The group fled over the wall, all three landing safely. Joan floated down, carried by an invisible field of artificial gravity. Her runic tattoo glowing brightly and drinking in as much mana as possible. The other two were Felix and Alek, both being vampiric. They landed without issue.

“Holy Aquara, what was that!” Joan shouted, immediately quieting her voice, fearful of its return.

“No idea, but we need to get out of here.” Felix remarked, pulling his companions away from the wall.

They all agreed they needed to flee and made no delay in doing so. Their sprint lasted for over an hour. Joan carried in her brothers' arms as they sped across the landscape, moving at speeds no human could reach.

They only stopped when Joan furiously tapped her brother's shoulder. The frantic contact confused him, but it soon became clear why she did so. Stopping nearby a clearing, she quickly escaped from her siblings' embrace. Keeling over and hurling the full contents of her breakfast. Her vomiting lasted for a few minutes, all the while Felix looked on.

Completing her business, she turned a scathing gaze upon her brother. Rising to full height, she traipsed over and pushed a finger into his face.

“Never do that without warning me.” She warned, her scowl fading with her brother's fear.

Letting it go, she wiped her face and gave him a pat on the arm. Accepting the gesture, the group paused for a moment to get their bearings. The area they had suddenly sped to was not familiar to either of them. They had just fled east as far as they could. Passing other fleeing citizens, not getting too close less, they notice the inhuman speeds. An hour of vampire speed running. Who knew where they were?

“Well, we went east, so that forest in the distance must be the Achavian Woods and further should be the fortress city of Aresla.” Joan explained, pointing to the horizon.

As her words sank in, the three pondered their next move.

“I think we should head towards Aresla. I doubt we could get across the border through the proper channels. But at least there are a few villages and towns around that area.” Felix commented.

“Yes, that was the plan, but we had intended to arrive with guild authority.” Joan dashed his suggestion with the cold light of the truth.

Felix frowned, realising that neither of them, in fact, belonged to the guild collective. Al was part of the wizarding union. James and Sally were mercenaries, and all had guild authority. Without a guild writ of travel, they were basically suspicious peasants.

“We can just arrive as commoners; they should let us through.” He remarked.

“Sure, the villages and towns won't have an issue. But the border guards would never let us cross.” She explained.

The reality of the situation, they were basically undocumented commoners on the run from vampire hunters. Leaving the empire and crossing the border will be a hassle without their friends. The three pondered their next move, but came up empty. Casting their gaze down the road, they could only continue and find the nearest landmark.

Al climbed higher and higher. Doing his best Neo impression, he flew as fast as he could. Stopping just short of the clouds and propelling himself across the sky. He had made a respectful distance from the city. What was going down was something he did not want to deal with. Still, that summoned hero did him a solid, so he would repay her later.

The world beneath him zoomed by, the residents below scurrying around like ants. Looking down at creation, he wondered if this was how the gods feel. He wasn’t planning on inspecting this giant ant hill. He wanted to find a specific group of ants. Eventually, he stopped in mid-air. Standing up straight, he began walking as if he was on solid ground.

“Know it or not, I'm walking on air. I never thought I would feel so free. Soaring away on a wing and a dare. Who can it be, know it or not? It’s just me.” He sang, extending his arms like a bird, enjoying the wind in his face.

Lost in his reverie, singing a tune from an old tv show he watched as a child. He hadn't noticed the odd behaviour of the surrounding air. A figure coalesced from the shifting wind currents. Its form appeared to be humanoid, wearing a fedora and suit. Barely sensing the presence, Al sighed, realising who it probably was.

“So that is probably not a good sign.” The voice of Ventus remarked.

Al turned to spot his patron, noticing the air elemental's gaze cast towards Helgos.

“Agreed. That riot was likely precipitated by factions in the upcoming war.” Al explained, voicing his suspicions.

“Indeed, such a widespread riot seems far more coordinated than a simple protest against imperial occupation. Anti-Imperialism has been in Helgos for over a century.” Ventus frowned.

“Regardless, the damage from the riots will probably paralyse Helgos's support. The Lankosians will see this as weakness and advance.” He added.

“Does this mean I have failed in my task?” Al queried, worried he may suddenly drop and hit earth.

"No, of course not. Our deal was to resolve this situation and ensure peace."

“War is inevitable at this point. The Kingdom of Tarkon will be the first to get hit. The Lankosians have been itching to reclaim lost territory and repay some of the bloodshed.”

“If that is the case, I guess I still have a few tricks up my sleeves.” Al said with a wide grin.

“I bet you do; I look forward to seeing that,” He stated.

With that, Al leapt into the sky, soaring in the direction he expected to find his companions. Flying for a solid hour, he eventually got bored. The landscape below revealed a dirt road extending out towards the border to Tarkon. The city of Aresla could be vaguely seen in the distance.

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He knew where they would go. They were heading to the northern Upire ruins. So, the best place to stop and get some supplies. Scanning the area, the sight of a small town in the distance came into focus.

“There you are.”

Meanwhile, the trio finally arrived outside the town. They didn’t know the name, but that didn’t matter. They had been running for hours and needed a rest. Or at least those that still had a heartbeat required it. Alek kept his hood down, the thin cloth the only thing preventing the hazardous rays of the sun. It was quite awkward, holding down his hood while he sped across the countryside.

Still, they arrived safely and entered the town. The townspeople seemed friendly enough and likely didn’t know the fate that befell Helgos. The information would likely reach them, eventually. For now, they are blissfully unaware of the situation.

Chatting to some of the townspeople, they asked for directions to the local inn. There they got some food and board. They had little in the way of coin, but had enough for one room and stew. Seated in their small room, with only one bed and a nightstand. They discussed the situation and the next steps.

“I say we just wait here for Al to find us?” Felix suggested.

“I agree we need to reconnect, but what if the Order sends hunters after us? We left them alive and they know our faces,” Joan explained, deeply concerned they might have a band of fire worshippers still after them.

“You have a point.” He agreed.

Stunned silence followed, the trio not really having an idea beyond waiting and see. With the decision made, they took a nap. Both siblings were tired from the long journey. Alek standing guard and watching over his charges.

Hours later, Alek remained on his vigil when a voice caught his attention. The enhanced sense of a vampire was most useful. He had taken to eavesdropping on conversations around the town. Over time, he had developed his own interests. The memories that plagued him every once in a while were a source of consternation. So, he distracted himself with his observations.

"That was a good raid last night. We should diversify, given the upcoming war." A familiar voice spoke.

“Diversify, have you been talking to that merchant captive again?” A second voice asked.

“Hey, the guy had some good ideas.” The first voice remarked.

“Good ideas are one thing, but listening to a prisoner is unwise.”

Back and forth they argued, one side in favour and the other against. The conversation eventually turned to more salacious topics. The two were very interested in the serving girls' bosom and rear. They spoke about that at length. Alek didn’t really understand why that was so important. He still continued to listen.

Every word awoke further memories, each sight compelled him to follow. Luckily, no one told him to stay, so he got up and left the room. Moving towards the voices, down the hallway and exiting the inn. The scent of the town assaulted his nose. Ignoring the typical scents of piss and shit, the smell of blood was of greater interest.

The scent quickly became a passing fancy. Someone fed him and ordered him to not harm the innocent. He didn’t really understand the command, neither did Felix. The order was a suggestion from Al; it placed constraints on his more predatory actions. He could apparently kill and fed upon those that tried to kill him. He could not attack people without first a provocation. Also, he could not purposefully provoke people. Felix added another thing. He could harm those that harmed others. Here, he could only neutralise them without causing death. Of course, if they tried to kill him, then they were fair game and thus, dinner.

With all this in mind, he made his way towards the tavern. The tavern sign read, "The Soldiers Respite". He was not sure what that meant, but could still read it. Entering the tavern, through the double doors. A gloomy space greeted him. Odd flashes of memories made this place seem familiar. The bar top on the other side, manned by someone named Elis. The scent of stale beer, once an old friend and now a strange thing to behold.

Yet despite all the senses invading him, the sight of two figures seated was of greater interest. Approaching them cautiously, he noticed his fingernails lengthening into talons. Oddly, the sight of the two men compelled him to do so. Stalking his prey, he readied himself to strike the moment he reached their table. Not understanding why he wanted to slay them, and how he could even ignore his masters' orders.

All he knew at that moment was the feeling. The strange emotions that seemed to overwhelm him. Anger, fear, joy — all impacting his psyche. It was too much, so he leaned on his instincts. What they told him was clearer than any emotion or memory. These two were predators, killers like him. The instincts bubbling to the surface compelled him forward. Reaching the table, he was so close, in range, to cleave their heads off. Instead of bloodshed, one man turned to him. The moment they saw his face, their eyes widened.

“Thomas?” the blonde middled aged man said.

Hearing that name stopped Alek in his tracks. His talons retracted and fangs returned. Standing there dumbfounded, he barely noticed the man rising to hug him.

“Thomas, we thought you were dead.” He exclaimed, embracing Alek.

“Pyrus balls, you are cold, my brother. Come sit down, get some ale in you.”

Signalling Alek to sit. Strangely, the vampire did so, saying not a word.

“We figured you were worm food.” The dark-haired man interjected.

Calling over one girl, he ordered another drink. Slapping her rear as she left to fulfill the order. Alek could hear the yelp of pain and noticed her pulse spiking. Somehow, he knew she was afraid. The sound was familiar. Not as pronounced as the death throes of his victims, but still similar. She feared these men, men he apparently knew.

“I guess since you're on your own, Jagen is dead?” The brown-haired one asked.

The man struck a mental chord. Several images of a strangely familiar man crossed his mind. Yet one thing was for certain: the man was dead. In fact, he drank his blood and clawed up his corpse. He didn’t feel bad about it. Most of the things he did were merely actions taken, either ordered or necessity.

Alek nodded in affirmation, prompting the two to frown slightly. While they were doing whatever they were doing. Alek thought about the issue. Lately, he had been thinking a lot. It was unpleasant to do so; she seemed to prefer obeying orders. His sire was his master and obeying decided easier. Protect the master and kill whomever tried to harm his creator. It was a simple concept, but as the spark within got brighter, life and decisions got a lot harder.

A decision would have to be made and with his master asleep, he must make it himself. The curiosity was palpable. These walking bags of blood knew him. They called him a name that sparked memories. He is Thomas, or he was Thomas. He knew on a strange level that the man was dead. Yet he still lived within himself. It was too much and required too much thought.

“Dead.” Alek grumbled.

Several people shrugged, expecting the admission and feeling indifferent to it. They instead raised a glass to Alek being alive and dismissed Jagen as nothing more than an afterthought.

The time in the tavern wasn’t that informative. Alek listened, drank the vile liquid, and clinked mugs. Yet all they seemed to talk about were female humans. They spoke about the bar wench, the other woman from their past, and the few back at their fortress.

“It was a great idea to take over that decrepit keep. I mean, that makes us land owners, hey we might be lords now.” The blonde suggested, getting cheery and clinking their mugs in a toast.

“Thomas, you have said little, you alright?” The brown-haired one asked.

Alek pondered how to answer. Instead, he simply shrugged. The two accepted that answer, barring no further questions. They were always more concerned with the feminine form of ladies here and in the past.

Alek let them talk, sipping his beer as a matter of appearance. Eventually, they ran out of money, and after several unsuccessful courting attempts, the three left. The pair still had not recognised the monster in their midst. Likely, they had committed so many dark deeds that a monster was far too familiar.

“Come with us Tom, let’s head home.” The blonde man said, rather inebriated.

The vampire thought for a moment, pondering if he should follow. With no order not to, he had nothing holding himself back. In fact, he had strange hazy memories, compelling him forward. In the end, he followed, and the trio made their way out of town.