Silence greeted the crimson eyed Dragonesian, as soon as the door closed behind him. It was Leon's presumption that he would witness a white interior as well. However, he did not. He found himself walking through a dark alley before discovering a warm, and cosy sitting area. It was snowing outside, with freckly snowfall covering the face of the Earth with whiteness. The fire in the fireplace only warmed Leon up and kept him from feeling the temperature of the chilly, wintry weather. The scent of brewed hot cocoa caused Leon's tummy to grumble profusely, that he had to keep a palm on his stomach. The young Dragonesian sneezed as the freezing temperature enhanced. Nevertheless, quite magically, the warm temperature increased when Leon walked closer to the fireplace. The smell of freshly baked pies, fried chicken, warm crunchy bread, stew and many more invaded his nostrils. Those scrumptious dishes were organized beautifully on the dining table, in one corner of the sitting area. Some stuffing, accompanied by ham slices, roasted vegetables which had been wedged into square shapes formerly it seemed, were placed neatly together. The dessert section consisted primarily of chocolate mousse cakes, blueberry cookies, ice-cream cakes, sweet potato cheesecakes (which Leon was not very fond of) and so on. At least, the pandemic that had destroyed the ancient world could not result in the decline of the present day inhabitants' eating manner. Leon had read about the origin of humans, after the extinction of a species known as Dinosaurs. During those times, since humans were still evolving in the Pre-Historic age, they used to hunt down animals, whether small or large and consume them raw. Even the mere thought of eating something raw was grimacing to Leon. Hence, he was thankful for the food, which had not been affected, at least.

The melody of a joyful music flew right through Leon's ears. Leon wanted to dance. Unbeknownst to him, he began to hum the song as his crimson eyes roamed around the cosy and small sitting area.

The familiar tree caught his crimson eyes. A tree topper sat on top of it, while it was wrapped around in ball-shaped colourful bulbs, ornaments, stockings, candy cane toys. The view was mesmerizing. It didn't take him long to understand why the room was decorated.

It was Christmas.

Leon never got to celebrate Christmas, or any human celebration because most of the Dragonesians were against it. Hence, humans had to celebrate it in secret. It was painful, but they tried their best to enjoy every moment and make new memories. Leon had seen the pictures of Christmas celebration, but never had the opportunity to experience it for obvious reasons. His crimson eyes glimmered under all the lights.

Soon fits of giggles and laughter caught his ears and in came to the sitting area, from what appeared like the kitchen, Alana, Lucian, and Lena. They were all laughing. They had elated and genuine smiles plastered on their gleeful faces.

They were happy.

Alana's laughter increased when she sneaked up on Lena and stole a cookie from the tray that she was carrying.

"Hey!" Lena retorted as Alana scoffed up the delicious cookie, "At this rate, Cora and Cynthia will not get anything. This is your tenth cookie, if I must add."

"Wow, I didn't know you could count," Lucian chuckled, only to receive a smack full of protest from the blonde girl. She placed the tray on the table before looking out of the window.

"They are here!" Lena informed cheerfully as she went to open the door.

Leon had not noticed the door all this time for some reason.

Cora and Cynthia, who were dressed in school uniforms, entered the room. They took off their boots, scarves, winter caps and overcoats while giddily going up to each one of them and giving a hug.

"School on Christmas?" Alana asked, "Which school does that even?"

"Apparently ours," Cynthia sighed dejectedly as she rolled her eyes and took a seat on the couch placed at the centre of the room, "Our school is quite different and by different I meant, stern and serious about education."

"Believe me," Cora sighed as well while she took a seat beside her exhausted sister, "It is tedious, but I must admit. Our school is called the most prestigious and topmost school for a reason."

Now that Leon noticed, Cora seemed to have grown a bit taller. And he received the answer of it soon.

"Can you believe it?" Alana stated in the form of a question, looking over at Cora fondly, "Cora is in sixth grade already."

Leon's eyes widened. It only meant Cora was eleven years old now. And Cynthia was in twelfth grade, meaning, she was already eighteen years old.

Two years...how did two years pass within the blink of an eye was the question rising inside Leon's head.

Was this a vision of the future he was having? Leon smiled at the thought. It only meant that everything was alright, and they had won. They were all happy and alive.

But why was he not with them?

"It has been two years now," Lucian spoke up suddenly. A glum look covered everyone's expression, "Two years since the Dragonesians left Earth."

Leon was relieved to hear the information. However, it could possibly imply that he had left with the Dragonesians. But knowing himself, Leon would never do that.

"Two years since we won. Two years since the Dragonesians' reign was destroyed. And two years since that traitor Leon died," Lucian continued, gritting his teeth in the process.

Leon could feel as if suddenly his heart had dropped to his feet. He could never betray them. That was simply preposterous.

Leon tried to speak to them but they did not notice him. As if, he was not there. As if, he never existed.

"How could I forget that thing?" Alana let out a scoff of disbelief.

Incredulously, the crimson eyed Dragonesian stared at Alana. Of all people, he could not believe that Alana, his first ever true friend, was addressing him in such a way with utter rage evident in her voice.

"After all," Alana let out a victorious chuckle, "It was I who had killed him."

Leon's world seemed to crash in front of his eyes. What could he have possibly done so wrong that Alana had to go to the extent of killing him?

"It is not your fault," Cynthia said, sympathizing with Alana,

"So do not feel guilty."

"Who is feeling guilty? At least I am not."

"Yeah that is correct," Cynthia nodded, "We should not feel guilt for that Dragonesian. He was so clever and sly to fool us all, back then. Could you imagine what would have happened if that had not taken place?"

"He was a jerk," Lena added nonchalantly, "He got what he deserved. Honestly speaking, it was our fault to trust a Dragonesian."

"True," Lucian agreed on, "Leon proved that Dragonesians are all the same. They are all nothing but treacherous and brutal creatures."

"No, I am not!" as soon as Leon screamed with tears streaming down his crimson eyes, the entire sitting area grew silent.

The melodious music stopped playing. The fire went off, resulting in the room growing dark. Leon scrunched his nose when the delicious smell of the food was replaced by something rotten. He staggered back when he saw human organs and body parts on the table, in place of the previously placed appetizing dishes.

Leon wanted to puke.

"Look who's here."

Leon's eyes met with the furious eyes of Alana. Cynthia, Cora, Lena, and Lucian, everyone was now standing up straight and looking straight though his soul, in a blank stare. It was enough to send shivers down Leon's spine.

"Kill him," Lucian muttered, a maniac smile similar to the others, pasted on his face.

"Kill him," Cora repeated, followed by her sister, Cynthia.

"Kill him," Lena let out fits of psychotic giggles.

"I should really kill you, should I not, Leon dearest?" Alana, who was now at a close proximity with the frightened Dragonesian spoke each and every word, fierce anger filling up her voice.

"A-Alana, this is not you," desperately, Leon uttered to his friends, "Guys, I am not like other Dragonesians. I am good—"

Choked and muffled screams of Leon could only be heard when without any warning, Alana pierced her dagger through his chest, twisting and turning the blade, as the maniac laughter of the rest increased.