AN: So sorry for the wait! My health, yet again, has completely gone down the toilet this month. I won't go into details as it would take way too long. Anyway, hope you enjoy reading~!

Chapter 7:

While he was oh-so curious to flick through the pages of the many, many books within Vasilios' library, Lynus restrained himself and set about helping in carrying the more fragile and delicate books down to the foyer. Where they could then be moved back to Maginia once Lindis and Oracle returned with assistance.

Many of the books were badly damaged, from both time and the elements. Yet, many more were in reasonable condition, even with the yellowing and fraying of the pages.

And, from a simple, curious glance, he noted that many were written in a language he did not know nor recognise. Which was quite…curious.

A commotion outside alongside a flurry of familiar auras pulled Lynus from his work and he turned to gaze outside, through the front entrance. With several lanterns to illuminate the way, a large group of people with two carriages gathered in the overgrown courtyard of the mansion. He set down the books in his arms and moved out onto the front step, ready to welcome them.

"Did we keep you waiting?" Oracle asked casually, as he wandered up to him with his hands folded into the sleeves of his robes once more.

"We've been keeping ourselves busy," Lynus replied. "Apparently, the library is slightly bigger than the one of Drayce's Crescentia."

That caught the attention of Shashi, who joined the two of them with Ashton right behind him. "Hm? Bigger? Now, I am most curious."

Ashton sighed a clearly long-suffering sigh. "Of course." Naturally, Shashi ignored him. Probably didn't even hear him, honestly.

"Ah, you're back." Roxbury's voice greeted them first before he stepped out to join them on the terrace. In his arms a box, likely of the trinkets personal to Vasilios, and on his shoulder, in bat form was their new companion.

He likely got nervous when he heard and saw the commotion of their companions.

"Oh, good. You managed to find some of your mementos," Lynus said as Roxbury set the box down, moving to ensure that the bat upon his shoulder stayed there, comfortably.

Roxbury nodded his head before he tilted his head slightly, indicating toward the little black bat. "Vasilios, these are our guildmates. Don't worry."

Shashi's gaze flickered over to Vasilios and he tilted his head to the side in interest. "I've been informed that you could turn into a bat at will. Fascinating. You have a unique aura."

Vasilios looked nervous as he turned his head toward Roxbury. "How big is this…guild of yours?"

That was a fair question. There were to be a lot of introductions for him in the future. They would have to move slowly, however. Everything around him, all the information of a flying city and exploration; it was sure to be overwhelming for him.

Unfortunately, there was little they could do to ease him into it slowly.

Roxbury smiled reassuringly at the small bat perched upon his shoulder, even raising his hand to pat him upon his head. "There's a community of us, yes. But they're all good people. You'll get along with them."

Oracle unfolded a hand from his sleeve and also gave pat to the top of Vasilios' head as he walked past. "Now, let's leave Vasilios be. He still needs to adjust to having so many strangers around. With that said, we've also got a lot of work to do. It's going to be a long night."

With several others behind him, Lindis approached. Instead of moving inside, he paused by the terrace and picked up the box by Roxbury's feet. "They're already arranging a private room for you, Vasilios," he revealed, easily lifting the box into his arms. "Your private mementos will be safe."

That obviously reassured Vasilios and he nodded his head slightly. He stayed perched on Roxbury's shoulder as everyone moved inside, filing toward the library. After the understandable comments of surprise and interest, everyone quickly got to work. The removal and safety of the products were more important.

"There's something else," Vasilios said as he paced the library in his human form and held his head with his hands. "Something important. Sealed. Beneath…somewhere."

Lynus placed down the books in his hands, walked over to him and stopped him from pacing by lifting his hand and placed it upon Vasilios' forehead. "That's enough for now. You're tired and weary as it. Don't force the memories to return so quickly. You need to rest for now."

"Yes," Roxbury agreed as he walked to stand near Vasilios, too. "You're safe now, so there's no need to put yourself through any more pain and suffering."

Vasilios looked between the two of them for a few silent moments before he lowered his hands to his sides. And offered them both a small smile. "Perhaps you're right. I just…need to rest for a moment."

Turning into his smaller bat form once again, Vasilios crawled back into Lynus' medical bag. To ensure his comfort further, Axel idly unfurled his scarf and dropped it into the bag for him to make a nest out of. He soon fell asleep, and slept soundly as others bustled around him. He may have been in a magical sleep for years, but the trauma of awakening and following amnesia was draining, mentally and physically.

Carefully, so not to disturb his slumber, Lynus lifted the bag and carried it to the window. The sun had fallen and the night sky was fully upon them. He remembered that Vasilios told him that the night sky and moonlight offered him healing.

And after the stress he had been through, healing was what he needed.

"He's already asleep?" Roxbury asked, depositing a pillar of books upon a table to be boxed.

Lynus nodded. "How was he, when he was retrieving his mementos?"

"Quiet, mostly." Roxbury frowned slightly, wholly worried. "But you could tell that his heart was breaking upon realising how damaged his home is. The true impact of what all this truly means will strike him eventually."

Lynus idly tugged the scarf around Vasilios, ensuring his warmth. "Yes. He's been very open and trusting. Which makes me relieved that we found him first."

"Hm, indeed."

Vasilios was sure to be the subject of protection by the others of their collective guilds. There were many very protective people, more than one could count on both hands. Which was good.

"We still haven't finished with the labyrinth yet," Drayce commented from where he worked alongside Axel.

"Leave it be for now," Axel returned. "With the explorers eager to compete against each other to conquer it, it'll give us time to sort out things here."

An expression of realisation appeared on Drayce's face and he nodded. "You're right. Though, once they realise that they can't explore any further than the first floor, they're going to get frustrated. Not to mention that green mist was going to cause some trouble."

"That's why we need to finish up here quickly, too," Axel added with a half-smile. "We just need to grab everything we can and run."

"The ol' snatch-and-grab, got it," Drayce said jokingly as he nodded his head and continued with the hurried packing of books.

They soon fell into a comfortable silence, eager to get their work done as quickly as possible.

And before they knew it, it was well into the early hours and they were finally winning at emptying the seemingly limitless library. Having been up early that morning, spending the entirety of the day traipsing around a labyrinth, Lynus himself was feeling rather tired. Crawling into a bed of his own would be most welcome.

Having noted the tiredness from Lynus and his companions that joined him in the labyrinth, Ashton and Shashi insisted that they would oversee the rest of the relocating of the books and honesty anything of worth from the mansion. They have done such things in the past, apparently, and Drayce was more than confident in them.

So, hitching a ride on the latest carriage pulling into down, Lynus stifled a yawn as he set his bag on his lap. Vasilios continued to take refuge in Lynus' bag, especially as they moved closer to the bright, glimmering lights of the large city of Maginia.

He peered out through the flap, hidden uncomfortably in the shadows, his bright blue eyes wide in a mixture of surprise, awe, and unease.

"Sorry. It must be overwhelming for you," Lynus commented, truly wishing there was an easy way to ease Vasilios into his new surroundings. His home, his enchanted sleep; he's been alone and isolated for so long.

"A…city?"

"Yes. A flying city. That is how we made our way here."

Vasilios sunk deeper into the bag as the lights brightened, blindingly so after the dim, dark light of the night. Despite being so early in the morning (sunrise likely just a couple of hours away now), the streets and paths were bustling with a steady throng of people. Explorers and locals, with all the eccentricities.

"It's scary, I understand," Lynus continued to offer some comfort. "But I promise you'll be safe within the Sanctuary."

"There are…so many people here. I've never seen…"

Poor thing. His unease was palpable, yet there was also a sense of curiosity in his aura. He truly hadn't seen such a thing before. To be fair, many of the new inhabitants had never encountered anything even close to Maginia before, either. So, he was in good company.

He wasn't worried that the others would react negatively toward Vasilios. He knew they wouldn't. His concern was directed entirely toward Vasilios and how he would respond to so many inquiring people.

"This is it. This is the Sanctuary, where we live," Lynus said as the cart pulled through the large gates and into the courtyard. "And where you can stay, along with us."

Vasilios crawled out of Lynus' bag and along his arm. As the cart pulled to a stop, allowing for Lynus and his companions to disembark, he took to a short flight. In a becoming familiar puff of green smoke, Vasilios reappeared in his human form. He silently looked around, doing a completely three-sixty to take in his new surroundings. "It really is a community."

The doors of the foyer flung open suddenly and a band of familiar figures appeared. With the very familiar Cedric at the forefront, with a bright and cheerful greeting, "Welcome back!"

"Did you guys wait up for us?" Axel asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Indeed! We're eager to meet this new friend of yours." Cedric's gaze soon focused in on a stunned Vasilios and his enthusiasm grew. "Ah, there you are!"

Those who had accompanied Cedric for his greetings soon swamped around him, their attentions (as harmless as they were) were focused upon Vasilios as well.

Unsurprisingly, Vasilios squeaked in surprise and startled himself back to his bat form. After the smoke dissipated, he fluttered awkwardly in the air before he flapped over to Axel. He latched onto his arm and climbed up onto his shoulder. He dropped down behind his back slightly, just peering over the top of his shoulder at the group of people in front of them.

"Hey hey. No ganging up on the new guy. Give him some space," Axel ordered protectively.

"Now, we're just interested in making a new friend," Cedric countered, not even remotely intimidated.

"Wow, you can turn into a bat?" Fletcher interjected before Cedric could say anything more. He was unperturbed, however, event taking a step back to allow the younger members to surround Axel and Vasilios. "That's so cool. What else can you do?"

Vasilios peered down at them, blinking his bright blue eyes. "Ah…well…"

Faelen brightened. "You can talk as a bat, too? Wow!"

Blayden snorted, amused. "That's your voice?"

Vasilios bristled. "Don't make fun of my voice!" he squeaked out in a fury.

"Yeah!" Faelen immediately agreed, turning to give Blayden a not at all intimidating glare. "I think it's cute."

That caused Vasilios to blink, truly surprised. "You do?"

"Turning into a bat is so cool," Fletcher prattled. "I totally wish I could."

Baldur coughed unexpectedly, though it was clearly forced and fake. "So, you can get a higher perspective?" he asked quickly and quietly.

Fletcher heard him, nevertheless. "Shut up!"

Axel watched the scene of the younger members to bicker innocently amongst themselves. He reached up and patted Vasilios reassuringly on the head, a motion that Vasilios himself seemed to appreciate. "Don't worry, they're all harmless here."

Either Axel's words reassured him or the actions of those before him, Vasilios nodded his head regardless. He jumped off of Axel's shoulder and once again returned to his human form. Yet, with a bit more flare, Lynus noted. No doubt to impress his new admirers. Which worked, with them prattling at him about his skill.

The scene was heartening, and it did well in easing Lynus' own concerns.

Until he felt a shiver race up his spine, prompting him to tense. He wasn't the only one that endured that sudden shudder, as Drayce lurched for, his hand out at the very moment that a certain white wraith appeared in an attempt to shoo him away. He appeared right before Vasilios, looking smug and mischievous while Vasilios' eyes widened and his breath hitch in his throat.

"H-hey, Theo, maybe you shouldn't-"

"It's so cute!" Vasilios unexpectedly stated and wrapped his arms around Theo is a tight hug before the wraith himself could do anything. He squeezed him tightly, squishing his cheek against Theo's as he actually nuzzled him. "You're so squishy. You look just like a Halloween ghost."

Drayce paused, as did everyone else. They hadn't expected such a response. Though, maybe they should have as others within their guilds had reacted similar.

A relief, in all honesty.

"Wait." Keita pushed his way between the younger members and stood in front of Vasilios, a look of surprise on his face. He also had a sense of excitement. "You know what Halloween is?"

"Of course, I do." Vasilios pulled his cheek away from Theo's, the wraith falling limp in his arms (likely lamenting that there was another who wasn't afraid) and turned his attention toward Keita. "The Jack-o-lanterns, the black bats, the spider webs, witch's hats, black cats. I love them all."

"Wh-what about the candy?"

"Of course! Loath candy corn, though."

Lynus shared a look with Axel, the both of them smiling. Perhaps their worry was misplaced. Vasilios was to fit in well with their guilds.

… … … … …

It was about ten in the morning as Lynus made his way through the halls of the large dorm building of the Sanctuary. He had managed to get a few hours of rest, though somewhat fitful, his mind replaying the day's events continuously. And allowing for intriguing questions to arise.

Most of all, his thoughts were focused upon their newest addition; Vasilios.

And from Roxbury appearing from another stairwell, close to the room that was gifted to Vasilios, he wasn't the only one. "Ah, going to check in on Vasilios, too?"

Roxbury wasn't remotely surprised to see him, simply smiling and nodding his head in greeting. "Yes. I can't help myself, I'm afraid."

"I know that feeling all too well."

They soon reached the door leading to Vasilios' room, and they stood together as Roxbury tapped his knuckles against the door. "Vasilios? It's Roxbury and Lynus. We just wanted check in on you."

A mere moment later, the door opened and Vasilios appeared. His hair was slightly dishevelled and he wore a simply pair of trousers and white button up shirt. He opened the door wider, allowing for the two to step inside.

It was an average room, like the others of the dorm. Heavy curtains blanketed the window, preventing sunlight from streaming in, and potentially causing Vasilios discomfort. The box that held some of his personal trinket sat upon the desk, much of its contents littering the room.

"Sorry if we're intruding," Lynus began. "Did you manage to get any more sleep? It must be overwhelming for you to be around so many new people."

Vasilios gave a small smile and a shrug. "In a way. Yet, it's oddly comforting, too. I have…had a big family."

One didn't need to be an empath to feel and see the despair in Vasilios' aura. It was just as Lynus had feared; being alone in his room, surrounded with the small remains of his past, of his previous life, left alone with his memories. His heart breaking, and not being able to do anything to stop it.

"Can I…really be all that's left?" Vasilios murmured, not meaning to say aloud.

Lynus wished he could answer that. He truly did. And he knew that Roxbury felt the same.

"Are your memories beginning to return?" Roxbury asked softly.

Vasilios looked away, over to the desk where his trinkets sat. "I…remember something. There was another family. They loathed ours. Jealous of our duty and purpose. They…they are the ones responsible for all of this. They attacked without mercy."

Another family? Lynus shared a brief look with Roxbury before they both returned their attention back to Vasilios. That meant there was another structure, similar to that of Marblestone Mansion if there was another family living somewhere on Lemuria.

That…probably shouldn't be a surprised. It's a large island, after all. Life could dwell and survive everywhere.

Still, to think that two families had been at war with one another…

Their purpose, though. Did that have something to do with the labyrinth? With why Vasilios was placed in that enchanted sleep?

A sudden knock at the door prompted the three of them to fall silent. It was then that they realised that they had left the door ajar as they stepped in. Thankfully, it was Oracle and Lindis that stood at the threshold. Neither of the two were surprised to see that Vasilios already had company.

"We thought you would be here, too," Oracle said nonchalantly as he and Lindis stepped inside, the highlander turning to quietly close the door behind them.

Lynus tilted his head to the side. "Something wrong?"

But Oracle shook his head. "No. We just have something we need to give to Vasilios."

Lindis moved past Oracle and presented a well-worn black book toward Vasilios. "Here. This belongs to you."

Vasilios glanced down at the book, his eyes abruptly widening. "That's…?"

"I found a journal within the labyrinth," Oracle began. "Pages were missing, but we found them scattered throughout Marblestone Mansion. "

Ah, so that was what the two of them were doing at the mansion. He had wondered what caused the two to scour the rooms, believing at the time that they were simply inspecting the structure of the building. He did wonder why they kept their endeavour a secret. Was it because his focus was on Vasilios himself?

"It's…from your father."

Oh…

Vasilios' eyes somehow widen further and he stilled. But only for a brief moment. He soon had the journal in his hands and he flipped through the pages. Seemingly searching for something.

Lynus hadn't an idea what was written in the journal. It wasn't his place to ask. Far too intrusive. But from the respectful silence and regard from both Oracle and Lindis, whatever was inside that small book was written from the heart. Very much so, with Vasilios dropping down to sit on the edge of his bed, his trembling hands barely holding his book.

Tears began to roll down his cheeks.

The urge to comfort him was immediate, as the waves of Vasilios' heartbreak fell over him. However, he felt a hand on his shoulder, which kept him back. He tilted his head back to look up at Roxbury, who in turn smiled softly and shook his head. Silently telling him that it was time for Lindis and Oracle to be the ones to offer comfort. They knew what resided in that book far more than he could.

So, Lynus nodded and stayed back.

Lindis crouched down in front of Vasilios. "Your father loved you very much."

Oracle sat down on the bed next to Vasilios, brushing aside his tears with his hand. "He placed you in that sleep, not because he wanted you to fulfil a role. Rather, he wanted you to be safe. Safe from the harm he knew would befall his family eventually."

"They had made a decision. All of them. They treasured you, above all else," Lindis added.

Vasilios drew in a shaky breath and nodded. "I know. But this…I'm all alone now."

Oracle slipped his hand against Vasilios' neck, guiding him to rest his head on his shoulder. "Your family may be gone, but they gave you a gift. Though they'll never be replaced, you have found a new family to be with."

With his head still resting gently upon Oracle's shoulder, Vasilios gazed down at the book in his hands. After a moment, he drew in another shaky breath and slowly closed the book. "…Thank you."

Lindis pushed himself to his feet. "Don't give up hope yet. If you are here, then it's possible that someone else from your time could be, too."

"You're right." Vasilios lifted his head from Oracle's shoulder. He managed a smile as he wiped away the tears upon his cheeks. Unexpectedly, he uttered a small laugh. "Hah, I truly am lucky to have been found by such kind and compassionate people."

Yes, it was fortunate that they found him first. Now, they could ensure his father's wishes and keep him safe. From whatever dangers he feared would take his son.