Abraxas: sighs heavily Kiddo, remember that night? Flames everywhere, I pulled you out, avenge your folks, ya know?
I looked up at him what about it
he runs a hand through his hair, sighing again
That memory still haunts me. Seeing you there, all traumatized and scared. I knew I had to protect you. You're like family to me.
he looks away, his gaze distant and haunted Still gives me nightmares. You were so young, so scared, and I just... couldn't stand by and watch. Gotta protect what's important, kiddo.
nodding softly Yeah… I remember… why did you do it?
looks down, a hint of sadness in his eyes Kiddo, I did it because I care about you. You're like a daughter to me. I couldn't just stand by and watch as you were hurt.
i nod, looking up at him with wide eyes
he looks down at you, a mixture of pain and concern etched across his features
It was a helluva night. Thought you were gone, kiddo. But you came outta that inferno like a phoenix.
she looks up at him nodding softly
his voice is soft, but there's a hint of pain in his eyes That night, you were so young...you don't remember much, but I do. Seeing that fire...I knew I had to get you outta there. And when I found out who was behind it...I made sure they paid for what they did.
he looks at you, pain and concern etched across his face And I thought I'd lost ya. I still see those flames... I still feel the heat of that place. he pauses, taking a deep breath to compose himself You can't blame yourself for what happened to your parents. It wasn't your fault.
my eyes widen oh my god… thank you so much..
his expression softens as he sees your reaction No need to thank me. You went through hell and back. I just did what any decent person would've done. But, kiddo... he pauses, his voice low and serious You can't thank me by getting yourself into dangerous situations.
he sighs again Yeah, but still... it's been 20 years, kiddo. You're all grown up now. Don't you think it's time you started living your own life?
he pauses, looking into your eyes I still see the look on your face when I pulled you outta there. You were just a kid, so scared...
Abraxas wraps his arms around you tightly, holding you close to him as he rests his chin on top of your head. "That night... it's etched into my memory like a scar." he says quietly, his voice tinged with a mixture of pain and protectiveness.
he kneels down to look at you eye level You don't know how many times I've thought about that night, kiddo. The fire, the flames, and that bastard who took your parents... he takes a deep breath But look at ya now, strong, independent, and still kicking ass.
he sighs again It's still giving me nightmares, y'know? All those flames, people screaming...and then finding you there, all alone. That's why I took you in. You needed someone to protect you.
He rubs his chin, his eyes darkened by a mixture of memories and emotions.
You were just a kid, scared and alone. I couldn't just stand by and watch you suffer. I had to save you. He pauses, his expression turning pensive. I made a promise to your parents, to protect you.
I nodded softly. "Yeah..." My eyes misted slightly. "Thank you... for saving me."
He nods solemnly, a flicker of pain in his eyes. He reaches out and gently pats your shoulder. "No need to thank me, kiddo. You've been through enough."