Chapter 19: The Big Picture
In a few minutes, D was back to his perfect state—as if the fight had never taken place at all.
Val and Vince still stood beside him, their faces heavy with worry.
“Thank you, little ones. You amaze me every time you use your abilities,” D said with a gentle smile.
“You’re welcome, Sir,” the twins replied in unison.
D let out a soft sigh. “And how many times do I have to tell you—unless we’re in the field…”
“We’re not supposed to call you ‘Sir’ or ‘Boss’ or anything authoritative,” they finished together.
“Then what should we call you right now?”
D patted their heads. “Uncle D would suffice.” D turns towards his two kids “Now—what’s on your mind, my dear ones?” His tone sharpened slightly.
Vince shifted on his feet. “Dad… I want to know something.”
“What is it? Why the hesitation?” D knelt to meet his eyes. “You know I can’t lie to a straight question. So ask away. If I can’t answer, I’ll just stay quiet—and you’ll know it’s not the time.”
Vince swallowed his spit. “Okay then. I’ll ask. Why… Why did you react so slowly while fighting?”
D blinked—and then started laughing.
“I thought you were going to ask about the past. I’m glad you didn’t.”
He ruffled Vince’s hair. “Now, to answer your question— a wise idiot once said:
‘To win a war, you need to lose some battles.’”
He straightened up.
“I had to take the beating for her to calm down a bit, that’s all. You know, for a smart kid, you sure ask stupid questions.”
Vince frowned, but listened.
“Remember this, my young man,” D continued. “I do things while thinking of the big picture. There’s always a bigger picture than what you can see—and unless I want you to know it…”
He stopped himself and chuckled. “Oops. I said too much. All you kids have to do is enjoy the present. Let me take care of the past—and think about the future.”
With that, D sent the twins off and walked toward his brother, leaving Vince deep in thought.
---
“Hey, brother… I’m sorry I spoiled your vacation,” D said, eyes lowered.
Ash shook his head. “You don’t have to be sorry. I knew this was going to happen eventually. I was preparing myself. But the fact that my kids—our kids—would gain our powers and abilities…”
“Yeah,” D admitted. “That surprised me too. And to be frank, it even scares me a little.”
Ash poured him a glass of water. “Don’t tell anyone I said that.”
D stared at him. “You’re scared?”
Ash suddenly burst out laughing.
“What the hell, you little asshole? I’m being honest and you’re laughing at me?” D snapped.
“Of course I’m laughing,” Ash said between breaths. “Anyone who knows you—and I’ve known you since forever—knows that nothing scares you. Like, nothing. And suddenly you talk like you’re human or something. It’s hilarious. Thanks for that—I feel less stressed now.”
D stepped closer and placed a hand on Ash’s shoulder.
“When you live as long as I have—with absolute power and pride—and suddenly you have these little ones running around… you’re bound to feel vulnerable. Even if they’re as immortal as we are.”
“Except for enhanced bone structure and special implants,” Ash added with a blank face.
They both stared at each other for a second—then burst into laughter.
---
Ash’s smile faded first.
“What are we going to do now, brother?”
D’s expression hardened. “What we do best. Now listen carefully. In three days, we’ll have a family dinner at the old Family House. I’ve asked Aleina to invite the others.”
Ash froze. “Wait—what do you mean, the old Family House? You don’t mean that house… right?”
“Yes,” D replied calmly. “That house.”
The atmosphere turned heavy.
“Have you forgotten how many bad memories we have there?” Ash whispered. “That’s why no one lives in that place anymore.”
Fear was clear in his eyes.
“We’re not kids anymore,” D said firmly. “Don’t let trauma get the best of you. We’re not weak and fragile like before. And don’t forget—I will always protect you, like I always have.”
Ash hesitated. “Are you sure about this?”
“If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have brought it up.”
Ash looked away. “Even though we were born of the same woman… she never treated us like humans.”
“Stop it,” D said sharply and pulled his brother into a tight hug.
“Don’t you dare remember them. Being forgotten will be their greatest punishment. Even hell wouldn’t be enough for what they made us go through.”
They stayed like that for a long moment, silent tears finally settling the storm.
---
In the other room, the children heard everything.
But they never spoke a word of it—ever.
---
That evening, D and his kids left Charlie’s house and headed toward the old Family House.
Ashdon and his children stood at the door, waving them goodbye as the distance slowly swallowed them whole.
---
And that’s the chapter!
This part was important to me because it shows a softer, more human side of everything happening—the calm after the storm, even if the storm is never really gone in this story. I hope the emotions landed the way I imagined them.
Again, thank you for your patience over the past week. Life threw a small plot twist at me, but just like our characters, we keep moving forward. The next chapter is already lined up, so you won’t have to wait long.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts—favorite moments, theories, or even random screams at the characters ??.
See you in the next chapter!
— WrittenByAMB
