Cade took in a long breath. He followed Kyzo through the bustling streets of Lost Dawns during the early morning hours. He did this for the last few days instead of his own patrol route assigned to him by Mave. His intent was not to stalk Kyzo in the name of harm or spite, but as an opportunity to gain a possible kinship. Who better to understand Cade's experience than the current apprentice of Elucard?

Anxiety wrought over Cade's face as he bit his lip and entered the tavern. Instinctively he searched for any threats within the rustic establishment. The Mystic Fang was favored by the elves of the city for its quaint decor and high quality food and drinks. It was no mere tavern such as the Bearded Dog, where one would go to get drunk and forget about a bad breakup or hard day's work. No, the Mystic Fang served more as a casual establishment to partake in a fine wine and warm meal. Perfect for the dainty elf or the odd assassin trained apprentice looking for a calm lunch.

After examining the tavern hall for threats, possible exits, and the shadows for Black rabbit spies, he finally found Kyzo sitting by a window. The young elf munched, unassuming on a leafy salad. Despite all the chaos in his life, he still managed a moment of peace. A peace that Cade wished to have.

He hesitated for a moment. His brain signaled for his feet to move, but his heart kept his body from pushing on with his plan. What was he afraid of? He was the former High Blade of the deadliest assassin clan in Draak'Terra. He slain hundreds of men that could crush Kyzo under their thumb. And yet…he couldn't face this boy. Face him; he couldn't even be in the same shadow as him.

Cade looked back at the tavern door. He could slip out and Kyzo wouldn't think the wiser. He could go back to his apartment and bury his head in a pillow, counting the minutes before Elucard's return. Give him a blade and he would be right at home. But here? Here he was an amateur clown in front of his first audience.

He had half a mind to leave, but he caught the eye of the apprentice. Kyzo beckoned for him to come over and Cade took the seat across from the boy.

"Funny seeing you here," Cade said, hiding a sheepish smile.

"Inle."

He swept his hand through his violet hair. "Is the food good here?"

"I know you've been following me here these last few days."

The shadow elf pursed his lips. Caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "You are more skilled than you look, young Kyzo."

Kyzo arched an eyebrow. "I ought to be, I was trained by the best."

Cade wrung his hands. It was now or never. "I-uh. That's—That's why I'm here."

Kyzo placed his fork on the table and wiped his mouth clean of any vinaigrette still on his lips.

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"Elucard also trained me," Cade began. "You and I are like brothers. We should be friends…so…I was thinking we could—"

"We would be friends, Inle," Kyzo said. "Had you not been our greatest enemy for years."

Cade held silent as Kyzo continued.

"You caused my master and my real friends so much turmoil."

"Elucard and I have found a companionship together," Cade argued. "I'm your ally, I swear on my—"

"Your word isn't good enough, Inle." Kyzo stood up, nearly toppling over his chair. He leaned forward and gave Cade a nasty sneer. "If you loved Elucard so much, then why couldn't you protect him?"

Cade lowered his head. "I wasn't strong enough."

"Any suffering he endures is on you," spat Kyzo.

"I know," Cade whispered. I know.

***

"It's been some time since I've been here." Cade looked down at the small moss covered gravestone. "How long has it been? Three years, maybe?"

Cade folded his arms, leaned back, and let a long sigh go. "Time gets jumbled with Dead of Winter, I suppose." he mumbled.

He paced around the tiny grove, pulling leaves of a low hanging branch in frustration. "I don't belong here."

He looked back at the gravestone as if waiting for a response. "No I don't mean here-here." He dropped his hands to his sides with a loud slap. "I mean here with the Red Rabbits. I'm no..no..soldier. Certainly not a hero. Not like Wiccer and Mave are."

Cade paused, letting the wind catch his long hair. "How can I gain forgiveness if no one is willing to trust me?"

A voice low and gravely came from behind him. One roughed by scars of regret and years of blood spilt in the name of Alanna and self hatred. "If I could be forgiven…"

Cade turned to find Legion approaching him.

"So can you, Cade," he finished.

"You called me…Cade."

Legion placed a calm hand on the shadow elf's shoulder. "That is your name, isn't it?"

Cade averted his eyes from the aging teacher. "Why do you treat me like an ally when everyone else sees me as their enemy?"

Legion walked past Cade and nodded to Jetta's grave before turning back to the younger elf. "The Anti-Rogue Ops houses many criminals and assassins that seek redemption. It is a safe haven for those that the world has turned its back on."

Cade took a knee and lit an incense, placing it in the soil for Jetta. "I will never be one of them; I have caused too much pain."

"And what of Elisa? Sent to sabotage Lost Dawns. Malady, who was the son of Ryjin. Elucard who assassinated a king or what about myself for training him?"

Cade looked at Legion. Elucard's mentor had wisdom to give, and he did not hesitate to take it.

"We all have our sins, Cade, but it is how we atone for them that will show others that we can change." He looked down at him. "Do you understand?"

"When I've proven that I can change…"

"You will be forgiven."

Cade stood and bowed before the old elf. "Thank you, Master Legion."

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