get an update on your brother.” He says and I cross my arms, more to make sure I don’t lash out at him at this point.
“Of course you did.” I sigh. “You could have just asked Marie.”
“Marie was busy,” he grunts and I roll my eyes.
“That’s because she’s the one working on Bauer. I haven’t got anything new to tell you. So unless you’re here to apologize, you might as well leave.”
“I have nothing to apologize for. You’re the one who needs to apologize,” he shouts, his facing turning red.
“No Dad, I don’t. I forgave my sister for loving whoever she wants, because I get it. I fell in love with a Witch. I accepted a position offered to me by the guild. I don’t have to apologize for any of that.” I run a hand down my face, because honestly, I don’t think he’ll ever get it.
“Your sister is a traitor! She always has been. I thought we’d managed to knock that nonsense out of her, but no, she’s just been lying to us all along. And now, the council, your council, is making her way of life the right way. They’re nothing but filthy animals that deserve to be put down.”
“Dad, you’re nothing but a backward minded bigot. I honestly have no room in my life for such narrow-mindedness, so if you can’t get on board, get the fuck out,” I say, trying to keep my temper in check.
“How fucking dare you,” he shouts rushing towards me. I brace myself for the impact I know is coming and grunt when his fist connects with my face.
“That’s the only fucking one you get for free, Dad. You hit me again, I’m going to show you exactly why I was voted to be an Elder.” I spit out the blood I can taste in my mouth and wipe the blood trickling from my nose. He rages before me, but he knows as well I do, that he’s old, and I’ll sit him on his ass in a heartbeat. He doesn’t want that blow to his ego, I know it, he knows it, chances are the Witches inside my house know it too.
“You are a disgrace.” He spits at my feet and turns, storming from the yard, slamming the door as he enters the house. I know the only reason he’s not kicked us out of here yet, is because technically, this is my house. I brought it three life cycles ago, and we’ve all just lived here since. I’m not sure even Bauer and Remy know that, but he’d rather live elsewhere than admit he’s been living in my house. Especially now.
I unstring the bow and put it away with the quiver of arrows, locking up the armory out here before heading back inside.
I head to the stairs so I can clean up in the bathroom, and I kick off my boots. This might be my house, but I know my mom would scream at me from the beyond if I trod mud up the stairs. I grab onto the bannister when I hear Marie call my name.
I turn back around, going back towards the sitting room. Marie’s face looks grave as I walk in and my heart sinks.
“Are you okay?” She asks softly, and I nod.
“I’ll be fine. How’s Bauer?” I ask, nervous because I really need the information inside his head.
“We undid the spell, keeping him under, but I can’t tell you what sort of things he was going through while he was trapped inside himself. When he wakes, he might not be the Bauer you’re hoping for.”
Shit.
I swear, if I get my hands on Archer fucking Dotoro, I’m gonna tear