“Woof!” Sunshine calls out at the sign of life.

Siyu lets out a laugh and follows the dog forward. He looks at the prominent display depicting fields of grapes, bottles and glasses of wine. Bloodflow Village. Siyu reads with a smile.

What happens in this little town, Siyu didn't care to wonder. But in this town, he smelled a prince and a little fox.

As if to welcome visitors, an inn was placed near the town's entrance. Feeling an ache in his belly, Siyu decides to have a meal.

“Come on, boy.” Siyu says with a whistle.

Sunshine follows Siyu to the door before laying down.

Siyu raises an eyebrow. “Not coming in, boy? You know I’d fight for your right as a paying customer, right?” He says with a smile.

“Woof!” Sunshine calls out.

Siyu lets out a smile. “Alright, be polite.” He says before walking into the inn.

Siyu hears the bustle of conversation inside and makes his way in, sitting at the bar.

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“What’ll it be?” The bartender asks.

“A bowl of whatever's cooking and a beer.” Siyu says, his body relaxing in the comfort of civilization.

“This one’s on me. And a bowl for me as well.” A man says from behind Siyu.

Siyu turns his head to look and frowns. It was a bearded man in grey robes. Siyu would normally take the courtesy with grace, but he didn’t like the smell of the man. He smelled of fate. Siyu’s fate.

The bearded man takes a seat, and begins to wait patiently.

Siyu lets out a sigh. “Why are you here, old man?” He asks, getting to the point.

The bearded man smiles. “I’m a customer at this inn. I’ve been staying here for a while. I’m accompanying a young man who lives here. He prefers the atmosphere of his home town. You know, you sort of remind me of him. Why are you here?” He says with a chuckle.

Siyu frowns. “I’m searching for a young man of my own.” He says.

The bearded man lets out a laugh. “Three young men. I wonder what fate binds you. By the way, is that blood I smell on you?” The man asks with a sharp look and a smile.

Siyu looks away and doesn’t answer.

The bearded man continues to smile. “And beneath that blood, I smell something much fouler. You may hide it, for fear of being recognized, but we are all naked under the heavens.” He says, letting his words linger.

Siyu grits his teeth. “I’m well aware.” He says, displeased.

The bearded man watches the displeasure on Siyu’s face, somewhat delighted. “Do you want my advice, child?” He asks.

Siyu was beginning to lose his cool and the veins on his forehead were showing. “If you must.” He says, unwillingly.

The bearded man lets out a chuckle. “That thing… Hiding beneath the surface of your skin… In desperate need of freedom… Freedom to feed…” He says slowly.

“Spit it out, old man!” Siyu calls out, frustrated.

The bearded man lets out a laugh. “Nurture it. Let it grow. When you can, throw it some scraps. When the day is good, let it feast. And when it is out of control, beat it down to let it know its master…” He says, his eyes growing solemn.

Siyu says nothing.

The bearded man lets out a sigh. “You are already on the path to hell, young man. I know not when you tasted forbidden fruit nor do I care. Just know that many men have walked that path. And under the heavens it could be that we all must walk that path one day. Just know, that even in hell we are given choices. Even in hell we are being judged. Play the game as all should, and you could come out of hell a king.” He says with a teasing smile.

“Your food and your beer.” The bartender says placing the bowl and mug before Siyu.

Siyu stands without a care. “I’m not hungry.” He says before walking out of the inn.