Vadrian slowly strolled through the thick green vines and tall, overgrown grass; his lustrous silver pupils, framed by long, thick, silvery lashes, scanned the filled green area in deep concentration.
Meanwhile, Kion followed behind, nervously reacting to Vadrian's constant mood. His superior had been acting all lovey-dovey with his runaway wife from the moment they met.
He couldn't believe it when his superior was smiling and all touchy with an Ashford of all people.
"Is he always like this?'
Tan whispered behind him. He was shocked at the sudden change of emotions; he thought his master was the only one good at it.
Kion frowned at him.
"Probably. I suggest you keep your thoughts to yourself.
Tan didn't say a word. He knew things might go south if he prob too much.
Suddenly, Vadrian paused and signaled the two to stand still.
They all waited, listening for any movement.
Out of nowhere, a creature lunged towards them at an impossible speed.
Tan and Kion stood in a fighting stance, ready to take on the vile-looking creature; however, Vadrian had already lunged forward.
With a sharp gesture, Vadrian warped the local gravity field, folding the creature in on itself. Sharp, jagged bones snapped and pulverized under the pressure, erupting in a shower of vitriolic green fluid.
Three of them stood watching the creature dissipate into thin air.
"This…
"Yes.
Vadrian gave a curt answer.
The creature was a sickening mirror of the Crokun that was invading the solar system at the moment.
Vadrian grabbed a stone almost instinctively and slung it with all his might into the emerald depths of the forest. The crash sent a lurking shadow bursting from the leaves, fleeing up onto a tree branch in sheer fright. Through the dappled sunlight, he saw her clearly: a girl in a thin white tunic, armed with a bow and arrow.
Vibrant blue eyes stared at them.
"Who are you?'
She asked despite trembling in fear. That stone almost sent her to the afterlife.
Well, it won't be bad after all, since she would die knowing a heavenly, breathtaking man killed her. It was worth it.
Yet they dressed strangely. All three were clad in black military uniforms and heavy combat boots, with weapons slung across their bodies.
Vadrian scrutinized the girl, his eyes moving from her tense posture to the grip she held on her bow.
The sunlight caught the gold of her blonde hair, illuminating her smooth, tanned skin and the vibrant crystal blue of her eyes.
She posed no threat, yet the three men stood on alert.
"We have crossed vast distances to get here,' there was a slick, melodic warmth to Vadrian's casual tone, an effortless charm and a silver tongue that chipped away at the girl's guard. "We come in peace, searching only for sanctuary.
"Is that so?'
She jumped off the tree branch and landed on the ground with elegance. Her white tunic floated with grace, shimmering in the sunlight, revealing long pale legs that gleamed seductively.
"I'm Fauna Evergreen of the Winter clan. State your name, trespassers.
Kion frowned indignantly.
"How…
Vadrian shot him a cold glance before turning to Fauna.
"My name is Vadrian; this is Kion and Tan; both are my comrades in arms.
Fauna suddenly let out a charming smile. She was weak against beautiful people.
"We came with a few crew members injured on the way here.
"So sorry about that.
Fauna worriedly approached, her golden hair bouncing about her; however, Kion and Tan stepped back almost vigilantly.
Vadrian stood watching with interest, so little did he deem the strange girl harmless.
"My clan is not far from here. I help in any way I can.
Kion and Tan raised an eyebrow at how easily she was ready to help.
From where they come from, there is nothing like a helping hand. It doesn't exist, yet it shows itself when one wants something from you.
Their universe was a dog-eat-dog, messed-up system.
"We really appreciate your willingness to help us out.
Vadrian gave a faint smile, yet his silvery pupils were cold and detached, as if devoid of life.
Fauna pretended not to notice. All she cared about was how to sway her way to his side.
"Okay then, lead the way~
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Can you stand?'
A voice that Misha never dreamed would willingly approach him was asking if he could walk.
Asier stood at the front, his face an unreadable, icy expanse. The detached look in his eyes was terrifyingly familiar, a cruel reflection of their Papa.
With a slow nod, he struggled to stand. Asier watched calmly, not entirely sure why he had asked such a trivial question.
"I'm alright. It's not like I broke a bone or something.
Misha gave a sheepish grin.
"You really did break a bone.
Asier tilted his head as if curious. "I wonder what you think after what you have experienced so far?'
Misha stared at him helplessly. He could remember trying to help the prisoners; he could also remember how they had turned against him.
He almost thought he would die. One of the prisoners tried to molest him; however, he was saved by another prisoner. They were not good people, yet they wouldn't stand by and let a child be assaulted.
This gave Misha hope.
"Helping people when they are in need is very crucial. Just because I suffered a little setback doesn't stop me from helping in any way I can.
Asier blinked, expecting a different answer.
"This incident has taught me a lot. Not everyone deserves to be saved, yet some are innocent and need help. The choice was mine, and I bore the consequence.
Asier really wants to know what stupid thoughts are brewing in Misha's stupid head. A fool who won't learn from first experience is food for celestial dogs.
Asier quickly lost interest in conversing with him. The conversation was really one-sided.
Misha is so clumsy and dimwitted.
'If you ask me, Papa needs to keep an eye on him, instead of fussing around me.
"I made dinner.
Bram called from an oak tree that was ten feet away.
"Come, let's go; I bet Papa's cooking will taste good.
Misha smiled brightly as he took Asier's hand; however, he was met with a vicious smack and was shoved to the ground.
Misha groaned painfully, while Asier, without a hint of remorse, persistently cleaned his hand, his face full of disgust.
"Touch me again and…
"And what?'
The crisp, mocking voice echoed from the side of the tree line, instantly drawing a scowl from Asier.
Vadrian stared coldly at the six-year-old boy, clad in military gear like him, looking like a carbon copy of his younger self. The brutality was jarring; he had just witnessed Asier shoving Misha to the ground in revulsion.
Though they shared the same blood, Asier treated his brother like a stranger. Misha, at ten, was gentle and calm. But Asier? Asier was cut from the same cloth as Vadrian and Bram- cold, clinical, and laced with a terrifying, murderous edge.
"Ooh, are they yours~?