Hunter couldn't breathe for a moment. He was terrified, thrilled, and confused all at once. Caleb merely stared at him, likely waiting for him to talk first.
"I.."
"I wanted to tell you sooner," Caleb spoke in a near whisper, tilting his head. "But I didn't want to frighten you. You've been so busy and.. well, I guess now that you found out it's about time I show myself, huh?"
"Your.. ears. They're round."
"I was born that way," Caleb tsked in response, frowning. "It runs in the family. Well, parts of it."
"So you've been here all this time then? Is it true that our family was cursed?" Hunter spoke, nearly choking on air.
"... More or less, I guess. I don't know all your uncle has told you, but I do know that there's more you should know- in time."
"Wait, like what?" The teen blanched when Caleb's cold hand touched the top of his head. The ghost offered a sad smile, ruffling the ash blonde locks.
"You'll see. Don't worry. I'll always be around here. If you haven't noticed, I've been.. pulling some strings. That palisman of yours? And yes, I've noticed-"
"PLEASE don't tell anyone! I know you and uncle hate wild magic but- he's harmless, I promise. And-"
Caleb frowned again, sighing deeply. "Oh, Hunter.." He said, quiet as a mouse with all the gentleness of a mother. "I wouldn't dare tell anyone. After all, well.. I know how much the bird loves you, and you need a friend like him. Besides, palismen are only dangerous in the wrong hands. Once bonded with you, they're loyal to you and your wishes alone. You share the same deep wish.. and he'll die for you."
Hunter calmed a little, bowing his head. "Yes, sir. Thank you."
"You mustn't be so formal. I'm no sir. I'm no royalty. It sounds.. odd. No. Just call me Father. Or.. Caleb if you think that fits better. After all, we still need to get to know each other better, don't we?" The ghost ruffled his hair again before drawing back, winking. "And out of the two of us, I'm more of a troublemaker anyhow. Formalities aren't necessary."
"Troublemaker? But you're the Emperor's brother. You raised him and he's-"
"A little bit of a stick in the mud, I know. Never lets anybody have any fun. If I can find a way to distract him, maybe you ought to go out and.. be a teen. Put my troublemaking to good use."
"Si- Father, you don't have to do that. I couldn't. I'd get in big trouble. Besides, the Titan has.."
"Big plans for you? Doesn't mean you can't make friends. It's normal for young men your age to have regular connections outside the castle! Don't worry, I'll cover for you."
That was the same thing Darius had said. In fact, they were saying a lot of the same things..
Maybe he would listen..
Maybe.
"Fine. Only if you promise to also not tell anyone about my palisman."
"Of course, son," Caleb hummed, turning up his chin. "Your secret is safe with me."
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"Okay. Can.. can you hear me? Can you talk to me? If you're here, show me a sign."
A book fell off the shelf. Hunter startled and shot up instantly.
"Good.. You're here then. Dad? I- mmh, can you use the radio? The signal is reversed, but if you can pull words from the-"
The radio crackled to life, giving a muffled, "-am.. ere. Hun-. . Ter."
Hunter exhaled softly, scooting closer to the radio, running his hand over the top of it. "I've.. I've always wanted to talk to you, I guess. My family. Uncle says you and he weren't.. on the best of terms when you died. Is that true?"
"It.. t..ue. not . Est ..t- erms."
"He also says the beast is connected to you. Is that correct?"
Another book fell to the ground. Hunter assumed that was a yes. His brows furrowed and he stood up, looking around.
"Where... where are you?"
"E-.. ind you."
Behind you.
When Hunter turned around again, he was face-to-face with a tall figure- a ghostly apparition of a man who looked much like himself.
A man with a hooked nose, one good eye, and was litered with scars.
Caleb Wittebane.
His father.
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Feeling rather incompetent with everything and I'm gonna need income to continue eating a decent amount sooo.. if anyone wants to commission me I'd really appreciate it.
I've been sick off and on so much and my schedule is not kind to me so the job I had wasn't working out and I've decided to give it up as not to waste their time. And I just donated blood so I'm stuck in the house trying not to do anything too strenuous so.. plenty of time to draw for folks. Anything helps.
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Bird..... don't judge me okay. I just love them. Such a creature The middle ground between spryth and Caleb makes Caleb look like a plucked pigeon with anger issues. He's constantly "snarling" because his teeth stick out. Too big for his mouth 😔
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