TW: Gore
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They were quiet throughout the ride towards the casino where their raid takes place. Anthony and Aegir were sitting together on the backseat of the car while Saint, the owner of the car they're riding was on the front seat with the driver. 
Anthony's sweat was palpable, his hands were wet and his brows were dripping with perspiration. The car was fully air-conditioned but Anthony felt suffocated. He was nervous. It wasn't his first mission and he should be okay with it now but he just couldn't. His heart was beating loudly against his chest. 
He took a deep breath, his eyes rested on the new ring placed on his middle finger, it was a simple ring made of silver, a single red stone lying in the center. All who took the mission had similar rings - it was the device made by Cross designed to mask their presence and to teleport. The rings were supposedly for the others who will join the raid upon Anthony and Aegir's signal but Cross chose to make one for them too, including Saint; who forced Cross for it much to the blacksmith's chagrin. 
Once the red of the stone faded to white - it marked the end of its capability to teleport that's why they needed to use it wisely. It can only be activated by magic so it's practically useless for Saint who can only enjoy the perks of masking his own presence. 
They already talked about this but Anthony was still feeling uneasy as if there was an anvil dropping on his stomach. His mind just couldn't stay still. He wants to save others but he also wants to stay alive with Aegir. His eyes went into the person by his side - Aegir whose hands on his chest and face were a little bit paler than normal. 
They knew that they might encounter Hale and even with his uncle Trace's help, they weren't sure they could withstand Hale's power. 
With a voice almost a whisper, enough for Aegir to hear, Anthony spoke, "Promise me that you will be okay. " His eyes were laced with worry as he took Aegir's cold hand. Aegir swallowed his saliva, his fingers were now grasping Anthony's own. He slowly nodded before he tilted his body to face his master. 
The expression on his eyes matched Anthony's but there was also courage deep within his forest green eyes. He is scared but he wants to trust their plan. He wants to be optimistic that nothing bad will happen tonight. "Master, we will be okay. We just need to do our best. " His voice was slightly trembling, his jaw in a tight tension - a way he could think of to push his courage even though deep inside he felt like crying. 
Aegir smiled a little, in times like this; they only need to console themselves. "Do you remember the first time we encountered enemies together? " he asked, reminiscing about the moment where they were both cowards and were only able to escape by chance because of Vin's help. 
Anthony sighed, closing his eyes; trying to think about the memory that Aegir talked about. A small smirk crept on Anthony's lips. "You slapped me that time because I couldn't comprehend the situation. I just couldn't think straight that day. " Anthony remembered how he always forced himself that he was just dreaming. That it was Aegir, even on the verge of crying, had done something so they could have a little chance against their enemies. 
A soft chuckle erupted on Aegir's throat, shaking his head. "You're an idiot that time but I guess we're just both lucky. " Anthony nodded his head in agreement. Aegir's smile never faltered and his tone was gentle as he uttered the next words, "But before we knew nothing, there were no other people supporting us. But this time, master. We have the power to fight. We have the chance. " Aegir raised one of his fists, showing his conviction. 
Anthony could understand Aegir's sentiments. He's not that weak anymore - he could protect himself now with his power but the hesitation in his eyes never left as he replied towards Aegir, "What if... " his words were interrupted by Aegir placing his index finger in between Anthony's lips to silence him. 
But Anthony could still feel that he's not yet refined. What if even in his state... he's still powerless against their foes? 
Aegir hushed him. "We're not alone, Master. You're not alone. We need to trust ourselves. We have a plan, right? We couldn't say we had failed unless we tried it. " Anthony reluctantly nodded. Artemisia had thought this thoroughly. Maybe it's okay to be a little confident. Maybe Aegir's affirmation would work. 
They would manage to fool their enemies tonight. It's the last thing they should do. 
Artemisia had divided them into two groups using the information his uncle Trace had provided, the other group consisting of Artemisia, Alucard, and the others would attack one of their enemies' bases this would redirect their attention away from the farm and that would allow them to conquer it. 
Saint was just listening to them, quite envious of the strong bond they have. It's something he didn't have all his life and he doesn't really hope that it'll be given to him. With a smile on his face, he tried to be part of their conversion - clearing his throat to catch their attention. 
"We're near, remember to act dignified or else they'll be wary of you. " He reminded them. He already told them this before but he just doesn't know what more to say to start a topic. It was Aegir who replied to him with a cold voice - rather different from the tone he was using to Anthony. 
"We already know, we'll keep our act together, so must you, " Aegir also reminded him, it was a threat rather - that he mustn't act impulsively that can cause their mission to be jeopardized. 
Before this day, Aegir talked with him personally and he never felt threatened all his life but that day. The cat-person told him that if he really insists on throwing away his life - don't cause Anthony any trouble. Aegir told him that Anthony was worried about him and if he did anything rash that could affect Anthony - Aegir promised to make his life not easy. 
Saint found it amusing but the look that was thrown to him that day was feral and he couldn't lie that he didn't feel scared. Honestly, he doesn't want to go back there anymore - to that dreadful place but he also felt responsible for those victims and he wants those horrible people to be punished. He wants to witness it with his own eyes. 
And...he just couldn't stop himself from involving himself in something that would ease his boredom. It made him feel something. 
Vin was getting irritated by his behavior but it was an addiction for him that he couldn't stop. 
He wouldn't let them discard him after this mission. He wants to feel needed so he could still be part of their world. A selfish wish for a human but he'll make sure to achieve. 
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