Big brother

The entrance of the Atlantis woods had completely been sealed by the thorny vines and shade of death finished painting the last color of life gray as it turned the entire forest into stone.

News of that night reached the magicians' council and the sacred church and immediately sent beings to survey the area and made a barrier to prevent any more casualties.

Those who survived to tell the world of its tale would forever be traumatized by what they had seen and experienced. They all slumped on the ground while being healed by the rescue team that came together with the mages.

History would change the name of Atlantis woods to 'Dead Forest' and those souls that were trapped inside would permanently haunt the entire area and howled to be free.

Meanwhile, a certain someone was still sprawled on the snowy ground, refusing to move an inch and grinning like an idiot. "Adis, I'm going home."

In reality, Haru was just afraid of moving as her muscles and joints might crack and give her another series of pain attacks.

"Mother, would you like Vladimir to help you up? You might catch a cold if you stay there. I heard that someone came to heal the injured. Shall I call a healer for you?" Vladimir spoke to get her attention. Despite the worry in his voice, his eyes reflected immense relief to see his mother alive and well.

"It's okay, mother would like to rest for a bit before we go see your father. Come closer and let mother use your lap as my pillow." She answered softly with her eyes closed. The kid obediently moved closer and lend his lap to Haru. "Vlad, you are so brave and strong. Mother is alive because of you. I can't wait to see the Cheshire cat and brag about our victory."

"Oh, I know. That's quite heroic, human. Congratulations!" The Cheshire cat suddenly appeared out of nowhere and elegantly swayed its fat butt as it walked to her.

Haru grumpily opened her eyes and looked down as the chubby cat stopped and leisurely sat on top of her chest without any care for its massive weight and her injuries. It even had the audacity to softly tapped her cheek.

"Hey fatty, I am dying to go home so give me my prize now and get your heavy butt off of me." She slightly moved to push the cat but her sore muscles suddenly complained and cried out in pain. She yelped and cursed through her gritted teeth. "Ah, son of a bitch!"

"Hey, Haru, are you alright?" Pier heard her cry and limped towards her. He shook his head while looking at her sorry state. "That was a close call, but I also knew that you will make it through. You are really something!"

"For a moment there, I thought I wouldn't make it. Good thing my body acted first before it listened to my mind. Hahaha, I guess being impulsive has its own benefits," she quipped.

Pier tilted his head as he looked at the unusual cat on her side. "I didn't know that you have a cat. Is it one of the Demon King's pets?" He scratched the cat's furry chin.

Haru raised an eyebrow when the cat gave out a long, sweet purr. "No, I met it inside the woods."

He continued to pet it and enjoyed the feeling of its soft fur. "Zolteos went to deliver the nobleman and his mistress to the royal council. I hope the Kings will punish them accordingly."

"They will. I know they will." Haru unconsciously muttered while her eyes were gradually becoming heavy.

Pier's eyes gaze at her face for a while. The minor injuries and dirt she scored from her daring stunt didn't even mar her outstanding beauty. He actually wanted to talk to her more and ask about her relationship with the Demon King, but those things could wait in the days to come. When he felt a piercing glare from Vladimir, he thought that it was time to leave them be for now.

As he turned around to leave, he heard the vampire boy's advice. "Sir, my mother already belongs to father, the King of all demons. And even if she doesn't, she will never belong to you. So, please save yourself from the heartache and let go before it's too late."

Pier was taken aback by the kid's words and spun around to look him. But he was even more shocked to see his golden eyes held wisdom that could never belong to a mere child. The hairs on his nape stood up and he decided to just leave silently as he felt something was not right.

After a short while, Haru furrowed her brows when she heard someone's wailing. She fluttered her eyes open and turned her head to the direction of the noise and saw that it was just Mr. Bear.

"Mademoiselle, help me! Please take this puppy away from me. Ahh, stop it, brat. Ugh, I can't believe this is happening to me." Mr. Bear cried out while his hands were flailing.

Fenrir has finally awakened but his eyes hadn't opened yet. He laid with his stomach on the ground while playing and gnawing Mr. Bear's head with his toothless mouth. Mr. Bear's entire body was already wet with the pup's saliva.

When Vladimir saw that Haru was trying to pull herself up, the filial boy gently held her shoulder and back to help her.

Haru clenched her teeth to stop any expletives from coming out of her mouth when she felt the discomfort of her muscles. Then, her eyes twinkled as she cleared her throat and gently called out the busy pup. "Fenrir?"

The pup stopped licking the toy in his small paws and lifted his head and turned it left and right, waiting for the pleasing voice to call out again.

"Fenrir!"

As though he knew he was the one being called, he finally left the poor Mr. Bear and crawled towards the owner of the sing-song voice with his closed eyes. He raised his cute pink nose and tried to follow her sweet scent.

"That's right, Fenrir, I'm here. Come, come. You're almost there. Good boy!" Haru watched the silver pup crawled with his trembling feet while Vladimir cheered at her side, too.

Once Fenrir softly bumped onto her knees, she giggled and carried him. However, she instantly winced and had to put him down again as her arms shook uncontrollably. Due to fatigue, lack of sleep and her sore muscles and injuries, her body refused to work the way she wanted it for the time being.

Vladimir volunteered to carry the pup in his hands and rocked it gently. Fenrir seemed to remember the familiar embrace and cupped the vampire boy's cheek then licked it. The boy let out a pleased laughter. "Stop, Fenrir, it tickles."

Haru's eyes softened at the sight of her son playing with the pup. She gently stroke his grayish hair and asked, "Vlad, what do you think about being a big brother?"

The kid's eyes brightened and his smile widened. "R-really? Are you going to adopt Fenrir, too? Yes, yes, I would like to be a big brother, mother. I would like to have a big family!" He exclaimed while vigorously nodding his head. He looked down at the delicate pup in his arms and let Fenrir nibbled his index finger. "Did you hear that Fenrir? You have a new home, too. Oh, my name is Vladimir. I am your big brother. And from here on, we are now your family."