Vandor

Faced with that choice Vandor only hesitated for a second before he grabbed that rusty old sword. Aiming it straight at the man's throat, Vandor pushed it down. Slicing through the man's skin, blood spilled out of his throat covering the sword and floor. "I ended my very first life that day." Hunter had forced him to make a choice and he did, at least that was what he told himself back then. "I know better now." That was just beginning though, that day he ended over thirty different lives with that sword. From lowlife scum on the streets to people who were completely innocent, to Hunter it didn't matter. If he asked then Vandor would do it.

"All for his obsession with those flames."

That was also the time he learned how to use weapons to fight. Ending someone's life with his bare hands was something even he couldn't handle, so he used weapons as a form of escape. He detached himself from it, to keep himself as sane as possible. "Then Katrin saved me." If it wasn't for Katrin's help he might have been on Hunter's side of the fight or worse. Hunter had asked him to look into some information for him on the Queen. She was apparently snooping around in the underground at the time and Hunter wanted a grasp on her movements. So like the good dog he was he went to the Royal Capital and tried to join one of the crime organisations.

After starting a couple fights and making a few deals with people he eventually worked his way in. He tried to lay low when he joined, acting like a typical criminal, just doing his job properly. "She knew though." The moment he met face to face with her, she saw right through him. Katrin treated him like a human, saw through his tough facade and eventually gave him a real home. A place where he could put down his weapon and be himself. She broke through Hunter's twisted curse that he had placed on him and allowed him to be his own person. Now here he was right in front of his "old friend" with no more weapons in hand, all he had was his fists.

"It's been six years since I've seen him."

Ever since he was free he became repulsed at the thought of using any kind of weapon, he stopped killing and only used his fists. Glancing at the rack of tools from the corner of his eye, Vandor saw a knife shining in the moonlight. An impulsive thought crossed his mind, a dangerous one that he swore he would never do again. Looking back at Hunter he noticed he was sleeping. "I could..." Fixated on that Knife Vandor couldn't look away as the thought of killing Hunter took over. "It'd be easy, no one would care." Trying to justify it in his head Vandor sat up and walked over to the tool rack. Reaching out his hand he glided his palm across the knife's blade.

"It's simple right?"

All he had to do was grab it and turn around, then he could slit Hunter's throat. No one else would have to suffer because of him, they would all be free. Tightening his grip on the knife Vandor felt his skin open up as blood dripped out. Picking up the knife he turned around and walked towards Hunter who was still asleep. Vandor's breathing sped up as a sense of anxiety overwhelmed him. Thoughts swarmed around in his head like maggots, eating away at any rational thoughts. Leaning forward Vandor felt his hand shaking but he couldn't stop it. "This is for the better." Repeatedly he told himself that as he got closer to Hunter.

"I recommend you put the knife down Vandor."

Hearing a familiar voice Vandor spun around to see Xilo leaning against the doorframe to the place.

"L-leader, what are you doing awake so late?"

Stretching his body, Xilo let out a quiet yawn.

"I figured it's best if I came and checked on these two myself throughout the night, I can never be too careful. Do you mind putting the knife back where you found it now? I don't want you doing anything stupid."

Looking at Vandor's hand bleeding, Xilo sighed as he tried to defuse the situation, thanks to Katrin he knew a bit of Vandor's past. Walking closer with his hands at his side, Xilo arrived in front of Vandor's bulky body and grabbed Vandor's hand. With him still not listening to his words Xilo was forced to unclasp the knife himself. Without fighting back Vandor stood frozen like a statue as he felt the knife slip away from him. Putting the knife as far away as possible from Vandor, Xilo tried to figure out how to handle this. If Vandor really wanted to do something then he had zero power to stop him.

"I was worried something like this might happen. Vandor take a couple of deep breaths and settle down. Hunter won't hurt anyone and I refuse to let him go so easily. I know you're worried about it but have some faith in me. One way or another Hunter will die, just not yet."

Vandor stared ahead blankly with no response, leaving Xilo to continue talking.

"You know, Katrin was pretty stubborn about never telling me about any of your pasts. Once she saw Hunter though she took me off to the side and told me a bit about yours. Not every detail of course, just enough to get the picture. Let

me tell you though, killing him won't solve any of your problems. I mean you saw me earlier right, on the brink of torturing him? I hate him too but it's just not worth it. You are a different man now, with a different life. Don't let the demon within consume you."

"I....don't know what to say or do..."

"Don't think about it too hard, I'll have Yulrin come take your place. Me and you can talk for a bit if you want, I don't mind. You seem like a good guy and getting to know you more would be nice."

Slowly nodding his head Vandor felt his body go on autopilot as he tried to sort out his thoughts. Xilo quickly woke up Yulrin and took Vandor away from Hunter. For the rest of the night the two of them hung out together. It was mostly Xilo talking at first however once Vandor calmed down he got more talkative. When morning came around Keld even came down to join them in the dining hall and talk. Eventually Raran too, letting the four of them all talk. Until everyone else was awake and another day had begun. "Thanks, Katrin." Thanking that devilish Queen in his head Xilo let the rest of the day continue on.