Chapter 20 - The Children Of Gladius

A/N: We're now closing into the real first bit of the story. The writing quality should increase, and our somewhat bland cast will grow as characters and as people, and more of Valier's old life will be revealed. And, I'm having one or two time skips soon. Just so they can get into the academy. And thanks for being with me throughout these 20 chapters!

I smiled at Aurora's words, I was 'elated' that my 'friend' felt 'the same way as I did' about our friendship. I talked to them about rather boring topics, you know, how I was, if I was enjoying myself. Small talk. These guys hadn't really heard much about me due to being away for quite a while. They knew I existed, and that I was Leon's 'best friend' so, they naturally wanted to know about me.

"Valier, you should definitely bring your family to our house some day. Your siblings, your father, your mother, I'd love to meet them! I've actually met your older sister, but I also want to meet your younger sister! And your parents-"

Anger boiled inside me, no, it wasn't my anger. It was the anger of the real Valier. His mother, his father, they were both deceased. Just talking about them made him feel angry. I didn't know why I knew this, but I did.

I, or rather Valier, started exuding bloodlust. The entire room was filled with the all the malice he had. It seemed that all of the rage he's felt in the time I've controlled this body is pouring out in the form of this bloodlust. It wasn't a powerful bloodlust, however it was terrifying. It was so concentrated, so hateful, so full of malice that it would make even the Gods themselves shake in fear.

Lucas and Aurora both stared at me wide eyed, in their eyes, I probably looked like some sort of spawn of Satan. I then felt a hand rest on my shoulder, I looked over and saw Leon, but what I found surprising was that he wasn't angry. He just had a look of pity plastered on his face. Almost every noble knew that The Archduke had died, and that my mother, his concubine was also dead. I'm not sure If they know how or why his mother died.

I wonder how they'd react if they knew I was born from the body of my recently murdered mother.

Leon tapped my shoulder, which snapped me back into reality.

"Valier, you might want to go get some fresh air, I'll explain your situation to them. Just... take a breather okay? I'm here if you need to talk, or if you need someone to listen to."

The original Valier didn't seem to be swayed by Leon's words, but I tried my hardest to supress him. And after a moment of us fighting for dominion, I was able to make him fall asleep once again.

Leon Gladius POV:

I watched as Valier silently got up and left the room, I had instructed a maid to lead him outside and to give him anything he asked for, be it food or a place to relax.

I looked at my elder brother and sister, they both had a look of shock plastered on their face. They likely hadn't thought they would see such intense killing intent from someone my age. I don't think even I could produce such a malicious killing intent even if I wanted to. I wonder, how did his parents die for him to get so angry at their mere mention.

Lucas looked at me after he had calmed himself down, he seemed to be irritated.

"Leon. Your friend better have a good reason to have been so enraged at a mere gesture of kindness. If he doesn't, then-"

"Valier's parents are dead, the Archduke died roughly a year ago. His mother supposedly died around the time he was born. I should also mention that he's an illegitimate son of the Archduke, and I've also heard rumours that he was abused by his caretakers when he was younger. However I'm not truly sure if that last bit is true, however everything else is the indisputable truth. And since practically everyone knows about him, he must have thought you guys also knew of his parents' Fate. So, he likely believed you were mocking him and his parents."

My brother's face of irritation was replaced with a look of pity, he bore a bitter smile. My brother's a kind person, he's probably forgiven Valier already.

***

An hour or so later, Valier came back in and apologised profusely for the incident. My sister also apologised and said she wasn't aware of his family situation. We then got ready to have dinner, today we were having Burger and Fries. Not very noble, but tasty nonetheless.

Once we finished our dinner, we talked and made jokes about random things that weren't very funny. Now that I think about it, this is probably the happiest I've been.

Valier POV:

I was currently in the car, on the way back to the Pendragon's territory. Today was eventful, I nearly lost control of my body. It seems like the original Valier is still intact.

When I arrived, I was greeted by my 'siblings', I smiled at them tenderly with 'happiness.' Iris gave me a hug while Irene gently pat my head. After we talked for a few minutes I went upstairs.

I took off my top and went to the bathroom, my body wasn't very muscular. But it was much better than before. I leaned against the basin and looked into my reflection. A boy with snow white hair, and crimson eyes. The reflection...

Smiled.

I reached for my face and felt that it really wasn't me who was smiling, the reflection waved at me. I could feel my heart beating against my chest, my body- No, was it really my body? Well, either way, It felt like my body, like my mind would collapse. I collapsed onto the ground and grasped my head.

'What... is this?'

I thought to myself, but, It was like I could hear another voice saying that. It was like... it wasn't my own thoughts that I was hearing. I started hyperventilating.

I couldn't focus, I didn't know what to do, I felt helpless. I didn't even know why I was feeling this. Tears formed at the corners of my eyes, this was... my first time feeling this. This feeling of worry, of despair, of pain.

'I want to die. But I also want to live.'

The voice I heard wasn't my own, just what... was this?