The Wolf and The Dragon (Book 1)

Following the Sunset

[Lloyd]

I had no time to think about anything else after the Day of the Departed, the imminent attack of the Oni, bought us back into action again before we could expect. And if was not for my father joining us, I don't know if we had succeeded.

Anyhow, it looks like we are at peace again. Jay finally proposed to Nya, she said yes, and now, everyone is busy making plans for a wedding.

I paid a visit to the hospital to find out how was Iva, but I was informed she has been discharged as she has recovered pretty well. That was amazing news.

As I walked away, I surprise myself stopping by the ICU and looking for Harumi, and somehow expected to have Ruby coming anytime to talk to me or offer me a hot chocolate. In a very strange way, I miss that, but Ruby is nowhere to be seen.

After a hardcore training with Kai back in the monastery I decided to spread my wings a bit, I summon my Dragon and fly away letting the wind blow to my face, I felt a freedom I haven't felt for so long.

As the sun was setting I see myself following it until I stop by the cost, I let my dragon disappear and I started to walk in golden sands by the beach, it was freezing and cold, but all I could feel was the peaceful sound of the waves crashing against the rocks nearby.

After the sun sets in the horizon, I turned away to go back home, I noticed the flickering lights coming from the local village, only then I realised I was in Moridunum, the small town I visit with my mother not long ago.

—

[Ruby ]

I spent the entire day cleaning and painting the walls, stopping only for food and drinks, I was very proud of myself by the end of the day, to see how much I had accomplished. I have always helped my father on DIY tasks, but this is the very first time I do something like that all by myself.

It was about 5 pm when I stop and glaze through the french windows in the living area, observing the horizon line changing colour as the sun starting his descend path towards the sea line, this has always been my favourite time of the day.

My parents' house was built at the top of a cliff, and from there the view is breathtaking, but I had never settled for that, I had always felt this urge to go down the cliff and sit in the rocks, in the summer I would choose a place where I had the waves splashing on me, where even know I would see less of the landscaping I would have a focused view of that very moment when the sun seems to deep into the beautiful and yet dense sea.

I quickly put my woolly hat and mittens, wrapping myself into a thick coat and run down to my favourite spot.

I closed my eyes, and let my mind travel to the first memories I have from this place, my Dad carrying me on his shoulders, I was 3 or 4, my mom would watch us from a distance as he walks towards the rocks, he would let some water splash in my little legs, I would giggle and complain about how cold it was, as he pretended he let me fall in the water, we would play all sorts of games until we reach that rock, our rock, my safe place. Mom would always join us on a summer day, but days like today, she would prefer to be dry and warm at the shore.

I sight, I miss my parents, they were the two most loving and caring parents someone could have dreamed of.

I let my mind travel back in time again, but now it takes me back even further to another life, the same rock, the same cold breeze, the same sunset, I was standing here watching it, and he came near me, placed a tartan blanket over my shoulders and embraced me to keep me warm. And he whispers in my ear:

-"Lupa, If we have ever forgotten each other again, this is our place, we should always be able to find each other here. I love you, and forever I will"

-"I love you too ..." - I replied as we kiss.

It felt so real, I almost lost my balance. I realised I had been there for a long time, and the sun has been covered by the sea line and only its radiant setting light still illuminating the sky.

I felt hungry, I looked towards the village lights and decided to go straight there and get some food. I dry my feet and get into my comfortable and warm boots, walk the narrow footpath leading to the village.

When I reached the other side of the tower I heard, in my mind, someone calling my name. I stopped and looked around, but I didn't see anyone, I turned away and carried on, until...

- The challenge -

[Kimberlly]

After Pete's service, I have spent most of my time in my bedroom feeling sorry for myself, why Pete not me? He was always the most adorable, friendly and caring, as for myself, always the troublemaker, always the annoying one...

I have my sketchbook in front of me, a few drawing unfinished, so many memories. Auntie Elena taught me how to draw, I was never as good as her or even Cole, but I did try my best, I stare at the unfinished portrait of Pete, the last one I have done. Oh, Pete! I wish you were here.

Suddenly I remember I have some serious problems I need to focus on, what if Grey comes after me or worse, that Master of him?

I grab my laptop and started a letter to the medical school, requesting time off, I explain that for reasons of family grief I don't feel able to get back to my specialisation just yet. I apologise for letting Professor Grey down, trying to be as polite as possible, and finished hoping they would understand my situation and grant my request.

The answer came before I would expect, in a format of invited to attend a meeting with the principal of the neurological department of the medical school, he copied Grey in. "Great Kim, what the heck are you going to do now?"

I nervously pick my mobile to check if the video I recorded of a Grey's strange meeting still there, thinking I better make a copy of this for my own security. A notification pop in my screen:

"Hey loser, have you really forgot all about our little challenge?" -

Who the hell is that? I asked myself freaking out, the sender was "Cole the winner"

I start laughing at myself for freaking out, but then I get really annoyed at the text, did he call me a loser, how dare him, what a son of a ..., ops, not really, auntie Lilly was just amazing, funny enough I saw a bit of her in Cole last time I saw him. Time really changes everyone. I sent him a reply:

-"Loser un-hum? Let's see who will be laughing at the top of the mountain. Are you free next Friday morning?"

-"Let me check my busy schedule, well isn't your lucky day? I just had a cancellation, is 7:00 to early for you?"

-"I was thinking about 6:00, but 8:00 will do."

-"what the heck? What is wrong with 7:00?"

-"I don't do odds"

-"I think you are just finding excuses to be in bed until late"

-"Don't blame me, my pillow is amazing"

-"Is he a good kisser?"

-"Sorry mate I passed the age of kissing my pillow, don't tell me you're still there?"

-"Oh well, I don't even have a pillow, the last one left me for a duvet"

-"Gosh! I almost feel sorry for you."

-"Thanks, I feel much better for you sympathy, I see you on Friday at 7 then, don't be late."

-"8.... And I will be late."

Somehow I even forgot about the email, I reply the principal by accepting the meeting, Friday 15:30.

AN: So I brought a bit more about Kim (Kimberly). And her long lost relationship with Cole and his mother: Lilly, and the next chapters I am going to explore that a bit more. If you jump the previous chapter and are not sure who is Kim, go back to Chapter 'The Professor', there are lots about her. She will be key for the next events.