The trip north was uneventful, following the caravan raid by the so-called Legion. Following that, the caravan made its destination without incident, excluding the odd wheel maintenance. What mostly surprised Al was how calm their new companion was. This psychic control over the newborn vampire that Felix possessed was considerable and absolute.

He had not even tried to attack or even converse with anyone. Throughout the journey, they determined his feeding habits. They were like Felix. He could go a week without blood and required one bag, maybe two. He didn’t seem happy with the lack of fresh blood, but made no argument.

They got the impression he didn’t know how to speak, nor possess any memories. Felix attempted to compel him to talk, to no avail. Al theorised that the shock of literally dying and raising from the dead may have affected his memories. During the trip, they convinced the rest that he was sick. Since then, they gave the vampire a wide birth. This was further cemented by Felix, commanding him to cough whenever someone got curious.

Ever since then, Al had been experimenting on his dilemma. The runes engraved on his body, each meticulously crafted, were not working well. Replacing them would take a lot of effort. The rituals required were long and intensive. Other beings even granted some of them. For now, he has been working on new runes, tailored to this world natural magical field. Making some progress, still a way to go.

Suddenly, the carriage abruptly halted, sending the trio jerking forward. Aleksander, the name given to the vampire by Felix, hardly stirred. The four turned to the carriage's window, peering outside. The southern gate had come and went, the barrier between the world and the capital city of Helgos.

“Guess we are here.” Al commented before reaching for the door. “Tell him to keep the hood up. We don’t need him going all crispy.” He said, glaring at the vampire, still as death itself.

Felix nodded before delivering another command. Aleksander made a nod in response. Despite his lack of speech, he seemed to understand when directly ordered by his sire. It was good enough and so they exited the carriage into the light.

All four descended onto the cobblestone pathway. They were inside the city's borders after some haggling with the gate guards. The amount of bribery involved in traversing these lands became more apparent every place Al went.

Approaching the building before them, the establishment made itself known as a middle-class inn. The place was modestly large, likely accommodating many patrons. Hanging on a post just to the left, a sign read the Happy Griffin. Al smirked at the inn’s cliché name; it was something he had seen in Matesh.

The group entered, quickly checking in with the aid of the very polite desk clerk. To save on money, we booked only three rooms. Felix and his sister Joan got their own. Aleksander and Al had their own, while James and Sally shared a room.

Al sent an inquiring eye at the two supposedly platonic companions. Receiving a shrug from James and an eye roll from Sally. “Grow up.” She said, bitter yet the slight flush on her face was obvious.

Not wanting to pry, Al attended his associates to their rooms. Settling in, James and Sally quickly mentioned they had business in the city. Leaving with instructions to meet later tonight. Watching them go, Alistair thought over what he plans to do.

In conclusion, he headed towards Felix and Joan’s room, the vampire close behind. Felix had commanded him to obey Al whenever necessary. Testing it a few times, he could get the blood sucking fiend to trail behind him. They soon ushered them in after knocking on their door.

The room was small, with a single bed in the corner, a nightstand and a few chairs. Joan was near the bed, extracting her clothes from her satchel. Felix was pacing around, clearly annoyed. “What’s up?” Al asked.

The siblings both turned to him. The sister quickly turned back to her satchel, while the brother furrowed his brows in thought. Realising Al may have just walked into some sort of argument between siblings. He had several thoughts of extricating himself.

He stood still, not saying a word, until Joan spoke up. “You can't keep him!” She argued, scowling at her brother. The scowl lasted for a few seconds before she turned to her satchel, riffling through her clothes again.

Shaking his head, Felix glanced at Aleksander, giving him those puppy dog eyes. “But Jo, he is like my responsibility. Al said he is my vampire son or something.” He pleaded, turning that pleading gaze to Al for help.

Al shrugged, not really wanting to get in the middle. Joan simply glared at the man before turning back to her brother. “He is a killer. You said yourself after I got it out of you. That man tried to kill you and now... He is a monster.” She ranted, pointing an accusatory finger at the stationary vampire.

He barely even blinked, his hood raised, yet his face was still visible. Porcelain, emaciated skin, along with glowing red eyes, peered back at her. Noticing him, she shrank in fear, unnerved by the luminescent gaze.

Noticing his sister's fear, Felix turned to his vampire child. The vampire child fixed his glowing red eyes upon his sister. Gulping audibly, he felt the impulse to command him to stop. Yet something deep down felt it was wrong. He knew that using this power of the man was a violation. Morals conflicted within the young man. Eventually, a decision took shape.

“Alek, it's okay. Please calm down.” He said, trying to be calm as possible.

His words reached the vampire, shifting his glowing red eyes upon his creator. They visibly softened once placed on the being that granted him unlife. The pulsating orbs that were his eyes slowly flickered until a dull crimson. His body slumped; his head bowed as if he was ashamed.

Felix smiled a wide and genuine smile. “You see sister, he is okay.” He tried to reassure, barely convincing his sister.

She scowled, neither agreeing nor trusting in the words of her soft-hearted brother. She knew how kind he could be, even when they were kids. Living on the street, her brother always had a hard time turning away someone in need. That selflessness was both a blessing and a curse.

She loved him with all her heart. She did trust him; it was just others she didn’t trust. This Al figure, she didn’t know what his game was. It was obvious the man was interested in whatever her brother was. His knowledge was extensive and greater than anything they had come up with. Still, despite her reticence to trust these two, her priorities was her brother. This situation allowed them to leave a messed-up situation, putting them ahead of the hunters on their heels.

Sighing dejectedly, she shelved her protests for a later date. “Fine, but make sure he tries nothing.” She declared, glaring daggers at the vampire.

Felix beamed a joyful smile. “Of course, Jo, he will be on his best behaviour, isn't that right Aleksander?” He queried his vampire. The creature nodded, something he had learnt not too long ago.

A sudden clap soon pierced the awkward situation. “Well then, that was awkward.” Al interjected. “How about we go get some lunch, hell I need a stiff drink?” He offered, further commenting on his lack of alcohol throughout the trip.

Wrapping his arm around Alek’s shoulder, Al gave a cheeky grin at the confused vampire. Inspecting his sudden shift in expression, he beamed happily. “Hey, looks like you can make a face other than indifferent stoicism or I'm going to eat you.” The words seemed to fall on deaf ears. Alek just stared back, a frown on his face. The room eventually fell into silence, and only Joan's sigh broke the quiet.

A few minutes later, the four sat around a table. Waiting for the busy waitress to stride up to their table, eventually. Joyful people filled the crowded inn. The drinks were flowing, and the cheer was clear.

Looking around at the sea of inebriated faces, Al frowned. “There is many people here. I wonder what's going on?” He queried no-one in particular.

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“Forget the drunkards. We need to stay focused.” Joan interjected, drawing the gazes of all seated. “What? That’s why we are here right. On a mission to do whatever. In fact, what are we doing, Al?” she droned on, shifting the question to Al.

Feeling surprised, he felt a mild fluster. His intentions were not exactly humanitarian, but neither were they malicious. He thought for a moment, gathering his plans, methods, and overall goals.

Before he can speak, the waitress finally broke free from some rowdy customers and reached their table. She was a pretty brunette, with a freckled face, and appeared to be in her early teens. From the looks of the male patrons, she was going to either get attention or get good tips. Likely, since she seemed to handle the situation well enough. Kept a smile, hiding her displeasure under a mask of politeness.

Arriving at their table, she kept a smile long enough to ask for their order. Al simply ordered drinks. Two alcoholic beverages that reminded him of scotch for himself and Alek. Some sort of soda type drink for the minors.

Ten minutes later, everyone had a beverage. Al realised after a glance that Alek’s drink will remain untouched. Being undead, he was limited to a diet comprising a certain red liquid. Leaving him alone as having a drink is good for appearance. He shifted his gaze to the youngsters.

“Your query is understandable. I have been rather cagey on the plan.” He explained.

“Cagey?” Joan asked, puzzled.

“Meaning I’m not very expressive and keep things to myself.” He further explained, trying to keep in mind that idioms of his world may not translate. "Regarding the plan, my agenda is my own." But I can tell you I plan to travel to the Ruins of Nosfera and perhaps the Vupire Mountain range, further north.” He confessed.

Joan narrowed her eyes, but it was her brother that spoke first. “Why do you want to go there?” He asked, very curious.

Thinking it over, Al weighed the pros and cons of spilling his guts. Deciding on delivering a varnished form of the truth, he replied. “I am a student of history of an arcane nature. I have a theory about the origins of your brother's people and wish to travel north to prove it.” He explained, eyeing the flustered Felix.

The sister frowned, trying to digest his words. “My brother's people. What do you mean by that? Also, what do you intend to do with my brother?” She shot back, narrowing her gaze.

He thought over her words, choosing those of his own carefully. Once he planned his response, he did so. “That is a complicated answer. The short version is I wish to study vampire history. In his case, the history of the Upire, as they are called. Your brother is a unique individual and most likely connected to the long history.” He answered, trying to satisfy her curiosity. “What I intend for him is an exchange of knowledge. I will teach him everything I know to manage his lifestyle. I have had experience with similar entities and any knowledge I discern about his kin, I will share. All I ask is cooperation when we arrive north, so I may study the past.” He continued.

She thought for a moment, trying to come up with a response. “Is that all you want?” She asked, still suspicious.

“Yes, for now, a better question, however, is what do you want, I mean, both of you?” The question seemed to take the siblings aback.

It was doubtful either of them really thought about their overall goals. “I don’t know.” She said frantically, as if she had finally realised that it was true. Her brother reached over, placing a comforting hand. “We have just been living from day to day, surviving. I don’t think either of us thought really hard about it.” She further explained, casting a longing gaze at Felix.

“Well, now, you both can think of it. Let me know what you come up with.” Al stated with a sincere smile.

The churning of her thoughts was clear. Biting her lip, the frantic motion of her flittering gaze. Every one of these observations showed intense thought and consideration. Eventually, her sight settled upon her brother. The gaze was soft and warm. Though initially flustered, Felix smiled back.

From what Al could see, the two were close, as only family could be. It warmed his heart for only a moment. Reminding him of the family he left behind and the loved ones he continues to search for.

Soon after this tender moment occurred, a loud gurgle resounded from the left. All three shifted their gazes to the vampire in their midst. He appeared to be exactly as he did before: stationery and stoic. The only difference was the slight arch in his back and the now glowing red eyes. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what was wrong.

The look that plastered across the undead face was clear as day. Hunger and not for a nice grilled steak, this hunger was for blood, the very blood flowing in the veins of everyone in attendance. The psychic link he shared with his sire, Felix, only held him back. Still, despite that link, he was clearly struggling against the mental restraints.

“Why are you hungry now? You just fed a couple of days ago?” He said indignantly and a little worried.

The vampire didn’t answer, just stared off into the distance. It was quite clear he was eyeing the patrons like they were having a happy meal. This would not do, and so Al begrudgingly acted. “You're such a little glutton.” He muttered, reaching across the table. Taking his mug, he downed the bitter contents. “Oh, smooth.” He said, appraising the drink. The taste was smoky and a little sweet, akin to scotch with some sort of sweetener added for flavour.

Reaching down below the table, he manifested a blood pack from thin air. The act prompted the siblings to look around frantically, expecting to be noticed. Al gave both scathing looks, telling them with his eyes to chill out.

Emptying the blood into the mug, he presented the beverage to his companion. Alek’s eyes gleamed hungrily at the offering. Still, despite his needs, he gave a quick glance to Felix. It was subtle and seemed more like a non-verbal request for permission. Al had noticed this impulse; it looked a tad co-dependent on him. Understandable considering Alek had no memories, a drive to drink blood and a psychic connection to a teenage vampire.

Felix nodded his permission. Soon after, the blood drink was in the vampire's hand. Instead of gulping it down like a man dying of thirst. Alek merely stared at the mug, as if the depths contained the secrets of the universe. Al noticed the peculiar action, tilting his head. Quickly he grew bored, shrugged it off, and drank.

Before he could even take a sip. Alek reached forward, clanking his blood-filled mug against the scotch filled one. Following that, he raised his mug in the air. “Helgos!” He bellowed a chant, prompting the room to respond in kind. Mugs rose, and the room became even more lively. Like clockwork, everyone with a raised mug drank at the same time. Downing the blood in one go, Alek slammed the empty drink onto the table.

The rest of the table was stunned. They had never even heard a peep from the amnesiac vampire. Yet give him a mug of blood and a bar to chant in. Words finally slipped from his undead form. “Turns out the guy needed a beverage and a merry bar to get him talking.” Al commented, presenting his drink and nodding.

Alek oddly smiled back, raising his empty drink in kind. He smiled, revealing fangs, causing the table to scramble quickly to conceal the inhuman features. He got the hint, closing his mouth and returning to his old stoic self.

“He has really got to work on subtlety.” Al commented, sneaking a peek at his periphery. Neither noticing any curious looks or horrified faces, he turned back. "If he gives away the game, we are royally screwed. Those vampire hunters called themselves the order of Pyrus. From what I gather, that totally sounds like fire worshipping templars. If that is the case, they are likely state sanctioned exterminators." He further explained.

Felix frowned at that last part; a twinge of annoyance sprang loose. “Exterminators, that makes us sound like a plague.” He said to himself, not really directing the question.

Cocking his head to the left, Al guided the attention of the pair to the blood sucking monster beside him. “Are you sure about that Felix?” He queried, giving him the once over.

The teenager vampire took offence and a lot. “Hey that’s not fair. He was an accident.” Replying indignantly. The words prompted a shy glance exchanged between vampire and sire. “Alek, I didn’t mean that, you know...” He stuttered, looking down in shame.

“Accident?” Alek grumbled; his head tilted to the side.

Wrapping his arm around the perplexed vampire, Al turned to his ear. “It’s okay my boy, daddy just forgot the condom and out popped his minor miracle.” He gestured to the fully grown and adult creature of the night before glancing back at Felix.

The siblings revealed wildly different expressions. Felix had his face in his hands. Al may have taken the joke too far. Joan is one half angry, one half perplexed. “Shut up, Al, and what the spirits is a condom?” She chided, before asking a question.

His eyes widened, perplexed, before making way to a cheeky smile. “Oh, you poor innocent child.” He joked, plastering a smug smile on his cheeky face.

The action only further confused Joan, casting her perplexed gaze between the three men. Shaking her head, she shifted the topic. “We are getting off track.” She added, trying to steer the conversation.

The two men nodded, agreeing with her statement. Alek followed suit, likely copying the gesture. “Quite right, dear Joan, we are indeed going off topic. Regarding the agenda, I plan to query the explorers collective, specifically on anything they know about the north-eastern ruins.” He explained.

Once the ruins were mentioned, Felix perked up. He was indeed eager to learn about his people and their mysterious origins. Once they established their agenda, the rest of the conversation lacked excitement. The table descended into small talk, as they dined on the food served soon after. The lovely waiter returned, took their orders and the food arrived sometime later.

Al ordered a simple bowl of soup again, sprinkling some garlic powder. After heaping a decent amount into his bowl and ready to dip the paired bread. He had a funny little thought. Turning to Alek, he gave the confused vampire a knowing smile. The vampire didn’t have a meal before him. Al made up some lies about a special diet.

Smiling mischievously, he reached over and sprinkled some powder on the back of his hand. Alek’s gaze shifted between the modest collection of garlic sprawled over his hand and the knowing gaze of the wizard. Al glared down, expecting something to happen. A minute went by, and nothing happened. Sighing, he shrugged, muttering something about myths being bullshit.