"Luke, prepare to lose."

Alderic threatens with a smirk while stroking the horse's mane. Contrary to his usual heavy coat, he is now wearing a white button shirt with, of course, the signature open collar. Around his hip is a dagger secured by a strap, and the arrows are right behind, creating an undeniably wild vibe. Luke exchanges a challenging look while stretching his shoulder. "Well then, I am looking forward to seeing your performance, comrade." Luke instead wears a simple shirt that accidentally shows the curves of his masculinity. With his expertise in melee combat, his hips and back are equipped with short knives. Unlike his words, Alderic reaches out for a handshake with a grin before hopping on the black horse.

Why is there hunting? The answer dates back to a few days ago when Alderic competed with Luke to find out who was the strongest. A meaningless battle. Surprisingly, it turned everyone excited, as Luke, who with that much muscle, wins the most. Alderic surely can not accept the fact he was defeated, now demanding a hunt to prove his strength in the eyes of others.

"Say, Alderic, what will I get if I win?" Luke's question clearly has quite an effect on the audience. The nurses held their breaths, watching the two men start gossiping about what the prize might be. Eventually, all eyes rest on Theodore, who is simply enjoying his time with a book in his hand. Noticing something off, Theodore let out a sigh, "How about whoever wins has a day off?" To his surprise, the answer absolutely does not meet their expectations, a dejected look is painted on their faces. "That's not enough," a nurse confronts, and the crowd starts to rebel. You will never know that having a day off will be paradise to me, Theodore thinks to himself.

Lily, in a gentle voice, raises her hand in shyness," There is a tradition that I think might work in this situation." The air suddenly becomes silent, as if waiting for Lily to continue her story. "This tradition, though, has been forgotten, but I believe there will be a worthy reward for those who win this brave competition." She throws a bold look at Theodore, "Centuries ago, heroes with brave hearts who came back from the hunts would be granted a kiss on the hands by the noble maiden, as a gesture of gratitude for their accomplishments." The nurses soon giggle, clearly showing how delightful they are. Lily approached Theodore with a tender smile, "As the highest authority here, the most suitable would be Doctor Theodore himself, am I right?" The answer definitely astonished Theodore, he realized he had not had many choices. When things can't be worse, Alderic decides to turn on his provocative mode, "The lady is right, with such an enormous reward from the respectable doctor like that," he grinned playfully, "I am sure that will encourage us enough to hunt for enough food till next year." Following him are the cheers of hunters in unison.

Things will be much easier if a lady completes the tradition; however, Theodore, as the faculty's lead doctor and counselor for years, has earned the complete trust and respect of everyone who lives here, to the point where they consider him family. Not to mention that the majority of the personnel who live here are children who have been victims of war and have been rescued and saved by his hands; Theodore is a lighthouse that shines through the night to them. An anchor. So, for them, a simple kiss is the best gift they can receive; a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like this cannot be passed up. Looking at Lily's innocence, Theodore can't help but wonder what he could do to please her.

"If Lily has said so, I guess I don't have much choice," Theodore sighed, " Whoever wins the hunt will be granted a grateful kiss." As the hunters, now on their horses, form a line in the front yard, ready to hunt with zeal, Theodore walks slowly to the door, "That's decided," he says, reaching his hand toward the forest, then closing the book sharply, "Let the hunt begin."

Stroking the soft fur of the horse, Alderic shouted, "Let's see what you are capable of." The sight of him soon disappears under the leaves, followed by Luke and other hunters. As the nurses gather into groups to picnic and wait, Theodore finally has his time alone with the book. "Would you like some tea, Dr.?" Lily's voice cut through his thinking. "I hope my offer does not offend you," Lily says as she pours the tea gently. "This will be one arrow that hits two birds." Theodore shook his head slightly; he never imagined that a shy girl who always hid behind his back would grow up to be a wise, yet elegant woman. "I never question your decision, Lily."

Time went by for what felt like an hour until a ferocious growl could be heard, alerting Theodore. The growl was enough to send some into fear, keeping their distance from the forest edge. Without any hesitation, he said, "Prepare a horse for me. I need to check." Soon, the crowds gather around Theodore, their faces clearly saying, "Don't go." Assured with a smile, Theodore quickly runs into the forest, towards the source. What welcomes him is the sight of leftover arrows lying on the ground and some dead deer, still, no hunters are to be seen. The darker the sight, the deeper he goes into the forest, and all he can do is rely on hearing and other senses. An arrow coming from nowhere suddenly shoots across him, sending the horse startle and certainly knocking Theodore to the ground. In the end, leaving alone the doctor in the middle of the woods. When it seems safe, only realizes he has been lost in this endless maze. At least no one is dying, Theodore muttered as he searched for the exit.

As a doctor, Theodore acknowledges that wandering helplessly will only drain out his energy sooner or later, luckily, a cave is in his sight. A perfect shelter. The only thing he needs right now is a fire, enough to keep him warm through the night. Rain began to fall, contrary to his expectations, making it even more difficult to find dry woods. The situation left him no choice but to curl up to avoid the cold, unconsciously reminding him of the past. He used to be curled up just like this in the basement. Theodore can still hear the metal sound, the screaming of Mother still haunts him every night, and the smell of blood still stains his soul. Just like what he had felt, his whole body shivered.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Is it because of the rain?

Or the fear of the past...?

He can't even decide now.

He quickly covers his ears, muttering the familiar melodies countless times, hoping to calm himself down even just a tiny bit.

Exactly the same as before.

The black figure once again performs its deviant dance inside his mind. Dragging its heavy, yet bloodied body, it approaches Theodore. Circling in this infinite void, a predator and a poor prey. Theodore is desperately searching for a way out, yet it seems he can never find one. Even the smallest glimmer of hope would be adequate. No, he was alone. Alone in this very moment between life and death. Alone in this battle.

Please...I can't breathe... The darkness's insidious power soon consumed him... Please...stop. 'Greetings, my old friend', the dark figure embraces him in its body, 'I've missed you.'

"Finally," says a warm, low voice, rousing Theodore. He can feel a light smile fall upon his cold body. "I found you."

Alderic, still wearing his signature grin, leans against the cave entrance, raindrops falling from his hair down to his cheeks. The brutal rain makes it hard to spot any dry spots left on his clothes. Soon the grin is replaced by a frown as he notices the sweat and pale look on Theo's face. "Dr, are you alright?"Alderic walks to Theodore with caution, hints of concern can be sensed in his voice. The only response is the man's silence, his body still slightly trembling. Alderic takes a closer look around the cave, trying to find any source of warmth they could use for the moment, thankfully, some leftover woods inside are dry enough to use. Soon, a small fire had formed, shining through the gloominess of the rain. Yet, during the whole process, Theodore remains still, not letting out even a sound. His blue eyes fixed at the entrance, cutting through the rain as if his mind had traveled somewhere else.

"Dr, can you hear me?"Alderic gently pats Theo's shoulder only to see how stiff it is. All the formal manners of the usual days now become redundant, Alderic grabs both of Theo's hands in his, the coldness slowly shared with him. There's something wrong. No, something is very wrong. His hands are freezing, nearly like his life has slipped away. The dreary cold dyed the navy eyes with the color of the rain."Dr... Dr.," Alderic said, biting his lips and gripping Theodore's shoulder tightly, somehow hoping to bring Theodore back. Raindrops mixed with sweat fell from his jawline to rest upon Theo's hand. Contrary to the innocent look on Theodore is an anxious-filled Alderic. He didn't even think of hiding it anymore. Grabbing Theo's hands tight to his chest, Alderic shouts, "Theodore! Come back to me." Yet only silence replies to him back. "Theodore!" His voice breaks, "Theodore...Theo...Theo..." The soaked, black hair covers his painstaking eyes. The shouting becomes merely a whisper.

In the dark corner of the cave, a faint hiss can be heard. A snake lurks in the dark, trying to protect its territory. Its sharp eyes are fixed on the prey, and the deadly weapon is ready to charge anytime. Right after a moment of attack appears, the snake swiftly crawls between the two of them, hissing. "Dammit!" Alderic notices the movement of the snake in the corner of his vision. With no time to lose, Alderic grabs a burning log, using his tall figure to protect Theodore. Having the advantage in speed, the snake biting its sharp teeth deep into Alderic's arm, left him with a sudden wave of pain. Alderic bit his lips hard, bearing the pain while throwing away the aggressive beast. Crimson oozed from the wound, leaving an ironic odor in the air. In no time did poison finally grab a hold of him, sending a man who had been stronger than ever, and now to knees he collapsed "No...Not yet, I...I have to make sure to...keep him warm first..." he muttered. A speck of blood appears on his lips, a clear indication of how the wound treats him, telling him there is no point in persevering. "Shit!" He looks at the wound bitterly, "Me? Dying here just because of this nonsense?". Alderic laughs out loud, mockingly, "Don't be kidding... I don't intend to visit Hell this soon."

Wait, a doctor like him should always bring something to deal with this.

Alderic tries to focus his now-blurry vision around, meeting a white box strayed further inside. Tiredly dragging himself forward, Alderic is finally able to find clean bandages to stop the bleeding. "This should be enough to buy me some time." Alderic gasped while against the rocky wall, yet the heavy lids can not hold any longer. "Theo......"

The black hair wandering in the wind with emerald eyes smiling at him, the warm voice raises its voice at last before the emerald pearls, though never dared to leave the sight of the doctor, finally surrendered.

Who? Who is calling me?

Only to be met with a haunting scent embracing the nostrils.

Alderic? Blood?... Is he in pain?

No...No...

The rusty chains cuff his hands stretch as Theodore starts to pull. The metallic sound hauntingly cuffed his freedom, refusing to let him go. "Wake up, you fool. How many lives have been lost because of how useless you are?" It growls. His hands pull the chains harder, and despite some scratches forming on the wrist, a few drops of blood have seeped. "Enough," the navy eyes rage, "I will no longer be your slave." A black figure tilts its head, forming a devilish smile in the dark mist: "Really?" 'Let's see how long you can survive without me'. Its crooked hand raises Theodore's chin, forcing him to look into its empty eyes, Soon...you will have to admit', the vision starts to break, 'you need me, my dear foolish self...'

'You should thank that little toy of yours.' The black figure waved at Theodore with an amusing grin.

'Because next time...I will not let you go that easy.'