章節 70: Chapter 69: Arrival And Recognition

1 hour later,

"A black knight must be chivalrous, not merely in the grand gestures of battle, but in the quiet moments when honor is tested most. His armor may be darkened by time or choice, but his heart must remain unwavering in its commitment to justice." Percival let out in a grandiose manner, his gestures commanding all attention around him.

"He must be the shield for the defenseless, the voice for the silenced, and the hand that reaches out not only to vanquish his foes, but to lift his allies. Chivalry demands more than valor; it requires compassion for the weak, respect for women, loyalty to his lord, and truth in his word." Percival's tone only grew more passionate with every word uttered, clenching his fist then releasing it upwards.

"Even when his path is clouded by deceit or treachery, the black knight must shine through-wait I- '' Percival carried on with his lecture, his voice steady and unwavering, while Ricky, growing increasingly impatient, finally opened his storage and tossed the cross back into it, causing his ancestor to suddenly disappear into the hollow space in time.

Ricky had expected at least a shred of useful guidance, a hint, anything to give him direction.

But for the past hour, his ancestor had droned on solely about chivalry, principles Ricky found more tedious than enlightening.

The frustration gnawed at him, and he couldn't help but feel that Percival was deliberately avoiding what he truly wanted to know.

Ricky felt the weight of the endless lessons on honor and virtue pressing down on him until something inside snapped.

Instead of enduring another hour of lecture with a growing migraine, he simply threw the cross back into the storage space.

Rising to his feet, Ricky strode over to Abraham, who was casually leaning against the side of the boat, flask in hand.

Just as Abraham was about to take a swig, Ricky swatted the flask from his grasp, sending it clattering into the ocean.

"What's your problem?" Abraham, his lips pressed into a frown, watched as Ricky dropped onto a nearby crate.

"I'm an alcoholic and an addict." Ricky made a cynical joke, and despite himself, Abraham let out a small laugh before reaching into his trench coat and pulling out another flask.

"No kid, that's how you've been treating your problem." Abraham spoke from experience, his crippling sadness momentarily eased by the contents of his flask as he tipped it toward Ricky.

Ricky scoffed, but the retort he had ready was caught in his throat as the old man's words left him momentarily speechless, unable to muster a comeback.

"Dammit." Ricky couldn't think of any comeback, throwing something nearby at Abraham who easily dodged it.

"You know, you have to be the biggest little sh*t i've ever seen, do you know that?" Abraham said, taking a swig from the half-empty bottle and fixing Ricky with a scornful look.

"I'll take that as a compliment." Ricky rested his head on the back of the boat's ledge as Abraham's face contorted into a perplexed expression.

"How?" Abraham's expression shifted to confusion, clearly not understanding how that could be considered a compliment.

"Never mind." Abraham spoke before Ricky could open his mouth with a smart retort.

"HEATHEN, YOU ARE ALL HEATHENS IN CAHOOTS!" Alexander slammed the playing cards onto the box, prompting a sigh from Chores.

"Ricky, can you tell Alexander that I am in fact, not cheating?" Chores turned to Ricky, clearly exasperated, as this was the fourth time Alexander had done this.

"He knows, he's just a poor loser." Ricky informed Chores, who sighed in response as Alexander frowned but chose not to argue, picking his battles.

"So Abraham, what's the plan now?" Ricky gestured towards the old drunk, his eye in his flask before patting the back for the very last drop.

"The plan is for me to deliver you to the Vatican so that I can finally continue my hunt." Abraham continued, drinking the last drop from his flask while staring straight ahead.

"Is Dracual really that powerful-" Ricky asked, curious if he was stronger than his son, but Abraham interrupted with a scoff.

"Yes, he is that powerful." Abraham answered before Ricky could even finish his contemplation.

"He is a being who has prevailed against humanity's best for centuries, upholding the title given to him by the first vampire, Varnae." Abraham said. Ricky nodded along until he caught the last part.

"Wasn't Dracula the first vampire?" Ricky asked, recalling stories he had heard as Abraham laughed in response, acknowledging the mix-up.

"No, but it's common for plebs like you to assume Dracula was the first. It was actually that bastard Varnae." Abraham said with a disgruntled sigh, taking out another flask from his trench coat.

"The bastard was around before the sinking of Atlantis and has tried for eons to conquer the world, yet like his successor, he's failed time and time again." Abraham dropped this truth bomb, leaving Ricky reeling from the impact that Atlantis was real.

"So in the end, you want to stop all vampires-"

"Oh god no, I just want to kill Dracula." Abraham suddenly laughed out, holding up his hand to stop Ricky.

"I could care less about good or bad since the fight against evil is bullsh*t because, in the end, I just want to be free from the fate I was born into." Abraham gazed down at the wine bottle in his hand, leaving Ricky in contemplative silence.

"Do you know what the most unfair thing about being a Van heisling is?" Abraham suddenly looked at Ricky, who wore a thoughtful expression.

"Being born ugly?" Ricky asked, theatrically wiping away a nonexistent tear for the old potato in front of him, which made Abraham chuckle.

"No, asshole, it's that we're born into the fate of forever being in purgatory. We could live good Christian lives, and we'd still be cursed." Abraham sighed, hitting his head against the ledge in a gesture that mirrored Ricky's earlier move.

"Man, it does really suck to be you." Ricky nudged Abraham with a smile, who rolled his eyes in response.

"What about you, 'Slick'? How does it feel knowing you're being pulled into something you'll never escape?" Abraham asked from experience, but Ricky simply scoffed.

"If I want to leave then I-"

"Jesus, it's like I'm looking at a younger me." Abraham laughed at Ricky's naivety, causing Ricky to frown at the constant interruptions.

"That's what I thought long ago. I told myself, 'How hard can it be?' All I had to do was kill one person. And here I am, sixty-four years after being inducted into the Vatican, and I haven't done sh*t. I've only failed." Abraham said, before drinking himself to the bottom of the barrel and letting out an aggrieved sigh.

"Oh, come on, for an old man, you don't seem that bad-" Ricky genuinely gestured toward him, only for Abraham to roll his eyes.

"Because you're just as bad as me, you can't see the problem in your own reflection." Abraham sighed, covering his face at actually having to relate to someone.

"We are nothing alike, your a loser and I'm a-"

"Loser." Abraham finished his sentence, noting their oddly similar fates.

"I didn't lose-"

"That's not what I saw yesterday. From what I saw, you had completely lost," Abraham said, pointing at him as Ricky just laughed it off, but he continued.

"Your friends died, your fellow mobsters turned their backs on you, and you were exiled from New York. How is that winning?" Abraham asked genuinely, causing Ricky to stop smiling.

"And you're any better?" Ricky asked, pointing the finger back at Abraham, who simply laughed in response.

"No! That's why I'm saying we're so alike. It's because both of us keep failing that we're so similar," Abraham announced, drawing the attention of Chores and Barko.

Ricky was about to retort but simply closed his mouth, standing up and walking into the cabin to get some shut-eye.

"Told you-" Abraham smiled wryly, only for Chores to voice his opinion.

"You two aren't the same, merely similar." Chores suddenly said to Abraham, who plucked the cards from Alexander's hand.

"Listen Fee fye fo fum-" Abraham immediately went to make a joke, but Barko interjected before he could finish it.

"Chores is right; both of you are similar, but in the end, you're alone," Barko said, pointing his paw at Abraham, who widened his eyes in surprise.

"Well, back then-"

"You drew the comparison that you two are alike now, not back then. So your points are wrong and you're simply similar, not the same," Chores informed Abraham, who frowned and scratched his head.

"Yeah we're only similar!" Ricky yelled from behind the curtains, prompting Abraham to scoff and turn to the side.

"Whatever."

A couple days later,

"Dammit." Ricky cursed under his breath as Chores drew a three from his hand and placed his last card on the box.

"See!" Alexander pointed at Chores with an accusing look, while Henry sat perched atop Ricky's head.

"See!" Henry mocked Alexander, who growled in response, while Chores raised an eyebrow.

To Ricky, it seemed like Henry was merely repeating a word, but to the others, Henry was actually imitating Alexander's squeak.

"Seriously though, Chores, be real with me, are you cheating?" Ricky stood up, scanning the area for a mirror.

"It's simple observation and a good recollection," Chores informed Ricky, just as Abraham stood up suddenly.

"We're here, get ready kid." Abraham took out his crossbows, causing Ricky to raise an eyebrow in curiosity.

"What do you-"

*BANG*

*DINK*

Ricky turned his head as a bullet casing bounced off his shield and fell into the nearby sea, his shield quickly extending to cover the entire boat.

"What the-" Ricky looked up, only for his eyes to reflect the sea of metal suddenly launching at him.

A flurry of bullets erupted in rapid succession, each shot slicing through the air with deadly precision.

This time, Ricky wasn't caught off guard as his senses, sharpened by the earlier volley, now honed in on the cascade of metal being hurled toward him.

He moved with practiced agility, his shield shimmering as it deflected the incoming storm of bullets while grabbing a nearby butter knife.

'Full counter.'

Swiping the butter knife upwards in a clean arc, Ricky redirected the bullets lodged in his shield. In the next second, they were propelled backward at twice the speed and force with which they had originally been fired.

Screams echoed through the increasingly foggy morning as the bullets traced their swift return path. The chaos gradually subsided, and as the fog began to clear, the view revealed the aftermath of Ricky's counterattack.

"Remember what I said about Ernst trying to take you out? Well, he's going to attempt to kill you before you reach the docks, but it looks like that won't be a problem." Abraham informed Ricky as they both looked up at a distant cliff, where bodies were slowly falling into the sea below in mangled bits.

The distinct military uniforms, marked with Hakenkreuz, clarified their allegiance as the bodies fell from the cliff.

Only one man remained atop the precipice, Ernst.

He glanced down at the boat, unperturbed at the carnage around him as he hadn't fired a single bullet, thus avoiding any potential return fire.

Without a hint of concern for his fallen comrades, Ernst turned and marched away as Ricky raised an eyebrow at the scene, observing the cold detachment with which Ernst abandoned his men.

"That pipsqueak is Ersnt?" Ricky remarked, his emperor eyes allowing him to see clearly from a distance. He noted that Ernst wasn't taller than 5'2.

"Unfortunately." Abraham sighed, shaking his head as he glanced toward the docks, but Ricky wasn't finished.

"He looks like Macaulay Culkin became a midget after growing up."

"He's like a shrunken Ken doll with a cheap wig."

"He looks like Peter Pan finally grew up but forgot to grow taller."

"Wait, wait, wait, he looks like Shirley Temple's stunt double, but they forgot to swap him out."

*PFFT*

Abraham tried his best to hold back his laughter but burst out in a hearty laugh upon reaching the docks and seeing Father Sebastian increasingly worried.

"Ricky, are you alright!" Father Sebastion yelled before the boat docked as Ricky raised a thumb.

"You know, I've been feeling kind of down, but after making fun of Ernst, I'm actually thinking a bit better," Ricky said, letting out a relieved sigh and nodding to himself. Father Sebastian suddenly tilted his head, puzzled by his words since they were misinterpreted.

"Who knew that putting others down could make me feel so much better about myself?" Ricky thought aloud as Abraham shrugged at Father Sebastian, who was about to say something but then shook it off.

"It is good to see you son." Father Sebastian waited for Ricky to walk onto the docks, patting his shoulders as he did.

"Ah, I see you brought companions, most excellent!" Father Sebastian looked over at Chores and Barko, who were following behind him.

"And who might these two beautiful creatures be?" Father Sebastian asked as Alexander scurried onto Ricky's shoulders and Henry perched atop his head.

"I am Alexander the Great, sovereign of Macedonia, commander of the Paripanians, and vanquisher of Europe." Alexander spoke humbly as Father Sebastian patted his head, listening to the squeaks with a gentle smile.

"The gerbil on my shoulder is Alexander, and the mockingbird on my head is Henry." Ricky introduced, as Father Sebastian nodded with a warm smile.

"Such gracious creatures. Come, let me walk you to the Vatican, the place you were always meant to be." Father Sebastian said eagerly, as Ricky led him toward the towering cathedral that reached high into the sky.

Located in the heart of Rome, the Vatican stood as a bastion of spiritual authority and artistic grandeur.

This independent city-state, though small in size, flourished with its buildings adorned by symbols of divine reverence at every turn.

Majestic statues, murals, and gold-encrusted insignias covered the walls, ceilings, and courtyards, proclaiming its dedication to God.

Guards stood at attention at each entrance, the vibrant hues of the Swiss Guard uniforms contrasting against the ancient stonework of the Vatican's architecture.

These sentinels, trained and vigilant, bowed respectfully as Father Sebastian approached, his dark robes sweeping across the polished marble floor.

His footsteps echoed softly as he made his way past the towering columns of St. Peter's Square, through the vast, open expanse where thousands of pilgrims once gathered in prayer.

Father Sebastian moved with an air of solemn purpose, his gaze unwavering as he walked past the ornate statue of Jesus on the cross.

"Let me show you to your quarters." Father Sebastian guided Ricky aside, his voice low and measured as he spoke.

"Find me."

"Huh?" Ricky's head snapped in the opposite direction when a whisper crawled into his ear, catching Abraham's raised eyebrow.

"I didn't say anything?" Abraham gave him a puzzled look as Ricky scratched his head, then trailed behind Father Sebastian.

"Hello Father." Ernst emerged in the hallway leading to Ricky's quarters, prompting Father Sebastian to force a smile.

"Hello child." Father Sebastian nodded, though Ernst's gaze was fixed on Ricky, who raised an eyebrow.

"So, this is the stain on Percival's bloodline you spoke of?" Ernst mused, tilting his head in curiosity as Ricky let out a laugh.

"High and mighty words for someone so close to the ground." Ricky retorted, stepping forward and glaring down at Ernst, whose eyebrow twitched at the remark.

"You'd do well to watch your words-"

"Or what, you'll kick my shins?" Ricky goaded him further, even as Ernst's eyes grew dangerously cold. Ricky only laughed in response.

"Leave now; your presence here contradicts everything the church stands for." Ernst warned, but Ricky merely widened his arms in defiance.

"Listen, munchkin, that just makes me want to steal your job and rub it in your face even more." Ricky said with a toothy grin as Ernst's expression darkened into one of complete and utter malice.

"Excuse me, Father, I need to wash out my eyes." Ernst said, walking past him with his Nazi medals clanking with each step.

"Yeah, Father, don't be too mad. He was probably told from a young age that all his relatives were ugly and short, which just makes him more confused when he sees me." Ricky called out loudly enough for Ernst to hear, stopping a short distance away.

Ernst reached for his waist but, catching Abraham's warning side-eye, he instead continued down the hall.

"Child, must you antagonize him?" Father Sebastian asked, and Ricky paused to consider his response for a moment.

"Yes." Ricky's confirmation made Abraham laugh, while Father Sebastian gestured toward his room at the end of the hall.

"The door at the end of the hall is yours. I'll show your companions to their rooms." Father Sebastian informed Ricky as he walked toward it.

"Make haste, young Ricky, for I'm exhausted from this trip." Alexander said, patting Ricky on the shoulder as Henry, instead of mocking him, nodded in agreement.

As Ricky opened his door, he was greeted by a lackluster room with a very minimalistic layout and without a second of hesitation, he simply plopped down onto the bed.

"Young Ricky-"

*RIP*

Ricky ripped the blanket, apparently anticipating Alexander's question, and tossed it onto the desk.

Alexander swiftly repurposed the torn cloth into a makeshift bed, while Henry searched for a spot to settle.

Ricky tossed himself onto his back, gazing up at the rustic ceiling before sighing and closing his eyes.

Meanwhile in the hall,

"Seb, I need to get back, Rachel is waiting on me-"

"Old friend, I apologize, but you may only leave after the trials have concluded." Father Sebastian sighed, causing Abraham to grit his teeth.

*BAM*

Abraham threw a vase at the wall, and Father Sebastian closed his eyes, already aware of Abraham's volatile nature and situation.

"I'VE DONE EVERYTHING THEY'VE ASKED AND MORE, YET THEY SPIT ON MY FACE!" Abraham yelled in complete distress, while Father Sebastian nodded in understanding.

"I know-"

"NO YOU DON'T SEB, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE-"

*SIGH*

"Nevermind." Abraham raised a hand and began to walk away, while Father Sebastian lowered his head, knowing he was powerless to help his friend.

Disgruntled, Abraham walked outside the Vatican and saw Ernst waiting on the steps below.

"Sir Abraham, do you have-"

"No, f*ck off." Abraham walked past Ernst, who flinched before quickly scurrying to his side.

"If you would give me a moment then-"

"You have thirty seconds before I dropkick you into the nearby sea." Abraham said, pulling out his flask as Ernst adjusted himself nervously.

"As a fellow pureblood of a noble family of the cross, you know as well as I do that it is crucial to maintain our ties to the church at all costs." Ernst said hurriedly, trying to keep up with Abraham's fast pace.

"However the sanctity of bloodlines only showed itself to me after seeing the Fuhrer's teachings, the Nazi regime is trying to do something that most people don't have the guts to-"

"Alright, times up, f*ck off." Abraham pushed Ernst aside while continuing to walk away, causing Ernst's nostrils to flare in frustration.

"HE WILL NOT BEAT ME, THAT IMPURE MAN IS NO MATCH FOR A PURE BLOOD!" Ernst screeched as Abraham suddenly stopped and broke into hysterical laughter.

"Looking past the fact that you're literally not even half the man Ricky is, do you know why you won't win?" Abraham asked, while Ernst squinted his eyes in confusion.

"Because I can't even beat him, and you're just a kid in big boy clothes. So do us all a favor and scram." Abraham said, shooing him away before continuing his walk. Ernst gritted his teeth in response.

"HE WILL NOT WIN, I, ERNST OF GALLES AND PROTECTORS OF THE REGIME WILL NOT LET THEM!" Ernst yelled at Abraham's departing figure, clearly unimpressed by his words as he took a swig of his flask.

"HEIL HITLER!"

Next Morning

*Knock*

"Child, it is time for you to be presented to the council." Father Sebastian knocked on the door, and Ricky lifted his head.

"Huh, oh." Ricky rubbed his eyes, reached for his shirt, and stumbled out of bed.

With a swift motion, he scooped Alexander off his feet, while Henry perched comfortably on top of his head.

"Good morning Child, did you sleep well?" Father Sebastian asked, as Ricky scratched his belly and hummed, rubbing his neck with the other hand.

"Then let us go to the council," Father Sebastian said, gesturing for Ricky to follow as he smacked his lips together in mild annoyance.

They walked through countless halls until they reached a room adorned with paintings covering every inch of the walls.

"On the other end is the entrance to the Council," Father Sebastian said, pointing before spreading his hands.

"And these walls display all the heroes of the Vatican, those who sacrificed everything for the greater good and God's grace." Father Sebastion eagerly announced, stepping in front of one distinct painting.

Ricky expected an explanation but received none. He walked over to Father Sebastian and looked at a painting labeled 'Sir Percival'.

"This child is your ancestor, the original Black Knight," Father Sebastian continued, gesturing to the painting.

Ricky felt a shiver of unease as he noticed how closely they resembled each other but unlike Ernst, who inherited his blue eyes and blond hair, Ricky had inherited Percival's distinct structural features, with a jawline that seemed to cut through time itself and was transported onto his own.

"He was a noble man, one who fought not only for the Round Table but for God himself." Father Sebastian said with a smile, recalling how the stories of the Black Knight had been his favorite to hear and tell growing up.

Honestly, deep down, Father Sebastian's reactions toward Ricky were influenced by inherent favoritism as although less known in the States, the Black Knight was a notable figure in Europe.

"He's pretty annoying if you ask me." Ricky scoffed and walked past Father Sebastian, who tilted his head in curiosity.

"Annoying?" Father Sebastian asked as he hurried to catch up with Ricky, who swung open the door.

Inside, a large council of high-ranking Vatican members sat, with the Pope positioned at the center.

As Ricky entered, immediate whispers filled the room, the air buzzing with astonishment at how closely he resembled the portrait of Sir Percival.

"Yeah, yeah, I sort of look like that Percival guy, but before we start, I want something from the church. And since you guys make up the church, listen up," Ricky suddenly demanded, addressing the high-ranking priests as Father Sebastian's face went pale at Ricky's boldness.

"Child wait-"

"You dare make demands in the house of god!" A bishop slammed his hand on the table, but Ricky merely shrugged.

"I do or I shall, or whatever you weirdos say." Ricky said, walking to the center of the room to place himself in full view of everyone.

"BLASPHEMY!"

"THIS HUBRIS SHALL NOT STAND-"

"Quiet." A man with round glasses softly uttered something, yet his voice clearly towered above all, even when it was the quietest.

"Child, I understand that your upbringing may have been different, but in this holy house, I ask that you please conduct yourself in an appropriate manner." The man continued, crossing his hands together and looking down at Ricky.

"And you are?" RRicky didn't even try to follow his words as the man closed his eyes, then opened them again.

"Pope Pius XII." Pius informed him, and Ricky raised an eyebrow, accompanied by a smile.

"Then you're the top brass here, right?" Ricky pointed at him in a boisterous manner, and while the others wanted to object, they couldn't deny that, in a way, he was right.

"From how you speak your words, I am." Pius nodded, while Father Sebastian, standing to the side, prayed quietly with his prayer beads.

"Then before I start these trails, I need you to do something for me." Ricky informed Pius, who raised an eyebrow at his boldness.

"And what is that child?"

"My friend committed suicide, but I need you to give him a Catholic funeral." Ricky said, uttering words no one was prepared to accept as the room fell into silence.

"That is impossible-" One of the bishops was about to shoot him down, but Pius raised his hand.

"If you become the Black Knight, then you will have the authority to make such decisions on behalf of the church, as you will not only have a voice but also be one of the swords of God." Pius said suddenly, his soft words forcing exasperated expression causing all the members to rise to their feet.

"Pius, this is an outrage!" One bishop yelled in disbelief, unable to believe Ricky's, let alone the Pope's, words.

"Child, do you accept the trials put forth upon you by your blood and seek to bring about the glory of God?" Pius asked, ignoring the bishop as Ricky, all smiles, spread his arms in response.

"Yeah, why not!" Ricky laughed maniacally, taunting the surrounding members of the high council who were in disarray at his lackluster acceptance.

"Then place your blood on the center stone and receive your guide." Pius voice echoed submission in the surrounding disgruntled high council, gesturing to the stone monolith in front of him.

"The souls of your ancestors that reside in the holy kingdom will be called down to guide you through these peerless trials. It is proof that you are worthy to partake in such a holy ritual." Pius informed him as the members all turned their gaze toward Ricky.

If Ricky couldn't summon an ancestor, it would prove he wasn't who he claimed to be, and for those who opposed him, this was their last chance to expose him which is why the surroundings suddenly quieted down.

He took the knife lying on the stone monolith, slashed his palm, and pressed it against the monolith, which began to glow with a black hue.

They all closed their eyes, and when they opened them, they were greeted by the shocking sight of a figure never before summoned.

"Sir Percival." Pius whispered under his breath as the mighty Sir Percival of Galles appeared in front of Ricky.

But instead of reverence, Ricky looked at the figure materializing before him in clear annoyance.

"Descendant-"

"Oh great, it's you," Ricky muttered sarcastically, rolling his eyes and cutting him off before Sir Percival could speak as the ghostly figure's eyebrow twitched in response.

"T-This is impossible." The bishop from earlier let out an exasperated sigh at the sight.

"Greetings, members of the Council. You know me well, but I am truly on the side of this young and rude descendant of mine." Percival said, turning to the men in their robes, while Ricky clicked his tongue from the side.

'Great, now I can't get rid of him.' Ricky thought to himself with a slight sigh as the members looked on, unsure of what to make of the situation.

"Sir Percival, it is an honor to be in your presence. But may I ask why you chose this one over Ernst, a member of your direct line?" The bishop asked, voicing the question everyone wanted to hear as Percival nodded in acknowledgment.

"I saw a vision when Ernst first touched the black stone, and it was something I could have never imagined." Percival uttered with a knowing expression, his connection with the black stone was so profound that even in the next life, he remained bound to it, sensing its dark influence across the realms and even through time.

"What did you see?" Pius asked, his eyes widening as Percival cast a light that illuminated unholy images swirling above them.

"Ernst becomes consumed far faster than anyone previously in our family with the ebony blade and wreaks havoc across Europe," Percival spoke solemnly, his hands casting Ernst fate towards all the onlookers.

As the ruthless display unfolded, the members of the assembly instinctively reached for their crosses, their faces etched with concern and resolve.

The scenes unfolded like a bloody horror: thousands of innocent souls fell beneath Ernst's blade, each life extinguished with brutal efficiency as the wielder, himself, bore a bloodthirsty smile, reveling in the carnage he orchestrated all around him.

"I-It cannot be." The bishop spoke, though the images of Ernst killing women and children in cold blood were painfully clear to all of them.

"And what of that child?" Pius spoke, his interest piqued by the decision, as Percival turned to Ricky as he looked up, a frown etched across his face as he took in the grim images.

"I do not know; I cannot see his future," Percival admitted truthfully, leaving the others in uncertain contemplation.

"However, that is why I have appeared to him, to guide him." Percival explained, promising his guidance to the young man beside him.

"Then without further ado, per the rights of the succession of the Black Knight, the trials will begin tomorrow," Pius announced but through the destruction Ricky saw something different.

The images were plastered all around Ricky, a grotesque tapestry of chaos and destruction.

The blade in the vision cut mercilessly through anything in its path, men, women, children, and even the very structures that stood as symbols of civilization all crumbled beneath the smiling Ernst.

However, instead of the horrified expressions seen on the faces of the other holy men, Ricky's eyes shone with deep determination.

The need for power, real power, first seeded within him during his initial defeat against Necrotis, and nurtured and watered by the overwhelming pain he had endured, coddled by the endless failures around him, and weathered by the trauma burrowed within him.

Started to sprout.

"Ricky Luciano, do you accept these conditions to take place within God's home?" Pius asked as Ricky responded without his usual sleazy smile, his eyes fixed on the challenge ahead.

For the first time since entering the holy sanctum, his expression was one of unwavering seriousness.

"I do."

Meanwhile in Ersnt's quarters,

"HE WAS CHOSEN BY PERCIVAL, THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE!" Ernst screeched, his anger erupting as he slapped the bishop who had previously spat out remarks at Ricky during the council.

"Calm down child-"

"HOW CAN I REMAIN CALM WHEN SOMEONE IS TRYING TO USURP MY BLOOD RIGHT!" Ernst roared, his eyes flickering with madness as he slapped the bishop.

The bishop stared at the young man in horror, memories of their past together flashing through his mind.

This was the very bishop who had taken Ernst in after his father succumbed to the madness of the sword, raising him as his own.

From childhood, Ernst had been filled with promises of greatness, constantly pushed to his limits yet consistently achieving only lackluster results and a persistent sense of inadequacy.

This relentless drive to prove everyone wrong and to validate his worth ultimately led him to join the Nazi regime, where he sought to fulfill the grandiose expectations imposed upon him.

The teachings the bishop had tried to impart through his bloodline were twisted by the sadistic ideologies of the Nazis.

They sought to monopolize Ernst's strength for their own gain, and Ernst, deeply influenced by their promises, wholeheartedly embraced the regime's dark ideals.

Though he had once wished to be destined for glory and to fight for God, that dream had long since morphed into something unholy, something that the bishop could only now fully recognize.

"LEAVE ME BE!" Ernst yelled, shoving the bishop aside with a surge of rage, causing the old man to scurry away, leaving Ernst alone in the dimly lit chamber.

Gritting his teeth, Ernst pulled out a letter sealed with a capsule, his eyes blazing with hatred as he stared at the repugnant document and despite his revulsion, he forced himself to tear it open.

Dear Ernst,

I know you think of our race as nothing but scum, but I assure you that is not the case. Although we are divided by our beliefs, we are united by the regime. I wish for us to settle this misunderstanding between us here and now. You are mighty and strong, but if there is ever a time when you thirst for more power, this vial shall suffice in that endeavor.

Sincerely,

Baron Blood.

Ernst harbored a deep-seated contempt for Baron Blood, yet he endured the vampire's presence out of allegiance to the Reich.

Despite his loathing for vampires, the allure of the power Baron Blood promised weighed heavily on him.

"Son, please do not succumb to your hatred-"

"CEASE YOUR WORDS, FATHER!" Ernst turned to the ancestral figure meant to guide him, his own father.

"I will do what I must to claim the birthright you left me for." Ernst declared, gripping the vial tightly as his anger overshadowed his reasoning.

"Whatever the cost, I must take the first step towards my destiny., I must become the Black Knight"

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章節 71: Chapter 70: Cave Of Regrets

1 hour later,

"Ricky!"

*BAM*

The door burst open, and there stood Father Sebastian, his robe slightly askew and his hair in disarray.

"Ernst has entered the cave, you must follow now!" Father Sebastian's voice rang out in a sharp, urgent cry as he stood in the doorway, his eyes locked on Ricky.

Panic flickered in his gaze, his chest rising and falling quickly and Ricky, caught mid-motion with a piece of bread poised near his mouth, froze as the weight of Sebastian's alarm settled in the room.

"Can I finish my-"

"There is no time, Ersnt has initiated the trails meaning you must go now!' Father Sebastion informed, rushing to Ricky and pulling him towards his feet before leading him down the hall.

"I literally just sat down father-"

"By the rules, once a successor enters, the others must enter right after." Percival appeared at his side with a knowing expression, quickly offering an explanation to Ricky who was currently showing an annoyed gaze.

"These rules are so f*cking stupid-"

"Language, child," Father Sebastian interrupted as they descended the ancient spiral staircase into the depths of the Vatican.

The atmosphere grew heavy with an ominous presence, pressing down on Ricky as they approached a vast cavern.

At its entrance stood a weeping woman carved into the stone, her expression haunting and with a slow, grating sound, the gate began to scratch open.

"That's not creepy at all," Ricky muttered under his breath, his eyes fixed on the gates creaking open before him.

The slow, deliberate movement made him feel a little foreboding, but he took a step forward regardless.

Glancing over his shoulder, he noticed Percival lingering behind, rooted in place, his face unreadable.

"Are you not coming?" Ricky asked, his voice tinged with confusion as he turned to face Percival who merely shook his head.

"The Cave of Regrets is the only trial I cannot help you in," Percival said, his tone solemn and unwavering.

Immediately upon hearing the words, Ricky stopped in his tracks, his brow furrowing in confusion as he turned to face him.

"The what?" Ricky stared at Percival, dumbfounded, his confusion deepening.

The weight of Percival's words hadn't fully sunk in, but the unease in his voice was undeniable.

"There are three trails; the cave of regrets, the approval of the past, and the dual of blood-"

"Wait, wait, wait, did you say this is the cave of regrets?" Ricky pointed at the completely void of darkness in front of him with a slightly foreboding feeling as Percival raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, Ricky," Father Sebastian said anxiously, his voice barely steady while trying to gesture him in.

"This is the real Garden Tomb of Jesus Christ, the very place from which he transcended to Heaven." Father Sebastion continued his explanation, his eyes wide, pleading for Ricky to understand quickly.

"In it, Jesus was said to have confronted all his regrets, everything he endured on Earth, and accepted his past. Only then did he ascend." Father Sebastian finished speaking, his eyes searching Ricky's for some sign of understanding. But instead, Ricky took a slow step back, his hesitation clear.

"Listen, Descendant." Percival''s voice softened, trying to steady Ricky's nerves.

"This cave manifests all your regrets, everything you bury deep, and traps you inside until you come to terms with them. But if you're worried, only you will know what you see. No one else will witness it but you." Percival words, though meant to be reassuring, carried an undeniable weight, leaving Ricky completely in a panicked state.

"Whoa, why didn't anyone tell me about this?" Ricky said, his voice edged with disbelief.

The sheer number of regrets crowding Ricky's mind made the prospect of facing them feel insurmountable.

His entire past life and current had been a relentless effort to bury these regrets, shoving them into the deepest corners of his consciousness.

Percival raised an eyebrow from the side, a hint of curiosity in his gaze as he observed Ricky's reaction, perhaps pondering why this was such a shock.

"Ricky, it is the easiest of the three-"

"Child, there is no time, you must enter and exit within twenty-four hours, or you will be lost within its depths forever." Father Sebastian urged, his voice growing more insistent as he hurried him forward, but Ricky remained rooted to the spot.

"Wait so, what will I see? " Ricky asked Percival, clearly uncomfortable and seeking clarification, while Percival regarded him with an understanding expression.

"Everything you've truly regretted will be shown to you, and you must overcome it all." Percival said with a smile, his hand pointing forward but Ricky shook his head in disbelief, while Father Sebastian bit his lip.

"Nevermind, I'm not doing that-WHAT THE!" Ricky, in his efforts to suddenly stop whatever he would see, stopped paying attention for a split second, and in that moment, Father Sebastian pushed him into the encroaching darkness.

"YOU MOTHERF-"

*BAM*

The boulder slammed shut behind Ricky, and he was immediately plunged into darkness.

It felt as though he were plummeting off a cliff, the sensation of falling and descending deeper into the abyss overwhelming his senses as the oppressive blackness closed in around him, each moment stretching into an eternal void.

"May god be with you Child." Father Sebastion gave him a silent prayer, asking for forgiveness for his shrewdness not from Ricky, but God.

*Thump*

Ricky collided with the ground, his eyes snapping shut for a moment from the impact.

When he opened them again, he was met with a strangely familiar scene, as if he had been here before or was reliving a memory as the surroundings seemed to shift and breathe with an eerie, unsettling familiarity.

"Slick, are you okay?" Trevor tapped Ricky's cheek, his figure looming over him in a sharp dress suit, surrounded by a crowd of people.

Ricky looked around in confusion, trying to make sense of the scene unfolding before him, his bewildered gaze darting between Trevor and the unfamiliar faces surrounding him.

"What is-" Ricky let out a breathless sigh, at a complete loss, and turned to the side as there, in the reflection of a glass window, he saw his own image staring back at him that wasn't what he was used to.

"DADDY!" Jessica lunged at him, her face a mix of urgency and relief, while Ricky instinctively caught his daughter.

Sam, her now husband, stood nearby, patting Ricky's shoulder with an overwhelming smile that radiated gratitude for saving Jessica.

"Buddy, you're alright!" Dan flashed a toothy smile as he gazed at Ricky, who stood unscathed.

He dropped the bloodied driver to the ground, the one who was driving that car that barely missed him, with a relieved expression.

Ricky, still holding Jessica clinging and crying in his rented suit, pushed himself to his feet.

"What happened, what's happening?" Ricky asked, his voice tinged with disbelief, as he looked down and saw his old appearance.

He patted his body all over, as if trying to convince himself that it was truly him, the familiar contours and sensations stirring memories he had thought long forgotten.

"You don't remember?" Sam asked, a hint of surprise in his voice and Trevor let out a sigh, though his smile remained.

"That jerk over there almost hit Jessica, and you pushed her out of the way, saving her once again." Trevor said, his tone carrying a note of admiration for once as Ricky scratched his head, feeling a wave of confusion.

"I-this-but-" Ricky stumbled with his words, trying to make sense of it before regaining himself.

"Sweety, can you give me a second?" Ricky asked, and Jessica nodded, allowing him to step back.

As he took a good look around, he realized it wasn't the old New York he had grown accustomed to.

Instead, it was a skyline filled with towering skyscrapers, the bustling cityscape unmistakably marking the twenty-first century.

"But wasn't I-didn't I die?" Ricky was completely and utterly confused by the situation, trying to grasp at straws that always seemed to slip away in his mind.

He turned around to face his reflection, which revealed his old self, as if his next life had been nothing more than a dream.

He rubbed his head, struggling to piece together the fragments of reality and make sense of the surreal scene before him.

"I need a drink." Ricky let out a sigh and walked back into the venue, his mind reeling from the confusion as Trevor rolled his eyes.

"Of course you do." Trevor scoffed, watching as Ricky made his way through the anxious crowd and disappeared into the bar.

"Slick didn't I say you were cut off-" The bartender pointed at Ricky, putting away the bottle of bourbon as Ricky had a sudden thought.

*Inaudible mutter*

*DING*

*BAM*

Ricky muttered a word under his breath, and in an instant, he drove his fist into the bartender's face, sending him staggering backward.

Ricky leaned over the bar, his hand hovering inches from grabbing the bartender, but he clenched the edge tightly instead.

For a moment, he questioned his sanity, doubting the reality of his second chance at life as his knuckles turned white from the force with which he gripped the bar as he whispered a single, fateful word.

'Status.'

"F*cking hell, this isn't real."Ricky let out a curse under his breath, feeling both unnerved and oddly relieved.

The bartender, brushing himself off and chuckling, pulled himself to his feet and set a glass down beside Ricky.

"You are correct, this is not real." The bartender smiled, and in that moment, everything around Ricky seemed to freeze, isolating just the two of them.

The bustling bar fell silent, the world narrowing to the shared space between Ricky and the bartender.

"I am the manifestation of your regret for what could've been." The bartender said with a bright smile, nodding toward Ricky.

Ricky's expression grew wary, the weight of the bartender's words settling heavily on him as he tried to process the gravity of the revelation.

"What are you-"

"Slick, even though you're relieved to have a chance to start over, part of you still regrets leaving this world too soon." The bartender said, spreading his arms as Ricky glanced at the bottle in his hand, the bartender's words resonating with a troubling truth.

"I mean, your current life is a hundred times better than this one, yet a part of you remains regretful and trapped here. Isn't that something?" The bartender poured himself a glass of bourbon, the amber liquid catching the light as he took a measured sip.

"So, is there something I need to do in order to-" Ricky scoffed, gazing at his empty shot glass, proning for a complicated answer only to receive an interruption.

"No, the way to pass this part is to simply walk through that door." The bartender said, pointing behind him.

Ricky turned to see a red door standing alone in the middle of the bar, its presence oddly out of place amid the familiar surroundings.

"That's it." Ricky glanced back at him, raising an eyebrow at how straightforward it all seemed while the bartender took another sip of bourbon, unfazed.

"That's it." The bartender mused thoughtfully, causing Ricky to frown but still, he stood up and made his way to the door.

"That is, if you want to leave." The bartender smiled as everything around him slowly unfroze with Trevor walking into the scene.

"What's the catch, though?" Ricky finally asked, turning back to see the bartender wiping a glass.

"Nothing." The bartender replied, his tone casual.

"But if you stay, everything will play out as if you never left and actually survived that day." The bartender tempted him, giving him another chance at his past life.

Ricky scoffed, dismissing the challenge as easy, and turned his attention back to the door, ready to confront whatever lay beyond.

"Hey Dad, can we talk for a second?" Trevor spoke up just as Ricky's hand rested on the doorknob.

"It's just that, I was wondering if you'd like to come over and meet your grandkids-" Trevor, looking nervous, said as he glanced down momentarily but when he looked up again, Ricky was already walking through the door, disappearing from view.

*BAM*

The door slammed shut behind Ricky with a resounding thud, and the bartender's laughter echoed in the emptiness.

As the sound of his mirth lingered, the image of Trevor began to fade away as if he was nothing more than a mirage.

"As expected of me." The bartender said with a satisfied smile.

As his words lingered in the air, everything around him began to dissolve, and he faded into obscurity, leaving nothing behind but the echo of his self-assured grin.

"Ugh." Ricky grunted out in announcing, appearing in front of a different bartender who gestured to the seat in front of him.

"And what are you supposed to be?" Ricky asked, eyeing the bartender as he smiled and continued cleaning the glass in his hand.

"I'm the regret of what could have been." The bartender replied with a knowing wink as he patted the counter with a casual air, as if the answer was as simple as the gesture.

"Come on, sit." The bartender began to speak, but as Ricky turned around, he found the same bartender standing right in front of him.

"I can't leave can I-"

"Nope." The bartender smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes as Ricky frowned but reluctantly dragged himself over to the bar.

"So what's your shtick?" Ricky sighed heavily, settling onto the stool at the counter as the bartender laughed.

"Well, one of your regrets is abandoning all your lovers in the past when things got rough, so I'm going to give you an option, a choice." The bartender said, setting a shot glass in front of him as Ricky raised an eyebrow in response.

"Either you confront a random lover or you pass on them by taking a shot until you choose the one you confront." The bartender proposed, placing a shot glass before Ricky and filling it to the brim.

"What's the catch?" Ricky asked, heaving out another sigh as the bartender nodded in response.

"You cannot skip the last person I have for you." The bartender said, his tone firm while leaning on the counter and looking him dead in the eye.

"You must see the life you could've had with them if you had stayed." The bartender finished his foreboding words with a chuckle, leaning back as he casually wiped a clean glass.

Ricky frowned, his gaze shifting to the shot glass before him, the weight of the bartender's words settling heavily in his mind.

"Second option-"

"Ricky?" A black woman appeared next to him, revealing herself as the sister of Ricky's loan shark as she sat down a pregnancy test with a slam of her hand.

"I'm pregnant and you're the father-"

*Gulp*

Ricky downed the first shot with a determined gulp, catching the bartender by surprise.

The bartender shrugged, a hint of amusement in his eyes, and nonetheless began preparing another shot.

*Sniff*

"Did you really never love me-"

"Seriously, I didn't even love Jennete." Ricky interrupted the crying girl, pointing at the busty brown-haired woman behind him as the bartender merely shrugged.

"Hey, they're your regrets and not mine, don't get mad at me." The bartender laughed as Ricky took the shot.

An Asian girl appeared next, but Ricky just laughed and downed another shot, continuing the pattern with determined resolve.

"What is this, water?" Ricky asked the bartender with an incredulous expression, clearly unfazed and not even slightly buzzed.

"It's a metaphor-"

"Of course it is." Ricky rolled his eyes, but when he turned around after downing about twenty more shots, he found that no one was there.

The space was empty, each of Ricky's past relationships burning through his mind in a matter of seconds, all while the bartender observed with a detached gaze.

"Wait, is that everyone-"

"Since you took the second option, the one I have for you is beyond that door." The bartender pointed his gaze to the side as Ricky sighed once more, his shoulders slumping as he slowly stood up, bracing himself for whatever lay ahead.

"When I open it, will there be another one of you guys there?" Ricky asked, but the bartender simply shook his head, offering no further explanation.

"No, after me, you will have to guide yourself through it." The bartender informed him.

Ricky downed the shot in a single gulp and then walked purposefully toward the white door, ready to face whatever awaited him beyond.

"Good luck, Slick." The bartender cheered Ricky on, his voice filled with encouragement, as Ricky grunted with effort while pushing open the door.

"Luck's for chumps." Ricky offered his parting words, and as he stepped through the door, the bartender returned to his task, calmly cleaning his glass once more.

"So it is."

Ricky opened the door, and a blinding light seemed to consume him and when his eyes finally adjusted, he found himself on a porch.

"Dad?" Trevor asked, raising an eyebrow, while holding one child in his arms and guiding another by his side.

"Grandpa!" The kid exclaimed with excitement as he ran towards Ricky, who frowned at the unexpected and unsettling scene unfolding before him.

Just as the kid was about to lunge at Ricky, he thrust out his hand and stiff-armed the child's head, stopping him in his tracks.

"I know this isn't real and you're not Trevor, since he's never once let me see his kids." Ricky said with clear annoyance, pointing at him as Trevor's expression shifted to one of confusion and discomfort as he processed Ricky's words.

"Uh, Dad, I come with the kids every other weekend for dinner with you and Mom," Trevor said, his tone laced with confusion.

Ricky's eyes widened, trembling slightly, as he turned around to see a familiar woman he never thought he'd see again.

"Honey, what are you doing standing there? Go set the table like I asked you to," The woman said with a warm smile, giving Ricky a gentle smack on the chest.

Ricky took a step back, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief as he struggled to process the surreal scene.

"Cindy?" Ricky asked, his voice tinged with bafflement as he struggled to reconcile the sight of her with the reality he knew, unable to fathom why she would be here or why she was looking at him with a smile.

"Mom, is he okay?" Trevor asked, handing Cindy the baby as she kissed its forehead affectionately while rolling her eyes, a gesture of both tenderness and exasperation.

"Your father always likes to go too far with his little joke escapades. Just ignore him," Cindy said, beckoning Trevor inside with a mix of amusement and resignation.

Once the door closed, Ricky bolted off the patio and into the nearby field, which stretched endlessly with crops as far as the eye could see.

He ran through the vast expanse until, overcome by exhaustion, he collapsed onto the ground.

Lying there, he huffed with each breath, covering his face as his heart pounded like a drum.

"Are you done?" Cindy leaned over him, her hair dripping down as Ricky avoided her gaze.

"Stop pretending to be my Cindy." Ricky scoffed, turning his head away from her as he struggled to maintain a strong front while his nerves churned inside.

"The real Cindy would've slapped me if she'd seen me like this or just seen me in general." Ricky knew this wasn't real, yet he couldn't bring himself to meet her eyes as Cindy chuckled and bent down to pat his head.

"That's true." Cindy gave him a warm smile as she gently ran her fingers through his slicked-back hair.

"Then what do you want from me?" Ricky finally turned to the smiling Cindy, who gently kissed his forehead, stroking his cheek.

"I want you to spend a day in the life we always dreamed about when we were still together," Cindy said, spreading her hands out in a sweeping gesture as Ricky took in the view all around him.

"We dreamed about being on a farm, what a shitty dream that was," Ricky said, his laced thich with cynicism but Cindy laughed at his words, patting his cheek.

"But it was a happy one, a dream that could've been fulfilled if you had just given it a chance," Cindy said with that same warm smile, extending her hand to Ricky, who still remained extremely hesitant.

"One day, just spend one day with me, and you can finally let go once and for all," Cindy urged, her voice gentle but firm.

Ricky clicked his tongue, wrestling with his doubts, but ultimately took her hand and in an instant, they appeared outside the house, the scene shifting to what could have been.

Walking in, Ricky saw Jessica and Sam already seated at the table, chatting animatedly with Trevor and his significant other.

"Hi daddy!" Jessica beamed him a warm smile and waved, while Sam gave him a nod and a smile that made Ricky feel uncomfortable, the sincerity in Sam's expression seeming almost too earnest.

"Hi grandpa!" The boy waved at him with admiration and Ricky, feeling a bit sheepish, glanced at the kid before nodding in return.

"Dad, are you alright?" Trevor asked with slight concern, noticing that Ricky seemed more awkward than usual.

"I'm sure Ricky is alright; he's probably just still a little mad that his little girl was stolen from him," Nora, Trevor's wife, joked as her comment eased the tension, and everyone laughed immediately.

"Come on, Ricky, you sit at the head of the table," Cindy said, planting a kiss on his cheek as she guided him to his seat as Sam laughed at the scene.

"Well, if our marriage turns out half as good as yours, then I'm sure we'll be just fine." Sam said with a heartfelt smile, while Jessica rested her hand on his with a heartfelt grin.

"Oh Sammy~" Jessica kissed his cheek, deeply touched by the sweet words from her new husband.

"Now, let's dig in shall we?" Cindy wasted no time and promptly began the family dinner.

Ricky could only describe the atmosphere as unexpectedly smooth, a rarity compared to his past experiences.

He often stumbled through heartfelt moments, leaving them in shambles which was why he was so surprised that, despite his nervousness, everything seemed to fall into place, defying his expectations of disaster.

Trevor didn't cast his usual disappointed glare; Jessica didn't need to cover for his mistakes; and Cindy was simply present, adding to the ease of the evening.

The dinner ended on a cheerful note, with everyone departing in good spirits and Cindy walked the last of the two newlyweds to the door, rounding off the evening with a sense of contentment.

"Now have fun in Cabo, you two! Bring me back a souvenir!" Cindy called out, waving as she watched them leave.

Once the door closed, she turned around to find Ricky seated at the dinner table, drinking straight from a wine bottle.

It still didn't taste like anything, but the hope of getting drunk fueled him to drink even more.

"Where did it all go wrong, Cindy?" Ricky asked Cindy in an aggrieved tone, who smiled and walked over to sit next to him.

Cindy didn't respond right away; instead, she grabbed the bottle, poured herself a drink, and laughed at his words.

"Oh Ricky, we both know where it is wrong." Cindy looked up at him with a sad frown as she took a sip, noticing Ricky's silence, showing he wasn't going to add to her comment.

*Sigh*

"It went wrong when everything was going so right. Why couldn't you let us be happy?" Cindy asked, clutching his hand and gazing deeply into his distressed eyes.

"Why couldn't you let yourself be happy-"

"This is stupid." Ricky scoffed, pushing himself away and standing up, pacing back and forth.

"Can't you just yell at me or throw your drink in my face? Seriously, I'm actually begging you," Ricky said in a desperate manner, placing his hands together in a pleading gesture.

"I knocked you up TWICE, and not only that, I slept with your mother and cousin. On a lighter note, I honestly think that little Geoffry might be my bastard, but I'm only 70% sure," Ricky said, trying to distract the gravity of the situation around him with humor.

But Cindy only shook her head, taking another sip, clearly unimpressed by his attempt to deflect away from the conversation.

"You did that after I pressed you about a ring, Ricky. Can't you simply admit that you did all those things because you were afraid of being happy?" Cindy continued to probe the scar on his heart, but Ricky just shook his head.

"When will you forgive yourself for what happened to Danielle-"

"Don't, do not finish that f*cking sentence," Ricky said, his eyes dangerous as he pointed at Cindy, who sighed.

"That is not why I ruined us-" Ricky began, trying to retort with more lies, but Cindy saw through his attempts.

"And here we are, back to the start." Cindy leaned back, Ricky plopping down and collapsing his head into his hands.

"Alright, you want the truth? I was afraid you'd be happier without me, constantly ruining your life. Okay?!" Ricky looked up, confessing why he left Cindy as she smiled at his words.

"I was a wreck when you found me, and I didn't want to keep hurting you, showing up late, waking up a baby Jessica, f*cking up Trevor's life with my crappy personality. I wanted you to smile when all I ever did was make you cry." Ricky let out his grievances, leaning back in the chair and grabbing the bottle of wine, taking a long swig.

Ricky finally confronted his lies and revealed to Cindy the real reason he left all those years ago, choosing to face the truth rather than taking the cowardly route that would have caused her so much pain that she'd be forced to break up with him first.

"If I wanted to drink f*cking water then I would've gotten a fresca from the fridge." Ricky gritted his teeth, frustrated that he couldn't drink away his feelings as he threw the bottle aside in exasperation, and Cindy chuckled as she stood up.

"Thank you, Ricky, for finally telling me how you really felt all those years ago." Cindy said with gratitude, plopping down on his lap and kissing his cheek tenderly.

Ricky caressed her back, still sulking while Cindy rested her head on his shoulder while they sat in a comfortable silence, cherishing each other's embrace.

"Can we-"

"I was waiting for you to ask," Cindy smiled seductively, her eyes twinkling with playful affection.

[Really short R18]

Ricky swept Cindy up in a princess carry, her laughter ringing joyfully through the air as he held her close.

The warmth of her body against his, their hearts beating in sync, created a tender connection between them.

As Ricky spun her around, Cindy's arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer as their laughter echoed toward the bedroom.

Their gazes locked, brimming with unspoken words of love and longing, before they tumbled onto the bed.

Their lips met in a passionate kiss, Ricky leaning down as Cindy cupped his face in her hands and gradually, they pulled away, their breaths mingling as they slowly drifted apart.

"God, you were one of a kind." Ricky smiled and kissed her palm, receiving a raised eyebrow in response.

"Were?" Cindy laughed, which only made Ricky laugh as well as he continued to kiss her palm, their joy and affection palpable.

"My bad, you still are one of a kind." Ricky chuckled as Cindy pulled him closer.

"That's better."

As Ricky and Cindy's lips met once more in a slow, passionate dance, their kisses deepened with each lingering touch.

Their laughter faded into a haze of desire, their bodies moving together as if they've danced this tango a million times before.

The bedroom around them became a sanctuary of whispered promises and heated gazes, the air thick with anticipation.

Ricky's hands traced the curves of Cindy's body, his touch igniting a trail of shivers along her skin.

She moaned softly into his mouth as he remembered the way she reacted to his touch, pulling him closer as they melted into each other's embrace.

Clothes were shed with a sense of urgency and reverence, each layer revealing more of their hunger and devotion.

"I've missed you, I still miss you." Ricky murmured between kisses, his voice husky.

"You're such a flirt." Cindy didn't buy it, and Ricky smiled widely at her disbelief, continuing to scatter tender kisses across her body.

Cindy's response was a wordless plea as she guided him onto her, their bodies entwined in a fervent embrace.

"Ha~" Cindy let out a refreshed sigh as she felt Ricky slip into her pussy, the very same that had given him two beautiful children.

Ricky felt lost in Cindy, who was both his first love and the last person he ever wanted to hurt.

This deep affection made him especially gentle with her as Cindy smiled, taking his hand and pressing it against her cheek as he moved slowly inside her.

"Ah~" Cindy moaned softly, and Ricky bit his lip, reflecting on how foolish he had been to let someone as special as her slip away.

"Ricky~" Cindy moaned, closing her eyes and losing herself to the sensation.

Ricky couldn't resist the urge to pull Cindy closer, his heart pounding with a blend of desire and relief.

Her moans were music to his ears, each breathy utterance driving him deeper into her being.

"Cindy~" Ricky whispered her name like a prayer, his movements becoming more urgent yet still tender.

He kissed her deeply, his lips seeking reassurance in the heat of their embrace while Cindy's fingers traced along his back, nails gently grazing his skin as she surrendered completely to the intoxicating pleasure of their union.

In that moment, nothing existed beyond the touch and connection they shared, a bond strengthened by years of love and longing.

Ricky cherished every sigh, every whimper that escaped Cindy's lips, knowing that this, here and now, was where he belonged yet knowing that he could never really stay.

"You always knew how to make my body bend to you~" Cindy whispered sweet words into his ear that made his spine tingle.

"You always did this, always revving me up on purpose." Ricky chuckled, kissing her tempting lips with that sleazy smile he always adorned.

Cindy's soft moans echoed in the room, mingling with the sound of their rapid breaths and the gentle rustling of sheets.

Ricky, overwhelmed by the depth of his emotions, caressed her cheek, tracing the contours of her face as if memorizing every detail.

In that intimate space, time seemed to slow down, allowing them to savor the intensity of their connection.

They moved together, bodies moving in perfect harmony, their union a celebration of their shared history and the unspoken promises of their future.

Cindy nestled closer, her fingers entwined with his, knowing that in Ricky's embrace, she had found her home while whispering a moan into his ear.

"I'm cumming Ricky~" Cindy seductively whispered, kissing his ear afterwards while closing her eyes while letting herself be taken by Ricky's being.

Ricky held onto Cindy tightly, thrusting gently but with enough force for them to truly feel each other's pleasure.

His cock feeling at home within Cindy, throbbing while her wall's twitched violently until Ricky let out one thrust.

As they both reached their climaxes, they embraced tightly, feeling the full force of each other's love and connection.

[End of really short R18]

*HUFF*

Lying on the bed with Cindy held tightly in his arms, they stared at the ceiling as he rubbed her shoulder slowly and gently.

"What now?" Ricky turned to Cindy, who rested her head on his chest, their bodies intertwined in a comfortable embrace.

"Now, it's time to say goodbye." Cindy looked up with a teary gaze as Ricky hesitated, unsure if he could walk away from her at this moment.

"Can't I stay-"

"You can, but you know I wouldn't want that for you." Cindy caressed his chest gently as Ricky laid his head on the pillow as he turned his gaze to the side, noticing a door nearby.

"I'm sorry for ruin-"

"You didn't ruin my life Ricky, I chose to be with you." Cindy kissed his cheek and gave him a warm, reassuring smile.

"But not everything works out the way we want it to, and that's why you could never let go." Cindy said, patting his chest as she stood up, throwing his clothes at him.

"Now get out of here." Cindy playfully teased as Ricky sighed but reluctantly put on his clothes.

Standing up, he glanced back one last time to see Cindy waving goodbye as he gave her a final smile before stepping through the door.

*THUMP*

A familiar room appeared before his eyes, causing his pupils to shake violently, as if in an earthquake while his breath began to come in rapid, shallow gasps.

"No, no, no-"

"Ricky, will you read me a bedtime story?" A little girl's voice asked cutely from behind Ricky, causing him to suddenly go pale at her mere voice.

"Ricky?" The girl called out in confusion, but Ricky refused to turn around, covering his ears and scrunching into a ball.

"Ricky, I know you can hear me." The girl called out, gently tapping his shoulder, but Ricky's breathing began to quicken.

Ricky's chest tightened, each breath coming in short gasps as his heart hammered in his chest, its rhythm erratic and loud in his ears.

Sweat beaded on his forehead as his vision blurred and his hands trembled uncontrollably.

He felt trapped, overwhelmed by a sense of impending doom, as if the walls were closing in around him.

Panic surged through him, a wave of fear and helplessness that threatened to drown him as he closed his eyes, trying to calm himself, but the panic only seemed to intensify.

Ricky muttered, shutting his eyes tightly and pressing his palms against his ears to block out the noise but despite his efforts, the words still trickled through.

"Will you read me a bedtime story, please Ricky-"

"NO!" Ricky yelled as he opened his eyes, facing the unsettling sight of a young girl who eerily resembled Sofia.

"Not today Danielle, I have plans." Behind Ricky stood his younger self, a teenage version of him shaking his head with an annoyed expression.

"I quit."

Author's Note: The status is really big and I saw the commetns so I just made an auxillary chapter mb

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