It has been four days since my mother died, four days that I have made my promise, and four days that I've been grieving and training vigorously to meet my end of the promise I made for mother, for everyone, and for myself. Like clockwork, I have adapted to a schedule to awaken at the crack of dawn and joining everybody at the table so we may begin our day. I opened my eyes and rose from my bed as I stretched with an incredible yawn. Once I turned and was sitting up on my bed, I let my eyes wander around the room that I was sharing with Shonato. He had a collection of some posters on the wall, a TV that sat on a dresser against the wall across our beds, which aligned with one another against opposite sides of the wall. A closet to the left of the TV, a window over my bed, and the door to the hallway sat at the foot of Shonato's bed.

I didn't have much on me when I came here at first, but I made it a point after I finished my morning training, I could go visit my house before I came back for further training. Dad would give me three phases of training: Strength-building, Stealth and Survival, and finally Aerobics. The strength-building was my morning training, aerobics was afternoon, and stealth was night time. This is a process I have endured and adapted within four days, and what a bitch it was. Dad could be one hell of a hard ass, it feels like he has military experience with the way he instructs us and drills us during training. Sometimes I wonder how Shonato can be so lax at times and a trouble maker with the way his dad is.

I slipped on my black sweat pants and a white tank top, made my way out the door and down the hall as I passed by pictures of Shonato and his dad doing something eventful with each passing frame. As I drew closer to the living room, I could smell the enticing scent of breakfast being prepared. I finally came into the kitchen and saw dad cooking while Shonato was waiting at the table. I could see he was getting impatient and I had the urge to take advantage and have some fun.

I took my seat by him, looked at his empty mat in front of him and gasped in a teasing manner.

"Oh my god, no orange soda today? ~gasp~ I'm shocked." I mocked as he only glares at me before he retorts.

"Fuck you Vincent." Then in a blink of an eye, dad stood right behind Shonato and smacks him in the head with the spatula he was using as he states.

"Mind your manners at the table." I was laughing my ass off at Shonato while he was groaning in pain before I got smacked in the forehead by the same spatula.

"GAH, SON OF A BITCH!" I cursed in pain.

"What was that?" Dad scolded while readying his spatula for another swing. I threw my arms up defensively while quickly stating.

"I said 'I don't want a stitch'." Dad just looked at me sternly while lowering his weapon.

"You better." As dad walked back to resume with cooking, Shonato looked at me with a smirk on his face.

"'I don't want a stitch?' Smooth dude." He mocked as I rubbed my forehead.

"Shut-up man." I groaned after a short moment, he looked back at dad still minding his cooking, and then looked back at me and slugs me in the arm.

"Ow…What did I do?" I asked in slight humor.

"Stupid dog." He replies. We both only smiled and were laughing at our playful antics.

"Alright boys, come and get it." Dad announced. Shonato and I didn't even hesitate and raced our way to quickly grab our plates and serve our dishes with our morning meal, which consisted of eggs, hash brown, and corn-beef hash. To the reason why Shonato and I are in such a hurry, is because we made an 'arrangement' that first one to get our meal and finish eating doesn't have to do clean-up duty. Unfortunately for me, I lost the bet. "Guess I'm cleaning AND training…Damn you Shonato, you fat pudgy bastard."

"Yeah boy, get your ass to cleanin' busboy." Shonato cheered in victory as he taunted me.

"Yeah yeah, keep your shit up and I'll mop you up bro." I countered. He only laugh while cat walking his way out the kitchen and to the backyard to begin training. "Fucking bastard" I mentally laughed as I began cleaning up the kitchen, making sure to clean the dishes, table, counter, and stove.

After everything was spotless, I made my way out of the door inside the kitchen that lead to the backyard, where it was more like a paved lot than a yard. There was a large square cement flooring, with an assortment of training materials such as weights, a bench, a punching bag with a pull-up bar, and training dummies. The square lot was surrounded by a small patch of grass with three tree stumps protruding from the ground and cut about waist-level, some small bamboo shoots and a little pond with koi fish surrounded by what looked like bonsai's. Then across the lot was a back house, a small 'dojo' really, where it supplies some more equipment and is also where Shonato and his dad train.

I decided to follow my schedule, remembering that today is a 'Push day', I started with simple stretches before approaching the bench. With the bar resting above the bench, I applied a total of sixty pounds to each side to start off. I took my position lying on the bench and positioned my middle finger first around the bar before fully grasping and set my mind to aim for forty sets of three reps. I took a deep breath and calmed myself before lifting the bar with the weights off its hooks and began my presses. During my progress I feel the burning intensity in my arms through each push in each rep as I began sweating while maintaining a steady breathing pattern. Finally, reaching my final set, I held the bar up for ten seconds before gradually placing the bar back on top of the hooks. I sat up and took a moment to collect myself as I let the cool morning breeze brush against my burning flesh. I took this moment to plan my next objective before I finish, and finally decided on doing Push-ups, Military Presses, and Squats. So I got up and made my way to finalize my workout routine.

As I was finishing my squats, dad came out with Shonato who looked slightly disheveled. Dad looked my way and beckoned me to him, which means it is time for the final part of my morning phase: Sparring. I followed dad as we entered the temple and took my position by the center as dad went to a wall that had an assortment of training weapons.

He returned my way with a buckler and a trainee shortsword in hand with a set of his own. I wrapped my left hand around the grip of the shied and took my ready stance with shield in front and sword in tow. We both looked at one another and in a steady rhythm tapped our shield with our sword as a countdown.

~CLANK~

~CLANK~

~CLANK~

I quickly approached with my shield blinding my opponent from seeing my weapon in an attempt to deliver a surprise attack. He swings his blade to a low strike at my legs. I quickly perceived this and block with my shield as I swung my blade to his collar in a single motion, but he took noticed and blocked my attempt as well. We brushed the weapons to the side and dad thrust the rim of his buckler to my face, so I quickly parried with my shield, following my motion in a full rotation and attempt a back strike with my sword at his side. He deflected my attack with his sword and swept me to the floor in a single fluid motion. He brought his sword down to my gut as I quickly blocked it with my sword and rolled away back to my feet.

"You left yourself wide open and positioned yourself to where I'm not at your center. A foolish mistake on your part, but you recovered from your mistake." Dad criticized during our brief moment f space.

"Sorry dad, I'm still getting used to the sword and shield concept. Not really used to it just yet." Dad raised his eyebrows in interest.

"Do you have a favored choice of weapon?" I nodded in response.

"A Katana."

"Really?" I nodded once more as he mused at my choice of interest. Then he looked up after in thought and smiled.

"Let's make a deal. I'll allow you to use a katana, and if you can hit me at least once within ten minutes, we can call it an early day."

"And what happens if I fail to do so?" He only smiles as he replies.

"Then I'll extend your time by two hours per phase."

"What?! Two hours?!"

"Take it or leave it." I thought it over, considering dad is an incredible fighter I only have to hit him once, but that is easier said than done. After concluding my decision in thought, I proceeded to the weapons rack, returned my weapon to their proper place and retrieved a wooden katana. I took my position off the center like last time, with my katana raised to the right side of my head, just parallel to the ground as dad readied himself.

"Round 2." Dad declared. Then he began the countdown by tapping his shield like last time.

~CLANK~

~CLANK~

~CLANK~

Without a moment to waste, I quickly dashed to dad before side stepping so I was in his shielded side and aimed for his leg. He turned himself to where he could guard my attack with his sword in a low guard. I then grabbed his buckler with my free hand and pressed it against his other arm and side kicked him as he quickly reacted by blocking it by raising his leg, pushing me off with his shield and sword. I staggered for a moment as I regained my stance, but this gave dad enough time to close the distance between us as he strike downward to my shoulder. I parried upwards, and we began exchanging blows with the clash of our wooden weapons ringing in the room. Then as his sword came down upon me I quickly switched and using my free hand to guide his striking hand away from me as I dashed by him as my sword glided across him, he blocked with his shield but I grazed his sides and once I was past his form, I quickly rotated to face him as he stood there. Then he slowly turned with a proud smile on his face.

"Well done. You wouldn't have been able to accomplish that if using a traditional frontal stance. I was surprised to see a sudden shift in grip. We are officially done for the day." I couldn't believe my ears, I have successfully made contact with my attack, am being praised for my feat, and now have the day off. I was glowing with happiness from the progress I have made, and we bowed to one another before placing our weapons back and made our way out the temple.

"Are you going back to your place?" Dad asked me.

"Yeah, I miss my home and just being there comforts me." I then felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see dad with a serious look.

"I know it is tough Vincent, but there will be a time you can't go back to the past. Your mother is gone, as tough as it is to accept it, you must come to terms and move on. Pay your respects, move forward and live your life, for your mother and for yourself." His hand was set firmly on my shoulder as he looked me straight in the eye, giving me his advice. Even though it seemed unrestrained, and it hurt for me to simply let go, but there were reasoning within his words, and I looked up to him as a very wise man who has lived his fair share in life. Sometimes I envied him for the man he is, he shows strength, responsibility, compassion, and a strong sense of duty. If there even was a time he had to decide between his family, whom was only Shonato and I, and his own life, there would be no hesitation for him to choose his family who he held close and dear, even though he is a hard ass most of the time.

I took in his words with great consideration as I barely nodded. He tapped me on the shoulder as he made his way to the house, but he stopped at the door and said.

"Do be careful when you're out. Those things have become more dangerous, and are publicly wondering around the city. Do your best to stay hidden." He finished as he continued his way into the house. I made my way inside and took my exit outside by the front as I walked to my home, keeping to the shadows and using my surrounding to my advantage.

During the past few days that have gone by, I took notice to significant changes in the area; abandoned cars loitered the streets, shop's remained closed save for a few who have 'protection'. Rarely anybody was in the streets only to avoid the wondering creatures that patrolled the area, but even avoiding and hiding may not be enough, I mean…my mother was in her own home when she…passed.

I came to an intersection of a main street as I looked around and heard gunshots sounding off to my left at a distance. A police force was fending off against a horned creature in a ragged cloak that gave it a haunted appeal, covering its entire body, save for the horns protruding from its back and an almost skeletal jaw exposed from within its hood with no flesh to conceal its sharpened teeth. As the squad began firing, the creature was glowing in a black mist, and the bullets made an airy puff sound as it made contact with the enveloped being. But instead of hindering, disabling or killing the abomination, it began moving forward to them. I made a quick dash across as I can hear the panic in them as they feverishly resumed their onslaught of gunfire, only for it to be pointless as it did nothing to stop the creature, but instead only infuriated it as it gave a screeching howl before incinerating the majority of the force in a blazing hue projecting from its horns. The remaining few were in pure terror and scattered to escape from this savage beast. Then a glowing red and yellow hue emitted from within its hood as it lift its head to the sky as something began shooting out its mouth, soaring to the sky before it scattered and blazing spikes began raining upon the unfortunate few as all were impaled to the ground. Their agonizing screams filled me with dread and I can't do anything to help them, which then filled me with anger. I turned around regrettably and ran back to my home, as the sound of their cries and the creatures howl grew fainter as I continued to run.

I have finally made it to my home and opened the gate as I walked forward to the door and opened it to step inside. Nothing much has changed about this place. As memories began to flood my mind I sat on the floor by where I last seen my mother.

"You will always be my little prince, and I couldn't be more blessed to have you in my life." I heard the sweet voice of my mother as I remembered her tucking me in when I was a kid.

"Mom, stop it. You're embarrassing me." I replied to my mother's comment as she giggled sweetly. I looked at a picture hanging on my wall. It was a strange symbol, a full circle with six circles fitted inside with each of the six circles read a strange word at the spacious base, and then eight points extending out like a star from the big circle, and at the tip of each point had more strange words written on it. It was apparently a gift my dad gave to me when I was born. I looked at my mom solemnly and asked.

"Mom, when is dad coming back to be with us?"

"Soon sweetie." She answered tenderly.

"Do you miss him?" I asked. Her expression grew heavy for a brief moment.

"Very much. He would be very happy of having such a sweet little man like you."

"How come we never see him mom?" I asked with curiosity.

"He's just on a very busy trip. But don't worry, he'll come back soon and we'll be there together when he finally comes home." She states with glossy eyes as she kissed my forehead.

"Love you mom." I state with sincerity. She smiles warmly as she lightly brushes my hair.

"I love you too sweetie." She gets up, walks to the door as she opens it before turning off my light. She pokes her head out from the hall as she states.

"Goodnight my little prince." I smiled and snuggled in as my memory began to fade, bringing me back to reality as my tears lightly fall from my cheeks.

"Goodnight mom, and I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you really needed me." I stood on my feet and walked down to the hallway and into my room. I stopped and looked at the picture my dad left me.

"After all this time you never came back for us. I hope you're happy now you fucking liar, and for your sake, I hope we don't ever see each other." I sighed as my body slumped on the bed behind me, and I just sat there just letting out my anger and grief before I headed back to my new home.

As I was walking back, I came upon the intersection where lied corpses all around, singed, charred and impaled. I grimaced at the sight and made my way across while avoiding the corpses. As I was finally clear and walked across the street, I looked back to see what has unfolded and sighed in regret. But as I turned to resume my way home, I was met with the same hooded creature as before.

"Shit!" I cursed as the sight of the creature made me jump back. It made that high-pitched screeching sound as it rushed towards me with its cloak whipping in the wind. I had no means to defend myself or any way to run away or place to run to. I looked down and spotted a baton as I quickly reached down and grabbed it. As the creature raised its talons under its cloak to swipe at me, I swung the baton upwards and connected with its chin and attempted to strike it over the head, but it took hold of the baton and raised its other talon to my chest, and with open palm I felt something blunt pound into me, knocking the breathe out of my lungs and lift me off my feet as I skidded back, bumping into corpses and debris along the way. My back was slightly scraped up but I was okay nonetheless.

I looked back to see a blazing fire jet my way, and in a futile attempt raised my arms defensively. I heard the crumbling of the ground, and after a moment I didn't feel anything, no heat, no pain…Nothing. I looked past my arms to see that the earth somehow rose to a wall, and beyond the wall I hear a clanking sound, like the sound of metal hitting something hard followed by the screech of the beast, but it sounded more in pain as there was a slight gurgle sound. Just then a man appeared from the other side of the wall.

The man had a long ashy white hair with a short top, adorned in a white padded chest piece and white shoulder pads, with a leather belt that carried a sword on his hip, golden slacks with white knee guards and brown boots that ended about shin high with white pointed-tipped plates attached. His facial feature clearly showed he was older, possibly in his fifties, and his eyes had a familiar hazel hue to them, in fact just seeing this man, he felt so familiar, even though I have never seen him before in my life, but deep down my gut tells me otherwise.

He leaned forward offering his hand to me. I looked at it for a moment before I reached with my hand, he grabbed hold with a firm yet caring grasp as he helped me up to my feet.

"Are you alright?" He asked with concern.

"Yeah, I'm okay. But what happened to that creature?" I asked as I brushed the dust off of me.

"You mean the Netherling? I took care of it." He stated as he slightly turned, I followed his eyes to see a figure crumbling to ashes and blowing away in the wind, leaving its cloak behind in a pile.

"Wait…Netherling? Is that what they are?" He nodded in reply.

"And you killed it? How did you do it?" He only smiled as he pats my head.

"I have my ways." He said as he lowered his hand off my head.

"But I wish to learn to fight off against them. I have experience in fighting, but I just feel it's not enough." I stated as I cast my eyes down, unaware that this man was looking at me thoughtfully before asking.

"I understand you wish to defend yourself, but is there a reason you wish to confront the Netherlings?" I clenched my eyes and sighed as I gave him my honest answer.

"They killed my mother.” His expression grew heavy, unusually like he was struck with remorse before he looked away and replied.

"Vengeance is not the answer to your problem. But…" I looked up in expectation as he reached for something in his pouch and produced a scroll as he offered it to me as he resumed, "perhaps you can use it as a drive for a better cause." I looked at the item in question as I asked.

"What is this for?" He smiled as he tapped the scroll.

"This is information. Something to help earn great power, dangerous power. But in the right hand can mean the difference between salvation and destruction. Inside is a map of their base, the location of an item that contains this power and instructions to achieve it." He explained thoroughly. I merely stared with a growing smile of the possible answer that rested in my hand. Then I was confused as a question popped in my head. I looked at him and asked.

"Why are you giving this to me? Why don't you retrieve this item for yourself?" He looked at me and smiled.

"Because it serves me no purpose. I feel you are better qualified for this task. I can see you have a good heart, and just that alone convinces me this power will be in good hands." I smiled at his praise as I glanced at the scroll once more. I then directed my attention to him once more.

"Who are you?" He gave a subtle sigh before he faced me with a smile as he place his hand on my shoulder.

"Someone who's on your side. Now return home before more of those Nether's come." He replied as he urged me to keep taking my path back home. I only walked a few steps as I looked back and thanked him before resuming.

"You've really grown Vincent." Hearing those words shocked me as I quickly turned around.

"Wait, how do you know my name?" But as I turned, there was nobody in sight. "Could it be…that that man is…No, there is no way. It's just my mind playing tricks on me. But…what if it was him?" I wondered. I then shook the thought from my mind and made my way back home.

I finally arrived at Shonato's place and entered the house as I was given a 'warm welcome' by dad.

"Where have you been? You get a free day and spend it out there where it's swarmed with those things, and at NIGHT?!" Dad scolded as I entered and made my way to the couch.

"I'm sorry dad. But I have some incredible information and possibly something to help deal with those Netherlings."

"Nether-what-now?" Shonato asked from the hallway.

"Those things out there, their called Netherlings." I expressed.

"And where did you learn this?" As dad asked, I began explaining the event that took place as I left my house between the Netherling, the mysterious man in white armor, and myself. Dad stared with interest while Shonato looked like he was getting into it with the sudden action scenarios.

"So let me get this straight. You're gonna listen to some random man who somehow saved you from this 'Netherling' and ask to send you on a wild goose chase for something that we don't really know about." Dad stated, clearly skeptical of this 'plan'.

"It's not really a 'wild goose chase' when we have a map to this items location." I countered while raising the scroll in my hand.

"Well show us this map then." Dad requested. I rolled open the map as we all examined it for the first time.

"Hmm, well this kinda makes sense." Shonato commented. Dad gave him a quizzical look as he asked. "Do you know something about this?" Dad asked as Shonato crosses his arms in what seemed like in thought.

"Not really directing to this, but I have noticed a large number of Netherlings at the school this map is indicating, and thought it might be their stronghold." Dad took his time to let this newfound information set in as he thought it over. I waited in anticipation hoping to receive an indication or a plan of action to proceed.

"Okay, if this is really to be the case, then we need a plan. We have a layout, we have a target, now we need to strategize how to do this. I suggest a covert operation." Dad explained.

"But how are we going to sneak in to their base, their numbers are too high to go undetected." Shonato questioned. Then an idea flickered in my mind.

"What about a disguise. When the man slain that Netherling it left behind its cloak, and their mostly concealed. I think all we need are the horns and we got something." I suggested.

"Actually that's not a bad idea, although that's one outfit." Shonato expressed.

"That'll be enough. Vincent has been thoroughly trained in stealth, so you will go in disguised while Shonato and I keep them distracted." Dad inputted.

"Sounds good to me." Shonato agreed.

"I'm ready for this." I added.

"Okay, then its settled. Have everything ready for tomorrow night, we infiltrate enemy base." Dad finalized, and so we ended the evening and prepared ourselves for tomorrow's mission.

Throughout the day we have done everything we can to make sure this evening runs smoothly. Shonato and dad took out another horned Netherling to acquire its horns for my disguise, while I was getting myself ready for the mission and packed my satchel as well as studying the map intently, planning my route, and viewing the instructions. Apparently this item is locked and will need some kind of combination to open it to retrieve its contents. I packed the scroll in my satchel as dad and Shonato entered the house. We made a brace to fit my body and hold the horns in place, next I concealed myself in the cloak and examined myself. If the hood didn't have holes like it was eaten by moths I wouldn't be able to see.

So far the disguise seemed convincing to the naked eye, my problem would arise if I ever had to interact with them. Can they even speak? I don't know, but I didn't want to risk blowing my cover by talking unnecessarily to them. Night time was approaching and honestly, I was kinda scared. Being in the midst of enemy base as they surround me and my only means of survival is by blending in. I felt a heavy pressure build on me and did what I could to calm myself, thinking of who I'm doing this for and focusing on my promise as incentive to press on. Dad came from the hall with Shonato in tow. I noticed dad had a brown leather jacket, with sleeves ending at his elbow, equipped with a silver tower shield and a sword at his hip, while Shonato was in his usual attire with his brass knuckles in their holster.

"Is everybody ready?" Dad asked. Shonato and I nodded in confirmation.

"Then let's move out." He commanded as he led the way to our destination, as Shonato and I obediently followed in suit, marking the beginning of our mission.

As we came to a halt, we arrived at a high school that stood across the street from a park. It was my old high school too, so knowing my way around is a piece of cake. We huddled together at the edge of a shop, away from any lookout's viewpoint.

"Here's the plan, I'll make first contact and draw out as much numbers necessary. Shonato, you come in and ambush from the flank. While Shonato and I provide distraction, Vincent will sneak inside with his disguise, but only after we lead the enemy out, otherwise you'll draw suspicion of not providing armed support. Everybody clear?" Dad instructed as we nod in understanding.

"Good. Stay sharp and remember your role. Let's move Shonato." Dad indicated as he took off to a nearby enemy and without warning or notice, he decapitated it with swift precision. This drew in a lot of attention as a colossal beast, three fliers, and a horned creature appeared. Dad took wary steps back to the park as Shonato was in position and waiting for his moment to ambush. The horned creature made the first move as it spewed a fireball at dad. He shielded himself perfectly, yet in response, the colossal was dashing towards dad and attempted to smash him in the ground as it raised both arms before it brought them down.

Dad rolled under it and slashed through its legs, immobilizing it as it toppled in pain. The three fliers decided to attack in formation and as they neared their target, Shonato took to the air and kicked one in the side, sending it off course and colliding it against the other two. Seeing the bundle together, dad made a quick rotation and using his momentum against theirs, cut all three in half with a single brilliant motion. The horned creature spewed a jet of fire from its maw to Shonato, but dad quickly took the front and shielded them both and hunched down, providing Shonato a step to launch off his back and in a flash of light came crashing down on the creature, swiping its head off and tearing a piece of its cloak along the way with his new formed bear gauntlets. More reinforcements arrived and were making their way to the deadly duo.

Dad whistled to Shonato, gaining his attention and gestures with his head to follow him. Shonato turns around and raises his right arm with his left arm resting again the crevice of his right elbow as he cranes his right in an offensive gesture and flips them off. They were scorching with rage which tickled a funny bone as Shonato laughs his ass off, turning around and following his dad, with the Netherling's behind giving chase. I shook my head and contained my laughter at my friend's crazy antics as I flipped the hood over my head and made my way inconspicuously to the entrance and in the school ground.

Walking past the large gated entrance, I made my way down a clay-tiled path and made a right as the map instructed. As I was walking by I took noticed of fliers on the roof watching me intently. "Hopefully they'll think otherwise about suspecting me. Just gotta make my way to the gym, grab the item and get out." I turned left around the corner of a building and made my way to the entrance of a blue door. I opened it and as I entered, I saw that the court had crates and barrels of supplies, other than that I was alone. I walked down the court, peeking into some of the containers, finding that the barrels had strange blackish blue shards. "What the hell are these suppose to be? Artillery of some sort?" As I continued looking I noticed something at the corner of my eye. I looked and found a promising container, a black chest to be precise, with red engravings and chains wrapped around that connected to a circular locking device with a sort of combination. "This must be what I'm looking for." I thought as I reached in my satchel inside the cloak and produced the scroll. I unrolled it and examined it as I was looking for the combination code.

I finally found it and placed my hand on the dial as I began turning it to the correct chain of symbols in the right direction. I turned to the final symbol and as I did so, the lock popped open as the chains began to unravel.

~CLINK CLINK CLINK~

"Kinda noisy for a chest, especially in a quiet room." As I reached to open it, it began emitting a stream of smoke from within the chest.

~FWISSSHH~

I shielded my eyes and waited for the smoke to disappear as I looked inside and found a vial.

"Hello gorgeous." I softly stated as I reached in and retrieved the item, slipped it in my satchel, and closed the chest as I turned and made my way to the exit. A few feet away the door opens revealing a horned Netherling. "Oh shit! This is not good." The creature slowly approached while looking at me from top to bottom.

"What are you doing here, you should be out there unless you need to be retuned."It hissed in a chilling tone. "Fuck fuck fuck. What do I do? I gotta think quickly." I turned my attention to the chest, hoping I can deliver a message with just body language. The creature stood for a moment, possibly in confusion as it looked where I was facing. Then with a slight jerk of its head, indicating that something got its attention. It quickly made its way to the chest clearly in alarm.

"No it can't be. Who set it free?!" It stated clearly in panic with that same chilling tone. I took this moment to quickly escape before giving it time to think. I rushed to the door and opened it as I made my way out and quickly ran to the entrance. The door to the gym blew away behind me as a flaming form crashed through it and the flames faded to reveal the horned creature as it signaled the fliers above me to stop me. I quickly reached in my satchel and produced smoke pellets and threw them to the ground to give me cover. I kept low as I made my way out the school ground and whistled to gather my party's attention. Dad noticed me and took position as he commanded. "Get Down."

I slide under and behind dad as he used his tower shield to hold two fliers in place before slicing them off his shield as they splattered on the ground and faded to smoke. Then I see Shonato call out to dad, and whatever they saw put dad on edge as he commanded in urgency.

"Shonato, Vincent, withdraw NOW!" He grabbed me by the neck of the cloak and almost literally dragged me as I staggered to my feet. We made our way to a restaurant and barged n while dad shouted.

"Barricade the door. Quick." Shonato and I grabbed tables, chairs, even the cooler and slid it in front of the door.

~THUMP THUMP~

We moved back as the creatures outside tried to break their way in. I slipped the cloak and brace off of me as dad commanded.

"Shonato, Vincent, I need both of you to take the back exit and get out of here." Dad commanded.

"What about you, dad?" I asked.

"I'm going to hold them off while you two escape." He stated.

"What?! We can handle this together." Shonato rebutted.

"Yeah dad, we're not leaving you behind." I added.

"If you two stay here then we'll all die." He shouted before he reached his side, grabbed and item and turned to Shonato while placing it in his hand.

"Dad this is your Totem!" Shonato blurted.

"And now it is yours. You may not be able to use it yet, but you will in time. Just remember what I taught you." He said.

~THUMP THUMP~

He gripped Shonato's shoulder as he looked into his eyes with great respect.

"You may be a handful, but I couldn't be more proud to have you as a son." He then turned his attention to me as he resumed, "even you Vincent, whether you know it or not, but I'm glad to have you like a son. Through good or worst, you have each other. This is your time so remember this moment, move forward, and LIVE for a better tomorrow!"

~THUMP CRACK~

"Now get out. GO!" He commanded once more. But I couldn't just leave him, he needed us. Unexpectedly Shonato grabbed me by the collar and pulled me out the back.

"You heard the man. Let's go." Shonato stated. We made our way down the alley and out to the street.

"We can't just abandon him Shonato. He's your dad god damnit, we need to help him." He then took hold of the front of my shirt and pushed me against a wall.

"YOU DON'T THINK I WANT TO?!" He shouted before he slowly calmed himself as he resumed, "This may be the last time I see him, but I trust him. He gave us a chance to live another day, to grow stronger so we may one day have a chance to set things right." Then we noticed a mob of Netherlings blocking our path back to our home. Shonato wielded his knuckles as he stated.

"Whatever happens, we'll meet back at the house. Don't stop and just keep running."

"What are you doing?" I asked, afraid of what the answer may be.

"Living my life, for a better tomorrow." When those words left his mouth, it reminded me of the promise I made when I lost my mother. I couldn't change his mind, and only smiled. He charged out as his fist glowed once more to reform his knuckles to his gauntlets and began striking the numbers down. I took this moment and ran around them and set my course homeward. After a moment I turned at the sound of a loud 'twinkle' as a light burst from where Shonato was. "You better make it Shonato." I thought as I continued running.

- (Present time) August 28th -

"And so I kept running until I came across a bridge and was cornered by Netherlings. They closed around me to the edge of the bridge with no way to escape. Just then, a being name Trick appeared and was possibly going to kill me on the spot. But I did whatever I could to buy time, and just then, a bright light appeared below the bridge, I assume it was some kind of portal. As I made my attempt to jump, Trick struck me in the back with his knife. I slipped off the bridge and fortunately fell through the portal, and…well, you girls know the rest from there." I finished telling my tale as I looked around at my friends. They were in a mixture of amazement and bewilderment, even Luna was gaping from my story.

"Well my word, I never imagined that you have endured so much in such a short time. I am terribly sorry to hear what happened to you and your family." Rarity comforted me with her kind words as she wiped her eyes off of tears with a handkerchief.

"Yeah, I'd hate to imagine what Shonato is going through. He sounds like a cool Stallion." Rainbow stated.

"He really is. I know he probably thinks I'm dead. But I hope he's doing okay at least." I said.

"Ah reckon he's fine. Ah mean he took on a swarm of those vermin's on his own. Ah'm sure he can hold his own jus' fine." Applejack cheered.

"I think so too. I just don't know if he's handling the thought of losing everybody chose to him." I stated. The girls grew quiet with solemn looks. Then Pinkie appeared beside me with a tender hug as she said.

"Have faith in him Vivi. Who knows, maybe you'll be able to see him once again. He'll be super duper happy to see you again, than you can throw a 'Get Together Party'." I smiled at the thought of seeing my friend once again. I looked at Pinkie who had a contagious smile on her face which just melted the sour mood away. I simply wrapped my arms around her cuddly body and gave her a big hug showing my appreciation.

"Thanks Pinkie." I said softly in her ear as she giggled before we released our embrace.

"I'm curious about the stallion you mentioned, the one in white? How could he know so much about those Netherlings, let alone information regarding the vial?" Twilight inputted as she placed her hand on her chin in thought.

"I honestly don't know. But I guess I should be fortunate at least." I stated which got Twilight more curious towards my statement.

"Why is that?" She asked.

"Well even though Davian is going to be a pain to deal with. I at least have an advantage to confront them when the opportunity comes." I stated. Twilight gained a look of uncertainty as she states.

"I still don't know how to feel about him. Whether his intention was good or not, I feel his actions were too…drastic."

"I know what you mean, which is why I'm thankful for this seal." I said as I raised my left arm before resuming, "At least with this, I can keep him under control."

"So Vincent, what are your intentions for the time being?" Celestia asked. This is something I already thought over and even made some arrangements. "Well for the time being I'm probably going to be here for quite a while. So I have to get up on my feet and get stabilized. I'm gonna be helping AJ at her farm, as well as continue my training so I may be prepared for what the future holds. Which reminds me, I spoke with Davian earlier." The girls were surprised to hear the last bit of news as Celestia asked.

"How did you manage to speak to him?"

"Within a place called the Mindscape." Luna gasped in shock as everypony save for Celestia and Luna were confused.

"What is a Mindscape?" Twilight asked.

"Tis a plane within thy mind. Everypony possesses a Mindscape but it is protected by a wall we perceive as a 'dream'. Tis also a carrier of a 'Mental Vault', which contains memories, thoughts, and emotions." Luna explained, earning awe stricken expressions from everypony.

"That's pretty much how Davian summed it up as." I stated.

"That is simply incredible. But how does anypony enter the Mindscape?" Twilight asked.

"Simply one must be in tuned with thyself. Dost not matter if spiritually, magically or willfully. But once done, it is a simple feat where one enters a state of internal concentration, or simply sleeping." Luna answered.

"So what if somepony is in tuned with themselves. Would meditation work as well?" I asked.

"Tis possible, yes." Luna replied.

"Well during our discussion, back to the topic, Davian stated he will teach me Nether magic. But he suggested I learned Natural magic while I'm out here. Does anypony know anything about that by chance?" I asked.

"Natural magic is a basic form of magic all unicorns learn when they are fillies and develop as they grow. If anypony can teach you, it would be Twilight Sparkle since she has a natural gift regarding magic." Celestia expressed. Twilight immediately became super excited as she started clapping her hands from said excitement.

"Oh this is incredible. I get to teach you magic. We have so much to cover. Starting from the basics, channeling, containing, levitation, illumination. Eeeeeeh…I'm so excited I can't wait." It was nice seeing her so eager to help me out. But I couldn't help but think that I might have bitten off more than I can chew with her teaching me. But how am I to doubt Celestia's words…right?

"Now Vincent, there is another matter I wish to settle regarding you." Celestia said in a soothing but serious tone.

"And what may that be?" I asked curiously.

"I wish to test you in your combat skill. Would you be willing to give a demonstration of your capabilities?" Celestia asked.

"I have no problem with that. Do you have a training ground where I shall demonstrate?"

"In a way, yes." She replied with a smile as she rose to her hooves as she beckoned us to follow her out the dining room, to the entrance of the throne room and making a left down the hall and outside to a garden area. But beyond the fields was an arena, or a coliseum more likely.

"This is the Royal Guard's Training Facility." Celestia stated as she gestured to the arena in front of us. "I wonder how she's going to test me? Guess I'll find out soon enough."

Author's Notes:

~Phew~ that was pretty extensive. We now have a more in-depth understanding of Vincent and Shonato, and boy was this chapter quite the 'Feels Express', hopefully Shonato has made it against the swarm of Netherlings. Will Vincent see Shonato again? Honestly I hope so. Now Celestia wish to test Vincent's mettle, but what could be her reason of doing so, and Vincent seems to be getting himself quite involved in his life choices, his training, and his goal to meeting ends with his promise. Looking forward to what the next Chapter has in store for us. R&R please and let me know what you think. You guys are awesome, and as always. This is Swiftriff signing out. Keep it Jammin'!