Cloud may not have let the tone in his voice altar, but the bitterness in his spirit was something Elias read through the choice of words that he used. For a moment, Elias was unsure of how to explain to someone who had no understanding of the weight of responsibility that fell on their shoulders just for having this blood in their veins. It took everything within him not to fiercely defend the honor of his family.. the only thing stopping him was the knowledge that this was family, too. He could argue that Storm kept the same secret for the very same reason, to protect him.. though.. he didn't.
"He never told you because he found you before he found me, as I was lost at the time. He wanted to make sure you were safe, safe from me. Those demons that you heard that day, the ones that made you rip off the head of a capybara..? Those demons haunt our blood, some stronger than others. They seem to love us though, don't they?" A low grumble resonated in his chest as he continued.
"If he told you right away, you would have questions, you would have new curiosities. You would go searching for me, and he wasn't sure what exactly you would find. I was not ready to meet you. You can hate me if you want, if that is what you came here for, but it is the truth. I am bound to the service of the Apollyon and at the time, I was not obeying them. I was not fulfilling my duties, and they would not let me rest." He was done talking about his schizophrenia, done talking about the chains shackled on to his ankles. He would answer questions, but he decided to leave it at that until the man wanted to know more.
"What secrets we do have are not secrets to you, but in order to learn you must be present. I am here to teach you if that is why you are here. I can teach you how to live among demons, how to handle those voices in your head. Or, you can turn away.. run off.. and be wild and fueled by your own senseless rage until you answer to them. The choice is yours, but while you are here you will remain respectful of these lands and the blood that was shed in order to secure them. I understand your doubts, but leave them here and open your mind so that you may learn. Are you capable of that?" One 'brow dot raised, lip slightly slanted. It was quite obvious Elias had his skepticism. This wouldn't be the first son of his that he'd turned away if they seemed incapable of loyalty.
