Chapter 2 - Rules And Orders

It was late at night when Winter stepped out of his temple, determined to solve this strange mystery about the approaching danger and who it'll come from. ''Hm, I suppose I should start with-'' Winter was cut off as he felt a hand tug at his robe. He turned his head just to be met with the sight of his apprentice Haku, pulling at his sleeve. ''Haku?'' Winter spoke out of pure confusion, wondering why Haku wasn't doing his nightly ritual.

Haku, despite having grown taller than Winter, still refused to look down at him and instead almost crouched. ''I'm coming with you,'' Haku spoke, not backing down despite Winter's refusal. ''No, you're not. And please stop crouching.'' Winter replied, raising an eyebrow as he saw Haku stand up straight again. Haku didn't want to give up, not now. Winter saw the boy's want and let out a deep sigh. ''Okay, if I let you come along... then you must promise not to make any bad decisions,'' Winter replied as he couldn't say no. Winter did adopt Haku after all. Haku smiled, happy to be coming alongside the one he considered his father.

Winter looked around the mountain, looking over all the different cities representing each sin. He'd check his ring first. With Haku behind him, Winter started to search around. First, he stumbled upon a seal, gently caressing it with his hand. ''Hm... Haku, do me a favor and find the slip I gave you.'' Winter ordered, waiting for a few seconds before Haku gave him the slip. ''Thank you, Haku.'' Winter closed his eyes and murmured a few words with the slip pressed lightly against the sealed object.

Haku looked upon the scene with curious eyes, wondering just what could be behind the sealed door. Winter then opened his eyes and gently pushed the object aside, causing a white door to appear. ''Ah, still works,'' Winter spoke to himself as he stepped up to the door and gently pushed it open. Haku hurried in, following right behind Winter.

Inside was a large room and a scroll connected to the wall. Winter approached the scroll, Haku peeking from the door. ''Haku, come here,'' Winter ordered, listening to the faint sounds of footsteps as Haku approached. ''This is the scroll of innocence, it's the main reason for the mountain to still be stable. If I just touch it, it should light up.'' Winter explained while slowly reaching out to run a hand over the light scroll. Winter's eyes narrowed once the scroll didn't light up, he then frowned and let out a light sigh.

''It seems like the danger has approached far quicker than I anticipated,'' Winter mumbled, turning towards Haku who looked at him with a slight tilt of his head. ''We'll have to check each part of the mountain ourselves. Are you ready for that, Haku?'' Winter asked despite his demanding tone. Haku nodded, eager to help out as much as he could. ''Yes, where do we head to first?'' Haku couldn't help but ask as pure curiosity had gotten to him. ''First, we'll head to the lust ring after dawn. And then we'll continue from there.'' Winter spoke, informing Haku of the plan.

''Come now, let us get some rest.'' Winter then started to walk back towards his temple, beckoning Haku to follow. Winter sealed off the door and hid it away. Haku went to his bed, lay down, and wondered how it was in the lust ring, he couldn't wait to see it for himself. In the meantime, Winter made sure to prepare by praying and sealing various objects. He knew what the lust ring would bring so, he prayed a little extra for Haku's safety.

Who knows what lies ahead?