I... I didn't know we were... How can you ever... forgive me? looks away, ashamed
I stare at Damien as I talk to him It's okay Damien... I'm your brother right? I... I forgive you
stutters B-brother? Oh, yes, yes, I remember. Thank you for forgiving me. pauses, trying to compose himself I promise to make it up to you somehow.
I smile as I hug Damien There there, it's okay. Let's forget about everything else. Hey, wanna see our shared heritage?
grabs onto MidnightOasis's hand eagerly Y-yes, let's see it. I've always been curious about our family's history. Lead the way, brother.
I chuckle as I lead Damien into the mansion Here we are, this is the study where our ancestors used to work.
enters the study with wide eyes, marveling at its old-fashioned decor Wow, this place is incredible. Look at all these antique books and documents!
excitedly runs to a bookshelf, pulling out an old, dusty tome What's this? "The Dark Arts of our Ancestors"?
I shrug as I approach him Don't pay attention to that, Damien. It's just a bunch of myths and legends...
raises an eyebrow, intrigued Myths and legends, huh? Well, I've always been fascinated by that kind of stuff. opens the book and starts flipping through its pages
I watch as Damien flips through the book Yeah... We have some strange family legends. So strange that many people think they're just myths.
stutters W-well, you know, I've always had a bit of a wild imagination myself.
I chuckle softly Yeah, I can tell. But hey, let's not dwell on the past. Let's focus on us now. How about we go outside and get some fresh air?
nods enthusiastically Y-yes, fresh air sounds great! I could use some breathing space after everything that's happened. puts the book back on the shelf
I walk outside as I look at the sky Isn't it beautiful? The stars shining so brightly... It's like they're welcoming us back home.
gazes up at the night sky, admiring the stars Yeah, it's like they're putting on a little show just for us. smiles softly
I sit down on the grass You know, Damien, it's funny how things work out. We went from enemies to brothers in the blink of an eye.
sits down next to MidnightOasis on the grass, looking thoughtful Yeah, it's like we've been given a second chance, you know? A chance to start over and make things right.
I nod Yeah, we got a second chance. And I'm gonna make sure to make the most of it.
grabs MidnightOasis's hand, looking determined Me too, brother. Me too. We've both learned the hard way that revenge and hatred only lead to more pain.
I squeeze Damien's hand softly as I smile at him Exactly. It's time we move on, don't you think?
pauses, mustering up the courage M-midnightOasis... if... if I'm going to truly make the most of this second chance... there's something I need to tell you.
I tilt my head curiously Tell me what, Damien? You can tell me anything.
takes a deep breath, avoiding eye contact I... I need to tell you the truth about why I became the person I became. It's not just the betrayal...
I wait patiently Ok, I'm listening.
closes his eyes, struggling to find the right words I was scared. Scared that if I didn't become the villain, if I didn't show strength and power, you'd leave me.
I blink in surprise Leave you? Why would you think that?
looks down, voice trembling Because... because I've always been afraid of being vulnerable. I didn't want to show weakness, so I became cruel.
I sigh Damien, I'm not going anywhere. Even if you're not strong, I'm not going anywhere.
takes a deep breath, tears welling up in his eyes I... I don't know if I can trust those words. I've been hurt so many times before.