Rhynsa sighed as he looked at the two sleeping hellhound princes. Their expressions were so content and peaceful, as if they gave up thinking of the bad things that happened to them. They needed it, especially since their help would be greatly appreciated in turning the tides of the coming war against the Incursion.

“(Good night, sweet princes),” he said, quoting and slightly modifying the words of a Tragorian play he once read to learn Tragorian. The context was, of course, different, since that line was directed to a dying prince on his friend’s arms after exacting his revenge. Rhynsa liked how the play ended, considering how everyone was dead and the only ones who were not happened to be outsiders. Most of the characters were part of a royal family.

Somehow, Rhynsa felt it paralleled what he knew about the Schelkz family, albeit in a smaller scale and certainly no backstabbing. His case, however, was different. The fact that his 20-years vendetta was real made him relate with the main character of the play, prince Hansa.

As he walked away, the gray, furless Fuzandre he came to like approached him. He smiled as Arnulfe approached him, with the Fuzandre waving his wing. Arnulfe had been traveling with him for a while, even longer than Mizarka was. Mizarka decided halfway through their travels that she would be better working as a representative of the Jackals and be the leader of the fledgling Jackal evacuees that three saved as Tragoria’s situation deteriorated. In only a year, there had been a group of them living in Summinat and Avicelis, with Mizarka representing them in the Council, a war council of hellhounds and surface dwellers in response to the hellish incursion. She did a good job as a leader, and Rhynsa could respect her. She was understandable and she had experience in the field. She would not take unnecessary risk.

“(Hey),” said Arnulfe, after he was close to Rhynsa. He, too, saw the two princes sleeping soundly, though he was focused on Anubis. “(How’s he?)”

“(Sleeping peacefully),” said Rhynsa. “(I don’t know Ifrit had it in him. Being a kind, sincere hound, I mean).”

“(He’s your friend, isn’t he?)”

“(Are you teasing me, kid?)” Rhynsa smiled. “(Nah, he isn’t exactly a friend? Not exactly an enemy, either. It’s complicated).”

“(I was also going to say he’s an ex, since you act like he is).”

“(Fuck off).”

Arnulfe let out a laugh but stopped when he saw Ifrit stirring in his sleep. He let out a stifled one afterwards, while Rhynsa just chuckle.

“(I read the reports about Ifrit),” said Arnulfe. “(I’m surprised that a Schelkz is not a selfish prick like his father. Then again, the reports told me that the other Schelkz also acted contrary to their predecessors).”

“(About him…any news?)”

“(That’s not for me to tell. Anarim is responsible for it. You and I are responsible for the two princes in there, brother).”

“(Well, you see, I wasn’t expecting Schelkz to be the bonus. And besides, don’t think about it, Arnulfe).”

“(I haven’t said anything).”

“(But I know what you’re thinking. I don’t mind travelling with you, but I do mind when it is Ifrit Schelkz).”

“(See? You act like he’s your ex).”

Rhynsa groaned in frustration, which only made Arnulfe even more amused. The younger Fuzandre liked to tease Rhynsa to let him loosen up, but not to the point of angering or offending him. It had mixed results, though.

“(I thought you and that Barghest butted heads many times before?)” reasoned Arnulfe.

“(Look. Why don’t we talk about something more important? What did Mizarka tell you about Tragoria?)”

Arnulfe nodded and beckoned Rhynsa to walk with him. The grey, furless Fuzandre was younger than Rhynsa by two decades, presumably around the same age as Ifrit and Eshdar, and slightly younger than Anubis. Arnulfe stocky physique did not suggest a dangerous fighter, but he was far more dangerous than a beast, and Rhynsa happened to witness such acts a couple of time. His hypnotic gaze was far more powerful than Rhynsa’s, or even any Fuzandres Rhynsa had ever met.

Rhynsa still had questions regarding Arnulfe’s origins, about why his tribe was named Malbelis. He also had a lot of other things that seemed to point to the fact that he was more than just a furless Fuzandre. It was like Arnulfe had a potential of becoming something more, with that development being so subtle that even Rhynsa was unaware of it. Or maybe Arnulfe was that good in hiding it.

His friendliness and willingness to talk with a lot of people made him less intimidating than his appearance suggested. Anyone would think a bat was ugly or scary, but his attitude changed those perspectives. It even made them see Rhynsa as ‘cute’, a comment that did not sit well with him.

As for Rhynsa, ever since the loss of Ifrit, the Fuzandre had been in close correspondence with the efforts in fighting against the Incursion. In the one year since he met Mizarka and Arnulfe, he gained more allies, some of which were former anti-royals who were convinced that the royals were not at fault. Most of the time, they were convinced after they realized they were just being used by the circle demons, but a small percentage of them were turncoats. Rhynsa warned the council that these turncoats must be kept in close supervision, knowing their capability and potential risk as spies.

The rest, who supported the Incursion, kept helping the demons taking over the surface world. Their persistence caused an unfortunate turn of events which ended with the loss of Tragoria. Adaline and Dusdolf were protected by the efforts of the hellhounds and the surface dwellers who finally realized the danger, working closely with the Gestjagers, or the Demon Hunters of Dusdolf. Even then, the demons were cunning, as the Demon Hunters were preoccupied with smaller skirmishes that kept them from truly focusing on Tragoria.

Rhynsa’s role in all this was to find more allies and even hellhounds of interests such as former royals in hiding. But the last job he took, which involved rescuing a former Jackal Prince, was intended to be a breather. The surprise that Ifrit Schelkz was not only alive, but also rescuing Anubis Caropus, became the topic of discussion among the Council.

The Fuzandre did not like it, but he was the only one available to vouch for Ifrit’s reliability. The Council were debating whether Ifrit was more important working closely with the Council or be allowed to fight on the frontline, knowing the ruthless reputation of the Schelkz family. Rhynsa did not like all their decisions, so instead, he supported the one he felt the best for Ifrit: let him reunite with Albert Schafner, Lilac Rezmirn, and Eshdar Winsel, his three most trusted friend. However, the Council had a different idea in mind.

“Why don’t you travel with him instead?” said one of them. “I think he will make a great team with the Caropus prince.”

“I didn’t agree to this,” said Rhynsa as he turned his gaze towards Arnulfe, who he felt had something to do with this decision. “I prefer to stay away from Schelkz. He and I aren’t exactly on good terms.”

“Fuzandres aren’t exactly solitary people, Rhynsa,” said another hellhound.

“Well, I do, especially since I don’t trust a Schelkz after being stabbed in the back. Ironically, the son of that hellhound happens to be the only one I can trust right now. And besides, you’re lucky to have Fuzandres working for you. Too bad all of us are exiles. Don’t expect them to listen to us.”

“So, the bats are not an option,” said another, a human, with a sigh.

“That is not important,” said a gray-furred Council member Rhynsa knew. His name was Anenka. “We are fighting a war on the surface. Our priority is to find more surface allies, not rely on those fighting in the Underworld. They know what they’re doing, and so are we. Arhyn?”

A hellhound with brown fur and white stripes came forward and said, “My agents are working with the guards of Adaline, but the humans of Tragoria are still reluctant.”

“Because we’re dogs?”

“Because they blamed us ‘demon dogs’ for the fall of Tragoria. They already don’t like the other regions for being so open with Lycans, so they certainly won’t like hellhounds to be their saviors. Let’s just call it bruised human ego.”

“Not our problem. If they don’t want help, then we don’t deserve it,” said a woman coldly. “We’ll focus our efforts for those who are willing, and if they are still disruptive, we’ll show them the hellhound way of doing things.”

“Won’t that fracture our relations with them?” asked Arhyn. “You sound a little against them, Janet.”

“Let them know that they’re not as important as they thought they are, Maybe they’ll start thinking about it.”

Rhynsa grunted in amusement by that remark. Janet Caulis, the woman, was cold and logical, and clearly did not like problems caused by a simple ego. If she wasn’t so monotone, Rhynsa would just give her a kiss, though she might not like the idea of a vampire ‘kissing’ her.

“What is the news on Anarim Winsel?” asked Anenka after a discussion among themselves.

“Working closely with Albert Schafner while preparing the hellhounds of Summinat for battle. He suggested we manufacture Schafner’s cleansing bullets to fight against the demons, though without proper demon hunter training, these bullets are not as effective as his.”

“And mine,” said Rhynsa. “Well, his bullets are much better, of course.”

“Right. The problem is, the demon hunters think his methods are too sloppy and too radical, not to mention a PR disaster for the Hunter.”

“We’re at war and they’re worried about public relations?” asked a Jackal Council member in disbelief.

“It’s the only way to maintain support from the Dusdolfian public. Otherwise, the Demon Hunters would be seen as kooks and even con artists. Despite the danger, not many surface dwellers knew that demons even existed. Some even say it’s a propaganda tool for the hunters to maintain influence.”

“Not that they’re wrong, either,” said Arhyn. “So, in conclusion…things aren’t exactly doing well. We really need more allies, and we need a proper forward base. Something strategic enough for both offense and defense.”

“And we really need more reliable fighters, like the Royal Hellhounds,” said a familiar Jackal. “And right now, we only got three young princes, one of which is still going around finding Nergora Schelkz.”

“And two of them are resting after a strenuous ordeal. Tell me, Mizarka. Do you know Anubis Caropus well enough?” asked one of the Jackals.

“I know he’s our prince, Immet,” said Mizarka.

“Who happens to be blind and the fifth in line to the throne.”

“Those are not weaknesses.”

“No, it’s not. But he will have to prove himself harder to convince people that his blindness is not a weakness. I’m sure that, as a Royal, he knows how to fight, but I am not convinced. We are not convinced.”

Mizarka could not say anything about it, but then Anenka stepped forward and said, “He’ll learn. He just needs to experience it on the field.”

“That’s too risky,” said Mizarka.

“It doesn’t need to be. Right, Rhynsa?”

Rhynsa could only sigh when he realized that he got another Royal to take care of. He always told them that he worked better alone, especially since he was so good at it. Apparently, in just three years, he became open to relationship after moving on from his vendetta, thereby finding friends in Mizarka and Arnulfe.

The meeting was stopped for the day as the Council deliberated on the decisions they made. Rhynsa decided to return to the bungalow, thinking that the Royals might have woken up. As he prepared to glide down the tree, Mizarka approached him.

The hellhound was the first Jackal Rhynsa ever met, giving him an idea of what they looked like. Mizarka learned surface language rather quickly and she could speak fluently in just three years, specifically Tragorian as it was used as a trade language. She also started wearing a pair of pincer glasses once she realized that her new job involved a lot more reading.

“(You don’t sound okay back there),” she said in Hordo.

Rhynsa scoffed. “(Well, if you happen to be forced to babysit two hellhound princes with issues od their own, you’d act like me).”

“(Except they aren’t children. Maybe the right word would be ‘to accompany’).”

“(What you said. Still, I stand corrected. Anubis Caropus is blind, but not as a bat, okay? Bats aren’t blind. That is one impression I don’t agree on).”

“(Arnulfe seems amused by that phrase).”

“(I’m not Arnulfe).”

“(Point taken),” said Mizarka with a smile on her canine face.

“(About what that human said back in the meeting…did she really mean it?)

“(Janet can be a bit too cold for anyone’s liking, but she got a point. We can’t afford to be distracted by entitled pricks. Then again, she isn’t exactly reserved about it, either. I can see some of the humans in the meeting feeling uncomfortable by her comments. I can tell they’re Tragorians).”

“(Are you enjoying that?)”

“(What? No! Who do you think I am, anyway?)”

Rhynsa laughed. “(I’m just joking. Though, I don’t know about Janet, though).”

“(Well…I don’t think Janet’s that kind of human. I can trust her like I trust you. Sure, I don’t trust a lot of humans, but like hellhounds, not all humans are pricks).”

Rhynsa, relating to how he ironically became Ifrit’s greatest supporter, said, “(Yeah. I know how it feels. Good thing you’re someone I can trust with my life. Still amazed how things went on these past three years, eh, Miza?)”

“(Still can’t believe we’re lovers, either. But, eh, it’s not bad. I just happened to like you after travelling together for a while).”

“(At first, I thought you’re already with Arnulfe).”

“(We’re just comrades. I think he think so, too).”

“(Heh. You think)?”

“(Also, between the two of you, I chose to donate my blood to you than to him. I don’t want to die just yet. Besides, we might as well do that if you’re game).”

Rhynsa chuckled as Mizarka patted his shoulder, which prompted Rhynsa to give her bedroom eyes.

After three years of traveling with Mizarka and Arnulfe, Rhynsa started to open to both of them regarding his past, losing parts of his cynicism as a result. Not only that, but they also helped him recover when he was severely affected by the fear amplification that made him realize that he blamed himself for Ifrit’s supposed death, with Mizarka being more direct about it. It took them one more year before they admitted that they needed each other, culminating in a night of passion during their first extended stay in Avicelis. Ever since then, all problems Rhynsa had with trust were gone, with Mizarka, then Arnulfe, being the first of many to come.

But even with all that, he still had trouble trusting a Schelkz. That was one of the primary reasons why he did not rejoin Albert’s group. If they would find Nergora Schelkz, Ifrit’s half-brother, he would not be able to stop telling the Schelkz that he had misgivings about him. He was not Ifrit, after all.

Then, like a bad joke, Ifrit was revealed to be alive and also the one who helped get Anubis to safety. Maybe the world really wanted him to reconcile with his past and give a chance for a Schelkz to convince him that they were not ruthless warlords anymore. Still, Rhynsa was not prepared to do so yet.

Mizarka soon became serious, and Rhynsa could tell that she was going to discuss something very important, especially in regard to the report Rhynsa submitted to the Council. Arnulfe was the one who delivered it to her, but Mizarka knew Rhynsa was the one writing it, considering that he was thorough.

“(Rhynsa…what is this about Ifrit Schelkz’s appearance?)” she asked. “(Did you say one of his legs is a cloven hoof?)”

“(I was perfectly sure about it while being stuck on that small boat for five hours. Schelkz seemed to think I didn’t notice while Anubis is blind and Arnulfe’s just don’t care, but yeah. And you know I don’t joke about this).”

“(Was it somehow grafted onto him? It’s a relatively new surgery procedure that make it possible to save someone’s limb before it rots).”

“(All I know about that procedure is that it’s still impossible to graft a different leg without complications. Unless you’re talking about ‘Richenstein’s Creature).”

“(Does he look like the Creature to you?)”

“(I saw him torn to shreds on that bridge. If there is a way to explain how he survived, I’d say the novel. Just replace the weird science aspect with a possible demonic experiment and we got our real-life Creature).”

“(Then I suggest you keep an eye on him. As for Anubis, I never thought I’d see him again after we got separated. I don’t think he’ll remember who I am, though).”

“(I’m surprised he’s the prince you lost. You never told me he lost his vision).”

“(I thought you just care that he’s a Jackal Prince, not because he’s blind).”

“(I get your point, but still. Don’t you think it’s unwise letting him fight? I don’t doubt his self-preservation capabilities, but I do doubt his longevity, or even if he can afford being alone again. Also, why is it so important that we find a member of the House of Caropus, anyway? You never told me about it).”

“(You ever heard of the Caropus curse?)”

“(What’s that?)”

“(Caropus is the oldest ongoing royal family with a history apparently starting long before all the other major royal families were even formed. The Jackals knew that the Family did not act like royals, but like a normal family of guardians. They also guard the gates of hell and the Jackals of Utensha will give their lives to protect them, even if it means killing other hellhounds to do so).”

“(And compared with Schelkz, it’s like water and fire).”

“(Schelkz is feared, while Caropus is loved. That’s how different they could be. Only the Caropus family is capable of guarding the gates of hell and prevent the incursion, which evidently failed when they were the first to fall victim to the uprising. As I have told you, and Immet could support me on this, the Jackals had nothing to do with this. The Caropus were too beloved for anyone to feel disillusioned).”

“(Okay, so, what does it have to do with the curse?)”

“(The Caropus curse is a curse that came when a demon cursed them for being their supposed ‘jailors’. In every generation, the firstborn of the family would never live to old age, and as for the rest, they would be cursed with a disability, be it mental or physical. However, at the same time, a Jackal seer predicted that ‘the child of two will force the curse to yield’. Anubis was the one who bore the curse, at least as far as I know, anyway. I am not part of the royal household long enough to know the specifics of that story. It’s just something one of the other servants told me about).”

“(Then again, maybe Anubis has the answer. Or maybe he doesn’t).”

“(Yeah, I guess it’s just a silly story. Anyway, do you think you can help with Ifrit’s situation? I mean, you know him better than we are).”

Rhynsa sighed. That discussion with Mizarka pulled out a possibility that Ifrit was already compromised by demonic influence due to the experiment to return him to life. It made him even more reluctant to continue doing what the Council wanted him to do. Even so, he bet Ifrit wasn’t aware of this and only assumed that by some unknown miracle, he survived.

Maybe Mizarka was right in asking the Fuzandre to keep an eye on Ifrit. Because, unlike the others who knew Ifrit, Rhynsa was the only one who still felt different towards him, knowing that he was the son of the same hellhound that started everything that was wrong for him. He may have no answer about the message he was told to deliver, but his animosity against the house of Schelkz was still apparent.

If Ifrit ended up becoming what they feared he would become, the only one who would not hesitate would be Rhynsa. He did not like it, especially knowing that he had a part in causing his demise in the first place, but that first indirect role turned into some sort of responsibility for him.

He wanted to spare Lilac Rezmirn from knowing that her lover and friend became a demon. Maybe it was better that she never even knew Ifrit returned to life.