this is written as a continuation of greener than the first grass of spring, a fic by the wonderful @secretarykang. the two of us discussed this and decided to turn this into a full on series of fics that will delve into future events that their family plays a role in, as well as shining some light on the inter-personal relationships of the kang sanguines
and, as always, i hope you all enjoy <3
"Dante." The voice of his father from behind his chamber doors snaps the young man out of his thoughts, before he turns to see his father standing behind the half open doors. "May I come in?"
"Of course, dad." He stands as his father enters, and Saeclus smiles softly, hand motioning towards the chairs by the window. A cue for them to sit and talk.
"Do not be so alarmed. I only wished to speak with you briefly."
"Oh, let me guess." He mocks as he sits across from his father, almost plopping down onto the soft cushion in frustration. "It's about the war campaign."
"Correct." His father has never been one who beat around the bush, and Dante huffs as he can sense his scolding coming. Arms crossed and with an annoyed pout on his face. Had he not been too preoccupied with his frustration, he might have noticed how his father smiled fondly at his adorable posture.
"Mother must have told you."
"She has indeed - she also said how you stormed away after her talk with you, saying you would return victorious." Saeclus almost sighs remembering the worry and annoyance on Devyn's face as she told him of the day's events.
"And I will." Dante insists.
"Why are you both so adamant in keeping me from going anyway?!"
"Son, if you would listen-"
"If only you would also listen, dad! Didn't you always say that opportunities for growth will come in their time? And that we should be aware of them so we could take them?"
"Then why are you holding me back now?!"
"You said it yourself, son. All will come, in due time. This is not the right time."
"Oh, come on, dad! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!"
"Dante, you are young. Your experience pales in comparison to the Generals of Vibora Land. Not to mention you are unfamiliar with the terrain of the battle and troops you will be leading. All of which are essential to chase the victory you so wish for."
"And I suppose Silas could have done this, easy. And no one would refuse to allow him on the battlefield."
"Oh, my boy, what has your brother done to deserve the disdainful words which you speak?" Saeclus sighs with closed eyes, then reopens them to look into his son's. Dante has no reply for his father's words.
Silas has never truly done anything to wrong him - quite the contrary - and yet, the example he has set is a suffocating one. Even if his parents do not hold him to such standards, emphasizing individual differences between the two of them and Aurora, the rest of their world is not so open-minded.
Nor are they gentle about their opinions. All anyone can ever talk about is how Silas has impeccable memory, outstanding manners, a commanding presence and supreme dominance over all forms of ancient magic.
And Silas has a tongue that stings when it means to, he can be just as venomous as he is sweet. His words from their last bitter argument still echo in Dante's head, giving way to frustration and concern.
"If only there would be anything worth noting of you."
"Silas would not be seen on that battlefield of his own accord, and even if he wished so, I would do my utmost to prevent it. Just as I do to you."
"Uncle Karl would not have stopped me."
For once, in a long - long, long - time, Dante sees his father's gaze narrow towards himself. And for a moment, he feels as though he has come close to feeling the wrath the demon world has dreaded for so long. Yet his father's eyes go back to their serene, patient gaze as fast as they had narrowed.
For a moment, he chooses silence. Perhaps that makes his next words more impactful than they would have been otherwise.
"I suppose it is a blessing, then, that he is not the one who has any decisive say on the matter."
Dante looks down to the floor. Indeed, uncle Karl may be his mother's best friend - and once, her lover and admirer - but he is not a part of this family. For some incident that took place before he was ever born caused a rift between him and his father. An incident he has never been privy to the details of. He suspects he never will be.
"What about me then, dad? Do I get a say?"
"Of course." Saeclus' response is immediate, unhesitating. His hand reaches for his son's, and Dante does not pull away when his father gives his hand a reassuring - and worried - squeeze. "I would still ask of you to not go, but if you wish to persist despite it all, I will not lock you up in your own house."
"Dad, believe one thing." Dante grabs his father's hand back, and holds it in his own firm grip - his hand is almost as large as his father's now, and almost as calloused from years of training. Training that he means to put into use now.
"I will make you, mama and uncle proud. My reputation will be as grand as grand papa's, and the world shall know my name."
A soft smile appears on Saeclus' face, and he speaks his next words with a characteristic warmth. "Oh my dear boy, we have never not been proud of you."
Dante presses his lips together. His father may mean what he says, but he himself feels undeserving of this pride. He has done nothing to earn it, after all - and his father himself has always said that all things in the world that are given must also be earned.
"When I return," he lets go of his father's hand and stands, brushing his hair out of his face as he begins to tie it back, just as his grandfather often does, "you and Silas will have something new to add to your grand history books dad. Look forward to it."
Without another word, he leaves the room in a flash of darkened red, and Saeclus is left alone to sigh and silently wonder if in trying to avoid his parents' mistakes, he has done harm in other ways.
He can now only hope the responsibility and its consequences will not be too severe.
yousharknotpass
romaincrisis
2087
stormborns
titsay
