Maki could very much suffocate at the tension rippling through the dining table as Damian sent dagger-like stares towards Maddox while Maia chose to ignore their older brother completely, acting as if he was nothing more than a ghost.
Everyone could feel it and hadn't dared say any word or let out any sound as they ate breakfast all together. Maia and Damian's wound had completely healed which leaves Maddox the only other person with a bruised face and battered knuckles. Still, he had been lucky that that was the only thing that Maia left him after his stunt yesterday.
It was Liam who shattered the silence as he put down his cup of tea and stared at Makoto.
"Join them in their journey and find Marvyll"
Makoto only glared at his father before letting out a sigh of defeat. He had told them about the story. About how Marvyll had lived with them a few years back and left two years ago. Turns out Magnus wasn't the only one who could remember everything, Marvyll too.
Liam recounted the story about how Marvyll tracked him and Makoto a few years after their separation. She lived with them without ever telling Makoto the stories until he remembered all of it after his games. Then she left, saying that she needed to stay by Maia and Maki's side. And he hadn't heard anything from her since then.
"Then we should go to the fronthouse first"
Maki said carefully before searching Magnus' eyes to which the older man nodded.
"Even if Grandpa hinted that Marv wouldn't be there anymore?"
Maddin asked and Magnus could only nod at her.
"That was the only place we had any clue of her staying."
Maia couldn't even believe that one of her older sisters had been staying right beside during that horrible and agonizing time in the fronthouse. She raised her eyes only to see Maddox staring right at her.
With all the calm rage inside her, she spoke to him. The first words she uttered to him after yesterday.
"Do not apologize"
She said and everyone caught their breaths as they stared at the two of them. Damian leaning back, arms crossed right in front of his chest as he kept his mouth shut. Trying very much not to tackle Maddox to the ground for killing Maia.
"I don't want to quench this hatred and anger for you just yet so do not apologize"
She spoke and those words melted everything inside of Maddox. His sister albeit everything he ever did to her and Damian was willing to forgive her, maybe not now, as she said, she wanted to linger in that hatred for him but someday. Someday when he could apologize properly, she would forgive him.
He didn't answer, instead he stood up and told the group.
"I'll check in the car so we could leave immediately"
And walked out of the bungalow. All eyes on his retreating back except for Magnus who was smiling at Maia. It at least warmed his heart that his little sister didn't grow up so cold-hearted.
"But what about the doomed prophecy? Isn't that the very reason you didn't want us here?"
Maki asked Makoto but it was Liam who answered him.
"The doomed prophecy had already happened. We're already in a ruined world. If being together with your siblings. If the seven of you being complete bring any more doom than this then how worse can it get?"
Liam muttered with a smile on his face before his gaze lingered on Makoto.
"I have spent enough time with you. You should go out there and see the rest of this small pathetic world"
That made Makoto chuckle even as he knew that the very moment he stepped out of the house, Liam would be crying his eyes out. His father is courageous and brave in that sense.
"We'll return for you Liam. I'm sure grandma doesn't mind you staying in the Pentagon"
Maki offered but Liam only waved a hand at him, dismissing the thought.
"Adelphia Village is one of the few villages that the government favors because of its agriculture. They wouldn't touch it lest they wanted their soldiers to starve. I'll be fine lying low in here"
He said, ending the conversation as his firm decision to stay stood. Makoto extended his hand and clasped his father's hand that was laying on the table.
"You'll be safe right?"
Liam only stared at Makoto and ruffled his hair before nodding.
"You know me. I will be safe"
But even with the reassurance, Makoto couldn't shake the fear for his father's life. Not when everyone was at risk.
It was an hour later that all of them were in the car driving far from the bungalow. Makoto didn't look back, fearing that the moment he does, he'll most likely want to stay behind. Beside him Maddin wrapped an arm around his broad shoulder as she said.
"When all of this is over. We'll go back here. All of us"
At that Makoto finally smiled at his older sister to which she teased.
"Oh I thought my charm doesn't work on you, and yet look at you smiling"
Makoto sneered before saying.
"It didn't but would you rather I be brooding? I think Kuya Maddox is doing that for everyone right now"
At that Maddin shifted her gaze to her twin brother and chuckled at the grimace that was gracing Maddox's face. Maddin laughed again and it was enough for everyone to smile as she teased Maddox once more.
Even Maia and Damian who were sitting in the back were smiling as they stared at each other, their eyes voicing the words they can't say.
A piece of normalcy in this hellish world.