Dead Men Smiling

6.3

The enemy of my enemy is my ally.

_____

"I didn't expect his appearance, My Lord. If I had known that the brat would be there, I wouldn't have failed you so spectacularly. "

He rose a brow at the excuse but said nothing on the matter and instead asked on what information they had managed to get on Dolan to which they replied with someone being assigned with tracking and finding the golden eyed male.

"Perhaps you should join forces with The Emperor."

"Join forces with the man I absolutely despise?" He spat out the words like they were an insult. "And why, pray tell, would I do such an outrageous thing?"

Their blue eyes gleamed beneath the head scarf. "Master, the enemy of my enemy is my friend or at least in our case, an ally."

He tilted his head. "Well in that case, Nero is the enemy and Folan the ally, isn't it?"

They sucked in a breath before entering a debate with him about what the best thing to do is. He wanted nothing to do with Nero while they didn't want to be anywhere near Dolan.

He got tired of the nagging and shrugged his shoulders. "You do what you see as acceptable. I'll just assent or veto."

"Thank you Master, you won't be disappointed."

"You better keep y our word, Blue, else I'll sign you up for the next harakiri."

---

Leilani woke up just as the sun was rising and frowned as she tried to remember why she decided to wake up that early when she remembered; it was July 13th.

With that realisation, she got out of bed, did a free stretches and went into the kitchen where she attempted to make breakfast for everyone.

Please note that the key word is attempted.

Wynter stood by the door, rubbing the sleep from her eyes before taking in the messy kitchen. "Good morning, Leilani. Whatever are you up to?"

The latter froze and bristled before turning a glare to the red head. "Nothing that matters to you."

Wynter rose a brow as she took in Leilani's disheveled state before smiling softly. "Today would have been her birthday, isn't it?" "How do you know?"

"Sora talks a bit much. I can help you if you like. Besides I wouldn't fancy burnt or undercooked food on my birthday, even if for some reason you despise me."

Leilani's retort died in her throat as she thought about the offer Wynter was making. She nodded slightly and stepped away from the cooker, causing the latter to smile broadly as she began to make the batter.

As Leilani watched Wynter work, she was reminded of one of her favourite memories.

Leilani was ten when she was watching Jesse and Mason banter while they baked a cake for what she assumed was the children at the orphanage.

"Why are you two arguing?" Leilani had asked, gaining both their attentions!

Mason sent a smile similar to a grimace at the younger. "Your classes are over for the day."

Jess, however, was eager to tell. "It's Mason's birthday today."

"Why are you working then?" The confusion on Leilani's face was genuine. "Today should be your special day."

Maximus walked in with Rowan in tow and ruffled Leilani's hair. "Who is the person having a special day?"

Leilani immediately relayed the information to the pair who told Dolan when he walked in a gave the cake a curious look.

After an argument Mason lost, Jesse baked the cake, Dolan made decorations, Rowan and Maximus picked fruits and made juice while Mason taught Leilani how to make pancakes.

After the meal, Jesse told a story about how the world used to be before everyone become so much more complicated.

Leilani shook her head and tilted her head and smiled at Wynter. "Do you mind if I help?" Wynter faced her with a frown which made Leilani feel bad; she really hadn't been the nicest to the older woman and it was simply because she didn't trust her without being given a reason not to.

"I mean, if you want I'll just watch but you sometimes remind me of Mason."

"How so?"

"In so many ways, I guess seeing the others warm up to you felt like a betrayal to Mason. I miss her a lot." "You got separated?"

Leilani shook her head and swallowed the lump in her throat. "She died before our probation was cut short; from what I gathered, it was probably when the orphanage Dolly, Max and Sora lived in was burnt to a crisp."

Wynter glanced at Leilani. "You know, I met Jesse at a church and went out a few times with him. He told me so much about all of you and I sometimes can't help but reveal what I know."

"Do you love Vicky enough to deny yourself a second chance at love?" Leilani spluttered in shock. At the sad smile Wynter gave her, she ft a sense of longing stir within her which she immediately crushed.

"Jesse was a good man."

"Was? He is a father figure to some and a friend to everyone." "He slowly became the worst version of himself, Leilani and I it pains me to know that he can't stop it. He doesn't know how to."

"Whose becoming the worst version of himself?" Sora asked as he walked in the kitchen. He plucked the strawberry in Leilani's hand and ate it, smirking when she glared at him before she picked an apple. "We're talking about Jesse."

"Oh yeah." The Angel stretched. "Rowan says Mira has been corrupted. You haven't encountered him or know anyone who has?"

She added syrup to the pancakes Wynter slid to her. "This is the first time I'm hearing about it. Is it that bad?" "Mira has bigger fish to fry." Sora replied.

Leilani felt restless. She shifted on her feet before leaving the kitchen. "Whatever. Happy birthday, Wynter." "Thanks Leilani."

Leilani greeted Rowan who was scratching behind Reign's ear. The vessel smiled at her before frowning at the blank look in her gaze. "Wanna talk about it?"

She sat besides him on the floor and placed her head on his shoulder with a sigh. "Why is everything happening now?" He ran his fingers through her hair. "Whatever do you mean?"

She fell silent and closed her eyes, enjoying the movement of Rowan's fingers through her thick locks. She spoke lowly after sometime. "I'm my father's least favourite person, Mira has been corrupted, Leonardo's a butt, today's Mason's birthday and-" She dropped her voice to a whisper. "Dolan is a Vamp."

Realization dawned on Rowan's face. "Is that why you were alone? You were scared."

Her eyes stung as she linked back the unshed tears. "I shot at him." "He'll heal."

"I called him a monster." "I'm sure he knows you didn't mean it."

"I threatened to drive e a stake through his heart."

With those words, she hugged Rowan tightly as she cried, while Rowan struggled to formulate words and keep Beast at bay.

He'd never forgive himself if Beast ever got corrupted."

Later that day, the five were watching as Reign sniffed around while Jez flew over head, checking for any potential danger. After some time, Reign started walking and the others followed while King adjusted her crown. "What if we don't find Hex? What will we do?"

Wynter shrugged. "We'll cut open Autumn's back and force his wings out." "We'll find someone to make him a new sword too," Rowan said as he rubbed his temples. "Gods this is a bad headache."

"I'd say we find a new here but we already have Wynter so..." He muttered as he lightly traced the outline of his straw hat before putting it back on his head.

"I'd look for him." Autumn decided. "What if he's in trouble? Not only is he our healer or whatever, he's our frie- family actually and I don't know about you but in heaven, family is never left behind. "

"But in the case of a war-"

Wynter cut King off and yawned. "Let's camp out here. Reign seems tired."

Rowan was beginning to wonder if a Vessel of his strength can be exercised as Beast moaned in his mind about being in pain which only intensified Rowan's headache, further increasing the pain his inner Demon felt.

He got pulled out of his thoughts when he saw Leilani who was grinning at him with glazed over eyes. He rose a wart brow as heet his gaze take I her outfit choice. He met her gaze. "If you fancy a swim, why not ask Maximus?" "This isn't about swimming."

He gulped, well aware of how attentive Beast was. He fought down the Demon. "You shouldn't do this, you have a husband and I see you as a sister so that's gross."

"Your body disagrees, Ro."

Rowan felt Beast weaken as he thought of his mother's death and narrowed his eyes at his long time friend. "Mind over body."

Leilani smirked as she pinned his hands above his head. "Then let's sin, Rowan."

___

Hope was hidding from Dolan who wanted to force bitter pills down his throat because 'magic uses one as a vessel which means he has to be in top shape'.

Dolan stopped in front Hope's hidding spot when a knock sounded on the door, making him let out a relieved sigh while Dolan groaned in annoyance before smiling broadly.

The white haired make walked to the door and opened the door with a smirk. "Well look who we have here."