"Father. No I didn't mean it. Alex tell him."

"Defend him." A hard challenge echoed through his father's voice, so no one came to the child's rescue. The boy was picked up and thrown into the worse version of wonderland; a child solitude. He screamed afraid of the dark from memories he never knew. Days past and the boys wails could still be heard two buildings away, although going horse his determination didn't subside. But no one came not even his best friend, his brother that in a justified evil should share his torment. Soon he lost faith in everything so much that his eyes reflected nothing with the energy of a rag doll in the deep end of a growing child's closet. The reason for his determination forgotten as his stared at the door to open.

After nearly four days, just enough time to save him from starvation the door open. The boy nothing more than an animal pitifully excited to see its master. "Father!" he failed at running, managing half a stumble into the un-moving man's arms. They stayed like that for what seemed to them both forever in another land. It surprised the both of them when the man’s arm rose to the stroke the boys head in a way that could have been mistaken for loving. The child froze when he brought his head in for a hug.

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"Father. I'm hungry."

"And food you may have, even freedom if you answer my question correctly and honestly."

"I will not -" the boy thought but answered more carefully. "okay." his father pulled him back at arm’s length, went down to one knee, face to face. "Stryard Oscill Fangaria you are my son. Do you believe this?"

The boy nodded weakly.

"Since I say this you have the right to be king and even power I could never poses. Can you destroy Alex and even me to do so?"

"Destroy?" Tears began to stream down the boy’s face making him appear far younger than he was. Almost reminding his father of the first time he laid eyes on him. This was the first time Stryard has ever shed a tear and it was at the idea of Alex's pain splattered all across his hands. "No, no no." he shouted, pounding his fist against his father. "Brother sad. I'm sad anything, but brother." Vessuillus brought his son into his arms. "Shsss....it's okay. Here's your food." He signaled for buffet to be brought inside. He stood up, and took Stryard’s face into his hands before turning to leave. "Wait! Wait father! You're not going to let me go." The boy grabbed a fist full of his slacks willing him to stay. "Let me go." but the boy was weak and was dismissed with a sharp kick against the dirt. "Then destroy yourself instead, if he's so precious."

Vess closed the door with a loud lock leaving the boy only with him and himself.