Chapter 96: Oh Sh*t, I Forgot About Asterion

The Next Day,

"Ah, what a beautiful day-" Ricky stretched his arms wide, basking in the fresh morning breeze on his patio, unapologetically butt naked and not ashamed in the least.

"Ricky, are you ready-JESUS!" Rachael walked in, only to immediately whip around, shielding her eyes as she caught sight of Ricky standing there, in all his glory.

"Rachael, as you can see, I'm always ready-" Ricky burst into laughter, throwing his arms wide open as if inviting her to admire him.

*BAM*

In a flash of embarrassment and irritation, Rachael flung a fireball his way. 

It shot toward him, but just before it could make contact, a shimmering forcefield materialized in front of him, deflecting the flames harmlessly into the air.

"PUT ON SOME PANTS!"

"What is this, communist Russia?" Ricky frowned, unable to see how he should put on his pants after she stormed into his room.

"Fine, I'll leave you so you can put on some pants!" Rcahel rushed out of the room, covering her face that was slightly tinged with a blush.

"You should ask me that after you've stripped and felt this breeze in your birthday suit." Ricky taunted, a smirk tugging at his lips while rubbing his chin as he stared at the clearly uncomfortable Rachael. 

He wasn't particularly fond of Rachael, but the thought of her sprawled out face down on the sheets was a tempting visual he couldn't ignore.

Before he could revel in the idea, the door slammed behind her, cutting off his fantasy with a sharp finality.

*BAM*

"Alright, then." Ricky shrugged, turning back to the warm Sicilian sunlight, breathing in the crisp morning air. 

For three years, he'd thrown himself into countless schemes, managing to keep up with almost every promise he'd made, almost.

But as he gazed over the horizon, a thought struck him like a bolt.

"Oh sh*t, Asterion!" Ricky muttered, smacking his forehead as the memory of his promise hit him like a freight train.

Only now did Ricky recall how he was supposed to return and ask Asterion if he still wanted to wallow alone in that cave. 

But between his clash with Dracula and everything that came after, Asterion had slipped through the cracks.

Ricky wasn't perfect, and his memory was even worse, but despite that, he found himself grimacing.

His stomach twisted uneasily at the thought of that punch, the one that had felt like it turned his internal organs to mush as the regret washed over him, mingling with an overwhelming sense of dread.

Even with his new improved healing abilities, the idea of facing an angry Asterion sent another queasy ripple through him. 

That minotaur's punches were nothing to scoff at, and even Ricky's bravado couldn't entirely shrug off the memory of their force.

'Let's get this over with. I'm sure I can bullsh*t my way out of whatever corner he puts me in.' Ricky thought, trying to keep his nerves in check as he turned to Alexander, who was scowling, his eyebrows drawn together in concern.

"You forgot about Asterion until we came back here, didn't you?" Alexander accused, crossing his tiny paws defiantly. 

"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat~" Ricky stretched the word out, his tone feigning innocence. 

Yet, in an instant, Alexander saw right through him, the little creature's expression betraying no doubt of Ricky's guilt.

Alexander had grown all too familiar with Ricky's habits over time and the moment he noticed Ricky clutching his stomach, a knowing sense of certainty washed over him.

"YOUNG RICKY, HE'S LITERALLY THE FIRST MINOTAUR! THE FIRST M-I-N-O-T-A-U-R!" Alexander stressed, incredulous at Ricky's blatant ignorance, especially at such a critical moment. 

"Do you think he'll be mad? Cause I don't think he'll be mad," Ricky shot back, trying to instinctively bullsh*t his way out of Alexander's piercing scrutiny.

"I can't believe you. I cannot believe you," Alexander muttered in disbelief, facepalming as Ricky casually began putting on his pants.

"It's gonna be fine, watch and see, I'll get us out of it-"

"Oh no, not us, you," Alexander said, waving his paws in surrender, eager to distance himself from the situation. 

"What happened to being my comrade and seeing this through, huh?" Ricky quipped, his eyes glinting with mischief while the gerbil froze, caught off guard by Ricky's sudden memory of his earlier speech. 

"Yeah, not so honorable now, are you?" Ricky smirked, casually scooping up Alexander and settling him on his shoulder.

"T-That, y-you-"

*Ahem*

"I didn't mean-"

"How about you save whatever made-up nonsense you were planning to spit out, reconvene your thoughts, and jot them all down in a letter? Then hit me with it when I'm about to go to sleep." Ricky suggested, poking at old wounds as Alexander let out a hearty laugh. 

"Do you really want to start this now? Because I can throw down! What is it that humans say nowadays 'cash in my receipts'?" Alexander squinted his eyes defiantly, causing Ricky to halt and turn to him, the playful banter hanging in the air between them.

"Even?" Ricky asked, raising an eyebrow as Alexander nodded and patted him on the shoulder with his tiny paw.

"Indeed."

5 minutes later,

"Morning, sunshine. How was the full moon earlier?" Ricky laughed as he spotted Rachael waiting for him off to the side.

"Ha, ha, real funny." Rachael retorted, rolling her eyes, though he could see her ears turning a shade of crimson.

"So, where are you taking me? Wait, don't tell me, are we going to meet Satan this time?" Rachael asked, trailing behind him as he shook his head.

"Nah, I haven't met the guy yet." Ricky replied nonchalantly, turning the corner as Rachael shot him a bewildered look.

"What do you mean you haven't met him yet?" Rachael demanded, quickening her pace to catch up with him as he headed toward the graveyard.

"I mean, with all the nonsense I keep getting entangled in, it's only a matter of time before I'm dragged into a war between Heaven and Hell." Ricky explained, glancing over his shoulder. Rachael's eyes widened in horror.

"Don't tell me there's going to be another war?" Rachael gasped, instinctively covering her face as Ricky frowned in response.

"Huh, no I was over exaggerating-wait, there have been wars before-"

"Ricky, knowledge on the pantheons can wait, we have arrived." 

Standing before them was the entombment of Daedalus, and Ricky let out a light sigh as he approached the ornate door. 

Ricky then pressed his hand against its cool surface, allowing himself to deepen into the darkness beyond.

As he appeared within the tomb, Rachael flinched at the sudden shift, her gaze darting to the inscriptions lining the walls. 

The ancient runes glowed softly in the dim light, and after a moment's hesitation, she reached out to touch them as well, curiosity overtaking her initial trepidation. 

"An echo," Ricky replied abruptly, glancing at the statue to his right. 

Alexander, perched on his shoulder, gripped his paws tightly, his frustration barely contained as he wanted to be the first one to answer. 

"CORRECT!" The statue roared, its voice reverberating through the chamber. 

With a thunderous sound, the double doors swung open, revealing the darkness beyond. Ricky stepped inside with a nonchalant attitude.

"Huh?" Rachael muttered, her brow furrowing in confusion as Alexander turned to her, nodding in agreement, mirroring her bewilderment as he shared the same sentiment.

"What is this place, why are their ancient greek runes on the entrance-"

"It's the tomb of Daedalus." Ricky explained, casually waving his hand as he walked toward the trio of stone statues. 

"We're here to see a buddy of mine." Ricky's voice was nonchalant, walking towards the three statues who loomed tall and imposing, their ancient features etched with wisdom and secrets long forgotten.

"Greetings, we are the three, who speak three!" 

Three stone statues loomed before three podiums, each adorned with a unique puzzle that triggered a heavy sigh from Ricky, a wave of déjà vu washing over him.

"Yeah, yeah, solve the puzzles and answer your stupid riddle." Ricky muttered dismissively, waving his hands to preempt any responses from the statues.

"Correct!" The statue on the far right acknowledged, its voice booming with an ancient authority.

"Wait Daedalus? So those wings you always fly around with-"

"The wings he used to escape with his son who flew too close to the sun." Ricky interrupted Rachael, finishing her words while Alexander rubbed his furry head on his shoulder.

Rachael blinked in exasperation, clearly baffled, while Alexander squinted, mentally scrambling to remember what the next riddle might be. 

The statues shifted slightly, their stone eyes narrowing as if they'd been robbed of the chance to deliver their ancient riddle with full gravitas. 

Walking over to the middle one, Ricky saw dozens of jumbled pieces, and his mind twitched.

Ricky had an itch once more, the very same one that happened whenever he found a mechanical instrument or technology not functioning correctly.

"I think we should first consider their height and-" Rachael observed, trying to contribute but Ricky waved his hand.

"No, their entire way of talking is a riddle in itself." Ricky promptly answered as if it was once again obvious, receiving glares from the statues.

"What's the riddle?" Rachael curiously asked, walking to his side to see him solving the puzzles from left to right.

"A-"

"It's a joke. A setup, development, and punchline, which means the order is middle, left, and right." Ricky explained, gesturing to the statues in sequence while slicking his hand through his hair.

"DAMMIT, RICKY!" Alexander yelled, hopping up and down in frustration, wanting nothing more than to solve at least one puzzle faster than Ricky and relish that victory, but once again, he was a second too slow.

"I have cities-"

"A map." Ricky answered smoothly, just as he finished the last puzzle piece.

"Correct!" The statute on the right boomed, its voice echoing through the chamber as the stone doors creaked open.

Ricky walked through the door, seeing four statues this time each holding a door with the color's red, blue, yellow, and green but turning around immediately.

Rachael followed his line of sight, seeing the fifth statue holding a rusted door and watching him start to form psychic stairs to climb.

"Riddle, hit me with it." Ricky climbed onto the ledge and beckoned to the statue.

"What is both a father and a mother but neither a parent nor a child-"

"A bir-"

"A BIRD!" Alexander shouted triumphantly, beating Ricky to the answer with a satisfied gleam in his eye.

"Proud of yourself?" Ricky rolled his eyes, smirking as he watched Alexander bounce around in a little victory dance. 

"It's the principle, Ricky." Alexander replied, trying to straighten himself with a serious nod, though his eyes sparkled with satisfaction.

Just then, Rachael climbed up to join them, catching her breath only to see the two already slipping into the next room.

"Good for you," Ricky muttered dismissively, already striding through the doorway. 

Rachael finally made it to the top of the stone steps, catching her breath only to hear his voice echo back.

"Hurry up, Rachael!" Ricky called impatiently, his voice reverberating off the ancient stone.

Rachael entered the room to find a grand hall lined with seven towering statues, each one casting an imposing shadow. 

"In a room adorned with seven statues tall, each one a guardian in stone, standing in a hall-" Rachael began to read aloud from the inscription etched near the entrance, but Ricky was already moving toward a statue tucked away in the far corner. 

"We know all the answers, Rachael." Ricky called over his shoulder, gesturing for her to join him as Rachael frowned but followed, glancing curiously at the statues as she walked.

"In darkness-"

"A shadow," Ricky said flatly, irritation creeping into his voice as he hadn't wanted to go through all these steps, especially after forgetting the shortcut from three years ago.

With a rumble, the statue parted to reveal a winding stairway descending into darkness. 

Ricky bounded down without hesitation, while Rachael took careful steps, her nerves pricking with each one.

At the bottom, they entered a vast chamber, and there, perched upon a weathered stone, sat Asterion. 

The minotaur's massive form radiated a power so intense that it sent a tremor through Rachael's entire body. 

Her knees buckled, and before she could catch herself, she sank onto the cold floor, trembling in awe and fear.

Never had she encountered such an overpowering, brutal aura.

It seemed to crush the very breath from her lungs, leaving her paralyzed with dread. 

Her gaze darted to Ricky, who strolled forward without a trace of hesitation, his casual stride as unsettling as the figure they faced. 

Rachael's mind raced, unable to reconcile Ricky's nonchalance with the sheer, terrifying force before them.

"Hey, buddy! I'm back!" Ricky called out with a laugh, arms spread wide as though he were greeting an old friend. 

Alexander, however, knew better, subtly tucking himself deeper into Ricky's collar for a quick escape.

To their surprise, Asterion responded with a warm smile, his usually intimidating features softened. 

"Ah, greetings, Ricky." Asterion replied, his voice carrying an unexpected note of welcome. 

Both Ricky and Alexander were caught off guard; no fiery glare, no rumbling words of reproach, just a genuine, calm smile that left them momentarily speechless.

Although three years had passed for Ricky and Alexander, they hadn't fully grasped that for Asterion, those years felt more like a fleeting moment. 

To him, three years was akin to three hours in the endless solitude of his existence.

During this time, Asterion had done more than just wait; he had pondered the meaning behind Ricky's words, mulling them over in the recesses of his mind. 

The weight of their promise had lingered heavily, becoming a focal point in his contemplations. 

Asterion's true concern wasn't about his own isolation but rather the fear that Ricky might never return to fulfill the promise he had made.

In that moment, Asterion wasn't consumed by anger but rather overwhelmed by a profound sense of relief, recognizing the genuine truth behind Ricky's words. 

It dawned on him that despite his long years of solitude, he hadn't entirely relinquished his will to live; the emotions still flickering within him were a testament to that.

For a time, Asterion had convinced himself that he could abandon the world, choosing instead to remain in this cave, cut off from all that he once cherished. 

But after everything he had felt over the last three years, he realized how mistaken he had been. 

Ricky's words echoed in his mind, reminding him that in this cave, he was as good as dead. 

It became clear to Asterion that he had to embrace life once more, to step beyond the shadows of his isolation and give existence another chance.

"I appreciate you giving me the time to reflect on my thoughts; it was very kind of you." Asterion said, bowing his head slightly, mistaking his prolonged absence for a gesture of respect. 

"What the-" Alexander was taken aback, his eyes wide with disbelief, until Ricky cut him off with a chuckle. 

"Yeah, no problem, Asterion! What are buddies for?" Ricky laughed, fully embracing this new narrative as Asterion's smile deepened, reflecting the warmth of their renewed camaraderie.

"So, did you give my offer some consideration? Are we going sightseeing or what?" Ricky asked, strolling over and giving Asterion's massive, muscular calf a friendly pat. 

The gesture felt almost comical against the backdrop of Asterion's imposing figure, but Ricky's enthusiasm was genuine, eager to have a bulky minotaur bodyguard.

As Asterion gazed at Ricky, he saw a second chance to embrace life as it was truly meant to be lived. 

For so long, confinement had been his only reality, a prison of both body and spirit. Perhaps that was why he felt so comfortable within these walls; they were all he had ever known. 

Yet, in that moment, a flicker of desire sparked within him, a yearning to experience the world beyond the cave, a world filled with possibilities rather than just pain. 

Asterion had barely appreciated the beauty of the outside before he had locked himself away, and now he found himself longing to discover what lay beyond the shadows he had accepted as his fate.

However, the main obstacle standing between Asterion and the outside world was his fear that moving on would mean losing appreciation for the past. 

Asterion had clung to memories as if they were lifelines, convinced that letting go would erase the love he once held and the legacy he embodied. 

But in the wake of Ricky's arrival, a new understanding began to blossom within him: the past was not a burden to be shed but a part of who he was, woven into the very fabric of his being. 

No matter where his journey led him, he would always be Asterion, the beloved father of all minotaurs and a steadfast friend of Daedalus.

In that moment of clarity, Asterion felt the weight of his self-imposed chains begin to crumble. 

Asterion finally let go of the shackles that had bound him for so long, embracing the idea that he could honor his history while stepping boldly into the future.

"I shall follow you, take up what life has to offer, and properly enjoy it this time," Asterion declared with a warm smile, extending his massive hand toward Ricky.

'F*ck yeah.' Ricky fist bumped inside his own mind, taking Asterion's hand and properly shaking it in real time.

Ricky was effectively recruiting an ultra-powerful minotaur onto his side, and the thought filled him with a rush of exhilaration as they shook hands, sealing their pact.

Asterion found himself uncertain about what he truly desired from this newfound companionship and the promise of adventure. 

Deep down, it all boiled down to one fundamental question: Was life truly worth living?

'I might have been scared before, but I owe it to all those who supported me to give it one last hazah.' Asterion thought, gazing up at the ceiling with a heartfelt smile, imagining all his loved ones gazing upon him with proud gazes.

"Hey Asterion, before we set out, how about you take one last stroll through this place, for old times' sake?" Ricky suggested, believing that a little leisure would do them good as Asterion nodded in agreement.

"I think I'd like that." Asterion replied, a warmth spreading in his chest while standing up from his thinking stone. 

As he walked, memories flooded back to him, moments of hard work and dedication shared with Daedalus, every stone laid and every echo of laughter lingering in the halls.

Meanwhile, Rachael stood off to the side, pale as a ghost, her eyes wide as she watched Asterion reminisce, utterly entranced by the scene unfolding before her. 

It was as if she were witnessing a powerful force of nature, an ancient being reconnecting with a life once forsaken. 

Finally, she exhaled, releasing the pent-up breath she hadn't realized she was holding, feeling both awe and trepidation at the sheer magnitude of Asterion's presence and the weight of his past.

*GASP*

*HUFF*

*HUFF*

*HUFF*

Rachael's back was slick with sweat, her instincts locking her body in place as if time itself had frozen. 

A moment later, a surge of adrenaline coursed through her, jumpstarting her senses and flooding her with a mix of fear and fascination.

"What's your deal?" Ricky asked, striding over with a frown etched on his face, puzzled by her clear overreaction.

"My deal? MY DEAL?!?" Rachael screeched, her voice echoing off the tomb's stone walls as strands of her hair tumbled free, framing her flushed cheeks. 

"You don't have to yell-" Ricky crossed his arms, his brow furrowing further at her uncharacteristic response.

"That-he, HE IS THE FOREFATHER OF ALL MINOTAURS!" Rachael screamed, her eyes wide with a mixture of awe and fear. 

Her reaction was so intense that it earned a nod of agreement from Alexander, who perched on Ricky's shoulder.

"See, Ricky? That is the appropriate response when meeting Asterion for the first time," Alexander chimed in, his tone both nagging and triumphant. 

But Ricky, unfazed, simply tuned him out, his focus lingering on the towering figure before them.

However, the truth behind Rachael's fear was that Asterion could likely kill both of them without breaking a sweat if he truly wanted to. 

Asterion was one of the strongest supernatural beings in Greek mythology, a titan whose might was barely matched even by Hercules himself. 

In fact, the only reason Hercules had ever won their wrestling matches was because Asterion had vowed not to engage in his berserk state, a promise that only served to highlight the sheer power he could unleash if he chose to.

No one truly understood the full extent of Asterion's power since whenever he found himself backed into a corner, he always held back, mindful of those around him who needed protection. 

This restraint had become second nature, a testament to his desire to safeguard others rather than unleash the full force of his abilities. 

Asterion's strength was a double-edged sword; while he could easily overwhelm any adversary, he prioritized the safety of his aides, allowing them to believe they were safe in his presence.

"How can you just stand there as if we haven't just met someone from the realm of the gods?" Rachael yelled, her exasperation palpable as she clutched her head, feeling the world around her spin in disarray.

"I guess, like this?" Ricky looked at himself simply standing in place, then gazed back at her and shrugged.

It wasn't that Rachael underestimated Ricky or looked down on him; she had never hidden her thoughts. 

Yet, the more time she spent within his sphere of influence, the more she began to grasp the immense gravitational pull of the powerful figures that surrounded him.

When Rachael first met Agatha, she was taken aback by her strength and upon meeting Veredelet had left her equally stunned. 

But standing before Asterion, the forefather of all minotaurs, she found her perspective on Ricky shifting entirely.

Meanwhile, Ricky sat casually to the side, seemingly oblivious to the sheer power that Asterion exuded. 

Rachael, with her years of training and experience, recognized the weight of Asterion's presence, while Ricky remained unfazed, unaware of the gravity of the moment unfolding before him.

Technically speaking, Asterion's lineage is even more remarkable, as his grandfather is Poseidon. 

This connection stems from the fact that Asterion's father was a creation of the god of the sea, adding a profound depth to Asterion's heritage. 

As the forefather of all minotaurs, he not only embodies the strength and ferocity associated with his kind but also carries the weight of divine lineage, intertwining his existence with the very fabric of Greek mythology.

"What's the deal, anyway? Asterion is a really cool guy-minotaur," Ricky quickly corrected himself but Rachael, however, shook her head vehemently.

"That's exactly why I'm so wary, Ricky. The Greek gods are known for being completely unreasonable. Asterion is technically the grandson of Poseidon, so I had to expect the worst," Rachael said, rising to her feet, a hint of concern etched across her face. 

"Everything involving the Greek pantheon always ends up twice as complicated as it should be. That's why the Van Helsings stopped interacting with them a hundred years ago." Rachael said, wiping the sweat from her forehead as if trying to dispel the lingering tension in the air.

"Entirely unreasonable, huh?" Ricky glanced at Alexander, who was silently whistling to himself on the side, seemingly unfazed by the gravity of the situation.

"W-Well I wouldn't say unreasonable, merely an acquired taste." Alexander, feeling the pressuring gaze of Ricky, coughed out a response. 

"Uh huh, are they really that bad I mean I've heard some of the myths-"

"No, the myths don't highlight all their cruel and arrogant deeds. It doesn't just stop with the Greek gods; it extends to all Greek creations," Rachael explained, her voice tinged with exasperation as Ricky's gaze seemed to bore deeper into Alexander. 

"Even the monsters and other beings of the mythos possess this superiority complex, so seeing Asterion being understanding and reasonable is-...well, it's a rare sight." Rachael continued, noticing Ricky's frown.

"Are you guys sure that your not exaggerating-"

"We're sure." Both Alexander and Rachael replied in unison, their expressions flat and devoid of emotion as Ricky rubbed his forehead in frustration before raising his hands in defeat.

"You know what? I'm putting this aside since it's not the current issue." Ricky declared, shaking off the conversation. 

Richy then turned toward the exit, ready to move on, only to realize Rachael wasn't following as her hesitation caught his attention, and he paused, glancing back at her.

"Who are you?" Rachael's sudden question halted Ricky in his tracks, causing him to turn back, confusion etched on his face.

"What?" Ricky asked, glancing at Alexander, who shrugged in response, equally puzzled.

"Who is Ricky Luciano? Take away the Black Knight, strip away the mana user—leave him with nothing but himself." Rachael's earnest inquiry lingered in the air, prompting Ricky to pause and genuinely consider her words. 

"Who are you?" Rachael rubbed her arm, knowing it was out of her element to ask such a question but she couldn't help but utter these words.

"I guess I'd be a normal mobster." Ricky began, a hint of bitterness creeping into his voice. 

"Return to my family and burn everyone who exiled me in the first place." Ricky spoke before a flash of red glimmered in his eyes, igniting with the memories of those families who had forced his father's hand, who had pushed him away from everything he once knew.

Though he couldn't be completely mad, Ricky knew he had grown a lot during his time away. Even if he had stayed, he had to believe that nothing would have changed; he would have been the same sorry for himself drunk who always ran away.

So, while it wasn't the outcome he had wanted, he understood that everything that had happened to him had only made him stronger.

Ricky could only relent to the truth that life had shaped him into someone who could confront the past with newfound strength.

"You're a mobster?" Rachael asked, her surprise evident as Ricky nodded.

"I mean, I was. But after I was exiled from the other families because I was a mutant—"

"You're a mutant!" Rachael exclaimed, astonished. Ricky raised an eyebrow, a bit confused, as he had literally shown his powers before, but Rachael had misinterpreted that as magic.

"How did I never know about this?" Rachael questioned, clearly flabbergasted while holding her forehead.

"Because you never bothered to ask! Every time I tried to talk, you shunned me away," Ricky replied, his tone light yet pointed as its edge made Rachael flinch.

"From the three years I've known you, and that entire year we spent in the same cabin, all I know about you is that you're Abraham's granddaughter, and all you know about me is that I'm the Black Knight." Ricky said, spreading his arms in exasperation, looking at her with disbelief at how she could even have the courage to ask such a dumb question.

Now that Ricky had brought it up, Rachael felt incredibly shallow as she had a wealth of knowledge about him, primarily because his personality was open and inviting, especially to the girls he often tried to impress. 

Ricky didn't hesitate to share his thoughts, revealing everything from his ambitions to his fears during their training sessions, while she had given him the cold shoulder time and time again.

Rachael had often pointed out Ricky's cowardice directly to his face, dismissing him as someone who shied away from challenges. 

Yet here she was, isolating herself from him, a cowardly move that formed a sense of guilt.

It struck her as ironic that she had been so quick to judge Ricky when she had, in her own way, been avoiding the deeper connection they could have had.

Then that guilt washed over her as she recalled the countless times she had turned away when he tried to engage with her.

It was then that Rachael slowly opened those doors she had always kept closed, doors that unknowingly led her toward the path of motherhood.

"Sorry, about being a b*tch for the past three years." Rachael rubbed her arms, the admission hanging heavy in the air. 

It was a rare moment of vulnerability, since she had inherited this closed off approach to the world from her grandfather that formed an innate struggle to open up to people.

"Alexander, I must be dreaming." Ricky's jaw dropped in disbelief, unable to process what he had just heard. 

Never in his life did he think he'd hear Rachael actually apologize.

"You are certainly not," Alexander echoed, his eyes wide with surprise as he had known Rachael long enough to understand the gravity of her words. 

Apologies were not her usual forte, and he had never seen her express regret over anything.

"Ricky, I have finished my walkabout," Asterion announced, his deep voice reverberating slightly in the air as he approached the two.

"You ready?" Ricky asked, his tone questioning, gesturing towards the door to the side and what awaited them outside.

"I am."

As Ricky pushed open the door, a rush of vibrant light spilled into the dim space, revealing the breathtaking scenery beyond. 

Asterion stepped through, his imposing form casting a long shadow against the golden rays of morning.

The gentle wind stirred his white fur, causing it to ripple like a flowing stream, and the warmth of the sun embraced him, wrapping him in a nostalgic glow he thought he had long forgotten. 

The air was alive with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, each scent a reminder of a world full of beauty and possibility.

Asterion closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself to fully experience the sensations around him. 

The warmth on his skin, the gentle rustle of leaves, the symphony of birdsong, it all melded into a feeling of serenity that he hadn't felt in ages. 

This was a moment to savor, a gift that reminded him of his connection to life and the love he had once known.

"So, Asterion, how does the morning sun feel after all these years?" Ricky asked, his laughter ringing through the air as he observed Asterion reveling in the beauty of the world around him, just as he had promised.

Asterion's gaze remained fixed on the horizon, where the sun spilled golden light over the landscape, casting long shadows and illuminating the vibrant colors of the flowers that dotted the meadow as he inhaled deeply, the crisp morning air filling his lungs with a sense of renewal.

"It feels right."