The sun shone through the tall windows of the lounge area where a familiar cat settled into one of the leather chairs, holding reports in one hand has he read over them while the other held onto his afternoon coffee, taking gentle sips from it at leisure.

Loki's hair was pressed back fashionably, fur preen and without a single tangle with clothes of likeness in cleanliness. He simply could not work while knowing there was some flaw to his appearance! It was preposterous! If he was going to be the face of His Grace, then by god, he was going to look good! He was leaned just enough back into the leather chair, a leg crossed over the other while the hand holding the papers settled against the chair's arm with his elbow.

He was practically posing.

Loki glanced to the side through his glasses to see if anyone were there...just to see if anyone had seen him in this posture. Well what would they know?! Maybe he always looked like this alone! Yes, that's what they would think!

The Master could practically sit, or anything for that matter, any way he wanted and he would still look alluring. Eye-catching. Respect deserving. ...Cool.

Loki pressed his lips thin as he shifted gently in his seat, no longer caring for the papers he held as he began finding ways of positioning himself. Perhaps if he just shifted his arm a bit to hold the cup casually midair...no that would seem as though he were doing it purposefully. His legs rotated over each other, separated, came over each other again...

Suddenly the hall was filled with the chime of the door bell, of which Loki glanced towards the main hall from his place with some irritation. He had almost found his seating arrangement, too. One of his long, lynx ears twitched as he turned to look down to his papers. Miss Dollet or some other servant would get the door.

A few moments later and the bell was rung again, causing Loki to squint an eye, flapping the papers down into his lap, turning his head towards the hall. They weren't expecting any visitors today! Who could it possibly be? And to ring the bell twice?

Containing an air of annoyance, Loki set his cup and papers onto the table, standing as his hands tucked his jacket straight over his vest. Well if it was urgent, then perhaps it were best if he answered. A little walk wouldn't hurt.

As he walked out of the lounge and into the main hall, Loki walked with his hands held behind his back, glancing around pointedly to spot any servants. It wasn't like them to not come rushing for the door.

Just before the large double doors, Loki straightened himself up, clearing his throat lightly. Putting on calm features, he reached for the handle and pulled the door open.

"Good Afternoo-" Loki began before his greeting smile was stuck on his face.

A feline stood in front of Loki as a visual opposite to him, clothes dirtied and torn in some areas while his fur...well one would have difficulty placing the exact color. His features were worn, but his green eyes were very much alive as he looked at Loki.

Next, and quite soon to notice, was the very large man hanging over the boy's shoulder, barely standing on both his legs. Catching sight of his face, Loki saw the hideous scar that covered the tiger's eye and the various others that covered his face. And the muscles...The shirt was not doing justice. By the look of it, if the tiger were to even flex, the shirt would rip apart in angered haste, free from constricting this abomination of strength and masculinity.

Strength and masculinity..., that forced Loki to blink.

"...Um...Excuse me..." the smaller feline said with a shy smile, "...Does Mr. Scarlatto live here?"

Loki couldn't feel, certain the smile was still on his face as he stared blankly at the two. There was a pause before Loki took a small step back before gently, so slowly, did he close the door with a faint click.

He took a moment to reaffirm that he was still alive, that he could move his face again as the smile became a thin line. That was...He wasn't sure what to call that. Loki turned around to walk away, only to stop dead as Miss Dollet stood just behind him with crossed arms.

"...Who was that, Loki?" she asked, tapping her finger on an arm in forced patience.

Loki put on a smile, letting out a little laugh as he looked away nervously, "Er. Nothing! No one! A...A bird! Yes. A bird pulled the bell and...it...flew." he paused, glancing back to Miss Dollet. "...Away..."

The door bell rang again, this time, causing the female to lift a testing brow at Loki. "A bird you say? We might have a problem, Loki, if it learns to pull it several times!"

"Hah! Yes, indeed! You're quite right, madam!" Loki tried to laugh as a shaken hand slowly lowered to his vest pocket, pulling out a handkerchief to pat his brow with.

"Well, I suppose I'll have to catch it! It would ring the bell all day, wouldn't it?" she affirmed before briskly passing Loki, reaching for the door.

In a wave of panic, Loki tried rushing after her, remembering the shirt. The threads pulling out one by one, bulging muscles tearing cloth from it's rightful place!! "N-no, wait!"

It was too late as Miss Dollet parted the door, looking out to find the two still waiting outside in their terrible condition. Immediately, Miss Dollet touched both cheeks with her fingers in surprise, gasping softly to the poor souls.

"Oh, dear!! You poor things!" she cried gently through a worried gaze.

Aidan flickered his eyes between the beautiful maid with her worried eyes to the panicked lynx behind her waving his arms as though it would direct her attention to him with wide eyes while biting his lip.

"Uh..." Aidan lowered a brow in perplexity, "...Does Mr. Scarlatto live here?" he asked again, not really sure what else to say.

"I had a feeling this was a bad idea..." Voltrick stated, his ears folded back irritatedly. But before anything else could be said, the door opened again to reveal a maid instead of the strange lynx who shut the door on them.

His ears had perked up lightly, but after his gaze caught the lynx behind the maid his brow lowered frustratedly. Voltrick wasn't going to say anything. Aidan wanted to come here, he can talk to these crazies.

"Oh, my..." Miss Dollet voiced as a hand moved over her lips, turning her head over her shoulder as though to give a concerned gaze to Loki from Aidan and Voltrick's view. Instead, he was given a sharp glare that forced him to stand still from his flailing, frowning tightly as though forced to keep in attention.

When the maid turned back, her features were of the same worried look as before as though nothing had happened. Aidan lifted his brow as he tried smiling a bit more, seeing her gaze.

"We know him." he said, hoping it would convince them both, "We met in Ceres and he was kind enough to help during the battle--"

"Battle?!" Loki nearly screamed in the background while the maid only rose her brow in worry.

"You must come in! His Grace would be furious to know we've let you stand out in the cold any longer!" she said, stepping aside, parting the door further to allow them in. On the wall of the door, Miss Dollet opened a box with bell strings to different rooms, pulling two to signal the servants.

This was unseen as Aidan pulled Voltrick inside with his shy smile still on. "Thank you."

Once inside, Miss Dollet closed the door behind them before coming to the other side of Voltrick, placing her hands on his shoulder as she examined him as two servants came from the upstairs. Seeing the two tattered figures, they rushed towards them, the male coming to where Miss Dollet was, taking Voltrick's arm over his shoulder promptly. Feeling the weight lift from his shoulders, Aidan sighed in some relief as the other female maid lifted Voltrick's arm from Aidan, taking it for herself to aide the butler.

Seeing the large creature come inside, Loki was found holding onto the back of the chair as he nearly hid behind it, watching the servants take the tiger onto their shoulders. That thing, that huge thing was inside his master's house. Loki nearly whimpered as his ears sunk as he shuddered, tucking his head between his shoulders. It would eat them! He was sure of it! Get them while they all slept! A cannibalistic barbarian! Yes! Yes, that was what that tiger was!

With Voltrick taken off his shoulders, Aidan stood straight in a pained stretch, letting out a sigh as Miss Dollet came to his side.

Seeing her, Aidan tried to straighten his posture, "Than--"

"You will be examined and rest! Also you will eat two helpings of supper!" she declared, causing Aidan to tense his shoulders in attention.

"Y-Yes, ma'am."

She turned, pointing to the stairs. "Make sure you call the doctor as well! It's about time Mr. Clarence worked for a change!" she called out to the two servants who carried Voltrick, leading him to a separate guest room.

Voltrick's ears sunk and brow raised gently as the maid welcomed them inside. She wanted to help them? Even after that cat scrambled off out of fear? Fear from Voltrick, most likely. But this maid didn't even hesitate.

He suddenly felt guilty. He understood why they would want to help Aidan, but Voltrick? He was an over sized tiger that looked like he was run over by a stampede of horses. He knew he looked intimidating and he felt he didn't deserve any kind of help, but now he and Aidan were being welcomed inside.

The tiger's ears perked up with his eyes widened when the maid came to his other shoulder and helped Aidan guide him inside. His confusion to the situation only worsened when more servants arrived to help carry him.

A wave of pain overcame him with all the movement, causing a weak groan and his features to wince. But as they took him away, Voltrick tried to look back to Aidan. A helpless, pleading look was on his face, unsure of what to do or how to react to all of this help. He did not expect all this at all... ever.

Aidan looked from Miss Dollet to see Voltrick glancing back, lifting his brows in concern at the look on his friend's face.

"Don't worry. We'll tend to him." Miss Dollet reassured, seeing Aidan's change of expression. "For now let's get you to bed. Poor thing..."

With the maid leading him, Aidan glanced to the other side of the lobby, seeing the lynx frowning in displeasure. His ears lowered at this, lowering his head as he followed the maid upstairs.


------

Hours had passed since Aidan and Voltrick came to the mansion. When they first arrived, a strange feline closed the door on them. But after the maid came to the door instead, they've both been under constant care and pampering.

They were even given a royal meal. Voltrick hadn't seen such well made food in years, always stopping at small town taverns or finding something on the road. But even though he was given so much food, he couldn't stomach very much of it. Pain not only has its stinging effects, but it makes it difficult to keep a lot of food down.

Voltrick was kept in one of the guest rooms, he hadn't really left since he was escorted there by the two servants. He left once, but only when ordered by the doctor to have him bathed so that his wounds would be properly cleaned.

It was a long, painful process being bathed... by other people. Voltrick hadn't felt so awkward and humiliated since he changed back from his beast the first time in front of strangers. Bath time was the only time where Voltrick concentrated on the pain, when normally its unheard of, instead of couple strangers bathing and scrubbing his fur without him having the comfort of his own clothing.

When he was dried, clothed, and placed back into bed, the doctor worked on the wounds at his back and abdomen. Discarding the dirty, bloody bandages he came with, and replaced them with tight, fresh ones with proper medicine and ointments. Half of his face was bandaged by a large, white cloth; making sure that his eye and the long gash along his face was covered.

Voltrick was also given a special medicine to help him sleep through all of the work on his injuries. He wanted to refuse, but with that maid's... Miss Dollet's continued persuasion... Voltrick finally gave in.

Normally, any kind of potions or poisons wouldn't work on Voltrick. His healing factor prevented it. But now that his healing has been taken away... Voltrick was out like a rock in less than ten minutes. Not sleeping for three days made it work that much better.


As Voltrick heavily slept, the doctor finished with Voltrick's wounds and bandages. Miss Dollet also made it a priority to make sure Voltrick had a pile of clean clothes next to his bed, clothes that would actually fit his large form. Food would also be left on the table in case he woke up hungry, and she was sure he would be.

Miss Dollet walked down the hall with a bundle of towels held in her arms after checking in on Voltrick. The servants had reported what was done in his service and the doctor on his condition. Also, seeing how he reacted to any movement was proof enough that he was fortunate to still be alive. Doctor Clarence had made it a point that he would have not survived if left as he was for two more days with no medication, nourishment or in his continued insomnia.

She had come to like him, seeing he had somewhat of a quiet nature, but that might change in time as he healed. But what troubled her was whether the two gentlemen were who they claimed themselves to be; acquaintances of Lord Scarlatto. What would the master think seeing two strangers in his home?

Just a little further and Miss Dollet arrived to another guest room, parting the door open to come inside. There she saw the younger man, Aidan, set in bed with the doctor seated at the bedside. The older dog was examining the inside of Aidan's mouth before he noticed Miss Dollet's entrance.

"Ah, there you are. I was wondering when you would arrive to rid me of that nuisance." he said before going back to check on Aidan, giving Miss Dollet time to turn her gaze and notice Loki standing with crossed arms off to the side, a displeased look on his face.

"Loki! You shouldn't trouble the doctor!" Miss Dollet hissed lightly towards him, keeping her voice quiet as to not disturb the other two.

"I wasn't bothering the doctor. I was trying to figure out where he came from!" Loki pointed.

Aidan glanced over to them quietly from his place, catching Miss Dollet's eye before he tiredly lowered them back forward as the doctor turned to look back.

"That can very well wait. There's something wrong with his throat..." Dr. Clarence explained.

Miss Dollet frowned at this, moving to set the towels onto a nearby table for the doctor while Loki placed his hands on his hips.

"Oh? Please enlighten us." Loki said.

"Simply put..." the doctor started, turning towards the table at his side to set down a long metal instrument, "...he's having a bit of trouble swallowing. Talking won't help it heal, so don't utter a word, you understand?"

Aidan thinned his lips as he nodded slowly.

"Good. Now, Miss Dollet. Please be a dear and dampen the towels with hot water. They must be placed around his neck." The Dr. Clarence instructed as he stood from his seat, gathering his tools into his bag. "Until evening, have them steamed. He needs constant heat."

Miss Dollet frowned as she came nearer to the doctor, peeking over his shoulder to look at Aidan. "Surely he needs to eat..." she began, recalling Voltrick's condition.

"That's the problem. He can't eat until his throat fixes itself up. I've tried giving him water, but he coughed it up. But he should be better off tomorrow. Don't worry, I've given him medicine to put him to sleep." the doctor said, closing his bag before standing, looking over Aidan. His eyes were closed already, head tilted to the side on his pillow as though he couldn't hear the two of them at all. To the well trained eye, one could see he was still awake, but the medicine was catching up to him.

"Have a servant keep a routine check on him. Once he can eat, he'll be well back to health." the doctor ended, giving a polite nod to Miss Dollet with an added smile before he saw himself out, closing the door behind himself.

"What a bother..." Loki's voice was heard, causing Miss Dollet to turn with a little glare, causing him to shrink.

"You've seen their condition, Loki! How could you refuse helping them?"

"Well, I personally cannot believe the master would know them! What would he say if they turned out to be two strangers? He would have our heads!"

"...we know him." a small voice interrupted, causing the other two to nearly jump in surprise. Aidan's head was turned to them, his eyes peering out lazily as the medicine was working. "...I'm sorry that I'm a...bother."

Loki turned away with a shamed frown as Miss Dollet came to Aidan's side, pulling the blankets over him more before patting him comfortingly. "Don't listen to him. He's a crazy book worm, that's all!" Miss Dollet smiled (whereas behind her Loki exclaimed a "Hey!"), "Everything will turn out alright. Now get some sleep and we'll fix you up."

As though in reassurance, Aidan closed his eyes once more to fall asleep. Miss Dollet rose from her place at his side to walk towards the door. Her hand shot out to grab Loki's jacket, dragging him back with her and out of the room.

Coming to walk side by side, the two walked the hall together.

"You seemed less hostile when the master brought Vincent here, Loki. I hope you're proud of yourself for saying such a thing in front of that poor boy." Miss Dollet said, giving a pointed gaze to the lynx.

"I didn't know he was still awake!" Loki argued with a miserable frown, "I feel guilty enough for that utterance. But it doesn't change the anxiety I have for master's return. Especially when he mentioned a battle in Ceres."

"I feel the same. But His Grace can handle himself. We have our duties here."

"I do hope he returns soon. He's been gone an awfully long time..." Loki sighed, rubbing his hands together. Miss Dollet noticed the worrisome gesture, her lips curving into a subtle frown. He was becoming truly worried (if that were possible with his usual demeanor in regards to the master). But all they could do was wait for his safe return with Vincent.

-----

"--And you've never taken me into the city to actually see how it is over there! All I see is this upper class surroundings, but mostly when I'm outside, I get preoccupied with your little hobby. So what do you think I'd react when you suggest Gordan go to the academy? What do they even teach?! Is he going to turn out like Loki? (God forbid.) A...a Loki and Voltrick hybrid...that...I-I can't even fathom that--"

"I doubt that would happen, Vincent." Aeth smirked humorously as the three of them rode on their own horse towards Vidalie.

It had been a slow journey as they went at a leisurely pace from Ceres. After hearing Voltrick and Aidan disappearing, there was some worry between them but thought it best their time spent there was due to end. Naturally this was Aeth's decision as he pulled Vincent from Debalora's bedside kicking and screaming. Antonis had confided that she was in good hands.

With Voltrick gone, Aeth had extended an invitation to Gordan to come with them, who was now riding alongside them, listening in to this strange conversation.

"But an Academy. That's pretty rare..." Vincent muttered, lifting a brow.

"We couldn't very well put idiots in place of power, now can we? What do you think, Gordan? I'm sure it would help your studies." Aeth said, looking towards the younger man with a upturned brow.

Gordan had been keeping to himself about how he felt about Voltrick leaving, with Aidan no less. He had to expect it to happen eventually, with the way his father was with Aidan and feeling protective of him. But it was disappointing, and ...depressing. That even with his father changing, he would still prefer to be with Aidan than his own son.

But maybe it was beyond that. Maybe Voltrick left on his own and Aidan followed. But if that was what happened, why would his father leave in the first place? Was it because of the trauma of the battle or how he found Aidan in the burning cathedral? Or maybe it was that his father still didn't trust himself with everyone.

Regardless, Gordan was left alone again. He was glad Mr. Scarlatto offered for him to come, it wasn't like he had anything left in Ceres. His father and Aidan might go back there, but if they were gone for this long Gordan was sure they wouldn't come back for quite a while. And there was nothing for him to stay in that destroyed city.

Traveling with Mr. Scarlatto and Mr. Vincent was more than out of the ordinary. Their conversations, alone, made everything more interesting. They were friendly and welcomed him, but it just seemed like they had this weird relationship with one another and if someone tried making sense of it.... they'd lose their mind trying to figure it all out. But that was Gordan's mind trying to evaluate them. He found it best to just accept everything for what it was and try to run with it.

Although, the conversation at hand made it a little weird. He arched a brow. Especially when they made him out to turn into some Voltrick-Loki hybrid. Whoever this Loki was, was surely looked upon as some kind of book worm...

When Mr. Scarlatto turned his questions to Gordan, his ears lowered slighlty as the attention was focused on him. "Academy?..." He lowered his brow thoughtfully and looked down toward his horse. "I've always done my studies on my own," he paused to look toward the other two. "I wouldn't even know where to start in a place like that... or even afford it."

Vincent nearly snorted to suppress his laugh, grinning after hearing Gordan's answer. After a moment, he chuckled shortly before turning his head towards Gordan.

"When he brings up the idea, he picks up the tab." Vincent smirked before his eyes turned to Aeth, raising his brow in a testing way, "Isn't that right?"

Aeth's lip stretched to the side, either smirking or sneering at the comment, his white canines showing through. "It feels as though you are teasing me, Vincent."

"Teasing?!" Vincent gasped jokingly, "I'm just saying the things I notice. Can't blame me for that."

Aeth glanced back towards Gordan before pulling the reins with a gentle tug, pulling his horse next to Vinnie's. Adjusting himself, he simply smiled at leisure.

"Gordan? Surely you agree that Vincent is 'teasing'..."

Gordan raised a brow, shifting his gaze between the mouse and the canine. "You'll have to forgive me..." He hesitated, feeling embarrassed suddenly. "I haven't exactly had the chance to fully get to know you both. Its kind of awkward to say that I'm not.. entirely sure if he's teasing or not." His ears raised a little. "I mean, going to an academy isn't cheap. I would have to assume that he is teasing since it would be quite a lot to ask for something so.. expensive. I wouldn't know how to repay you."

Vincent grinned again, looking from Gordan to Aeth after hearing his explanation.

"Hear that? Say's he doesn't know us but he's right about one thing. Has the idea you'd want to be paid back."

"Off you are again, trying to rile me..."

"Well excuse me! I'm just trying to have some fun on this event-less ride back! You think I want to sit on a horse for nearly two days? I'm getting cramped just thinking about it! And with Mr. Quiet back there, picking fun at you is the only damn thing to do! ---What are you doing?"

Aeth was leaned over just enough for his hand to reach Vincent's boot, pulling the saddle foot strap up to tighten around Vincent's ankle. That happened just before Vincent asked as Aeth rose, moving to grab the mouse's jacket with a little smile.

"Solving your boredom." Aeth answered before pulling his horse away while still holding onto Vincent, pulling the mouse along until he lost his balance, falling off over the side of the horse. Vincent shouted as he fell onto the back of his shoulders on the ground until the horse lurched forward, feeling a strange weight on it's side, pulling forward in a jog. With Vincent's ankle strapped to the saddle's side, he was dragged along the ground, yelling as he tried lifting himself off the ground.

As his horse ran out of sight, Aeth and Gordan could hear Vincent's swearing along with a few, "I'll kill you! I swear I will!"

Behind, Aeth smiled almost contently, sighing peacefully as Vincent's screaming echoed off in the distance.

"Much better. Now I can enjoy the quiet."

Gordan's ears perked up and his eyes widened as the mouse was helplessly dragged by his own horse. It was humorous as he watched the horse run a good ways off, but he still felt a bit awkward to show it since it was at the expense of Vincent and in front of someone like Mr. Scarlatto.

But with Mr. Vincent ahead, it gave Gordan a less embarrassing chance to ask Mr. Scarlatto about their conversation just before. "Sir..." he said as he folded back an ear. "Did he really mean what he said? That you may send me to school?" He blinked a bit, feeling ashamed for asking. "I.. I'm not asking you to or for any favors. I just... you know... I wasn't even expecting to stay at your house for too long. I mean, you barely even know me, only the 'actions' of my father against you the other day before the battle."

Aeth kept his sight ahead of him, seated with eloquence as the only change of his features was the slight squint of the eye in thought.

"Whatever your father's actions, I would not be so single-minded as to associate them to you. As for knowing you..." Aeth paused to glance towards Gordan with a small smile, "...First impressions are the very backbone of this society. Remember that and you should do well."

Aeth turned his gaze back forward, catching just a glimpse of Vincent's horse before it went out of sight again along with the mouse. "Vincent may be an arrogant, cocky, prideful, swaggered, brooding man...but he isn't a liar. However, I will have my assistant confirm your readiness, if you so choose to go to the academy."

Gordan rose a brow, but hesitated before speaking. "I...I would love to go to an academy. But I'd have no way of repaying you."

Even before Voltrick left his family after that night with the fire, they were never really a rich family. Now was worse than before, the only things he owned were the clothes on his back, a few coins, and his books. There was no way he could pay him back after such a generous offer.

He felt more guilty the more they spoke about it... like some beggar on the road.