Iguaza City
Days passed by, and Regis gradually became familiar with the people in the city due to his story. However, he couldn't gather any information about the Missing Risens or why humans and werewolves coexisted here. Whenever he asked about this, people would evade the question or quickly leave.
Regis lay in his room, frustrated, "What should I do? It's been so long, and I still have no leads."
His gaze wandered to the window. Outside, the streets bustled with lively activity, each smile masking the absence of sorrow. he pondered, "This city is peaceful. Nobody cares about each other's pasts; they live like a big family, ignoring their race differences. It would be great if everyone could be like them." He felt a mix of happiness and sadness.
Regis wondered aloud, "How did she create such a city? I haven't seen her since that day. I miss her," his voice whispered, filled with the ache of a loyal companion pining for its master..
He grumbled, "I've asked around, but no one knows where to find her, and I haven't seen Gina either. How could they leave their guest all alone?" He felt a sense of injustice.
Suddenly, Regis' memory sparked, and he exclaimed, "She did mention meeting me at the back forest at midnight. I should go tonight. How could I forget?'
With anticipation, he goes back to lying down on bed, he thought, "It's almost evening now. I'll rest for a bit, then go see her.
As midnight approached, the streets were deserted, shrouded in silence. The emptiness would terrify anyone stumbling upon an unexpected figure.
In the hushed midnight hours, Regis scaled the forested mountain behind the city.
Grumbling as he climbed, he muttered, "How vast is this mountain? When will I get to the top?"
Finally, after some time, he reached the mountain's summit. Turning to look back, the city's twinkling lights resembled a sky full of stars.
Appreciating the view, he mused, "this scenery is amazing. Why haven't I explored a place like this before?"
A voice, gentle as a whisper, floated, "Why are you here?"
Turning, he spotted Lilyana seated on the highest tree branch.
Regis, playfully amazed, quipped, "To see you."
Lilyana raised an eyebrow, "Remembered me now, did you? For what purpose?"
Regis retorted, "Can't I visit without a reason?"
Lilyana's silence prompted Regis to ask again, "May I sit there?"
Lilyana wordlessly acquiesced.
Without hesitation, Regis climbed up and sat beside her. "The view from here is breathtaking."
Lilyana remained silent.
Under the starry sky, a strong wind blew across the highest point. Her hair, as soft as moonlight, danced in the breeze, making her look like a magical fairy. Regis couldn't help but feel his heart race as he watched her from up close. Without realizing it, he moved closer, but then he felt shy and turned away when their eyes met. In the darkness, she couldn't see that he blushed.
Regis managed to regain his composure and inquired, "What's your usual routine?"
Lilyana questioned his interest, 'Why do you care?'
Regis explained, "I haven't seen you around lately. You're the leader of this city, so where have you been?"
Her response was cold, "I am not their leader."
Perplexed, Regis countered, "But everyone says you are"'
With a distant tone, Lilyana declared, "It's none of your concern."
Regis pressed on, "Well, maybe not, but I'm curious."
Lilyana's indifference showed as she said, "so?"
Regis argued, "And you won't satisfy my curiosity?'
Lilyana shot back, "Why should I?"
Defiantly, Regis stated, "You should, normally."
Lilyana turned to him, her eyes cold, "Should I? I don't have to."
Regis pushed, "True, but usually people do."
Lilyana's gaze sharpened, "What about you? Why do you wear that mask?"
Regis defended himself, "I've already answered that. Didn't you hear?"
Skeptical, Lilyana retorted, "I did, but can I trust your tears?"
Regis bristled, "They're not fake. I always tell the truth, never lied."
Lilyana gave a knowing look, "Is that so?"
Confused, Regis probed, "What does that mean?"
Lilyana redirected, "Why are you here?"
Regis confessed, "Didn't I say to see you?"
Unmoved, Lilyana prodded, "Did you see enough?"
Regis hesitated, "Well..."
Lilyana commanded, " You should leave."
Determined, Regis protested, "I haven't seen enough."
With a pointed finger towards the city, Lilyana declared, "Go."
Regis sighed, "Fine, if you say so. I'll leave. But before I do, there's something I want to ask."
Lilyana ponder, "Finally revealing your purpose?"
Waiting for his question, Regis leaned in and whispered, "Did you miss me?"
Lilyana's surprise was evident, "What?"
Drawing closer, Regis repeated, "Did you miss me? I know it's early, but I've been missing you."
Turning away, Lilyana denied, "No, I didn't. Now go."
Regis grinned, "Hmm, I thought you might have felt the same after our first meeting."
Regis jumped down from the branch and, facing Lilyana, remarked, "No worries if you don't feel that way. I'll make you feel it." With that, he started descending the tree.
Unseen by him, Lilyana's face flushed, quickly concealing her emotions. She focused on her responsibility, murmuring, "I can't trust him yet. He's a stranger, and I have duties to fulfill. Why is my heart racing after just meeting him twice? Stay in control, Lilyana... Rex, don't become my enemy." Her gaze fixed on the moon.
Dawn broke, city streets resuming their vibrant pulse
Determined, Regis ventured to the central square, intent on extracting answers from the person who seemed to be observing him closely. At first, he dismissed it, but impatience and irritation grew.
In the central square, people were playing cards, including Jareth.
Approaching Jareth, Regis greeted everyone before focusing on him, "You seem to have a lot of free time."
Jareth's annoyance showed, "Not really."
Placing a hand on Jareth's shoulder, Regis countered, "Seems like you do."
Jareth asked impatiently, "For what purpose are you here?"
Regis explained, "Answers, as promised."
Jareth questioned the truth, "Was your story even real?"
Tears welled in Regis' eyes, and he began to cry right there, "You're bullying me. You're part of the council, so you think you can do whatever you want to me. I'm alone, and there's no one to help me."
Jareth ponder,"Clever kid. But your tricks won't work. No one here will stand up for you."
The people around them began to glare at Jareth with disapproval.
Regis continued crying, "Was what I said untrue? I wouldn't lie."
People approached Regis, attempting to console him. Their support surprised Jareth, who had expected his people to stand by him.
Seeing Regis' tearful eyes, the crowd pitied him and started convincing Jareth, "Come on, Jareth, just tell him."
"Yeah, let him know."
Jareth, forced to reconsider, sighed, "Alright, fine. But everyone else needs to leave."
A man protested, "What if you mistreat him once we're gone?"
Crossing his arms, Jareth offered an alternative, "Then you can all stay, and I won't tell him."
Regis muttered, "Smart old man," clenching his teeth.
Regis addressed the crowd, "You should go. I don't want to waste your time. He won't bully me... Right, Jareth?"
Jareth yielded a promise, "Correct, Rex. Alone, no harm."
People in the square affirmed, "Alright, Rex, if you say so. We'll leave. But if he bullies you, let us know."
"Okay, Rex, we've got your back."
As they departed, Regis gazed at Jareth.
Jareth sneer [CSB1] , "Shall we go to my place? This isn't the right spot for this conversation."
Unwilling, Regis questioned, "Why can't you tell me here?"
Jareth retorted, "Very well, stay here, my lips sealed.." His eyes danced with a knowing glint.
Regis pondered, "He's making this difficult on purpose, but I can't waste any more time if I want to find my brother."
Regis relented, "Lead me then."
Jareth grinned smugly, "Follow," guiding Regis toward a derelict building, nestled at the city's edge.
Soon, they stood near an abandoned building, nestled on the outskirts of the city near the forest.
Regis scanned the area, "What is this place?"
Jareth evaded the question, "You don't need to know."
Regis protested, "I won't move forward any more. I don't need your answers."
Jareth taunted, "Really, kid? You won't get answers from anyone but me."
Regis crossed his arms, irritated, "I will handle it myself then," hesitantly stepping backward.
Jareth suddenly lunged at Regis. Caught off guard, Regis struggled to defend himself, his arm getting injured in the process.
Realization dawned on Regis, "Werewolf!" His voice held a mix of surprise and seriousness.
Jareth's appearance shifted, a wolfish grin on his face as he licked his claws, excited to catch his prey.
He gloated, "You're slow in realizing it. Did you think all wolves would reveal their aura to outsiders? Foolish."
Without hesitation, Jareth launched another attack with his sharp claws, aiming to keep Regis on the defensive and push him back.
Regis found himself under relentless assault, unable to catch his breath, and his injured arm was bleeding a lot.
Jareth's grin widened, his triumph palpable, "You really are a dumb kid. Coming here was like inviting death upon yourself."
However, Jareth's expression shifted from certainty to surprise as he abruptly ceased his attacks and took a step back. He was struck with a hint of shock, realizing that Regis had survived his onslaught. The truth dawned on him: Regis was injured, but far from defeated.
Regis struggled to breathe, his chest heaving. He shut his eyes, took a deep breath, and managed to slow his rapid breathing. Although his arm still bled, it wasn't as severe as before. Jareth sensed a shift in the air, something changing within Regis.
Jareth's confidence wavered, an incredulous smile replacing his assurance. "Stubborn, aren't you? Few withstand my onslaught."
Regis managed a half-smile, eyes alight with determination. "Resilience is my strength."
Tension swirled between them, each assessing the other.
Jareth's astonishment surfaced, his anger mingling with wonder. "Who are you?"
"I knew you were no mere human," Jareth muttered, a blend of astonishment and curiosity.
Regis' lips remained sealed, unyielding
"Why did you come here?" Jareth pressed, a mixture of intrigue and intensity in his gaze.
Jareth's confusion was apparent as he saw Regis preparing for another round.
Regis remained silent, his focus sharpening.
"Why did you come here?" said as Jareth's patience wore thin, and he launched a fresh wave of attacks, his claws gleaming in the moonlight.
Regis sighed audibly, as if the repetition was wearing on his nerves
Regis sighed in frustration, "Not this again."
To Jareth's bewilderment, Regis resorted to defense alone, blocking each assault without any hint of counterattack.
"Why aren't you striking back?" Jareth demanded, his frustration evident.
Regis held his ground, his silence only adding to Jareth's vexation.
Jareth's irritation transformed into rage, his attacks growing fiercer, more desperate. Yet, no matter how ferociously he lunged at Regis, the boy's defenses held strong.
"What's going on?" Jareth muttered through gritted teeth. He stepped back, frustration etching lines on his face. Regis' breathing was steady, and the bleeding from his arm seemed to have slowed significantly.
Jareth's eyes bore into Regis, a mixture of astonishment and anger. "Who are you, really?"
Still, Regis didn't break his silence, meeting Jareth's gaze with an unwavering resolve.
Jareth's frustration reached its peak, and he declared, "Fine, if you won't talk, I'll make you."
Growing increasingly furious, Jareth unleashed a burst of energy, channeling his aura into a powerful punch aimed straight at Regis' abdomen. The force of the blow produced a thick cloud of smoke that enveloped them both.
Jareth's breath was ragged as he chuckled, "Finally learning your place, huh?"
Emerging from the dissipating smoke, Regis' voice cut through the air, firm and resolute, "No, I haven't."
Jareth's astonishment was evident as he beheld Regis, who had blocked the full-force blow with just one hand, emerging without a scratch.
Jareth stumbled back, bewildered, "How is this possible?"
Regis grinned, a knowing glint in his eyes, "Seems like you're running out of tricks."
Regis' aura intensified, casting a shadow of fear even over Jareth. Unintentionally, Jareth shivered in its presence. A triumphant grin adorned Regis' face, "Now, it's my turn."
Before Jareth could react, Regis vanished from sight. In the blink of an eye, he reappeared right in front of Jareth, his fist hurtling forward.
Jareth's instincts screamed danger, "This is dangerous." his thoughts racing as he realized he had no time to evade or block, A shadow eclipsed his sight. Regis' fist landed squarely, a collision of force that exploded into a cloud of smoke upon impact.
As the smoke cleared, the figure that had intercepted the punch came into view. The formidable guardian stood before Jareth, blocking the attack with ease.
Jareth was stunned, "My Lord!"
Regis' grin widened, a sparkle of mischief in his eyes, "I was waiting for you."
Amid the tension, an angry female voice pierced the air, "Who are you?"
Regis stepped back, still grinning, "That's what I intend to find out. Lilyana, or should I say, the Werewolf Lord?"
As the smoke dispersed completely, Lilyana emerged, positioned protectively in front of Jareth.