"Trust a werewolf but never a vampire," Lucius warned upon entering the uncanny looking village that he had just saved from being assailed by the mantikhoras.

The village consisted of concrete houses with sable brick walls and pointed roofs. The floor was embedded with white, gray and black pebbles and as we walked past the metallic gates I noticed that the residents didn't like to show their appearance much. Armored people stood underneath the shade of houses and trees and a few walked wearing an ebony cloak and with the hood pulled over the head.

"Why?" I asked him.

I had never met a vampire before therefore I cannot place judgment.

"Why not just trust no one?" I deadpanned.

If you trust no one then no one can betray you. Living alone was the easiest way not to get hurt.

"If you make a mistake there will be no one to blame but yourself. If you achieved something alone the rewards will be yours alone," I added further.

"You're basically telling yourself to live like a hermit and relish a slow but sure insanity," he commented with an amused expression.

"Prorsus (Exactly)," I responded earning myself a groan from the older man.

"Lucian you need other people to live. Who will you depend on to catch you when someone pushes you off a cliff?" he asked me.

What a stupid question devised by cretin.

"The floor," I answered.

Lucius cackled and pushed my cheeks together so that my lips will protrude from the squished cheeks. "You're funny otouto but I'm referring to a person. Who will have your back when you're in trouble?"

I was temporarily lost of what to respond. Briefly I remembered that I was supposed to answer the Royal family, Segreth and the rest of the Higher Order however; that option was gradually vanishing.

I looked around me to search for the precise reply and the only beings I can see that would be there to catch me were also the beings that made this kidnapping possible.

"You and Argo will take care of me won't you?"

It was the most sensible response I can give him. They were the only ones who will and can save me. They had the responsibility to do so since they had taken me out of the Kingdom.

Lucius's smile became a soft expression of adoration.

"Of course I will. Argo and I will always be there for you. But Lucian, we aren't the only ones you need. There are lots of people who would be willing to be friends with you. They will be there for you and in return, you will be there to help them when in need. That's how many creatures still survive up to this day; they aren't alone," he explained and picked up my hand and moved it close to his lips.

"Let your emotions roam freely. Don't let greediness take over you. Learn to love and care for others because when you do, the fruits are sweet."

Everything he was telling me was only placing a heavy burden on me.

"I do not understand," I deadpanned.

Lucius simply snickered and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. He pulled Argo's reign and we ambled through the streets. The cloaked-covered individuals moved their heads towards our direction as we pass by and Lucius's hand that went across my back gently yet firmly pushed my head from the side for me to look straight.

"You'll understand soon. You will love someone, you will care for him or her; you will cry for that person; you will be angry at that person; you'll learn how to forgive and you'll learn how to sacrifice. There are many things about the basics of the world that our parents deprived you off but even though they are just basics, some people don't do it as well. Do not fret. We are not in a rush," he encouraged.

I scrunched my eyebrows and lowered my head in thought. "Then why change me if there are people like me?"

Lucius did not make any sense. I cannot even comprehend what he was saying. It was...frustrating. I did not want to feel like this.

"I want you to become a better person. If people are cold and selfish that did not mean that you should stay like that too. I know you can do it otouto," he cheered.

This was easy to say for a person like Lucius. I was never the enthusiastic type and it was just yesterday did my sleeping emotions began to stir. This was another cycle of the unknown.

Lucius and I headed towards a rather lofty house where the head of the village resided. The thick and sable curtains in the room were drawn together which prevented sunlight from coming in. There was a long and narrow box standing at one side of the room with candles lit to provide light. The village head sat on his chair behind an equally dark shaded-table as he looked at us with an unreadable expression. He had white and lengthy velvety hair which cascaded down his finely-tailored vest and his arms covered with white long sleeves were crossed over his chest. He had a very pale skin and his ears were stretched into a point.

My brother asked the vampire if we could stay for awhile and he approved. He seemed discerning but his prudent features were mixed with a gentle touch of gallantry.

"Your Highness, is that your brother?" He asked.

"Yes, this is Lucian. I brought him along since he was becoming a statue back home," he chuckled.

The man hummed in his seated position and while I waited for their meaningless conversation to end; my eyes wandered around the room. There were shelves filled with stone and wooden tablets along with colorful paper leaves.

"He is ravishing..." he complemented in a breathy tone. "You do know Prince Freydjadour?"

Lucius's body tensed beside me but he managed to maintain his calm composure. "Yes, I do know him. Who doesn't know the Prince?"

I don't.

"You best be careful with your brother. We are alerted that the Prince will come and visit the village," the vampire informed us.

There was a short silence between them before Lucius responded with:

"Thank you for that warning. I will take care of my brother."

The two of them bid their farewells and Lucius pulled me out of the house. We were provided with a small yet an acceptable residence to dwell in for awhile and as soon as we settled in; Lucius released a deep sigh.

"Veni huc (come here)," he ushered me.

I tilted my head in question but did what I was told after making a few bounces on the lectus (mattress). Lucius scooted to the wooden headboard and I crawled towards his open arms. He took me into his embrace and cradled my head.

"There are evil men in the world Lucian. They will want to use you for their own desires even if it is against your will. Find someone you know who can take care of you and love you unconditionally.

"You care for me don't you? Why do I need to find someone?" I questioned.

There was no need to find someone else. Lucius will always be there for me. He will have to compensate for his absence for the last eighteen blue moons. I had placed my trust on him.

"Of course I care for you Tesoro (sweetheart), but there might be a time where...you and I might be separated. I need to prepare you for the worst," he cooed.

"You will leave me?" I asked, feeling the sudden heaviness press against my chest.

I grasped on Lucius's shirt and thought of ways to make him stay. I would promise to make lesser complains regarding his ridiculous ways in life if I have to.

"Don't leave me..." I murmured flatly and clenched on his garment.

Lucius chuckled and rubbed his cheek against my head. "I won't. Not this time."

Not like last time...Please. Do not abandon me like that again. 

"Arrivederci Lucian!"

I was naive and young. 

I said a goodbye that I wish I replaced with a plea of "Don't go."

"Arrivederci Onii-chan!"

I let out a small breath of relief and rested my head against him.

"You are stultus (stupid) aniki."

Why did he need to be so melodramatic? Why did he have to make me feel so many emotions?

Lucius rained kisses upon kisses on my face and I had to wipe my face with my sleeve.

"Let's start practicing your skills in the forest while we wait for one of the Scums. You'll need to know how to defend yourself."

"Scums?" I asked.

Lucius realized my unfamiliarity with the term and he readied himself for an explanation.

"Scums is a group consisting of Veteran Ancient Knights tossed out of the Kingdom for being too unstable and rebellious against the Higher Order and the Royal Family. They are the defects — the flaw to our Knights' perfection. They help me purify the land all over the world," he told me.

"And we are here because we are waiting for one of the members?" I asked.

"Yes, when I took you out of the Kingdom one of the members named Aramastus was waiting by the gates. He prevented us from dealing with any Knights sent by Kingdom. I told him that his home village will be our rendezvous point."

Home village? But he was an ancient wasn't he? Why would this village be his home?

I brushed aside my questions and saved it up for later. Once Lucius hoisted himself up and out of the bed, I followed him out of our domicile and we mounted Argo.

We will be going to the forest which meant that I can see Fenris again. That thought brought a tickle to my stomach.

When we finally got to the forest Lucius further led us away from the colossal tree where I met the werewolves. Lucius removed his boots and placed them to the side.

"I'll have to teach you to control your powers even without the help of that belt. That gem in your belt is used to collect the souls of the catastrophes. It nullifies your powers. I believe that is the last one that is not confiscated by the reaper."

The Reaper (as explained by Lucius) was a powerful being who placed claims of serving a deity above. He collected souls and carried out orders of extermination. Anyone who ever challenged or resisted against him would end up being sliced into ribbons. No one was known to ever survive.

"Then why doesn't he help extinguish the catastrophes?" I questioned again. Surely he had that capability. If he possessed the nerve to confiscate these gems then he was indicating that he was capable of doing all the work on his own.

"Well...he'll only kill if he was ordered to do so. His main purpose is to just collect the souls of the dead." I furrowed my eyebrows at that knowledge. 

"That is stupid. He is stupid. I hope those gems fall on his head and he'll have no other choice but to collect his own soul," I deadpanned.

Lucius burst into laughter at my statement. He attempted to calm himself but only ended up laughing in a louder and more intense volume. He held his knees for support and wiped a tear.

"Lucian stop being cold," he scolded while snickering. "Be understanding otouto. If one knows how to sympathize and empathize there will be lesser arguments."

I stared at Lucius impassively. "Teach me then."

Let us see if I end up being enlightened or end up having Lucius discovering profound frustration.

"Okay, let's start with empathy. Just put yourself into other people's shoes. It's trying to feel what they feel," he explained.

Such mystification I was in. What was he blethering about now? I can feel the growth of wrinkles across my forehead.

"Just...putting myself in someone else's shoes?" I tried to clarify.

He nodded. "Precisely."

I removed my sandals and walked to where Lucius' boots were. I slipped my feet into them and then turned around to face Lucius.

"I do not know how wearing other people's shoes will make me a better individual. Will you please explain further?"

Lucius palmed his face but his shoulders were shaking as he held his laughter.

"This will be a long day," he snickered.

The sky began to turn purple just like my feet from the excessive standing. Lucius switched from teaching me morals into teaching me to control the life I give.

"You have to feel the energy that comes out. The reason why you can't regulate your power is because you are emotionless. You block every feeling even the physical ones in your mind. Think of how good the energy that flows out of you feels like. Do not think of them as nothing. It's like silk coming out from your feet and palms," he explained.

Lucius had blind-folded me and removed my gloves which placed me in an unsure state.

"When you want to control just clench your hands tightly and stiffen your body. When you want to release just take a deep breath and exhale. Relax your body and unclench your hands and before you know it, you can manage your power as if they are your instinct."

"I do not think I can do this."

"You can. Always think that you can," he cheered. "I'll remove your belt now."

Once the belt was unclasped I stiffened my body and clenched my hands as I restrained any possible energy that might escape. This sudden surge of power was tickling my palms and feet.

"Okay now, azatum (release)," he ordered.

I replayed his instruction in my head and took a deep breath before exhaling. I loosened my fists and let my toes curl out. The energy was smooth and warm and the flood of it was causing my heart to hasten in its beating.

My lips curled into a smile and my body began to lax out.

"Very good," he complemented.

The rotten smell of the forest was now being shadowed by a sweet smell. The sound of wood cracking and the sound of birds chirping poured into the area.

"Now, control," he ordered but I paid no heed to it.

My heart kept pumping faster. I didn't want to stop. I just desired to give life until the rotten smell was completely eradicated.

"Lucian, imperium! (control!)"

I began to laugh and brush aside my aniki's instructions. The sound was foreign to my ears. My muscles loosened and I surrendered myself to my own power. My whole body trembled from excitement but once a clicking sound occurred, the tickle stopped. Lucius removed my blindfold and I looked down and found the belt reattached to my waist.

Lucius bore a soft smile and he caressed my cheeks as my smile faded away along with my mirth.

"As much as I love hearing your laughter after all these years we still need the forest dead to test your progress," he explained. "You almost revived the Tree of Beginnings. That is astonishing. I cannot wait to see your full potential."

Everything around us was splashed with different colors. A wide diversity of plants grew in the area and small hopping animals came into view before they disappeared into a hole. Insects made bizarre noises and yellow glitters of light gently floated in midair.

"You did well today," he praised and then he raised his gaze as if he was looking at something behind me. "Don't you think so too, wolf?"

At that acknowledgement, I turned around and found the same black werewolf I encountered earlier. He was peeking behind a tree that didn't do much in covering his gigantic body especially that tail that kept wagging. He licked his nose and lowered his head shyly.

I sauntered towards the creature and his eyes moved from left to right as if he was trapped in place. He raised his gaze at me and I bent down in one knee causing him to slightly tower me.

Fenris leisurely dropped his head to the ground. His tail was wagging excitedly when he saw my hand moving towards his head. I placed my palm on his fur and felt the same tickle in my chest from our initial encounter.

"Lucius...can we bring him with us?" I asked.

"I don't think the vampires would enjoy having a werewolf near them. They are too cautious."

Upon hearing the word 'vampire' Fenris rose up in caution. He whimpered and then pushed his head to my chest which made me fall to my bum. Even though he smelled rotten, I did not mind it at all. His presence just made me...euphoric.

"And...I believe vampires have started hunting werewolves," Lucius informed me causing a frown to form on my face.

"Hunting?" I repeated.

Why would they hunt such innocent-looking creatures with some tendencies to rip one's leg and bite one's neck?

Fenris was bent on his four legs as he tried his best to bury his face to my chest. "I will grow a huge tree in their land and make sure that the roots swallow them all," I deadpanned.

"Lucian..." Lucius stated in a warning tone.

I will make great use of this new skill. Lucius's teaching shall not be put to waste. 

Aniki tried to ask Fenris to change himself into his man form but Fenris merely shook his head and whimpered. My brother then decided to create a house for him and more trees with edible fruits for his benefit. Fenris wagged his tail beside me as I tried to give life to a tree in which he was pawing on. It rose to life and the creature bounced around it in excitement.

It was finally time to depart and Lucius mounted Argo. Fenris was giving me gooey eyes and I petted his head.

"We will come back tomorrow," I assured him. I looked at Lucius for confirmation and he nodded to my benefit.

"We will return so do not fret Fenris," he supported.

The werewolf whimpered and pushed his head to my chest for comfort. I released a sigh and wrapped my two arms around his enormous body. I did not want to leave him alone in this dark and eerie forest. If those vampires tried to hurt Fenris who would back him up against them? I looked up to Lucius and spoke the words which made even Argo neigh in question.

"Can Argo carry the three of us?"

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