Fenriz was surprised that Lixue had answered every question he had put forth, though some of the answers made him wish she hadn't. Lixue was always so composed and put together, and a part of him was convinced that she would have some wise words to at least slightly put his concerns to rest. Finding out that not only did not, but the degree to which she attempted to combat them instilled a brand new sense of dread in his heart. The mental image of the undead going through such an ordeal should the gaes activate was proving equally as traumatic as picturing the family that had been butchered by his own hand. The more time they spent together, the greater the burdens Lixue took on seemed to become, and with them grew the concern he felt for his fellow undead. Still, if he had to choose someone to share a similar predicament with, knowing that it was someone as poised as her at least offered him some measure of comfort.

"Miss Lixue, are you okay? You were like that for a long time…" Figuring it was now safe to do so, he pulled himself to his feet and cautiously yet steadily made his way over to where she had placed herself, though he kept a few feet in between them just in case. In an average scenario, Fenriz would no doubt have many questions about the meditative process Lixue had just put herself through. Yet for once he found himself too nervous to ask, fearful of the information he might obtain as a result. "I'm really sorry about your parents. I really shouldn't have asked…"

Having grown so accustomed to others either withholding information or offering half-answers to protect his younger sensibilities, Fenriz usually appreciated Lixue's more direct method of answering his questions. As such, he wasn't surprised when she replied to his inquiries to her past the way she did. Given his already darkened mood however, he was hopeful this would yield even a slightly more positive response Even if the intricacies of being forced to marry for power were lost on him, he wasn't certain he wanted further elaboration. 

"Thank you for listening to all of that, by the way. I'm not really sure where it all came from. I got kind of carried away, huh? I feel better now though” He did his best to put on an authentic smile, though how convincing it was he couldn't say. It mattered little, as the faux smile faded as quickly as he had donned it.

"I haven't even told sis that most of that stuff." Picturing the angel's likely worried reaction to the information he had just given Lixue caused him to grimace. Even if there were few secrets between the two, this wasn't a worry he was willing to put her through. "If you ever do meet her, please don't tell her about this, okay?"

The pleading look upon his face suggested that it was imperative that this remain a secret between the two of them. Of all the promises they had made, perhaps none were more important to the young vampire than this one. Whether or not it was necessary, only time would tell. But Fenriz seemed hopeful that the scant few people he held to importance in his life would cross paths at some point.

Glancing out of what was either once a window, or a hole in the building caused by the ravages of time, the boy flinched as he noted the coloration of the skyline outside. Upon turning around, he noticed a lengthy hallway. He took a few steps toward it, pausing briefly to address Lixue once more. "It's getting pretty late, for me at least. I'm gonna go see if I can find a room without a window since… well you know. Don't worry about me though. Goodnight Miss Lixue!"

With a small wave and a slightly more genuine smile, he turned to traverse the hallway, checking each room along the way for one that was intact enough to shelter him from the sun. Eventually he happened upon one that, while not perfect, would suffice so long as he avoided a smaller portion of the room. He glanced back one last time toward the main room. A part of him wondered whether she'd still be around when he awoke. She had more than filled her obligations to him by this point. Given how busy her life seemed to be, combined with the preceding events he would have to be understanding if she wasn't. Still, a selfish part of him felt anxious at the thought. With a sigh, he passed through what remained of the doorway of the room he had chosen, a room that was still partially illuminated by the orb of light Lixue had summoned.

Setting his cloak aside, he settled into a corner of the room with intent to fall asleep. It didn't take long to realize that this wasn't likely to happen. Though his body was certainly still fatigued, his mind was far too active to settle down for the morning. With another heavy sigh he took to his seated position, leaned up against the wall.

"I wonder what mom and dad would say…" he mumbled quietly to himself "I should probably apologize to Miss Lixue for dumping all of that on her. That's probably what dad would tell me to do. At least I think so. It's been so long now…"

Knowing that lingering on his parents would do little to improve his mood, he tried to change gears, though his next train of thought certainly wasn't much better. "Dad's probably right anyway. Miss Lixue has way too much going on to worry about my dumb problems"

Feeling the negative emotions encroaching upon him once more, he shook his head. Figuring it was going to be a while before he could get to sleep, it might be a bit better to use this time for something more productive. He stood up, only to take a seat in the middle of the room, he pointed a hand toward the nearest shadow source, molding them into a bird that rested upon his head. Remembering Lixue's words about starting small, he repeated the same trick he had performed for her when she met. But he would repeat the process, summoning more and more birds from wherever he could find shadows to make them. Before long, there were several shadowy birds scattered across the room, including the one on his head and two now perched on his shoulders. The boy couldn't help but giggle at his own creations, his laughter growing louder with each new creation.

Though he had, by now, summoned more birds than he had ever intentionally done before, his brain had come up with one more idea. Drawing from one last source, he molded this one into five, small humanoid beings, one being adorned with shadowy wings, and another, despite the lack of detail was very clearly dressed in a vastly different fashion than the rest. Even without facial features, it didn't take much imagination to realize who they were supposed to represent, this being likely the closest he was going to come to having his sisters, Lixue, and his parents in the same vicinity. Still, even if it wasn't exactly the real deal, the thought alone was enough to bring a bright smile to his young face.

Fenriz's words confused the Undead as she remembered that she did not explain fully what her meditation was for. "Sorry I should have it explained it further, forgive me as this is the first time I've ever explained it. Like how you need blood to survive I need energy such as magic or the soul if you follow certain beliefs". Giving Fenriz a small smile as she waved him over to show that it was safe for the moment as he looked concerned about getting caught in her uncheck draining aura. Feeling as if she was not going to be able to meditate with Fenriz around she patted the ground next to her as no doubt the Vampire had more questions. However, instead of a question, she got an apology referring to his previous questions. Given how most of her answers had played out and the Boy's darken expression it was time for her to be the beacon of positivity. Standing up and walking over to the downcasted Fenriz she would place her hand on top of his head while softly stroking his ivory hair. "I can't forgive you as you have done nothing wrong". Her smile turned into a smirk for a moment as she had used the very same words that frustrated her so against him. "You had no ill intent behind your questioning and it is not as if I do not have many fond memories with my brother and sisters".

Taking her hand off his head and kneeling to Fenriz's eye level as he thanked her for listening. " Curiosity can be dangerous if left unchecked. I am fine with alleviating your curiosity if the knowledge can help direct you away from future danger". Mentioning how their conversations have not been shared with his angelic sibling. The Undead could not help but laugh as he pleaded with her to not share their conversations if they ever meet. Covering her mouth as she looked gleefully at the Young Vampire before her. Removing her hand from her mouth as she nodded to him. "I promise to not tell her, but I'm sure she would want to know of her brother's fears and concerns. No doubt she will be upset that you withheld such information from her, but in the meantime, I'll be more than happy to continue our conversations. As just like yourself you are the only one I've spoken freely about my Undeath and hunger". Smiling at Fenriz she completely understood why he wanted to keep such information private, as even if he told his Sister about his fears it would be doubtful that she would truly understand.

She must have lost track of time as light peered through the openings of the building. Watching Fenriz as he distanced himself from her to the darkness of a nearby hallway hit the Undead with a pang of sadness as she wished to spend more time with Fenriz to not end their conversation on a negative note. As he bid her goodnight his secondary comment of not worrying about him only caused her to worry. While she did check the building she was not entirely sure if anything had entered while she was meditating. Shifting from left to right as Fenriz had left her sight. Holding her ground and not giving in to her own paranoia as it had led her to overact around him before. I should recover my strength now that I have the time to do so. Closing her eyes the Priestess would attempt to meditate but every time she tried to clear her mind, her mind wandered to what Fenriz may be doing. Maybe I should check up on him just this once to see if everything is okay.

Placing her meditation on hold Lixue followed the hallway that Fenriz had taken. Silencing her steps as she drew closer her ears would catch the sounds of giggling as like any child falling asleep was not something instantly available to them. Not wishing to disturb his activities she did her best to remain hidden as she peeked over the door frame to see the Vampire practicing his magic on a smaller scale as she had suggested to him. Seeing him listening to her words sent joy throughout her body as while he did not wish for her to assist him personally with his magic she was glad that he took the small amount of advice she had offered. As more shadow born birds circled the room Lixue ducked back over the doorframe as one circled around the room. Keeping to the wall as she did not want to be caught the Undead would wait until the excitement died down before testing her luck.

Remaining motionless as one mistake could give away her position as while he was a child his vampiric nature granted him abilities far above even a fully grown man. As the laughing and wispy flapping of the shadows quieted she once again peered over to the doorway to see a surprising sight. Looking to Fenriz as he smiled at a group of shadow figures with humanoid appearances. Looking at the one with wings made her think of his angelic sister Raziel. The others were harder to discern, but it would be safe to say that the two closets together would be his parents. However, there was one she did not recognize and another that vaguely reminded her of herself. Returning back to the wall and resting on it as she was unsure what to do. While the Vampire always seemed happy, this was a clear sign of loneliness. When I felt down or lonely I always went to my sister, but his sister is not here. Although the thought of acting as a surrogate sister for the moment was strange to her and even though they did not share a familial bond, both of them shared a dream of overcoming what they are.

Working up the courage to continue on with the awkward offer she stood in front of the doorway and looked to Fenriz as she cleared her throat. Looking away as she lacked the experience as a senior the Undead thought back to what her sister would say to her. "…. I see you are having trouble sleeping". Looking at the figures, "Is that your family"? Stopping midway as her inability to get to the point eloquently was staggering. Huling how were you able to do this!? Keeping her eye contact away from Fenriz, " When I felt lonely or worried I'd always sleep together with my sister when possible. I know your sister is not around, but since she cannot carry out her siblingly duties I can stand in as a substitute… if you wish of course".

While he continued to manipulate the shadows, Fenriz could hear the footsteps of his elder companion, even through his own childish laughter. Though he possessed the enhanced senses that most of his kind did, his youth did not always allow him the keen instincts and awareness to put them to practical use. Writing off the footsteps as Lixue going off to find her own place to rest for the time, he continued his macabre marionette show, unaware that he had acquired an audience in that time, aside from the one he had conjured himself. By now he was surrounded by birds of shade that he would send flying to and fro with a swish of the hand, showing off his talents to the "friends" he had called up before him, smiling brightly all the while.

"See mom, I learned this all by myself" he boasted "It’s still hard to control sometimes. But there’s so many fun things I can do with my magic! Miss Lixue says that if I keep practicing I can get better, too. It… sounds boring to do the same stuff over and over again, but I think she might be right. I don’t think I’ve managed to bring this many birds to life before”

Only moments after Fenriz addressed the advice he had been given, did the one who imparted that advice reveal herself, commenting on his inability to fall asleep. With a startled yelp he leapt to his feet, pivoting to greet his friend with wide red eyes and similarly red face. “M-Miss Lixue I didn’t know you were still up. I couldn’t fall asleep, so I decided to practice more. I didn’t keep you up did I?”

Reminding himself of his own accomplishments, he surveyed the room, only just now managing to take in just how many birds he had created. Still adorned with some of his own creations himself, he spread his arms wide, allowing even more of the birds a place to perch upon him. Pink cheeks gave way to a prideful grin as he said “But look how many birds I made! It’s way more than I’ve ever made before! Isn’t it incredible?”

For a moment he felt further awkwardness when Lixue pointed out the caricatures of friends and family, having never intended anyone else to lay eyes on them. Especially not by one of those that had been represented by the figures themselves. But a part of him was proud of what he had accomplished, and her asking about it presented an opportunity to both speak more about his family and his abilities, perhaps his two favorite topics of discussion. An opportunity that he would not get to immediately take, as she made an offer of her own

Though unexpected, Lixue coming to check in on him had already made the vampire feel a bit better about the way the night had ended. While it pained him slightly that Raziel wasn’t around, that feeling was quickly swallowed by the joy of Lixue offering to serve as a temporary surrogate. Like he had when she presented him with the talisman, Fenriz walked up and wrapped his arms around the unsuspecting undead, sending the birds he was wearing scattering in various directions.

As if he was still holding back tears from earlier, he allowed himself a moment to sob quietly, and in turn provided himself a chance to release at least some of the weight he had been carrying from before. Though he dearly missed his actual sister, he couldn’t ask for a better stand in than someone who could better relate to his own troubles. Once he felt like he had gotten most of the tears out of his system he looked up at the unwilling recipients of his hug with a smile.

“Oh you asked about the shadow people I made. Most of them are my family like you said. Do you wanna see them?” Like he often did, he phrased this request in a way that implied an option, when in reality he had already decided this was what he wanted to do. Placing one of his hands in hers, he gently tugged at it in an attempt to lead her in for a closer look.

“These two are mom and dad” resting on his knees as he spoke, he hovered a hand over each one to indicate which one he was referring to “You remind me of dad, a bit”

With no intention of explaining what he meant by that, he paused just long enough to glance back, assessing whether he still had Lixue’s attention “This one is Raziel. My sister, remember? She has these really pretty wings. I can’t really make them as pretty with my powers but I tried my best. The one next to her is Miss Sanyi. She’s Raziel’s sister, and I guess that means she’s mine too”

While he enjoyed Sanyi’s company, when compared to the familiarity he shared with Raziel they were practically strangers. Still, he had promised to be as great a brother to her as he could, and it was clear she meant a lot to him as well.

“Remember when I told you Raziel got a bunch of people to help her in her quest? Well Miss Sanyi was one of them. And she’s a dragon! Or at least she can turn into one. Have you ever met someone who could change into something else like that? I bet it’s really helpful sometimes. If I could change into stuff I’d want it to be a bird though.”

After making his affinity for winged creatures even more apparent, he moved on to the final model, pausing for a moment as he realized who this one was supposed to portray. The boy blushed slightly, but continued to smile.

“This last one is my friend Miss Lixue” he avoided eye contact with the real priestess, instead keeping his focus on her shadow doppelganger “When we first met it was kind of rough. But since then she’s done her best to make it up to me, even though I still think she didn’t do anything wrong. Even though I haven’t known her for very long, I feel like I’ve learned a lot from her. She even gave me this really cool talisman in case I ever get in trouble. If I see her again I’d tell her I’m sorry for misusing it, and for worrying her. I’d also want to tell her thank you for her help, and I liked traveling with her”

He lifted himself back to his feet, spinning around to face her with a beaming, yet still pink face “I guess I was wrong. They’re all my family. At least for today”

Based on the fondness Lixue seemed to hold for her permanent siblings, Fenriz knew he had little hope of measuring up in comparison. But he sincerely hoped that he was capable of serving as an acceptable temporary brother. It was the least he could do to show his gratitude for all she had done for him.

“What do you think, by the way?” he asked, gesturing once more to the shadow puppets he had just shown off “This is the first time I tried something like this. Yours didn’t turn out exactly the way I wanted. I didn’t know how to make your dress… thing”

The moment he finished his apology, a wide yawn forced its way out of his body, causing him to quickly cover his mouth. By now most of the dark thoughts that had kept him awake had faded into his subconscious, and the early morning hours were visibly starting to catch up to the young vampire. One by one he dismissed the shadows he had conjured, before settling down in the corner he had tried falling asleep in previously. Somewhere in that same subconscious swam a bunch of questions about both of their natures, a conversation Lixue had stated she was open to having, but for now as he tried to stave off sleep for a scant few more moments, he chose to focus on more pleasant topics

“By the way, did you get enough energy earlier? I’m sorry if my questions got in the way” Though there were hints of Fenriz’s usually hyperactive demeanor, his slowed speech and heavy eyelids told the entire story “Did you know you talk kind of weird when you do that? It sounds like if a snail could talk”

Again the Vampire had embraced her without warning. However, unlike last time, she was not going to allow this opportunity to pass. Wrapping her own arms around Fenriz as the shadow birds took off in separate directions. Even without his response, it was clear to see by his constructs action that her offer greatly pleased the Young Boy.

Continuing the embrace she felt slight wetness and vibrations as if the Young Boy was crying. Unsure what to do next as she had never had to play the role of the older sibling, but she felt as if simply being there for Fenriz was all she had to do until he was done. Time seemed to be the answer as the stifled sobbing and tears halted against the Priestess' chest. Meeting his gaze with her own, Lixue dried off the remaining tears as she softly smiled back at Fenriz. Remaining silent as no words were necessary as she understood his fears and loneliness. Though even if it was just for a small moment in their unaging lives, the two Undead could shrug off their burdens and loneliness as they had each other.

While Lixue was perfectly fine with enjoying Fenriz's company in silence, it seemed as if Fenriz was ready to move on. Removing her arms to have one of her hands quickly claimed by the Vampire as his question seemed more like a command as he guided the Priestess towards his shadow family. Seating herself next to Fenriz as he hovered his hand over top of two of the shadows. Looking at both shadows she could see that one was more feminine than the other as Fenriz explained that they were his parents. Trying to find anything sort of detail to see if she knew of his clan, but Fenriz's comment on how she reminded him of his father broke her thought process. At first, the Priestess did not appreciate the comparison to a masculine figure when a feminine one was available. However, she was reminded of the Vampire's words when she told him to stay out of danger just like his father had done. Understanding what he had meant she noticed that Fenriz had stopped with the explanation as he looked to her. "Do not worry I understand what you meant. I never was the most ladylike of my sisters, even when I try to be like my sister my forward and blunt nature still seeps through". Ending her words with a breathy chuckle as she was well aware that she lacked feminity when compared to her sisters.

With the confirmation that Lixue was indeed listening, Fenriz continued on bringing attention to the shadow with wings that she knew as Raziel. While she knew that Fenriz and Raziel were not truly siblings she understood that both of them shared a strong bond similar to the one that she shares with Fenriz. "Yes, I remember the one you want me to be more like as she is surrounded by others. Though I don't think I'm as lonely as you may think as I have wonderful company presently".

Next was someone the Undead was not aware of. Introducing the figure as Sanyi, Lixue's interest was piqued by the mention of the Woman's draconic heritage. Disappointed slightly that Fenriz could not confirm if Sanyi was truly a dragon, but his question and wishes to be able to polymorph switched her focus as she coyly smiled at the Vampire. "I've met many creatures that can change their form, particularly vampires. Becoming a bird should not be too challenging for you as you become a more experienced vampire". Thinking about the future worried the Undead, as while Fenriz did not wish to harm others, no one can know what the future may bring for Fenriz when he begins to grow into his powers.

Casting her doubt aside as they both shared a promise, doubting her friend and comrade would do nothing to help them achieve their wish. Focusing back onto the last figure as something seemed to give Fenriz pause. Looking to the flustered Vampire as he avoided eye contact as he mentioned that the figure was in fact herself. Looking at the figure as she was surprised that in such a short time she had entered into such a personal circle. "I think this Lixue would prefer her friends to remove the honorifics and simply call her by her name. I also think that she did do something wrong, but is trying her best to see the who instead of the what. I don't think she'll ever stop worrying as she is concerned about you as you have been given a near impossible task before you have even truly lived". Referring to herself in the third person as she exchanges her feelings in an attempt to not embarrass Fenriz further. Looking to the Vampire as he stood up and spun around to grin at her even though he still seemed flustered by their exchange, but his next words would turn the tables on the Undead.

As he mentioned how for the moment they were family the Priestess paused as her eyes widened for a moment as she felt as if her heart had begun to beat once again. Staring at Fenriz in silence before looking away as she wrung her hands together. "Yes, I suppose we are for the day". She had forgotten what it felt like to be around family and those she truly cared for and while she was overjoyed by Fenriz's words the pain of knowing that her family was gone was still fresh in her mind.

Her attention snapped back to Fenriz as he asked her what she thought. Confused about the question, but his gesture towards his shadow figure of her and continuation helped flesh out his question. "Considering it's your first attempt and the first encounter with Karithian culture I'd say this is well above expectations as my first attempts with new magic usually end in failure".

Placing her attention toward her shadow self the beginning of a yawn could be heard before it was muffled by the owner. Looking to the Tired Fenriz with a light smile, "It looks like you've finally run out of energy". Taking note of the figure being dismissed one by one until it was only herself and Fenriz now settling down in a nearby corner. As he fought against his fatigue he would ask and mention odd things about her when she was meditating while apologizing for disturbing her. " As I said before I am more than happy to ease your curiosity, and do not worry I have plenty of magic available if the need arises".

Seating herself in the corner with Fenriz. " A snail you say, though if I was responding it was most likely subconsciously as I am not aware of the questions you had asked at that time. Though questions can wait as sleep is important. While I may not be a giant snail I am more than likely more comfortable than the floor". Patting her legs as she offered to be a makeshift pillow for Fenriz as her sister had done for her. Raising one hand a blanket would suddenly appear, "If you prefer to sleep alone I can leave the blanket with you as I was never able to fall asleep without a blanket".

"I still have plenty of energy left" Fenriz protested, his statement immediately betrayed by another yawn. Even if his body was ready to go to bed, his mind was not quite prepared to do the same. As she sat down next to him, the events of the night that had led to this point began to replay themselves in his head. Though there were certain parts that he didn't particularly care for, he was generally pleased with how the night had gone. He was also reminded that he had never gotten his revenge for Lixue's prank. Far too tired to complete such a quest now, he silently vowed that this war was not yet over.

"No you can say" he said hastily. Though his words suggested he was giving her permission to stick around, his tone implied that it was more of a request for her continued company. Taking the blanket he had been offered, he wrapped it around his shoulders. Though his cloak often was a serviceable cover, it was nothing compared to the warmth of the blanket.

"Do you think that giant snails are real? I've never seen one. I've seen a regular snail though. They're kind of gross. Would they move faster than a regular one? I bet if giant ones do exist you've probably seen one" As his already barely functioning filter began to fail, the many random thoughts that filled the young vampire's head were almost instantly turned to words. "Its a good thing you aren't one, though. Then you'd be even grosser than the regular one"

The mental image of his friend as a giant snail would have been amusing for the young vampire at any hour. But in this increasingly delirious state he found himself in as he pushed well passed his normal bedtime, it seemed to be the most hilarious thing he could picture. Though he weakly attempted to stop himself, his muffled snickering very quickly gave way to a full on laughing fit.

"You'd have these long eyeball things on your head and everything" he sputtered out through unbridled laughter. After this realization, he allowed himself a few more chuckles before his self-amusement came to a controllable level, allowing him to speak normally, or at least as close to normal that he was capable of, though his thoughts still hadn't drifted away from molluscs "Snails have really cool shells, though! I bet if you were a snail you'd have the most amazing looking shell! Better than all the other snails combined"

Putting one final thought a subject he had put far too many into already, he placed a small hand on his chin "Though, now that I think about it, snails tend to live in forests, right? I've hung out in a lot of forests, so I guess if a giant one did exist, I probably would have seen it too. Maybe they live in that forest Miss Ciara was from, though she never really mention giant snails…"

Having spent what little energy he did still possess, he rested his head on the lap he had been offered earlier.. Though he was thankfully not in a position to be affected by it, he flinched at the sight of sunlight creeping through a small hole in the wall. Even though he had taken note of it when he chose this particular room, he had also intended to be asleep before daylight had broken. No longer having the drive to lift his head, much less actually seek out a different room, Fenriz chose to place his faith in the undead should any unexpected structural changes arise.

"I've seen a lot of stuff too, you know. Probably even some stuff you've never seen before. I've met a lot of fun people too. Even ones I didn't tell you about earlier, like Miss Ciara. She was funny. I can tell you about them sometime if you want." Again, it was likely that this was less of a request and more of a warning. "When I see sis again, I want to tell her about the stuff I told you. I'm not sure how, but I think you're right. She would want to know"

With one final yawn, his eyelids forced themselves shut as he whispered out the last words he would utter before waking up again "Maybe I'll get the chance to introduce her to my friend Lixue, too"