《Twisted》


 Prologue

    A man wearing a black cloak stood before another man whose hands were tainted with blood. His sword that was once a blade of hope and prosperity of the kingdom was now dripping with blood of his own colleagues and the one they serve, the King himself. From the tip of his bloody sword, Reigies slowly looked up at the cloaked man. As usual, his face was not visible to him. All he could see beneath his hood was darkness. It was as if he was staring at an abyss everytime he would stare at him. A feeling of a strange familiarity enveloping his heart.


    "You need not have to do this..." The cloaked man said, disappointment filling his voice. "Catherine wouldn''t be happy if she was here."


    For a moment, Reigies stared at the man before letting out a soft chuckle that turned into a menacing laugh. After a while, he sighed. "Why? Would she have preferred if I was the one lifelessly lying on the ground?" He grinned.


    "That''s not what I meant, Reigies."


    Reigies did not reply. Instead, he continued staring at the man with that grin not leaving his face. However, his hazel eyes that were once filled with anger were now lifeless. He was tired. All those memories that were not his own but also his, kept on haunting him ever since that day he had swung his sword at his sister, causing her death. Upon realizing his mistakes, discovering truths that were buried for years and regaining memories that were part of his soul..He felt like he was going insane every minute that would pass by.


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    ''My foolishness... Again and again--- Why do I keep on repeating the same mistake?'' He agonized.


    Without realizing, tears started streaming down his face as he felt his chest tightening. It was as if his heart was being gripped tightly.


    "It hurts." He whispered, his hushed voice somehow echoing in the whole place.


    "I know how you feel." The cloaked man solemnly replied.


    "Hah!" Reigies scoffed. "Really now?" He sarcastically said standing up, dragging his sword as he approached the cloaked man. "You? A suspicious person who would just appear out of no where from time to time?" He then raised his sword, pointing its tip at the cloaked man''s chest. "Should I also just kill you here and now?"


    There was a moment of deafening silence before the cloaked man spoke.


    "I know you more than you yourself. No one knows how you feel more than I do. You thought you''ve seen all of it but in fact, you have only seen less than half of it. I am not blaming you, however, I can''t help but think how unfair things could be. The further I go, the more that I lose myself." He then raise his right hand, his palm facing Reigies'' forehead. "This is how far I go, Reigies. I''ve come a long journey and finally, I have the power in which we''ve always wanted to have." Before Reigies could react, a ball of light had already blinded him.


    "At least once, make that child smile."

 Chapter 1

    Reigies sat up on his bed, gasping for air. Cold sweat was running down his forehead. Anyone who would''ve seen him right now would think that someone had been chasing him. His brows then furrowed after a while upon noticing the sheets he''s been gripping. Instead of the usual golden yellow sheets, the ones in his grasp were white. It had been years since the last time he saw this sheet color on his bed.


    "What the©¥" he raised both his hands and bewilderdly studied it. His hands seems to be a bit smaller than he remembered. They were still calloused and a bit rough but not rougher than what it was supposed to be.


    A knock on the door made Reigies jolt.


    "Young lord?" A familiar voice of a woman called. "Are you up, my lord?" Hearing that sweet voice made Reigies'' breathing hitch.


    "E-emily?" Reigies mumbled. And before he could comprehend what was going on, Reigies'' body moved on its own. He clumsily got out of his bed and rushed towards the door, even stumbling several times. As he swung the door open, a surprised middle aged woman filled his sight. "E-Emily..." He called, still not believing his own eyes.


    "Y-yes, dear Young lord? Are you alright? You seem to be pale." Emily stretched her right arm to touch Reigies'' face. However, Reigies clumsily took a few steps back and fell backwards. "Oh dear! My! Young lord, are you alright?!" Emily exclaimed as she rushed towards Reigies and held both his cheeks. Her worried expression and soft, warm touch told Reigies that what''s happening right now was not a dream. Even the pain on his wrist due to his fall felt so real for this to be called a dream.


    "Emily..." He once again called, this time tears were streaming down his face that made Emily''s facial expression worsen. But Reigies could care less for now. No words could describe how he was feeling at the moment. All he knew was that he was scared and relieved upon seeing and hearing her. "Emily..." This time, Reigies held her hands and closed his eyes as tears continued streaming.


    ''It''s been years... I''m sorry. I''m sorry.''


    His heart ached as a gruesome memory came in his mind. Emily, a woman whom he had thought of as someone close to a mother figure since he was nine. In this house, she was the one responsible for looking after the Duke''s offsprings. Most especially since there was no mistress, a Duchess for this house.


    In Reigies'' memory, in which would haunt him even in his sleep, Emily had a huge slash on her front. Starting from her abdomen to her chest was a huge, deep wound caused by Reigies'' sword. The wound could be compared to a claw mark a beast would make. At that time, Reigies was not in his right mind. When he realized what he had done, it was already too late. He had killed his own nanny, someone who was like a mother to him. Someone close to his heart...


    "Oh dear. What''s the matter, Young lord? Did you perhaps had a nightmare?"


    Reigies didn''t reply. Instead, he nodded and suddenly burried his head on her shoulders as his arms wrapped around her waist.


    Emily let out a soft gasp and chuckled after a while as she ran her hand on his back.


    "There, there..." She soothed. "Everything''s fine. I''m right here."


    Hearing her say that, Reigies couldn''t help but cry more. His whole body, that was in tense the whole time, relaxed. Oh ,how much he missed her warm embrace.


    ''I was foolish! Forgive me. Forgive this being.''


    He kept on apologizing in his mind even though the Emily before him didn''t know a thing of what he had experienced. He still didn''t fully grasp what was going on but he could tell very well that he went back in time but unsure of when exactly. However, judging from the sheets he was wrapped in a while ago and Emily''s less wrinkled face, it was before he inherited the seat of a Duke.


    Clearing his mind Reigies snuggled more against Emily''s shoulders. Emily didn''t say anything but was smiling. It had been a long time since this child had hugged her. Although she was surprised upon seeing his pale face, she was relieved to know that he had just a nightmare. It reminded her of those old days wherein the former Duchess was still around. Since both his parents were always busy with political affairs, Reigies was always left in her hands. Whenever he had nightmares, he would always snuggle in her arms if the Duchess was not beside him.


    When Emily noticed that the Young lord had calmed down, she called for his name but didn''t get a response. She did this several times and even lightly tapped his shoulder but still did not get one.


    It was then when she heard a soft gasp followed by light footsteps.


    "Oh no! Did something bad happen to brother?!" Came a sweet, high-pitched voice. "Ah, his face is wet! Did brother cry? What happened?!"


    "Ah..haha©¥ Young miss, kindly please tone down. The Young lord seems to have fallen back to sleep after crying. He seems to have had a long nightmare, you see." Emily couldn''t see her face but she could picture a very worried eight-year old girl as she spoke of her older brother.


    "Then should I call for someone to help you carry him to bed? I saw Val on my way here. Should I call him?" She asked, pertaining to the head butler.


    "Yes, please."


    Without saying another word, the eight-year old girl rushed out of the room and ran along the hallways.


    "Vaaaaal! Val! Vaaaal!" She yelled in which alarmed everyone who had heard her.


    Every servant dropped what they were doing and went to the source of the voice. Since the little girl was at the second floor, those who were downstairs had to rush up, some even stumbling.


    "Young miss?! What''s the matter?!" A maid, who just came out of a room she was cleaning, rushed towards the little girl.


    "What''s going on?! I''ve got buckets of water here!"


    "Is there a fire? We brought some buckets of water!"


    Two men servants said almost in unison as they pant.


    "Young miss, I''ve heard you calling." A calm voice said, followed by two pairs of steady footsteps. Everyone present turned their head towards the source of the voice. The four servants abruptly bowed their heads upon seeing the person walking in front of the butler.


    "Catherine." Requiel, the master of the household, called with worry painted all over his face.


    "Ah! Father! Father!" Catherine rushed towards the Duke and yanked the sleeve of his clothing. "Follow me."


    Requiel was confused at her sudden action. Nevertheless, he followed the child.


    "Do you wish to show me something in your room?" He guessed when he noticed that the path they''re taking was towards her room.


    "No. We''re going to brother''s room."


    "Reigies''?" He asked with his brows furrowed. And before he could ask more, they had already reached the front of the said room. Its door was opened wide that anyone who would pass by it could easily notice the two figure sitting on the floor.


    "It seems the Young miss had caused an unecessary commotion." Emily chuckled when she felt the presence of numerous people behind her.


    "Father, help Emily. Brother is too heavy for Emily to carry." Catherine said as she pointed at them.


    Everyone present was a bit surprised at the little girl''s request. Never had there been anyone, most especially a child, had dared to order the master of any household. Unless you''re seated in a higher in position in politics. It was a common knowledge even for someone in Catherine''s age. Usually, they would just ask someone else to do it.


    "Uhm, let me do your request instead, young miss." Valeirene gave the child a warm smile. Considering the young miss'' circumstances, she might still not be accustomed with how things are. Valeirene was about to step forward when the Duke raised his free hand.


    "I''ll carry him."


    Requiel then let go of Catherine''s hand and approached Emily who''s still hugging Reigies for support. Everyone watched how the Duke carefully took his fourteen year old son away from the head maid. Catherine followed behind Requiel, who carried Reigies towards his bed. Gently, he laid him on it and covered him with the sheets.


    It had been so long since the last time he had personally tucked this child in his bed.


    ''Had it been eight years now?''


    He thought as he brushed away some of Reigies'' hair that covered a portion of his face. As he did so, his brows furrowed in an instant. He was not sure of what he felt so he laid the back of his palm on Reigies'' forehead and even on his cheeks.


    "Call the physician this instant!" Requiel ordered.


    "Your Grace?" A confused Valeirene asked.


    "Now!"


    "Ah! R-right away!" Valeirene then rushed out to do what he was ordered to do.


    "Oh dear©¥ forgive me, your grace ." Emily said bowing. "I didn''t notice that the young lord was sick."


    "Brother''s sick?" Catherine asked with a gasp. "That''s bad news. Perhaps he overdid his training yesterday?"


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    "T-that seems to be it, young miss." Emily replied, still bowing.


    "Raise your head, Emily." Requiel sighed and turned towards the door where the four servants still stood. All of them flinched once the Duke''s gaze fell on them. Only when he rose a brow at them did they bow and asked for forgiveness in unison before leaving in rush. However, one of them came back to gently close the door.


    "Now," Requiel returned his gaze at Emily. "Explain what happened."


    "As you are aware, your grace, the young lord usually wakes up early and would exercise at the training ground at around six. However, he seems to have stayed in bed a little longer. I did not bother waking him up either, thinking that he might''ve been tired due to his yesterday''s training with sir Bertolt. At exactly eight o''clock, I''ve decided to knock on his door to check on him." Emily paused as she remembered that pale face she had held a while ago.


    ''I was so worried that I didn''t notice his fever.''


    "Continue." The Duke urged in which she nodded to.


    "As I was saying, I knocked on his door to check if he was already up and to my surprise, the door swung open in a harsh way." She then sighed. "The Young lord seemed to have had a nightmare for when he opened the door, he was crying. He even looked scared a while ago as if he had seen a ghost."


    The Duke nodded. "I see." For a moment, he stared at the child lying on the bed. His brows were furrowed and even his breathing was a bit rapid than usual. His face also started flushing red that made Requiel worry.


    Seeing this expression, Emily was relieved. Ever since that night two years ago, the relationship between the Duke and young lord had started to deteriorate. It was not like they were very close in the first place, it was just that the two seemed to have treated each other more coldly than before. When the young lord was younger, their relationship was so warm but as time went by, for some reason, they started drifting away and that night didn''t help. For the past two years, the father and son rarely talked with each other. Both would dine together and would meet from time to time but that was it. No words were usually spoken.


    "I''ll be in my study. Report to me whatever the physician would say."


    Requiel said as he started heading towards the door.


    "Understood, your Grace."


    "Catherine, come along."


    "Uhm..." Catherine hesitates. "Father, can''t I just stay here? I''d like to look after brother." She finaly asks, her gaze switching from her brother to her father. "Please?"


    Requiel stared at his daughter for a moment before sighing. "You can''t."


    "But©¥"


    "Young miss." Catherine turned her attention towards Emily. "His Grace is just worried for your well-being. He meant that you can''t stay beside the young lord in the mean time for the reason that you might catch his sickness too." She explained.


    "But you''re staying with him."


    "I am an adult, young miss. A very healthy one at that."


    "I''m also very healthy!"


    And before Emily could reply, the Duke''s voice had cut in.


    "Catherine, your brother will be worried once he wakes up and sees you beside him. Would you like that?"


    Catherine shook her head with her lips protruding. Without saying another word, she sulkily approached her father and held his hand.


    "Then, I''ll be leaving brother in your care, Emily."


    "You need not have to worry, dear Young miss." She replied with a gentle smile.


    As soon as the door was shut once again, the gentle smile on Emily''s face was swaped with a sullen one. What the Duke had said a while ago was an obvious lie. Everyone in this house knew how much the young lord dispised his half sister. If ever she would''ve been in danger in front of him, he wouldn''t care. If there''s anyone who didn''t know that, it would be the young miss herself. Everyone''s actually surprised that she still kept on approaching the Young lord dispite him pushing her away or not giving her that much of attention. But Emily knew of the reason why...


    ''Poor child...Living in a heavenly lie. How cruel.''


    She thought as she approached Reigies'' bed. With a sigh, she sat on it and stretched her right hand to touch the child''s face. The frown on his face instantly disappeared at her touch. Probably because it was a bit cooler than his current temprature that his unconscious self found a bit relaxing.


    "Dear child, I know how hurt you are from the past events. I know very well... but, even if it''s a little, I hope that you open your heart up to that child."


    ~~~


    Reigies slowly opened his eyes, squinting at the ray of sunlight that came through the window. He let out a soft grunt as he covered his eyes using his hand.


    "Ah, you''re awake, Young lord."


    Hearing that familiar voice, Reigies abruptly sat up. This action of him was followed by a pain similar of that needles poking the back of his head.


    "Argh!"


    "Oh dear, oh dear! You shouldn''t have sat up like that." Emily then approached Reigies and gently forced him to lay back again. "Suddenly sitting up like that with your condition isn''t good." With the back of her palm, Emily checked on his temperature and nodded afterwards. "Your fever seemed to have come down a bit. You were unconscious since yesterday morning, young lord."


    Reigies only stared at her as she spoke. His mind was blank as he did so. Even what Emily was saying did not fully process in his mind. Noticing his blank stare, Emily couldn''t help but worry again.


    "Young lord, Reigies? Is something the matter? Did you have another nightmare?"


    Slowly, Reigies shook his head.


    "I-I''m f-" Reigies coughed up his following words. His throat suddenly felt itchy and dry.


    "Oh! Water!" Emily reached out for the pitcher and filled the glassdd cup beside it. "Here." She helped Reigies up and assisted him in drinking.


    "Thank you." Reigies said with a smile in which Emily replied with a nod and smile. "This is not a dream, right?"


    A soft chuckle came out of Emily''s mouth. "It seems you have not fully awaken yet."


    "I guess..." Reigies then lowered his gaze to his calloused hands. It was smaller than what he remembers.


    ''Have I really gone back in time?''


    As he thought so, an image of a man wearing a dark cloak came in his mind. He couldn''t really remember his last words but he did remember the pressure his whole body felt as the light coming from the cloaked man''s palm flashed. After that, he felt like he had been somewhere else before waking up, but couldn''t remember.


    "Young lord? Do you feel pain somewhere?"


    Emily''s voice brought him back to the present. He instantly looked up and smiled at her.


    "I''m hungry."


    That was not a lie. He really felt hungry at the moment.


    "That''s a given since you have not consumed anything since yesterday morning, I''ll go and fetch some soup. Wait here and don''t do anything yet." Emily strictly said as she stood up and headed towards the door.


    "Ah, Emily?"


    "Hmm?" She hummed, turning back to him.


    "What day is it today?"


    "It''s the third day of March, year 1068 of Hidelth calendar. Why do you ask?"


    "Ah, I see. It''s nothing. I was just making sure I remembered the date right. By the way, yestereday,before I©¥ahem©¥" Reigies'' ears turned red as he remembered his embarassing action. Even if he was younger in this timeline, he still was already too old to be crying in his nanny''s arms. He then cleared his throat and spoke once again. "Before I passed out yesterday, I think I heard someone come." Although he already knew who it was, he still wanted to confirm.


    "Ah...The young miss. She happened to pass by your room and was on her way to breakfast." Emily replied in the most simpliest way. She didn''t bother telling how worried the little one was for he wouldn''t care.


    "That was embarassing. But seeing me in that state, she must''ve been worried."


    "Indeed, she was very©¥" Emily stopped midsentence when she realized his words. "Pardon?" She blinked, not believeing what she had just heard.


    "Catherine... I said, she must''ve been worried seeing me in that state." He sighed. "Such an embarassing scene" He mumbled.


    "Ah, uhm..." Emily didn''t know how to reply due to her shock. Not only did the young lord worry about the young miss being worried about him but also mentioned her name in an affectionate way!


    "Anyways, I''m really hungry, Emily." Reigies changed the topic realizing how unusual he was acting. If this was before, he wouldn''t even spare that child a glance.


    "R-right! I should go and fetch you some soup." And with that Emily left the room.


    When he was finally alone, Reigies let out a sigh and leaned back on the headboard. He scanned the room he was currently in and had the fact that he had returned to the past sink in his mind. He raised his hand in front of him. Images of of people whom he had their blood stains on his hand surfaced in his mind. His heart throbbed remembering the faces of those whom he didn''t mean to slay and those whom he had slain due to his anger. Most especially his long time friend, the King.


    "I wish you had cared for her more and punished me sooner."


    Reigies clenched his fists upon remembering the King''s last words. He felt ashamed. Ashamed of his self for being childish those whole time. He was ashamed of his self for being narrow-minded. He felt ashamed that someone else had actually cared for his sister dearly but because of him, his sister became blind of her surroundings. She only cared for him, her foolish brother, that she didn''t notice those who would seek for her in which led to one of her demise.


    A knock on the door brought Reigies'' mind back to the present. He cleared his throat and was about to ask who the person was when the door slowly opened. A small head then peeked inside.


    "Brother?" An anxious looking, little girl called. Her auburn hair, that''s different from his hazel hair, was tied up in pigtails. Her curls ¨C that bounced a bit as she tilted her head ¨C cascaded down pass her shoulders.


    ''How is it that it is only now that I had noticed how precious my little sister is?''


    He thought as he stared at her.


    ''Fool! It was you who refused to look at her!''


    A tiny voice replied in his head. He then shook his head and beamed a smile at the girl. Something he never would have done in the past. If anything, he would''ve ignored her or yelled at her for opening the door without his permission.


    "Hey..."


    ''Hey?''


    He scoffed at his self. It was the only word that slipped out of his lips. Of all greetings he could''ve say, just a ''Hey''?


    However, he couldn''t think of any proper greeting. They never had a proper conversation even before during their younger years. They were never close to begin with. It was always and only Catherine who would approach him, greet him and talk to him. Thinking of how harsh he had been in the past towards her, he couldn''t help but suddenly feel awkward and guilty.


    Catherine returned a smile towards Reigies that made him flinch. At that moment, the image of a fine lady meeting his gaze with horror and hurt written all over her face overlapped with this child''s face. Her shocked face that slowly turned to an expression that told she felt betrayed made his hand tremble.


    "Brother? You don''t look fine." A soft, small pair of hands reached for one of Reigies'' hand. "Are you still sick?" Catherine asked with concern as she gazed up at him.


    Reigies didn''t notice that she had already approached his bed. She struggled a bit on reaching his hand since he was sitting a bit further from the edge of his wide bed and that his bed was a bit high for her.


    For a moment, he stared at her face, studying every inch of her face, before looking down on her hands that was wrapped around his right hand.


    ''Such small, soft, cute hands...It''s warm.''


    It was not the same touch he had felt that time. That time when he had slashed his sword at her, she held his arm with her weak, trembling hands. Compared to what he was feeling now, that time, her touch felt cold. As if she had lost all her affection towards him.


    "For you... I did everything, brother."


    Without him knowing, tears started streaming down Reigies'' face. Events after his sister''s death started surfacing in his mind. His discovery of everything about her that built up this guilt and resentment he was feeling haunted him once again. His whole body trembled upon remembering even the nightmares he would have every night.


    Seeing her brother''s sudden tears, Catherine panicked. She clumsily climbed on his bed and hugged him with tears clouding her eyes.


    "Don''t cry, brother. Don''t cry." She shakily said. "Catherine is here. D-don''t cry--hic-- I will protect you."


    In the end, she also started sobbing. This made Reigies'' tears stop from falling.


    "C-Catherine will p-protect you f-from ni-nightmares." Catherine declared while sobbing.


    "Pfft--" When Reigies realized she was crying as she was trying to comfort him, he couldn''t help but hold in his laughter. "Why©¥Why are you crying?" He couldn''t hold his laughter in anymore.


    Catherine let go of him and looked up. "B-Because brother is crying. I don''t like brother crying! It makes me sad too."


    Reigies smiled, his heart warming up upon hearing this. He didn''t know words could make someone this warm.


    "Then don''t cry too. I also don''t like you crying." He smiled as he reached for her face and wiped her tears, her somehow chubby cheeks squishing at his action. This would have been hypocritical of him if this was in the past.


    ''Right... I don''t know how exactly was I able to come back in time but I promise you that I won''t repeat the same thing. I promise to make you smile and do things I''ve never done before. In this life, I''ll be a real brother to you.''


    He vowed as he pulled her closer to him and wrapped his arms around her. However, he had forgotten how many times he had already said those words...

 Chapter 2

    Emily, who''s on her way back towards the young lord''s room together with two other maids, stopped on her tracks. Her brows furrowed when she heard familiar giggles coming from the young lord''s room. From what she remembered, she had properly closed the door when she left. But seeing it half open, there must''ve been someone who had entered the room and didn''t close the door. And judging from the giggle she''s hearing...


    "Young miss?" She mumbled.


    But that''s impossible. There was no way that the young miss would be staying in the young lord''s room without him not kicking her out. Not to mention, she could hear her...giggling? It was not only her who was confused and surprised at the moment. Even the two maids following her with their young lord''s meal in hand was confused.


    Three of them then approached the said room with caution as to make no sound. As they did so, the giggling of a little girl became louder and clearer.


    "S-stop! I can''t anymore!" The Young miss said in between laughter.


    "Then, take back what you''ve said." The young lord said with a chuckle. It was also noticable how he was somehow catching his breath.


    "N-no! Brother is©¤Aah!" She squealed followed by her lovely laughter that could melt anyone''s heart.


    "You were saying, kid?" And with that, Reigies continued what he was doing.


    The two maids, together with Emily, were stunned at what they were witnessing through the gap of the opened door. On the bed were the two children of the Duke. Everyone knew how the young lord didn''t like the young miss. They knew very well and yet, here they were, witnessing such a lovely, heart warming scene. On the bed, the siblings were having fun, a memory every parent would like to store in their mind. At least that''s what they''re seeing.


    The young miss was pushing the young lord away with her fragile looking arms while giggling. As for the young lord, he was tickling the young miss with a smiling face. Anyone who would''ve witnessed this could feel the warmness in this scene.


    "Oh goodness." Emily gasped as her hands covered her lips. This was something she never would''ve thought of seeing today nor in the future. A scene wherein the two children of this house would be smiling together, as if both were one of those siblings who got along well. It has also been a while since the last time she had seen the young lord smile like that. Somehow, that heavy feeling she had within her chest was lifted.


    "Are they truly©¥?" The maid holding the tray containing soup whispered.


    "I guess? I mean, unless what''s happening right now is just a dream." The other whispered back.


    At that moment, Reigies finally noticed the three ladies peeking at the half-opened door. His smile widened upon seeing Emily return.


    "Oh, Emily!" Catherine stood up and started jumping on the bed. "Look! Brother is all fine now!" She said with her usual jolly voice.


    "Hey, stop that. You might fall or something." Reigies said as he gently yanked a portion of Catherine''s dress.


    Emily couldn''t help but smile as she witnessed another unusual scene. She didn''t comment on it and just instructed the two maids to prepare the meal and leave the room.


    "Young miss." Emily called, facing the brother and sister duo who  were having a bit hushed conversation. Such a warm scene indeed. However, she''s not allowed to stay in the room at the moment for the young lord had just recovered.  "The Young lord may look fine but we can''t be certain yet. The physician still needs to check up on him in a while after breakfast to make sure he truly is fine already. And so, I ask that you leave the room and also have your breakfast at the dining room. His Grace, the Duke may be there already waiting for you."


    "But I don''t wanna!" Reigies was startled when Catherine suddenly grabbed his arm in a harsh way and hugged it. "Can''t I just have breakfast with brother? I rarely dine with brother." She continued with her lips protruding a bit.


    "But the Duke--"


    "Tell father that Catherine will have her breakfast here in my room." Reigies cut in. "I feel a little lonely at the thought of eating breakfast alone."


    "Right! Right! You hear that? Brother feels lonely!" Catherine bobbed her head up and down. "I''ll also look after brother till the physician arrives."


    Emily stood there for a moment. Not a word came out of her agape mouth as she looked at the two. Catherine tightened her grip on Reigies'' arm thinking that Emily might force her to leave the room. After a while, Emily sighed and nodded.


    ''Indeed, this is a rare occurance. Who knows when this might happen again.'' She thought.


    "I shall go inform the Duke then and ask someone to bring additional food and utensils for the young miss."


    "Thank you, Emily." Reigies replied with a smile.


    Emily bowed as a response and left the room. Before closing the door, she couldn''t help but glance back at the bed where the sibling continued chatting and giggling. She didn''t know what happened at the short moment she had left the room but she was delighted at what she''d witness. She hopes that this would be the start of a harmonious relationship between those two.


    At the same time, in Duke Atlante''s study, a knock made him look up from the papers he''s reading.


    "Come in."


    The door slowly opened, revealing Valeirene. "Your Grace, breakfast is ready."


    "I see." Requiel laid the papers on his desk and removed his reading glasses. He then leaned back on his chair with a sigh.


    "You went to bed late and woke up too early, Your Grace. Is there something bothering you?" Valeirene asked with concern written all over his face. There was a moment of silence before the Duke replied.


    "Reigies..."


    Valeirene gave the Duke a reassurring smile.


    "If you''re worried of the young lord, I heard from Emily a while ago that he has woken up. Despite being unconscious the whole day yesterday while having a high fever, he seems to be fine now. She had also requested to call for the physician to check on him."


    Requiel let out a sigh of relief  before standing up and fixing his suit. "Let''s go. Catherine might be waiting in the dining room already."


    Valeirene slightly bowed his head with his right hand on his chest as Requiel passed by him.


    "Has there been no word yet from His Majesty?" Requiel asks as they walk along the seemingly empty hallways. If not for the carpeted floors, every step they took would probably echo.


    "None yet, Your Grace."


    Requiel stopped on his tracks at the response. As he held on the railings of the stairs, he let out an exasperrated sigh.


    "Your Grace?"


    "I''m getting anxious." Requiel chuckled. "Am I even taking the right steps?"


    Valeirene knew very well what His Grace was talking about. Despite being a master and servant, both were quite close to the point wherein each party knew almost every detail in ones life. Even the current situation where the Duke was suffering from, he knew very well.


    "If it''s for protecting someone, even if it would be percieved as something wrong by everyone , then I don''t think that would be bad."


    Requiel slightly turned his head back with a troubled look. "You''re not wrong." He then turned back and started descending the stairs. "It''s just that the thought of another child of mine despising me hurts."


    Even with just his voice, Valeirene could tell how pained the Duke was. However, what happened two years ago was a result of his own desires.


    "Maybe this is a punishment made by the heavens for me."


    And with that, both continued their walk towards the dining room in silence. It was not like Valeirene could have comforted the Duke or say anything positive in that situation. No matter what and in which angle you look at, a part of this situation was the Duke to blame.


    Requiel''s brows furrowed when he didn''t see his daughter sitting on her usual seat once the doors towards the dinig room parted. Foods for breakfast were already prepared and even some servants were already standing at each corner of the room to serve them. He turned his head at the servant standing nearest to him and Valeirene.


    "Where''s Catherine?"


    However, before the servant could even answer, Emily''s voice had cut in.


    "Your Grace." Emily called as she walked in a rushed manner.


    "Oh, Emily? What brings you here? And do you perhaps know where the Young miss is? It''s unusual that she''s late for breakfast." Valeirene asked.


    "That''s why I''m here, sir Valeirene" Emily replied grinning. "Young miss won''t be going down to eat breakfast with His Grace. Instead, she''ll be eating with the Young lord! The Young lord insisted that they eat together." She happily announced.


    Everyone present didn''t react how Emily had expected to. Instead of those glad and relieved expressions, she recieved confused and disbelieved ones.


    "W-what? You don''t believe this woman?" She asked, raising on of her brows. She even glared at the Duke who clearly had that unsure expression.


    If it were anyone who had glared at him the way Emily did, they would''ve been punished. But this was Emily Higgins standing in front of them. A former commander in house Atlante''s special brigade and at the same time, the youngest daughter of Duke Atlante''s former teacher. He had a lot of respect in her that even though his status was higher than her, he didn''t mind her being rude at times.


    "It''s not that we don''t believe you, Em. It''s just that©¥" Reigies was cut off when Emily waved her hand in front of him.


    "Ahhh... whatever, whatever. Thou shan''t ruin my mood. I have already said what is needed to be said." And with that, she turned around and left, clearly in  a bright mood.


    None of them uttered a single word until Emily turned left, vanishing from their sight. The Duke was the first to move. Though still in daze, he turned around and went to his designated seat. As he sat down, he raised his head.


    "Won''t you join me for breakfast, Val?"


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    He asked the man standing still at the door way. Valeirene''s gaze shifted from the path Emily took towards the Duke who seemed to be in a  state of confusion but he certainly was pleased. Unlike a while ago.


    "Val?"


    "Ah? Me?" Valeirene asked, pointing at his self.


    Requiel rose a brow a him.


    "I hate repeating my words."


    Once again, Valeirene glanced at the path Emily took before shaking his head and approached the seat nearest to the Duke.


    "It''s been a while since we''ve eaten together." Valeirene chuckled that broke the silence in the room.


    "Mhm... Indeed." Requiel replied with a slight nod as he started picking up the utensils.


    "But Your Grace, about what Emily said awhile ago about the two..." He trailed.


    "Emily isn''t that type of person who would make up some stories."


    "Of course. I know that a lot." Valeirene replied with a slight of eyeroll in which Requiel noticed.  "It''s just that-- The Young lord and Young miss eating together, not to mention him insisting, is  unusual. Did you perhaps had another talk with the Young lord without my knowledge?"  He asked as he took a bite of the bread.


    "I''ve long given up on persuading that child to treat his sister nicely." Requiel then leaned on his seat and let out a sigh. "I''d like to have a word with Emily later."


    "Why not simply call for the Young lord and ask him directly of his sudden change of attitude towards the young miss?" Valeirene suggested.


    Requiel didn''t really like the idea but nodded. Thus, this suggestion leads to Reigies standing before the two oaked, enormous door. A door in which he never would''ve imagined to knock once again after ascending and taking the title in which his father had left. However, that was yet to happen. Right now, he''s currently a fourteen year old boy who''s still undergoing training and is about to go attend an academy.


    Reigies took a deep breath and raised his right hand to knock.


    "Father. It''s me, Reigies."


    He heard a faint, familiar voice reply to come in. This made him flinch. It had been years since the last time he heard that voice. A voice in which he had almost forgotten. Slowly, Reigies pushed the door open. As he did,  his heart rate raised. Behind a wide desk with piles of papers laid on top of it sat Duke Atlante, his father whom he hated almost his whole life. From the paper he''s holding, Duke Atlante raised his head to look at him.  He eyed the boy from head to toe, scanning every bit of him.


    "Sit."


    Without uttering a single word, Reigies cautiously approached the sofa not far from his father''s desk. Every step he took felt like his legs would give out. He was nervous. His mind was in chaos as questions surfaced in his mind.


    "How are you feeling?"


    All of Reigies'' thoughts instantly disappeared at his father''s voice.


    ''Father...''


    Reigies shifted his gaze towards his father''s direction. Maybe because he hated this man before him in the past that he didn''t notice that look in his eyes. One wouldn''t easily notice that tired look as if he was hanging on a thin thread. At the very moment, Reigies suddenly remembered lines in his father''s journal in which he had read.


    ''I may not bare any romantic feelings towards the mother of that child however, with all my heart, I will shower him with love and care. Just like how a father should.''


    ''For the first time... I raised my voiced at my son. That fear on his face pained me. I never meant to raise my voice at him. If only that young child could understand¡ª''


    ''My aching heart can''t take it. I don''t know what the Duchess have been saying to our child but he refuses to spend time with me anymore. It pains me to see him avoid me.''


    ''It was my fault all along...''


    ''I''ve been a greedy man. In my five years of marriage, I thought my heart had already forgotten the forbidden love I had for her...''


    "Reigies?" Requiel called when he noticed his son''s sudden solemn expression. "Are you in pain somewhere?" He asked in a worried yet calm tone.


    "Ah.." Reigies was pulled back in the present. "I-I''m alright, Father."


    Requiel studied his face for a moment before nodding.


    "Good. Anyways, I''ve called you here since I heard something." He paused and laid the papers on his desk. "I heard that Catherine was in your room the whole day, playing, despite the physician''s advice for you to  have a rest."


    "Ah, it was my idea. " Reigies lied. The truth was that Catherine refused to leave his room so he told Emily and the other maids to let her be since he wanted to spend some time with her anyways.


    Requiel raised a brow at his answer. That was not the answer he had expected. Knowing this child, he would''ve agreed and said that Catherine was being a bother yesterday.


    "The look that Father is giving me says that he has caught me lying." Reigies couldn''t help but let out a chuckle. He remembered those days when both of them used to spend time together. That look his father would give him everytime he would lie or hide something to prank him was the same look he was showing now. "Nevertheless, it was my decision to let Catherine stay in my room. So don''t scold her."


    Requiel leaned back on his seat and sighed.


    "Just a few weeks ago you yelled at me for forcing you to accept that child as your younger sister. What''s with the sudden change of attitude?"


    "Ah..."


    Right, this time line was when Reigies was in a more rebelious phase. If he''s not mistaken, supposedly, it had been also two years since his father brought Catherine in this house. A six year old girl with an unknown background... Reigies could vividly remember how that same girl had smiled at him as if she knew him for a long time.


    "F-father, w-who is this child?"  Reigies confusingly asked his father who''s holding hands with a little girl who seemed to be at least seven years younger than him.


    "Reigies. This is Catherine. She''s your sister."


    Reigies'' brows creased as his gaze shifted from his father to the little girl. Her face didn''t show any expression. It was blank. Reigies didn''t even know if she was staring at him or behind him. His first thought was that she was a weird child. But what did his father say? Sister?


    Reigies took a step back and gave his father a look of disbelief.


    "Father, you©¥Mother was faithful to you! She loved you!" Reigies yelled.


    The Duke clicked his tongue and sighed. "Reigies, keep your voice down. Not in front of Catherine. Be a good brother and--"


    "Brother?" A small voice interuppted.


    Startled, the Duke looked down at the little girl beside him. Reigies didn''t know of the reason why his father reacted that way but that relief and joy he saw in his eyes made his heart ache.


    ''Father used to look at me like that too...''


    "Brother!" The little girl ran towards him and hugged his waist. As she looked up at him, she gave him a toothy grin.


    Reigies instinctively pushed her away in a harsh manner that she hit the ground hard.


    "Reigies!" His father''s voice made him flinch. Seeing how he rushed to help the girl up as if she was a fragile doll made him felt like he was invisible. "How could you push your sister©¥"


    "She''s not my sister! I don''t even know her! How could someone who didn''t come from my mother''s womb be my sister! Was this the reason why you weren''t at Mother''s funeral?!"


    "Reigies." The Duke called in a warning tone.


    "You didn''t even show up at her burial! Was it because of this- this low birth?!"


    "REIGIES!"


    "You were out there, having some fun time with your other child while I was here, all alone, grieving! Was it fun out--"


    Things happened in a flash that the next thing Reigies knew was that he was now lying on the ground with his right cheek being in pain and that ringing sound filling his ears.


    When he looked back up at his father, he could see that same surprised look that mirrored his. It was obvious that he too did not expect his own action. At that moment, Reigies heard something snap within him. A bond between him and his father had just snapped.


    "I hate you, Father! I hate you!" And with that, Reigies left with tears streaming down his face.


    Reigies cleared his throat and answered.


    "Catherine is innocent."  Requiel frowned at his answer, not really understanding it. Seeing his reactiom, Reigies continued. "I just realized how I''ve been unfair to her for the past two years. She''s been treating me like how younger siblings would usually treat their older ones. And so far... all I''ve been doing was pushing her away." He then averted his gaze from his father. He couldn''t take looking at that soft look in his eyes that he didn''t notice before going back in time.


    Maybe because he was blinded by his own anger and jealousy that everytime he looked in his father''s eyes, all he could see was his strict and composed demanor. After his discovery of his Father''s journal, he could never bare hold grudge towards him. Rather, he felt guilty for not trying to understand him before. However, right now that he knew the truth, he could see that tired look in his eyes...


    "W-what I''m trying to say here is that she does not deserve to be treated that way. These past few years, I''ve been venting my anger towards her instead of it only focusing on you. I mean, she''s innocent. Whatever sin you''ve made is not hers. She may be a fruit of your selfish self but she''s not you. She''s just... Catherine." Reigies sighed at his ramble. He didn''t actually think of those words, it just slipped out off his lips naturally. He then looked back at his father who seemed to be lost of words. "Well, a-anyways, as I''ve said, Catherine is innocent so I''ll do whatever I can to be a good brother towards her, just like what you''ve always wanted but that does not mean that I had forgiven you." Reigies scoffed.


    Meanwhile, Requiel stared at his son confused and worried at the same time. Never in his wildest dream could he have imagined that Reigies would one day stand in front of him and say those words he had just said.


    "Tell me, did something happen?"


    Reigies was caught off guard at his father''s question.


    "H-huh?"


    "Like I''ve mentioned, just a few weeks ago you were adamant about not accepting Catherine as your sister. Yesterday, I''ve recieved a report about her staying in your room all day playing and you didn''t do anything to kick her out. And now, here you are saying those things. It''s weird, unless something happened." Requiel pursed his lips in a thin line  his thoughts running wild.


    ''Did Val or Emily say anything to him?'' He thought then shook his head. ''No, those two swore not to say anything towards anyone unless I said so...''


    "I just... I just had a dream." Reigies averted his gaze once again. "A long one." It was not entirely a lie. Upon waking up here, he felt like he had just woken up from a very long nightmare that he couldn''t escape.


    "Does this have something to do with you crying in Emily''s arms?" Requiel worriedly asked. He suddenly remembered what Emily have said yesterday regarding Reigies having a nightmare.


    Reigies could feel the heat run up his face. "H-how did you know that?!" He asked facing his father as he abruptly stood up.


    For a moment, Requiel stared at his son as a memory of his son''s younger self came in his mind. In that memory, he was blushing as he was caught trying to steal sweets from the kitchen. At that time, he wanted to scold him but couldn''t bring his self to do so,  for the scene before him was just too cute to be ruined. It was a similar scene to what was currently in front of him.


    Requiel grinned. "I am the lord of this house. How could I not know what''s going on in it." He replied as he stood up and started approaching his son.


    "W-what?" Reigies unconsciously took a step back as the tall figure of his father towered over him. He suddenly felt uncomfortable at the height gap they have. Currently  he only reached till his shoulders. From what he remembered, his father was at least two inch taller than him. Ah, but that was because he was 17 that time.


    In an instant, Reigies'' eyes widened as Requiel wrapped his arms around him.


    ''Ah, it feels like just yesterday that I have to bend my knees just to hug this little one.''


    Requiel thought with a sigh.


    "F-father, wha-what are you--"  Reigies felt his father''s hug  tighten that made him more feel embarrassed.


    "Am glad to hear about your decision, son. However, if this is because of just a dream, you don''t have to force yourself to--"


    Reigies pushed his father rather harshly.


    Requiel was taken aback by his action but chuckled upon seeing his son''s red face.


    "I-I''m not forcing myself! I''ve been thinking about what you had said a few weeks ago anyways." Reigies lied. In fact, he didn''t even remember what kind of conversation both of them had. But he could guess its contents. "A-anyways, wh-what was the hug for?!"


    "Can''t I hug my own son and comfort him?" Requiel teased that made a muscle on Reigies'' face twitch.


    "Wh-who needs your comfort?! I''m a grown adu--"


    ''Ah, I''m fourteen. A teen''


    "A-Anyways, I don''t need your comfort! Me deciding to treat Catherine better has nothing to do with you. I have not forgiven you yet! Now if you''ll excuse me, I still have my swordsmanship training." Reigies then turned around and took long strides towards the door. When he was about to push the door open, his father spoke.


    "Then, does that mean you''ll forgive me someday?"


    Reigies turned to look back at his father. There was a warm feeling that started spreading in his chest as he saw that smile on his face. His grip on the door handle tightened. He then returned his gaze back to the door.


    "Father." He called in which Requiel answered with a humm. "When you''re ready to tell me everything about Catherine and her mother, feel free to approach me. I''ll listen. I©¥ I''d also like to know why you weren''t there with me. I''ll decide then whether I should forgive you or not." And with that, he rushed out and unintentionally slammed the gigantic door.


    "Indeed, my son has grown up." Requiel mumbled with a smile plastered on his face. He then exhaled loudly and turned to his desk. Anyone who would''ve seen the expression on his face could easily determine that he''s in a very good mood. Since yesterday morning, after hearing what Emily had said and some of the maids'' chatter, he felt glad that his only plea to the gods have finally come true. For his children to get along. And the fact that Reigies just had somehow serious talk with him already made his day.  He felt like a boulder that he was carrying within his heart was lifted.


    "Such a good morning, indeed." He mumbled as he continued scanning the documents he was reviewing awhile ago.


    At the same time, outside the balcony of  Duke Atlante''s study was a black cat that  anyone would''ve failed to notice. Its ruby-like eyes stared intently at the Duke''s grinning face before turning around and facing the garden where it instantly spotted a little girl with some servants by her side.


    "Catherine!" A voice called in which the girl recognized.


    "Ah! Brother!" Catherine let go of the flower crown she was making and rushed towards Reigies. "Are you done talking with father? How did it go?"


    "Yes. He just asked me some stuff. Now, let''s go? You said that you wanted to watch me train."


    Catherine nodded. "Yes! Yes!"


    The cat watched the two exchange a few more words before leaving the garden with their hands interwined together and warm expressions on their face. Pleased, the cat sat down and laid its body and closed its eyes to relax. Its tail swung up and down from time to time, making a soft tap on the ground.

 Chapter 3

    House Atlante is known to be one of the contributors to the foundation of the current Kingdom. They''re also known to be its sword for they were always the one with the greatest contributon in case of any battle that the kingdom would face. Every generation of the said house has a promising heir who''s skills are equal to their predecessors. Even the second or third child, as long as the blood of Atlante runs in their blood, one would have the skill of an Atlante. Thus, it is not surprising that even a girl born in the family would be able to easily weild a sword.


    "Ack!"


    At the sound of Catherine''s cry, Reigies let go of his wooden sword and rushed towards his sister.


    "Cathy!" He exclaimed as he bent down to check on his sister''s hand. "Are you alright?" He asked. However, before she could even reply, several pairs of running footsteps came rushing towards them, interupting whatever she was about to say.


    " Young miss!" Emily, a younger looking maid and two knights said in unison with worry written all over their faces.


    "Are you alright, Young miss?" The younger looking maid, Mika, asked with a hint of panic in her tone.


    "This is why I''m against with this idea." Emily said with an exasperated sigh. "And you, Young lord." She then glanced at Reigies. "Weren''t you a bit harsh with that last strike?"


    Reigies gulped as his grip on Catherine''s hand tightened a bit. "I©¥"


    "Hey, hey©¥ Easy there, Dame Higgins." A man who''s a little older than Emily interupted. "Don''t scold the Young lord. You know for yourself that it''s very normal to sometimes be out of control when in spar. Besides, no one would achieve something without failing once. So don''t blame him, the one to blame here is©¥"


    "You."


    "Right, The one to blame is me Wait, what?!" Bertolt, Reigies'' instructor in swordsmanship, widened his eyes at his late realization of what Emily had said.


    "You were the one who suggested the two should spar against each other."


    "Y-yes, well©¥" Bertolt took a step back when Emily picked the wooden sword up with her foot, making it look like it floated on its own when she stretched her arm with an opened palm. "Ah shit! Dame! Wait! You know that''s a normal occurence!" Emily swung the wooden sword in which Bertolt barely managed to avoid. "Fuck! Dame Higgins!" Emily was about to swing it again when she heard a small giggle.


    "Emily, you''re overreacting." Catherine said as she raised her right hand but winced when she tried moving it. "I think I just sprained it a little."


    "Don''t move it too much." Reigies said and gently held her hand.


    Seeing the two young ones still crouched on the ground, Emily couldn''t help but let out another sigh. She swiftly turned her head to Bertlolt''s direction and glared at him as if she was giving him a warning.


    "Threehundred push ups." Emily then turned to the two. "And you, Young lord, onehundred."


    "H-huh?" Not only Reigies and Bertolt but also the other people present were dumbfounded at Emily''s words.


    "You three." Emily pointed at Mika and the two knights. "Accompany the young miss and call for the physician."


    "Yes ma''am."


    "Y-yes dame."


    The three replied in unison and helped the Young miss up. Catherine wanted to protest but the current Emily standing before her seems to be a bit scarier than usual with that wooden sword in her hand. She then looked up at her brother, worried that he was in trouble because of her. But instead of a grim face, she was met with a smiling one.


    "Brother--"


    "Don''t worry, Cathy. A hundred push ups is nothing. Don''t you know? This brother of yours is strong." He boast, raising his right arm and flexing his developing muscle.


    Catherine then giggled in return and nodded.


    "Let''s have some snacks after then!"


    "Alright." Reigies replied and gave her a pat on her head. "Let''s do that."


    With that, Catherine left skipping together with Mika and the two knights. Though, before leaving, the knights bowed at their Young lord while Mika followed the Young miss in a hurry for she was skipping rather wide steps.


    As soon as they disappeared from their sights, Reigies could feel a cold glare stabbing his back. Turning around, he saw Emily raising a brow a him.


    "Really, Emily, I didn''t mean to swing the wooden sword that hard." He said as he scratched his head.


    "I know. You''re being punished for being a reckless brother who accepted his instructor''s idea."


    "But Dame, the Young miss insisted too you kno--Ack!"


    "Shut it and drop on the ground!" Emily said after hitting Bertolt''s arm.


    In fear that he too would be yelled at by Emily, Reigies rushed towards Bertolt''s side and started doing push ups.


    ''A former commander of the special brigade, indeed.''


    Reigies thought.


    Regardless of her current position, a Nanny and head maid, many would still look upon her and fear her. Title is just a title. Even if you''re currently the commander of Atlante''s knights, you''ll have to listen to her words. Just like Bertolt, a commander of the second brigade.


    "Ah, good old days. Should I consider going back to being a knight?"


    Emily thought out loud as she watched the two do their push ups. It had been years since she stepped down from being a knight and volunteered to be the nanny for the Duke''s child. But despite being nanny, she still did her daily workouts in order to maintain her healthy and strong body. As she would always say, "Danger is always around." And considering past encounters, she wanted to be always ready and strong enought to protect the Duke''s heir. And when Catherine, the young miss, appeard, her resolve strengthened.


    "Ah, Dame, you enjoy punishing knights, don''t you?" Bertolt said with a grunt in which he recieved a hit on his right leg.


    "Count from the start once again." Emily said with her strict voice.


    "Fvck!" Bertolt mumbled followed by his silent rants.


    Meanwhile, Reigies didn''t speak a word and was smiling while doing his push ups. In the past, his life before regression, he never saw this side of Emily. He only heard stories about her from the knights during break. In his perspective though, it was somehow hard to believe that Emily was known to be a sadist among the knights and a powerful knight who could use strong aura, an energy enveloping someone when fighting in which could either defend or harm its user and people surrounding it. In the past, he had distanced his self a bit from her because of Catherine.


    There it was again. That numbing feeling spreading across his chest as memories, nightmares of his past, started filling his head. He was only pulled back in the present when he felt the wooden sword softly tapping his back.


    "Fix your posture!" Emily demands in which he followed.


    Not far from where they''re currently at, under a tree, stood Requiel together with Valeirene, staring at Reigies. It had already been two weeks since Requiel''s talk with his son. Of course, he was delighted upon witnessing their improved brother and sister relationship. Howbeit, he can''t help but doubt his son.


    "You don''t believe that the young lord has truly have a change of heart, do you?" From Reigies, Requiel''s attention turned towards the man standing beside him. He then returns his gaze back at Reigies who''s now being complimented by Emily for completing his punishment.


    "I''m just©¥" Requiel sighs as he shakes his head and turns to return with his walk. Valeirene follows. "I''m not sure, Val. I''ve been keeping my eyes on Reigies for the past two weeks and there doesn''t seem to be anything amiss."


    "I get that you''re worried that he may have some kind of a plot against the young miss or you but that''s just not him, you know." Valeirene slightly glanced at Requiel, studying his face. He then clears his throat when he noticed that troubled look still not leaving his face. "Well, I''ll be speaking as a friend henceforth not as your aide. I''ve been by your side, saw him grow up and in all honesty, your kids are also like my kids. I can also say the same goes with Em. And from what I have been seeing, Reigies doesn''t seem to have any other motive than to be close with the little one. You said it yourself that he thought that Catherine is not to blame. That she''s innocent. That your sin isn''t for hers to carry."


    He pauses and lets out deep breath as three knights passing by halts to greet their lord. With Requiel''s nod, three of them went on with walking towards their destination.


    "As I was saying,"  Valeirene starts. "My conclusion for now is that he just wants to change how he acts towards someone that didn''t do anything bad to him. I can see that he''s grown a bit."


    "I can see that too, Val." Requiel sighs. "There''s just©¥ I don''t know. The prophecy..." He trails off which was followed by a long silence. They walked pass by the main door of the manor and went up the stairs, greeted by several servants.


    Valeirene only spoke when they reached Requiel''s study.  "We can''t really be certain if the prophecy is pertaining to©¥"


    "It was a prophecy meant for house Atlante." Requiel cuts off. "It was a prophecy presented when Reigies was ten! And it didn''t really make sense that much until  she appeared!" Requiel didn''t mean to but his voice raised that made Valeirene flinch. "I don''t know if it would be me or my son. Either way, I need her to be out of this house!"


    Just as he finished speaking, a knock on the door echoed in the whole room. Requiel closed his eyes, his brows creasing as he did so. With what seemed to be an exasperated sigh, he leaned on his chair.


    "My lord, it''s Berkly."


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    Requiel then answered with a soft ''Come in''


    A man who seems to be in his mid-sixties enters the room carrying a small tray that''s meant for letters. He bows his head first before standing straight.


    "Oh, greetings to you, sir Polhand." Berkly, the head butler, slightly bowed his head upon noticing another presence.


    "I see that you''re back from your vacation." Says Valeirene with a smile.


    "Yes, sir. I just returned this morning. This servant humbly thanks you for looking after the duke''s affairs while I was gone."


    "No need to thank me, Berkly. It''s also part of my job to look after his affairs." Valeirene chuckles.


    "What brings you here, Berkly?" Requiel interupts with his now composed demeanor.


    "Ah, I have come to deliver a letter meant for Your Grace. It''s from His Majesty." Berkly replied as he approached Requiel''s desk and laid the small tray on it.


    "I see. Thank you."


    With a slight bow, Berkly left, leaving the two on their own once again. Valeirene didn''t say a word and waited for Requiel to open the letter and finish reading it.


    "His Majesty would like to have an audience with me. He also would like to meet Catherine."


    ~~~


    Requiel stared at his children, both giggling at something Reigies said. Oh, how many times had he  prayed to the gods for him to witness this warm scenery. They''re currently having supper. Even the servants standing at each corner of the room could feel the warmness radiating from the two.


    "Oh, right. Brother, father mentioned to me earlier that we''re going to the capital three days from now. Are you coming too?"


    Reigies'' brows creased upon hearing this. This was the first time he had heard of this. He then swiftly turned his head towards his father''s direction with a questioning look.


    "I have some busines with the King."


    "With the King? Then why is Cathy coming with you?"


    Hearing his son address his sister using a nickname made him smile internally. The first time he had heard it, he couldn''t believe his ears. ''Is this truly my son who despised his half- sister?'' was his thought.


    "Catherine haven''t seen the capital yet. Comapared here in the dukedom, there are plenty to see there with their advanced magic engineering."


    "I would love to see more magic!" Catherine said with eagerness visible in her voice.


    Noticing his son''s troubled look, Requiel asks.


    "Reigies, is there something the matter?"


    It took a moment before Reigies replied, his head slowly shaking from left to right.


    "N-nothing. I''m just©¥ I too would like to join." He lied.


    "Your classes ought to start soon." Requiel says, declining his son.  "Shouldn''t you be preparing for that?"


    Truthfully, Requiel would gladly bring his son along with them. However, considering the real reason of their visit to the capital, he''d rather not. Reigies is a bright child. He would easily get the gist of his  true purpose of visit.


    "That''s like two weeks from now. Surely we would have returned at the dukedom by©¥"


    "You also have your sword training with Bertolt." Requiel interrupts.


    "Well, you could have a word with him and say that we would have a small family outing in the capital." Reigies says with a tone that points the obvious.


    "You ought to review for the short assessment for the academy."


    "Reviewing could wait."


    "Travelling would take a while."


    "Father, it''s not like you''re not going to use the portal. It would take only a day to reach the portal and not more than thirty seconds of travel to the capital."


    "You have your motion sickness when using the portal."


    "That was before."


    "You©¥"


    "Father, stop. Just...stop. What is wrong with you?" Reigies asks, irritation visible in his voice.


    "Whatever do you mean, son?" Requiel calmly asks back as he took a sip from his soup.


    "Just tell me that you don''t want me to come with you to the capital."


    For a moment, the two stared at each other. None of them averting their gaze. It was then that a small voice spoke beside Reigies.


    "I would like for brother to come with us, Father." Both father and son turned their heads towards Catherine''s  direction. Her emerald-like eyes pleading as she stared at her father.


    Requiel''s jaw clenched, almost agreeing to his daughter.


    "I''ll reconsider."


    Reigies was about to ask something when he noticed the gaze his father was giving him. It was as if he was saying that the discussion was over.


    That night, Reigies laid on his bed with the event during dinner roaming in his mind. The way his father sloppily made excuses just to decline his request to join their travel was suspicious.


    ''Was there an event in the past that father and Catherine went to the capital?''


    Rolling to his right side, he came face to face with a black creature. Wide eyed, he jumped out of his bed and hit several furnitures near it. This caused loud noises that can be somehow heard outside his room.


    "What in the fvckin'' hell?!" He whisper-yelled as he stared at the silhouette of  what seems to be a cat sitting on his bed. Even though he couldn''t see that much in the dark and his only source of light is the moonlight slipping through the slits of his curtain, Reigies could feel the cat staring at him. As if it wanted to tell him something. From that, he could tell that whatever that is, it was no ordinary cat.


    There was then a soft knock on the door that made Reigies flinch.


    "Brother? Are you alright?" Catherine''s sleepy voice resounded in his room as the door slowly opened. Not giving the creature on his bed a glance, he rushed towards his door and pushed his little sister out of the room with him. He then slams his door shut, his breath a bit shaky. "Brother?" Catherine was now worried.


    Reigies looks down at her and forced a smile. "I-I had a dream. A n-nightmare and then fell off the bed." He lied. That was something a bit impossible for him though. He wasn''t that type of person who sleeps all over the bed. Besides, his bed was of a king sized one. "W-what about you? Why are you still up?" He asks back.


    "Oh... I was already sleeping and then I woke up since I heard some scratching noise outside my balcony. I was about to go on check on it when I heard a loud bang coming from the outside and thought that it was from your room."


    "I see." Reigies said with a nod. He opened his mouth and was about to say something when the sound of something breaking resounded in Catherine''s room. His brows furrowed. "Cathy, is there someone in your room?" Reigies whispers, his hand blocking her so that she stood behind him. He stared at Catherine''s door that was slightly opened. The door of his room and her room was adjacent with eachother.


    "There''s no one. Emily left before I slept." Catherine replied, clueless that her brother was tense at the moment. At the same time, Reigies could see movements from that small crack of Catherine''s slightly opened door. He wasn''t sure, but he could see at least two different figures moving as if in a panic. If he were in his past life, he would be able to somehow hear  their hushed argument. He would be able to weild a sword be it a blade or wooden and use his aura and instantly kill those unidentified intuders. However, right now, he was still that fourteen year old boy. His skills, strength and aura we''re still of that a baby compared to a beast he had become. His current physique won''t even be able to handle half of his past strength. Furthermore, his little sister, an eight year old kid, was behind him. He won''t be able to fight them while protecting her with his current state. Therefore, there''s only one way to keep both of them safe.


    "Run." He started taking steps backwards and so did Catherine. It was then when one of those figures seems to have noticed him staring at them.  Reigies'' heart dropped as he yelled. "RUN!" He then grabbed Catherine''s wrist and dragged her behind him. As they came near the stairs, Catherine tripped, the force pulling Reigies backwards.


    "Shit!"


    Not wasting any second, he picked his sister up and continued running. He had thought of running towards the stairs up where their father stays but remembered he went out for some business matter and won''t be back till morning. And so, he ran down, skipping one step each time. Risky as it was, he could care less, for those running after them were no joke.


    "Emily! Val! Anyone!" He breathlessly yelled, expecting for someone to respond.


    However, as they reached the middle of the long stairs, there were two more intruders dressed in black, a mask covering half of their face. He stopped on his tracks, his grip on Catherine tightening around her.


    "B-brother..." Catherine''s shaky voice made Reigies'' heart pump faster.


    "Shh.. Everything''s fine. We''ll be fine." He whispered, doubtful with his own words. He couldn''t think well. His mind was in chaos but his goal was clear. To get out of this place safe together with his sister. "Who are you people?! How dare you intrude house Atlante?!" He demands as he bought time and thought of ways to escape.


    There were four of them. Two standing on the upper part of the stairs and two below. Both of them were trapped unless... With his eyes that had already adjusted to the darkness, Reigies scanned their surroundings. There are two possible ways to somehow escape this situation but it would cost his leg. One, would be to jump on his right where they would land on the lobby. Two, would be to jump on his left where they would land on bushes that''s outside. Both are two meters high and the latter would be safer for there were bushes to lessen the impact of their fall.


    "You don''t have to know anything about us, young lord. Things has gotten a bit complicated here. What about we negotiate?" One of the two who were chasing them awhile ago said. Judging from the sound of his voice,  Reigies was certain that they were using a voice changer spell.


    "What do you mean?" He asks.


    "We''ve heard how much you dislike that young lady you''re holding. You don''t have to pretend to be nice to her just to curry favor from your father. Just hand her over to us and we''ll let you be©¥"


    "You''re from the temple, aren''t you?" Reigies cuts off. Noticing that small gesture they made, as if they heard something unbelievable, he smirked. "I see. That''s the only information I need. Cathy, close your eyes." He instructed in which she followed. And with that, combined with all his and Catherine''s weight, he ran towards the stained glass on his left.


    No doubt that Catherine''s scream could be heard around the entire manor but Reigies had roughly guessed that everyone was put to sleep judging that there were no one to come to their aid. He won''t even be surprised if there was another intruder here, where they fell off.


    Even though he had landed on the bushes, the impact made him momentarily numb, all the air in his lungs puffing out. Sobbing, Catherine shook her brother for he was unmoving.


    "I-I''m fine." Reigies replied with his shaky voice as he started to feel the pain on his leg and back. He then slowly sat up and forced his self to stand. Looking up, he could see one of those men after them ready to follow them.


    "Don''t let both of them escape! Most especially the girl!" He heard one ordered followed by clashing of swords and the man trying to follow them getting dragged back inside.


    It was then when Catherine gasps loudly. "B-brother."


    Reigies followed Catherine''s gaze. He was frozen in place when he saw a dog©¥ No. That large creature before them can''t possibly be a dog. It was a black wolf. A wolf that''s almost similar of a size with a horse. It approached them and lowered his back.


    For some unknown reason  Reigies stood up. Even with his sprained ankle, he carried Catherine towards the humongous wolf.


    "N-no! Brother©¥"


    "It''s a friend. It''s a friend." He soothes her even though he himself was unsure of what he was trying to do. As if he was under a spell, he sat Catherine on the back of the creature followed by him. When both of them were settled, there was an agonizing shrill of a woman coming from the window that they had jumped from.


    "Emily?"


    Reigies looked back up and could hear clashing of swords. The urge of wanting to go up there and to confirm what he heard almost got the best of him. If not for the wolf that had started running away from the manor, he would have hopped down from it.


    "Brother..." He heard Catherine sobbing. "I''m sacred. I''m scared. W-who were they? A-and what that man said. D-do you dislike Catherine?"


    Reigies then leans forward as if he was giving her a hug. "Everything will be alright. Also," He says as his grip on the wolf''s fur tightened. "I don''t dislike you. Okay? I''ve told you this before, right? I was just mad at Father for some reason and I just didn''t want to hurt you." He said, pertaining to that moment a week ago where he had apologized to her for acting mean in the past. Of course he wasn''t apologizing only for that.  "Truly, I have caused you plenty of misery." He mumbles as he remember those nightmares he used to have.


    "But where are we going?" Catherine asks when she noticed how far they had gone from the manor. They even  went over the wall of  their property and are currently in the woods.


    "I''m not quite sure either." Reigies replied with uncertainty.


    "I didn''t know you have a vey big pet."


    "I don''t."


    There was a moment of silence.


    "Then, a pet of a friend?" Catherime asks with a nervous chuckle.


    "The only friend I have is--" He stoppped midsentence as he remember that currently, he doesn''t have one. He was yet to meet his friend. Right, he was someone who disliked interacting with other people during his younger years. Maybe it was the effect of his anger caused by his father  that he focused so much in his swordsmanship and other studies that hones his skills. He then clears his throat at the sudden realization. "None. I have none. I curently don''t have friends." He embarrassingly said with a firm tone as if he was proud of it.


    "Oh... Then, am I your first friend, brother?"


    At that innocent question, Reigies froze as he felt a stinging pain at the back of his head. A scene that seems to be a memory from a distant past flashed in his mind.


    A blur image of a girl sitting alone on a gray-ish cloud, her dark,long hair cascading down her shoulders and scattering on  the cloud she was on. Her gray wings©¥


    The wolf suddenly came to a stop and bent its legs. Both Catherine and Reigies got off its back and cautiously moved away from it. However, the wolf faced them and came close to Reigies, it''s gigantic figure towering over him. He didn''t move and closed his eyes. He then could sense  the wolf''s head touching his forehead, his soft fur, for some unknown reason, making him all relaxed that the stinging pain he was feeling at the back of his head awhile ago had disappeared.


    "Forgive me. However, memories such as this will only make you suffer further.  I may not be able to block everything but at least, let me take this away..."


    He heard a familiar voice say as he succumb into the darkness.

 Chapter 4

    Reigies was reviewing one of the papers that needs to be signed when he heard clamours outside his door. His brows creased, irritaton rising within him. The doors then bursts open as his little sister, now Queen, enters.


    "Your Grace..." The guard who was on duty gave an apologetic look towards him. Even if he was instructed by the Duke not to let anyone in, he could''t just ignore a royal. Reigies waves his hand, a gesture for the guard to leave them. As the door closes, Reigies glares at the Queen. Of course, normally, his action would have casued him his eyes however, they were alone at the moment.


    "Your Majesty, what brings you here?" His voice was of that welcoming but his eyes ought to give that murderous look, as if she had done something wrong.


    "Your Grace©¥No. Brother, you have to listen to me. You can''t let that woman stay in this house. You can''t let her be your Duchess! She''s©¥"


    "Your Majesty, as far as you, a royal, is concerned, your duties lies within the palace, not in the dukedom." He said between his gritted teeth. "Also, I don''t see why you are so against with me marrying lady Laurene. She''s a daughter of house Yudolf."


    "That''s the point, brother! You know how much father--"


    "They''ve made amends, Catherine." he sighs, now more irritated as he felt that pain behind his head started crawling towards his right eye. It felt like there were needles poking through his skull. "Leave." he says, not really caring weather she was now the Queen and not just his half-sister.


    "Brother, you don''t understand. I have discovered things. I''m not that certain but you seem to have already been glamoured by her! I don''t know by what means exactly but©¥"


    "Catherine." He called with his now cold voice as the pain he was feeling in his head worsened.


    "Brother, you have to listen to me. Just this once!"


    Reigies slammed his fist on his desk, making Catherine flinch. "Enough!" He stood up and pointed at the door. "Leave or I''ll write a missive to his Majesty to get you out of my house and return to the palace!"


    The horror in Catherine''s eyes brought satisfaction to Reigies but somewhere deep within him, he was worried. It had been more than a week since Catherine showed up in front of their gates, saying that she would stay for a vacation. Yet, they didn''t recieve any letters in advance.


    Catherine evaded her gaze and looked down at the floor. "I may be only your half sister but I truly care about your safety, brother. I care about house Atlante. Our house." And with that, Catherine left.


    As her back turned against him, the pain he felt wrosened to the point that it was unbearable. He rached his hand out, trying to call his siter who''s back was getting further and further away until everything around him started melting as his surrounding molded into something new. And the next thing he knew was that his sword was dripping with blood. A warm, yet cold hand, held his hand as it trembled. From that delicate looking hand, he slowly looked up.


    "For you... I did everything, brother." Catherine''s legs gave out. With his reflexes, Reigies catched her, dropping his bloody sword in the process.


    "C-Catherine." He whispered with his shaky voice.


    "B-brother..."


    He then hugged her. His eyes that were once hazy was now widened as if he had sobered up.


    "Catherine, I- I didn''t mean to©¥W-what have I done?" He trembled as he processed what had just happened. "Catherine..." He called with tears now streaming down his face.


    "I l-love you, brother." He heard her weakly say. "L-let t-that be y-your curse." And with that, she went limp in his arms. Her head that was leaning on his shoulder became heavier.


    "C-Catherine?" He called. "Catherine." He slightly shook her body that he was hugging and to his dismay, there was no response. His heart dropped. "Catherine! Catherine!" Each time he mentioned her name, his voice became louder and louder that even he himself didn''t recognize the grief it held. "Catherine!" He once again called followed by his agonizing scream.


    "©¥er! BROTHER!"


    Reigies jolts up as he took in a sharp breath. Beads of sweat were streaming down his face as he trembled.


    "Brother?" He then turned his head to his right and there he saw Catherine with an expression asking if he was alright. "Brother." She once agian called when he didn''t respond. "You kept on calling me. I''m here."


    "Ah- I..." He then looked around and events from earlier started filling his mind. It was then that he noticed how he was leaning against the wolf, its soft fur tickling his ear.


    "You fainted after she bumped her head against yours. Though it wasn''t hard. I guess brother got scared?" She gave him a worried look.


    "Oh." Reigies looked up, his eyes meeting two crimson- like orbs. It was still dark but thanks to the gibbous moon, he was able to see how those crimson orbs shined. Unlike any wolves he had seen, this one before him had that warm look. As if it was trying to convey something as both of them stared at eachother.


    "I was scared awhile ago. I thought she was gonna bite you or attack me but she caught you with her body and she hasn''t move that much since then." Catherine explained as she snuggled against the wolf as if it was her bed. "She''s so soft." She whispered.


    Seeing his little sister comfortable with the wolf, his whole body eased. He too, leaned back on its stomach.


    "Soft, indeed." Reigies whispered.


    The gentle breeze of the night sent shivers to both of them, making Catherine snuggle closer to her brother and him hugging her in return. It was only then than Reigies had noticed that he was barefoot unlike his sister who wore her soft-looking slippers. As if to protect the sibling from the cold, the wolf''s thick tail covered half of their body and its upper body curled a little more, compressing both of them. It''s crimson eyes once again met with Reigies''. There was a sense of familiarity in which he couldn''t pinpoint to. It was as if he knew of this creature for a long time. Their eye contact was interrupted when Catherine spoke.


    "You''re beautiful. It may be dark but your eyes are beautiful." She said in awe as she reached and tried stoking its head, only for her to reach its nose. The wolf then closed its eyes and lowered its head, almost covering the two from anyones sight due to its enormous physique.


    Supposedly, Reigies should be thinking of the event that had occured earlier that resulted for them to be in their current situation. However, for some unknown reason, his mind was blank. As if all of his worries never existed. All he knew was that he needed sleep. A rest. And just like that, he closed his eyes, letting that warm, familiar feeling consume him. His body leaned sideways, towards his sister who had already been engulfed by slumber.


    ~~~


    Requiel slammed his fist on his desk, making everyone present flinch. His eyes that always showed calmness and and dignity was now filled with anger and coldness.


    "YOU LOT ARE USELESS!" He yelled as he glared at the three commanders before him, with Emily and Valeirene. "It''s been two days and you still haven''t found a single trace of my children! Utterly useless bunch!" He said with spite as he left, passing by them and slamming the door.


    As the banging sound of the door resounded in the room, Emily''s legs gave out. If not for Valeirene who stood beside her, she would have dropped on the floor. She was trembling as tears started streaming down her face, mumbling incoherent words.


    Valeirene looked up at the three commanders.


    "Follow His Grace. He''ll probably lead another search on his own." He commanded in which they all obliged to.


    Before leaving, three of them looked back at Emily with worry. They weren''t used to this side of her. For them, as knights, she was someone they look up to. Someone stronger than them. Yet, here she was, crying in fear, blaming her self for what had happened a few nights ago. Once the three commanders had left, Valeirene held both of Emily''s shoulders and forced her to face him.


    "Hey, Em." He called. When she refused to meet his eyes, he held her face, his thumbs wiping her tears away. "Emily, look at me."


    Though hesitant, Emily met Valeirene''s gaze. "It''s my fault, Val." She whispered. "I was negligent."


    "You''re mistaken, Em. It was never your fault."


    "B-but if I had just checked around before retreating for the night, both the young lord and young miss would have been fine. If I had carefully checked every room©¥ If I had only been more strict with©¥ No, if I had been stronger I©¥"


    "Shh..." Valeirene hugged Emily, her voice and cry being muffled on his chest. "Em, listen. None of this is your fault. Okay? None. You''ve always been through with everything. You''re already strict enough with everyone surrounding both the young lord and young miss. And most of all. You''re one of the strongest knights known in the entire Kingdom. It was a sudden attack. All of you were paralyzed and put to sleep. We had a rat in the house."


    Emily then slightly pushed Valeirene. "That''s the point, Val. I had let a rat roam around the©¥"


    "I love you." Valeirene cuts of that made Emily froze and her face crumpled more in an instant. Before she could say another word, something hit her neck, making her eyes roll at the back of her eyelids. Her whole body then went limp in Valeirene''s arms. He sighs.


    "I love you, dearest dame Emily Higgins. And I''m truly sorry for hitting you. You really need some rest." He whispered as he kissed her forehead and carried her out of the study and headed towards her own room.


    "I bet she''ll have a fit once she wakes up." A voice came behind him.


    "Indeed, she would." Valeiriene chuckled as he slightly turned his head at the man''s direction. "Felon, didn''t I say that you guys should follow His Grace?" The man shrugged and came closer to them. Felon, the commander of the Atlante''s first brigade.


    "I was worried that you might be thrown out." Felon replied with a chuckle. "Not that I guarantee I won''t be."


    "You bet." Valeirene too couldn''t help but chuckle at the thought of Emily throwing a fit since no one would let her go and join the search. There was then a long silence followed by Felon''s heavy sigh. Even without Valeirene asking, he knows very well what was troubling him.


    "I can''t help but think that the temple is involved in this." Felon said, breaking the long silence in between them as he opened the door leading to Emily''s room.


    Veleirene mumbled a small ''thanks'' as he went in and gently laid Emily on her bed, tucking her in. "It''s not impossible that they are." He finally replied, now heading out of the room followed by Felon. Both men then started walking towards the main door.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "You also think the young lord is aware of the situation?" Felon asks as he remembered what Emily had said and the situation they were in two nights ago.


    Felon, together with some knights under him were with Duke Atlante when a letter brought by their messenger owl arrived, just right after the important meeting the Duke had attended to finished. Supposedly, they were to return tomorrow morning for it would be hard to travel during the night due to the lurking lesser monsters of the area.


    The panic that showed in Duke Atlante''s eyes as he read the letter that had marks of blood on it made Felon worry.


    "Head back." Duke Atlante mumbled. "Ride your horses and let''s head back home!" He repeated, this time louder and full of authority and urgency. No one wasted their time and followed the Duke who was already ahead of them. Felon and his fellow knights didn''t dare ask anything. All of them followed in silence with one same thought.


    ''Something must have happened to one of the children.''


    The usual two hour travel was shortened to an hour. When they arrived at the manor, they were all covered with lesser monster''s blood. It was an inevitable event. On their way back, lesser monsters such as small goblins whose greed knows no bounds, attacked them. Truthfully, Felon and the others didn''t have to raise their swords. It was the Duke with his sword and powerful aura that slayed all of the goblins.


    "What the hell is going on?" A knight behind Felon asked as all of them looked around.Torches were lit and everyone was up as if they were searching for something, or to be precise, someone.


    "My lord!"


    The Duke got off his horse and approached Emily who seemed to be not in her best condition. From the looks of it, Felon had deduced that there seems to be an assassination attempt. Just as he was hoping that both young lord and young miss were not harmed, Emily dropped the news.


    "We still have not located both of them. I... I truly am not worth to be their shield, Your Grace." Emily said, her voice cracking. "I couldn''t protect them. I couldn''t. I''m such a useless©¥"


    "Felon." The Duke called.


    Felon took a step forward with a bow. "Your Grace?"


    "Escort Emily to her room. Make sure she gets her wound treated." And with that, the Duke turned around and ordered everyone to widen their search. He was about to once again ride his horse when Emily called for his attention.


    "Your Grace!"


    "Emily, you''ve done your part for the night." It sounded cold but everyone knew that it was the Duke''s way of saying that she should go inside and rest.


    "I just... I think the young lord seems to have an idea of who the assaliants were from." Emily says as she held her bleeding left shoulder. "If I''m not mistaken, I heard him asking them if they were from the temple."


    The Duke didn''t say anything but the way his jaw clenched and his lips forming a thinner line didn''t escape Felon''s eyes. With a single nod, the Duke rode his horse and joined the search.


    "The young lord is a smart kid." Valeriene replied, pulling Felon back to the present. "He''s not blind to not see signs from here and there. More importantly, it was smart of them to put everyone in the manor to sleep. We''ve investigated every food and water in the manor and there doesn''t seem to be any poison or some sort of drug involved."


    "So, does that mean, magic was involved?" Felon asks as they reach the main entrance. "Doesn''t the temple despise the magic tower?" His brows furrowed.


    "Well, if you''re desperate, enemies could become an ally." Valeriene sighed. "But that may also not be the case."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Divine energy could function similarly to magic. Have you forgotten?" Valeirene reminded that made Felon''s eyes wide, as if he had realized something.


    "And that kind of divine energy could only be emitted by higher priests and a saint! Those bastards!" Felon was about to spit more foul words when a knight riding a horse, arrived yelling his words repeatedly.


    "BOTH YOUNG LORD AND YOUNG MISS ARE FOUND! STOP THE SEARCH IMMEDIATELY!"


    The knight repeated his words as he rode his horse and went around the place. Felon and Valeirene looked at eachother then ran to get their horses.


    "Hey! Lead us to where they found them!" Felon commanded once he had mounted his horse.


    Meanwhile, Requiel stood before his two children that were deeply asleep in the warmth of what seems to be a wolf. No. That was a beast. He''s seen wolves and this was the first time that he had encountered such wolf of that size. Both his kids were snuggled up with each other, the huge tail of the beast serving as their blanket. Unlike the two, the beast was awake, it''s crimson eyes that shined beneath the sunlight that passed through the rustling leaves of the tree that they were under were staring at him. As if it was studying him.


    "Y-your Grace, what should we do?" Bertolt asked.


    All men that they were with were on standby. When a group of Bertolt''s men had felt a familiar, yet strange aura, they had immediately called for the Duke. With the Duke''s help, they were able to locate that strange aura and it lead towards the ones they are looking for. Only they weren''t alone. Inside a bubble that''s made out of aura were their young lord and young miss together with a beast. The beast had awakened as they gathered around them.


    "We can''t do anything." Requiel replied with a troubled look. "Not with this barrier." He then studied the bubble made out of a blue aura. A type of aura of the knights known to be the second strongest.


    In normal circumstances, Requiel would be happy. Happy that his son, who was only fourteen, was able to wield an aura. Not to mention it being a blue one. However, this was not the right time to celebrate that. He was uncoscious. Once an aura is active with its wielder unconscious for a prolonged time, it could be dangerous. It could lead to draining his life force or years of slumber. They could intervene by forcing to break the aura barrier with a stronger aura, such as that of what the Duke possesses. However, that could also have some negative effects towards the wielder. Breaking the aura barrier means breaking its wielder.Simply said, Reigies could die. There was only one option left.


    "Wake him up." Requiel mumbled. "No one touches the barrier! Gather everything could make noise. Judging from the thickness of this barrier, calling his name to wake him up would be useless."


    However, before anyone could move, one of the knights exclaimed and pointed at the beast.


    "Look! It''s waking up the young lord!"


    Indeed, it was. With its nose, the beast nudged Reigies'' head several times. Moments later, Reigies'' brows creased as he slowly opened his eyes, squinting at the light that felt like it was blinding him.


    "Huh?" Reigies was confused for a moment before events from prior his slumber started filling his mind. He then glanced down, and there he saw Catherine sleeping so peacefully, her head leaning against his shoulder. A smile then crept up his face, a sense of ease spreading across his chest. At the same time, the barrier that he was unaware of, disappeared. Requiel didn''t waste another second and ran towards the two. He didn''t mind the beast as it seems like it didn''t pose any threat to anyone.


    "Reigies! Catherine!" Requiel called that startled Reigies.


    "Father?" And before he could process more of what was happening, both him and his sister were trapped in a tight hug. This action of Requiel woke Catherine up. She was too confused that she didn''t know what to do nor was her brain able to process what was going on. Only when she heard her father''s voice was she able somehow think straight.


    "My dearest son and daughter." Requiel''s voice was trembling as his hug tightened. "You''re both safe. Safe. I don''t know what I would have done if something had happened to you two." He whispered as tears started streaming down his face. The tension that was all over his body disappeared in an instant. His body relaxed and his chest that felt like bursting felt like it was refreshed. As if something heavy was lifted from it.


    Every knight present couldn''t help but also tear up as the tension inside their hearts disappeared. Some sighed in relief and some looked away as they couldn''t bare to see their strong lord being vulnerable.


    "F-father, I can''t breathe." Catherine''s small voice made Requiel loosen his hug and slowly let go of the two.


    "Oh." Requiel chuckled. "I''m sorry, dear. I''m just©¥ I''m so glad that both of you are safe."


    Reigies parted his lips, ready to say something when he felt something come up his throat. He then started coughing harshly. As he tried covering his mouth, something warm and wet touched his palm. When he saw that red liquid covering his hand, his vision suddenly became blur as his whole body became numb. Fortunately, Requiel was just in front of him that he was able to catch him.


    Requiel cursed under his breath. He somehow anticipated this after seeing that aura barrier awhile ago. His son''s body wasn''t used to using an aura. Most especially of that strong type.


    "Bertolt! Escort Catherine back home." Requiel commanded as he adjusted Reigies so he could carry him properly.


    Bertolt looked at the beast that was staring at the unconscious Reigies before approaching hesitantly.


    "I-is brother alright?" Catherine worriedly asked, her eyes darting from Reigies'' bloodied hand to his pale face. "Is it because we jumped out of the window?" Tears started welling up in her eyes as she remembered how her brother couldn''t breathe after landing on the bushes.


    "He''ll be fine. Go with Bertolt." Requiel firmly said with gentleness in his voice. As he adjusted Reigies, he noticed his barefeet and one of it being swollen.


    "Young miss." Bertolt knelt on one knee and offered his hand out to Catherine.


    "But brother©¥"


    The beast''s head lowered that made Bertolt tense up but relaxed when he saw its nose gently nudge Catherine''s cheek as if it was saying that everything will be fine. For a moment, Catherine stared up at the beast before nodding.


    "Will you be coming with us?"


    The beast then looked at Reigies who''s in his father''s arms then at Requiel. As if it was asking for permission. Requiel didn''t know how but for some unknown reason, he seems to understand the look that the beast was giving him. The beast was suspicious but he didn''t feel anything negative coming from it. Without saying anything, Requiel stood up with his son in his arms. With the help of some knights, he was able to mount his horse with Reigies.


    "Half of you, follow me and the rest shall escort my daughter with the beast."


    "Father, she''s no beast!" Catherine glared at him that made him smile. Those pouty lips of hers is so adorable. "She''s a wolf!"


    "Alright. Wolf then." Requiel let out a soft chuckle. "I''m entrusting my daughter to you." He glared at Bertolt. "Hiya!" And with that, he left together with the other knights.


    "Now, shall we, young miss?" Bertolt once again offered his hand in which Catherine took. Probably due to her legs being in the same position for a long time, she stumbled a bit. "Oh my. Should I just carry you to the horse, young miss?"


    "Can''t we just ride Ruby?"


    "Ruby?"


    "Yes. Ruby." She then gestured at the wolf who only stared at them. "I have decided just now to give her that name. I bet brother will agree once he wakes up." The wolf, now named Ruby, then stood up and stretched its body. It was then that Bertolt noticed black smoke started forming beneath the beast. Out of instinct, he carried Catherine and moved away from it. And the next thing he knew was that the beast disappeared. From the black smoke, a small creature emerged. Its fluffy tail slowly waving from left to right.


    "A cat?" Everyone present asked in unison.


    "Impossible! An animal shapeshifter?!" One of the knights exclaimed.


    "Aren''t they somewhat extinct?" One asks through a whisper as they watched the cat approach their young miss.


    "Not really. From what I heard, they''re just hard to find these days. It is said that they prefer being alone." Another answers as they start to get cautious towards the cat.


    "But shapeshifters can be humans pretending to be an animal. Right?"


    At that question, everyone was silent. All of them glared at the cat that was now in Catherine''s arms. Seeing that she was giggling and that the shapeshifting beast didn''t seem to pose any threat, they couldn''t help but sigh. Bertolt had heard everyone''s hushed conversation making him step forward and talk to Catherine.


    "Young miss, if possible, may the knights take good care of the beast©¥I mean, Ruby on our way home?"


    "But why?" Catherine''s voice was suddenly solemn.


    "Well, you might drop her while riding the horse. We don''t want that, do we?" He lied.


    Truthfully, he was worried that this shapeshifting beast could actually be a human afterall. What if it was a spy? He doesn''t even know how the young lord and young miss ended up being with it. He was doing this out of worry.


    As if understanding Bertolt''s concern, the cat jumped out of Catherine''s arms and approached the young knight who asked about the shapeshifter humans pretending to be an animal. It sat in front of him as if it was waiting to be picked up.


    "Oh, I think Ruby understood you sir Bertolt." Catherine giggled. "Please take good care of her, sir knight." She says to the young knight.


    "I..." The young knight stared at the cat who''s also staring at him. Its gaze was like asking him if there''s something wrong. Finally, he bent down to pick up the creature. Surprisingly, it felt soft and warm. As he held it in his one arm, it started purring, giving off a feeling of ease. "Trust in me, young miss." He finally responded with a smile on his face as he pats the beast''s head.


    As though satisfied with the knight''s answer, the cat''s tail started waving in a gracious manner. Noticing this,


    Bertolt then started wondering if that shapeshifting beast was truly a human pretending to be an animal.


    At the same time, Valeirene and Felon who were being guided by a knight halted mid way their journey as they saw Requiel riding his horse with Reigies who seems to be unconscious. Several knight on their horses followed behind.


    "You think we should have just waited at the manor?" Valeirene asks when Requiel just passed by, probably not noticing them. "I felt like I was headed towards an already finished war."


    "I mean, we didn''t really know if they needed help with something." Replied Felon with a shrug before turning his horse around and following their lord back to the manor.

 Chapter 5

    Catherine''s giggle filled the room as she played with the black cat that was once a huge wolf. Requiel had been staring at it for a while now as he sat on the couch opposite to his daughter. The knights had explained to him awhile ago what happened and some couldn''t help but share their thoughts such as it being a human in disguise of an animal.


    "Catherine." He called for her attention in which he successfuly did. His daughter sat up straight, her hand still running all over the body of that cat. "I''m going to ask you this since your brother is still unconscious, what happened for the past two days and nights?" He straightforwardly asked.


    Hearing her father''s question made Catherine''s brows crease. "What do you mean, Father?"


    "The attack."


    "Oh... the bad guys?" Catherine asks as she grabbed the cat and hugged it as if it were some stuffed toy.


    "Yes, the bad guys." He didn''t want to ask Catherine about it as it would remind her of such an unpleasant memory  but he didn''t have a choice. As the physician had mentioned to him, it was uncertain if Reigies would wake up within a day or two. His body had shown signs of fatigue due to excessive use of aura.


    "Well, at first, I was confused. I woke up in the middle of the night because I heard scratches coming out of my balcony. And then I heard banging sound from the outside and it seemed to have come from brother''s room so I went to check on him. Looks like he had another nightmare and fell off his bed."


    "A nightmare?" Requiel asked with confusion and worry in his voice.


    Catherine nodded. "Brother seems to have lots of nightmares recently, don''t he?"


    Requiel nodded remembering those times he would ask Reigies if he was alright during meal times. Since that day that he changed, Requiel noticed how his son would look exhausted every morning or have that expression of someone who seems to be in a deep thought. Whenever he asks him if he was alright, Reigies would always respond that he just had a nightmare.


    "This nightmare... does it have something to do with his change of attitude towards Catherine?" Requiel thought. "Truly, what kind of nightmare would he have?"


    "And then something broke in my room and then brother asked if there''s someone in my room and I answered that there was no one since Emily left before I slept. At first I thought there was a ghost in my room but turns out they were bad guys." Catherine rambled, her grip on the cat slightly tightening. "And then brother yelled for us to run." She paused, tears starting to fill her eyes. "I-I''m sorry, Father. It all happened so fast. All I remember is that b-brother carried me and ran down the stairs. We were trapped. A-all I did was cry in brother''s neck." She cried.


    Requiel''s heart broke. He couldn''t bare to see his lovely daughter''s tears. He then stood up and went over to her and sat beside her to give her a hug. She let go of the cat and turned towards her father and her little arms wrapped around him in return, only it didn''t totally wrap around him.


    "It''s alright. You don''t have to explain anymore."


    "B-but I heard something about the temple."


    Requiel didn''t want her to continue but he couldn''t help but ask.


    "What do you mean?"


    "W-well, I heard them saying that brother dislikes me and that he''s just nice to me because he wants your favor. But that''s not brother. Brother is nice. Even before. He''s just always busy before. But now, he''s always have time. Also, brother said that he doesn''t dislike me. But he''s just mad at you and that he just didn''t want to hurt me. And I hope that whatever mistake father had done, you would correct it and so that you and brother would be in good terms." She  looked up at him with her still wet and sparkling eyes.


    Those emerald eyes of hers reminded him of someone. Someone that he dearly misses. His love...


    "Anyways," Catherine speaks once again, pulling Requiel''s consciousness back before it could wander deeper. "As I was saying. I heard those bad guys say that brother should hand me over to them and then he asked them if they were from the temple. They didn''t answer but brother said that that''s the only information he needed. I don''t really understand what he meant and then brother ordered me to close my eyes and then the nexr thing I knew was that I was lying on top of brother who was having a hard time breathing." Remembering that memory brought tears to her eyes once again. "I was afraid. I thought brother was going to d-die. And then he said that he was fine and that''s when Ruby appeared." She pointed at the cat that was silently staring at them as if it were listening to their discussion. More like, Catherine''s story.


    "She appeared out of nowhere. I thought she was going to eat us but brother carried me and put me on her back. He said that it''s a friend."


    Requiel''s brows creased. "A friend?" His eyes then darted towards the seemingly clueless cat. "I didn''t know  Reigies had a pet. Most especially  it being a shapeshifting one."


    "Oh, she''s not brother''s pet. I also asked if it''s a friend''s pet but he said that he doesn''t have a friend either. And that means, Catherine is brother''s first friend!" She proudly declared. However, the joy in her face disappeared in an instant. "It''s sad that brother is a loner. I mean, I have friends. Roena  and Lily." She pouts.


    Requiel smiled, though it didn''t reach his eyes. He knew how his son doesn''t like to join any events. At least that''s what he made his self believe.


    He then sighed. "And then what happened when you rode Ruby?" He urged her to finish the story. Not that he won''t be asking Reigies of the details when he wakes up. Unlike his daughter, his son tends to not tell him everything.


    "Hmm.. nothing much? After we entered the forest for a while, Ruby stopped and let us off her. And then she gently bumped her head on brother''s forehead. Like this." She then grabbed the cat and re-enact what she saw. Her forehead and the cat''s forehead bumped. This action of hers caused for the cat to purr loudly.  "And then brother fainted and Ruby caught her with her body. Then I slept beside brother but was awaken when I heard brother calling for my name. He was having  another nightmare I guess." She thought as she ran her little fingers along the cat''s soft body. "Then I slept after a while, I think, and then I woke up with you hugging me."


    Once again, Requiel''s brows creased. "That''s all that happened?"


    "What do you mean, Father?"


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    "I''m asking what happened the day after  you went to the forest on the wolf''s back."


    This time, Catherine''s brows were also creased. "Father, weren''t you paying attention to my story? I just said that I woke up with you hugging me and brother."


    "Are you sure?" Requiel asks, still not believing what he had just heard. "Perhaps you don''t have any recollection of what happened for the past two days?"


    As a response to his question, Catherine stared at him, her head tilting a bit to the side. His gaze then landed on the cat that somehow mirrored his daughter''s action.To hide his trouble and confusion towards the now mystery of what happened after that night, he smiled down at his daugher and gave her a pat on the head.


    "Let''s go and get you to bed."


    ~~~


    Requiel sighed after closing the door that leads to Catherine''s room. One of his brows raised when he noticed the cat circling his feet, its thick tail brushing against his pants. Since this morning, he''s been wondering about this creature. He was suspicious with it from the very beginning but didn''t really mind its presence.


    "Such a mysterious being you are." He mumbled in which the cat meowed in return.


    His eyes followed the creature when it started walking towards a certain direction. Its soft meow somehow resounded in the whole hallway as it sat infront of Reigies'' door. The creature then slightly turned its head at Requiel''s direction, its crimson eyes meeting his hazel ones.


    "Well, I was about to check on him." He took a few strides to finally stand in front of his son''s room. Sighing, he reached for the doorknob and opened the door. The creature made a small sound as it entered. As if it already knew the sturcture of Reigies'' room, the creature went directly towards his bed.


    "Oh, greetings, Your Grace." A maid crouching by the hearth stood up and slightly bowed at Requiel. "I came to check on the young lord and the hearth as per dame Higgins'' order." She explained, pertaining to Emily.


    "I see. Thank you, Rita.  I''ll be in this room for a while." He informs and dismissed her. As he approached his son''s bed, he noticed that the creature, that was once a cat, has now turned into what seems to be a leopard. A black leopard. It laid at the edge of the bed, as to lay not too close to Reigies who''s in deep sleep. Its thick, long tail swayed off the bed as it slightly touched the ground.


    "You''ll dirty the sheets. Get off the bed." Requiel ordered.  In return, the creature raised its head and stared at him for a moment before lying its head back down and continued staring at the sleeping Reigies. "Are you, perhaps, ignoring me?" The creature did not respond. "I know you understand me. Get off the bed." Requiel was about to reach for it when he heard it growl that made him flinch. He sighs and let the creature be. It was then that he noticed something. "My daughter seems to have been mistaken about your gender."


    The swaying of the creature''s tail stoped. Its head once again raised and turned to him. For some unknown reason, he could tell how it feels through its eyes. Just like how he had first met it this morning. Currently, he could tell that the creature was irritated in which brought him amusement.


    "What?" Requiel asked with a small chuckle. Truly, people would find it bizarre that he''s talking with this creature. Yet, he somehow felt that it was something natural.


    The creature then let out sound that seems to be a scoff before it flicked its tail and hit Requiel''s leg. After that, he went back to lying his head down and staring at Reigies.


    Requiel shook his head and went to get the chair that''s by a study table opposite to the creature''s side. He  carried and settled it beside the bed. He sat and leaned back, studying his son''s peaceful face with the help of the light coming from the hearth. He sat there in silence as the image of  Reigies'' pale face appeared in his mind followed by Catherine''s confused look.


    "It doesn''t make any sense at all." He murmured.


    Both of them were missing for three nights and two days and yet, Catherine says that she just woke up this morning when he was hugging both of them. Catherine wasn''t the type of child who would lie or make up stories. In fact, she was one of those kids her age who would tell lots of stories regarding to what happened throughout her day. The very reason why Requiel had asked her of what happened, risking that he may trigger her some trauma.


    ''Ah, her trauma..'' He thought with solemnity as an image of a five year old girl crouching beside two motionless bodies surfaced in his mind. His chest tightened, a numbing feeling spreading all across his body. The shiver he felt that day started surfacing in his body once again. Before he would be further swallowed by his old memories and emotions, a heavy paw landed on his knee. He then looked up and there he saw the leopard looking creature standing on the bed and straing at him.


    "What are you doing standing on the bed? What if you stepped one of Reigies'' leg?" He firmly asked.


    With a small growl, the creature got off the bed and sat on the ground just beside Requiel. He looked up at him as if asking if he was now satisfied that he, who''s an animal, was off the bed.


    "Better." Requiel approved with a sigh. He was then startled when the creature laid its head on his lap. Instead of feeling fear or irritation, he felt comfort from this unfamiliar creature. He never had any pet even as a child. Therefore, he didn''t really know how to react towards this action of this creature shaped as a leopard. "Is this why other nobles take in pets? For comfort?" He asks in which the creature lets out a sound similar to a scoff. Requiel chuckled. "Yes, yes. I dare not compare you to normal pets." He raised his hand to pat its head and did what his daughter was doing when this creature was on its cat form. He gently ran his hand on its head, making the creature purr.


    "Such an interesting fellow you are. Normal leopards and other big cats can''t purr." After pointing that out, Requiel noticed how its tail, that was swaying left to right awhile ago, start tapping the ground as if it were suddenly irritated by something. "Indeed an interesting one." He smiled.


    Requiel stayed in Reigies'' room for more than an hour, mostly staying in silence with the creature''s head lying on top of his leg. From time to time, he would tell the creature stories regarding Reigies and Catherine and his resentments towards his own self. How he regret doing certain things that resulted to something that had hurt certain people he treasures. The creature only listened as his tail swayed from left to right.


    "You''re staying in this room?" Requiel asks the creature when he noticed that it didn''t follow him when he walked towards the door. It just sat there beside Reigies'' bed as it stared at him who''s now by the door. "I''ll leave my son in your care then." Requiel gave his son a final look before leaving the room. He didn''t know how and why, but he trusts that creature just like how he trusts Valeirene and Emily. Even though it hadn''t been a day yet since he met it.


    Meanwhile, the left creature shaped as a leopard went back to the bed and made sure that he didn''t step or laid on any part of Reigies'' body. He once again laid on the edge of the bed, its tail swaying as if it were satisfied. Moments later, he could feel a familiar presence appearing behind him. A black smoke formed a silhouette similar to a human figure stood behind him and spoke.


    "Such a stubborn one you are." Its voice didn''t sound pleased. "I''ve warned you countless times to just let them be."


    The leopard just continued to stare at Reigies, as if he didn''t hear anything. However, his tail stopped swaying.


    "Fool. You are a fool."  The figure in black smoke said followed by an exasperated sigh. "Is the Judgement a joke to you? They had turned a blind eye the first time. How could you?  Just for the sake of that foolish bond--"


    "Call me names." The leopard interupted, his gaze not leaving Reigies. "Insult me all you want but not my bond with these two. You know nothing of us. All of you."


    After a long silence, the smoke spoke once again. "I hope that your final moments with them would be joyful. So long."


    When the leopard felt that the smoke behind him had disappeared, he couldn''t help but sigh. As he closed his eyes, an image of two familiar figures appeared in his mind.


    "How sorrowful."

 Chapter 6

    Reigies sat on his bed with a smile on his face as he listened to his sister ramble about how her day had went yesterday. He had just awakened a few hours ago and was surprised to see a black leopard lying beside him on his bed. It turns out to be that wolf that had somehow saved them that night. Emily had explained to him that it was a shapeshifting creature. A rare existence in the kingdom or even in the whole continent. However, something had bothered him. Its presence would somehow remind him of someone from his past lifetime. He just couldn''t remember who. He tried remembering but as he did, he had noticed how his memories from before he had regressed are now cloudy unlike when he had first awoken in this timeline.


    "Brother? Are you alright?" Catherine waved her hand in front of Reigies.


    "Oh." He gave her a smile. "Of course I am."


    "I see. You seem to be troubled. Are you sure?"


    Reigies nodded. "I assure you that I''m fine. I just feel a bit drained."


    A knock on the door followed by it opening made the sibling turn their head towards its direction. Requiel, in his usual formal outfit, came in followed by a physician. It was not the same physician that had come to check up on him when he woke up.


    "I hope I wasn''t interupting both of you." Requiel couldn''t help but smile at the warm scene before him. He still couldn''t get used to seeing these two together, not to mention in Reigies'' room. Reigies used to hate the idea of Catherine being near his room, how much more if she entered it.


    "Not really." Reigies replied. "What brings you here, father?" He then glanced at the physician behind his father.


    "Can''t I visit my son who''s not in his greatest condition?"


    Reigies averted his gaze. For some reason, he somehow felt awkward. Until now, he wasn''t used to seeing that warm gaze his father was giving him. Or at least he wasn''t used to having a clear vision as to how his father really looks at him. Back when before he had regressed, all he saw was his father''s strict demanour and cold eyes. It was an image he had built in his mind. His anger and hatred towards his father had clouded his judgement that he couldn''t see clearly what was in front of him. The guilt he once had, now started surging within him.


    Seeing how his son had averted his gaze and pursed his lips made Requiel''s heart ache. He knew... He knew very well how his son was yet to forgive him. He was yet to open his heart to him again. Still, Requiel was fine with it. This was his karma. A result of his greediness years before. Now, all he wished was at least for his son and daughter to get along.


    Requiel clears his throat. "Catherine, would you mind leaving the room for a while? There''s an important matter that I am about to discuss with your brother."


    Catherin''s gaze went from her father to the physician behind him. It was obvious how she wanted to ask a question but decided to not to. All she did was nodded and gave her brother a peck on his cheek before heading towards the door. She also gave her father a peck on his cheek on the way. Once she was gone, Requiel had motined for the physician to go near the bed. Reigies didn''t say anything and just watched as the physician approached his bed in silence with a silky looking bag in his hand. Upon opening it and taking out something that''s what seems like a crystal ball, Reigies'' brows creased.


    "When we found both of you the other day in the forest, a blue aura was surrounding both of you, serving as your barrier." Requiel started.


    "Blue...aura?" Reigies asks, confused and shocked at the same time. "Was Cathy able to weild an aura?" He asks, worried for her.


    An aura is something a knight is able to wield, making their body and sword more powerful. It is similar to magic. The only difference is that, in magic, you are to cast spells and rely on the elements surrounding you to gather strength while in aura''s, you are to rely solely on your own mental and physical strength. Aura''s are categorized by its colors. Green is the weakest color and known to be already residing in everyones body. Above it is red, orange, yellow, blue and the darker shade of blue it becomes, the stronger it is.


    That is why he became worried when he heard ''blue aura'' being mentioned. In his past life, Catherine was only able to wield the second weakest of them all, which was understandable for she had only held a sword for self protection before. Now, a blue? That was unexpected. It could be dangerous as she was only eight. Unless she had been training for six months or a year. But that''s not the case. It was only recently that she had picked up a wooden sword, for goodness'' sake!


    An aura is like a storm inside a bottle. The stronger the strom is, the stronger the bottle should be in order for it to not break. Once it breaks, the storm would eat up the bottle until there is no single shard is left. That is why the stronger ones aura becomes, the stronger they shall become. And for them to not break, they shall continue to have a strong body and mind.


    "It is impossible for Catherine to wield an aura." Requiel says with a sigh as he also approached the bed.


    "What do you mean by that, father?" Reigies asked. Catheriene didn''t have that much of a trouble wiedling a green one in his past life.


    Requiel shook his head. "I have blocked her core for health purposes."


    "What do you mean by ''health purposes''? Is Catherine sick?" Reigies asks worriedly. It was then that a blur memory popped up in his mind.


    ''I had no choice. It was for the best. If I didn''t block her core, even the weakest aura could damage her body slowly.''


    "Reigies?" Requiel called when he noticed a change in his son''s expression.


    A sudden pain at the back of Reigies'' head started crawling towards his right eye, as if it was eating up half of his head. An agonizing scream passed through his lips that startled the physician who was assembling the crystal ball on the bed. Requiel who was standing just a few moments ago was now beside his son, holding his hands that were somehow scratching the right side of his head and face.


    "Reigies! Get a hold of yourself!" He then looked up and glared at the still shocked physician. "What in the fvckin hell are you doing?! Do something!"


    The physician was about to grab the orb when he noticed a blue aura gathering within it. It grew bigger and darker in a fast pace. As that happens, Reigies'' mind was being overwhelmed with blur memories from his past. Nightmares, blood, death, agony, resentments...


    "It hurts." He whispers. "It hurts!" Another agonizing scream filled the room as tears started streaming down his face.


    Requiel then heard a shattering sound and realized that it was the orb as a dark shade of blue aura started filling up the room. Cursing beneath his breath, Requiel firmly held his son''s wrists and forced him to face him.


    "Reigies! Reigies, open your eyes!"


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    However, he didn''t. He continued mumbling incoherrent words as he cried. It was then that the door slammed opened, revealing Emily together with Catherine and the shapeshifting creature that''s now a black tiger.


    "No one comes in the room!" The physician yells before Requiel could.


    The aura that has started forming and becoming darker was dangerous. Requiel didn''t know the cause but was now made aware that his son''s mental state was not on its best.


    "Is it his nightmares?" He thought.


    "F-father." Reigies called in which he heard. "Father."


    "I''m here, son. Father is here." Requiel responded, still holding Reigies'' wrists.


    "Father. Forgive me, father. Forgive me." Reigies continued mumbling the same words that confused Requiel. He has no idea what his son was apologizing for.


    "Reigies, snap out of it!" He slightly shook him but it was no use.


    Meanwhile, Emily was trying to drag the tiger out of the room after ushering Catherine out of the room. However it didn''t budge from its position. It only stared at Reigies who was suffering from pain.


    "Ruby?" Catherine called but was instead startled on what happened next.


    The shapeshifting creature let out a terrifying roar. Emily went to grab Catherine and dragged her away from the tiger, fearing that it would attack them. Contrast to what she had thought though, the tiger took a few steps forward and roared once again. Requiel was ready to grab the dagger that''s on his leg when he noticed something. The aura that was growing and darkening was now slowly disappearing. Reigies, who was in pain and crying awhile ago, had calmed down.


    Slowly, Reigies raised his head and was faced with a figure he''s very familiar with. A dark cloaked man stood not far from his bed. As usual, even without seeing his face, Reigies knew that he was staring at him. He didn''t know why but he raised his hand, reaching for the man.


    "Help..." Was the least he could utter before dark spots consumed his vision.


    Feeling a sense of de javu, Requiel caught his now unconscious son. For a moment, he stared at his son''s hand that had reached out towards the tiger. He then turned his head towards the creature shaped as a tiger. It was staring at Reigies, its crimson eyes glowing. Black smoke started gathering on its feet and began devouring it. As the smoke cleared, a black cat emerged from it. Requiel noticed how it seems to be on its weaken state as it walked and jumped on the bed, approaching Reigies. However, before it could reach Reigies, it lost its consciousness.


    "M-my lord." Requiel raised his head and faced the baffled physician. "What had just happened?"


    Requiel couldn''t answer for he too was confused. His gaze then went from Reigies to the cat.


    On the other hand, Emily was trying to wake up Catherine who had suddenly lost her consciousness. She had noticed that as she hugged the young miss, she suddenly felt her go tense and then limp. Emily thought that it was due to the shock caused by the tiger''s roar. Little did she know that it was because of something else.


    ~~~


    The sound of fingers tapping on the wood resounded in the whole room as Requiel leaned against his chair. With a sigh, he leaned forward and brought his palms to his face, halting the sound of tapping fingers. He, again, sighs but this time, a little louder.


    "What the hell is going on?" He mumbled.


    The mystery of what had happened for the two days his children went missing still wasn''t answered for he was not able to talk to Reigies. And here, another event has occured right in front of him. At least a portion of the puzzle has appeared. The shapeshifting creature. It may be the reason as to why the children didn''t have any recollection of what had happened for the past two days. But how? He knew that the shapeshifter wasn''t just a normal shapeshifter. Could it be that it''s a mage in disguise? If not, could it be owned by a mage? Both were the most plausible answer he could think of.


    Yet, another set of question appears. Why would a third party help his children? How did it know of the attack even they weren''t ready for? What is their purpose for helping? Are they friends? If not, a foe? And why was it that Reigies reached out for that creature as if he was familiar with it? Has his son made made an acquaintance or a friend without his knowledge? How? Just how?


    An exasperated sigh escapes his lips as he, again, leans back on his chair. Question followed by another question. Plausible answers would appear, yet, another set of questions follows.


    His trail of thought was interrupted by a knock on the door. He answered with a soft ''Come in'' followed by the door opening, revealing Berkly who held a small tray in his hands.


    "My lord, a missive from His Majesty, the king, has arrived." Berkly said as he approached his desk. He gently laid the tray on it and made a slight bow before turning to leave the the room.


    "How are the kids?" Requiel asked before the butler could grab the doorknob.


    "The young lord and young miss are still unconscious, my lord. Sir Rowen hasn''t left the young master''s side, just in case his aura goes uncontrolable whilst his unconsciousness. As for the young miss, sir Lawen has checked on her several times as per dame Higgins'' order." A soft chuckle slipped through his lips, his shoulders slightly bouncing from it. "Truly, that young woman is as worry wart as her father was." He continued, reminded by the former general whom he also had considered his friend next to the former duke. "Luck it may be that I am still alive and able to witness these things. Stories to be told to those two are piling up, indeed."


    "Such words, Berkley." Requiel sighed. One thing he didn''t like about the head butler was that he would spout things as if he was awaiting of his death. The old man smiled at him, his eyes uttering words he would say repeatedly.


    "This man is getting old. I stay here only to look after you younglings."


    Requiel shook his head followed by Berkly''s chuckle.


    "And the shapeshifting creature?" Requiel asks.


    "The cat is still in the young lord''s room. A temporary small bed for it has been made according to your orders. Sir Rowen is also observing it together with the young lord."


    With a nod, Requiel dismissed the butler. As he leaned back, he reached fo the missive from the king, who is also a long time friend of his. He had sent a letter to him the morning after the disappearance of his children, informing him of their situation and the cancellation of their arranged meeting. In normal circumstances, a letter would take a while to be recieved by its recepient but with their status, messengers of nobles are able to use portals to easily travel long distances. Deliveries of missives and other things are to take at least a day or two instead of weeks.


    Requiel,


    Dearest friend, I am truly glad that you were able to finally reunite with your young ones. I was ready to dispatch knights and mages if I have not heard from you after five days. I hope for their fast recovery, most especially your first born whom you have mentioned to have weilded a blue aura. It may be rude to congratulate him for doing so for it is uncertain if his body is capable of handling it. Nevertheless, I do believe he is just like you and is to be like you. A strong and powerful individual.


    As for your question regarding shapeshifting beings, I have not heard of any residing here in the capital. The same goes with the countrysides and other estates. There are different types of shapeshifters, dear friend. I am not quite sure to which one you are referring to but as far as I know, they mingle amongst us. Yet, unfortunately, there is no proof. But I am certain that up to this day, they exist but no certainty where they reside and how many are still there. As you have said, it is possible that mages keep some of them. However, the Mage''s Tower is something I can''t touch. You are well aware of the agreement the royals had with its head years back. Though I guarantee that the mages from the tower won''t bring harm to anyone.


    Moving forward, the temple seems to be making a move after hearing that you plan on travelling here in the capital with your daughter. My friend, I as a royal and ruler, may be in odds with the temple but I worry that the prophecy they had released may truly be not a hoax they have plotted to create a dispute between us. I must confess that I had agreed to meet you and your daughter to study her. I wanted to make sure I am not bringing danger in the royal family. I am well aware that you only want to protect your daughter, however, I hope you understand that I am a king and that my people goes first before anything else. Regradless, I hope for your children''s recovery and look forward to meeting your daughter. Contact me once again if you are in need of anything else.


    Your friend,


    Rhoman Hidelth


    Requiel tightly closed his eyes as he dropped the peiece of paper and leaned back on his chair. He knew even before that his friend, the king, had somehow believed that the temple''s prophecy was talking about house Atlante. He may have known already that his friend had agreed to at least meet his daughter to keep an eye on her but to confirm his thought had hurt him in some way. Of course, he couldn''t really blame his friend. He''s a king and a father before anything else. His fist then clenched as the prophecy he had heard from a banquet a year ago echoed in his mind.


    "A calamity slumbers within she who is a decendant of a dragon, born from a human and a witch. In the hands of a brave knight, sword with a blade of hope and prosperity, he shall slay with his aching heart. He who slays with an inflamed heart brings calamity with his own hands."


    He then opened his eyes, his gaze landing on Havien, the sword passed down from one generation to another. A sword representing hope and prosperity.

 Chapter 7

    The crackling sound of fire from the hearth was the only thing that could be heard in the room followed by Reigies'' soft, steady breathing. Beside his unconscious self was the black cat. Despite having a small bed made for him, for some reason, the shapeshifting creature would teleport back to the bed beside Reigies. And so everyone haad let it be.


    The rain pouring outside paired with the strong wind and rumble of thunder was similar to Requiel''s current state of mind. It was in chaos. As he leaned forward to reach for Reigies'' hand, there was a knock on the door.


    "My lord, it''s Rowen. I have come to check on the young lord." His voice resounded in the room as he opened the door and peeked inside.


    "I see." Requiel replied with a nod. He then stood up to give Rowen, the physician, some space to check on his son.


    He watched as Rowen approached the bed and brought out from his bag an orb similar to what he had brought yesterday. Only this was of a smaller size and had a small amount of sand inside it. This artifact is called phiend. A tool used to determines one''s aura stability unlike the other orb , phona. Phona is used to determine one''s aura and ability to weild it.


    "Pardon me." Rowen says in a hushed voice as he leaned forward and reached for Reigies'' right hand. He laid the hand atop the phiend and in an instant, the sand inside the tool started glowing in blue. Slowly, the little particles that''s grouped started floating and dispersed in a clamed manner as if it were dancing with Reigies'' breathing as its music. Seeing this, a smile formed on Rowen''s lips followed by a sigh of relief.


    "The young lord''s aura is calm and is in a good condition." He said, his eyes not leaving phiend.


    "I can see that." Requiel replied. "What I want to know is if his body can handle the aura he possesses."


    Rowen removed Reigies'' hand from the phiend and gently laid it back to its original position. As he raised his head to look at the duke, he smiled. However, his smile came with worry and this didn''t escape Requiel''s sharp gaze.


    "Drop everything." He demanded, his voice sounding a bit sharper than ususal.


    "Fortunately, from what I have observed, the young lord''s body is able and can handle the aura he has. However, as you have mentioned, his mental state isn''t that strong enough. I have stayed with the young lord the whole night and had noticed his flow of breathing would change from time to time. It is normal that we have nightmares from time to time. But your grace, the young lord''s nightmares seems to have an effect with his aura. I have not used the phona as it would be dangerous to use it while he is unconscious so I had used the phiend for it can also determine ones color of aura."


    Rowen paused and took in a deep breath with confusion visible on his face. "The phiend changed colors several times and everytime it does, the sand would be chaotic. One moment it''s orange then blue, then red, yellow and blue. I was afraid that the color of blue would turn into a darker shade. Fortunately it didn''t." There was a moment of silence as Requiel waited for Rowen to continue. "My lord, I have only heard of this as a theory but this is my first time witnessing something like this."


    "What do you mean?" This time, Requiel was also confused.


    "I have heard from the knights and from you how the young lord was able to make a barrier big enough to enclose at least five meters in diameter of land. And you have mentioned how the young lord and young miss didn''t recall of anything that had occured during the last two days of their disappearance. It is not impossible that both didn''t have any recollection of what had happened because they really didn''t have any memory to remember."


    "You''re saying that they''ve been unconscious for two days straight, right?"


    "It seems that you have already thought of that, my lord."


    Requiel nodded. "The only thing that confuses me is how? Using an aura for three consecutive days whilst unconscious is suicide with a body like that." He said, motioning his hand at his son. "Not to mention, this is the very first time he is weilding one."


    Rowen''s gaze shifted from the duke to the young lord. His lips then pursed in a thin line before speaking once again. "It is possible that they had travelled through time."


    Requiel''s face instantly crumpled. "My son is no mage." He firmly said.


    Family Atlante is a family of knights. None in history was there an event where an Atlante made pact with a mage. Even if there were, there would be conflicts within the family. From the very first knight that had been bestowed upon with Havien, the sword that represents hope and prosperity, and the last name Atlante, every generation had preserved the power of the family. There were proposals from a family of mages before, but it is said that they refused for they didn''t want their blood to be tainted with mana.


    "My lord, it is no secret that a mage''s mana, a knight''s aura and a priest''s divine energy can function the same way. The only difference is their sources. People just refuse to accept that fact out of pride. Forgive me for my latter sentence." He then slightly bowed his head and continued. "As you may already know, it is possible for a mage to travel in time. Though this is a dangerous thing to do and that only those who are in their first tier are able to do so. The same goes with ones who weilds an aura and possesses a divine power. However, unlike mages who has already proven such thing, there is nothing written in researches or history books of a knight and priest being able to do it for they have refused to do so, believing that it is such a disgrace to their power." Rowen couldn''t help but chuckle. "I mean, technically, mages are scholars with powers. They are hungry for knowledge."


    Requiel couldn''t agree more. He himself has an old friend working at the mage''s tower and would only see him once or twice a year since he entered that tower. However, he couldn''t deny the fact that mages are of a great help when it comes to developing the kingdom. From street lamps, house lamps, communication and even transportation.


    "Anyways, as I was saying." Rowen continues. "There is a study by mages that states whatever mana can do, aura and divine power can also do. Of course, depending upon the level of your power. In this case..." He trails off as his gaze once again lands on Reigies. "Well, in this case, it seems that the young lord is more powerful than you are, my lord. But a great power comes with either a good or bad consequence." His gaze then went back to Requiel who was now staring at his son, a worried expression plastered on his face. "Forgive me, my lord, for this is the limit of my knowledge. What I had conlcuded is a mere theory based on what I had seen and heard."


    A long silence followed as Rowen was in a deep thought. He was having an internal conflict with regards his idea in which he thinks the duke would refuse. As he lowered his gaze, he noticed the black cat that''s lying beside the young lord. He had witnessed its shapeshifting but was still confused of its relationship with the young lord. It was then that he remembred something that he had read from a book years ago. He was about to speak when Requiel spoke first.


    "You have mentioned that my son possesses greater power than me, meaning he''s wielding a darker shade of blue aura, maybe a black one even. Solut, the most powerful aura known. At that age?" Requiel scoffs then trembles at the idea of his son''s body withering due to his tremendous power. "If that''s the case, then is it possible that, that shapeshifting creature balances Reigies'' aura?"


    "My lord, I--"


    "Because if not, I refuse to accept the fact that my son holds a great power within him at that age and is still alive."


    "My lord--"


    "The only logical explanation to that would be his aura is slowly eating him away! Tell me, how am I supposed to seal of ones'' aura if it is more powerful than I am?!"


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "My lord, please calm down." Rowen''s voice was firm yet full of concern. "I know what you are worried about. I know how much you don''t want things from the past to happen once again. I am not certain but as to what we have had witnessed yesterday, the creature was able to calm the young lord''s chaotic aura. That being said, the creature is able to balance the young lord''s aura and par it with what his body can handle. Most especially now that his mental state is not on its better state. The only way to confirm these theories is to involve a mage of a higher tier. It may be a bit too much but--"


    "Then go and contact the mage tower. Tell them that I invite their deputy headmaster to visit my estate." Requiel turns to leave.


    "P-pardon? The deputy headmaster? I heard that he rarely leaves the tower more than the headmaster itself. Would that mage--"


    "Just mention in your letter that I, Requiel Atlante, requests of his presence as soon as possible." And with that, he left closing the door, not sparing Rowen a chance to speak anymore.


    Thus, their conversation leaves a certain man behind a desk filled with piles of parchments, papers and books sighing out of irritation. He was in the middle of solving a formula he''s been working on for the past two months when a knock on his door interrupted him. He had instructed everyone that he shan''t be disturbed as he was doing his research and formation of new spell. Yet, some fool had dared to knock and open his door despite his warnings.


    "S-sir, a letter from Duke Atlante has arrived. The messenger states it is very urgent matter." A meek voice had said before he could stand and yell from his desk.


    "Atlante?" He asks, his eyes narrowing at the petit woman standing by his door. She had her head bowed as she held an envelope in her hand, trembling. With a flick of his finger, the letter disappeared from the woman''s hand and appeared in the mage''s right hand. He then flipped it to make sure that the seal came from house Atlante.


    "Leave." He says after confirming it.


    The woman then left in haste, unintentionally slamming the door shut. But Lucas, the mage, could care less. His focus was now on the missive before him.


    "How unusual of that guy." He mumbles as he opens the letter with the knife that suddenly appeared and disappeared after using it. He was slightly disappointed to not see that familiar scribbles of letter he was looking forward to see after a long while. After reading the letter he stood up from his seat and stomped his way towards his door. He then grumbled and whispered inaudible words before opening the door.


    The smell of ink and paper tickled Requiel''s nose. Without him looking up from the paper in his hand, he knew instantly who had dared slam his door open without knocking.


    "I see that you have recieved the letter." He says as he settle the paper on his desk and look up. Standing by the door was an irritated Lucas. His deshivled black, silky robe and long silver hair and red shot eyes indicates how busy he had been. "How long have you been up?" Requiel asks, his brows creasing.


    Lucas scoffs after closing the door. He then disappears and re-appears, now sitting on the couch not far from Requiel''s desk.


    "I could ask the same thing, you fool." Lucas leaned back and rose a brow at his old friend. "The letter said that Duke Atlante would like to have a private meet with the deputy headmaster of the mage''s tower. I wonder why is that." He then tilts his head to his right. "Is it because of his daughter whom he had requested for me to brainwash?"


    Requiel clicked his tongue, not liking the way Lucas was looking at him. "I know how much you didn''t like doing that to a child, alright? I didn''t have a choice. I just... I didn''t want to see her empty expression." He then averted his gaze in which Lucas rolled his eyes.


    "Karma I guess." Lucas shrugs.


    "Enough of that." Requiel sighs. "I didn''t call you here to talk about my daughter. It''s about Reigies. Would you mind checking on him?"


    Lucas frowns. "I''m a mage, Requiel. Not a physician."


    For a moment, both stared at each other. After awhile, Requiel stood up, motioning for Lucas to follow him. With a groan, Lucas followed him. A few servants greeted them and would give Lucas confused gazes. They didn''t know they have a guest, not to mention it being the deputy headmaster of the mage''s tower. However, considering their young lord and young miss'' situation, they shouldn''t have been surprised. As the two climbed the stairs, Lucas couldn''t help but wonder what happened when they passed by the tainted glass window that''s being fixed. But despite his curious mind, he managed not to ask and rather focus on Requiel''s back that seemed to be less broad than what he remember.


    As they approach the two adjacent doors, Lucas'' frown deepened. He came to a halt that also made Requiel do so when he noticed it. He turned to look at him.


    "What?"


    "I think I''m getting why you want me to check om your son." Lucas said, displeased by the heavy force he suddenly felt as they walked.


    "Your sensitivity towards aura never ceases to amaze me." Requiel chuckled as he continued walking and stopped in fron of Reigies'' room. Before opening it, he turned his head to the opposite door where Catherine was. The same with his son, his daughter was still unconscious. The physician said that there''s nothing wrong with her but to Requiel, something doesn''t sit right. If her unconsciousness was only due to shock, she should have been up by now and yet...


    With a sigh, he opened Reigies'' room. It was then that Lucas spoke once again.


    "Your son seems to be in a dire situation compared to your daughter."


    "Whatever do you mean by that?"


    "As what I have said." Lucas shrugged and walked pass by his friend. As he approached the bed where Reigies laid, he couldn''t help but frown upon noticing an unfamiliar black cat. His gaze then went from it to Reigies then back to it. "Now that''s intriguing." He then looked up and turned to Requiel. "Care to explain what in the world happened here?"


    "I''d rather we sit as I speak." Requiel motioned for the seat near the bed in which Lucas took while he sat on the bed.


    Requiel let out an exasperated sigh as he told the story of what had happened the whole week. From the temple intruders to finding his children with a shapeshifting creature to their current situation. He also told him of what Rowen, the physician has, has said to him last night.


    "I applaude your physician. He''s smart, I must say." Lucas complimented. His gaze then went to Reigies'' peaceful face. "Truthfully, as we came close to your son''s room, I felt an energy similar to yours, only it is stronger. Even now, the energy is quite overwhelming. As you already know, us mages, most especially those of high tier, are sensitive to mana, aura and divine energy. This is the very first time am encountering this kind of energy. Even the headmaster would feel overwhelmed by this."


    His gaze then landed on the creature beside Reigies. "And you''re correct with the connection of your son and this creature. This is a very, very rare occurence, just so you know. Well, in fact it had been only a theory until now..." He paused and fixed his posture. Crossing his arm, he continued to stare at the creature. "There was a study regarding mana imbalances. And similar to an aura, this is when its wielder doesn''t know how to use it or is too weak to use it. In some cases, their power will eat their life source. Well, you are well aware of that already."


    Requiel''s jaw clenched at that as memories of past events surfaced in his mind. He then shook his head, forcing the memory out of his head.


    "That''s what most are taught in academies. However, to us who stays in the tower, there''s a theory in which could and would have saved those who are incapable of handling their mana or aura. A second body."


    "And I heard experiements were conducted several times but failed."


    "It''s not like we have proper subjects to use, do we?" Lucas rolled his eyes. "Just like what I have said, this kind of situation is rare. But to your family, I think it is hereditary."


    Requiel didn''t disagree. Considering how his father and great-grandfather had died, he somehow knew that someday, he too might experience the same thing.


    "Yet, how strange. If you look back to your predecessors their aura would grow and consume their body at a certain age. Ranging from early thirties to forties. Your son is only--Ah!" Lucas snapped his fingers that startled Requiel.


    "What is it?"


    "His mental state!"


    Requiel''s brows furrowed. "I''m not sure if I am coping up."


    "Your physician, Albert--"


    "It''s Rowen."


    "Whatever his name is." Lucas grumbled. "Anyways, your physician has mentioned that the phiend would chnage colors and that the sand in it would be in chaos as it did. That indicates his unstable mental state which is caused by his nightmares. But that nightmare, we have no control of."


    "I get that part. But I don''t see the relation of it with Reigies'' aura."


    Lucas gave Requiel a look of disbelief. He then groaned. "Maybe it''s because you lack rest that your brain isn''t functioning well. Anyways, my point is that the trigger towards your son''s unusual powerful aura is his nightmares that you have mentioned. Another trigger is the situation they were in before you found them. His will to escape that situation has caused for his aura to force its limits to the point that it exceeds his own capability. This shapeshifting creature may even be a creation of his own power. Like what I have mentioned earlier. A second body. It is to balance whatever his body can''t handle. I don''t know if you''re getting what I''m saying but yeah. That''s all there it is."


    He then stood up and stretched his body.


    "Now, if you''ll excuse me."


    "Where are you going?" Requiel blocks Lucas'' way.


    "Where else? Back to my place. I still haven''t finished my research you know."


    "But my son-"


    "He''ll be fine. He''s just getting used to his power. Besides, if something happens, you have that vessle beside him."


    "What about his nightmares?"


    Lucas stompped his foot on the ground, irritated that he''s being held up by this overly worried father before him.


    "Duke Atlante, may I remind you that I am a mage not some dream fairy or whatever. If his aura goes on a berserk and that creature beside him is of no use-" He stopped mid sentence as if realizing something. "Now that I think about it. I think your son''s situation is more interesting than what I am currently working on." Lucas'' face brightened in which Requiel didn''t really like.

 Chapter 8

    Chaos...


    Everywhere around Reigies was a mess. The sound of swords slashing and piercing into something could be heard everywhere. Creatures of unknown were flying, crawling and stomping that the ground shook. The setting sun that was once Reigies'' favorite to watch was now something he despised. The ground almost mirrored the red color of the sky as fire was spread by a flying creature, burning everything. It was then that a howling cry of a wolf echoed that made everything halt. All men in armor and creatures of unknown faced a certain direction. Reigies followed their gaze and as he did, his whole body froze.


    "NO!"


    His hand was reaching out on the thin air as he catched his breath. Tears that he didn''t know were there damped his face.


    "Where..." Reigies scanned his surroundings then realized he was in his room. Something beside moved that made him flinch. Realizing it was just the black cat, Reigies sighed.  Memories from what had happened then started flashing in his mind. His brows then furrowed upon remembering that he saw him. The hooded cloaked man. He never would have guessed that he would encounter him once again in this lifetime. But for some reason  seeing his familiar figure somehow gave him conficted feelings. He was glad to see him yet, troubled.


    That mysterious man has always told him warnings through coded phrases. Sometimes he just told him directly things he shouldn''t do. He was always there whenever tragedy befalls him. Even in his other past lives he would always¡ª


    A groan escaped his lips as that same    pain he had felt before started spreading from the back of his head. That same feeling of needles poking his head, making him tightly close his eyes.


    "What would you ever do without my existence?"


    A familiar voice echoed in Reigies'' mind as he felt something soft lean against his forehead. The pain slowly faded away, in which he was relieved. When he opened his eyes, he was met with two crimson ones. Startled, he jolted away from the creature before him. The black wolf from that night sat before him, its crimson eyes boring gentleness as it studied him.


    "Y-you... Wh-what? How¨C?"


    "As usual, I have come to advise you of your life choices. To follow it or not is your choice."  It then made slight bow before lying on the spacious bed. However, with his size that is a bit larger of that normal wolf, the bed seemed a bit smaller. "I''ve been watching for the past weeks and it seems that you get along with your sister just well. Lovely, I must say."


    When Reigies didn''t respond, the wolf raised its head to look at him.


    "Is something the matter?" He asks.


    Reigies blinked then slightly shook his head. "N-nothing. I was just surprised and glad to meet you once again."


    "Glad?" The wolf didn''t show any emotion but the voice responding in Reigies'' mind seemed amused. "If I remember correctly, you never liked it whenever I appear before you."


    Reigies then averted his gaze.


    "Everything... Everything is so unfamiliar. It''s as if I don''t belong here. After going back in time, I started to view everything around me differently. I came to understand more of my father''s actions. It was as if the fog in my mind cleared up." He then paused as his expression darkened. "However, whenever I look at everyone''s faces, I feel like this whole thing is just a dream and that my life is the nightmare that I refuse to face. I feel like everything before me right now is just an illussion, a delusion I have. That in an instant everything would disappear and¨C"


    He was cut off when a heavy paw landed on his head. He blinked, surprised and at the same time relieved. The heavy feeling that started building up in his chest instantly diasppeared that even he himself felt like it didn''t exist.


    "How fickle." The wolf sighed. "Your memories and emotions are making it dangerous for you."


    "What do you mean?"


    However, before the wolf could reply, the door opened followed by several pair of footsteps.


    "I''m telling you that your son is fine. We just have to wait to¨C Oh, would you look at that. He''s up with his pet."


    "Thank the gods." Requiel whispered as he took long strides towards his son. The wolf jumped off the bed to give space to the man, who didn''t seem to have had a good rest for the past nights. "Are you alright? Does your head hurt? Do you feel dizzy? Does your heart feel¨C"


    "Bombarding him with questions may cause him a headache, you know." Lucas said, rollling his eyes after.


    A cold duke they say? Lies, he would say. This man before him is none other than a worry-wart father. If not, a fool for the ones he care.


    Reigies who was confused for a moment stared at his father. He never had seen him flustered like that even before he had regressed. Or maybe he had. He just chose to ignore it, refusing the fact that his father was capable of showing this kind of affection. A soft smile crept on his lips as that numbing feeling in his chest started spreading across it.


    "You fool."


    After hearing that voice in his head, something warm, wet and slimey touched Reigies'' cheek. Realizing it was the tongue of a certain beast, he instantly pushed it away and glared at it.


    "What are you doing?!" The sudden raising of his voice caused him to cough several times. Fortunately, there was a ready made set of pitcher of water and glass on his nightstand. His father grabbed it in haste and poured him a glass and gave it to him. He even helped him drink, making sure there was no water spilled on the sheets.


    "Feeling alright?" Requiel asked in hi most gentle voice.


    Reigies nodded in response and whispered a small ''thank you''  at his father.


    "Your pet just did its job, kid." Lucas approached the wolf, his eyes studying its entire physique. It was only now that he has encountered a shapeshifting creature making his scholarly mage side win over him at the moment. He wanted to study this creature himself. If possible put it in a cage and bring it back to the tower and play with it. Truthfully, this was the very reason why he had agreed to stay here instead of going back to the tower. He wanted to observe this creature together with to whom it is bound with, its master. After meeting the wolf''s crimson eyes, his gaze then travelled towards the young man sitting on the bed, eyeing him curiously.


    Requiel parted his lips and was about to introduce his old friend but Lucas spoke first.


    "Lucas Phalcon. Currently deputy headmaster of the mage''s tower. Your father''s very first friend. I was his friend first before that weak bastard of a prince who is now the king."


    Requiel couldn''t help but run his palm all over his face upon hearing his friend slander a royal before his child. With a groan, he looked up at Lucas, his eyes pleading.


    "Your mouth, Lucas."


    "What? Without your support and my support he wouldn''t be able to sit on that shiny chair and have that heavy crown."


    "He is still a royal." Requiel defended.


    Lucas made a disgusted expression. "So what? A title is all there is."


    Requiel continued to defend the king as Lucas did the same with slandering a royal.


    For some reason, Reigies felt out of place. Before his regression, he never had met Lucas in a close distance. He only saw him from afar and only twice at that. First was during his father''s burial. He was the last person who came and stood in front of the grave several hours. Reigies watched for he was curious how and why such person was there.  He again saw him a year later at the king''s burial, once again standing in front of the grave after everyone has left. It was later that he had found out from Valeirene that the man was the mage known to be the most powerful even above the headmaster of the mage''s tower itself. He also found out of the friendship of the three back in their academy days. Though after graduating, this mage holed up in the tower doing studies, experiments and researches, refusing to come out unless called by important people. That is why he was staring at this silver haired man a while ago  wondering if he was that same mage.


    After the king''s death before Reigies'' regression, Lucas, the great mage, was said to have went on a slumber. Since strong mages didn''t age as a normal human would, they won''t be able to die easily. Unless they are faced with another strong mage or go on a slumber. A slumber refers similarly to an eternal slumber or death. However slumber for mages means you are neither alive nor dead. It is as if you are in a coma for a long time, none knowing when you will wake up.


    Seeing his father bicker with this mage made him wonder whether this mage intentionally forced his self to go on a slumber or was too shocked that his friends had left the world all so suddenly, leaving him behind.


    "At least respect a friend."


    "I told you, he is your friend. Not mine." Lucas huffed as he crossed his arm and faced Reigies. "Enough with that. I have to check something with your son since he''s now conscious."


    Requiel then took several steps backwards to give space to Lucas, who came close and reached out his palm.


    "Now, young lord, would you mind holding my hand?"


    Reigies glanced at his father who nodded at him. As his gaze returned to the mage, he extended his arm and laid his hand atop Lucas'' palm.


    "Before I start, I shall inform you that you may feel a little stinging pain staring from your palm crawling along your veins." Lucas informed as he instructed Requiel to move further away. As if understanding what was about to happen, the wolf voluntarily moved away and sat beside Requiel. "Truly intriguing." Lucas whispered, amazed at the wolf''s action.


    "What are we going to do anyway?" Reigies asked.


    "Just a short check-up." Lucas replied with a smile that somehow told Reigies how excited this man was. "Now, now, close your eyes." He instructed in which Reigies complied.


    As darkness filled Reigies'' vision, he felt something electric crawl from the tip of his fingers through the veins in his arm towards his chest, enveloping his heart then to his spinal chord up to his brain. Then suddenly, he felt his whole body go numb, as if he was paralyzed for a moment. His chest then felt heavy. His heart and lungs felt like it was being squeezed in a tight space. He parted his lips, wanting to say something but nothing would come out of his lips. As if his voice was taken away from him. It was when he felt like something growing within him that Lucas let go of Reigies'' hand  and in an instant, everything he was  feeling evaporated. When he opened his eyes, he was surprised to see Lucas'' serious expression.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    "You...How are you still alive?"


    "W-what?" Reigies was confused and for some reason, he felt nervous.


    "Such power you have, wrecking havoc within you." And as if to remind Lucas of something, the wolf approached with black smoke gathering around him. When it reached the bed, it was now a small cat. It hopped on Reigies'' lap and laid there. "I see. Of course." Lucas reached to touch the head of the cat and in an instant, his seriousness turned into what seemed to be a relief. He then chuckled.


    Whatever was happening before him, Reigies was clueless.


    "What is it, Lucas?" Requiel asked, hesitant to approach.


    Lucas then cleared his throat as he stood up and stepped away from the bed.


    "Nothing much. I already told you everything the other night. And what I saw within your son and that creature confirms it. Both are connected." Lucas paused and stared at the cat on Reigies'' lap. "And like I told you, it seems that your family has this some kind of hereditary disease wherein your aura that continues to grow exessively would eat your life. Which reminds me." His gaze then shifted to Reigies who''s still confused. "Hey, kid. I mean, young lord. May I ask you something? And please answer truthfully."


    Reigies was unsure but nodded anyways.


    "I heard that you''ve been having nightmares recently. I would like to confirm if this is true?"


    Right. Reigies would always tell that he just had a nightmare to anyone who noticed his troubled and somehow sleepless face. It was probably his sister and Emily who told his father of this situation of his. Or his father had noticed it himself as he remembered answering with that excuse  several times. Reigies'' gaze shifted to his father who''s gaze was full of worry. He then looked down at the cat on his lap. It had its eyes closed as if it were sleeping but Reigies knew it was up and listening to everything.


    "I have."


    It was half lie and half truth. Of course, he would have nightmares of what had happened before his regression. However, on other nights, he couldn''t really sleep as he was reminded of the horror of his doings. Memories haunted him whether he was awake or asleep.


    "I see. May I ask what kind?"


    Reigies'' vision then became blurry for a moment followed by a voice speaking in his mind.


    "Just tell him that you can''t really remember."


    "I... I can''t really remember." Reigies replied and for some unknown reason, his head suddenly felt light. He then looked up and met Lucas'' curious gaze. "All I remember is that it was horrible and the feeling would stay within my chest. As if the agony I felt in my dream were real." He didn''t know what exactly came out of his mouth. As if he was being controlled for a moment.


    "I see." Lucas nodded. "This is troublesome."  His lips pursed in a thin line. "Do you, perhaps, know the cause of these nightmares?"


    Reigies tensed up in which both adults noticed. Of course, he knew very well the cause. But how could he tell them? How could he tell them that he went back in time with the help of some mysterious man? How could he tell them that he had slain people with the same sword that is still in his father''s possession? How could he tell them that he knew of things his father was trying to hide?


    Noticing that it was taking a while for Reigies to respond, Lucas clicked his tongue.


    "I won''t be able to help if you hide things."


    Reigies looked up, his gaze jumping from the mage then to his father. After a while, he averted his gaze.


    "I don''t know." He says. "Why does my nightmare concern you anyway?" He asked, unintentionally sounding rude.


    Lucas sighed, now getting a little irritated by this brat.


    "Your nightmares are none of my concern, yes. My true concern is your mental state that is being influenced by your said nightmares."


    Reigies'' brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"


    Before Lucas could reply, Requiel tapped his shoulder.


    "Would you mind leaving us alone? He is yet aware of his condition, you see."


    Lucas then let out a low groan as he himself remembered that the young man before him was clueless of his own state. He then started grumbling incoherrent words as he snapped his finger and disappeared in a thin air.


    Reigies'' eyes widened upon witnessing teleportation magic for the first time. A non-verbal at that! Of course, he had used portals that would teleport anyone and anything several times. He also had witnessed teleportation spells during his academy days  from mage students but have never seen or witnessed a non-verbal one. Truly, it is amazing how one could cast spells without moving his lips.


    "Amazing, isn''t he?" Requiel chuckled. Reigies nodded in return. It has been a while since Requiel has  seen his son been amazed at something. For some reason, the face his son made as soon as Lucas disappeared has brought him back old memories of younger version of him.


    ''Oh, old days'' He thought as an image of Reigies'' younger self appeared in his mind. A smile krept on his lips, only to be wiped away in an instant as another figure overlapped with Reigies'' face.


    Upon noticing his father''s sudden change of facial expression, Reigies couldn''t help but worry. However, before he could even utter a single word, Requiel cleared his throat and sat on the mattress.


    "Anyway, let''s talk about your situation."


    "Does this have something to do with the conversation we were having¨C Wait, how long was I unconscious this time?"  Reigies asks, now realizing that he had lose his consciousness twice this week now.


    "Two days."


    "Two?"


    Requiel hummed in agreement as a reply. And before Reigies could dig his memory as to why he had fainted, the cat''s voice resounded in  his mind.


    "I''d rather you not think about anything and just focus on the conversation you''re about to have with your father. Unless you would like to lose consciousness again."


    Reigies flinched upon hearing this. He wanted to ask why but couldn''t for his father was around.


    Requiel cleared his throat, getting his son''s attention.


    "A blue aura. As I have mentioned before, when we found you and your sister, both of you were unconscious, surrounded by a blue aura and that blue aura is yours."


    Reigies frowned. "That''s impossible."


    According to what he remembers, Reigies had first wielded his aura at the age of fifteen. A year from now. Also, it was not blue aura that he had first wielded, it was orange. A color that is in the middle. Before his mind could wander more, his father spoke.


    "Indeed. I, too, couldn''t believe what my eyes were seeing during that day. Amazed, yet worried. Worried that the power you posses would eat you." Even with his calm face, his voice couldn''t hide the small tremble in it. "We are yet uncertain as to how you were able to wield  such powerful aura with that young body of yours however, with the appearance of your familiar, we have somehow found our answer."


    Reigies'' eyes followed his father''s gaze. As if sensing their gazes, the cat on Reigies'' lap opened its eyes and raised its head. He then looked up at Requiel innocently, blinking as if asking why this human was looking at him.


    "Lucas said that this creature may be a creation of your power, to balance whatever excess power you have that your body can''t contain. In other words, a vessel."


    "I don''t understand, father." Reigies says, now his frown deepening. "What do you mean?"


    Requiel took in a deep breath. "Your situation is quite unusual. Although our family has a history of being eaten by their own aura at a certain age, yours came earlier."


    An image Reigies didn''t want to remember then suddenly flashed in his mind. A hand that he never imagined holding once again, going limp in his own. Last words of his father resounding in his mind again. He then clenched his fists, forcing the memory out.


    "I... I''ve heard some things with regards that." Reigies says, also remembering stories he had heard before.


    A small, sad smile appeared on Requiel''s lips. One day, he too may or may not depart this world due to that unexplainable illness of their family. Truthfully, he wasn''t afraid of dying. However, the thought of leaving his son and daughter behind brought heaviness in his chest.


    Requiel once again sighs and starts to explain to his son whatever he had heard from Lucas. Though still uncertain of the information, every theory and conclusion his friend had made, all made sense.


    "Then by vessel, do you mean that half or more of my aura is within this creature?" Reigies asks, confused and doubtful of everything he heard. The creature on his lap was someone he already knew even before his regression. How could such being be a part of him?


    "That is the most plausible explanation there is." Requiel replied. "Your desire to escape the situation you and your sister were in may or may not be the trigger of your aura, making you unconsciously create a new being that is able to help you with any situation. But as I''ve mentioned, your mental stability isn''t at its best." Seeing his son flinch, he couldn''t help but ask. "Truly, my son. What it is that had made you have nightmares? I knew something was not right the moment you had decided to act differently towards your sister. Does it have something to do with her?"


    As Requiel asked those questions, that prophecy emerged in his mind. For some reason, he suddenly felt anxious. Worried that his concern ever since hearing that prophecy is starting to take place.


    Different from his father''s worry, Reigies mind was filled with unwanted memories. Blood, cries and his rage  towards the world. That boiling feeling within him as he swung his sword around started surfacing within him.


    "Reigies. Your mind is starting to wander once again." The voice of  the cat echoed in his mind. "Focus on what it is that is currently in front of you." It added, snapping him back to reality. However, that heavy feeling remained.


    "Reigies?" Requiel called in which his son had raised his head to, their eyes meeting. For a moment, Requiel saw something in his son''s eyes. Something he had seen in the battlefield. His eyes were pleading, screaming of something he couldn''t really comprehend. "You can always talk to me, my son. I am¨C"


    The door suddenly opened followed by a sweet, little voice.


    "Father? Who are you talking to in brother''s room?" Half of Catherine''s body slid in the slit of the door she had made. Her face then brightened upon  seeing her brother sitting on his bed. She pushed the door open and ran towards the bed, giggling. "Brother! You''re awake!"


    Requiel chuckled as he helped his daughter climb the bed for she was struggling. Ruby, the shapeshifting creature, hopped off Reigies'' lap to give space to Catherine, who went for a tight hug in which Reigies returned rather in a little awkward manner. Even though they had made progress and were closer than before, Reigies still found hugs and kisses from his sweet sister a bit foreign at times. Though these small actions brought warmth in his heart.


    "Brother was unconscious for two days." Catherine said as she broke their hug. "I was so worried when I found out. Though I also just woke up yesterday."


    Reigies brows furrowed and before he could ask any question, his father spoke.


    "When you had lost control over your aura and your familiar jumped in and roared, Catherine seemed to have been shocked. Though, Lucas suspects that your aura may have also affected her in a way. The very reason why she was unconscious for a whole day." Requiel explained with a soft, yet solemn smile.


    "But I''m alright now, Father. Also, I don''t really remember much of what happened." Catherines says with a smile as she faced her father. "Oh, right! Emily said to inform her once brother awakens so that she could bring him food. Did you inform her already, Father?"


    Requiel flinched. It was only then that he remembered Emily''s words.


    "My lord, kindly please inform me or any servant around once the young lord awakens. He would be hungry once he does."


    Reigies chuckled upon seeing his father''s troubled face.


    "Well, Emily is right. I am hungry." Reigies ruffled Catherine''s hair. "Would you mind going downstairs and inform people in the kitchen that I''m hungry?"


    Catherine smiled and nodded. Without wasting another second, she carefuly got down the bed and ran towards the door.


    "Don''t run down the stairs! You might trip. Okay?!" Reigies yelled in which Catherine yelled back, her voice echoing along the hallway.


    "Okay!"


    Reigies couldn''t help but chuckle as a memory before he regressed surfaced in his mind. A seventeen year old Catherine tripping over a rock as she approached the table where Reigies was waiting for her. Catherine cursed a lot and rolled her eyes upon hearing her brother laugh in which he covered with a cough. In the end, both laughed as they drank their tea. They weren''t  close. They weren''t distant either. Their relationship after their father died was of something similar to a new pair of friends starting to get to know eachother. The memory was one of those memories with his sister that he couldn''t forget for it was a moment where both of them had shared sincere smiles.


    ''Yet again, I ruined those smiles.''


    He thought as a pang of guilt hit him.


    "Reigies." Upon his father''s call, he looked up only to see that solemn smile once again. "You know, I wish I could read your mind. This father of yours worries on what runs in that head of yours. That whatever trouble that is, I would try my best to help you with. One moment you''re smiling and then next thing I know is that I''m staring at your troubled face."


    For a moment, Reigies stared at his father blankly. He then gave him a gentle smile.


    "Then I guess we are the same, Father." Requiel''s brows creased at his son''s remark, not understabding what he meant. "Father smiles as he watches me and Catherine spend time together, yet, he has this troubled look from time to time. As if he is worried of something that is yet to happen."


    Requiel was speechless. The way his son was currently staring at him was as if he''s trying to read his soul.


    "Though I may have an idea what Father is worried about. For, I too worry of the same thing." As Reigies finished his sentence, he averted his gaze only to be met eye to eye with crimson ones. Ruby''s tail tapped twice on the sheets as if  he was encouraging Reigies but also warning him.


    He then nodded to his self and once again returned his gaze towards his father and spoke.


    "You''re worried that I will kill my sister, right?"