“I have missed you, old friend.” He said, embracing the demon in a big hug.

“And I you, now show me this mystery.”

The two pulled away and entered the secret room. Alek sat to the side, looking down at the muttering woman, concern etched on his face. His glance shifted to the demon, and for a moment, he was worried. Al assured him it was safe with a simple hand gesture, and he visibly calmed down.

“What do you think?” Al asked.

Maligore thought for a moment, his eyes blazing with fire. The phenomena drew the attention of Alek, but Al had no issue. The staring went on for a few minutes before the fire died down. Turning to his friend, the demon pronounced his initial findings.

"Something other than a resident of the Infernum possesses that human. I would have noticed that. It appears to be spiritual and quite similar to fire elementals I have encountered."

“Fire elemental, so they are struggling to claim the host body?” Al questioned.

"Not exactly. Something damaged both life forces, preventing either from taking over or achieving equilibrium."

“So that means we have to either set them up as equals or purge one of them?”

That idea caused Alek to tense. Al reassured him, stating they would only do that as a last resort. While the three discussed, Sara rose to her feet, screamed at the top of her lungs, and set the room on fire.

Al and Alek fled to a safe distance, while Maligore seemed unbothered by the flames. Although the flames blistered and burned his body. Instead of screaming his lungs out, he seemed to find the sensation pleasurable. The fire went out, leaving the demon frowning. The fire scorched half his body, leaving his clothes and tools in tatters. Snapping his fingers, his apparel reformed, and a needle manifested in the raised palm. Injecting himself, the burnt skin rapidly healed to pristine skin.

“It’s been a long time since the fire burnt me. These spirits are curious creatures. I would love to take one apart to see how they tick.” The demon cackled.

Waving his hand, a spell diagram glowed into existence beneath the woman. The fire rose again, breaking against the barrier. Suitably trapped, the demon began his work. Pulling a gnarled doctor's bag from thin air. He reached his hand within, burying his arm all the way to the shoulder. Withdrawing several instruments and laying them neatly next to each other.

Side by side, neatly aligned, was an eyeglass, stethoscope, bandages, blood pressure monitor, and a single thermometer. They appeared to be the typical instruments of a medical practitioner. Of course, that was only skin deep. In truth, they radiated infernal energies. The sickening aura was obvious to both the wizard and the vampire in attendance. The last piece of equipment he withdrew was a clipboard and pen.

“Under my oath as an infernal practitioner of the medicinal arts. I would like for you to agree to the appropriate medical treatment.” He waited a moment and received only grunts and screams.

“I shall take that as an agreement under the provisional rule for treatment administration, in the event of diminished mental faculties.” He explained, jotting down a few notes.

What proceeded was the strangest medical examination, ever seen by mortal eyes. Alek, who lived in a medieval society all his life, saw it all as strange magic, beyond his comprehension. Al, however, noted it was a mixture of modern medical practises with weird demon magic he had a hard time figuring out. He used the instruments the way a typical doctor would. Only they somehow worked from a distance. He thought it was all for show until he noticed the infernal emissions.

Once the procedure was complete, Maligore returned to the pair. Directing them outside for a private chat. Sara just remained in a daze, seated inside the diagram.

“Looks like a possession. Both spirits are damaged. So, neither can fully assume control of the body. The simple solution would be to expel one of them.” He suggested, thinking over the potential options.

“What if, instead of expelling one of them, we establish an equilibrium?” Al added, turning to Alek.

“You mentioned that the spirit was a weakened and formerly imprisoned fire elemental?”

Alek nodded in confirmation.

“If that is the case, it could be possible to guide a union between the two spirits.” He suggested, concealing the gleam of curiosity.

The idea was less for her benefit and more for his own interest. Of course, he cared for her wellbeing and believed this option was sound. But he couldn’t deny the pull of experimentation.

“This could work. It would require strengthening the vessel. The two occupants would then need to come to an understanding. I could construct a runic diagram for vitality strengthening, telepathic communication and a basic protection spell.”

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“Is this one of your flesh runes you harp on about?” Maligore asked.

“Rune Tattoos.” Al corrected.

“Will this help her?” Alek asked, worried.

“It is a sound plan, but it would also be a long-term process. You will need to tend to her. The change period should take a while.” The demon explained.

With the trio in agreement, the demon and the wizard set about their tasks. Maligore stayed with both Alek and his patient. Monitoring her vitals and maintaining the barrier spell. Al left the sub level and re-entered the castle's office room. Upon entering, he encountered the siblings floating above, simulating zero gravity on a world with definite gravity. They were hanging off each other in mid-air. The brother and sister were clasping hands as they levitated.

“I see you guys are having fun,” Al muttered, ignoring them and going straight for the desk.

“Look Al, I extended the magic to another. All I need to do is touch them and concentrate.” Jo explained excitedly.

“Congrats, just make sure you keep focus or...” Someone interrupted him as the two dropped with a dull thud.

“Ow my but,” Jo groaned in pain.

“Need that focus or you will drop like a sack of bricks. Now you guys play elsewhere. I have work to do.”

The two nodded sheepishly before excitedly rising and exiting the room. No doubt they would levitate all over the castle. They would be the problem of the occupants and not his problem, at least for now. Withdrawing his journal, he sifted through the pages. Noting several rune diagrams, he started working on a composite rune.

It took over an hour to etch out a prototype. It was some of his best work and should do the job. Being a composite diagram, it held similarities with other Runecraft spells. Vitality strengthening was a simple rune and used widely by Mateshian mages. They etched them on belts or rings. Their purpose was to provide an extra dose of stamina and strength. With certain kingdoms, they were standard issue amongst soldiers, allowing them to fight for longer than normal.

A second addition was a protection charm, meant to defend against general influence by magical forces. The composite couldn’t take anything more powerful, but if needed, they could inscribe a second rune of protection. The third addition was a rather complex rune of mind speak. They heavily altered it to allow spiritual communication. Its original purpose was mind-to-mind communication for physical beings.

His study of the connection between himself and his spirit patron established the framework for the new spell. Once done, after a few hours of work put in, he headed back to his associates. Entering the secret room a few minutes later.

“Mal, look at this diagram.” He offered the torn page to the demon.

Looking over the arcane working, the demon grinned far larger than humanly possible. Cackling madly, he caressed the paper with a mad glint in his eye.

“Good, this shall do nicely; it will be a lengthy process for the patient. I will supervise the procedure, if you will have mem vampire lord.” Directing his words towards Alek, the vampire was initially confused.

“Of course, Sir Maligore, you may stay as long as you need.” The flustered vampire replied.

“It’s just Maligore, no need for the honorifics, besides my correct titles are too long for pleasant conversation.”

Alek nodded, accepting the request to be informal. The trio cast their gazes at the sleeping women. It seemed she had fallen into slumber. Laying on the ground in the fetal position, scorched surroundings, she slept soundly.

“You should know my method of etching; I would suggest imprinting the diagram on her back. With time and therapy, she should recover enough to contact her passenger. Once that is done, I would suggest making some sort of deal. Considering the situation, it is likely the spirit will accept. If that doesn’t work, Mal here will perform an exorcism as a last resort.”

“Oh, the irony.” The demon chuckled.

“I know it would be weird, but hopefully, the first method works. And with that, I bid you both a good day.” He turned to leave, waving to Alek.

“You should see us off. Felix will want to say goodbye.” He suggested.

The two left the dungeon and headed towards the surface. After some searching and querying two women, they found the siblings in the courtyard, walking on air. Upon seeing Al, they quickly descended, far more fluidly than before.

“It’s time we leave. I have just learned that a war is going on and if we don’t make it to Aresla. We will instead come upon a city occupied.” Al explained, deadpan.

“What do you mean, a war?” Jo asked, visibly disturbed.

“The Empire is at war with Lankos and as a cherry on top, Helgos rebelled.”

The siblings' eyes widened, not expecting the news, set upon such a grand scale. The chaos they imagined as war descended upon the land made them quiver. Al wasn’t blind to the effect of his words and so tried to placate.

"It’s not as bad as it sounds. From what I heard, Helgos is in an excellent position to secede relatively easily. Lankos are mostly invading to reclaim territory. I'm sure the three nations will resolve this all with a meeting and a peace agreement."

“Now say your goodbyes. We need to head towards Aresla immediately.”

With his ultimatum, Jo hugged her brother and went to gather the horses. Alek had his people hand over extra provisions for the trip. Half an hour later, they were outside, saddled and ready to go. Before they left, Felix stood before his creation, like a child looking up at an adult. Feeling awkward, Alek lowered himself to eye level. It took a little. Felix was small for his age, but not tiny.

"It seems we are to part ways. I just wanted to say thank you for this second chance. I doubt that my former self deserved anything more than a sword in the gut and being dumped into a pit."

“That’s who you were, not who you are now.” Felix stated firmly.

“That’s pretty mature for a kid.” Alek chuckled soft heartedly.

“I've had to grow up, never had time to be a kid.”

“Yeah, me too, but I hope you make time for it. Just because the world wants us to mature far earlier than a kinder one. Doesn’t mean we should forsake it. Make time and be a kid. That’s all this vampire can ask for.”

The young vampire nodded, smiling. He felt a tug in his chest, not quite sadness but a sense of impending loss. But the boy knew that his creation needed to leave him. He had his own life to lead and promises to keep. Leaning forward, he wrapped his arms around the man, gripping him.

Initially flustered, Alek hesitated, unsure if he should reciprocate. He thought back to the man he was before and all the things he had done. Those memories had haunted him the moment they came pouring out of the dark abyss that was his soul. He wondered if he even had one, now that he was dead. Despite that, the warmth of this boy's acceptance made him think there was still light in this world. That no matter what he had become, if his creator cared for him, he would carry on. Be the man he should have been, now that he has eternity to achieve.