Legion dug his feet into the cool sand and leaned back to let out a deep sigh. He looked to his left and closed his eyes, imagining a young Elucard sitting beside him. They would come to this spot on the shore to form special occasions. Often an anniversary of a difficult mission or a birthday. He always looked forward to a peaceful night under the stars, next to a warm campfire, and by what he considered his own son.

Jetta's death and his betrayal to Elucard still weighed heavy on his mind, even after all this time. He was responsible for a lot of Elucard torment and anger within the boy's mind. How Elucard pushed forward showed his resilience, but because of him Elucard had to wallow within that pain in the first place.

"I wish you were here right now," he whispered, "To tell you that I love you."

He wiped away a single tear and looked at his hand. He didn't remember ever crying in his adult life. Perhaps he has grown a soul after all this time. Perhaps he finally had that humanity that Elucard asked if he had. Perhaps…

"I thought I'd find you here," a gruff voice came behind him. Malady sat beside the next to the worn elf and hovered his hands by the crackling fire.

"I suppose you followed me?"

Malady chuckled. "No, my brother…" Malady glanced at him. "Even, I could tell you miss your whelp."

Legion looked up to the stars. A twin set of meteors shot across the night sky. "We used to come here when Elucard was younger."

Malady gave him a slow nod. "Aye, do you remember when my mother brought us here when we were boys too?"

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Legion thought back on a more innocent time in his life, when he accepted his Black Rabbit lifestyle. When he was happy, training with his blade brother under the tutelage of Leandra. A small grin grew on his face.

"Yes. A more stable time in my life."

Malady laid on his back. "I often wonder if I didn't grow jealous of you, our lives would have turned out different—If I would be happier in my life."

"Malady, happy? The thought crossed my mind."Legion threw another log on the fire. "Do you wish you had happiness in your life? You always seemed like the sort that was more comfortable in battle."

Malady paused before speaking up again. Do you remember our time in Estinia; our conversation on the sniper's tower."

"A time of reflection for you, my brother."

"I still think back on your words."

Legion looked over his shoulder. "Did you find meaning in your life besides a life of murder and hate?"

"No, but I yearn for it as you did," said Malady.

"Then perhaps it is time for you to hang up your blades and start living for yourself instead of your bloodlust."

Malady sat back up. "And what of you, blade brother. When will you retire and leave these whelps behind?"

"Elucard still needs me."

Malady looked away in silence.

"And I must find him before I can rest," said Legion.

"We will find him. I promise," his old comrade said.

He looked up to the stars once more. "He is out there. I sense his pain."

Malady patted his brother's back. "He's a tough kid, Legion. Tougher than even you."

"Tougher than you too, Malady." Legion shook his head. "Tougher than all of us, and yet, I know he still suffers. Until he is home, I will suffer too."

Malady lowered his head. "At least you have me."

Legion turned to him. "Thank you, my friend."

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