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With The Cold Winter Air

As the autumn air turned cold and bitter, the Ghost laid in Demon Kingdom's best clinic, unconscious, but alive.

Pharmacist, how is he today?

Still he sleeps. Doctor Brittany and the various mages did their best to fix his wounds. Although sire, his life force is very weak. I fear we were unable to replenish it.

Kazuto looks at the Ghost as he listens to the Pharmacist. The Ghost's battle with the massive army... and his own mother brought about peace but at what cost? Scott, the Ghost's father, and Archie were standing behind Kazuto.

Mr. Scott. Your son... Demon Lord Kazuto began to speak as he turned to the Ghost's father. We owe our lives and this peace to your son's sacrifice. The pharmacists and Doctor Brittany have stabilized him for now. However, his life force is very weak. I'm not sure he has all that much time left amongst those of us in the land of the living. 

I... I understand. Thank you.

Before Scott could turn and leave, Demon Lord Kazuto grabbed his shoulder.

For what it is worth to you... Your son is this nation's hero. I hope you understand the gravity of what that means. I understand your wife and his mother did a number on him, but for his sake, I hope when he wakes up, you tell him just how much he means to you.

As Scott and Archie leave, Demon Lord Kazuto sits beside the Ghost's bed.

Your father is a quiet man. Having met Archie, I'm surprised actually. Regain that strength and rejoin us. Snow will be falling soon.

While Demon Lord Kazuto sits by the Ghost, Scott and Archie walk around the Demon Market.

You know... He still wanted your approval, even after all the pain you watched him go through.

I know dad. It wasn't easy to watch him grow and have a strong voice than either one of us.

He protects his friends, he protected me... He's a son you should be proud of. He could've walked the path of a villain, killed everyone he saw. I couldn't blame him.

And yet, when the world demanded he lose heart, he showed he had one. 

He always told your mother he'd wished we'd raised you with more of a voice.

Really?

Yes. He was quite vocal about it too. He thought you could've been someone strong, someone worthy of his loyalty, but after the many years of beatings mentally and physically, I think he finally just gave up on you finding that voice.

Scott stood there stunned, his own son had expectations for him, ones he had no idea even existed. I wish he'd told me...

He wanted you to show him. We all taught him to think for himself, only fair he expect the same of us in return.

As they walked they ran into Tempest, Kett, Spencer and Blades on their way to check on the Ghost.

Sir Archie! Good to see you!

Heading to check on my grandson?

Yes sir. We wanted to see how he is doing.

The Pharmacist and Doctor Brittany managed to stabilize him for now, but they said his life force was very weak. Seems that battle took it out of him.

The four looked at the ground stifling tears. 

I have been rude, allow me to introduce my son, Scott, the father of the...

WHY THE HELL DID YOU ALLOW HIM TO SUFFER LIKE THAT! Snapped Blades.

I...

NO! FUCK YOUR EXCUSES! IF WE'D BEEN STRONGER HE'D BE AWAKE RIGHT NOW! YOU ON THE OTHER HAND.... why didn't you step in and save him? Back then I mean...

I'm not sure... I just wanted peace in my household...

All you had to do to achieve that was make the one person you were supposed to protect and raise, suffer a pain like nothing you'd understand. Said Tempest.

Scott looked at the ground. These were his son's friends, friends who had earned his loyalty. He clenched his fist.

That's why I'm going to make it up to him. He deserves better than the way things were. 

Damn right he does. Frankly sir, most of us close to the Ghost, we really don't like nor care for you. However, you are not your wife, so there may be hope for you yet. Work hard to earn his loyalty. Added Spencer holding Kett. 

As the three walked away, Archie sighed. I suppose those feelings were bound to come up eventually. If I were you, I'd do my best to earn their trust. You mom would have loved them, which would've made him happy. Find a way to do better.

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