...

"Theo, are you alright?" The concerned voice of Alderic echoed in his mind, awakening him. The body of water has safely embraced them. Who knows, maybe there was actually a river flowing under the cliff. Thanks to a certain one, there isn't a single scratch. The tension in Alderic's body can only be relieved after he sees Theodore slowly nod, telling him he's alright. Then the groaning of Reid interrupted, and the sight of him struggling in the water put Theodore at the edge. Reid's hand was jittering, trying to grab anything that could save his life. The water soon filled his mouth, making him unable to let out a single sound. Hence, it is only a matter of time before Reid drowns, with his fading strength. Theodore grits his teeth tight, but right when he intends to go save Reid, the man next to him has already taken one step ahead.

In an inhuman leap, Alderic successfully reached Reid. Holding onto the rock, he's sure it's rigid enough to bear the weight and be within his arm to grab Reid's cloak. The power of the water flow is indeed too strong as if a beast were trying to pull its target along its way to hell. Certainly. It is too late now. Alderic tightens his grip, his arm bulging with muscle, veins evidently visible on the skin. He grits his teeth, bearing the formidable pain from the snake bite earlier. The bandage cannot withstand such force, tearing the wound with the stone painted red. He could not hold on any longer. Such power alone can not outweigh nature.

The aching heart can not stand still any longer and finally breaks free on its own. He leaps from rock to rock near Alderic, his arms extended toward the poor boy.

"Theo! Stay there! I will throw him to you!" Alderic said, biting his lips and looking at him with pure determination.

"On my count, be ready... 1... 2... 3"

Within a split second, Alderic, using all his might to lift Reid up, emerges from the body of water before floating in mid-air and then perfectly landing where Theodore stands. Hands are already aimed at Reid. Thankfully, Theo was able to catch Reid in time. Still, his weight caused both of them to fall to the ground. The sudden pain made him frown slightly, but in the end, Reid landed safely in his arms. However, only faint heartbeats could be felt. Without any hesitation, Theodore crouches on the icy ground next to the boy, pressing his chest. In determination, he fought for his life, and in rhythmic hands, they yearns. At last, is an innocent face still shut tight, and a soul is ready to part.

Will he be able to pull the boy from the arms of Death?

Excuse me, Reid.

Alderic just heavily pulled himself out of the water. It must not be a good day for Alderic, as the water has drained too much energy from him, not to mention the wound on his arm, which does not have enough time to heal. He stroked his wet hair to the back, hoping to be greeted with waves of compliments from Theodore, a victorious smile already on his face. Yet, the sight he sees instead is the scene of Theodore bending down, putting his lips on Reid, with his hand lifting Reid's chin. His nose and graceful lips are hidden behind auburn curls, but those emerald eyes can't help but linger in the gaze. An unexplainable, annoying feeling slowly gulped down the smile on his face, leaving behind countless questions in his head. Those lips... the ones that were gently brushing up against his hand. The softness and wetness of those lips seem to be carved in his cell. Reid's chest rises with Theodore's blow of air. A couple more tries are all it takes to breathe life again into the lifeless body of the boy. Reid abruptly turned himself to the side, struggling to put out all the excess water. Vomiting and coughing surely take a toll on Reid, and he lies on the rocks in utter defeat. Theodore finally has peace again after those tense moments. A deep breath helped flush out all the thoughts.

"Alderic?" Theodore asks, concerned as he sees the man just standing there, staring at them. The tall figure of Alderic glisters in the yellow hue of the sun ray, with his white top wet all over from the incident. He could feel the water dripping from his hair, caressing his jawline. Though dazzling, his face seems to bear a different expression. Those eyes, clear as gems, hid a kind of sadness. Another aspect of Alderic that he was never aware of. As if he is... in pain. The awkward silence grows between them until Reid comes back to his usual self and whimpers, "T-Theodore." Using his hand as a fulcrum, he sits up, "Sorry... for being a burden again." Theodore shakes his head slowly, giving a comforting pat on Reid's head. The sky since then has changed into the color of sunset. The remaining rays of the day weaved through the leaves, sparkling on the water. The scenery is too poetic, too peaceful, sending what just happened earlier into the void. And soon the night greets them on the way home with the chilly breeze and the fireflies. Theodore sighed, "I will go and find some woods. You two stay here and rest.", just to get the rejection from Alderic, " I will go." When Theodore eventually proceeds with what has just occurred, Alderic has already gone.

Really? What happened to him?... Theodore is always unable to understand Alderic. But it's a good thing Reid has recovered and is perfectly able to sit up. Without the cloak, a black sleeveless shirt that is soaked is hidden behind. Reid has always been a slim boy, yet muscle can be seen on his arms, though right now, a sharp crimson line has eclipsed that fact. The black eyes stared at Theodore, and a delightful sigh was let out lightly when he doesn't see any injuries on him. "I'm glad you are alright, Theodore," he sighs. Theodore competently rolled the wound on Reid's arm, smiling reluctantly, "Of course I am. I have two knights protecting me."

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

Having made a fine observation, it's not hard for Reid to speculate on what happened. "I guess I have to thank him." He stared at the water, "although I haven't fully trusted him."

"Oh?" certain memories resurface, making Theodore laugh, "you two seem to get along pretty well to me." Reid falls speechless.

Soon, Alderic comes back with enough wood and a rabbit that God knows how he caught. A fire ignites under Reid's skillfully held hand. "It's good to have a night camp once in a while like this, don't you think?" Alderic can't hold his ground while grilling the rabbit. Looking at him right now, it seems like the Alderic of earlier has faded into distant memories. When the irresistible smell of the rabbit hovers over his nose, Theodore finally realizes how hungry he is. The brownish-crisp skin glitters in the flame, with drops of oil sizzling, together with the cracking logs, creating such a cozy atmosphere. Like what he expected, the meat's juiciness and the fire's smokey scent filled his mouth, satisfying his empty stomach. Maybe it goes the same with those two, as they are too busy enjoying the meal.

"Thank you for saving me." Reid bows formally to Alderic, expressing his gratitude. "No need, after all," Alderic says, reaching out for a handshake, the corner of his eyes on Theodore, "we have the ability to protect our most important comrade, that's what matters." Though Reid remains cold, Theodore is aware that trust in Alderic has been restored at some point.

"I must say," Alderic said as he interlaced his fingers, "I was quite impressed with your earlier ability with the wolves." The emerald eyes shone even brighter in the dancing flame, "A potential indeed at your age." Theodore knows what Alderic mentioned, after all, he knows more than anyone else the reason why. Prior to the compliments from Alderic, Reid didn't show any difference in expression. He sits by the fire, his back against a nearby tree. The warmness of the flame has blown into him some life, dispelling the paleness carved on his face. Right before Theodore can say something to avoid this topic, Reid speaks up, "Well then, if you are so eager to hear a story," he says, closing his eyes, "then I should give one that matches your expectations."

Falling falling, the snow keeps falling...

Falling falling, colored the world in white...

A child in his mother's arm trembles in fear

Hurts...It hurts

The hands holding him covered in wounds.

New wounds...old wounds...

1 and 2 then 3... How many of them?

Falling falling, the snow keeps falling...

Falling falling, the coldness hardens the heart...

The sleeping wolf has awaked

Run and run

But to where?

Falling falling, let's see how fast you can run...

Brutal growl screaming

Steps trample on snow

Death is knocking

Knock...knock...

Who is the victim this time?

Oh, is it you?

Fangs deeps in flesh

Mother's whimpering in pain

This? She laughs

This was nothing compared to him.

Falling falling, the snow keeps falling...

Falling falling, the wolf sleep for eternity...

I'm sorry... Mother keeps sorry

The child never likes that word

Tick tock...tick tock

The time has stopped.

Falling falling, the snow keeps falling...

Falling falling, buried the pain in snow...

Blood bathed the snow in crimson

Screaming, crying will that help?

In his bare foot, he goes

Steps dyed in agony.

Falling falling, the snow keeps falling...

Falling falling, fall mercilessly...