Welcome to Gaia! ::

“Alright, that will do for today,” said the vampire with an amused look in his eye. “The both of you did well enough although I must admit that I cringed when you met Cesc’s blow head on with your training sword, Xiu. In a prolonged battle with real swords, such actions will only cause your blade to dull faster as repeated hits will cause dents. So it would be in your best interest to avoid coming into contact with direct blows. Not as glamourous as you’d think but do remember it all the same.”

“And Cesc, you did well. You could have used a little more leverage from your shoulders for the strike. Still, it was well controlled. Good job. Now could I interest you boys in some light beverages after you have cleaned yourselves up? Tea perhaps? I apologize for having to shift the classes forward but I would hate to distract the human students any more than I have to”

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Cesc took in a deep breath, his chest still heaving from the strength of the exercise. He listened to the professor's criticism with a series of short nods, raking his fingers through the sweat-damp mop of his hair.

"Certainly," he said, and was happy to be released to the freedom of the showers.

*

"How's the training treating you?" Cesc asked Xiu as he dressed again, looking over in the locker room before he pulled a shirt over his head and smoothed it down his chest.

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“Actually, it feels rather invigorating now,” said Xiu with a smile. “I am feeling a lot more energetic than I have been in a long while,”

Zipping up the gym bag he had borrowed from Hazeline (it was a case of her ‘wanting to but never finding the time’), Xiu turned to Cesc. “What about you? Are you enjoying the classes? I had my doubts about Prof. Estoc being a vampire initially but he seems genuinely passionate about his craft,”
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"Yeah, sports feel great, even when they run you down," laughed Cesc, following in suit with Xiu as he packed up what little equipment he had into his backpack. He shrugged on the pack and nodded at his friend's assessment.

"Yeah, he's certainly passionate, that's for sure. And he definitely knows his stuff." Cesc grinned. "But he's crazy with how many hours he wants us to practice. I have a full time job and lessons on top of that. I give it my all but I think he can tell it's not the amount he wants us to do."

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Xiu nodded. “I agree! But he seems happy nonetheless,”

“But do you recall the move he did earlier? He threw his sword at me then moved in for a punch! That was underhanded!” said the Sigel, looking slightly affronted.

“You boys done?” came the voice of their instructor from his office. “I have some iced tea if you’d care for some. Then we will need to have a discussion about your strength and such like. For a more customized lesson plan, if you will,”

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Cesc opened his mouth to agree when Prof. Estoc cut in-- he had been about to say that he was amazed at how the professor seemed so taken with teaching them real world applications, real strategies to fight, instead of showy or sport-level fencing. This was not an Olympic sport as Estoc taught it. This was gritty. This was fighting.

"Yes sir," called Cesc, offering Xiu a sympathetic smile as he floated over into the professor's office. He sat and poured a glass of the tea, offering one to Xiu before taking one for himself and sitting. "What do you recommend?"
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“Well for starters, I would like to know more about what you are. You said you were created in a laboratory? And that each of your kind has his or hers own strength and weaknesses? I would like to know what drives you on. Your motivation so to speak,” said the Professor, looking keenly from one to the other. “If we could harness that, perhaps the two of you might even find it in you to best me,”

Xiu gave Cesc a glance of uncertainty. “I-I am sure that we’d never dream of besting y-,”

“Nonsense! What is the point of having students whose skills are inferior to their teachers? Then the art would only be watered down as time passes. I want you; the both of you to surpass me!”

Realizing that perhaps he had been a little too harsh, the vampire gave a polite cough. When he next spoke, his voice had returned to its initial controlled tone. “Sorry, it irks me when students try to be modest. Honestly, there can be no progress if the next generation fails to improve on an existing skill. So, let me ask you again, what motivates you?”

Xiu takes a quick break to attend the Lab's annual Spring Event but adventures unfold as fel essences are stolen!

Lazarus, Cesc, Cruz and Xiu take some time off to play Jenga

It was the weekend. And here he was, floating down Old Gambino to where the professor dwelt with his sword hidden in a document holder. Xiu knew that vampires tended to have a reputation of being extremely wealthy given that they have had centuries to accumulate their wealth. But as the Sigel left the Main Street in the direction of Professsor Estoc’s home, the Raevan could not t help but notice that the residents of Old Gambino were really into large sprawling mansions and the size of these mansions tended to increase in proportion to their distance from the Main Street.

The quietness of the neighbourhood was another thing that stood out. Back in the less affluent parts of Gaia, the streets would be busy with the throng of the masses going about their daily chores, from buying to selling and general lollygagging around. But here in Old Gambino, everything was silent. An occasional birdsong would thrill out from one of the many immaculately maintained hedges but this only served to highlight the vast spacious- no, emptiness of the neighbourhood.

Just how rich was this vampire? And do the rich really keep to themselves this much?

Xiu found himself already floating past homes containing private swimming pools and tennis courts but the street itself seemed never-ending. Perhaps he should not have taken the vampire’s offer of personal lessons. Considering what Prof. Estoc did to Cesc, this was almost a betrayal on their friendship.

Xiu had tried calling Cesc once his talk with Estoc had ended but the Stag had not picked up his phone. Nor did he respond to the text messages left behind. Perhaps, I will stop by Vivi’s bakery once the training is over thought Xiu to himself as he floating past yet another mansion. This time, it had a large fountain in its centre.

Something was bothering Cesc and he needed to find out what it was and, if possible, help him. Unconsciously, Xiu rubbed his jaw. There was still some tenderness to it but the swelling had come down considerably after the second day or so. Thankfully nothing was broken and the ice-pack treatment Cesc suggested really worked.

As the street took on a gentle downward slope, Xiu was shocked to find at the end of it, a residence that was no less than the size of an estate. Was that really Estoc’s home? The length of the front garden was already in itself the size of the community park Xiu had often visited for lunch. Then there was the fruit orchard flanking its side and what was probably a stream running just behind its backyard. Clearly the professor was a vampire of means.

Floating nervously up to the massive steel gates, Xiu pressed on the intercom to announce his arrival. A curt voice had greeted him and Xiu was told that, yes, his presence was expected (although if Xiu was any judge of voice tones, not entirely welcomed).

Ten minutes later the sound of an approaching vehicle was heard and Xiu was shocked to find a formally dressed…man-servant coming up to the large gates in what was possibly a golf cart.

“Master Estoc will meet you in the foyer,” came the same curt response that had greeted him over the intercom. “Please, get in,”

Xiu peered closely at the youthful looking…vampire. “Do you work here?”

“Yes,”

“Must be pretty lively, with all the staff needed to maintain this place,”

There was silence as the vampire merely turned the cart around and forced the vehicle to accelerate up the long driveway.

“Um…,”

“There is no other servants,” said the vampire stoically. “A professional team of cleaners and gardeners are called on once a fortnight to keep the estate in order but otherwise, Master Estoc is a vampire who keeps to himself,”

“I see…,” said Xiu uncertainly. Then, in an effort to kill the silence…

“Professor Estoc is teaches swordfighting really well…,”

“Yes,”

“…okay,”

-----------

While the man-servant’s response was about as warm as an ice cube, the Professor’s delighted greeting on the other hand, was genuine.

“Good to see you, Xiu. So glad you could come. I trust the journey here was a pleasant one? The neighbours have always prided themselves with their gardens you know. Beautiful sceneries and all that. But where are my manners? Igan, take Xiu’s luggage to the guestroom I mentioned. Yes, the one adjoining the training hall. He would appreciate the amenities there, wouldn’t you Xiu?”

“Err…yes?” hazarded the Sigel, lost in the flurry of instructions that the vampire had given to Igan.

“Very good. Now, I am just about to have my breakfast. Would you care to join me, Xiu? I daresay you could do with a spot of tea. Igan has prepared enough for the both of us,”

“Thank you. That is very kind of you,” said Xiu, still mesmerized by the scale of Estoc’s dwelling. He had read about places like this of course but never did he think that he’s actually visit one.

Following Estoc to a massive dining area, Xiu was surprised when Estoc beckoned him to a smaller anteroom. In it, a breakfast spread was already laid out on a conventionally sized table. Apparently Estoc enjoyed eggs for there were several in a bowl close to a pot of coffee and tea. At Estoc’s invitation, Xiu took a seat across the dining table and watched as Estoc himself settled down.

“I am glad that you’ve decided to go through with this training, Xiu,” said the vampire helping himself to an egg and carefully placing it in an egg cup before him. “I would have been disappointed otherwise. By the way, I don’t stand on ceremony, so just help yourself to whatever catches your fancy here,”

“Thank you, Sir,” said Xiu, feeling more than a little nervous. He was in a strange place and despite the size of the mansion, a claustrophobic feeling was gnawing at him. Gingerly reaching for the tea, the Sigel poured himself a cupful. As the familiar scent of breakfast tea wafted up, the Sigel could feel himself starting to relax a little.

“How is your friend, Cesc?” the vampire prompted as he took up a slender looking knife and, with one swift motion, made a clean cut across the top of the egg.

Immediately something hit Xiu. While he had been expecting the smell of partially cooked egg, what greeted him was something much more visceral. Eyes wide with shock, the Raevan stared at the professor; who was smiling at his expression.

“Don’t be alarmed, Xiu. As you know, we vampires do not derive nutrients the same way others do,”

“But that egg..,”

“Yes, I do indulge in the consumption of fertilized eggs,” said the vampire calmly. “But as do others in certain parts of the world. Although I am led to believe that they tend to cook theirs first,”

Then, picking up something akin to a slender steel hook (Xiu had not noticed that implement earlier), the Professor dipped the rod in, wiggled it around and fished out…a living foetal chick. Through the veil of blood vessels and albumin that coated the unhatched chick, Xiu would see its beating heart as it was held up, then promptly swallowed by the Professor. Smacking his lips, the vampire reached for a second egg before pausing. “I hope I am not offending your, delicate sensibilities?” said the vampire with a slight sneer to his voice. “You may leave the table if you aren’t feeling quite up to it,”

“N-no, I am sorry, Professor,” said Xiu quickly looking away from the grisly scene before him. “It is just…I was not expecting it,”

The vampire smiled. “The world is filled with unexpectedness, Xiu. Anything can happen at the drop of a hat. What we can do, however, is be prepared for it,”

The mansion was currently empty. Which wasn’t surprising as Igan had left earlier to run some errands. Igan was all in all really useful to have around. He did things and never questioned them. Just the way he should be. Estoc would never have him otherwise.

The vampire sat thoughtfully in his study. Life had been generous in her blessings. He had money, a career and an immortal life. Something many would wish for and even more attempting to achieve. He was now living his days in peace, tranquillity and harmony; teaching bright eyed young people about the noble art of swordsmanship.

Boring…

BORING…!

BORING!!!!

Slamming his fist down hard enough to crack teak, the vampire snarled in his musings. Scrape away that thin veneer of idyllic façade and the reality of it showed. What he did meant nothing. Sword fighting was redundant and those entitled brats at the university knew it. Many were in it because movies romanticized it. To them, this was nothing more than a passing phase. A flight of fancy.

And he, the estimable “Professor” Estoc was supposed to be all encompassing and delighted that youth these days were interested in tasting a little history? Did they honestly think that titles, money and food (in constant supply from the blood bank) would make him docile? Like an aged dog, satisfied with nothing more than a thick rug to lie on, a large bone to chew and a warming fire to curl against?

Even the thought of that now made his blood boil.

Living had become a chore but he could not go out like this.

Live by the sword, die by the sword

Was that not what he was promised? Wasn’t that the glory he craved?

Too soon had time, the scourge of everything he had lived for turned its wheels. Swords were replaced with firearms; cold impersonal things that mowed down lives as fast as a reaper reaps his wheat. Where was the joy in killing if it meant that you could not drive your blade into an opponent’s quivering body and watch as the very life that he fought so hard to keep was now fading away? Where was the pride in knowing that you came out tops in a battle without finesse?

In that sense, his passing has been inadvertently denied to him. The advent of firearms had produced fewer and fewer swordsmen. And to perish by their uncouth hands would be an insult. Not only to himself but to his friends who had gone before him. How could he meet them, damned as he was without a proper send off?

And so he had trudged on through the dreary drudgery of the ages; picking up Igan somewhere along the way. That boy wasn’t too bad with a blade. After all, he had slaughtered an entire family in order to feed himself. It was a shame that the villagers who found him assumed that Igan would perish after a severe lynching. They had not counted on Estoc to come across the dying lad.

Speaking of Igan, the boy should be just about done with his errand. He was dependable and ruthlessly efficient when he put his mind to it.

For Xiu’s sake, that Raevan had better show similar grit when his evening “training” began. Or he’d just be another name in someone’s memory.

The vampire smiled to himself.

There was always Cesc…

“Excuse me, miss. But you would not happen to be a Hazeline Lee would you?”

“Yes, I am Hazeline and welcome to the bookstore” said Hazeline with a smile when the youth approached her. “How may I help you?”

“I am Igan, Professor Estoc’s student. Professor Estoc teaches sword fighting at the university,” said the youth by way of explanation. “He teaches Xiu too,”

“Oh, yes. I know him. Or rather I know him from Xiu’s description,” said the guardian with a laugh. “Xiu really looks up to him but I have yet to meet him though,”

"Well umm … the thing is, Xiu isn’t feeling too well,” said the youth. “Professor Estoc was wondering if you could come over to bring Xiu home. I live close by so the Professor sent me to pass the message,”

“Funny, the Professor could have just called me,” said Hazeline looking surprised and concerned at the same time. “How badly hurt is Xiu?”

“Well, he thought that you might need directions,” said the youth feigning worry. “I have been there before so I know the way. Xiu might have a sprained shoulder, I think,”

“I got it,” said Hazeline as she reached for her car keys. “Joshua? Hey, Joshua?”

“Yeah?” came the sound of Joshua’s voice from above.

“Mind minding the bookstore for a bit? Xiu has hurt his shoulder so I am picking him up. Might drop by the Lab to get him patched up,”

“Got it, sis,” said Joshua as he took her place behind the counter.

“Thanks bro,” said Hazeline as she stepped out of the bookstore and towards her car with Igan close behind her.

Once in the car, the guardian turned to Igan. “Which wa-“

And her world went black.

Several minutes later the vampire found himself seated behind the driver’s wheel with the unconscious lady kept snug in her own boot. That was one item off the list of things he needed to accomplish. Now for the next item on his agenda…

The phone rang once, twice and then was answered by Lazarus. Joshua was relieved. He had been worried and rightly so. The clock on the wall read ten-thirty and yet there was no sign of his sister nor Xiu. He had tried calling his sister several times but each time his call had ended with an intercept message telling him that Hazeline could not be reached at the moment.

"Oh hey, Lazarus," said Joshua amiably. "Is Hazeline and Xiu still over at the lab? It has been a while. I tried calling Hazeline but she isn’t picking up. Is Xiu’s shoulder okay?”




Feeling utterly clueless and confused about what Joshua is talking about, he had to ask back with less charm. “Hazeline and Xiu never came over to the Lab. What happened to Xiu’s shoulder?” Lazarus had a bad feeling about this. He haven’t actually seen Xiu in weeks. Sure they text regularly and such, but they had been so busy with their lives that they haven’t had a chance to go out together. Plus… Xiu had been a little quiet in their chat for the past few days.


“Tell me what happened.” Lazarus inquired as calm as he can, trying to hide the worry in his voice.




"Oh, um…,” said Joshua with surprise. “One of Xiu’s classmate came over earlier and asked if Hazeline could come with him. Apparently Xiu had hurt his shoulder during his training session. Hazeline said she would drop by the Lab with Xiu on the way home,” said Joshua by way of an explanation. “That was this afternoon and I have not been able to get her since,”

“Do you think she could have gone to a different clinic?” asked Joshua doubtfully. From past experiences, even doctors needed some getting used to when confronted with a floating torso that was a raevan.




With each explanation, Lazarus only got even more confused. Classmate? He thought Xiu was only having sword fighting lessons with Cesc. Does Joshua mean Cesc? Surely he would have mentioned it if it was. The lessons have other students then? His worry mounted when Joshua mentioned he was unable to get Hazeline. Lazarus believed that Joshua would have the smarts to try contacting Xiu as well, it seemed implausible that he couldn’t reach the both of them.


“I don’t know.” Shoulder injuries should be easily treated at a normal clinic, since it’s just a normal injury, and not Raevan specific. “Don’t worry, I’ll try and find out what happened. I know someone who can help.” Lazarus replied, his mind started to brew some ideas. “You just keep trying to reach Hazeline on the phone, maybe you’ll get lucky, who knows.”


When Lazarus ended the call, he tried Xiu’s phone once, just to see if it is really true that he cannot be reached. The caller is unreachable at the moment. Please try again later. It was all he got. Feeling flustered and lost, he decided to call Cesc. If anyone, surely he could be the one who could track Xiu down. Plus, perhaps the Sigel could have some insight of what’s going on.




Cesc was out and about when his phone rang, just finishing up a quick trip to the convenience market down the road to buy a few snacks. He was paying the cashier when he heard the buzz, and quickly finished up, grabbing his bag and exiting the store as he answered. His voice was cheerful as he picked up: “Lazarus! How's it going, man?”




The Valsaros’s voice was less cheerful when he spoke into the phone. “Do you know where Xiu is?” There was a sense of urgency in his voice. He was direct, he didn’t want to waste any time. “Joshua called me just now, he said that both him and Hazeline had been unreachable and missing since this afternoon.” Red eyes darted to the clock on the wall, it was reading ten forty. Geez the afternoon was ages ago.


“Something is wrong, very very wrong, I can feel it in my body.” Lazarus can’t really explain the feeling he shared with Xiu, he just know that something bad is happening at this moment. And it is sending chills down his spine. Perhaps it is instinct. “Please tell me you know where he is.”




The blood ran cold in Cesc’s veins as he listened to Lazarus, and the smile on his face melted, tugging the corner of his lips down. s**t, was the only word his brain seemed to know for a long moment, and his shoulders began to tense. s**t, s**t! He knew that-- that crazy a*****e--


Even before using his powers, Cesc knew. Professor Estoc had been too erratic and batshit for it to be anything else. He closed his eyes, thinking of Xiu, reaching out for a trace of him, of Hazeline…


“Goddamn it,” Cesc breathed into the phone. There was the sound of movement, of hurrying. His voice was grave an he rushed his words, like he couldn't get them out fast enough. “I--yes. I can feel where he is. And--Laz if it’s what I think it might be, it’s… We should hurry. Can you drive? If not, we can maybe catch the 218 bus on Allen Street going westward--that’ll take us.”




Lazarus was already putting on a hoodie as Cesc spoke, his eyes looking into the dark streets outside. It was still the summer, but the night breeze on the Isle of Gambino can be pretty strong sometimes. The bus stop across the street from the Lab was still running of course, but he has a better idea. “I can’t drive, but I can take a cab.” If Jeremy was here it would’ve been great, but unfortunately he is not. Unlocking the front doors, he eyed up and down to street to see if any cab was approaching. Perhaps that is one in the far distance, as he noticed a dimmer light above the two headlights. “I think that’s faster. Maybe we could set a meeting point? Or I ask the cabbie to come pick you up?”


Hastily locking the front door with just one hand, Lazarus started a brisk jog towards the main street to try and flag down the cab who is thankfully empty and still on the clock. The Valsaros paced impatiently as he waited for the cab to pull over, and he didn’t waste time telling him the location when he jumped on. “Cabbie, please put a rush on it.”




A cab! Of course--Cesc quickly agreed that that would be the best possible way, and rattled off his location to Lazarus. The wait for the cab was then agonizing. Now tapped into his power as fully as he could, Rhedefre was growing more concerned by the moment. It was faint, but there was certainly something… unwell, something frightened, from what he could feel from Xiu.


Maybe you’re overreacting… he thought hopefully. Maybe Estoc is just… pushing him…


Pushing him to what? He’d goaded Cesc and Xiu to fight each other as brutally as possible, so…

Cesc’s stomach churned. He shook his head, shaking out the thoughts. It was useless to speculate until they arrived, and it certainly wouldn’t do Xiu any good to work himself into a lather before he saw him.


The cab turned the corner and Cesc could make out Lazarus’ horns from a distance in the back seat. He lifted a hand to show his location, in case they hadn’t spotted him. When the cab stopped, Cesc helped himself in, still carrying his bag from the convenience store in one hand. To think about the normal, low-stress day he’d thought was planned for him…


“Thanks for calling me,” he told Laz in greeting, and then, leaning forward, he gave the cabbie quick directions to where he felt they would find Xiu. From there, they made little conversation, as Cesc continued to concentrate and offer corrections to his original orientation. The cabbie, he thought, was going to need a handsome tip…


As the cab went to the secluded residential, with so few houses--mansions, rather--between each other, Cesc began to second-guess himself. This was the most upscale, remote neighborhood he’d ever seen tucked away in Gambino. Who even lived here? Johnny Gambino, himself? But there was no arguing: he certainly felt Xiu the strongest now, and it was only getting stronger.


“That one--those gates right there, up the block,” said Cesc suddenly, digging his wallet out of his pocket. “That’s it. Thank you for your patience.”




Aside from the initial greeting that they shared when Cesc entered the cab, they spoke little as the stag directed the cabbie. He felt he should let Cesc do his thing and that he shouldn’t interfere. Staring at the chat between him and Xiu on his phone, noting that Xiu had not logged in since the morning, just made him feel so weak and useless. He could only stare at the dark scenery outside throughout the ride, and he did notice that it was getting darker and darker. Some of the street lights were even outright broken.


His eyebrows were nearly knotted together with worry when they exited the cab, grabbing Cesc’s groceries as the stag paid the driver. “Where… are we?” He asked the Sigel with a confused yet concerned expression. He could only stare as their ride home drove away. “Do you know what is going on?” Cesc seems to know something, he can just feel it in his gut. Lazarus didn’t want to press in the cab because he was leading the way, but now… it is time for some answers.




When they exited the cab, Rhedefre looked up at the gates with his brows furrowed. He looked around for an intercom, something they could use to communicate inside the building, but Lazarus’ question pulled him from that practicality.


“I don’t really know what’s going on,” said Cesc, “but I do have an idea.”


He licked his lips and pulled his bottom lip between his teeth, guilty. “We--me and Xiu--we’ve been taking those sword-fighting lessons, you know? The last one we had… it was a bad one. The professor we have, he was goading us to fight harder, and with live weapons, and we, we didn’t really want to. I kind of lost my temper when the professor got mad at us for not fighting each other for real. We didn’t want to actually hurt each other, you know? So he told Xiu he wanted to train him alone, and told him that he’d ‘tell him where to go this weekend.’ I figured he just meant extra lessons, but…”


Looking up at the gates, Cesc’s frown deepened. Why hadn’t he listened to Azucar? Why hadn’t he called the police? “...listen, Laz. If something’s wrong here, I… I have a friend on the police force. If we need to call them, we always can.”




Red eyes scanned all along the closed gates and aligning fence as Cesc explained, staring at the dark mansion up ahead when the stag talked about the place the creepy professor is privately training Xiu. Is this the place the b*****d took him? Without answering Cesc’s questions yet, the Valsaros stepped up to check the locks of the gate that towered over them. It stood more than twice his height with spear heads on the top bars, and looks almost impossible to climb. “Damn it.” He cursed aloud as he realized there’s a sturdy giant lock on it. But wait… is that a smaller door to the side for guests on foot? Walking over, he checked if it was locked, and was glad to see that it is not, just latched.


“Hey, we can get in here.” Lazarus motioned Cesc over, thankful that he didn’t need to scale the fence. Sure Cesc could probably fly over it, but he can’t. “I think you should hold off from calling your friend, at least for now. Since I think…. What we’re doing right now is considered trespassing? Besides, we don’t know what is going on in there now…” Eyes trailed to the mansion again, which is eerily dark. Although he thought he saw a flicker of light somewhere in one of the windows.


“Where do you sense Xiu and Hazeline? Are they together?” He asked as they creeped up towards the mansion in the shadows of the trees, careful not to make any sound, especially him with his feet! He had to watch where he step.




“That’s true,” murmured Cesc as he followed Lazarus through the gate, shutting the door carefully behind him. He set his groceries down by the gate; there was no need to cart those around with them now. He continued up the pathway, and as he went, a sense of dread collected over him like a stormcloud.“It could be...just swordfighting lessons, yeah?”


He sounded unconvinced, even to himself. There was no arguing with the feedback he felt from the mansion: it was indistinct but spoke of fear, like a too-quick heartbeat. As they approached the door, his own began to thud more rapidly in his chest.


“They’re not together,” he said, closing his eyes momentarily in concentration. “I don’t know Hazeline, but I can guess that’s… that’s her in the more western part of the house. Xiu… he’s on the other side, somewhere. I think they’re on different floors, too, actually…”




Hearing Cesc saying they are separated, that made him feel like calling the stag was a good idea. Although at the same time, splitting up in a situation like this sounded like a bad decision in a horror movie as well. However, they don’t have much of a choice do they?


“I’ll go after Xiu.” There wasn’t a need to consider this, he have to see Xiu; see that he is safe. His mind reasoned that Cesc is probably the better choice to go after Xiu, since the professor is probably with the white Sigel, and Cesc knows the professor. But his heart just wants to go for Xiu, he wanted to protect him. Lazarus turned to look at Cesc, almost pleadingly. “Just find Hazeline okay?” He said before heading towards the direction that he mentioned Xiu is most likely at.




Something is not right! Hazeline is in danger. Grave danger!

The Sigel floated restlessly across the polished floor of the hall, his rune glowing erratically. He had tried everything. From searching for an open window large enough to squeeze through to even banging on the heavy wooden doors with the hopes that someone; the Professor or even his stoic-eyed aide would hear him. At one point, a roar might have happened but the Sigel could not be certain. Everything seemed surreal. The mansion, his spar with Cesc, Estoc eating a foetal chicken…

None of that mattered! Hazeline was scared, she was in pain, and he needed to get to her!

Breathing harshly the white raevan tried the door again. It wouldn’t budge. Of course it wouldn’t. He wasn’t strong enough. He had not been five minutes ago and he still would not be five minutes later.

Where was Estoc?! The vampire said he'd be over in the evening for a lesson and yet not so much as a footfall had been heard beyond this damned door!

Hazeline was in trouble! And he needed to be there or else…or else…

The Sigel held his breath. There it was. The sounds of footsteps approaching. Soft. But getting louder every second.

“Professor?” called Xiu with barely suppressed impatience. “I need to leave now! It is an emergency and the door won’t open! Profess-,”

The Sigel backed away with horror as the hairs on the back of his neck tingled.

"I hope you are well rested Xiu,”

It couldn’t be! And yet, there it was…the familiar clipped tone of his instructor.

“Professor Estoc? “

“Yes, Xiu?”

“I need to get out,” said Xiu tersely. “Please, open the door,”

“Certainly, Xiu. The exit is all yours,” said the vampire as the door creaked open. Making a mock bow, the vampire observed the stunned expression of his pupil. “But I can see that you aren’t making a move. Why? Is something the matter?”

Blue eyes darted towards the sheathed long sword the vampire held.


At this, the Vampire grinned. “We agreed on an evening lesson did we not? I have merely arrived, as planned,”

The white Raevan eyed the creature before him warily. Despite it looking and sounding like Professor Estoc, something was definitely off. Blue eyes took in the darkened aura surrounding the vampire and Xiu found himself clutching at the hilt of his sword.

“You aren’t yourself, Professor…,”

“Au contraire, I have never been more like myself, Xiu,” said the vampire with a sinister smile upon his lips as he stepped into the hall. Behind him, the door closed with a subtle click.

“Perhaps it is you who isn’t feeling quite yourself,”

“This isn’t a game Professor!”

“No, it is a gamble on your skill. For example, are you good enough to save you human caretaker?” sneered the vampire.

Instantly the raevan struck but the vampire had been prepared. Raising his sheath to meet the bite of the Sigel’s sword, the vampire then lashed out with his own blade and missed as the Sigel swerved to the side and doing a quick turn, slammed the vampire with a massive stone wing.

The vampire was thrown several feet from the impact but the raevan was determined to not let the vampire gain his footing. Sword point at ready, the Sigel rushed to meet his opponent, his mind numb with the sheer desperation of needing to save his guardian.




Lazarus, not wanting to stumble around foolishly in the dark, had resorted to using the torchlight on his phone to light his path a little. Although he made sure to keep it dimmed as to not attract too much attention to himself.


The paved pathway ended as he turned the corner of the mansion. He had to jump over a small fence and walk along dirt ground now. The grass below his feet looked oddly dry and dead he noticed, curious. It seemed to take forever as he walked along the outer walls of the mansion. How big is this mansion?! The further he went, the stronger the feeling of dread was. It was making him nervous and tense. Even though the night air was cooling, droplets of sweat dotted the Valsaros’s face.


He felt a sense of relief when he saw light shining through some large windows ahead, at the same time, the nervousness and tightness is mounting in his chest as well. But keeping his senses sharp, he surveyed his surroundings to make sure that there was no one nearby, before quietly and quickly made his way to the windows.


Sounds of metal clashing was heard through the glass panes of the windows as Lazarus hid under one of them. This must surely be it! Then… he heard Xiu’s voice. Before he knew it, he was on his feet, looking into the large hall within, at Xiu in a fierce sword battle with an older man with grey hair. Sparks fly off the swords as they meet, and the Valsaros witnessed Xiu beating the man down with his wing. Surely, that is the creepy professor that Cesc was talking about. Red eyes turned to look at Xiu again, and that was when he realized what he was sensing all his journey here - that damned sword!






The blade felt lighter, faster and its movements were fluid in his hand. It was a familiar feeling, this. He had felt it once before. Back when he was confronting the ghost that had plagued Joshua.

The sound of clashing steel rang loud within the silent walls of the training hall. Close up, the Sigel was once again aware of the subtle scent of decay emanating from his former instructor. There was no hiding it. A vampire was just a mockery of a living being. A corpse bestowed with sentience.

And it had the audacity to threaten his family and friends.

A snarl escaped the Sigel as his rune took on a blinding hue to match his anger. And just barely perceptible along the length of the blade’s edge was the allusion of white flames.

Their blades met once more but this it was the vampire who had to take several steps back from the impact.

Estoc was impressed. They had been going on for a good long while now but Xiu was showing no sign of fatigue. Like a cornered animal with everything to lose, his student was giving it all he had.

And it was marvellous.

And terrifying.

Twice his student had come close to dealing him a mortal wound but quick reflexes and years of experience had allowed Estoc to avoid the brunt of it. Nevertheless, the wounds inflicted would not stop bleeding. Even when it was nothing more than a surface cut. Which was peculiar, given that his kind had accelerated rates of recovery.

In contrast, the cuts Xiu received hardly seemed to be slowing the Sigel down. It had been a shock to discover that his student bled white but then again, Xiu and Cesc were amalgamations of two unique ingredients (as he understood it) so perhaps it was not so surprising after all.

But what was surprising was the blade in Xiu’s hand. Seemingly in response to his student’s will, the blade had transformed itself into a thing of beauty. Perfectly synchronized, the blade and its wielder appeared to be the quintessence of form and function.

The vampire smiled.




Lazarus was watching the battle intently from the sidelines. Even if he was standing in full view at the window, neither Xiu nor the professor saw him. That was how focused they were in battle. It seemed like Xiu is having the upper hand right now, although the professor is very skilled in his movements as well. The Valsaros didn’t know what to do, he didn’t want to break Xiu’s focus, fearing that might hurt him more than benefit him, since the professor is probably more experienced.


Nevertheless, he should find a way to get into the hall. While keeping his eyes still on the battle, Lazarus began to scale the wall to see if there is an entry somewhere, a door, opened window, anything. The windows had a metal grill over them, which was sealed shut from the inside to his dismay, so it will be impossible for him to break through even if he could break the glass.


He was growing even more worrisome when he was nearing the end of the large hall, but still see no entry. That was when his hand touched a wooden surface - a door? His hand found the ornate door knob, worried red eyes glance through the window to see the sword fight still going strong within. What are the chances of this door being open? Slowly he turned the knob, not wanting to make a sound, and expectedly, he was met with a sudden halt. The door is locked of course. Cursing under his breath, he took a step back to look at the door. It was average looking, painted in a light color, with some ornate carvings on it. It didn’t look like something that he couldn’t knock down. However, that will create a loud noise, and will probably disturb the sword fight within.


Lazarus peered worriedly into the hall again. They were still going at it, and they looked pretty even right now. Should he or shouldn’t he?? The aura of Xiu’s blade is growing pretty strong in this battle, which is making Lazarus feel uncomfortably jittery as well. Okay… he will break in when Xiu need his help.






Despite his best efforts, the prolonged battle was starting to put a strain on Xiu’s psychology. He was worried; had been ever since he had felt Hazeline’s fear and this delay was only causing his anxiety to rise. He needed to be with Hazeline. He had to bring her back home safely.

And yet Estoc was still toying with him; never allowing him a moment’s respite. While the Sigel struggled to keep his fears at bay, the vampire was relishing this.

The sound of their blades meeting once again jarred Xiu’s senses. He had to stay focus, otherwise he might…Hazeline might…

And Cesc, Vivi, Shepard…

-----


While his student could astonishingly keep up with him, nevertheless certain cracks in Xiu’s demeanour was beginning to show the longer they fought.

Which only showed that the raevan had not fully grasped the reason why fights should end as soon as possible. The drain on one’s mental endurance could jeopardize one’s performance, no matter how physically fit they are. For a brief instant, the vampire actually felt sorry for him. Xiu had a lot riding on his shoulders and the poor boy had probably been giving his all. Not pacing himself as he should.

Which meant that the flaming heat of the battle would soon be nothing more than dying embers.

It was only fair that his student go down in the glorious height of their battle and not as a tired and beaten dog whose time was up.


In an underhanded move of viciousness and cunning, the vampire spat directly into his student’s face with the unerring intent of using this diversion to terminate his pupil.


-----


Shocked, disgusted and temporarily deprived of his vision, Xiu hastily backed away from the vampire but his opponent had anticipated the move and reacted upon it.


In what must have been only a fraction of a second, the Sigel felt the smooth slide of metal into flesh; a sensation that he was unlikely to forget for the rest of his days.


I have been stabbed thought the Sigel with mounting horror as pain bloomed from the wound in his side.


I am going to die…




Red eyes widen when he saw the professor spat into Xiu’s face, and at that moment, Lazarus was already readying himself to kick in the door. That was a dirty move in combat, and may proven to be fatal to Xiu if the Valsaros don’t do something. Taking a step back, he braced himself as he delivered a kick aiming at the spot right next to the door knob, putting his weight into his heel. With a sickening crack under his foot, the door flew right off it’s hinges, and just at that moment, Estoc’s sword sliced into Xiu.


When Lazarus rushed in, Estoc had already withdrawn his sword from Xiu, it was stained with a white substance - Xiu’s blood. “YOU SICK b*****d!!!” Lazarus roared as he charged at the older man. Oh he fully intend to knock the man to the ground, but he wasn’t without his range attacks in mind. With his right arm extended and his palm open, he set the man’s sleeve on fire.




Estoc withdrew the blade from his fallen pupil. It was now just a matter of delivering the killing blow.Decapitation was a swift and apparently “painless” process but that would mean that he could not stare his dying pupil in the eye. No, that was too impersonal. He would have to go with the second option available. A slow stab through the collarbone and all the way to the heart with Xiu’s head forced back to allow for an unobstructive kill would do. Besides, it would also allow them view each other for the last time.


It was then that the door exploded inwards with terrifying force and framed at its entrance was…






“Lazarus!” cried Xiu, relief clear in his voice.


The Vampire glared at the newcomer disdainfully and was about to raise his sword to meet this interrupter when flames exploded along his sword arm, burning flesh and fabric as it did so. Letting out a surprised yell the vampire dropped his sword and tried to beat the searing flames off. It was not a move made with a rational mind but rather one out of reflex.




Lazarus closed the distance rapidly, his eyes focused on the vampire, which is no longer so calm now. Taking the chance when the professor was distracted, beating the flames away, he grabbed the man’s shirt towards him and delivers with a clenched fist a blow into his lower jaw. The force sent the man flying to the ground. Huffing and puffing, the Valsaros glared at the crumpled body for a moment, daring him to get back up.




Apparent the blow was strong enough to knock the vampire out cold as Estoc lay unmoving on the floor.


Xiu winced. The pain in his lower left abdomen throbbed and every time he moved with muscles and sinews he never knew he had screaming in protest. Pressing his hand against the open wound, Xiu gave an involuntary shudder when the pain flared once again. Curling up made it hurt and so did getting up.


But he needed to make sure that Hazeline was alright.


“Lazarus,” called Xiu softly as he struggled to keep his voice calm. There was no sense in worrying the other just yet. “My guardian, she is here,”




Xiu’s voice brought him back to his senses, as he turned around to face the Sigel when he called out his name. “Xiu!” Quickly he knelt down right next to him. “I know…” He said as he tore a large piece off of his t-shirt underneath his hoodie jacket. “Cesc is here too, he’s going to rescue Hazeline don’t worry.” Hastily folding the piece of cloth, he pressed it on to the bleeding wound, then placed Xiu’s hand on it. “Keep pressure on it, it will slow down the bleeding…” He was glad that he took some first aid lessons from Jeremy.


However, Lazarus was still consciously feeling the aura of Xiu’s sword, which is just a few feet from him. He took care to try to get maximum distance from the sword, but it is still making him feel extremely uncomfortable.


The Valsaros’s attention is fully focused on Xiu at the moment.






Cesc was here. That made sense. How else would Lazarus be able to get here in time? The white Sigel closed his eyes for a moment to gather up his strength and thoughts before reopening them once more. “We need to get to him,” said Xiu, his tone slightly urgent. “Estoc, he has an assistant…,”


It was then that the Sigel noticed a movement behind Lazarus.


Estoc! The blow had not been strong enough to knock him out for long!


Grabbing his sword, the Sigel instinctively shoved Lazarus out of the way before thrusting his sword upwards. There was just the slightest sensation of resistance as sword encountered flesh but that was soon over as the blade slid silently in; driving its deadly point deep into the vampire’s heart.


----
Had it been a wound delivered by any other sword or perhaps by any other wielder, the vampire would have recovered but already the ethereal flames were beginning to burn from within him. Falling to his knees, the vampire glanced at the distraught face of his student whose hand still grasped the deadly blade.

“Well done, Xiu. Well done,”

But before the raevan could interject, the vampire pressed on with a grin. “I knew wagering lives would bring out the best in you,”

The dying vampire proffered a mad smile as minutes later, the sound of explosion could be heard from the distance.




So focused on Xiu, that Lazarus did not realized that Estoc got back up. So imagine his surprise when Xiu shoved him over, at the same time raising his sword once more. Lazarus was fully aware how close the distance was between him and the sword as it flew past his side, even cutting a few strands of his long red hair.


The Valsaros let his body fall over in his best attempt to get away from the sword. And while supported by his elbow on the ground, he fought his urge to throw up as he looked up, only to see that Xiu had struck the professor with the sword. “Xiu…” He whispered to the Sigel who is eerily still, looking like a pale statue.


He wanted to get up, to go to Xiu’s side as he saw the professor fell to his knees, sword still in his chest. However, he barely managed to get to his knees when the sound of an explosion rocked the building.


“What… in the hell?”




He did not want to. He really did not want to. He really, honestly, vehemently did not want to do this. This was wrong.


Somewhere in the back of his mind the sigel resented being in this body. A body whose appearance belied its age for at this moment in time, there was nothing the Sigel wanted to do more than to curl up in a corner and cry. And hopefully a comforting figure would come along to make the pain and terror go away.


But it was not meant to be.


As he withdrew the blade, Estoc’s body slumped over and the former instructor was no more.


His hands were shaking even as he glanced at Lazarus. He was certain that the other had called his name but everything seemed muted and grey. Perhaps, if he allowed himself to believe it, this was all nothing more than a bad dream. A nightmare to be dispelled in the warm light of day.


But even in dreams there were obligations that one had to fulfill. He would find Hazeline, rescue her and bring her home. He would…


Xiu did not so much as heard the explosion as felt it rippling through the building.


Even in death, the cursed vampire could not let go.


He had to leave the building. He had to…


Xiu’s heart went cold as time seemed to stand still. His chest hurts, His breath tight and his body numb.


Hazeline is in danger!


But what can you do about it?


I must save her!


But she’s too far away.


She can’t die!


Crack!


I won’t let her die!


CRACK!


Against all odds and with all that is within me I will not let Hazeline die !


There will be consequences.


Regardless of the consequences!


Hairline cracks which had begun to snake its way along Xiu’s wings widened into fissures. Xiu screamed in pain as with a final audible crack his wings shattered. Falling forward, the Sigel retched while his rune flickered erratically from the crippling pain like a flame on the verge of being blown out.




It almost felt like it was Xiu’s wings that made the sound of the explosion. Lazarus couldn’t tell anymore what came first and what came later. Everything just seemed like they were happening at once. He could only watch helplessly as the Sigel’s wings seemed to had exploded, heavy jade pieces falling to the floor, and even some of the smaller ones were thrown a distance away. In just a blink of an eye, Xiu’s pristine white jade wings were no more.


Lazarus is very well aware of what comes next though.


Quickly scrambling to his feet, he quickly dashed to Xiu’s side. The sword had fallen some distance before the Sigel when he fell. Gritting his teeth, Lazarus dragged the scabbard over with his foot and together with the sword, kicked them towards the door he came in from. Now that the sword is further away and the aura not as strong, he can focus better to help Xiu.


“XIU!!!” Lazarus quickly kneeled down beside Xiu, trying to see if he is getting a response. He still don’t know what happened yet. Nothing attacked Xiu, nothing hit his wings, why did it suddenly shattered like that?! The wings shattering had practically shredded the clothes on Xiu’s back, and that white milky substance… is that… Xiu’s blood??! It was an oddly unsettling sight, the lack of red made it seemed less serious than it is, coupled with the white clothes Xiu is wearing, the blood practically blended in. Although when Lazarus placed his hand on them, it was soaking wet and the Valsaros’s hand was stained white as well.


This is very bad.


Holding Xiu’s shoulder down firmly, he ripped the clothes on Xiu’s back off, which wasn’t such a difficult task. He had to see the amount of damage that had been done clearly. And.. it was very, very bad. Unlike his wings which only had the bone joint to his body, which was a smaller contact point. Xiu’s wings, as heavy and as thick as they were, covered a larger area of contact point on Xiu’s back. Practically half of Xiu’s back was shredded, with his blood, milky white in consistency, flowing freely from the wounds. There were still jade shards embedded in his back as well. At this stage they looked more like shrapnel stabbing into Xiu than what remains of his wings. He knew though, that if he had to treat these wounds, he would have to pull them out.


“Xiu?! Can you hear me?” He bent lower to the ground to see if the Sigel was conscious. “I’m… going to pull out the shards left in your back, okay?”




The white Sigel lay on his side with glazed eyes. He was tired. So very tired. And in immense pain. Something in him had broken. He had pushed himself too far. But was too far far enough? The Sigel could not even find it in him to groan when his clothes were torn off and the cold air bit into his raw back.


Rest. He needed rest. And lots of it. A deep sleep far away from the horrible events that had occurred. But Xiu knew that it would be impossible until he was absolutely sure that his guardian was safe. He needed to get up.


But try as he might his body refused to cooperate. It felt as though his mind and his body were two separate entities altogether. One part screaming imperatives while the other had absolutely no means of carrying out those orders.


A familiar face came into view and blue eyes tried hard to focus. Lazarus! If ever was he glad to see him! But the Valsaros looked distraught. Xiu’s heart ached to see his love that way. He had to tell Lazarus not to worry. All he needed was some rest. Then he’d be good as new. Really!


Straining with effort, Xiu’s rune glowed brightly for an instant before falling back into a dull throb.




Lazarus wasn’t sure if Xiu had heard him, and it was getting worrisome as he noticed his rune dimming. Whatever he had to do, he had to do it fast. “Stay with me Xiu!!” He had to keep the Sigel awake.


He counted three shards still stuck in Xiu’s back. Grabbing the largest one, he used his other hand to press down the area around the shard, holding Xiu in place. He didn’t want to pull something else out, since he don’t know how attached are these shards. He had to do this quickly. Gritting his teeth and bracing himself, with a hard press and a forceful yank, Lazarus pulled the first shard out.


W-What was Lazarus doing? Despite the fog that was his mind, the white sigel was vaguely aware that instead of being helped up, he was currently being held firmly down. Suffice to say that panic reared its ugly head when realization dawned and Xiu understood what Lazarus’s intentions were.


NO! NO! NO!


He had to stop Lazarus. Had to tell him that that was enough. No more pain! Please!


But despite his terror, his body remained adamantly unresponsive and after a terrifyingly brief moment and a very grisly tearing and visceral pop later, pain seared through the Sigel’s entire being.


That broke his body’s dormancy and having found his voice Xiu screamed while fingers scrambled in the dirt.




Lazarus visibly winced when Xiu screamed, his heart breaking to hear such a sound coming from Xiu’s mouth. And he was the reason for it. He was biting his lips so hard that it was starting to draw blood, but he knew he had to continue to save the Sigel’s life.


The Valsaros don’t know how much strength Xiu had left in him, but when he saw the Sigel trying to struggle, he moved over to straddle him, sitting on his lower back to hold him in place. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry…” He repeated it over and over again as he made quick work of the last two shards on Xiu’s back, glad that they came out relatively easier than the first.


His hands were shaking as he threw the last shard away. It was stained with white, there is just so much white… Red eyes turn to look at Xiu’s back below him, a pool of white liquid had already formed around him, it was soaking into his pants, his sleeves. All of which… are Xiu’s blood. The Sigel is just laying there, barely moving. Fear gripped Lazarus for a moment, as he felt dizzy, a wave of ice chilling dread washed over his body, and his chest pounded. He began to fall forward, but managed to catch himself with his outstretched arm.


No, he can’t, he can’t give up now. He can’t lose Xiu!


With his hands balled into fists, he ripped one of the sleeves off of his hoodie. He had to make quick work of this, with each passing second, Xiu loses precious blood. The more he lose, the more likely he will die. Swiftly he rolled the sleeve into a ball and presented it before Xiu’s face. “Bite into this! I’m going to cauterize your wound!”




By the time the third shard was out, Xiu had screamed himself hoarse and bled his fingers raw as he struggled against Lazarus’s attempts to save him. The ground was now wet. He was...lying in a pool of his own blood. A shudder of pain rippled through his body as things seemed to have quietened down. Was this over?


Was he finally allowed reprieve?


Barely had those thoughts left him when he was presented with what could only be a rag cloth and instructed to bite down onto it.


“N-no, Laz...I can’t…!”

But the cloth was pressed firmly in anyway and a whimper of fear for what would come next escaped the Sigel.




“Be strong, Xiu…” Lazarus could only plead as he shove the ball of rag as gently as he could in between Xiu’s teeth.


Drawing in a deep breath, he shut his eyes for a moment to focus the fire on his hands. They had to be hot, but contained at the same time. He can’t just burst into flames, that would be too dangerous. To be honest, he haven’t done this before, but deep down inside he knows he can do it. Just focus the heat on his fingers, just the heat, not the flames. A glisten of gold appeared briefly in his eyes as he opened them again, to see that his fingers are a glowing orange red color, like that of red hot steel. Barely, just barely, hints of flames could be seen surrounding the red glow as well. Lazarus’s powers is that of fire, not of heat, so this was no easy feat. However, this would suffice.


Gritting his teeth, he traced the wound patterns on Xiu’s back with his eyes once more to draw out the area he had to touch. Then, with a final “I’m so sorry…” he presses his red hot burning hands onto Xiu’s wounds, careful to burn only the wounds and nothing more. Also bracing himself for the reaction to come.




A searing pain shot through Xiu’s entire being. Moments later, the smell of burning flesh followed. His flesh. The Sigel uttered a moan of agony through the crude gag and bit down hard upon the frayed cloth which Lazarus had the foresight to provide. Rational thoughts be damned. All he wanted was for the pain to stop.


Reaching out with hands bloodied by the scrambling earlier, Xiu tried to haul himself away from the pain; not caring or realizing that Lazarus was the cause of it. All he knew was that he had to get away from the hurt and if he had to crawl his way out, so be it. Like a wounded animal, the Sigel wanted nothing more than a safe place to hide in and bide his time until the pain went away. Out here he felt vulnerable. This was foreign territory and who knew what dangers lurked within it.


But his efforts were futile. The Sigel had barely any strength left in him and his arms shook from the effort of lifting them.


Lazarus, save me…


Thoughts unbidden surfaced in his mind.


Please save me…


His rune was barely glowing right now and a chill unlike any other seemed to seep into his bones.


I’m scared…




Red eyes totally focused on the cauterization process, Lazarus tries to press the wounds as flat as he could. Xiu’s complaints and struggles were not noticed at all as he continued to treat the Sigel. He only dared to stop and even breathe when it was finally done. So focused was he, that he didn’t even know how long it took. The smell of burnt flesh reminded him faintly of BBQ food, which makes him feel nauseous.


Removing his hands, he made sure that Xiu is no longer bleeding profusely before he finally relaxed, letting the heat and flames on his hands die off. To his surprise, his hands began to hurt when the heat dissipated. His hands were pink and tender, and looked like from what he could guess - a burn. He had never had a burnt injury before. But perhaps he is not totally immune to extreme heat after all. Lazarus could only wince at the pain as he got down to examine Xiu. Is this the pain that he had inflicted upon Xiu? Only a hundred times worst? A pang of guilt hit him as he looked at the Sigel’s cauterized back. Compared to Xiu’s, his pain is nothing.


Lazarus was surprised to see that Xiu was still moving after everything. He thought the Sigel would’ve passed out by now. “Xiu?” Gently, he helped Xiu up and held him in his arms. “I’m here Xiu, I’m here with you. You have to stay strong for me, okay?” He pleaded, his eyes glistened like he was about to cry.




Xiu felt gentle arms lifting him up. They were strong arms that promised reassurance and safety. Blue eyes turned upwards to the voice that had spoken and the white Sigel visibly struggled to touch Lazarus’s face; smearing both grime and blood across Lazarus’s cheek. His throat felt raw from all the screaming he had done earlier but he was nevertheless glad when the rag was removed. Taking in deep lungfuls of air, the Sigel leaned against Lazarus’s chest for comfort and could smell Lazarus’s faintly smoky scent. It was a welcoming and familiar scent on this crazy night.


Exhaustion was hitting him hard now and in the relative safety of Lazarus’s arms the Sigel was starting to feel lightheaded as the adrenaline drained away. Forcing a smile, Xiu nodded. Then, because this was important and in a voice barely above a whisper…


“I love you, Lazarus. Thank you,”


It was cheesy and he knew it but it would be a small price to pay if it meant that he’d live to cringe about it later on.




“Please don’t speak like it’s your last words…” Lazarus pleaded, placing his own hand over Xiu’s that is caressing his face, leaning in gently.


“I’m taking you out of here…” He said as something caught his eyes. The closed doors leading into the mansion, through the gap underneath and above the huge wooden doors, were bright glowing flames. The explosion they had heard earlier, it must have set a fire throughout the mansion. He can begin to feel the heat emanating from the building as well. They had to get out of here fast. “Stay with me Xiu…” His voice is a lot firmer this time.


Hugging Xiu’s body close to him, he took one last glance all around the hall. The professor’s body, still haven’t moved from the position where he fell. Xiu’s wings, they were in several hundred pieces scattered all around. Reaching out, he grabbed one of the larger pieces nearest to him and shoved it into his hoodie jacket before getting up. Xiu’s body feel so light now, so small without his wings. Never in his life would he thought that his lover would suffer the loss that he experienced himself. Gently with both his arms, he hugged Xiu close to him as he began to jog towards the door he entered from. Already he could hear the structure behind him began to creak and crackle from the damages of the flames.


When he got near the sword and it’s hilt, with one last kick, he got it sliding out through the opened doorway. With the fire raging, the fire rescue would be here eventually. He can’t let them find the sword, Xiu would be so worried about it afterwards. He had to hide it somewhere somehow. Glancing around as he reached outside, he noticed the thick bushes near the door, just beyond the walkway. Surely the fire rescue won’t find it there, he hope. Gritting his teeth and fighting the nausea caused by the aura of the sword, he gave it one last decisive kick, kicking the sword into the bushes. He only felt at ease when he couldn’t see the sword anymore.


Then without looking back, he ran back the towards the front gates as the mansion began to crumble behind him.






Xiu nodded. Yes, he would like to stay with Lazarus. It would be more than he could ever ask for. But…


The rocking motions of Lazarus’s stride was making him feel drowsy and the warmth from Lazarus’s body felt reassuringly anchored to reality. Xiu struggled to stay awake. He really had to see that his guardian was alright. For one, it would certainly be a great load of his mind.


…


How far would Lazarus have to go before he met Cesc? The mansion’s ground was huge and his head felt heavier by the minute. Surely he would be forgiven if…


Consciousness lost its battle as the white Sigel slowly slipped into oblivion’s welcoming arms.