Crownless: The Fallen World - Chapter 50

On a trunk of a tree, there was a figure slowly observing his surroundings. Be it at the sky or the ground, he was always on guard. 

When Aires sensed that there are energy fluctuations getting stronger near him, he started to climb up a tree to get a better view. There was nothing even though he could still feel it near him. 

After some careful planning, he used his energy to do a survey around. 

“Don’t use your energy too much! You’re going to be out of power to supply your dead body!” Garnwyn’s concerned voice rang behind him. 

“Don’t worry. A survey won’t consume a lot of my energy. Besides, if I add up all the energy I got, I can live for 10,000 years. What’s the harm? None,” he concluded then stooped down from the tree. 

“Wait, kid, where are you going? It’s dangerous!” 

“I thought as well. But there’s nothing of the sort, doc. Just a piece of scrap metal,” Aires said then dug on the certain part of the ground. He’s been digging around lately, it seems. 

The younger male fished out a palm size capsule-like structure. There were helix designs and tornado like lines. When he tried to touch it, there was a sudden spark and a blue lock appeared. 

Locked

“Oh?” The scientist took a closer look. 

“A time capsule.” “A time capsule…”

They both exclaimed in chorus. Garnwyn turned to look at Aires with a gleam in his eyes. “I knew it. Great minds think alike. Young man-“

“We better get going,” Aires interjected then looked at the time and it was already half past six. “They’ll start to worry about me when I was gone for a long time when I told them that I’ll take a bath.” 

Aires kept the capsule in his Holowrist then looked at the scientist, “Thank you.” 

Garnwyn’s pissed off face suddenly softened from the sudden gratitude. “No problem, young man. After all, I said that I will help you whether you like it or not. Also…  didn’t know you have a soft spot, eh-” 

Before he could hear anymore shts from the elder, Aires ended the projection with a blank face directed at the disc. 

It was now quarter to seven when Aires came back with another new set of clothes. Wearing his black sweater crew-neck with white strips on its torso and gray pants, finally. He also wore a lightweight battleboots enough for him to move around comfortably. 

Hale looked at him with droopy eyes, scoffing at the attire of the taller male. 

When Aires neared him, the natural scent of the taller suddenly wifted through Hale’s nose and it made him stop his movements altogether. It was saccharine but not sickly. 

The smaller shook his head then handed Aires a huge bowl of soup. “Here. We also left some more for you,” he pointed at the pot that was still one third full. 

“I know you usually eat seven portions of food but this is only for four persons. Hope your stomach will be filled by it until we reached the Gavin Settlement.” 

Aires smiled softly at Hale then stroked his hair. His natural scent invaded the smaller male’s nose once again and it was almost unbearable that a tint of pink shaded Hale’s cheeks. Should he also mention that the taller’s touches felt good against him? Yeah, it did. 

The younger was slightly guilty of not telling Hale that he could live without eating for a long time or even sleep. However, deep inside, he didn’t want to upset Hale. 

“Thanks for the food,” he gently said and went to sit on the log in front of the pot to eat. 

Hale wheezed, trying to catch his breath from the sudden eruption of feelings. He certainly was confused. So confused as to why did it suddenly became strong and unbearable. The sensation, the warmth, just everything seemed stronger than before. 

“What just happened?” He whispered to himself, unsure of the question itself. 

Aires finished the pot as the food directly melted in his stomach. He kind of missed how it was to feel full after a delightful meal. Now, he seemed to only taste a bit of the food and it truly downed him. 

He wouldn’t be able to feel the joy of tasting different flavors. Most importantly, he wouldn’t be able to cook…

He looked around then saw the others now sleeping in their own tents. The sight of Hale snuggling with the child made him coo. With another look around and extinguishing the fire, he walked towards the boulder then sat on top of it. 

It was peaceful and the night sky was so clear, but the torrent in his frozen heart made it seem more dull. 

He didn’t sleep throughout the night and stayed awake to stand guard, not like his body needed sleep.

Morning came and the servants of Sylvia woke up first. Some rubbed their eyes and some stretched their bodies as they yawned then started to work on their routine. 

Soleil, the youngest of the three maids, cleared up all the unnecessary things outside of the camp. She was actually surprised that nothing went missing or break since they forgot to bring it in. The youngest shrugged it off then continued gathering. 

Elsie, the second oldest of the three, went to collect ingredients from their cooler and brought it to Hannah who prepared the pans. 

Felix checked the jeep first if something was off from yesterday. When he found nothing unusual, he proceeded to pack the tents they used. 

Aires just watched it all from the top of the boulder. No one noticed him despite his large frame. But who cares? Everyone was too busy to prepare for their delayed departure. 

Hale woke up next, bringing the half-asleep child to his arms. Sylvia was the last to wake up from her so-called beauty sleep then joined the others who was now having their breakfast. 

Out of nowhere, the child muttered sleepily, “Wait… where’s dad?”

“Must’ve been asleep… he always sleeps late, besides some occasions,” Hale yawned then took a big bite from his bread, chewing like a squirrel. 

Aires was lying down from where he was, completely out of everyone’s sight now. He sighed heavily, looking skyward at the huge cloud covering the blinding sun. 

I really couldn’t feel any lethargy… and this is killing me…