EPISODE SIX: ASTRID'S ILLNESS AND PAST.

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Far far away, in the land of vampires, a group were on their horses as they made their way through the woods.

The only source of light in the dark woods was the moon, which only made the place dim. The trees became less as their neared the horse stable.

Getting to the stable, Maximus said as he opened the large doors after they all descended their horses.

" It looks like it going to rain very soon. ", he pulled his horse through the door. The others following behind him.

" Hmm. It's gonna be noisy. ", said Astrid with a smile on her beautiful face. Her skin was very pale. She had grey eyes with deep grey hair.

" Noisy? Really? I'm very happy. I can at least also use this as an excuse to stay here and not go home. Surely mother wouldn't mind. ", Maximus said.

He had been away for the past few weeks on he just returned today. Maximus was away because Roman had asked him to do something. To investigate Astrid's illness and past. And when leaving he didn't inform his parents. He was sure his parents would be really worried. Especially his mother. So he was trying to avoid her by not going home.

" Max. You can't use the rain as an excuse not to go home. No matter how much you try to avoid them, you well eventually go home. ", as soon as Astrid's words came to an end, Maximus said.

" Now you're speaking like mother. ", he rolled his eyes. With the expression on his face, a stranger would think he was outraged but Astrid knew him too well. They had known each other since she was eleven and they have been bestfriends and siblings every since. He was funny and usually slow to anger and to forget, playful.

" Apologise to me. You have made me angry. "

" Ohh does the angry bird want an apology? Why don't I give you some seeds instead. ", sarcasm was evident in her voice as she teased and laughed at him.

Maximus always teased her when give he got the chance. He would do that by pairing her with Roman and making comments like; ' you guys look so good together'. ' I think you two should start dating already'.

' Roman loves you more than me and that hurts me.' ' Rome not only loves you but also cares for you. '

This always made her blush. She became very nervous everytime he did that. And because of that Astrid didn't like it when Maximus came to visit. Beside it's not like Roman had any feelings for her that she would pay attention to hers for him. He just always protected her because she was his blood maiden. That was her conclusion.

But he also hadn't taken a bite out off her before.

" You! ", Maximus shouted angerly, he took a step forward to ruffle her hair. But, unfortunately for him Roman interfered. He came to stand between with his horse behind him. Maximus bumped into the horse's shoulder and he drew back. Roman ignored the noise from behind and went on to say.

" Go to the house and get some rest. ", Roman said with concern in his brown eyes as it stared into hers. " Hmm? ", he brushed his hands through her hair gently. He ,,,tug,,, a piece of hair that had fallen out of place behind her ear.

Roman's usual cold self had totally dissolved as he stared into the eyes of the only person in his heart. With the way he stared a her it was obvious this cold hearted vampire had something for her. But Astrid was so dumb to notice.

She shyly diverted her gaze, " Don't worry Rome I can handle the cold. I'll wait for you guys then we can leave together. ", Astrid smiled.

" It not the cold. " , he paused and the continued. " You'll get wet. I can't teleport. And Astrid, you also can teleport. I suggest you leave before it starts to rain. ", he tried to persuade her but she refused.

" Please Rome, I'll be good. I can handle it. Trust me. ",

" I trust you. ", he took of this jacket and placed it over her small shoulders. The large jacket was over her knee and longer than the length of her wrist. Roman's jacket not only felt warm but also had his intoxicating scent. " This will keep you warm. "

" Wouldn't you feel cold? You might get sick. ", Astrid was concerned.

" No, I'll be fine. But please go inside. I'll join you shortly. ", he said.

" Promise? "

" I promise. ", he said and kissed her on the forehead. Astrid was used to Roman kissing her on her forehead so she just smiled, turned around and started leaving.

Roman stood still, staring at her back intensely until she disappeared. Even with her gone he still continued staring in that direction.

" Oh God Rome, quit staring already. She's gone. ", Maximus mocked.

Roman turned his head to Maxwell and glared.

" What? It obvious. ", Maxwell said.

Roman wanted to ignore him but he questioned instead.

" Have you gotten and information...about her illness. ", he questioned.

This was the reason why Roman had continuesliy asked Astrid to leave.

" No. All the information was incorrect. I visited Mr. Leander, but he still is confused. ", Maximus had now become serious. Even though Maximus lways teased and bullied her, he treated Astrid like the sister he never had.

Roman got angry, " Why isn't he still able to find a cure for her. It's been ten years already. And he still can't cure her. What has he been doing all along. "

Roman was filled with pure rage. His eyes turned red. And his expression changed.

" Rome calm down. He's been trying. He said her body has strange magic. He said it's like she was once subjected to dark magic...when she was little... Before you found her. ", Maximus explained.

" Have you found any information also about her identity? Where she comes from? ", Roman was still angry.

Maximus wasn't scared of Roman even though Roman had anger issues.

" No. ", Maximus spoke.

" What have you been doing anyways? You couldn't find any information. Have you been chasing after girls again? ", Roman was very angry with Maximus.

But Maxwell who was not angry at first became furious.

" Roman. I care for Astrid was much as you do. Just because I have a different way of showing it doesn't mean I don't care. I know how important she is to you so I tried to complete the tasks you gave me. But it's

just had when you don't know or have a clue where to start from. ", Maximuswas truly outraged. He was not often serious about things but when it came to Astrid illness he was really serious.

Roman calmed down. His expression changing and the colour of his eye turned to it's usually colour.

" I didn't mean was I said. Don't take it to heart. ", he seemed to be in thought. " I got carried away. "

" It alright, brother. You know what... ", Maximus paused. " I have something that will make you feel better. "

Maximus extended his arms to Roman and stepped forward. With the intention of giving Roman a hug.

" Don't even think about it. ", Roman warned.

Roman didn't want Maximus to hug him. When the two where little, Maximus would literally have to beg or catch Roman just for a hug. No matter how Maximus got hurt, scratched or beaten up by him after hugging Roman. He still wanted to hug him because he considered and loved him as brother.

" Okay. Did I mention that I found out some about...Astrid's real identity? ", he smiled.

" Tell ", Roman commanded in a voice filled with curiousity.

" But first, a hug to unlock the price. Your brother came to visit you and you couldn't even give him a hug. Haven't you missed me, big bro. ", Max knew he was playing with fire but he could help.

Roman felt the urge to separate his head from his body.

He glared a Maximus as he shake his extended arms.

Roman dashed towards him and grabbed is neck.

" What's the information? ", he questioned in a stern voice but Maximus just smiled.

Roman gave up and finally let Maximus hug him.

Maximus said, " I have missed you so much brother. "

Roman pushed him away and commanded.

" What did you find out? "

Maximus brought out a picture from his inside jacket pocket.

" I was asking around for the Redmond family and I found this. "

The picture had a boy and a girl in their teen years.

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