The true abaut the Faust‘s
Colap whit @loosesodamarble
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Sterling pressed a cheek and both hands to Josele's bared stomach, a look of concentration on her face.
"The baby isn't kicking," Sterling muttered while leaning back and pouting up at Josele. "You said they'd kick, Mother."
"The baby isn't big enough yet," Josele said with a smile and laugh. She leaned into the armchair she was seated in. "If we give them more time, the baby will kick eventually."
"I know you're excited, but show some patience, little starling," Nacht remarked while patting Sterling on the head. Sterling puffed out her cheeks but gave a quiet nod.
"For the time being, we need to see if the child is healthy now," Heinrich commented while walking up to the family of three. He knelt before Josele and hovered his hands over her belly, creating an aura of magic around the two of them. "It's time for a check up on the little one."
"Or ones," Josele giggled. "I honestly hope it's twins."
Nacht chuckled and shook his head. "Is it me or do you like dealing with the trouble of twins?" To his question, Josele laughed but said nothing.
After about a minute of Heinrich's magic enveloping Josele, he ceased the spell and stood up, grinning. "I can't tell if it's twins yet but regardless, the baby is in good shape right now."
"That's wonderful. And thank you again for checking, Heinrich," Josele said while rubbing her belly.
"It's especially good to know that the devil blood hasn't negatively affected them," Heinrich remarked, sighing contently.
There was a discernible pause in the conversation.
"What?" uttered Josele, face having gone pale.
Heinrich blinked owlishly before letting out an awkward laugh. "Ah, so you don't know... The thing is, if one makes a devil contract, it tends to affect one's children. Nacht has four contracts active and you had one with Almatra. There's also the negative mana embedded in you. What's more, the Faust family has a bit of devil's blood running through them." Heinrich smiled all too blithely as he explained.
"Sterling, go to your room," Nacht whispered while gently coaxing his daughter into his shadow. "Mother and Father need to speak to Grandpa privately."
"O-okay..." Sterling whispered while letting Nacht's Shadow Magic take her away.
Once the child had fully departed, Nacht turned and glared at Heinrich.
"Let me get this straight. You're saying that the contracts that Josele and I have made are going to punish any children we have?" Nacht asked while stepping closer to his wife. "And since when did the Faust family have devil's blood?"
"Well it's been there since I made my deal with Lucifugus, of course," Heinrich answered plainly, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Nacht Looks unbelievable at Heinrich “what do you you mean grandfather?
Heinrich looks then whit a smile at him “this what I said I did have a pact whit him as my son whas make my child and sadly needed Lucifugus bring my son back too live too” Nacht and josele look’s shocked at him but josele did remember this Heinrich did tell something like this in the past this he’s child did survive because of Lucifugus josele looks then at Heinrich “but my children are going be fine Heinrich?” Heinrich looks at her then “oh yes most of the Faust just get’s some a other hear color and most of the Faust live mush longer and looks young ore other rare body condition but some get’s sadly the fear of lightning inherited like you Nacht “ Nacht look’s irritated at him “I’m not scared of lightning” Heinrich looks then sad at him “yes you did I did Wunder this you not scream as I did see you whit luck you must know this you get the fear from Lucifugus the fear is so big from him this he did even kill peoples whit light magic if he can’t run away there his psyche and body fell mush pain but luckily you body don’t getting hurt as fare I know it’s make just you psyche instabil “
Nacht looks then at Heinrich “do want’s too say this my brother just died because of this stupid fear?!” Say he looking at Heinrich wo smile sad at him
"Simply put, yes," Heinrich replied. His expression was soft, pained, and apologetic all at once. "It's only natural to want to eliminate a possible threat to us. And for Lucifugus, when confronted with a user of Light Magic, he lashed out."
Nacht gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. "That still... It doesn't make sense. My parents and their followers all died before Morgen did. Why was it only after the relic was destroyed that Morgen...?" His voice trailed off.
"It's possible that Morgen had a warding spell active to protect him," Josele reasoned quietly. "But when he destroyed the relic... He made himself vulnerable."
Heinrich gave a soft hum. They were trying to make sense of the tragedy, even years after the fact. Though Heinrich still didn't know the full story, he could tell that the pain ran terribly deep. He could see grief etched upon their faces and the darkness of guilt in their eyes. Heinrich approached Nacht and Josele. He placed a hand on Nacht's shoulder and atop Josele's crown.
"I'm sorry that my husband took Morgen away from the both of you," Heinrich whispered. He closed his eyes and let his thoughts wander. "Perhaps my view is a bit warped after years in the Underworld but I think that if Lucifugus understood who Nacht and Morgen were, as my descendants, such a tragedy never would've occurred. He would've realized that he would be attacking my and his own kin. But... his fear of light overwhelmed him so much so that he could only think to destroy."
"Tch. This whole time... I was related to the damn devil who ruined everything," Nacht muttered as he took a step back from Heinrich.
Heinrich looks sad at him „he did not destroy everything Nacht you are here josele and yami are here too as fare I know and at least I can say you devils are here too they are a part of the Faust family too there they did have a past pact whit a Faust too you have Famile
Nacht glare at Heinrich „ are there more think’s you want’s too tell my grandfather“
Heinrich looks at Nacht and josele „too be honest I don’t know my child time will tell but what I can say the Faust family can Safe summons devil and use them whit out dying jostles family too there witches and they children are really good compatible whit devil so the devil’s would not kill You children at first but the devil’s will go after you children too use them you can be lucky this Gimodelo and the other did. like you and make a pact even you make a devil he can’t harm you they will find a way too harm you Ore bring you lost control so take care this you children don’t summons so easily devils
Josele look’s shocked at Heinrich and Nacht more pisset
"So there's more risks for our children? It's not just the influence of negative mana but being targeted by devils too!" Nacht snapped and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Why? It feels like the family is cursed to suffer..." He took a deep breath while trying to keep his growing panic at bay.
"Nacht, child, they're only potential risks, not guarantees," Heinrich responded in a gentle tone. "So long as you and your future children are careful, then everything should turn out fine."
"It'd still be preferable if there weren't such... severe risks involved," muttered Josele as she rose to her feet. She placed her shaking hands on her stomach. Pregnancy always came with a bit of risk but the nature of the ones Heinrich spoke of...
"I understand that." Heinrich nodded. "But you two are familiar with defending your child, no?"
"Well yes. Of course we'll protect our kids..." Josele answered, her voice trailing off. "But..." She looked to Nacht and he met her gaze. They understood each other in silence. Josele turned her head to face Heinrich again. "If you knew about all this, then why didn't you say something?"
"Why didn't you warn us?" Nacht pressed, his tone a little less forgiving than Josele's.
"I didn't find it necessary to tell you because, as I said, the risks aren't guaranteed," Heinrich explained with a curt shake of his head. "Furthermore, you had already made your decision regarding children and I didn't want to scare you out of your choice."
"We still had a right to know," Nacht said.
"So you're saying you wouldn't have reconsidered whatsoever if I told you sooner?" Heinrich asked in a challenging tone. The question made Nacht's glare falter. Heinrich sighed. "The presence of devils doesn't mean any child you have is destined for misery. Like I said, Lucifugus didn't destroy every bit of happiness in your lives, even if Morgen was a great loss to the both of you. I'm sorry for not saying anything sooner but... You two are strong, aren't you?"
"That's..." Josele shook her head. "There's more to it than being strong. We just... wanted a better life for our kids. A safer one... And knowing there's more danger for our potential kids because of us, you get how we'd worry."
Heinrich nodded. "It's the nature of a parent to worry, I know."
"We wouldn't need to fear for them if it weren't for our own damned existences..." Nacht grumbled.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Heinrich asked.
"If you hadn't made your deal with Lucifugus, if the Faust family was never what is was... Then this could've been avoided, dammit!"
Heinrich let out a gasp and his heart tightened in shock.
"Nacht, you don't know what you're saying. If I hadn't made the deal, my son wouldn't have lived. You wouldn't have even been born..."
"And maybe the world would've been better off that way..."
In the moment slap Heinrich Nacht across the face and crying „don’t you dare too saying this Nacht „hissing he
Nacht and josele looks shocked there Heinrich never did a outburst every form
Heinrich looks more upset at Nacht and sad „I know this not all is in live good but this is live Nacht think’s like this needs too be happen I know what I tell
Josele looks concerned at Nacht and Heinrich „Is this not too hart of both of you I Mea- in this Moment glare Heinrich at josele and interrupt her
„You tow don’t know what I did too Safe my child if I whas not it can be gone worse but you really believe I had I chose in this pact? You don’t know nothing
Nacht glare at Heinrich and go’s in front of him „what do you mean he is you dam husband „
Heinrich glare at him“ at first this whas not a pact it’s whas Beth more as a pact and even whit out him I did kill my self do not take live easy Nacht and say you would be likely death even you have a beauty full wife like josele my past wife did. gone insane she whas mentality so I’ll this she did drown my son into a river and did kill her self in front of my eyes I did seal my body too Lucifugus at first too bring my child back too live and you dare too say you throwing you live away like this“say he hissing and crying at him whit a hurt face
"If you're going to take my sacrifice for granted and spit in the face of everything I've done, then I'll just take my leave," Heinrich snapped before turning and storming towards the door. "Pardon me for not stopping you two from having a family." Venom dripped from his voice as he spoke. "And for causing you to exist at all, Nacht."
"Wait, Heinrich!" Josele called out, reaching a hand towards him even.
But it was too late. Heinrich was already out the door. The pressure of his pained anger and his mana left with him.
"Everything he's done..." Nacht scoffed. He touched the side of his face which Heinrich struck and flinched when the throbbing pain sunk in. "The nerve of that old man..."
"Oh Nacht..." Josele reached over and caressed her husband's face with a bit of healing magic, making his bruise go away. After that, she pulled away from him. "I'm scared for our child - children - too." She pursed her lips and fought back tears. "I don't want to see Sterling or any child other of ours get hurt and yet..."
Nacht clicked his tongue. "And he made it sound like we're not allowed to be bothered with... with everything he said!"
"Darling, Heinrich never said anything like that," Josele said and shook her head. "But it did feel like... His reaction was..." She clutched her hands to her chest. "Gods, what have we done? Every time I think our family is on the mend..."
"Josie!" Nacht immediately turned to Josele and held her shoulders. "D-don't worry. Don't stress yourself. For the baby's sake!"
Josele removed Nacht's hands and shook her head. "Nachty... I can't not worry." She looked into Nacht's eyes then at the empty doorway. "But... Isn't Heinrich right? At least a little. If he hadn't made that deal then... You, Morgen, Discordia, and Ida never would've..."
"I'm not exactly in the mood to be grateful for being part devil..."
"... It's okay... I think we all need time to think on it anyway..."
A tense silence took over the room.
Heinrich Storm in the black bulls house all fell he is mad even Ida don’t dare too say something too him as she see him what the hell happened?! He just wants too look’s after Nachty and josey baby’s holy shit
Heinrich storm into he’s Rome and try too calm down
Heinrich did know this Nacht is suicidal but this he would wishing something like this…..Nacht is like him as he whas human mostly bevor…..
But then came a small voice from Johan „papa?
Heinrich try too fast calm down and smile at he’s child „what is my free bird?“
Johan looks scared at him“are you ok papa ?
Heinrich looks concerned at he’s child „don’t be scared my child I did have just a talk what don’t go well „then smile he at Johan now there he calm down thank too Johan understand he the concern of Nacht but Heinrich want he’s children safe and Nacht is he’s child too
Johan looks at him“ Ida did. looks concerned and the other too as I did play whit Sterling we Wunder just did we what wrong?
Heinrich looks At Johan„oh no your did never my child but the adults did have just a intensive talk nothing more it is ok if you play whit the other papa neet too looks after something say the other if they ask I’m out collecting medicine…“ after all even Heinrich is mad josele need her vitamin‘s for a safe pregnancy.
Johan:ok papa !“ say he and run of
The next time Heinrich visited House Faust, it was to deliver vitamins to Josele. A few days had passed. But the hurt feelings were still healing, at least for Heinrich. Josele answered the door with a weak smile. And she didn't look him in the eye while they talked.
"How has Nacht been since we..." To say they "talked" would be inappropriate. The last interaction's final bitter note still made Heinrich stir uncomfortably when he thought about it. "How's he been since I last saw him?" Heinrich asked.
"He's..." Josele looked at the ground then shook her head. "Worrying." She clutches the parcel of vitamins to her body. "Thank you for dropping these off, Heinrich." She glanced upwards, if only for a second. "Did you... want to come in for a drink?"
Heinrich shook his head. "Oh no. I've got other business to attend to." He took a step back from the door. "Besides, you still seem to be lost in thought."
"Hmm, yeah. I'm stumbling around, completely blind," replied Josele.
Quietly, Heinrich nodded along.
In the time since the confrontation, Heinrich had thought about the words that had been said.
Heinrich had wanted them to have children as they intended but also wanted them to be aware of the dangers. So the timing of his words seemed alright. Yet he couldn't shake the look of shock and fear on Josele's face. Then there was the rage Nacht had shown. He had called them strong yet held back information, thinking that it would hold them back...
But Nacht's words stung. They practically burned in Heinrich's chest. Saying the world would've been better without the Faust family. How could Nacht be so ungrateful for his own existence? One blessed by siblings and friends and a kind wife? Not only that, but Nacht had his own child and he didn't think of how cruel it'd be to imply that a parent shouldn't have loved their child enough to save them.
Even Josele’s words had hurt. She probably didn’t intend it to, but Heinrich felt accused of keeping the information from the couple as long as he did in order to hurt them. It was though her fear for her child manifested as her searching for something to protect them from… And the danger had been identified as Heinrich.
Right or wrong... It was so unclear to Heinrich. Was there even a way for one side to be "right" in their situation?
"Josele... You and Nacht are still my grandchildren. And I... want to support you in any way I can."
"Thank you for all you do, Heinrich," Josele said, her smile growing a little stronger, and kinder. "I'm glad you saved your son all those years ago. That you made it possible for me to meet Morgen and Nacht..."
There was an unspoken "but" as her voice trailed off.
"Being a devil or being influenced by negative mana doesn't automatically make someone a bad person. I would've wanted kids even if I knew the risks sooner. But you didn't say anything..." Josele's expression slowly fell into a frown. "It's like being told to jump off a ledge but only after I've taken the leap that I find out it's a 10 meter drop and not a 10 centimeter one like I anticipated."
Heinrich pursed his lips at the comparison. While not one-to-one, it certainly painted a picture.
Josele sighed, "I'm sorry for..." She paused and shook her head. "You said you had other business and I'm keeping you."
Something about the apology seemed off. Like Josele was going to apologize for something else entirely. But Heinrich nodded and took another step from the door. If Josele wanted to wait for a greater apology, then it only made sense to give her the space.
Heinrich looks at josele whit a sad smile „it’s ok I understand as I whas a „Human“ I whas in a similar situation but I did have nobody too support my but you have Nacht my child you are a strong woman whit fare the strongest I know I’m happy Nacht have you all I just what’s you too know I’m happy too have you and Nacht I’m stupid for making the mistakes
Josele let’s out some tear’s of the wort’s „thank you Heinrich…..“ josele Wunder what Heinrich mean similar situation but she is too exhausted too ask she can fell Heinrich hold something back what hurt him badly too
Heinrich go then“ I wish you luck josele……“ then whas he gone
Josele go then back in the house she doesn’t know how too fell even knowing Heinrich hold something back but she can understand it in some point he is scared too destroy he’s last family bond he have
Nacht came then too josele: are you ok my love what did he tell you again I swear if he drops more info’s we don’t know I swear „say he mad
Josele looks concerned at him „ he just dropped the vitamin‘s and did say sorry….. nothing more…”
Nacht Looks then at her „ let’s stop talking abaut him let’s eat my love
Josele looks then whit a small smile at him“ yes this sounds lovely
In the next day knotting it at the door as josele open the door see she Johan
Josele: oh Johan I’m sorry Sterling is not home”
Johan looks then sad at her “ oh ok “ but then concerned “ is something whit the baby’s papa looks concerned if he came back
Josele looks then at Johan he is a good child she did remember the day he whas born Heinrich whas full of joy but she did remember then this Heinrich did tell this he whas not lucky too see he’s first child grow after what Heinrich did tell she fell bad no Wunder Heinrich did. have a out burst at Nacht he is as just traumatized
Johan look’s then at her and fell the negative emotion and brings josele out of her tough “ but in case don’t tell papa I did bringing some zweet !!!!” Say he and give her a bag of candy’s
Josele smile at him warm “ thanks Johan do you want’s come in ?
Johan smile then at her “ no thanks have a good day “say he and run smiling away
Josele then go in the house
Nacht sat cross-legged in front of Morgen's grave. Even after everything they'd been through as brothers, the betrayals and death and pain... If there was anyone who would hear out Nacht, it would've been Morgen.
You look upset, brother, Morgen would've said with a sad smile. What is it?
"I'm still not over what Heinrich said. Everything pisses me off," Nacht muttered while plucking some of the grass around him. "The fact that he knew, that he kept it from us, that he didn't seem to think he was in the wrong!"
The image of Morgen shaking his head pensively crossed Nacht's mind. Holding onto your anger won't do any good...
"Aren't I allowed to be angry?! Information that affects my child's future was kept from me and there's nothing I can do about it!"
Of course you can be angry! But please don't drive your loved ones away. Not again. Morgen's saddened eyes filled Nacht's mind.
Nacht flinched. He and Morgen could've been closer if only Nacht allowed it. He remembered how Josele and Yami had been hurt by his anger getting the better of him. He'd been estranged from Discordia and Ida as well. And now it was Heinrich's turn to be hurt.
"My child's future though... Because he made that damn deal with Lucifugus."
You wouldn't be here to fret about your child if he hadn't made the deal.
"I keep reminding myself of that and I still can't let it go!" Nacht snapped and balled up his hands, taking a bit of grass and dirt with him. "Why'd it have to be Forbidden Magic? Why did Lucifugus need to taint our bloodline the way he did? Why is it that every time I try to move on and live a normal life, I stumble upon a new curse on my life?!"
You shouldn't go thinking that your life is a punishment, you know. You let fear dictate so much of your life...
Nacht raised his head, only to be met with the sight of Morgen's grave.
"How can I not when shit like this happens?"
Remember that Heinrich made the deal out of love to save his child. Not out of resentment towards his descendants who wouldn't exist for several more centuries.
"When you put it like that..." Nacht's shoulders sank.
A bit of perspective can help, Morgen would've said while nodding. Life may not always be easy but when you consider it a gift, it becomes easier to bear.
Nacht was quiet for a moment. Then, "I bet you'd say it's especially true for our family, given the circumstances."
"Morgen... Wouldn't you be angry if you were in my place?"
I'd certainly be shocked. But we turned out alright, didn't we?
"Well you turned out better than me so you can say that more confidently..." Nacht reached out and touched Morgen's headstone. "Thank you, Morgen. Even if it was just me talking to myself in the end, I'm glad I could come to you..."
Nacht rose to his feet and wiped his hands clean of the soil and grass.
The weight on his shoulders had eased. But he knew in his heart it wouldn't fully go away until he spoke to Heinrich again.
Heinrich whas surprise too say at least too hear this Nacht and josele wants too talk too him too be honest he thinks this Nacht would be fare longer mad but here he is he did drop Johan by yami and charlotte
Johan go’s too the door he just hear josele and Nacht talking but he knock on the door he is not the Typ too overhear Konversation whit out there permission
Then open Nacht the door „grand father……“
Heinrich just Stare at him whit a formality smile „Nacht….it’s nice too see you „say he and steps in wo he see josele sitting „josele…. Nice too see you how are the baby’s?”
Josele give him a weak smile” I’m fine it’s just tiring right now
Heinrich looks then at Nacht and josele “ok let’s talk I’m truly sorry too tell you too late abaut all of this…..
Nacht looks at him “you should be but I get you point in some part’s grandfather
Josele looks at both Mann “ I can understand you after thinking some day’s why you not tell us this not this I I’m happy this you did tell us this this late but I understand why you did it Heinrich but it’s hart too take all of this
Heinrich looks at josele but then looks he at Nacht wo did then talk “I’m not happy too be a part of Lucifugus too make it clear
Heinrich looks then sad at both” I’m sorry but you are more human if can call it as a devil Nacht the only think this show devil treats are just you magic and eyes but you are a perfectly norm human wo just age slowly
Nacht looks at Heinrich whit a glare “if it is this call you Normal…….
Heinrich looks then at both “ too be true my looks on things are mush deference from you I did live over thousand of years in the underworld and this can be happen this my view of think’s are different devils take normally think’s rare seriously so I mesh lost some some of my emotional thinking if it’s came too this there it’s not a big harming too my…..I’m sorry really I did zero intention too put my family in deanger ore harming way’s…….
"And we're sorry too," Josele responded softly. "We were being protective of our child but we took it too far and lashed out. We didn't see how you were thinking of us, even when you explained yourself right then!" She took a deep breath and scowled, as if scolding herself. "You deserved none of that, Heinrich."
"The revelation was just too sudden for us," muttered Nacht. "You had your reasons... But the timing..."
Heinrich nodded. "It wasn't the best. Again, sorry."
"You've said it once so there's no need to repeat," Nacht stated, a bit stiffly. "But thank you for acknowledging your share of the fault. I apologize for being... so callous to your sacrifice, and not appreciating my existence which your choice eventually led to." He touched a hand to his chest and clutched the fabric of his shirt. "I'm still learning... Learning to focus on the good in my life."
"It's hard to believe your struggle with that since I see there's much to appreciate in your world," Heinrich replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. But the sentiment from him. was truly sincere. "And... the apology is accepted. Personally, I don't understand how you wouldn't be grateful to exist, but I suppose that's just my detachment from humanity speaking."
"You're not totally detached though. You're still very in tune with the feelings of a parent, something I doubt any other devil has," Josele remarked, touching her cheek in a gesture of deep thought.
"Ah yes, that's true." Heinrich rose from his seat and approached Josele and Nacht, his arms stretched out for an embrace.
Quietly, Nacht and Josele rose from their chairs to accept the gesture.
"You're good children. And I'm certain you'll make excellent parents." Heinrich stepped back from the hug and looked to Josele. "Are you two going to be okay with your child, even after everything I've said?"
"We're prepared for whatever challenge we face as parents," Josele said reassuringly.
"Though we might need to consider some new things in light of what we learned," added Nacht. "But we're definitely not backing down. The child's been conceived and if all goes right, they'll be born healthy and strong."
"And we'll raise them with all the love in our hearts." Josele's hands went to her stomach, as if it was a new instinct of hers.
Heinrich nodded approvingly. He took a second to look between the couple then, "Will you... be having any kids after? Now that you know... will you not..." His voice trailed off as he noticed Nacht's shoulders tense as the prodding. "I want you both to proceed with love, not fear. Do what you do out of love. As I once did."
Nacht and Josele looked to each other. Then to Heinrich.
"We were planning to have a larger family," Josele started, "and I personally don't want to change those plans. But, we might end up waiting a few years to see how the child grows before having any more."
"That only makes sense. Good luck to you two and your future family."