"Where has Cale gone!?"

The dark-haired assassin was livid. He couldn't go to the council because of the way his previous mission had failed. The elders were keeping an eye on him rather than Cale, the traitor's own brother.

"We aren't sure, sir. Both he and the scout have left."

The dark-haired assassin roared and slammed his fist down on the table.

"Idiots!! Of COURSE they've left!! Do you think I'm blind!?"
"I apologize. We know nothing of where they have gone."
"Fools. How could you let him out of your sights!? In fact, do not answer that. I don't care anymore. Find Liek, and kill him. If Cale was foolish enough to try and save his brother, you'll find him along the way. Do not question him, just cut off his head immediately! I will tell the council what they want to hear. Now go!! Get out of my sight, and report back immediately when the job is done!"

The two assassins turned and left the room.

The dark-haired assassin paced the room. Things couldn't possibly be any worse. The elders turned their eyes away from Cale, and left the mission in jeopardy. And there was no way for him to go back to the council since he was specifically told not to return until the job was done. Those two brothers were entirely too crafty. Consumed with rage, he picked up a table and hurled it into a wall.

"DAMN YOU BOTH!!" He screamed.

---------------

"How have you been, Liek? You look much stronger since the last time I saw you!"

Cale could hardly believe how much his younger brother had grown in such a short amount of time.

"I'm quite well, brother. I must ask you to forgive me for being blunt, but why are you here?"
"I've come to take you away from this place. Everything is happening because of me, and I can't sit back anymore and let you die."

Liek stared back at his brother.

"What are you trying to tell me?"
"You must get out of here! You can't stay with these humans forever, Liek. The assassins will find you, and you will be killed!" Cale pleaded desperately.

Liek turned his head and looked back at the house. He knew that Isaac was watching him. Isaac was watching because he cared about him. And he cared about Isaac as well. And most of all, he was falling in love with Hannah. He had grown to love this place, and he had grown to love living as a human. He had already made up his mind. He looked into the eyes of his brother.

"No, Cale. I cannot do that."

Cale stepped forward angrily.

"WHAT!? You're choosing to die here, amongst the humans!?"
"That's EXACTLY what I'm doing!!" Liek shouted back.

Cale could only be shocked by his little brother's sudden outburst. Liek continued.

"I refuse to be a part of a race that ends the lives of those that don't deserve death. You've watched me kill a human before, but he was much different than the children that I've watched you kill. I'm not strong enough to be a werewolf, Cale. I'm afraid that the blood in my veins is not cold like you want it to be."
"But.... it was the humans who-"
"Humans may have killed our mother and father, but Isaac and Hannah haven't. Humans may be violent and horrible creatures. We've both experienced that. But the difference between you and I is that I have also witnessed something in the humans that the rest of us so brazenly lack."

Cale could feel himself balling up his fists.

"And what is that, little brother?" He asked darkly.
"Compassion." Liek answered.

The next thing he knew, Liek found himself on the ground. He was unsure of what had happened, but he was sure that his brother had just hit him. Something was loose in his mouth.

"I come here risking my own skin, in the name of compassion, all so my own little brother can pretend that he is now enlightened!? Tell me, oh wise one, how long do you expect to live on in this place with your notions of peace and love!?" Cale mocked.

Ajin was holding him back.

"Your brother has made his decision, sir! Let us head back. There is nothing left for us here."

Liek slowly rose to his feet, anger welling up inside of him. Had he heard the assassin correctly?

"Sir? SIR!? So the rumor was true, then!?" Liek felt himself losing control.
"What rumor?"
"I was told by one of the assassins that it was you who was in charge of leading the assassins to me! And here you are, telling me to leave the place I've grown to love, and now I have to listen to another werewolf call you SIR!?"

Cale felt his face burning up. He took a step towards his brother.

"Liek, please. I had to-"
"GET AWAY FROM ME!!"

Liek pushed Cale away.

"I did not intend for this to happen, Liek! I swear it!"
"Your word means nothing to me now!!"
"Please, brother! Just-"

Liek whipped his arm across Cale's face. It felt strange, really. He was so used to being hit by his brother, but he had never dared to fight back. Cale tried to steady himself on his pierced foot, but the pain was too great. He felt himself collapse to the ground. Confusion took hold of him. He didn't even see it coming.

"Just leave, Cale. You cannot choose to be my enemy, and still call me your brother."

Ajin grabbed Cale by the arms and hoisted him to his feet.

"We must leave, sir. As far as we are concerned, he is an adult."

Cale wiped his mouth. He could taste his own blood. He wanted to plead. He wanted to shout. He wanted to snarl one last insult. But no words could come to him. He was defeated. He silently turned away, and slowly began his journey back home. Ajin watched Cale for a few moments, and turned to Liek for one final word.

"We will not interfere in your business again, Liek. You may live your life as you choose."


After Liek spit out a tooth, he could swear that a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders.



to be continued....