[The Abyss]

Mikhael stood, watching in the outskirts of the settlement, his gaze landing on the trees basked in moonlight. The settlement was filled with snores and dozing people. But Mikhael stood steadfast, watching with his spear for any threats that may come.

His eyes were like that of a predator, it scoured its surroundings with great alertness. Soon he couldn't help but notice footsteps gradually getting closer, his head was still facing the forest between the clearing.

“Yes, brother?” Mikhael spoke first.

Paul let out a sigh. “You’re still here? You were supposed to rest at night, you know?”

Mikhael briefly glanced at Paul. His worried face made Mikhael ponder for a bit. “I’ve volunteered,” he replied after some thought.

Paul let out another sigh, Mikhael was sure that Paul felt frustrated, though he wasn't sure why. Paul soon sat down beside Mikhael, Mikhael looked at Paul with some confusion before facing forward again.

“I talked to Father,” Paul muttered. “I asked how we were made and he told me, we are born inheriting his traits.”

Mikhael wondered why he was being told this story, but he didn't interrupt; he knew it would be rude. Paul looked at Mikhael with narrow eyes. “I asked what trait I have, and he told me it's to wonder and the urge to share. I could see that, then I asked about yours. You wanna know?”

Mikhael looked at Paul who now wore a grin, it was Mikhael’s turn to sigh, he was curious about what his story told but couldn't stop himself from just standing, so in acknowledgement he nodded slightly.

Paul smiled and continued. “Pride and empathy.”

Mikhael looked at him with confusion. “Pride and Empathy?” he murmured, shaking his head. Mikhael barely felt anything but duty, a duty given to him by his father.

“Surprisingly, I believe stubbornness is there too,” Paul remarked with a chuckle.

The forest beyond Mikhael’s sight swayed. Some fireflies were buzzing around, giving some light to the otherwise dark, tall trees. When Paul realized that his brother wouldn't budge from his position, he shrugged and stood up.

“Stay safe, Mikhael.”

“I will, Paul.”

He turned his heels and walked away. “Some Tributes were given by the people of Foreline, delicious chicken stew I say.”

Mikhael’s eyes twitched and he looked behind him, Paul was already walking away with a laugh.

“That… “ Mikhael felt helpless as he knew his favourite dish would not be left for him.

After a while, Mikhael, out of character ran towards the high hill where Tributes to his father were given. He slowed his pace when he neared the location.

Mikhael took his footsteps to a nearby large building, a shed, made of wood, he clasped the door and opened it to see a long table. It was surprisingly clean like it was cleaned recently. At the edge of the table where food was placed on wooden plates, sat a woman with a grin.

“Hey, brother. Took you a while.” Yumi spoke with a grin.

“Yumi? Sister, what are you doing here?”

“Paul asked me to tell him your reaction.” she giggled.

Mikhael realised that his expression was a clear look of confusion. He coughed, covering his mouth before relaxing his face. Yumi giggled more.

“You really are expressive,” Yumi spoke teasingly as she stood from her seat.

“Sister, please stop teasing me,” Mikhael said exasperated, walking up to her.

“Sure sure.” Yumi patted his head. “Make sure to enjoy your meal. Though, next time I try to eat with someone, it'll feel more filling.”

Stolen story; please report.

Mikhael couldn't help but grumble about how he was treated, he gently pushed Yumi’s hand away and narrowed his eyes at me. “Or do you want to eat with me?” Yumi grinned.

“While we're Father's creation, I am pretty sure we can still get fat.” Mikhael retorted.

Yumi was so stunned by Mikhael’s reply that she stood still for a second whilst he already sat at the table with a smug look, taking a bowl of stew and taking a leisurely sip.

Yumi huffed and left the shed quite annoyed, Mikhael found it amusing but the moment her feet went out of the shed, Mikhael realised that he should've stopped her. It indeed got lonely.

Meanwhile, Paul held a spear, taking station from the other side of the settlement. He whistled a merry tune whilst he was looking out for any dangers ahead.

Particularly, thanks to Hadro’s ascension to a Minor God, the energy he was amassing seems like a tasty treat for the dwellers of the Abyss, who see energy as food.

And days that seem to pass by, beasts that lingered in the Abyss seem to find Hadro’s cocoon of energy as a worthy risk. The Aidens had fended them off with ease though, some beasts and monsters were starting to come in droves and some even those that were not around the area.

Paul coughed as he inhaled some dust, snorting as he wiped his mouth with his sleeve. It's been getting colder, he noticed. Maybe winter is coming closer day by day.

Paul wondered what day Hadro would hatch out the cocoon to a higher realm. Paul could tell that his father could do more than just merely move objects.

Paul intuitively felt he could do more, like creating an object. Paul moved his hand without much thought, his intent simply wanting to create a lace.

He couldn't help but be fascinated as a small cloth appeared before him, draining him some energy.

Paul clutched the object at hand and opened his palm, letting the object disperse back to energy.

He soon heard rustling behind him and Paul turned around, Yumi walked towards him, her face seemingly annoyed. “What happened, Sister?”

“Oh nothing, Mikhael did have some reaction.” Yumi sighed, “He did appreciate it though, thank you for taking up my post for a while.”

Paul smiled, “It's nothing much, I know you like to take your time with food.” Yumi smiled whilst putting her hands behind her back, Paul smiled at her reaction. “Say you didn't try to ask Mikhael to eat together after you ate your fill, did you?”

“Wha- no! Go, just go!” Yumi pushed Paul away taking up his station as Paul shrugged.

Paul wanted to see how Mikhael was doing, his curiosity leading him to the shed with eager footsteps. Though when he got there the dishes were already set and cleaned. Paul in disbelief knew that his brother would be training after all this, so all he could do was sigh.

“Really…”

“Really, what?” came out some voice behind him.

“Hey!” Paul flinched, startled. “Lorraine, don't do that!”

Lorraine shrugged and walked inside the shed, “aww they ate it all…” she said in a monotone voice before turning one eighty and leaving the shed immediately.

Paul watched her leave with a look of bewilderment. Just when he was about to speak, Agni burst in to announce her arrival, which startled Paul again. “They ate it all, argh!” she said before she flew away.

“They're all gluttonous…” Paul laughed quietly before moving towards a space.

His steps were an announcement, each step closing in could be heard by those who were aware of their surroundings. Mikhael, who was training his spear, could be seen in the clearing.

Mikhael soon glanced at Paul who was swiftly approaching, lowering his spear. Sweat glistened as it fell down his body.

“Hello, Paul.” Mikhael Greeted.

Paul seems to be used to Mikhael’s seemingly indifferent greeting, he knew his brother was just this way. However, he was concerned for his future, despite their origin.

“Hey.”Paul returned the greeting.

After both acknowledging each other, Mikhael continued as if nothing happened. Paul sighed, he couldn't help but do so, out of his every sibling in the abyss he is the less sociable.

Mikhael wouldn't talk unless necessary, like an efficient machine, not that he has done something wrong, but this will surely affect his relationship with the mortals.

Especially when he is already viewed with reference and fear, unlike the others which is mostly reverence.

“Say, Mikhael. Interested to spar?” Paul asked Mikhael with a smile.

Mikhael stopped his hands for a second before nodding towards Paul. “I see why not.”

Paul smiled and opened his hand outwardly, the spear that clung to his back fluidly flew towards his hand. Mikhael tilted his head at the sight of skill but just shrugged.

“Any rules?” Mikhael asked, his expression still impassive.

“same rules as a normal spar.”

Mikhael nodded and he pointed his spear towards Paul. His eyes focused, treating the spar as if it's his last fight.

Paul raised his spear lightly, leaving him exposed like a fool. Mikhael didn't take the bait, he knew what kind of guard Paul was showing.

Mikhael however, was the one to make the opening move, he struck his spear forward easily like an extension of his body. The delivery of the strike wasn't fully committed.

Mikhael knew his action was decisive as Paul easily parried his spear, which led to Mikhael bearing the burden of the butt of Paul's spear as it spun to his jaw.

“Sorry about that.” Paul took a step back.

Mikhael groaned with no complaint, he stood in his stance again ready to face Paul, both clashed spears with no killing intent, sparks flew but in the end, they were both tired of exercised bodies.

The two sat down with sweat-riddled bodies before Paul looked at Mikhael, “Ya know, are you interested in anything other than a spear?”

“Why’d you ask?” Mikhael asked curiously.

“Nothing, I think you’ll be good with other weapons too, it's clear You’re with the upper hand this whole spar.”

Paul noticed Mikhael’s actions, he was holding back the entire time, not to say he was going all out, but Paul did his best, Mikhael on the other hand. He was efficient, like an optimised machine.

Paul could only counter but sometimes, his counters were what Mikhael expected, making Paul fall into traps Mikhael gave.

“I don't know, Maybe I would try a sword, though the reach isn't far…” Mikhael murmured, carefully thinking about it.

Paul stood up with a smile, dusting his pants, “I'm going to rest, see you later brother.”

Mikhael gazed at Paul, pulling him out of his thoughts and nodded in acknowledgement. But before Paul could even make a step, the two felt killing intent coming from the woods, which prompted both to be in an alert stance.

What came out from the shadows of the trees was a silhouette of a man, Mikhael looked bewildered, what gave that killing intent? The man who was covered with a robe in a hood looked at them with golden eyes, a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Paul felt unease creep up his spine, however, he took the first action, “Who are you?” he asked, the man was not a Nefuti or any humans outside. The man… felt familiar, similar to them.

Instead of answering Paul, the man simply said, “Found you.” whilst looking in the direction where Hadro is located. Paul and Mikhael were on their guard, clearly, this man didn't belong here.

“You two are in the way,”

The robed man said, behind the two within an instant.