Night had turned to day and day had turned to night as the two rescuees traveled away from the ministry's compound. By the time the sun had settled for the night, the carriage had arrived at a small village. After a small carriage swap, along with its driver, the rescuees were off again to finish their journey to the safe place promised.

Voltrick still hadn't slept the entire trip. He was tired, but he was still bothered by recent events. And, the constant rocking, clanking, and stomping were agitating. Even the carriage swap was nerving to him. That older dog was there, he thought he heard someone refer to him as Draco, but he couldn't be sure. But, what disturbed him most were the stares and hateful glares of those around him. None of this Draco's soldiers or helpers wanted to help. They all hated him. They knew what he was and that was something to be feared.

The morning daylight began brightening the day as the cart climbed the hill that overlooked a small town. Voltrick was barely awake, but after seeing the town he knew he had to be alert.

There was a constant irritation that had been bothering Voltrick the entire trip. The fact that they could be going to Antonis. The one person he least wanted to see.

The rocking of the carriage didn't seem to phase Aidan's deep sleep. For two long days he slept without as much as move a muscle. For the carriage exchange, Aidan's eyes were barely open and Voltrick had to be kind enough to assist Aidan into it. His stomach was notably thin under his poorly wrapped bandages as Aidan's almost unconscious expression gave the impression that he were near death. This caused some brows to quirk in wonderment.



-----


Antonis stood before the window of the lodge, peering through the glass to the hill where a road stretched into. He had received a letter from Draco that "two friends" will be returning. That was just three days ago. Murdoc found out and has disappeared since then; Tamil has been itching to go find him before he gets into some sort of trouble. Debalora has been oddly silent about the matter, as if she knows something was wrong. And he...He didn't know how he felt. He would never know if Aidan will accept him back so easily after what he's done. But the constant imaginings to what has happened to Aidan had almost cost him momentary blindness from the migraines he's had over it.

The General saw a carriage riding towards the town and he knew exactly what it had inside. Voltrick was also with Aidan, which seemed like a very uncanny thing to occur. Given what that brute has done to Aidan. If he hurt Aidan in any way...

"Are you alright?"

Antonis turned his head, finding Brandon at his side looking at him quizzically. He realized he was balling a fist at his sides, loosening it gradually. "Yes. Please find your mother. They are arriving."

Brandon nodded in understanding and set off for his task. Antonis looked after him, noticing just then how much Brandon has grown. Eighteen years old and the spitting image of his father. How strange.

Antonis glanced back towards the window as he saw the carriage draw nearer. He took a deepened breathe as if to prepare himself. He could only feel hesitation.

"Antonis said to find you... " Brandon began as he peered inside the bedroom door. "He said the carriage is arriving."

Debalora sat alone in the bedroom at the desk. At first, it was a thoughtful expression. But after Brandon came in, a more distressed look crossed her features. A moment passed before she turned back to Brandon with a faint smile. "Thank you, Brandon. ...I'll be right out."

Brandon left with a nod and closed the door behind himself.

A heavy breath was taken and released before Debalora stood and found her long jacket. It was obvious she was bothered by the situation. She was happy to hear Aidan was coming back. She couldn't be happier to see him out of that place. But word of Voltrick's return disturbed her the most, not to mention Murdoc's disappearance.

Voltrick... she wanted him back, even after what he's done. But Voltrick would never be the same. Nor would he be accepted by anyone. Too much has happened and he's changed too much. All she could hope for was that no one would get hurt... within the first minutes of their arrival.

A short sigh erupted before she left the room and headed toward Antonis down the hall.

Antonis acknowledged Debalora's presence by turning his head towards her as she came nearer, though his eyes were focused on the floor.

"I find myself in reluctance..." he began once Debalora stood next to him. His gaze lifted back towards the window, peering at the carriage like an omen, "I'm sure you have guessed on the reactions of us all. I only wish to prove them wrong but know that it can't be avoided."


------

Aidan's eyes finally opened as a strange feeling stirred him awake. His green eyes stared up at the carriage ceiling as his head was tilted back against his seat. That feeling lingered, almost churning his stomach as he began to move, riling himself to sit up. He didn't notice Voltrick yet as his head turned to his left, finding a window with the outside landscape moving. Once he had taken a glance at the town, Aidan knew exactly where he was and where the carriage was driving towards.

His stomach prickled as he turned, looking up at Voltrick with a strange look in his eyes.

Debalora would have remained silent in her thoughts if Antonis hadn't said anything. But since he did, she responded; her gaze remaining toward the window.

"We can only do the best we can. Because we both know most things cant be avoided." Debalora said before she paused to turn her gaze toward Antonis. "All we have to do is cope with what happens." Her gaze returned to the window. "We just have to have faith that we'll do the right thing. That we all... will do the right thing."

-------


Voltrick remained seated upright and facing the window toward the town. They were approaching and passing buildings now; drawing closer to the dreaded moment they've traveled so far for.

Aidan's movement turned Voltrick's attention to him. At least he's awake and moving. The past two days worried him. He knew what he endured would tire him, but he's been basically lifeless the entire time. His wounds weren't properly treated either, and that gave Voltrick more worry as well.

The look Aidan gave voltrick was all too easy to read. It almost sumed up what Voltrick was feeling as well. They were approaching Antonis and the others. They all had to face each other and deal with the tension between them all. Voltrick only locked gazed for a short time before he turned back to the window. A more spiteful glare appeared as he saw more of the town.

"Do you want me out first? Or can you make it on your own?" The low, raspy voiced asked.

The carriage came to a stop just after Voltrick asked, Aidan turning his gaze back to the window as he considered it. Deep inside he didn't want to see them, not their expressions or hear what they'll say. He hasn't been near a mirror in over a week, never catching his reflection and he was afraid what he might look like to them...even himself. But then Aidan realized that he may not be able to get out without help. At the swap, he recalled not being able to even walk.

"...I guess you go first..." he replied as watched the driver dismount, walking towards the inn where presumably the others were in.

He honestly didn't want to see them.


----


Antonis and Debalora watched in silence as the carriage stopped before the inn, the driver stepping off and headed towards them. Debalora stepped away walking towards the door to open it for him.

"Ma'am." said the driver, tipping his hat in greeting. His face was shadowed by his hat purposely although at close inspection his canine face brought him to be at least thirty years old. He reached into his coat and pulled out a folded piece of paper, presenting it to her. "A message. Please be sure the general receives it."

Debalora thanked him, taking the letter and held it near her chest as the driver bowed his head and began to walk away towards the town. She could only guess for supplies.

Antonis came from behind her, his eyes set forward to the carriage as the doors didn't quite open yet. He didn't bother asking for the letter from Debalora, instead, he walked past her stepping outside and waited for something to happen.

Voltrick's face hardened a bit after Aidan asked him to go first; keeping his gaze out the window towards the inn. Like Aidan, he didnt want to meet them at all. How could he? The last times he's seen them he's tried to kill them. And they have tried the same on him.

Voltrick's eyes narrowed as the driver made his way to the door. It was dark, but he could tell who opened the door for him. Debalora, she hadn't aged a day.. but she had the same look on her face as Aidan and himself. Doubt, concern... No, they don't want them here either. At least Voltrick.

Voltrick looked down to his lap before he looked back to the window with squinted eyes and a more hesitant look upon his face. He'll go out first, but Voltrick isn't saying a word to any of them. Not to Debalora and especially not to Antonis. There's nothing for him to say anway.

A short pause passed before Voltrick finally grabbed the handle to the door. First lightly gripping, hesitating, then tugging on it to open it. He wasn't going to say anything or even look at them. No, he wasn't even going to sleep in the same building as them.

----

A worried glance crossed Debalora's features as she saw the door to the carriage finally open; the letter in her hand was grasped tightly as she waited for whoever came out of the carriage first. In all honesty, she had hoped it was someone else entirely. It could be the wrong carriage and only strangers would come out. But after Voltrick finally revealed himself and stepped out of the carriage, a flash of fear coursed through her briefly.

The same man who had attacked her family, tried kidnapping Brandon, who she nearly killed on numerous occassions came out of that carriage. He wouldn't fully face Antonis, who stood just outside the inn door. He would only face his back to them as he looked to someone still in the carriage.

Antonis watched as Voltrick stepped out of the carriage. He had expected him, but to finally see that thing made his blood boil. He kept his composure but there was still the look of utter distaste, as though something foul had entered his mouth.

Brandon stepped past his mother from the inn with a curious gaze. As he stood next to Antonis again, the General barely moved. His eyes stared at the first out of the carriage, remembering him from a few months ago attacking them. It was so strange to see him completely docile.


Looking down, Aidan took a moment to think over some things as Voltrick got out of the carriage, turning and felt the gaze now on him. He was waiting for Aidan. With a deep breath, Aidan began to exit the carriage much slower than Voltrick as it felt his body was in worse condition than he remembered.

Almost stumbling at the last step, Aidan grabbed hold of the carriage door to support himself, catching his breath. At the first sight of Aidan, Antonis tensed as though he were shocked it was really Aidan. Brandon was the first to make a move (a surprise to Antonis), coming quickly to aid Aidan. Antonis stood as Brandon took Aidan's arm over his shoulder, almost ignoring Voltrick as he helped Aidan walk towards the inn.

Aidan did nothing but accept Brandon's help, his face lowered and staring at the ground. Antonis realized Aidan never set eyes on him. He stepped aside to let the two pass him and into the inn before his gaze glanced back to Voltrick, his features stoic now in thought.

What was he going to do?

Voltrick was about to help Aidan out until Brandon was quickly at his side and moved in before Voltrick could help. Voltrick scowl quickly reappeared after seeing the child right next to him. This child, this boy... Vincent's son, came up beside him without any visible fear or intimidation. Even after what Voltrick tried to do so long ago. Voltrick tried taking him back to the ministry just like he took Aidan there. But with Brandon, he didn't feel anything at the time. Voltrick only did what he was told. Vincent's son... he looked so much like him.

Voltrick stepped out of the way as Aidan exited the carriage and was led to the inn. He watched the two of them until his gaze finally turned to Antonis. He locked his gaze on Antonis like metal to a magnet, a fresh scowl ready for him; especially when Antonis looked back at him.

He sat there for a while as he watched him. Antonis... the one man he least wanted to be around. The one who took over everything he knew and who Voltrick had tried to kill on many occassions... The one man who Voltrick was to share the same area with... without being sent to kill him.

But Aidan was still his top priority. And if it meant his safety, Voltrick would stay and do whatever it takes to keep him safe. Even if he has to remain with his enemy.

Debalora watched as Brandon escorted Aidan inside. Immediately, she turned and led them more inside. "Come, he'll need a bed." She said as she quickly led the way down the hall and into the closest room, which happened to be Brandon's.

Antonis kept the locked stare on Voltrick, feeling the fur on his neck rise as the intensity between them grew. They must have been like that for two minutes before Antonis was the first to turn away, walking into the inn without a word or sign of expression.

Inside Brandon led Aidan into his own room as pointed out by his mother. He didn't mind, his mind looming around how light Aidan felt against him. He might be sick; Brandon hoped that his mother could help with that. Once he got near the bed, he arranged himself and Aidan, allowing Aidan to get onto the bed. Aidan removed himself from Brandon, taking a seat on the bed as he finally looked up to them. Brandon noticed how unusually dull those green eyes were from the last time he's seen Aidan.

Brandon turned to exit in search of a water basin and find Antonis. He found the water but Antonis was nowhere to be found.

Voltrick's scowl grew to a snarl after Antonis turned. This was not going to be pleasant in the least bit. He knew something will rise up, something will happen to cause a fight between them all. But if Antonis thinks he can start anything with Voltrick, he's got something coming to him. Antonis has never beaten Voltrick in a fight. He's always had someone there to help him out.

Now, everyone had left and Voltrick stood by himself after Antonis left. Even the driver went off somewhere. Voltrick surveyed the area a bit, the same scowl on his face as before. He considered going inside to help Aidan. But then that would mean more confrontation from the others. And he wouldn't know if they had planned some assault or attack against him now that he wouldn't expect it. He also thought about leaving to somewhere else in the town, just to get away from them. But then that would leave Aidan alone with them too.

Angered by his own frustrations, Voltrick remained outside. But instead of leaving, he would only walk over toward the inn and sit against the inn's stone wall near the door. He sat with his knees angled up and his arms folded and positioned on top of them. What he would do from there wasn't decided yet.

---

Debalora walked inside the room with haste; placing the letter down on the table next to the door so she wouldn't forget it. After Aidan was sat down on the bed, she approached him and examined him quickly. A worried look quickly appeared after seeing his condition. Not only his fatigue and how weak he was, but the poorly bandaged wounds. They may have been well taken care of at first, but these bandages were soaked and filthy. She guessed they were only bandaged once and never rebandaged or the wounds cleaned.

After a quick look, she knelt next to him and looked at his face. Which also worried her. "Are you alright? Are you able to lay down?"

Aidan really thought about that first question. Are you alright? His eyes lowered from Debalora's worried gaze simply unable to answer it. Instead he satisfied her other question, bringing himself to lie down on the bed, not bothering to put a pillow underneath. The comfort of actually lying on a bed was enough.

Walking in with a water basin and some towels, Brandon placed them on the nightstand next to his mother before he stood a good distance to give them both room. He began observing as his mother began her work but his eyes couldn't help but survey Aidan's appearance. He realized there were blood splatters on the cats face and his hands almost soaked in dark red up to his wrists. Brandon was almost worried to see what was underneath the poor bandages. Aidan could almost feel Brandon's curious gaze on him and turned his head slightly, staring at the wall to his right from where he lay in his best casual way as not to offend them. They were only trying to help. But in his thoughts, he was curious where Antonis was. Did he really not care for him anymore?

Debalora stood up hovered over Aidan a bit more as she decided what to do. "Brandon" She said as she turned slightly towards him. "Get me clean cloths and fresh bandages." She turned back to Aidan and lightly pressed her hand on the dirty bandages. "He'll need clean clothing as well."

A moment passed before she looked at Aidan. "I need to remove the bandages, this may hurt a bit since it looks like they've been pressed into the wounds for so long."

Aidan turned his head back to look at Debalora, catching a glimpse of Brandon as he ran out of the room for the items. Then his eyes settled onto Debalora as she spoke, his brows raising ever slightly.

"I understand." he replied after a moment, his voice just above a whisper. It didn't sound like it was his, "Thank you."

Debalora gave a quick, but soft nod before returning her gaze to the bandages. At first, she was petite about lifting the bandages, but soon she began ripping apart of the bandages and began removing a small part at time. She could see the wound underneath didn't have any chance of healing. Some of the surrounding skin stuck to the old bandage, so she was careful to not be too aggressive with it.

Aidan was in pain, anyone could guess that. But it didn't seem to be bothering him as much as it could. He has had the wound for quite some time, by the looks of the bandages and how long it took to get here, so he most likely adapted himself to at least tolerate the pain. But there was something else about him. A certain.. sadness about him. And it obviously bothered him more than his wound. She wanted to help him, but with Antonis' relationship with him and how Antonis and Aidan departed the last time they saw each other she feared he may reject anyone involved with Antonis.

"I know you don't want to talk about it." Debalora said softly as she continued to work on the bandage. "And I know this isn't the best of times. But I know something is bothering you." A quick glance up to Aidan was made before returning it to her hands. "I always be here for you if you need anything. Even if its just something to say."