AN: Only a couple more chapters left. I decided to keep this book short and manageable. Trust me, it was oh-so tempting to lose control and make this into a full-length novel. Truly. But no, short stories, I tell myself. I can tell more with short stories. Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter~

Chapter 6:

"Vasilios, do you recognise anything?"

They had been walking through the labyrinth idly, retracing their steps toward the entrance. They spent that time acclimatizing to their surroundings, inspecting and investigating, ensuring that their map was accurate. And, of course, allowing their new companion to gather his bearings, to organically return a fraction of his memories.

Still in his small bat form, Vasilios rested his chin on the lip of Lynus' medical bag, his bright blue eyes staring out at the greenery around them. "Sort of. I don't recognise the surroundings, but the atmosphere." His pointy ears folded flat against his head and he made a small noise of discomfort, "Hnnng there's something else…"

"Easy now; don't try to force it," Lynus immediately comforted. "Just relax and let the memories return to your naturally." If their surroundings weren't provoking his memories, perhaps a topic of conversation would. "Oh, do you mind if I ask how you are able to turn into a bat?"

"Yeah." Drayce immediately perked up as he slowed in his steps to walk beside Lynus, his attention drawn to his bag. "I'm interested in knowing. You can do it at will, right?"

Vasilios raised his head, his ears twitching as he regarded Drayce with equal curiosity. "Well, yes. Though sometimes I can be startled into changing. I don't know how, I just to it."

"Ah, an innate skill. Very cool. I've met a lot of interesting folks, but you're the first who change shapeshift like that."

"Hm? Really? Can I ask something in return?"

"Wondering why we're roaming around in a labyrinth, right?"

As Drayce spoke with Vasilios, chatting amicably with him, it allowed Lynus a moment to study the outgoing dragoon.

Drayce was quite the friendly fellow, able to engage in conversation with everyone he met. His enthusiasm and interest in others were a sincere trait of his. His innate compassion for others was what made him a natural extrovert. Nosy, but not intrusive. Honest up front, allowing even the most silent and sullen introvert to speak to him.

With Drayce still explaining to Vasilios about their expedition, Lynus' gaze soon travelled to the rest of their companions.

Now, Lindis was someone he would call an easy-going introvert. Calm, steadfast in honesty, from himself and others. A silent figure of loyalty; his presence had the ability to calm others. How he was like in battle, Lynus wasn't entirely sure. He was a skilled warrior, that was a fact that carried over in his silent vigilance. Yet, he was indeed a highlander. And if his abilities were anything like those of Zeryn and Gage, then he had…self-harm tendencies.

Oracle was truly an interesting fellow. He was someone who was abrupt, frank, and probably far too honest. His sarcastic, brisk personality belies a truly inquisitive and protective person. He cared greatly for others, his guildmates in particular, and he was blatantly honest about it. His skills over elementals and astrology greatly enhanced when those he cared for were threatened, even if that threat was nothing more than someone staring at them from a distance.

Lastly, there was Roxbury. Polite, protective, friendly; he held the trademarks of a true leader. Able to speak with others, both inquisitive and comforting. Constantly thinking about others, more than himself. Neither an extrovert or introvert. A nice middle ground. He knew how to conduct himself in an appropriate manner, and knew when to maintain his leadership and when to simply be himself.

They were all strong-willed individuals, trustworthy and loyal. Yet, it was clear that they all carried past hurts. Unfortunately, there was no one in their guilds that didn't. Lynus obviously did not know all of their stories, as they didn't know his. But, at times, he could see the shadows of burdens that they carried on their shoulders.

Axel likely saw those burdens, too. Or rather some individuals induced his protective instincts. He got along with all their current companions easily, which was no surprise. He, however, was more drawn to Roxbury and Drayce.

"Hey, Drayce, check this out."

Axel's voice pulled Lynus from his musings and prompted Drayce to interrupt his conversation with Vasilios. It was then that Lynus realised that they had entered into a small room. One like the others they had encountered. Except for one detail; a short stone pillar jutted out from the northern of the room.

Naturally, everyone gathered closer to inspect their latest curiosity.

The stone was the same that made up the vast majority of the labyrinth; dark grey, covered in most, with bright blue crystal veins. It stood waist high, about the width of a support pillar. However, the most striking thing about it was the indentation upon the centre of the forward tilting peak. In the form of a human hand, blue crystal veins spiderwebbed through the stone, yet the crystal blue was dull. As if an energy source had been removed.

"It's definitely an altar," Drayce murmured as he continued to inspect the object. "With a hand print. Vasilios?"

Vasilios was silent at first, his nose crinkled in a sign of deep thought. "Nope. Nothing is revealing itself."

Drayce turned to give him a small smile. "That's fine. Still, I wouldn't place my hand onto this thing until I learn a bit more about this labyrinth."

Which was a good idea. This labyrinth was certainly revealing itself to be an interesting one.

From the corner of his eye, Lynus noted that Oracle had wandered away from the group slightly, his attention focused forward. As though he had seen something. And seeing something he did; bending down, he scooped something up from just behind the foliage.

Lindis had also noticed Oracle's wanderings and soon moved to join him, with protectiveness and curiosity in his aura. He stood by the zodiac as he stood up, holding something dark in his hands. From the way the two stood, Lynus couldn't see what it was that the two were inspecting.

But he did catch a little bit of their conversation.

"…in a fragile state."

"…pages are missing."

"…what does it say?"

Hm? Had they discovered a book? One that managed to survive the elements?

"Ok, head's up, everyone." Axel's stern warning prompted Lynus to immediately turn his attention to his husband, tensing subconsciously. He found his redhead staring at the foliage in front of them, his posture casual, but protective tension rested on his shoulders.

"What's wrong?" Roxbury asked as he moved to stand by Axel. He soon realised that his gaze was focused forward, toward the higher branches of the canopy of trees. He followed his gaze, and as he did so, he frowned, tensing slightly. "A fog?"

Axel shook his head. "No, it's green."

Lynus turned toward the canopy as well, immediately spying the strange green smoke-like substance as it snaked through the foliage and greenery. He winced and instinctively snared the elbow of Drayce, the one closest to him. "It's mildly toxic," he revealed as he tugged Drayce back along with him.

"Where is it coming from?" Drayce asked as the gathered by the doors, ready to flee should it be necessary. "I'm pretty sure we've been to these halls before."

"…There's a monster here," Vasilios revealed quietly in his squeaky, high-pitched voice. "It must have awoken when I did."

"It's possible that we somehow disturbed it, too." Axel tilted his head back a little bit further, to peer through the tall reaching branches. "Anyway, the light is fading. I suggest we return to the Sanctuary for now."

Yes, that would be for the best. Though, they may need some time to prepare Vasilios for his introduction into the Sanctuary. There were a lot of people for him to meet. It might be overwhelming for him, even though he appeared rather content with the six of them. There had to be…eighty people living in the Sanctuary now?

As they travelled through the labyrinth and out into the vast fields and forests, Lynus was deep in his thoughts once more. That green mist, it was natural yet the origin was not of that of the labyrinth. It must be that monster that Vasilios mentioned. And yet, he hadn't sensed a malicious presence.

Perhaps it was just starting to awakening when they left. If so, they best keep the location of the labyrinth hidden until it was dealt with. It was not the best introduction to the world of exploration for rookies and novice explorers.

That toxicity…it was mild. Not enough to cause death in a person. Definitely not immediately. Only if one was exposed to if for an extended amount of time. Months or even years. Still, it had acidic side effect, causing confusion and nausea. Not to forget that it would also cause irritation to the eyes and nose, potentially affecting breathing.

Again, it depended on exposure.

An abrupt tagging of his medical bag pulled Lynus from his thoughts and he instinctively paused in his steps. He noted idly that they were in the dense patch of forest that would eventually lead them to the greater plains where the city of Maginia resided. He looked down at his bag, where Vasilios had already partly climbed out.

"What's wrong?"

Still in his bat form, Vasilios climbed along the strap of the bag and rested upon Lynus' shoulder. With a tiny clawed arm, he pointed to their right. Toward a tall strand of trees that shadowed part of the forest in darkness. "There. Go over there. I remember something."

Vasilios was so insistent that they had no choice but to follow his directions, even though the sky was turning into a darker shade of blue, indicating sunset only a couple more hours away. Regardless, they pushed on. Through the tall stand of trees and underbrush. Dense, lush, almost impenetrable. And yet…there was an old path, paved in stone amongst the undergrowth. Walled in with spiralling roots and plant life, the paving stones jutting from the soil and broken in several places.

Despite appearances, it was still a path. Different to the stone work of the labyrinth.

The path led them deeper into the forest where they encountered a tall stone wall, of which held a steel gate. Much like the boundary wall that surrounded the Sanctuary. A sign of human inhabitation. The gates were bent and twisted, rusted, doing nothing to bar the way.

It wasn't the gate that had their undivided attention, it was what laid beyond it.

A building. An old, dilapidated building at that. Three stories, perhaps. Surrounded in tall trees, nestled within the roots. A stone staircase, broken and fractured, led up to a set of grand doors. Of which, truly miraculously, stayed intact. Though now a dull, sorry rusty red in colour. The small trees and roots that surrounded the structure, also weaved through the numerous windows and walls, causing damage that time alone could do.

"It's a building," Drayce murmured, breaking the silence that fell over them as they stood before the fallen gate. "Marblestone Mansion."

Lynus felt a sense of heartache from the small bat on his shoulder. He wondered if he should say something, to question if he was alright. He chose to stay silent as Vasilios fluttered from his shoulder, disappearing into a puff of smoke briefly, only to reappear in his human form a moment later.

Vasilios staggered forward, his arms hanging loosely by his sides. "…Home?"

Lynus winced to himself as a slight stabbing pain appeared in his heart. It wasn't his pain, however. It was Vasilios', he was merely experiencing it along with him. He sent a brief glance in Axel's direction and they shared a silent conversation. Needless to say, they were going to follow.

Vasilios continued to walk at a slow, staggering pace. As though he was in a trance of some kind. An inner, personal trance.

"It's so…old," Roxbury murmured, more to himself than anyone else as they followed behind Vasilios. "It's been hundreds of years since someone lived here."

Yes. If…if these ruins, these broken remains of a once grand estate were once his home…then he had been asleep for a very long time.

The foyer of the mansion was as ruined and derelict as the outside; only the barest of threads revealed the presence of once luxurious carpeting and flooring. The wallpapers peeled and torn, covered in moss and mould. There was no furniture to be seen. Only a grand staircase, with once exquisite carved handrails of wood.

It was that same staircase that Vasilios drifted toward at his steady, yet stumbling pace.

"Be careful." Roxbury was unable to prevent himself from issuing a well-meaning warning. "Those stairs might be dangerous."

Vasilios didn't hear him, however. He had a set destination in mind. And it appeared to be the middle landing of the stairs. Where a large, oil-painted portrait.

Vasilios paused at the top of the stairs as he stared forward. At the painting. He slowly took a step. Then another before he stood before a painting that hung slightly lopsided upon the wall. Four people were in that painting. One of them was...himself. It was a family portrait.

Everyone else lingered by the stairs in respectful but somewhat awkward silence as Vasilios continued to simply stare at the painting.

Lynus could sense his whirling emotions; disbelief, pain, heartache, the dawning realisation that...everything was gone. His home. His family. Everyone and everything he once knew and loved, the placed that brought him safety and comfort. His security. His everything...was gone.

Vasilios took a slight stumbling step forward and when he did a soft sound of a bell broke the silence. It prompted Vasilios to look down at his feet, finally tearing his gaze away from the painting. As he looked down, however, he uttered a small gasp. He slowly crouched down, his movements unsteady, and picked up the object that made that sound.

It appeared to be a pet collar. Likely that of Snugglebug, his beloved cat companion.

As Vasilios gentle cradled the collar within his hands, Lynus could sense that he was on the verge of breaking down.

Silently, Lynus removed his medical bag from his shoulder and handed it to Axel, who took it with a sad and understanding look. Lynus then walked over to where Vasilios was still crouched. He didn't say anything as he reached him, nor when he touched his shoulder to let him down that he was there. No words could be said. No words could be of a comfort.

Instead, Lynus simply knelt down in front of him and guided Vasilios' head to his shoulder. The very moment that Vasilios' forehead touched his shoulder, a sob escaped his lips. And then, he broke. He wrapped his arms around Lynus' tightly as he pressed his face into his shoulder and sobbed. Painfully. No words. No attempt to communicate. He just cried out his pain.

And Lynus just held him, offering him comfort in the only way he could.

… … … … …

The ruins of the once grand mansion were solemnly quiet. Lynus sat at the very top step of the grand staircase. On his lap, sleeping, was Vasilios. So exhausted from his pain that he turned into his bat form and promptly passed out. The realisation and pain were too much for him to handle all at once. And yet, he felt that there were many more memories for him to remember.

Axel sat next to Lynus at the top step, his arm around his shoulders to offer him silent comfort. Scattered about on the lower steps before them were the rest of their party. All silent and lost in their own ponderings. And worried for Vasilios.

"What should we do now?" Drayce asked softly.

"We should probably take Vasilios back to the Sanctuary for now," Axel answered as he looked down at the bat that laid sprawled across Lynus' lap.

"And the mansion?" Drayce questioned as he looked around at his surroundings. "It's everything that Vasilios once had. There must be important mementos here for him, you know? And…I'm kinda worried about looters and bandits trashing the place in search of things to sell off."

At the very bottom step of the stairs Lindis uttered a sighed as he pushed himself to his feet. "I was thinking about that, too," he admitted. "I don't wish for Vasilios to lose everything."

"Then, we'll just have to take what we can before the looters get knowledge of this place," Oracle announced.

Everyone turned to regard him curiously for a moment as Oracle also took to his feet and walked up the stairs to the central landing. He folded his hands into the sleeves of his robes and turned to face everyone.

"Just as that; take everything that Vasilios holds dear to him back to the Sanctuary where it will be safe."

That…made a lot of sense. They couldn't protect the crumbling mansion as it was. But they could protect some of the things inside. The important things like diaries, mementos, personal belongings. Things that held a personal value rather than a monetary value.

"…Library."

Startled by the high-pitched voice, Lynus looked down toward his lap to find that Vasilios had stirred awake. He must have heard what they were discussing. He climbed along Lynus' arm to his shoulder before haphazardly taking flight. Only to turn back to his human form in a puff of smoke.

"There's a library here," he explained. "I remember it. It has a few journals and tomes. Yes, books that were supposed to keep hidden."

Could the library have survived all this time?

"Then, I'll return to the Sanctuary to inform the others," Lindis announced.

Oracle summoned his etheric wings and glided down the steps to join him. "I'll go, too. We'll likely will be in need of a cart or two to carry Vasilios' belongings back to town."

It was good that they were being so thorough in their attempts to preserve what little remains of the estate was left. Yet, Lynus felt concern wash over him as he turned to their new companion.

"Are you alright with this?" he asked him quietly.

Vasilios was taken aback by the question and he abruptly fell silent. His inquire likely prompted him to realise that they were still only just strangers to him, and that he had been asleep in a magical coma for so long.

Were they moving too quickly? Or had he had grasped onto the situation far quicker than anticipated.

"Y-yes, it's fine," he answered after a pause. "I have nowhere else to go. No one else to turn to. You…you all feel trustworthy to me. You would have to be, to have…awaken me."

Lynus tilted his head to the side in curiosity. Had more of his memory returned. Did he remember how and why he was placed into that magical sleep? He didn't voice his questions, however. Too intrusive. Perhaps even time consuming. Dragging up too many bad memories more so.

So, he simply nodded his head, which prompted Vasilios to present him with a small, half smile. A sign of gratitude. And with that, he turned and moved toward the right hallway. With Lindis and Oracle making their own exit, the remaining members of their party quickly followed Vasilios.

The hall he led them through was just as damaged, some parts of the floor precarious. Thankfully, Vasilios soon led them to a set of doors, one leaning at a slight angle, while the other was jutted half open.

"Here." Vasilios pressed his shoulder into the partly open door, forcing it to open. "This is it."

Cautiously, Lynus and his companions made their way into the room, prompted by Vasilios. And what they found was quite the surprise!

The room was spacious, yet bookcases from floor to ceiling, occupied the vast majority of the space. Many of them were in surprisingly good condition, in spite of the open windows, invading nature, and crumbling surroundings.

"Wow," Drayce whistled, clearly impressed. "This library is even bigger than the one I had in the Crescentia." He paused abruptly as he did some calculations in his head. And promptly smiled nervously. "So, that means there's a lot of books here."

Axel and Lynus had been given a tour of Drayce's library only briefly, but they too, realised that if they were to preserve these books and take them back to the Sanctuary, then they had a long night (and possibly day) ahead of them.

The sooner they get to work, the better.

"Right," Axel murmured as he rolled up his sleeves. "Let's start pulling the books from the shelves and placing them into stacks. We can look through them later."

"Vasilios, would you like to rest some more?" Lynus asked.

Vasilios shook his head. "I'm alright. However, I believe there are more mementos I would like to search for."

Roxbury rested his hand on his shoulder. "I'll go with you. Lead the way."

Vasilios nodded his head, a sense of relief in his aura. "Yes, this way."

Hm, it would be good for him to keep busy. Though, it may bring forth more memories for him. Of which he would have to deal with, whether he liked it or not. Hopefully, back at the Sanctuary, where he could mourn in private, but surrounded by warmth and security.

Until then, they had better get to work.